A/N: Ok I think I might attach an epilogue after this one, we'll see how things go. Glad you have enjoyed the story, thank you to all my wonderful reviewers, it would take too long to name you all but you know who you are and I want to thank you for your support.

Own Nothing.

The Doctor looked down at the sleeping form beside him, brushing the loose tendrils of chocolate hair back from her face. She murmured softly in her sleep but didn't stir, her hand slipping from its place over his hearts onto the white sheets covering them. Slipping out of the bed, the Doctor pulled on his suit trousers and shirt, creeping around the room so as not to wake the sleeping figure before him. He rifled in his jacket pocket, pulling out the TARDIS key and the small message disk Ero had given him. Picking up his plimsolls from the floor he tiptoed out of the room, clicking the door softly closed behind him. Perching on the ridiculously ornate couch Rose had insisted was Sumira's, he pulled on his shoes, groaning to himself as he realised how uncomfortable they were without socks but refusing to go back into the bedroom and risk waking Rose.

He crossed the room and pushed open the door, blinking as the light from the corridor hit his sleepy eyes full force. He ran a hand over them and shook his head, wishing he'd thought to pick up his glasses but again refusing to return. He made his way through the corridors, pausing now and then to admire the elegant statuettes and drapes that decorated the vast space, his own memories of Gallifrey, happy and sad, coming back to him as he walked. He passed one particular corridor and smiled to himself, an image of a small boy with light blonde hair and ridiculously long robes running towards him, arms spread wide. He saw his first incarnation, still young before his eyes, pick up the child, listening to the chatter that always echoed after any time apart. He shook his head as the memory faded, committing the feeling to his memory, life on Gallifrey hadn't always been bad.

Before he realised it, he was standing at the door to the landing bay. He pushed it open, causing a sleepy guard to jump to attention, laughing as he saw him holding his gun upside down but choosing not to comment as he was waved on by an unenthusiastic hand. He made his way over to the TARDIS, smiling as it sat side by side with the Valiant, the differences in them only visible to those who loved them well. He pushed open the door and felt the ship thrum back a welcome through the flooring grates. He flipped a few switches before inserting the small message disk into a port on the console. Flopping down into the captain's chair he waited as the grainy, black and white image flickered into view. Rose stood before him, still blonde he noticed by the lightness of her hair but the leather jacket already in place, wrapped around military issued combats. She smiled, that sweet innocent smile that he loved, the one he knew he wouldn't see her smile again despite her happiness because she had seen too much of the universe, seen too much evil. She fiddled nervously with the hem of her sleeve as if pondering what to say before a mischievous look passed over her features.

"This is emergency program one," she said in a ridiculous northern accent that set the Doctor laughing, "Doctor now listen."

The image laughed alongside the Doctor as he had to grip onto the seat to prevent him from falling off.

"I always wanted to do that," said the image of Rose but then her face fell into a more serious look, instantly sobering the Doctor, "If you're watching this Doctor then, well it means a lot of things. I don't know if you'll ever find a way through to this universe, I don't know if you'll come if you do but I'm recording this all the same. I gave this recording to my friend Ero here on Gallifrey, he works as a commander of the fleet under my President Mora, don't worry he's not a pretty boy but he is a very dear friend."

The Doctor sighed as he watched the image before him, seeing the play of emotions on her face as she spoke of her friends, laughing lightly at the pretty boy comment, he was glad that he could never consider Ero pretty.

"If you have this recording though Doctor it means that I have probably died but I'm sure, well I'm not sure but I hope that I died fighting for this wonderful planet that I have found. I found Gallifrey and I'm sure you will have found someone from Torchwood on Earth that has told you everything before you came here so I'll spare you the details. I just want to let you know some things that I never got to tell you. Its five years since I lost you, five years since I told you I loved you but you never said it back but that's ok, I understand. If you love me or if you don't that doesn't change how I feel and I don't want you to feel bad because I feel that way. You were the most wonderful person I have ever met, you were so many things to me its hard to express here now."

The Doctor felt the tears welling behind his eyes as she spoke, she had doubted his affections for her but she had forgiven him, went on loving him even though he had failed to tell her what he had wanted to since the day he took her hand. He watched her gentle smile, the light reflecting in her eyes as she spoke to him as if he was there.

"My darling Doctor," she continued, "Above and beyond all else you were my best friend. We did so much together, saw so many beautiful things and I don't regret a second of the time we spent together but you were more than a friend. I thought when I found Pete that I had found the man who was meant to be the most important in my life, my father but its only now I realise that I didn't need to find him at all. I know it sounds strange but you were like a father to me at the start, or a really annoying older brother, you taught me so much, protected me, nurtured me, made me a better person. You were there for me when my Dad couldn't be perhaps that's why we grew so close because you were always there for me to rely on."

The Doctor brushed the tears off his cheeks at her words, pride and love welling inside his chest as he thought her words the most elegant tribute he had ever received. He wanted to reach out and hug the image to him, tell her how proud he was of her but she did not stop to consider his tears, the image merely talking on, tears forming in her eyes.

"We used to lark around like brother and sister, I always wanted a big brother, someone to beat up my useless boyfriends but instead you just called the decent one an idiot. You'll be proud of him too Doctor, he's got a good job now and a lovely girlfriend, he did really well," Rose continued, her arms coming up to wrap around her frame, one hand straying under her collar to pull out the TARDIS key on a chain around her neck, fiddling with it as she continued as if it would give her strength.

"I don't know when our hugs became more than just a sign of friendship. I can't remember when my heart started to beat faster whenever you looked at me. I know it was before you regenerated, even with those big old ears of yours, that silly grin. You were so handsome, in both your incarnations but it was you, the man inside, that's who I fell for. My lonely god. The one I will always pray to. Doctor, darling Doctor. I hope you have other companions, I intend to take someone with me on my travels, always said it was better with two, and I hope you love them and show them everything you showed me. I am going to race through the stars like we always did, I'm going to live everyday as if its my last and I am going to give my heart and soul to the universe because that's what my teacher would have wanted, the man who is the most precious thing a universe can have. So I'll stop rambling now, I really am turning into you, I'll stop rambling and I'll just say, Doctor, I love you and I miss you and please don't cry for me because I'm happy, I'm free. Live on angel. Live on and fight on for everything you believe in and I'll be with you always, always your Rose Tyler."

The Doctor covered his eyes with his hand as the image blew him a delicate kiss and then winked out. He was glad he hadn't considered watching the message before Rose had returned to him, he knew if he had he would have died on the spot from his grief. He brought his knees up to his chest, hugging them close as he tried to calm himself, convincing himself that she was safe by his side and that he could return all the love she had given him in her words. He didn't hear the TARDIS door open, nor the gentle hiss as the disk was removed from the console and returned to the fabric of a pocket. He jumped in surprise as he felt two arms curl around his shoulders but then the familiar perfume hit his senses and he didn't need to open his eyes as he leant into the comforting embrace.

"I meant it all Doctor," said Rose softly against his hair, "And I mean it still but I don't want you to dwell on that message because we have a future now, we can live on together."

The Doctor looked up at her, laughing at himself as he considered what he must look like, "I've done nothing but cry these passed few days, you must think I'm a right weak git."

"Just a sentimental old fool," said Rose, "Come on, its still a few hours until sunrise and we both need the rest. Doctor, when we leave will you take me to Barcelona? You never did in the end."

"To Barcelona and back again," said the Doctor getting to his feet, "And then who knows where, we'll make it up as we go along."

"Sounds…"

"Fantastic," finished the Doctor as they left the TARDIS.

XXXX

Rose usually despised Senate Meetings but this time she had been the one to call it, summoning not just the Senate but all who had been close to her during her time on Gallifrey. She stood before them, dressed in her delicate silken robes and wearing them with pride rather than protest, smiling as she saw the acceptance on all the faces before her at last. Her heart wrenched slightly as she looked to her dearest friends, Rasillon, Ero and Sumira, all gazing up at her anxiously to hear her words. She looked to the Doctor on her right, dressed in his suit despite the fact that she had found his own ceremonial robes stuffed in the back of the TARDIS wardrobe. He held a package wrapped in plain brown paper under his arm, giving her a playful wink of encouragement as she caught his eye. Mickey did the same, the only one of Rose's friends who knew the meaning of the meeting she'd called.

Rose pulled in a breath, worrying her lower lip with her teeth but then letting her lips form a sad smile before she spoke.

"Life has changed for all of us here on Gallifrey," she began, frowning as her voice came out laced with emotion, "But the change is not all bad and that makes my decision all the easier. The new task force and exploration licences now introduced will ensure that the universe is under the constant care of the Time Lords and I know it will become a wonderful place to live. You all know my story now, who I am, how I came here, what I lost, what I regained."

At her last word she reached her hand down to the Doctor and he took it firmly, stepping up to the platform beside her, a steady and strong comfort at her side as she continued.

"I am so proud of what I know you will all achieve, of what this planet will become. I am only sad that I will not be here to see it."

Rose paused as she heard the audible gasps from the Senate and the devastated squeak from Sumira before she ran forward into Rose's waiting arms.

"Please, please don't go," begged Sumira, "Don't leave Rose."

Rose pulled back, pushing back Sumira's dark hair fondly from her face, "I have to," she said, "The Doctor cannot stay here and I can't be without him. I have to go but before I do I am still the Doctor on this planet and I am still a commander of the Presidential Fleet and so this I order you to do."

Rose released Sumira and took the wrapped parcel from the Doctor, opening it to pull out her leather jacket. She pushed Sumira's long ceremonial coat off her shoulders and wrapped the leather around her.

"The universe needs a Doctor," she said holding on to the collar as Sumira tried to shrug the coat off, "You have been with me for so long Sumi, you have been my best friend but you have also been my pupil."

"Rose please…" begged Sumira as Rose pulled back and pulled out the Valiant key and her sonic screwdriver. She placed them in the young Time Lord's hands, closing her fingers around them.

"The Valiant is yours now, as it always should have been by your birth right. Rasillon will tell you all you need to know about who you are but know this one thing also, you are the Doctor. You are the protector of this world and many others, you have the right to be a sarky little upstart and you have the right to be free."

"Rose I can't, I'm not…its your title," cried Sumira the tears flowing freely down her cheeks.

"It was never mine," said Rose, "But it can be yours. It is in your blood, in your heart and I know you will make me proud."

"But what about you?" said Sumira, "What will you do now? What will happen when you leave us."

"I'll become what I was born to be," said Rose, stepping back and taking the Doctor's hand, "I was born to be an assistant, a companion, a side kick and I wouldn't change it for the universe, either of them. So be strong and be free, all of you because you are my sun and my moon and my stars and I love you all so deeply. My Gallifrey, my people. Accept it Sumira."

The young Time Lord nodded, pulling the jacket on and fastening it, brushing the tears away from her cheeks and standing as tall as she could manage. She stood aside as Rasillon came up to Rose, taking her hands in his and pulling her a step away from the Doctor. Her caressed her cheek fondly before pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Brave, wise and beautiful," he muttered against her, "You will be sorely missed my dear. Perhaps, with careful consideration and planning we may be able to utilise the program that brought your Doctor here, perhaps enable you both to visit and look in on us from time to time."

"I'd like that," said Rose, "But first you must see to this universe and not others. Mora would be proud of what you are doing Rasillon, Gallifrey lives on, Gallifrey thrives."

"Thanks to the both of you," said Rasillon, extending a hand to the Doctor before placing Rose's back in its customary place, "Doctor, you may have lost your planet to the Time War but it was your intelligence that saved ours. If I may offer to you, however small amount of a consolation it may be, this place as your home, to be considered your home and these your people."

The Doctor nodded wordlessly, not trusting himself to speak but smiling all the same. Rose held him to her as she heard Rasillon dismiss the Senate and the hundred strong crowd leave the cavernous room. She felt the Doctor pull back, nodding towards a lone figure who sat on one of the high back chairs ahead of them. Rose smiled as the Doctor ushered all the other people from the room, leaving Rose alone in the Chancellor's company. Rose walked over and sat beside him, mimicking his stoic pose before reaching across and taking his hand.

"How often have we sat here like this?" she said, "The Senate meeting ends and we sit here alone, not needing to talk but needing to be here. Funny how little rituals develop."

"And yet we must break them," said Ero his voice barely reaching a whisper, "For every habit must be broken or it becomes an obsession that is too painful when it is lost. I did not break it soon enough, the only thing that is breaking are my hearts. Doctor…Rose, you mean beyond the universe to me, I don't know how to say goodbye."

"Then let's not say it," said Rose kneeling before him, "I do not leave for a few days so let's enjoy what we have left and then who knows what may happen to us all, who'd have thought we'd even be here, everything is changeable in the universe Ero but our friendship, that is constant."

"Promise me you'll be happy with him."

"That I can promise," said Rose hugging him to her.

XXXX

A small band of people gathered around the TARDIS as Rose made her emotional goodbyes to her friends. Sumira stood proud and tall in the black trade mark clothes Rose had sported only days before, the Valiant strong and silent behind her. Rose had already managed a tearful goodbye to her beloved ship, clearing all the designations in order for her new captain to take over. She patted the TARDIS fondly as she once again reminded herself that her freedom still existed. She hugged her friends to her individually, making promises that may yet go unfulfilled but needing to be said anyway. They had arrange to go to Earth to drop Mickey off before they left the universe, back into their true timelines, giving Rose a chance to say goodbye to Jackie, Pete and Angela but the Doctor knew as he watched from the TARDIS door that it was now, on a distant planet in a galaxy Rose had never heard of when she was small, that Rose was bidding her family goodbye. He felt no jealousy as he watched her press a kiss to Ero's lips in farewell nor as she did the same when she left Mickey on Earth later on.

The TARDIS hummed softly as Rose closed the door on the city behind her, Gallifrey had drained most of her emotions so the visit to London had exhausted her fully but when she looked up at the beaming face of the Doctor as he fiddled with co ordinates and danced the familiar dance round the console she couldn't have felt more alive. She smiled as he pulled her into a kiss before guiding her hands to the TARDIS controls.

"Thought you might like a go," he said stepping back from the console but Rose took her hands away.

"No," she said, "She's yours, besides, I much prefer being a passenger anyway. So then Doctor, where are we going?"

"Home," he said, wrapping an arm around her waist as he set the TARDIS in motion, "We're going home."

A/N: Yep, definitely going to have a little epilogue. Hope you enjoyed the story. I wanted to write a really teary goodbye scene for Rose but for some reason the screen kept getting blurry and my glasses were getting wet every time I tried so I gave up. I'm sure you can imagine the goodbyes though. Please review.

Nova x