A/N: And now, the moment I believe you all were waiting for... (Well...outside the Doctor and Rose doing the deed ;-)). This chapter earns its M rating again, as there is some minor violence/mention of previous violence in this chapter, so if you are prone to abuse triggers, or you don't like reading violence. Skip the scene between Rose and George.
I would like to thank each and every one of my readers, as well as those who have seen fit to put this story in their favorites. I love you all, and I'm glad that you are enjoying this story. I enjoy reading and responding to each and every review I receive as well, because they give me warm fuzzies and give me the prod to keep going when I get stuck.
Tony raised his little fist, knocking gently at the door. "Rose?"
Not hearing a response, Tony knocked again. "Rose, are you awake yet? Mum's making French Toast." Still not hearing anything, Tony grunted in frustration as he stood on his tippy toes, trying to turn the door handle. When he managed to finally turn the metal knob, enough for the door to click open, Tony quietly crept into the room.
She wasn't there, neither was the Doctor. Tony's eyebrows furrowed, as he remembered Mum saying to go wake his sister. So she had to be home. "Rose? Doctor?" Tony called out softly.
His ears finally picked up the sounds coming from the bathroom. There was water, coupled with…laughter? Tony wondered what could be so funny in the bathroom. He walked over to the bathroom and heard voices. Wondering why they both were in there, Tony tried to open the door a crack.
But it was locked. His tiny hand knocked at the door. "Rose? Are you in there?"
There was a pause, before he heard his sister's response. "I'm in the shower, Tony. I'll be downstairs soon, okay?"
"'Kay! Hurry though, or Dad will eat your French Toast." Tony backed away from the door, curiously looking around the room. He recognized his sister's things, plus some new clothes and items. They must belong to the Doctor, Tony concluded.
Looking down he found a small, unopened box. Picking it up, he silently began to try to read the label.
"La-a-ttt-teex Ccconddom." Tony scrunched his face. What was that, and why was it on his sister's floor. He decided to ask Rose and the Doctor at breakfast.
"Anthony Tyler, get your backside down here, now! That goes for your sister, and the Doctor as well!" Tony dropped the box where he found it, as his little feet scurried across the floor. Closing the bedroom door behind him.
Inside the shower, Rose and the Doctor breathed a sigh of relief. "Good thing you had your sonic. Otherwise, I think my brother would have gotten a shock. And we would have had a fair bit of explaining to do."
The Doctor nodded in response. "So now, where were we?" he asked in a low, sultry tone as his hands began to wander. After waking up in each others arms, completely naked from falling asleep after making love. They had found their way into the shower, not long before Tony had interrupted them. Rose had mentioned being sore, which of course, the Doctor had preened on how he must have done it right then. After Rose swatted him on the arm, he had seriously suggested a hot shower. Where she could put a hot flannel against her groin while they washed up.
Rose purred as her arms went around his neck, kissing at his jawline. "Hmm, I believe…Right here…"
The Doctor groaned as he pressed himself against her. Becoming rather aroused at the light, teasing brushes of her lips. Reaching down, his fingers pulled at the flannel held between her thighs. Letting it drop to the floor. As his fingers circled her folds, before sliding inside, Rose winced loudly.
He froze as he pulled his fingers out. "What's wrong? Did I hurt you, Rose?"
Rose bit her lip shyly as she nodded. "I think I'm still tender down there, Doctor."
"I'm sorry, Love. Let's just finish washing up, and let that heal up." The Doctor kissed her gently as he pulled back, reaching for what he would need to finish washing.
"Good morning, everyone!" The Doctor grinned, as he and Rose made their way into the kitchen. Hand in hand making their way around the table to their seats. Everyone responded with their greetings as the Doctor and Rose settled down.
"Rose?" Tony asked after a few moments, as Jackie finished cutting up his French Toast.
"Yeah, Tony?" Rose finished fixing her tea.
"What were you laughing at earlier?" Tony's fingers were playing in his syrup, looking at his sister curiously.
Rose cleared her throat, raising her mug to her lips. "The Doctor was doing something funny, so I was laughing."
"Oh... What was he doing?"
The Doctor tried to swallow the bit of egg he had just put into his mouth. His eyes drifted around the table, with everyone's eyes settled squarely on him and Rose. Well, Pete was trying to hold back a knowing smirk.
Clearing his throat as his eyes shifted, the Doctor tried to provide an innocent enough answer to satisfy the four year old. "I was doing a funny dance while shaving, and it made your sister laugh."
"Why were you in there when she was showering?"
"I didn't want to be late for breakfast, Tony. As your Mum was rather adamant about us getting downstairs." The Doctor fixed his best poker face, as he chewed. He really hated lying to the tyke, however he couldn't exactly give him an honest answer.
Tony let out a shrug, along with an 'oh' as he went back to chewing, after Jackie admonished him about playing in his food. Rose and the Doctor seemed to relax slightly as breakfast continued on. Rose had to grab the Doctor's hand once or twice, since his hand would keep drifting up her thigh.
Jackie eyed them both as she poured herself more tea. "Oh, and before I forget. Next time you two decide to go out before a storm, and stay out half the night. Please consider ringing me to let me know you both are alive. I was up half the evening with worry, until I heard you two come stumbling in half past one this morning."
Rose bit her lip as they both murmured apologies. They really hadn't intended to be out that late, as the storm went until at least ten o'clock. However they couldn't bring themselves to pull out of their intimate embrace before the dying fire. And in their bliss, they had genuinely forgotten to ring Jackie or Pete to let them know they were safe.
"Something wrong, Rose?" Jackie reached for a few more pieces of bacon. "You keep glaring at the Doctor."
Rose fought back a blush, as she gave him a look that warned him to cut it out. "He just keeps knocking my knee on purpose, Mum."
The Doctor grinned, as he subtly waggled his eyebrows towards Rose. He couldn't help it. As after they opened themselves to this new level of intimacy, the Doctor found it extremely harder to keep his hands off her. And he knew it was hard for Rose to keep her hands off him. However, she was doing a better job at self control than he was right now.
Pete was sending him knowing winks again. Blimey, were they that obvious? In any case, the Doctor wasn't going to worry to much about it. They didn't seem upset. Given past conversations, and…gifts on Jackie's part. The Doctor shuddered lightly as he remembered the condoms. At least he didn't have to worry about being slapped for shagging her daughter.
Tony sat sliding around the chunk of French Toast in the remaining smears of syrup on his plate. He had another question in his head, but the adults were talking. And he was smart enough to know to not interrupt adults when they were talking. Being given that lecture by Mum plenty of times before. He had wondered about the box he found on Rose's floor. It wasn't there the last time she lived here. Did the Doctor bring it with him? Maybe it was something cool like that sponge he put in that bit of earth. Or it was maybe a doodad like that silver tube.
After a few minutes, the table fell into silence as everyone kept eating. Now was his chance.
"What's a coo…conddd…"
Rose's eyes shot open as Tony tried to sound out the words. Her eyes quickly flicked towards the Doctor, who was in a state of ignorance, and in mid sip of his tea.
Tony sighed in frustration as he tried to see the words in his head. On his next attempt, he managed to get it all out properly. "What's a condom? Why does Rose have them?" Tony then smiled in achievement at sounding out the words, while the Doctor's eyes bugged wide, as he managed to sputter and choke on his tea. Spitting it down his oxford shirt and tie, in addition to spraying it over his half eaten plate.
"Anthony Tyler! Where did you hear that?" Jackie set her mug down, as the Doctor finally stood. "Oh, is he alright, Rose?" Rose nodded with a wave of her hand. While the Doctor headed towards the sink, still trying to violently cough up the tea he inadvertently inhaled. Splatters of coughed up tea joining the wet spots from a moment earlier on his shirt. Rose stood beside him, trying to get him to drink some water. Pete merely leaned back in his chair, groaning as his hand scrubbed down his face.
Tony didn't understand the embarrassing commotion he caused. He watched his sister wet a towel for the Doctor to blot his shirt. They were exchanging embarrassed, yet slightly amused glances.
Jackie sighed as her hands crossed in her lap, finally understanding the source of her son's curious question. "You get to explain it to him, Doctor."
The Doctor's eyebrows shot up, towel pressed against his shirt. "What...Why me?"
"He found them in your room. I suppose you both carelessly left them out." Jackie continued to smirk, as she stared at the Doctor.
"Oh No No No…Nuh Uh...You gave them to Rose. So this is all on you, Jackie. It's not my fault he picked up the unopened box from the floor!" The Doctor waved a frantic hand in the air before him, as he coughed out the last bit of tea. His face a bright red as a result of the conversation at hand, as well as his body's exertion in removing tea from his lungs.
Jackie's smirk fell into shock, as she looked between Rose and the Doctor. "What do you mean unopened? You mean you two have been—"
"Alright, that's enough!" Pete stood, putting an end to the commotion. "First off, Tony. A condom is something that adults use in adult activities. Now that's the end of it, until you're older."
"But," Tony started, before Pete gave him a glare that warned him to cease. Pete then turned to the other adults in the kitchen. "Now, I'm sure there is a perfectly valid reason as to why the box is unopened, Jacks. However that is a conversation to have privately."
Pete's eyes then held a glint of mirth as he turned to the Doctor. "And now you see what I mean about Tony being of an inquisitive age."
The Doctor cleared his throat, dropping the towel he was using onto the counter. He knew he was probably as flustered as Rose was right now. A nervous hand ran through his hair, as his other hand tugged at his collar. "Right…Now onto a complete and less embarrassing change of topic. I was going to bring up the fact that the coral is ready to be shatterfried today. And I was going to invite you all to join Rose and I in the shed. Nothing spectacular, but it's definitely interesting."
"I thought you gave the impression that you've never done it before," Pete asked as the Doctor passed by them.
The Doctor gave a wink as he opened the back door, flipping his screwdriver in the air. "Because I haven't…So I'd say that makes it about twenty times more interesting. Don't you?"
"Are you really growing a spaceship?" Tony sped up, his little legs hurrying to match the Doctor's. "I mean, that sponge isn't really big!"
The Doctor grinned as he pulled open the doors to the shed. "That's because it's going to be bigger on the inside, Tony!"
Tony's eyebrow hitched as he looked to his parents and big sister. "Is that true? Can that really happen?" Rose smiled as she crouched down next to him. "Yep, it can! I've seen it for myself."
The Doctor stood from his place near the plant pot. He had just completed a scan, and happily announced that it was safe to shatterfry. "Rose, we're going to need to dump this dirt onto the floor of the shed."
Rose was confused. "Why did we lug it into place before, if we're only going to take it out again?"
"Because, it was the only way to properly set up the coral for this initial step. We don't have to move the pot." The Doctor paused, his hands resting on his hips as he chewed his cheek. "However, I have a feeling your Mother won't appreciate a growing ship breaking one of her plant pots."
"Fair enough. So what's the plan then, Doctor?"
"Hey, Tony. Do me a favor, and come over here?" The Doctor smiled, as he gently beckoned the tyke over. He could tell Tony was feeling slightly off after causing the commotion at breakfast. So he had decided to try his best to show Tony that he didn't hold it against the tyke. As Tony came over, the Doctor crouched down and took the boy's hands in his own. "I'm going to need you to hold the coral for us. Can you do that?"
Tony's face lit up as he nodded enthusiastically. He cupped his hands, just like the Doctor showed him. Tony stayed still as the Doctor gently scooped up the coral and the earth surrounding it. "Now just hold the dirt and coral after I hand it to you, Tony. And more importantly, stay still, because we can't drop it."
Tony sucked in a breath. His first big responsibility! He turned his head, smiling broadly at his parents before turning back to the Doctor. Holding his hands as still as he could. Everyone then watched Rose and the Doctor carefully tip the plant pot, scattering the dirt into a pile on the floor.
The Doctor grinned as he turned back towards Tony, who held the dirt and coral out to the Doctor. As if he was expecting the Doctor to take it from him. "Nope, Tony. You're holding it, so you get to put it in the ground." He clicked his tongue with a warm smile, as he guided Tony over to the pile of dirt. "Now just lay your hands on top of the pile, then pull your hands apart," the Doctor gently instructed, as his hands guided Tony's little ones.
"I did it!" Tony exclaimed excitedly as he placed the coral into the pile. He looked around at everyone, his face bright with pride at his accomplishment. "Rose, Mummy and Daddy, did you see? I didn't drop the spaceship!"
"We saw, sweetheart! And you were such a big helper," Jackie proudly responded as she felt Pete's arm go around her shoulders. They both came forward as the Doctor crouched down, fiddling with his sonic.
The Doctor's heart began to pound, as he aimed the sonic at the coral. "Alright, I need complete quiet and concentration. Because we only get one shot at this, and I would prefer to be successful."
Rose slipped her hand into the Doctor's free one, giving it a light squeeze. He squeezed back as he took a deep breath, muttering what Rose swore was an 'Allons-y', before he held down the button.
What was only a moment, felt like hours to the Doctor, as he watched his screwdriver work at the shell. The only sound that could be heard in the shed was the gentle hum of the screwdriver. However inside his head, he could hear both his and Rose's hearts pounding. This was the moment of truth. Either they were going back to the stars most of the time, or they were going to be stuck on Earth for life.
Crack…Crack…Crack
Rose tightened her lips, as she watched three small cracks appear in the shell. She wanted to shout in joy and ask the Doctor if that meant it worked. However, a quick look in his direction told her that he still required silence. Rose watched him fiddle one handed with the settings.
"Dimensional stabilizer to a fold back harmonic of 36.3," the Doctor chanted, in an almost monotone voice. He then re-aimed the screwdriver at the coral. As he worked, Rose noticed the glowing coming from the cracks in the shell becoming brighter.
After a few moments, the Doctor then pulled the screwdriver back. Again adjusting the settings, murmuring as if to himself, "Accelerate the growth by the power of 59."
It was then that Rose understood. He was playing through the memory of Donna's instructions, in addition to his own knowledge. Making sure he did not miss a single step, or make any mistakes. Rose's free hand rested on his arm as they all watched him work. She really hoped the coral grew as it should. Not just because it would bring them back to the stars, where they belonged. But because it meant so much to her Doctor. It was a piece of the one place that he ever felt truly at home. It was a way for him to feel like he was still connected to the other universe. Just like how a treasured blanket comforts a child on a long trip.
The Doctor finally lowered his screwdriver. He did it... From all angles, it appeared the coral took to the universe. It would grow and flourish, and he would finally feel at home with Rose.
"Is it supposed to be cracking like that, Doctor?" Pete asked as he pointed towards it.
The Doctor nodded, as he drew Rose close to him. "That's the growth acceleration at work. In a few days, the shell should completely disintegrate. Then she'll begin to form the circuits and machinery to build outside in-wards."
Pete scratched his cheek as he replied how interesting that was. The Doctor turned towards Rose, his eyes bright as she wrapped him in a hug. "I'm so happy for you," Rose whispered in the Doctor's ear. She heard him hum in happiness, as they hugged each other tightly.
"I love you so much." The Doctor leaned his forehead against Rose's as they shared tiny kisses. Their respective happiness, and joy radiating off each other made them both giggle in happiness.
Rose smiled as the Doctor held her face in his hands, his eyes gazing into hers. "Barcelona, Rose. I swear to you, first trip we take is going to be Barcelona."
Rose laid her hands on his. "You still remember…"
The Doctor was confused. "Of course I remember! I might have been in the middle of a regeneration when I said it. But if I remember correctly, after the change was complete, I did set the coordinates. But then everything went wonky with me trying to convince you of who I was. Then regeneration sickness took over, and I had to speed us back to Earth before I took a long nap."
Rose smiled sadly as she remembered, her hands moving to his shoulders. She was so young and scared at the time. And she could never forget the fear in his eyes, as he changed the coordinates to her home. How he was afraid that she was going to leave him for good. Rose bit back a sniffle as the Doctor continued, "I was always trying to find the right time to take you, Rose. Try to make it meaningful, and attempt to at least show you how I really felt about you. Especially after you asked me if I would ever do to you, what I did to Sarah Jane. But…" The Doctor swallowed the lump in his throat as he looked away.
"Everything happened with Reinette. Then we lost Mickey, and then eventually Canary Wharf separated us," Rose finished his sentence for him. The Doctor only nodded as Rose's arms came around his neck. Pulling him close for a hug, a sniffle escaping her throat. "Well, now that we're here together again. I'm going to hold you to that promise, Doctor."
Jackie quirked an eyebrow, unintentionally interrupting the couple's moment. "You don't need a ship to go to Barcelona, you plum! Just hop on a Zeppelin, and you'll be there in a few hours."
"Oh, I know that, Jackie. But I'm not talking about the city. There is a planet called Barcelona, and I'm rather anxious to see what it looks like in this universe." The Doctor lifted his head slightly out of Rose's shoulder.
"So, when can we ride in your spaceship, Doctor?" Tony's excited voice broke everyone out of their own private reveries. The Doctor sniffed as he rubbed his face on a clean area of his shirt sleeve, before a manic grin graced the Doctor's lips. "Let's find out, shall we, Tony?"
With renewed vigor and glee, the Doctor found the setting and began to scan the coral that was now glowing even brighter. After a moment, his eyes beginning to analyze the results.
Two...Flippin'...Years.
The Doctor sighed as he swallowed. The Sonic was placed back into his pocket as he stood. Rose stood with him, her hand finding his. "What did it say, Doctor?"
The Doctor looked down at their joined hands, as he let out a long breath. "A little over two years."
Rose attempted to reassure him. "Well that isn't so bad. I mean, it's longer than both of us desire. But, it could be worse, yeah?"
The Doctor recognized Rose's attempts to cheer him up, and she was right. While it was two years that wouldn't be in the stars, it would be two years that Rose would have with her family. Maybe even by then, Jackie would feel comfortable with them taking Tony on a short trip to see his favorite constellation.
"Yeah, you're right. Besides, it could be worse." The Doctor grinned cheekily as he winked. "Jackie could have had to deal with us daily for a decade."
"Hey!" Everyone laughed as Jackie's hands went to her hips. She tried to look offended, yet failed miserably.
Pete sighed as he looked to his phone. "Well, as much as I hate to leave the party. George is waiting for me, and I do have some work to finish."
The Doctor, Rose and Jackie all scowled at the news that George was in the vicinity. Rose took a deep calming breath, as they all moved to follow Pete back into the house. As long as she and the Doctor stayed away from George, everything would be okay.
"Rose, I'm going upstairs to change my shirt. Why don't you go relax in the library and pick out a book. I'll bring us a cuppa, we'll settle in for a lazy morning, and read for a while."
Rose smiled as she planted a kiss on the corner of the Doctor's mouth. "Don't be long." Her tongue peeking from the corner of her mouth, as they parted at the stairway.
Rose paused as she entered the library. The smile she had on her face dropping quickly. She turned to look towards the hallway, hoping the Doctor wasn't too long. "What are you doing here?"
"We need to talk, Rose."
"I have nothing to say to you, George," Rose responded coolly. "I thought you were here for a meeting with Pete. So why aren't you waiting for him in his office?"
George huffed, as his arms crossed. "I am due to meet with him. However, we have something to discuss."
"Like I just said, I have nothing to say to you. So if you would so kindly leave before the Doctor returns, I'd greatly appreciate it."
George scowled in warning, and irritation as he crossed the space between them. "You are going to listen to what I have to say."
Rose merely rolled her eyes in response before staring at him. "Well, go on then. Say whatever you are going to say so you can leave."
George exhaled through his nose. Annoyance and frustration flashing in his eyes. "Why'd you go blabbing to your Dad about what happened?"
Rose quirked an eyebrow, as her arms remained crossed in a defensive stance. "Did you honestly think I would keep that to myself?"
"Yes! And to be fair, I kept trying to talk to you about it the whole way home from Ireland. Except that freak of yours kept you within arms reach of himself the whole time." George paused as he looked behind him. "Speaking of freaks, does he know?"
Rose smirked, answering in a taunting tone, "You're not in hospital, are you?"
George clenched his fists at Rose's snark. "Yeah, well because of your mouth. My job is on the line! So I would appreciate it, if you would talk to Pete on my behalf. It's only fair after all."
Rose's smirk dropped, as she stared at George incredulously. "I'm sorry, but am I getting the impression that this was my fault? Because, last I checked, YOU put your hands on ME." Rose pointed towards herself. Staring hard at George as she continued. "So if anyone is going to apologize, it's going to be you, George. You lied to Pete about the ice cream shop. You wouldn't take No for an answer, nor would you leave me alone." Rose then let out a harsh laugh. "And now, you have the gall to try to tell me to apologize for something you did. You really are a piece of work!"
"If you had just listened to what I had to say in Ireland. We wouldn't have this dilemma, now would we?" George shouted like a spoiled child.
"Well, if you had just left me alone when I asked you to," Rose shouted back, effectively interrupting him. Her finger pointed towards the door. "Now, please leave before I call for my Dad or the Doctor."
"I wasn't finished speaking!" George shouted in her face. His jugular bulging on his neck, as his face turned crimson.
"And I don't give a shit," Rose responded. She refused to back away from him. George Connolly had messed with her emotions long enough since she returned home.
"Now listen here, Princess! When a man talks, you listen!" George growled as his hands shot forward, grabbing her wrists tightly.
"Get out!" Rose tried to pull herself free. Her defense training kicking in, as she tried to tamp down rising comparisons between this event and moments with Jimmy. "Just get the fuck away from me."
"Shut up! Just shut up! I don't need anyone hearing you!" George's hands had now clamped on the spot just above Rose's elbows. Just after she had managed to wrangle her wrists free of his grip.
Rose swung her foot, trying to connect it with his shin or groin. If she could get herself completely free, she could get to the hallway and call for help. However, she didn't know that the Doctor was about to fully feel her distress.
With a menacing scowl, George slammed her against the wall. Pinning her body with his, almost just like he did in Ireland. Rose could feel his hot breath on her ear. He leaned in, hissing in her ear, "Now you listen to me. I don't know how the freak puts up with you and your lip, but the next time I try to talk to you. You better damn well listen."
With a smirk, George tightened his grip even harder. "Now that I have your attention, Rose. This is what you are going to do. We're going to go into daddy's office, and you are going to intercede on my behalf. I don't care what you say, but it is going to result with me returning completely to his good graces. Am I understood?"
"Bite me," Rose spat back. "Do you really think I would ever have anything positive to say about you, especially after this? Now you are really playing with fire, George. So I suggest you beg off this meeting with Pete, and leg it on out of here. Because when the Doctor comes back down, I'm going to tell him everything. And I can guarantee that he will not be pleased."
George's face contorted into one of fury, and for a second, Rose began to fear she went to far. She heard him grunt as he raised his hand, poising to strike her as a voice rang out in the hall.
"George? Where are you? I don't have all day."
"Damn it," George hissed as he roughly let go of Rose. Stepping back as he inhaled through his nose. He stared at her as he muttered, "Besides, I'm not afraid of your freak. What could that beanpole possibly do to me, talk me to death?"
Rose stood perfectly still. George then turned as he called that he was coming. He rapidly changed from Mr. Hyde back into Dr. Jekyll as he stalked from the room. His fingers deftly straightening his tie and fringe.
Rose shut her eyes, as her bottom lip quivered. She was not going to cry, and she was definitely not going to lose control. She wouldn't give George, or even Jimmy the satisfaction of knowing their actions could affect her long after the fact. Her knees began to turn to jelly, as the triggers and memories held no mercy in their torment. She slumped against the wall, trying to keep her balance. Her hand covered her lips, as she bit back another sob. Her shoulders shook as she struggled to take a deep and calming breath.
Rose felt like she was on the verge of a panic attack, as she got a look at her wrists and upper arms. Her chest heaved as her heart raced, as they reminded her of the last time a man left marks like these. Except George didn't sprain or break bones. She was not going to be able to keep this from the Doctor. George had left a mark this time, and there was no way Rose could deny something had happened.
Except, did she really want to deny it? She was tired of keeping this to herself. Rose knew she could only blame herself. Because if she had told the Doctor before today, George wouldn't have gotten anywhere near her. She stared at the red marks again. They were a bright, raw red. A glaring and accusatory testament to what just occurred. Rose tried to not remember how her arms would look after Jimmy would throw her around. Again, she tried her old tried and true techniques to compose herself.
To her dismay, she found them failing her.
"Rose?!" the Doctor called frantically, as his feet pounded down the stairs. His tie was slightly askew. He was in the middle of tightening the knot, when he felt her extreme anguish and distress rush at him. It had him panicked as he bolted from their room, as there should be no reason for Rose to be distressed in this house.
"Rose, where are you? Talk to me!" the Doctor called out again in an alarmed voice. Not receiving an answer to his calls was adding to his desperation to find her immediately. As quickly as he could, he began poking his head into every room he came across. Finally finding her in the library, he breathed a sigh of relief that she was not in danger.
"Rose, what's wrong?" He fully stepped into the room, moving hastily towards her. His arms open in front of him, ready to offer aid or comfort. However he was not expecting what he saw before him.
"Are you hurt, love? Tell me what's wrong."
Rose shook her head vehemently. She bit back another sob, as she launched herself into his waiting arms. "Doctor," was the only thing Rose could manage to say without sobbing. However she didn't have to say anything more. Her tone and demeanor said it all, as the Doctor immediately enclosed his arms around her.
"Shh Shh. It's okay, I've got you. Talk to me, Rose. Please? You're worrying me," the Doctor whispered into her hair, holding her tightly against his chest.
The safety and warmth of the Doctor's arms, coupled with the mounting triggers and memories finally broke the dam. Rose couldn't take it anymore. She buried her face into his chest, and began to let it all out. Her arms were tightly wrapped around his chest, as she heard his repeated pleas to tell him.
The Doctor kissed her hair again, as he tried to imagine what could have his Rose so…so, shaken like this. He didn't understand. They were at home, and from the stories she's told him. She's seen worse things, and still walked away strong. He began to feel an anger rise in him, as he felt her shoulders tremble. There was going to be hell to pay for whomever did this to her. He knew no one in her family could ever bring her to this low. She couldn't have gotten bad news at the door, because he didn't hear a door bell.
"You didn't get a phone call, did you, Rose?"
Rose shook her head. Her breath hitched as she opened her eyes, looking upwards to him. His heart sank when he looked into her glassy eyes. The tear stains on her cheeks troubled him. "It…I mean, I was…" Rose took a deep breath, as the words seemed to catch in her throat. "You had gone upstairs and…and he was already in here…" She trailed off as her forehead rested back against his chest.
The Doctor scowled as it clicked in his head. There was only one person who would ambush her when he wasn't around.
George.
"What did he say to you, Rose? What did George do this time? Because I'm absolutely done playing around with him. Once you calm down, we are going into that office and telling Pete everything. I will not have him bothering you anymore!" the Doctor exclaimed as his hands gently reached up, tilting her gaze to meet his.
He was so done with this. The Doctor tried to keep a calm tone as he began to seethe, "If you don't tell me, Rose. I'm going to go into that office, and get the information from George. And then he is going to pay for everything he has ever said or done to you."
Rose shook her head, her sobs were reducing to sniffles as her mind composed itself. The Doctor's loving embrace, and calming strokes of his hands made her feel better. She was still shaken, but now that the Doctor was there. She felt more secure. "You're gonna be so cross, Doctor."
The Doctor frowned. "I'm already getting cross, Rose. So I want to know, what did he say this time."
"It wasn't what he said, Doctor…I, I can't..." Rose trailed off. The Doctor quirked an eyebrow, as he rested his hands on her temples. "Show me then, Rose. I want to see everything."
Rose shuddered as she nodded. She listened to the Doctor gently instruct her to take a deep breath, and push all the associated memories to the front of her mind.
The Doctor concentrated on gently slipping into her mind. He saw the jumble of memories being shoved forward, and one by one, began to sort through them. He watched everything happen in Ireland. How as soon as he left the room, George had charged in. Then not only speaking crudely to her, he acted the same way.
The Doctor scowled as he watched George not only insult him, but rudely proposition Rose. When he got to the part where George physically attacked Rose, the Doctor let out a fierce growl. No one…and he means NO ONE…lays a harmful finger on Rose Tyler, and gets away with it. His anger was temporarily soothed as he watched Rose stand up for herself. He was proud of her when she didn't let George get the best of her. And now understood her demeanor when she came out of the house. Momentarily asserting that his initial suspicions were correct, even if he didn't know the brunt of it.
"Oh, Rose. Why didn't you say anything?" the Doctor whispered as he put the Ireland memory to the side. He felt the memory of today being tugged back slightly. "Show it to me, Rose," he gently commanded.
The Doctor watched what happened, his fingers slightly tensing as he watched George unknowingly break Rose's well being this time around. His teeth physically bared as he watched the man pin Rose against the wall again. He stopped watching the memory, as he carefully withdrew from her mind.
He'd seen enough.
"Doctor?" Rose asked apprehensively. Her arms reached up, gently taking hold of his wrists as she tried to calm him. The Doctor's eyes were clenched shut, his lips muttering in silent words. As if he were trying to process everything.
"Never…Ever keep anything like this from me again, Rose," the Doctor said carefully as his eyes opened. She could see his eyes growing dark with rage and anger. He wasn't angry at her, and he didn't want her to get that impression that any of this was her fault.
It was then that the Doctor got a glimpse of Rose's arms and wrists.
"What the hell?!" the Doctor shouted, as he gently took her wrists in his hands. Moving them around to get a good look. Some of the redness had faded, and they both knew bruises would shortly begin to form.
"Doctor…"
"No! No, This is unacceptable!" The Doctor's eyes grew darker with the knowledge that not only did George Connolly harass his Rose in so many ways. But he physically harmed her as well.
"Are they broken?" the Doctor asked shortly, while he carefully rubbed the red with his fingers.
"No, don't feel like it," Rose replied honestly. She had flexed them earlier to make sure of that very fact. The Doctor merely nodded as he raised her wrists, planting gentle and loving kisses on each wrist. Like how Rose or Jackie would kiss one of Tony's boo-boos.
"He grabbed your elbows too." The Doctor noted, his fingers gently massaging at her elbows as well.
Rose nodded as she looked down. "When I managed to get my wrists free, he grabbed me there."
The Doctor scowled as his hands dropped. "But you are okay? Do you need to go to hospital?"
Rose shook her head. The Doctor then nodded briefly as he turned on his heel. "I think I'm going to have a talk with George."
Rose's eyes widened, as she tried to keep up with his long strides as he stalked down the hallway. She was wiping at her face, while she observed him continue to seethe as he walked. "Doctor, just please stop! Calm yourself first before you go crashing in there," Rose called out.
"What's going on out here?" Jackie came out of the kitchen. The Doctor turned, and pointed a finger at Rose's wrists. "I won't be calm, Rose. Not especially after what I just saw."
"What did he see, Rose? And why is your face all splotchy?" Jackie said, as the Doctor continued storming down the hallway.
"Mum, I don't have time for this!" Rose responded hurriedly, as she ducked into the hallway toilet. She knew she wasn't going to be able to catch up with the Doctor. His long legs proving an advantage for him. Nor was she going to be able to keep him from shouting at George. She quickly grabbed a flannel, and after wetting it, gave her face a quick wipe down to erase the dried tear tracks. Hearing his shouts as he reached the office.
"George Connolly, you son of a bitch!" The Doctor slammed the office door open as he stormed in, not caring when the door reverberated against a bookcase with a loud thud.
"What did you just call me?" George's face skewed into one of contempt, as he took in the seething appearance of the man before him. He then asked in his most cocky and snobbish manner, "Just what right do you think you have? Bursting into a private meeting like this. Didn't you learn any manners on your planet?"
"I warned you to stay away from Rose!" the Doctor shouted as he pulled his arm back, landing a solid punch into George's nose.
George staggered back, pure shock on his face as his brain processed what just happened. His hand went to his nose, wincing as he touched the side. "You git! You just broke my nose! What is your problem anyway?"
The Doctor jaw ticked as his hands grabbed George's shirt, slamming him forcefully against the bookcase. "My problem? You want to know my PROBLEM? Trust me, I have a very long list of problems involving your sorry and pathetic arse!" The Doctor could hear Jackie and Rose's calls for him to let George go, as they finally reached the room. All while Pete's hands were on his arms, trying to pull him back. "Doctor! You're gonna choke him!"
"Good, then we won't have to see his sorry excuse of a face!" the Doctor harshly retorted, as he pushed George harder against the shelves of the bookcase.
George's eyes went wide, as he saw the raw fury in the Doctor's eyes. The Oncoming Storm, as he once heard it described.. He felt the Doctor's hand push up towards his throat. Immediately, his own hands were on the Doctor's wrists. Trying to push the deranged man's hands down wards as he began to struggle to breath. He would have normally been able to breath through his nose, however the now swollen and broken septum hindered that ability.
"Now you listen to me, you little shit. I want an honest answer, and you have ONE CHANCE. Nod once for Yes and twice for No, if your puny little ape mind understands," the Doctor growled as he lowered his hands an inch or two.
George nodded once as his eyebrows furrowed, sucking in a deep breath as the pressure to his airways subsided slightly.. Normally he would have responded haughtily, asking him where he gets off calling him an ape, or implying his brain was puny. However he was smart enough to know this situation was not the time to do so.
"Doctor, you already saw what happened! Please stop, so we can all talk about this as adults," Rose pleaded as she placed her hands on the Doctor's shoulders. While George most certainly deserved the Doctor's anger, no one deserved to be choked to death. More so, she knew the Doctor was better than this, and she wasn't afraid to admit that the Doctor was scaring her.
The Doctor growled as he shook off Pete's hands. He suspected he was frightening Rose, if her emotions and tone were any indication. However the Doctor was seeing red at the moment. He would only be able to stop once justice was served to his satisfaction. With every remaining ounce of calm he could muster, his voice dropped low as he spoke, "Rose, please take your hands off my shoulders and step back."
"Not until you calm down, and take your hands off his throat, Doctor." Rose's hands remained where they were. Her thumbs rubbing circles into his shoulders, her voice a mixed batch of confidence and fear.
"Rose," the Doctor warned again, this time a growl was evident in his voice.
"No, you are better than this! Remember Utah? That Dalek? You didn't stoop to its level, when you could have easily killed it."
The Doctor's chest heaved as he closed his eyes. He tried to calm himself, because Rose was right. But then he recalled how horrified she looked as they left Ireland, how apprehensive she was around George. On top of what happened not even fifteen minutes ago. His anger rose back to the surface as his jaw tensed, his fingers tightening just a tiny bit more.
"Rose, love…I'm trying to be calm when I ask you let go of my shoulders. That thing in Utah was a completely different situation. Now, do as I say, Rose."
"Dad, can't you do something? Please?"
The Doctor's head and torso whipped around, glaring ferociously at Rose. In surprise, Rose's hands dropped as she intuitively jumped back. A small cry escaped her throat, as she witnessed the raw malice and anger in the Doctor's eyes. She had never seen him like this, and that fact scared her the most. Raising her hands to her mouth, she stepped further back. She felt Jackie's hands go around her waist and shoulders, as Jackie even tried to talk the Doctor off the ledge.
The Doctor focused his sights back on George, as he asked everyone to kindly shut it for a moment. "Now George, did you or did you not, put your hands on Rose? Have you, or have you not, been harassing her constantly?"
George knew he should be honest, and take the consequences for his actions like a man. However, deep down he was a coward. For some reason, George believed he could lie his way out. It was a man's word against a woman's word, and he honestly didn't understand what Rose meant when she said he 'saw it'.
"She's lying. I don't know what she's on about, saying you saw it. Take my word over hers." George's cockiness had returned, as the Doctor's eyes darkened further. He vaguely heard Rose shout in offense.
"I saw the memories!" the Doctor shouted as he violently slammed George against the bookshelf again. "Admit it, you pompous little prick!"
"Bollocks!"
The Doctor bared his teeth furiously, his hands dangerously tightening around the shirt against his throat. "You've been consistently bothering her, even after she has asked you to cease! Even after I warned you constantly about bothering her! Finally, and this is really the most UNFORGIVABLE thing that I saw. You put your hands on my wife! And now you are trying to feed me bullshit!"
George and Jackie both exclaimed in shock. George choked out, as if it was the most important question, "How could she be your wife? There wasn't no formal wedding."
"You flipping idiot!" the Doctor ridiculed George, in the most sarcastic manner he could muster. "As you have so helpfully pointed out before, I come from a different planet. So, it should be no surprise to you that we have different forms of marriage. I made Rose my wife and mate according to the customs and laws of Gallifrey, as well as the majority of the universe!"
George continued to sputter, as Jackie shouted, "When the hell did this happen? Rose, is this true?"
"Not now, Jackie!" the Doctor spat, as he continued to stare at George. His eyes bored into George's, challenging him to admit it.
"Fine! I did it! I grabbed her and shoved her against the wall, even after she asked me to leave her be. Felt like she wasn't being respectful and listening to me. I even tried a nice feel against her breast and arse, back in Ireland. And I have to give you fair due, Doctor. You chose a woman with good assets," George stupidly gloated as the Doctor's eyebrow hitched angrily. His face turning red as his jaw ticked. His hands tightened around George's throat, as he growled, "She was never required to listen to you if she didn't care to."
"And as for you touching her like that. Intimate contact with her is my right, and mine alone, George. Rose is my wife, and ancient rites allow me to kill you for trying to infringe on my complete, and consummated claim."
"What are you on about, Doctor? Rose, what does he mean 'claim'? Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on?" They heard Jackie screech angrier than before.
"Doctor, you've made your point. George knows you are angry, but please let me handle him..We'll even call the authorities if Rose wants to press charges." Pete reached out calmly, his hands again carefully trying to tug the Doctor's hands down. "Look at Rose, Doctor. Go and hold her, because even I can see you're frightening her. And we all know it takes a lot to properly upset Rose."
That finally snapped the Doctor out of his haze of rage. Rose, his lovely and wonderful Rose was frightened. And apparently it was his doing, after he registered that she tried to help him be the better man, mere moments earlier. He stepped back, suddenly ashamed at letting rage and anger best him. Just like the other him said could happen.
Just like Davros taunted him with.
He was still fuming slightly, as he turned towards Rose. His heart sank like a stone when he took in her appearance, her eyes were puffy as she was breathing heavily. He could tell she was trying to stay strong, trying not to cry like a frightened child. Any remaining anger dissipated into sorrow, as he watched a dismayed Jackie wrap her arms tighter around Rose. Jackie's body was slightly in front of Rose, and the stance of a mother protecting her child from a maniac was so clearly apparent. It should be him comforting her. He aimed to do so, stepping forward with his arms open. "Rose, I'm sorry, I'm so so sorry."
Rose stepped back involuntarily, her hand hovering over her mouth as her shoulders trembled. The Doctor paused as his throat constricted. He knew he was angry enough to kill George just now. But how must it have looked to Rose? Then a gut wrenching thought crossed his conscious. Did she fear he would ever raise a hand like that to her?
No, he would die before he ever raised a finger towards her. Nor would he ever deserve her, if the notion ever crossed his mind.
Rose dropped her hands, as she spoke in a shaky, yet clear voice, "Call the authorities, Dad. I want George charged for everything he did to me. And I never want him to darken our doorstep again while the Doctor and I call this place home. Which by my count, should be for as long as we live."
Rose turned on her heel, walking towards the office door. Desperately needing to vacate the situation immediately. The Doctor moved to follow her, to make things right with her. He called out to her, as Jackie stepped in front of him. Her arms were angrily crossed as she glared at him.
"Oh no you don't!" Jackie reached out, and grabbed the Doctor's arm.
"Damn it, Jackie, let me go! I have to find her!" The Doctor furiously tried to shake Jackie's hand off his arm, his face scrunched in displeasure and disgust. "I'm going to go comfort Rose, and you aren't going to stop me. So move!"
SMACK
The Doctor reeled back, his left hand nursing his stinging cheek. "For God's sake, Jackie! Are you ever going to quit hitting me?"
"When you stop earning them. That's when I'll quit it!" Jackie's eyes flashed in anger, as she got closer to his face. It made the Doctor take a step back as his hand slipped off his face. Jackie then proceeded to growl, "Do you honestly believe that I'm going to let you anywhere near my daughter, especially after what just happened?"
"Yes, you will!" the Doctor shot back arrogantly, his head close to Jackie's in a defiant stare. He pointed his finger towards the open doorway angrily, still shouting at the top of his lungs, "Because that was my wife that jus—OW!"
Jackie's hand hung between them, a fresh slap on the Doctor's face…Again. Her voice pitched with emotion, as she tried to keep calm. She was trying to remember, that there were some things the Doctor just didn't understand yet. Especially regarding family, given his background. Jackie pointed an outraged finger in the Doctor's face. "Don't you dare shout at me like that. Besides, you really are a daft alien. Because you may call her your wife, Doctor; however nothing will ever trump the fact that she's still my daughter! So until you convince me, you ain't going anywhere close to her."