About this chapter: SORRY IT'S BEEN FOREVER SINCE MY LAST UPDATE. Now that that's out of the way. Here are Rose and the Doctor, now in Rome. I'm speeding up their trip, because I just want to see them back home again (and I know you do too, probably), but there are a few more things that need to happen before we arrive back in London. Next chapter is Amsterdam, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Here's a bit of a Roman adventure, please let me know what you think. I welcome reviews and suggestions! This is just a story to fill the whole this sailing ship left in my fangirl heart. Hopefully you enjoy. I'll be adding new chapters sporadically, but often!

Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. They belong to BBC and Doctor who.

The Doctor and I arrive in Rome with endless smiles stuck on our faces. Everything is rose-colored, and nothing hurts. Our train ride was pleasant, and the Doctor had a lot of fun taking apart the engineer room when no one was looking. "Look at this! Rose, Rose, come and see!" He kept saying, and I would come to look at whatever part was so interesting, knowing absolutely nothing about it except that it made him so happy. We found our hotel without any fuss, unpacked our bags, and set out into the city.

As we stroll through the streets, the Doctor's hand securely in my grasp, we begin popping into shops to see what's for sale.

"Ooh, Rose, look, it's a fish shop. We could buy some fish!" His voice full of excitement, he pulled us inside.

"Doctor, we have no way of cooking the fish," I point out, "Unless you want some strange Roman sushi, we'd best move on."

"Oh, alright, you're right." He pulls us back to the street and into another shop. "Rose, look! Look, look, pottery! We could get a vase to send back to your mother!"

I pick up a delicate clay vase and turn it over, enraptured by the tiny flowers carved gently into the pottery. "That is a lovely idea, Doctor. Yes, hello," I set the vase in my hand down in front of the older woman running the shop; "We'd like this please. And, sorry, is there a post office nearby?"

"Yes, ma'am, two streets over," the older woman smiles and glances between the Doctor and I before holding out her hand, "Two pence, ma'am."

"Wait, wait," the Doctor fishes into his jacket, "I've got it, I've got it. Ah, here," he places the money into the woman's open palm.

"You are a lovely couple," the woman states, places the money in her pocket, "Are you married?"

"No, no," I shake my head, a smile on my lips, and place the vase gently into my knapsack, "Not married, no. But we are…together, yes."

"I could tell," the older woman sits back, folding her hands in her lap, "I have been married many years, I have been working in this shop even longer, and I know the look of love when I see it. And you two, you are in love."

"Yes," the Doctor states, his voice full of enthusiasm, "We are both in love. With each other. Together, yes."

"I'm Rose Tyler," I hold my hand out and the woman shakes it, "And this handsome bloke is the Doctor."

"Doctor who?" She asks, shaking his hand.

"Wouldn't I like to know," the Doctor answers, a smile on his face, "And you are?"

"I am Portia," the woman smiles broadly, "You both seem like adventurers. Have you seen many things in the world?"

"Why, yes we've seen many things, Portia, we're professional adventurers," The Doctor agrees, playfully, "And how could you tell that?"

Portia shrugs, "It is in your eyes, sir. Doctor. Your eyes have seen many things, I can tell. You have both seen much. This is not your first time travelling together."

"And it isn't our last time, either," I interject, "We've seen many things. All over the universe, it seems. And we're not ready to slow down just yet."

"You keep travelling together, ma'am," Portia reaches forward, takes both the Doctor's and my hands, and laces them together in between her own, "that will keep your love strong. You will be very happy, I know. I've seen many couples, but you two—your love is real."

"Only someone truly in love can see that," the Doctor places his free hand on Portia's shoulder, "you and your husband are very lucky to have each other."

"Thank you, Doctor. I hope to see you both again."

"We'll be back again, before we leave," I promise, "And if our travels bring us back to Rome, we'll be sure to say hello."

"I will look forward to it, Rose and the Doctor. You both have a good time today."

The Doctor and I leave, waving to Portia as we walk further down the street, until we can no longer see the sign for her little shop. I squeeze the Doctor's hand, and nudge his arm with my shoulder. "Our love is real," I repeat grinning up at him.

"Yeah," he winks, leaning down to kiss my forehead, "alright. Where to, next?"

"Oh, I don't know. We're in Rome. What do the Romans do?"

"Drink a lot of wine, eat a load of food," The Doctor tugs me around a corner, "We could look for a restaurant. First, we'd better go find that post office and send that vase to your mum."

"You're right! I'd almost forgotten!"

"Allons-y, Rose Tyler!" He pulls us faster, and then we're running. I laugh loudly, and race to keep pace with him. We locate the post office two streets down from Portia's shop, and come to halt inside, catching our breath.

"The running," I pant out, "It's a bit more fun when something's chasing us."

The Doctor rolls his eyes with a smile, "Oh, right, nothing like impending doom to get the heart rate pumping."

I pack the vase into a small box, taking care to wrap it up with paper and bubble wrap as best I can to prevent any accidents. I scroll the address onto the box and wait in line to mail it. I reach the front and set my small box down on the scale.

"Thirteen fifty, ma'am," The mailman informs me. I pay him, and he gently places my package behind him atop a stack of pending mail.

The Doctor holds open the door for me, and I step through into the humid Italian air. I wrap my arm around the Doctor's waist, and his arm lies lazily across my shoulders, and we walk aimlessly down the street.

"So, how are we feeling? Are you hungry? Do you want to eat in?" The Doctor pulls me a little closer, "Or do you want to go on a little adventure with me?"

I nod briskly against his shoulder, "What kind of adventure did you have in mind?" I ask, excitement bubbling forth, "Let's go, where to, Doctor?"

"First, we'll need something to eat," He perks up, craning his head for a place to eat, "Ah, there's a place. Let's get something to-go."

We enter the small shop and order two meals, and the Doctor asks for them to be prepared in a travel box. We pay, take our food, and I let the Doctor lead us through town.

"I've got a spot," He says quietly, whispering into my ear as we stroll along, "A place I've only been to once, and only ever on my own. I don't know if it's still here, in this universe, but it wasn't very popular in the other one. We should be quite alone."

We come to the edge of town, and I can see the river a few hundred meters ahead. The Doctor takes us past a few large, historical buildings. This universe's Roman's had the same style of construction as the Roman's we've always known. They love columns, and white marble, and beautiful landscapes. But the Doctor by-passes the sites (which we plan on seeing in depth in the next few days anyway), and we reach a tall growth of trees and overgrown bushes which I can't see past.

"It's a bit different," The Doctor says, "But it's still fairly secluded," He pushes through some bushes, holding branches aside for me, and we step through to a small clearing, that sits just beside the flowing Tevere River, with the calming sunset falling behind the cityscape of Rome.

"Oh, my," I sigh, stepping through the bushes, my box of food in hand, "Oh, Doctor. This is…it's…Well, this is perfect!"

"I thought so, too," He slides out of his long leather jacket and lays it down on the ground, "Perfect for a picnic, wouldn't you say?"

I open my mouth to agree, but a shout stills us both.

"HELP!"

The Doctor drops his food and takes off, tearing through the undergrowth towards the person screaming. I follow him, throwing my take out to the ground and following the river downstream.

"HELP US PLEASE!" Just ahead of the Doctor stands a man in his forties, hollering and pointing, "PLEASE SHE CAN'T SWIM!"

The Doctor is in the water before I have reached them. I watch as he is taken down stream, and I follow him along the river's edge. The frightened man stands ahead of me, and he meets my gaze.

"My daughter! We were playing and she slipped!"

"It's alright, we'll get her, don't worry!" I promise, still rushing to keep up with the Doctor who is paddling quickly, "Stay with me, sir!"

The man follows me, and we rush forward. I spot something a few hundred meters ahead of the Doctor in the water. "DOCTOR! SHE'S UP AHEAD!"

I believe he hears me, because he picks up speed and swims faster than possible. The river is helping sweep him along, moving him closer and closer to the small child. I race to keep pace with him, trying to keep my eyes locked on the little girl's bobbing head.

The Doctor spots her and swims to the middle of the river to take her into his arms. The river continues pulling them downstream, and I frantically look for a way to pull them out.

"Miss, there is a tree upstream!"

"Let's move it!" I push my legs faster than they've ever run before. I tear forward along the river, passing the Doctor and the little girl, my eyes searching ahead.

"THERE," The man yells, and I hear him panting behind me, "JUST AHEAD YOU SEE?"

There is a large tree, with long branches dangling into the river. I reach for a thick, strong branch and pull it down close to the water's edge. "Tell him to grab hold!" I shout to the man.

He yells back to the Doctor, and I see the Doctor's eyes searching for something to hold onto. He sees me, then the branch, and reaches up a hand, his other arm wrapped tightly around the child. "Hold on, Doctor!" I scream, lowering the branch further to the ground.

His hand grips the branch and slips.

"NO!" I cry in horror.

But the Doctor pumps his legs, trying to fight his way upstream again. His force is no match for the river's strong current. He swims in place for a moment, and I try to push the branch closer to him but it's no use.

I watch as he takes a deep breath, and he lifts the small child and tosses her up and forward into the air. He is immediately swept away by the river, while the little girl grabs hold of the branch with both hands, half of her body still dragging in the river. Her father reaches forward, one arm wrapped around the tree branch I am still holding, and scoops the little girl up into a tight embrace before they fall backwards onto dry ground.

"Doctor!" I release the branch and run again, following the river once more. I can't see him. I keep running, pumping my legs hard. My eyes are searching, searching, but I see nothing but rushing waves. "DOCTOR!"

"ROSE!"

I follow his voice, rushing even faster down the river. I see him ahead, clinging to a rock on the opposite side of the river.

"DOCTOR HOLD ON!" I turn around and around, looking for something to toss him that will allow me to pull him across. "HOLD ON, HOLD ON!" I am in a small clearing, with no conveniently placed trees or vines or forgotten rope. "BLOODY HELL!" I tear my hands through my hair, "JUST HOLD ON!"

"I will!" He yells back, "I promise!"

I rush back toward the father and daughter. They have followed me down river, and we meet each other out of breath.

"Do…you…have…a rope?!"

"Here!" The man unties his belt and hands it to me, then reaches around his daughter's waist and unties the sash that ties her soaked shirt, "Take this. Run!"

I turn on my heal and race back to the Doctor, who still clings to the slippery rock. I tie the sash to the belt, and throw one end to the Doctor. He reaches for the make-shift rope and ties it around his arm clumsily, before taking hold with both hands. I secure my footing and begin pulling him to safety. My arms ache in protest, but I push through the pain. The Doctor reaches my side of the river, finds his footing, stands and rushes through the water towards me.

My arms wrap around his neck, and his arms wrap around my waist, and we collapse onto the ground, our bodies too exhausted to stay upright.

"Oh, you stupid idiot!" I moan into his sopping wet shirt, "You stupid, stupid Time Lord! You foolish, lovely, ridiculous man!"

He breathes heavily, trying to catch his breath. His hands hold me closer to him, and I feel his body shiver through his wet attire. "Oh, hush up. I saved her, didn't I?"

Too tired to lift up, I slide forward and plant a kiss on his chin. "Yes, you saved her, you brilliant idiot. And nearly died yourself!"

"Oh, I wouldn't have died. Just would have gone downstream a bit until I was caught by some local fishermen or something," His words are teasing, but his grip tells me the truth of the matter. He holds me so tightly I can hardly breathe, but I am holding him just as securely. We both know that one was a bit too close of a call.

I hear the approach of someone, and I roll over off the Doctor's chest and onto my back to see who is coming. It is the man, his daughter wrapped up in his arms.

"Thank you, thank you," He cries, his voice full of appreciation, "You are wonderful, you are. Please, come to my home. I will make you a meal, and fetch you dry clothes. All in thanks for you saving my daughter's life."

I sit up, feeling a strong ache in my legs and back. "Oh, sir, that would be fantastic," I turn my gaze to the Doctor, "You need to get dry before you catch cold."

"You're right," the Doctor shivers violently; "I'm freezing. A warm meal would be wonderful, sir. Bless you."

Rodrigo, the man, and his daughter, Isabelle, prepared the Doctor and myself a lovely, warm meal in their quaint house just a mile from the river. As we made way to their humble abode we retrieved the Doctor's jacket from the riverside, but upon arriving the Doctor was given some extra clothes whilst his were hung to dry.

The four of us eat in the sitting room, sharing in conversation. The Doctor and I learn that Rodrigo's wife, Mariela, passed on when Isabelle was just a baby. Isabelle is in school, and has learned quite a lot about marine life, which seems to be her passion. Isabelle and her father visit the river every day, and usually the river isn't as strong. But with the season's changing, the current was stronger than either Isabelle or Rodrigo thought, until Isabelle was swept up into it.

"We were walking the shore, collecting shells and rocks," Rodrigo explains, "And Isabelle was skipping along the rocky shore, just as always. But then she slipped, and I was in a panic. I'd never seen the river take something so quickly. One second there, the next gone! I really cannot express my gratitude enough, Doctor. You and Rose are real heroes!"

The Doctor smiles and shrugs his shoulders, "All in a day's work. And all you have done for us, Rodrigo, this is thanks enough."

"Yes, Rodrigo, the meal was wonderful," I set my empty bowl down and nudge the Doctor gently with my knee, "But we had really better be going. But could we see you again sometime? Tomorrow, while we're sight-seeing, maybe?"

"Oh, Daddy!" Isabelle gripped her father's sleeve, "Please, we could be their tour guides!"

Rodrigo gives his daughter a happy smile, and nods assent, "Yes. I think that would be splendid."

The Doctor stands, "Then it's settled!" Everyone rises to their feet, and the Doctor takes Rodrigo's hand and shakes it vigorously, "We'll see you both tomorrow for another exciting adventure. Ah, and, where are my clothes?"

I take one last appraising glance at the Doctor as Rodrigo takes him to his dry jeans and shirt. Rodrigo's baggy sweats leave the Doctor's slim frame swimming, and he looks like a child playing dress up in his father's jammies.

I feel a hand on my arm, and I look down to find Isabelle beside me, a small smile on her face.

"What is it, Isabelle?"

"Rose, are you and the Doctor in love?"

I blush fiercely, and look back to make sure we're not being spied on. I meet Isabelle's gaze and nod a little, "Yes. We are in love."

"Oh, I've never been in love before," She says, her voice full of whimsy, "I know Daddy loved Mama. I hope I can love someone, too."

I lean down to her level, "Isabelle, you'll find someone someday who loves you very much. I know it. But you won't find them by wishing. You'll find them by going on adventures, by learning new things. You're still young, so maybe it's a bit early to be in love, but when you're ready, you'll find it. I know you will."

"And we'll be happy and go on lots of adventures, just like you and the Doctor." Isabelle grins up at me, and I can't hold back my smile.

We both turn to the doors as we hear the men enter once more. The Doctor is back in his jeans and shirt, his leather jacket slung over his arm. "I think we're ready. Rose?"

"Aye," I pull Isabelle in for a hug, "I'll see you tomorrow."

I wave to Rodrigo and Isabelle as the Doctor and I walk down the street. I wave until I can no longer see the house, and then I turn into the Doctor, wrapping my arms around his middle.

His arm finds its way around my shoulder, and he pulls me closer as we amble towards town.

"They are a sweet family," The Doctor murmurs, "And they're quite happy, aren't they?"

"Yeah," I squeeze him tight, "I'm glad they have each other."

The Doctor rubs circles into my arm and tugs me impossibly closer, "Me, too."

We make it back to our hotel and head straight for our room. This hotel is much more modest than that of the Paris ordeal. The room is spacious, without being ostentatious, equipped with a small fridge, a large king-sized bed, and two small love seats.

"Alright, I'm going to get ready for bed," The Doctor pulls out some pajamas and makes for the bathroom, but then he stops and grabs one last thing from the dresser. He holds it up, "What do you think? Is it about time, then, eh?"

I look over and see he is holding his electric razor. I laugh aloud, shaking my head, "Oh, Doctor."

"Is that a no? Do you like it? Should I let it grow down to my chest?" The Doctor runs his fingers through the scruff growing along his neck and face, "I didn't realize it would grow so much if left unkempt. All this humany-wumany nonsense is ridiculous."

I furrow my brow, "Humany-wumany? Really?"

"I'm shaving it," He states, by way of reply, "I'm tired of feeling like a homeless man. And it feels a bit mangy since that tumble in the river. I'll be back in a mo.'"

I dress in the room, throwing on shorts and a t-shirt. As I'm folding my clothes I listen to the electric buzz of the Doctor's razor. It's kind of soothing, and it reminds me of the gentle hum of the Tardis in flight. Though, not really, because nothing can replicate that exact noise.

As I sit down on my side of the bed, I hear the bathroom door open behind me and turn to appraise my Doctor's clean-shaven face.

He has a wild grin on his fresh, hair-free face. He pats his cheeks and then holds his arms out, gives me a little twirl. "What do you think? A nice change, then, eh? Nice and smooth; like a baby's bottom."

"Oh, yes, let's compare your face to a child's arse," I lean across the bed and lift my face, waiting. He bounds closer and leans in, giving me a kiss. "Mm," I pull away, thinking, "No, it's nice. And you're right; your face is like a baby's arse."

The Doctor rolls his eyes and flops down onto the bed. "I said baby's bottom."

"Alright. Enough about bums," I lean down beside him, resting my hand on his shoulder, "I like your facial hair," I murmur, running my hand up his chest.

"What?" The Doctor lifts up to look into my face, his expression appalling, "Why didn't you say something? I didn't have to shave if you really liked it."

"Did you want a shave?"

"Well, yeah, but I didn't have to!"

"I don't mean I wanted you to keep it. I just mean that, well," I touch his cheek, run my thumb along his cheekbone, "I like all the…humany-wumany things about you. That's all."

He gives me a grin, "Do you think the beard makes me look a bit more…devilishly handsome?"

I roll my eyes dramatically which makes him giggle. "Doctor, I think you look handsome all the time. Even in Rodrigo's baggy sweat suit."

The Doctor wraps his arms around my middle and pulls me close, "Well, I'll just have to buy my own pair of sweats, then. Tomorrow I'll ask Rodrigo what size he buys."

"Mm, that'll be quite the sight," My hands tangle in his hair and I pull his face closer to mine, "I do love a man in a sweat suit. I could barely keep my hands off of you tonight. If Isabelle hadn't been present, who knows what I would have done to you."

The Doctor chuckles low in his throat, "Had I known that I would have worn one every time we were alone on the Tardis."

His statement floors me, and I freeze. He senses my change and pulls back, his expression questioning.

"You mean you thought about that kind of stuff? When we were together on the Tardis, I mean. You thought about…this?" I run my fingers though his hair, my eyes locked on his. The Doctor gulps, then nods his head minutely. "But, what…why didn't you ever do anything? Say anything?"

The Doctor sighs and looks away from me, "Rose…"

I sit still in his arms, waiting.

He looks around the room, and then meets my gaze, "Rose I…I couldn't. You were so young, and impressionable," I raise my eyebrow and he rolls his eyes, "Alright, well, even if you don't believe it it's true. And, besides that, Rose, I was too old. I'd lived too long. I have done…terrible things. Too terrible and too unspeakable. I didn't…" His hand finds my face, and his fingers brush across my cheek, outline my lips, "I didn't deserve to be with you, Rose. I didn't even deserve your attention, but you stuck around anyway. It was selfish enough asking you to come along with me. I couldn't ask you for anything else."

"But I…" I look away, now it's my turn to feel embarrassed, and I speak to his chest, "I would have been…willing enough."

His loud guffaw shakes the bed, and my eyes find his. "Oh, Rose. You are so precious."

"Oi! Shut up!" I reach a hand back and smack him in the arm, "What do you mean by that?"

"I was protecting you," the Doctor leans forward to touch his forehead to mine, "From the demons that lie in my wake. I always knew you were strong enough for them. You are the strongest, brightest, most brilliant woman I've ever met. Honest. And I've known loads of brilliant women," He pulls back to flash me a smile before growing stoic, "But I wasn't ready to let you bear that burden. I didn't want you to bare the load of my…guilt when I knew one day, be it by choice or no, you would have to leave me."

I contemplate his words while my fingers trace patterns into his shirt. I watch his eyes droop and his head lull whilst I'm thinking and I smirk a little despite myself. As I come to a conclusion, I still my hands. That is all I need to do to capture his attention. His eyes open wide and lock onto mine.

"So, what you're saying is that you were protecting yourself?"

"What?" He pulls upright in surprise, his expression aghast.

"You never wanted to open up because you knew one day I would leave, or die. You were afraid it would…hurt too much, yeah? Because I will accept any part of yourself you want to share with me, Doctor. The demons, the angels, the monsters and all. And you've always known that, haven't you?" I take his face in my hands, and really look into his dark, fathomless eyes that once were clear blue, "You've always known that I would be capable of loving you whole-heartedly. So you always tried to push me away, right? Always tried to keep yourself away, yeah?"

By his total lack of movement, I judge I've floored him this time. I wait for him to speak, but he doesn't, so I proceed; "You tried to send me away so many times. You were always ready to say goodbye, always looking for a way to send me off. First at Bad Wolf, then Canary Warf. Always, always trying to send me off to a normal life. But I never let you," I lean up and kiss his cheek, "because I'm here, Doctor. I'm right here. And you're never gonna get rid of me. Maybe it took you becoming part-human, but you're stuck with me now, eh?"

The Doctor leans in close, his lips capturing mine. For a long time, we don't speak, and the only sounds are shared breaths and the rustle of fabric. He breaks away to look at me, and I have a big stupid grin on my face when he does, but his eyes have a spark I've only seen on rare occasions before. His nose brushes mine as he murmurs, "Stuck with you, that's not so bad."

We spend the rest of the night in each other's arms. We fit together perfectly.

**I hope you liked this one! I made you wait a little bit for it, and I'm sorry it doesn't have more! I feel like I'm not giving you enough action, but there's a lot I feel these two need to hash out before anything really amazing can happen. Let me know your thoughts, and if you have suggestions let 'em fly! NOW ONWARD TO THE NEXT UPDATE (which will be faster than the last, promise)