35. Heat-Proof (for Broken-Zodiac)

Note: Apologies for the random double update thing. I updated Chapter 35 a minute ago and decided to chop of the first part of it, thus making it uncomprehendable. So I've had to re-write the first part again.

Another Note: My copy of Parade's End arrived from Amazon yesterday. So if I have a sudden and unscheduled gap between chapters it's because I am busy staring at Ben's gorgeous portrayal of Christopher Tietjens, (which i can only pronounce as 'tight jeans'), in awe. Ahem.

Anyway!

Enjoy!

John, where's your Browning? - SH

I don't know, Sherlock. Where is my Browning? I thought it was in my top drawer? - JW

You moved it. Don't make me rummage for it. - SH

Because you know full well I will. - SH

The last time I used it was on the Crawford case last week. And I'd prefer if any 'rummaging' was left to me, Sherlock. - JW

Why, John? Something to hide? I need it. Rather urgently. - SH

Fine, I understand you may need it Sherlock but please let me do the rummaging. - JW

You are hiding something from me. You know very well I will be able to find out what it is. Even without the need to rummage. - SH

No doubt you've already worked it out then... - JW

Oh, yes. I already know it's a gift for me. The reason for the gift I am yet to decipher. But I will, give me time. - SH

There's really no point in trying to be romantic with you is there? And where is your own gun, Sherlock? - JW

I've taken it apart obviously. - SH

What? Why on earth? - JW

Because I'm testing the heat resistance of the barrels. I told you that earlier. Really John, you should learn to take better mental notes. - SH

Okay, okay fine. I'll look for mine. - JW

Hurry, John. Another question - where do you keep the bullets? - SH

You honestly don't that? Is your head screwed on properly? I don't want you losing it. - JW

You've picked up on how to hide things from me. But you do need to hurry, I can't leave the kitchen. - SH

Oh god. Why not? - JW

There's a dangerous experiment I'm running based in the kitchen. If I move too much, my temperature will rise and 221B Baker Street will be no more. Bullets please. - SH

Temperature?! Sherlock what the hell are you doing?! - JW

Testing the heat resistance of your gun and comparing it with another one I've designed based on the users temperature. It's amazing really, the gun fires when the handle grows hot, but only up to 37 degrees. Any higher and it will self-destruct. I need bullets to finish it off. - SH

I don't know whether to be impressed or terrified. Bullets are in the draw below the microwave. - JW

Good. Kitchen. That's helpful. - SH

-Later-

You'll be pleased to know the experiment works and 221B remains intact. - SH

Although the oven gloves didn't make it. - SH

I'd rather it be the oven gloves than you, Sherlock. I'll be home in 10 minutes, by the way. Please tell me there's no major mess made in the kitchen? - JW

Depends what you determine 'major mess' as, John. - SH

Oh god... - JW

I can see the floor if that helps. - SH

Some of it, anyway. - SH