Harry runs his fingers through Ruth's long, dark locks. She's had her hair down all day and it's been distracting him all day. Ruth plays with the cufflink on the left cuff of Harry's shirt. "What are you doing?" Harry whispers into Ruth's hair.
"I didn't notice these today, probably because your jacket was on all day; they're very lovely. I've never seen that set of cufflinks before." Ruth looks at the design on the cufflinks.
"They were a gift for my birthday from my daughter, Catherine. They're not necessarily my style, but I thought I should wear them every once in a while. I saw Catherine for lunch today and she was very happy to see me wearing the cufflinks." Harry tells Ruth.
"Oh, I never gave you your birthday present! It's still up in my study and your birthday was three days ago! I'll be right back!" Ruth dashes up the stairs to the study. She comes back a few moments later with a long, thin, blue package. "Happy birthday Harry."
"Thanks Ruth. You didn't have to get me anything." Harry says taking the package from her. their fingers brush gently as Ruth releases the package. She sits on the sofa next to Harry and waits for him to open his gift. She watches his nimble fingers untie the ribbon and carefully undo the paper. He slides the box slowly out of the paper. As he opens the lid of the box he smiles brightly, which makes Ruth's day. "It's perfect Ruth. How did you know?" Harry asks looking at the watch.
"I wouldn't be much of a spook if I didn't know. You've been wearing that old watch with no glass in it for ages. I was going to get you a pocket watch to wear so it didn't get damaged, but it's not really your style. I thought this was perfect for you when I saw it." Ruth explains gently.
Harry leans forward and kisses Ruth's cheek. "It's wonderful." He takes his old, broken watch off and puts his new, elegant watch on. He tucks his old watch into his pants pocket. "What do you think then?"
"It looks great. Why are you keeping your old watch?" Ruth asks as she snuggles into Harry's arms.
"Sentimental value. It was a gift from a mentor, a fellow spook, a person who's no longer with us. Plus, it's engraved on the back with a personal message." Harry pulls Ruth close to his chest.
"Well, if I'd known that I'd have pried your old watch off your wrist and gotten a new glass put in it." Ruth whispers.
"Your watch is equally nice. I'll treasure it always, Ruth." Harry doesn't want Ruth to think he doesn't appreciate her gift.
"You can read the inscription later." Ruth whispers sleepily.
"You had this watch inscribed with something?" Harry asks making sure he's hearing Ruth correctly.
Ruth nods her head against Harry's chest. "Just an inscription that only means something to us."
Harry shifts slightly and takes his watch off again. He turns the face over gently and reads the inscription: "So the timing's always right." Harry sighs contentedly. "Do you mean this Ruth?"
"I wouldn't have given you the watch if I didn't mean it. I don't do anything unless I mean it." Ruth admits.
Harry looks down at Ruth who immediately casts her eyes downward. "Not this time. Look at me, Ruth, really look this time. I'm not going anywhere and it's clear for the first time we're on the same page. Don't underestimate us, Ruth." Harry says as he runs his thumb across her cheek as he lowers his lips to hers. The kiss is gentle and hesitant and yet passionate and strong. Harry doesn't want to push Ruth and so he waits for her to respond. She reaches up and clutches Harry's face between her hands. Ruth can feel Harry's heart beating quickly beneath her hand. Both of them have flushed faces as they pull away from the kiss. "That was wonderful."
"It feels so right." Ruth says as harry lays back on the sofa and Ruth lays on top of him with her head on his chest.
"Did you ever think we'd be doing this? Does this feel surreal to you?" Harry asks as he continuously runs his hand through Ruth's hair. His other hand is hanging off the side of the couch and suddenly he feels a small, furry bundle rub against his hand. "I think your cat has emerged."