Author Notes: It's been a long time since we updated this fic so hope some of you remember it. Chapter Eleven is with a beta so will post it when its edited and finished. My co-author is moving to another country shortly so not quite sure when we will continue but we promise all our readers that we will finish this story. Chapter beta'd by glory_jean. Thanks.

The journey out from Old Verity to the Indian camp was slow going. The new moon, though a welcome co-incidence, also meant that the four travellers had to be extra careful as they guided their horses through the inky darkness. James led the way followed closely by Sarah Jane. Behind them riding almost side by side were John and Rose. James initially thought to separate the two lovers because of the obvious target they would make being together but, seeing the look of adoration in Rose's eyes for the man next to her, he knew suggesting the idea would be pointless. A pang of regret tugged at his heart but he quickly dismissed it. The route to the camp was not too arduous but even a small distraction could result in a terrible accident. He prayed that Rose would remember that. Perhaps it was woman's intuition because just then he heard her say something to John before urging her horse forward to join him up front.

"I can practically hear you thinking, James Harkness," she teased lightly before adopting a more serious tone. "You don't need to worry about me you know. Think I've proven more than once that I know how to take care of myself."

James nodded, the small movement visible to Rose even under the cover of night. "I never doubted that you could, Rose but love tends to blind us to things sometimes."

"I'm aware of the dangers, James. My feelings for John won't turn me into blundering fool. If anything, I think they heighten my sense of alertness because I've got to keep him safe."

A small sigh escaped the rancher's lips as he finally accepted the inevitable. "You love him, don't you?" he said softly.

"I think …" she started but James interrupted her. "It's okay my dear. He's a good man, Rose. Worthy of your love I think."

Letting go of her reins briefly Rose reached over to give James' arm a gentle squeeze. "Thank you, James. You're a remarkable man."

"I know," he countered and even in the dark she could see his cheeky grin.

Rose smiled at her friend's lack of modesty. What a challenge he would be for any woman. The thought made her think of Donna, who after helping them all prepare for this journey, decided it was better to remain in town. Donna, for all her bluster and roughness, had a good heart and deserved happiness. Rose was not one for matchmaking but since's Donna's interest lay with James Harkness, she would do her best to present her friend in the best way possible.

"It's a pity Donna couldn't join us. She is such wonderful company at any time and a very good friend. It's a shame many people don't see that. All they see is the barmaid but underneath it all she's still a woman, soft, sweet and in need of a protector," she finished slyly.

James gave a small chuckle of mirth before he answered. "I don't know about needing a protector. Donna seems to handle herself pretty well and today she didn't even flinch when helping me get you back to your rooms or during the packing for this journey. She even came up with ideas and items that I never thought of and I'm a far more experienced traveller."

"Oh there's no doubt that Donna has her head screwed on right. She's probably the strongest willed and most level-headed women I've met. But she's only human. She wants to share her life with someone; fall in love and have a hand to hold. It's just a pity that so many men in Old Verity are blind and can't see that. As soon as the words left her lips she knew James would see it for the challenge it was. As to whether he would take it, well that would be up to him. At the very least she hoped that he might make a better effort to get to know Donna when they returned to town.

James could not stop himself from laughing. "Sheriff Tyler, clearly there are not enough criminals out there so now you turn to matchmaking. Don't give up your day job sweetheart. Now go, you've left your lover alone for too long. Can't protect him if you aren't up close and personal now can you?"

He laughed again as an indignant "James Harkness," fell from her lips as she turned her horse back towards John. Dear Rose. She really did care about him. In the moments that followed, he thought about what she had said. Donna Noble, from his acquaintance was indeed an interesting woman. Perhaps when this was all over he would think about it again.

As Rose rejoined John they automatically dropped a hand from their reins, reaching for each other.

Clasping Rose's hand John murmured in a low voice, "Everything alright?"

"Yes, all good. James just wanted to make sure we were okay. He's a bit worried about us riding together. Can't say I blame him. It's probably not the best idea but if I've got to leave you with Chief Kasterborous and his tribe for a few days then I want every second I can have with you till we get there."

A soft squeeze from his hand told her he wanted the same thing. Through the darkness though, she could see he was troubled.

"Rose, we don't have to do this. I know you think that you're keeping me safe and that I can also protect Sarah Jane while we're at the camp, but isn't there another way?" he pleaded.

"I wish there was but this is the best we can come up with now. Please John," she whispered, the almost tears evident in the tenor of her words. "Don't make this harder than it already is. You and Sarah Jane will be safe while James, Donna and I bring Harold Saxon to justice. I won't be alone or unprotected, I promise."

"Yeah, but I won't be the one to do it, will I?" he bit back, with more than just a little jealousy.

Rose moved her horse in even closer to John's as they pulled their mounts up to a stop. Unclasping her hand, she raised it to his face and gently caressed his cheek. "You can't be here this time, John but once this is over I promise you'll have every moment after. That's what we're fighting for. Our forever."

It was impossible for John to reply. The emotions in him were too strong. Rose hadn't yet said she loved him in the exact words but for now that did not matter. "Our forever," he finally managed to say back to her, not as a question but as a blissful confirmation of all that they were.

"Um sorry to interrupt," came the calm quiet voice of Sarah Jane, "but James is threatening to leave you two to the coyotes if you don't keep up."

The intimate moment broken, Rose and John set back off again, both laughing at James' good natured summons

Within seconds, Sarah, John and Rose were again following their friend through the darkness. The plan was to reach a warren of caves by morning's light. This would afford them the protection from prying eyes during the daylight hours and some much required rest.

Thankfully, they reached their destination without incident. After tending to the comfort of their horses, the four travellers sought shelter in one of the larger caves and lit a small fire for warmth and heating up food. Though exhausted they all ate heartily, the sound meal replenishing their depleted energy reserves.

Afterwards when the beddings were laid out, James and Rose argued good humouredly about who would take first watch. James eventually won the battle after reminding her that it might be a few nights before she could be with John again. It was more than enough to convince Rose though she made James promise to wake her when it was her turn. The rancher bid them all to "get some rest," before he moved towards the mouth of the cave.

James Harkness had not always been a rich land owner. He knew from experience that this cavern had but the one entrance. He'd grown up roaming these territories as a man for hire, working with the cattleman and learning their skills whilst keeping friends with the local Indians. Many of the white people did not understand the ways of the tribes but he made a special effort to familiarise himself with their customs. Those efforts did not go unrewarded as evidenced by the tribe's agreement to hide John and Sarah. Aside from Rose, James knew that Chief Kasterbourous would not do this for any other white settler. Even so, John and Sarah Jane could not stay in the camp long. Before word spread, Harold Saxon needed to be brought to justice, a task that would undoubtedly be difficult. James thoughts turned to Rose and the love he'd seen in her face as she spoke of John. Though it pained him, he was determined that Harold would not get in the way of something so precious. He would protect them both as much as possible. For the remainder of his watch, he devised numerous plans to bring their enemy down.

After James had left, Sarah Jane discreetly bid John and Rose goodnight before heading to her makeshift bedding. She was not used to being in a saddle for so long and it had taken its toll on her mind and body. She fell into a deep sleep within moments of closing her eyes.

John and Rose stayed near the fire, enjoying its warmth and the closeness of each other. Neither tried to think that come the morrow they would be separated for an undetermined time. Rose could not believe that it had only been less than a week since fate brought John into her life. Now though it seemed like he had always been part of it. Saying goodbye would be like losing her own heart. Roughly, she pushed her fears away and cuddled herself closer to the man she loved, staying that way until exhaustion claimed her.

John smiled down at the woman in his arms. "Time for bed," he whispered even though he knew she would not hear him. With a strength that belied his thin frame he picked her up and made his way towards their bedding. Once he had set Rose down, he lay down beside her, pulling her towards him until their bodies fit together. Tomorrow could take care of itself; it was the here and now that counted. With that thought and a soft kiss to Rose's shoulder, he too drifted off to sleep.

Hours later, a reluctant James woke Rose for her watch. Slowly, so as not to awaken John she slipped out of his arms and headed to the mouth of the cave to keep vigil. The cattleman had not seen anything that might pose a danger but she kept her guard up until the fingers of sunset again touched the earth. By the time she returned to the inner cavern the other three were awake and preparing a quick meal to sustain them on the final journey ahead.

They were underway within the hour and made good time under the cover of the new night. The light heartedness of the evening before had worn off, wariness taking precedence over joviality, and heavy hearts out weighing the friendship of the four travellers. Even in the darkness, James and Sarah Jane could feel the tension between John and Rose but there was little they could do about it except lead them closer to that moment when the two must part.

A couple of hours before dawn they reached the Indian's camp. Outlook posts had already heralded their coming and as they reached the centre of the tribe's encampment they were met by the chief's son Sol Solace who greeted James like a long lost brother. After a few words of greeting, he then turned to Rose, taking her small hands into the grasp of his much larger ones, a large smile gracing his face.

"As always you are ever welcome, Sheriff. I regret that my father cannot come to meet you himself. You know how much he enjoys your company but he is an old man and needs his sleep. A pity, for he enjoys a beautiful face as much as any man, especially one that has brains to match."

Rose grinned madly at his last words as she opened her arms for a hug, something which Sol was only too eager to return. Grinning gave way to laughter as she teased him about hanging out too much with certain cattle ranchers. Eventually though, their mirth died as they remembered why they were here. Rose introduced Sarah Jane and John to Sol. After greeting them both, the chief's son eyed John with undisguised interest.

"So you are the man our Sheriff has lost her heart to," he said boldly ignoring Rose's astonished gasp. Chuckling loudly he turned to her, "You do realise father was quite put out by your refusal to marry me, don't you? Still I don't blame you; he's a lot prettier than me." Before John could get the wrong impression Sol turned his attention back to him again. "It's okay, John. Rose and I are just friends. It might sound strange but just by looking at you two I can see why the spirits have brought you together." To Sarah Jane he added, "Please know that we will do everything we can to keep you safe. I've already told James that my brothers will assist in anyway they can to capture Harold Saxon. Foul deeds he has done have not made him popular with local tribes and although we did not hold loyalty with the late Mayor she was a friend to us in many ways. It would bring honour to our tribe by bringing her killer to justice. Dead or alive," he finished roughly.

"I know which one I'd prefer," injected James thinking of Harold's murderous characteristics.

Silently, Rose was inclined to agree but she had the law to uphold. "You know I can't do that. I can't put into words how much I despise the man but I've still got to give him a fair trial." What happens after that, though, is beyond my control she thought knowing full well the sentence that awaited Harold.

"Well I won't feel guilty about seeing his scrawny neck stretched and hanging from the nearest tree," insisted James.

"Even more reason for us all to be careful," warned Rose. "Harold doesn't have anything to lose so that makes him all the more dangerous." She made eye contact with each of her friends in turn including Sol. "The task is to bring Harold Saxon in to face justice." A sigh escaped her lips as she thought of Mickey's betrayal. "I've already lost one good man. I don't want mavericks, or heroics. All of you are important to me and no one is expendable. Okay?"

Her question was answered by nodding heads and positive replies.

Rose then turned to Sol. "Are any of the woman awake? I'd like to get Sarah Jane settled in."

"Of course. My sister has offered to help. I will be back in a moment."

He had been gone barely a minute before returning with a young Indian woman. As Sol made the introductions, Rose let go of John's hand to take hold of Sarah Jane's instead. Slowly, she ushered her forward till they came face to face with the gentle faced squaw. The women greeted each other shyly and then the tension was broken as the Indian woman whispered something too low for the men to hear but whatever the joke it made all three females giggle like young schoolgirls.

Before she left, Sarah Jane thanked James for his care and protection.

"It was a pleasure, Miss Smith," he replied gallantly as he bestowed a quick kiss to her hand.

"I'll join you shortly," promised Rose as Sarah Jane left in the company of Sol's sister. After her friend's departure, Rose took again her place at John's side. He had been very quiet during the whole proceedings and she wondered what he was thinking. She was not brave enough to look into his eyes, knowing if she did she'd be lost. They still needed to address several issues before she could say her final goodbyes. Instead, she gave his hand a tight squeeze before turning her attention to Sol again.

"So what now?"

"I'll take these two with me to freshen up and show John around. James tells me you and he are heading back to town as soon as dusk falls, so I think you can all do with some decent rest." With a quick glance at John, he continued, "I'll come find you later so you can spend some time together before it's time to leave."

"Thank you Sol," replied Rose as she placed a grateful kiss on his cheek. Likewise she gave one to James before walking a little ways from them with John still in tow. This time she did meet his eyes and gasped at the depth of emotion she found reflected back at her. As they reached out to hold each other their lips met in a tender kiss but eventually Rose forced herself to leave his secure embrace.

"Get some rest, John. I'll see you soon." With a final kiss to his beautiful freckled nose, she left to join the other women.

Sarah Jane had already washed and appeared to be sleeping comfortably on the goat skin furs, a fact that Rose was quite relieved about. It was going to be a difficult time for her, getting used to the semi primitive ways of the tribe as well as dealing with the ongoing fear of discovery. Part of Rose wished that Donna could have come to keep Sarah Jane company but then again it was already precarious for the tribe hiding two people. Adding another person to the mix would only increase the danger to everyone. She could not do that to Chief Kasterborous and Sol when they had already agreed to help her. She pushed her worry for Sarah Jane from her mind as she tried to take some rest however all she managed to do was exchange one concern for another. John! He was now a part of her forever. She missed his arms around her and his soft breathing in her ear. Scolding herself, she resolved instead to think of what they had to look forward to once Harold Saxon was caught. Slowly, these pleasant thoughts and the toll of the last two days of hard riding sent her into the land of dreams.

She and John were walking through a beautiful garden filled with deliciously scented blooms and aromatic herbs. Suddenly John stopped, his hand left hers to reach up and cover her eyes chuckling softly at her protests. "I have a surprise for you." Gently guiding her, they walked a little further before stopping once again. "Surprise, my Rose," he sweetly murmured into her ear before allowing his hand to drop from her eyes. She let out a large gasp as she took in the sight before her. A small, white washed cottage with painted blue shutters greeted her. Flowering strands of ivy cascaded down the white walls and on the porch hung a wooden swing perfectly made for two. Rose was so overwhelmed with emotion she could not speak but the radiance on her face told her lover everything he needed to know.

"Welcome to our home, my darling," said John as he picked her up and carried her to the front door.

Before he could reach it though, it was opened from the inside and suddenly Harold Saxon appeared brandishing his shotgun, his face contorted with an evil grin. Without warning he shot John, mortally wounding him and as he fell so too did Rose. Before she could get up, Harold was there standing over her, insane laughter rising from his throat. He was the victor and there was nothing she could do about it. She sobbed out loud, begging for mercy but knew she would find none as his hands came down on her shoulders. As he spoke her name each letter dripped with poisonous intent… "Rose!"

"Rose, Rose, wake up, my darling."

Through the mists of her sleep addled brain, gentle shaking and a trusted voice was calling her name. Wanting nothing more than to escape her nightmare she clung onto the lifeline thrown to her.

"Rose, it's John. Come back to me."

"John," she cried as sleep gradually relinquished its hold. "John," she repeated again before understanding that he was really there. In desperation she flung herself into his arms, his strength and love finally bringing her back to full wakefulness. Still sobbing heavily she tried to tell him what had happened. "Oh, John I was having such a beautiful dream and then … oh then Harold came and he killed you … and I was left alone and he was going to hurt me next but I didn't care about that because you were gone and I couldn't bear it. I just couldn't."

"It's okay, my love," he reassured her as he kissed away her tears. "It's just a dream, nothing more. You'll take care of me and bring Harold to justice. Whatever is to come, I know that somehow things will work out for us. My heart doesn't doubt that for a second so you mustn't second guess yourself now either." Grasping her hands in his, he placed a reverent kiss on them. "You are brave and strong of heart, Sheriff Rose Tyler, as well as being beautiful and when this is all over I'll be yours and you'll be mine and that's what we need to remember." Raising her face to his, he gently brushed her lips with his before drawing her back into his arms once more.

How long they stayed like that neither one knew but eventually Rose lifted her head and noticed that visibility inside the tepee was fading quickly. "How long was I asleep for?" she asked somewhat fretfully.

"A long time," replied John. "It's almost twilight. Our Indian friend came to wake you about three hours ago but you were sleeping like the dead." A soft chuckle left his lips. "Sol came back saying that his ears were still smarting from the scolding he got from his sister. She told him you needed your rest and that no one was to come wake you."

Rose gave a weak laugh but sorrow was written across her face. "I wish she had let him," she uttered brokenly. "I wanted to … I mean I hoped that we could …" Her words drifted off as she lost the courage to ask him for what she wanted most right now. Thankfully, he realised her discomfort. Smiling softly, he kissed her lips again. "James says we have one hour," he whispered conspiringly before taking her mouth again and pulling her down with him to the fur bedding.

Later as they lay side by side in each other's embrace, John murmured delicious endearments in her ear. As her heart swelled with his impassioned words, she felt the sudden urge to tell him of her love. "John," she whispered. "I want to tell you something. Something I should have said before but I wasn't brave enough to do so. I …"

John's fingers on her lips stilled her words. She looked at him, somewhat confused by his refusal to hear her declaration of love. He noticed her hurt expression and quickly leaned down to kiss away her frown.

"It's not that I don't want to hear the words, Rose. Believe me, you can't imagine how much I long to hear them. Will you wait till all this is over and then when I have you like this once more, when we get to be one body again, then tell me. Think how much more it will mean once we've been through this baptism by fire. Can you do that for me, my beautiful Rose?"

"Yes," she answered softly. She would go to hell and back for this man and perhaps might very well have too. "Yes," she repeated. "I'll wait." Pulling his head down to hers again, she tried to tell him with kisses what he would not allow her to say for now in words.

All too soon though there was a loud cough from outside followed by Sol's voice warning them that James was almost ready to leave and that if she was hungry some food was waiting for her. Rose called out, thanking him and replied that she would be ready in ten minutes. With one last kiss, she and John rose up and got dressed before stepping through the door of the tepee hand in hand. After eating a small dinner, they went to find James who was almost finished preparing the horses. Sol and Sarah Jane were also with him, helping him to load supplies into the saddlebags.

"All ready then?" asked James carefully.

"No," she replied truthfully.

James did not have to ask her to explain. He knew full well how painful a moment this was going to be for Rose and John. Compassionately, he squeezed her hand. "I understand but we do need to get going. I'm going to say goodbye to the Chief on behalf of both of us and then I'll meet you at the entrance to the camp in fifteen minutes, okay?"

Rose nodded her head in agreement and James departed, leading their two horses behind him. Sarah Jane held out her arms for a hug and Rose quickly closed the distance, welcoming the other woman's embrace. "You take care now, Sarah Jane. Sol and his sister will make sure nothing happens to you and you'll have John here as well so please don't feel alone. I'll get this mess straightened out and then we can sort out your future." A teasing smile graced her face as she continued. "Perhaps Donna can introduce you to a few of the single bachelors in town."

Sarah Jane laughed despite her fears. "Go on, get away with you. Just you take care of yourself now, you hear," she finished soberly. "Come back to get us, you mean so much, especially to John. He is so in love with you." With a quick kiss to Rose's cheek Sarah Jane left to go find her Indian friend.

Sol strode over and gathered Rose to him in his firm grasp. "As I already said, we'll do everything in our power to help you. If the spirits are kind you'll not be parted from your soul mate for long." Releasing Rose, Sol placed a hand on John's shoulder, grinning widely as he did so. "We'll take care of him, even if he is prettier than me." With cheeky wink he turned and went in search of his father and James.

John and Rose slowly made their way to the edge of the tribe's encampment and stood next to Rose's horse who was happily chomping on the sweet grass, oblivious to his mistress's pain.

With a heartbroken murmur Rose leant into John's body and sought his mouth. Kiss after kiss was exchanged, one after the other, always hoping it would last and never wanting to stop. They both knew that it could not.

"Rose, it's time to go," came the pained voice of James who had already mounted his horse.

"I know," sighed Rose as she reluctantly moved out of John's arms.

James rode over to John and leaned down to shake his hand in a warm grip. "Take care of her, please," begged John. The cattleman swallowed a lump in his throat before replying. "You have my word," he promised. One more hand shake was exchanged before James moved off a ways and waited for Rose to say her final goodbye.

John helped Rose up into her saddle, keeping a hold on her body anyway he could. "Don't say goodbye because this isn't. You remember what we talked about, okay? I want you to think about that moment when we are together again because I promise you; it will be all I'll be thinking about from right now till I hold you in my arms again."

"I will," agreed Rose passionately.

Leaning down she took one last kiss from his lips before spurring her horse onwards and away from the man she loved. Riding past James, tears cascaded down her cheeks. She knew John was still standing where she'd left him but she dared not look back. After several leagues she rallied her courage, wiped away her tears and slowed down to let James catch up with her. He offered her his handkerchief but did not speak any clichéd words of comfort.

Neither saw the dark eyes that followed them as they rode back in silence towards Old Verity.