Part 3

Rose was tired of this. For the past two months the guys had treated her strangely. The Doctor not so much as Jack. She was beginning to feel left out, truth be told.

Jack and the Doctor kept glancing at each other, sharing these secretive looks. And trips, like groceries or shopping, that the Doctor would have previously sent her on were now usurped by Jack before she had a chance to argue. She hadn't been by herself for more than five minutes outside the TARDIS, but inside, she was treated like a leaper.

At first, she thought they'd get over it. They were just freaking out about the mugging, that's all. But this was ridiculous! She'd finally reached her breaking point.

"You guys gonna tell me what's going on?" Rose asked, tapping her foot impatiently.

Jack blinked innocently at her and the Doctor never wavered from his place under the console.

"What do you mean?" Jack asked.

"Argh!" Rose screamed, throwing her hands in the air, "You two have had a bee in your bonnets about me ever since Beijing! What is wrong with you?"

The Doctor slid out from under the console, wiping his hands, "We're just trying to protect you," he said.

Jack winced at his words as Rose's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Protect me? What are you idiots talking about! I TOLD you that I can take care of myself!" Rose said, her voice tight.

"Yah, Rose, we know," Jack said, using his soothing voice, "It's just, sometimes you're a little naive, that's all."

Rose glared at him, her eyes slits, "So, I'm like a child, right? Some little kid that needs constant supervision?"

"That's it!" the Doctor said, smiling brightly at her, as if glad she understood.

Jack backed away, looking over at the Doctor in dismay.

"Rose, no, wait, let me explain…" Jack stuttered as Rose stomped up to him, her livid face inches from his.

"I know whose big idea this was," she snarled, "and I firmly suggest that you get your head out of your arse… quickly!"

When he gaped silently at her, Rose turned away and stomped over to the Doctor.

"Take me home. Now," she demanded.

The Doctor frowned and looked over at Jack.

"Rose, wait," Jack said, his heart sinking. She wasn't going to leave them for this, was she?

Rose shook her head and sighed, "I just need to get away for a little while, guys. Not forever. I just need some time, okay?"

The Doctor frowned, "You sure?" he asked, "I mean, being at your mother's isn't exactly alone time."

Rose chuckled ruefully, "Yah, but if I asked to be dropped somewhere else, I'm sure you guys would have to tag alone," her voice hardened as she glanced over at Jack, "right?"

Jack looked down guiltily.

-000-

Rose breathed in the slightly smoggy London air in relief. Blessed freedom!

With the lightness of step that comes from sudden liberty, Rose ran the short distance between her mom's flat and the TARDIS.

"Mum! I'm home!" she shouted.

"Rose?" Jackie said, running to hug her, "Oh, Sweetheart, it's so good to see you! What are you doing here? Where are the Doctor and that adorable Captain Jack?"

Rose laughed, "I'm taking a time out from the boys," she said, "Felt like some girl time, you know?"

Jackie shook her head as she pulled away, "Yah, it must be so horrible being in that tiny little ship with two handsome men!"

Rose laughed again, not bothering to correct her mom.

"Well, Sweetie, I'm afraid girl time will have to wait until tonight. I've got to run!" Jackie said.

Rose was a little disappointed, "You be back late?" she asked.

"I'll bring home dinner and a movie, how about that?" Jackie asked, "Why don't you go shopping? Nothing makes you feel more girly than a pair of frilly new knickers!"

Rose chuckled, "Okay, Mum. See you later!"

Jackie waved goodbye, leaving Rose standing in the middle of the empty flat, feeling inescapably lonely.

Shaking herself from the bad mood she was steadily sinking in, Rose called a cab.

While she waited, she put in a load of laundry. The trip to her mom's hadn't been arbitrary. Rose was wearing her last pair of clean knickers. She loaded the washer with her delicates, running her fingers tenderly over the pink pair before tossing them in. Her lucky pair, she thought with a snort of amusement.

Her amusement was quickly dispelled with the thought of Ben. What was he doing now? Was he okay? Did he ever… think of her?

Rose shook her head slowly. She was being foolish and naive, she thought in distaste. It had been two months. He had moved on, and so should she. Maybe she'd call Shareen and plan on a little club-hopping tomorrow.

The taxi honked and Rose jerked. She must have been day-dreaming for longer than she thought.

Grabbing her jacket and purse, she ran out of the flat.

The sight of the taxi made her pause, swallowing painfully. It was a mini-van, just like Ben's.

She forced herself to push aside the rising tide of yearning, and walked down the stairs with her head half-buried in her purse. Her hair hung over her face, blocking the sight of the taxi as she dug into her battered wallet, searching for the wad of cash the Doctor had given her before she left.

She could hear the taxi driver walking around the cab to open the back passenger door for her, and looked up to thank him for the polite gesture.

They froze, staring at each other in disbelief.

"Rose?"

"Ben?"

Their faces were identically perplexed, their mouths hanging open.

"Ben!" Rose cried finally, running the few steps that separated them and leaping into his arms.

"Rose!" Ben roared joyously, lifting her and spinning her around before snogging her senseless.

When they finally pulled away, he set her down, his hands still wrapped around her waist as if she'd disappear.

"Hey Rose," he said quietly, a smile on his face.

"Ben," she said with a grin, "What in the world are you doing here?"

"Wanted to travel, remember?" he said teasingly.

Rose rolled her eyes, "And you just happened to end up here?"

Ben blushed slightly, "Well, it might have something to do with the great things I'd heard about it- from a native."

"You moved here? For me?" Rose asked, breath taken.

Ben nodded, "Figured you'd have to come home sometime, and I'd be waiting."

"But I didn't even tell you my last name!" Rose said.

Ben chuckled, "Yah that made things difficult. Matter of fact," he looked deeply into her eyes, "I wasn't expecting to ever find you. A city this big, didn't know when or if you were coming back… It was a one in a million chance. But I had to take it."

"Why?" Rose asked quietly.

Ben pulled her snugly to him, and she saw his Adam's apple bob, "Because I think I love you," he said, "I haven't thought of anything else since that night."

"Love me?" Rose asked breathlessly, overwhelmed.

He leaned down to press his forehead to hers, "Do you still have my blanket?" he whispered.

"Yah," Rose said, confused.

"Do you sleep with it?" he asked.

"Every night," Rose said swiftly, unsure of where this was going.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because…" Rose said quickly before she paused, thinking, "Because you gave it to me," she said slowly. She grinned up at him, "Because you gave it to me!" she shouted, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him.

His eyes were dark when she pulled away, "Rose, I…" he looked around, suddenly realizing the very public place they were in.

Rose bit her lip and looked up mischievously, "My mum's flat is just upstairs, and she'll be gone for hours," Rose said.

"You're very bad," Ben said, his voice low.

"Yah," Rose said breathily before she grabbed his hand and pulled him up the stairs. She was pleased to note that, though the sizes of their hands were different, her hand fit in his like it was made to be there.

-000-

"That was my last clean pair of knickers, you know," Rose said, playfully cross, "The rest are in the wash. Now what am I going to do?"

Ben grinned up at her from his place on the bed, enjoying the view as she shook the tattered pair of black panties in his direction.

"You could go commando," he suggested, an innocent expression on his face.

Rose shook her head at him, her eyebrow raised, "You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

He nodded, eagerly unabashed.

She laughed and slipped into a skirt so short it made Ben groan. She slipped on her bra and a tight, low-cut shirt.

By the time she was finished dressing, Ben was almost panting, the sheet covering him tangled in a death-grip. Rose walked over to him and perched on the side of her bed, slowly crossing her legs.

"Something wrong, Ben?" she asked lightly.

"No nylons?" he asked weakly, staring at her bare legs.

Rose shook her head, "No," she said as she moved to straddle him, "It would make it too hard to do this," she murmured into his ear, leaning forward to allow him to see the view.

Ben groaned, "You're really evil," he sighed, clutching her tightly as she started to pull away.

The sound of the front door opening sent them scrambling to their feet.

"Rose? I'm home!" Jackie called.

Rose looked over at Ben, her face paling, "Mum's home!"

Ben threw his clothes on as fast as he could, jumping up and down on one foot trying to pry on his shoes.

"Coming Mum!" Rose called, buttoning his shirt as he adjusted his pants and tried to look unruffled.

Rose took a step back and looked him over, "Not bad," she said, before breaking into silent laughter.

"What?" he whispered, looking down to see what was wrong.

"Like she won't know what we were doing!" Rose said, "Oh, no, Mum, I was just showing him the wallpaper!" Rose mimicked.

Ben chuckled, nodding. They were screwed.

He looked up at Rose and suddenly didn't care. Yah, they were in trouble, but they were together. It was a miracle.

"Come on," he said finally, "It'll only get worse."

Rose nodded and led the way, holding his hand.

The entered the living room and Jackie's back was turned as she set out the food she had brought home.

"Hope Chinese is okay, Sweetheart," Jackie said.

Rose and Ben looked at each other and broke out laughing.

Jackie spun around, not recognizing the masculine laugh. Before she could say a word, Rose started the introductions.

"Mum, this is Ben. We met in China two months ago and he moved here to find me. He's a taxi driver," Rose tried to cover all the basics in one breath, knowing that once her mom got started, there was no stopping her.

Jackie stood there, gaping up at Ben.

"He's tall," Jackie finally managed, which sent Rose and Ben into a fit of giggles once again.

"Well," Jackie said, flustered, "Come and eat you two, and tell me more about this whirlwind romance of yours!"

Of course, Jackie thought it was all very romantic.

"Two travelers, meeting in the night… It's like Casablanca!" Jackie said with a wistful sigh, "So, Rose tell you about all the wonderful places she's traveled?"

Rose gave her mother a quick glare, "No, Mum. He doesn't know everywhere I've been!" Rose said warningly.

Ban glanced between them, confused.

Jackie leaned towards her daughter, "Well, if you two are together, he needs to know what he's getting into. Unlike me, worried sick for a whole year!"

Rose sighed as Ben looked over at her in surprise.

"A year? What happened?" Ben asked Jackie.

Jackie leaned back with a melodramatic sigh and Rose rolled her eyes as her mom started, "My only daughter disappeared for a year. No phone call, no note, nothing! I even accused poor Mickey, her ex-boyfriend, of murdering her! And then she comes flouncing in, and tells me she's sorry! It seems her and that Doctor 'lost track of time' and forgot to call!"

"It's not as bad as she's making it sound!" Rose protested.

Ben glanced over at her, looking hurt, "I think we need to talk… I really think I need to know what's going on with this Doctor of yours. Anyone who could make you lose track of time for a year…" he looked away, pulling at his ear.

Rose glared at her mother, "Ben, it's not… I mean…" She stood and grabbed his arm, pulling him to his feet, "We're going out, Mum. To talk."

As Rose pulled him from the flat, Ben turned and waved at Jackie, "Nice to meet you Mrs. Tyler!"

Rose slammed the door behind him.

Jackie nodded in satisfaction. That poor man should know what he's up against. How else would he be able to convince Rose to stay?

-000-

Ben allowed her to yank him up to the roof, slightly amused at her angry muttering.

"Sit!" she commanded. He sat.

Rose sighed and ran a hand through her blonde hair, "Look, this is all a little early… I mean, I wasn't expecting to have to explain… Well, eventually but…"

"Rose, sit," Ben said gently.

She sat, and he took her hand, holding it gently, "Look," he said, "whatever it is you have going on, I'm sure I can handle it."

Rose snorted a laugh and rubbed her forehead, "I hope so," she said softly, "Cause it's a little weird."

Ben's heart clenched. Weird how? Was the Doctor some kind of hypnotist or something? Was she part of a cult?

"First of all, do you believe in aliens?" Rose asked.

Oh, God. It was a cult! Some alien-worshipping, star-watching, suicide-pact-making cult! He just shook his head, unable to form words.

Rose sighed, "Well, you'll have to get used to the idea. Cause the Doctor's an alien."

Ben blinked. O… kay. This was a new twist. She was travelling with a crazy dude.

"And Jack?" he asked quietly.

Rose smiled, pleased that he seemed to be taking it well, "Oh, Jack's human! He's just from the future. 51st century."

Ben fought the urge to roll his eyes, "I see…"

"Okay, now here's the weird part," Rose said.

Ben looked over at her disbelievingly. That was the normal part?

She continued, "The Doctor is the last of his kind. He's a Time Lord, and his ship can travel in time and space," she grinned up at him, her eyes shining, "I've seen so much! History, the future, alien worlds, space storms…"

Ben stood and started towards the ladder.

"Ben?" Rose asked, hurt. She grabbed his hand to stop him. He turned towards her.

"Rose, I can't," he said, his eyes on the ground, "I know you believe everything you are saying, but I just can't accept it."

"Okay," Rose said softly.

Ben looked up at her, surprised, "Okay?" he asked.

"Yah," she said with a smile, "You don't have to believe me. I have a week, let's just do whatever! Let's forget about the Doctor and just have fun."

Ben wanted to, he really did… And a week was better than nothing. Maybe in a week he would know her enough that he could influence her, and she would leave her fantasy world and stay here, with him.

"That, I can do," he said with a grin.

-000-

The week sped by, and Ben felt himself falling more in love with her with the passing of every hour. Rose was indescribable. She supported him, but needed him. She was always happy, but incredibly sensitive. He didn't even have to speak and she knew what he was thinking. She was harder to read. Sometimes he thought he knew her every thought, but other times she was so far way that he felt a cold chill and remembered that she would return to the Doctor soon.

It was that constant remembrance that stained their time together. Ben was determined to figure her out, to untwist whatever wire had gotten crossed in her mind, to save her. The closer he got, the farther away he felt. He knew that the answer was there, somewhere, but he couldn't find it- that essential plot hole to her fantasy life.

"Today's Sunday," Rose said suddenly as they sat on the roof, staring up at the stars.

Ben wrapped his arm tighter around her shoulders, "Yah," he said.

She looked over at him, "I have to leave tomorrow," she said quietly.

Ben met her eyes, "Do you?" he asked, his eyes pleading.

"Ben, if you could just understand…" Rose said tearfully, looking away.

Ben set his jaw, "Okay, Rose. Show me the ship," he said, standing. This would be the turning point. Now she would see that this whole space thing was a figment of her imagination- the Doctor a fraud.

"Really? You'll let me show you? This is wonderful!" Rose cried, throwing her arms around him in an ecstatic hug, "Come on!" she said, dragging him down the ladder and around the corner to a small blue police box.

"What's with the box?" Ben asked.

Rose grinned up at him, "That's the TARDIS! It's her disguise."

"Kinda sticks out, doesn't it?" Ben asked doubtfully.

Rose laughed, "How many times have we passed here, Ben? And have you ever noticed her before I led you to her? She's special."

Ben nodded, keeping his thoughts to himself. He hadn't seen the box because it was just a box, nothing special.

"Ready?" Rose asked, her hand tight around his.

Ben nodded.

She opened the door and yanked him through before he had a chance to protest at the close quarters.

When he stumbled to a halt, he looked around in shock and awe.

Huge ceilings rose to fathomless heights, the coral walls looking almost alive as they twisted upwards. The central column was moving, sliding slowly up and down with a green glow, like a heartbeat. The controls- what he assumed were controls- looked impressively alien, with bits and pieces he recognized only accentuating the strange configuration.

"Oh. My. God," Ben said breathlessly.

"Yep!" Rose said, popping the p.

"It's real. This is an alien ship. And you travel in time. With an alien. And a man from the future," Ben looked down at her, "It's all real," he said again, looking close to tears.

"Ben?" Rose started to ask, a worried frown on her face, when alarms suddenly started clanging loudly.

They covered their ears, and Ben looked around in terror, expecting some alien monster with large fangs dripping blood to come leaping out and devour them.

Instead, two men erupted from the hallway, one looking around breathlessly, his t-shirt still in his hand, the other coolly striding to the console, his black leather jacket a second skin.

The leather jacketed man reached the console and pressed a series of buttons. The alarm abruptly silenced, and Ben lowered his hands.

Rose smiled up at him and nodded towards the handsome, dark-haired man that was pulling on his t-shirt and eyeing Ben.

"Ben, this is Captain Jack Harkness," she then gestured towards the sullen looking man in the leather jacket, "and this is the Doctor. Guys, this is Ben, the man I met in China, remember?"

The Doctor nodded, his arms folded across his chest. Jack smiled at Ben warily, "Nice to finally meet you," Jack said, an odd undertone to his voice.

"You too," Ben managed, his thoughts reeling.

Captain Jack? A handsome military man from the future? And he hadn't made a single move on Rose? Was he gay or blind?

Ben looked over at the alien- the Doctor. The man was older, but not by much. There was something utterly frightening about him, though he wasn't particularly large or aggressive. There was something in his eyes, like he had seen a thousand worlds burn and would live to see a thousand more. Ben could see why Rose said he treated her like a child- with eyes that old, anyone would be a child.

"What's with the alarm?" Rose asked, casually drifting to the Doctor's side like they were standing in the middle of a living room rather than a spaceship.

"She doesn't like strangers aboard," the Doctor said, his voice gruff. Ben immediately knew he was talking about the ship- the same way Rose talked about it- like it was alive.

"Speaking of," the Doctor continued, throwing a look at Jack, "I have something I'd like to ask you, Ben."

Ben gulped. The alien wanted to ask him something?

"W…what do you want to know?" Ben stuttered.

"I looked you up," the Doctor said, "We thought it prudent after Rose told us about your… meeting."

"You what?" Rose asked indignantly, slapping the Doctor on the shoulder.

Ben almost rushed to her side to protect her, but the Doctor merely glared at her and continued, "When were you going to tell her you murdered your wife?"

"What?" Rose asked breathlessly, looking at Ben with wide eyes.

Ben's hands were clenched into fists at his side, and he took a step forward.

Jack moved quickly, standing between Ben and Rose, his hand hovering over his hip in warning.

"How dare you!" Ben growled, his blue eyes electric in fury.

Jack's hand quivered, his expression ready. The Doctor leaned back against the console, his hands hanging free at his sides as he spoke, "We love Rose," he said.

"I…" Ben started to say, but Rose cut him off.

"Ben, is it true?" Rose asked, her hand gripping the Doctor's- the way it usually gripped his. Ben looked down at their hands and stumbled back, his face ashen. He looked back up at her, his eyes echoing the emptiness he felt inside.

"It's true," he said dully, "I killed my wife, and our unborn child."

Jack flinched at this, his hand clenched tightly by his side.

Rose made a strangled sound of horror. Ben continued, his cold eyes boring into the Doctor's.

"I spent five years in prison. One count of manslaughter. They didn't count the baby… But I did," Ben said, his voice trembling.

Jack's expression changed. He could hear the pain in Ben's voice. The agony. The regret. It was the same way the Doctor spoke of his family, of his people. He had a sudden, horrible feeling they had made a mistake.

Rose heard it too, "How?" she asked.

Ben's gaze slid over to her, looking through her as he answered.

"I didn't know. I was so stupid," he spat, hate towards himself evident in every scorn-filled word, "I was cooking Grace breakfast. She was still asleep. I was going to… I was going to surprise her," Ben's voice broke, and he wiped angrily at the tears that escaped, "I turned away for just a second, and then the pan was on fire. It was just a little fire." he choked, "But I was afraid, and I grabbed a pot of water, and I threw it on the flames." He took a deep breath, his eyes closing, "The next thing I remember, I'm outside. I was blown through the bay window. And I was too late… They burned alive," Ben finished, taking a deep, shaky breath before he opened his eyes.

Rose was crying, her hands covering her mouth as her head slowly shook.

"Oh, Ben," she whispered, "I'm so sorry."

"And prison?" the Doctor asked, his voice still cool, but his eyes somehow softer.

Ben looked at him, "I killed them. I was guilty."

"Why are you here?" Jack asked, his voice soft.

Ben's mouth quirked up, "Why are any of us here?" he asked, testing the waters.

Jack let out a small chuckle, his stance relaxing as he walked up to Ben.

"I meant, what are you doing in London?" Jack asked.

Ben looked over at Rose, "For her," he said quietly, "I came to find her. A hopeless task, miraculously accomplished."

Jack nodded, smiling slightly, "Happens a lot around Rose," he said, "You gonna come with us?" he asked, throwing a look to the Doctor for permission. The Doctor inclined his head in agreement.

Ben looked at Jack in surprise, "With you? Traveling in a space ship?"

"Oy!" the Doctor interrupted, "Space and time ship!"

Ben nodded at him, his mind spinning. "I…" he said, "I can't."

"We're not always like this!" Jack protested quickly, "I mean, grilling you and things! We can go anywhere. Anywhen!"

Ben smiled at him, the first sincere smile he'd had since he entered the strange ship, "I know," he said quietly, "And I appreciate the offer. I really do. But I can't."

Jack nodded and moved aside, letting Rose come up to Ben.

"Ben, I…" she said, lost for words.

Ben hugged her to him tightly and kissed the top of her head.

"It's okay, Rose. I understand now. You don't have to choose," Ben said.

Rose pulled away, looking up at him in confusion.

"Go, Rose. Travel. See the stars. I'll be here when you get back. Time ship, remember?" he said with a rueful grin.

"But…" Rose said, losing her words.

Ben looked over to Jack and the Doctor, both now leaning against the console, "Take care of her," he commanded, his hands tightening around her shoulders as he spoke. He looked down at Rose, her forehead wrinkled as she looked up at him, still confused. He pulled her off her feet, raising her into his arms and kissing her deeply, sadly. He pulled away and lowered her gently to her feet.

"Goodbye Rose," he whispered, his fingers brushing her cheek. He turned and opened the door, blinking as the real world appeared jarringly outside the small opening. Then he stepped outside, closing the door softly behind him.

-000-

Ben sat, wedged between two trash bins. Through the crack between them, he could still see the incongruous blue box that had ruined his life.

God, he had been such a fool. To think that she would give anything up for him, a cab driver. Especially something as fantastic as time travel. What could he give her? A tiny apartment and a boyfriend who was gone all hours of the day and night? The occasional working trip to foreign countries where they scrimped and saved to afford the bare necessities?

Ben looked up from his contemplation of the cement as a strange wailing seemed to emanate from the blue box. The light on top throbbed as the box slowly faded, the wailing fading with it. It was gone.

Ben stared at the place the box had been in disbelief. She was gone. His Rose was gone, that fast. His clenched fists pressed into his eyelids as he wept. He had lost her. Had sent her away. And he knew she wasn't coming back- time ship or not. She'd find someone else. Someone who could offer her the stars instead of smog. She deserved that. And he deserved this. To be alone, forever wandering, forever waiting for the impossible.

"Ben?" a quiet voice asked. A gentle hand rested on his shoulder.

He froze. It wasn't possible. She had left. The ship was gone.

The familiar fingers brushed against the soft hairs on the back of his neck, gently comforting.

He looked up.

"Rose?" he asked, his mouth falling open as he gazed at the blonde angel standing before him.

Rose shifted the backpack on her shoulder and shrugged, a small smile forming, "Decided to try domestic," she said quietly, "Might like it."

Ben stood, leaning over her to look into her eyes, "I don't deserve you," he said, "I don't know what I can give you."

Rose smiled softly, wiping away the streaks his tears had left behind, "You gave me the freedom to choose. And I chose you," she said. She grinned up at him, "Now, kiss me, you big idiot!"

Ben laughed and kissed her, pulling her into his arms, backpack and all. He held her like a bride over the threshold, burying his face in her golden hair as he kissed her neck. She squealed in laughter and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

They reached the crossroads, and Ben looked up.

"Where to?" he asked, unable to tear his eyes away from hers, "You could go to your mother's, or…" Ben looked away hesitantly, "Or you could stay with me."

Rose looked at him, her expression serious, "You asking me to move in with you?"

"Yah," he said softly.

"Can't refuse an offer like that," she said.

END (Maybe?)