"You have it exactly," Watson murmured, glancing down as Holmes undid his collar and buttons. He was not really in the best position to be able to return the favour, but he shifted an arm to bring it into a semi-convenient position for that. "I don't see any point in delaying, do you? So long as we remain against the fireplace and not in it." Having moved Holmes's collar out of the way, Watson moved to press his mouth against the skin of his neck.

"Fortunately," he added, "I have the utmost faith in your ability to keep us unsinged."