[TARDIS Console Room]
'Last stop,' the Alchemist calls out to her Bondmate, her mental voice calm but firm.
The Doctor exhales, nodding as he casts a brief glance at the girl beside them.
'We should never have let this go on for so long, Amara,' his thoughts brush against hers, heavy with unspoken regret.
She shrugs, her expression unreadable, 'Second chances.'
'I don't believe in those,' he reminds her, the edges of his mind sharp with certainty.
Her gaze shifts to Rose, who is watching the Doctor—watching him the way she always does. The Alchemist's lips press together, something bitter curling in her chest.
'I'm afraid I'm starting to agree, Theta Sigma.'
[Powell Estate]
The TARDIS materializes in a quiet corner of the children's playground, sunlight streaming through the trees. Laughter rings out in the distance, a stark contrast to the tension hanging between the Time Lords.
Rose lugs both heavy rucksacks, though the Alchemist carries one to lighten the load. She grins at them, oblivious to their silent exchange.
'Can we just leave?' the Doctor asks, exasperation threading through their telepathic link.
The Alchemist shakes her head, 'No, not this time. She needs help, and Jackie deserves to know.'
He clicks his tongue in frustration, 'Fine. But the second that's sorted, we're out of here—Zeen 4, historical reenactments, non-negotiable.'
[The Tyler's Flat]
"Mum, it's us!" Rose calls out, racing up the staircase, "We're back!"
Jackie rushes into the hallway, arms flailing, "Oh, I don't know why you bother with that phone. You never use it!"
Rose laughs, "Shut up! Come here!"
She pulls her mother into a crushing hug, and Jackie squeezes her tight, "Oh, I love you!"
"I love you!"
"I love you so much!"
The Doctor sighs, attempting to sidestep the reunion, following the Alchemist, who casually drops the large red rucksack onto the floor.
But Jackie is quicker as she releases Rose and rounds on the Doctor, "Oh no, you don't. Come here!"
Before he can escape, she yanks him into an embrace and plants a big kiss right on his lips. Both Time Lords recoil in horror.
"Oi, Jackie...!" He tries to pull away, but she's not having it.
She goes in for another, but he twists at the last second, and she lands one on his cheek instead, "Oh, you lovely big fella! You're all mine."
"Just—just put me down!" he protests, squirming in her grip.
"Yes, you are!" she insists, pressing another smacking kiss on him.
The Alchemist's voice cuts through the moment like ice, "He's mine, actually. Can you please stop kissing him, Jackie? It's making both of us uncomfortable."
Jackie pulls back instantly, startled by the coldness in her tone, "Oh... of course, Ally. I didn't realize that would..."
"It's alright," the Alchemist says, her voice softening slightly, "It's just... Bondmates don't appreciate it when someone else gets that familiar with their partner."
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Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓
FanfictionThe Alchemist knows that Time has consequences. Now having Regenerated with her Bondmate, the Doctor, both Time Lords have to confront the repercussions of Rose Tyler's actions. The question is, when will that payment fully come due? They received o...
