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Chapter 17 – Venezuelan Coffee

It was early morning on the island. The sun had just started to come up out of the ocean. The breeze from the opened windows blew in the Doctor and Rose's bedroom. Rose woke up and pulled the duvet up to her chin. She moved her feet, which instantly ached from all of the dancing the night before. She was so comfortable and warm in her silk gown, laying in the silk sheets with the duvet spread over her. She opened her eyes and saw that the Doctor lay facing her on his side, still sound asleep. Stubble showed on his face.

She lay on her side and faced him. "You are so handsome." She whispered to him.

He continued to sleep.

She kissed his cheek. He took a deep breath and mumbled, "Rose."

She smiled at him and watched as he continued to sleep. She laid her hand on his cheek and entered his dream.

Xxxxxxx

Wearing his leather jacket and very short haircut, he stood in a black space looking at a technical diagram that seemed to appear all over the small, round room. His arms were crossed and she could feel that he was working out something.

She smiled, "You are probably still much too drunk to sort this out."

He laughed and told her in his Northern accent, "I do some of my best work when I'm pissed."

She wrapped her arms around his waist. He looked at her and smiled, "Are you already awake?"

They held one another as they spoke.

"I just woke up. You are talking in your sleep."

"Phhh…..I don't talk in my sleep."

She teased, "You are asleep, now and look….talking to me."

He rolled his eyes. "That doesn't count."

She laughed, "Why do you look like you used to?"

He looked at himself, "Um. I hadn't noticed." He pointed to the diagram he was working on. "I'm trying to work this out."

She turned and looked at the diagram. "What is this?"

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek as she stood in front of him. "This is something I put together to help me figure this out. I can feel that there are several jumps in time. And they are all….happening right now."

He pointed at the lines that seemed to go all over the place. Rose shook her head. "Alright. Well, I'm not even going to try to understand this. It's probably just Jack. No one saw him at the party last night."

He bit his lip and nodded, "That's true. I should probably look at that Vortex Manipulator again."

"Promise that, you won't use it."

He looked back into her eyes. "I won't. It's so, unreliable. Which is probably what all of this is."

Rose looked back at the diagram. "Most likely. Jack trying to get back to where he left. Baby, try not to worry about this."

He groaned. "I just….it's been so quiet. And then, all of a sudden. With that Vesuos showing up, too. It's just….I feel it could be connected."

"You have been around Pete Tyler too much. Working in your sleep." She teased.

His nod turned into a silly dance. "My father in law has a football team. My favorite football team."

She laughed at him.

"I'm going to take the guys and play on that pitch. Oh hell yeah." He growled.

She pat his chest. "Someone is trying to get your attention."

He looked back at her. "You?"

She giggled, "I'm going to step out. Someone is really trying to get your attention."

He looked confused as she disappeared.

Xxxxxxx

He woke up and opened his eyes. Rose smiled at him. "And good morning."

He returned her smile and ran his hand down her side. The silk gown felt so lovely against his skin. He kissed her lips quickly.

He leaned back and looked at her. "What is it?"

She pointed behind him. "We'll have to have our party a bit later. Someone else needs you."

He rolled over and to his complete surprise, baby Samuel had pulled himself up using the duvet. He stood beside of the bed and laughed as soon as he saw his Daddy look at him. "Da! Da!"

The Doctor picked him up and sat him on his chest, "And how did you get over here?"

Samuel started babbling at top speed. Rose lay next to them and could feel the little boy's excitement at whatever adventure he was telling his Dad about.

The Doctor groaned. "And he's climbed out of his cot, Rose. That's what he's done."

Rose laughed and held her finger out for Samuel to grab. "Samuel. You could really hurt yourself. You should be more careful."

Samuel started to babble again.

The Doctor shook his head. "No. I'm not putting you in the big cot in the other room. That's only further to fall. That's the reason Daddy puts you in the cot that's so close to the floor in here."

"Did he walk over here?" Rose asked.

"Nah. He crawled, then pulled himself up on the side of the bed."

Samuel laughed and clapped his hands.

Rose smiled at her son. "Well, he is currently proud of himself."

The Doctor groaned. "Rose Tyler. Your son is just like you. Wandering off."

She groaned, "He's just like you. Can't sit still."

He laughed at her as she got up and put on her dressing gown. Samuel was excited and ready to play. He stood up and sat down hard on his Dad's chest.

"Ohh!" He complained as Sam jumped on him. "Where are you going, Rose?"

She pointed, "To the loo. Samuel, be careful. I don't want you to get hurt."

Samuel laughed and leaned forward to put his mouth on the Doctor's cheek. The Doctor rolled his eyes. "This is not kissing, son."

Rose laughed. "Teach him how to kiss."

He smiled, "I'm pretty good at that."

"Yes, you are." She told him as she walked into the bathroom and closed the door.

The Doctor looked back at Samuel, who had started to jump on his chest again and laugh. The Doctor sat up and started to play with his son. Samuel fell forward and their foreheads cracked together. The Doctor closed his eyes from the sudden pain he not only felt from himself, but from his son. He rose his hand to his forehead and groaned just as Samuel started to wail.

Rose shouted from the loo. "What's going on in there? Is he okay?"

The Doctor, his pain forgotten, quickly put his hand over his son's forehead. There was already a pink mark from here they had struck one another's heads. Huge tears rolled down the baby's cheeks as he continued to cry.

"No. No. No. You're alright. Dad is here. Shhhh…" He told him as his hand started to glow. Samuel stopped crying and whimpered as his Dad healed the little boy's minor injury.

Within a few seconds, he was finished. Samuel was fine. He looked back at his Dad, who was wiping the tears from the little boy's eyes. "See. You're alright. Daddy doesn't want you to ever be hurt. I love you too much."

Rose opened the door and rushed into the bedroom. "Is he alright?"

The Doctor smiled, "He's fine, Rose."

Samuel leaned forward and put his hands on the Doctor's forehead. Rose watched as their son's hands glowed yellow for a few seconds. Then, Samuel lifted his hands over his head and laughed, "Da! Da!"

The Doctor rubbed his forehead in shock. "Rose!"

Rose sat down on the bed, next to them. "Did he just-"

"He did! We were playing and smashed our heads together. I healed his just before you walked out, and so….."

Her face slowly broke into a smile. "So, he's healed yours."

Samuel lay down on his Daddy and wrapped his arms around his neck. "Da. Da."

The Doctor smiled proudly and held his son. "Well, that was unexpected. Thank you, Samuel."

Rose rubbed the little boy's back and laughed. "This is a shock."

The Doctor kissed his son's head. "Nah. Not really. It's something both of us can do-"

She smacked his shoulder. "And you shouldn't do it! What were you thinking? That takes time away from your life!"

He groaned. "I'm not going to let him be hurt-"

"Then you can wait a few seconds and let me do it. Ugh! I can't believe you did that!"

He sighed. "Rose." This phone started to ring next to him.

Rose sat and looked at him with her eyebrows raised. "Yes?"

He reached his hand out to pick up his phone. He didn't take his eyes off of her. "We'll talk about this later."

She shrugged her shoulders. "I've already said everything that I needed to say."

He groaned as he accepted the call. "Yes?"

He made the face of confusion as he listened to the caller. He continued to rub Samuel's back and kiss his head. Rose heard him start to speak in another language that she had never heard before. She could feel his curiosity and confusion grow.

After a few minutes, he ended the call. "Well, that's weird."

"Who was it?"

"Tuwo Wenck's…..ummm…..assistant. I suppose is what you would call him. He said that Tuwo has a message for me, and that I need to prepare to make a quick journey to Plentitude."

"Why?"

He kissed Samuel's head again. "Ah. Probably someone sick that wants me to oversee their treatment or something."

"As long as you're back for Top Gear."

He laughed, "Oh, I wouldn't miss that! Top Gear, Samuel! Daddy is going show Stark how to drive! YES!"

Rose giggled, leaned down and kissed him. "My money is on you."

He smiled up at her. "Always a safe bet."

Xxxxxxxx

Jane woke up in Lance's flat on the island. The window allowed the sunlight in and lit up the room. It was surprisingly cool. There were palm trees that danced in the wind, right outside of the window. She rolled over on the bed, and Lance wasn't there with her. She lay still under the duvet. So comfortable and warm as she wore her knickers and one of Lance's shirts. She could smell him still on her skin, or maybe it was from his shirt. She loved that smell and inhaled deeply.

She thought she heard him downstairs, speaking to someone. But, she was unable to make out what he was saying.

She sat up and looked around the room. It was a lot tidier than his other room had been. On a chair, next to the bed, lay a pair of jeans and a tank top that Jane recognized as her own. Had he went back to her flat to get her some clothes?

She got out of bed and picked up the clothes. They were hers. She smiled at his thoughtfulness. She hadn't brought anything to change into after the party. She heard Lance's laughter downstairs, which caused her to smile. She put on her jeans and brown tank top quickly. After a quick trip to the loo, where she brushed out her hair and brushed her teeth, she walked down the steps in her bare feet.

She saw Lance in the sitting room. He was doing push-ups on the rug that lay on the tile floor. A blanket lay under him, and baby Arles could be seen laying on it. He was wearing a long sleeved, blue sleeper and holding his hands up to his Uncle Lance. She stood in the doorway and watched them together.

Lance spoke to his infant nephew. "And Uncle has to get his training in. Let's try again."

Lance went down and kissed Arles' face. Arles coo'ed and grabbed Lance's face. When Lance came back up, he smiled at the baby. "And that's one. Let's see how many we can do at once. Ready?"

He quickly started doing push-ups. Each time he went down, he would kiss Arles or playfully bite him with his lips. Arles' coo's turned to laughter as Lance did this. Jane covered her mouth and giggled at them. Lance heard her and looked up.

"Oh! We woke Jane. I'm sorry-"

She shook her head. "You didn't wake me. It's alright."

He sat up on his knees and she noticed he was wearing his football shorts and a t-shirt. He took a deep breath and she saw his t-shirt and face was wet from the sweat. He looked her up and down and smiled. "How did you sleep?"

"Very good." She smiled, "How long have you been up?"

He shook his head. "I have no idea. I really don't sleep much."

He picked up Arles and cradled him in his arms. She walked over and stood in front of him. Putting her hand on his cheek, she smiled up at him. He leaned down and met her lips with his own.

Arles reached up and coo'ed loudly at them.

They looked back down at him and laughed.

"Uncle Lance can kiss a pretty lady." Lance teased his nephew.

Jane giggled and kissed Arles' forehead. "He just wants to make sure you don't get all of my kisses."

Lance looked back at her and grinned, "Perhaps, that's it."

"You've been up long enough to work-up a sweat." She observed.

He looked at himself. "Umm….yeah. I probably need a shower."

She giggled.

Lance continued to look at her, lost in her beauty. "May I make you some tea? Coffee?"

She smiled. "Let me do that. You have your hands full."

They both walked to the kitchen. Lance leaned against the cabinet and watched as she made coffee for them both.

"Now, do you prefer coffee or tea, Lance?" She asked.

"It's equal to me. Either one is fine. How about you?"

"Venezuelan." She pointed at herself, "Coffee. Has to be coffee."

He chuckled at her. "Then, we'll have coffee."

"So, how is the older version of your nephew?"

He sighed, "He managed to fight off a Vesuos at Stark's, last night. I wish he hadn't tried that on his own. Well, there were the others there. But, they could have really gotten hurt."

She didn't look up from making them coffee. "A Vesuos…."

"It's like a …..warrior for hire. Someone paid him to come hurt someone."

"We call that a hit man."

"Yes. That's the word. Is that a common thing? Do people do that here?"

She looked back at him and giggled. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah. Would someone do that here?"

She shook her head in disbelief. "It's not something I would do. I believe most people associate that with characters in movies. Stories in books. That type of thing."

He nodded his head in understanding. "Oh. That makes sense."

She handed him his coffee and he put Arles' on his shoulder to free his hand. He sipped his coffee and sat it on the cabinet to pat Arles' back.

She held her coffee and looked at him. "I've never thought about this, but I suppose you have as many questions about people here, as I do about where you are from."

He nodded, "Probably so. And, you are welcome to ask me anything."

She giggled, "And you are welcome to ask me anything. So, you are really-"

He sighed, "I am really an alien. Yes."

"Phh….you just…aren't like what I would expect an alien to look like."

"What would you expect?"

"I don't know. Green. Short."

He smiled, "With spikes on my face? That's a Vinvocci. Well, a Zocci are the shorter version of that. But, I think most of them are red."

She looked confused at him. "Really?"

"Yeah. That's odd that's what you would think. Have you seen one before?"

"Of course I haven't."

"Oh. Then, how…."

She smiled, "That's just what I would expect. Do they really have spikes on their faces?"

He sipped some more of his coffee. "Oh yes. They look like….. a cactus. I remember seeing that in one of the books I read to Arles this morning. A cactus. What a strange word."

She walked to the other side of the bar and sat down with her coffee in her hand. "You have been up for a while."

He looked back at the baby and smiled. "Arles and I have been busy."

She smiled.

Lance took another mug out of the cabinet and poured another cup of coffee.

"Expecting someone?" Jane asked.

There was a knock at the door.

He pat Arles' back. "Arles is."

She sipped her coffee and giggled, "Lance. You're so strange."

He laughed as he continued to pat Arles back.

One of the brothers walked into the flat. Jane saw him and knew immediately who he was. He was walking without crutches, had a spring in his step, and a smile on his face. He wore a pair of jeans and a grey t-shirt. His hair was wet and he smelt as if he was fresh from a shower. She noticed a tattoo that was printed all the way down his arm.

She was certain which brother it was. She smiled, "And that's Licis!"

The man chuckled at her. "Nope. I'm Lewis."

Jane threw her hands in the air. "No, you're not. Where are your crutches?"

Lewis sat down at the bar and Lance handed him a cup of coffee. "Don't need them anymore. I'm better. Licis left last night with Lartius and Poltious to go see the playoffs."

Lance smiled, "Lewis is the only one of us who has a tattoo. It goes all the way from his hand to his neck. I'm surprised you've never noticed it before."

She shook her head. "I've never seen him wearing a short sleeved shirt."

Lewis looked down at his arm and rubbed it. "I got some sun when I was out this morning. Thanks for watching Arles for me."

Lance smiled proudly at Arles. "He was helping me to push-ups. He's been awake for a while now. He's probably ready for a nap."

Right on cue, Arles yawned.

Lewis smiled proudly at his son and then sipped his coffee. Lance noticed his brother's eyes shoot open from how strong the coffee was. He grinned, and sipped his cup very carefully.

From the distance, they heard the ringing of a phone. Jane sat down her coffee, "Oh, my! That's me. I'll be right back." She ran up the stairs.

Lance called after her, "Be careful on the steps."

Lewis sipped his coffee and shook his head. "Good grief. This coffee is strong enough to be a Quauthin."

Lance laughed, "Venezuelan making coffee. Apparently that means that it can break your arm."

Lewis took another drink. "And I really like it. Quauthin coffee."

Lance leaned against the cabinet and rubbed Arles' back. "So, good run?"

Lewis nodded his head. "Amazing run! I thought I wouldn't be able to do much, but…I was able to go around the island twelve times. I had a break and sat at the cliff for a while, but….I'm really surprised. Sam is a hell of a Doctor."

Lance smiled. "That's great news. How about your head?"

"I can hear everyone. All of the time. Just like nothing has ever been wrong. I can even phase. I tried that as soon as I came home."

"That's great, Lewis. I'm so happy for you."

Lewis seemed to be lost in his thoughts for a moment. "Yeah. It is."

Lance noticed his brother's change of mood. "Worried how you are going to tell John?"

"Nah." Lewis sat up and started to drum his knuckles on the cabinet. "It's nothing. Sorry. I'm fine. I'm…..brilliant. I feel better than I have….in a very long time. In fact, I had a thought about this Vesuos in New York last night."

Lance groaned, "Timon still can't figure out how he got out of the brig. John is going to shit."

Lewis held up his finger. "That's the only part, I can't figure out. But, let's go to the beginning. A list being stolen."

Lance nodded, "Yes."

"A trained hit man slipping on Terra to rattle an alien. Let's face it, if he wanted to kill him, they would have never gotten away."

Lance didn't look up as he held Arles who had closed his eyes. "That's a good point."

"And Arles told me that he identified Soler last night."

Lance looked back at Lewis. "And that connects, how?"

Lewis groaned and dropped his arm dramatically on the bar. "You're kidding. You don't see it?"

Lance shook his head, "No."

"Someone knows that Soler didn't die. Someone knows he's a Khelre. And worse of all…."

Lance was beginning to put it together. "Someone knows he's here. That's why they took the list. They were sure his location would be on it. The Vesuos was sent to bring him back to someone."

Lewis nodded his head. "Yes. And now with this Vesuos dead, we'll probably see another one."

Lance groaned. "That's not good news. How does the Florosi that got away, tie into this?"

Lewis sipped his coffee, "Who do you think stole the list?"

Lance nodded and smiled. "Damn. You are clever, Lewis."

Lewis rose his eyebrows and sipped his coffee. "Thanks to having my head put back together. That's just my working theory."

"Works for me. Exton and Legate need to be notified. As well as Stark."

"I've already told them. You are in charge of that detail over there, however-"

"What?"

Jane walked back downstairs.

Lewis smiled, "I don't expect you there for a while. They can handle this for the moment."

Lance nodded his head. "Thanks, Lewis."

Jane walked back into the room and sat her phone down on the bar. "Sorry about that. Client."

"Everything alright?" Lance asked.

She sipped her coffee. "It's fine. She wants to schedule another shoot. I always like those phone calls."

Lewis laughed. "I imagine so."

Jane's phone rang again. She sat her coffee down and looked at the number. "This is mad. Excuse me." She walked out of the kitchen and answered the call.

Lewis smiled at her. "I imagine she's going to get a lot of calls today."

"Ugh. Yes. I haven't decided if I need to thank Tony, or break his arm." Lance insisted.

"She looks beautiful. Have you seen the replay on the news?"

"Why do you think the telly is off here? I need to have a chat with her about that. Who am I kidding? She might break Stark's arm."

Lewis laughed at his brother. "As Primus, I'm declaring she has the right. No protection if she does that."

Lance laughed with his brother as Jane walked back in. "That was another client. Isn't that mad? She said she was sure I was going to get booked up and wanted to get in quickly. What's that about?"

Lewis pointed at her coffee. "Maybe, that's a question for the end of that cup."

She sipped it. "You are probably right."

Lewis stood up and put his cup into the sink. He stood in front of Lance and held out his hands. "Well, I'll take my son… and run. I have to talk to the Director, and the Primus about some stuff."

Lance handed the sleeping baby to his brother. "There you are. Back with your Papa."

Lewis took Arles in his arms and kissed his face. "And Papa has you. Sleep peacefully, little man."

Lance leaned on the cabinet. "How are we handling this with the kids and John?"

"My money is, John will figure it out on his own if we don't encourage the children to tell him."

Lance crossed his arms. "If, he doesn't already know."

"Exactly." Lewis insisted. "I've already sorted it out. Don't worry about it."

Lance nodded. "Alright. If you need me-"

Lewis looked down at Arles and smiled. "I know. Thanks, Lance." He smiled at Jane. "Thank you for letting us, invade your morning."

She smiled warmly, "It was wonderful to see you both."

Lewis walked out of the flat's door with his son.

Lance looked back at Jane and ran his hand through his hair. "So."

"So." She smiled and sipped her coffee. Her phone rang again. She looked at it and smiled in disbelief. "That's another client. I'm sorry, Lance. I'm going to put this Do Not Disturb so we can have some peace."

"You don't need to answer that?"

"Nah. They will leave a message. It's alright."

He rose his eyebrows. She walked over and put her cup of coffee in the sink. He sat his cup on the cabinet, took her hand and pulled her into his arms. "How do you like it? The place here?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked into his eyes. "It's beautiful, Lance. A bit cleaner than I would have imagined for you."

"Phhh… I'll never live that down."

She giggled, "Thank you for my clothes. I feel more comfortable than I ever have when I've been here, on the island, with you."

He kissed her quickly. "Well, I wanted to talk to you about that."

She smiled, "Okay."

"What if….all of your stuff….was here?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like….you….lived here, with me."

"Are you serious?"

He smiled, "Of course, I am. We could put your computer just in the sitting room here. Or, there's another bedroom upstairs you could have as an office. That would probably be better-"

She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She stepped back and held out her hand. "Hang on. You want me to move in, here?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "I know it's….very soon-"

"I've only known you a week!" She laughed.

"It's a bit longer than that."

She put her hands on her hips. "8 days?"

"Maybe it's 9? I don't know. That's not important. You could keep your studio, for your appointments and such. But, then, come here. With me. When you're not working." He grit his teeth. "How's that?"

She crossed her arms. "Do I know everything I need to know about this?"

He leaned on the cabinet. "No. You don't. Ummm….you walked into the party last night with Stark."

"So, you're jealous?"

He smiled, "No. I'm not worried about that. The news on the telly has been replaying that bit….with you…all morning. They have been announcing your name and everyone assumes you are dating him."

"But, he told all of those reporters we weren't together."

He nodded his head. "I know. But, they conveniently, left that part out."

She sighed. "Damn. That's the reason everyone is calling me for photos."

"I imagine it will only get worse." He took her hand. "Jane, I want you safe. If you are here, I know you are safe. The greatest threat is you….falling down the stairs or off the cabinets."

She smiled. "Okay. I'll just climb in a chair-"

"Just! Ugh. I'll get you a stool or something. Don't climb on the cabinets."

She sighed as he pulled her back into his arms. "Jane, I want you to be safe. But, I want you to be comfortable, too. It's okay to say no to this."

She looked up in his eyes. "I just think it's too soon-"

"We're together every night anyway."

"Well, that's true. But-"

He held up his finger to tell her to wait. She looked confused at him as he leaned down and kissed her slowly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and felt his arms wrap around her waist and pick her up. Her tongue danced with his as she lost herself in his kiss. After a few moments, she felt herself sit down on the sofa in the sitting room. She opened her eyes and saw Lance sitting in front of her. He propped his arm on the back of the sofa and caressed her cheek. They looked into one another eyes for what seemed like a long time.

He told her quietly, "Jane. I already wanted to ask you this, but…I felt like it was too soon, too. What, with just finding out I'm not from here-"

She shook her head and put her hand on his thigh. "Lance. Please don't think that has anything to do with it. It doesn't. It never will."

He held her hand and exhaled in relief. He seemed to be having a hard time forming his words. "I….just worry….you'll….."

She smiled, "I'll what? Just say it Lance."

"You are the most beautiful creature I've ever seen in my life. You, leave me, breathless. I find it so hard to believe you….are even…..interested in me. That you….allow me to…."

She blushed. "Lance. I have such a great time with you. Especially, the sex."

He smiled, "As much as I enjoy that, it's not even my favorite part."

She giggled. "What's your favorite part?"

His lips crashed into hers. They snogged one another as she lay down on the sofa and felt his hand cup her breast through her shirt. She held his face with both of her hands. She moaned as he moved to kiss her neck. She could already tell where this was headed. At least she hoped it would. "Tell me you have something here."

He rose up and looked at her. "I don't."

"Damn! Are you serious?"

He groaned and sat up on the sofa. He covered his face. "Oh, this isn't good. Jane-"

"There's some at my place. There in the nightstand."

"Okay. I'll pop there in a bit."

She held him closely as they returned to their snogging. She straddled his waist and felt his hands, under her shirt, rubbing her breasts. Then suddenly he stopped. "New plan. I need a shower. I'm sorry, I completely forgot-"

She smiled, "It's alright, Lance."

"Go ahead and start the shower, and I'll be right there. We'll continue this there."

She looked into his eyes. "Bring more than one."

"Are we celebrating that you have said yes?"

"No. You're convincing me."

"Okay. I'm convincing you. Do you need anything else while I'm there?"

"No. Well, yes. My pillow."

He nodded, "Your pillow. Okay."

She wrapped her arms around him and they started to snog again. Lance tried to speak between their kisses, "Jane. Jane."

She stopped and looked at him.

"If we keep this up, I'm not going to be able-"

She laughed and put her finger over his lips. "Don't even finish that sentence. I'll go upstairs."

He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. "Okay. I need a minute."

She stood up and walked away from him. "Imagine me. Waiting for you. In the shower."

"That's really not helping this situation." He complained.

She giggled as she walked up the stairs. He typed something in on his arm and popped away.

XxxxxxXxxxxx