James walks into his kitchen, dropping his backpack on the island, and as he looks at the stove, his shoulders slump. It's been the longest day he's had in a while, and the thought of having to cook dinner tonight makes him want to go straight to bed. He slides his hand into his pocket, pulling his phone out to order some takeout and then take the hottest shower anyone has ever taken. Before he can do anything, though, it rings in his hand. His sister's contact photo lights up his phone and he answers quickly.
"Hey," he says, nestling the phone between his shoulder and ear so he can grab his laptop out of his bag. He'll just order something on it; there's no telling how long this conversation could last and he's starving.
"Have you got any plans tonight?" she asks. He can't help but smile. Straight to the point, that's his sister.
"No, I was just gonna order in and get a shower. Why?"
"Good! Why don't you come over for dinner?" she offers. "Gramps is here."
He's terribly tempted; the thought of a home-cooked meal makes his stomach growl. He really should have taken a moment for lunch today.
"I dunno…" he hedges. As much as he wants to see his sister and grandfather, he isn't sure –
"Mum's not here," she says. He can hear the smile in her voice; she knows she's got him.
"Alright," he says, closing his laptop. He laughs when he hears a whoop from his grandfather and Donna both. "I'll be over in a bit, okay? I've got to take a shower."
"Dinner's in an hour," she says just before hanging up.
Walking towards his loo, his shoulders feel lighter already. Some time with his family will be good after a day like today.
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James hears familiar voices when he steps into the warmth of his sister's house.
"When's that brother of mine getting here?"
"He'll be here soon, just sit down."
"Always late, that one," Donna grumbles. He hears a chair scrape against the floor and assumes she took their grandfather's advice.
"I'm here, I'm here," he calls, shucking his coat and hanging it up.
"Told you," their grandfather says, smug enough that it makes James chuckle. James reaches down to take his Chucks off and leaves them with the other shoes, finally stepping into the brightly lit dining room where his family is.
"I am not late," he insists, checking the time on his phone to be sure. "I'm five minutes early!"
"Well," Donna says, "first time for everything."
They laugh and he puts the wine down on the table before going in for a hug. She grips him tightly to her chest, just like she always does.
"You could visit more," she grumbles.
"I was here just last week! We had dinner and I told you about my date," he reminds her.
"Who says you can only come by once a week, then?" she asks. He shakes his head, giving her one last squeeze.
"I'll do my best," he says. His grandfather stands up from his chair and stretches his arms out, and James gives him a tight hug.
"What are you doing in Oxford? I didn't know you were visiting," James says.
"Just wanted to come see my grandkids," he says, shrugging.
"And get away from your daughter," Donna says with a snort. James laughs with his sister as their grandfather stutters for a moment. Finally, he laughs too.
"She is a bit much without you lot there to spread the …madness out to," he defends himself when they settle down. James can't help but agree; their mother's unbridled attention is a lot.
"Well, I'm glad you're here," he says. He walks over to the cabinet and grabs three glasses for them. Donna observes the wine, uncorking it.
"Ooh, you brought may favorite!" she exclaims. He nods with a laugh.
"I bought two different ones for Rose the other night," he explains, "I thought she'd like the other better, so I saved this one for you."
"Who's this Rose, then?" his grandfather asks. James goes quiet and busies himself taking the bottle from Donna and pouring wine into the glasses.
"She a girl you met here?" he questions again.
"She's… er… well," James clears his throat and looks up to his sister for help, only to see she's near exploding from holding in laughter. He turns to his grandfather and sees the familiar twinkle in his eye that means he's in on something he shouldn't be.
"Donna!" James groans. "You told him."
"Yep," she answers his non-question.
"You and your gob," he mutters.
"Oi! It isn't like you were ever gonna tell him. Just bring her home for Christmas one day without a word, I'm sure."
"I –" James stutters for a moment, turning to his grandfather. "I wouldn't have done that, Gramps. It's just… it's early. We've only been seeing each other for a few weeks. I doubt she's told her mother yet."
"I know you wouldn't have done that to me, James," he says. James hands him his glass of wine with a small, grateful smile.
"Would it kill you to call me every now and then, though?" he asks with a stern look.
"I don't know why you don't just move out here with us, Gramps," Donna says from the stove, turning away from the spaghetti to look at them.
"Get away from Mum and see us all the time instead," James adds with a nod. They'd been trying to convince him since they moved to Oxford together at the start of the year.
"Oh, you two don't want me out here," he insists. "You've got your lives here. I've got mine there. Besides, knowing your mum, she'd move right along side me if I did that, then I couldn't even come visit you lot to get away."
James and Donna exchange a look and their grandfather laughs at the horror on their faces.
"I can't leave London," he says finally. "London is my home."
"We won't push you," James promises, closing the conversation before his sister can insist any further. Donna sighs and nods, turning back to the stove.
"You aren't getting off that easy, son," their grandfather says suddenly. James's eyes go wide as he takes his seat across from the older man.
"What do you mean?"
"Rose," he reminds James, "tell me about her. All I could get out of Donna was that you were seeing a new girl called Rose."
"I left all the good stuff out because I knew he'd be in soon," she calls with a laugh.
Though James sighs, he can't help the tingle of excitement in his chest at the thought of talking about Rose. He's only ever really talked about her to Donna, and he's always been careful not to say too much.
He runs the tip of his pointer finger along the rim of the glass, staring into the deep red liquid to avoid they sparkling, curious eyes of his grandfather.
"She's studying criminology part time," he begins, fighting the dopey smile that is desperately trying to overtake his face. "Works at H&M the other part."
"You should ask her for some help with that wardrobe of yours," Donna says.
"Oi," James grouses, turning to glare at her. She grins back at him, and he rolls his eyes, but he's unable to keep from returning it.
"Her mum lives in London, same as you," he says, returning his attention to his grandfather. "She lives not far from here, and has one roommate, Martha. Martha dates Rose's childhood best friend, Mickey, and she says he practically lives with them as well."
He finally looks into his eyes. "She's brilliant, Gramps. Clever and witty and beautiful."
"How'd you meet?" he asks, taking a small sip from his glass.
"I was having dinner at this little place in town one night, Lancaster's, when I saw her. She was sitting alone at a table that was set for two. Every now and then she'd check her phone, and after about fifteen minutes, I couldn't just sit there anymore. Everyone around was giving her these looks of pity. If a whole restaurant was looking at me that way… Anyway, I got up and walked over to her table, and told her how sorry I was for being late, loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear. I leaned in, told her my name, and asked her to go along with it. To be honest, I half thought she might tell me to piss off. But she didn't. She went along with it, and we had dinner together. We stayed and talked until the place was closing. At the end of the night, I asked her out on a proper date, and we've gone out every week since then."
"Quite a romantic story to tell," he remarks, that same glint in his eye. James hadn't seen his grandfather look at him this way in a very long time. "She sounds lovely. When do your sister and I get to meet this English Rose, then?"
As Donna groans at his terrible joke, James chokes on his sip of wine.
"Meet? It's – it's far too soon for that, I think," he sputters.
"He's just worried we'll embarrass him," Donna says confidently.
"That isn't… all I'm worried about," James admits. "I really do think it's too early to be meeting each other's families! It's only been three weeks."
"All right, it's okay, son," his granddad assures. James is sure he's worried about spooking him from talking about Rose anymore with them.
"It isn't all right!" Donna says. "I've never seen a girl make him this way before, Gramps. He's all doe-eyed all the time. It's miserable."
"I am not doe-eyed!" James interrupts, cheeks heating up uncontrollably. Despite her words, he can hear the fond smile in her voice. He knows it makes her happy to see him finally with someone who's good for him.
"I wanna meet the girl who can crack that exterior," Donna finishes, ignoring her brother completely.
"Donna, love, you're only going to make him keep her away for longer talking like that," their grandfather warns. Donna huffs, but doesn't deny that he's right.
"Either way, dinner's ready. You boys can make your plates."
She gets her own food and sits at the head of the table, taking the glass that James offers her with a word of thanks. The boys get up and get their plates, wasting no time with getting back to the table and tucking in.
"No more Rose talk, then," their grandfather says finally, eyeing Donna.
"Good luck getting this one to button it about her," Donna cracks, pointing at James with her fork. James can't help but laugh with his family as they settle into a very familiar banter.
RTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRT
James stares at the phone in his hand. The cursor blinks at him, and he almost feels like it's mocking him. For the third time, he types out a message.
Do you like parks?
He closes his eyes and hits send (he hopes, he might have missed, eyes closed and all). After a second, he opens them and sees the little blue message has delivered. Okay. Good. That's what he wanted. God, what if she thinks parks are stupid? What if her childhood dog ran away at a park and now the thought of them depresses her? What if –
His phone buzzes in his hand.
I love parks! Who doesn't?
He breathes out, shoulders relaxing. Of course she loves parks. Now that he thinks about it, their first date had technically been at a park. He had forgotten the mini golf course here was in a park.
Feel like going on a picnic with me saturday? Don't worry I checked the weather it's going to be unseasonably warm.
Sounds fun! :D I'll bring the picnic since you cooked last time yeah?
Brilliant! Gimme a sec I'll send you the address
He googles the address and sends it to her. She replies with a smile and thumbs up, and the grin on his face hurts his cheeks.
He sits for a moment, basking in the joy of another date planned. After a second though, he panics and checks the weather one more time just to be certain. Yes. Clear, warm, and sunny. A true rarity for their home. Saturday can't get here fast enough.
RTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRT
James feels warmth radiating in his chest as he drifts to consciousness Saturday morning. His eyelids flutter open and he sees sunlight pouring into his room through the large window. He grins sleepily. The weatherman hadn't let him down this time. For the last three days he's been worrying that he'd wake up to a thunderstorm and they'd have to cancel their date.
He rolls over onto his stomach and rests his head on crossed arms. Maybe he can catch just a little more sleep now.
After about half a minute, his eyes pop open. Nope. He sighs and gets out of bed, padding over to the bathroom to get ready for the day. He's extremely pleased to be able to put on jeans and a light long-sleeve shirt instead of the usual winter coat.
RTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRT
Around noon, James arrives at the park. As they suspected, there's a massive amount of people here since it's likely to be the only sunny day for ages. He turns off his car when his phone buzzes beside him.
You here?
Yep! Meet me at the front?
You've got it
He clambers out of his car and rushes to the front of the park. He glances around for her, trying his best not to look like a maniac. He hears a giggle behind him and a blush creeps up his neck.
"Morning, Doctor," a familiar voice says into his ear. He sucks in a breath and spins around, catching Rose up in a hug and lifting her off her feet.
"Morning," he says. She giggles again, gripping his shoulders tightly. He sways back and forth a bit before placing her back down on her feet.
"Good thing I put the picnic basket down before that," she says, grinning up at him. Oh, he's missed that look. How long has it been since they last saw each other? It seems longer than just a week, if he's honest.
"Right, that could have been disastrous," he agrees. She picks the basket back up and he takes her free hand in his, lacing their fingers together. Something warm settles in his chest, but he doesn't think on it.
"Lots of people here, you were right," he says. They begin walking without much aim, just looking for a space to settle in without too many people around.
"Yeah," she says, "we don't get many days like this. Especially this time of year. S'okay though, this park is huge."
"You been here before?" he asks, looking down at her.
"No, but some of my mates have. Martha and Mickey told me all the best date spots," she assures him with a sly smile.
"Well," he says, returning her look, "lead on."
RTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRT
There's a little alcove in the trees on the far side of the park. No one is around, everyone's on the other side of the lake playing with their mates or getting ice cream. They lay their blanket out and settle in, sitting with their backs to the trees so they can see the lake.
"S'beautiful, this place," Rose whispers, taking in the lake and trees around them. James hums in the back of his throat, leaning back on his hands with his left settled just behind her back. They're close enough to each other that he can feel the heat radiating off of her.
"Imagine how it'd look in the summer when the trees and grass are all bright green," he comments. She nods, looking over at him. Her eyes are dark and she bites her bottom lip, gaze locked on his lips. He clears his throat, sitting up.
"So," he says, perhaps too loudly, "let's eat!"
Rose blinks and shakes her head, eyes clearing. "Great idea! I'm famished."
He opens the basket and pulls out the sandwiches she'd made for them. She grabs the bottles of water and crisps, setting them down in front of them.
"Now, I brought some other little nibbles and the crisps, but the really special treat, is this." She pulls out two orders of chips that appear to still be steaming.
"Are these –"
"Lancaster's chips," she says. She hands him his order and their warmth seeps into his fingers.
"How're they still so hot?" he asks, bewildered. He unwraps them and pops one into his mouth, groaning. He doesn't know what they do to their chips at that place, but he thinks he could eat them for the rest of his life.
"I went just before I came here," she says, shrugging. "I was worried they'd still be stone cold by now, but it looks like today is our lucky day."
James looks around at the beautiful park and back to Rose's face. He takes everything in, her bright eyes, the way her hair is falling down across her forehead a little, the grin that hasn't left her face since he first saw her today.
"That it is."
"Let's dig in," she says, unwrapping her own chips.
RTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRT
"Favorite color?" he asks, gazing up at the clouds above them. After they ate, they had moved out from the alcove just enough that their heads could peek out if they lay down on their backs.
"Hmm…" she ponders for a moment, "blue."
He laughs, nodding. "That's right. Again."
"Mine?" she asks, nudging his shoulder with her own.
He looks over at her, but she's still looking up at the sky. "Pink?"
"That's right," she says, turning her head to lock eyes with him. "How'd you know? I haven't even worn pink around you. You've worn blue for two of our dates, though."
"Well, to be completely fair," he says, a little embarrassed, "you said you liked it last week."
Rose doesn't laugh at him. She just bites her bottom lip and gazes into his eyes.
"You didn't answer my question," she whispers.
"Oh," he whispers back, "I dunno, really. It was a guess. You make me feel… pink, I think."
He closes his eyes tightly, and takes his hand away from her to cover his face. "That was stupid. I don't even know what that means."
She pries his hand away and laces their fingers back together with a little laugh.
"It isn't stupid."
"Favorite movie?" he asks once his cheeks cool back down.
"Oh, c'mon! How am I ever supposed to guess that?" she grouses. He laughs, squeezing her fingers.
"It's a trick question anyway, I've never been able to pick one favorite."
"Oi, it's no fun if you're gonna cheat," she says, playfully pulling away from him. He goes right along with her, keeping the same amount of space between them (that is to say, none).
"No more cheating, I promise," he whispers into her ear. He feels her shudder as his breath brushes against her skin and a tiny thread inside him snaps. He kisses her just behind her ear and she gasps in a breath. He nips the spot he just kissed, then soothes it with his tongue.
"Doctor," she gasps, and he feels a growl building in his chest. He tamps it down; he's got enough of his head left to know it's far too intense for a date at the park.
"Let's move back into the trees again," she suggests.
"You're brilliant," he says. She laughs breathlessly and they make their way back into the trees, guarded from any wandering eyes that may come across them. She encourages him to sit up and pushes him so his back his flush against the tree behind him. Then, she straddles his lap and seals their lips together again. His hands fly to her hips, holding her tight against him. She bucks a little, and a strangled moan escapes him. Their lips mould together in a way he isn't sure he's ever experienced with anyone before Rose. His right hand creeps up from her hip, sliding slowly up her stomach. He stops just below her breast, waiting for her permission. She tugs his hair and nods through their kiss. He moans, cupping her breast over her shirt. Her nails dig into his scalp when his thumb brushes along her nipple. He breaks their kiss, panting as he looks up at her.
"Are you wearing a bra?" he asks, scandalized.
"Of course I am! It's just… thin," she says with a blush. He grins and leans back up to connect their lips again. He brushes her nipple again and she grinds down against him. He moans, suddenly very aware of what this situation is doing to him. Rose notices too, it's impossible that she wouldn't. Instead of getting up and giving them both a moment to cool off though, she grinds against him again.
He breaks the kiss once again, latching his lips on her neck and sucking instead. He gives just enough pressure that he thinks she might have a little mark just below her jaw. The thought makes his hips buck up against her and she moans, returning the pressure. He releases her skin with a pop.
"Rose," he says, gasping for air, "If we don't stop soon, I'm going to embarrass myself very much."
She stills, resting her forehead against the juncture of his neck and shoulder. "You're right. We should stop."
"What if I come to your place next week again though?" she suggest, and he can feel her cheeks heat up against his skin. "I can bring some spare clothes."
"I – are you ready for – for that?" he asks. He tilts her head up so he can look into her eyes.
"I am," she says, looking straight at him. "If you are, I mean."
"Yeah," he clears his throat, "I am. I think I am."
"Friday?" she asks, biting her lip.
"Perfect," he says, "Friday is perfect."
"Do you like Harry Potter?" he asks. She laughs, surprised.
"Yeah, of course. Why?"
"I was just thinking we might watch a couple when you come over," he says.
"Always got a plan," she says, laughing again. "That sounds lovely."
"Brilliant," he says. They grin at each other in what he can only assume is a disgusting manner before Rose speaks up again.
"What do you say we get some of that famous ice cream?"
"A good way to cool off," he says, nodding. They pack up their picnic, which has been thoroughly picked through by now, and walk towards the ice cream stand. They've been here so long that most of the crowd has headed home, and the park is quiet.
"Sun'll be going down soon," she comments. He hums, agreeing with her. "I didn't even realize we'd been out here so long."
"Me either," he says. "Seems we have a bit of a habit for that." She laughs, looping her arm through his and snuggling against him as they walk. As the sun drifts lower, the temperature is beginning to drop around them. Time to head home, he thinks.
They make it to the vendor and he orders two cones for them, one pistachio and one chocolate. He pays for it, giving her a bewildered look when she laughs at the sight of his wallet.
"What was so funny about that, then?" he asks. They sit down at a table not far from their cars to eat their ice cream.
"I was just surprised you remembered your wallet, that's all," she teases, licking the dripping cone. He laughs.
"One time I forget it," he says. "You're never gonna let me live it down, are you?"
"Probably not," she admits, giggling. He reaches across the table to hold her hand once more.
"When are we going to have a date at your flat, then?" he asks, lifting an eyebrow.
"Whenever you're ready to meet Martha and Mickey," she answers.
"Will they like me, do you think?" he asks curiously. She nods.
"I know they will. Martha will be lovely, she always is. Micks though… he's another story. He's been teasing me about you since Martha told him I was seeing someone. It'll probably take a while for it to get old."
"I can handle a bit of teasing," he assures her. "I'd love to see your place and meet your friends."
"We can do it soon," she says. "Not this weekend though, I've already got plans."
"Well, lucky for me, I've got plans too," he says cheekily.
"Oh, do you?" she asks, grinning with her tongue peeking out.
"Mhm," he says, nodding. "I've got a date."
"She's a very lucky girl," Rose teases. He shrugs.
"I dunno about that. I think I might be the lucky one."
They look away from each other, blushing. James clears his throat and finishes off his ice cream.
"You ready to go?" he asks, giving her fingers a squeeze.
"No, but I think it's time anyway."
He nods and they stand up. He walks with her to her car. She swings their joined hands between them, and he mourns the thought of missing her warmth against his palm in just a few moments.
"Here we are," she says. He sighs, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead.
"G'night, Rose," he says. She leans up on her tiptoes and presses a soft kiss to his lips.
"Night, Doctor," she says when they part. When she gets in and starts up her car, he walks to his own and gets in, turning the heater on low. It's getting chilly again already.
RTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRTRT
James showers when he gets home and settles into the couch to watch a movie. As the movie beings, he looks out the window beside him and wills it to be Friday already. He jumps a little when his phone buzzes on his thigh. He picks it up and quickly unlocks it to read the text.
Is it Friday yet?
He grins and texts back.
Can't get here fast enough.