A.N: rose meets an old friend at the church

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Jackie bravely walked into the church, one foot in front of the other - ably supported on either side by The Doctor and Rose.

"Made it," said The Doctor, quietly. "I think we're okay now."

"Yeah - just don't breathe on anyone, Mum," whispered Rose. The three of them slid into the nearest pew, and sat down. The Doctor took a chance to glance around the building. At first, he was afraid that it would be the same church that Stuart and Sarah got married in. He wouldn't have gone there - too many bad memories, and ghosts - literally. However, he'd been relieved when they'd headed for a different part of town.

The organist was softly playing some Christmas carols; there was the buzz of excited conversation in the air. Further down, towards the altar, a rather large Christmas tree twinkled its' lights at the assembled congregation. The place felt warm and safe. The Doctor smiled, and turned his attention back to Rose just at the same time she turned her head in his direction. They caught one another's eye, and he grinned. Rose blushed, and looked bashfully away. This made him smile even more. Just then, another woman pushed in beside them.

"Sorry I'm late-" she began, then broke off quickly, her eyes falling on Rose. "Rose! Jackie never told me you were coming home!"

"She didn't know," countered Rose. "Hi, Bev. Good to see ya." Rose gave Jackie's oldest friend a hug, and cleared her throat. "Bev, this is John." She turned to The Doctor. "This is Bev - Mum's oldest mate."

"Less of the old, thanks!" exclaimed Bev, then clamped a hand over her mouth when she realised she'd shouted. "Good to meet you, John. I'd like to be able to say Jackie's told me a lot about you.. but actually she's told me sod all." She held out her hand, and The Doctor shook it, warmly.

"Pleased to meet you," he told her. "And I'm not surprised Jackie hasn't said too much about me. Between you and me," he added, conspiratorially, "she and I got off on the wrong foot. I'm hoping to change that." Bev looked him up and down.

"Mm.. I dunno. What's not to like?!" The Doctor looked over at Rose, as if to say 'oh god, not another one.'

"I think we'd better take our seats, Bev," Rose told her. "I think it's gonna kick off any second." They all sat down. Bev looked round at Jackie.

"What's up with her?" she asked Rose.

"About half a bottle of vodka and god knows what else," whispered Rose. "That's what's up with her."

"Right," said Bev. "Let me in beside her, then. You go in beside John." Some shuffling and standing on toes later, and everything was sorted. Jackie was almost asleep on Bev's shoulder, and The Doctor and Rose were sitting side by side. The Vicar took his place at the front of the Church, and silence descended.

"Welcome, everyone. We haven't actually got a white Christmas this year, but it is rather cold. So, thank you all very much for coming along tonight. Let's begin with no. 7 on your carol sheet, 'See In Yonder Manger Low.'"

After the organist's introduction, everyone got to their feet - even Jackie, with a lot of help from Bev. The Doctor and Rose stood, and he held up the carol sheet they both shared. Rose suddenly felt very warm, and very happy. When she felt for and took his hand, he turned his head to look at her - and for a moment, they were lost in one another's eyes. Rose felt so happy, she thought she might burst.

There were several Bible readings (to which, The Doctor kept commenting: 'Yeah - that's what happened - I was there') and more carols. Just before midnight, they sang 'O Come All Ye Faithful', coming in with 'Yea, Lord - we greet Thee, born this happy morning," just on the stroke of midnight. As the sound of the organ died away, the Vicar announced that it was now Christmas Day, and urged everyone to shake hands with the person next to them. Rose turned her head to look into The Doctor's face.

"Merry Christmas," she whispered, squeezing his hand.

"Merry Christmas, Rose," he returned, gazing at her. They both smiled.

A couple more carols later, the Vicar brought the service to a close in prayer. As the congregation broke up and began to file out, Bev helped Jackie to her feet.

"I can move," Jackie complained. "I'm not totally incapable." The Doctor's grin grew wider.

"Merry Christmas, Jackie." He leant over and kissed her on the cheek. That woke her up.

"It's you," she uttered, as if seeing him for the first time.

"Yeah, Jackie - it's me," he nodded. "It was me two hours ago, and it's still me now." He turned to Rose. "Better not tempt fate though," he whispered. "A lot can change in two hours…" Rose rolled her eyes.

"Come on - we'd better get her home."

"Oh, look - give us your keys - I'll take her home," offered Bev.

"You sure?" asked Rose.

"Yeah - you and John, erm.." she coughed. ".. take a walk in the moonlight, or something.."

"I really should make sure she's okay.." started Rose. The Doctor fished in Rose's pocket, and pulled out her front door key.

"There ya go," he said, tossing it to Bev. "So long as you're sure, we might just take the scenic route."

"Take as long as you like," Bev told them.

"Don't I get a say in this?" demanded Rose.

"No!" replied The Doctor and Bev, in unison. Rose shrugged her shoulders.

"I surrender." The Doctor offered his arm, and she took it. They made for the door.

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A.N: I only saved the fist few chapters of this so I'm now having to write them all out again.

A.N: might take longer for the next chapter