A/N: Thanks for the lovely response to this story!

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or anything related.

"Ouch! That hurts!"

"Good! It should hurt. That's what you get for being so bloody stupid!"

"I didn't think-"

"Well, that much is obvious." Rose rolled her eyes at the fourteen year old boy in front of her. His left ear clearly inflamed. "I mean, what were you thinking, Jake?" she asked, applying another layer of antiseptic cream to his ear.

The young teenage huffed from his perch on the bathroom counter. "Why are you so shocked? I asked you two weeks ago if I could pierce my ear."

She nodded. "You did. And if you recall, my answer was that I would think about it. I needed to check with your school to see if they allowed it or not. Which, by the way, I found out yesterday, they do. If you'd had just waited, I was going to let you. Instead of waiting for my answer you took it upon yourself to pierce your own ear. And you hid it from me by wearing that stupid beanie all night!"

He let out a small chuckle. "I couldn't believe you fell for it when I told you my head was cold."

"Make no mistake, young man, I knew there was something suspicious about that bloody hat, but I was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt. Instead, you wake me up at three in the morning, crying about your ear falling off!"

"That's how it feels!"

Rose closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I swear to God, Jake, I don't know what's going on in that head of yours anymore. Talk to me."

"About what?" He frowned.

"Whatever's going on with you lately," she answered gently.

Jake shook his head, but avoided eye contact. "Nothing," he mumbled.

"Right," she sighed. "Course not. Well, in the meantime you're grounded."

"What?!" he shouted.

"Shh." She lightly smacked his shoulder. "You'll wake up your brothers and you heard me just fine. Grounded. No mobile, no telly, no video games."

"For how long?" he grumbled.

She took a deep breath. "Two weeks. You can have your mobile while at school, but it's only to be used in case of an emergency. Don't forgot, I can track your activity."

Jake hopped of the counter. "You're being completely unfair."

Rose scoffed. "No, do you know what's unfair? You going behind my back and lying to me. You're lucky the only things you're taking away from this are a two week grounding and a minor infection in your ear. It could have been a lot worse. Now, go to bed. You have to be up in a few hours for school."

"I have to go with my ear like this?!" he questioned, looking at his red and puffy ear in the mirror. "That's bollocks."

She closed her eyes as Jake stormed past her, moving out of her bedroom and into his. She sent a silent prayer up that he wouldn't wake up ten year old Tony in the process. When a a couple minutes went by and she didn't hear a peep from either boy, she cleaned up her en suite and climbed back into bed. Rose groaned when she looked at her mobile and realised it wasn't even four in the morning and she was now wide awake. Not for the first time, Rose wished her parents were here to help with whatever was going on with fourteen year old, Jake. She was sure her dad would know just what to say to the boy, and if he didn't, Jackie Tyler could surely get through to him! But it was just her. With a sigh she closed her eyes and willed for sleep to come.

"But why!?"

"Because it's what they want to do."

"Don't they love us anymore?"

John took a deep breath, desperately trying to keep calm. "Of course they love you, Lynda. They love you all, but Uncle Ianto has been asked to go and save this restaurant from closing. Isn't that exciting?"

His oldest, Jenny, crossed her arms. "Yeah, but why so far away?"

"They're going to Cardiff not Antarctica! We'll still see them plenty," he tried explaining not for the first time since breaking the news that their beloved uncles, Jack and Ianto were moving back to Ianto's home of Cardiff for business.

Jenny's twin, and younger by three minutes sister, Clara, narrowed her eyes at him. "Did you say something to them?"

"What?"

"Did you make them angry? Is that why they're moving so far away? Did you make them feel unwelcome?"

He huffed. "Why is this all of a sudden my fault? This is no one's fault! Ianto is originally from Cardiff, he wants to help this restaurant in Cardiff. End of story. They can't live with us for forever."

"But who's going to cook for us and do the shopping?" his youngest, Sarah Jane, asked as she moved from her seat to snuggle in his lap.

"I will."

Clara's eyes widened. "You're going to do the shopping?"

"Do you even know how?" seven year old, Sally, questioned.

John glared at his children. "Yes, I am going to do the shopping, and yes I very much know how. In fact, I am going to go today while you lot are at school so make sure anything you need is on the list. Understood?"

"Yes, sir," his daughters, save Sarah Jane, all grumbled.

"Now, go on and get dressed before you're late for school," he told them, watching his girls file back up the stares. "That includes you, little miss,' he told his youngest before realizing she had fallen back to sleep in his lap. With a sigh, he heaved himself out of his favorite chair and carried his daughter back up to her room. Not for the first time he wished his wife was here to tell him what to do when his daughters got in a strop with him. She would know exactly how to handle the mood swings the twins were prone to. Astrid would have the exact words needed to lift the girls' spirits. But it was just him. Shaking his head, he began the process of helping his daughters get ready for their day.

"He really pierced his own ear?" Doris Lethbridge-Stewart chuckled between bites.

"He really did," Rose confirmed, stabbing her salad with her fork a bit harder than necessary.

Doris smiled softly. "Oh, I don't mean to laugh, sweetheart, but you have to admit it's a bit funny. Trust me, in a few years time you'll laugh when you think about it."

Rose nodded at her pseudo-grandmother's advice. The Lethbridge-Stewart's had been friends of the Tyler's for years. When Rose's dad, Pete, was looking for a business partner for his new health drink company, it was Doris's husband, Alistair, was the one to step and make the company the success it is today. After her mum and dad passed, Alistair and Doris did their best to check in on Rose and the boys as often as possible. Lunch with Doris was a near weekly occurrence, and one Rose treasured.

"I hope so," she replied. "Tell me though, how's that husband of yours? I feel like I haven't seen 'im in ages!"

"Oh, busy as ever! You know, he wanted me to remind you that anytime you want to come work for Vitex..."

"I know, I know. It's just... Vitex was Dad's dream you know. And nothing makes me happier than seeing it become so successful, but it's not what I want, ya know? And I'd like to think he would be okay with that."

The older woman put down her fork and reached across the table to squeeze Rose's hand. "Of course he would! Both of your parents would be so proud of you, no matter what path you choose."

"Thanks, Doris."

"Now," she clapped her hands, "it's your turn to tell me, are you seeing anyone?"

Rose rolled her eyes playfully. This was a question the older woman asked practically every week. "Same answer as always, no. Honestly, I don't have time, and if I did, who would want to date me?"

"Who would want to date you? You're a young, beautiful woman!"

She laughed. "Yeah, with five boys in her care. No one wants to deal with that."

Doris took a sip of water, before saying, "Trust me, Rose, there are plenty of men out there who are willing to date a woman with children. Perhaps a man who has experience with that himself." Her eyes lit up. "And now that we're on the subject-"

"What have you done?" she asked, looking around the restaurant frantically. A few months before Doris had attempted to set her up by inviting the young man who lives next door to her for lunch without telling Rose. It had been an unmitigated disaster, to say the least.

"Nothing!" she replied defensively before adding a small, "yet." She smiled. "Listen, this one is different. He's an old friend of Alistair's, single father, and positively perfect for you."

"I don't know, Doris."

"Just meet him for dinner. One dinner, mine and Alistair's treat. If you hit it off, great! If not, than you never have to see him again. Hm?"

Rose shook her head, knowing there was no point in arguing with the woman. "And when is this dinner supposed to take place?"

"Tonight."

"Oh ho! I remember Kate at that age and I do not envy you, son," Brigadier Alistair Lethbridge-Stewart commented with a chuckle.

"Tell me about it," John sighed, taking a bite of his sandwich. "Five daughters and I have no bloody clue what I'm doing."

The older man nodded. "Ah, but you're doing pretty well for yourself. I mean, the girls are healthy and well cared for. That's what really matters."

John gave a small smile. He'd known Alistair since he was a young lad. The Brigadier and his da had been in the service together and though their military careers went in different directions, the pair had remained in close contact. After his parents passed, Alistair became John's biggest support system. He would forever be grateful for the encouragement the older man offered as John started his own career as a doctor in the Royal Navy.

Waving his hand, he said, "Ah, enough about me. How's that wife of yours?"

"Busy as ever with her charities and loving every minute of it. She told me to tell you to come visit her sometime."

"Oh, I will. Busy myself here at the hospital and with Jack and Yan moving, things will get even crazier."

"You know," the older man started, "she also was curious if you were seeing anyone."

John narrowed his eyes. "She was curious, huh? Don't play those games with me, Alistair, I know you're the curious one. But for the record, no. I'm not seeing anyone."

The Brigadier held up his hands in surrender. "You've got me. I just think if maybe you met someone..."

"Then what? All my problems would be solved? I don't have time to date. Look at today, we're having lunch in my office because I couldn't get away. Plus I have five daughters at home. That's enough to scare any woman away."

"Come on," the other man threw down his napkin and gestured to their takeaway cartons. "The food here's not half bad. There are worst places to take a woman. And as for the girls, lots of women wouldn't mind dating a man with kids. Maybe a single mother for instance."

John leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, and asked, "What are you on about?"

"There's this young woman," he admitted, "single mum, real beautiful, and sweet as can be. I've known her family for ages and I truly think she would be perfect for you." He looked seriously at John. "I know the idea of dating anyone after Astrid is scary, but remember, I know how you feel. After Fiona, I never thought I could be with anyone else, but then I met Doris and I've never been happier."

"Al..."

"One dinner. That's all I ask," he pleaded.

John closed his eyes. "When?"

"Tonight."

"Uhhh... Hm... Right."

"You okay there, mate?" Rose finally asked, holding back a giggle. She'd been watching the man to her left stare at the shelf of feminine hygiene products for the past five minutes. He was clearly uncomfortable and had no idea what he was supposed to be purchasing. She figured his wife or maybe girlfriend (she noticed the lack of ring on a certain finger) had sent him on a very specific errand and she was curious why he didn't just pick up his mobile to call her.

"Me?" He turned, looking surprised that she was addressing him. "Oh, I'm fine. Dandy. Ta for asking."

She smiled and reached around him to pick up her own personal items. Having a household of boys had cured her from any embarrassment about such things. "You sure about that? You've been standing here glaring for quite awhile now. No shame in asking for help." She winked, surprising herself. She'd always been a bit of a flirt, but hadn't done much since the accident. With the boys taking up all her time and energy, that was the last thing on her mind. Now here she was winking at a clearly older man in the feminine hygiene aisle at the chemist. Not only was he older, he also was far from the type she typically went for. Her dad used to tease her about her "pretty boys" when she was a teenager, but this man with his ice blue eyes, chiseled cheek bones, and slightly too large ears and nose was far from pretty. He was... gorgeous. And that train of thought needed to end right there.

The man's sighs drew her attention back from her wandering thoughts. "Actually, I am a bit confused," he admitted.

"About?" Rose prompted.

"My daughter put on the shopping list that she needed pads and tampons... and something about wings?!"

'May I see the list?"

The man pulled a piece of paper out of his leather jacket and quickly unfolding it for her to see. Rose smiled as she read the small curly handwriting clearly written by a teenager. The girl was pretty clear about what she needed, though she could see for a man who'd never purchased such items, it might be confusing. With a smile, Rose reached over and grabbed what was needed, placing them gently in the the man's trolley.

Looking down at the packages, the man nodded. "So that's what she meant by wings."

Unable to hold it in any longer, Rose threw her head back and laughed. "Sorry, sorry," she apologised when she saw the man blush, taking deep breaths to calm herself.

"Not necessary," he grumbled, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "This is the first time I've been sent on an errand quite like this. But I'm a doctor! This should bot have been so difficult for me."

"Don't worry, Doctor. It can be out secret."

He chuckled. "You have my appreciation. Really, thank you," he added. "Don't suppose there's anything I can help you with?"

She bit her lip and felt her cheeks begin to warm. "I'm okay, but thanks for the offer."

"Well, I suppose I'll see you around." He nodded as he slowly began pushing his trolley in the opposite direction.

Grabbing a tube of antiseptic cream, Rose had a thought. "Actually, Doctor, there is something."

"Actually, Doctor, there is something."

John stopped in his tracks, desperately trying to ignore the flutter he felt in heart at the sound of the young woman's voice. Young being the operative word. She was gorgeous, to be sure, with her soft curves, round doe eyes, and plump lips just begging to be - nope! That train of thought needed to end right there. She was young, he reminded himself. Far too young for him. Yes, she had flirted with him a bit, but it probably came naturally to her. She was just being kind to the daft bloke who was so far out of his depth trying to buy feminine hygiene products for his daughter. Right.

"What can I do for you?" he turned and asked.

"I need advice about boys," she said in a rush. "And I know you're not exactly a boy, but-"

He scoffed. "I'm making an effort not to be insulted."

Her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink. "Oh, god. That's not what I meant! I just mean, you're not a young boy. You're more of, ya know... a man."

"Thanks, I think. Although, I don't think I can be much help with your boyfriend troubles."

"I don't have boyfriend troubles," the young woman assured, "I need advice about my oldest. He's fourteen and-"

"You have a fourteen year old!?" John interrupted.

"Well, I mean, he's technically my cousin, but he's in my care. It's a really complicated.

"Sorry. Go on," he urged. He understood complicated.

She sighed and leaned heavily against her trolley. "It's just. He's had a rough go of things, but he's always been such a good boy. In the past few months though, it's like he's done a complete flip. Suddenly, he's lying and going behind my back, his grades are slipping, he's fighting constantly with his brothers.. I'm at a loss. He insists nothing's wrong, but there has to be. Right? Is this normal for a boy his age?"

John thought for a moment. As on only child and a father to five girls, he truly didn't have much experience with teenage boys, except his own youth. Thinking back to those years, he did have a small rebellious streak, due in part to his very troubled best friend, Harry. "What about his friends?"

"He's always been the type to be friends with everyone," she explained. "He did have this one best mate, Angela was her name, but she moved away last year. As far as I know they still text and whatnot."

"I'd love to tell you that it's just a faze, and it may be. A young boy trying to find himself. But there's always the risk it's something more serious," he told her carefully. "If I were you I would check in with his school, his teachers, see if they've noticed a change in his friends or maybe he's being bullied. And I would just try to keep the lines of communication open with him. Let him know that he can talk to you anytime."

Her eyes took on a far away look. "Yeah."

He ran a hand over his shortly cropped hair. "Sorry I can't be more help."

"No, no. You've been brilliant. Thank you. I feel so silly for not thinking of talking to his school about his behaviour," she said, suddenly looking even younger.

"S'not silly if you've never dealt with something like this," John told her, just as his mobile began ringing He looked at caller ID and shook his head. "Sorry, it's, uh, it's my daughter. I better take this."

The woman smiled brightly, lighting up the whole aisle, in his opinion. "Oh, please take it. I've actually got to head out. But, um, thanks for advice."

"Thank you for the help. You have no idea how grateful I am."