It's just Photoshop, dear

I don’t think that’s what u had in mind but let’s pretend it is ;]

Mycroft: Something simple and dignified.

Bartender: Not sure what you mean, but this one comes with an umbrella in it…

You know... this scene!

The sweetest things

Mycroft’s finger hovered against the glass. “That one.”

“Which one?”

“There. It is different than the others.”

Sherlock followed his gaze into the slow buzzing fury inside the jar.

“Ah! Mycroft, you found the queen.”

Mycroft tried to look casual but was clearly pleased. Sherlock’s smile began slowly. Mycroft saw it and immediately tried to wipe the look off his own face.

“You like bees,” Sherlock smirked.

“I tolerate them.”

“You like my bees.”

“I am tolerating your bees.”

Sherlock looked positively delighted by this distinction. Mycroft returned his attention to the jar with considerably more dignity than the situation warranted. He cleared his throat.

“Their organization is admirable.”

“Of course.”

“Clear hierarchy. Specialized labour. Efficient communication. Everyone understands their function.”

Sherlock’s grin widened.

“You want some.”

Mycroft looked appalled.

“I most certainly do not.”

A bee landed on the glass directly beneath his finger. Mycroft watched it.

#his queens are named elizabeth i… elizabeth ii… and victoria

JOHN: No.

Sherlock didn't look up.

JOHN: Absolutely not.

Sherlock rose to his feet in one fluid motion. He turned with a light spin to face John.

SHERLOCK: The suspect used the ballet company to move stolen diamonds between cities. Dancers have unrestricted access to the stage, dressing rooms, orchestra pit, and loading dock. Perfect way to conduct a search.

John shook his head in frustration.

JOHN: Yeah, I get that, but we already know everything. The diamonds were hidden in the soles of the directors shoes. We don’t have to go through with the act at all.

Sherlock said nothing, though there was a kind of emotion in his eyes. John wasn't sure what it was, but he did know there was something Sherlock wasn't saying.

Then it clicked.

JOHN: Oh god.

Sherlock turned away.

JOHN: We’re doing this because you want to do it.

Sherlock began to unnecessarily tie his shoe. John moved to deliberately catch his eye. When Sherlock finally met his gaze, he looked sheepish and quiet.

SHERLOCK: I… never get the chance to practice my pas de deux.

John sighed and shook his head.

The stage manager appeared from around the corner. John stood up straight, stretched out his back and legs, then glanced over one shoulder. He took a few steps towards the stage.

JOHN: You coming?

Sherlock looked up and beamed.

JOHH: If I survive this, you know that you're buying dinner.

Sherlock smiled a small, genuine smile and offered his hand.

SHERLOCK: I already made reservations.

With a long-suffering sigh that suggested he'd accepted his fate years ago, John took it.

In the essay, he mentioned a scientific report and cited the authors of the report. One of them had a really unique and familiar name to me.

Yeah, turns out one of the girls who used to bully me is now the leading researcher on psychopathology and is hugely respected in her field, a world expert.

People usually say things like "don't worry about bullies! they will reap what they sow!" or the old "He'll be the most popular guy in his cell block," (that one i heard oodles of times)

But visually confirming that this now grown woman who graduated with me is so brilliantly successful and on the cutting edge of medical psychology or whatever, I just have this strange feeling.

Almost as if she won.

Like, in the long run, bullying me mercilessly got her in the role she is in today.

She was leaning against a walker, had oxygen on, and it was pretty hot out. I started to chat with her (checking in to see if she's ok) and she commented that it was nice to see blue sky instead of smoke.

So we started chatting a little, and I eventually asked if she was safe or had a ride. She said the senior's bus was coming for her in a half hour. I said I'd drop everything and give her a ride home, but she said she was enjoying the sun.

I went to bloodwork, got my test done about 25 mins later, I come out, I see she is still waiting. I ask again if I could give her a ride, I explained I was a safe person, and we could call the bus if she liked, giving my name and number. She said it was ok, and the bus actually arrived as we were waiting.

I got home and told my friend the story about the lady and about the school bully becoming successful.

My friend said she'd rather have me as a friend than the world-famous psychologist person.

I guess it is all how you see the world.

Yes I was bullied. Yes that person is still out there doing whatever. But I made an old lady comfortable and kept her company until the bus arrived.