"You are a pretty thing," Alex informed him. The liquid courage probably helped propel those words right out into the open air, but they were entirely true, and it was not the first time Alex had thought them. Even when they were the worst of enemies he'd thought Henry was unfairly gorgeous -- though he'd deny it up and down at the time, especially when Nora tried to argue the fact.

But well, Henry was beautiful. He was also smart and funny and dedicated. Alex was starting to realize how much trouble he was in, and found himself eager to chase after it anyway.

The garden had come into view before them, and even from the distance as they approached, it really did look lovely. Alex reached over without looking, catching Henry's fingers with his own, a brief touch to let the other man know he was there before linking their hands together properly.