Here we are people, the end is here!

I would like to thank all who have read, commented and given advice during the course of this fic. YOU GUYS ROCK!

This last chapter is an edited version. Original is over 6,000 words long, full of pointless crap and sex scenes…so no, I WILL NOT be posting it. Please enjoy the final fruits of my labour. Let's go out with a bang!

CHAPTER 15.1 (ENDING.)

Three days had passed since Vegas and it had been quite a trying time for the trio. Pepper had spent most of her time tended to Sherlock, not letting him out of her sight, and completely ignoring Tony. Tony, understandably, spent his time in the work-shop. Some would have called the crashing sounds, which drifted up into the main house, failed projects when they were actually what they were. He had taken his self- resentment out the place and completely trashed it.

Three days and then they got the call. Tony, Pepper and Sherlock had clambered into the waiting jet and were now high in the sky heading to the secret location where the machine, that was going to send Sherlock home, was being built.

At the start of the journey Pepper had been quiet, but now that they were air borne she finally allowed herself to vent her anger and disappointment at her so-called boss. "I thought I knew you, Tony, but now…" She shook her head. "What were you thinking? How could you..?" She paused taking a steady breath, "I think…I think we should just stick to Boss and Assistant from now on." When Tony didn't answer her she twisted in her seat and found him staring out the window. "Are you listening to me?" Again, no answer. She scowled at him from her chair and turned away, crossing her arms and legs tightly. "ARGH! I can't bear to look at you!"

Tony nodded with a sniff and took another pull from his soft drink, staying well clear of the booze this time. Looking out the window he gazed at the crystal-blue sky and the clouds that dotted it. He had prepared himself for Pepper's verbal attack. "If it makes you feel better," he started, earning himself a glare, "he did punish me for it."

"Good! I'm only sorry he didn't finish you off." And then she added with a sneer. "I hope he made you bleed."

Oh he did. More than you can imagine, Potts. The images of Sherlock taking him so violently were still fresh: him on his knees and Sherlock grinding into him from behind mercilessly making him whimper and sob, his inner thighs rubbed red raw and bleeding. And then that moment when he… "Where is he now?" He asked, slowly getting to his feet.

"Oh no, you don't!" Pepper was up before he could even blink. She stood with her arms out blocking the way to the back of the plane where the sleeping area was. "You leave him alone."

"Pepper, please!"

"No, Tony." She sighed running a hand through her hair, "I didn't want to do this but you've forced me to." Tony looked at her blankly. "Mr Stark, as acting CEO of Stark Industries I'm ordering you to stay in your seat until we've landed. Is that understood?"

"Damn it, Potts. Will you move?" Tony grabbed her by the elbows in an attempt to shove her to one side. She stood firm fixing him with a glare. His mouth dropped open, "My 're serious."

"Is that understood?" She repeated fell silent, his eyes lowered to the floor. She nodded, "Good. OK, then. You stay there, don't think about moving, and I'll go see how Holmes is getting on. Oh, and Tony?" Tony looked up from where he was seated, "I got my eyes on you." He turned away with a pout and she headed down the plane. Knocking on the door twice, she waited for a muffle reply before entering.

Sherlock was changing into his own clothes, had just fastened his shirt, pulled up his braces, and buttoning up his waistcoat when the door softly clicked shut. He didn't need to turn around; he knew it was Pepper by the scent of her perfume. With a sigh he turned, "How can I help you, Ms Potts?" Pepper strolled forward confidently, when she was close enough she reached for his hand and slapped something into his waiting palm. Without another word she about turned and walked away. "Pepper?"

"He is sorry, Sherlock. If you want proof, just look inside."

Sherlock stared down at the object in his hand; faintly hearing the door snicker shut, and brought it up to eye level. It appeared to be a small leather case, no bigger than a pocket-book, with thin golden lines across the spine. Carefully he pried the cover open and his eyes widened in slight surprise. Inside, in clear envelopes, were many pictures of him, Pepper and Tony that had to have been taken during this… experience. Perching lightly on the edge of the bed Holmes flipped through the pages until he found one photo that made his heart flutter in his chest.

It was of Tony and him. Judging by the clutter behind them the picture was taken in the work-shop. He appeared to be seated while Tony was standing behind him. The latter had his arms wrapped around his chest protectively and was leaning down, so they were cheek to cheek. It looked harmless enough, but it was Tony's eyes that stood out. They were soft and, Holmes's dared to believe, full of genuine affection.

With a deep sigh Holmes closed the book, placed it beside him on the covers and leaned forward, elbows on knees and hands fisted in his hair. He couldn't leave without making things right but deep down he knew he wasn't the one to make the first move.

He only hoped that Tony had the guts to do it.

The plane landed and they stepped out onto the tarmac. Looking up the building that greeted them all three couldn't help but be awe-struck. Sleek and modern, all steel and glass, the building was truly a masterpiece. It was probably not S.H.I.E.L.D.S main base of operation, more of a secondary post but that didn't matter. All that mattered, at the moment, was the machine inside it.

The double doors opened with a swish and a dark skinned man dressed all in black, sporting an eye-patch and wearing a long leather duster, strolled up to them. "Glad you're here in one piece." His comment was directed at Holmes. He stuck out a hand, "Nick Fury. Director of S.H.I.E.L.D."

Holmes took the offered hand and shook with a firm grip. "Pleasure is mine, Director. I take it, from your words, that you've been up-dated on…"

Fury frowned, "Yes. All I can say is I'm sorry for your treatment." His good eye slid in Tony's direction.

"It wasn't your fault."

"Oh, for God's sake!" Tony looked between them, "I'm sorry! I acted like a complete prick, took want I wanted without asking and then paid the price afterwards. There, happy?" They nodded. "Good."

"This way, Mr Holmes. We need some detailed information from you, do a couple of test runs and then we can try and send you home." Holmes nodded, offered Pepper his arm and led them in to the buildings' foyer. Once they were out of ear-shot Fury rounded on Tony. "I expected more from you, Tony. I expect members of my team to keep their emotions in check at all times."

Tony folded his arms. "Yeah? Well FYI, I'm not part of your team."

"No," was his reply. "And at this rate, you never will be." With a twirl of his coat tails he followed Holmes and Pepper leaving Tony to frown after him before, he too, made his way inside the base.

Inside the base Tony was greeted with the sight of many lab workers dressed in white standing around Sherlock with complete awe on their faces. With a roll of his eyes he leaned against the main desk and smiled warmly at the young lady tapping away at her computer.

She looked up and blinked, "May I help you?" Tony raised a brow and then jabbed a thumb over his shoulder, the girl followed the gesture and nodded, "Ah, yes. Director Fury wants you all to wait in Conference Room C for a quick de-briefing." Tony gave her a blank look, she smiled, "Just follow the giggling group of white coats." He nodded, from behind them a worker squealed in delight, he turned and found her hugging a completely bemused Holmes with a big grin on her face. The receptionist sighed, "Seems Danny is going to propose after-all."

"Oh? Are you feeling left out?" Tony leaned closer on his elbows so they inches apart. "If you want we could do something. I'll make it worth your while." He added with a smile.

"I have a boyfriend, Mr Stark. But thanks for the offer." Looking over his shoulder again she offered him a sad smile. "I don't blame you, you know. I have all Mr Holmes' adventures on CD and he's quite… unpredictable sometimes."

Tony sighed, "That's one way of putting it."

She reached over and patted his hand, "Whatever's happened between the two of you, fix it before he goes home. It is your last night together."

His eyes widened, "Is it that obvious?"

The girl grinned, "As I said: I have all his adventures on CD. You pick up his habits."

"Huh."

Despite his best efforts Tony still managed to get lost and, in turn, miss the de-briefing. He was saved by another group of passing white-coats who pointed him in the right direction. Reaching the right hallway, only to be told that the other had already left, nearly made him want to tear his hair out in frustration. He heard a quiet noise and sensed someone behind him. Turning slowly his eyes locked onto similar brown orbs. Sherlock was standing a few feet away with his hands hanging limply at his sides. He seemed to be waiting; Tony gazed at him and, after his brain finally managed to play catch-up and compute a logical solution, took a breath.

"I'm sorry about what happened, Sherlock. I really am." Sherlock stood still figuring out if he was lying but he made up his mind a second later as one minute Tony was standing in the middle of the hallway, the next he found himself pressed against the wall with a hungry mouth attacking his, desperate hands wandering his body and a thigh being wedged between his own. He tore his mouth away, "Does this mean you forgive me?" He huffed.

Sherlock rested their forehead together and nodded. "I know now that you were not yourself. I know that you would never harm me on purpose." Pulling back he fixed Tony with a smouldering stare, "I'm afraid I must be forward, Mr Stark. Before I go I have to have you one last time. Like right now." He moved his thigh a little and Tony groaned out loud. "There should be a cupboard nearby. If we're quick…"

"Director Fury and guests please report to the main Lab. All personnel with level 5 clearance please make their way to briefing room 12. Repeat…"

Too late. "Guess that's us." Tony muttered.

Sherlock swore under his breath. "I guess so." He stood back, hands shoved into his pockets, he sounded disappointed at the thought. "It's hard to believe the greatest adventure of my career will be over." He sighed deeply then whispered softly; "A week is no time at all, is it?"

"We've analysed the weather reports from the storm that brought you here, Mr Holmes. I won't go into it as I'm sure you'll have no idea what I'm saying. All I can say is that test simulations have shown a great deal of promise and we're ready to send you home." The cute lab assistant who was called Mary Watkins (Holmes smiled at this for reasons known only to him.) looked up from her clip-board and checked her watch. "As luck would have it, there is a similar storm heading this way. We have exactly one shot at this. Failure is not an option."

Tony smirked a little, "It's like Back to the Future. Only to the past." Sherlock gave him a blank look. "I'll shut up now."

"This way please." Mary led Sherlock, Tony and Pepper down a flight of steps into a busy laboratory. Tony whistled out loud, Pepper looked around in awe and Sherlock stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I'm afraid this is as far as Mr Stark and Ms Potts can go." They had come to a section that was cut off by a glass wall. On the other-side was a large bell like structure made from frosted glass with lots of different cables sprouting from the top. Half of the coloured wires travelled up and out of the ceiling while the other half connected to a collection of mirrors, or solar panels, slanted at a 45 degree angles that circled the bell. Mary turned to face them, "I can give you a few minutes to say your good-byes." With a brief nod she went to the other side of the smaller room to converse with other lab techs huddled around a bank of monitors.

The unlikely trio looked at each other. It was Pepper who broke down first; she flung herself at Holmes, sniffling into his neck and wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Sherlock returned the hug and when they parted lightly kissed her on the forehead.

"Do you have everything?" She asked quietly. Sherlock nodded. "What about…" Pepper quickly made sure Tony wasn't nearby and leaned forward, "the book I gave you? Do you still have it?" Another nod and a light pat-down of a pocket. "I'll miss you, you know. You are, without a doubt, the best thing that could have happened to us- despite that night, I hope your time here was enjoyable. I got to meet my hero and Tony got to be with his equal. Take care, Mr Sherlock Holmes."

Sherlock stepped back, took her hand in his and kissed the back of it softly. "Thank-you for your hospitality, Ms Potts." Pepper blushed and stepped back, turning away so he didn't see her tears. Sherlock sighed and straightened out his hat. "Such a kind heart." He muttered to himself.

"Yeah, there's not one like her anywhere else." Sherlock jumped and turned. Tony stood just behind him looking sheepish. "Sorry, didn't mean to make you jump." The smirk on his face said other-wise. The pair looked at each-other awkwardly until Tony cleared his throat, "So, um…I guess this is it."

"I guess so."

Tony seemed to be battling himself. Sherlock could see it in his eyes. In the end, though, Tony just stuck his hand out. "It was an experience meeting you, Sherlock." Sherlock took the offered hand Tony smiled sadly and then nodded releasing his hand and standing back.

"Mr Holmes?" Fury had appeared and gestured to the doorway, "This way, please. The storm is almost upon us."

Sherlock looked back at Tony and Pepper, nodded a final good-bye and started to follow him out. Suddenly the detective stopped dead in his tracks, "Oh, sod it!" He shouted, turning back and running the way he came. With-out so much as a warning he pounced on Tony, nearly knocking them both over, and clamped his mouth on his. Arms going around tugging on his short hair Sherlock smiled into the kiss feeling Tony's snake around his waist to hold him steady. They broke a part slowly Sherlock rubbed his nose along Tony's, his breath hitching as he reached his ear, "Tony…Tony, I-"

"I know." He whispered back a forlorn look entered his brown eyes that were quickly growing moist. "I want you to stay but others need you." Reaching out he tapped right above where Sherlock's heart rested. "He needs you."

A smile bloomed on Sherlock's face, lighting up his eyes, "Watson…You're right, Tony. As exciting as living here sounds, I can't. I'd be lost with-out my Boswell. Can you forgive me?"

Tony gave a half-hearted chuckled, "Yeah. Never did like being a third wheel."

"Mr Holmes?"

"Yes. Be right with you." Taking a steady breath the consulting detective about turned and continued to follow the man in black through the glass doors, up a short ramp and into the giant bell.

"This is where I leave you." Fury offered him a rare smirk. "We'll control everything from the outside. All you have to do is stay put and think back to the date when you disappeared. You got it?"

He nodded, "Moriarty's journals were quiet helpful in that respect."

With one last nod Fury extended his hand, "Mr Holmes." The pair shook briefly and then Fury stepped out. Typing in a quick command, the door to the chamber closed and locked allowing Sherlock his first proper look of the inner workings of the machine. From what he gathered it seemed to him that the electrical current from the lighting would travel down the wires, it would then be converted into a different form of energy that bounced off the circle of mirrors/solar panels building up enough power to send him back…hopefully. Sherlock stood in the centre shuffling from one foot to the other, his right foot bumped against something hard and he looked down, his eyes widened: there on the floor was an old rusty chunk of iron. As he looked at it closely he deduced it was, in fact, a piece of track from his own time. So that was how they were going to do it! When the newly converted energy rebounded on the glass bell it would hit the piece of rail, resulting in the strange static he felt last time and produce the weird blue light…the blue light that had suddenly appeared and was getting brighter and brighter, and brighter…

When the light had died down and he felt like he could move again Sherlock found himself lying beside the rails, his clothes getting wet and muddy. He heard sloshy footfalls coming closer and struggled to get up onto his knees. Blinking his eyes and allowing them to adjust to the dim light he could just make out a figure coming closer.

"Holmes? Holmes!"

Watson? It couldn't be. Sherlock pulled himself to his feet, picking his hat off the ground and dusting it off. The footfalls were coming more quickly now. He turned at the right moment and found himself face to face with his dearest friend who, at the sight of his drown form, broke into a run.

Strong arms wrapped around his shoulders and he was pulled into a tight hug. "Where the devil have you been, old chap? It's been nearly over a week."

Sherlock smiled into the warmth but knew that what he said next would condemn him to a stretch inside the nut house. The future depended on it, the female Moriarty depended on it but more importantly Tony depended on it, so with a deep breath he drew away from his friend and grinned madly. "I have seen the future, my dear Watson. Man will fly in big metal birds, people will speak to each other via moving pictures and we will all have ghosts as servants."

Watson looked concerned and led him away from the tracks, "Holmes…as your friend and Doctor I pray you don't take this the wrong way, but I think it's time you see someone about these…episodes you keep having. If I arrange a meeting…"

"If you think its best, Watson. I have no objection." Sherlock smiled and headed back home to Baker Street. The future is saved. He thought happily.

FIN.

TA-DA! Finished at last! All comments are most welcome.

About the techno stuff, I got lazy and didn't really want to go into it. But if anyone has watched Doctor Who series 4 then they'll know where I was coming from.

Until next time...