"I hope Mrs. Smith gave you a hard time, David," Rose sniffs, turning her head away from him.

"Detention tomorrow, but he got suspended after I told Mrs. Smith why I hit him," he grumbles, kicking up the dirt from the grass field.

"I'm not worth it, Spaceman. Next time, just let em' hit me. I shouldn't have talked to him the way I did," she says softly, sliding her hands in her pockets and surveying the cloudy sky.

David looks at her with wide eyes. "Not worth it? Rose, you're my best friend! I love you more than anyone," he gasps out.

"What about your parents?"

"Nah. Even the great Mr and Mrs Doctor come in second to the magnificent Rose Tyler," he chuckles.

"Don't be ludicrous."

"S'true, he slurs. His voice gets softer. "Are you really okay though?" He reaches out and touches her red cheek tenderly.

"Yeah. I'm always okay, I am. It's a good thing that no one should be home until later anyways. My mum or Jack would see and be frantic."

"True."

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:..

Sliding open the front door, the kids were startled to find Jack sitting on the couch.

"Hey, midgets," he chirped, getting up to greet them.

"Jack," Rose turned away from him. "You're home early."

"Yeah, I-," he stopped. "Do you want to tell me why David here looks like he went through a meat grinder?"

David could have swore.

"Rose Marion Tyler, is that a bloody handprint on your cheek?" he turned on David. "Did you fucking hit my little sister?"

"Woah! Jack, stop! No, it wasn't him. It was John Master, and David kinda sorta beat him up for it," Rose declared, scratching the back of her neck awkwardly. David lowered his defensive hands.

"John Master? I'll kill him. I don't care if he's only 13, I'll kill him," Jack seethed, turning away from the kids with his shoulders clenched.

The two best friends exchanged weary looks before spending the better part of the next hour calming Jack.

A/N: just before any of you get too into this story, I warn you that it will probably take a darker turn not meant for younger readers.