AN: So, it's been a while since I've written anything for this story. For that I apologize, I was just having writer's block, so I started writing other things, but I want to finish this. I decided to end it here, because the other ending didn't make sense. So, enjoy!

Chapter 38- Lost Without Travelling

The TARDIS had been jump started back to life with that small trip to the Tyler Estate, and now the Doctor was antsy to get moving once more. Just hanging around in one place, and without Rose, it just wasn't something he wanted to do.

He double checked his engines, making sure he could get out of this universe and into the correct one. Now it was time to say his goodbyes. His throat tightened again at the thought, but he knew John would take good care of their Rose for him.

He walked out of the TARDIS and up to flat's door. He knocked heavily, and waited for someone to open up. It was Rose, and his breath caught in his chest.

"I'm going to leave now," he tells her. "I'm never going to see you again. Not like this, anyways."

Her face fell. "Right now?"

He nodded. "The TARDIS is ready. Same old life, last of the Time Lords," he beamed at her. "Take care of him," he said sincerely.

"But you can't," she said.

"You don't need me," he scoffed. "Have a good life, Rose Tyler. The very best that you deserve."

John walked up behind Rose placing a hand on her shoulder. "What's going on?" he asked, confused.

"The Doctor's leavin'," Rose said quietly.

John looked at him, and the Doctor nodded. "Yep. I'm off. And you take care of her," he grinned.

"Oh, I will," he promised.

The Doctor grinned at the both of them and waved, walking off to the TARDIS.

"Wait!" Rose called, and he turned around to look at her. "Just stay for a cuppa."

And because he could never refuse Rose Tyler anything, he agreed. He followed them to the kitchen, and he watched John and Rose interact.

He kissed her forehead as she prepared the tea, and she swatted him when he tried to poke her in the sides, giggling.

He smiled easily as he remembered all the times they had done that on the TARDIS. Now it was John's turn to experience all Rose Tyler had to offer. The most brilliant human in the universe got to stay with her Doctor forever, even if it wasn't quite him.

Rose set a mug in front of him and he took it gratefully. "Thanks," he said.

"You know," she started, "you always got a home here, even if you can't ever come back. We'll always be thinkin' about ya, and hopin' you're not on your own in that big universe out there. Stop everywhere for me." She grinned.

He took a sip of his tea. "I will," he said honestly. "Maybe I'll find someone ginger."

They all laughed at that.

"I give you my blessing," he said seriously. "I want you to be happy. Live the life I'll never get to."

Rose's eyes shone with tears. "You sure you can't stay?"

"Nah," he shook his head. "I seem to recall a blonde shop girl saying the universe needed me."

"But what if I need ya?" she asked, her voice raw with emotion.

"You have me," he said simply, pointing at John. "I swear we're the same."

She nodded.

"The tea was lovely," he said. "But now I really got to go."

John stood up to shake his hand. "Thanks," he murmured.

He nodded. "I only said the truth."

They waved at him, and he smiled.

He put his key in the TARDIS lock and turned it. The door opened with a creak and he rushed over to the console, bouncing on balls of his toes.

"Alright, old girl," the Doctor said affectionately. "Take me somewhere new." He started the engines to life and rocketed towards his next destination.