Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓

Chapter 56: A Place Among Us

[Phaos]

The Time Lords take the steps down to the House TARDIS one at a time, hand in hand. The air hums with the familiar energy of the city, twin suns casting long shadows as they walk the winding paths that stretch beneath silver-leafed trees.

Stopping short, the Doctor gently tugs the Alchemist toward one of the trees and plucks a single leaf from its branches. He holds it up to the light, watching as the glow of the sky dances across its metallic veins.

"A star for my stars," he murmurs, a grin tugging at his lips.

The Alchemist rolls her eyes, though there is warmth in her expression, "You're hopeless, but thank you," she nods toward the path ahead, "Now, home?"

"I like the sound of that," the Doctor replies, slipping his fingers through hers, "Home."

They continue onward until they reach a forest-green door set into the House TARDIS, its frame intertwined with vines that shimmer faintly. Above the entrance, their family sigil is etched into the wood, a silent testament to all who belong here. At the center of the door, a silver doorknocker shaped like a Cadonwood leaf gleams in the light.

For a moment, there is only silence, save for the distant rustling of silver branches before the door is flung open.

Jessamy stands in the doorway, her curly hair pinned back haphazardly, smudges of soil staining her pink sleeves. Her eyes go wide, and for half a second, she looks as though she might scold them for not warning her they were coming. But then, her expression softens into something warm, something unspoken.

"Finally," she breathes.

Before either of them can reply, she steps forward and pulls the Alchemist into a tight embrace. The scent of earth and greenery clings to her, a reminder of the garden she so carefully tends. The Alchemist wraps her arms around her daughter, breathing in the familiarity of her scent, her grip tightening for just a moment longer than necessary.

Jessamy pulls back, a wry smile playing at her lips, "You could've sent word. I'd have at least tried to make the place look presentable."

The Doctor chuckles, "And miss the surprise? Where's the fun in that?"

Jessamy rolls her eyes but steps aside, gesturing for them to enter. The moment they cross the threshold, warmth envelops them. The scent of fresh tea and something sweet lingers in the air, blending with the faint hum of the House TARDIS itself.

"Nightingale," the Alchemist whispers as her second daughter steps into view.

Nightingale looks exhausted, her sweater draped over her shoulders, a datapad in hand. Something unreadable flickers behind her sharp eyes. For a brief moment, she hesitates.

Then, in a rare moment of unguarded emotion, Nightingale exhales slowly and murmurs, "You're home."

She sets the datapad down with care and crosses the room in swift strides. There is no hesitation when she embraces the Alchemist, nor when she pulls back and grips the Doctor in her arms, shaking her head with quiet fondness.

"You look like hell," she says, arching a brow at them both.

The Doctor grins, "Good to see you too, Gale."

Before Nightingale can respond, another voice cuts through the moment, deep and steady, "Are you lot just going to crowd the doorway, or are we actually doing this reunion properly?"

Titan leans against the main corridor entrance, arms crossed, an easy smirk playing at the corner of his lips. Behind him, more voices stir—familiar, beloved.