Henrik had known from the moment that Bernie had entered the room that sparks would fly between the two women, but he hadn't known how every head in the place would turn when Bernie took to the dance floor. The rich burgundy of her dress complimented her hair and skin, and it was all he could do to not stare at the surgeon's rear as she sashayed through the sea of people. Really, it was completely unprofessional of him to look at her as if she was a mere object, not a fully functioning human, and he hoped that he could remain objective when they worked together next.

It didn't take long for Bernie to reach Serena's side, but there was a moment before Serena noticed her behind them. When it finally happened, Henrik was pleased to see how instantaneously Serena relaxed, her whole body bowing towards Bernie the moment her hand closed around Serena's shoulder.

Marcus looked entirely put out as he and Bernie exchanged words. And then, Serena was turning around and even he had to blush at the intensity of the kiss that she and Bernie shared. It seemed like they would never come up for air, and he tugged on the corner of his bow tie as he started forward, never taking his eyes off the women.

They were on their third kiss by the time he reached their side, and Margaret and Ric were there, too, grinning like fools. Henrik knew that he had to do something to break them up, as they really were causing quite the scene, and he coughed lightly. Bernie gasped sharply as she looked over at them, and it was then that he saw the tears that were rolling down both their cheeks.

"While I am loathe to interrupt such a tender reunion, I feel like I need to inform you that from the way things are looking to everyone else around you, you ladies need to find a room or quit the heated kisses. Unless you want the place to devolve into some sort of bacchanalia."

Serena blushed deeply, even as Bernie threw her head back and laughed loudly. "Is someone a bit jealous?" she asked as she slung her arm around Serena's waist. He watched them lean into each other, and knew that things were going to be all right between them, even if they still needed to have a long conversation about leaving and staying.

"No, I rather think that I'll be fine this evening, going home alone. Especially since I know that my two brightest surgeons are going to be on even keel once more. Though I know that you are on shift come Sunday, Serena, and I expect you to be there, with bells on."

"Oh, that is not fair, Henrik!" She fixed a black look on him as she closed her arm around Bernie's waist, resting her head on the woman's shoulder. "I can be completely professional, even when I'm working with someone I care for quite deeply. I won't shirk my duties."

"I have complete faith in you to do just that, Serena." He gave her a small smile, trying to let her know that everything was going to be fine in the hospital when they were together. "Now, you need to make a choice. Stay on the dance floor and do just that, or go home and talk things through."

"Oh, I rather doubt that they'll be doing much talking tonight, Henrik." Margaret giggled lightly as she reached out for Bernie's hand. "I'm Margaret, by the way. If your Serena wasn't so committed to you, I would have tried to cajole her to come home with me this evening. Though she did say that we were to have drinks sometime."

Bernie shook the woman's hand, giving her a soft smile. "That might be nice," she replied before winking at Henrik. "Make certain you leave your details with Hanssen, here, since we'll be seeing him Monday. We're going to be too wrapped up in each other this weekend to go out for anything."

"I understand completely! And now I'm off to see if I can find someone to go home with this evening. Your happiness is so effusive." Leaning in, she kissed Serena's cheek lightly before melting into the crowd, leaving it just the four of them.

"You should probably take a leaf from Margaret's book, boys. Unless you want to be privy to another heated snogging session."

Serena fixed her steely gaze on him, and Henrik nodded as he turned to leave. From the corner of his eye, he caught Serena turning to Bernie once more, saw the sweet smile that danced about her lips, and smiled himself. Really, he was quite glad to have played matchmaker between the two of them, even if they didn't realise that was exactly what had happened along the way.

"Wait up!"

Henrik paused so that Ric could join him as they went over to the bar. "I would say that was crisis averted, wouldn't you, Mister Griffin?"

The other man nodded before requesting a whiskey. Henrik held up his finger as well, and the bartender nodded before filling two glasses and handing them over. "I take it that the lady you're with finally got rid of that louse?" he asked pointedly.

"That she did. He scurried away right quickly once Bernie showed up and staked her claim on Serena. It was quite satisfying to watch, actually." Henrik have the man a short smile before turning to face the dancers once more, his eyes immediately drawn to Bernie and Serena. They stood out from everyone else, as the joy that surrounded them shone radiantly around the room. "I sincerely hope that they can confine those reactions to home, especially since you're going to be the new CEO."

Ric hastily swallowed his drink, coughing a little as he turned to look at him. "I'm sorry?"

"I have other obligations that I must fulfill, so I am leaving Holby City in your more than capable hands. I just wanted to make certain that one terrible wrong had been righted before I left, and now it has. Though I will be expecting regular updates on how things are going. All right?"

"I think I can handle that. Though I wish you weren't leaving."

"All things change, Ric, it is how we handle them that determines if they change for the better or the worse." He sipped at his drink before looking at Ric. "And I do hope that you handle everything well. Though there isn't much to worry about, I feel."

"I'm glad that you have faith in me. But I am surprised that you didn't offer this position to Serena."

Henrik raised one shoulder as he looked at the women once more. "I don't think she would have been happy if I had done that. After all, this way she gets to work closely with someone she loves, and still feel like she's lady of the manse."

"There is that. And there will be a sympathetic eye watching out for them, too."

Henrik nodded as he finished his drink. "That is true. Now, I am going to find Sophie, dance a few more times with her, and then head home. You are free to do whatever you wish, as I have the feeling that there have already been a number of contributions earmarked for Holby. Good work tonight."

"I should say the same of you, Henrik." They shared a warm smile before Henrik set the glass aside and went back onto the dance floor, hoping that Sophie was free to partner with him once more.