A/N: The letter that is being referred to in this fic is in the prequel "Just Another Day." That one is worth a read if you want to understand this fully!!

As usual, Harry was the first person to arrive on the grid that morning. It was still early, so he took the time to make himself a cup of coffee and ponder on the day ahead before any of his junior staff arrived to start their day. He sat behind his desk staring out at the world past his glass wall. This was where people fought terrorism, this was where the difficult decisions were made yet this was here he had allowed love to blossom, something he had sworn never to do after his messy divorce. He had allowed this beautiful, unconventional love to blossom and he'd done nothing about it. Nothing to the point that by the time he could recognise the signs he had been trying so hard to ignore, it was too late and she was on her way to a new country, a new life, a new man. Part of him still couldn't quite believe she was back, let alone the fact she was rekindling her feelings for him.

The moment Ruth awoke she jumped straight out of bed. It was an act that was perfected by every security service member. The ability to hear an alarm and react in split seconds. It wasn't always the safest way, especially if shoes or other domestic items had been left perched at the side in haste to remove them, but nevertheless it worked well, and it was a skill to be admired.

As she showered and changed, she tried to think of a time when she had been as excited. It was with some remorse that she realised it was probably the one and only date Harry had ever asked her out on. Something so perfect she hadn't allowed herself to believe he had actually said it until he had arrived at her doorstep enquiring whether she was ready to go. Sometimes she still had to pinch herself to convince herself it wasn't actually a dream and it had actually happened.

She couldn't wait a moment longer. What she couldn't wait for, she was yet to find out, but knowing Harry wasn't happy with what he had said yesterday possibly meant that there was something positive and tangible for her to grasp to today. Something she could look back on and finally smile at the fact that the unsaid was no longer a thing of a past and they had finally stopped hiding behind brick walls. She'd just have to wait.

Harry watched in mild amusement as Ruth fought with her handbag as she tried to get through the pods. It was something only Ruth could get away with; anybody else would be branded a fat oaf and constantly teased to no avail. As Ruth finally freed herself and stood on the grid she braved a quick glance in the direction of Harry's office, only to find him staring intently at her, a small smile creeping across his features when he realised he'd been caught. Smiling back, Ruth wandered over to her station before placing her bag under her desk and making her way back towards Harry's office.

He knew exactly by the knock who it was coming to visit.

"Ruth," he smiled as he watched her peer shyly around his door, silently seeking permission to enter. "It's ok Ruth, you can come in. I don't bite," he teased gently, allowing himself the luxury to watch her blush. See Pearce, you're playing it much better this time. Keep her on side.

Ruth hastily entered and closed the door firmly behind her. Sitting cautiously on Harry's sofa, she wringed her hands together nervously. She had been looking forward to this moment ever since he had text her, truth be told she still was, but the overbearing reality of it all got the better of her and in Harry's eyes it looked like she wanted to be anywhere but there.

"Was there anything in particular you wanted Ruth or you just popping by for a chat?" Harry rose up from his chair and walked to where Ruth was sitting before leaning over her and pulling the blinds closed so they were separated and sealed off from the rest of the grid. Her breath hitched slightly as she felt him sit down beside her.

"Your text," she eventually muttered. What was it about this man that made her speechless?

Harry sighed loudly and tilted his head to one side.

"I'm surprised you didn't write a report analysing what I meant," he chuckled slightly before sensing her discomfort and getting back to the matter.

"I didn't handle yesterday too well Ruth," Harry started, coughing slightly before gently ushering her to look at him. "I didn't want you to think that I was simply going to brush off and forget what you had written to me."

"I don't want you to do anything if you could get in trouble for it Harry," Ruth protested, desperately trying to save face. She didn't want him to know just yet that this meant everything to her. "I just wanted you to know, I thought maybe it would clear the air and ease some of the tension."

"And it did exactly that Ruth," Harry said softly. "When I said I was glad it wasn't your resignation letter I meant it. OK, in light of the contents of the letter my remark was wholly inadequate but it was true." A pause. "In all seriousness when I first saw the letter I was petrified. I know your writing as though it's a creation from my own hand. The thought of you leaving again really put things into perspective for me."

He laughed slightly as he saw Ruth begin to relax. It encouraged him to continue.

"I just turn into a blabbering idiot whenever I try to talk casually with you, hence why yesterday didn't go down too well when I tried to bring it up."

Ruth laughed and smiled sweetly at Harry.

"So, you liked it?"

Please review! More to come soon!