Conclusion

"Happy are those who dare courageously to defend what they love."

—Ovid

Sherlock Holmes stood in front of what could only be described as a cage in the psychiatric holding facility where Hannibal Lecter now spent his days. "Good morning, Mr. Holmes," said the elegantly-accented voice, as Lecter's eyes surveyed him appreciatively.

"Good morning," the detective answered, smiling. "I've come to thank you for being one of the most interesting killers of my career."

Lecter bowed slightly. "My pleasure, of course."

Holmes took a seat in the metal folding chair an orderly had provided, ready for a scintillating morning discussion with one of the most intractable psychopaths in the world. It was a rare treat and one he could only enjoy in person once, though he very much hoped to strike up a lively correspondence with the incarcerated psychiatrist.

John Watson sat in Alana Bloom's living room, drinking wine and watching her set the table with the help of Will Graham, who looked as if he'd de-aged ten years since his release.

"Thank you for coming, Doctor Watson," Bloom said after a long, companionable silence. "I'm glad you're the one who accepted my invitation. But—please tell Holmes thank you. He may be the most insufferable person I've ever met, but I owe him more than I could ever pay." She smiled in Graham's direction.

"He never cared about any money," Watson asserted. "Besides, I have a selfish reason to be thankful for this case, too."

"Why is that?" the doctor asked, her psychiatrist senses clearly tingling.

"I'm getting married," Watson asserted, "and I thought the things I saw as a soldier would affect my relationship."

"And now?" she enquired.

"This case showed me that I'm a stronger man for what I saw, not a weaker one. I can stare anything in the face now." He gazed into his wine glass, his expression serene. "I can marry without fear."

"Fearlessness is a blessing not to be underestimated," Will put in, smiling as if it was a blessing he'd only just gained and never meant to lose again.

The End

A/N: Sorry it took me so long to get this last little postscript of a chapter uploaded. I had major, life-altering surgery a month ago, and I haven't even been able to think about writing anything lately. Words can't express how much I've enjoyed writing this crossover. I love both universes, and they're even more brilliant together.