Russ heard a knock at the door. He had only just settled. He was hoping to get at least a bit of sleep before being disturbed.

"Who is it?" He said quite sharply. He did say if anyone did need him to page. After all he was currently in his boxers and a white t shirt. He had not had the sense to keep some clothes and pyjamas in his locker. He thought that the days of 24 hour shifts and utilising the on call room were long gone, but Covid had other ideas.

"Russ, it's Henrik." Henrik said quietly. He had motivated himself to speak to Russ today. He could not cope with keeping secrets from Russ. He had given Billie enough opportunities to tell her father about the baby. Billie was now putting him in an almost impossible position.

The voice the other side of the door responded in a milder manner. "Come in, it's open." Russ did not have the mind to put on some scrubs on. Apart from anything else the room was a furnace, even with the fan going. Plus it would be interesting how awkward Henrik was when he saw Russ dressed in nothing but undergarments. Russ was sitting up on the bed. His legs crossed at the ankle. He smiled as Henrik entered. He put down the document he was reading and put his glasses on the side. "Hello Henny, to what do I owe the pleasure at this time of night. You do not usually grace the corridors at this ungodly hour."

It was true, Henrik was very rarely here at 11.30 pm at night. He had been working late, but also ruminating. He had a lot on his mind and he had spent considerable time rehearsing what to say to Russ. He knew Russ was pulling a long shift as Ange had contracted Covid. He had gone down to AAU as he had decided not to go home until he had spoken to Russ. Madge swiftly redirected Henrik to the on call room.

Henrik now stood in the room and suddenly became awkward as he could see Russ was half dressed. He didn't want to stare but Russ made it impossible for Henrik not to look. "I um, uh, wanted to have a chat with you."

"Sounds ominous. Russ tapped the bed next to where he was." Henrik looked apprehensive. "Come on don't be shy. I'm not having a conversation with you looking over me."

Henrik sat down hesitantly. He tried not to look at Russ' crotch. He cleared his throat. Everything he had practiced in his head had gone. He was feeling very hot and flustered.

Before he could speak Russ leant forward and loosened Henrik's tie and undid the top button, "Henny you must be boiling hot. You have gone all red." Henrik was surprised Russ could see this given the limited light from the lamp. His redness was a little to do with the heat in the small room but more to do with his crippling awkwardness.

Russ also removed Henrik's jacket and then ran his hand across Henrik's shoulder. "So come on don't leave me in suspense. What is on your mind."

Henrik nodded. Now was the time. Billie may be annoyed with him temporarily but Russ would be supportive, they both knew that he would be a brilliant grandfather. He stole himself, "Russ, there has been something heavy weighing on my mind for some time. I just have to get it off my chest irrespective of the consequences." Henrik paused.

Russ was listening intently. He placed his hand on Henrik's leg.

Henrik suddenly changed his tack. There was something more on his mind. Something that it was his place to say so. Something that overshadowed everything. He looked at Russ and took his hand. "Look, Russ, I can't ignore the elephant in the room."

Russ nodded. He was going to make a joke but realised this may knock Henrik of his stride if he was finally going to admit his feelings. "Well, this is a small room; so that may be a good idea." He smiled genuinely.

Henrik took a deep breath. "You are going to have to bear with me because I'm still figuring it all out; but I cannot deny there is something between us. It's been eating me up quite a bit, in case you and I were not on the same page. I don't want to make a fool of myself. After all there is no fool like and old fool." He raised his eyebrows.

They sat in silence for a while, well what seemed like a while.

"Look Henrik, please don't be scared of your feelings. I think you know I've made my feelings quite clear. We can take this," he moves his hand between the two of them, "as quickly or slowly as you want. We don't have to announce it to the world. We can keep it between us. Although I do know that Billie is rooting for us." He grins.

"Well yes I would not Billie to disapprove of any connection we may have. I'm not here to replace Ami."

Russ gave a wistful smile. Ami would always be in his heart, but Ami would also want him to be happy. As does Billie and Henrik. "I know that Billie is very much in the Henrik Hanssen fan club. She keeps asking about you, us."

"She does?" Henrik sounded surprised.

Russ leaned forward and put his hand on Henrik's face. "If you have not noticed the chemistry she certainly has. I'm sure she would play match maker given half the chance."

Henrik gave a small smile as Russ leaned in and gave him a small kiss. "If I overstep the mark, just say, OK." Russ followed this up with a longer kiss, which was reciprocated by Henrik. Without realising it Henrik had placed his hand on Russ' thigh and was moving his hand slowly along the inside of his leg.

Henrik pulled away suddenly. "Russ I better go now."

"Really, no Henny, why?" Russ was puzzled and defensive. Why did Henrik want to leave now?

Henrik stood and fixed his shirt and tie, "CEO distracting senior consultant on call... not a good image, for either of us." He stated with a sad smile. He knew he had to set the standard, he knew he had to leave before things went further.

Russ nodded, he understood. He passed Henrik his suit jacket.

"What time do you finish work?" Henrik enquired as he opened the door to leave the on call room.

"Seven thirty-ish with handover." Russ answered. Optimistic that Henrik was asking for a reason.

Henrik paused at the door, "If you're not too tired come to mine for breakfast. I can send you my address."

Russ gave a nod and a broad smile. "See you in the morning then Henny."

Henrik gave a curt nod as he left the room and closed the door behind him. The relief he felt was more than palpable.