Wow, guys, I really don't know what to say. I was really hesitant about not killing Matthew, cos you/we all wanted revenge, and I never thought you would like it so much that I don't kill him. You are amazing. So, now, without further ado, the epilogue.

Disclaimer: see chapter one, plus, title from this chapter is from Here without you by 3 Doors Down. No profit made

Epilogue: I heard this life was overrated...

It was later that night when Sebastian opened the door. He had done what Jim wanted, had delivered Matthew, minus his finger, home, and had then gone to Jim's flat in Chelsea. Jim had texted him he would be there. When Sebastian entered, Jim was sitting on the couch, a glass of whiskey in one hand, a cigar in the other. He was only wearing boxers.

Sebastian noticed the change, "Feeling better?"

Jim nodded, "A bit, at least. Did he say anything? What did you give him as out good-bye present?"

"Cut his hamstring. He didn't say much, apart from the screaming. But I could see he didn't like it, you know, that you let him go. Can you imagine that, he would rather have been tortured than being released by you? You have that effect on people."

Jim chuckled, "Yeah, I know. Oh well, let him live with that. I have better things to do, now, that revenge is done." He took a sip of the whiskey. "You think John Watson will feel the same? About Sherlock gone?"

Sebastian poured himself a glass of whiskey, "Honestly? I think even more. I still think killing him would be a better choice."

"Oh, Sebastian, this is not about the killing. If it was, they would have died at the pool."

"Okay, it's about proving your intellect. To somebody equal to you."

"Well, as close as it gets, really." Jim took a drag of the cigar. "Do you really think Sherlock cares that much? That it would hurt him more if I kill his little pet?"

Sebastian shrugged, "I don't know. He's your equal. You tell me."

Jim focused on the liquid in his glass, "Yeah. I think he does." He paused for a while before he said, "I will destroy Sherlock face-to-face, though. No tricks. It's much more fun if I win without having to resort to ugly methods. I'll keep it in mind, though."

Sebastian took a sip from his whiskey, "Have you ever thought of what would happen if you lose?"

"Of course. Don't worry, you'll be fine. You won't ever have to worry about money again."

"It's not the money, Jim, you know that."

"I know, yes, it's me." Jim got up and walked over to the window. "You know, Sebastian, two months ago I would have said that I will survive this, and I will continue doing what I do, because it's so much fun. Helping all those ordinary people with their ordinary problems." He leaned against the wall and looked out of the window. "Right now, I don't care much anymore. If I die, so be it. As long as I take him down with me. When he's gone, nothing will be left. No challenges."

Sebastian let his eyes wander over Jim's back. The wounds from the whipping had healed, but the scars would remain. "What about Mycroft Holmes? I know I would try and kill him if I were you?"

"No challenge. He's so lazy he wouldn't even run away." He shook his head, "No, Bastian, I don't plan on dying. But really, to me it doesn't make a difference anymore."

"Not to you, no." Sebastian murmured.

Jim chuckled, "You're so sweet."

"Do you think if… that hadn't happened, it would be different?"

"Dunno. Sure, living would be much more fun if I didn't feel like this. But you know…" He shrugged, "…it's not like I ever felt alive. Before Sherlock came, I mean. It's going to be dull without him."

"Then don't destroy him."

"Oh please, of course I will destroy him. What happens after that… I don't know. I don't care. I'm insane."

"You are, indeed." Sebastian grinned. Then he said, "Could you do me favour?"

"Sure, I owe you like a thousand by now."

"Okay… just… try not to die, okay?"

Jim smiled, "I will try."

"Good. Because, really, I would miss you."

Oh, Sebbie :(

This is the end. I wanna thank each and everyone of you for all of your encouragement, your love, your reviews, your adding my story to your list. It really means a lot to me. Also thank you to my silent readers for reading. Those of you who like the whole Seb/Jim thing, I also have two One Shots up, so if you want to read a bit more of my stuff. I have the prologue for the next fic written, and I think I might upload it pretty soon, so...

Love and respect, fergie