He maybe takes a little longer than strictly necessary to clean off Watson's thighs, and if he accidentally loses track of the sponge and winds up touching Watson's skin here and there, well, it's clearly unintentional. This is another of those moments where Holmes can find such peace, such welcomed stillness, that he can hardly believe there isn't an orchestra nearby, playing the finale. To know that their evening started the way it did, and now they're here is reassuring.

"We need to synchronize our bathing schedule," he murmurs against Watson's skin, trailing his mouth up to Watson's ear now. "You're perhaps more alluring in the bath than out. I'll have to pay attention when you get out this evening."