Ending of the Hours (Book Four of the Bad Wolf Chronicles)

In The Halls of Gemsamoria

She grinned when they reached the top floor. "Did you use the psychic paper or something?"

"Not the first time I've been here," he replied. "When I first started traveling, I took Susan here, and for a few other companions who really wanted a place that was . . . expensive." He made a face. "Those times were torture."

"Oh?"

"They didn't want to leave."

Jessie laughed. "Well, don't worry. I think this could get to be too much after a while."

"Exactly what I told them," the Doctor said with a grin as he found the key to one of the rooms. "But . . . this one's a treat." He winked, opening up the door. "Full suite included."

Jessie's jaw dropped as she stepped inside, putting the rest of the shopping bags she had from going around with Aliyah on the table as she looked around the full suite indeed, still with many gems, but not overpowering. "Wow," she whispered in shock, leaning back against the Doctor when he slipped an arm around her waist. "You . . . "

"I love you," he whispered, kissing the top of her head. "And you were right. I did owe you. 1969, the Year That Never Was . . . you kept me going."

Jessie blushed. "You're definitely making up for everything before Asgard."

He chuckled. "I asked a few friends for a favor. Dinner is downstairs in a half hour. I think you'll like the people I asked to come with us."

She knitted her eyebrows and looked at him. "You didn't go back to the TARDIS and steal a few people, did you?"

He grinned. "No, I didn't. Go on. I know you want to look impressive."

She kissed him, taking her bag and disappearing into the bathroom. She leaned against the door, locking it behind her, and sighed. "He is going to be the death of me," she whispered happily before grinning at her reflection.

She had work to do.

***

"We're going to be late!" the Doctor called later, fidgeting in front of the door to the suite, still frowning as he ran a hand through his hair. "And every time I wear the suit, something happens," he added.

Jessie laughed, stepping out of the bathroom, and his eyes widened when he looked at her. "Oh, not if I have anything to say in it," she told him lightly before looking herself over. "So? What do you think?"

"Gorgeous," he replied honestly, smiling widely. She had chosen an emerald colored fitted dress that shimmered like scales, only down to the top of her knees. She was still wearing her bracelets, but the earrings she'd swapped for emerald studs, and a diamond and emerald necklace almost a choker style. Her hair was clipped to the side in an emerald and opal clasp, her hair still shining. Her makeup was done lightly, smoky eyes and a dark green eyeshadow, but she shone with a healthy glow that had amplified since their wedding. "You look like one of the natives."

"Thanks, I think," she laughed, slipping on her black heels. "You just keep on throwing surprise and surprise at me, and I don't know when it's going to stop."

"Not yet," he warned her, opening the door and letting her step out. "Trust me on that."

"I do. It's a boring day if I don't get surprised."

He laughed as they headed back to the elevator. "And I'm not messing up time this time. It's fine cuisine."

"That was a horrible trip," she muttered, wrinkling her nose. "Adam was an idiot. I was an idiot for asking for him to come."

"Even then, I would have done anything for you," he told her, waiting for the elevator to stop. "Including making sure that if I regenerated, I'd be good for you."