Chapter 10 - Settling In

Over the next week, the Doctor got into the flow of things at work. He indulged himself into a mysterious case of robberies around the area and had even found enough evidence to be able to interrogate two suspects. He was enjoying the experience of being DI Doctor, but it didn't make up for the adventures he could have had instead if he hadn't lost the TARDIS. He still longed for his time ship during the long, waking nights. The domestic life certainly wasn't for him. He would also rather have Rose, his brilliant, beautiful Rose with him when he was unraveling the mysteries, just like it was before.

Rose also liked her new job. The person working at the other till in the newsagents on the majority of Rose's shifts was Tara, who she got on well with. Janet was impressed with what a quick learner Rose was and grew quite fond of her new employee.

That Friday, Rose and the Doctor were both paid their week's wages, and when they were put together, it made enough money to buy some of the household items that they desperately needed. They decided that they would go shopping on the following day.

The Doctor and Rose woke up bright and early that Saturday morning. They got ready, watched a little TV, then left the flat.

"I think we've got just enough money for a cheap Hoover and fridge, leaving a tiny bit spare for food shopping," the Doctor said, counting up their money for the third time, as they walked around the huge household appliance store.

"I was hoping we'd have enough for a washing machine too. Cleaning the clothes by hand is doin' my head in!" Rose said.

"I know, Rose, but we'll have to wait until next week's wages, since you want to do it the legal way," the Doctor said, as they approached the fridge section. "Personally, I can't see much wrong with breaking a few rules now and again. I do it all the time!"

Eventually, they bought a fridge and a Hoover and had them delivered to their flat. With the remaining money, they went shopping at the nearest supermarket.

By the time they were home, and had set up their new appliances, it was almost six o clock. Rose was carefully placing food in their new fridge, when she glanced at her mobile phone and saw the time.

"Doctor! I almost forgot! Spike's party starts in five minutes! Oh God, how am I gonna be ready in time?" she said. She threw the rest of the food into the fridge and slammed the door.

"Don't worry too much! It's just a little get together with some neighbours, you don't have to dress up or anything," the Doctor said, watching Rose dash into the bathroom. "I mean, look at me, for Rassilion's sake, I'm in the same old suit as I was when we first met him."

"Yeah, that's a point, you haven't changed your suit yet," Rose said through the open bathroom door, as she fixed her make up. "Now would be a good time to, y'know. We spent a lot of money on your new clothes, and I bet it smells."

"Oi, I smell lovely!" he retorted. He sniffed himself, then said, "Actually, maybe I could do with a change, I'll just..." He backed away to his bedroom as his sentence trailed off. Rose giggled to herself when he shut the door.

About fifteen minutes later, they were welcomed in by Spike. There was some background music, which Rose recognised, which must have been a new hit for the time they were in. She saw about eight others socialising inside.

"Hi, Spike! Please excuse our lateness," the Doctor said.

"Nah, you're not that late," Spike said. "Come in, I'll introduce you guys to everyone." They followed Spike further into his flat. "That's Abbie, as you know," Spike said, pointing at Abbie, who was conversing with an older couple. "She's chattin' to Damien and Judy, the nice old couple that live on this floor. Doubt they'll stay for long, they like gettin' to bed early." They walked over to the three people and joined them.

"Hello, dearies! Can't say I've seen you around before," the older woman said.

"No, we just moved in last week," Rose said. "You must be Judy?"

"Yes, I am. This is my husband, Damien," Judy said, gesturing to the man stood next to her, who gave them a smile and a nod.

"I'm Rose, and this is th- John," Rose said, quickly correcting herself. The Doctor held out his hand to Judy and shook her hand, then did the same to Damien.

"Lovely to meet you two," Judy said with a friendly smile. "Remember, if you ever need anything, we're in flat forty two. Spike, I think we'll be off in ten minutes. I did say we only wanted to poke our noses in!"

He nodded. "Sure, Judy, it's nice seein' ya here, anyway. Come on then," he said to the Doctor and Rose. They walked over to the kitchen and Spike poured them both some beer. Then, they made their way to a couple of large blokes, who looked like it was best to stay on their good sides.

"Alright, guys? This is John and Rose, they live opposite me," Spike said, showing them off like some exotic pets.

"Hi," the Doctor and Rose said simultaneously.

"Hi, I'm Harrison and this is Danny. How ya doin'?" one of the two men said, before taking a gulp of his cider.

"We're good, thanks," Rose said, "and you?"

"Yeah, we're great," Danny said. After a moment of quiet, Danny spoke up again. "Are you John's boyfriend?" he said, shuffling closer to Rose.

"Um, actually-," the Doctor said.

"They deny it, but I reckon they are, Dan," Spike said, winking, which raised a chuckle from the other guy, Harrison. Rose sighed. Not this again.

"That's a real shame then, innit?" Danny said, edging closer still to Rose, until she could smell his cider-stained breath. She swallowed, not daring to look away from his uneasy stare. Then, she felt the Doctor's hand scoop up her own, and clutch it tightly.

"I think you're making Rose a little uncomfortable, Danny," the Doctor said, firmly. Danny stepped back slightly and drank a large swig of cider.

"Don't mind him," Spike said, seeing the funny side of it, "He's been single a while, that 'un. A bit desperate, aren't cha, old pal?"

Danny grunted in reply. He turned towards Harrison and started to talk to him again, completely disregarding the Doctor, Rose and Spike. They walked away from the two men, leaving them to themselves, and Rose was relieved to find out that they lived on a different floor. She wasn't keen on the idea of seeing Danny around too much. He didn't seem very friendly and he'd made her feel nervous. Spike was a good guy, but she certainly didn't feel the same about Danny. The Doctor and Rose were shown around to some more of their new neighbours, and they had a good time talking and joking, before tucking into some greasy, salty fish and chips that had been wrapped in newspaper.

The next week was very similar. It consisted of the usual boring human activities; shopping, working and watching TV. They had a few nice chats over coffee with Damien and Judy, and Spike visited them a couple of times. It was only the week after when things started to get interesting...