Disclaimer: I don't own anything, we know this by now.

A/N: So at first this was only going to be a five chapter story, but it's turning into this full on adventure. I'm going to try and write out the next 3 or 4 chapters before I post, so the next update might not be for a few days. I still have no idea how it will end, I know how if feels if that makes any sense. Anywho, review please!

Chapter Three

"Rose come now, you don't want to work in a shop the rest of your life?" Pete said pushing through the doors of Torchwood.

"Yeah, but I'm not sure I want to work here either." Rose replied. She knew Pete was trying, but she would move forward herself at her own pace.

"You'll do fine. Mickey's here too and he likes it just fine. Right Mick?"

"Yeah, s'all right." Mickey said following Pete and Rose.

Pete led the two towards the far side of the building. He unlocked one of the doors and let them in a wide room. "Here's your office, nice and spacious yeah?"

Indeed it was. Aside from lack of decoration and personal touches, it really was a nice space. A simple desk was placed in front of a massive bay window. Empty shelves lined the opposite wall and recess lights gave the room a more homey feeling.

"Thank you." Rose said, "But you never did tell me what I was doing exactly. All you said was: it would be better than arranging clothes all day."

"Right, you are head of Alien Communications. I figure after all the traveling you did, you'd be very qualified." Pete said carefully. Although Rose put on a brave face for everyone, the mention of his name could remove any mask she wore.

"Thanks really." She said giving him a hug.

"No trouble at all. I'll explain more later, but I'll let you settle in." And it really was no problem. Pete had been trying to get to know Rose since she first came. At first it had been for Jackie. Now he was growing rather fond of her.

Pete left the room leaving Mickey and Rose in her new office. "Well I guess this is it." She said with a laugh.

"What's it?" He asked with a hint of concern.

"I've finally settled to a domestic lifestyle." A sad smile emerged over her usual brave demeanor.

"S'not all that bad. And you can't give up all hope. Maybe one day-"

"Don't Mickey, you and I both know it's impossible."

"Since when did anything become impossible?"

"Mickey I don't believe it." Rose said gravely. The last time he thought he successfully created a pass way. A massive rift formed almost destroying the universe.

"Rose this time I have it, honestly. Jake and I have been working on it non stop." Mickey assured. After two years of working on it, it was bound to be a success.

"We checked and double checked our calculations. It will work this time." Jake said backing up Mickey.

"I don't know." Rose said tentatively. She really wanted to believe it would work. But the pain that followed with every let down was becoming harder to bear.

"Listen to me Rose." Mickey said placing his hands on her shoulders, "I told you a long time ago I'd find you a way back. And I plan on keepin' my promise." Although it was hard for him to say, he just wanted Rose to be truly happy again.

Not too much about her changed since Bad Wolf Bay. At least on the outside anyway. She continued to sport thick eyeliner and dyed hair, except her roots were better kept. To anyone who just saw her would think she was a normal twenty-something business women on the rise. However to those who knew her best would say the girl they knew, Rose Tyler: Defender of the Universe was no more. Her smiles were empty and her eyes distant. On the rare occasion she laughed, a sad chord could be heard echoing. The free spirit was now confined to a four by four box.

She nodded, "Okay."

"Okay." Mickey said with a grin. "Send out the probe!"

A small round object was set carefully on the loading dock. Flashes of light blinked from the main console and tense atmosphere settled in. The probe began to shake violently. A moment later it was sent through the veil. For that moment everyone held their breath, waiting for the world to end. When all seemed fine everyone let out a sigh of relief.

"Do you have a ship ready?" Rose asked excitedly

"Yes, and I'm going." Mickey replied firmly.

"What!?"

"You heard me. Once we find out if the probe landed safely I'm going." Rose opened her mouth to protest, but Mickey continued, "If something happens, if the Doctor finds a way here. I don't want to tell him you're lost forever because I let you go. And I especially don't want to answer to Jackie."

Rose capitulated and gave Mickey a much needed hug.

"We have a reading." Jake called. "It looks alright."

Mickey began to head over a ship, when Rose stopped him.

"Here take this." She handed him her mobile, "Send out a signal to the TARDIS when you get there."

"If all goes to plan you should be able to reach me in the other universe."

After one last embrace Mickey boarded his ship on the dock. The lights flashed and the ship shook as it traveled through the veil. The room held its breath and didn't let it go.