Hello! This is my first Spooks story, and I have no idea how something that isn't laden with Harry/Ruth fluff or Lucas angst will fly to be honest. Still, should be fun. Characters from series 9 so far but if there is interest I may add some Ros, possibility Jo…..we'll see, nothing is set in stone.

Enjoy…

When she first arrived Beth wasn't really sure of the TV etiquette, did Ruth watch television? Ruth was equally nervous, surely Beth would find her tastes dull and boring, but equally she didn't think she could sit through an episode of the X-Factor either.

It came to a head on Saturday night, were Ruth usually settled in to watch Strictly Come Dancing, if she wasn't at the office. It was a world so far removed from her own, glitter instead of guns, waltzes instead of weapons and nothing any judge had ever said comes close to Harry in a cold rage.

She's back from the Grid, by chance on Saturday by five, and Beth comes in forty-five minutes later. They both glance at the clock and relief flashes across Beth's face.

"Waiting for something?" Ruth questions distractedly, mind already back on her crossword. Six letters, a companion or close acquaintance.

"Not much…just something I used to do when I could get English telly" Beth checked the clock again and moved to the kitchen "tea?"

"Lovely" Ruth couldn't focus, she sighed and switched on the television, colours danced across as the show started.

Beth wandered in, almost shyly. "Is that…?" "It's this …celebrity dancing show, silly really but very easy watching, I can switch over if you like" Ruth realised she was babbling, and stopped.

The younger woman sat down slowly, her eyes never leaving the screen. "I used to watch this, practise the moves when no one was watching…." Beth tailed off and Ruth felt a surge of warmth for this woman.

The kettle hissed and Ruth jumped up to get it, as she passed the table where the crossword lay she stopped.

Six letters, companion. Ruth turned to look at Beth, already engrossed in the program.

Across

5. A companion or close acquaintance (6)

Lightly, then firmer, Ruth pencilled in the answer. Friend.

You know the drill, review and thou shalt be rewarded muchly.