“Used to be,” she emphasises.
^ that line quite literally tugged on my heartstrings.

Lovely =)

~ Nia

Brilliant! Got to love some angsty Harry'n'Ruth love. Great chapter - very much in character, as always.

This is a good place to leave it but don't let me put you off writing any more.

xx

Excellent chapter - so much tension and so little said. And Ruth is very brave; completely aware of what she's doing and the effect it's having on Harry.

Brilliant.

xx

About your A/N: It was only a short delay. I'll probably have an 11-month wait before I see S8. In my world Harry's still in the boot of the car. He will be released on the same day as the DVDs. I want my first time/viewing ;D to be perfect, and legal. I'm sure Harry won't mind. I don't mind spoilers because nothing could spoil those eyes and lips and looks. "If I could write the beauty of your eyes..." Or those smouldering looks, William...

This was another 5-star chapter. It made me giggle and cry. That sounds odd. Please let me explain.

I hope it was Ros who shot the kidnappers, not Malcolm. :) He's not a killer by nature. Thankfully Ruth was unconscious so we'll never know.

Harry's first question to Ruth is revealing. He's jealous! Yess! Harry seems particularly hurt by the fact that Ruth had brought "him" to Thames House, to Harry's territory. At first, he's like a raging bull who needs to vent his bottled-up spleen on Ruth.

"First sign of danger and he fled." (That made me giggle.) Oh, Ruth! Why don't you stand by "your man"? :) I mean, good riddance! That line alone tells Harry "the depth of her love" for "him".

I love their duel, the dialogue with the short lines. In fact, this whole chapter is a duel. They squabble with each other like lovers. (You couldn't fool me, Ruth.) Harry's smiling. That's another good sign. Ruth tries very hard to be angry but it's impossible when Harry turns on the charm. Or at least I'm under his spell.

“I couldn’t have put myself through it otherwise." - When I read that Ruth's line for the first time tears suddenly welled up in my eyes. She's really trying to tell him something wonderful.

The L-word is never mentioned but that's what this is all about. Ruth tries hard to make Harry show his feelings but words are not enough for him. He kisses Ruth. Or rather Ruth feels his lips agains hers. You've come up with an innovative way to write their kiss. It's as if only Harry's lips and Ruth's mouth met and then their tongues do the same thing. Ruth is surprised by Harry's kiss and so his lips are the only part of him she notices. You've written the rhythm of their kisses in those "she isn't going to" sentences. That was very good.

Ruth and Harry back on the Grid, together. What more could a girl want? *cough* Yes, yes, I know. ;D I hope that "Ruth's hands on her old desk" is an omen, that she's back for good.

I secretly hoped that this would be erotic angst with a happy ending (?!) but I'm not sure if this is the end. I hope not. I'll re-read this chapter again and I might have to re-write this "review". ;D Oh God!

I hope that S8 will inspire you to write more fics or more chapters to this one. My head is spinning right now. I could write a book about this chapter (let alone this fic). And I'm afraid I almost have. This "review" is far too long.

I will always support your fics. It's a pleasure to praise something this good. I never write things I don't mean.

:) XX

PS. I think that you should be able to edit and delete your own reviews, and not only because of the many errors in mine. This fic is so thought-provoking that I know I've forgotten to write something.

Angsty love - brilliantly done. Bring on 8.3 - can't wait for you to be inspired further, she adds selfishly!

:O This is fantasticly written stuff. You obviously have a talent for writing! Thankyou very much, I'm enjoying this fic.

Thank you so much for choosing angsty love :)
Let's hope we will be getting something similar in s8

Oh angsty HR love does cheer me up! Thanks pea *hugs* fab writing, great characterisation and just how I hope it will be on screen x

Great end hon! As much as i would love to read more i think its natural end is here. Liked the angsty love! It has been a joy to read. :)

I'm with Deskspook on this one - I really do prefer your version to Kudos's! In fact, your writing is so powerful, I am getting the two confused in my mind as they morph into one! That's meant to be a huge compliment!

Oh I love this. I've missed RH fanfic so much! Your storytelling is brilliant.

So, so good pea, this fic is like Ferrero Roche, you realy are spoiling us!. In all honesty I prefer your version to the actual one. It's tense, gritty and riddled with so much guilt and hurt that it leaps off the page. Post more soon is all I can say...

You have done it again. You have written the best chapter I've ever read anywhere. The intensity of your writing is overwhelming.

It's difficult to read let alone review this when you're crying.

In an odd way Ruth seems to be in control of the situation. She's very strong.

Harry's quiet. It's almost impossible to know what he's thinking. His true reaction to Ruth's revelation will be interesting. His indifference/self-control is frightening/awe-inspiring. I wonder if he'll react to Ruth being knocked down. Can't wait for his thoughts and feelings. (This is what I thought of him at first.)

The looks are still there. But what do they see?

After several reads my interpretation of Harry changed. I can see him more clearly now. Almost as clearly as I can hear Ruth. Ruth can read his face so well, all those little expressions/looks tell her so much. She still knows him so well. You write him absorbingly. I can only guess what's going on in his head. He's fascinating.

I know that your version of events will be better than the real one. You know and respect these characters.

I'm fixated/fic-sated, only in a good way. Please update before my withdrawal symptoms become unbearable. :) XX

wow! can't get over how many similar point you have in your fic to the real thing! even the taunts of Mani! even going back to your first chapter when Ruth was feeling guilty then the introduction to the conversation between ruth/him in chapter 2 and how similar in last nights episode between ruth and george!!...spooky ;-P

looking forward to the conclusion in your version! and, as ever, enjoying your fic :) mp

Oh God! Now they'll talk! "He" can actually speak! :)

“When this is over,”“I'm leaving.” - Suddenly I like "him" very much. He's sensible. A divorce! Sounds even better! Yes! Ruth doesn't love "him". She loves someone else. It's quite clear that you don't like "him". You want to get rid of "him" ASAP. And so do I.

It's all right for Ruth to care for "him". She's a caring person.

I don't know what Lucas told "him" but I could just give him a hug. I mean Lucas. He's a very clever guy. ;D

"He" doesn't even have the energy to fight with Ruth? Wake up sleepwalker, another man is about to snatch your wife, I hope. Oh no! What am I writing? I meant: Sleep well! Ruth even tries to prompt "him" but "he" just won't get angry=>"he" doesn't love her. That's a blessing.

Ruth deserves a real man. Why on earth did she marry this feeble, helpless creature?

The end of this chapter shows what a born spook Ruth still is and always will be.

Can't wait for the reunion of two old friends in the next chapter. :) XX