[Johnlock/Mystrade] Tears in rain

Chapter 5

July 2026    London   Sixth year of the end of the Great Purge

The annual summer races were still preserved by tradition.

This also marked the arrival of the social season in London.

The dignitaries and people who wanted to seek connection to the them, all dressed up to attend, London's top hotels are overcrowded.

Irene had already established herself in high society, and her rumors with numerous prominent people have been the subject of gossip among the ladies.

For this race, she was the special guest organizer, working with Moriarty to plan the event. Both of them were extremely clever people, and they each had what each other needs.

Irene was determined to win Sherlock over, while Moriarty wanted to pry Mycroft's purse strings and get some more budget.

Sport had never been Mycroft's thing, so he just sat idly in the stands, chatting with His Royal Highness.

Sherlock took a few rides on the new horse Mycroft had just bought him, then stood by the stables watching the workers groomed the horse.

Looking at the handsome Holmes the younger in the distance, in his riding clothes, Moriarty said with an impish smile, "He is very handsome, isn't he, Miss Irene?"

"Oh, Jim, handsomeness is not what attracts me, conquest is." Irene laughed.

They smiled at each other and walked in silent agreement to where Mycroft was in the stands.

There was also a venue for the public, where people sat comfortably on the grass, in twos and threes, enjoying the rarely seen sunny weather.

Sally, at John's insistence, reluctantly came to what she always considered to be a high-society showpiece.

John just felt that Sally needed more exposure to new people and events and fresh air than he did.

John was the kind of person who seem meek and gentle yet was tough in heart.

Sally, on the other hand, was the opposite. She was always seems forceful and strong. It was only after spending time with her that he realized how soft she really was and how much she wanted to be protected.

Falling in love with a married man and thought that was it for the rest of her life.

But who would have guessed that the man could have gone that far.

All that remained for her now was the scar on her neck, a permanent reminder of the man who once gave up his life to save her.

John didn't know if this was the mercy of fate or it's cruelty.

The good weather and the happy crowd brought a gentle smile to Sally's face that he hadn't seen much before.

The two of us watched the races with great interest, betting on which rider would win.

they picked a slightly less crowded spot, took out lunch and had a picnic.

Life, in fact, was still good.

Both John and Sally had learned not to ask too much of life.

 Life was more generous to those who are easily satisfied.

Mycroft looked at his brother with a smile, "Haven't you got your hands on him yet?"

Sherlock withdrew his eyes nonchalantly, "He's weird."