A/N: This is my favorite chapter so far, I hope you guys like it! Your reviews are awesome, I accept critical ones as well; any opportunity to improve my writing is well-received.

Disclaimer: I own zip. Zero. Nada. Zilch. Nuthin'.

Chapter III

"Language, Rose. Language. Laaaanguaaaage. Language is a beautiful thing, really. Unique. But yet, so similar to other languages. And I'm not just talking about Earth. On Sziblonn, the only thing different between their languages is the font, but I don't really think that's very creative, what do you think?"

Rose was sitting in her office at Torchwood with a wide spread of textbooks on her desk. It had been 1 year since the discovery of her telepathy and growing Time Lord mind, and she hadn't caught a break since. Now that both she and the Doctor were aware of her developing abilities, it was all tests and exercises and learning everything she possibly could, from genetics to history to… what was the Doctor rambling about now? Oh, language.

"Yes, it's all very interesting, love," Rose patiently responded. Despite what her husband said a year ago, it looked as if he elected himself as her personal tutor, and without all the fun stuff that usually came with it. "What language am I learning, now?"

"Sziblonnian, weren't you paying attention?" the Doctor rather impatiently commented. 'Oh, how I could just strangle that man' Rose said inwardly. "I know we've been focusing on the modern Earth languages, but it doesn't hurt to start learning ones in nearby galaxies. You never know where you'll be traveling with 'other me'," he finished with a grin that didn't reach his eyes.

Rose felt a twinge of sadness at his casual mention of her life after he was gone. She knew this wasn't a walk in the park for him, no matter how much he smiled and said he was happy for her. It was like writing his will, or planning his funeral (both of which he had already done, the git).

On a lighter note, she did, in fact, know most of the common Earth languages: English, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Danish, Russian, and Italian. She couldn't believe she'd be able to learn just those at first, but her brain seemed to have other ideas. And it wasn't just language she had been learning. Advanced Calculus, astronomy, and chemistry were among the subjects she was draining dry. With a small grin, she imagined how the other Doctor would react when he found out that the Rose with no A-levels was gone and the Time Lady Rose had replaced her. She hoped he would like the new changes. 'What if he liked the old me better?' Rose worried, 'Now he won't be able to show off to me like he used to, I can keep up now.' This didn't deter her, however, just the sheer fact that she could keep up with his mind now gave Rose a boost of pride.

After a moment of thinking all of this, she realized it was her turn to say something. With her increased memory storage, she quickly recalled the last thing the Doctor said. "Yes, well, you still haven't taken me to Barcelona. Not sure I believe you about the whole 'dogs-with-no-noses' thing," Rose replied with a teasing grin.

The Doctor observed his wife (hopefully) without her noticing. Her brain was growing in capacity and she now had a basic time-sense, which made her capable of so much more. He couldn't be prouder of his wife, really, and it was like the perfect Gallifreyan marriage: both parties telepathic, able to send emotions and small thoughts through the bond they shared. Yes, they had formed a telepathic bond and it was glorious, thought the Doctor. Everything he was missing and more. He was worried he wouldn't be able to form one, but he was naturally telepathic, and even some humans can be telepathic (can't forget little Timmy Latimer), and Rose provided the rest. It definitely made their nights more interesting, thought the Doctor with a smirk. Now, Rose had said something, hadn't she? "Of course, it's real! Why would I lie to you about that? Maybe that should be your next language, then. Ah, yes, I remember Blitzan, it's the most common language on Barcelona," the Doctor submitted after a second had passed.

"Blitzen? Isn't that one of Father Christmas' reindeer?"

"No, not Blitzen, Blitzan!" the Doctor corrected although they sounded the exact same.

Before Rose could remark on that fact, another voice pierced the air from the doorway, "What's this about Christmas? You realize it's October, don't you?" the distinct voice of Jackie Tyler announced. "Although, I still have to start planning the annual Christmas party…what do you think about Junipers this year?" 'Give a man a break' the Doctor thought with a not-too-hidden pained look towards Rose.

Shooting her husband a look, Rose plastered a smile onto her face and greeted her mother, "Mum, what a surprise. Actually, what are you doing here?" Rose feebly finished.

"Oh, don't worry about me, it's only your mother, who took care of you for 19 years, and this is the gratitude I get? I hardy see you anymore! Do I need an excuse to come see my daughter? And what about the likes of him, eh? He all but kidnaps you, then marries you, and I still don't get to see you! It's the least you can do since it looks as if I'm not getting any grandbabies anytime soon," Jackie lamented.

For her own safety, Rose and the Doctor only told her bits and pieces of the changes in Rose. Mainly, her lack of aging, since it was the most noticeable. They had left her to tell Tony what she wanted, but Pete knew more of the details for Rose's safety. The last thing they needed was for Rose to become another alien Torchwood needed to 'take care of'. Usually, that meant peacefully approaching and convincing them to leave the planet, unless they were hostile, then that led to aggression on both parties, and in rare cases, full-out battles. With Pete more involved, any sudden changes in Rose's character or DNA could be easily covered up.

Back to the subject at hand, Rose entertained her mother by saying, "I'm sorry we don't visit more, mum. You know how busy our lives are. How's Tony?" Rose tried shifting the subject to something more pleasant.

"You would know if you visited at all! And he's at home, doing some schoolwork. Not sure where he gets that mind of his, but I could take a guess. He's 7 now, I can hardly believe it," Jackie sighed. She then turned her attention back to her daughter as she continued, "But what I came here for was to invite you two over for dinner tonight. I have something special planned and want you both there, yeah?" Jackie asked with a pleading look on her face. Rose knew her mother never showed any form of weakness and the fact that she was in any way begging them to come was a sign that this was very important to her. Whatever she had planned, it must have been incredible, Rose mused. Going through her schedule quickly in her head and noting that the only things she'd have to reschedule were some lessons with her husband, she responded to her mother,

"Of course we'll be there, mum."

The Doctor couldn't help the flare of fear and disbelief that passed from his mind to his wife's. Rose cracked a grin at his reaction. 'Ever afraid of my mum, that one,' Rose chuckled to herself. Rose glanced over to her husband and raised an eyebrow, causing him to blush and turn his head away from her.

Jackie strode over to her daughter and swept her into a hug, saying in her ear, "Thank you, love. It means a lot," Jackie then turned to the Doctor and with a pointed finger, remarked, "And I expect you not to give Rose any trouble over this. I want you there right next to her, I am your mother-in-law after all," she then wrapped her arms around his neck and put a big, wet kiss on his cheek. After she released him, she patted his shoulder, then walked out of Rose's office. After a couple of seconds, the door opened again and Jackie's head popped in to say, "I'll have you both at 7," before it shut again.

Before he could say anything, Rose said to her husband, "Well, at least she didn't kiss you on the lips this time," which rewarded her in a raised eyebrow from the Doctor.

Later that night, Rose plopped down on the bed and began taking off her shoes. "No wonder mum wanted us both there tonight," Rose said to the Doctor, "Another baby, I never would have guessed!"

Her mum had cooked an excellent dinner- her famous roast- so Rose knew something was up. When the food was all gone and Jackie made the announcement, Rose could hardly contain herself with the excitement. If she couldn't be a mother, then she could be the best aunt this parallel Earth has ever seen.

"I'm sorry you can't have children of your own," the Doctor apologized from across the room.

Rose got up and walked over to him and pulled him to her by the hand. "My family is right here. I don't need anything else," Rose firmly stated while gazing into his eyes. For a second, Rose saw something shiny in the air between them, and squinted, trying to get a better look. She moved her head from side to side, and concentrated again. Whatever she saw, it was beautiful. She backed up a couple steps from her husband and concentrated again, and she caught another glimpse of- whatever it was. The Doctor was confused by now and expressed his confusion by asking,

"What are you looking at?"

"There's something in the air," Rose said while still trying to see it properly. "Something shiny and almost thread-like. I caught a glimpse of it between us, but now it looks like I've lost it."

The Doctor took a breath and responded, "What you might be seeing are Time Traces. Only Time Lords, and Ladies, can see them. Time Traces are what connect every being to another, and certain ones share different qualities. A basic Trace is a pale blue color. Every sentient being is connected through basic Time Traces. But with each new development, say, a friendship or comradery is born between two people, the connection turns a violet color. The deeper the connection is between a couple, the more knot-like points appear on it, called Jewels. Each Jewel represents a certain… erm… claim a person has on another. 3 or 4 Jewels usually signify a deep relationship between a couple," the Doctor rambled, his ears turning pink.

As the Doctor was speaking, Rose felt the usual affection and love for this daft old man flare up, and in that instant, the shiny thing that Rose saw before presented itself once more, even brighter than before, and it lasted much longer. Rose could see what the Doctor had been talking about, there were several "Jewels", as he called them, along the shimmering thread, and she counted almost 10. It was also a gold color, which puzzled her, as the Doctor didn't mention what a gold Time Trace meant. She hoped it was a good thing. Mesmerized, Rose reached out a hand to touch it, but it vanished before she could. Sighing, she put her hand back down and said,

"I saw it, but it's gone again," Rose focused on her husband's eyes again. They were mixed with awe, concern, desire, and something else she couldn't name.

"What did it- ah, what did it look like?" the Doctor asked with emotion coloring his tone.

"It was shiny, kind of sparkly," Rose started. 'Very intelligent, Rose,' she chided herself. "There were about 10 of those Jewel things you were talking about. And it was gold. I was just thinking about how much I loved you, and there it was," Rose finished with a blush.

The Doctor gazed lovingly down at her, and raised a hand to cup her cheek. Naturally, she leaned into that hand and looked up at her husband through her lashes. Knowing her husband, she could sense the desire pouring off of him, and pushing down her own growing excitement, for now, she asked him another question,

"What does gold mean? You said pale blue was for everyone and violet was for friendship,"

"Only the deepest of relationships have gold," the Doctor said, his voice unnaturally low. He took one step forwards, causing Rose to step back towards the bed. "Bonded couples," the Doctor said as he leaned towards her. He pressed feather-light kisses to her temple, traveling down her face and to her ear.

"A-and what about 10 Jewels? What does that mean?" Rose asked, knowing that would be the last coherent sentence she uttered that night.

The Doctor kissed his wife on the neck so hard, she could feel the hickey forming. After a few seconds, he pulled back, soothed the spot with his tongue, and hoarsely replied in her ear,

"It means I've claimed you. And in 10 different ways. Care to explore them?" If Rose hadn't had a death-grip on her husband's forearms, she would have collapsed by how sudden her knees gave out. He did notice the state she was in, however, and lifted her up so that her feet were dangling off the ground, and carried her over to the bed. As he laid her down ever so slowly, Rose opened her eyes and was treated with shimmering gold all around them. She instinctually touched one, and moved her thumb over a Jewel. She gasped at the sudden sensation that coursed through her whole body and into her soul. She was vaguely aware that the Doctor had uttered a similar gasp and she lifted hooded eyes to his. 'So that's what the Jewels are for,' Rose remarked to herself with a smirk. As soon as the smirk appeared on her face, the Doctor attacked it with his mouth, causing her to forget for a while about everything except her husband's mouth on hers.

Flash-forward, Date: Unknown

Rose ran around the console, flipping switches and entering codes and praying to any god that would listen that she would make it this time. She had to.

"The Doctor. Take me to the Doctor. Doctor. Doctor," Rose repeated like a mantra. The console sparked and a window shattered somewhere, but Rose didn't look up from the screen she held onto. "That's it, girl. Easy now. Easy!" The room gave a big shake, sending Rose flying in the other direction. She quickly got up and staggered over to the console again, frantically pushing buttons and almost wishing she had a mallet. She put her hand on a toggle-shaped instrument and pushed it in different directions so quick that one would think she was just shaking it if they weren't a Time Lord. The TARDIS then let out an alarm and lit the room in red light, but this only made Rose's manic smile grow.

"Bumpy landing, then? My favorite," Rose let out a whoop and sat down on the jump seat, holding on for dear life.

Present Day, Parallel Earth

Rose flipped the light switch at the top of the stairs, revealing her and the Doctor's massive basement. She made sure she spent some time down here each day, forming and growing her telepathic bond to her TARDIS. Yes, she was considered Rose's TARDIS because Rose was the one who was able to telepathically connect to her, despite Rose's desire to let the Doctor "have" her, for however long he was able. Realistically, though, Rose was the one communicating with her and the one who would travel with her far longer, which made Rose the owner of the growing beauty. And growing, she was. The telepathic bond was working wonders, and although she was nowhere near travel-ready, she had grown at least 3 times in size over the past year. Giving the coral a gentle stroke, Rose sent out a wave of happiness in greeting. A second later, Rose got a similar response. This was how their conversations usually went for the most part, simply exchanging emotions, and Rose would do all of the talking. Not that she expected a verbal response. However, she did receive emotional responses from time to time, like a burst of humor if Rose was laughing at something the Doctor did, or sympathy if Rose was feeling down. Rose appreciated the company and never felt too lonely down here, even if her voice was the only sound in the cavernous room.

Rose started the conversation, "So, how's your day been, little lady? I don't expect it's been that bad, perhaps a bit boring, since there's nothing to do around here except grow. Sorry, hun. I promise to take you on all sorts of adventures when you're big enough. Why don't I tell you some stories, eh?" Rose racked her brain for a story she hadn't told yet. Suddenly, one popped in her head that she hadn't told the small TARDIS, although she didn't really feel like reliving it. It was one of the reasons she hadn't told that one yet. Her TARDIS seemed to have other ideas, however, and Rose could hardly think about anything but Krop Tor.

"Oh, you really wanna hear that one, yeah? Well, if it will get you to stop pestering me about it, I guess I'll tell you. Can't keep any secrets from you, now can I?" She caught a hint of smugness coming from the TARDIS coral, and opted to ignore her cheek while she focused on retelling a rather horrific adventure for her.

The Doctor walked into his and Rose's home, coming back from doing some lab work at Torchwood. Even though it was a Saturday, Torchwood calling him in to do some extra work was not uncommon, and the Doctor would never admit it to Pete, but he didn't mind it at all. Challenges for Torchwood were usually child's games for the Doctor, but every now and then he'd get a tricky one, and that kept his Time Lord mind busy. He was unhappy leaving Rose alone, however, as she didn't have that many friends here in Pete's World, and had most likely not left the house in his absence. Her car was still in the drive, so the Doctor shucked his jacket and threw it across a chair and set his briefcase beside it, like a proper domestic husband, the Doctor thought with a slight grimace. Acknowledging the silence in the house, he called out,

"Rose?"

When no response came, he journeyed throughout the entire first floor, and discovering no Rose, headed towards the basement. When he opened the door and saw the lights on, he released a relieved breath he didn't know he was holding. Quietly, he made his way down the stairs and heard Rose speaking softly to the TARDIS coral. As he grew closer, he started putting together what she was saying.

"…the rocket, and it wasn't until I came to that I realized they had drugged me and forced me on that bloody rocket, with Tony nonetheless. The archeologist, you remember? Yeah, so when I came to, I demanded to be let off and all that, but it was too late. It was just then that the rocket stopped flying away, and towards the black hole. Everything seemed to happen at once, Tony got those symbols all over him again, his eyes were red, and he was shouting about him being the darkness and the eternal one and he was breathing fire, so what did I do? I threw a fire extinguisher into the front window of the rocket, and unbuckled Tony. I didn't hardly think about it, really. It seemed like the right thing to do, and I was panicking. What if I murdered him, Tony? What if he didn't have to die?" Silence lasted for about 15 seconds when the Doctor heard her voice again. "Well, after that, the Doctor in his TARDIS, your big sister, started towing us away from the black hole and he had a very alive Ida Scott on board in exchange for me," He heard Rose breath out a little laugh, "I was so happy to hear his voice then. I thought I'd never loved him more than in that moment. Oh, how wrong I was. And you can come out now, Doctor," Rose finished, louder. When he stepped into the light, he saw Rose's shining eyes gazing at him. She lowered her hand down from the coral and stretched her back.

"How long have you been down here, love?" The Doctor asked his wife when he reached her and with a peck on the cheek.

"An hour, 13 minutes and 27 seconds," Rose replied with a wide smile on her face.

"That's all? What else have you been doing today?" Even though it was only 10 o'clock in the morning, Rose had been sleeping less and less, now only needing 5 hours a night instead of 7, and since she had gone to bed at around 11 o'clock the night before, she had probably been awake and active since 4 am. "When I left, you were cleaning up breakfast, which I thank you dearly for, but there must have been something you were you doing to pass the time. Unless there are some cracks in our walls I need to worry about?" he finished with a smirk.

"No, I didn't stare at walls all day, thank you," Rose rolled her eyes, "Thought I would catch up on some homework, so I finished the scientific journals we had on hand," Rose waved away.

The Doctor couldn't believe it. "You read the scientific journals? ALL of them? Even the ones-,"

"The ones in your sock drawer, yes. And the one you keep in your pillowcase. Honestly, Doctor? Why there?" Rose said with a shake of her head.

The Doctor spluttered, "It's- it's a good edition! And that's hundreds of journals, Rose. You finished 350 scientific journals in one morning?"

"352, but yes. Thought I'd go for some 'light reading' as you would say," Rose said with an eyebrow twitch. "Are you hungry? I'll go start on lunch." With a peck on the lips, she made her way upstairs, effectively ending that conversation.

The Doctor sighed. These changes were just as hard on her as they were on him, he reminded himself. It's not every day your brain decides that it needs to increase its memory storage space 100-fold. It was changing her personality as well, he was noticing. Small, immeasurable changes, really, but they were still there. Her cockney accent was fading away slightly, and she was more self-reliant than she used to be. Asking less questions and trying to solve the mystery in her own head first. This was natural for a Time Lord, he had to remind himself, and with her growing knowledge, there weren't many questions she had for normal people anymore. He finally had someone who truly understood what it was like to be him, and he didn't feel any happiness over it. She truly knew what it was like to be him- the loneliness included. And once he died and their bond broke… he tried not to think about what that would do to her. He knew all too well that pain.

A/N: Sorry to leave it on such a sad note, the next chapter is kindy heavy as well, but it will get lighter, I promise! So, I got the name "Jewel" from some research I did on Gallifrey and in one account, the planet was called Jewel (Comic: Return of the Daleks). Nice bit of TARDIS trivia for ya :) Also, the term "Time Trace" is not my own creation, I remember reading a VERY good fic- short, only one chapter, and for the life of me I cannot remember the title or the author! So if any of you know which fic I'm referring to, feel free to review or PM me!