“You’ve never had a date on Valentine's? Like… ever?” River questioned, his brows furrowing in disbelief. River sat up a bit, eyes narrowing. “Wait so– not even flowers? Chocolates?” He was practically interrogating you. He let out an exasperated huff when you shook your head, silent as he took a sip of his beer. Not like I’ve been on a million dates either, River thought to himself, eyes leaving your form. After a stretch of way too awkward silence, “You free the 14th?” – Chocolates, flowers… what else? River’s eyes scanned the passenger seat, reaching over to gently move and shuffle the large bouquet of your favorite flowers and a heart-shaped box of chocolates with different flavors. River glanced back up, adjusting his rearview mirror so he could see himself a bit better. He would have laughed at the fear written across his face if it wasn’t embarrassing as all hell. He was dressed… nice. Nicer than usual, anyway. A red button-up with the collar properly smoothed and the cuffs at the end of the sleeves rolled up a few times with black slacks. His face was freshly shaved and despite the nerves etching into his face, he looked good.

Holding the flowers, box of chocolates, and little Valentine’s card all in one hand, River shut the door of his Thorton and sighed, jaw clenched tight from his nerves. The outside of the restaurant already looked way too rich for his tastes– but he knew you deserved at least one night of being pampered. Plus, it didn’t sound horrible. A nice meal albeit for way too much money, plus a nice date– not a date. Right? This was… professional. River was just being a good friend. Yeah. Sure.

After being seated at the table he reserved for the two of you, River shakily sighed, checking the time with a click flicker to a digital clock via his cyber optic, he did his best to relax, setting the flowers and chocolates on the table. If you stuck to your text, you’d be here soon. Half of him was excited, the other half wanted to... implode.