[When William steps closer, Albert offers the softest of smiles. It means little, he knows, because the trepidation is still there. But he adores this man, as a man and as his brother, in every way. He wants to walk beside him still.

Nothing in that has changed. Just their actions.

He meets William's eyes, his faint smile wavering.]

Stay with them? And what of you?

[A single finger traces the outline of William's gem, then he leans in to kiss William on the corner of his lips, slow and gentle.]

You are not a monolith, William. Do you not need me?

[Now it's Albert's turn to grab William's gaze.]

I know you have Sherlock. I know he is, in certain ways, more wonderful for you than I can ever think to be. I want so dearly for you to be happy. I want you to have peace. To be able to explore this world with all of your heart and your mind. I think of the wonderful things you could do here and it lifts my spirits.

[A small sigh.]

Will, you could change this world. I want to see it. But selfishly... not at my expense.