He can see what Watson's doing. It hurts. It isn't an offer back into Baker street; it isn't an acceptance, it isn't forgiveness. Watson hasn't made up his mind yet, but he at least doesn't want to turn Holmes out, not yet. Well... That's a start.

"I accept." He offers a smile, one that isn't as steady as the performance smile. Watson deserves more than a hollow performance.

He leads them across the street, and Holmes finds himself relaxing already in the comfort of Baker street, but would he be allowed to stay here more permanently? He tries not to think about that too seriously and instead climbs the seventeen steps to what used to be their sitting room and now maybe is just a familiar room.

"There's your unfortunate double," Holmes declares as he enters, and he gestures at the dummy on the floor.