A/N-And Bella meets the friends! Obnoxiously long title from "It's a Wonderful Life." Please let me know how I did on their various characters...
"Well, I am him. And I'm not. But we are the same. And different. Of course you can call me Daddy too. Just remember- I'm the good looking one," the Doctor's duplicate fawned over his... well, whatever baby Bella was to him. She was Time Lord, she shared his DNA, she was in his arms, and that's all that mattered at the moment.
"Oi!" exclaimed his future predecessor as he lifted his baby's body to show her off to the others. "And this is Sarah Jane, she's one of Daddy's oldest and best friends. And, you know your Uncle Jack already- no matter what happens, don't let him introduce himself. And, this is Mickey the idiot. No, he's not really. But shhh. Can't have that getting out. And here's Jackie. Careful- she slaps. And... this right here is Daddy's mate Donna. Most important woman in the universe. Well, you're right, Mummy is very important. Yes, I know she's one with the milk. Okay, you're right. Donna Noble- ONE of the most important women in the universe. And this, Bella mia Bella, is Rose Tyler. She saved you're daddy in so very many ways."
He looked up at each of them meaningfully in turn, smiling a giddy, grateful, and actually peaceful smile. Then he gently placed his baby in Rose's surprised hands.
She looked down at the child barely big enough to warrant two arms, then grinned in admiration and joy at the person who ensured her Doctor would never be alone again.
"Erm… Hi. I'm Rose. It's nice to meet you, Bella. Not really sure what to say. Just- don't let him leave ya. You hold on with everything in you, okay? And don't ever be scared when he does, 'cause he'll always try to come back. So, just hold on- alrigh'?"
She gave her one more smile before Donna reached out and took the baby into her arms.
"Hello. Ha! Never thought the Space boy would have a baby before me. Listen, right- this is important. Don't let his head get any bigger than it is. We all know he's a genius, he doesn't need to hear it any more. You just remind him while he's out there being brilliant that there's always someone he can save. Even if he can't save everyone. He can always save someone. And do me a favour, will you? Keep him on his toes. I think he needs to be a little less sure of himself. So you just give him as much trouble as you can."
The Doctor beamed at this, watching Donna's interlude with his newborn as he grabbed River's hand behind him, squeezing it tightly for support, before he tugged at her, pulling her to lean against his body to share in this moment. Then he watched as Donna gave Bella over to Sarah Jane.
"Well- you're certainly not someone I expected to be able to meet. But I'm glad I am. Your father has needed you for so very long. Take care of him, will you? And come by and see me whenever he gets you into too much trouble. I'll tell you what, when I met him, he was such a different man, but still so very much the same. You be good to him, will you?" She kissed her forehead. "But not too good," she amended with a smile, handing her over to Mickey.
"Hey, pretty girl! You know, you're quite a shock for someone who used to say he didn't 'do domestics.' I'm glad he has you. And, by the way, nothin' he says about me is true, so don't you go believin' it. I don't know what's gonna happen, but if you need anythin', you just ask alright? And don't be afraid of change. Especially with your old man." Jack laughed and shook his head as he reached down and picked up the popular new girl.
"Hi there. Captain Jack Harkness."
"Stop it," the Doctors said out of reflex.
"I'm just saying hello," he still addressed the baby barely bigger than his hand, "and when you're older, young Bella, I'll teach you to say hello as well. Now, I know we're not technically related, but I've known your parents a very long time. And I plan on being there for you the same way I'll always be there for them. So you just ignore your daddy when he says he can handle it, and give your Uncle Jack a call- okay? And when we're alone, I'll show you how to pout so he'll be putty in your hands, and you can show me how to smile so your mom will stop shooting me. I'll be seeing you soon- I promised your grandparents I'd let them know when you arrived." He looked pointedly at the Doctor, nodded once as a small reminder, then introduced Bella to Jackie.
"Hello, little Bella. You are just so lucky. Do you want to know why? Because you got your mummy's looks," teased Jackie as a smile played on her lips even as her eyes remained fixed on the tiny Time Lady in her arms.
"Hey!"
"She has a point, Doctor."
"Don't worry Sweetie. I like your looks just fine."
Jackie whispered in Bella's ear, too low for anyone to hear, then she grinned encouragingly at the new parents, turning to give the baby over to River, but was intercepted by the reaching arms of the Doctor, who didn't think he would ever get his fill of holding his little Bella.
