Epilogue/Omake – Goodbye and Good Riddance
"We should be going." The Doctor said steadily. "The TARDIS is just about ready and we have the rest of the universe to see. Let's go Rose."
The Doctor snapped his fingers, subtly using the sonic screwdriver from his pocket. The TARDIS began to appear behind them, and the Doctor relished the looks of shock on everyone's faces. Never mind that he'd programmed the TARDIS to come to him the next time he activated his screwdriver.
Rose smiled at the Doctor and walked over, then bent down and hugged Ciel – who went rigid at the unexpected embrace.
"Take care of yourself." She said quietly to the boy. "Don't think you have to grow up just yet, okay?" She straightened up and bounced over to the Doctor. "Bye guys. Probably won't see you again, but you never know with time travel."
The Doctor nodded and smiled with Rose as he stepped into the TARDIS.
The doors of the blue telephone box closed, and it wasn't long before it started to fade from view with its very distinctive sound. (§)
"Goodbye." Ciel said quietly, because he felt it had to be said.
"Good riddance." Sebastian added unapologetically. The Doctor had put his bocchan in more life-threatening situations than was normal for the boy, and even though the Doctor was so much fun to toy with it wasn't worth it. Sebastian was quite pleased to see the back of him.
The sound of the TARDIS had just faded into silence when Ciel and Sebastian heard footsteps pounding in their direction.
They turned to see a man running hell-for-leather(*) towards them before stopping a few metres short of boy and butler, gasping for breath.
"T-the Doctor... I just missed him, didn't I?" The man asked in an American accent.
Ciel nodded in confirmation, wondering why the man was looking for the Doctor.
"Dammit." He said in response, before seeming to notice that a child was present. "Sorry – but I just got here and I've been searching for him for a long time. I'm Captain Jack Harkness by the way."
He smiled his most charming smile as he looked Sebastian up and down.
"And who are you?"
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THE END
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A/N:
(§) – I have been informed that the 'technical' term is for the TARDIS's sound is known as 'vwarp'.
(*) – 'Hell-for-leather' meaning 'at breakneck speed' for those of you who don't know. I think it's predominantly a British saying (I know my English grandmother uses it a lot), but I'm not sure if it's exclusively British.
Thanks, everyone who has read this through to the end, thanks for your patient waiting and marvellous comments and continued support – I never imagined I'd get even half the response I've had. You're all completely fantastic. I must admit that I have enjoyed writing this, through all its trials, procrastinations and cups of tea in my TARDIS mug. I feel like I've become a better writer and story teller through it.
Here is a great big thank you to everyone who has read this story, to all who consider this amongst their favourites and to everyone who've story-alerted this – you know who you are, and you are fantastic!
Thanks to all of my reviewers, without whom this story may not have been completed - Kairii540, Teswin, darkshadow333, SheWhoWonders, PandaGirl66, DanaBlood, Kyrial Halcoryn, PraiseDivineMercy, The Iza, Ellahello2, 1nnocent Demon, mezwantzvgs, Fieryfly, westwindhowl, BlueForestAngelCat, Psyco101, Upsilon Forty-Two, Sjanni The epic Ninja, RizuofWolves, Sabaku no Koori, Drunken Hellbunny, sexysidney, AnimeInTheBasement, Myrna Maeve, NatsuMikan8804, KobaltWolf, GirlAnimePrincess, StarsShine, and Rain.
And finally, a very special thanks to nzotaku for her constant support, inspiration and being willing to stay up late at night to beta all of my chapters. Readers have her to thank as much as me (if not more) for the completion of this Fanfiction.
With many more thanks than I can ever truly convey,
Shiny Marble.
The One-shot relating to this story is out now, in my list of stories, for all those who wish to know and are inclined to read it. Please enjoy.