Author's note: Here's a short update. Not entirely sure of this one, but here it is. Thank you for all the lovely reviews - keep them coming!
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The cold air hit him immediately as he opened the door to the roof. Dimitri placed a bet with himself that Harry hadn't brought a coat, and one glace towards his boss' silhouette at the railing told him he was right. Harry would often be found on the roof, but since Ruth's death a little over three months ago, it was rare that anyone had the nerve to seek him out when he was up there.
"The meet is tomorrow, 10:00 am," Dimitri said without preamble.
"You're skeptical."
"I'm not sure I trust him."
"If he wavers, use the daughter."
Dimitri was taken aback.
"By all accounts, he's been a poor father."
"All the more reason why he will do anything for her now." The sadness in the air hung between them for a moment before Harry continued,
"Make sure you bring someone with you."
His voice made it clear that there was to be no argument. Harry had been especially cautious with his team these last months, if much less so with himself.
Having communicated his news, Dimitri should have left, but something compelled him to stay. He braced himself against the railing and took in the evening skyline. He then understood why Harry took to the roof. The view was beautiful and the calm was in direct contrast to the prevailing atmosphere of the Grid. It was easy to lose oneself in one's thoughts up here, and he had no doubt whom Harry was thinking of.
Dimitri cut through the silence.
"I miss her, too."
Harry said nothing, but merely looked at the young spook. Emboldened by the fact that Harry hadn't struck him, Dimitri continued,
"Everyone does...If you ever want to talk, Harry…"
Harry merely nodded. They stood there in silence for quite awhile. Dimitri figured his boss must be frozen through by now.
"It's supposed to get easier, isn't it?" Harry asked.
Dimitri nodded.
"Total, utter crap."
This was probably the most Harry had said to anyone about Ruth since that day. In for a penny, in for a pound, Dimitri thought.
"I almost asked her out, once."
Harry tore his eyes from the skyline again.
"It was one of my first interviews, while I was being recruited. She was kind, but not condescending, and those eyes…" he coughed as he thought better of continuing down that train of thought.
"Anyway, my next meeting was with both of you."
"I remember."
"You completed each others' sentences. For a few brief moments I thought you actually were married...I didn't stand a chance."
Harry grinned weakly, for the first time in months.
"The DG sent her over from GCHQ. I remember being very annoyed that I had no input into the decision. On her first day, she was late to the briefing and dropped files all over the place, but it was obvious she was brilliant, if a little over-eager. But I think I was well on my way to falling for her by the end of that day."
It was Dimitri's turn to grin.
"Harry, do you fancy a drink? You can't tell me you don't need warming up. I think if I stay here much longer, my hands will freeze to this railing."
Harry looked at him as if he had just then realized the temperature.
"You go on. I'm not very good company at the moment."
"Sure?"
"Yes…but thank you."
Harry contemplated London spread out before him for a few more moments before following in Dimitri's footsteps back down to the Grid. He poured a generous measure of scotch and drained his glass quickly, but not before giving a silent toast to the one who used to make him smile when she grappled with lamps.
