A/N: This chapter was really a co-author with my twin sister and beta reader Rhiannon, as she did more editing in this one than the rest of them. I take total credit for the rest however :-P

Ooh!Thanks to Annie, Toniboo, gatermage, HoVis(I'm glad someone pointed that out! I'm pleased that some people do careabout grammar), eeveekitty85, fallenavalon,The Doctor's Tenth Companion, Mousewolf, rosetylerroxand Star-Stallion.

I'm also thankful for the peoplewho have put me as a favouriteor analert, asthat is really nice. Okies! On with the story.

Tea, biscuits and resolutions

Rose ran into the kitchen and sat down at the table. The Doctor put the cups down in front of her with a plate of ginger biscuits. Rose stared at the mug, still thinking about what the Doctor was about. He made brilliant tea, but that really didn't say much about him. She took a sip. Yep, certainly one of the best things she had in a long time. Maybe that is how she could sum up the Doctor in general. He seemed so wonderful and this tea has kind of reminded her of that fact, everything he did really did that. But there was still the question of exactly who he was playing on her mind.

The Doctor was also looking at the tea. What was in the tea that had sped up his regeneration; he was fascinated. He looked up at Rose and she looked worried, confused even. He wanted to know what it was about- he was scared that she might ask to be taken home.

"Rose, what's wrong?" The Doctor asked, concern was read easily in his eyes. She looked up quickly.

"It's nothing," she lied but the Doctor could easily read it.

"I know it's not nothing. Please tell me," he pleaded.

"I don't want to, it's about you," Rose admitted, looking into the tea again, unable to meet his questioning gaze.

"Well, what about me is bothering you?" He asked, using his free hand that wasn't around holding the mug, he tilted her chin upwards to make her look him in the eyes.

"Okay," she sighed, this was going to be difficult,"I've got that you're still the Doctor, but you've changed and now I don't know who you really are. You're still confusing to me."

"I can't answer that myself! But when I know I will tell you. What I can promise you is that while you are with me I will protect you. I care for you too much to let you get hurt," his voice dropped to a whisper before begging, "please don't leave."

Rose stayed quiet after that, but she smiled at him. He was still the same man and yes, she loved him. She gave the hand that still held her chin a reassuring squeeze.

"I won't," she said, then drank her tea.

The Doctor was relieved that Rose had said she would stay; he couldn't bare it if she decided to leave. He considered what he said to Rose, if he was to protect her then maybe he would have to do domestic. But what would that be like? He thought about that question and realised that it would be what they're doing now but instead of her being only his companion she would be so much more. It would be lovely. Now he had his head around that, maybe he could think about tea. He drank his cup, taking a ginger biscuit from the plate to nibble.