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Chapter 27 – Eddy Sea
Tony, Pepper, Rose and the Doctor popped into a small, beige room. There was a long, leather sofa on one side, and a mirror with lights on the other side. The Doctor looked around and didn't let go of Rose's hand. "This is a dressing room. We're in New York. What is this?"
Pepper smiled. "I'll go get him. Is that your arrangement?"
Tony nodded his head. "Yes. I'll try to keep them from popping away."
Pepper walked out of the door.
Rose looked around. The table in front of the sofa held a large vase of flowers and sweets. She hugged his arm and pointed at it. "Baby, it looks like they were expecting someone with a sweet tooth."
Tony fell into the sofa. "Yeah, I wonder who the hell that would be?"
The Doctor rolled his eyes. Rose let go of his hand and sat next to Tony. She was wearing a long sleeve, shift dress. Instead of heals, she had on bright, red trainers. She wore her new ear rings and a long necklace.
Tony smiled at her. "This dress is beautiful, by the way. It's perfect for this."
The Doctor shook his head.
Tony laughed. "How pissed is he?"
Rose giggled, "He's been like this most of the day."
"Sexual frustration. Yeah. I get it. Give it up for the man, Rose." Tony teased.
Rose smacked Tony in the chest.
The Doctor leaned against the wall and crossed his arms as Tony and Rose laughed.
Pepper opened the door and they heard her say, "No, I'm sorry. Just him. Tony doesn't like a crowd."
She opened the door wider and a tall man with very short hair wearing a dark suit walked in. He covered his mouth as soon as he saw Rose sitting next to Tony.
Tony quickly pointed at him. "Don't you dare embarrass yourself, man."
The Doctor pointed at him, "That's….."
The man held his hand out and Rose put her hand in his for him to kiss. "Rose Tyler. Wow. Pepper didn't tell us you were here. It's so nice to see you again. And is this Doctor Smith?"
Rose smiled proudly, "That's him."
The Doctor shook his hand but was star struck. Rose and Tony laughed at him. The man smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Doctor Smith. I'm-"
"Justin Timberlake." He mumbled.
Justin laughed. "Hell, he knows me. That's pretty cool."
Rose laughed, "What are you doing here?"
He pointed at Tony. "Tony asked me to come over for the Expo. It's amazing! I had no idea you were going to be here. Wow."
Tony smiled as Rose looked back at him.
The Doctor was confused. "You didn't ask for us to come?"
Justin looked back at him, "Sorry, no. I mean, I should have. I knew you were friends. Anyway, I need to get back. It was nice to see you again, Rose. Tony."
Rose smiled, "See you."
He turned around and shook the Doctor's hand again. "Nice to meet you, Doctor Smith."
"Yeah. You, too."
Pepper held the door open and they both walked through it quickly.
Tony laughed, "Take a picture of his face, Rose."
Rose laughed. "Baby. Are you alright?"
He was in shock. "Where the hell are we? Do you know who that was?"
Tony chuckled at his friend. "Fan boy alert."
The Doctor looked at Rose. "Nice to see you again? You know him?"
Rose rolled her eyes. "Come over here and sit down."
He pointed at her, "Ah! No. I feel like there's some explanation that needs to take place here."
Tony waved his hand at him. "Moron. This is Rose Tyler! You need to realize who you married. Everyone knows this woman! The heiress to the Vitex Shit. The famous Pete Tyler's only daughter? How do you not know this shit?"
He ran his hand through his hair and exhaled loudly. "This has been the strangest day."
Tony laughed as he looked back at Rose. "This will be so much fun with him. Have you put this together yet?"
Rose looked back at Tony and smiled. "I think so."
He pointed at them. "The two of you just suck. Just so you know. I don't like not knowing."
Tony rose his sunglasses up and rubbed his eyes. "Damn. John is so pissy. Get some sleep tonight, man. For me."
Pepper walked back into the room. They could hear her speaking. "No! Just him. You know how Tony is."
The short man walked into the room with very short hair. He wore a red, crushed velvet suit. Tony stood up when he came in the room to shake his hand. "Nice to see you again, Eddy."
The Doctor gasped again. He pointed at him. "That's Eddy Sea!"
Eddy Sea covered his mouth and squealed in surprise. "Doctor Johnathon Smith knows who I am!" He said with a lisp.
Tony tossed up his hand, "Okay, well shit, now we have two fan boys in the room."
Eddy stood with his hand on his hip. He looked at Rose. "I can't tell you how happy I am to have you here. Will you and John come on the show tonight? With Tony?"
Rose looked over at the Doctor and smiled, "Ugh. What do you think, John?"
The Doctor was still in shock. "We're on the Eddy Sea Show? Is that where we are?"
Eddy looked back and smiled, "You beat your sweet ass you are! What do you think? Tony has made me aware of the circumstances and this audience here has been through security checks. It's as safe as it can possibility be. It will be taped live, and there is security in place. Your guys, of course. I don't have any guys. I probably should get some. That would rather interesting."
The Doctor looked back at Tony. Tony smiled, "You left Timon with me. He's in on this. He has ¾ of the quad boys with him."
The Doctor put his hands on his hips and mumbled. "Fuckers. They could have told me. Lewis has been chatting my ear off all night."
Tony laughed. "Eddy. Give us a bit."
Eddy shook all of their hands again and excitedly left the room.
Rose sat back and crossed her legs. She smiled, "This is amazing. Wow, Tony."
Tony walked over to the Doctor and pointed at him. "This is exactly what you both need to do. Go out there, with me."
The Doctor crossed his arms. "We've been interviewed on CNN and-"
"That was CNN! This is a late night talk show. Everyone knows this show! It's in millions of homes. It's casual. Pete even watches this!"
Rose nodded her head. "That's true. Mum watches it. Every week."
Tony continued, "This makes you both more approachable. More….normal. Right now, you both are like…. Fucking royalty that no one can get to know except through tabloids, news or presidential speeches. Come on man. You are intelligent. You know I'm right. Come down with the mortals for a bit. What do you have to lose?"
He crossed his arms and looked back at Rose. "I'm going to leave this to you. What do you think, Rose?"
Rose smiled as she looked at Tony. "Count us in."
Tony smiled, "Right." He walked over to the door and called for Pepper.
Rose walked over, took his hand and pulled him into a corner. "Baby. What's on your mind? You are so angry. You feel like you are vibrating from the anger over here."
He rubbed the side of his forehead and sighed. "Rose, I'm fine. Just, something on my mind. Don't worry about me."
She looked seriously up at him. "You are not fine. Come here with me."
He looked confused as she led him into the small restroom there from the dressing room. "You're taking me to the loo? What the hell?" He asked.
She closed the door and locked it. She put her hands on his shoulders and shoved him against the wall. Her lips met his as she kept him pressed against the wall. She could feel his shock began to wear off as his hands found their way up her skirt to her bum. Her tongue danced with his as she sent him images of him bending her over and taking her from behind.
She released her grip on him and looked him in the eyes. "Now. How's that for something on your mind?"
Stunned, he could only say, "Uh…."
"Do you think we have time for that?"
"What? Right here?" He asked.
"Yeah, probably not. File it away for later." She told him as she kissed his lips quickly.
"Rose. I….." he started to laugh. "This has been the strangest day." He covered his face and continued to laugh.
She smiled at him. "I love you. I'm sorry you didn't realize this about me. I imagine it is rather shocking."
He smiled and shook his head. "I knew this, I just…I don't know. This is just strange."
Rose leaned in and ran her hands through his hair. "I hate to admit it, but I believe Tony is right about this. It will be fun. We love watching this show."
He dropped his head. "I can't believe this. Are we really going to do this?"
She giggled at him, "Allonsy!"
He kissed her quickly and smiled, "Allonsy."
He took her hand and they walked back out of the loo into the dressing room. A young man was there with Tony. "Right. Vodka martini for me. Make one dirty for Pepper. John? What do you want?"
"Scotch." He said as he sat on the sofa with Rose.
Rose held up two fingers. "He needs two. I want a white wine, please."
The young man nodded his head. "Right. Thank you."
He closed the door behind him. Tony sat down on the other side of Rose and spoke in his terrible, British accent. "A quick snog in the cupboard then, governor?"
The Doctor didn't look at him and chuckled as he bit his thumb. "Oh, if we had only had more time."
He sent some images of what he wanted to do into Rose's head. She turned and looked at him as he continued to bite his thumb and stare off into nothing. She took his hand from his mouth and held it. "Later." She whispered.
He cleared his throat and shook his head.
Tony noticed and laughed, "I know I don't want to know what the hell happened in that restroom. He seems to be in a better mood, though."
Rose rubbed his thigh. "He's fine, Tony."
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Caroline sat in the chair at in the hospital room with Howie and Pete. For the second time, she had drifted off and jumped in the chair she sat in.
Pete walked over to her and took her hand. "Caroline. Go back to the house and get some sleep. Adriano will take you. Jackie has a room ready for you already. I'll stay here with Howie."
Caroline nodded her head. "Howie Shephard. I'm going to Pete's house. Is that alright with you?"
Howie rubbed his face. The oxygen tubes going to his nose had been removed over an hour before. He smiled at her. "Baby, I feel better than have in months. I'm fine. Go on to Jackie's and get some rest."
Caroline smiled as she leaned down and kissed him. Adriano walked into the room and she put her arm in his. She quickly pointed to Pete. "Call me if I'm needed."
Howie laughed, "You're always needed, sweet thing."
She rolled her eyes. "And no drinking! I know you two."
Adriano and her disappeared.
Howie looked over at Pete. "Got some whiskey?"
"Of course! Let me get you some. Well, hell. Let me ask the Doctor first how much you can have. Varro?"
Varro sat in the corner with his feet propped up in the window. He smiled, "He said Howie can have three glasses, as long as he drinks it with you, Pete."
Pete pulled out the bigger on the inside box that the Doctor had given to him that he kept the bottle and glasses in. He poured the three of them a glass each. Pete handed Varro a glass. Howie smiled as he clanged glasses with Pete. "Hell of a son-in-law you have there, Pete!"
Pete nodded, "Boy, don't I know it?"
Varro started laughing in the corner. Howie and Pete looked over at him. Pete asked, "What are you on about?"
Varro shook his head. "I'm sorry. Wow. Man, is he pissed."
"Pray tell, who?" Howie asked.
"John! Wow. You would think he would be having a good day after….well, nevermind. Caroline said we couldn't speak of that in here."
"What the hell is he angry about?"
Varro shook his head and laughed, "Oh, this will be too good." He got up and turned on the telly in the room. He grabbed the controller and turned it to the correct channel. He looked back at Pete and Howie and laughed, "Oh, just trust me on this."
Pete sat back in the chair, next to Howie, sipping his whiskey.
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Eddy Sea ran out on the stage among a packed audience at the Stark Expo in New York City. The auditorium held over 10,000 people and the cheers and applause was deafening. Television cameras danced around the stage.
"Welcome! Welcome! We have an amazing show for tonight! As you know, we're here in New York City at the Stark Expo. You will never believe who we're going to be chatting with. Wow. I'm still in a bit of shock about it myself!"
He pretended to almost faint. "Seriously though. You will never believe it."
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Pete rubbed his chin. "Oh! Eddy Sea! I love his show. Jack's and I watch it."
Varro laughed, "She's watching it now with the guard there at the mansion. Caroline has even has sat down with her."
"Who's on it?" Pete asked.
Varro shook his head, "Not telling. But, he's pissed."
Howie put it together and laughed. "Rose and John."
Pete looked surprised, "Rose and John?!"
Varro nodded and laughed, "Right in one."
Howie sat up straighter in the bed. "Oh hell. Pour me another one. This will be great."
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Eddy Sea continued to speak, "Okay, well. Is everyone having a great time at the Expo?"
The crowd cheered.
He laughed, "Wonderful! Then, the man you need to thank is here! Let's get these guests on!"
Music started playing as he ran to his chair that he always sat in when he interviewed his guests. A sofa sat to his left. He held his arm out and said, "Please welcome, Tony Stark!"
The crowd cheered as Tony walked out onto the stage and shook Eddy's hand. Tony waved to the crowd who cheered. AC/DC's Highway to Hell played loudly. Tony unbuttoned his jacket and sat on the sofa.
Eddy was beaming as he sat down. "Welcome! Welcome!"
"It's good to be back!" Tony insisted.
"Alright. Before we go any further, what did they decide?"
Tony smiled and nodded his head.
Eddy smiled and stood back up, "Ladies and gentlemen, I know you need some good news what with the terrible stuff going on. May I introduce, Rose Tyler and Doctor Johnathon Smith!"
The Doctor held Rose's hand as they walked out onto the stage. AC/DC's song began to play again. Eddy greeted them both and Rose sat down between Tony and the Doctor on the sofa. The crowd stood up and cheered louder than they had all night. They had been sitting for a few moments before the crowd started to get quieter.
Eddy laughed, "They might just all shout at us for the entire show."
An audience member shouted, "I love you, Rose Tyler!"
Rose smiled and pointed in the direction the shout came from, "I told you to wait in the car!"
Tony and the Doctor laughed at her as the crowd cheered again.
The Doctor leaned over, kissed her cheek and smiled at her. "You are mad."
She took his hand and Tony's as they sat on the sofa together. Tony kissed her hand.
After the crowd settled down, Eddy spoke, "So, I'm sorry, but we probably need to formally introduce you both. You are Rose Tyler-Smith?"
Rose nodded her head. "Or Rose Smith. Either one."
"And of course, Doctor Johnathon Smith."
The Doctor nodded, "Or John. That works, too."
Eddy made a squealing noise in his throat. "He's going to let me call him John! This is brilliant! Anyway, welcome. All three of you! I don't think I've ever had a better couch. This is a cool couch here!"
The crowd went crazy again.
Eddy spoke again, "So, Tony asked me to come tonight and film a show here at the Expo to promote it. Tony, the Expo. It's been crazy successful."
Tony nodded his head. "It has. There have been a lot of jobs, scholarships, research shared, everything since the doors opened. It's been amazing."
"Now it lasts for a year, correct?"
"Yeah. But, it's been so successful that I believe it would be a good idea to have something like this going all of the time."
"So, there's something in the works?"
Tony looked back at the Doctor. "Yeah….but."
The Doctor shook his head. "We're not ready to announce that quite yet. The Expo still has a few more months to go."
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Pete threw his arms out. "What the hell is he up to now?"
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Eddy continued, "Even with the violence, I'm amazed at the crowds this has pulled in."
Tony smiled, "It has been amazing. Not only for the Expo, but to the city of New York. People have to have a place to stay, place to eat, it's done a lot for the city. Brought in a lot of money."
"You would think people would be too frightened to come-"
"Nah. Rose and John are here. They have come several times. I don't know anyone in the cross hairs more than them." Tony pointed out.
Eddy nodded his head. "Well, that is true. In fact, I will confess that I had bought into the rumor that you were ill, Rose."
Rose smiled, "No. I'm perfectly fine."
"No one has seen you in months."
"We had just gotten married. We just wanted some time to ourselves." She looked over at the Doctor and smiled.
Eddy pointed at the Doctor. "But, we've seen him. Just not you."
The Doctor bit his lip. "Rose has been busy. We built a new home and she's been furnishing it. Managing what color everything is painted, what sort of tile goes where? That sort of thing. She's been busy."
Tony pointed out, "Not to mention being 'mum'."
Eddy nodded, "That's right. You adopted a little girl right after you where married."
Rose shook her head. "No, that was just before. Genie's mother was a friend of mine. When she died, she left her to me."
Eddy nodded his head. "That's right. I'm sorry."
Tony spoke, "Gene has been through a lot, but she couldn't be in a better place. She has a great mom, and the most overprotective father I've ever met."
The Doctor rolled his eyes. "I have my reasons."
Eddy nodded his head. "I imagine any child of a former secret agent-"
"I was never a secret agent. Everyone keeps saying that."
Tony pointed out, "You were an agent for the Presidents of the United States and the People's Republic of Great Britain?"
"Yeah. And some other….places."
"Can you tell us what you had to do?" Tony asked.
"Well, no…but-"
"That makes you a secret agent! Easy. Problem solved, John."
Rose looked back at him and smiled as he laughed, "Alright. You win."
Eddy continued, "So, a secret agent has swept the most famous, young lady in the world off of her feet. How did you do it?"
The Doctor shrugged his shoulders as he looked back at Rose. "I honestly have no idea. I don't know what she sees in me."
Rose smiled as she held his hand. "John is amazing. He's all I have ever wanted. He's charming, handsome and the smartest man I've ever met."
Tony pointed to him, "That's true. He knows everything. It's weird. He could win any game show."
Eddy laughed, "I've read someplace that you can speak several languages."
Rose smiled, "He can. But he had to because of his work."
"How many can you speak?" Eddy asked.
The Doctor shook his head. "I have no idea. I've never counted. A lot."
"How do you learn that many? Is your brain just partitioned, or something?" Eddy asked through a smile.
"I suppose it must be." He laughed. "I've never thought about it."
"And the title, Doctor. Are you really a Doctor? Or is that just some…."
"No, I'm really a Doctor."
"Like a proper Doctor that does surgeries and such?"
He nodded his head. "Yep." He popped.
"When was the last time you did any surgeries or was in an operating room?"
"Just a few hours ago. I assisted with Howard Shepherd's heart transplant."
The crowd gasped.
Eddy covered his mouth. "Did you really?"
He nodded his head. "I really did. The Doctors at Walter Reed did an amazing job. Pete and I have this device that we have produced that will heal injuries or incisions. It's being used now in surgeries to reattach the veins and arteries, then to close back up the patient. It cuts down the recovery time dramatically."
"So, you used that on President Shepherd?"
He nodded his head. "Yes. I wasn't in charge of the surgery. That was ummm…. Doctor Smith. What is his first name, Tony?"
Tony ran his hand through his hair. "Umm… Lawrence. Doctor Lawrence Smith. He did my surgery, too. Well, with John. Hell of a guy."
Eddy was surprised, "Okay, wait. You had surgery too?"
Tony nodded his head. "Yes. A heart transplant. What? Five weeks ago? John used his device on me."
"You're a young man-"
The Doctor smiled, "So is Howie."
"I'm sorry, this is all news to everyone. So, you had a heart transplant? What happened?"
Tony shrugged his shoulders, "It was something I had inherited from my old man. I had kept it quiet for years, but it got to be too much. I finally talked to John about it, and he insisted it needed to be repaired."
"So, how are you?"
He smiled, "I've never felt better. John will tell you I have a clean bill of health."
"Is President Shepherd's situation similar? It sounds…. "
The Doctor rubbed his hands together, "Yeah, well…nothing has officially been said about it. Howie had a weak heart, which is why he needed it replaced. Pete and I went to Washington this morning to speak to Vice President Hilling and he put him at the top of the transplant list."
"How long has he been waiting?"
"Five days? Is that right?" He asked Rose.
Rose nodded her head. "I think so. That sounds right."
"And how long did you have to wait, Tony?"
Tony shrugged his shoulders. "I'm a private citizen. I waited, hmmm… six months?"
The Doctor shook his head, "I think it was seven months."
"So, the world is watching and we are all worried about him. Not to put you on the spot, but how is he? Really?"
Just then, the Doctor's phone rang. He took it out of his pocket and smiled when he saw who it was. "Funny you ask. I'm so sorry, I need to take this."
Rose and Tony laughed at him as he took the call.
"Yeah, hey Pete. I'm kindof busy. What do you need?" He asked.
Rose heard his voice over the phone. The Doctor laughed and pointed at a camera. "Yes, I'm really on the Eddy Sea Show. Apparently, it is really live."
Rose covered her mouth and giggled.
The Doctor held the phone from his face. "I'm talking to Pete Tyler at the moment. He says he's watching the show with President Shepherd and drinking whiskey."
The crowd cheered.
Pete said something quickly.
The Doctor laughed, "Oh, nevermind on the whiskey! Caroline. They are not drinking whiskey. No. My mistake. I misunderstood what Pete said."
Everyone laughed.
The Doctor listened to the voice on the phone. He laughed and ended the call.
"I've been authorized to tell you that President Shepherd is awake, feeling better than he's felt in months and plans to hold a press conference in the morning about all of this. His best friend, Pete Tyler, is with him now and he's doing unbelievably well. Doctor Smith is saying it couldn't have gone any better. He wants me to thank all of you for your warm wishes and concern. As he said to me just then, 'I'm tough as leather and nails. It will take a lot more to do me in'."
The crowd applauded at the news.
Eddy smiled, "That's amazing. Wow. I don't know if I've ever had anyone take a call on this show, but I am glad you did."
The Doctor smiled. "Under the circumstances."
Eddy nodded his head. "I'm not an American, clearly…but I have to say that I would vote for Howard Shepherd. He seems to be such a fun guy."
Rose and the Doctor smiled and nodded their heads.
Rose smiled, "Oh, he is. Firm when he needs to be, but just a great guy."
Eddy nodded his head. "I have to say, I can't wait to see that press conference tomorrow. And I know I speak for many when I say that he's the most beloved President we've had in our lifetime and I hope he recovers quickly."
The crowd stood up and applauded.
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Pete looked back to see Howie smiling at the telly. "Woo, doggy! They might make a man's head swell up."
XxxxxXxxxxxx
Eddy laughed, "So, you. Tony."
"Yes."
"These pictures of you and who is this?" Eddy asked as he turned to the computer on his desk and pointed at the screen. Tony was pointing at something with Genie on his shoulders. She was holding a silver tool in her hand.
Tony smiled, "That's Gene. Rose and John's daughter. We were at Disneyworld. A coaster I helped with wasn't working properly, so I dropped by to repair it. I couldn't reach it, so she did it for me."
"That was four weeks ago! A week after you had your surgery." Eddy pointed out.
Tony nodded his head. "Yeah."
"You have her on your shoulders. She's what? 40 pounds?"
Tony looked back at Rose and the Doctor. "What is she? She's little. Not that much."
"But, you see my point. You had just had this surgery. Surely, you shouldn't have been riding this coaster."
Tony shrugged his shoulders. "I had to make sure it was repaired."
"It's a crazy, fast rollercoaster! You had just had a heart transplant!"
"Yeah? Your point?"
"What were you thinking? They said you rode it 24 times!"
Tony bit his lip, "Oh, their count is off. Gene and I counted 30."
The Doctor pointed at him, "Damn it, Tony! I told you not to do that-"
"Phhhh…..I'm fine. She's fine. No damage done." Tony insisted.
Eddy laughed, "Is he your worse patient?"
The Doctor smiled as he looked at Rose, "He's tied with someone for that."
Rose covered her mouth and giggled. He pulled her hand up to his mouth and kissed it.
Eddy continued, "Let's talk about the violence surrounding the Tyler family."
They all nodded their heads.
"How has that affected you? Do you not go out to do things you normally would? Is that why we don't see much of Rose out anymore?"
Rose spoke, "I think it probably affects Genie more than we probably realize. We want to keep her at home with us to ensure she's safe. She's not allowed to go over to friends' homes to play like most little girls would be able to. That sort of thing."
The Doctor nodded his head. "Genie dances ballet. She had a small part in the upcoming production at the Royal Ballet in London. I was called this morning, apparently after this news about Rose Tyler being killed and myself being beat up, they have asked me not to bring her any longer. They fear for her safety and the safety of the other dancers."
The audience moaned to show their sorrow.
"I've not told her yet. I know she's asleep now, otherwise I wouldn't even have said it here. But, I'm not cross, and no one should be. They are doing what they feel is right. And I agree with them. It's too exposed for her."
Rose shook her head. "I hate that."
Tony shook his head. "That's a shame. Gene is a beautiful ballerina. Hell, she's good at everything!"
Eddy smiled, "You seem to know her well. Do you spend a lot of time with her?"
Rose smiled, "Tony and Genie have grown close. He tucked her into bed before we came over tonight."
Tony rolled his eyes. "John and Rose were busy. It wasn't a big deal."
"You said you have built a home. It must be here in New York if you were able to tuck her in and get over here so quickly."
Rose smiled, "It's close to here, yes."
The Doctor rubbed her thigh and smiled.
Tony chuckled. "Yeah, they are just up the street a bit from here."
"A home in the United States? I would imagine you would stay closer to your family in London?"
Rose shook her head. "We have a place outside of London, but it just made sense to be here. Mum and Dad are here so often. John and Dad have business in New York and Washington."
"Genie's school?"
Rose smiled, "John is educating her at home."
The Doctor smiled, "Well, that was the original plan, but I think everyone is helping her. Our bodyguards, Tony, Rose. It's been great."
Eddy smiled, "What subject to you teach, Tony?"
Tony smiled, "Science. Of course. What else? Rose handles Physics and Literature."
Rose smiled, "We're reading all of the classics together. John is reading Harry Potter to her."
"Don't you just love Harry Potter? Where did that even come from? I understand that you had a hand in getting that published, John?"
He smiled, "Yeah. I had heard the story from somewhere, and I met with the author. I felt it simply had to be published. It's an amazing story."
"And they are talking of making a movie of it. Isn't that amazing?"
"It really doesn't surprise me. It is such a great story."
Eddy smiled, "Okay, going back to the rumors and the violence. It was reported that you were hurt, badly in an explosion at the ballet-"
"Yeah, in New York. Yes." Rose nodded.
"True? Not true?"
Rose looked at the Doctor. He shrugged his shoulders, "Completely up to you."
Rose nodded her head. "John and I had gone to the ballet together. We had Genie and Tony with us. Not him, my little brother, Tony. The bodyguards thought, and I even thought, that John was being ridiculous because he just couldn't relax that night. He kept seeing a problem in every corner. He finally insisted the children shouldn't be there, and the body guards left with them. I wanted to stay, and we did. Less than five minutes after he had sent the children away, the bomb went off."
Eddy covered his mouth. "It is true. You were hurt, badly?"
Rose looked back at the Doctor. He sipped his Scotch. "That's completely up to you." He told her as he rubbed her thigh.
"It blew John and one of our bodyguards out of the balcony where we sat. It is amazing they were not hurt worse. The bodyguard I was closest to dove on top of me and took the blunt of the blast. He didn't make it. I was in shock with my injuries. John took me to the hospital and I was sedated for days."
"My God! How terrible! How bad was it?"
The Doctor rose up and put his elbows on his knees. "It was bad."
"So, the rumors are true."
"Well, about that. She's not horribly disfigured or anything. I've heard that one." The Doctor insisted.
Eddy nodded, "So, walk me through this. You are newlyweds, at the ballet with two small children. The explosion goes off and kills a bodyguard and nearly yourself. What were you thinking, John?"
"I honestly don't even remember. Pete came and stayed with me the entire time. He cancelled every meeting and put everything on hold. Jackie Tyler took Genie for me until Rose got well enough to come home. She still needed constant treatment."
Rose looked at him, "I didn't know Dad did that."
He nodded, "He did. He refused to leave my side."
"Why? Was it that bad?"
Rose bit her lip. "Well…." She looked back at the Doctor again.
He smiled, "Completely up to you."
Tony laughed, "They do this all of the time. It's crazy."
Eddy smiled, "What is it that I'm missing here?"
Rose smiled, "I was pregnant when the blast went off. John had to keep a very close eye on me, because of our son. He put me on bed rest. We didn't know if he would make it from one day to the next."
The crowd and Eddy gasped. "Oh wow. So, is he….alright?"
"Oh, he's fine. He's perfect. Beautiful." The Doctor insisted.
The crowd cheered a loud roar.
"The comeback is always stronger than the set back." Tony smiled.
Rose laughed, "We had decided just today that we were going to announce his birth in a few days. So, I suppose, we're ahead of schedule."
The Doctor chuckled, "Just like he was."
Eddy was shocked, "So, he's born. He's fine. How old is he?"
Rose smiled, "Five weeks. He's completely fine. He was born early from the injury at the ballet."
Eddy sat back dramatically in his chair. "Wow. This has been the most surprising interview ever on this show!"
Rose and the Doctor smiled.
Eddy asked, "What is his name?"
Rose smiled, "We named him after several people. The bodyguard that died that night. He undoubtedly saved my life and our son's. He also carries the name of my father, and a friend of John's. He is Samuel Alistair Peter Tyler-Smith."
"I'm sure Pete Tyler is happy about that."
The Doctor smiled, "Oh, he is."
"How did you keep the hospital from reporting his birth?"
Rose smiled and looked at the Doctor. "John delivered him at our home."
The Doctor smiled, "He was in a hurry when he decided he was ready to check out of Hotel Mum."
Tony smiled, "Better you than me, man."
Eddy sat back in surprise. "Wow. Truly amazing."
Rose looked back at the Doctor and smiled, "He really is."
The Doctor kissed her hand and smiled.
"So, has it been odd….going from body guard to family member?"
The Doctor smiled and ran his hand through his hair. "It's been an adjustment. I look at my old life and … it seems so long ago now. The Tyler family has taken me in as one of their own. Pete calls me 'son' all of the time. It's really nice. I'm enjoying it. It's nice to be part of a family."
"You were an orphan? Is that what you had stated before?"
He nodded his head. "Yes. That's why I was selected for the sort of work I did."
Tony teased, "That wasn't secret agent stuff."
Rose and the Doctor laughed.
The Doctor said, "That's right."
Eddy smiled, "So, we have a man here who everyone knows graduated from MIT at age sixteen."
Tony rubbed his lips, "Fifteen."
Eddy nodded, "And a Nobel Prize winner."
The Doctor smiled as he looked back at Rose.
"And a man who is reinventing the medical field. Brilliant people. Do you find people are intimidated by you?"
Tony laughed as he looked at Rose and the Doctor. "I have no idea. What do you think?"
Rose shook her head. "I usually stop them in their tracks when they see it's me. Forget the Nobel Prize."
The Doctor shrugged his shoulders. "This is all still rather new to me. No one really knows who I am."
Eddy smiled, "Well, I thought about that. So, I went online and found this great test that you can take to discover what time period you should have been born in. The questions are quite good, so I thought we would ask them so everyone could get to know you better. Would that be alright?"
The crowd clapped to cheer him on.
He nodded his head. "Alright. That's fine."
Eddy smiled, "Alright. First question: How much of a rebel are you? A. I should be behind bars. B. Me? Rebel? Never! C. Depends on the cause."
Tony leaned over and laughed, "A for sure."
Rose giggled at him.
He smiled, "Depends on the cause."
"Right. Next question: What does your bedroom look like? A. Neat and tidy. B. Like a tornado blew through. C. It was clean until I needed something."
Tony shook his head. "I have no idea. I've never been in there."
Rose giggled, "It is usually neat because we have a house keeper. But, if it was just him, B would be correct. He still rolls up his socks and throws them across the room every night. They would lay there for weeks if someone didn't come in to pick them up."
The Doctor hid his face and laughed, "That's true."
Eddy laughed, "Is chivalry dead? A. Yes. B. No. C. What is chivalry?"
Rose and Tony laughed. The Doctor shook his head. "Rose should really answer that."
Rose smiled, "B. He still asks if he can kiss me."
The crowd all said, "Awww…"
Eddy smiled, "That is really sweet."
The Doctor rested his hand on his fist and smiled.
Eddy continued, "Your favorite dessert. A. Crème Brulee. B. Chocolate Pudding. C. Banana Split-"
Rose smiled, "No need to go further on that. Banana split. That's his favorite thing in the world."
The Doctor smiled and blushed, "This is almost embarrassing."
Tony laughed at him. "Man up."
"You go out drinking at a bar. Do you have: A. Apple Martini. B. Gin and Tonic. C. Beer?"
The Doctor smiled, "Beer. German beer."
"What do you like to do most when you are relaxing at home? A. Read. B. Watch Telly. C. Shop online?"
He smiled, "Read. Listen to music. Play with the children."
"Okay, last one. And thank you for being such a good sport about this, John."
"It's alright." He smiled.
"Is it hard to change your opinion about something once you have made up your mind about it?"
Rose and Tony sat back and laughed.
He held out his hands. "What?"
Rose covered her mouth. "Absolutely."
Tony smiled, "I thought I was stubborn until I met him."
Eddy laughed, "Okay, well….according to our test. You should live in the 800s. B.C."
"Well, there you go." The Doctor laughed as he drank his Scotch.
The crowd applauded.
Eddy laughed, "That's rather interesting."
"A true Renaissance man." Tony teased.
The Doctor smiled and rolled his eyes.
"Tony."
Tony smiled, "Yes."
"Tell me about your assistant."
"Pepper? She's backstage. You know, it's really her that has done all of this for the Expo. Not me."
The Doctor smiled, "Everyone give her a hand!"
The crowd cheered.
Tony smiled, "Yeah. She's amazing."
Eddy chuckled, "There are rumors that you two have been spotted, on a date."
Tony laughed, "I wouldn't listen to rumors, Eddy. You know how these things are."
"So, you're saying you wouldn't go on a date with Pepper Potts if-"
Tony shook his head, "I'm saying she's amazing. She tells me that I couldn't even find my own shoes without her. There is a lot of truth in that."
Eddy laughed, "I do have a question for the men. How much time do you spend trimming these beards? They both look….so….neat."
Tony and the Doctor looked at one another. Rose covered her mouth and nearly doubled over laughing. "I knew he was going to ask you two that."
Tony smiled and held his head up proudly. "I honestly want to shave it completely off, but Gene has expressly told me that I'm not allowed to. So, I trim it daily. Otherwise, it looks all…."
He looked back at the Doctor. "Yeah. You have to do it daily, otherwise it just gets…. Blah. I probably spend more time on it than I did when I was clean shaven."
"Did you grow a beard because you had this new life? New you?" Eddy asked.
"No. Because I was lazy. Rose and I went on a cruise across the Atlantic. I just let it grow while I was on that trip. Rose told me I looked, what did you call me?"
Rose smiled, "Scruffy."
He laughed, "Yeah. Then we went to Camp David and Caroline Shepherd was trimming my hair. She asked if I was trying to grow a beard and I thought, 'What the hell?' Sure."
"It works for you. Both of you." Eddy assured them.
Tony laughed, "The Bearded Tech Boys."
The Doctor smiled at him. "That's right. I didn't know Genie didn't want you shave yours. She's told me I'm not to shave mine, either."
Rose smiled at them. "It's clear to see who is in charge with these two."
Eddy laughed, "Yeah, she's short and six years old. Your bodyguards and you enjoy playing-"
"Football! Yes! We love it. It's completely out of control."
Tony shook his head. "It's terrible. They watch it all of the time. Or they play it all of the time. He has what two fields?"
"It's a pitch. And I have three at our home now. One outdoor and two indoor."
Rose rolled her eyes. "It's really as bad as it sounds. My brother, Tony, is just as bad. If not worse. He calls John and has a playbook for the bodyguards and everything. It's madness."
The Doctor rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Yes! Football."
Eddy chuckled as he turned to the audience, "And I've heard he's quite good. Look at this video from him opening the Arsenal game."
The video of the Doctor kicking the football into the goal played on the screen.
The crowd cheered as the camera cut back to the Doctor smiling proudly. "I've honestly never seen that. That was a good shot."
"President Harriet Jones was supposed to have done that. Wasn't that right?"
Rose smiled, "She came into the box and asked my little brother, Tony and John to do it." She laughed, "Tony was so excited!"
The Doctor smiled, "He scored that night, too."
Eddy laughed, "So, you play too, Tony?"
Tony shook his head. "No way. If I'm there when they play, I usually manage the music they are listening to. I don't think I would be any good at it."
Eddy turned back to the computer monitor. "I have this picture that appeared in a tabloid. It is one of your bodyguards and another young man-"
They looked at the screen. It was a picture of Logan, Legate and Michelle eating outside at a restaurant. Logan appeared completely beat up. Rose smiled, "Yeah, that's Logan and Legate."
The Doctor rubbed his beard. "I forgot he looked that bad after that. He just has a little bruising now, around one of his eyes."
Eddy looked back at them, "What the hell? Is that from football?"
The Doctor shook his head and said seriously, "No. It's not. Logan was with me when I was kidnapped last week. We were tied up, drugged and taken away in a box truck. Logan wasn't going without a fight. They beat the hell out of him. He had only joined our outfit a few days before."
Eddy looked shocked. "This just happened a week ago?"
Rose nodded her head. "John's wrists where all cut up from the plastic tie they used to tie him up with. His arm and back were bruised. But, Logan took the worse of it."
"How did you get away?"
The Doctor smiled, "I work with a great team. We've been through much worse."
"But, still. Where were you taken from?"
He shook his head. "I'd rather not say. It doesn't matter."
Tony shook his head. "Rose and John have to deal with this on almost a daily basis. It's outrageous. I remember what it was like when I was young, and always being in the spotlight with my Dad's stuff. It was annoying, but never dangerous. I won't lie. I worry about them. It only seems to be getting worse. This entire idea that Rose, or John, is an alien that seems to be fueling this is just….stupid. It's like John said a long time ago in an interview. If one of them were an alien, don't you think they would find a way to get off of Earth to be safe? Take their children?"
Eddy nodded his head. "It makes sense."
The Doctor added, "Well, their point of view sortof makes sense, or maybe I've just thought about it too much recently."
"Or maybe they are getting in your head." Tony warned him.
"Or that. But, Rose popped out of nowhere right after the Cyber Invasion. I read some statistic about there were so many people lost that day that each person can name two people they personally knew that are no longer with us. That's huge. That leaves a mark on a person's soul. An entire generation. That's nearly as bad as the losses in World War II first three years, but this was done in a day! The Cyber Invasion not only claimed men, soldiers, but also women, elderly and children. It isn't something people are going to forget, and I hope no one does. I lead Rose right into the spotlight as that happened. It was terrible timing. We should have done it differently."
Eddy asked. "Is that why Tony Tyler, and your children are already known about?"
Rose nodded her head. "I don't want Tony, Genie or Sam to go through what I've been through. I know why Mum and Dad kept me secret from the world for all of those years, and I don't blame them for it. They were doing what they thought was right. John and I should have told everyone when Sam was born. We just wanted to keep him to ourselves. Keep him safe. It's hard."
Tony nodded his head. "And that's sad. The birth of a child is something that should be celebrated. Not hidden. This violence against them has prevented that. It's put a stop to Gene's dancing career now, too. I know why John doesn't sleep much at night. Hell, I wouldn't either."
Eddy looked concerned, "Is that true?"
Rose nodded her head. "He'll go days without being able to sleep."
The Doctor shook his head. "It's not that bad."
Eddy tapped his notes on his knee, "Well, I have to say, I completely agree with you Tony. Hell, I've just met you guys and I worry about you, now. You seem like normal people."
The Doctor held out his hands, "What else would we be?"
Eddy smiled, "I don't know. The Tyler family has always seemed so….."
The Doctor laughed, "Posh. Oh yes. We tease Rose about this all of the time."
Rose rolled her eyes and mumbled, "I am not posh."
Tony laughed as he sipped his martini. He elbowed Rose and said in his terrible British accent, "Posh, my dear."
Rose shook her head and smiled. "You guys are terrible."
Eddy smiled, "Come on, Rose. You are. I mean, Pete Tyler?"
Rose shook her head. "I really don't feel that we are. Mum, Dad or myself. They start this all of the time with me to wind me up."
The Doctor leaned over and kissed her cheek. He whispered, "Posh."
Rose covered her face and laughed, "Oh, I'm so going to slap you."
The Doctor laughed and sipped his Scotch.
Eddy smiled, "So. Tony. Pete Tyler and you. Do you hang around him like you do Rose and John?"
Tony shook his head. "Pete Tyler thinks I'm a pain in the ass. And I agree. I am."
The Doctor chuckled, "He called me that this morning, too."
Tony nodded his head, "Oh, then I'm moving up in the world! Or I'm bringing you down."
Eddy smiled, "This morning. Was that when you and Pete went to see Hilling?"
The Doctor nodded his head. "Yes. Pete and I went to the White House. I had never met the Vice President before."
"Never?"
He shook his head. "My dealings have always been with Howie."
Rose looked at him proudly, "Classified above the Vice President's eyes?"
He looked at her and smiled, "Yes. Something like that."
"What did you think of him? Bit of a dunce isn't he?" Eddy said.
The Doctor smiled and shook his head. "I've only met him once. I'm not going to say anything negative against the man on telly. That would be unprofessional."
"Why did he wait, what, five days to react to President Shepherd's need for a heart transplant? I mean, I know that there isn't just a cooler ready at anytime, but it seems that the President would take presentence over anyone else."
The Doctor shrugged his shoulders. "I can't answer that. I'm sure it will be discussed in the press conference tomorrow. But, that he did make the call is what's important."
Eddy nodded his head. "Oh, I'll be sure to watch that. As most of the world is anxious to hear the answer to that question, I'm sure. Okay. I've got a Doctor here and three of the smartest people on the planet. I have a question I've been dying to know. I've noticed that all three of you drink. What's the best way to overcome a hangover?"
Rose covered her mouth and laughed.
Tony looked back at the Doctor and laughed, "That's all you, man."
The Doctor smiled. "A banana. Mix it in a milkshake with a bit of honey. The banana helps calm the stomach while the honey will help build the depleted blood sugar levels. Best way."
Eddy laughed, "And you heard that from a professional here people! At the Stark Expo! Let's go over now to our music tonight. Justin Timberlake performing with Bel Biv DeVoe!"
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Pete sat back and laughed, "That was brilliant. What made them go on that show? Who's idea was that?"
Varro smiled, "Timon says it was Tony's. He twisted John's arm about it and forced him to do it. He said it would make him and Rose more approachable."
Howie sipped his whiskey. "Makes sense to me."
They finished watching the show as Justin Timberlake performed, 'Poison' with Bel Biv Devoe.
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Note from the author: Google that performance. Seriously. It's amazing! Totally worthy of the Stark Expo.
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