"I do," he he murmurs, and he is relieved to hear that Watson is no longer challenging him. "It's quite elaborate, borderline ridiculous, and altogether ingenious. I'd prefer to keep it a surprise until all is revealed. As usual," he adds, with a small smile.

Oh, but this is heartbreaking. Watson really hasn't taken another lover, but his discerning eye can't, in this case, reliably tell if Watson is still in love with him or not. That isn't something he fancies he can read off the cuffs of his shirt, or the way he's stacked his newspaper. He inclines his head toward something a little more telling.

"That is your room now," he ventures, feeling hesitant. Watson staying in his room is hardly indicative of his feelings for Holmes; maybe he just didn't want to climb the stairs every evening when it was no longer necessary.