"Then use my bloody arm or one of your dummies or something! Or at the very least, don't bloody surprise me like that!" It was rarely a good idea to surprise an emotionally-traumatised military man, after all, if he's explaining himself to justify why he's so upset. But no, Sherlock, it's not just that he's angry... He's surprised for many reasons, more at himself than at Sherlock. He sets the photos in his hand down, perhaps a little harder than he needed to and rubbed his neck where the rope had pressed, however gently.

"With you around, I can't be sure whether it's you or someone's come to kidnap me again." Once was more than enough for John to handle, thank you very much. He swallows hard and takes a deep breath, squaring his shoulders and forcing his heart rate back down. It takes him a moment, but once he's no longer flushed, he looks back to Sherlock, who whether he knows it or not, does look rather upset.

"Sorry, sorry." He lifts his hands in a tense, but hopefully placating measure. "You're right. I just... I was surprised. Please, continue." He doesn't quite meet Sherlock's gaze, feeling that analytical stare reading every minute expression even he's not aware he's making."Just maybe... give me a little warning next time, hm?"