Jonathan Sims

John grins outright at the request. "I think we could manage that."

Martin hasn't requested anything specific, but as far as book choices go, the answer seems rather obvious. John hasn't actually picked up Watership Down since the last time Martin was ill — not because he wasn't curious to know what happened next, but because carrying on without Martin's involvement hadn't... well, it hadn't felt right, or held much appeal. He probably could have suggested they continue the read-along for no other reason than the enjoyment of it, but it never felt important enough to outweigh the embarrassment of making such a belated request in the first place.

But now, with Martin both making the suggestion and providing such an excellent excuse, it's easy to just look forward to it. "Let's get you settled," he says, keeping an arm curled around him for both comfort and support as he guides him back into the bedroom. Once Martin's comfortably situated on the bed, John doubles back to the living room, where he plucks Watership Down off the shelf. Then he returns to Martin's side, settling himself in bed and then lifting his arm in invitation. "Come on, then," he coaxes with a warm, easy smile.