The Wedding
September 3, 2011 8:00 am – Tyler Mansion
Jackie tapped softly on her daughter's door. She wasn't sure what time the girls finally dragged themselves in the night before, but she was sure they both had headaches. She didn't expect Rose to be sitting up in bed, talking to Melody. Rose smiled when she noticed her mother.
"Well, you excited dear?"
"Mum, you do know this is just a formality for us, right?" Jackie rolled her eyes at her daughter.
"Of course I know that. The two of you have been married for years, whether you'll admit it or not. Now you've gone and married in the eyes of his people. Today is about getting married in the eyes of your people. But I can't say that I'm not looking forward to it. You're my only daughter, so I want to spoil you."
"You sure it's not just because this will be a good PR for Vitex and Torchwood both?"
"Well there is that. The 'Ice Princess' is finally getting married. Reporters are jumping on it. Then the hype will die down. Should keep 'em off our backs for a while. At least until you have your first good row."
"Mum!" Jackie just looked at her daughter then rolled her eyes.
"You're both strong-willed, Rose. It will happen eventually. And with him being practically unknown, it will be that much more spectacular. You remember how they swarmed when I came back into the picture? Remember how much worse it was when we introduced you?"
Rose pursed her lips together, but nodded her head. It was hell for weeks for their household. It didn't help that Rose had fallen into a deep depression. The depression got worse after the day at the beach. It wasn't until she made a name for herself at Torchwood that the media backed off. That was when the media finally saw her as 'Rose Tyler, Defender of the Earth' and not 'Rose Tyler, Long Lost Daughter to Pete and Jackie Tyler'.
"I know what you mean, Mum, and that you're just trying to prepare me for the worst. But this step isn't any different than anything we've done before. And I've become a master with the press. If we get into this epic fight you seem to expect, we'll handle it just fine." Jackie embraced her daughter, and whispered in her ear.
"I'm not wanting you to fight, love. Don't take it that way. It's a mother's job to worry. One day, maybe you'll understand that."
September 3, 2011 10:00 am – White Chapel Park
Joshua looked around the little park in awe. This wasn't anything he remembered being in their original Universe. It had been created after the Cyber War. Several parks had been created in the aftermath of the cleanup. People started shunning technology. Not completely. But several prominent businesses had been destroyed and made into parks. Most were renamed. This park had become a prominent wedding spot. Over 100 weddings per year happened here. The owners didn't differentiate between species, either.
Since coming to this Universe, Joshua had witnessed a surprising toleration for other sentient species. It was amazing. It confused him, at first. But then he started working with Torchwood and especially Rose. Rose's personal skills had always been, well, fantastic. But she'd really come into her own since coming to this Universe. As much as he hated to admit it, their separation was key in Rose becoming the Ambassador for the Earth.
Pete had let him go with Rose on some of her diplomatic missions since he'd quit Torchwood. He'd spent an entire week with her on Benikate, a small planet a system over. As her bond-mate, he was privy to their negotiations. She'd single-handedly stopped a civil war with a few words and her personality. He'd seen that in her, of course, when she'd first traveled with him. She'd really blossomed since coming here.
"Hey, mate, you nervous?" Jake's voice startled him from his inner monologue. He was getting married today!
"Yes and no. This isn't the first I've been married. Not even the first time I've married Rose. But this will be the first time we've had a ceremony with her friends and family. It doesn't make it any more than our Bond, but this is a very public display. It's not something I ever thought I would do again. Not since my first wife."
"How many times have you been married?"
"Only twice that mattered. I've had to marry my companions in one capacity or another at times. I've married Rose fifty-seven times to get us out of trouble. Some were silly ceremonies. Others more like you would expect. But I meant the vows with her each time, and I want to think she did as well. We were just both too cowardly at the time to push it. We both wasted a lot of time."
"But you have the entirety of the rest of your lives to make up with that. Make sure you do."
September 3, 2011 1:40 pm – 20 minutes before the ceremony
"Does my makeup look alright?" Melody rolled her eyes at her friend. It was the final countdown to her sealing her vows with Joshua. Rose's nerves had been fine until about five minutes ago. All of a sudden, the thought of her standing in front of all of these people, proclaiming her love was almost to much.
"Please tell me you aren't having second thoughts?"
"No...it's just, we...I never thought we would be here, ya know? Saying vows in front of all these people. It still seems so unreal to me. And it's not us, really. I'd imagined our wedding several times and it was never this enormous. I just, I feel like I'm in a dream."
"Rose Marion Tyler, you are the bravest woman I know. Nothing about this ceremony changes how the two of you feel about one another. To be honest, this is for your mother, family, and friends. You've already solidified your union. Look at this like any of your diplomatic missions. It will please all involved. Plus, there's a really great party afterwards."
"Thanks, Mels. You always know just the things to say. How do you do that?"
"Been around for a while, Rose Tyler. One of these days, I'll tell you all about it. But not today. Today is about you and that man out there who adores you. Get through the ceremony and the party afterwards and I promise things will be okay."
September 3, 2011 1:40 pm – 2 minutes before the ceremony
Joshua stood at the altar. The guests were seated. Jake would be standing beside him soon enough. That didn't keep him from wringing his hands together nervously. He was anxious, nervous, and his palms were sweaty, which was new to him. In all his 900 years or memories, he couldn't recall a single time he was this nervous. He could hear the crowd murmuring, waiting on the cued music. The air was tense and hot, and he resisted the urge to rub the back of his neck.
He was dressed in his TARDIS blue suit that he had put on when he was first created. Rose had insisted on it. He'd used his sonic to make it cleaner than any dry clean. Inside his pockets were a few choice items. It was tradition on his planet to fasten a pendant around the neck of the bride. It symbolized their bonding and he wanted her to wear it. Originally, he had intended to give it to her after their bonding, but something stopped him. It now rested in his pocket for him to place around her neck during their ceremony. It was one of the few things about this wedding he had insisted on.
The other, was the binding. Not their bond, obviously, but the symbol of their bonding as a House. On Gallifrey, that meant each House had to declare their consent of the union. Jackie would be performing that role for Rose, but Joshua really didn't have anyone to proclaim his House's consent. Jake had volunteered, but it hadn't felt right to have him do it, even though he was his oldest friend in this Universe. Joshua had never felt so alone as he did right then. He wished, more than anything, he still had family left to solidify this union.
September 3, 2011 1:40 pm – Time
He kept to the shadows as much as he could. Even without Joshua being a full Time Lord, if he slipped, he could be caught. He'd meant for this to be a surprise. Joshua might not see it as a pleasant surprise, but he hoped.
The music keyed up and everyone held their breath. Each group proceeded down the aisle, making way for the bride. Tony was the ring bearer. He practically ran down the aisle towards Joshua. Joshua picked him up in a fierce hub before setting him down to stand between Joshua and Jake.
Next was Melody. She wore a TARDIS blue sleeveless dress that ended around her knees. Like the rest of the wedding procession, she was wearing white Converse. Walking her down the aisle was Jake. He was dressed in a blue suit very similar to Joshua's. It wasn't exact, obviously. It didn't have the bigger-on-the-inside pockets for one.
Once their small procession was situated, the Wedding March began. Pete proudly led his daughter down the aisle. Joshua's breath caught at the first look at her dress. The predominate color was white, as was custom. The bodice was TARDIS blue. A streak of blue also went down her back and flared to become her train. Her veil was white, as was custom, but it was held on her head by a blue tiara. She looked absolutely breath-taking.
'Breathe' a voice whispered through his head. It didn't sound like Rose's inner voice. It almost twinged a memory but he couldn't place it. He followed the advice, though, and took a deep breath. When he exhaled, he smiled brightly at his bride. He could almost imagine her smiling back but he couldn't really tell underneath the veil. Pete handed Rose's hands to Joshua and they stood, facing one another.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered her today to marry this man and this woman. Under normal circumstances, I would read the vows which they would repeat to one another. They have chosen, however, to write their own vows. As is custom where the groom is from, there is a small hand-fasting ceremony as well. Rose?"
Rose faced her bond-mate fully. She could feel the happy hum in the back of her mind, but it seemed more than usual. Like it was amplified. There were several telepaths in the audience. She shook off her worry and began reciting the words she had wrote.
"For the first nineteen years of my life, nothing happened. We met on what was an ordinary day at work for me. Dead-end job. I was volunteered to go to the basement to drop something off. Little did I know, the place had come alive. Just when I thought I was done for, a hand grasped mine and told me to run. And run we have. Through galaxies and universes, we've traveled together. When I lost you, I lost a piece of myself. When you told me it was impossible for me to get back, that only fueled the fire. I proved you wrong and found you again. This is our second start, and I want to spend the rest of my life running with you by my side."
"Rose Tyler. I was a broken man when we met. I'd lost everything. Saving your life made me hope I was one step closer to redemption. But I couldn't let someone as bright as you get caught up in my darkness. I pushed you away, only to immediately need your help. You saved me that night, just as much as I saved you. When I showed you the worst of me, you didn't run. You took my hand, held me close, and let me know that I wasn't alone so long as you were there. When I lost you, I broke. I tried everything I could think of and it still wasn't enough. All I could do was get a short message through. When I told you it was impossible, I truly thought it was. But then, you proved me wrong. I've held you tightly ever since. And I will never let you go."
The man in the shadows grinned. This was the happy couple at the start of their journey. IT warmed his heart to see them like this. It almost made him not continue with his surprise. He'd come so far, though, and refused to give up. He walked from the shadows and cleared his throat.
"Well, that was a lovely speech. By both of you, I might add. But I'm going to have to interrupt."
Blood drained from Joshua's face. He knew that voice. Rose knew that voice. He'd taken her down those horrible memories months ago, when they had ran away. Of all the people he didn't want here, this man topped that list. The man continued speaking, and Joshua's grip on Rose became tighter. He refused to face the voice.
"To do this ceremony properly, each side has to declare their consent for the union. It would be my honor, if you'd let me, to be the one representing you."
Of all the things the Master could have said, Joshua did not expect that. He turned slowly around and faced the voice. The body still belonged to the same body he last remembered. The one who had tortured him and Jack. The one who had died in his arms. How was it that he was here?
"You seem speechless, Joshua."
"What are you doing here?"
"Paying a debt. And attending my best friend's wedding. I even have an invitation." The Master held his hand out and there was one of the invitations they had sent out. Joshua snatched it from his hand and opened it. Inside were engraved the words "To Melody Pond and her Plus One". Joshua dropped the invitation to the floor. Rose bent to pick it up. After reading the inscription, she turned to her best friend.
"Melody? What's going on here?"
"Use your heart, Rose. You tell me." Before Rose could close her eyes, the Master started talking again.
"I'll spell it out for you if you like. Melody Pond is my bond-mate. She's been here for years preparing for this. And believe it or not, she really does have your best interests at heart. We both do."
"You're evil." Joshua spat at the Master. He felt Rose step in front of him, before he saw her. When she looked back at him, he saw the faint glow that meant the Wolf was protecting him. He wasn't sure how he felt about that.
"Koschei, step forward." Joshua watched as his oldest fr-enemy not only complied, but bowed his head as he stepped close to Rose.
"Why are you here?"
"To represent my brother in everything but blood as he vows to spend the rest of his life with you."
"How did you get here?"
"You know I can't answer that, Rose. Spoilers." This earned an eye-roll from Joshua. He had started to calm down. He'd never completely let his guard down, but this was more akin to the Koschei he knew growing up.
"Look at me, Koschei." Joshua gasped at what he saw. The last time he'd seen the Master, you could see the insanity in his eyes. Now, Joshua only saw warmth and adoration. He held out his hand and Melody took it. He could feel the strength of their bond, now that he knew what he was looking for. Melody spoke softly and directly to Joshua.
"We couldn't bring all your friends and family here. The trip was too risky as it was. But know that they all love you and wish you the best. The only other person who could've made the trip, is standing at the back. And he would be honored if you would let him do the ceremony."
Joshua and Rose both turned their heads. There, at the back of the room, stood Captain Jack Harkness. He looked happier than the last time either had seen him. Joshua hadn't even felt him near, which was amazing considering how wrong he normally felt.
"It's a filter. I made it for him. Makes it easier to work with him if I'm not constantly cringing. He was skeptical at first, which he had every right to be. But you and Rose both assured him that it worked and that it was safe for him to wear." The Master, no, Koschei explained all this as Jack came up the aisle. Since Koschei had crashed the ceremony, the audience had been strangely silent. Each person watched as the supposed wedding of the century was interrupted. The tension that was high in the room started to dim as Jack came closer to the altar. Finally unable to resist, Rose launched herself at him. Jack swept her up in a huge hug and twirled her around. Joshua felt Koschei's hand in his moments before he heard the thoughts.
'She is a remarkable woman, your Rose. Know that no matter what happens, she loves you. Every you, no matter the face you are wearing and no matter the species. But this is a special time for you both. You'll face hardships you never dreamed and you know I can't tell you more than that. But know this, so long as the Doctor exists, Rose Tyler will find a way to your side.'
~DW~~DW~~DW~
Jackie Tyler was furious. Of all the places she didn't expect to be invaded, it was her daughter's wedding. They had taken precautions! But as the scene unfolded and the tension left the room, she came to understand. These people weren't here to ruin the wedding. On the contrary, they were here to help it along. And not just in any way. It was the Doctor's chosen family. Not all of them, of course. But once she saw the tension leave his body, she knew that this was what he had needed.
She was thrilled to see Jack Harkness again as well. He'd visited before, when the Doctor was all leather and big ears. He was a charmer but mostly harmless. She knew that he had become one of Rose's best friends. When she thought he'd died, Rose spent days mourning. The Doctor thought it was because he had changed and had stayed away. Maybe he could have shed some light on it sooner had he stayed. Rose found Jack on her third jump across the Universes. When she'd come back from that jump, she told Jackie what had happened. Third jump was a success. They'd even hit the right Universe, just the wrong time. Jack had clued her in to a bunch of what had happened since she'd been gone. The Valiant hadn't happened for him yet. He was still searching for them and was more than happy when Rose recognized him. He did his part and made sure she knew the rules of Time Travel before sending her back. At least the ones she hadn't picked up from the Doctor.
The Time Travelers settled themselves into their respective spots. It took her a moment to realize they were all waiting on her to take her spot beside her daughter. With as much grace as she could muster, considering tears were streaming down her face, she took her place at the altar.
~DW~~DW~~DW~
Joshua almost cried when he heard the first stirrings of his native language. Jack spoke the melodious tones like an expert. No one else could understand them, but it made his heart fill with love for the man. He didn't ask how he knew the words. Somehow he knew he wouldn't get a straight answer. What surprised him was when Rose answered. Jack switched to English so Jackie would know her prompt and switched back to Gallifreyan for the rest of the ceremony. Koschei and Jackie helped to tie the ribbon around their hands. When they were finished, Jack lifted Rose's veil gently so the entire world could see her in her beauty. Joshua kissed her hard and passionately, but not so much that they would get distracted. He unbound their hands and fished the pendant from his pocket. He fastened it gently around her neck. Koschei surprised him by producing an identical pendant for Rose to put around his neck. Then they exchanged rings. In the eyes of both their peoples, they were wed. Joshua picked Rose up and spun her around in joy before kissing her again to the cheers of everyone present.
~DW~~DW~~DW~
Jackie watched as Joshua led Rose across the dance floor. He knew the man could dance. Rose had told her more than once that he could but it was a completely different thing to be told and to actually watch him. The strange man who had interrupted the wedding sidled up to Jackie. They stood there, admiring the couple. Before long, the man spoke.
"I've heard so much about you, Jackie. It's nice to finally meet you in person." Jackie stared at him for a moment. Her reply was curt and if he hadn't been expecting it, he might have been hurt by it.
"Exactly what are you to them? Himself especially?"
"What I am now is his friend. We grew up together. We grew apart. My people implanted something in my brain that drove me insane. Because of this, for a long time I was his greatest enemy. I've tortured him and tried to kill him. But when it mattered most, I was there for him. Then I met Rose. She did the one thing that no one else could. She took away my insanity. For the first time in centuries, I could think clearly. I was ashamed of what I had done and begged forgiveness. They made me promise to work alongside Jack to pay off my debt. I'd wronged Jack as well. Probably more so than I ever did the Doctor. But in the end, mostly with Rose's help, I've come to prove myself to them. Your daughter is remarkable."
"I know. You shouldn't be telling me most of this. It's their future, isn't it?" Koschei grins at Jackie. The years of dealing with Time Travelers have obviously rubbed off on her.
"You're right, I shouldn't. But I'm going to give you a few spoilers because your daughter will need your unconditional support soon. They are about to hit a very rough spot, Jackie. Then Rose will disappear. You're the only thing that keeps them together. They will both need you, before it's over."
"Will they be happy in the long run, though?"
"Undoubtedly."
"Then that's all I could ever ask for. C'mon. Up you get. A dance before you all go. If I know anything, you are probably on a bit of a schedule, aren't you?" Koschei shrugged but showed her a gentle smile.
"I'm sure Joshua and Rose's schedule is more pressing than ours. But I'd be more than happy to share a dance with you."
~DW~~DW~~DW~
Joshua watched as his mother-in-law danced with his oldest friend. After today, he could actually say that. His showing up didn't erase what had happened to him during the Year That Never Was. Nothing could erase that. But he could looked at Koschei now and saw the boy he grew up with and not the Master. A weight that Joshua didn't know he had listed off his shoulders during his wedding. Seeing Jack again was brilliant as well. They had made amends, but he would always feel guilty for leaving him behind.
He watched Jack and Rose dance across the floor as well. Jack had been polite enough to let Joshua dance with Rose for a while but he had finally cut in a few minutes ago. Joshua sat at the sidelines, watching everyone and felt content. Melody sidled up to him and put her arm around him in a sideways hug.
"I'm sorry for lying to you. But how would you have reacted if you'd known?"
"Probably badly, to be honest. Koschei has always been a part of my life, and usually not a good part. I still can't believe he's taken a Bondmate."
"I wasn't lying when I said that was the youngest I'd ever seen you." Joshua looked at her wide-eyed and Melody gave him a small smile.
"How?"
"I can't tell you. Then you'll tell Rose. I can't let those times change. My life is a circular paradox up to that point and the circle must stay intact."
"I know how circular paradoxes work, Melody. So you really are River Song?"
"A name I was given at my birth. It took a very long time before I knew it, though. My entire life is complicated. Well, it was. Then I met Koschei."
"I bet he makes your life interesting."
"You have no idea. But I'm sure he'd say I that I bring the adventure to our partnership."
"I bet you do. Is he...are they friends?"
"Best of friends." Joshua smiled. Another weight was lifted from his shoulders. He was glad that his other half had his friend back as well. "Care to dance, Doctor?"
Joshua smiled and took her hand. He let her lead him to the dance floor.
~DW~~DW~~DW~
Rose decided that this was the single best day of her life. She and Joshua had officially married and here she was, dancing with her best friend. She never thought she would see Jack again. His eyes looked haunted, like he'd lost too much, but there was a light in them as well. She longed to ask him what, or who, had put the light there, but she didn't. She just enjoyed him twirling her in his arms. She saw her mother dancing with Koschei. That had been a surprise. And Melody was leading Joshua onto the dance floor. Her life had fallen into place. She knew that they couldn't stay long and she would be sad to see them go. But the golden glow that Rose associated with the Wolf seemed to say she would see them again.