Chapter Text
Harry awoke the next morning to soft sunlight, Albert's warmth beside him and his fingers rubbing small circles into his scalp. He hummed contentedly and pulled himself closer.
“Your alarm went. Can't be shirking your sheriff duties now Harry. I'm sure there's plenty of cats that need rescuing from trees today.”
Harry groaned and buried his face against his neck. Albert seemed decidedly smug today, probably because he'd finally woken up first. The motions of Albert's hand in his hair were dragging him back down into sleep.
“Harry.” He abruptly removed his hand and Harry made a forlorn noise. “Come on.”
Harry very reluctantly got out of bed and began to get ready. It was only when he happened to glance at his watch when he was drinking his coffee that he realised how late he was. Albert had clearly waited some time before informing him about his alarm. He almost bumped into Albert in the doorway - still looking smug, shirt half buttoned.
“I gotta go,” Harry said, flustered. Albert took the coffee from him and drank.
“Don't forget your hat. I know it's vitally important for your job.”
Harry was out on the front step when he turned and ran back. He shoulder barged the door that was almost closed, resulting in colourful curses as Albert stumbled backward. Harry kissed his forehead and was back out to his car before he could hear Albert's retort.
-----
He tried to avoid the thought that Albert was leaving early tomorrow. He thought instead of Albert having to feed his animals this morning. At least his own day would be a bit more eventful to move it along a little quicker. He had some house calls to make, reports to write.
He didn't get back to the station until the afternoon. Lucy was in a heated discussion with Andy in the lobby. She sprang up as soon as she saw him.
“Sheriff Truman! Sheriff Truman!”
“Yes Lucy.”
“Agent Rosenfield is here. I told him he'd have to wait for you. He said he'd wait in your office and I said he wasn't allowed and he said he didn't care and he went right in! We couldn't stop him or get him out and then he locked himself in!”
“That's quite alright Lucy.”
“It is?”
“Only for Agent Rosenfield.”
He knocked on his office door.
“Albert?”
The door opened and he was dragged inside.
“I've been trying to get hold of you all morning,” Albert snapped.
“It may surprise you but I do occasionally have work to do.”
“I've been called back. I have to leave tonight.”
“Tonight?”
“Yes Harry, your hearing is perfectly functional.”
“Then we still have all afternoon.” Harry kissed him.
“What about this supposed work you have?”
“You can watch me do it.”
“How gripping.”
“You're the one who came here.”
“Only if I don't have to leave this room and I don't have to deal with any drooling Neanderthals.”
“I can't make any promises but I'll make it up to you if you do.”
“We'll see.”
The rest of the afternoon passed comfortably. Albert had his feet on the desk and would idly flip through files he wasn't supposed to be looking at and offer snide remarks. Occasionally advice would be hidden in them. Harry wrote reports and made notes when Albert said anything useful.
Albert got his wish - he didn't have to interact with anyone else (Harry told him having to hear Lucy over the intercom didn't count). Harry made him lean out of the window to smoke. Albert spoke less as the darkness began to creep behind the glass.
“What time is your flight?”
“I have an hour before I need to leave. Everything's already packed in the trunk.” Albert sounded a little disappointed by his own efficiency.
It would be a shame that they wouldn't return to the house once more but Harry knew there would be other times. They had only just started their journey together after all. Harry would take whatever he could get without any complaint. He packed his files away.
“Sorry to keep you waiting Agent Rosenfield.” Albert snorted.
“Well, Sheriff Truman I was under the impression you'd make it up to me.”
"That was in case of Neanderthals." Harry walked around his desk to kiss him anyway. “It'd be easier if you took your feet off my desk Albert.”
He obliged but was startled when Harry sat on his lap. Harry kissed him again but took his time about it now he was more comfortable. It wasn't long before Albert's hands found their way into his hair.
“Never start something you can't finish Truman.”
“That sounds like a challenge.” Albert glanced at the door uncomfortably. “It's been locked all afternoon.”
Albert seemed surprised and glared at Harry's not-so-innocent smile.
“Have I ever mentioned your professional lapses?”
“Hm, you don't seem to mind so much any more.”
Albert kissed him to shut him up.
-----
Harry returned home after a particularly awkward farewell out front of the station. It seemed empty despite the other tiny lives that inhabited it. As he made himself coffee he noticed photographs strewn on the kitchen counter. They were of each of his animals. He could see Albert's hand in some of them where he had to hold them still. There were numerous ones of the kittens, Harry assumed this was because he was going to rehome them. He hadn't told Albert he'd only rehome two. He smiled to himself.
There was one photo he knew Albert had taken of him. It wasn't here. Harry wondered if he had taken any more.