"How contradictory." He laughs, a small broken sound, because he needs a way to release some of the emotion that's building up in him and that's the most convenient, like Watson's burst of anger is for him. He strokes through Watson's hair, onto the back of his neck, and he pulls him up for a kiss, tender and seeking.

"Hush, my darling. My John. God, but we are meant to be together," he says, breathless from the intensity of it all, and he fists a hand in Watson's sleeve. "You -- you are..." He touches Watson's face lightly and closes his eyes as a wave of dizziness hits him. "I'll make it through this," he promises.