A/N. Two years later. But still, an update.
Previously...
Instead of trying to talk her out of it, Jack Harkness did what he was best at.
"It's not acceptable to give a girl such a question, Mrs Tyler," he smirked at the stunned woman, having let go of the equally stunned Susan. "She's very good when it comes to kissing, I'll have you know. A drink, ladies?"
Lost in Forever
Chapter Eight
8. Never Before, Never After
Susan did not have to think for a long time to understand the reason of his unexpected behaviour. There were some people that were better left without knowing some things.
"Your reputation exceeds you, mister," she giggled, secretly thankful for his unuttered warning.
"What reputation is that?" Jack was amused. He did not know anything about the Doctor having a grand-daughter before. Why should she know anything about him? The look he gave her was the one of approval, just the same.
Jackie Tyler was suddenly uncomfortable among all these weird strangers, even the gorgeous man seemed nowhere as stunning on a second look. Although, receiving a snog from him would have been a dream-come-true. Jackie did not try to pretend otherwise. Why should she, with the man beaming at her so sweetly? She beamed back at him and turned away, shaking her head.
She understood every mother wanted to be sure her daughter was safe, no matter what. Even if Rose's soon-to-be husband was likely no less a weirdo than the other people of his family she has got the chance to meet. Then again, wasn't everyone crazy in their own way?
The mother excused herself, muttering something about needing to be elsewhere, maybe giving her Rosie some final lessons and blessings. She did not care about anyone's opinion. All she wanted was to see her baby girl happy.
The older Tyler couldn't imagine unease and discomfort she was feeling could be seen on her face and even in her entire posture.
Luckily, Martha and Donna were nearby, eager to make the woman's experience feel nowhere as alien. After all, her own daughter was getting married! Why make the poor woman remember Rose's biggest day as something unpleasant?
It seemed both of the companions have been sharing the same idea. "Hello! I think it's better for us ladies to keep away from the preparations. We wouldn't want to keep Rose worried about what is happening to her Mum, yeah?" Martha Jones assured the stunned woman. "She trusts us!" Donna hurried to add.
Jackie spared a glance backwards, but everything looked just the same as it did minutes ago. She nodded. This time, she did not ask the women who exactly they were, realising their answers might only give her a headache, and that was something she could get if she took the chance. At the very least, they looked just like any ordinary human women. "Jack has offered us all a drink and has seemingly forgotten his promise as soon as he's found himself someone new to charm," Donna shrugged. "But don't you worry, Mrs Tyler! I'm sure a glass or two of bubbly is only going to ease your unease greatly. In fact, we might join you in this. I think Mickey and perhaps even Jack himself wouldn't be against joining us! Right, Martha?"
The dark-skinned companion nodded. "Where's Mickey, anyway?"
Jackie couldn't find the strength in herself to say no. All she needed was to know when to stop, and taking up their suggestion has suddenly seemed like the most reasonable solution.
However, the plan was abandoned before they could even begin. Mickey hurried to them.
"What the bloody hell- sorry, Jackie- do you think you're doing? Everybody's waiting for the three of you!"
Jackie inhaled. "Already? Oh, my God! My Rosie's getting married!"
Donna took the woman by the hand, as Martha's hand was already in Mickey's. "Let's go," the redhead encouraged. "Your daughter's new life is about to begin and she needs to feel your unconditional support," she smiled softly.
Jackie looked at all the people present. "I hope she's going to be happy," she spoke honestly.
"How about I lead you to the bride and you tell her these words yourself," Donna grinned.
Rose has come up to her mother herself instead and pulled her into a tearful hug. "Mum. I love you so, so much!"
"Stop it here and now, Rose! You are going to ruin your make-up! What about your wedding photos?"
Rose beamed at her. Mum has always known what to say. "I'm sure Sarah Jane is going to take photos of all of us!"
Jackie rolled her eyes at her still at times stubbornly ignorant daughter.
Rose shrugged. "It's okay. This mascara is safe and won't begin running with every tear shed." Her mother was right. Concentrating on trivialities was better on times like these when she knew - as did Jackie - with the wedding over, her mother would need to… evaporate, just like-
"Calm down, Rose! It's a one-time occasion, getting married for the first time!" The mother giggled.
"Say that again and I'll find you a bloke to marry here among these guests!"
"The only free bloke among your guests is Jack. From what I know of men-"
"Nobody can tell for certain if he's not in a relationship," Rose beamed at her mother.
"Exactly!" Jackie sighed. "Although-" Her eyes gave out a wicked sparkle.
The bride smirked at her. "You know, I could always ask. I'm sure you wouldn't be disappointed by his answer!"
Jackie broke out in laughter. "That's what I'm afraid of!"
How are you doing, love? The Doctor's curious question has finally reached her mind.
Rose understood they needed to hurry up. I'm fine! Are you?
The Doctor exhaled, panicking. We have no wedding rings to speak of, in the first place!
Rose sighed. That was only to be expected, with their minds in the clouds more often than not. But that has never been a problem. Talk mister Harkness into coming up with some reason to pull Mum into a snog first, could you?
