After witnessing what hell could be, a vacation is in order. And Rose realizes there's really nothing in the world she wants to change between them.
Rating: Gen
Paring: Tenth Doctor/Rose Tyler
WC: 2.1k
A/N: Takes place after the satan pit.
i will mention this is an established relationship sorta deal going on between them. but also they don't know what to call each other when someone asks their relationship. its at that point. also the science in this fic is total bullshit. sorry science people if thats impossible. its doctor who so really i can create new science if i want
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The Doctor was finally taking Rose on a much needed holiday. This time he made sure it wasn’t a resort planet. Every time he tried to take her to one of those, they had the tendency of having to save the day. There wasn’t much relaxation to be found in sorting out the chaos caused by their heroics. So instead, he took her to a planet not too different from Earth.
It was in a galaxy only 12.9 light years away from the Milky Way. The planet was old, almost as old as his home planet. Pretty similar to it as well. Also pretty similar to Earth.
"If you put it on a scale, it would be almost in the middle," He insisted, "Leaning towards your home by an extra ten percent, I'd say."
Rose didn't really care who's planet it was more like. It was beautiful. Shining and glimmering in ways she couldn't describe. It felt like she was walking in a world created by technicolor. With the deep and vibrant blue of the water contrasted against the sky on the horizon. The only Earthly comparison she could come up with was a Van Gogh painting. Textures and colors popping and catching the eye to show the smallest details. A major detail, though, was the sky wasn’t blue. It was a bright yet gentle yellow. The Doctor explained as the sun set, it would turn into a violet color then a normal night sky shade.
"There's gases in the ocean that make it a similar color to the Neptune in your solar system. A long explanation. But I'll tell you this galaxy is one that founded life as you humans know it. The carbon compounds and all."
She wasn't paying much attention to what he had to say, he didn't seem to take offense to that either. They just took it all in. Walking hand-in-hand, the Doctor carrying Rose’s bag as he led them to a resort. She thought back on earlier as they passed a bright orange shop.
“No saving the day necessary. I think the Tardis owes us that at the very least.” He promised. Turning a dial on the console so the ship shook gently. Like she was as tired as her two passengers. Ready for rest.
He was still wearing the orange space suit. Rose wanted nothing more to tear it off of him. Not in any sexual way, but she wanted to make sure it really was him. In the pinstripe suit layered so deeply to hide how scrawny this body was. She settled for wrapping her arms around his waist, pressing an ear against his chest to hear the drumming of his hearts.
“I promised you it would come back in one piece.” He said before pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
They were both still in one piece. Despite how close they came to falling apart. They were here, surrounded in color she was lucky enough to see. She was lucky enough to still have his hand in hers.
The resort was smaller than she expected. Not that she was complaining. It was family owned and passed down through generations. Luxurious with a sense of modesty. It didn’t make her feel like she was out of place. It made her feel safe.
They made it into their room quickly. A flash of the psychic paper and charming grin from the Doctor had them on the top of a list that was booked for the next two years. He handed Rose her bag so she could slip into the ensuite and change. She wasn’t sure what exactly was in it. Opting for the Tardis to pack her bag so she could take a nap on the jumpseat while the Doctor ran diagnostics. She didn’t want to let him out of her sight. She had a feeling that panic would set in her chest if she strayed too far from him for the next few days.
The Tardis had done perfect for her- like always. Ready for her day of relaxation to begin, the first thing Rose was going to do was to lay out by the pool and get some form of a tan. Then they could venture down to the beach. The Doctor could continue his lecture on the ocean's chemicals while they walked down the shore. Maybe they could swim. She wasn't sure on the rules of everything here yet. But they would be poolside through the morning, if not the afternoon. He made no complaints. Happy to let her be in charge of what’s going to happen for the weekend.
“You staying in school boy chic while I lay out?” She asked, eyeing his suit.
He looked down at himself, as if he was just now noticing his wardrobe, “Oh, I'll figure it out.”
“Okay,” She drew out the last letter while grabbing the things she would need. Then put on sunglasses before slipping her hand into his and leading them to the terrace with an infinity pool.
It wasn’t crowded, but it was busy. Busy enough for Rose to feel silly, leading a man in a suit to a pair of lounge chairs while she only wore a cover-up. The Doctor didn’t seem to notice. He was rambling on about the planet's cultures and celebrations. Barely faltering when she slipped off her cover up and asked him to help put sunscreen on her back. She pretended not to notice his change in tone and the way his eyes were glued to her for a few minutes. She'd probably be stuck doing the same if he was so stubborn about his damn suits.
The lull of his voice and distant sound of the ocean was enough to quiet the anxieties in her mind. The breeze was enough to keep her at a comfortable temperature despite being directly under the sun. As the Doctor continued his lecture, she hummed in response when prompted. More focused on the way the yellow sky left colors on her closed eyelids. When he realized the state of mind she was in, he stayed quiet. She was tempted to open her eyes when his chair creaked and she couldn’t really feel his presence. But her body was so sunken into the moment, she was certain he would be back.
She was right. Grinning up at him when he pressed a drink into her hand. He looked silly, sipping on the tropical drink topped with a stereotypical umbrella. But the way the sunlight lit him from behind made him look just as beautiful. The tips of his messy hair glowing like a halo and his proud grin disarming her from anything that could possibly happen in this moment.
“Banana flavored rum!” He said as he sat back down, “Hints of mango and pineapple. Best fruits in the universe!”
Rose snorted and took a long sip of the drink. Eventually closing her eyes again since he wasn’t blocking the sun anymore. He started shuffling in the lounge chair next to her. She imagined that he was elbow deep in his interdimensional pockets searching for what she assumed was a book.
It took quite a while, but when he let out a triumphant “Ah-ha!”- she knew he would be kept busy for the next thirty minutes. If she was lucky.
“Rose?” he prompted
She hummed.
“Do you want to have dinner at that diner later?”
“Whatever you want, Doctor.”
He seemed happy with her response. Returning to whatever he had brought to entertain himself. She was more than happy to lay out in the sun and learn to photosynthesize. Rose didn’t have the ability to think too deeply. She wondered if there was something up with the chair or the drink that made her so ready to be relaxed.
She’s sure there was something inhibiting her anxieties. The Doctor probably told her already. But she was happy with whatever it was.
After a while, Rose shifted onto her stomach. Losing her sunglasses in the process and using an extra towel to cover her head instead. She could’ve fallen asleep like that. Then she heard the Doctor chuckle. She was almost certain that it was at her make-shift shade. Still it could have been whatever was keeping his attention so occupied. She was curious to as to what it was. Especially since he hadn’t even tried explaining what he was doing to her.
She cared about him and the fun he was having. But she was also in desperate need of another nap. So she decided to satisfy her curiosity later and try to get some rest now. Lord knows what night life this place had and how the Doctor planned on dragging her into it.
____________________________________________
Rose woke up in the same position she’d fallen asleep in. She could tell that the sun was a little higher in the sky by the change in temperature alone. Also could tell that time had passed by the fact that the Doctor was starting to mumble to himself. She felt a series of chills and involuntarily shuddered. She realized that it was his hand causing it. She let out a sigh- her curiosity finally getting the best of her- and maneuvered the towel to where she could get a glimpse of him.
The first thing she noticed was The Doctor had been wearing swim trunks underneath his pinstripes. They were the same shade of Tardis blue as her bikini. Her eyes trailed up his bare stomach and chest and to his face as his fingers drifted up and down her spine. He wasn’t even looking at her. Too enamored with the beat up book in a language she didn’t recognize. His eyes scanned the text with a small smile. His glasses perched on the tip of his nose. His freckles stood out against the rosiness on cheeks caused by the heat. The only coherent thought running through her mind was he's so beautiful.
She couldn’t help the chillbumps that continued to form despite the heat.
So in return, Rose reached out and trailed her nails up the forearm that was holding his book up. He smiled down at her, eyes twinkling as he dropped the book against his stomach. She wanted nothing more than for him to lean down and kiss her. Nothing deep or passionate. Just a kiss.
They probably looked like a couple, she realized. Not just probably- definitely. The way he carried her stuff, got her the drink. They helped each other with sunscreen. And now here they were, he was scratching her back as she napped. The casual comfort of it all, no thought in either of their words or movements. She imagined that’s what the others at the pool were thinking. If it wasn’t their actions, the matching bathing suits were sure to make it look like there was something going on.
Hell, if they had their normal amount of energy they could’ve been mistaken for newlyweds. Instead, they were a couple that’s been together for ages. Who still had that spark.
The air in Rose's chest was taken from her in an instant. It was normally the life threatening, death defying moments they had that made her realize how much she really loved him. How desperate she was to stay with him. But the quiet times? The ones they rarely got no matter how hard they tried? She had a feeling she should appreciate them more. Especially after what they saw.
That's when his lips met hers and she couldn't stop her grin. He mumbled something along the lines of "Good morning, sleepy." before sitting back up and returning to his book.
They were together. She was certain of that. There were no labels necessary. Even if she wanted to call him something more than the Doctor. Even if she wanted to talk about what they’ve been doing, how they’ve been acting, what everyone else sees in them. None of that mattered. Not between the two of them. When it came down to it, they were the Stuff of Legends. He said so himself. The Doctor and Rose Tyler. The pair with a spark that couldn’t go out. That’ll light universes forever.
They spent so much time together she was afraid it would kill him if they were torn apart forever. Cause she was certain that it would turn her into something unimaginable.
Rose fought back her worries. Leaving them for a later time. In the time and place where the weight of worlds was back on their shoulders. But that wasn't now. She let herself sink back into the warmth of the sun. Let the tingle of the circles the Doctor was drawing on her back slow her breathing. She let herself rest. Even with the feeling that her heart was about to jump out of her throat with declarations she wasn’t ready for. Even with the feeling that he was experiencing something just the same. They deserved this time. This moment.
The Doctor and Rose Tyler having a moment of peace with each other.
Yes, I’ve started another Three Houses longfic even when I have another in progress. And it’s a crossover with Infinity Train! I present to you Black Eagle Apex Force.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Okay, I finished the Verdant Wind/Azure Moon berniegard angst fic (there’s ferdithea here too, but it’s literally only in one line so I’m not tagging it).
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
SURPRISE! I updated my epic berniegard sea monster AU after ignoring it for months. In this chapter, Cyril is introduced. I have big plans for him in this story.
i once believed love would be black and white, but it’s golden.
One year together measured in the memories lit by golden haze.
Rating: Teen (Implied sexual content)
Paring: Tentoo/Rose Tyler
WC: 6k
Tw: panic/anxiety attacks & drinking/smoking
A/N: a light plot. more of a character study than anything. but like, it was fun to write so. (angst & fluff)
Song: Daylight by Taylor Swift
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Maybe you ran with the wolves and refused to settle down
Maybe I've stormed out of every single room in this town
Threw out our cloaks and our daggers because it's morning now
It's brighter now, now
“He needs you. That’s very me.” echoed through her mind as she watched him sleep.
They were driving back to the zeppelin. Pete driving with her mum in the front seat. They were trying to give them as much privacy as possible. Not that it mattered. The moment they made it to the main roadway, he fell asleep.
He fell asleep holding her hand. Like he was holding onto his promise.
When Jackie realized he was asleep, she went on about Tony. Which morphed into why Pete needed to finish some project that had been sitting in the garden for a month now. Rose pointed out why it had been abandoned. Her mum gave her no mind. Explaining you need to finish what you start. Rose scoffed. Quiet enough to avoid a scolding from her mother.
It took about an hour to get there.
Once they woke up the Doctor- which took a lot more effort than it used to- and made it onto the airship, Rose found herself exhausted. The last 72 hours catching up to her.
72 hours of fixing timelines and finding her universe and saving all of them. An emotional roller-coaster stuffed in for good fun. She wasn’t sure how she felt right now. Everything was foggy- including her vision.
She made her way to her usual seat. The Doctor not trailing far behind. They were pressed together in the seat. Not that they had to be, but it was a subconscious thing. Something they did before everything could give her butterflies all over again.
They listened to Pete’s call to Torchwood. Well, he did more than Rose. The drone of his voice forced her eyes shut. She started to drift off, resting her head on the Doctor’s shoulder.
She was half asleep when he asked, “It’s gonna be us?” in a low voice.
She reached for his new, new, new, hand, “Yeah.”
&&
They were lucky. Lucky to have each other. Rose reminded herself that everyday. But falling into things- things they never did before- was beginning to look more difficult than they thought.
Days full of new aliens and old tropes. Meetings that sounded exciting in theory but when given context, Rose couldn’t process correctly. The Doctor trying to fit into the routine of work and home. Old jealous feelings and new conflicting ones falling out of each other’s mouths. Learning to communicate truthfully.
But they made it work. Just like they always have and always will. Although time decided it would move slow.
It was a hell of a day repairing a fleet of fly-sized spaceships and giving the captains directions to Bangladesh. That’s what the Doctor did. Rose was granted the honour of detailing her most recent experience with the “Original Doctor” and how they saved universes.
There was a heavy dread in the back of her mind. Thinking of all the versions of the people she knew that she failed to save. She never got used to detailing what happened when she jumped. But the dread had become something new now. It was thinking of the day they drag the Doctor into an interview room and drill him on how he’s different. She already was holding a grudge against the stoic people she knew would question him.
She didn’t like them in the first place.
Rose came home late. Annoyed and brain dead by the ten hours of redundant questions. Why had they waited two weeks to ask? She didn’t know. But the thought only annoyed her a little bit more. The Doctor was lying on the couch, watching some documentary. Probably about the universe. She couldn’t really focus on anything either way.
“Rose!” His head popped up when the front door closed. Hair adorably mussed and a bright smile on his face.
She gave him a small smile, “Hey.”
He looked like he was about to ask her questions about her day. But bit his tongue when she gave him a pointed look, “Tired?”
She nodded and fell onto the couch next to him. She didn’t want to explain. She could probably ask Pete for the tapes or documents if he was so desperate for an explanation. But he looked at her with those puppy dog eyes and she caved. Giving him a brief explanation of what she had to say and why it was stupid. It wasn’t much but it was what she had to offer.
“I was stuck on Earth working for U.N.I.T. for five years. Reminded me that I wasn’t a desk jockey or meant to live a linear timeline.” He said matter-of-factly.
Rose snorted, “You’re stuck with both for the time being.”
“Not so bad when I’ve got you.”
The words echoed memories she still considered precious. They happened more often now. Soft moments laced in a golden haze replaying in her mind. They changed her moods completely.
This time, she couldn’t help but lean up and kiss him. Something they were trying to find the natural for. He still let himself go lovesick. Like now, as Rose pulled back with a tongue in tooth grin at his small sound.
He wasn’t entirely ruffled. But definitely dopey eyed when he mumbled, “I love it when you grin like that.”
She hopped up to grab her phone, much to his dismay. And people thought they were attached before.
“Rose, wh-”
“I need to call mum. And order a pizza. You can look for a movie in the meantime.”
“That’ll be at least an hour! What am I supposed to do after I find the movie?”
Rose raised her eyebrows, “Last time it took you almost two hours because ‘Films aren’t the same here!’”
The Doctor opened his mouth to defend himself but couldn’t quite find a good defense. She was happy that he didn’t. Because she was right. he found a movie right before the pizza showed up. It was some sci-fi fantasy that didn’t really interest Rose but she doubted she’d stay up until he found another one.
For a man who was so used to letting things happen, he was picky over the media he consumed.
It was a pretty movie, she would give it that. The colors and framing were nice. But nothing else really appealed to her. After eating and curling into his side, she found herself drifting to sleep. Only opening her eyes when the light was bright enough to wake her up. Or when the Doctor moved because his arm was falling asleep or the dialogue pulled him into the story.
Part of her wished she wasn’t so tired. She loved watching him react to new things. Now they lived in a universe of brand new. It normally included having to hear him complain that she should at least try and enjoy the story. He didn’t protest too much. Just enough to remind her that you could find good in every story. So in return, she’d read a book.
Reading gave her a better advantage of watching him. His eyebrows and lips would twitch, as if he was replying. Or maybe criticizing the character’s choices. His fingers would twiddle and feet would tap. It was almost childish, how much he immersed himself.
She loved it. But she was also happy with where she was- option number two. It was also twice as comfortable.
Before she knew it, she was being lifted off the couch. Rose could feel him strain slightly as he carried her. She tried to hide her smile but couldn’t help but let a small one ghost her face. He tapped the bedroom door open with his foot. Moving as gently and quietly as possible, as if she wasn’t a deep sleeper. He knew that well.
Maybe he didn’t know when she was pretending. It made something catch in her throat. All the times she would pretend to be asleep- most of the time because she was already halfway there- just to spend time close to him. Did he never really know?
When he tucked her into bed she realized that he had yet to spend a night in the bedroom. Sure, he needed a little less sleep than the average human- because he wasn’t average. They shared a bed several times before, but he never stayed with her now. Granted, her bedroom wasn’t an alien jail cell or an archaic guest room.
It was an intimacy they never had without barriers and boundaries. Before, they were too aware of what time and space can do. Well he was. When he kissed her forehead, Rose realized it was something they could throw into the wind.
She grabbed his arm before he moved away, “Stay.”
&&
There was a company party at Torchwood. The Doctor had been around long enough- two months and three days- for people to know who he was. Which meant he and Rose ended up staying for an afterparty. And then found a few.
In theory, it was Jake’s fault. He was the one who wanted to test the Doctor’s limits. They were greater than Rose expected. And unlike previous times, he wasn’t afraid to let it show. They ran around the streets of London. Jake showing them holes in the wall, where to get anything and everything. He broke up around 1 in the morning. Leaving them to laugh when one of them stumbled and hide from her father’s paparazzi in dark alleys. It didn’t do much but make them look worse in the morning.
They didn’t care. Too busy having a good time. There’s no doubt in that. They danced and flirted and had way more than one too many. Stumbled home and…
Rose woke up to a pounding headache. Maybe she was getting too old to have that type of fun. But the moment she had the thought, she decided the hangover was worth the fun. Even if the bed was empty when she woke up.
She got out of bed with a groan and grabbed the first shirt within arms’ reach. Which happened to be the Doctor’s button down from the night before. She brushed her teeth and took a few painkillers before walking out into the living room.
The stereo system was playing music that Rose wasn’t familiar with. But she heard him humming along.
She stopped and smiled as she caught sight of him. Clad only in a pair of briefs, the Doctor was swaying side to side as he chopped something. He was light. Not the tense and straight-backed man who needed to prove he was still worth his title. Hair beautifully messy, a blush spreading over the freckles of his back, and remnants of them from the night before.
He was beautiful. Especially when he let the weight off his shoulders.
She couldn’t help wrapping her arms around him when he was within reach. Pressing a kiss against his spine as he chuckled. Appreciating the heat his body left against her cheek.
“Good morning.” The vibration of his voice made her feel light as well.
She hummed in response. Appreciating the feeling of it all.
“I figured I could make us some breakfast.” He said, his voice slightly hoarse.
“Have you made any tea yet?”
“No.” A tinge of pink gathered on his cheeks, “I waited because it’s better when you make it.”
She let go with an exaggerated sigh and a smack of his bum. Smirking to herself at his quip, which was exactly as she always thought. She made their tea in their respective mugs. Her’s was one her mum painted with Tony, his was the one Tony made for him as a surprise. It was lumpy and chipped and colorful. Rose knew it was the few things that would expand into the sentimental collection he’d grow. It would probably remain one of his favorites.
She sat on the counter next to where he was making their omelettes once the tea was ready. She watched his focus intense when he went to flip them. Tongue daring to peek out the side of his mouth.
“Since when did you learn to cook?” She asked suddenly.
He placed his omelette on a plate before giving an explanation.”
“Oh, er,” His hand went to rub the back of his head, “When you have meetings or something during lunch, Jake has been showing me some stuff. He gets a kick out of it. Finally found something he’s better at than me.”
Rose laughed, “You found yourself a drinking buddy!”
“Oi!” He scowled, she noticed how he barely kept his finger from pointing, “I have not become that domestic, Rose Tyler!”
She couldn’t keep but laughing even more. The image of a Doctor disheveled and only in his pants, making breakfast and trying to defend that he still had an edge. The only thing that could make it any better was a “Kiss the Cook” apron.
Rose made note to get him one for the next holiday.
“Rose!” He whined, “Please, will you let off it?”
She found herself saying, “Make me.”
The Doctor wasn’t having any of that taken lightly, he took the two steps to invade her personal space with zero hesitation. The next laugh got caught in her chest. The smile remained though.
He smirked when the only sounds were their breathing and the music.
“Didn’t have to do much to do that.”
“You wish.” She mumbled, trying not to show how much she wanted him to kiss her.
“You’re wearing my shirt.” It came from deep in his chest.
He kept close to her. Close enough to where she could feel his breath against her lips. She was seconds from giving in. Letting him win until-
“Food’s getting cold!” He made a dramatic spin to grab their plate.
Rose kept in the groan. Feeding his ego was the last thing she wanted to do in the moment.
Which was fruitless. Because he still had sharper hearing. Thus, he easily made out the “Tease.” she let out underneath a loud sigh.
“You can wait, we’ve got the rest of our lives.”
She followed him to the table, “You wouldn’t say the same if I did it to you.”
He set the plates down and turned to face her, an offended look on his face.
“As if.”
She smiled, “As if you haven’t thought the same way.”
“Like…?” He did a poor job of hiding the way he looked at her.
“Well, we could stay inside all day. Just the two of us.” She took a step closer.
“I thought that was already planned.”
She ignored him. Standing on her toes and whispering, “Or the rest of the weekend.” before pulling him into a kiss. Only to push him away when it became a little more than chaste.
“Minx.”
&&
The day she had been dreading came two weeks later. Rose’s ears had been ringing ever since she went by the Doctor’s lab to see if he was ready to go. Only to find a few of his coworkers and to hear that he got taken up for an interview. Jake said he didn’t see him during their breaks.
She called her mum everyday. It was habitual. But today it seemed like Jackie knew what was happening. Maybe Pete told her. Rose didn’t really care. She might later.
Why didn’t they deserve a heads up?
Jackie tried her best to soothe Rose. She could hear her daughter pacing the flat, rummaging through things. Half-heartedly listening to Jackie’s story about Tony and dinner. She was halfway out the door when Rose said,
“He’s home. Talk to you later.”
And he was a mess. Hair messy but not in the way Rose liked. Shirt untucked and blazer unbuttoned. His jaw set. He looked angry. The type of anger that would hide behind his eyes. That made deep brown shine gold if you knew him. She wondered if this was going to be a different anger than before. She heard stories of Donna Noble’s emotional and passionate rants and rages. She saw Donna close to falling apart when she sent her back to fix the timeline.
He looked a lot like both right now. A mix of a wildfire and a downpour.
“Doctor?”
He looked afraid.
“Hey, c’mere.”
His fist clenched.
“Talk to me.”
She reached for his hand and led him to the sofa.
She couldn’t read him. All tempestuous thoughts couldn’t translate the way she was used to. He saw that. So instead he tried to put on the facade of someone who has it together. One that only told her it was worse. Something terrible tugged at something deep within him.
“I didn’t think it’d be that bad.” He cleared his voice, “It actually didn’t bother me until I got home.”
It was exactly what she expected. Everything that made her heart hurt for him.
“It does that, doesn’t it?” She wasn’t sure what to say.
Her mum had always been better at this. She always knew how to get through, to tell people it was okay to say what they needed. Rose was better at feeling the same as them without the words. But she sat in front of a silent rambling man.
“Yeah. It’s a blow to the chest.”
She reached for his hand, interlocking their pinky fingers. There was a static shock when she did. And that seemed to be the tipping point. The shock that told him to let go.
“I need you now.” His voice broke at his attempt to hold back tears, “I don’t know. Before I could go on. I could keep going. But it’s different, isn’t it?”
Rose nodded. Still unsure of what to say, how to help. She understood. Understood so clearly she wondered if he had tapped into her mind.
“Do you think they realize what they say?”
“Yeah.” Rose looked down, “They’ve done it to me and mum several times. Well, mostly me.”
“How did you deal with it?” His eyes were wide. He looked lost trying to navigate what he was feeling.
“I knew I had to get back to you.” It came out simple. Like it was clear. Like she never spent days in bed after these interrogations sometimes.
He shook his head, “I’m not the me that you were trying to get back to. They know that. You know that.”
“I know you’re the same man. One less heart and hair that’s got a streak he always wanted.”
“Now I’ve got a last name and pay rent. Not exactly the man you met.”
“It’s been eight years since we met, for me. We change. I don’t mind, Doctor.”
He grabbed her hand, not taking his eyes off of it, “Some people do.”
“To hell with them. We’re going to live lives they can only dream of.”
A silence settled over them. Rose heard her phone vibrating in the kitchen, but didn’t care. She watched as his eyes traced her face. Curious and willing. Unsure and timid.
“I’m not sure what else is going to happen. I don’t really care,” He took a shaky breath, “All I know is that it’s you.”
&&
Her mum and Pete asked for them to look after Tony for an evening. There was some publicity event or whatever. Jackie couldn’t remember what exactly. Rose never minded. Her little brother was easier to take care of than most would think. Raised just as she was plus a little more expense. He deserved it. The miracle child who kept her company at her worst times. He knows it too.
He also adored the Doctor. For one, he looked super cool and was super cool because he saved the universe and worlds with his sister. Two, Tony could ask him any question and he’d have the answer, the Doctor never dulled it down either. He just would answer the questions that followed. Tony’s favorite thing though, was that they could get into messes and out of them without too much consequence. Rose was sure that if he knew the words, he’d already be calling him a brother-in-law.
As much as they were two peas in a pod, it took an hour of debate between the boys for them to figure out what they were going to do. In the midst of the Doctor arguing the pros of his idea, Rose announced that they would be going to the park.
After a walk around, they settled on a hill. The Doctor laid out his trenchcoat for him and Rose to rest on. Tony left for a few minutes before coming back with a handful of flowers. Handing them to Rose and asking her to make him a crown. Before taking off to find more, so they could all have one.
“Since when could you do that?” The Doctor asked, pulling out a prototype of his sonic.
Rose shrugged, “I taught myself when I’d babysit my little cousins. Muscle memory at this point.”
“You’ve never mentioned it.”
Rose looked up from the braided weeds with a smile and raised eyebrow, “‘Cause you’re not a six year old who needs to be kept busy. At least, most of the time.”
“I’m six months and fourteen days.” He puffed his chest.
Rose rolled her eyes, “Always have to bring yourself into it, don’t ya?”
Before he had the chance to reply, Tony came running up with another boy in tow. Quickly dropping a few handfuls of flowers at Rose’s knees before steering toward the Doctor. People who appeared to be parents a few yards behind. Rose waved, making sure it was alright as the boys focused on the Doctor.
“This is Dr. Noble! He’s my sister’s boyfriend.”
Rose chuckled at Tony’s explanation of him. But the boy held out his hand to shake in a grand gesture. The Doctor took it with the same enthusiasm.
“And what’s your name?”
“Jackson. I’m Tony’s second best friend.”
The Doctor raised an eyebrow, “Well who’s the first?”
Tony looked shocked, “You are, Silly!”
“Of course I am, Tony.”
Something overtook the playful gleam in his eyes, something softer and touched. Rose noticed that there may have been a tear in his eye. She smiled at the ground, glancing up every so often.
Tony started asking the Doctor to tell his favorite story. The one about what happened at Krop Tor. She listened as closely as the boys, he had never let her hear it in entirety before. Most of it was as it happened, granted, not as grave. There was something he didn’t know, which wasn’t normal. And they got trapped when they went to figure it out. So it goes.
But he changed his tone at the end of it. Lowering his voice when he asked, “Do you want to know the best part?”
To which the boys nodded eagerly.
“Well, I wouldn’t be here to tell you this if it weren’t for someone.” He nodded his head at Rose, “I was just fighting the body. Which is scary but nothing compared to the soul of the Devil.”
“C’mon!!” Tony bounced on his knees.
“She was the one who made the final move. Ready to sacrifice herself and who she loved for the better of the universe,” He started to whisper, “I knew that she was the best. But this is when she became the very best.”
He explained how she shot the window of the rocket. Dramatizing it to make her sound more impressive. Throwing his hands around while talking about the Tardis. Dedicated to giving the happiest ending for the boys.
He did it with a breeze, leaving them whooping and cheering.
They were once again antsy to run around and burn off energy. Rose handed them both a crown, trying to keep Tony’s attention.
“When do you have to be back here, Anthony?”
He scowled at the use of his full name, “Before the sky turns all dark blue.”
“You’re good to go.” Rose laughed.
Tony pulled his friend away. They only managed to get just out of ear’s reach before Jackson came bounding back up.
The Doctor looked up from where he was fiddling with his sonic, “Yes sir?”
“What’s your first name?”
“Doctor,” He grinned mischievously.
“Your last?”
“Noble.” He said it with pride.
Jackson gave him a questioning look but shrugged and ran back to Tony, who was poking at something with a stick.
Rose left the rest of the flowers on the ground and turned her attention to the sunset. Listening to everything going on around them. The phantom breeze in the trees. All the kids calling for each other. Passing conversations.
“What about when we get married?”
It came out of nowhere. She tried not to let her surprise show, “What about it?”
“Our last names.” He looked at her, the wind in his hair reminded her of their time on New Earth, “I quite like Noble and I don’t think you should give up Tyler.”
“What if I want to?” She raised her eyebrows at him.
“Well, I mean-”
“I’m joking, Doctor,” She looked at him, lost in thought, “We could hyphenate them.”
He shook his head in thought, “Hm, but who would go first?”
She shrugged, returning her focus to the sky. Listening as he rolled “Noble-Tyler” and “Tyler-Noble” off his tongue while it turned a brighter and brighter pink.
She swatted at him with the back of her hand when Tony ran back to them. Trying to avoid any conversations that aren't necessary. He asked the Doctor to come play with him because Jackson had to leave. Before he started to drag him away, the Doctor managed to give Rose a peck on the cheek. The six year old was too impatient. Leaving him to yell “I love you!” at her.
Her eye roll was followed with her own shout, “I love you too!”
&&
The Doctor was wearing a tuxedo similar to the one he wore the first time they were here. This time it wasn’t to gain information but to give it. He was to give a lecture on something he figured out in the eight months he’d been here. He argued that it wasn’t that important. That he didn’t need to do it. Pete reminded him that the other scientists working on it eight spent years. Not months.
The Doctor and Donna’s personality had always been intertwined in him. Rose knew it. She first noticed because he was quick to reply to her mum’s quips and actually started to enjoy spending time with her.
He said it was because he’s half the alien he used to be. But both Rose and Jackie beg to differ.
But this was the first time she’s seen the personality merge work against him. He couldn’t just brush off the idea of speaking in front of people who are there to question him. Speculate how he did it. Insecurities bubbled to the surface and crawled into his nerves.
Rose found out through Jake, who had to pull her from talking to people before the seminar. She wasn’t the one resisting. She was tired of questions about this “mystery man” who was “quick to put a ring on her finger.”
Although, the reactions to the fact that she was the one who got down on one knee humored her. But led her to explaining that he got her ring later.
“He’s been pacin’ the room like an animal that hasn’t got enough enrichment.” Jake said while walking Rose to where the Doctor was, “I couldn’t get through to him but we all know you can.”
She entered the room to a speaker being in pieces across the floor. The Doctor sitting in the middle of all the pieces, trying to rig something together. She wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be a DADA sculpture or a new invention. Either way, his new anxieties were making him manic.
“Doctor?”
His head snapped up and he gave her a tense grin, “Rose! I was just thinking of you.”
“I don’t think you stop doing that.”
He shrugged and started sweeping all the pieces into a small pile in front of him.
“Doctor,” Rose said it softer than before, “What’s going on?”
“I’m about to talk to a room full of people and I can’t suppress hormones like I used to be able to.”
He said it with a straight face. Leaving Rose to hold her breath to keep from causing him anymore anxiety. She wasn’t sure if her urge to laugh was caused by the point-blank approach of explanation or the fact that he was clearly lying. She didn’t think on it too much. She tried to think about what her mum said and did all the times she was at a breaking point.
The first thing she noticed was how disheveled he was. Only half dressed, though he’d never admit it. Then it clicked.
“Presentation is the most important thing. That’s what I’ve learned from Pete. So let's tidy you back up.” She held her hand out to lift him back up.
She talked about everything except what his mind was so desperate to be focused on. Coaxing the dopey smile and puppy-dog eyes out of him. In the end, it was more flirting than discussing. But it worked the way she needed to either way.
Rose couldn’t help but notice how he focused on her hands when she buttoned his shirt.
“I’ll unbutton them later if you don’t have a heart attack on stage.” She said with his favorite grin.
She couldn’t help but let it slip. And the mischievous look she got in return was worth it. Now that he was dressed, it was time to move onto his hair. Which would only take so long due to the fact he was overprotective and particular with it. This was where she planned to dig back in.
He gave her a sheepish smile as he sat down in front of the mirror, watching her hands start to tease his hair.
“What had you so worked up earlier?” She asked, watching his eyes dart from her to anywhere else in the mirror.
“I started thinking too much. Or- I focused on one thing and wouldn’t think of anything else.” He looked like a schoolboy. Embarrassed to feel things.
Rose thinks this is the most human moment he’s had yet. His superior biology not quite what it used to be.
“What was it?”
“Well, uh,” She swatted the hand that went for the back of his head as he spoke, “I didn’t want to disappoint Pete. or Jackie. Or you.”
His eyes met with hers in the mirror and she gave him a sweet smile, “My mum and I don’t care. You know that. Pete? He’s got PR on standby if necessary.”
“I know,” The Doctor shrugged, “But you’re the ones who let me get here.”
Jake knocked on the door, “He’s got five minutes!”
His spine went rigid again. Rose ran her hand over it in response. She pressed a kiss to the back of his neck, where no one would notice if a lipstick stain was left.
“Just talk to ‘em like you’d talk to Tony, yeah? Go on your big monologue and worry about what’s going on in their heads later.”
When he stood up she fixed the lock of red in his hair to flow with the rest.
“I love you. You know that?”
“Absolutely.” She straightened his bowtie one last time, “You know, you have nothing to prove to me.”
&&
Rose blew air out like a cigarette, watching a cloud too hazy and heavy form. Those days were long gone. She realized they had gone before she met the Doctor. A long memory now, where she lived in a parallel universe with a new half-human, half-timelord Doctor. She didn’t mind, though. That’s life isn’t it?
It was this line of thought that led her into sleepless nights. Comparing lives. Wondering how her old Doctor was doing. Wondering if her Doctor was really, truly, happy. If they’d ever get back the life that they belong in. All this what-ifs and open-ended question that she’d never get an answer for until the moment came. They ran rampant through her head. Like a skipping record.
Sometimes it was tempting to pick up old habits when she got like this. She knew why she didn’t when the door behind her slid open, revealing a shirtless, groggy Doctor.
“Rose, it’s 3 am.”
“I know,” She turned to face him completely, “I couldn’t sleep.”
He hummed in understanding and sat next to her. Looking up at the sky full of stars he’s yet to map. It made a sharp pang go through her chest. To see him like this. So bare in a universe he was ready to make a mark on. Then Rose noticed the goosebumps rise on his arms with a gust of wind. He’s yet to admit that he’s been cold. Even when it’s written all over his face and hands.
She also noticed the way his eyebrows furrowed. As if he was counting each and every star.
“Why couldn’t you sleep?”
She shrugged, “Thinking ‘bout what you said.”
“We’re at the halfway mark. Now is time for her to grow on her own.”
Rose thought back to the shed on Pete’s estate that they spent every free day they had at for the past month. Which meant one of them pulled the other out of bed. Because they had their very own Tardis growing inside, waiting to learn of new skys.
“But will we make it that long?” She felt the fear bubble over into tears, “It scares me. To not know when. Which is ridiculous but I’ve waited so long and I know you’re just as restless.”
He sat there for a second, gathering the right words.
“Rose, you did the impossible once. All on your own. Yeah, you had Jackie and Clive and Pete, but-”
“Now I have you.”
The words hung heavy in the air. Like it was some confession. Admitting something she always wished for had come true. But it wasn’t made up of the dreams she once had. It was messy and real but even worth more than what once was the only thing that let her sleep at night.
“I told you a year ago, it’s gonna be us. I could care less about what else there is.”
Maybe that was the catharsis. The unholy amounts of emotion came pouring out of her. She fell into his arms as she broke into tears.
She had no clue where it came from. Maybe it was stress from work. The clutter starting to build in their tiny flat. Or knowing they were so close. Her heart begging to be reminded of what showed her love in the first place.
“Rose, you golden girl. You did it. You got back to me- or well, I came back with you. Besides the point. You’ve done it once. What’s a second time with the impossible holding your hand?”
He rocked her slightly as she started to calm down. Brushing her hair out of her face and wiping her tears. Pressing kisses against her forehead. Mumbling things she normally didn’t hear.
He pulled her back with a wide grin, “Hey, we still have to get married before leaving. I don’t want another slap from your mother.”
“I think we should do it Vegas style.” it came out as a snotty laugh. And in the back of her mind she wondered if he ever saw her like this before now.
“I don’t care as long as it’s you.” He smiled, “You said it a while ago, ‘Better with two.’”
She giggled, rubbing her eyes one last time, “The stuff of legends, us.”
“Especially in a few months' time.” He said, looking back up at the sky.
“We’re gonna be alright,” Rose pulled him into a tight embrace, “We’re okay.”
It's a life of working hard and playing harder. Rose is the daughter of an old family trying to keep up with modern times. James is the boy of a family who left for easier living. It was natural for them to collide. Rodeos and events keep them on their toes, pushing them closer. All they know is they have a life to lead and it's better with two.
Rating: Teen (Some sexual implications, mild violence)
Pairing: Twelve/Rose
WC: 2.9K
TW: Mild violence, drinking.
A/N: It’s a cowboy au bc i love writing about things inspired by my own life babey. yeehaw.
Song: Cause I Love You - Johnny Cash (Title) and What Was I Thinkin’ - Dierks Bentley (Chapter)
Read on Ao3
Chapter One: Come and Get Me Grin
What was I thinkin'
Oh, I knew there'd be hell to pay
But that crossed my mind a little too late
_______________________
Rose Tyler was the most beautiful girl James had ever seen. He decided that years ago. He was a year older but the same class as her in high school. Keeping at least an acquaintance with her for the first two years. Before their junior year where they really got to talk at a party. He’d been chasing her ever since. And she had fun leading him.
Her family bought the old McCrimmon ranch before she was born. Her father was a cowboy legend. Raised to ride bulls and that he did. Winning enough by riding in the PBR to be able to invest in more land at the age of twenty. They raised cattle and trained horses. Her mother was a champion of her own. Training and riding horses in world class events. Rose stayed humble though. She was carefree. No restraint in her friendliness or attitude. It was a warm welcome in James’s life.
His family wasn’t a fan of the friendship. Especially once they sold their farm.
When she told him to meet her at the front gate of her property, he stumbled over his okay. It was a given. He wasn’t one of the idiots to say no to her. Or maybe he was the idiot to say yes. There was a rumor that Pete Tyler was more than a bull rider. Something to do with another guy and Jackie. James never asked about it. It was just something that came back around whenever word got around that Rose was going on a date in high school.
But they weren’t in high school anymore. And he was glad that he wouldn’t have to hear it again. Especially since his nerves were already on fire, sitting at the edge of the Tyler property.
When she climbed over the gate, he knew he was in trouble. But didn’t really think about what it meant.
“You might wanna drive,” She said as she hopped into his passenger seat, “I think dad heard me.”
“What?”
“Wait another minute or two and you’ll see why.”
So he did. Not sure if it was because he felt the need to prove himself or to see if the rumors about her dad were true. Maybe it was both. But the sound of a shotgun made him kick the truck into drive,
“What the fuck?”
She shrugged and smiled, “It was an actual warning, y’know?”
Rose was wearing a tank top that belonged in an early 2000s horror movie. It was a size too small and showed off her midriff. He wasn’t complaining. Especially when she made an obvious move to sit in the middle seat to change the radio station. James found himself clenching his jaw. Just to make sure none of the stupid thoughts going through his mind came out. Not that there were many there at all.
During the commercials between songs, they caught up. They hadn’t really spoken like they used to since graduating. Both of them falling into work. James was a farmhand at several ranches. Rose was working with her mom and dad. Taking care of cattle and training horses.
She talked about a new horse until she realized what road they were on. He didn’t even realize. Until her entire mood shifted slightly. Into something that made his cheeks turn red.
“What have you got planned for us tonight?” She asked, batting her eyes.
“Oh, the Amber Tree is doing somethin’ tonight. I think a band is playing? I’m really not that sure.” He tried to sound cool and confident.
She smirked at him, “Who told you that?”
“What d’you mean?”
“I know how you boys work. You talk to each other to figure out the hottest spot. Who’d you talk to?”
He pretended to be offended, slapping his hand over his heart and glancing at her with a sigh, “You think I’m boring? Let me show you a bit of fun tonight then.”
She laughed, “You think I would’ve asked you out if I thought you were going to be boring?”
He pressed down further on the gas and grinned at her, “I sure hope not.”
The highway they had turned onto went through a forest until a railroad crossing. The music echoed back at them through the tunnel of trees. She seemed to know every song on the radio. Unlike him, he could only pick out a few. She didn’t seem to notice. Singing to him or out the window, grabbing his arm to get him to look at her.
He tried to keep his eyes on the road. Luckily he knew it like the back of his hand. Because she was determined to make him look and keep him looking.
Once they got past the train tracks, she hung out the side window for a bit, whooping at the moon. He laughed and whooped with her. It was all so natural. It was fun. The most fun he’s had in months. It made some type of warmth pump through his veins. And all he wanted was more of it.
And that he got.
When they crossed the county line, blue and red lights flashed behind him. Rose slid back in with a wide smile and looked at him like she was saying, “Well, prove what you got.” So he did. Changing the gear and swiftly pulled off into a field. The wind whipped through her hair, wisps of it stinging his face. She kept looking behind them, telling him how far behind the cop was. He wasn’t worried. He hoped he’d remember to tell her that he’d done this a few times. And his best story of one of those times.
He really did try to avoid the crops. Although he heard at least one stock of corn get caught underneath him. The other side of the field was a dirt road, which he tore out onto.
“Why don’t you go faster, cowboy?”
If he had to give an excuse or reason to go faster, he would’ve had to blame the testosterone spike those words caused. And usually, he’d try to keep in line. But if she was asking, then James would just have to do it.
The smile he got in response was worth it. A tongue-touched grin. James decided that he’d probably do anything for another smile like that.
It was another five minutes of loud music and speeding before they made it to the bar. It was already busy. Nine at night would do that to places like these in small towns. Especially when there was a promise of live music and fights. Although, fights weren’t on the posters.
He wiped his palms on his jeans and looked back at her, “Ready?”
“As long as you can keep up.”
They were both technically underage. Technically because the bar didn’t care nor did it really have enough staff to do so. The bar itself was full of old timers. The ones who were found there every night and knew everyone and their father. They were the first ones to ask what Rose was doing there.
“Does your father know?” He tilted up his hat.
Rose shook her head, “And I hope he doesn’t find out.”
The man chuckled and went back to who he was talking to originally. James felt a wave of anxiety go through him. Afraid of what that conversation would lead to for him.
“He’s not gonna tell him, right?” James asked while he paid for their beers.
“You better hope he doesn’t. You’re already in trouble.”
Her wink told him that she was more of the trouble than her dad. Even if he knew the more trouble he got into with her meant only more from her dad.
He didn’t let that stop them from dancing though. It was a honky-tonk band. It was hot and sweaty in the middle of the room. He knew that. But he didn’t know when he lost the button down he was wearing over his t-shirt. He didn’t care. She was so focused on him that he had no choice but to return it.
They were close. A lot closer than they’ve been when they danced at parties. Her chest against his. Her hands running up and down his back. This time, there wasn’t one of her friends to pull her away because she was busted. Or one of his to tell him he better lay off or he was in deep shit. They did what they’d been waiting to do. And she knew the perfect way to do it.
He was on fire. Because that’s what she did to him. Made him red and wild. So, he was just about to finally kiss her when someone shoved him back from her.
James knew who that someone was. They saw each other when he walked into the bar. They both realized what could happen. James figured it would. They both had a reputation that was in due time for testing.
Jimmy Stone was older. He was probably what made Pete Tyler the protective father he is. Once again, if the rumors were true, no one could really shame him for acting the way he did. There was no question in what Jimmy was capable of, that was given to James. He was fit. He had to be for what he did. But he wasn’t much compared to Jimmy.
“Will you fuck off, Stone?” Rose shouted at him.
He shushed her, “This isn’t about you. Well, it doesn’t have to involve you.”
James took a step forward, “You can stop talkin’ to her like that.”
He saw the fist coming and he let it land. To prove he was just as tough as Jimmy. That’s what he would say tomorrow when he was at work. But right now, he would be stupid to say it didn’t hurt. He could feel the bruise forming when he stood back up straight. He felt the blood from his split lip run down his chin.
“You afraid to fight, pretty boy?”
If it were a movie, he’d probably pop his neck. But instead, he flicked the baseball hat off Jimmy’s head. Dodging the next punch, James managed a land to the middle of the other guy’s gut. But he took the one to his ribcage. Jimmy laughed when James took a step back and groaned.
There was a crowd around them now. He saw someone step out in the corner of his eye. Then felt Rose’s hand on his elbow but he shook it off. He wasn’t one to lose a fight without good reason.
“You ready to regret coming out tonight, Stone?”
He was cocky. Maybe it was the fact that he hadn’t fallen yet or that Rose was on his side. Then a surge of anger rushed through him. He wasn’t sure where exactly it came from but it slipped out of his mouth with the taste of blood. And the hardest swing he thinks he’s ever thrown.
The crowd around him gasped. Jimmy fell flat on his ass. James laughed, then he spotted the tooth on the ground and grabbed Rose’s hand. Taking off out of the bar.
As he slid into the driver’s side and started the truck, she slid over the hood. His heart started beating a little faster. When she jumped in, she landed in the middle seat- almost in his lap. That’s when he stopped breathing.
She gave him a kiss. One that he had been dreaming about for a while now. It was sloppy and deep and warm. It was probably a lot shorter than what it felt. Only stopping when they heard a commotion at the front door.
She slipped away from him with a breathy “Thank you.”
They tore out of the gravel parking lot. He didn’t try to speed on the way home. Wanting to keep her this close for as long as possible. But he got a glimpse of the time and worried about what would be waiting.
She reminded him that maybe it would be worth it. Distracting him with another kiss when he stopped at the first sign of the night. And then telling him to pull off the road just for a second. Which led to a little more than he expected.
He had a little more than one bruise now. The rest were a lot sweeter than the first. And his shirt was just as high on his stomach as hers. Hair probably is just as messy too. Though, he didn’t quite pull it off as well as her. Given she laughed at him when he pulled back.
“You’re a mess.” She laughed, running her thumb over his bottom lip. Focusing on the cut he got in the fight.
“Your fault,” He mumbled, leaning into her hand, “What else am I supposed to do?”
He tried to kiss her again, but she giggled against his lips. Giving him a chaste one before patting his thigh.
“Better get me home before my father decides you’re the next hide on the wall.”
He cursed under his breath. Moving back to his seat and putting the truck in drive. Trying to ignore the feeling of Rose’s hand in his hair and her humming. Those things would probably be the last thing he needed to be thinking about when pulling into her drive.
Which he was against. But she coaxed him into doing it by playing the right cards. The ones he fell sucker to almost every time, especially for her.
Pete Tyler was sitting in the driveway. James knew he was in for it by the look he got when he put it in park. Instead of flying out of the drive like any other person, he got out with Rose. Grabbing her hand.
Which was arguably the stupidest decision he made all night. Grabbing her hand in front of her father like this wasn’t doing anything for him. Pete just glared at him harder.
Rose gave him a reassuring squeeze. He hoped that her showing fondness for him would save him some skin. The instinct deep in him doubted it would.
Pete glanced down between them, “Did y’all have a good night?”
It wasn’t a pleasantry. But James treated it as one, “Yes sir.”
The two words came out as if he should’ve given them with a salute. He held back the impulse to do so sarcastically.
“You should’ve talked to me beforehand.” He said thickly.
James suddenly felt like he should’ve at least tried to sharpen up a bit. He felt a bit bare in his untucked shirt, messy hair, and jeans tucked into boots. He held his head high still. There wasn’t any use in putting it down at this point. He would rather be caught looking scared in front of Jimmy Stone.
Rose pulled her hand from his and walked over to her dad. He didn’t fall for her scheme like James, “Rose. Get inside.”
“Why should I?” She tested him, trying to hide her grin.
“It’s nearly 3 am, you still live in my house, and you might as well and go ahead and get your trouble with your mother over with.”
Rose sighed and took a few steps behind Pete but didn’t go inside. He didn’t take his eyes off James. He had the same challenging look that Rose did earlier. James understood what it meant to inherit looks in that moment. Even if they meant different things.
“Your daughter is amazing, sir. I was lucky to get to hang out with her tonight.”
“You sure are. Where’d you get that bruise?”
James struggled for his words, “Uh, Jimmy Stone.”
“Where’d you go to run into him and get that?”
“He’s worse,” That was his attempt in defending himself, “And I’m sure you’ve got another way to find out besides me.”
Pete laughed and shook his head. James let a small smile come to his face. This was the opposite way of doing things for a first date. You meet and talk with the parents first. Not after. He didn’t really mind. Nothing really came smoothly for him. And he liked it that way.
Especially because their conversation ended with a little less of a glare.
“I’ll let y’all say goodnight. But you better watch what you do, Smith.”
He nodded and Pete walked inside. Silhouette taking a stance by the window. Rose glanced back and tried to shoo it away. But eventually walked back towards him when it didn’t move an inch.
She took his hands, “I had fun tonight.”
“I hope so.” He felt awkward suddenly. Unsure of what could happen next.
“Sorry about Jimmy. And my dad.”
James shrugged, “I wouldn’t ask for anything else. Another great story to tell.”
“You wanna make another great story?”
He couldn’t get out his “What?” before she kissed him. Right there. In front of her dad in the window. Once again he felt like he was on fire. Every nerve in his body was ringing. He was careful to kiss her back, not that he wanted to be.
He was shaking slightly when she stood on her toes to whisper, “It’s okay, he likes you.”
James stood there for a second. Watching her skip back inside. Excited for whatever would come next.
