"I don't know," Watson said, after a moment's silence. "I can't say I didn't enjoy that, because I did. Very much." He paused again, not at all sure what it was he wanted to say, but he stroked Holmes's hair while he thought. That was a remarkably easy, natural thing to do, considering he had never done it. "Should I feel corrupted? I'm not sure that I do."

He sighed, more thoughtful this time. "I am feeling rather tired, and rather pleased, but also rather conflicted about it. Not as conflicted as I would have thought, however. I suppose that's promising."

He glanced at Holmes again, his expression soft. "If I may ask... how did you feel, your first time?"