Before Yesterday Comes and Tomorrow Dawns

by Sylva Dax

Post TATM (Most of the time). Rushing to his wife's side, the Doctor noted with concern, "River, you're crying. What is it, love?" "Of course she's crying. She just said goodbye to her family," Anita answered, unable to believe he'd even had to ask such a question. "No, it's not that," River said, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Memories. Unlocked memories." Spoilers thru S9

2. Keep the Brakes On

Before Yesterday Comes and Tomorrow Dawns - Keep the Brakes On

By Sylva Dax

A/N: This chapter takes place between chapters 10 and 11 of my story, An Unwritten Song.

Disclaimer: Anything recognizable from the show is owned by the BBC.

~DW~

"Of course it wasn't me," the Doctor said incredulously. "I think I'd remember blocking my own wife's memories. It's not something I'd ever do lightly."

"And you didn't," River assured him.

"Why would I do such a thing, and why don't I remember doing it?" the Doctor demanded, his gaze boring into hers as the others looked on with avid curiosity.

With a tender smile, River answered, "Spoilers."

Reeling back as though he'd been slapped, the Doctor protested, "No, no, no! You don't get to hide behind that word anymore. We're linear now, River; no more back-to-front."

"No, my love," she explained, "not totally. You still have a few adventures to run with my younger self." Smiling mischievously, she added, "I don't mind, as long as you come back to me."

~DW~

"You forgot something and you need me to go get it for you. I got that. But, River, why right now? I promised our guests an adventure." the Doctor protested a few minutes later as his wife walked around him to program coordinates into the TARDIS' console. "Why won't you tell me what this is all about?"

"Because there are things that need to be lived in the moment, my love," she told him over her shoulder.

"Then come with me," the Doctor suggested hopefully. The last thing he wanted was to be separated from her.

Completing her programming, River turned to the Doctor and responded with a smile, "I wouldn't miss it for the world, but it would probably be a bit crowded with me along."

"What? What - oh!" he crowed in delight, realizing the implications of her words. He flexed his interlaced fingers as he gleefully capitulated. "Well, if you insist, dear," he said, pecking River on the cheek.

Shaking her head in amusement, she joked to Anita and Evangelista, "Home for less than ten minutes and he's already tossing me aside for a younger model."

As the ladies chuckled, the Doctor twirled around to address the two Daves, "Always keep the wife happy and you'll live a long and happy life. And know when to run when she's not," he added, tapping the tip of River's nose affectionately.

"So, Doctor, I've set in coordinates for Brian's the day after Anthony is supposed to arrive. Once you've dropped us off, the TARDIS will take you to your destination. I've programmed your return for a few hours after our arrival. No detours."

"Not even a teeny, tiny one?" the Doctor teased.

Drawing close to her husband, River said quietly into his ear, "Theta, our future depends on this."

All joking forgotten, the Doctor soberly surveyed his wife's face. Nodding once, he announced, "Well then, next stop Brian Williams'."

"Sweetie, we've already landed," River said, unable to stop the smirk that stole across her face.

With barely a pause, the Doctor responded, "Well then, I guess I'll be seeing all of you in a few hours."

"Does this feel strange to anyone else but me?" Proper Dave asked as he led the way to the door.

"What, visiting people who haven't seen you in years after just saying goodbye to them a few minutes ago? Nah, strange went out the window the moment we entered the Library and met the Doctor," Other Dave answered as he followed Proper Dave out the door.

"Well, see you later, Doc. Don't keep our lady waiting," Anita said with a nod in River's direction as she exited.

"May the wind be in your sails. Metaphorically speaking, of course," Evangelista said following the others out.

"Don't worry, River, I'll be on time," the Doctor assured her.

"You better," she said before kissing her husband with a passion that left them both breathless. Pulling away, she took in his flushed face and glazed eyes and chuckled. With an extra swing to her hips, River headed for the door. Turning back at the door, she purred, "Oh, and, Sweetie, make sure to keep the brakes on when you land."

"Yes, dear," he squeaked as the TARDIS door closed behind her.

~DW~