A/N not sure why but when i upload this from a work document with spacing, it loses all spacing. I put it back in and save but when I publish it loses all its coherant spacing. So I'm sorry if this comes out as one big paragraph . It did it on last chapter too.
If anyone knows how to fix this, ,shout up. All advice accepted
Ch 9
Brave emotions
Russ woke at 8.30 am, he looked over and Henrik was fast asleep. He didn't want to wake him just yet but knew he probably needed to leave before noon. He got up quietly and went downstairs to put on a pot of coffee.
Downstairs he walked into the kitchen and switched on the coffee machine and the news. He was rubbing his eyes as Billie walked in.
"Someone tired eh?" Billie winked at him.
"A little yes. What was that wink for young lady?" Russ replied.
"Nothing dad nothing. How did Henrik sleep?"
Russ looked at her with almost a smirk. He knew what she was insinuating but wasn't going to give her anything. There was nothing to tell anyway.
She points at him and says in a hushed tone, "I knew it! He ended up in your room! Well played dad."
"It isn't like that Bilbo."
"Right, so his bed is empty. His stuff is still here; so he defo spent the night with you!"
Russ waved his hand. "Nothing happened, we just chatted."
Billie tipped her head, "If that's what you kids call it... that's fine"
Just then Henrik appeared in the doorway fully dressed, "I thought my ears might be burning."
"Oh, no no, of course not. Coffee?" Russ handed over a coffee as Billie rustled with her college bag.
Henrik took a sip of coffee, "I will need to leave soon as I need to be back in Holby for this afternoon. Billie, may I offer you a lift to college?"
"Why thank you Henrik Hanssen, saves me being a bus wanker."
Henrik looked confused and Russ laughed. "I will take that as a yes. 10 minutes?"
Billie gave a thumbs up and dashed upstairs for something she had forgotten, leaving Henrik and Russ in the kitchen in an awkward silence.
Russ broke the silence, "I wish you didn't have to leave so soon."
Henrik tipped his head. "Me too, but needs must I'm afraid," he said with a sad smile.
"We can make this work can't we Henny?" Russ said hopefully.
Henrik squeezed his hand and nodded. Just then Billie bounded down the stairs. "Come on Lurch let's get on the road."
Henrik squeezed Russ' hand again and smiled, "I will come to see you as soon as I am able."
With that he headed off with Billie and Russ felt quite sad and lost. There was hope but he had hoped for more of a goodbye from Henrik.
They were on their way in the car and Billie had instructed Henrik on where to go.
"So what's the skinny with you and dad then?"
"The skinny?" Henrik replied confusingly.
"The deal, the situation? Seems you were close last night."
Henrik went all awkward, "Ah well Billie, um, ah; me and your dad, well it's private really and um..."
Billie shook her head, "It's OK you don't need to explain. I just wanted to see you squirm. Just glad to see you both happy. Just a shame you gotta go today."
"Quite."
Billie's phone rang. She answered but Henrik could only hear half the conversation.
"Ah ah, yup. OK... Yeah I'll tell him."
"Who was that?" Henrik assumed it was Russ.
"Dad. You need to go back to ours before you go home."
"How come?"
"Well the reason he didn't call you is because your phone is still on charge at ours, but secondly," She put on her serious tone, "You need to go and say goodbye to my Dad properly. He's like a lost puppy. You squeezed his hand and smiled. That is lame Henrik Hanssen."
"I um, well I um."
"You don't pick up on signs very well do you. Just go back and kiss him man."
Henrik looked at her and she stared back to remind him she was deadly serious. "Just do it OK. You can drop me here, turn round and go back. Yes!"
"Yes."
"Thank you for the lift. I will be checking you put on your brave boy pants when I speak to dad later."
With that she got out of the car and walked off to the art college.
Henrik arrived back at the house, he rang the bell and stepped back. Time to be brave.
Russ answered the door, "Henrik, come in." He ushered Henrik in. "I will get your phone. It's been going off like Krakatoa." He handed it over with a smile. "I'm surprised you forgot it to be honest."
"I was a little distracted." Henrik put the phone in his pocket without looking at it. "Thank you Russ."
"Not at all. Now you better get off. You are cutting it fine as it is."
Henrik looked at his watch, "Ah yes, however before I go there is something I need to ... say." He stole himself and put his hands on Russ' upper arms. "To reiterate that I don't want to leave. I'd love to stay; and I really do want us to work." Henrik paused, he thought about what Billie had said. He put on his 'brave boy pants' and he put one hand on Russ' face and placed his lips to Russ'. It was a gentle closed lipped lingering kiss. When it ended Henrik pulled away and look embarrassed.
Russ smiled, "Henny, you are going red."
Henrik stumbled with his words so Russ put him out of his misery, he pulled Henrik in for a kiss. This time he caught a slightly open kiss and seemed to never end. Neither of them wanted to pull away, given that would mean that Henrik would be leaving.
The kiss broke and they stood and looked at each other for a few minutes. Russ held Henrik's hands. "You better go. I don't want you driving dangerously to get back."
Henrik smiled and squeezed Russ' hands back. "Promise I will be back soon."
"You better be." Russ smiled as he gave Henrik another peck on the lips. "Now go."
Henrik smiled and took his leave. Once in his car he wished he had been brave enough to just stay.
Russ looked out of the window watching Henrik mess with his sat navigation. He gently touched his lips, still in awe at what had happened. It gave him real hope.
