Henrik and Russ were having a pre theatre meal before going to the Opera. Henrik had bought tickets for La Traviata as a treat for Russ' Birthday.

Russ felt very spoilt. Not least because he got to see Henrik looking very handsome in a dinner jacket and bow tie, black of course; but he pulls that colour off so well.

They were enjoying the meal and each others company. Henrik had driven up to Leeds that afternoon. That was enough of a gift in itself.

Russ didn't think his birthday could get any better but he was not aware of the surprise Henrik had for him.

Henrik pulled an envelope from his inside jacket pocket. "One last gift." Henrik gave a broad smile, he was excited about this. Russ turned the envelope over in his hands.

"What's this Henny? Haven't you spoilt me enough?"

"You deserve this. Now get it open!" Henrik laughed. He could not wait to see Russ' face. Henrik poured them each another glass of wine as Russ opened the envelope and read the A4 sheet that was inside. "So, what do you think?" Henrik asked excitedly.

"Let me get this straight..." Russ was clearly impressed, "We are flying to Stockholm next week?"

Henrik nodded. "Indeed we are."

"You have booked us a hotel for the first night? Where are we stopping the rest of the week? "

Henrik nodded again. He took a sip of his wine as he was inspecting the dessert menu. Russ still had lots of questions and Henrik knew this. "OK, I will explain all while you pick your dessert." Russ perused the menu whilst Henrik explained about the trip. "So we fly into Stockholm from Gatwick, I have trains booked so you will need to come down the night before as we will have an early start the next day. We will be stopping in the Old Town the first night. The rest of the visit will be spent in Uppsala, I have a property there. I've hired a car so we can go out and about."

"I don't know what to say Henny. That sounds wonderful." Russ was lost for words. Henrik had really made a big effort. There was just one thing he was worried about. "What about Billie and Denver. I can't leave them for a week."

"Worry not. I ran it past Billie before I booked it. She is going to stop with her Aunt. In fact she insisted we go for the whole week rather than a few days."

"Oh that sounds about right."

The waiter comes over and takes their dessert orders. They have about an hour before the theatre so they do not have to rush. It is within walking distance anyway.

Once the waiter had left Russ realised he had a question. "Henny, how come we are going from Gatwick. Couldn't we go from a local airport?"

Henrik laughs, "Well we could, if you wanted to, but I speak from experience. Flying from Gatwick is a direct flight to Stockholm. Going from any other airport involves a connecting flight."

"Really?" Russ sounded shocked.

"Yes. Those really annoying layover flights where it's too long to stay in the airport but not long enough to actually get away from the airport and do anything with the time."

"Well I trust you as you are the expert."

"Yes. I made the mistake once. Absolutely terrible experience having to sit in a Polish airport for 8 hours. This way it means we get more time to enjoy Sweden. I do really want to make the most of this trip."

The desserts arrived and they tucked in. Russ could see the effort, and expense, that Henrik had gone to and he was truly touched. "I am sure it will be amazing. I cannot wait. I just hope you can put up with me for a whole week in a foreign country."

Henrik laughed as he offered a spoon of his dessert to Russ. It dawned on him that he was laughing more now than he could ever remember. "Ah, well, it isn't foreign to me is it. It is my 'home turf' as it were. Plus do you really think I would have organised a whole week for us if I didn't think we could survive this time together."

Russ smiled as he ate the spoon full of Henrik's dessert. "MMM, menu envy." He rolled his eyes in delight. "I suppose I'm just so surprised you have gone to these lengths for me."

"Well I wanted to do this for you, for us. Not every day one turns 60 now is it? Plus... I think by you coming to Sweden you can learn more about me." Henrik said this from the heart and Russ could see that.

"I see. Well that is a wonderful gift. I get to go on holiday and you are letting me in to the life and times of Henrik Hanssen. Have I assessed it correctly?"

Henrik passed over the rest of his dessert and nodded to allow Russ to finish the remainder. "Perfect assessment, that has always been a strong suit of yours as a surgeon. You read the situation. Now you finish the desserts, I will be back in a moment."

Whilst Henrik was settling the bill Russ was contemplating this whole situation. Henrik had gone to enormous lengths. He could not fault the efforts that Henrik was going to. He appreciated that Henrik was not a natural at feelings and opening up. But this was a game changer.

For Russ if Henrik had taken them to Bognor Regis, if that was his 'home turf', the location was irrelevant. The fact it was somewhere as lovely as Sweden, a place Russ had never been; well that was just a plus. This was Henrik letting down walls, and not just brick by brick. He was inviting Russ to a place not many people had seen. The number of years Russ had known Henrik he didn't realise he had property in Sweden.

As Russ saw that Henrik was heading off to the gents he pulled out his phone. He could have contacted Billie but he could speak to her later but he wanted to check something out with someone who was definitely in Henrik's confidant circle.

He scrolled up to Serena's number. He sent a message. 'Out with HH for my birthday. He has surprised me with a trip to Sweden. Stopping at the place he has there. Thoughts? R X'

He put his phone away as Henrik returned. "So, have you finished your birthday gluttony? Are you ready to head over to the theatre?" Henrik said laughing.

"Well yes, I may need to walk this off." He pats his stomach as he stands.

Henrik held out his hand for Russ. "Come on old man. I have allowed enough time for a steady walk and a GT before the performance."

Russ smiled. "Have you been sent from heaven?"

"No. Just Sweden, via Holby. Now come on. And... just make sure your phone is off or silent. I know your ring tone."

Russ wrinkled his face in jest. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with a bit of Bucks Fizz."

Henrik shook his head in mock disgust. These were the little things that he loved about Russ. He was unashamedly gay and proud. "Just go on aeroplane mode please."

As they walked into the theatre Russ showed Henrik that he had already switched his phone off. Knowing that after his last message Serena would be chomping at the bit for more information.

But that could wait. Time for the Opera with the wonderful Mr Hanssen.