Title: Home
Author: Megan Faye
Rated: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own Doctor Who
Author's Note: This started out as a small one-shot, and snowballed. Here's hoping for another good story!
This story deals with depression, romance, fluff, love, hurt, comfort, trust, and new beginnings. This is life, in every way. Depression doesn't just hurt those who are depressed. Depression hurts everyone.
The Doctor and Pete had been locked in Pete's workshop for most of the day, just a day into the new year. Rose figured it was another one of Pete's schemes that worked out so well for him.
When he came back to the attic, bottle of champagne in one hand, and flowers in the other, he was smiling. She joined him on the swinging chair and sipped the champagne.
"What have the two of you been doing all day?" she asked as he placed the flowers in a vase she kept on a shelf.
"I'm going to head up a project for your father. He's got no less than a hundred ideas that need prototypes. I'm going to build them, make them work, and he's going to pay me quite well to do so."
"You've got a job away from Torchwood?"
"I'm done with Torchwood. You wanted to retire from saving the world. Let's retire from saving the world, together. Your dad is making me Vice President of his company. I'm going to be able to provide for us, work out of a home office, and we can have a quiet life."
"That's fantastic!" she squealed. She clinked her glass to his. "Cheers, love."
"But there are two things I would love you to help me with."
"What's that?
"Well, first, I need a name. I've searched for months, and can't seem to pick one for myself. I'd like your suggestion." She smiled and kissed him.
"I've always wanted to call you Arthur. Ever since you regenerated, and saved the world in pajamas. "Very Arthur Dent," you said. Arthur, and Douglas, after Douglas Adams" The Doctor quirked his head to the side. The name was absolutely perfect. He was curious as to why he didn't see it before.
"I love it. Arthur Douglas. It's very me, isn't it?" Rose laughed and kissed him. He'd come so far with humanity, mortality, and finding who he was in this new world. Dr. James was helping him slowly ween off the antidepressants, and he was still happy with Rose.
"Well, Artie, what's the other problem I can help you with?"
"No."
"Arthur?"
"Yeah."
"Noted. Continue," she said, grinning.
"I have no family, beyond yours. Your parents have taken me in, provided me with a safe home and the emotional support I needed. You, Rose...you've given me so much more. You've made this my home. You're my family. I love you, and I need you in my life...forever. I need you," He set his glass down and knelt in front of her. He held out a beautiful diamond ring. Rose's hands covered her mouth and tears filled her eyes. "Rose Marion Tyler, can I take your last name? Will you be my wife?" She could only nod. He stood, helped her up, and took her hands away from her face, kissed her, and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," she finally choked out. He put the ring on her finger and kissed her hand. Just as he kissed her again, the door to the attic opened.
"Have you seen Tony? He's hiding again," Jackie asked. "What's going on? Why is she crying, Doctor?"
"Jackie, now's really the wrong time-"
"If you've hurt her," Jackie started.
"Mum, we're getting married!" Rose thrust her hand up to show Jackie the ring. Jackie screamed and hugged her daughter and future son-in-law, kissed both on the cheek and screamed again.
"I've interrupted! I'm sorry! I'll go! We've got so much planning to do!" Jackie rushed away to spread the news through the house, and locate Tony.
"Jackie, bring Pete, Tony, and a fresh bottle of champagne. Time Lord wedding in one hour."
"One hour!? But...a dress...rings...guest lists...GUESTS?"
"Rose," he murmured. "Anything you want, Love."
"I want to be married to you. I don't want to wait another second to be your wife." A broad smile crossed his face.
"I'll meet you in the sitting room, in an hour."
The Doctor had his tux brought down by Cora, while two other members of the house staff helped her dress, and style her hair. Jackie and Pete quickly gathered the staff, explained what was happening. One offered her skills as a classically trained pianist to provide music, while the kitchen staff went about scrapping the simple dinner plans, and making a feast.
Pete sent one staff member to locate a white silk scarf, another five were to decorate the room properly. Candles were to be lit, and the wedding, while simple and very last minute, would be classy and beautiful.
54 minutes after The Doctor proposed, he was pacing the sitting room, in a handsome black tuxedo, white trainers, and a white scarf around his neck. Talia, the staff member who played the piano, was passing the time for him with Canon. Minutes felt like hours, but the hour felt like only seconds had passed.
"Talia, do you remember that song I asked you to play a few weeks ago? Play that, and keep playing through the ceremony," he whispered. She nodded, and the song changed.
Jackie and Tony hurried in and were directed as to where to stand.
When Rose came down the stairs, Pete felt a rush of joy and sadness together. His daughter, that he only met a year ago, was getting married.
"You look beautiful, Rose," he said, taking her arm. Rose wore a simple satin navy blue dress, the necklace she'd been given for Christmas, and matching satin heels. Her mother had called this dress an "Audrey Hepburn" style dress.
He walked Rose into the sitting room. The Doctor's broad smile returned when he saw her.
"Rose Marion Tyler," The Doctor said, holding out the white scarf. He took her hand, and gently wrapped it. He did the same with his own hand. "Rose, I take you as my wife. Time has no meaning here, and we are forever." He nodded to Pete and Jackie.
"I consent and gladly give," Pete said first. Jackie echoed.
"Doctor, I take you as my husband. Time no longer has meaning, and we are forever." The Doctor leaned in and whispered into her ear his true name. Tears filled her eyes at the name. It was so beautiful, and so impossible. Even though she could never say it out loud, she knew his name.
Before he unwrapped his hand, he pressed his body to hers and kissed her, so gently as though it were a whisper. The kiss grew into a knee-buckling, earth-shattering kiss that made her nearly lose her balance. He steadied his new wife, and unwrapped their hands.
"Forever," she said, just loud enough for the doctor to hear.
"Forever."
