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Watson's head is still reeling as Doctor Mortimer takes his leave. Holmes was not in London after all. At least not the whole time. He was here. On the moor. Spying on Watson, and playing at camping. Yet despite this elaborate deception, Watson finds that he cannot be upset with Holmes. Holmes had watched over him from afar to ensure he was safe. He had put a plan in place so he could collect Watson's reports while in the country. He had even called the reports "brilliant".
"Watson? Are you quite all right, dear fellow?" Holmes' voice breaks through Watson's thoughts.
"Yes. Just fine old man." He answers quickly.
"Watson." Holmes says in a sing-song voice. "You're deep in thought about something. You're upset? With me?"
Watson looks at Holmes' face then - really looks - and the sight makes his head spin more. Those light eyes are filled with love. Love for him. The realisation is almost nauseating. Holmes didn't play this elaborate trick because he doesn't trust Watson. Quite the opposite. He wanted no one to know of his whereabouts so he could ensure that Watson was safe while conducting his secret investigation.
"I'm glad to see that you have finally grasped that I didn't mean to trick you my dear." Holmes smiles, reading his mind. "But I knew I could work the case from a different angle if everyone else believed me to be in London. You must believe me when I say that I had every confidence in your investigative abilities, my dear Watson, and my confidence has been proven by these excellent reports you have written me. I hid from you because I needed to watch our man without him knowing I was watching him. But I never let you out of my sight if I could help it."
Watson approaches his partner and kisses his cheek gently.
"I know dear. I know this was as hard for you as it has been for me." He whispers as he cups Holmes' cheek with one hand and takes his hand with the other.
Holmes kisses him gently.
"You are the most brilliant man I have ever met, John Watson." He whispers.
Watson feels his head spin again as he blushes furiously.
"Just promise me you won't lie to me again."
"I promise."
Holmes makes Watson some soup while he gives the other man time to recover. Holmes knows exactly how to make Watson's head spin and Watson is still dizzy with love as they head to Baskerville Hall. Together at last.