He inhales sharply at Watson's mouth to his neck, and he pauses momentarily in his unbuttoning of Watson's shirt to clutch at him through the fabric. After allowing himself a moment to indulge in the sensation, he returns to his task; once he unbuttons Watson's shirt, he runs his fingertips over the exposed skin, lightly teasing.

"I have no interest in seeing either of us singed." He ducks his mouth, biting gently at the skin of Watson's shoulder. "I would rather see us engulfed in metaphoric flames over actual flames, so have little fear. I will keep you unharmed," he murmurs softly against Watson's ear.

He draws them both back slightly, enough so that he can remove Watson's shirt, waistcoat, and jacket without accidentally dragging them through the fire.