Hey, look at me up-dating semi regularly. I'm so proud of myself. I also managed to dig up a load forgotten one-shots that I wrote during the series that got forgotten about. It was like finding buried treasure. Well… Maybe not treasure.
Also, I got myself the DVD box set in all it's TARDIS shaped glory. It's not healthy to stay up 'till 4am watching Doctor Who.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter, especially after the atrocious delay and those of you who then went off and reviewed all my other stories. You are mad, but I love ya.
Anyway, here's the next chapter.
Chapter Eight: Everybody Loves a WeddingRose rested her tired head on the bar as she stared blankly across the dimly lit room. Even though it had been a two months since the gassing and bombing, people were still reluctant to return to the haunt so business had been slow. Normally for Rose, this would be a god sent, but with the expenses of the repairs, extra security and dip in patronage, a cut in wages had been inevitable. Said pay cut had Rose working double shifts again, only going home to sleep. She glanced at the clock and sighed. There were still several hours to go and she was the only one on shift with the exception of the new guy. Helena had clocked off a few hours before hand and Ben wasn't due in until the morning.
Rose shot a wary look down the bar at the new guy, Spike. Ray had hired him as extra security and Rose didn't like him. He was rough with the customers and his fellow staff, quick to anger. He had that vacant look in his eyes that hinted that there wasn't much upstairs, and what was there was better left undisturbed. On more than one occasion Ray had had to have words with him. He knew he was scaring off customers, but the last thing any of them wanted was another bomb. Even Rose could accept that Spike was a needed addition, even if she didn't like it. She hadn't mentioned him to the Doctor yet, deciding he'd just worry more than usual if she informed him that she was now working with a man that would be instantly sanctioned and locked away back on Earth.
She hauled herself off the bar stool and wandered across to a new group of people that had just come through the door, momentarily letting in the weak light of the dull day. Her step faltered slightly when she saw the military uniforms they were wearing and shot Spike a glance mouthing 'army' to him. He nodded quickly and got back to pretending to clean the bar. Rose sauntered up to the table the group of men had claimed for themselves with all the tough class she was brought up with. She threw a fake smile at them, all teeth and batting her eye lashes.
"What can I get you guys?"
One of the men stood, towering over Rose. "We need to talk to the owner of this establishment." His tone was cold and Rose flashed him another smile.
"He's not in at the moment, but I'd be glad to take a message."
"Then we need to talk to whoever's in charge."
Rose sighed inwardly. "That'd be me then." She said with her best innocent face.
Two more of the men stood and the first looked down at her. "Is there somewhere more… private we could talk? Commander Lar sent us here in connection with the bombing two months ago."
Rose's smile didn't falter and she was surprised at herself when she didn't shudder at the mention of the mans name.
She kept smiling and nodded. "Sure. Follow me." She turned, leading the three men into the back kitchen. She paused at the bar. "Hey Spike, take care of the other gentlemen. On the house."
Rose took off her apron and laid it over the back of a chair and turned to the three hulking men that took up most of the small room.
"Are you sure I can't get you anything?"
"We are here due to suspicions that the management of this establishment are sympathisers with the Anaxine terrorists."
Rose sucked in a breath. This was dangerous territory.
"I can't think of how you might think that."
"How else could the gas device be planted in the air vent?"
The man leaned in close to Rose. The moment seemed almost laughable to her, because all she could think was 'He's uglier than most aliens I've seen. Including the Jagrafess.' She kept a straight face and stood her ground.
"Well, the air vent itself is far from the bar in a corner, and the old windows didn't let in much light. Also, there was a hold up two days before the incident and another two and a half weeks before hand. It could have been planted during anyone of those."
The man frowned at her and leaned in closer. "If you're lying…"
"Both hold ups were reported and are on police record. Go check if you want. I also have the phone records of the emergency calls."
The man took a step back and straightened his jacket. "There will be more investigation in this matter."
Rose nodded. "Yes, I've no doubt you'll be back."
The three men exited the room and left Rose alone. As soon as the door shut she slumped against the counter top and sighed. She looked out the window and stared at the grey sky wistfully.
"I swear Doctor," she muttered to herself "if you don't fix that TARDIS soon I'm going to go…"
"… insane! Ray is going to flip when he hears about those guys."
Rose looked at Spike as she sat on the bar stool and poured herself another shot. When she had emerged from the kitchen all other customers had left, scared off by the presence of the military. She shook her head and looked back at the burly man across from her, much less frightened of him than of the men that had just left.
"I don't need this kind of stress, you know?" She didn't give him a chance to answer.
"I mean, I have enough to worry about. Keeping that bloody man fed and dry for one.
Getting out of this place for another. Do you think we meant to stay here? No, we were just passing through, but we got stuck. Do you know how long I've been here?"
Spike shook his confused head as he looked at the increasingly inebriated woman in front of him.
"Ten months! That's like… That's like forever to me, and him. Well, maybe not him. That's like a second for him, but still… The last time I stayed anywhere that long was before I went anywhere. When I was at home, but home isn't home anymore. That bloody box is." She knocked back another glass of amber liquid and grabbed the bottle.
"I need to get out of here. Need to be back there." She threw another shot down her throat.
"Rose!"
The girl in question giggled and looked up at a spot behind Spike where an angry Ray was standing.
"Oops, he's back."
He marched around the bar and pulled the bottle of alcohol out of Rose's hand. "What the hell are you doing? I should fire you right now, and where are all the customers?" he bellowed.
Rose placed her hands over her ears. "Ow. It's not like there were many customers anyway, but they scared them away."
Ray raised an eyebrow at his drunken friend. "They who?"
"They, the army they. They came asking questions. Lar sent them." She made a face.
Ray paled and Rose took the bottle from him before he dropped it.
"Lar? Was he here?"
Rose shook her head. "Nope. Do you see a broken jaw? They said they thought we were sympathisers, that we planted the gas thingy."
"Shit." Ray slumped onto a bar stool and threw back the shot that Rose poured for him.
"I gave them all that about the hold ups and the phone records."
"Good girl." They both downed another shot.
"We are in major trouble."
"Yup"
Another drink.
"Maybe we should actually close for once. Not like anyone's gonna come in before dawn."
"Yeah. See you tomorrow?"
Rose turned her head to look at her boss. "You gave me the next two days off, 'member? I've got that bonding ceremony to go to."
"Oh, yeah. Crap. You're useful to have around."
"Forget it. I already faced the bloody murder brigade on my own. Someone else's turn next."
"Right. Go home. Be careful."
Rose stumbled off her seat and grabbed her coat. "I'm always careful. It's my middle name that."
Ray laughed. "That's the biggest lie I ever heard, and you're not usually drunk."
Rose made her way to the door, waving him off. "Kay, bye. Watch out for scary army men."
The Doctor looked up as Rose came through the door, weaving her way across the floor of the control room. Dog was curled up in a chair and didn't even lift an eye lid as she entered. He rolled his eyes.
"Hmmph, some guard dog you picked up there. You're home early."
He slid out from under a grid and she nodded as she made her way towards him.
"Yup. Army came. Bastards, just adding stress to my da… oops!"
Her toe caught in a grid and she flew forward. The Doctor jumped forwards to catch her and lifted her up, setting her on her feet. He grimaced as he smelt her breath.
"You're drunk." He accused as he took a step back to look at her.
She swayed slightly. "Needed a drink or two after that."
"Or ten you mean." He said sharply as he put a hand out to steady her.
She stumbled and landed against his chest. She sighed happily and threw her arms around him.
"Miss you when I'm working you know?" She looked up at him, lifting a hand to his face. "My Doctor. Mine."
He blanched and flushed in quick succession. . "You are very drunk. Come on."
She squealed as he lifted her up and threw her over his shoulder. "Bed."
"But I'm not tired."
"Liar."
He dumped her unceremoniously onto his bed and turned as she wriggled out of her jeans, leaving her only in a t-shirt and underwear. She slipped under the sheets and he made to leave when her hand shot out, grabbing his jumper.
"How long has it been since you slept?"
Her eyes were closed but her face was turned towards his.
"Not long. I…"
She tugged more firmly on his jumper and he gave in. It had been awhile since he'd gotten a good nights rest. At least a week or two. He'd gotten snatches of sleep here and there, but nothing substantial. He changed and got under the covers with his companion and felt her small form curl up next to him. He put his arm around her, despite himself. As if he could have done anything else.
Rose woke up the next morning to an empty bed, a sore head and a hazy memory. She groaned as she rolled out from under the covers and slouched towards the bathroom. She nearly screamed when she saw her own reflection in the mirror and hurriedly jumped into the shower.
The Doctor looked up as Rose entered the control room and grinned at her as she pulled a face.
"Good morning."
She grimaced at him. "Speak for yourself."
"Well that's your own fault."
"No it's not." She objected, waving a spanner in his direction. "It's the fault of the big scary army men. They drove me to the bottle. Did I make a tit of myself last night?"
He raised an eyebrow at her. "Can you really not remember much?"
She shook her head as she dropped herself into a chair. "I remember the army guys coming about and scaring all the customers away. I remember a few shots and then a vaguely remember you throwing me over your shoulder. Was that really necessary?"
"Yes. You must have been more drunk than I thought."
"You never answered my question." Rose stared at the Doctor as Dog jumped up into her lap. The Doctor continued working, studiously avoiding her gaze.
"Doctor!"
He ducked as a shoe flew over his head. "Oi. What was that for?"
"Answer the question."
He sighed. "No Rose. You were a perfectly well behaved drunk. You fell over twice though."
She stood, earning a disgruntled whine from Dog. "Fine. If you don't want to tell me the truth I'll see you later. I need to get ready for tonight."
She was just out the door when the Doctor grabbed her arm. She spun around with a glare and he looked down at her.
"… What's tonight?"
She frowned at him. "C'trina's bonding ceremony. Remember?"
"Oh, that. Well… I don't think…"
"No, Doctor, you're coming. You promised you would."
"But…"
"No buts. That's final." She took a step back from him. "And you're going to have to wear something nicer than that."
He looked down at himself. "What's wrong with this jumper?"
Rose headed off down the corridor. "It's that jumper."
The Doctor simply grumbled something about domestics and returned to his work in the control room.
The Doctor walked into the wardrobe room and looked up and down the immense stairs, trying to spot his companion.
"Rose? Rose wh… hey! Watch it." He shouted as a dress landed on him.
"Well, get out of the way then." Her voice came from a few levels up.
He began his way up the stairs, Dog dancing at his heels. "Would you stop messing up my wardrobe?"
She turned as he appeared on her level. "It's not like it wasn't a mess before. Do you think this is too dressed up?"
She turned on the spot and the Doctor was temporarily struck dumb. She was wearing a long black satin dress that clung to every curve and left little to the imagination.
"Umm…"
She nodded. "Yeah. You're right."
"I am?"
"Too dressy. Don't want to look too rich. People might get suspicious. But what do
you wear to a bonding ceremony?"
The Doctor turned quickly as the black satin dress hit the floor and cursed as his eyes fell on her reflection in the mirror in front of him. She had her back turned and was completely oblivious to what she was doing to him as she bent over in nothing but a black lace bra and matching under ware. He let out a small strangled sound and closed his eyes.
There was silence for what seemed like eternity and he thought she might have caught him but then he felt her hand on his shoulder.
"Are you ok Doctor?"
He opened his eyes and she was fully dressed, wearing dressy black trousers, a sleeveless black top with a silver shawl draped over her shoulders.
"I'm … fine."
She frowned at him and leaned in closer and the Doctor had to prevent himself from taking a step backwards.
"When was the last time you slept?"
"Last night. You wouldn't let me leave."
Rose was the one to take a step back and blushed. "Sorry."
He smiled at her. "No problem. So," he said with a sigh. "what should I wear for this thing?"
She smiled and practically skipped towards the clothes.
The Doctor shifted uncomfortably in the unfamiliar clothes as they walked down the road.
"Will you stop messing about."
"I'm not."
"You are. Now, come on."
The Doctor sighed and obeyed. It was the least he could do considering the amount of work Rose had put in since they'd been stuck here. He was just glad she'd let him keep his leather jacket. He was wearing black dress slacks and a grey shirt.
"Because I know how much you love colour." She had said as she had handed them to him.
He followed his small friend around another corner. It was a mild night but Rose still hugged her silver shawl around her small form.
He looked down at her. "You cold?"
She just shrugged. "Not really."
"You're shivering."
"It's nothing."
He frowned at her but she pointed at a house before he had a chance to say anything.
"Here we are."
"She's getting married in her own house?"
"You try getting anywhere public at the moment."
"… Good point."
Rose hurried up the front steps and knocked eagerly on the door. Said door was flung opened by Vaslav and his best friend, whom Rose knew from the bar, a tall man named Evan. Rose smiled and hugged the two men as they chatted. The Doctor watched Rose interact with these people, surprised by the level of familiarity, but then again, she'd been around them for ten months now. It's possible one of them knew her better than he did. Ok, so they didn't know where she really came from or what she had seen, but he'd spent so little time with his companion he felt like he was forgetting her. What was her favourite drink? When was her favourite time of the day? What pair of shoes was the favouring this month? They were such little things but they were what made Rose, Rose and he was afraid he moving to far away to be able to see her.
He felt a tug on his hand and was brought back to the situation at hand as Rose dragged him forward.
"Vaslav, Evan this is David, my house mate. David, Vaslav and Evan."
The Doctor shook the hands of both men and Evan smiled warmly at him.
"Ahh the mythical David. Nice to finally know our Rose wasn't just making you up."
Our Rose? The Doctor frowned.
Rose gave the man a light slap. "Evan, be nice."
He laughed deeply. "Only for you. The rest of the guests are out back and C'trina is upstairs. She told me to send you up."
Rose nodded. "Ok. Come on." She tugged on the Doctors arm again.
"You are not leaving me down here are you?" He asked as she led him through the house and to the back garden.
"You'll be fine. Just stand in the corner and look menacing and sulky. Like you usually do." Rose glanced around for some familiar faces, but found none.
"Oi. I'm a regular socialite in the right company."
"Yeah, like when the Moxx of Balhoon or the Face of Boe is around. But, if we're somewhere I want to be, you sulk."
The Doctor rolled his eyes. "Rose…"
"No. Don't let me stop you having a crap night. I'm going upstairs. Take care of yourself."
She turned on her heel and stalked back into the house. The Doctor stared after her and sighed. Maybe this was the one adventure they just couldn't face together; normal life. He turned and raised an eyebrow as he came face to face with tall man, early twenties. He had olive skin and his long hair was pulled away from his face.
"You upset Rose?"
"What's it your business?" The Doctor was in no mood to deal with some cocky ass hole like the one standing in front of him.
"I like Rose. You upset Rose, you upset me. And I won't just walk away neither."
"Look, it's none of your business. We'll sort it out."
The man held his arm out, blocking the Doctor's escape. "Who're you anyway? Aint seen you around before."
"I'm the Doc… My name is David. I'm Rose's… housemate."
The man suddenly lowered his arm. "Oh. Heard a lot about you. I'm Andreus."
Rose sat in the window of the upstairs room, looking down over the guests. She saw the Doctor talking with Andreus. Neither of them looked happy. She shook her head in despair and looked away. That's his own business. A hand waved in front of her face.
"Hello, C'trina to Rose. You ok?"
Rose smiled at her friend. "Yeah. Yes. I'm fine."
C'trina looked over her shoulder and down at the guests, spotting who Rose was watching.
"Something happen with David?"
"Huh? Oh, we… had a small fight. It's nothing. Forget about that, this is all about you!"
C'trina shook her head. "Nope. I will not have you miserable at my bonding ceremony. Now, what's the problem?"
"It's just; he always sulks and stuff when I take him out. He never likes the things that
I want to do. This is the first thing I've asked him to do in over two years. And I just don't see him any more. It's stupid."
C'trina smiled. "You're afraid that he's forgetting you."
"No, I'm angry that he never acts civil to my friends or family."
"And you're afraid that you don't know each other anymore."
Rose flopped back on the bed. "Where are you getting this from? It was a very simple disagreement."
C'trina sat down beside Rose with a small smile. "I know things. It was exactly the same when Vaslav was forced into service. I never saw him. Maybe once a week. When he was home, he was too tired or angry to talk to me really. Then he got injured and was discharged. Of course, when all that was happening, I knew I was in love with him as opposed to you two, who are in denial."
Rose sat up, looking at her with a frown. "I've already told you, it's not…"
"Not like that. Yeah yeah, save it for your mother. If you two buried your feelings anymore, you wouldn't be visible for the sand. Now, I'm going to ask you a very, very simple question. Do you love him?"
Rose stared at her. "I… that is so mean."
"You see? Plain as day."
Rose simply shook her head. "So, let's get you ready then."
"You're going to have to face it sooner or later."
"Shut up and get dressed."
C'trina laughed and pulled her dress from the closet.
"Wow."
"Think Vaslav will like it?"
"I think he won't be able to talk."
"Good. That's the point."
Rose descended the stairs and motioned to Evan to start getting the guests seated. She entered the garden and waved at several people before casting her gaze about for the Doctor. She finally spotted him leaning up against the wall sipping a glass of water. She began to make her way towards him but instead crashed into a chest. A pair of hands caught her before she toppled backwards. She blew some hair out of her eyes and looked up.
"Andreus. Hi."
"Hey hot stuff. In a hurry?"
"I've got to apologise to someone."
"That David guy. He upset you?"
"Yes. No. I mean, yes but it wasn't all his fault. I don't want any trouble between you two."
Andreus laughed and ran a hand through his hair. "It's ok. Talked to him. He's alright I suppose."
"Well, you keep supposing." Her eye caught a flash of green behind him and she tensed.
"The army's here?"
Andreus looked around. "Naw. That's my brother. He was drafted. Just got off duty. He's gonna get changed now."
Rose relaxed and he frowned.
"You're on edge. What happened?"
Rose sighed and began to relate the events of the previous day.
The Doctor watched with a frown as Rose smacked into Andreus and he grabbed her shoulders before she fell. His frown increased as Andreus' hands stayed where they were as they began to talk. He continued to watch as a variety of emotions crossed Rose's face as they talked in hushed voices. He suddenly found his view blocked by a lot of brown hair and a familiar face.
"Helena." His voice was tense and tired.
"Hi David. It's been so long. How've you been?"
She gave him a hug which he eventually reciprocated.
"Busy. You?"
"Oh, you know. Same old, same old. I swear I still have whip lash from that bomb. I don't know how Rose survived. She was closer than anyone else. She should be dead."
The Doctor shuddered at the thought. "Was there something in particular you wanted?"
Helena shrugged off the sharp remark. "I was just wondering how you were and also would you…"
"Hey Helena." Rose gave her friend a hug. "Come on David, time to take our seats."
"Why? Do we get special seats?"
"Yup, front row."
"Oh." Helena looked between them. "Um… I'll go find my friend."
The Doctor followed Rose down between the chairs until she gestured to some seats and he took his place beside her. Rose kept glancing at him and he finally turned to her.
"What?"
She frowned. "I just wanted to apologise for snapping at you earlier, that's all."
"Oh. Sorry."
She sighed. "It's ok. I'm just tired. If I don't get off this planet soon, I'm going to crack."
The Doctor grinned at her and slipped his hand into hers, squeezing it lightly.
"I know. Me and my jiggerypokery, right?"
She shook her head. "I love it."
He looked at her for a moment and then blinked. She looked away, concentrating on the decoration at the front of the garden.
He squeezed her hand again. "I have something to tell you."
She looked up at him. "Yeah?"
"The TARDIS."
"Don't tell me it's gotten worse again. I'd prefer not to know."
"I'll have it fixed by tomorrow evening at the latest."
Her eyebrows shot up. "You're kidding?"
"I never kid."
She let out a scream of joy and threw herself at the Doctor, knocking them both over. She grabbed his face and kissed him.
"Oh, I love you, you know that."
"I…"
Rose suddenly seemed to have realised what she did and said and quickly lifted herself off him before he could say anything else. She dusted herself off and looked at the Doctor who was doing the same thing. She gave him a thump in the arm.
"Ow. What was that for?"
"You stupid git, why didn't you tell me before? And don't give me any of your sorry old excuses."
"I didn't want to get your hopes up. Last time I did that, I got my own hammer to the head."
She nodded and smiled at him. It was that full watt Rose smile that had been lacking in the last few months. He was glad to see it again. Rose looked around and blushed, turning back to face the front of the garden. The Doctor glanced around and noticed that all eyes were on them. He turned and grinned, winking at Rose.
She grinned back. "Thought I told you not to make a scene."
"Well, how was I supposed to know you'd throw yourself at me?"
Rose blushed again and hissed at him to be quiet as C'trina appeared at the door.
The ceremony lasted just over an hour and was beautiful. It was simple due to circumstances, but Rose thought it was much better than any of the expensive and gaudy shows that you often got back home. A cheer went up from the guests as the ceremony concluded and Rose smiled. These people deserved just a little bit of joy in their lives. The Doctor breathed a sigh of relief as the guests began to filter inside for drinks and the reception. He wasn't used to standing so long, and he was still a little thrown by Rose's words earlier. Not to mention the kiss. Right now, what he really wanted to do was get back to his TARDIS and get it fixed quicker.
He turned to the girl beside him. "Rose, I'm gonna…"
"No, you're not."
The Doctor frowned at her. "Rose."
"Please Doctor. Just an hour. The TARDIS can wait that long. Just give me an hour and then I'll go home with you."
"Home, as in…"
She shook her head. "Wrap your brain around this, will you. Home, as in the TARDIS. Home as in the blue box that is sitting in a house around the corner, that just so happens to be bigger on the inside. Got it?"
He grinned at her. "Got it. But just an hour ok?"
"Yes." She smiled at him. "Now, I'm going to talk to a few people, so you keep out of trouble."
"I'm mildly insulted by that remark."
"Just try not to insult anyone, or blow anyone up."
"I'll sit on the couch and not move."
"Good."
"Are you going to say good bye?"
She paused for a moment. "Not to most people. Too much explaining to do."
He nodded and watched as she disappeared into the crowd.
Rose approached the small crown surrounding Vaslav and C'trina and caught C'trina's eye as she did. The newlywed excused herself and walked over to Rose, giving her a hug.
Rose laughed. "Congratulations. How does it feel?"
C'trina simply smiled. "And I see you and David made up as well."
Rose smiled back at her friend. "Yeah. Always do in the end."
"And…?"
"And, nothing."
C'trina rolled her eyes. "One day…"
"Yeah, listen. I have to tell you something."
The red head in front of Rose looked at her expectantly.
"I won't be around after tomorrow. I'm leaving for good."
"Oh."
"I just wanted to tell you. So you wouldn't worry. I'm not telling many people."
"Where… Where are you going? Somewhere safer? Another continent? Because you know, no where's safe on this god forsaken planet."
Rose shook her head. "I know. And I wouldn't call it safer by a long shot. Let's just say I'm going home."
C'trina looked at her for a moment and then pulled her into another hug. "Ok. I won't ask again. I'll be sorry to see you gone. You're the only one who pay's the rent on time."
"Oh, so that's what you think of me. Glad to know."
"Oh, shut up and let's get a drink."
The Doctor sat on the couch, thinking about his companion. She had kissed him and then told him that she loved him. Was that true, or was it just an exclamation due to the excitement of the moment. Did he love her? Yes. He knew that. He knew it the first time he thought she was dead, when that bloody Dalek had her. The complete shattering of his hearts and soul had proved that much to him. He was hopelessly in love with Rose Tyler. He'd never acted on it though, never though she might reciprocate his feelings. He was a Time Lord, she was a human girl. Eventually, she would see sense and leave, and he would move on. He had accepted that a long time ago. And now… He sighed. Now, there was a glimmer of hope and it was killing him. What had kept him sane over the last two years was the certainty that it would never work.
The Doctor was contemplating all this at the bottom of a glass when voice disturbed his reverie.
"Hiya David."
"Helena."
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing important." He lied as he placed his wine glass down on the table in front of him.
"Listen, I was going to ask you earlier, do you want to go out sometime. You know, just you, me, a drink."
"I don't think so Helena."
He turned to look at her and found her much closer to his face.
She smiled and leaned closer. "Are you sure I can't change your mind?"
Suddenly her lips collided with his and he fell backwards so that she was lying on top of him as they stretched across the couch. The Doctors shock had just worn off when someone coughed beside them, causing Helena to look up. The Doctor was just glad to have her off his face when he looked around to see who had made the noise.
Helena smiled and laid her head on the Doctors chest. "Hey Rose. Me and David were just having a chat."
The Doctor couldn't quite move as he looked at Rose. She looked back with an unreadable expression on her face.
"Right. I… I'm heading home."
With that she turned and was gone. The Doctor made to get up and follow her but Helena still had her whole weight on top of him and he didn't want to hurt her or cause a scene.
"So…" She sighed and he rolled his eyes. "Where were…"
She stopped speaking. Her head was still resting on his chest and she frowned at what she heard. Thump-thum-thump-thum. She raised her head and looked at him, dawning realisation and fear crossing her face.
"Helena…"
"You… You're not Fiean. What are you? Where are you from?"
He put a hand on her shoulder, but she jumped away.
"Get away from me." She got up and fled the room.
The Doctor growled to himself. Which woman to follow?
"Rose? Rose!"
The young woman from London continued to walk quickly down the road, despite the man calling out to her from behind. Unfortunately, his legs were longer than hers. Rose tried to swipe away the angry tears on her cheeks before he stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
He sighed as he saw the dampness on her face. "Rose."
She summoned up ever inch of pride she had and looked at him. She would not be seen crying over the stupid git.
"Yes? I thought you were off having a last night fling with Helena."
The Doctor rolled his eyes. "There you go, jumping to conclusions."
"Well, it's a human weakness. I tend to believe in what I see."
She side stepped him and continued on the path back to the house. He growled again and turned to follow her.
"Rose. Stop it. Just…" He grabbed her arm tightly, pulling her back to him. "Just talk to me. I know you're angry but…"
"Why would I be angry? It's none of my business. You're more than old enough to make your own decisions and I just want to go home, so why don't you…"
She was suddenly cut off by the feel of the Doctors lips on hers. The kiss was soft and sweet, not what either of them had expected of the moment. The Doctors hand was still firmly around Rose's arm, but the other had curled around her, pulling her closer. Rose practically melted into his arms after a moment, her hands slipping around her neck. When he finally broke the kiss she looked up at him, confusion, joy, love and still a little bit of hurt in her eyes.
"But what about…"
"That was just her."
Rose smiled a tiny bit, resting her forehead against his shoulder. "Don't tell me, she forced herself on you."
"Exactly. She's not my type."
Rose let out a laugh that sounded suspiciously like a sob. "What is your type then?"
He still couldn't see her face so he stepped back a bit.
"Oh, about this high." His hand hovered just above her head. "Brown eyes, great smile, likes running from aliens, saving the world and travelling in a beat up blue box."
Rose laughed and a few more tears slipped down her cheeks. "That was really cheesy, you know."
The Doctor smiled. "That hurts." And he wiped some of the tears from her face.
"I love you, Rose Tyler. Unequivocally, the only one for me."
"So, not Helena then."
He laughed and pulled her close. "Not Helena."
He bent his head and kissed her again, more passionately this time and when the broke apart, they were both breathless.
"Doctor?"
"Yeah?"
"I meant it earlier. When I said I loved you."
"I know."
She laughed and laid her head on his chest as his strong arms circled her, taking comfort in the familiar thump-thum-thump-thum.
"You think you're so impressive."
He simply held her tighter.
End Chap.
Phew, that was a long one. My wrists hurt.
Well, wattcha think. There will be more Nine/Rose stuff to come, that I far from it. Also, I apologise for the fluffiness attack. It's a weakness of mine.
Please, please, please leave a contribution in the little box.
Slán.