So just pull the trigger.

31. I didn't mean to upset you

Chris was packing his suitcase. The plane would leave the next morning. An agitated feeling shifting to anger swirled inside him. They had asked him earlier to visit the police station. Well, asking was the nice way to put it. If he hadn't gone, they would have collected him. Chris had seen it best to obey. He had been there earlier that day and they had made him wait, which had angered him even more.

Finally, he had been asked to the interrogation room where a bored, middle-aged male officer had told him they had gotten a notification from the officers in Finland, stating that he had broken the restraining order given to him. It was not okay. Did he understand? The man asked and Chris felt like laughing. This was his first warning, and if he continued the harassment, he might get a fine, and even end up behind bars for some time. Chris had sworn he would quit, and he had been sent back home with the instruction to make better use of his time.

He would show them better use! The entire visit had been utterly useless and only increased his anger, which at that time was more focused on Joni's new fiancé. If that Russian asshole thought he could threaten him, then he would be sorely mistaken!

 He would make Joni choose him instead and make him realize to whom he belonged. The voice of reason was beginning to fade, the reason that tried to wake him with fading effort. The reason was losing the fight to the bitter hate that spread like fire within him.

He went through the clothing that he planned to take with him. Did he have enough underwear? He wasn't sure what kind of washing opportunities there would be for clothing, which was why he had also bought some spare clothing for Joni. 

How long would they stay in that cabin? How would it work out? Would Aki just be in the way? These questions were the ones that woke him at times. Did he understand just what he was about to do? All of it could go horribly wrong.

It was 7.40 pm, tomorrow at the same time he would already be in Russia. Chris was startled when he heard the doorbell. He wasn't expecting anyone. For a moment, he wondered if he should just leave it unanswered. The doorbell rang again.

Slowly he walked to the door and looked through the peek hole; it was Ryan. He sighed and pondered for another moment before deciding to open it.

"I decided to try my luck," the younger man smiled. "You haven't left yet."

"I leave in the morning," Chris said.

"So, you still have time to have a beer and perhaps a small dinner with me?" Ryan asked. "My treat." He grinned and lifted the grocery bag in his hand. 

Chris thought about it for a moment before stepping aside and allowing him in. "I bought a couple of subs... I don't know if you're hungry or not, but..." Ryan shrugged and walked to the kitchen, glancing at him from over his shoulder. "I bought one for you as well." He winked. "Roast beef and chicken breast. I'm starving. Have you eaten?"

" No... not yet," Chris said, feeling somewhat perplexed when following Ryan into the kitchen.

"Have you packed yet?" Ryan smiled, unpacking his shopping onto the table.

"Hm... almost," Chris muttered. "I should go to bed early," he added somewhat tightly. Had he already said too much to Ryan?

"Don't worry, I promise to leave early," Ryan assured, smiling at him. "Are the plates here?" he asked and turned to the cupboards.

"Yeah."

" Just sit down, please," Ryan asked, and Chris obeyed without a word. He watched the younger man who took plates and glasses for them. He placed the sandwiches on the plates, half of each for both. Ryan then opened the beer bottles and poured the content into the glasses before sitting across from him. "Bon appetit!" he said cheerfully. "A word of warning, I asked for the chicken with the spicy sauce." He grinned. Chris took the roast beef one first and eyed Ryan, who took a healthy bite of his own.