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Chapter 15 – The Party

The Doctor and Rose appeared inside of what was called "The Blue Room" of the Presidential Palace. Named so because the walls were painted a light blue, and there was a royal blue rug on the floor underneath the furniture.

"We're not staying long. Right?"

She smiled. "Let's see how it goes."

He wrapped his arms around her and grinned. "I'd rather see how something else goes."

She put her hand on his chest. "You. Are. Impossible."

He grit his teeth. "One. Kiss? Please?"

She held up her finger. "One. And not one like you-"

He crashed his lips into hers. She was overwhelmed feeling the love he was feeling for her washed over her like a tidal wave. He held her tightly in his arms as he snogged her. Then, suddenly….she saw a bright light flash.

The Doctor was lying in a bed in the island home and coughing. The light from the windows made the room very bright. It must have been the middle of the day.

He pulled the duvet over himself and groaned. "Damn. I hope you like the next body, Rose. I'm certain I'm about to regenerate from this."

She laughed. "You are the worst patient ever. Just rest and it will be over soon."

The light flashed again.

A beautiful teenage Genie, Tony Tyler, Soli and Jacob Shepherd stood next to one another. Genie wore a lovely evening gown and the boys were in suits. Soli wore sunglasses. Lights were flashing as people were taking their photo. Genie waved her hand to encourage someone to join her. A blond, curly haired boy and a dark haired boy, who looked a lot like Lance, both ran over to her and wrapped their arms around her to pose for the photographers. She playfully screamed at their sudden movement, causing everyone to laugh. All six of them smiled and held one another close.

The light flashed again. Rose could feel herself laughing. The same dark haired, teenage boy was dancing with her to a slow song. They were in the island home's sitting room.

"Arles. You dance like Lewis." She heard herself tell the young man.

He smiled, "Jane says I dance like Lance."

"You look like Lance."

Arles grinned, "I'm better looking."

The Doctor sat at the bar with Samuel, Tony Tyler, Jacob and Soler. He smiled proudly as he watched them.

The Doctor turned to the other boys, "How is it that you guys don't know how to dance?"

Arles twirled Rose around, perfectly. The Doctor crossed his arms and looked impressed. "Nevermind that. How is it that only Arles knows how to dance?"

Arles laughed and looked back at the Doctor. "Thank you, Dad."

"And when is it my turn?" The Doctor complained.

All of the teenagers laughed and looked back at him.

Samuel pat his chest. "Dad."

The light flashed again.

Genie lay sleeping in a bed on the ship's med bay. She was a young woman. The Doctor clicked a few buttons behind her. Rose could feel her own worry. "So, she's….alright?"

He nodded. "She's fine. Well, she will be fine. Thanks to her Mum."

Rose sighed and crossed her arms, "I'm not losing her. Especially, so soon. To a stupid virus. I'm just…..not."

He didn't take his eyes off of their daughter. "Simply, amazing."

He could feel Rose's determination, but also, her confusion.

"Baby, I don't even understand what happened."

He looked back at her, "You don't remember any of it?"

"No." She grit her teeth. "Baby. I just….can't let her go."

He grinned proudly. "And I'm so grateful. She's always seemed more Rixalarian than human. Now, it appears she's something completely different."

Rose nodded her head. "Like me, then?"

He nodded his head. "Like her Mum."

She sighed, "What have a done to this poor child?"

"You saved her, Rose. What any Mum would have done."

Rose sighed, "And what does that mean for her now?"

"Well, it means a lot of things-"

The light flashed again and Rose stood on a football pitch in a proper, football stadium. She looked around in complete disbelief. The Doctor held a football in his hands. "Oh, I've got to try this!"

The light flashed again and Rose realized she was still kissing the Doctor. She stopped and looked in his brown eyes. "And now I know why-"

He closed his eyes and groaned. "I've needed to do that all day. But, I knew you would want to see them, too." He opened his eyes and smiled at her. "How about that? Nothing too bad this time!"

She playfully smacked him in the chest. "Next time, just tell me! I need a drink after dealing with this. With you!"

He laughed, led her to the door, and held it open for her. "And I know where to get one, my dear!"

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Tony Stark walked over to the table with Lance and his brothers. "Have you seen Jack?"

Lance looked around the room. "He's not here?"

"I haven't seen him. He said he was going to jump out of the cake."

"Hmmm… He brought me back, and then I left."

Tony sighed and rubbed his hands together. "Well, I'm not going to lose any sleep over not seeing that idiot jump out of a cake."

Howie walked up to stand next to Tony. "Who's jumping out of a cake?"

Lewis smiled, "No one, Howie. Jack was supposed to, but he's disappeared again."

Howie nodded his head and sighed in relief. "Good. I don't believe that feller is quite John's type."

Tony laughed at Howie's remark.

Jane looked at Lance and couldn't help her laughter. "This is mad."

Tony rubbed his face and looked around the room. "Come give me a hand, Lance."

Lance took Jane's hand and walked with Tony to the stage. Tony held the curtain to the side open and they walked behind it. A large, beautiful proper cake sat to the side. A wooden cake, all decorated and waiting for Jack to climb inside, sat ready with the top opened. Legate and Pepper stood looking at the cake. Pepper had her arms crossed. "Are you seriously insisting on using this thing?"

Tony nodded his head as he walked up to the cake. "Yeah. Jack's not here, but….the explosion will be nice."

Pepper closed her eyes and groaned. "Tony. Maybe we can have a party….once….that doesn't involve an explosion?"

Legate laughed and climbed into the cake. "That's never going to happen." He popped his head up in the top. "Is it the same thing you used for Lance's promotion?"

Tony stood on the side of the cake, "Yeah." He handed him a small, round device. "Can you get your skinny ass down there?"

Legate laughed and got into the cake. "Yeah."

Tony turned around and told Pepper and Lance quietly. "He really doesn't look different, does he?"

Lance reasoned. "Well, it's the same guy."

Legate stood up. "Tony, this cake is too narrow."

"No, you just have a bigger ass than we all thought." Tony climbed up on the side of the cake and leaned over the side where they couldn't see his face to put something inside. Legate made a face and started to moan.

Lance laughed and shook his head. "This guy."

Pepper whispered, "Phone."

Lance handed her his phone and she took a picture.

Tony's muffled voice could be heard from inside of the cake. "That better not have been a damn picture."

Pepper handed the phone to Lance. "Tony, you have my phone. Where would I put it in this dress?"

He climbed back out and took a deep breath. "Oh wow. Standing on my head isn't what I planned to do tonight."

Pepper giggled, "You have color in your cheeks now."

He smiled back at her as he took a remote out of his pocket. He laid his head to the side of the cake and pressed the button. "Cool. Got it."

Jane looked confused. "What is that?"

"Something…..cool." Tony insisted and jumped back down. He stood up straight and smiled. "And who's announcing this?"

Pepper pat his chest. "Go ahead. Rose knew you would love to."

Tony handed the remote to Lance and rubbed his hands together. "Awesome! I'll do it! I live for this shit."

Pepper rolled her eyes and smiled. "Yes, you do."

Tony pointed at Lance. "It's all yours. See you in a bit."

Lance put the remote in his pocket and Legate closed the top of the cake.

Tony and Pepper went up to the stage at the front of the room. He looked out at the room and saw everyone dancing, laughing and having a wonderful time. The music played Frankz Ferdinand's, 'No You Girls'.

The Doctor and Rose had arrived and they were standing with Summus and some huge guy that Tony had seen before, but had never caught his name.

Pepper handed him a microphone. He made sure it was turned off and grabbed Pepper's hand as she walked away. She stopped and looked at him. "What?"

He smiled at her. "I had a great idea."

"No, you didn't." She insisted.

He danced over to her and they stood out of sight of the room. "I did. My Ten are in this room. Right now." He teased her. "I should totally announce it."

She pointed at him. "You wouldn't dare."

He was enjoying annoying her. "Oh, I should. What would you do to me?"

"Oh, I could think of a lot of stuff."

"Would I enjoy it?" He looked at her face and smiled. "I'm only kidding. You know I wouldn't dare."

She smiled. "Sometimes. It's hard to tell-"

"It's never hard to tell. I said I wouldn't. I won't. You're the boss."

She smiled and looked relieved. "Alright."

He glanced back at the room and then looked back at her. "What do you say? We have a penthouse full of kids at the moment. We could find a place for a quick….. pop away?"

She bit her lip and nodded her head. "Do a good job at this, and we'll do that."

He smiled and looked her up and down. She was beautiful in her evening gown that she wore. "Are you even wearing a bra in that?"

She rolled her eyes and pushed him out on stage. He laughed and walked in front of the curtain. The music faded. The crowd turned and looked up at him. He smiled and turned on his microphone.

"And good evening!" He said as he walked to the center of the stage.

The room greeted him back.

He laughed, "And John is in shock because I said I wasn't coming."

The Doctor called, "Complete shock."

Tony laughed. "And where is Howard Shepherd?"

Howard waved his hands and shouted in his unique cowboy way, as he always did. The room laughed.

Tony continued. "Howard Shepherd is running for President of the United States this year. But, as I look out around this room. I count, five Americans that can even vote for him. Hmmm…that's odd. What the hell?"

Genie's voice could be heard from the dance floor in front of the stage. "That's a dollar!"

The room laughed at her.

Tony smiled and winked at her, "Hmmm. It does make someone wonder. Why are we all here? And believe me, we're all here. I've never seen all of these people in one place before. I love it. So, first of all, let me thank you all for coming."

The Doctor crossed his arms and looked confused.

"I know, for some of you, it was a large distance. Others, it was just a pain in the ass. But, that's what we do. Rose tells us where to go, and what to do, and we do. Why? Because, she's the one in charge. Right, Rose?"

The Doctor looked surprised back at Rose, who called, "That's right!"

He smiled, "The lady is right. So, John. Do as she says for the next few minutes."

Rose covered his eyes with her hands and he laughed. "What is this?"

Licis and Lartius helped him find his way to the stage. The curtains opened and The Black Keys started to play "Happy Birthday" as Rose uncovered his eyes. The huge cake sat in front of the stage. Another proper cake, was reveled behind another curtain. It was white and had many levels. It looked more like a wedding cake than a birthday cake. The lights in the room where dimmed.

The room sang Happy Birthday to him as he looked around and laughed. Rose could feel his happiness and she couldn't even sing she was smiling so big. He looked back at her and cupped her face with his hands, and kissed her just as they finished up the song. "I can't believe you did this. I love you."

She laughed. "Happy birthday."

Rose led him over to the proper cake that had only one candle on it.

He held up one finger, "One?"

Rose held him and laughed. "Just one. First one."

Genie joined him and took his hand. "Be sure to make a wish, Daddy!"

He smiled at her and knelt down, wrapping his arms around the little girl. "Okay. I have my wish. Help me blow it out."

The two of them blew the candle out together and the room cheered.

Tony stood behind Soli and held his hands to his shoulders.

Lance pressed the remote and the top of the cake blew off. Fireworks shot out of it to the ceiling. The children clapped and laughed.

"Fireworks!" Genie shouted.

Soli jumped and immediately became frightened.

Tony quickly knelt down and held the little boy. "It's alright. You're safe."

Soli looked back at Tony who nodded encouragingly.

"Completely safe."

Soler looked back at the ceiling and watched the fireworks.

Tony smiled, "They are pretty, aren't they?"

Soli smiled and relaxed. "Wow."

After a quick embrace, or hand shake, the entire room was back in party mode. All of Lenox's children, Genie, Tony Tyler, Soler and Jacob Shepherd danced to the Black Keys playing live for them.

Everyone danced, ate cake, and drank too much wine and champagne. The Doctor and Rose went back to the table to sit down as the band took a break. Lewis sat holding Arles in his arms. Pete had Samuel, who was smiling and clapping his hands. Jackie sat down next to Pete and sipped some wine.

"Oh, this is such fun. Happy birthday, John." Jackie smiled.

Harriet Jones sat down next to him and pat his forearm. "Happy birthday, John!"

He smiled back at Rose and shook his head. "Thank you….but…this-"

Rose sipped her wine. "We had to have your birthday a bit early."

Pete smiled. "Yes, we did. First of all, we never know when you'll be in town."

Harriet smiled, "And second, you're going to be busy on your actual birthday. Oh, I can't wait for that!"

Pete laughed, "Have you told him yet, Rose?"

Rose held up her hands, "Hang on. Hang on."

He couldn't believe his ears. "Why? What am I doing on that day?"

Rose turned and looked at his face. He could feel her excitement to tell him whatever event was happening. "I'll tell you in a bit. First, Dad has something to tell you."

Pete sat down his wine. "What? I have to go first?"

Jackie laughed and pressed his shoulder, "Oh, tell him."

Pete laughed, "Right. Well, I've bought something to keep me busy in what was going to be my retirement."

The Doctor grinned, "Was?"

"I'm not going to be able to let this Director thing go. I can already see it. I had already planned to bring you in on it. The new thing. But, you'll get the good part of it. Don't worry." Pete explained.

The Doctor narrowed his eyes, "What's the new thing?"

Pete smiled, "I own a football team now. Well, we do. Rose signed everything for you."

He snapped his head back to Rose. "We own a what?"

She giggled, "Arsenal."

His mouth dropped opened. "What the? Are you joshing me?"

Pete laughed, "No. I'm not. I'm surprised we've been able to keep it out of the media. But, my Tony loves football. Always has. So, he can take it over, for me, when he's older."

The Doctor couldn't believe his ears. "I can't believe this. I'm glad I'm sitting down."

Rose kissed his cheek, "Let the guys play on the pitch."

"They might fall over from the shock. Wow." He put his hands over his face and exhaled.

Harriet laughed. "Then you might want to have a drink for your proper gift."

He picked up his wine and drank it. "I need one for this news. That's for sure."

Rose laughed and turned around to wave someone over to the table. He took a deep breath and rubbed his hands together to steady himself. "Okay. I'm ready. What is it?"

Pepper and Tony Stark joined them at the table. Pepper sat down. "What is it, Rose?"

Rose smiled, "I was about to tell him what he's doing for his birthday."

They both smiled.

The Doctor looked at the table. "Okay. Tell me. What is it?"

Rose held his hand and laughed. "Top Gear."

He looked confused at her. "We're watching Top Gear? Okay….cool…"

Tony groaned, "No. Freak. We're going to be on Top Gear! You, me, Pete and some of the guys."

The Doctor sat back in shock. "We are?"

Pepper smiled and nodded her head. "Yes."

He looked back at Rose, who was smiling at him.

"How is that for a party you never wanted to go to?"

He kissed her excitedly and laughed. "Oh wow."

Rose giggled.

The Doctor looked back at Pete. "Wow. Thanks, Pete!"

Pete Tyler waved his hand, "You don't have to kiss me, son."

"Do we get to race?"

Tony nodded, "Hell yeah. And you wouldn't believe the shit Pepper had to-"

Pepper waved her hand. "Ah. Just stop there. Just, give Tony hell, John. Okay?"

The Doctor looked back up at Tony and grinned, "I will."

Tony took Pepper's hand. She stood up and they returned to the dance floor.

Rose could feel his happiness and surprise. He propped his head back on the table and looked back at her. "How in the world did you do this? I should have spotted this."

She smiled, "You've been a bit busy."

"Am I this busy that I missed this?"

She giggled, "I think I'm just that good."

He took her hand in his own and kissed it. "You are amazing."

After several sets, the band wished the Doctor a Happy Birthday and left for the evening. Legate and Lewis' legs began to ache, so they took the children back home for the night. Pete and Jackie went home a bit after the children.

It was late in the evening. Most of the guests had left already. Lartius and Poltious had disappeared, much to Summus' disapproval. "I just don't even want to think about what they are up to."

Queen Ashena and Logan had returned to the island flat. She had told the Doctor and Rose that they both fancied a walk on the beach before they went to bed that evening.

Everyone had such a great time, but the party was winding down. Lance and Jane slow danced together. She laid her head on his chest as they swayed to the music. He kissed the top of her head. "So, has this been strange?"

She smiled, "No." She looked up at his face. "It has actually been rather, normal. However."

"Uh oh. There's a however."

"Okay, you're not from here. And none of your family are, either."

He nodded as he continued to dance. "That's right."

"How many people from here are actually here?"

"I believe most of the guests have left." He teased.

"You know what I mean."

He thought for a moment. "Well, you." He turned around. "Howard Shepherd and his family. Harriet, of course."

She nodded, "Tony?"

"He's from here. So is Pepper. Although, everyone always finds that so surprising."

She smiled, "He was talking to Lartius for so long. I thought, surely he was from someplace else."

"Nah. They are just good friends. We stayed with him when we were out of town together. Lartius saved Pepper, when they were gone a few days ago. They've been very close since then."

She nodded. "That's amazing. This is what I have always dreamed of. A large family, who are all there for one another. Who all get along, no matter the differences."

"When we see our differences as interesting, rather than something that is wrong, we can move forward."

She smiled, "Sounds very, Star Trek."

He looked confused, "What is that?"

She laughed, "Oh, I'm going to watch that with you. I wonder how much of it is real."

He smiled and kissed her head. "I feel I should tell you I moved out of Lewis' flat."

"What? Why?"

"Licis is going to stay for a while. If you and I continue to spend time together, I'd rather it be someplace where we're not risking disturbing anyone."

She smiled. "Last night left a mark on your memory, huh?"

"I've never in my life experienced anything like that."

She giggled. "Neither have I. So, where are you moving?"

"Back to my old flat. Out where the rest of the guys live. Well, not together. It's my own place. That way, we can have some privacy, but I'm still close enough if Arles needs me."

"Does Lewis know about Arles? The older version?"

He shook his head. "No. I'm going to speak to him in the morning about it. But, I want to give Arles the opportunity to tell him, himself."

"Sounds reasonable. When will you move?"

He grinned, "I already have. The guys sorted it out for me, while I was at your place. We knew Licis was coming back for a while. Lewis and I talked about it, and-"

She bit her lip and grinned. "So, you have a new place."

"I'd love to show it to you." He smiled back at her.

"One more dance, and we'll go."

He nodded. "Perfect. Yes."

Chris de Burgh's, 'Lady in Red' started to play. Jane laid her head back on Lance's chest and they continued to dance. She saw John and Rose dancing together near them. They seemed to be laughing about something. She couldn't help but think how beautiful Rose looked.

As they turned, she felt Lance kiss her head again and she saw Tony and Pepper dancing close together. Tony ran his fingertips down Pepper's bare back. She couldn't help but think they looked so good together. Tony seemed to be singing to Pepper. He laid her cheek against hers, which made her laugh.

Tony continued to dance with her and tease her back. He stood in front her and looked in her eyes as he sang along to the song to her. Pepper smiled at him and caressed his face. To Jane's surprise, Tony leaned down and kissed Pepper. They held one another tightly and she smiled as she remembered Tony's words from earlier that evening. He thought they were a smart match, too. Tony didn't stop kissing her, but pressed his bracelet and popped the two of them away.

Jane smiled at how happy they were together. She looked up at Lance.

"Everything alright?" He asked.

She smiled, "I love dancing with you."

He looked into her dark eyes. "I love dancing with you."

"It's been an amazing evening. Thank you so much, Lance."

He stopped dancing and typed something in on his wrist. He held her around her waist and they popped away.

The Doctor lifted Rose's head to look into her hazel eyes. He smiled at her, "This has been the best birthday party I could have hoped for. Thank you."

She returned his smile. "Happy first birthday."

He grinned, "I'm one year old in a few days. How mad is that?"

She giggled. "You've been here for almost one year. Let's look at it that way instead."

He nodded, "I agree. And what a year it's been."

"Would you ever have dreamed….?"

He laughed and shook his head. "Never. In all of my lives. But, I want to be sure to tell you what the best part as been."

She could feel his love. "Being a father?"

"That's second."

She smiled, "What's first?"

He held her cheek and kissed her. She could feel his love wash over her as he licked her lips and kissed her. The song ended and another one began.

She smiled at him. "Time to go?"

He could feel her exhaustion. "Let's go home and get some rest."

She dramatically groaned and looked up at the ceiling. "We had other plans."

He teased her, "Sweetheart, you are too tired for that. I can feel that. Your feet-"

"Oh, God. Don't even put that thought in my head." She insisted.

He laughed. "I love you, Rose."

She smiled. "I love you."

He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her. Lost in his kiss, she never noticed he had popped them away.

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