Of Brides and Christmas Dinners

As he stepped out of the TARDIS with an unusually quiet Donna and Rose, the Doctor takes a second to flick his sonic at Donna scanning her.

"Well, all the Huon particles have gone. No damage. You're fine," he says.

"Yeah, but apart from that… I missed my wedding, lost my job and became a widow on the same day… Sort of."

"There was no way to save him," Rose tells her sympathetically, giving Donna a quick hug.

"He deserved it," she says harshly. After a moment her face falls. "No he didn't," she says sadly. She turns and looks at her house. "I'd better get inside. They'll be worried."

"Best Christmas present they could have," he smiles at her. They all looked at the house and saw Donna's mum and granddad hugging. "Oh, no, I forgot," he says suddenly. "You hate Christmas."

"Yes, I do."

"Even if it snows?" he says sneakily.

Reaching into the TARDIS and pressing a switch he's been dying to use for decades, the light atop the TARDIS glows and shoots a ball of light into the atmosphere, looking all the world like a white firework. After just a few moments it begins to gently snow. Rose and Donna both turn to gape at him.

"Oi! Space man! How'd you do that?" Donna splutters.

"Oh, basic atmospheric excitation," he grins smugly, rocking back on the heels of his trainers. Rose smacks him on the shoulder with a grin of her own.

"Merry Christmas," Donna smiles.

"Merry Christmas."

"And you. So," he says. "What will you do with yourself now?"

"Not getting married for starters," she jokes. "And I'm not gonna temp anymore. I dunno... travel... see a bit more of planet Earth... walk in the dust. Just... go out there and do something."

Rose and the Doctor look at each other sharing the same thought.

"You could come with us. It isn't like that every day." Rose grins hopefully at Donna with her tongue in her teeth. "Some days we just swim in the Library, or go laze around on purple beaches having banana drinks."

"Definitely most days though, oof!...I mean of course we do plenty of safe, right safe, very safe things...all the time. Right, Rose?" The Doctor hopes that's the right answer. He doesn't want to earn another elbow in the ribs.

Laughing, Donna says, "You two, are too much. You only just found each other, and then you had to go about saving me! No, I'd feel like a third wheel, get in the way. You don't need me around slowing you all down. Not sure how I feel about all that running anyway."

Rose steps forward taking Donna's hand, "Donna Noble you are wonderful, and I would really love it if you would come with us. I need another girl around. Please reconsider."

"Well, you do have your hands full with that crazy lump!" Donna says with a mock scowl.

"Oi! Still standing here!" says the Doctor trying his best to look indignant. He has really enjoyed meeting Donna. He thought Rose could give him a run for his money, but Donna was right there with him not giving an inch. As irritating as it was at times, he had thoroughly enjoyed it. Plus, it would do Rose good to have someone other than just the TARDIS and him to talk to. Learning to be a Time Lord wasn't all that much fun when he did it.

There was so much that Rose needed to know, just to be healthy, let alone safe, and safe around others. There had been no time to even talk about what had happened with Donna exploding onto the scene mere hours after he'd gotten Rose back. Then everything with the Racnoss, the Thames nearly drowning all three of them, not to mention more insane Santa robots-yup, crazy.

He wouldn't actually mind a little time with just the two of them, but he could hardly tell Rose no, and he wanted Donna along, too. So, he would just make it work. He can't imagine life with Donna being any weirder than the last couple of days have been, so why not! Allon-sy and all that!

Rolling her eyes Donna suggests, "Tell you what I will do right now though...Christmas dinner. Mum's a good cook, but she always cooks enough for twenty. When we're done, I'll give ya an answer. How 'bout that?"

Thinking of the previous Christmas with its terror, doubt, more terror, relief, and then joy, Rose turns and looks at the Doctor with a secret little smile, and a twinkle in her eye.

-So how about it, Doctor? Up for a little Christmas dinner and some tryptophan induced napping later?-

The Doctor's eyes get wide. It's the first time that Rose has actually tried speaking to him telepathically. He has had part of his mind shielding her thoughts from the outside, (with her broadcasting like a news station) but he'd been doing a good job of ignoring it, knowing they'd work on her shielding very soon. But this?! This was consciously speaking and flirting, (Omega!) reminding him once again that that tingle back there, is Rose-his Gallifreyan, Time Lady Rose.

-Rose. You are brilliant!-

-I take it, that's a yes?- Rose is really quite pleased with herself, first try even. She knew it should work, but she hadn't tried it yet.

-Yup!-

-He even pops his 'p' in his head!- she thinks, rolling her eyes at him this time, she takes his hand in hers.

-Why yes I do, Rose Tyler!- he quips back. She can even feel his smirk in her mind.

-Sorry, thought I was keeping that one to myself. Ooops.-

Bumping his shoulder with hers, Rose looks back at Donna. "Donna, we'd love to. How about we go get changed right quick, and we'll meet you at the door in...20 minutes?"

-I will have you know Rose Tyler, that my current attire is perfectly acceptable for Christmas dinners in several Galaxies.- He shoots at Rose petulantly.

-Seriously? We have nearly drowned in the Thames...ew!...Been shot at, thrown around the TARDIS,and you weren't the one all wadded up in web goo. I am showering, and putting on clean clothes. Clean, Doctor, clean!-

-Cheeky! Fine. A shower might be nice. I think this pair of trainers is completely ruined now that I look at them...I think they were white once, and maybe a clean shirt would be nice...Ooo, I can pick a new tie!...and maybe I could...-

-See. I knew you wouldn't pout for long.-

-Time Lords do NOT pout, Rose Tyler!-

-Of course not,- Rose returns sarcastically. She has to work to not roll her eyes again, so Donna doesn't feel left out of the entire conversation happening as she and the Doctor make their way back towards the TARDIS.

"Make it 45 minutes and don't be daft! No knocking or ringing the bell—just come right in," Donna calls back with a brilliant smile, obviously delighted that they'll stay, and heads towards her door.

Turning back Rose calls to her, "See ya in 45 then, Donna." With a little wave, Rose and the Doctor slip into the TARDIS.

Pausing at her door, Donna realises that she might not want to turn right around and leave again. Her grandfather would understand, but her mum would not be happy. Thinking of her mum, Donna is sorely tempted though. /Lots to think about,/ she tells herself. Forty-five minutes will give her just enough time to take get her mom settled, (Oi!) and get her own clothes changed. She was really, really over this dress. /Next time I get up in one of these, it will have pockets!/ she thinks disdainfully.

Some four hours or so later, everyone is stuffed to bursting with more than just food. Rose isn't sure she had ever seen anyone tuck in as much as the Doctor. Seeing him with his blue paper crown askew on his head laughing with Donna, and Wilf in his pink one teasing his daughter; is bittersweet for Rose. Thinking of the previous Christmas and the one that her family are currently having saddens her even though she genuinely is having a great time. Raising a glass with the rest in a toast for a fantastic year, Rose resolves for it to be true. Catching the Doctor's eye they acknowledge each other with an extra little smile. /This will be the best year yet,/Rose thinks to herself; truly happy for the first time in years.

Currently, Rose is watching Donna and her mum talk about the day. Donna is not sharing too much about what had actually happened, and Rose is impressed at how well she's handling it. /God knows my first experience was exciting, but Donna's takes the cake!/ She thinks, smiling to herself. Earlier, Sylvia had been completely ruthless in her passive aggressive treatment of Donna. Rose knew it wasn't her place, but she'd really wanted to give her a good slap for making her new friend cry—and before Christmas dinner, the nerve.

Before Rose could say anything feisty though, Wilf had taken his daughter's hand and kindly told her, "Shut it, Sylvia. It's been a hard day for everyone, and it's Christmas—let's have a nice dinner and be grateful the Doctor and Rose took care of our Donna." Donna looked at Wilf with such love and gratitude that it had made Rose's eyes shine. From that point on, the dinner was much more relaxed.

Wilf and the Doctor had hit it off immediately, and are happily talking about Wilf's telescopes and interesting space phenomena. Of course, the Doctor has all sorts of ideas on how to 'improve' the telescopes. Looking over at the Doctor and Wilf, Rose sees that they are surreptitiously making their way towards the back door. It is adorable seeing these two grown men trying to sneak out of the house like naughty school children. Rose catches Donna's eye and nods her head in their direction. Donna glances over and back to Rose with a knowing smirk on her face. Rose decides to let them have their fun. Hopefully the Doctor -Won't blow up Wilf's telescopes!- She pushes at him. She receives a miffed -Oi!- in return. Laughing, Rose joines the Nobles in telling anecdotes of the day and helping to clean up. Soon they will be off, and hopefully with Donna Noble in tow. Soon, she tells herself, and laughs at Donna's last joke about the look on Cousin Harold's face when the Christmas ornaments started flying.

Walking up the hill with Wilf, the Doctor sees a telescope already set-up.

"Oh look at that! What's it tuned to at the moment?" he asks Wilf.

"Oh? Venus, with an apparent magnitude of -3.5º is what it says in my little book. Here have a look," he says turning the telescope toward the Doctor.

Leaning over, the Doctor adjusts the eyepiece a bit and Venus pops up, gibbous and a gorgeous cloudy blue.

As the Doctor is gazing happily at Venus, Wilf thinks to add a little extra info, "It's the only planet in the Solar System to be named for a woman."

"Well good for her. And she's all of 26 million miles from here Wilf, but you lot will get there one day."

"I don't get half the things you say, Doctor, but I'm always tellin' Donna that we'll get there! I feel that in a hundred years' time we'll be out there, stridin' amongst the stars, minglin' with all them aliens. Just you wait I tell 'er," Wilf enthuses.

"I'm impressed Wilf, you really believe all that stuff?"

"Well, been seein' enough of 'em around here lately. I figure if I wait here long enough..." Wilf shrugs a bit.

Looking up at the sky instead of Wilf, the Doctor asks, "Haven't seen a little blue box, have ya now?"

"Is that slang for somethin'?"

"No, no...well not really," the Doctor answers with a small smile still gazing at the stars.

"Right. Well Doctor, as interested as I am in all your ideas for my telescope, there are some things I been wantin' to talk to you about," Wilf states, wanting to get to the point.

Cocking an eyebrow at him the Doctor remains silent but encourages him to go on.

"You see Donna's had a really rough time of it here today and recently. Her dad passin' on and poor Lance; bless 'em. I know you lot aren't givin' us the real story about today. I can see it in Donna's face; she's seen things that she ain't seen before, an' it has her thinkin'; harder than she has in years. I want her happy, Doctor. Her mother's hard on her."

Not wanting to look at the Doctor and loose his nerve, Wilf takes a moment to fiddle with his telescope, before continuing, "I don't want you to think I'm daft, but your Rose said you an' she travel. Now, I don't know what that means, you could be spies, rich, or extra-terrestrials yourselves for all I know, but ya seem like nice folks, and I want to ask ya to take Donna for a trip. I know you saved her an' all today, but I think you and Rose would be good for her."

"Already done."

"What? Jus' like that?"

"Well, yes. Rose already asked her join us, and I think it's a great idea. Donna wasn't sure though, wanted us to ask again after dinner. Great dinner, by the way. Your daughter could frighten some Generals I know, but she can cook!"

The grin fades from his face as he starts thinking. Reaching up to rub the back of his head, the Doctor comes up with an idea, and the grin is firmly back in place.

"Say Wilf, how 'bout we give Donna a month. She can think on it, talk to you about it, and we'll be back to pick her up, say at the end of January."

"Oh Doctor! That's wonderful, that is!" Jumping up and grabbing the Doctor's hand to shake it enthusiastically, Stopping suddenly and coming to attention, he salutes and then winks at the Doctor who half raises a hand, but looks back confused. "For Queen and Country! You know, just in case. You mentionin' Generals and such." Wilf gives the Doctor another conspiratorial wink.

"Yes, right. Well. We better be getting back inside. I'm sure we've successfully dodged all the domestics!"

With matching grins the Doctor and Wilf head back down the hill towards the still brightly lit house. Sylvia must have gone to bed, because they can only see Donna and Rose giggling next to fire with glasses of wine. They look so happy that both the Doctor and Wilf stop to watch them enjoying themselves for a moment.

"Oh look, Doctor. Isn't that just beautiful?"

"Yes. The most beautiful thing in the entire Universe."

Wilf looks over at the Doctor and sees his eyes are locked on Rose. /Well he's done in. Look at that daft smile on his face. Bless 'im./

"Come on, Doctor! Donna makes the best hot chocolate, and it's cold out here!"

"Oh I love hot chocolate! Is there cinnamon?" the Doctor ask enthusiastically.

"Mum went to bed, and she wears earplugs; gramps here snores." Donna says in reference to her mum's absence as she's making the Doctor and Wilf a cup of hot chocolate. They had moved the remainder of their party to the kitchen to be a little further from the stairs anyway. Wilf looks a bit sheepish at this, but smilingly hands the Doctor his cup and sips from his own.

"So Donna, I mentioned to Wilf about your traveling with us, and he seemed to think..." he trails off as he takes his first sip of Donna's first rate cocoa. "Oh! Donna Noble, the noblest of hot chocolate makers; with cinnamon AND whipped cream. Molto bene!" The Doctor is completely sidetracked with his cocoa as he gushes his praise between sips.

Rose is pretty sure she's had enough wine, when she realises she's staring, as the Doctor indulges in his whipped cream topped cocoa. Turning pink and looking at something, anything, she catches sight of Donna who has a knowing smirk on her face. Pinker still, Rose is sure that there must be something wrong with the heating in this room.

Setting his cup down, Wilf picks up where the Doctor left off.

"Donna, luv. I think you should go with 'em. It'd be good for you to see more than this ol' place, and who knows what you'll see out there." Taking Donna's hand and giving it a bit of a squeeze and an encouraging smile, Wilf hopes she'll want to.

/Oh, gramps! You have NO idea!/ Donna thinks to herself at his innocent statement.

"Well, before any of the rest of you start in on your plans…," Donna begins, pleased and amused to see both the Doctor and Rose's mouths close around their own replies. "I've made my decision, and I'll go, just not right now. I think I'd like a month. A month to figure myself out a bit, love on me ol' granddad here, and I'll need to pack of course, no idea what kind of weather we might encounter!"

"You'll need a whole month to pack?!"The Doctor questions unbelievingly.

/Damn good thing the Ol' Girl is bigger on the inside!/he thinks.

"Rude! I think that's a great idea, Donna, and whatever else you might need; we can go shopping for," Rose replies as she smacks the Doctor on the shoulder. Then she smiles brightly at both the idea of shopping with Donna, and teasing the Doctor about said shopping trips.

"Ow! What is it with you and the slapping? Fine, fine packing, shopping, one month...all good " The Doctor looks a little petulant still, but everyone can tell it's all for show,. With a sinking stomach he suddenly has a flash of Rose and Donna shopping.

/Shopping! Gah! Oh wait! I can drop them off to go girl shopping and I'll hunt for TARDIS parts! Right, very important, TARDIS parts. Maybe not such a bad idea after all. Everybody wins!/ he thinks in compromise.

Getting up from the table and taking the dishes to the sink, Wilf comes back suppressing a yawn.

"Well! I'm off to bed then. Will we see ya in the mornin'? You'd be welcome, of course." He isn't sure what it is, but he has a good feeling about Rose and the Doctor. And he just knows Donna is going to have the adventure of her life. Even as excited as he is for Donna though, he's glad to have some more time with her

"Thanks much, but we'll be off. I'll be back with those new lenses I mentioned, end of January. G'night, Wilf!"

The Doctor, Rose, and Donna wave Wilf off to bed, and head out the door toward the TARDIS.

"Well I hope you two don't get up to too much trouble in the next month. I'll be looking for you." Donna has her arms wrapped around herself in the chill, but is obviously still delighted with the continued snowfall. It is late enough that you can hear the flakes land in the silence of the night.

"Donna! Time machine! What makes you think we're going to wait?" Rose says this with her tongue in tooth grin, all mischief and delight.

"Because you should, you plum! Space-man there just got you back, safe and sound. Take at least a month. Hell, take a year for all I'll know, but you need to have some time for just…well, for just yourselves. But don't be late! I had better see you here at...let's say 2:00 PM sharp, January 25th." Donna's excitement is such a nice change to how she looked earlier in the day. Both Rose and the Doctor smile back at her.

"Robbie Burns Day, well in Canada anyway! I loved good 'ol Robbie. 'Wee, sleekit, cow'rin, tim'rous beastie, O' what a panic's in thy breastie!'" The Doctor spouts this off with a perfect Scots brogue, wiggling his eyebrows at Rose and putting an arm around her shoulders; still teasing her about their visit with Queen Victoria.

Rose snuggles in for the hug. That was one of her favourite adventures, but not to be outdone, she silently sends him a little of her own favorite Burns poem.

-And fare thee weel, my only luve, And fare thee weel awhile! And I will come again, my luve, Though it were ten thousand mile.-

She'd had plenty of time to read in Pete's world to reminisce about her past adventures and catch up on some reading; luckily Robert Burns was there, too.

"Right. Well. Erm... Yes, we're going Donna, and I'll park the TARDIS right here, well maybe more over by that building, better than here in the street, seeing as you want us here at 2 o'clock sharp. Don't really want to damage any cars...with the TARDIS...Right. Going, us. We're going...now." He splutters to a stop, finally getting all of this out despite blushing to the tips of his ears.

Squinting her eyes at both of them, Donna is sure she just missed something.

"Oi! Are you having a fit? Go, get. Two o'clock. Don't. You. Forget," Donna punctuates with a finger in the Doctor's chest. "Now give me a hug, and get the hell out of here."

Hugs are shared all around, and with a wave Rose and the Doctor file into the TARDIS. Donna stays and watches the snow fill the small square left behind for a bit after the loveliest sound in the Universe has faded away.

On her way back to the house, she turns one more time with a grin and a light in her eyes to look at the slowly disappearing TARDIS print.

"Aliens! Ha!"

Chuckling to herself, Donna enters her house, and heads to bed. It will be a quick month, and she's already making lists in her head.

A/N: Welcome to the next story in my 10/Time Lady Rose AU. I will mention certain episodes that I feel are fixed points, but I am more interested in the times between, and the development of my relationship. Thanks for reading, and I hope you like the start. Many, many thanks to Ashleigh for being the best Beta.