AN: An alternate take on the final words of "His Last Bow." This will be the final chapter of 'Circumspect', and it seems I've come full circle - the first chapter of 'Fortnight' was AU, and so is this last piece. Thank you to all those who favorited, followed, read, and reviewed. And Merry Christmas, everyone!

Written: 9-25-14

Bowing Out

"I assume you'll not be writing up this case," Holmes remarked quietly.

I nodded in assent, then replied in turn, "It's been long enough since my last tale the public would likely have no interest anyhow. And I'll confess, I would prefer not to have all the details of my private life displayed in print."

"Your alterations, I assume."

"Indeed. With my son leaving to war and you returning home to your own wife, Holmes, I'm afraid it's I who will be left rather bereft."

"Nonsense. I will expect you to visit every fortnight. And Mrs. Holmes will have need of you shortly, I believe, and perhaps that of a midwife."

I started in surprise. "She is..."

"Well on the way to motherhood. And I soon will be a father. I must confess I never thought I would see the day."

"Nor I."

We stood in silence a moment, our minds turning back the years like the timeworn pages of a well-loved book. Holmes stirred himself to say, "Well, I must return to her sooner than later, as I promised before the case began." He extended his hand and I grasped it. We shook hands warmly. "Farewell, my dear Watson."

"Goodbye, Holmes."

~The End~