A/N: Thanks to all who have reviewed so far, please keep them coming.

This chapter there is the return of a familiar face ;)

Chapter Twelve.

Rose and the Doctor lazed about talking and laughing, taking in turns to hold and cuddle Theta, crooning over how sweet and small he was. Neither of them voiced their fears on where exactly they'd go when the TARDIS was ready, or what they'd do. They didn't want to spoil the moment.

The Doctor gazed down at Theta, who was fast asleep and bundled up in Rose's arms. The baby was dribbling slightly as he slept, his tiny fists clawing the air as he squirmed, getting more comfortable. He was the sweetest thing the Doctor had ever seen and made his hearts melt. And then he gazed at Rose, who was beginning to doze off. The Doctor was sure he'd never seen anything so beautiful, her hair all messed up and untidy. She was perfect.

Several hours passed and the Doctor drifted in and out of a light sleep. Normally he wouldn't bother sleeping, but after all these events he was exhausted. Theta filled his makeshift nappy again and Rose wiped him down before leaving him naked in her arms. There was nothing else to do but sleep, so that's what they all did. The Doctor was dozing quietly, dreaming. He was passionately kissing Rose, and there was a baby in her arms. His baby. Their baby. His dream was interrupted by a familiar noise and he sprung to his feet, grinning. The TARDIS was grinding and grating, her light flashing, signalling that she was ready.

"Rose!" the Doctor cried happily, his hair standing up on end comically. "Rose, she's ready! The TARDIS is ready to go!"

"Whassat?" Rose mumbled, dragging herself from sleep and sitting up. Theta let out a warning cry and Rose jiggled him gently, soothing him.

"Come on!" the Doctor practically squeaked. "We can go!"

Rose hauled herself to her feet, carefully holding the baby to her chest and staggered towards the TARDIS with the Doctor's coat being dragging along behind.

"Here," she said with a grin, handing Theta to the Doctor. "First things first, I need the toilet."

The Doctor rolled his eyes and carefully supported the baby's head, watching as Rose pulled out her TARDIS key and opened the door. The bloodcurdling scream that escaped her lips sent chills of terror down the Doctor's spine and he hurried in after her, bracing himself for what might be in there.

"Long time no see," came the American drawl and the Doctor's jaw dropped. There, leaning casually against the console, was none other than Captain Jack Harkness.

"But what… how did… what?" The Doctor knew he was spluttering but he didn't care. He was too shocked for anything else.

"Jack!" Rose squealed and threw herself into the arms of the laughing captain.

"You two have been busy while I was away," Jack said as he eyed the baby in the Doctor's arms.

"Long story," the Doctor said, glowering.

"His name is Theta," Rose beamed, dragging Jack over to see. "Isn't he beautiful?"

She sounded so proud and the Doctor longed to share this moment with her, but he knew he couldn't. It was another man's child, even though he planned to raise it. If Rose let him, of course.

"Just you wait til he hits puberty," Jack said. "I'll teach him everything he needs to know."

"I certainly hope not," Rose laughed. "Anyway, I really need to pee and I'm gonna take Theta with me. He needs a nappy and something to wear."

"You know where the wardrobe is," the Doctor said as he handed Theta over. "There should be baby clothes lying around up there somewhere."

He waited until Rose had left the room before turning to face the handsome captain.

"Jack, how?"

"I can't die, remember? Something happened, your fault I expect, and everyone got sucked into the Void. Everything. Me included."

"That was Rose's handiwork actually," the Doctor said, making light of the situation. "Anyway, how did you end up in here?"

"Floating around in nothing. Didn't know how long it had been. No time in there. Next thing I know I was inside here. Must've detected me somehow."

"Mmm," the Doctor said, looking away. He didn't know how to handle this situation and any moment now, Jack would ask…

"Doctor?" Here it came… "What happened?"

"I don't want to talk about it Jack," he said quietly. "Not yet. Maybe one day. But I want you to know something, so you don't ask in front of Rose. That child isn't mine."

Jack whistled. "Wow, that's a shock. Whose is it?"

"A parallel version of me. Don't argue, we're completely different men. He was nothing like me."

"Was?"

"Please, not now," the Doctor whispered and after a long pause Jack nodded.

"So are you and Rose together now or what?"

"I don't know," the Doctor answered honestly. "We kissed. Theta had just been born, and was sleeping. We'd just named him. And we kissed."

"Full on snog?" Jack queried and the Doctor frowned.

"Snog doesn't sound very romantic, but yes I suppose it was."

"There you go, then," Jack said happily, crossing his arms over his chest proudly.

"I kissed her," the Doctor said thoughtfully. "What if she didn't want me to?"

"Did she kiss you back?"

"Yes, but her hormones and emotions are in a tangle at the moment. What if she regrets it now?"

"Has she shown any regret? Been awkward? Anything like that?"

"Well, no…"

"Case closed," Jack said firmly. "Doctor, she's loved you ever since she first saw you. Well, from the first moment I met you two I knew you both loved each other. It was clear as day."

The Doctor sighed. "Oh Jack, if only it were that simple. She's been gone a long time. Years."

"Thought she'd aged a bit," the captain commented. "How old is she now?"

"Thirty at the most," the Doctor said with a shrug. "But during this time she fell in love with another man. And that's his child."

"She was missing you, and he was a version of you so she shagged him."

The Doctor snorted derisively. "Jack, you have such a way with words."

"Sure do," he said with a wink and they both laughed. For that moment their laughter rang out and the Doctor felt genuinely happy. Why was he complaining? He was back in his TARDIS with two of his greatest companions to date, and they were his two best friends. Life was good.

"Doesn't he look sweet?" Rose's happy voice rang out and the two men turned around to see the beaming woman holding Theta who was dressed in a tiny soldier's outfit. Jack was thrilled and raced over to sweep up the infant.

Rose and the Doctor exchanged a glance, both noticing that Jack was clearly competent with children. He was supporting the baby's head, cooing and clucking as he inspected the novelty outfit with obvious joy.

"Captain," the Doctor said, trying to hide the amusement from his voice. "Not feeling somewhat motherly are we?"

Rose couldn't contain her laughter and buried her face in her hands. The Doctor also burst out laughing as Jack flashed them a mock-hurt expression.

"Rose, go and dress him in something sensible," the Doctor said once they'd all recovered from their hysteria.

"Oh, but he looks so cute!" Jack protested with wide-eyed innocence.

Rose giggled and carried Theta back to the wardrobe. When she returned the Doctor was relieved to see she'd dressed him in a sensible blue jumpsuit for newborns. He looked awfully content yet sleepy.

"He needs a nap," Jack said, also noticing how tired the tot looked.

"Rose," the Doctor said, "you're room is still there, untouched from when you left. The TARDIS will provide a cot and anything else you need."

Rose nodded and marched off in the familiar direction of her room. The Doctor watched her leave with the look of a broken man about him and jumped when Jack touched him on the shoulder.

"Give her some time," the captain said softly. "I know she loves you."

"Thanks Jack," the Doctor said shortly, turning away to the console. "But right now I've got more important things to deal with, such as where we're meant to go."

"Whatever," Jack muttered. "Stubborn bastard."

TBC…

A/N: So, where are they gonna go? Adventure isn't over just yet. Please review!