A/N: Yes, this is the final chapter. Sob. This chapter was an absolute joy to write, which probably explains why it's so long. I hope you all enjoyed it, and thank you to everyone who read it and reviewed. Cheers.

Chapter Seventeen.

Happily ever after had never existed for Rose Tyler, and it wasn't about to start now. They still had the TARDIS, and there were a million other planets out there that needed saving from all sorts of things. The Doctor wouldn't never settle down, so neither would Rose. She'd stay with him, and follow him wherever he went. Forever.

"Rose!" She spun around as her name was called. It was Jack. "How're you doing?"

"I'm fine, Jack," she said with a smile. "And so is Theta."

It had been several weeks since the Earth had crumbled and all the buildings had been restored, the inhabitants of Pogon settling back down to their normal way of life. Thankfully there hadn't been any deaths, and that frightful day had almost been forgotten. Almost.

Jack wandered over to stand at Rose's side, peering into the cot at the happily gurgling baby. Theta was a gorgeous child, and he gazed up at them with soulful brown eyes framed by long dark lashes. He had soft brown hair and was pretty as a picture. Jack wondered whether he looked more like Rose had done as a child, or the other Doctor.

"Rose, we need to talk."

She sighed. She'd known this was coming. Jack tried to bring it up every time they were alone, and she hated talking about it because she never knew what to say. How could she explain herself? She certainly couldn't explain the Doctor's behaviour either, as that was what confused her the most.

"Jack, I've told you," she said mournfully. "I don't know anything, and I don't wanna talk about it."

"But I just don't understand!" he said, throwing up his hands to emphasise the point. "I was so sure that the Doctor loved you, and I know that you love him. Especially after you both kissed that day… I don't get why you're practically ignoring each other now."

"He started it," Rose mumbled moodily. "I just did the same."

"Which made everything worse," Jack pointed out. "The past fortnight he's been moodier than a hormonal teenager."

Rose snorted.

"Ooh, he's smiling."

Theta had smiled his first smile three days after the crumbling Earth incident, and it was still a novelty to see his cheeky little smile lighting up that soft precious face, filled with such innocence. Soon Theta drifted off again into the land of dreams and Rose sighed. She desperately wanted a father figure for her child, and she knew that Jack would always stand by them but somehow she wasn't satisfied. She wanted the Doctor.

"Where d'you think he is?" Rose asked wistfully. The Doctor had taken to disappearing for hours at a time, often coming back with smears of dirt on his face and clothes, looking exhausted. Rose had assumed that he was working on the TARDIS but when she'd stepped inside and called out there was no answer, no sign of him.

"He's probably still helping the locals rebuild their houses."

"But that was finished over a week ago," Rose pointed out. "And when everyone was helping with that, he was nowhere in sight. Remember?"

"Yeah," Jack said thoughtfully. "Very suspicious. But I'm sure he'll tell us in his own time."

"Never understood that bloke."

"He is an alien, don't forget."

Suddenly the door swung open with a bang and there was the Doctor, looking madder than ever. His hair was sticking up at all angles, he was breathing heavily and there was a frenzied gleam in his eyes as he grinned ludicrously.

"Come with me!" he practically shouted. "I have something to show you! Bring Theta!"

Jack and Rose exchanged a glance but didn't argue, scooping up the bleary-eyed baby and hurrying out the door. The Doctor skipped, bounced and bounded his way through the street, singing God Save The Queen at the top of his lungs. Rose felt her heart racing wildly, wondering if he'd bumped his head. She glanced at Jack from the corner of her eye and saw that he was clearly thinking the same thing. Theta stared in wonder at the strange man in front of him, his chubby baby's fingers clutching at Rose's collar. None of them noticed that the TARDIS was missing from her usual spot.

They walked for almost ten minutes, right out of the city and through the bright blue fields of grass. After a while Rose looked up and saw a large house in the distance. It was several stories tall and more like a mansion than a house. As they got closer Rose saw that it had a neat front garden, balconies, a veranda and a fenced in backyard. The Doctor had quietened now and silently led them through the gate into the backyard. Rose gaped at the sight. There was a small plastic paddling pool, swings, a children's play set complete with a little slide, and even an outdoor entertaining area. It was the place she'd always imagined she'd have if she married a rich man and started a family. And there was the TARDIS, standing proudly in the corner.

"It's so…" she struggled to find the right words. "It's… perfect."

"Domestic, is the word you're looking for Miss Tyler."

"Doctor, whose house is this?" Jack asked.

"Come inside," the Time Lord answered mysteriously.

They followed him through the back door and Rose noted the attractively tiled floor, the pristine kitchen, the sun shining through the curtained windows. She breathed in deeply and could smell that freshly painted smell of a brand new house that hadn't been lived in yet. They made their way into the living room and Rose smiled. There were lovely paintings hung on the walls, soft carpet, comfortable looking sofas, and a huge television with a sound system.

"Not bad," Jack said approvingly as he checked out the wide screen TV and all its gadgets.

Rose noticed that there were a number of photographs sitting on top of the TV cabinet and strolled over to see who lived here. She was not prepared for what she saw, and almost dropped Theta in her shock. She was staring at herself. There, in the golden frame, was a photo of herself. It had been taken several years ago, but it was most definitely her. Why did these people have a picture of her? She glanced at the next one and saw that it was of Jack, looking handsome in his Captain's uniform. The next one made Rose angry. It was of Theta, only days after he'd been born. Who did these people think they were, taking photos without permission?!

"Doctor," Rose said angrily, spinning around to face him. "Who lives here?"

"No one," he replied smugly. "Yet."

"There are photos of Theta! And Jack, and me!"

"Rose," Jack said slowly. "That big photo there… Did you see it?"

Rose turned back to the photos, and she saw a large elaborate wooden frame. She stepped over to look at it, dreading what she might see. Her blood went cold. It was the photo she'd had in her room in the TARDIS. It had gone missing one day and she'd never figured out where it had gone. Someone must have snuck in there and stolen it. But who? And why?

Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at it. It was her most treasured photograph, taken that Christmas when the Doctor had regenerated. Jackie had taken the photo and Rose had her suspicions that it was only because the Doctor was extremely attractive, but they'd posed nevertheless. The Doctor had his arms wrapped protectively around Rose's waist and they'd both been smiling deliriously.

"Doctor," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion as she turned to face him. "What's going on?"

There was no hint of amusement left, and Rose's heart skipped a beat at the intensely serious expression he wore. Jack took a step forward, clearing his throat.

"Rose, I'm gonna take Theta outside for some fresh air…"

Rose barely heard him, and he gently took the baby, giving them both a quick glance before stepping outside. Now they were alone.

"Rose," the Doctor said, his voice so quiet that it was almost a growl under his breath. "For the past few weeks I've been coming here, and building this house."

"What, on your own?" she asked dubiously, and the Doctor shook his head.

"I've had help from a few locals."

"But why?" she demanded. "Who did you build it for?"

"Us, Rose!" he said emphatically. "Us! You and me! And Jack, and Theta, of course."

"I… I don't understand."

The Doctor sighed as he rolled his eyes in frustration. "Rose Tyler, I swore I'd never become domestic. But this house has got carpets and curtains, windows and doors, sinks and even a dishwasher!"

The look on his face was a picture of disgust, but his eyes were shining with emotion. "I swore I'd never become domestic Rose. But then I met you."

He stepped forward and took hold of Rose's hands in his own, looking deeply into her eyes. All of a sudden she realised what was happening. This house was for her… He'd built it for her, for them… He loved her…

"Doctor," she whispered before breaking down into a flood of tears. She flung her arms around his neck and pressed her face against his chest, the sobs shaking her whole body as she cried. When at last the crying fizzled out Rose pulled away. She gazed up at the Doctor through watery eyes and was surprised to see the tears that filled his eyes also.

"Rose," he said, voice shaking with raw emotion, "I don't believe in love at first sight. When I first met you I was a different man and I thought you were just like all the rest. It took me a while to respect you, even longer to admire you, and it took me until those last few moments we had to realise how I honestly felt."

He paused, snuffling slightly and wiping his sleeve across his eyes.

"Rose Tyler," he continued and she felt her stomach do back flips. "I want to be domestic with you. I want to cook breakfast for you, read the morning paper with you, spill coffee on the floor and have you yell at me because you only washed it the day before. I want to find layers of dust on the windowsill and complain that you don't do the housework often enough. I want smudges on the windows and I want the wind to howl through the gaps in the doors."

He was on a roll now and Rose was too mesmerised to stop him. "I want to fix the washing machine when it breaks down. I want to check the mail and complain about the bills. I want to watch you curse at the oven when our dinner gets burnt. I want to see your wet hair coil around your perfect face when you step out of the shower. I want to be kept awake by your snoring. I want to wake up every morning and roll over to see you gazing back at me, smiling."

"Doctor," she started, but he ignored her.

"I want us to fight, to argue, to disagree, to make up, to hold each other, to hang the washing out together, to do the gardening and the vacuuming and peel the potatoes while we discuss who got voted off Big Brother the night before. I want us to take photos of Theta growing up, to take photos of each other, snapshots and memories. I want to go to work, to come home from work, to sit at the table with you and Jack to discuss the day, and smile at Theta in his highchair. I want domestic, Rose Tyler, and I want it with you."

He finally finished and gasped for breath, looking at Rose apprehensively. She smiled fondly at him, wrapping her arms around him in a warm hug. She could feel his hearts racing rapidly and realised that he was waiting for some sort of response. She pulled back and gazed up at him tenderly.

"Doctor. I want to be domestic with you. I want to grow old in this house, with you by my side. I want to sit on the veranda, every day, watching the sun set with you. I want to hold your hand, forever. More importantly, I want you to raise Theta. I want you to be his father, and to be there every day, teaching him. I want you to raise him as your own, because I could never imagine any other man as Theta's father. You are the only one, Doctor."

The Doctor stared, open-mouthed, at Rose with tears filling his dark eyes. "Rose," he whispered. "You have no idea how much that means to me. My Rose…"

He moved forward and swept Rose up into his arms, holding her tightly against him and pressing kisses against her soft blond hair. She snuggled in closer to him and sighed.

"My Doctor."

"Shall we go outside?"

Rose grinned. "Sure. Our backyard."

They strolled, hand in hand, out into the backyard. Jack was sitting on the swings, singing, as a giggling Theta was bounced on his lap. The captain glanced up at the happy couple and grinned.

"Did you tell him?" he said, addressing Rose, and the Doctor gave an inquisitive glance at the woman beside him. She blushed furiously and shook her head.

"Rose?" the Doctor queried and she shot a death stare at Jack, who positively cringed.

"I'm sorry," she said with a deep breath. "I didn't know how to tell you…"

"Tell me what?" he demanded, hearts racing in panic.

"When I was on the other world," she started, fiddling anxiously with her sleeves, "Pete's World, as you called it. I worked for Torchwood… and…"

She took a deep breath, readying herself for the confession.

"I got shot."

The Doctor frowned and she continued, hurriedly explaining what happened.

"It was after work one day and I was walking home. I was alone and someone shot me. Twice, from behind. I didn't see their face; they were too cowardly. But I could feel blood filling up my lungs and I couldn't breathe. Knew I was dying."

The Doctor stared at her, his face stricken with panic.

"Then somethin' happened. There was like this golden glow, and I heard the TARDIS. She was singing to me. Some sort of song, about the Bad Wolf. I felt like I was floating. Then I woke up."

She took a deep shuddering breath. "I didn't even have any scars. 'Course, I didn't tell anyone about it. They would've done all these tests, locked me up. Doctor, what does it mean?"

She stared up at him, fear and trepidation in her eyes and watched the different emotions pass over the Doctor's features. At last he sighed wearily and his eyes met hers.

"Rose," he said with a strained voice, "I'll have to run some tests but I'm pretty sure… you're like Jack… you can't die."

"You mean, like ever?" she asked timidly.

"I can't be sure, but I believe so."

"Is that a good thing?"

The Doctor broke into a grin and swept her up into his arms. "Rose Tyler, it's a terrible thing in the long run. But for now? We're together, and it's gonna be forever!"

With a laugh Rose stood on her tiptoes and kissed the Doctor, a long tantalising kiss to which he responded immediately. It was perfect, even with the retching sounds coming from Jack's direction. At last they broke apart and wandered over to Jack and Theta, grinning madly.

"So, we're a family now," Rose pointed out. "All four of us. Domestic."

"What d'you think it'll be like?" Jack asked and the Doctor grinned.

"It is gonna be…"

"Fantastic," they all chorused before breaking into wild laughter.

Epilogue.

Rose unlocked the front door and marched in, carrying the sleeping baby in her arms. Jack and the Doctor trudged in after her, shutting the door behind them. Rose noted with amusement that both the men moaned with relief as they removed their ties and collapsed on the sofa.

"I need a strong drink," Jack whined. "Any idea how long it's been since I wore a suit?"

"Don't worry, I'm not used to wearing a dress," Rose said amicably as she propped Theta up against a pillow and produced a camera.

"I don't think Theta likes his dress much either," the Doctor joked and Jack snorted.

"Stop it, you two," Rose scolded and snapped several photos. They'd just returned from Theta's christening, which had been conducted in the city centre of Pogon. It had been a big event and all the locals had attended, fascinated by this old Earth tradition.

"Theta Jack Sigma-Tyler," the Doctor murmured aloud as he gazed at his son. "My boy. My precious little boy…"

"Talking to himself again, Rose," Jack pointed out. "He's insane."

"And you're not?" she countered, causing Jack to snort derisively. Everything was perfect, a happy little family. The Doctor dragged himself to his feet and pulled Rose into his arms.

"Frankly, I think we're all quite mad," he said before pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. "And you, Rose Tyler, are everything I ever dreamed."

And as they kissed, pure love and adoration in their souls, that word whispered through the stars like a sigh. Everything…

The End.

A/N: I really hope you all enjoyed this. I'm thinking of writing a sequel, what do you reckon? Let me know if you'd like to see that, and give me some suggestions. Also, please add me to your Author Alerts so that you'll know when the sequel is up.

Please review and let me know what you thought.

Again, thanks to everyone who read this, and especially to those of you who reviewed. :D