A/N: Reunions and homecomings abound in this chapter. Rose and the Doctor begin to settle themselves in. Plus, they experience an unconventional, yet emotionally satisfying wedding night.

I had a few writing blocks when doing this chapter, so I hope you all enjoy the result.

It was rather late in the afternoon by the time they landed. Jackie stood as she straightened the baby blue jacket she had thrown on, before making Mickey take her with him when they jumped after Rose.

Jackie couldn't help but smile at the two before her. The Doctor had reclined the seat as far back as it would go, his long lanky form stretched out best he could. His head was lolled to the side. Oh, he was going to have a hell of a stiff neck. Rose was curled into him, her head on his shoulder. Her arm was wrapped around his waist.

Jackie raised an eyebrow as she considered how intimate, and close they seemed since the night before. Rose hadn't come back to the room by the time Jackie had gone to bed, and she had wondered what exactly they got up to in his room. As they seemed to not get a lot of sleep last night. Jackie never asked Rose how far her and the Doctor ever went in that box of his, but then again, did she really want the mental image?

Jackie cleared her throat as she leaned forward, gently shaking Rose's shoulder. "Come on you two, we've landed!" Jackie spoke with a slight impatience. She missed Pete and Tony, and she knew Tony would be anxious to see his big sister again.

"No, Doctor, don't lick that!" Rose was jostled out of her sleep. A dream involving a memory, where she had to keep the Doctor from licking some alien in order to identify it. Rose looked around briefly, running her hand through her sleep tousled hair.

The Doctor grunted as he felt Rose shift off his chest. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes as his vision came back into focus. "Where yah going, Rose? I was comfy!"

"We've landed, you plum. Up you get." Jackie looked at the two again, her hands on her hips. She turned as she grabbed her bag, picking up any trash they might have left around.

Rose felt two hands wrap around her waist as she was tugged backwards. She landed on the Doctor's chest with a soft thump.

"Hello," Rose whispered with a smile as her head tilted upwards.

"Hello, Wife," the Doctor murmured happily in reply, his head leaning down. His lips met hers in a soft kiss as his arms came around her waist.

"Well, if we are adding titles here. Then hello, Husband," Rose uttered with a grin against his lips, as he hugged her gently before releasing his hold on her. They both straightened themselves up, making themselves presentable as they stood.

They grabbed their bags as they headed towards the door of the aircraft. Rose gave the Doctor a reassuring smile as she reached for his hand. The Doctor readily slipped her hands in his, their fingers interlacing as they emerged from the Zeppelin. The Doctor could hear the engines dying down, as the pilot finished his post landing protocol.

Rose felt the Doctor pause as their feet touched the tarmac. She turned around to meet the sight of the Doctor looking around. His eyes were crinkled, as if deep in thought. She knew he was, she'd seen that same look plenty of times before. Rose hoisted her bag further up her shoulder, taking his other hand in his. Their eyes hovering over their hands, on the rings they exchanged in Ireland. They were reminded of the promises they made to each other, and how they would get through this together.

"This is it," thought the Doctor as he swallowed visibly. He felt Rose pull him in for a hug, one that he readily accepted.

"It'll be okay, Doctor. We can do this," Rose leaned, whispering in his ear. She knew this was reality finally settling in for him. For her and Jackie, it was coming home. To lives already established. However for the Doctor, it was walking into the unknown. Rose knew that Pete would do all he could to help ease the Doctor into life here. He did so for Jackie and Rose when they arrived, and if anyone could take a situation like this, and turn it into something positive. Pete was the one who could.

"Of course it will, I have you here, Rose." The Doctor hugged her tightly one more time. They heard someone's throat clearing before an 'ow!'. George was anxious to get inside, and Jackie had hit him on the arm, telling him to button it.

The Doctor released Rose, stepping back slightly. He kept his hand firmly interlaced with hers as he turned to Jackie. "Allons-y," the Doctor uttered, as he hoisted his own bag onto his shoulder.

Jackie smiled at him as she moved towards the door to the lounges. Jackie could see that the Doctor had needed a few minutes after they disembarked. She remembered that same uneasy feeling when she first got here.

George preceded the Doctor through the door. He tried to catch Rose's attention without the Doctor noticing. However the Doctor placed himself firmly between Rose and George. George could only hope that if he couldn't talk to Rose privately, that she wouldn't say anything to the Doctor or Pete.

"Did you forget how to put one foot before the other, George?" the Doctor stated coldly, as he motioned towards the small hallway before them.

The Doctor hadn't forgotten Rose's face as they were leaving that house. All of a sudden, Rose was apprehensive, if not slightly fearful around George. She still wouldn't say why, despite his gentle attempts to get her to talk to him on the Zeppelin. He knew something was wrong. He'd seen Rose stare down aliens bigger and meaner than she was. This was the Rose that jumped dimensions, landing into chaos without breaking a sweat. So what had Rose Tyler, defender of the Earth so shaken? When he found out, the person responsible would pay heavily.

This was becoming a big deal to the Doctor. If it upset Rose as much as it appeared to, then he wanted to root out the cause, and make it stop. He took his role as husband and protector to heart. As always, he would see to her safe. He promised that to Jackie a long time ago, and he always aimed to keep that promise. He'd rather die than break that promise.

He wanted a pleasant life with his Rose, nothing less would be accepted.

Pete Tyler stood as he caught sight of the party he was anxiously waiting for. He smoothed out the front of his suit, as he came around the table he was sitting at. The drink on the table forgotten. He smiled as Jackie ran into his arms, planting a giant kiss on his lips. "I missed you!" Jackie said as she hugged him tighter. "Where's Tony?"

"He was napping when I left. He'll probably be awake by the time we arrive home." Pete smiled as he embraced Rose, whispering a 'congratulations' in her ear.

"Doctor," Pete greeted the Doctor after letting go of Rose. The two men shook hands, the Doctor even responded in kind, giving one of his more trademark grins.

"Well, the car is downstairs waiting. We'll all head back to the house, and have a pleasant evening. With everyone now home safe and sound," Pete announced to the group. He gave a look to the Doctor, a silent reminder that he was included in that sentiment.

When they reached the car, Pete turned to George. "I want to thank you again, George, for going to meet them in Norway. Take the next few days off, I've cleared a good bit of my schedule to get a few things settled. So I won't need you."

George straightened himself up as he smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Tyler. It's much appreciated. But uhm, are we all going to fit back there?" He motioned to the back seat, as if he expected to be invited to sit in the back.

Only the Doctor noticed Rose give a slight sigh of relief at the news. She didn't have to see the man for a few days. She could take that time to tell the Doctor about what happened, and hopefully he would only rant at Pete. Demand he do something, and then let it be that.

"You can sit up front with the driver, George." Pete motioned towards the front of the car, as George gave a look of indignation. "I have a few things to discuss with my family. Family matters that are to remain private. Am I clear, George?"

George scrunched his face, he was insulted. Deep down, he knew he should have kept his mouth shut. He didn't want to be on shaky ground with Pete Tyler, especially if Rose told him about what he did. "So you are telling me, that I have to sit up front because of private matters. But this alien here, he gets to remain in the back? He isn't family!"

Pete tightened his lips, as he pointed a finger at George. "You are my employee, George. I am sorry if allowing you to sit in the back on certain occasions gave you airs and expectations. Secondly, the Doctor is considered family by myself and Jackie. And that is final. Now this discussion is over, so you can either sit up front, or you can call a cab back to the Mansion. Either way, your car is waiting for you in the front drive."

The Doctor had come back around the side of the car. He was helping the driver load the bags into the boot of the car, when he heard everything that loud mouth George had said, as he had his public tantrum. He was going to give the man a piece of his mind, however Pete already had handled it. And the Doctor wasn't going to stir up a resolved matter. George give him a dirty look as he got into the front of the car, after giving Pete the envelope containing the cards he was sent with. Pete ushered them all into the car, putting the envelope into his inner jacket pocket.

"You guys...you really think of me as family?" The Doctor looked between Jackie and Pete as they all settled into the car. He was in awe that they would think of him like that. They barely knew him. Well, Jackie knew him slightly more than Pete did, and he suspected that Jackie had at some point, come to see him as family.

"Damn right I do, Doctor." Pete wrapped an arm around Jackie's shoulders, as the car merged into traffic.

The Doctor squeezed Rose's hands as they looked out the window. He had a family again, one that took him as he was. A family that would take the good and the bad, and help him be the best he could be. The Doctor exhaled as he looked to Pete and Jackie, before speaking quietly, "Well thank you. That means a lot to me."

"Well, now that we are all in the same universe again." Pete chuckled for a moment, as he squeezed Jackie's shoulders. "We're all going to take it easy for the next few days. Rose, once you finish your final debriefing report, you are taking a holiday." He gave Rose a look that warned her not to argue.

He then looked to the Doctor, phrasing what he had to say carefully. He really didn't want him to get the wrong idea, nor assume that he was being pushed. "Tomorrow, Doctor. We are going to start getting you set up so that you can settle yourself here."

"Uhm...well..." The Doctor tried not to cringe, as he started to say how he was hoping to get the coral started as soon as possible. Pete merely held up a hand, asking for silence as he finished.

"Jacks told me about the coral, and what it will become. Neither of us expect you both to remain grounded on Earth for the rest of your lives. I can accept that, but you are still going to be a citizen of Earth and England, regardless if half your time is spent in the stars."

"I don't see what I really need, Pete? If anyone asks, I'm the Doctor and leave it at that."

"You need a legal identity, Doctor, an actual name to put on legal documents. As well as to establish a bank account, for when you decide on an occupation," Pete replied as if this should be a normal, understandable explanation.

The Doctor cleared his throat as he dropped his head against his chest. He felt Rose's hand squeeze his in a calming and reassuring manner.

"Dad, please. I know you mean well, but can we maybe have this conversation later? It's been a trying few days for us all, mainly for the Doctor," Rose calmly interceded for the Doctor. She could see he was getting antsy at the direction this conversation was headed. She understood that he wasn't trying to avoid it, but he just needed to ease into it. She had felt the same way when Pete had wanted to set up her identity years ago.

Pete puffed his cheeks as they seemed to reach the house quicker than he expected. He looked back to the Doctor. "You're right Rose, and I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Doctor. We'll take it in steps, so that you don't feel overwhelmed. You just have to communicate with us if you feel like you are being boxed in."

The Doctor picked his head back up, giving Pete a nod. He thanked Pete for understanding as the car came to a complete stop.

They all piled out of the car. The Doctor looked around as the look of frustration morphed into one of glee. He hooked an arm around Rose's shoulders, as he murmured against her ear in a cheeky manner, "So I guess I'll get to explore this place sans the serving tray?"

Rose laughed as her hand gently swatted his chest, as she was pulled closer to his side. "I still can't believe you had us pose as staff. Plus think we'd get away with it."

"Yeah, well it all turned out right in the end, don't you think?" They walked towards the house, arms around each other as the front door swung open. A little boy with light red hair, highlighted with streaks of blond came running out of the house.

"Mummy! Rose!"

"There's my Tony! Oh my sweet baby, come here!" Jackie exclaimed as she scooped the four year old into her arms. Planting kisses over his face, while he squirmed to get her to stop.

Tony quickly found his way out of his mother's arms before rushing over to Rose. Wrapping himself around her leg, his little face beamed up at her. "You came back!"

Rose picked up her little brother, after she almost stumbled backwards from the collision. "Yes, I did, Tony! And I brought someone with me, he's been excited to meet you."

Tony looked to the Doctor in interest as the Doctor waved. "Well, hello there, Tony! I'm the Doctor! Rose told me all about you, and I'm sure we'll be good friends, eh?"

Tony stuck his finger in his mouth shyly as he waved with the rest of his fingers, before ducking his face in shyness. He then popped his head back up, pulling his finger out of his mouth. "Rose! Come see my drawing!"

Rose excused herself as she set Tony down onto the ground, before she was yanked inside the house. The Doctor could only look on fondly, forcing back a feeling of shame. Tony would have never seen his big sister again, if Rose stayed in the other universe. He knew that there was the slight possibility, that his counterpart would have asked her to stay with him. Even if the Meta-crisis never occurred. In the end, he knew that Rose Tyler had to be returned to the universe they were standing in. No matter how much it would hurt her, or how much it killed him to let her go again.

There was something coming down the road for his counterpart, and he knew that it would have hurt Rose deeply to have to stand by and watch. He didn't know the circumstances that lead to the event, only that it's inevitable. Unless time was somehow rewritten, and he guessed that woman called Professor Song would fight tooth and nail to keep things as they were, for whatever reason. This event could have caused Rose to walk out of his life. Which would have killed him, regardless of the incarnation.

The Doctor deeply believed what he said to Donna, that fate had led them to the Crucible and the Meta-crisis. And while he believed it was primarily in order to stop Davros, perhaps it was also the universe's way to making everything alright in the end. A way to solve everyone's dilemma, ensuring an acceptable ending for all. Well, happy ending for him and Rose. Acceptable to everyone else.

The Doctor brought himself out of his thoughts, as he heard the crunching of the gravel. Pete was making his way back after seeing George off. The Doctor looked around, breaking the silence as he cleared his throat. "Place still looks good, not much has changed from last time, I suspect."

"Oh, you mean when you and Rose crashed my party by acting as staff?" Pete laughed as he teased the man. He knew that deep down, the Doctor was waging a war in himself. He could see the twirl of thoughts and emotions in the man's eyes.

"Once Jackie and Rose arrived, it was slowly made into a home. Rather than a place to house pretentious collections, that merely served as status symbols for the first Jackie Tyler." Pete scratched his head as he looked around. His house was made warmer by Jackie and Rose, and almost immediately he had seen the differences between the two different Jackie Tylers. He was happier, more open than he had been years ago. As Rose had made the Doctor better once, Rose and her mother made him better.

The Doctor nodded as he looked around some more. Jackie softly cut into his musings, "How are you really feeling, Doctor? I know you are putting on a strong stance for Rose. But please, talk to us. We want to make this easier for you."

He sighed as he knew Jackie wasn't going to let up. The Doctor stuck his hands in his pockets as he shrugged. "Not really used to all this. Not the living on Earth part, I've done that a few times, mind. Longest was, oh...my third incarnation? Pesky little exile thanks to the High Council of Time Lords. However," the Doctor rambled with an occasional tilt of his head as he tried to remember details.

"Even though I had to live on Earth, I still had my TARDIS with me for comfort and I was contracted by UNIT. So my point is, I guess I'm used to having an agenda to keep time moving. But now, I have no TARDIS until the coral grows, and I don't think there is a UNIT on this side." The Doctor returned his gaze to Jackie and Pete, his hands still in his pockets. His thumb was playing with the ring on his pinky, as if it were his worry stone. His face was slightly sadder as he spoke.

"Well, you have Rose! Plus all that time you have to make up for, and I'm sure the time will just fly. Before you know it, you'll be whisking our Rose back off to the stars." Jackie patted the Doctor's arm in an attempt cheer him up.

"Pretty soon, you'll have planets to see and civilizations to defend!"

The Doctor smiled lightly at that thought, it would be his anchor in addition to being with Rose. "Yeah, I suppose you are right, Jackie. However another thing on my mind, is that I need to begin to think of a way to support us. I know Rose works for Torchwood, but if she decides to leave. I want to know I can support her."

"We can leave that to later discussion, Doctor. Tonight is for celebration and reunion. My wife and daughter have returned safely, and we have a new member of the family. Anything else can wait until tomorrow. So come on, let me show you around. Maybe we can even find a nice place to set up your coral. Do you know what you need for it?" Pete motioned for the Doctor to walk with him, as Jackie said she was going back inside. She decided in her mind that she needed to speak to Rose on something important.

Pete was showing the Doctor around the grounds in the back of the house. The Doctor had even spotted an old shed that he deemed perfect for the coral. "So tell me, what exactly do you need to grow a time ship?" Pete had laughed lightly as they continued to walk. This was something he was keen to see. He always thought space ships were built, however the Doctor explained that TARDISes were grown.

"Well, if we want to use the ship at some point in our lifetime. I'm going to have to shatterfry the plasmic shell, then modify the dimensional stabilizer to a fold back harmonic of 36.3," the Doctor rambled as he looked around.

Pete could only laugh as he scratched his chin. "Blimey!"

The Doctor turned his eyes to Pete as winked before cheekily replying, "That's not all, I then have to accelerate the growth by the power of 59."

Pete laughed again at the specifics, "A walk in the park for you then, Doctor."

"If I get a hold of the equipment I need, then it could be." The Doctor sniffed as he scratched his cheek with his left hand.

Pete caught notice of the ring on the Doctor's pinky. He had actually caught notice of the rings on both his and Rose's hands earlier. "So, I noticed that you and Rose are sporting some jewelery. Jewelery that Rose didn't leave this universe with initially."

The Doctor swallowed as he tried to sputter some sort of coherent response. "I'm happy for you both, Doctor. I guess that after we lost the connection, you and her went ahead with your plans anyway?" Pete had decided to put the Doctor out of his misery, as well as get an answer to a question that he pondered all day.

The Doctor nodded with a smile, as his right hand twisted the ring on his left pinky. "Well, since there were no witnesses, it's only partially binding. As our promises weren't observed by anyone else. However, should we not re-do the ceremony before leaving in the TARDIS, the connection we created will serve well enough."

"Trust me, Doctor. If Jackie has her way, you will before you swan off with Rose. I think it only fair, if you ask me." Pete left it at that, as he knew the Doctor would understand his meaning.

"And I'm sure Rose will want it as well. I won't deny her that, Pete. You and Jackie have been so welcoming to me, and I wouldn't ever deny you seeing your daughter properly married. In whatever fashion you desire." The Doctor sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. This was domestic to the core, but he could handle it. He's been through worse, including being without her for the past few years. So, endure a bit of domesticity for a life with Rose? He'd take it gladly.

As Pete and the Doctor were having their walk about, Jackie decided to have a talk with her daughter. She knew that deep down, she didn't need to. As Rose was smart, but as her mother, she felt responsible for at least saying something. Picking up her bag from the front foyer, she headed towards the play area.

Hearing laughter and sounds of encouragement, Jackie walked in to find Rose drawing with Tony. "Sweetheart, I'm just going to borrow Rose for a bit."

Rose put down the crayon, pushing herself up from the small table. Giving Tony a ruffle of his hair, she followed Jackie upstairs. Jackie motioned for Rose to follow her into the bedroom that she and Pete share.

"Something wrong, Mum? Rose wrung her hands nervously, as she stepped into her parent's room. Had Jackie found out about the waterfall? If so, she really didn't want to get chewed out so soon after arriving home. Jackie rustled through her duffel bag for a moment, before fishing what looked like a small box out of the bag.

Jackie turned around, fighting back an embarrassed flush of her face, as she wordlessly held out the box she picked up earlier. She noticed Rose's face turn five shades of red, before settling on a crimson. Rose cleared her throat as she pointed to the box in Jackie's hand. "Uhm, just so I am clear here. You are handing me a box of condoms, after the only man I would ever consider being with arrived in this universe two days ago?"

"Yes I am, Rose Marion Tyler. I've seen the looks you two have given each other. Besides, I'm too young to be a grandmother. Nor are you two ready for the responsibility of a child." Jackie continued to hold the box out, apparently wanting Rose to take it from her. "I know you and the Doctor are going to be serious, so best be prepared. At least they can hold you over until you can get a prescription."

"Oh, if you only knew how serious we've gotten, Mum," Rose thought to herself as she bit her lower lip. Rose had begun to wonder, now that she and the Doctor were considered married in some manner. Would he expect to...consummate...as soon as he got her alone in bed. She knew that humans normally did, so were his people the same? Rose felt a tingle down her spine, and a flutter in her stomach at the thought.

They had come close a few times, and he already made it clear, that he would enjoy making love with her. She wanted it as much as he did, oh god, did she want him. She was just apprehensive at actually performing the act. She was able to snog him, no problem. But she knew if the clothes had started to come off, her apprehensions would put a halt to progressing to the next step.

"Rose, are you even listening to me?" Jackie huffed as she watched her daughter stare at the box in her hands. Rose's head snapped up, it was evident on her face that she was in her own world.

"Rose, is everything alright?" Jackie stepped forward, taking her daughter's free hand in hers.

Rose nodded, and with an embarrassed laugh said, "Yeah Mum. We just uhm, we just haven't gotten to where we would need these yet." Rose raised the box slightly.

Jackie widened her eyes in astonishment. While she never wanted to think on what Rose and the Doctor got up to alone in that box, she would have thought they–

"You mean, you two never..."

Rose shook her head, raising the hand holding the condoms to brush back a lock of hair behind her ear. "Haven't really...well haven't really had sex with anyone. And I'd really, really prefer to leave it at that, please."

Rose was partially telling the truth when she said that. Her and Jimmy tried once, but him being so drunk, plus her nerves. He couldn't get it hard enough, which pissed him off to no end. Would blame it on her, since he could get it up with any other bird. So after trying to mash it inside, and failing at it, Rose's psyche began trying to avoid the situation all together. Jimmy had roughly stuck his fingers in a few times, which being painful as it was, it really started to turn her off the idea of intimacy all together.

Then when she hooked up with Mickey, there was snogging and heavy petting at times. Mainly with Mickey being on the receiving end, only offering to return the favor once Rose got comfortable with the idea. But it always felt kind of weird, the shagging your best mate because you just need a good lay, sort of weird. So Rose never let it get past the occasional petting, something she was grateful to Mickey for understanding. Once she explained it all to him.

However that level of intimacy between them only started towards what started to be the end of their relationship, before they just became 'settled' with each other. Before the Doctor came into her life with that blue box that traveled through time and space.

However, Rose knew it would be different with the Doctor. She loved him with all her heart, and he loved her just as much. She knew he would be gentle and caring. That he would see to making it as comfortable and pleasing as possible. Break down that carefully constructed psyche, that steered her away from letting herself get anywhere near sex. But he would have to be patient with her. Rose wanted to build up to it, make it more than just sex between a couple. They had made a big leap in their relationship, and the intimacy needed to be carefully crafted.

"But uhm, thanks I guess?" Rose finally replied as she pointed towards the door. "I'll...I'll just put these away."

Rose backed out of the door, her face still flushed to Jackie's amusement. She hurried downstairs, stashing the box into her bag for later.

Later that evening, Rose as standing on the back porch after dinner. Tony had dragged his new friend, the Doctor off to the playroom. Apparently, the Doctor had promised him that he would help him build something with this universe's version of Legos.

Rose looked down as she raised her wrists chest level. All day she had been covertly checking them, making sure there were no bruises from her encounter earlier. She knew if any formed, the Doctor would notice them almost immediately. And she honestly feared his response, not towards her. But what he would do the minute he saw George, and she knew Pete would not enjoy bailing the Doctor out of jail.

She let out a sigh of relief, as she saw no evidence that any would form. George had a tight grip, but she didn't know if it would have been tight enough to bruise. Rose closed her eyes as a memory flashed across her mind. It was stirred up by George's actions earlier, and Rose had tried her best all day to ignore it. Rose shuddered, as she remembered being slammed against the wall of a seedy pub, after Jimmy accused her of flirting with the barman. She had spat back a few retorts that Jimmy didn't like, so he dragged her to the corner of the room. He then threatened her as he pinned her against the wall.

"Rooossseeeee"

Rose's eyes snapped open as she heard the Doctor calling for her. She lowered her wrists as she took a few deep and calming breaths, hoping that it would quell any shudders or tremors.

The Doctor let the back door close behind him softly. Reaching Rose, he wrapped his arms around her waist. Instantly, she leaned back into him.

"Fancy a walk in the fading twilight, Rose Tyler? I found the perfect place to grow the TARDIS." The Doctor came around to face her, his hand held out in invitation. He waggled his eyebrows as his fingers wiggled.

Rose smiled as she took his hand, as they left the back porch.

"The old gardener's shed?" Rose looked in surprise as they reached their destination. They had fell into their old step as they ambled across the lawn, towards the grove of trees on the property.

"Yeah! It's out of the way, and the shed itself will protect her from the elements."

"But you said they were grown. I would have thought you just, I don't know, dug a hole and buried it. Like with a plant."

The Doctor looked at Rose with a raised eyebrow. "Ehhhh, kinda. But I'm not going to just plop the coral into the ground. I found a plant pot, so I'll fill it with soil. Then, I'll bury it halfway so it can get acclimated to the soil and air of this universe. Then after a week, I'll shatterfry the plasmic shell."

Rose smiled as she took his arm. "Then she'll be on her way! Though, why do you have to leave it in the soil for a week?"

The Doctor scratched the back of his neck. "It needs to absorb the nutrients from this universe's soil as it's basic nutrient. That's why when we initially landed here, the other TARDIS couldn't survive in this universe. It was cultivated in the other universe."

"So, since this one will be cultivated here. She'll have a better time."

"Yeah!" the Doctor replied as he gave a happy grin. "I still have to get a few things from Torchwood. Something to shatterfry the shell, first off. Then, maybe a few other things that I might need."

Rose leaned her head against the Doctor's shoulder as she listened to him. She really missed his ramblings. The way he would get excited about something, and the gob would go a mile a minute.

Before Rose knew it, she was being tugged out of the woodshed. It was later than they both realized. "So, Doctor. What time is it?" Rose grinned as their fingers interlaced. She loved when he would boast about his 'perfect sense of time'.

"Precisely three...no wait. Four minutes past eight O'clock." Gloated the Doctor as their hands swung.

They reached the house, just as Jackie was going to call out for them. "Just in time. Rose, Tony is about to head to bed, and he wants his good night story." Jackie had smiled to them both, as she moved to give them room to enter the house. She was glad Rose was back, that Tony wouldn't grow up without the big sister he loved oh so much. Now, in addition to a big sister. Jackie knew that in time, Tony would have an older brother in law as well. She just prayed that the alien wouldn't teach him anything dangerous.

Rose gave the Doctor a kiss as she said that she'll meet him upstairs.

"Sounds good, love. I'll grab our bags and meet you there." The Doctor grinned as he watched Rose leave the kitchen. Pete was leaning against the counter, watching the scene in his kitchen. He had a playful look in his eye as he regarded the Doctor. Knowing what they did earlier, Pete wondered if the Doctor had figured out what technically tonight could be considered for them.

"Well, goodnight I suppose." The Doctor felt kinda awkward, as he backed out of the kitchen with a small wave. Was that how humans normally took their leave in this sort of situation? Especially when said person was about to climb into bed with their daughter. And maybe, if Rose was up to it, continue what they started earlier that day.

The Doctor swallowed, as he fought back a twitch of arousal in the pit of his stomach. His thoughts began to swirl in his head, as he moved towards the spot they had dropped their bags earlier. He knew what wedding nights involved, and he wouldn't be lying that part of him was anticipating it. But on the other hand, he was rather tired. And he could sense Rose was as well. He had also sensed something else coming from her. He could sense an extreme and heightened sense of apprehension since they arrived here. So it wasn't due to whatever happened with George. He couldn't figure out why, when they've shared a bed already. They've snogged a few times. So why...

"Where did the bags go?" The Doctor looked around in a panic. No No No, his bag couldn't be lost. Everything he had was in there. The Coral, his blue suit, that special tie.

The Doctor dashed back into the kitchen, pointing towards the foyer. He was trying desperately to hide his panic. "Uh, has anyone seen our bags?"

Jackie smiled as she made her way out of the kitchen. "Had them moved outside your bedroom door. Straight down the hall, last room on your right. I'm off to bed, don't stay up to late, Pete."

Pete smiled as the Doctor remained standing in the kitchen, his face now morphing into one of relief instead of panic. He picked up a mug, pouring some fresh tea from the pot Jackie had made. He held it in front of him, offering it to the Doctor. "Tea?"

The Doctor accepted it, after Pete assured him that Rose would be at least ten more minutes with Tony. He always tried to get as many stories out of Rose as he could before conking out. The Doctor then stood next to Pete, as they both leaned against the counter.

After a few moments of silence, Pete turned and placed his mug on the counter. Telling the Doctor that the housekeeper would take care of it. "Well, I'm off to bed. Besides, I wouldn't want to keep you from Rose for too long on your wedding night." Pete winked while giving the Doctor a pat on the shoulder.

The Doctor paused, his mug against his lips as he listened to Pete. His eyes shot wide at the clear, was that encouragement, coming from Pete's mouth.

Pete paused at the door, a smirk on his face as he scratched his cheek. "Just do Jacks and I a favor. Keep things quiet in the bedroom, if you don't mind. Tony's at an age where he likes to be extremely inquisitive. And we really don't need to hear Rose and you – well, you get the idea." That being said, Pete pointed a finger at the Doctor in warning, as he backed out of the kitchen. As the Doctor promptly choked on his tea, almost dropping the mug in the subsequent coughing fit.

The Doctor wiped his mouth with his sleeve as he stared in disbelief at the empty doorway. He stood there, questioning if Pete Tyler just not only signaled his approval of them being intimate. But also, if he just seriously requested they keep it quiet when they got around to it.

But then again, Pete Tyler was always rather open about him and Rose being together since that discussion on the Zeppelin.

The Doctor quietly bounced up the stairway, following the directions given towards their room. Finding it at the end of the hallway, the Doctor looked around. A cheeky grin on his face as he realized, that a desire of privacy was anticipated by whomever designated where they would sleep. Be it Rose, Jackie or Pete. Though, he sincerely hoped it was Rose that thought about that need. He still inwardly cringed, at the idea of Pete or even Jackie anticipating what he and Rose would need privacy for.

He plucked up the two bags from the floor, and quietly turned the doorknob. Stepping into the room, he looked around as he tossed the bags onto the bed. Not noticing Rose's bag open, and the box of condoms fall to the carpet. The decently sized bed, that was big enough for two. He noticed the moving boxes on the floor against the one wall, and that is when it hit him.

This had to be Rose's old bedroom. This was where his Rose slept each night, between arriving in this universe and when she moved closer to Torchwood. Maybe even where she heard him reaching out to her, calling her to the beach in Norway. The Doctor swallowed as he backed out of the room. He was now determined to surpass any negativity Rose might feel with this room. Their time using this room as their private space, would now be filled with memories of love and happiness.

The Doctor closed the door behind him as he stepped into the hall. He wandered down the hallway, turning a corner until he found Tony's room. He heard Rose's voice faintly drift out of the doorway, as he paused just inside. The sight before him warmed his heart, putting a smile on his face.

Rose was propped up against the headboard of the bed, her arm around Tony as he leaned against her. He could tell the tyke was fighting to stay awake, as Rose read from the book. He continued to watch the scene before him, and he wondered if this would be them a few years in the future. Reading to their children while the TARDIS drifts in the vortex.

The Doctor was starting to find that, he was becoming slightly more open to these sort of domestic ideas in this human body. Knowing he wouldn't have to live on alone, made him receptive to trying family life properly this time around. Especially when it was with someone he loved so deeply, as the mere idea of being without Rose hurt him to his core. Where before, the fear of outliving a family, regardless of how that family came to be; made him hesitant to get close to Rose.

He didn't deny that when he saw Rose on that street, he seriously considered throwing caution to the wind and making her his wife. Time lines be damned. Yeah, it would have had to wait until the whole crisis with the 27 planets was resolved. But, eventually he would have had to honor the promise he made to the universe. No more hesitations, no more regrets.

But then, that Dalek had to throw a spanner into the whole reunion. Why was it always those damn Daleks?

By now, Rose had finished the story as Tony was completely asleep. The Doctor came forward, and helped her shift Tony carefully into a comfortable sleeping position. His hand splayed comfortably on her lower back as they stood, watching him sleep soundly. After a few minutes, they carefully crept out of his room, closing his door softly before making their way towards their own bedroom.

Upon reaching what was now their room, Rose's hand gripped the doorknob. Her wrist beginning to flex when she twisted the knob. The latch clicked open, as Rose pushed the door open. As her feet began to move her into the room, the Doctor placed a hand on her arm. Effectively stilling her in place.

Before she could even ask if something was wrong, she felt the Doctor position his right arm behind her back and his left arm securely under the hooks of her knees. In one swift motion, and with a mischievous glint in his eye, the Doctor scooped Rose into his arms. Rose couldn't suppress an amused giggle as he carried her into the bedroom, before closing the door with a flick of his foot. "Had much practice with this, Doctor?" Rose teased, as her fingers nervously caressed the side of his face.

"Not physical practice, Rose. But I've had a long time to imagine exactly what I would do, and how I would do it, if I was ever lucky enough to be in this scenario with you," the Doctor murmured in her ear, not missing the shiver that he felt go down her spine. Her apprehension had returned, he could feel it radiating off her.

"Besides," He continued as his voice dropped lower than she ever heard before, "isn't this the human custom on a wedding night? Carry your bride across the threshold? Well of course, it originally was started so the virgin bride couldn't escape the inevitable," the Doctor then began to ramble about old ancient customs, completely missing the raised eyebrows on Rose's face.

"Thankfully, times have changed. And it's now more construed as a romantic notion," the Doctor finished as he grinned to Rose. Rose by then had relaxed her eyebrows, and found her vocal cords.

She tried to mask her nerves as she gave him a tongue in teeth grin, her hands snaking around the back of his neck. She had decided to slowly work up her resolve to become fully intimate with the Doctor, now that this was something she was free to do. "Yes, that is the custom, Doctor. However I believe that it is normally done when entering your new home for the first time," Rose cheekily replied as her lips found the Doctor's.

"Mmmmm, yeah. But this is our home for the moment, Rose. So I'm technically correct here. However, I will remember that little tidbit for when our TARDIS is habitable," the Doctor mused against her lips as he set her down carefully. He then heard the rustle of a box, as Rose's foot hit it when he set her down. Curiosity got the best of him, as he leaned down to pick up the box.

"Doctor, what are you –" Rose looked down before becoming embarrassed once again. As the Doctor straightened himself, box in hand, Rose silently cursed herself for not tying her bag better. Or at least shoving the box down deeper.

The Doctor read the label with a curious interest, before an amused grin crossed his face. Looking Rose straight in the eyes, he almost purred his next question. "Anticipating certain activities, my dearest pink and yellow wife? You know, we really don't need these, Rose."

Rose's mouth slacked open as she stared at him, her face becoming extremely hot as she was sure she was slowly turning red. She wanted to smack his arm, tell him he was so pot calling the kettle black. However her mouth snapped shut into a smirk, as she crossed her arms. "Actually, my dearest alien-human husband, those were given to me by my Mum just earlier."

The Doctor's playful grin quickly changed to horror, as he dropped the box to the floor. His foot flicked it clear across the room, as he made horrified noises at the back of his throat. He snapped his head up to meet Rose's, as he realized she was laughing uncontrollably.

"That is just wrong on so many levels, Rose Tyler! I'm seriously never going to be able to look her in the face again after tonight. Or Pete for that matter, after he requested in a nonchalant manner that we keep quiet in the bedroom." The Doctor shuddered, as Rose proceeded to compose herself.

Rose's eyes reopened, and were met with the Doctor's eyes. She shivered lightly when she noticed that they were darker, than they were a few moments ago. The Doctor's head leaned down to claim her lips in his, before moving to that spot behind her ear. The one he learned, could make her weak in the knees. His voice whispered in a forward manner about finishing what they started earlier that morning. Before they had left for the waterfall.

Rose knew she wanted to, but she knew that she also wanted this to be right. She wanted to work up to making love. Go beginning to end, not end to beginning. Her resolve winning the battle, Rose sighed as she whispered for him to please stop.

The Doctor pulled his head up, looking upon Rose with a confused and hurt look on his face. "I don't understand, you seemed okay with this earlier. What has changed?"

"It's not that I don't want to, Doctor. You don't know how much I do. But we've made extreme leaps in our relationship today. And while I wouldn't trade it for anything." Rose licked her lips as she carefully formulated her next sentence. "I want to build up to our first time, Doctor. You get what I mean?"

The Doctor reached behind his head, interlacing his fingers in hers. Leaning down, he kissed her tenderly, intending to show that he understood her completely. He wouldn't deny Rose this if it made her comfortable. "I understand perfectly, Rose. And I completely respect your request, my love. Will give me a chance to work on my self control." The Doctor waggled his eyebrows as his hands drifted down her arms, before coming to rest on her elbows. He wasn't going to lie in that he was slightly disappointed, as he did hope to make love to her to the point of exhaustion.

However, their first wedding night was not a complete bust in his eyes. As by the time they settled into bed, it was still spent holding Rose Tyler in his arms as they slept.