AN: Hey there! As promised, here's the new chapter!
I didn't received any feedback on the other one...Hope you still liked it, though!
Let me know what you think of this one too!
The "Harry Potter Tuesday" had become their thing: every Tuesday they would meet at John's (Tuesday being the only day his house was completely free), and read the books together.
The first time had been awkward: it hadn't been long since Rose's big fight with her 'friends' and she had thought a relaxing afternoon could make her feel better. She had already visited John's house a couple of times for tutoring, but this time it was for fun, so instead of going to the enormous study room with the desks and the immense library, he had taken her to the living room had two couches, one cream white and the other a particular shade of blue (the same of his backpack, she had noticed), that were put in front of a small coffee table and a quite large tv.
"I would have never guessed the house would be this big from outside." she'd said.
He had just smiled enigmatically and said "It's bigger on the inside".
They had sat down on the blue couch, each with their own book in hand, some space between them, and started reading, agreeing to stop after the first chapter to comment Doctor, however, had finished ages before Rose and kept complaining about her slowness."Why don't you read aloud, then?" She had asked, challenging had pondered for a moment, then shrugged and started reading out loud. Rose then had gotten comfortable, putting her socks-clad feet on the coffee table (as John had done earlier) and listening to the beautiful voice of her friend.
When they had reached the 'Sorting Hat' chapter, the sorting challenge had started.
"I'd say.. you're a Gryffindor!" Exclaimed Rose. John then had asked her why. "Well... First because of your success. That's something really important in both Gryffindor and Slytherin. But you're not as subtle as the latter and success is not your top priority. You're probably more brave and reckless like a Gryffindor." She'd finished with a grin. John had been touched about how much thought she had put into this. "Well, those are some great hypothesis, buut..nope. Not a Gryffindor" he'd smiled. "Ravenclaw?" She had tried again and this time he grinned and nodded. "My turn! You belong in Hufflepuff: kind, hard worker, loyal, brave, caring.. Often wrongly underrated as they're probably the best in Hogwarts."Rose had been shell-shocked: he got it right at the first try and had also added some simple words that hit the still most vulnerable spots and healed a little the hurt. She'd croaked out a "thanks" and hugged him. John had smiled a dopey grin and held her against him. Then he'd went on reading, while Rose had remained settled close to him, ending up with her head on his shoulder.
Since that time, their tradition stayed strong: one of them read, the other sat (and, after some time, snuggled) against the first one. This all had started almost a month ago and they were now starting the third of good ol' J.K's books. While John had had the chance to meet Rose's family, the girl hadn't met in person any of John's relatives. She'd heard him talk to the phone with him, but nothing more.
Today it was Rose's turn to read and she was sitting on the couch, waiting for John, who had gone to the bathroom and to grab some snacks. However, that was taking longer than she expected and her sleepiness was kicking in: she had had a hell of a week, culminating in two tests yesterday and to say she was exhausted was an understatement. «it might be not so wise, but I really need to lay down» Rose thought, deciding to risk it while she waited for him.
John rushed out of the kitchen and towards the living room, but stopped dead on his track upon seeing the view on the couch, his couch: Rose was lying down, eyes closed and golden hair falling off the couch. A wave of affection ran through him: this pink and yellow girl had quickly become his best friend, the time spent with her the highlight of his days. Feeling brave, he walked up to her, careful not to make any noise, put the tray on the coffee table and approached the couch. Slowly, gently, he cradled her head in his hands and lifted her upper body. Then he sat down on the couch and put her head back down, this time on his legs. Oh god, had he really done this? In that moment she stirred.
"Mmh" She half-mumbled, opening her eyes. She was somewhat startled to see brown eyes looking down at her. Her brain took some time to realize what must have happened and felt her heart beat faster.
"Tired, much?" John asked, trying to break the awkward situation. He relaxed when he saw her smile and nod.
"I went to bed at an ungodly hour last night.." She explained.
John looked at her beautiful face and gave into his impulse, starting to slowly stroke her hair.
Rose bit back an approval noise at the sensation of his fingers running on her scalp.
"What do you say if for today I read and you just relax?" He asked with kind eyes.
"That would be fantastic." She whispered. John smiled and started reading, still stroking lightly her hair and Rose felt herself relax under his gentle fingers and soft voice.
John went on reading, feeling her relax more and more, until she slipped in a peaceful, light sleep. He continued reading for another chapter, then lowered the book, putting it on the floor, and started looking at her face. Gently, as lightly as he could manage, he traced her features: her empathic eyes, the cute curve of her nose, her plump lips...He imagined her laugh, eyes crinkled and sparkling, mouth open and laughter raining out of it as a spring soft rain.
Suddenly he heard the door close and sent a "ssh!" towards the entrance, hoping that his relatives could keep quiet (and also hoping that it wasn't innuendos-Jack).
He heard light footsteps and thanked God for it. Then he saw a red head peek from the door.
John kept slowly stroking her hair and smiled sheepishly at Donna, who shot him a knowing grin. She opened her mouth to speak, but he stopped her and motioned for her to come over: it wouldn't do to have her shout now.
"So..I guess this is Rose..." She whispered to him and he just nodded and smiled.
"I'll introduce you after she wakes up" He whisper shouted, motioning for her leave rather than stop to chat.
"You better do it, Spaceman. Good choice, anyway" Donna said winking and leaving the room. John blushed and looked down once again.
Some time later, Rose stirred again and John smiled at her content sigh.
"Hey, sleepy-head" he smiled happily.
"Hi" She smiled sheepishly.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yes" She said with a happy sigh and John couldn't help resuming his motion of stroking her hair, threading his fingers lightly in her locks, and either stop the content hum from the back of his throat.
Rose's smile widened and butterflies bloomed in her stomach: this was bliss. If they could just stay like this forever..
She saw John's other hand was free, so she took it and started playing with his fingers. The domesticity of this whole thing should come as a surprise, but it doesn't, not really. Not after her awesome birthday and all the fantastic moments they had spent together.
"Donna came home earlier. I told her she could met you when you woke up. Is that okay?" His voice softly broke the silence.
Rose's eyes widened when she realized she didn't know what time was, but before she could even open her mouth, John spoke.
"Relax, it's not even five."
«Wow, we've come to know each other so well..»"Yes, it'll be no problem meeting your sister" She smiled up at him, fixing her eyes in his and losing herself in them. A voice from the door broke their moment.
"John, you want some-... Oh sorry! You're awake!" A ginger girl said from the doorstep.
Rose watched amused as a crimson blush tinged John's cheeks, then pushed herself up and stood, walking to the other girl, sticking her hand out.
"Hi, I'm Rose" Said girl said with a smile and watched as Johns sister took her shoulder and and used it to drag her into a hug.
"Hi Rose, I'm Donna. John has talked a lot about you" she said with a grin. John blushed even harder and both the girls giggled.
"I don't know how you can like that dork, though" Donna then added and watched as Rose's smile turned sweet. Donna gave them a moment, then spoke again.
"You want a cuppa?"
"Sure" Rose smiled and both girls turned around, giggling together and talking.
John groaned: what had he gotten himself into? Then, sighing, he smiled: he might be in trouble, but his sister and his best friend (his wonderwall, he reminded himself) went along well and even seemed to like each other. That was a really great thing. He'd better go and find them before Donna embarrassed him. More than she already had, anyway.
Rose watched as Donna put the kettle on: she really liked the redhead. She was funny, witty and clever and she could see the traits she shared with her brother. "You know, I was serious when I said he talks a lot about you. It's strange because I've never seen him being so happy only talking about someone." Donna said pensively, eyes still trained on the stove.
"I'm glad you have that effect on him, though" she added turning to her and smiling.
Rose blushed but stayed silent: did she really affect him that much?
"Really?" She asked in a small voice. Donna looked at her and smiled broadly.
"Yes!" She exclaimed.
"Yes what?" Asked a voice from the doorway, and Rose blushed recognising John's voice.
"Yes you do spend an awfully long time to get ready" The redhead bit back promptly, gaining an offended huff from John and a giggle from Rose.
The boy looked suspiciously at the two girls, then sat down at the table.
"Ooh come on, don't pout! The tea should be ready soon" Rose said laughing and patting him on the shoulder before dropping on a chair next to him. Soon Donna joined them and the trio ate in a companionable way, laughing, teasing and talking. And making fun of John in the meantime, obviously.
After some time Rose glanced at the clock and jumped up.
"Sorry, my dad is probably waiting for me outside..." She said smiling apologetically and walking to the living room to pick up her things. Then she walked back towards the door and found the siblings waiting for her.
Donna hugged again and smiled.
"Hope to see you again soon! You have my number in case..." She said shooting a glance at her brother and enjoyed seeing him freeze worriedly.
Rose half laughed and nodded, smiling at her newfound friend and watching as she walked back to the kitchen, probably to tidy up.
"Should I be worried?" John asked glancing between her and the room where his sister had disappeared to.
"Mh...probably" Rose teased with her signature smile and John found it hard to pout at that.
Rose then sobered a bit and stared in his eyes.
"Thank you for today... I really needed the rest." She said smiling softly up at him.
"No problem, sleepyhead." He grinned back, face stretching into a wide, breathtaking smile, and brought her into an hug.
She brought her arms around his waist and sighed, relaxing in his hold and savoring the feeling of his body protecting her, the safety she always felt in times like this. He leaned his head on hers, inhaling the scent of her shampoo and lightly stroking her back.
Rose's phone ringing brought them back to Earth and they both sighed. Feeling brave (and a bit reckless), the girl turned her head slightly and left a small kiss on John's neck, barely there but enough to make the boy blush.
"Gotta go" She whispered apologetically.
The Doctor nodded and reluctantly let her go. She grabbed her bag and stepped outside, turning towards him once again.
"See you tomorrow?" John nodded and she smiled, getting on her tiptoes and kissing his cheek as a goodbye.
"Bye!" She called over her shoulder.
John called out a small "goodbye" and stepped back in when she was safely in the car.
Leaning against the closed the door, he lifted a hand to his neck where her lips had been and sighed.
"Oi spacemen! Done daydreaming yet?" His sister's voice broke through his thoughts. He lifted his eyes and glared at her.
"Oh come on! You were all heart-eyes and you could as well have blacked out while you were holding her." She said matter-of-factly.
"I-I didn't, I swear!" He stuttered.
"Oh, this is wizard! Our little spaceman's in love" Donna let out with a grin.
Then she added:"You did choose well this time, though. She's really great."
"Oh yes, she is." He bit back dreamingly once again.
"Oh spaceman..." She smiled and patted his back.