The day Rose and Jason spent together became an impromptu walking tour of Manchester. Jason rambled on about the history and little known facts about the region and Rose couldn't help but grin the whole time. Periodically, Jason would stop to take a breath and apologize for his rambling, but Rose simply beamed at him, encouraging him to continue. By the end of the day, she knew she may not remember half of what he said, but she'll remember the happiness she felt just listening to him talk.

As the day wore on into evening, the discussion shifted. Neither seemed interested in separating, so they agreed to have dinner together.

"How about chips? There's a great place just a few blocks from here," Jason pointed over his shoulder in the direction of the chippy.

"Chips sound perfect." Rose couldn't believe her luck. She'd found her first love's doppelganger and they were about to have the same first date at a chippy.

As they rounded the corner, the scent of chips wafted through the air. Jason stopped suddenly, patting his pockets. He looked up and frowned at Rose.

"Let me guess…you forgot your wallet?"

Jason blushed and apologized. "Guess I forgot to grab it when we left my place earlier."

"It's alright; I'll pay for us both and you can pay next time." Rose offered.

"As long as you promise there will be a next time." Jason flirted.

"I think that can be arranged." Rose teased.

They ordered their chips and found a booth near the back that offered some protection from prying eyes. Rose hadn't seen any paparazzi that day, but she knew it was only a matter of time before she was recognized.

"So, how are my tour guide skills? Did they meet with your satisfaction?" Jason teased her.

"Not bad," she said and then gave him her signature tongue-touched grin. "But, you could have been telling me a load of crap and I wouldn't have known the difference."

"Don't make stuff up, me." He feigned being insulted. "Besides, you're too clever. I could never lie to you without you figuring me out." They laughed and sat quietly until their food arrived.

After a few bites, Jason looked at Rose. "I hope you know that I don't normally knock down women and drag them back to my flat. I'm sorry about the way we met this morning; I would never hurt you. But, I'm not sorry that we met." The sincerity in his tone warmed Rose's heart.

"You certainly took my breath away this morning." She laughed, but the double meaning in her words was not missed by either one of them. "Better with two?"

"Yeah" he answered breathily. "Definitely better with two." The tension between them was growing thicker by the second. After what seemed like an eternity, Jason broke her gaze and looked down at their now empty chip containers. "Besides, I only take the best." He chuckled and Rose collapsed in a fit of giggles.

"So, if things are better with two, then what are we two going to do tomorrow? Any other tours you'd like to take me on?" Rose hoped her tone wasn't too eager. She had more fun today than she had had in a very long time and she didn't want it to end any time soon.

"Unfortunately, I'll be at the University most of the day teaching and having office hours." Rose tried to hide the disappointment in her face and she could tell that he was trying to hide his as well. "But… how about we meet up for dinner after that? And this time, I'll pay." Jason suggested with a large grin that stretched from one big ear to the other.

"Sounds like a plan." Rose grinned back.

Rose and Jason finished their drinks and Jason offered her his arm as they walked in the direction of Rose's hotel. Jason ushered Rose into the lobby. They stood awkwardly for a moment, neither one wanting to say goodnight just yet. Rose pulled out her phone and quickly added his number to her contact.

Rose: hi :)

Jason: Hi back :)

They giggled like teenagers for a moment.

"Well, I guess I should get going. I've got a couple of lectures to prepare for tomorrow."

"Yeah, I should probably check in with my Mum, make sure she knows I'm alright. She hates when I travel on my own. Thinks I get into trouble…" Rose grinned knowingly.

"Try to avoid any trouble tomorrow while I'm not around. Don't wander off." He teased, knowing that she'd probably spend most of the day wandering.

"Well, I've been told I'm very jeopardy-friendly."

After another pause and awkward silence, Jason finally leaned in to kiss Rose on the cheek and whisper "goodnight". Rose answered with her own soft "goodnight" and he turned and walked out the front door of the hotel. Rose watched him walk away and then headed up to her room, her mind swimming with happiness, curiosity, and hope for the future. Well, maybe not the future, but at least hope for tomorrow. She hadn't felt hope in years and the sensation got her heart pumping.

Rose sent a quick text to her mum to let her know that she arrived safe and sound and would see her in a few weeks. She lay back on the hotel bed and let her mind contemplate the events of today, specifically, Jason. She grabbed her phone and dialed a number. Jake's friendly voice greeted her.

"Hi Jake!"

"Hiya Rose! I heard you are in Manchester. Not exactly the most exotic destination, but I guess they can't all be glamorous."

"Yeah, I'm in Manchester. Look, Jake, I've got a favor to ask you. Can you research someone for me? His name is Jason Tempest."

"Jason Tempest? That shouldn't be too hard to research. Not exactly a common name. What's this about, Rose?"

Rose sighed and debated briefly telling Jake more or just waiting until he delivered the research. She decided to trust her friend with what she knew so far. "Remember when John and I told you about Time Lord regeneration and the way he would change his appearance whenever his body was dying?"

"Yeah, I remember. That photo of the broody hunk in your office is what John looked like when you first met, right?

"Yeah, that's him. Well, Jason could be his identical twin. He looks exactly like John looked before he regenerated into, well… John. That is the John you met during the cybermen incident."

"Wow, Rose. Did you meet this guy in Manchester? And is it just his appearance that is similar or do you think he's another Time Lord?"

"Yeah, I met him this morning. He ran into me, actually. Quite literally. Then he offered to take me on a walking tour of Manchester today." Rose went on the talk about other similarities with Jason and the Doctor in his previous regeneration.

"How ironic that you happened to pick Manchester for your vacation…"

"Actually, the TARDIS is the one who suggested Manchester…" her voice trailed off as she wondered about what the TARDIS knew Rose would find here.

Jake filled in where Rose left off. "Do you think the TARDIS sent you to Manchester for a reason?"

"I don't know Jake, but that research into his back story would really help."

"Of course, Rose. I'll get right on this tomorrow and send the results to your tablet."

"Thanks, Jake. I appreciate it."

"No problem, Rose," Jake answered. "And Rose, take care of yourself. I know that this guy looks like John, but that doesn't mean he is him, or even some parallel version of him. Be careful around this guy until we know more, alright?"

"You're right. Thanks, Jake, for always looking out for me."

"We're friends, Rose. You've suffered enough over the years and I don't want to see you hurt again."

Jake and Rose said their goodbyes and when Rose looked down at her phone to end the call, she saw a text from Jason.

Jason: I had a wonderful day today, Rose. Thank you for interrupting my morning jog. ;-) I hope you sleep well.

Rose had a handful of responses on the tips of her fingers, but decided simple was better. Jake was right, she had to try to stay guarded until she knew more about this familiar stranger.

Rose: Thank you for rescuing me from the storm. Good night, Jason.

Rose decided to take a shower and climb into bed, suddenly exhausted after her the events of the day.