A/N: Gasp! Another rewrite? I know, I just couldn't help it. This is a companion piece to Written Across Time and Space, so you'll want to read that first. This Chapter is Adult, hence the "M" rating, so if you don't like to read that type of stuff, when Mickey says G'Night, you should just stop reading and skip to the next chapter. Weelll, as soon as it's posted anyway...And for the rest of you, enjoy.

Previously:

"The truth is I'm tired Rose," he said sincerely. "Tired of running from what I really want. Tired of running from my feelings…for you." His eyes flicked up to meet hers and her jaw dropped. Swallowing roughly he pushed through his nerves and continued. "I keep putting barriers between us; hurting you in the process because I thought it would make it easier to cope with the pain when I inevitably lose you. And I'm ashamed, because I used both Reinette's and Mickey's affections as distractions to keep us apart because I was scared. But I was wrong Rose, and I can't do it anymore. I don't want to. I'm already too forgone in what I feel for you and no matter how much time we have I want to make the most of it Together." he emphasized the word, his eyebrows rising slightly as he gauged her reaction.

After a few seconds a smile began to spread across Rose's face, igniting his own and crinkling the corners of his eyes. He looked down at their hands and ran circles over the tops of hers with his thumbs. He swallowed again, steeling himself to tell her what he had wanted to for so long and looked up and into her eyes.

"Rose…" he paused, taking a deep breath.

Her lips twitched at the corners and she shook her head. "S' ok, you don't have to…"

"I know I don't." he interjected as he wrapped his arms around her waist; drawing her closer. "And I know you already know, but I need you to hear it." He looked deeply into her eyes. "Rose Tyler, I am completely, unabashedly, and irrevocably in love with you."

The smile that lit up her face at that moment took his breath away and his hearts began to leap in his chest as she placed a hand over each one.

"I love you too, my Doctor." she said, her eyes glistening with tears of joy. "So very much."

The air sizzled around them and at that moment all those excuses he made, all those barriers that had been put in place for so long keeping them apart shattered. He knew now that however much time they had together would never be enough but he was no longer going to run away from what he wanted. If he had to suffer through the pain of living on one day without her, then at least having the memories they would make together would dull that pain enough for him to go on. He loved this woman with his entire being, the pink and yellow human who had saved him in his darkest hour and he would deny them this no longer.

He leaned down until their lips were centimeters apart, their breath mingling as he lightly nuzzled her nose with his own and then he closed the remaining distance between them pressing his lips to hers ever so softly. Pulling back a fraction his eyes met hers; a silent question asked and permission granted, before descending on her mouth once more. His tongue swept lightly at the seam and she immediately parted her lips in response, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Her hands fisted in the material of his suit jacket as their tongues began dueling a gentle rhythm before moving upwards to run her fingers through his thick chocolate locks while he moved one of his hands up to cup the back of her head, keeping the other pressed against the small of her back to pull her closer.

After a few minutes and a need for air on Rose's part, they pulled back and rested their foreheads together. She smiled, taking several deep breaths. "Well, that was…"

"Yeah." he chuckled, smiling just as brightly. "I've been such a fool Rose. To think I wasted all that time. Time we could have spent..."

"Shh," she cut him off by placing a finger over his lips. "Let's jus' leave the past in the past. Unless of course we're actually visitin' the past." she added with a smirk.

He smiled back, pressing a kiss to her finger before brushing it aside to press his lips to hers once more as he wrapped his arms around her. "Rose Tyler." He drew out her name as he nuzzled her nose with his again. "How long are you gonna stay with me?"

Rose lifted a hand up to his cheek, lovingly stroking his sideburn with her thumb as she looked into his eyes and smiled. "Forever."

His own hand reached up to cover hers, entwining their fingers and he pulled her in for one more lingering kiss. "Let's go home."

She nodded and hand in hand they slowly walked back to the TARDIS as the fireplace flickered and then extinguished itself behind them.

Chapter 1 – Surrendering

When they walked back into the TARDIS Mickey was waiting for them. His entire body language was tense. His arms were crossed tightly over his chest and his mouth formed a thin line.

"So he's back now is he?" he said angrily; eyes narrowing at the sight of their clasped hands.

"Mickey," Rose began.

"No Rose!" he snapped. "It's clear that you've already forgiven him; like you always do, but I'm not lettin' him off that easy. He left us! He went swannin' off after that French bint and left us here to die. Worse, he hurt you and I'm gonna stay quiet about it any longer. Cause, I ain't the tin dog no more, and he needs to know what he did was incredibly…"

"Stupid." The Doctor interjected.

"What?" Mickey, momentarily forgetting his rage, was now looking at him as though he had just sprouted a second head.

"I was stupid, and selfish and arrogant and you are completely right. You are not a tin dog and I'm sorry for leaving you both."

Rose squeezed his hand and smiled up at him but Mickey just continued to stare at him dumbfounded. 'Did the almighty Lord of Time just apologize to me?' He couldn't believe it.

The Doctor began tugging on his ear. "I'm not proud of my actions, and even though I had my reasons at the time; which I have now realized were completely and utterly ridiculous, I should never have gone through that window without making sure you two were ok first. I know I can't ask you to just forgive me, but I do ask that you at least believe me when I say I am truly sorry."

Mickey, who was still unable to think clearly at this change in The Doctor's persona, felt his boiling anger start to dissipate to a low simmer. "And what about Rose then, huh? Nevermind the fact we almost got killed by those clockwork things; including the one that was still on the ship after you left that I protected her from." He held up his bandaged arm in proof. "'Cause you hurt her goin' off after that other woman."

"I know I did." The Doctor nodded; looking down at Rose. "And I will never stop apologizing to her for what happened." She gave him a small smile. "But I swear to you Mickey," he turned his attention back to the young man. "It wasn't like that. I went to save her that's all. Nothing happened between Reinette and I because…" he took a breath. "I'm in love with Rose and I promise you, I will never hurt her again."

Mickey's jaw hit the floor and he looked at Rose who was now blushing and smiling at her feet. "Are you windin' me up?"

"What?" The Doctor asked confusedly.

"I mean, did you fall off that horse and hit your head?"

"What? No. Why do people keep asking me that?" The Doctor frowned.

"Well somethin' happened. You're actin' all un-Doctor-like. You're finally admittin' your feelings for Rose and then you're apologizin' to me. Did you catch somethin' in France? Like a virus that affects aliens differently than it does humans? Or did you take some sort'a truth serum. Wait, was it that redheaded girl? Did she slip ya' somethin'? Cause she seemed to know an awful lot about us." He turned to Rose. "Where is she anyway?"

Rose smiled softly. "She's gone. She went home." As he opened his mouth to barrage her with more questions, she hurriedly added. "I'll fill you in on all of that later Mick, I promise."

He nodded, turning back to The Doctor. "So which is it then?"

The Doctor sighed. "There's nothing wrong with me Mickey. I just had…well; let's just say it was a wakeup call. I'm not going to discuss my feelings for Rose any further with you because that's between us." he said looking over at her and smiling. "I know that I haven't exactly treated you very well and you have every right to be angry with me, but I want you to know that I appreciate all that you've done; including protecting Rose when those droids tried to…" He closed his eyes and swallowed roughly. When he felt Rose give his hand a reassuring squeeze he continued. "I truly am incredibly, regrettably, sorry."

Mickey, who had been trying to hold onto every ounce of anger he felt towards this alien who had dropped into their lives so suddenly and swept Rose away, knew he had lost the battle upon seeing the remorse on The Doctor's face. He knew the Time Lord meant what he was saying but he still felt the need to assert himself on Rose's behalf one last time. He may have lost her to The Doctor the moment they met but that would never stop him from caring about her or wanting to protect her.

"Well, yeah…damn right you are and…and you better never let it happen again you hear or…or you'll have me to deal with, got it?" Mickey crossed his arms once more and gave him a stern look.

"Got it." The Doctor nodded his head. "Thank you Mickey."

"Yeah, well…I'm gonna head off to bed. It's been a long day and I…yeah, so… g'night." He walked out of the room, still shaking his head in confusion.

"G'night Mickey." Rose called after him.

She looked up at the Doctor and he smiled, running his thumb over the back of her hand. They walked up the ramp towards the console and she sat down in the jump seat watching as The Doctor began the dematerialization sequence. Flipping a few more levers, he sent them into the vortex and then walked back over to Rose. Looking down at her, he reached a hand up to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear and then began caressing her cheek with his thumb. She leaned into his touch, turning her head to press a kiss to the palm of his hand and he stilled his movements. They stared into one another's eyes for a moment; the air sizzling around them and then he leaned down, placing a gentle kiss to her lips and then another as he lowered himself onto the jumpseat beside her. His hands moved up to cup the sides of her face as he ran his tongue along her lower lip seeking entrance and she quickly granted it, clutching onto the Doctor's lapels as his tongue caressed her own, sending waves of pleasure throughout her body. They broke apart once her need for air became apparent and rested their foreheads against one another.

"You should probably get some sleep." he spoke quietly.

"Yeah, probably should. S' been a long day." she agreed.

"C'mon," he said, taking her hand and pulling her up from the jump seat. "I'll walk you to your room."

-oOo-

As they walked along the corridor hand in hand, they kept stealing glances at one another and smiling. When they reached her room they dropped each other's hand and stood awkwardly; neither of them really knowing what to say.

"So, here we are." The Doctor shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back and forth on his feet.

"Yep." Rose nodded.

After a few seconds he pulled his hands from his pockets; clapping them together. "A good night sleep is just what you need Rose Tyler and then tomorrow we'll do something fun. Plus I kinda owe Mickey for making his first time out complete rubbish."

"That's very sweet of you." she said grinning up at him.

"Yeah, well…" he cleared his throat. "I mean, if he's going be traveling with us and all for a bit, it's only right that we make amends. As you humans say, 'do some male bonding' and all that."

Rose giggled softly. "Right, well um I guess I'm jus' gonna…" she gestured to her door.

"Right, sleep, of course, I'll just leave you to it then."

"What about you?" she asked nodding to his bedroom door behind him. "Aren't you tired?"

"Me? Nah, I'm good. I have a few things to fix on the console so…" he tugged on his ear anxiously.

"You and your tinkerin'." she laughed again, shaking her head. "Well, I guess I'll see you in the mornin' then, yeah?"

"Yeah, yes. Good, brilliant. See you in the morning."

Their eyes met and in the span of a few seconds, that crackle of electricity had begun to fill the air once more.

"Ok then. G'night Doctor."

"G'night Rose."

Neither one of them knew who moved first but as their lips crashed together, they didn't much care. The Doctor wrapped his arms around Rose's waist; holding her tightly against him as her hands tangled into his hair. Letting go of her with one arm, he fumbled blindly behind him until his hand met the solid brass of his doorknob. With one swift motion he had pulled her into his bedroom, closed the door behind them and pressed her up against it.

"Hang on," The Doctor panted as he reached into his suit pocket and pulled out his sonic. Clicking through a few settings, the buzzing sounds filled the air and then he tossed it behind him. "Soundproofing." he explained and she nodded in response as his lips came crashing back down on hers.

He shrugged out of his suit jacket while she fumbled with his tie; loosening the knot and pulling it from his neck. His hands grasped her wrists and pinned them to the door on either side of her head as he delved his tongue further into her mouth; pressing his hips tightly against hers. Tearing her lips from his, she gasped at the feel of him hard and straining against her center as he began trailing kisses along her jaw, moving over to take her earlobe between his teeth; nibbling gently as his hands released her wrists to skim down her sides.

Upon reaching her waist he grasped the hem of her t-shirt; pulling it up and over her head to reveal a sheer purple lace bra. Dropping the shirt onto the floor and grasping hold of her waist, his mouth found hers again; swallowing her moans as their tongues dueled a gentle rhythm. Her hands came to rest on his shoulders; clutching the fabric of his shirt while his traced a path from her waist, up her sides; gliding along her ribs and then sweeping inwards to cradle her breasts; cupping and kneading the lace encased flesh.

"I want you." he whispered huskily into her mouth. "Oh Rose, I've wanted you for so long."

Upon hearing his words, Rose felt a wave of boldness take over and much to The Doctor's displeasure, she broke away from him; kicking off her trainers as she walked towards the large four-poster bed that stood in the center of the room. Turning back to face him, she unbuttoned her jeans; slowly sliding them past her matching purple lace knickers, before shimmying out of them and tossing them away. Giving him a sultry look, she breathed out. "Then take me Time Lord."

Kicking off his converse, he yanked his two remaining shirts over his head and tossed them to the floor. "Oh yes." he breathed huskily with a smirk and a slight shake of his head.

She raised an eyebrow and gave him her signature tongue in tooth smile and that was all it took. His eyes grew even darker and with a low growl he pounced, sending her into a fit of giggles as they fell onto the bed.

Propping himself up on one elbow, The Doctor reached over and brushed Rose's hair back from her face; the intensity in his gaze quickly driving away her laughter as the realization of what was happening between them took over. His warm brown eyes focused on hers so deeply she could barely breathe. Reaching out, she lightly ran her fingers over the smattering of freckles across his nose and cheeks and down the side of his face to stroke his sideburn and he smiled, making her heart flutter. Her hand trailed down his neck, running along his firm shoulder and then down his lean, muscular chest through the soft dark hair and gliding down his stomach to the thin trail that ran below his belly button and disappeared into the waistband of his trousers. He was completely breathtaking and utterly gorgeous, and he was hers.

"I think we're a little uneven, don't you?" she asked having reached the waistband of his pants; tugging lightly.

Catching the twinkle of amusement in his eye she gently pushed him onto his back; sliding her leg across his hips as she moved to straddle him, her eyes lingering on his plump bottom lip. Unable to resist, she ran her thumb across it before leaning down to take it between hers; gently nipping at it and sucking it into her mouth as her hands once again roamed down his chest until they reached their destination. Sitting back again, she unbuttoned his trousers and slowly dragged down the zipper as she stared into his eyes. He arched an eyebrow and she gave him a cheeky smile as she began pulling his trousers down his legs. Her eyes widened immediately and a blush crept up her cheeks as she took in the sight of his TARDIS blue boxer-briefs and the impressive bulge they harnessed. Looking up, she saw he was watching her with rapt attention; a filthy smile spreading across his face. She released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding as she finished removing his trousers, tossing them off the bed and began running her hands along his calves, over his knees and up his thighs. His eyes fluttered closed and his respiratory bypass kicked in as she moved closer and closer to where he was aching to be touched. After a few seconds he noticed her hands had stopped moving and he opened his eyes to find her worrying her bottom lip; seemingly deep in thought.

"Rose?" he asked concernedly.

"No, S'…I was jus' wonderin', do we need um," She gestured towards their lower halves. "Ya know, protection?"

"Oh, right." he finally comprehended; sitting up slightly and supporting himself on his elbows. "Well, technically we're compatible but as far as other things go..." he cleared his throat. "We would of course need to run some tests, but there would basically have to be a bit of genetic tinkering and DNA manipulation before you could possibly…"

"Ok then, good to know." she interrupted quickly; worried that line of thinking might lead his big Time Lord brain to start questioning their relationship again and there was no way she was going to let that happen, not this time. "Now where were we?" She smiled wickedly; fingertips brushing against the inner part of his knees as they resumed their journey upwards.

He returned her smile, sliding his own hands up and down her thighs; thumbs lightly brushing against her knickers before retreating again and she whimpered. Releasing her hold on his legs, her hands moved behind her back to unclasp her bra and he watched as she slowly slid the scrap of material down her arms, baring herself to his gaze.

The Doctor swallowed audibly; taking in the sight of the goddess before him. At that moment, every reason, every fear he ever had for why they shouldn't be together went out the proverbial window. For so long he had kept her at arm's length, telling himself it was for the best, that it would help him to cope better when she was gone. Yet he would still allow himself to imagine how it might feel to kiss her, to hold her in his arms, to take her to bed, sinking into the fantasy on nights when the day's adventure or tinkering on the TARDIS just couldn't abate his growing desire. He had wanted her back when he was all leather and big ears and once he regenerated those feelings only grew stronger, which scared him to no end. He had never needed anyone like he needed her and he now knew that he would never let her go no matter what the future held. The light in the room illuminated Rose's beautiful blonde hair in a golden aura and her hazel eyes were filled with a mixture of lust, love, and vulnerability. Of all the times he had fantasized of this moment, none of them were a match for the reality before him and he was finally ready to surrender his hearts to her completely.

Grasping her hips tightly, he sat up and pulled her further into his lap. She placed her hands on his shoulders and his slid around to the small of her back, lifting and arching her body towards him as he leaned forward to press an open mouth kiss to her stomach. He slowly traced a line from her belly button to her sternum with his tongue and she gasped; fingers digging into his shoulders.

"You are so beautiful." he said as he began to trail delicate kisses over the soft swells of her chest.

He pressed his right hand against her lower back and moved his left around the front of her body to cup her right breast firmly as he took the silky flesh into his mouth; his tongue teasing and swirling around the sensitive bud. Rose's hands found their way into his hair holding him tightly against her as she threw her head back, moaning in pleasure. He continued lavishing, sucking and nipping at her breast before releasing it with a wet pop and moving across to worship its twin and when he lightly ran his thumbs against her sensitive nipples she cried out, arching further into his touch and grinding against his erection.

With a sharp intake of breath, The Doctor wrapped his arms around her and rolled them over so that he was on top; both moaning at the sudden contact of his bare chest against hers. He paused for a moment, settling himself above her and resting his weight on his forearms as he nuzzled her nose with his own. She looked up into his eyes; lightly biting on her bottom lip and he smiled as he leaned down to take it between his own. He kissed her slowly and sensuously; hands moving down to continue caressing her breasts as she ran hers through his thick chocolate locks; lightly dragging her nails against his scalp and earning her what almost sounded like a contented purr. He pulled away from her lips to trail open mouth kisses down her neck, lightly sucking on her pulse point before moving to join his hands.

Rose was on fire and the naturally cool temperature of The Doctor's body did little to contain the flames that now threatened to consume her. This was no longer the heated 'gotta have you now' shag they had originally begun. This was slow, calculated…sensual. He was now worshiping her body with artistic skill and she was in heaven.

The Doctor's lips and tongue mapped out every square inch of exposed flesh as he continued his descent down her body. He placed another opened mouth kiss right above the waistband of her knickers as he slipped his thumbs under the sides of the sheer purple material and dragged them slowly down her shapely legs before tossing them behind him. His nostrils flared as the scent of her arousal washed over him and his eyes grew even darker than before. Sliding his hands up her legs slowly, he moved them to her inner thighs, spreading her before him. "You're perfect." he said, leaning in for his first taste of pure Rose.

"Oh my god!" she cried out as her hips shot up from the bed.

The Doctor chuckled softly, gently pressing down on her thighs to hold her in place as he continued his ministrations. She clenched the duvet tightly in her fists and threw her head back against the mattress as his tongue began to drive her to the peaks of ecstasy. Even though she occasionally teased him for it, she had always secretly found The Doctor's oral fixation to be quite a turn on. Now being the subject of this particular talent, never again would she be able to watch him lick and taste things without bringing the sensations she was currently experiencing to mind.

As his clever tongue delved further between her folds he added a finger; curling it just so and she cried out, grasping the back of his head for purchase. He smiled against her, adding a second finger and setting up a rhythm while rubbing gentle circles against her clit with his thumb. Rose began to feel that familiar coiling in the pit of her stomach and gave a keening sound in the back of her throat as the sensation built and when he ran the tip of his tongue against her sensitive bundle of nerves, she called out his name as waves of pleasure crashed over her.

He continued to lap at her folds, coaxing her down from her high before pulling back with a grin, his eyes locked on hers. "Liked that did you?"

"Oh, yes." she breathed out. "I will never, ever, make fun of you for licking things again."

"Well, I have to say out of everything I've ever licked, you are by far the best tasting Rose Tyler." he chuckled, pressing a kiss to her inner thigh.

"Yeah? What about bananas?" she asked, giving him a tongue in tooth smile as she ran her hand through his hair.

"Technically I don't usually lick the bananas. Weell, unless it's a banana lolly…" he paused in thought for a moment. "Hmm, banana lollies and Rose Tyler, now that might be something." he grinned and wagged his eyebrows.

Giggling, she pulled him up into a passionate snog as her hands ran down his back and along the waistband of his last remaining barrier before slipping underneath and kneading the firm flesh. He moaned into her mouth and bucked against her in just the right spot, making her gasp.

"Off," she said, tugging at the fabric.

Leaning back he slowly began to remove his boxer-briefs and her jaw dropped as he sprung free from the material. 'Impressive' no longer seemed to be an adequate enough description. He was just…Perfection.

"Wow." she breathed out. When her eyes drifted back up to his face he was smiling a Cheshire grin.

"I take it you approve then?"

"Oh, definitely." she nodded; unconsciously licking her lips. As he dropped the garment to the floor she reached out, lightly running her fingers along his length from base to tip.

He hissed in pleasure as she wrapped her hand around his erection, stroking lightly and running her thumb across the head. Closing his eyes, he leaned his head back, pressing his tongue against the back of his front teeth. After a few more strokes, he reached down to still her movements. "Later." he promised, when she gave a small pout. "Right now, I want to make love to you."

He kissed his way back up her body and brushed a lock of hair from her face as he cradled himself between her thighs. Reaching down with one hand he lined himself up at her entrance, gently easing the tip through her folds and slowly began to push into her, inch by inch; allowing her to adjust to his size. He paused for a moment, looking into her eyes and she gave her silent permission for him to continue. Taking her mouth again, he slipped his tongue inside as he simultaneously pushed forward; sheathing himself fully within her and she almost came right then from the double sensation. He pulled out until only the head was in and then pushed forward again ever so slowly; their mouths dropping open as they moaned in unison.

Rose wrapped her legs around The Doctor's waist as he began to move in long languorous strokes and he kissed her deeply, mimicking his movement with his tongue as he slowly ran his hand from her knee to the outer curve of her arse and back down again, gradually adding pressure after each thrust.

Her hands clutched at his shoulders and then she began lightly running her nails down his back, grasping and squeezing his arse when she reached it before moving her hands back up to run through his hair, the feel of his tongue against hers and his cock stretching her deliciously heightening her pleasure tenfold.

"You feel so good." she gasped as he changed the angle hitting a particularly sensitive spot.

"So do you." he breathed out. "So wet, so tight. You feel so good around me." he said trailing kisses down her neck again.

"S' like we're a perfect fit." she agreed, tilting her head back to give him better access.

"Oh, yes." he whispered huskily; moving back up to nibble her ear. "This body was made for you Rose, in every way imaginable." He punctuated his words with a thrust.

"Mmmm, weren't you jus'." she moaned, arching into him.

As he continued to move within her, he began speaking softly into her ear. Since the language was not translated by the TARDIS, she could only assume he was speaking in Gallifreyan. The words were almost melodic in nature and although she couldn't understand them, they were beautiful just the same. She absolutely loved that he was a talker in bed and even more so when he; having switched back to English, began to whisper promises of all the things the night still held. His warm breath against her ear and the timber in his voice as he described in detail what he wanted to do to her, helped fan the flames as she spiraled closer and closer to release making her keen as she clutched his shoulders tightly.

Sensing she was nearing completion, The Doctor pulled back; taking in every detail. Her golden hair fanned out around her like a halo, the way she bit down on her bottom lip as she moaned, the fluttering of her dark lashes as he brought her closer and closer to ecstasy. He wanted to memorize every detail but most of all he wanted to look in her eyes as she came undone.

"Look at me Rose." he said softly.

She opened her eyes and stared into the warm brown depths that seemed to house all of time and space and was immediately taken aback by what she saw reflected there. Instead of the never ending war of waging emotions that normally took up residence in his eyes, all she could see right at that moment was love. Pure, raw, and unabashed love.

"Come for me Rose." he murmured; eyes burning into hers. "Come for me."

The look in his eyes and the passion in his voice was all it took to send her over the edge.

"Doctor!" she cried out as she shattered around him.

His name on her lips and the look on her face as she came while her inner muscles clenched him tight was enough to send him tumbling after her.

"Rose!" he gasped, pressing his forehead against hers as he spilled himself inside of her.

As they rode out the waves of pleasure, he continued to kiss her softly until they had collected themselves.

"Wow! I mean wow that was jus'…" Rose let out a whoosh of breath. "Wow!"

The grin that lit up his face was bordering on smug.

"Oi! Don't go gettin' all full of yourself now." she chided, giving him a playful slap on the arm.

"You're the one who can't stop saying wow." he pointed out, leaning down to nuzzle her nose again.

"You think you're so impressive." she laughed.

"I am so impressive." he said wagging his eyebrows as he began to harden inside her once more.

Her eyes widened and she sucked in a deep breath as she felt a renewed spark of arousal.

"How?" she questioned.

"No refractory period." he whispered into her mouth.

"Oh, Doctor." she moaned as he began to move again.

-oOo-

Several hours later, they were lying in each other's embrace in the darkness of The Doctor's bedroom. The TARDIS had morphed the ceiling into an image of the night sky and they lay quietly, staring up at the stars. Rose's head was resting against the Doctor's chest, listening to the dual rhythm of his heartbeats as he ran his fingers lightly up and down her arm.

"S' beautiful." Rose commented.

"Absolutely gorgeous." The Doctor agreed; his breath so close that she looked up to find him watching her.

She giggled. "I was talkin' about the sky."

"I wasn't." He brushed a lock of hair from her face.

Her cheeks flushed as she looked into his eyes and he leaned down to capture her lips. The kiss was soft and sweet, and when they broke apart she had tears in her eyes.

"Rose? What's wrong?" he asked searching her face.

"S' jus'…I've wanted this with you for so long. S' all jus' kinda surreal ya know. Like a dream, and M' afraid of wakin' up."

He brushed a tear from her cheek. "I can promise you it's not a dream and I… I've wanted this for a long time too." he admitted.

"Yeah?" she asked, running fingers along his chest. "How long?"

"Oh, pretty much since big ears and leather." he smiled softly.

"Really?"

"Really." The Doctor's smile slowly faded; his face growing serious and the intense look he gave her stole her breath. "I fought my feelings for so long Rose, but I don't want to do that anymore. I want you to stay with me like you promised because I need you and because…" he swallowed roughly. "Oh Rose, it scares the hell out of me but you have no idea how much I love you."

The smile that blossomed across Rose's face was almost blinding. "I love you too, Doctor. So very much."

He smiled back and leaned in to kiss her once more. Pulling back he lightly nuzzled her nose as she yawned softly and rested her chin over his right heart.

"You should get some sleep. I'd imagine you're tired."

"Maybe a little." she confessed as she yawned again. "Wonder why, Mr. Insatiable." she grinned, tongue in teeth as she lightly poked him in the ribs.

"I didn't hear any complaining earlier." he murmured. "In fact as I recall, you were quite; enthusiastically I might add, begging for more." He wagged his eyebrows.

"Shut up." she giggled as he pulled her close for another soft kiss.

"G'night Doctor." she whispered, snuggling into his chest as she wrapped her arm around his waist.

"G'night Rose." he said wrapping his arms around her and resting his head atop hers.