"How much Greek do you know, Mr. Reese?"
Reese looked up at Finch curiously. The other man's expression was calm, serene even, and gave away nothing of the reason behind the rather unusual question.
"Never had much use for it," Reese answered. "I could probably order a pita in an Athens restaurant if I had to. Why do you ask? Our new Number speak it?"
"I was just curious. It has nothing to do with our latest Number."
Reese raised an eyebrow. Something was definitely up. "So... are you about to give me a Greek lesson, Finch?"
A flicker of uncertainty flashed in his eyes. "Are you... familiar with the term philia?" he finally asked.
"Philia?" Reese repeated. "No. Should I be?"
"It's one of the four Greek words for 'love'," Finch replied. "The term refers to the mutual affection and caring among brothers... friends. For example, you might know that Philadelphia is known as 'The City of Brotherly Love' – the name being directly derived from philia. And, of course, it also lends itself to the suffix –phile, meaning 'to love' – such as the term bibliophile, meaning 'a lover of books'. Not as in, you know... a lover in the more modern sense of the word, of course… but rather to show considerable fondness for, an enjoyment of…"
Reese studied Finch closely. The reclusive billionaire seemed almost uncomfortable as he spoke – almost as if he were embarrassed that he'd even started this particular conversation. "Never mind," he finally said. "Just... forget I said anything."
"It's okay," Reese said. "I think... I think I get what you're saying."
Finch looked up at him questioningly.
"I'm glad you're my friend, too."
A/N: From clarinetgirl2427's prompt list
Phrase prompt #28: saying "I Love You" without saying the word "love"
I think this qualifies as "tooth-rotting fluff"... *blushes*