Ch 11

Liberated emotions.

Russ opened the MS bag and realised that Henrik had been on a bit of a spending spree. At the top of the large bag for life was a another bag from the food section. This was filled with a plethora of grazing type foods; olives, cheeses, meats, breads, pastas and a host of other items. There was also a very decent bottle of Chateauneuf Du Pape at the bottom. Henrik smiled as Russ delighted at the treats. He pulled the bag out and took it through to the kitchen.

Russ then returned to inspect the rest of the purchases. Henrik had decided after hanging up the phone to Max that he could not possibly return to Russ' house with just the clothes on his back. So he had gone to MS to purchase some new clothes and Toiletries.

He then made the impromptu decision to get something nice for lunch. Especially since he knew that Billie would be out until late afternoon, meaning that Russ and he could finally get some proper time together.

"So," Russ started, "I have a proposition." He tips his head waiting for agreement from Henrik.

"Go on." Henrik was intrigued.

"I imagine you would like to freshen up and change?" Henrik nods. "OK, well you go up. Use the shower in my en suite. The main bathroom is Billie's and it is a teenage war zone. You get sorted, changed, whatever; and I will get lunch put out. I guess you must be hungry having left without breakfast."

Russ put a hand to Henrik's arm. It amazed him how caring Russ was and he always just wanted to care for those around him.

"Sounds like a plan." Henrik collected the bag off the sofa and made his way upstairs glad for the chance to freshen up and finally change his clothes.

Russ could not contain how he felt. Once Henrik was upstairs he put his hands to his face and did a silent exclamation. Was this even real? He went to check on Denver. "Fancy that eh, Uncle Henrik came back!"

Russ looked outside, the weather was glorious, which given the daily changes in season was damn pure luck and too good to turn up. He decided that today would be an Al fresco lunch. He started to pull the food from the bag Henrik had bought. He was not sure if Henrik had a concept of how many people lived in the house but at this rate it would keep the three of them going all weekend. He got a tablecloth and spread it over the garden table and started to lay out the various tubs and items. He prepped the cheese board and cut the French stick.

Finally he sorted plates, cutlery and wine glasses. He placed Denver under the shade and the smart speaker was playing. He hoped that Henrik would not think it was over the top, but in fairness the only thing over the top was the amount of food.

Henrik came down after about 20 minutes. He had a decent shower and was glad to change his clothes. He definitely felt more relaxed but he did worry he had somewhat imposed himself upon Russ. His fears were quelled when he saw the efforts Russ had gone to in preparing lunch.

As Henrik stood in the doorway Russ realised that in all of their years of friendship he had never seen Henrik dressed so casually and generally looking relaxed. By his own admission Henrik was awkward, so to see Henrik in navy chinos, a teal polo shirt and boating shoes was a sight to behold.

Russ smiled as he though that Henrik looked good; but maybe he needed reassurance maybe.

Russ went up to Henrik, and he could not help it, he messed with the collar of his polo shirt. Not because it needed adjusting, just because he wanted contact with him. "Well, well Mr Hanssen; I have to say the casual look suits you but we are going to have to sort that top button." Russ undid the top button. "Ah, much better." He gave Henrik a little peck on the lips and smiled. "Sorry novelty hasn't worn off yet." They both laughed.

Henrik smiled. He felt comfortable. Not only in how he was dressed but in himself. This in itself was a rarity.