Oh, no. No, he didn't want a witness for this, not for this ridiculous emotional scene. Watson wiped at his eyes with his handkerchief hastily, and put his hand over Holmes's fingers almost at once. "Yes. Yes, I am real."

Hastily trying to sort himself out, to look presentable and not like he had been crying, he placed his hand on Holmes's forehead, trying to gauge if his fever had improved any.

"How are you feeling?" His voice was rough and hoarse from his tears, but he cleared his throat and tried to carry on.