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“This damp weather is quite awful,” Watson muttered, glaring at the sky. Or rather, towards the direction the sky must be. Such a heavy fog had rolled in across the village that he couldn’t see more than a few feet. “I believe it is trying to prevent us from solving that arson case.”
“Well, at least it is so very damp that it shall prevent any further arson.” With a sigh, Holmes waved his hand through the air. Condensation glistened on his glove. “It is no doubt entirely impossible to start a fire under such conditions. Any spark would be immediately snuffed out.”
“My ability to walk is being snuffed out, too.” Pausing, Watson groaned and reached down to rub his thigh. The whole of his leg was locking up with pain now, as was his left shoulder. “Quite frankly, I don’t know that I can make it back to the inn.”
“I shall assist you,” Holmes declared, taking Watson in a supportive hold. “Is this all right?”
Careful as it was, the supportive hold also made Watson’s shoulder ache worse. However, it was a much less severe ache than he would suffer if he fell while hobbling along, so he simply nodded and accepted Holmes’ help.
He was also glad of his friend’s guidance, for by this point the fog was so thick that the inn could not even be glimpsed. Holmes, who had a truly remarkable skill for navigation under any conditions, led them there nonetheless.
Soon, they were at least out of the fog, although Watson found himself feeling truly awful. He limped along, groaning in pain. His leg trembled underneath him, and if not for the support of Holmes and his cane, he might have fallen. But Holmes was there, and certainly would not let him fall.
“Dear me,” Holmes murmured. “I believe you require rest at once, my boy. It is fortunate that we have already eaten at least a light dinner.”
“Yes, indeed,” Watson managed. His vision blurred, and he clutched at Holmes’ arm to steady himself as he swayed. “I should be… glad of a late night snack, perhaps. But I do require rest.”
“Mm. Rest, and I believe warmth, would be beneficial.” Still supporting Watson with one hand, Holmes touched a finger of the other to his lips. Then he flicked a smile. “Would you care to cuddle? We could perhaps share my bed, as that is the room with a fireplace of its own.”
Watson readily agreed to that plan. Holmes was perpetually cold, and so it had only made sense to insist that he take the warmer room. After that awful walk in the fog, though, Watson needed the warmth himself, too.
Holmes led him into the bedroom, helped Watson out of his damp jacket, and snatched up his own favorite blanket. This, he wrapped around Watson’s shoulders instead of his own, bundling him up quite securely.
“My dear Holmes.” Watson chuckled, his gloom lifting a little at the gesture. They had been the best of friends for decades, and he was very well informed as to what a great honor it was for Holmes to share something so beloved with him. “I hardly want to deprive you of your blanket. It’s a great comfort to you.”
“I am not deprived of my blanket in the least, as it is currently wrapped around my good friend Watson.” With another flash of a smile, Holmes pushed Watson to lie down in bed. “You, too, are a great comfort to me.”
The sweetness of the comment rendered Watson wholly unable to respond. He beamed at Holmes, a little teary, and then let himself be quite thoroughly covered in other blankets, too.
Holmes stoked the low fire, encouraging it higher, and then slid into bed as well. He snuggled against Watson, stroking a hand across the crocheted blanket. “You see, Watson? I am perfectly able to avail myself of my blanket, and of you. Additionally, we have a great many other blankets, which shall be of use to us both. And the fire shall warm the room most adequately.”
“All a great comfort indeed,” Watson said softly, settling in. “Thank you, my dear Holmes. We may not be solving that arson case, but we shall certainly have a pleasant night.”
“My dear Watson.” Holmes gave a mock disappointed huff. “I am perfectly capable of solving an arson case while also having a pleasant night!”
“Yes, of course.” Watson chuckled and closed his eyes. “I shall be taking a nap while you solve the case, then.”
Watson’s leg and shoulder still hurt quite horribly, and would until the weather grew more pleasant. And yet, he was now much more comfortable. Holmes’ kindness had cheered him immensely, and there was nothing he liked better than spending time with his best friend.