The TARDIS was humming quietly as if she was a mother singing to her child. She knew what was coming and she knew that her Bad Wolf felt it to, but she wanted that her two beloved children didn't think about the future. She wanted them to spend this time in happiness and joy and she knew that only the Bad Wolf would bring her Beautiful Idiot out of his misery.
The named idiot wasn't asleep, in fact he woke up an hour ago, but he didn't feel like getting up, plus he was busy. He was very, very busy starring at a certain blonde who slept next to him. This night was…wow. Just wow. He didn't feel so alive in many, many years. The things they did…He didn't think that it was even physically possible! They were both tougher than humans and didn't need much time for rest, so…well, let's just say they were in the TARDIS and the TARDIS-night could last for God knows how long. He laughed silently. No wonder that humans were such a cheerful race. He couldn't take his eyes out of Rose, she was so peaceful and beautiful. She slept on her chest and the Doctor caressed her bare back gently.
-You're staring at me – Rose suddenly mumbled, getting him out of romantic thoughts
-When did you wake up? – his voice was full of amusement
-Awhile now – Rose opened her eyes and smiled at him
The Doctor nuzzled closely to her, his nose was almost touching hers.
-You know, it's not fair, you could have give me a sign or something , I didn't want to disturb you.
-Yeah, but it was so nice, just lying here under the sheets, and you've been so sweet – she lay on the top of him and kissed him gently – Plus, it's been awhile since I've actually slept, so I decided to enjoy every minute of it.
-Do you even need sleep? – the Doctor asked huskily, while Rose was gently kissing his neck
-Not, really – she answered into his chest – But, it doesn't mean I can't if I want to.
The Doctor's very big mind stopped functioning as her head was getting lower, and lower and lower.
After sometime the couple of very giggling and very happy creatures got to the TARDIS kitchen. Rose was wearing his last-morning t-shirt and panties, her last night dress disappeared somewhere, but she didn't care she'll create another outfit for herself when she'll have to go. She put that though away, she knew she had to go eventually, but she didn't want to, just for a while. She'll leave him, like she always does, but now this part of his timeline wasn't that heavy and she could postpone her departure a bit.
The Doctor was ecstatic, while pouring some tea for them, he couldn't stop smiling, everything was good for once. The happiness that cocooned him now was like a balsam to his soul and he didn't want it to end. He knew that Rose has to leave eventually, but while she was here he is going to enjoy and cherish every moment of it.
The Doctor and Rose were drinking their tea when they heard a gentle knock. Someone was trying to get into the TARDIS.
-Oh, no. – the Doctor said
-What is it?
-It must be Sunday! – the Doctor quickly rushed to the console room. He forgot that he was wearing nothing but his panties.
-What's wrong with Sundays? – Rose laughed, she loved it when he said nonsense. Rose felt so human right now. It was like she got back to Pete's world and they were having a typical family morning. Her human Doctor always managed to find a trouble, even if there were none. She was looking at this Doctor and his not-so-new face. She didn't care for his face or his race, it didn't matter one bit. She saw the Doctor and that's was enough, the façade can't tell much anyway.
-Well, Sundays are ok, except they are boring! – the Doctor turned to her suddenly – It's just, my friends, Vastra, Jenny and Strax, they visit me every Earth Sunday to be sure that I'm…well alive I suppose.
-So it's great, just open the door and let them in, I promise, I won't bite – she smiled wolfishly and the Doctor remember what she is capable of with her teeth. He tried to clear his thoughts.
-No, it's not that! It just, well, they always come in and try to persuade me to go outside and they won't go away until you know, until I'll growl at them and they would leave – he said with a bit of embarrassment.
-You growl at them and they still try to put some sense in your head? – Rose sighed, he was still really daft –OK, here what's we are going to do. You'll open the door and say them that you are a bit busy today – she put her hands on his neck
-No problem with that, but they can be very persistent and I don't want to hurt their feelings.
-I wasn't done yet
-Oh
-You'll tell them that, but you'll promise that you'll visit them by yourself in say – she thought for a second – half an hour. It would be plenty of time for us to take a shower and get dressed.
-Rose, but…I don't – he tried to protest, but Rose had none of it
-Oi, mister! You just shagged a girl and a girl wants to have a romantic day afterwards, are you a gentleman or what? – she asked teasingly
-You know, that's so unfair! You blackmailed me! – the Doctor was trying really hard to pretend he was angry
-I am not denying it – she snogged him thoroughly and he could see stars for a moment - I'll wait for you in the shower.
Rose laughed and ran away quickly, leaving a blinking Doctor to the judgment of his friends. The Doctor opened the door and saw Jenny and Vastra's face fell off. Rose wasn't wearing any lipstick, was she?
-Doctor?– Madame Vastra asked
-Yeah, yeah, hello Madame, hello Jenny, sorry but I can't let you in now, I am sort of…busy.
-Naked busy? – asked Jenny
-What? – the Doctor looked down, damn it he forgot to put his pants on! And Rose didn't say a word, she is so going to pay for this! – Ah, yes naked. I am just doing…some exercises, you know to refresh body muscles. It's been awhile since I took a walk. Why don't you just leave for now and I'll visit you today? Hah?
-Visit us, but Doctor we've been trying…-Vastra pushed Jenny with her elbow. Whatever the reason for Doctor's change of the mood they would take that chance and if he wanted to visit them and get out of this box for just awhile it was a blessing. Maybe there was still hope for him.
-Of course, Doctor. We'll be delighted to see you today. What time can we expect you?
-I don't know, I'll just finish my..business here and I'll see you in an hour or so – Rose won't get out that easily for leaving him pantless.
-Wonderful, Doctor, will be waiting for you. – Vastra glanced down – But please, would you be so kind to dress properly, we wouldn't want to attract any unnecessary attention, would we?
-Yes, yes of course. See you in an hour. – the Doctor closed the door quickly. And ran to the shower yelling – ROSE TYLER, YOU ARE SO PAYING FOR THIS! – he could swear the TARDIS was laughing at him to.
After the mentioned hour the Doctor and Rose left the TARDIS. It was spring, so Rose created for herself a simple white Austen-style dress, her blonde hair was in a loose bun, she was stunningly beautiful, she looked like the sunlight itself. Her eyes were golden-brown as she tried really hard not to make them shine with her Bad Wolf power. The Doctor was dressed as any other gentleman from that time. He was very nervous going outside, he hasn't seen the sun in three years. Rose felt his tension, she took his hand and kissed him on cheek. The Doctor knew that with her by his side, he could survive anything.
They stepped down from the cloud, Rose laughed that only he could of something like that for a disguise. He offered his hand and they went through the streets, watching other people, laughing like teenagers. They looked like a newlywed couple.
They reached a big and rich-looking Victorian house. The Doctor knocked the door and Jenny opened it immediately, wearing her usual servant gown. It was a clever disguise for both her and Vastra as a married alien-lesbian couple wouldn't be much appreciated these days.
-Hello, Doctor and…
-Ah, this Rose Tyler, my friend. – he smiled warmly at her.
-It's a pleasure to meet you, the Doctor told me a lot about you and your family. – Rose shook Jenny's hand. She didn't care what time period it was, she did what she liked, etiquette was nothing but a glimpse for her.
Jenny let them in, trying not to show any surprise or curiosity towards this Doctor's friend. She certainly wasn't from this time, but then it was the Doctor, mysteries was his domain.
Madame Vastra was expecting them in the big garden. The table was already served for four people: the Doctor, Vastra, Jenny and Strax. The garden was beautiful, large blooming trees was hiding the backyard from the outside world, so Vastra could take her veil off and enjoy spring. Nearby they had a small pond, Vastra herself planted a few lilies there from her homeworld, they were bright yellow.
When the Doctor and his mysterious companion entered Vastra didn't even flinch when she saw Jenny's big eyes:
-Jenny would you be so kind to add another set? As I can see we have another guest – she said politely
-Yes, ma'm – Jenny said quickly and disappeared in the hall
-Madame Vastra, let me introduce you to my dear friend, Rose Tyler. Rose this is Madame Vastra.
-It's a pleasure to meet you, miss Tyler, the Doctor's friend is our friend. Please – she gestured to the table. –Have a sit. Jenny will join us in a minute and Strax promised he'll be here after another fight in the pub. – Vastra addressed to Rose – he has a bit of a temper.
-Basically he is a Sontartan – the Doctor said
-A Sontaran, really? –Rose asked in surprise – And you managed to befriend a Sontaran, I just have to see that.
-Oh, so you've met Sontarans then – asked Vastra as Jenny entered the room with a tray. Now they had four people and one extra set for Strax.
-Yes, well, I've met a lot of different races during my travels and then, let's say afterwards – said Rose, while sipping her tea.
-You are traveler then, like the Doctor? – asked Jenny
The Doctor laughed. Jenny and Vastra looked at him with amusement. The Doctor actually laughed! Whoever this Rose was, she defiantly had a good influence on him.
-Not, really – Rose answered with a mischievous glimmer in her eyes – I am more of an observer, while Doctor is a trouble.
-Oi! I am not a trouble! – he protested quickly
-Yeah, right and I am Jack Harkness – Rose said sarcastically
-You and your cheek – said the Doctor lovingly, he took her hand and squeezed it under the table. He didn't care what Vastra and Jenny might think of it, he'll leave them to their own guesses. After all it's still would be hard to explain the relationship he had with Rose.
Jenny tried to hide her smile, whoever she was, the Doctor certainly cared for her, and cared not in a companion way, this was love. Suddenly the flash of the light appeared.
-Sorry, peasants. I had to finish my enemy before I could join this pointless meal! – roared a Sontaran.
-Strax, meet our guest. This is the Doctor's friend, miss Rose Tyler.
-Good day, yellow boy! – he saluted Rose. The Doctor rolled his eyes. Will Strax ever be able behave normally?
- Good day, Strax. – said Rose smiling – Although I would appreciate if you called me just Rose.
-Rose –said Strax – isn't that a plant of this pathetic planet?
-It is, Strax – said Jenny quickly – But it also a name.
-Hmm - he said doubtfully – Strange name if you ask me, but this place is full of strange things! I am hungry, where is my food?
-Have a sit, Strax we have plenty.
The little gang was having a dinner and generally having a good time. They spoke about some of the Rose's and Doctor's travels. But nothing specific. Strax shared a few war stories. After desert, the Doctor and Strax was arguing about something near the pond, Jenny left to the kitchen to fetch some more tea and Vastra and Rose was sitting quietly. Vastra had so many questions, but she knew that she has no right to ask anything.
-He seemed to get better – she said suddenly , even for her it was a surprise
-Yeah, I guess so. – Rose answered sadly – But it's just a façade. He still has a long road ahead of him. – she looked at Vastra and Madame saw something ageless in the look of a young blonde, something she could see every time she looked in the Doctor's eyes. – Don't give up on him, Vastra. I know how stubborn he can be, but he has to go back to the stars, it's where he belongs.
- Can't you persuade him? – Vastra asked a bit harshly – What I mean, we've been trying to get him out of the house for years and you managed it…in far briefly time
Rose looked at the Doctor
-Yeah, but it was only first step. The rest is on you. He is happy and dandy today, but he won't be like this forever. He lost too much, me being here just covered the pain and cured some of it, but it won't be gone in one day, he hadn't accepted yet what happened, not really.
-But you can help us, can't you? He seems to listen to you.
-I already helped as much as I could – Rose shacked her head. – Plus, I'll be gone this evening.
-What do you mean gone? –asked Vastra with a concern
-I don't belong here, not in this time, not in this world even. And the Doctor knows it. I just came for a visit, then I'll have to go.
Vastra looked at the talking Doctor and Strax. So this girl will disappear soon. And the Doctor will close himself up again. She sighed.
-I'll make him promise me that he'll go outside the TARDIS – said Rose, as if she read Vastra's thoughts. – But the rest, is up to you and his knew companion.
- What new companion?
-One day, I can't tell which one, someone will appear around you. And this someone will get him back to the stars. – Rose said mysteriously
-But, how would we even recognize this person?
-You'll ask her a question – answered Rose simply – And she'll answer "Pond".
With this completely insane words Rose headed to the Doctor.
-Oh, hello yello…I mean Rose. – said Strax – I was just trying to persuade this Doctor that Sontarans are the best worriers in the entire galaxy!
-I think the Doctor knows that, Strax. – Rose looked at the Doctor – Would you give us a moment please?I need to speak to the Doctor.
-Yes, boy! But I still will prove the might of Sontaran race! – Strax said proudly and headed for a cake Jenny just brought.
-What is it? – asked the Doctor – Do you have to go now?
-No, not now – he sighed in a relief when Rose continued – But I have to go soon, that is why, while I am here, I need you to promise me something.
His ageless eyes looked into her golden ones.
-Anything – he took his hand and pressed his lips to it. It was the truth, whatever she'll ask him, he'll do it. Even if he didn't want to.
-I need you to promise you that you won't close yourself in the TARDIS anymore. That you promise to go out, have fights with Strax, and maybe one day you'll get back there – she looked up in the sky.
-Wouldn't that be easier to ask me to do that right now? – he asked with irony
-It would, but I know you are not ready. You need time and a strong motive – she pressed her palm to his cheek. – I promise that you'll have both
-Thank you – he said emphatically – Not only for this, but you know, everything.
-You always welcome. Now, can we back to the TARDIS, before I have to go? – she said smiling
The Doctor turned to Jenny, Vastra and Strax immediately
-Gang! I'll see you later, I promise, but now I have to get back to the TARDIS to say goodbye to Rose, so see you soon. – the Doctor grabbed Rose's hand and they disappeared as if they wasn't here.
-Who was she? – asked Jenny
-I don't know – Vastra answered. – But whoever she was, she gave us all hope. Come on. Let's drink our tea.
Meanwhile in the TARDIS the Doctor couldn't stop kissing a certain Rose Tyler. She told him five minutes ago that she has to go now, but he was trying to postpone this moment at least for a bit. They already said goodbye in the Doctor's bedroom, now was time for the real one.
-Doctor, you'll have to let go me eventually
-I know – he said and then kissed her again. He wanted to remember every millimeter of her lips, he wanted her sent to surround him for as long as possible, preferably until their next date.
Rose freed herself gently. They pressed their foreheads and stood like that for what felt eternity.
-I love you, Rose - the Doctor said. He knew she was well aware of that, he knew that his human self told her that a million times, but for once he wanted to finish that damned sentence.
Rose smiled at him.
-I know, Doctor. I love you to. But I really need to go. – She kissed him one last time. – Don't give up hope, Doctor. Live a life and try to enjoy it. I'll visit you as soon as I can, I promise.
She stepped back and started to glow.
-Until next time, Rose Tyler.