Henrik was standing in the shadows looking into the viewing window. He could see Russ doing what he did best, being a wonderful surgeon. He had obviously timed the start of the operation perfectly as they were ready for the donor liver as it arrived in theatre.

Henrik deliberated whether to step out of the shadows and let Russ know he was there or not. He did not want to give Russ a distraction. At this point he was not sure if his impromptu arrival would be met positively or negatively, given their last conversation. Henrik gave the matter a little thought and then decided he would step forward; firstly that was why he had made the crazy decision to travel up and secondly, Russ would know the origin of the donor organ and he may ruminate on certain things. A distraction Henrik did not want for Russ.

Before he had chance to over think this further Russ had looked over to his left and seen the silhouette of Henrik in the shadows. Henrik had no choice but to step forward as he could see that Russ was making his way around to the intercom.

"Mr Hanssen, what are you doing here?"

Henrik was reading a lot from this question. Firstly, the tone. Very inquisitive, but he was not sure how to read this. Was he over thinking; maybe. Secondly Russ had referred to him as Mr Hanssen; was this because of the formality of the situation and surroundings, or was it because Russ did not want to refer to him as Henrik due to the way in which their friendship had parted. He had hoped it was the former. Before he could over think further he replied.

"We've bought the donor liver."

Russ gave a look and Henrik hoped it was a slight smile as he replied, "Yes, but what are you doing here?" Very much an emphasis on the word 'You'.

Henrik was now on the spot. It was now or never. This was what he came here for. He gave a slight shrug as his face did that thing it did when he was forced to voice his emotions. This had not gone unnoticed by Russ as Henrik replied, slowly with conviction; "I've come for you."

Russ' natural smile turned into a beaming smile; which Henrik returned along with a breath of relief.

...

Russ had de scrubbed, showered and changed, he was on his way back to his office. He was tired but happy. The transplant had gone well, and Henrik was here in Leeds. Here in Leeds for him.

He decided to do the few bits of admin he needed to sort before calling Henrik and hopefully leaving for the day. It had been a long day but he hoped that seeing Henrik would give him a second wind. He just hoped Henrik did not expect too much from him. On days like today, with big operations, Billie and Denver usually go over to Auntie to stop over and Russ usually goes home with a takeaway and a bottle of wine before going to bed for a long sleep.

Once he was satisfied that he was done for the day he picked up his phone to call Henrik. He only had 2 messages, the usual message from Billie which always bolstered him and then one from Henrik, 'I'm glad I made the decision to come up to see you. Call me when you are done. Do not rush, I can wait. H X.'

Russ dialled Henrik's number and waited for him to answer.

"Henrik Hanssen," Came the familiar voice.

"Henny, really, do you have to answer the phone to me like that." He said with a laugh.

"Sorry Russ, it's just a habit."

"I'll let you off this time. I'm finished at the hospital. Where are you?" I'll come to you." Russ said with such conviction, he really wanted to see Henrik now.

"Ah well I had a wander into town as I needed some things. I am, I think, on the right road back to the hospital."

"Tell me where you are and I can come to you in the car." Russ could not get his words out quick enough.

Henrik laughed, well I'm not quite sure where I am. It's a main road with bunting up and a Italian restaurant that looks like it used to be a bank."

"Ah Middleton Road. I shall come to you as we can go to that Italian for dinner, my treat."

"See you shortly." Henrik replied as he ended the call.

Russ got off the phone and called his friend Luis, the owner of the restaurant. He wanted to make sure that they had the best table and the best wine. After all, in Russ' eyes, this was a first date.

Henrik walked into the restaurant. It was very cosy and warm. There was a quaint intimacy about the place. As he took in the atmosphere he was approached by a staff member. "Hello my friend, are you Mr Hanssen?"

Henrik was a little shocked but realised that Russ must have called ahead, "Um, yes I am he."

"Marvellous, I am Luis. Welcome to my restaurant. I have the very best table for yourself and Mr Faber. Please, please come this way." Henrik followed the rather enthusiastic Italian to a quiet area where there was a beautifully made up table with a bottle of wine open and ready to be poured. Luis pulled out a chair for Henrik and invited him to sit. He poured a glass of wine for Henrik. "Russ will be here shortly. I hope you have a wonderful evening."

Henrik took a sip of wine, it was exquisite. He picked up the bottle to read the label. It was a very acceptable Chianti. He got out his phone and took a picture of the label. He would definitely try to get this again.

Russ drove around to the back of the restaurant to park. He saw Luis by the fire escape having a cigarette break. Russ bounded over to Luis with a smile. "Luis, thank you so much for looking after Henrik until I could get here." He smiled, "Don't suppose I could bum a cigarette."

Luis laughed, "Firstly, didn't you quit about 15 years ago, and secondly what if that handsome man in there wishes to kiss you later? Uh!"

Russ gave a nod. "Sorry, nerves. I don't want to mess this up. The fact he is even here..." He finished as he didn't know how to end the sentence.

"Well get your arse round to the front door and I'll meet you there sir." Luis laughed. Russ really was on edge. He had not seen him like this, in all the years he had known him. But he realised how important this Henrik fella was, as he and Russ had shared many a drunken evening putting the world to rights... and discussing the enigmatic Mr Hanssen.

Just then Russ turned around and threw his keys to Luis "Usual arrangement with the car if that's OK."

Luis caught the keys above his head and nodded. He headed back into the restaurant and towards the front door.

Henrik was on his second glass as he saw Russ approaching. Not usually one for expressing outward emotion Henrik could not help but beam, he stood and poured a glass of wine for Russ as Luis pulled out the chair for Russ. Henrik noticed that Luis had chosen the chair adjacent rather than the chair opposite, but he did not mind one bit.

"Gentlemen, please enjoy your evening; anything you need you ask for Luis. I shall be back shortly." Luis took his leave but he definitely wanted to see how this went for Russ. Luis had known Russ, and Ami, for many years. Billie called him Uncle Luis. He was pleased to see the twinkle back in Russ eyes.

As Luis left the table Russ smiled at Henrik. "Hello Henny." There was a little silence as they both took in the moment. "Anyway, cheers, here is our first date."

Henrik raised his glass. He could not deny that this felt like a first date. After all he had commuted 4 hours, if it ended in a date with Russell it would be worth it. "About time."

They drank and laughed as Luis came over. He replaced their empty wine bottle with a full one. "Russ, would you like menus or are we going with the special?"

"Oh definitely the special please." Russ laughed. "I have my own special here Henny."

"I can imagine." Henrik laughed.

Luis went away and within minutes he was bringing an antipasti platter. It now made sense to Henrik why they were sat adjacently rather than opposite. He had also noticed that Russ had placed his hand on Henrik's leg and it had not entered his mind to ask him to move it.

The evening, the wine and the food flowed. Although there were things that needed to be discussed, that particular elephant in the room was not invited to this date. It was like there had never been time apart or any kind of rift, they were both so happy to be in the moment. They didn't notice the time slip away, nor did they notice Luis swapping empty wine bottles for full ones.

It got to a point where they were the only two left in the restaurant. Henrik excused himself to the rest room. Whilst he was gone Luis went over to Russ. "Going well my friend?" He enquired.

"Indeed. Very well. Thank you for being a perfect host." Russ said honestly. He could have not have hoped for a better evening. "Could you sort the bill for me please and call us a taxi." Russ handed his card to Luis. He didn't need to see the bill, he knew Luis would see him right; plus, honestly it didn't matter. Luis returned Russ' card and gave him a wink just as Henrik returned.

"Well Mr Faber, it seems that now I have stood up I am rather inebriated. Can we head back to yours please... I mean unless you want me to book into a room in town. I Do not want to assume..."

Russ cut him off, "Henrik, I want you to come back to mine. I want to spend as much time with you as possible. Taxi is booked."

Henrik smiled and touched Russ' arm. Russ smiled and grabbed Henrik's hand. "Come on you. The taxi will be here soon."

As they weaved their way around the tables Luis handed Russ a paper carrier bag containing the leftovers and a bottle of Chianti. Russ nodded in thanks.

As they pulled up outside Russ' house Henrik suddenly felt anxious. He knew why, but also didn't. He was fighting his own happiness. Self sabotage one may say, but the fact was he wanted to be happy, he wanted to follow his heart. His thoughts were broken when Russ opened the front door. Russ had a very homely home. Henrik felt immediately welcome. Russ took off his shoes and Henrik followed suit. "Henny you take a seat and I'll get us a drink." Russ took every opportunity to look at Henrik, smile and give him little touches. Henrik put his bag down and sat on one side of the large corner sofa.

Russ came back with 2 glasses, handing one to Henrik. He sat down on the opposite side of the corner, still very close to Henrik. He held up his glass, "Alone at last," he toasted. Henrik met his toast and took a large drink of wine. He had things he wanted, needed, to say and he needed some Dutch courage.

Henrik decided to bite the bullet. He put down his glass and took hold of Russ' hand in both of his. "Russ I need to apologise to you, sincerely I do. I said some very harsh and untrue words the last time I spoke to you. For that I am eternally sorry."

Russ was hanging on Henrik's every word. Obviously Henrik needed to get this off this chest. "I did not mean a word of it. I just went into self defence mode.. I um... I," he shrugged; "I got scared. Scared of my own feelings as I didn't understand them. I don't still fully. But all I know is that I don't want to run away from this," he waved his hand between himself and Russ.

Russ had, put down his wine glass and had moved closer to Henrik. At this point his hand had moved up to Henrik's cheek. He was feeling emotional. It may be the wine, it may be the fatigue of a long day; or it just be that this was all he wanted from Henrik.

"The time for running is over Henrik. I get that isn't easy but please know that we don't have to rush things."

Henrik nodded in agreement. He placed his forehead against Russ'. He did have the urge to kiss Russ but he wasn't sure enough to make the first move. Russ soon rectified the dilemma Henrik was facing. He placed a chaste kiss to Henrik's lips. This was accepted wholly by Henrik. So much so the kiss soon deepened.