Work Text:
The Invite.
Henry silently made his way back to his apartment, smelling of lavender and smoke from all that room freshener his client used. He sips on his unsweetened iced tea when that same client from earlier appears on his car screen. Reluctantly, he accepts.
"Henry, hi! I know you don't exactly accept work calls after 8 but I just wanted to say thank you again."
The man waits a few seconds in case the client was about to say something else. But, he is impatient, especially right now, so he talks anyway.
"Right. No problem," He states, not an ounce of emotion in his voice. His eyes stay fixed on the road, slowing down as he approaches a red light. While they are dry, he fights to stay up and his voice gets slightly more irritated. He was really prepared to start a fight, glancing at his mostly untouched takeout.
"Look-"
"Also do you… have plans this… Val- Valentine's?" The client asks, slightly laggy, but Henry could still pick up the gist. He sighs deeply. He didn't want to go out with any client or get hit on by any of them. Obviously, it's unprofessional. But also, he doesn't even have his sights on anyone. Now that he has someone, anyway.
"Henry?"
"No… I have nothing planned."
"Well, I've got two tickets to this opera and… my husband and I are going to Lisbon then. If ever you change your mind, I sent the soft copies to your inbox. Enjoy your evening, Henry!"
She hangs up without waiting for his reply. He rolls his eyes, prepared to argue with her over the ride. But no, it didn't happen. A car honks at him, prompting him to step hard on the gas.
He could tell that, regardless of what she said, he'd still be curious. She was going to be his Cupid, striking him with some flimsy arrow to convince him to get out and date some girl.
He wasn't going to, it has and will never be his thing. He doesn't have time for it, and it's not like he needs to invite someone else, right?
--
"Two tickets to the opera… grand tier seating towards the middle… 7:30 on Valentine's Day."
Henry's lying that he wasn't curious at all, of course he was.
On the verge of passing out on the couch, Henry writes everything on his trusty travel notebook and fountain pen, making sure he has absolutely no plans on that evening.
And so what if he wanted to go? Now that he has his sights on someone, he could count it as giving back. Returning the favor, as one would say. But he didn't want it to be so straightforward, no. For the first time in years of his very shitty dating life, he wants to put on a show for her. She allowed him to flaunt her charms through flora, and now he'll do the same.
"And everything should all fall into plan, starting…" He says, voice flat.
Henry scribbles lines upon lines on the papers. He hastily notes everything to the point his handwriting looks like hieroglyphics. As desperate he is to make this one of his best romantic acts, he is also desperate to get some shut-eye.
"Tomorrow."
--
DAY 2
"Liz, hey!" A coworker shouts, panting, running to her. So much energy at the beginning of what already feels like an exhausting start to a hellish week.
Liz just entered the office with her usual office wear. Dark eyelids, blush slightly uneven, and her hair messy. With some strands sticking out from tolerating all that heavy wind. She holds a steaming cup of Gladiator's black coffee on one hand, and her chic brown bag on the other.
"Hey… glad to see you," Liz greets, barely trying to hide her exhaustion and lack of enthusiasm. She doesn't even remember this coworker's name or if they even work at the same department!
"By the way, Jenna from reception said there's something for you."
"Did it say from who… it's from?"
"Nah. She said it's a surprise thing," He answers, still panting.
At that point, she stopped sipping. The caffeine slowly surges through her, and her mind goes awake. She usually doesn't like surprises, plus she's had way too much of them since she's well, not in a coma anymore.
"Fine, I'll go. I'll see you…" Liz walks faster to the front desk. She was too tired and she didn't even want to bother guessing or knowing his name. She goes to reception where a blonde woman with a shit-eating grin puts down a small bouquet of red roses and white tulips.
"Sounds like you got a secret admirer…" Jenna exclaims, typing her heart out on her computer.
"I guarantee you, whoever this is? They're just being nice, that's all," Liz shrugs, taking another sip of coffee. Definitely hiding her flushing face and certainly not trying to hope that a certain business shark got it for her.
"Alright, Harper. Whatever you say…"
--
As Liz plops down on her soft yet sturdy office chair, she quickly looks for a sign, anything. A card, ribbon with their name, a lingering scent, any trace of this person was enough. But even with her efforts, nothing could be identified. Well, almost nothing. Because that feeling… the act of hoping did get her somewhere.
Just as she was about to give up, Liz spots a small brown paper wedged in the stems of the bouquet. She instantly gets whiffs of toasty, chocolatey, and bitter coffee beans as she reads the barely legible writing on paper.
"Red roses stand as a symbol of love, respect and courage. While white tulips represent, peace, respect, and new beginnings."
She glances at the bottom of the reads, "Enjoy your new bouquet, this is only the beginning. Signed, Henry."
Liz lays the note face down. Where her heart beats slower and way easier than earlier, she breathes deeply.
"God. If it wasn't for the notes I'd think someone's stalking me," Liz lowly mutters to herself. But even with that note, it sounds eerie, she doesn't know if she's going to hit him up or be paranoid to him. She doesn't have time to think about that for now, she still has work. Maybe she can text him later, in due time.
Like every tiring work day, that didn't happen. Liz's supposed text slipped out her mind when all she thought of was to rest. Henry didn't bother to check his notifications on his phone because while his heart briefly sank, he knows Liz simply wants to lay on her bed and bury herself under her blankets. And he didn't want to disturb her peace. But maybe, he can cheer her up on the next day.
--
DAY 3
Liz swirls her steaming cup of post-lunch coffee. Slowly munching down on her almond croissant while listening to her guilty pleasure mainstream upbeat love songs. For the first time in a while, Liz got her proper beauty rest and she's got a fresh look on her face. Not only did she do her deadlines in time, but she overheard her bosses talking highly about her, and she gets to leave work early from the lack of urgencies from her clients and colleagues. She's strutting the pavements with a smile on her face, humming to the songs like a romcom lead.
"Oh, leftover pork barbecue and feta cheese pasta… God, I can't wait to go home!"
Just as her day is going uphill… the melodies died. And her phone starts ringing. She takes her final big bite of the croissant and washes it down with her bittersweet drink. Could she even get a break from these chatty, demanding clients for even a second? Just because she enjoyed her lunch break a little too much doesn't mean these people could interrupt her-
"Shit, it's… Sorry, hi, Jenna!" Liz accepts the call and lets out a nervous laugh, putting on her corporate cheerful voice that she dreads. It's only on voice anyway, she doesn't need to be that anxious.
"Hi, Liz. Someone gave you a bouquet again. Your secret admirer strikes again?"
"It's probably that data broker I talked to last week," Liz rolls her eyes, pretending to be nonchalant even though she knows damn well it's from her boyfriend.
"Look. I'm on my way back to the office in a few, please make sure no one steals it."
"Ha! As if anyone ever could." Jenna exclaims before hanging up.
She returns to her office, bouquet in hand. Definitely not the most massive one but way bigger than the one from yesterday. This time she inhales not only the fresh subtle floral scent from the flowers, but she picks up notes of wormwood, basil, and even fresh mint within the flora.
"What does Henry have for me this time?"
She fishes the coffee-scented card from the heart of the bouquet and impatiently opens it, feeling her cheeks suddenly heat up from his gesture.
"Sunflowers represent warmth, positivity, and strength. Meanwhile, lavenders are delicate and contrast perfectly with the bold yellow of the sunflower as they symbolize devotion and wellness."
She flips the card to the other side, getting a whiff of his perfume again. This time, at least his handwriting is… slightly easier to read.
"Judging by how inactive you were yesterday, I'd say you had an awful day. I wish I was there to kiss your sweet lips and comfort you, but I've got a busy day ahead as well. I hope by the time you see this, a small spark of energy surges through you. You'll get to be a beautiful business shark and get your deserved rest, I hope. I'll forever adore you and know that you always make my day brighter, my sunflower. Enjoy your day, Liz. Make sure you make the most out of it. Signed, Henry."
She closes her eyes and imagines the businessman saying (and doing) exactly everything he wrote. That moment of silence got her to release the tension from her body, like pastries cooling down once they set. That gave her enough motivation to surge through the last few hours of her shift. One of these days, the word signed will finally turn into love. But Liz has a feeling he'll save it towards the end.
--
Quarter to ten in the evening and Liz doesn't show an ounce of sleepiness in her face. She feels like a blooming plant that's just been watered and caressed by the air. With the airing TV shows feeling too subpar to her at the moment, she pulls out her phone to post a story of herself chilling in her cozy bed. Feasting on a bar of sea salt dark chocolate, a bag of chips, and a cup of cold water.
"Hmm."
Out of curiosity, she clicks on her messages with Henry to see if he sent her anything. Maybe a cute text, repost, any sign of him. Unfortunately, his social media activity mentioned he was active three hours ago. Missing him a little, she decides to send him a message.
Liz: thanks for the flowers, henry! you're too sweet
Liz: what are you going to send to me next hmm??
Liz: and most importantly when can i see you again?!?!?
Okay… maybe Liz missed him too much. She understands his breaks are very short, but she just wants to listen to his sharp yet soothing voice. Even from a distance, all she wants is to hear about his day. Surely she's not asking for much.
As she puts down her phone, it's like her wishes have been answered. The businessman immediately reads the message and is clearly trying to compose a response. Yet all he came up with was…
Henry: Haha, I missed you too Liz
Henry: But I'm afraid I can't answer those last two yet.
Henry: 😉
As a joke, Liz reacts to the second text with the angry emoji and she shuts her phone off. She knows it's all a ploy for something, but she doesn't want to be left in the unknown for so long. What is this for anyway? Valentine's Day?
Oh! That realization hit her like Cupid striking someone down with an arrow. She knows what it's all for now. She was so busy she couldn't even connect the dots until everything felt so clear.
"Oh shit it is… for Valentine's!" Liz squeals, coughing midway through the sentence. What is she supposed to do now? Play that game, too? Visualizing her very occupied schedule, she knows that'll only stress her out. She could probably just play dumb and act all shocked when she asks him. Besides, she's sure he'll give her a wave of shock regardless.
If only she knew what she's got next in store.
--
DAY 4
"One more email to go…" Liz's voice so plain, eyes concentrated on every word she types on the screen. It stays that way until her mouse finally hits the send button.
"And I'm finally done!" Liz shuts down her laptop and gently pushes in the device as well as her client gifts and other personal belongings to her dark brown laptop bag. She dashes out her office and gets on the elevator for the lobby.
Her mind gets slightly excited from anticipating Henry's next bundle of flowers despite getting no message today. Getting through the day with only three or four messages was normal for them, but none? Henry likely has a hectic schedule, Liz won't add to that burden, but she just counts to the day she can see him in person again with no distractions.
With a quick ride out, Liz takes cheerful strides to the front desk with a smile so radiant people would think she got an incredible achievement, like winning an argument. When she approaches them, she notices only two people are present in reception unlike the usual four. Strange.
"Hey. Is there anything else under Liz Harper by any chance?"
A tall brunette man is the first to look up to her. After some minimal scanning without losing focus on his call, he shakes his head.
"Really? No small card or gift?" She asks, a weird pit forming in her stomach. All the butterflies that were inside her furiously flutter away.
"Nope. Check again tomorrow."
Liz sighs deeply and exits through the revolving door. Liz swiftly walks at random pavements and stops by a streetpost to pull out her phone. No new notifications from him and he left her on delivered.
"Fuck… I miss him so bad, huh?" She looks at the flock of birds, feeling dejected. Her energy suddenly drains as she scrolls back to their short but sweet texts. Then, the woman notices two missed calls, from Matt at that.
Dubious, she calls him up and he finally picks up after five rings.
"Hey, Matt," Liz closes her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Liz? Hey… are you alright?"
"Yeah, no worries. Just wanted to hear from someone that isn't my colleague or client. Anyway did you actually want to call me or was that an accident?"
"About that… the second call was a misclick. The first one- I was gonna ask if Henry went to your office earlier. For… stuff."
He can't be serious. He can't just say vague stuff and expect her to not believe him.
"No… should he? He hasn't contacted me all day."
"Funny you say that, he was just in my office a few hours ago," The designer says nonchalantly, like it's something to just brush over. Liz can imagine him trying to hold back laughter like this is some prank call.
"Liz, you still there? Look, I can text you about it if you need or-"
"Can I hang out in your office for a bit? I'm not sure I wanna go home yet." Liz didn't mean to interrupt him, but she was so hung up on the fact he went for Matt rather than his own girlfriend that her head gets lighter, her mind absent of everything else.
"Yep. You remember where it is right? If not, I'll send you directions."
--
"I got some coffee and tiramisu from the break room in case you need some. So what about Henry?"
Matt lays out the meal on his office table, offering Liz to rest on the soft couch. She could hear the familiar tunes of hard rock lowly playing on Matt's Bluetooth speaker. She closes her eyes, savoring the soft surface after minutes of walking. As she opens her eyes, the dead office lights feel too bright, blinding her.
She sighs, the tensions in her muscles releasing, "What did he tell you?"
"Not much. Just that he was going to be out of town for a sudden business meeting. He sent you a message… or an email, I think, but it probably didn't go through."
Liz could only nod along to Matt's answers. Missing fragments of Henry's face, his voice, his beautiful smile, and his perfectly ironed gray blazer that smelled of strong yet rosy laundry detergent. Matt could hear a small scowl from that woman, which is replaced by a small smile.
"Of course that happens! I guess I'll just take a rest and then invade his message inbox."
"Right… Can't go home angry, can we?" He jokes. Liz lies more comfortably on the couch, forcing to close her eyes.
"Hey, Matt?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for sticking with me after all this time." Liz says, a soft smile on her face. Both of them laughing it off before they do their own thing. Matt returns to code his designs, occasionally glancing at a sleepy Liz.
--
DAY 5
Liz rests on her cozy bed, listening to some slow jazz on the internet. Picking up the last piece of leftover gyoza while looking over the stunning night sky and beautiful buildings of the big city.
Despite Henry giving a massive bouquet, she barely looked twice. It only sits on her nightstand, card unread. She's been on very low energy this day that receiving it felt more like an errand, a chore to remove from her checklist. Not wanting to get out of bed, she wiggles like a worm, wrapped in her blanket, to get the center card for one of her most favorite arrangements yet.
"Yellow tulips bring happiness, friendship, and new beginnings in terms of positive symbolism. White daisies, on the other hand, symbolize affection, loyalty, and eternal life, often associated to reconciliation. Combining them emphasizes happiness and peace."
Liz opens and unfolds the other piece of paper. Trying to keep her eyes open even if all she wants to do is sink into those sheets. Somehow, she notices the card to not have Henry's messy handwriting anymore, which makes every single word easier to decipher.
"Don't be worried about the sudden writing change, I've made an effort to use typewriting instead to let you read this better. Please take this as my apology for being unresponsive to you all day yesterday. Don't worry, I treasure all of your fifteen texts and I am exerting my diligent efforts to respond to every single one. I hope that despite my absence, sunshine still appears in your eyes. I miss you, too, Liz. More than you'll ever know. Signed, Henry."
Putting down the message, it gives her a smile on her face. And-
"Oh, the mail! It slipped my mind I forgot to check it," Liz opens her mail app to scroll to her slew of unread mails, one of them being from Henry sent yesterday. Seems like he scheduled this send if his meeting place had little to no cell service like he mentioned.
"I hope that you've been doing well, Liz. Would you mind meeting at that park again tomorrow lunchtime? If you don't remember where it is, I'll send you the address and its nearby spots so it will be easier to identify. Take your time, no rush. Any answer from you is already a good answer for me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Awaiting your response, Henry."
Liz places the card to her chest, rosy cheeks tinting on her face. He's going to ask her, finally. With a full circle moment of it most likely being at the same damn park where they coincidentally met during his lunch break. She hopes what he has for her can make her heart skip a beat. If it's not a romantic ask or even worse…
"No, don't think about that. I'll just play along and text him," She says to herself, knowing Henry will only keep his statements vague, something he's very used to in business. Liz takes a screenshot of the email and texts him.
Liz: so this is what all the flowers have been for, huh?
Liz: did you really just ask me out through an email?
Liz: will you at least clue me in on what this is about?
Liz: because if this is all leading to a breakup, i swear
At that point, Henry starts to read the messages, placing a thumbs down emoji on the last one.
Henry: It's a very good thing, Liz.
Henry: You don't have to worry about anything, I promise.
Henry: Think of it as a thank you. Or a way of returning the favor.
Liz sighs of relief, trying to imagine how he'd say it. Clear. Soft. Straightforward.
Just thinking about tomorrow is enough to make her sleep blissfully. Knowing that no matter how tiring her shift will be, she's willing to power through if it means finally catching up with him.
--
DAY 6
"Man, I wish I could also only file for a half-day. I'm jealous!" Liz's coworker says. The exact same man who alerted her about her very first bouquet. Whose name she still doesn't remember.
"Alright. Well, see you next week," Liz replies, a wide smile on her face as she dashes out the revolving door and walks to the park. Her eyes dart to the same flower shop stall with bouquets very much curated for the corporate illusion that is Valentine's Day. Normally she hates how couples are very much forced down her throat but if it's her… well she wouldn't mind it. It's not terrible to fall for a good looking boy, but god, Liz needs him too deeply.
Seeing no sign of Henry nor where to meet up, she purchases a bouquet of red roses and lilies. Standing as a lifelong symbol of romantic love and adoration, she hopes Henry could appreciate it. To… well, give him the flowers she never gave him months ago. She's busy strolling around the bright green park, adoring the pretty bouquet in her hands. When all of a sudden, a pair of arms swiftly wrap around her waist, Liz yelps out before a tall man quickly enters her frame.
"I see you got something." Henry turns the woman around to face him and kisses her on the cheek.
"This is for you, actually," Liz hands it to him, to where she is greeted with a warm smile. The man smells the pleasant arrangement and looks back to her.
"You're not the only one with money, you know?" She laughs, giving a small peck on his lips. Crossing her arms as he lets her go.
"So what makes this "meeting" so urgent? I cleared out the rest of my day just for this, you know?" Liz sarcastically remarks, throwing around the air quotes acting so stern, like a certain business shark. He firmly reaches for her left hand, in which she obliges to hold. Her professional façade breaking almost instantly.
"You'll have to close your eyes first."
After what feels like a long walk thanks to Henry's limited ability to give directions combined with Liz's endless questions, they reach a secluded part of the park. They sit beside each other on the bench, the same one where Liz and Henry had their unexpected encounter. Both of them would remember because it's embedded deeply into both of their minds.
"Now I know you remember this place, but I have to ask. Are you busy this Valentine's?"
Liz pretends to ponder her answer. Pursing her lips and darting her eyes to the park's greenery.
"Hmm… I'll have to check my calendar. But most likely not," Liz says slowly, eyes traveling from his lips down to the end of his necktie. She could smell notes of bergamot and oranges lying on his clothes, he probably has a new perfume on today.
"Well, maybe this will change your mind," He shows two sheets of paper, clearly displaying tickets to the opera. Liz knows they're quite costly with a rare occurrence to align with her schedule, so she's never gone. Obviously she's wanted to, she's wanted to see those expressive actors with their melodic lines and stunning costumes. And thanks to this man, it's finally happening.
"Liz Harper, I have been meaning to ask you this for the longest time." Henry draws a deep breath. Pocketing the tickets and holding both of her hands. Looking deep into her dark brown eyes and trying to hold back a smile. Both of them deliberately slow down their words, trying to guess what the other will say.
"Will-"
"Will you go to the opera with me?"
"Oh, fuck you!" Liz playfully shoves Henry before pulling him back to rest on his shoulders. Closing her eyes and giving a quick kiss on his neck.
"You better ask quickly or I'll ask before you."
"A woman with initiative. I've always been into that," He cups her chin and tilts it to face him, his thumb hovering on her lower lip.
"Liz Harper… may I be your Valentine and your date to the opera?"
Without a warning, Liz wraps her arms around him and seals them in a searing kiss. Thinking its an awkward position, Henry's left hand travels to her waist, then her thighs to let her sit on his lap. Before the man could go for more, she pulls instantly.
"I'd love nothing more." Liz kisses him on the cheek.
"And… I got another arrangement for you. This one will come from the heart as I… was too excited, I failed to write a card in time."
Picking it up from under the bench, Henry brings out a massive bouquet of pink zinnias surrounded by baby's breath, all of it wrapped around beautiful white and purple paper.
"Zinnias are supposed to be for endurance, remembrance, and lasting affection. I think it describes us awfully well."
"And the baby's breath?" Liz leans closer, centimeters away from likely locking lips again. Henry simply shrugs, clearing out some hair that blocks Liz's left eye.
"It just looked nice."
The two of them pause their conversation to admire the view.
Liz opens up first minutes later. A soft tone, almost a caress. "So, what time should I come to you?"
--
Valentine's Day: Where Everything Falls in Place.
Or atleast it should all go according to plan.
Henry and Liz talked all day through the phone, but she hasn't said anything in an hour, and the show's about to start soon. He won't lie when he says that the uncertainty of it makes him sweat. He frantically checks his surroundings and glances at his expensive watch. As his mood gets slightly more sour, someone taps his shoulder and makes him turn back. He sees Liz with a half-updo, letting strands of her curly hair let loose while framing her face. Wearing a yellow silk dress and burgundy coat.
"I hope you're excited." Liz smiles, reaching for his face to kiss him on the cheek. She puts her weight onto him, with the man tightly gripping on her waist. Henry's train of thought completely disappeared before he looks away from her eyes and blushes. Briefly giving a beautiful bouquet of pink carnations and sunflowers, with white daisies on the side.
"And I see you got me something, too. At this rate, you'll turn my apartment into a botanical garden," She beams at him, refusing to let go of his shoulders. They stare deeply into each other's eyes, releasing tension from Henry's head.
"We should go in, shall we? We've got fifteen minutes left 'til showtime."
Like what Liz expected, the opera feels so surreal. The chilling atmosphere of that place, plus the thrilling action that she's witnessing. The intense romance and tragedy, the raw expressions of the actors— she let herself be mesmerized by everything.
Suddenly, Henry tightly grips her hand, a slight circular motion caused by his thumb. She knows he's not entirely paying attention to the show, his gaze fixated on Liz's face. The awe in her eyes warms his heart. She pretends not to notice, but sensing his deep, warm eyes focus solely on her for almost half of the show, she knew she had to "catch" him in the act.
"Are you enjoying the show?" She speaks softly, pretending to be upset. She quickly turns to him, and Henry immediately looks back at the stage, his free hand covering his mouth, trying to hide a smile. Henry mutters a small "Yup," still facing the front.
"Hm… yeah, yeah. Keep looking at me like that."
"Like what?"
"Like you love me."
"Maybe it's because I do," Those words slip out of his mouth almost immediately, leaving no time for him to think. Liz sits frozen, her face mixed with surprise and amusement.
"Did you just…"
"No, I didn't…"
A pause sits in with them. Terrifying for Henry, satisfying for Liz. Having difficulty explaining himself, Henry points to the rising conflict among the actors. The music is much more dramatic this time.
"Oh, this is starting to get interesting."
It isn't, but Liz knows he just doesn't want to talk about it. But she will bring it up. Maybe to make him smile, or make him fluster. Or both. Regardless, she rests on Henry's shoulders. Bringing her lips to his ears, her free hand toying with a button from his coat.
"Don't worry, I'm in love with you too."
--
The show comes to a close, with booming applause all around. As they exit the opera, Henry wraps his arm around Liz strolling by the sidewalks. The night holds some windy breeze, colder than usual. He's been silent the past few minutes but still trying to keep a smile when the pair's eyes meet.
"So, about what you said earlier-"
"Liz," Henry interrupts her.
He knows she wants him to say it again. Of course she wants him to say it, get him slightly riled up to get a scene like the movies. He won't fold that easily.
"Come on! I didn't hear it that well and you kn-"
"Liz."
"What?" She smiles, the one that feels like they are both in an inside joke but makes Henry wants to scream at this exact moment. He grabs her wrists and paces faster to a random big house's wall. She leans against it, kissing Henry with a big sense of urgency. Or maybe he kissed her first, cupping her face like it's their last day. When he pulls away after two minutes, he pants, holding an expression Liz can't describe. She thinks it's a pleasant one, since the man's eyes darken, looking at her lips.
"I love you, Liz. I fucking love you. I'll say it tens, hundred times more if I have to," Henry smiles.
He peppers kisses all over her face and neck, a wave of bliss briefly flashing on his face.
"I love you too, Henry. So, so much."
She cups his face with her free hand, trying to savor how good it felt to hear those words. She smiles knowing much she likes being with him. How good he looks against her, how cautious his words are with her, and how precious he treats her. It's far from perfect, but it's good enough for her.
"You know… you should stay the night with me." She says, slightly slowing down on her words. Henry looks at her quizzingly.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah! It's getting late anyway, I'll help save you some time and gas. And plus…" She tugs on his collar to pull him closer, not straying away from eye contact.
"Who wouldn't want to spend extra time with me?"
Henry steps away, pretending to think. At the end, he nods like he never had to think. He was going to say yes regardless.
"Hmm. Now that is an offer I can't refuse."
The two have a fast drive home. Quickly stumbling back into Liz's apartment before finding themselves on her bed. Very comforting, dimly lit, and fairly cold. They embrace tightly in each other arms, refusing to even change positions. To Henry, it was all worth it. Like his business, giving back to people cures a small part of his soul. Despite some setbacks and failure in clarity, he'd do it all over again to put a smile on his girlfriend's face. Whom he loves. Truly. Wholeheartedly.