Here it is, the last chapter! Thanks so much for sticking with me. I hope you enjoyed the story. FYI, I plan to write a lemony epilogue of sorts for ADULTS only, if you're interested in that kind of thing. So look out for that. Thanks again!
The train ride back to town was a quiet affair. Both the doctor and Rose were worn out from their eventful day, and also somewhat tongue-tied, neither sure what to say about their foray into the world of romance. Still, Rose leaned against the doctor contentedly. The doctor enjoyed the weight of her against him, and the sweet smell of her hair that was distinctly Rose. She once again drifted off to sleep lulled by the gentle rocking of the train as it cut its way through the snowy wilderness. Though not one for naps, the doctor closed his eyes also, and used the time to plan out this evening's surprise for Rose.
As the train pulled into the station, he once again woke her with a gentle kiss, this time on the brow. Unlike last time, she sat up and kissed him back sweetly on the cheek. The doctor felt heat rise to his face at the innocent, loving gesture. He loved how Rose could be at once seductive and pure. There were many faces to his would-be lover and he intended to see and worship them all. The doctor led Rose back to their shared suite at the Hotel Noel. Rose blushed beautifully as the doctor closed the door and turned to face her. She felt slightly embarrassed and looked down at her snow boots, but then seemed to gather her courage and lifted her head to look fiercely into the doctor's eyes. Those eyes, so impossibly deep as if they held the entirety of space and time, at once intimidated and aroused Rose. In them she could see the oncoming storm that threatened to engulf her, and oh how she longed to let it sweep her away. She walked slowly up to the doctor and laid her burning lips on his cool ones. They kissed for what seemed like an eternity, at first tenderly and then becoming frantic as Rose opened herself to him. Tongues danced and explored, and their three hearts beat together in a quick rhythm. They only broke the kiss when Rose had to come up for air. They both stood back, panting slightly. Rose's lips were swollen and her hair mussed, and the doctor thought she had never looked sexier. He wanted desperately to throw her on the bed and claim her in that instant, but with a wrench he pulled himself back to sense.
"Rose, we can't…" he started. Her face fell instantly at his words.
"But, why?" she panted out.
"No, I mean, we can, of course we can, and we will. At least, I think we will…" the doctor rambled, trying to explain. "It's just that there's this surprise for you, you see. I've, er… well I've sort of orchestrated this whole dinner and everything… damn." The doctor finished lamely, as he was once again rendered speechless by Rose's allure. She was startled to hear him curse, as he rarely used any expletives, but it thrilled her a bit to know that it was she who had caused it.
"Dinner?" she asked. "Can't we eat later? I'm not even hungry, really." Just as she finished her sentence, Rose's stomach growled loudly, belying the statement. The doctor raised his eyebrow cynically, and she couldn't help but laugh. "Oh alright then, I am hungry. But don't think that lets you off the hook, Doctor! I thoroughly expect this to continue later." she declared.
"Fantastic!" the doctor breathed, making Rose think of his leather-clad former self with fondness. They smiled at each other. "Right then, Rose Tyler!" the doctor clapped his hands, "Time to get dressed!" The wardrobe provided both Rose and the doctor with evening wear, and Rose scurried with her clothes into the bathroom once again, so as not to tempt the doctor to skip dinner. She really was hungry. Half an hour later, the doctor was dressed and pacing back and forth in front of the bathroom door. "Roooooseeee!" he whined, "Aren't you ready yet?"
"Almost, be patient!" she called out to the doctor. She rolled her eyes at his restiveness. He could be like a little boy sometimes. She put the finishing touches on her makeup and surveyed her image in the mirror. Rose looked good, and she knew it. The wardrobe had given her a gorgeous gold dress that was shirred in just the right places. A serious of straps wove over her chest and shoulders holding up the garment and leaving her back exposed. Her blonde waves were pinned up in a graceful chignon. Rose smiled to herself, and silently thanked the wardrobe. The dress had given her just the boost of confidence that she needed for this evening.
She pulled open the bathroom door saying, "Alright, I'm ready! Let's go, I'm hungr…" she stopping mid-word. There stood the doctor, wearing a perfectly tailored suit jacket… and a kilt. "Bloody hell!" swore Rose.
"Too much? I thought it might be too much… But she wouldn't give me anything else, dunno why." mumbled the doctor.
"You look amazing!" Rose managed to get out. She had never imagined the doctor in a kilt before, but damn… He was absolutely dashing.
"Oh, you think so?" the doctor preened. "You're not too bad yourself, Miss Tyler."
"Wouldn't be better off in a bin bag?" Rose asked cheekily, referring to the doctor's previous comment.
"Ugh, why did I ever say that?" The doctor looked up at the ceiling, then back at Rose. "I'm so sorry, Rose. I'm a right idiot."
"Yes, you are." Answered Rose, "But I love you anyway." She smiled. There was a pause and the atmosphere became serious. Rose could have kicked herself for saying those three words again. She hadn't even been thinking; they just slipped out. Rose opened her mouth to say something, anything that would cut the tension, but the doctor stopped her. Now was the time, he thought to himself. He had to say it. He wanted to say it.
"Rose Tyler," he began. She held her breath. "I love you." A tear rolled down his cheek, this time from the relief of finally finishing the sentence. Rose was crying now too. "I should have told you long ago." The doctor went on. "I love you, I love you, I love you…" the doctor whispered over and over, relishing his new freedom to say the words. He pressed his forehead against Rose's, and wiped away her tears with the pads of his thumbs. They stood like this for a while, just holding each other and swaying slightly with emotion. It was Rose's stomach that ultimately ended the moment, as it growled again angrily. They both laughed. Rose wiped her eyes, smiling.
"Makeup's ruined…" she hiccuped.
"You look beautiful." responded the doctor. Rose chuckled.
"Just give us a mo'…" she said and returned to the bathroom to fix her smudged mascara. Finally, the couple made it out the door and walked arm in arm to a little restaurant that Rose hadn't noticed before. Luckily it wasn't far because Rose's golden stilettos, though quite sexy, were not exactly comfortable. Etched onto the glass window were the words "Holly and Ivy, fine cuisine". Rose had her hand on the door, about to open it, when the doctor unexpectedly stopped her, and pulled out a flowing silk scarf from his trans-dimensional pocket.
"What…?" Rose began.
"Well, I did say it was a surprise." Answered the doctor with a crafty look in his eye. He leant towards Rose and wrapped the scarf around her eyes, tying it snugly behind her head. "Alright?" he asked.
"Alright? Doctor, I can't see anything!" Rose complained.
"That's sort of the idea." Replied the doctor cheekily. Rose just hmphed. Despite her outward expression of frustration, Rose actually found the whole sensation of being vulnerable quite thrilling. Her other senses where heightened by the sudden plunge into darkness. She could feel every fiber in the doctor's jacket sleeve as she held on to his arm for balance. The doctor brought his mouth to Rose's ear, and she could feel his breath as well as the scratch of his slight stubble against her skin.
"Are you ready, Rose?" he whispered huskily. She could do nothing but nod in response. The doctor led her forward, catching her when she stumbled slightly. After a few steps, the doctor's moved behind Rose and worked the knot loose. The blindfold fell away, revealing a beautiful table set for two. It was a magical scene. The entire restaurant was empty of people, but filled with glowing candles. Sheer silver curtains floated down around the table creating an almost misty look to the air. In addition to the hundreds of candles, there were vases and bowls full of white and pink roses and rose petals scattered over the table top as well. The entire back wall of the restaurant was an enormous window that looked out onto frosty moors gilded by moonlight.
"How did you… I mean, when… I, where is everyone?" Rose asked, struggling for words.
"Oh, er, I might have rented out the entire restaurant for us." answered the doctor, slightly embarrassed. He hoped it wasn't too much. "Do you like it?" he asked tentatively. Like it? Rose snorted. Like wasn't even close to explaining what she was feeling. It was like being inside of a dream, a beautiful dream from which she never wanted to wake up.
"It's breathtaking." She answered, truthfully. "I can't believe you did this." The doctor smiled relieved. He quickly moved to pull out a silver velvet chair for Rose. She sat, still trying to take everything in. As soon as the doctor was seated across from her, three Yulians in white chef's uniforms came out carrying silver trays. They wordlessly set them down on the table and removed the covers revealing a first course of smoked salmon, caviar, and little crusty rounds of bread. The servers bowed and returned to the kitchen.
"I hope you like the food. It's a fixed menu, as I had to order it in advance." The doctor said apologetically. He soon realized he had no cause for worry as Rose was already spooning the caviar onto her plate. There was a bucket of ice already cooling a bottle of champagne next to the table, and the doctor popped the cork and poured them both sparkling glasses. The meal was incredible, course after course of delights were brought out, including many traditional Christmas favorites. There was turkey, roast goose, and the repast was concluded with tiny mince pies and a steaming plum pudding. Throughout the feast the doctor and Rose talked and laughed, enjoying the exquisite food, atmosphere, and most of all each other's company. They head chef came out to greet them, and shook hands with the doctor. They congratulated him on his cuisine, and thanked him for the wonderful evening.
"Time to go?" Rose asked the doctor, in anticipation of finishing what they had started earlier in the honeymoon suite.
"Not quite…" said the doctor, and he motioned towards the starry sky out the window. Suddenly a shot of golden sparks flew into view and exploded overhead in a glittering shower. Then another, and another. Silver, gold, red, and green fireworks illuminated the sky. Rose squealed in delight, watching the show. The doctor kept his eyes on her. He was full of happiness that the evening had been a success, and excitement at the prospect of getting Rose back to the room. Once the last rocket had fizzled away into the night, Rose looked across at the doctor. His eyes were hooded with desire, and suddenly all thoughts of fireworks, or anything else, were wiped from her mind. Her love and desire for the doctor filled her entire being. They both stood simultaneously, ready to be alone. With a nod to the staff, the doctor led his Rose out of the restaurant and into a new adventure.