Smiling at the slightly ticklish touch on his skin, at the possessive branding of the initials over his heart, at the small and meaningful mark of ownership, Watson turned his head to kiss Holmes again.

"You are never repulsive," he chided. He spoke in a low murmur, hardly more than a whisper, throaty and full of emotion. "Don't speak such nonsense. You are so handsome, you are such a blessing to me, it would be poor of me indeed to complain about so small a thing as a little stubble." Watson brushed a thumb over Holmes's chin, following the touch of his fingers with his lips. "I haven't often kissed men so unshaven, that's all."

With one hand on Holmes's back, his fingers curled and gently stroking the skin, and his other playing over Holmes's face, Watson sighed, rather happily. "I think I might enjoy the novelty a little."