"You," Watson observed, finishing his own brandy and settling back against Holmes, "are asking to be kissed, the way you carry on. Very thoroughly, too." He leaned his head back to grin at him. "Although if you could see anything handsome hiding under the mess I was then, you're clearly a more astute observer than even I have hitherto suspected."

Despite his jesting, he was undeniably deeply touched. "I am only ever sorry that I believed you when you told me you were no creature for love, as I cannot imagine many people being as good as falling in love and being in love as you have so far proven yourself to be." Watson smiled softly. "Your downfall or not, it's to my benefit."