Chapter 9
A/N: after so long, I finally have this chapter finished. I'm still not very happy with it, but I figured it was unfair to keep you guys waiting any longer. So without further ado, here's the final chapter,
They were standing on the sidewalk across the street; looking at the building John had called his home for many years.
"John. I'm really sorry."
"We all did the best we could."
"I wish we could have done more."
He put an arm around her waist, bringing her closer to him. "All we can do now is keep moving forward."
She smiled, despite the sadness of losing the store, and leaned her head against his chest. "Together?"
"Of course." He said placing a soft kiss on the top of her head. "Together."
Having Amy Williams at the store hadn't been enough. It seemed as if all of London had come to get their books signed, but they still didn't make enough money to save the store. There was nothing else they could do.
TARDIS was being replaced by Latimer Books.
They all met up at Jack's house the day after the sale was finalized. Partly to say goodbye to the Ponds, partly to say goodbye to the bookstore.
Bye the time Clara showed up the rest of the gang was already there.
"Clara!" The Doctor embraced her as soon as she came through the door, trapping her in a tight hug. His breath smelt like alcohol.
"Okay, alright, hi Doctor." She pushed him off her, holding on to his arm to steady him when he stumbled backwards. "How much have you been drinking?" She asked, concerned.
"Not that much, probably" He slurred.
She shook her head, shooting a glare at jack as she lead the Doctor to the couch. "Come on, sit down for a bit."
Jack's house was a new place for most of them, seeing as they were used to hanging out at the bookstore. But Clara was surprised to see how cozy it actually was. The bottom floor was fairly open, with no wall to separate the living room, kitchen, or dining room. The large, comfy looking couches, and the warm coloured walls gave it a homey feel that Clara really liked.
Jack cleared his throat, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. "So, now that we're all here." He raised his glass. "A toast, to the bookstore."
Clara looked down to find a wine glass on the table already filled for her. She picked it up holding it up like the rest of her friends.
"To the bookstore." They all repeated.
"To TARDIS, the sexiest bookstore to ever sell books." Came the Doctor's voice. There was a beat, before everyone but him burst out laughing.
"She was one sexy bookstore." David said.
"The sexiest." Agreed Rose.
"So, what are you going to do with the money?" Clara asked.
It was later that same night, and after some tearful goodbyes, she had finally gotten the Doctor back to his apartment. They still had to go through the store to get up there, but Latimer promised not to force anyone out of their homes.
Now, they were lying on his bed, her head on his chest and his arms around her. The Doctor had sobered up enough to have a conversation.
"Well I need somewhere to live. I don' t think I can stay here."
Clara nodded, understanding.
"I could get a cool mobile home. Go on adventures." His face lit up. "I can paint it blue!"
Clara scrunched up her face. "Really?"
"Okay, fine. An apartment. I guess we can still have adventures. We could go on vacation somewhere. Maybe Rome."
Clara smiled, lifting her head. "I like the sound of that."
They stayed like that for a moment, looking into each other's eyes.
"I love you." The Doctor told her.
"I love you too."
"Move in with me"
"What?" Clara's eyebrows shot up.
"Move in with me. We can choose an apartment together. Somewhere in the city. I can get a job with Jack at torchwood, and we can save up so we can travel."
"Doctor I- "
"Please say yes, Clara. Please." There was desperation in his voice and in his eyes.
For a few agonizing moments, Clara was quiet. But a smile slowly made it's way onto her face.
"Yes."
"Yes?"
"Yes, I'll move in with you."
The Doctor let out a delighted laugh, sitting up and kissing her, hard.
"I love you so much."
The money they made during that week ran out quickly, but it was enough to set them on their way.
David got a job at the Gallifrey Academy.
"They needed a physics teacher, and I had an unused degree."
Jack got both Rose and the Doctor jobs at Torchwood.
"We have a library on the second floor that's still in need of some sexy librarians." He'd told them, winking. That had earned him a hit in the arm from Rose.
Clara and the Doctor found the perfect apartment in the city, near enough to both their jobs. It was small, but it was home.
They still missed the bookstore sometimes. It had been a big part of their lives.
But life goes on. And they were happy.
A/N: And that's it! Thank you so so so much to everyone who read and reviewed and enjoyed reading this story (or didn't). I was so stuck on how to end it, I'm really sorry it took so long. I'm also really sorry it's so short! I did the best I could. I love you all 3
Until next time! 3