Ch 6
Masked emotions.
Henrik opened his eyes honestly believing that he had only shut them for a few minutes.
"Oh, hello sleeping beauty." Russ said from behind his crossword.
Russ got up and came over to Henrik and handed him his glasses. Henrik cleared his throat and fixed his tie, "Um, how long have I been asleep for?"
"A couple of hours." Russ replied as he took a sip of wine.
Henrik looked a bit taken aback, "Why didn't you wake me?"
"It seems like you needed it. Plus you were having a little snore Henny."
Henrik pulled a face and smirked slightly, "I do not snore."
Russ laughed heartily. "And I suppose you would know being asleep and all." Russ rubbed Henrik's arm, "I've saved you some lasagne and can I tempt you with a glass of wine?"
Henrik stood and straightened his glasses. "Well I need to be getting on the road, so thank you but..."
"You will be doing no such thing. You are staying here tonight. I am not letting you drive home now."
"Yes but, ah, I don't want to impose."
Russ put down his glass and removed Henrik's jacket. "No imposition. Guest room is made up and spare toothbrush in the bathroom. I will not take no for an answer."
Henrik gave a curt nod as Russ hung up the jacket. "Now you need to eat. Come."
As Henrik followed he stated, "I didn't realise how bossy you were."
Russ turned round and smiled, "This is what it feels like when someone..." he went to say loves, but quickly changed, "Cares about you. So get used to it."
Russ offered Henrik a seat at the breakfast bar as he pulled a warmed plate of lasagne from the oven and opened the fridge to get the bowl of salad. He placed them in front of Henrik, "Eat, eat."
He placed a glass of wine in front of Henrik as he turned to unload the dishwasher.
"You spoil me too much." Henrik stated as he tucked in. He was presently surprised. Russ can cook.
"Ha never too much, testament will be if you clear your plate."
Henrik continued eating. He was glad that Russ had put his foot down and made him stay. He was very content. This house felt like a home and he had been welcomed in. This was a new feeling for him. He had been so used to being alone, detached and aloof. He wanted to change. He wanted to be more emotionally available but Russ would need to be patient.
As Henrik cleared his plate Russ raised his arms, "Well that is true testament that I've improved my cooking."
Henrik laughed. This is what he loved about Russ. He was the polar opposite of himself. Emotionally mature and funny with it. He didn't really care if people saw his vulnerability either. Henrik could take some pointers.
Now that Henrik was definitely staying and he had eaten Russ wondered if it was time to address the elephant in the room. But how to approach this. To go in too strong would drive Henrik away; but to shy away from the situation would do neither of them any good.
Russ leaned on the breakfast bar opposite Henrik and held his hand, "So fancy telling me why you drove over 4 hours to come here? Surely not for a nap and some mediocre lasagne?" He gave Henrik that look. The one that Henrik would know not to fob him off. Henrik took a large sip of wine. "Take all the time you need Henny, but we can't keep putting this off. Life is too short." Russ gives Henrik's hand an understanding squeeze.
"Yes, of course you are right. But please can I go to the rest room first?"
Russ nods, "Upstairs, straight ahead. ... and don't even think about climbing out of the window." He says with a laugh.
Henrik smiles as he gets up from his seat, he pulls that smirk that Russ loves, "Surely you know I'm far too tall to climb out of bedroom windows?"
Russ laughs as he grabs their glasses and another bottle of wine. He sits on the sofa expecting Henrik to occupy his previous spot. He didn't want to have this discussion across the room.