A few days later, Rose was already showing improvement. Jack was glad he had come with them. It warmed his heart to see Rose come back to life, after seeing her at her worst.

The Doctor was incredibly patient with her, teaching her how to organize her things so she could find them by touch and how to navigate meals. When Jack questioned why he didn't just give her the gadgets they both knew would help, the Doctor explained that he wanted her to learn how to manage without, in case she ever needed to.

It was more than obvious that the Doctor was taking his job of teaching her how to function on her own seriously. Almost too seriously at times. Despite the luxurious surroundings, Jack sometimes had to drag the two of them down to the beach, out for a walk, or into town for a shopping trip.

He tried to time it so that they would go out when there were fewer people around. Rose was still fairly jumpy, but they were working on it.

"Remember the odds, Rose," the Doctor kept telling her. "You can be alert and aware of people around you but try not to be suspicious without cause."

Rose was clinging to the Doctor's arm as they walked back into the hotel. "I can't … I'm sorry."

He kissed her forehead as they walked to the lift. "Don't be sorry."

"I just … I can't stop thinking about what it will be like without either of you here, and I …" She jumped as she the lift dinged.

Inspiration struck Jack as they stepped into the lift. He quickly hit the button before the Doctor could.

The Time Lord looked at Jack confusedly. "What are you doing? We need to go up."

"No we don't. We're taking a detour. We're all in serious need of relaxation. I'm taking you two to the spa."

About half an hour later, the three of them were all lying on soft beds face down, receiving an expert Shintasquan massage.

"Ohhhh, see, who has good ideas?" Jack said as the masseuse ran two of her four hands down his back firmly.

"Mmm … brilliant, actually," Rose replied. "Don't you agree, Doctor?"

"Mmph," the Doctor responded.

Rose giggled. "He's gonna nod off."

"Eh, let him," Jack muttered.

"Not asleep," the Doctor objected, though he sounded rather groggy. "It's been a good century since I've had a massage, that's all."

"I've never done this with friends before," Rose commented.

"Like it?" Jack asked, closing his eyes.

"Definitely."

After the massage, Jack managed to shoo the Doctor off, telling him that he and Rose were going to enjoy further amenities of the spa, and he would just get bored.

"I can't remember the last time I had a manicure," Rose stated as the technician expertly massaged her hands. "God, my nails must look awful."

"Doesn't matter. We'll have you polished and perfect when we're done," Jack told her from the next chair. It had been a while since he had indulged in such things either.

"I can't thank you enough, Jack. I feel so much better."

Jack grinned. "I can tell. You're almost glowing. You just need to try and concentrate on the present. No one is going to leave you alone until you're ready, okay?"

Rose nodded. "I know."

"So … how about we go out tonight? It's the middle of the week here, so it shouldn't be too busy."

Rose nodded again. "Okay. But … where are we going? I don't know if I have anything to wear."

Jack smirked. "Let me handle that."

"Where's the Doctor?" Rose asked when they returned to their quiet room hours later.

"I sent him on an errand. I don't want to spoil the surprise."

"Jack, I don't know about this …"

"Please trust me, Rose. It'll be good for all involved. Ah, good. It's been delivered."

"What has?"

"Your dress." He led her over to the bed and guided her hands as she unzipped the bag. It was a deep purple color that would set off her eyes beautifully. But since she couldn't see that, he took her hand in his and ran it down the dress. He could see her eyes light up as they touched the smooth, satin fabric. He guided her hand down the plunging neckline of the halter to the cluster of pastel crystals that held the gathering of the material before it draped down the skirt.

"It's beautiful," Rose breathed. She paused. "Isn't it?"

Jack smiled. "I think you can tell."

She grinned. "Well, how do I know you're not colorblind? It could be plaid for all I know!"

Jack laughed. "Fair enough. It's a deep purple. Perfect for you."

Rose touched her hair nervously. "Jack, do you think he'll even notice?"

"Believe me, even the Doctor is not that oblivious. And if he is, he'll hear from me."

"Will you stop complaining? You're as bad as a little kid!" Jack exclaimed, trying to get the Doctor to put on the outfit he had purchased.

"What's wrong with my regular suit?"

"It's not a regular night. We're going out for a special dinner. Now get dressed, or I will do it myself!"

The Doctor sighed, motioning for Jack to turn around. "Why is tonight special anyway?"

"Because Rose needs it."

The Doctor was quiet for a moment. "You don't think it's going well, do you?"

"I did not mean that as a criticism. I think she's doing fantastic, given everything she's been through, and you're amazing with her. I'm just trying to help."

"You're brilliant," the Doctor told him, pulling on the dark purple dress shirt Jack had selected. "You know how to help her feel safe and happy. I think things would be a lot more stressful if you weren't here to make us take 'study' breaks."

"Time was, she would've been the one telling you to stop being so serious."

"A lot can happen in a year."

"Yeah. You decent?"

"Yes."

Jack turned back around and admired his choices as the Doctor shrugged into the perfectly tailored charcoal suit jacket.

The Doctor fiddled with the open collar of the shirt. "Tie?"

"Nope."

"No tie? I thought you said this was supposed to be special!"

"Trust me, you look great. I'll get Rose. Try to tame the hair a bit, okay?"

The Doctor rolled his eyes as he ducked into the bathroom. His hair was being particular resistant tonight, so he sighed a little, nicking a bit of Jack's hair gel to get it to sit down more easily.

"Doctor?"

The Time Lord went back into the bedroom and stopped short at what he saw. He blinked a few times, trying to reconcile the girl that had been on his arm that afternoon with the elegant woman in front of him. Her stunning purple dress plunged daringly at the neckline but was appropriately snug everywhere else. Brown hair was gracefully pulled back from her face and arranged in a messy knot at the base of her neck. A few loose strands had been curled and framed one side of her face. She was wearing makeup for the first time since their reunion.

She looked different, so different from the girl who had rescued him from the Nestene consciousness. But she was still his Rose. Still had that full mouth and those amazing dark brown eyes, even if they were staring at a point past his left shoulder.

Rose turned her head, trying to listen. "Doctor?"

He blushed furiously as he realized he hadn't said anything in at least thirty seconds. "Rose, you look … stunning."

She flushed slightly. He could tell she was still feeling a bit self-conscious. "This was all Jack's idea."

"Oh, I know," he replied, stepping towards her and taking both her hands. "He even got me in on it, too." He guided her hands to his suit jacket and smiled a little as she ran her hands over the new suit.

Her hands traveled to his crisp new shirt. "What color is it?"

"It's a dark purple. We look good together."

And then she smiled, and the Doctor realized that Jack had been right about everything.

Jack had contemplated letting the two of them have a romantic dinner alone together. But in the end, he decided that it would be too much pressure on Rose. In this case, a third wheel was needed to lighten the mood and make sure that Rose felt as safe and relaxed as possible. He could do that.

He leaned against the wall and waited for the two of them to finish gaping at each other and join him in the hallway.

A moment later, the door opened, and a slightly flushed Doctor ushered Rose into the hall.

Jack grinned. "Everybody happy?"

Rose giggled. "Yes." She turned her head towards the Doctor. "Is Jack dressed up, too?"

The Doctor hadn't taken the time to notice earlier, since the two of them had been arguing. He was surprised to see that Jack had changed into an emerald green shirt and crisp white linen suit. It made his eyes look even more blue than usual. "Uh, yes. Yes, he has."

"Feelin' a bit Michael Westin tonight," Jack said with a smirk. He knew he looked good, and the Doctor had actually noticed.

Rose giggled as she linked arms with each of her men. "Who's that?"

"Fictional American spy. He works in Miami, so he needs to look awesome without overheating."

Rose let her hand wander over the linen suit. "Ooh, very chic."

"Altogether, we look make a pretty good-looking bunch," Jack stated.

The Doctor rolled his eyes, but he was smiling and so was Rose. In fact, she was practically glowing. Jack chuckled to himself, pleased that his plan appeared to be working.

Rose was apprehensive about eating in front of other people in a fancy restaurant. But with only minor, murmured instructions from the Doctor, she was doing brilliantly. Even though she couldn't see the beautiful dining room with its romantic lighting, she could hear the clinking of fine silverware, feel the crisp table linens, taste the gourmet food, and hear the swishing of dresses as people passed their table on their way to the dance floor.

She almost didn't need to see it; she could picture it so clearly in her mind. Though she did miss being able to see the Doctor's face as he laughed. The only insecurity that still showed was when she would occasionally reach out for the Doctor's hand, who was always quick to grab hers and squeeze it reassuringly.

"Hmm, you're not gonna be able to move after eating that," Jack remarked after the waiter had taken their dessert orders.

"I know," Rose replied. "I couldn't help it! It just sounds so delicious!"

"Well, then I'll have to take my chances now and ask you to the dance floor before you can't stand up," Jack announced, pushing back his chair.

Rose felt a wave of anxiety run through her frame but when she felt Jack's hand on her shoulder, she pushed her fear away. She trusted Jack. She smiled and held out her hand until he took it. She stood up, enjoying the feel of the high heels Jack had picked out; she couldn't recall the last time she had worn any.

Jack tucked her arm under his, and she matched him step for step to the dance floor.

"So, did the Doctor look more worried or jealous?" she asked as her heels clicked on the wood floor.

Jack chuckled. "Pretty good mix of both. But I knew he wouldn't ask first, and I didn't want to miss the chance."

"Thank you for everything, Jack," she said as he guided her to a traditional dance hold. "It's been a wonderful evening."

He kissed her forehead. "You're welcome." They swayed slowly to the music, which was sounded completely other-worldly and, yet still a little romantic.

"So … how do I know if we're doing the right dance?"

"Rose, since when does that matter to you? Are you having fun?"

She smiled. "Yes."

"Then just relax and enjoy it. Don't worry about being correct all the time."

"It's a little hard not to."

He kissed her forehead again. "It's more important that you feel confident and comfortable. Then it will seem like you do everything effortlessly."

Rose giggled. "So, you're saying I think too much?"

Jack laughed. "In a way, yes."

"Well, what am I going to do when you're not here to tell me to stop?"

"Oh, you'll have a good tape running in your head of Things Jack Would Say by the time I'm done with you."

"May I cut in?" the Doctor's voice gently interrupted.

Rose felt herself blushing.

"She thought you'd never ask," Jack said, transferring Rose's hand to the Doctor's.

She heard Jack step away as she and the Doctor swayed gently to the music. "It's been a long time since we've danced."

"Too long," the Doctor said, pulling her in closer.

She closed her eyes, letting her cheek rest against his chest.

"I know I've already said it, but you look so beautiful tonight."

"Thank you."

"Is there anything else you want, Rose? Anything you need? Anything you want me to say?"

She swallowed, trying not to cry. "No, Doctor. This is perfect."

Eventually, there will be a final part to this! Thanks for reading.