DISCLAIMER:DOCTOR WHO BELONGS TO THE BBC

A/N: A HUGE THANKS GOES TO ANYONE WHO'S REVEIWED/A;ERTED/ FAVED AND TO ANYONE WHO GAVE ME SUGGESTIONS FOR BABY NAMES.

The Doctors eyes flew open as a wailing sound coming from close by broke his calm reverie. He blinked hazily as the world he'd awoken into was blindingly bright and tried to make out where he was . As soon as everything was clear again he could make out the scrunched up form of his son wriggling in his arms. He smiled and felt his two hearts warm. So last night hadn't been a dream then. He placed a finger on his lips and hushed the distraught child immediately producing a small , toothless smile from him. " You are the best Christmas present I've ever gotten. " The Doctor whispered. Glancing over to River he saw that she was still fast asleep , yesterdays events had clearly tired her out. Slowly he got up off the sofa and taking once last look at his wife to ensure she was sleeping peacefully headed off to the ponds kitchen to try and find some food that would be suitable for a baby. His son had told him that he was hungry but what did babies even eat? Oh that's right milk but … oh. The Doctor blushed bright red as a vivid image of River breastfeeding their son popped into his mind. Oh what was he to do? He couldn't wake her and his son certainly couldn't go hungry for much longer or there 'd be trouble.

" Need help? " Amy's Scottish tilted voice floated from somewhere behind him.

He span around and grinned at Amy who was leaning against the kitchen doorframe cross armed. " He's hungry Amy. " He stated and pointed to the small bundle he held in his arms.

" Is he now. " Amy smirked and seemingly pulled a box of baby formula milk from nowhere and chucked it at him.

The Doctor eyed it suspiciously and stared at her wide eyed . " Erm Pond… "

" You haven't a clue how to make it have you. " She grinned. " Oh you numpty I'll do it for ya ."Walking up to him she snatched the baby formula from him and set out making it.

" Oh Pond you've just saved my life" The Doctor sighed in relief and bounced his son up and down as he became restless.

" So have you thought of any names for him yet? "She questioned.

" No but I'm sure that's the first thing River will want to do when she wakes up. " The Doctor smiled weakly at Amy and she nodded in agreement. " Where's Rory? "

" Still fast asleep. He was out late last night buying everything you'd need for the baby. " Amy replied as she started pouring the warm baby formula into a baby bottle.

" Correction was asleep. " Muttered a rather groggy Rory as he walked through the door.

"Ahh Rory the Roman. Thanks for buying all the baby stuff. " The Doctor cried out in glee.

" It' s all right. " Rory brushed off the matter. " Can I hold him. " Rory held his arms out to his grandson.

" Sure thing. Kiddo you're going to gramps now. " He swung his son into Rory's arms.

" Never call me gramps again. " Rory growled and threw daggers at The Doctor.

" Ok. " The Doctor squeaked.

" Oh and Doctor I thought that maybe later on we could have a chat. " Rory whispered underneath his breath menacingly.

The Doctor gulped, paled dramatically and simply nodded. This isn't good , this is oh so not very good his inner voice screamed from the depths of his mind.

Suddenly the whole house was filled with horrifying , hair raising screams and before it could even register in The Doctors brain he was already sprinting to find River and get her as far away from whatever was causing her to scream. But as he skidded into the lounge he couldn't see any danger , all he could see was River thrashing around on the sofa screaming at the top of her lungs. He rushed to her side and started shaking her. " River … River get up. It's only a dream my love. " He stopped shaking her and frowned , had he just called her my love? Oh well it didn't matter for now , he would have to figure out a pet name for his impossible wife later for now he had to wake her up from whatever horrors were lurking in her head.

" Doctor please come back. " River cried out. The Doctors hearts started to beat hard against his chest, threatening to break through his ribcage. So he was the horror that was as he had put it earlier lurked in her mind. His abandonment of her clearly terrified her , she thought he'd do it to her again.

" Why? Why? Why? " He screamed as the waterfall of tears gushed out his eyes. He stroked Rivers cheek with a trembling hand and sobbed into her golden locks. He couldn't imagine ever abandoning this beautiful , gorgeous woman ; not on purpose anyway. In a way he already knew he'd abandon her but surely because he saved her on the computer core he wasn't abandoning her entirely and surely he could visit her whenever he wanted or was that to big an ask for the universe. All he knew was that he never wanted to leave her side again.

" Doctor what's going on ? " Amy placed a her hand on The Doctors shoulder but he flinched away from her touch.

He bit his lip and turned around to face Amy and Rory who was lingering slightly behind her clutching tightly at the baby . " This is all my fault. She's having a nightmare because of my future self abandoning her through her WHOLE pregnancy."

"This isn't your fault. You can't blame yourself for something you haven't even done yet. " Amy assured him.

He sniffed. " That's besides the point Pond. The point is I'm still going to do it to her at and it won't be for the last time. " He snapped and returned his gaze to his tossing and turning wife.

" I'm sure you had your reasons. " Amy smiled ; hopeful for her imaginary friends tears to stop but to her avail it seemed to upset The Doctor even more.

" Pond why do you have so much faith in me? Why does River have the same amount of faith? If I'd of just saved baby Melody Pond then we wouldn't be in this situation and you'd all be living your lives like normal humans doing normal humany stuff. "

" And you'd be alone and River wouldn't be River and your son wouldn't even exist. " Amy pointed out.

" Yes but I'm sure that you'd all be a lot happier than you are now. "He retaliated.

He was suddenly aware of long slender arms wrapping round his waist and grey, stony eyes locking with his. " Hello Sweetie. " River greeted him but not with the normal gusto that those two words usually carried.

" Hey. you ok?" He asked her and kissed her lightly on the top of her head.

" I am now yeh. " She nuzzled her head into his chest. " What about you? " She traced his tear tracks with her fingertip.

" You scared me, River that's all. " He assured her and it seemed that it had come out convincing as she relaxed into his arms.

Suddenly River jerked backwards . " Where's our baby?" She gasped in a panic as the things she had dreaded happening to their son flashed through her head.

"Don't worry , Rory's got him. " He said soothingly.

River scanned the room franticly but relaxed immediately as she saw he father smiling down at her , carrying their son in his arms.

Rory walked over to River and she eagerly took the little , bouncy boy into her arms. She laughed in relief and flashed The Doctor a huge grin. " He looks just like you River. " Rory smiled proudly at her.

" Do you think so? I thought he took more after The Doctor. " She pondered.

"Don't be ridiculous River whenever I look at him all I see is you. " The Doctor spluttered.

" That's funny because whenever I see him all I see is you." River smiled warmly and cupped her husbands chin.

" Here. " Amy handed her a blue babies bottle full to the brim with freshly made milk to River. " Do you want anything? I'm sure you're both hungry after last nights events. "

" No." Both River and The Doctor spoke simultaneously sending them into a fit of giggles. But it was their stomachs that gave them away as they rumbled ferociously in unison. The Doctor beamed at River and pulled her closer to him. They were perfect for each other in every single way, they were on the same wavelength , they were the only ones in the universe that could truly understand each other and this moment together with their son was pure bliss.

" Right toast and a cuppa then. " Amy grabbed her husbands hand and dragged him out of the lounge.

For a while the two of them just stared at their son in wonder and amazement as he suckled on the nib of the bottle. River was the first one to speak up. " He needs a name. "

" Yes ! Something cool like Alonso." The Doctor exclaimed excitingly. " I met an Alonso once and it was cool because I got to say allonsey Alonso!"

River wrinkled up her nose in the adorable way in which he loved so much. " We're not calling our son Alonso Sweetie. " She slapped him playfully on his knee.

" Aww but I like the name Alonso. " He stuck out his lower lip and looked at her with big pleading eyes.

" I know you do Sweetie but I want our son to have a name he can aspire to , I dunno something like …ahh never mind. " She shook her head , he'd never except what she wanted so badly to call her son.

" What River? What do you want to name him?" The Doctor questioned inquisitively.

She exhaled deeply and beckoned for him to closer. Once she was close enough to him that their eyelashes brushed against each other she whispered the name into his ear. He pulled back from her and looked at her boggle eyed as if she'd gone completely off her rocker. " River are you sure? " He asked in shock.

" Oh my love I've never been so sure about anything else in my whole entire life. " She nodded eagerly. "But if you're not ok with it .. " She trailed off as her lips were smothered by his.

" Thank you. " He whispered and kissed her again to show his appreciation , harder this time though only pulling away once both their lips were bruised and sore and the need for air became too much

Turning his attention to his gurgling , joyful son he bopped him lightly on the nose. " Welcome to the family Theta. "

That was when Amy decided to make an appearance with two hot steaming cups of tea and some slightly overdone toast. " Theta? " She questioned , she had obviously been listening into their conversation.

River laughed as her mothers face contorted with confusion. " It's The Doctors old academy name mommy dear. " She grinned as her mothers eyes widened and her jaw dropped and the cups of tea and toast nearly flew everywhere .

" The Doctor had a name. Like a real name. " Amy squealed. " See I knew you just weren't just called The Doctor." She placed the tea and toast down with a clatter on the coffee table and squeezed herself into a small gap on the sofa next to River.

" Yes well Pond we're talking a LONG time ago and besides Theta sigma was only my academy name. Real Gallifreyan names are far to dangerous for common use and even if they weren't dangerous human brains would just unfurl in even trying to attempt to pronounce them. " The Doctor rambled.

" Do you know his real name? " Amy questioned River excitedly.

" Spoilers. " She winked.

Three cups of tea , six pieces of toast and a long and in depth conversation about Thetas future later The Doctor leapt to his feet making both Amy and River jump out their skins. " Amy , River stay here. I'll be right back. I have to go fetch something from the TARDIS. "

" Ok Sweetie , just don't go flying off anywhere . " River said half jokingly but The Doctor could tell that there was a hit of fear in her voice that he really was going to up and leave her.

He squeezed her hand gently and looked into her eyes lovingly. " River I'm not leaving here anytime soon." She nodded but only half believed him as she knew that it was a big ask for him to be grounded to one place and time twenty four seven , it just wasn't in his nature to do so.

The Doctor span round and began to skip merrily out of the lounge. it felt good to be getting back to the TARDIS even if it was for a fleeting visit , he didn't like leaving the old girl for long on her own as he knew how much she missed his presence. He rubbed his hands together in glee ; his old cot would finally be put to good use after all.

" So I'm gathering you've named him then? " Rory stepped out of the shadows almost stopping The Doctors hearts entirely.

" Yes. We've named him Theta and well that's a very long story … I'm sure Amy will explain. " He slapped a hand on Rory's shoulder , a thing he'd picked up on from a variety of human male companions over the years. He turned to leave but Rory's voice quavered behind him , filled with anger and hurt.

" Do you have any idea what it's like to have a baby the one minute and the next to have a fully grown daughter the next? "

The Doctor looked down at his feet awkwardly and shook his head.

" All those years with her and I've lost them Doctor. The bedtime stories, the times where I could have been there for her but I wasn't, the days out at the park. And now I'm a grandfather as well and I think that's very selfish of you…to bring another child into the world and even if you haven't done it yet , like you said you're going to and what I don't get Doctor is why? " Rory lowered his voice and glared at The Doctor.

" Why , what Rory? " The Doctor choked.

" Why bring another child into the situation at all? What do you always say…time can be rewritten."

" I can't. My sons birth is a fixed point in time. If I change it time will start to unravel. " The Doctor said apologetically.

" Then you can at least not abandon her whilst she's pregnant. " Rory commanded.

The Doctor puffed out his cheeks and exhaled. " Rory that would cause a catastrophic paradox. You see I only know I have a son because he was left on your doorstep and if I go and find the version of River which is pregnant she probably wouldn't leave him on the doorstep and well then I wouldn't of found out about him … and you get the drift . "

Rory held his head in his hands as his brain tried to cope with all the timey wimeyness. " Answer me this one question then Doctor. Do you really love her or did you marry her just to save the universe? "

The Doctor was quite affronted at that. " Rory of course I love her , I love both of them with all my hearts. Whenever she's with me my world seems to get a little bit brighter. I haven't a clue why I abandon her in the future but whatever the reason is I shall never forgive myself for it. And I know full well that my son will be in constant danger and you're completely right that it's selfish of me to bring a new life into the universe, especially after what happened with River. However I can promise you one thing and that is I shall go out my way to protect both her and Theta and if that means less travelling around the universe then I'd gladly do it. Now do you believe that I love her!" The Doctor yelled till he was blue in the face.

" Boys , are you ok? " Amy's concerned voice shouted.

" Yeh we're fine. " Rory to The Doctors surprise was grinning.

"So do you?" The Doctor quizzed.

"I never doubted it for a second , I was just double checking. Because despite everything she's still my little girl Doctor and if I ever see that look of hurt in her eyes that I saw last night then there'll be trouble. Understood. " Rory went back to a low whisper but there was less anger this time, just a clear threat that The Doctor was certain Rory would follow through with if River was hurt again.

" Understood. " The Doctor nodded in affirmation. " I'm just off to get my old cot. "

" The one that was going to be Melody's. " Rory's eyes glazed over and The Doctor could tell he was reliving demons run.

"Yes. I'm sorry " The Doctor bowed his head.

" No don't be. He deserves to have it. " Rory's mouth formed in a thin line. He turned away silently ending the conversation but there was no need to speak anymore as everything that needed to be said had been spoken and there was a understanding between him and The Doctor now. Don't mess with daddy's little girl or else!

The Doctor hurried out the door, not wanting to stay in the Ponds households for a moment longer. He breathed out and watched his breath swirl in the morning air. He felt his stomach twist into a massive knot and a lump form in his throat from the guilt he felt. Just the way Rory had spoken had been enough to send him into a turmoil of emotions and to make him feel a failure. At the end of the day that's all he was , an utter failure. He'd failed the ponds by not finding baby Melody and he'd failed River by not being there when she needed him.

As he strolled through the TARDIS doors he was welcomed with a familiar , comforting hum. " Hello Sexy. "He purred. The TARDIS lights seemed to glow brighter at that statement and there was more contented hums. "Sorry old girl I really can't stay. I just came back to get my old cot." He stroked the banister affectionately as he made his way up the twisting and twirling stairs.

However it seemed the TARDIS had other ideas as she groaned loudly and the ground underneath his feet began to vibrate and before The Doctor had a chance to figure out what was going on the engines were starting up and he was flung to the other side of the console room. " Ok girl this really isn't funny just stop this! I have a son and a wife to get back to and I really don't think Rory was joking when he said there'd be trouble if I hurt River again. " he cried out but was powerless to do anything else as he was hurled and bounced about in a whirl. He closed his eyes and prayed she would slow down , he doesn't think she's ever flown this fast before and it's making the tea and toast he'd just eaten slosh about in his stomach. " Ok I get it something got you excited. " He sighed in frustration at his time machine.

As the TARDIS came to a full stop the doors immediately swung open and the sound that could only belong to Rivers insanely tall high heels clanking on the glass floor followed. " Hello Sweetie. " Her voice had a seductive tone to it and he could tell that she'd come to find him for one thing and one thing only.

"River. " He muttered under his breath.

" You look like you need some help Sweetie. " She cooed and lent over him but somehow , he didn't know if she did it on purpose or not toppled straight on top of him in a rather compromising position. This was a younger River than the River he'd just left but not by much, perhaps a few months give or take. Though that taken into account this version of her was much more carefree and still hadn't heard of something called personal space and there was no fear of abandonment in her eyes just pure lust and want. For all he knew this was the very River that he got pregnant.

He blushed as red as beetroot and struggled underneath her. His mind was telling him that this was way too early in his timeline and he really shouldn't be doing this sort of humany wumany stuff but every single one of his cells was burning with fire telling him that it's exactly what he needs right now, it's what he wants as well. And she looks absolutely stunning in the little black dress she has on, a bit skimpy but somehow she makes it look somewhat classy " What's wrong Sweetie? " River asked worriedly.

" Nothing it's just I haven't done this with you before. " He looked away from her and smiled bashfully.

" Oh. " Came her reply and she released her legs from around him. " Sorry my love I didn't realise you were so young. "

He grabbed her by the wrist as she went to get up. " But that doesn't mean I don't want to. " He rose to his feet and tugged at her so she was closer to him. He leant so close to her lips he could practically taste her strawberry lip gloss. For a moment he just lingered there as if teasing her.

" Please. " She whimpered.

He smirked to himself as he crashed his lips forcefully onto her, practically knocking the air out of her lungs. She seemed to disintegrate against him and her usual control over their relationship was lost as he won the battle with her mouth. His tongue explored the inside of her mouth, devouring her senseless . He found his hands were wondering all over along her body but he liked it because he could touch her pale skin and feel her squirm with want and her muscles melt with his touch . Oh this was going to be fun. For once he would be the one to make River a mushy mess craving for his love instead of the other way round. He pulled her and grunted as they tumbled up the steps and through the corridors , tearing their clothes off along the way . The TARDIS had kindly created them a new room especially for the occasion and they hurried into it and slammed the door behind them.

The Doctor was brimming with happiness. He could tell that this was going to be magical and oh so unforgettable. And in the hardest times , on days when everything wasn't going the way he planned he would look back on this and cherish every single moment of it.

BLIMEY I WROTE A LOT FOR THIS CHAPTER…. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED READING IT AS MUCH AS I ENJOYED WRITING IT. I CHOSE TO NAME THE BABY THETA BECAUSE I LIKED THE IDEA OF IT BEING A FULL CIRCLE AND IN A WAY IT'S STILL GIVING THE BABY A NAME TO LIVE UP TO.

I WOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU LEFT A REVEEIW XXX