The only way to save John, to save everyone he cared for, was to jump.
He kind of knew it the second he arrives at the rooftop: that this was the hour his game with Moriarty would end.
It would be decided who would lose and who'd win, and one of them would die.
There was no other way to stop this.
He predicted it, he had talked to Molly about death and what would follow, his questions were answered, he knew what he had to do.
And now he knew that there really was no other way, knew how it would end.
Moriarty was dead, he had shot himself in the mouth, his eyes empty, looking at the sky but not seeing it. Blood pooling around his head and Sherlock hoped that he had not left instructions for another round of his deadly game.
Because once he was in the air, falling toward his future, he could no longer help his loved ones.
John would have to look after Mrs Hudson and probably get another flatmate to pay the rent, a thought Sherlock did not like at all.
Lestrade, Donovan and Anderson would have to work without him – they would be flat on their back without his help.
Irene would have to search herself another intelligent man to tease, one who perhaps would even return her feelings.
He did not like the future – but he had to do it nonetheless. Because if not all of them would not even have a future.
Sherlock closed his eyes, forced his fingers to stop shaking.
All he wanted was to hear Johns voice one last time, give him a reason to hate him so he would get over his death sooner.
He already hated himself for what he would do, but this way it was easier for John. At least he hoped so.
He closes his eyes as John picks up, enjoying the concern he hears in Johns voice
He starts crying as he tells the lies, shattering the high image John held of him.
For the first time in a long time, tears travel down his cheekbones.
One last glance toward John, his best and only friend, then he closes the eyes again.
"Goodbye, John"
One short moment he is floating in the air, feeling incredibly light as if he could fly.
He just hopes everything will turn out right.
It had to, simply because of John.
Then he starts falling and the last thing he hears is Johns scream.
"SHERLOCK!"
Everything turns black.