"Surely you can," Watson said, smiling a little. "Wait until you see how big Robert's getting. He demands stories of you at bedtime, too."

He slid his hand over Holmes's shoulder and ribs, delicate, affectionate. "I'll find time for you somewhere, have no worry." He kissed him, gently, and settled himself down again. "Don't think me ungrateful to have you back again. Are there any other facts I should know but probably don't wish to? We might as well get it all in the open now." His voice was flippant but the concern underneath was very real. "Did you leave a string of heartbroken young men behind you all the way to Tibet? That's a good place to start."