A/N: Sorry about the delay, the drama of RL had gotten into the way of writing... Thanks for all the love and support. Persiflage thanks once again for making my scribblings readable...

DISCLAIMER: Okay I'll settled for one trip on the TARDIS... The songs used are the property of their respective owners... Enjoy!

Chapter Twenty-Four: A Proper Sendoff

"Where to now Doctor Jones?" the Doctor asked as he danced around the controls, still high on adrenalin.

They had toppled the brutal monarch of Xlauous 7 and helped negotiate a peace treaty between the new democratic leader and their neighboring planets.

"Any where you want to go," she said breathlessly.

He grabbed her by the hand and guided her to the controls. "You pick our next destination," he offered.

"Really?" her eyes widened in surprise. She couldn't believe he was going to let her set the coordinates. "Where to, Doctor Smith?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "That is up to you," he said with a smirk.

Martha inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly before placing her hand nervously on the lever. "Are you sure about this?" she replied, skeptically.

He nodded.

"Okay, here goes."

"You can do it," he assured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I believe in you."

She smiled up at him and took another deep breath before setting the coordinates. He instructed her on what to do next; to Martha's surprise she was now piloting the TARDIS.

"Wow!" she gushed, her heart beating excitedly against her chest. "Oh wow!"

"Well, it seems as if you have had your first lesson on how to fly the TARDIS," the Doctor said, smiling proudly. "Congratulations. Love, you did a brilliant job." He kissed her on the top of her head.

"I have a brilliant teacher," she murmured, lifting her chin for a kiss on the lips.

He obliged.

"Mmmm, yummy," she complimented. "More please."

"Greedy," he said teasingly, kissing her several more times.

Martha giggled.

He glanced at the ceiling and asked the TARDIS to play something romantic; the slow tempo of the piano intro of Joe Croker's You Are So Beautiful To Me filled the air.

The Doctor pressed his body against Martha's and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. She felt the pounding of his twin hearts against her back. He dipped down and kissed the side of her neck.

" You are so beautiful
To me…" Joe Crocker's voice cracked with emotion.

"You are so beautiful
To me…"

The Doctor shut his eyes and let the music took over.

"Can't you see…?"

He began swaying his slim hips.

"You're everything I hoped for…"

Martha closed her eyes and joined him.

"You're everything I need…"

Tears fell silently down the Doctor's cheeks as he listened to the lyrics - knowing each syllable of each word coming out of the singer's mouth expressed how he felt about the tiny woman in his arms.

"You are so beautiful…"

Martha bit her bottom lip to prevent it from trembling. She too knew this song expressed exactly how she felt about the beautiful alien who she had claimed as hers.

To me…"

In a surprise move, he twirled her around until they were face to face. He looked into her brown eyes and raised an eyebrow, a lopsided grin on his face.

Want to have a go? His expression asked.

She giggled to herself as she nodded.

"Can't you see…?"

He engulfed her in a bear hug; she placed her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around his slim waist.

"You're everything I hoped for…"

They danced slowly around the console room.

"You're everything…

He mumbled sorry as he stepped on her toes a few times.

"Everything I need…"

And almost dropped her as he twirled her around.

"You are so beautiful…"

The Time Lord took one hand and fished through his blue suit pocket, pulling out a small, thick leather-bound book which he handed to Martha. His ancient brown eyes smiled as she gasped in surprise.

"Study hard,"

"To me…"

Martha gently caressed the Gallifreyan symbols on the TARDIS driver's manual. "First my own sonic and now…" Overcome with emotion, she held him closer and continued dancing.

"To me…"

DWDWDW

Several days later, Martha informed her landlady Mrs. Bumford, she would be terminating the lease on her flat – effective immediately.

DWDWDW

Donna informed the Doctor and Martha in no uncertain terms that they would not be sneaking off on the TARDIS without a proper sendoff.

"We weren't going to run off without saying goodbye to everyone," Martha protested. "We didn't want to make a big fuss about it."

The red-head waved her words away. "Of course your friends and family want to make a big fuss about it," she huffed, rolling her eyes at the younger woman then at the Doctor. "It's not everyday Skinny here gets the happiness he deserves." Her expression softened as she looked at her best mate. "Doctor, don't you want to celebrate the love you've found with Martha?"

He looked at the beautiful woman sitting next to him; his hearts melted a little as she smiled at him. "Yes."

"Good," Donna smiled, clapping her hands together. "Martha, give me Tish's number and leave everything to us." Martha took out her mobile and gave Donna her sister's number. "The only detail I want you two to worry about is showing up… in this century."

DWDWDW

"I'm really going to miss this place," Martha sighed as she packed the last of her kitchen utensils. She glanced at her Time Lord, a wide grin on her face; she couldn't believe he was dressed in a tee-shirt and jeans like a normal bloke to help her pack up her household items.

"What?" he asked, sensing her eyes on him.

"You look nice in jeans," she complimented.

"I do, don't I?" he agreed, striking a model pose.

Martha rolled her eyes and giggled. "Oi, as if your ego isn't big enough." She walked over to him and smacked his bum. "But I must admit you do have a cute bum."

"Oohhh, smack me again, Doctor Jones," he growled.

"You like that don't you, Doctor Smith?"

"You know I do."

Leo walked into the room as Martha smacked the Doctor's bum.

"Come on," he protested, rolling his eyes. "Can't you two just give it a rest?"

"What are you talking about?" Martha asked, smacking the Doctor's bum again.

He hissed at her.

She growled at him.

"That," Leo replied, gesturing his hands towards them. "Must you two act as if you're in heat all the time?"

Martha and the Doctor turned to each other, looking quite serious for a few seconds before erupting into laughter.

"Leo, I love your sister," the Doctor explained, wrapping his long arms around her. "And it is my life's mission to make sure she knows it everyday for the rest of her life."

Leo couldn't deny he has never seen his sister happier; Martha was a lot more affectionate and open with the Doctor than she had been with Tom.

He sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

"I get that, but Doctor you're making me look bad," he confessed, folding his arms over his chest. "After watching you fawn over my sister, Shonara got jealous and thought I was taking her for granted. We ended up having a big row and I had the pleasure of sleeping on the couch for a few days."

"Leo, I'm not an expert when it comes to relationships," the Doctor replied. "You would have thought that after living nine hundred and six years I would know all there is to know about Earth women but you know what? I haven't got a clue." He dipped down and nipped Martha on the neck. "I'm the smartest man in the universe and I find them to be an enigma…"

"Doctor , you're babbling," Martha interjected.

"Thanks love," he replied. "The point I'm trying to get to is this…a great mate of mine gave me some excellent advice."

"Which is…?" Leo asked eagerly, leaning towards the Doctor as if he was about to reveal the greatest secret of the universe.

"Just because you got the girl, you still have to romance her."

"That's it?" he sounded somewhat disappointed.

"What did you think he was going to say?" Martha scoffed. "Shag her senseless…really? As important as sex is to a relationship, it's not the cure to all your problems…look at mum and dad."

Leo waved his hand away. "Great, now I have the image of our parents having hot monkey sex stuck in my head, thanks sis…"

She pulled a face.

"Okay Nightingale, we have finished packing," Jack announced as he strolled into the kitchen, followed by Rafe and Clive. "What's next?"

"Have a cold beer and find somewhere to sit," she suggested, nodding in the direction of the refrigerator. "Who's in the mood for Chinese takeaway?"

DWDWDW

Tish and Donna looked over the list of guests; everyone they had invited had expressed their eagerness to come. Tish looked at her mum's name and circled it in red ink. Donna studied the younger woman's face; it wasn't hard to read her expression.

"Your mum and Martha are still on the outs?"

Tish nodded. "More so now than ever, she wasn't too thrilled when I informed her of Martha's engagement to the Doctor."

"Do you think she will ever come around?"

"Eventually," she took out her mobile and punched in her mum's number. "Oh well, I have to try don't I?"

Francine answered on the fourth ring. "Hello Tish," she greeted.

"Hello mum." Donna reached over and placed a hand on her arm for support.

"It's been a while."

"I've been busy with work, business is starting to pick up and…" She caught herself before she got carried away and took a deep breath. "Listen mum, the reason I am calling is because Martha and the Doctor have decided it's was time for them to travel again, and we are throwing them a combination engagement/goodbye party…will you come?"

"…"

"At least will you think about it?"

"…"

"Okay mum, I will call you back later with the details." She disconnected the call.

"It didn't go well did it?" Donna said softly, patting her arm.

Tish shook her head and sighed in frustration. "I'm going to call her back and give her the details, then let her make her own decision."

"Are you going to tell Martha?"

"I don't know...maybe not…no. I don't want Martha to be disappointed if she doesn't show up."

DWDWDW

Clive helped his daughter clean up the empty containers of Chinese takeaway and beer cans as the Doctor led the others onto the TARDIS for some male bonding.

Rafe was looking forward to bonding with the Doctor until Jack explained to him exactly what the term meant.

The pretty young man was crestfallen. "Are you sure?" he asked Jack.

Jack smile sympathetically at his alien boyfriend and wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "I'm sure," he assured him. "Sorry." He kissed him on the cheek and promised to makeup for his disappointment later which brought a smile to Rafe's face.

"Are you sure you are ready to travel with the Doctor?" Clive asked Martha once they were alone. "He didn't pressure you into did he?"

"Dad, I'm not that Martha any more," she replied. "No one will ever have that much control over me, including the Doctor."

He gave her a warm smile, relieved.

"Does your mother know you are leaving?"

"You didn't tell her?"

Clive shook his head. "Me and Francine aren't exactly speaking these days," he explained. "She thinks I betrayed her by not standing with her against your relationship with the Doctor."

"Then I guess the answer is no, unless Leo or Tish told her."

"Have you tried talking to her yourself?"

"No," she admitted. "I'm not in the mood to deal with her drama."

"I really think you should try again before you leave," he suggested. "At least if she refuses to accept the olive branch you're offering, you can leave with a clear conscience."

"Okay," she sighed. "I know you are right."

Clive smiled. "Why don't you stepped outside for a little privacy?" he suggested. "I'll clean up what is left."

"Thanks dad." She gave him a peck on the cheek and stepped outside her flat; sitting on the steps she pulled out her mobile and dialed her mum's number. Her heart pounded nervously as her mother's mobile began to ring.

"Hello Martha," her mum answered coolly on the second ring.

"Mum…" she said nervously. "I-I…"

"I hear that congratulations are in order," Francine interrupted. "You and the Doctor are engaged?"

"Yes, we are," she confirmed. "And thank you…mum I'm going to be leaving earth soon…the Doctor and I…"

"You two didn't waste anytime," she said rather bluntly. "No sooner had Tom left for Africa…"

"My god, mum stop it!" she shouted into her mobile. "Why are you still going on about Tom? It is done. Finished. Never going to happen. Thank goodness he took my advice and finally realized that you were using him and put an end to it."

"…"

"Mum, I didn't call to argue about Tom," Martha said softly. "Or about my relationship with the Doctor," she added. "I thought…I don't know what I thought." She quickly disconnected the call and wiped away the tears she didn't know had fallen.

Clive, who'd heard her shouting, walked outside and sat next to her. Martha placed her head on her father's chest as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"At least you had tried," he said, comforting her.

"Dad, why can't she see that I'm happy?"

"She's stubborn." He kissed the top of her head and sighed, they sat in companionable silence, watching the children play. "Imagine my surprise when I saw you piloting the TARDIS this morning," he said breaking the silence. "Impressive."

A smile spread across her face. "It's a lot easier than the Doctor makes it out to be," she said. "But don't let him know that, I don't think his ego could take it."

He chuckled softly to himself. "It'll be our secret."

DWDWDW

Jack engulfed Sarah Jane in a bear hug. "Hello, gorgeous," he said. "What is your secret? You haven't aged a bit; in fact you are getting younger."

"Oh Captain Jack Harkness you are so full of it," Sarah Jane quipped. "But keep it up, I like it." She disentangled herself from Jack and embraced Donna. "It's so nice to see you," she said, kissing the red headed goddess on the cheeks. "I can't believe you are taking a break from travelling with the Doctor to set up house with Jack."

"And Rafe," Donna added.

"Rafe?" Sarah Jane looked confused. "Who's he?"

As if on cue, the pretty man walked up to them and gave Donna and Jack a peck on the cheeks.

"Sarah Jane, this is Rafe, and the three of us are in a committed relationship," Jack replied.

"A lot has happened since the last time we had seen each other," Sarah Jane laughed, holding out her hand. "Hello Rafe nice to meet you."

Jack's blue eyes lit up as Mickey and his very pregnant girl friend strolled into the room, obviously right at home. Their eyes locked. "Mickey Mouse!" Jack roared, running towards him.

"Captain Cheesecake!" Mickey shouted.

The two men embraced each other.

"You are a very hard man to find," Jack replied, looking the other man over. "You look damn good; it seems that Pia is taking great care of you." He turned to look at the tall beautiful woman standing next to them. "Hello sexy," he said in a seductive tone. "I see that the both of you have been busy." His eyes travelled to her baby bump.

"Jack, stop flirting with my lady," Mickey warned him. "She is off limits."

Pia nudged Mickey gently in the side. "Speak for yourself," she said, kissing Jack on the cheek. "It's not everyday I have a handsome man willing to flirt with me in my condition."

"And I do find you sexy," Jack growled. "Later, why don't we find a nice comfortable spot and…"

Pia laughed. "You are too much."

Donna and Sarah Jane soon joined them.

Mickey greeted his old friends with hugs and kisses.

"So Donna, let me get this straight, you and Captain Cheesecake are together?" Mickey asked in disbelief. "As in a real relationship, together?"

Donna nodded. "With our boyfriend Rafe."

"No shit?"

"No shit."

Sarah Jane and Pia laughed.

"Why does everyone find that so hard to believe," Jack pouted.

"C'mon you're Jack Harkness, Casanova could have learned a few techniques from you."

"Who says he hasn't?" Jack smirked.

The foursome burst into laughter.

Sarah Jane looked around the room and spotted Martha's sister Tish and her brother Leo.

"Where's the engaged couple?" she asked.

"They will be here soon," Donna replied. "I can't wait to see the looks on their faces when they see you and Mickey."

"I wouldn't have missed this for the world," Mickey replied. "How come it took him so long to tell her how he felt?"

Sarah Jane looked at Mickey stunned.

"You too?" she gasped. "When did you figure it out?"

"At Jack's birthday party, I had asked Martha for a dance and the look he gave me reminded me why he was known as the Oncoming Storm," he chuckled. "And you?"

"He nicked my favorite picture of Martha," she replied. "I had a picture of Martha dressed as a cricket player, remember when she had organized that charity game between Royal Hope and Queen's Hospital to raise funds for the village Tom had settled in?"

"I remember that," Jack said. "I was suppose to play for Royal Hope but got called away on business."

"Any way the Doctor had dropped by for tea and conversation. He spotted the picture of Martha, said three words about it and changed the subject. The Doctor did broach the subject of Martha but it was general questions like how often do we see each other, what do I think of Tom, do I think he is good enough for Martha…you know questions a concerned friend would ask. I didn't think anything of it until I noticed her picture was missing a few hours after he said goodbye. That was when I put it all together," she turned to Jack and Donna. "Is he happy?"

"Martha brings out his fun side," Donna replied. "And he's not as anal as before, wait until you see him, you won't recognize him."

DWDWDW

The sentiment machine landed softly.

The Doctor smiled at Martha – impressed.

"You get an A for parking Miss Jones," he commented, kissing her on the lips. "Keep up the good work."

"Thank you Mr. Smith," she smiled. Martha slipped into her heels and straightened her dress.

He let out a low whistle. "Did I tell you how great you look tonight?"

"About a thousand times, but who's counting?"

He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. "You really are beautiful Martha Jones and I am so grateful that you are giving me a second chance to get it right," he looked into her eyes and smiled. "I love you."

"I love you too," She stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the lips.

"Are you ready to see what Tish and Donna planned for us?"

"Yes."

They walked down the ramp of the TARDIS hand in hand.

Donna watched as the couple crossed the street and walked towards the door of the private club. She signaled the DJ to start the music as they entered, and the horn section of Al Green's song Let's Stay Together welcomed them.

"Shall we?" the Doctor asked, dancing offbeat to the rhythm.

"Why not?" Martha shrugged, swinging her hips.

"I, I'm so in love with you…" Al Green crooned.

"Whatever you want to do

Is all right with me…."

The Time Lord watched Martha as she stepped side to side and mimicked her moves.

"Cause you make me feel so brand new
And I want to spend my life with you…"

Sarah Jane and Mickey gaped as they watched their alien friend swinging his slim hips as he danced with Martha.

"Oh my god, are you sure that is the boss and not his human twin?" Mickey asked in disbelief.

Donna and Jack snickered.

"I told you, you wouldn't recognize him," Donna smirked.

"Let's, let's stay together
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad…"

Sarah Jane nodded in agreement. "I think it's…wonderful."

DWDWDW

"Mickey! Sarah Jane!" Martha squealed, as she threw her arms around their necks. "I can't believe you're here!" Her eyes filled with tears. "Wow, I am so happy to see the two of you."

The Doctor grabbed Sarah Jane in a hug and twirled her around. "Sarah Jane Smith I am delighted you are here to help Martha and me celebrate."

"I'm happy I showed up too," she agreed. "I can't believe you were dancing," she said teasingly. "It seems Martha has worked her magic on you."

He ran a hand through his hair as he graced her with a goofy lopsided grin. "She loves me."

Mickey slapped him on the back. "I didn't know you had dancing skills," he said. "Especially at your age."

"Mickey, it's nice to see you too." The two friends hugged. "Where's that gorgeous woman who had the misfortune of getting stuck with you?"

"She's mingling with the guests." Mickey stared at him and smiled.

"What?"

"You and Martha?" he chuckled. "I never thought you had the balls to go after her."

"You knew?"

"Yeah, remember I went through this with you before, the smitten sick puppy dog look, the possessiveness…,"

"Rose," the Doctor lowered his head in shame. "Sorry for the way I treated you."

"Hey, it is all in the past," Mickey said. "Where it shall remain,"

"You're right; we were both different men back then,"

"I can't believe you snagged Martha Jones," Mickey said in disbelief.

"I can't believe someone as gorgeous as Pia is with a bloke like you," he countered.

They laughed.

"We are two lucky bastards." Mickey commented.

"I agree."

DWDWDW

The laughter never stopped as the DVD camcorder was passed around and everyone spoke about their favorite Doctor/Martha moment. Martha wiped the tears from her eyes as Jack along with Rafe and Leo butchered I'm Too Sexy by Right Said Fred.

"I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk…"

Jack turned around and shook his bum at them, while Rafe pretended to faint in Leo's arms.

"Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I do my little turn on the catwalk…" Jack wailed, thrusting his pelvis forward.

"Whoa, shake it baby!" Donna yelled. "Shake it for mama!"

"Yeah Jack, don't ruin it by singing," Martha shouted. "We know where your talent lies, can I get a whoop, whoop!"

"Whoop! Whoop!" the ladies yelled.

Pia asked Mickey for five pounds, when he refused to give it to her, Annalise pulled ten pounds from her ample chest and handed it to her - much to the horror of Clive.

Tish and Martha howled in laughter.

"Come and get it Mr. I'm Too Sexy for My Shirt," Pia said, waving the money in the air.

Jack danced his way to Pia and thrust his pelvis in her face.

"Jack stop that," Mickey hissed. "It's not good for the baby,"

"Ignore him Jack," Pia replied, snaking her arm around his waist. "Shake your money maker,"

If looks could have killed, Jack would have died a thousand deaths.

Pia leaned over and whispered in Mickey's ear, the smile on his face spoke volumes.

"Jack is available for bachelors and bachelorette parties, weddings, birthdays, holidays…" Donna quipped.

"I hope this is being recorded," Martha said, in between bouts of laughter. "This would be great on the internet."

"Please don't do that," the Doctor groaned. "It would only enhance his reputation as a 51st century sex god."

DWDWDW

Sarah Jane slide into the vacant seat next to the Doctor, who was watching Martha dance with Jack and Rafe. He took a sip of his bananarumaorgy and graced her with a lopsided grin.

"You should try one," he said, referring to his drink. "But I must warn you it's really not fit for human consumption; it contains alien alcohol."

"No thank you," Sarah replied, "Donna kept refilling my glass with a tropical drink called the eclipse sunrise, after three of those I had reached my limit."

"Ah yes," he smirked, "Donna's favorite fruity drink."

She stared at her long time friend; she couldn't get over the change in him. "It does my heart good to see this you like this."

"Thank you," he reached over and covered her hand with his. "I've decided that I deserve a little happiness. Thank Rassilion, Martha was willing to give me a second chance."

Martha's laughter carried across the room, he looked up and chuckled – Jack and Rafe had her sandwiched between them. Martha looked in his direction and blew him a kiss; he returned the sentiment.

"I have to admit I'm a little jealous of Martha."

"Sarah Jane, I'm sorry…"

"No, no, don't get me wrong," she interjected. "I am happy for the both of you, it just that…she gets to explore the wonderful universe with you and I missed that," she clarified.

"I'll be more than happy to take you on a trip, Martha and I would enjoy the company…and that goes for your son Luke too."

"Thanks, I might take you up on your offer."

"I'm just a phone call away."

Jack walked Martha back to the Doctor's side and held out his hand for Sarah Jane to take.

"Hey sexy, want to dance?" he offered.

"I'll love to," she accepted, placing her hand in his.

He pulled her gently to her feet. "I must warn you, I am a very sensual dancer," he bragged. "Dancing with me is like having a very intense orgasm."

"Is that a fact Captain Harkness?" she raised her eyebrow – skeptical.

"Yes," he replied, leading her to the dance floor.

DWDWDW

The Doctor pulled Martha in his lap; she kissed him on the lips and played with his wild locks. "Hey beautiful," she said. "How are you feeling?"

"Great," he grabbed her hand and brought it to his lips and kissed her fingers one by one. "Mmmm sweet like honey."

Martha chuckled, remembering their night in the console room. She leaned over and kissed his eyelids. "I do love you, Doctor."

He threaded his right hand through her braids and placed his left hand on the small of her back. Martha wrapped her arms around his neck; he brought her lips down on his and kissed her passionately.

DWDWDW

The final song of the night was a request from Jack to Martha and the Doctor.

"The first time ever I saw your face
I thought the sun rose in your eyes…"

They stared deeply into each other eyes…

"And the moon and stars were the gifts you gave
To the dark and the empty skies, my love,
To the dark and the empty skies…"

Their three hearts beating as one as they slow danced in place…

Barely moving…

"The first time ever I kissed your mouth
And felt your heart beat close to mine…"

Martha bit her bottom lip as the butterflies fluttered wildly within her…

As she remembered the genetic transfer that changed her life…

Leo took Shorana by the hand and joined them on the dance floor…

"Like the trembling heart of a captive bird
That was there at my command, my love
That was there at my command…"

Do you still love me, Martha Jones? His words echoed in his mind when he confessed his love for her on Eros.

His ancient brown eyes fill with unshed tears as she said the four most beautiful words in the English language. I had never stopped.

Donna wiggled her eyebrows as she draped her arms around Jack and Rafe and sighed happily…

"And the first time ever I lay with you
I felt your heart so close to mine…"

He gave her a sonic screwdriver, which meant more to her than a silly diamond ring…

She was going to spend the rest of her life with him…

"And I knew our joy would fill the earth
And last till the end of time my love
It would last till the end of time my love…"

He vowed she would never regret loving him…

Not for a second…

Mickey gently placed his hand on Pia's expanding womb, excited about his future as a father. ..

"The first time ever I saw your face, your face,
your face, your face…"

Outside, Francine stared at the loving couple before turning away…

tbc...

A/N: Thanks for reading...