Disclaimer: Based on Laurie R. King's Mary Russell novels, of which I am clearly not the author. I claim no ownership of characters or any other novel extracts.

Author's Note from Erkith: I've only recently begun following Russell's adventures, so actual events of the books may differ from what is written here… in fact, it is my intention to do just that. Play with the "what if"s.

Always been a big fan of Holmes, I can't help but write from his perspective, though I've another Russell fic in mind… I'll get that out there soon I hope…

Please enjoy!

Erkith

Under Lock and Key

Chapter Two: Experimental Ideas

I fear that I have perhaps exaggerated the situation, or at least my reaction to it. Upon rereading I sound rather like a petulant child. Thus, to clarify, I feel I must impose upon you the observation that I have not yet slunk back into the opium dens, nor thrown myself in front of an oncoming streetcar. I am merely concerned.

As Watson's readers will note, I am not a person unaccustomed to large bouts of preoccupation and complete antisocialism. I have passed many hours alone with a full mind and violin or pipe in hand.

Russell's will no doubt have noticed that our marriage has its own little rules, and fully comprehends the need for lengthy separations – not terribly unlike that of Mahmoud's; although, for very different reasons.

So, by all accounts, I should understand.

However, it is one thing to be physically separated, and another to be completely ignored for what is approaching a month. I find myself profoundly grateful that both Moriarty and his daughter are deceased, for I sincerely doubt Russell would take notice them unless there was a gun barrel pressed to the base of her skull.

Yesterday, as an experiment, I attempted to shut her books, only to deflect a blow aimed directly at my throat.

"Holmes! What on Earth were you doing?" Russell exclaimed. My wife lowered her arm.

"Why, an experiment Russell." I answered, grinning as I rubbed my arm that had shielded the blow.

She narrowed her eyes at me. "On?"

"My newest monograph." There is no such thing of course. That should be plainly obvious.

"Oh really." She arched a brow at me as she sat down again. "I wasn't aware that you were in the process of writing one."

"Yes, well you weren't aware that I was standing behind you either." Nor, apparently, that I was now lying to her.

"I guess I've been a bit distracted of late."

To this I raised a brow. Not that she noticed. "What is it you're working on?"

She gave me a short explanation, little of which I absorbed. I have little patience for theology, and even less than usual at the moment. I gave the piles of scrolls on the desk a glare. Her hands were absently stroking their parchment, and her body was unconsciously turning towards them – classic body language.

Russell was more than ready to slip back to her academic comatose. Her body was screaming it, even as her mouth absently filled me in, as per my request. She was indulging me.

I barely contained the low hiss of anger. "Very well, would you care to join me for a walk?"

She turned her back. "No thanks, Holmes. I'll just continue on…" She trailed off.

"When you have a moment there's something I'd like to have you translate."

"For your monograph?"

"For a case."

She glanced back and frowned. "Sure."

I said nothing. Hoping…

She hesitated, but then her books called to her, and she was gone.

As I seated my self in my study, I let out a breath of relief. Inventing that had been a bit rash. Should she have taken me up on that translation now I'd have had nothing to show.

I sat back and lit my pipe.

"What one has to do to gain your attention, Russell." I muttered.

But for just a moment I'd had her.

I smiled as an idea formed.

A/N: Comments (reviews) are much appreciated. Not to mention that I'm curious as to how many Laurie R. King readers there are out there.

a) Because I write faster that way

b) Because then my writing improves :D

Hope you enjoyed this chap!