They landed and stepped out into a private room in what looked like a museum. On the wall hung the painting of Gallifrey Falls. She walked up to the painting and stared at it.

She turned around at the sound of the Tardis's appearing. Eleven and Clara stepped out and Ten followed shortly after. They stared around the room and their eyes rested on the painting.

"Well, I'm going to organise tea," Eight said, popping back into the Tardis. He returned surprisingly quick with a tray laidened with all the settings for tea for all of them. He placed the tray down on the bench and each took turns making their own cups.

Eight stirred two cubes of sugar into his black tea. "I don't suppose we'll ever know if we actually succeeded?"

"No, I suppose not," Eleven mused, sipping from his own cup of tea.

Rose sat next to Clara and they both watched the three Doctors stare at the painting.

"So what are you going to do now?" Clara asked her.

Rose stilled. She hadn't thought that far ahead. She had had such tunnel vision these last few years, the main one was getting through the war that she hadn't stopped to think what would happen afterwards. Subconsciously, she had always assumed that she would not see the end of it. But what now?

Out of the corner of her eye she could see the three Doctors turn around and stare at her, wondering, too, what her choice was going to be.

She was saved from answering by the sound of a Tardis materialising. She stood abruptly, almost spilling tea all over herself. She hastily placed it back on the tray and looked over at the three Doctors, who were equally shocked as she was.

The Tardis finished materialising and the door slowly creaked open. And out strode Nine, a thunderous expression on his face. His ice blue eyes instantly fell on Rose, and he silently mouthed her name.

She didn't think twice. She ran to him and flung herself in his arms. He was caught off guard and almost stumbled back, but he regained his balance and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"You always were her favourite," Eleven said with a bite of disgust in his voice. "Don't know why, with the big ears and nose."

She shot Eleven a warning look and he looked chastened. But Nine didn't even seem to hear him, his focus was all on Rose.

She grinned up at him. "I've missed you."

He blinked and smiled down fondly at her. "I've barely had time to miss you. Just dropped you off at your mum's."

She grinned even wider. This him always deflected from giving compliments or showing his true feelings. Clara was right though. It's what he didn't say that said so much.

She grabbed his ears and pulled him down roughly for a kiss. At first he tried to pull back, but she held on tighter and used the momentum to deepen the kiss. And then it was like a fire had been lit and he was kissing her back roughly and he spun them around, slamming her back into the Tardis. But she barely registered the pain, she was so lost in the kiss.

A discreet cough sounded from behind him, and she blushed furiously as she pried herself from him.

Clara looked at Eleven in shock. "You actually do things like that?"

Eleven blushed furiously and looked everywhere but at her, or Rose. Ten's face was a rigid mask, but he held himself back. Eight was staring at her with a look she couldn't decipher. "How odd it is to be jealous of myself."

"Quite right, too," Ten muttered.

"Better question is what are you doing here?" Eleven asked.

Nine composed himself, though his ears were burning red. "I received co-ordinates for here."

Eleven frowned and then turned to Ten. "You sent him the co-ordinates?"

"No! I thought you were the one who sent the co-ordinates," he stated.

They turned to Eight. "Wasn't me," he said simply.

"Then who was it?" Eleven asked.

"Never mind that. What in the blazes is Rose doing here? How did she end up with you?" he asked, pointing a finger at Eight. "And why would you drag her through the war?" he all but shouted.

Rose touched his arm and he looked down at her, his ice blue eyes thunderous, almost murderous. "They had nothing to do with it, Doctor. And there was no way for him to get me back to my time. We were in a time lock."

Nine shook his head. "A lot of gaps there, Rose. Mind filling them in?"

Rose looked at the other three Doctors. "A little help?"

Eleven and Ten looked at each other and all but shoved Eight to the forefront. "Why me?" he protested.

"Because you don't know what he's like. And personally, we do. We don't want to be within arm's reach when the news is given to him."

Eight frowned. "Reassuring."

"Wasn't meant to be," Ten said.

"You'll be fine," Eleven said, though his tone belied anything but that.

Eight sighed and closed his eyes. "Contact."

Nine rolled his eyes irritably and closed his eyes. "Contact," he said gruffly.

"Ten quid he gets punched," Ten wagered.

"Ten quid you get punched," Eleven countered.

"Me? Why? If anything it should be you?"

Eleven looked affronted. But he took a discreet step back. Rose watched Nine and Eight warily. Their eyes opened and then faster than she could react, Nine punched Eight. Eight landed on floor and looked up at the ceiling dazed.

Ten held out his hand to Eleven, a smirk on his face. "You owe me ten quid."

Nine started walking towards Ten and Ten hastily stepped back. "I should pummel you for what you did!" Then he turned on Eleven, who had gone slightly pale. "And I should kill you for the things you said to her."

"Doctor! Stop!" Rose shouted, coming to stand between Nine and Eleven. She looked at where Eight was lying. Ten was helping him up. Eight glared at him. She placed her palms on Nine's broad chest, feeling his twin heartbeats.

He looked down at her and seemed to come to a decision. He bent and had Rose hauled over his shoulder and swiftly marched back to his Tardis, locking the door firmly behind him. There was hammering on the door from the other Doctors.

"Doctor! What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?" Rose shouted.

Nine placed her down and stepped back to look at her. "Go get cleaned up and then we'll have a chat," he said calmly.

She narrowed her eyes. "And what about them?"

"Let them think that I'm going to take you. Make them realise what they stand to lose by their actions."

"They've already had that. Remember?"

"Let them have another reminder." Then his eyes softened. "Let it just be you and I for a little bit."

She bit her bottom lip, unsure. He rolled his eyes. "Seriously, Rose. I'm not going to cart you off. Younger you is waiting for me. And I wouldn't mess with the time lines like that."

She nodded slowly. "Promise?"

He grinned wickedly. "I can't promise that I'm not going to tease them a bit."

She grinned back. "I've missed you so much, Doctor." She turned and ran down the familiar hallways until she found her room. Still messy as ever. She quickly got showered and rummaged through the closet for some clothes. But everything was a style she had outgrown. When she turned around there were clothes neatly folded on the unmade bed. She smiled and mentally thanked the Tardis. She dressed in the tight black jeans and knee high black boots. She pulled the simple white tank top over her head and grabbed the leather jacket, shrugging easily into it, the leather soft to the touch. She dried her hair and tied it up into a high ponytail and applied a light touch of make-up.

She went back to the console and found him sitting in the jump seat, staring at the monitor. It was quiet outside. "Have they gone?" she asked.

He grinned at her. "After I shocked them a few times."

She rolled her eyes, but grinned back, coming to sit next to him.

"Besides, they know I won't be stupid enough to take you away."

"I might have let you," she admitted.

He smiled softly at her. "Was I really your favourite?"

She clasped his hand. "You were my first Doctor, the first face I fell in love with."

"This daft old face?" he scoffed.

She turned in her seat, facing him and traced the stubble along his jawline. "Not daft. I always thought you very handsome. But I fell in love with you, Doctor, not the face you wore. I guess that's why it was so easy to fall in love with the other you's."

"Yeah, the pretty boys."

She laughed, and it felt so easy to do around him. "Only you could get away with calling them that."

His thumb traced the back of her hand, back and forth. "So what do you want to do?" he asked after a few moments of silence had passed.

"Not sure, really. Hadn't thought that far ahead. Not sure what the future holds now."

"You've changed so much, Rose Tyler."

"In a good way or bad way?"

He remained silent. "Is this what you want? To spend eternity with me?" he finally asked.

"Yes, but…"

"But what?" he asked gently.

She looked back in those ice blue eyes. "I have changed, Doctor. And sometimes I don't think it's for the better. I don't know if you would still want me."

"We all evolve and change over time, but we all remain the same deep down. And deep down you are still Rose Tyler. Brave, honest, caring. And you make me a better man. And you'll always be everything to me."

She shifted and then swung a leg over, until she was straddling him. He made no protest, his eyes showing how much he wanted to do this. His big, strong hands rested on her waist and she leaned down to kiss him. She felt him grow hard between her legs as she deepened the kiss and she grinned against his mouth. "I always fantasised about doing this with this you."

"You and me both," he growled. His hands moved to her thighs and then curled underneath. He lifted her up and walked her to the console, placing her in a sitting position on the console. She pulled him in for a kiss and he kissed her back, hard, slowly forcing her back. She ignored the buttons now digging into her back. He rutted against her and she moaned, instantly wet. His hand snaked under her shirt and bra and he cupped her breast, pinching the nipple as he kneaded. Her hand snaked between them and she cupped him over the fabric of his jeans. He moaned into her neck and thrust into her hand. He felt so hard and big.

There was an insistent banging on the door. They both ignored it, though they had both frozen and were staring at each other. "Do you really want to do this?" he panted.

She responded by squeezing him harder and he growled, hoisting her off the console and marched her to the nearest room, which happened to be the kitchen. He roughly placed her down and spun her around, shedding her jacket and then bending her over the table. She grabbed the edges, knowing this was going to be rough and she would hurt in the morning, but she wanted this. God, she wanted this. With this him.

His hands snaked around her and unbuttoned her jeans. He roughly pulled them down, along with her panties, and he helped pull off her boots - jeans and panties following shortly after. He rubbed the cheek of one ass, and then he smacked it. She yelped, the pain verging on pleasure. He rubbed at the spot and then his long fingers trailed between her legs, finding her wet and she moaned. He thrust a finger into her and she whimpered in pleasure. He added another finger, thrusting in and out. She felt herself getting embarrassingly close and she almost whined when he pulled out. Then she heard his zipper and the sound of his pants dropping. He nudged her legs further apart with entered her in a hard thrust.

She cried out and he stopped, letting her grow accustomed to his size. But she could sense that it was taking a great deal of effort to hold himself back, and she didn't want that. She wanted him to be aggressive and to lose himself in her. She pushed her hips back, urging him to continue and he groaned, his hands tightening on her hips. He pulled out slowly and then then thrust into her again, hard. He did that again and then set up a rhythm, the thrusts fast and hard. She felt the orgasm building up, her moans of pleasure intermingling with the sound of flesh slapping against each other. She met him thrust for thrust and finally the orgasm exploded in her, causing her to call out his name. His thrusts became more erratic and he spilled himself into her as he came. His hands left her waist and he rested his hand against the table, his arms shaking from the exertion. There was nothing but the sound of their laboured breathing.

He pulled out of her and pulled up his jeans, fastening the belt and zipping up the zip. He found some paper towel and silently cleaned her up. When he was finished she stood up, her muscles shaky. She pulled on her panties, jeans and boots.

He was grinning at her like the Cheshire Cat and she grinned back as she smoothed down her hair. "You think you're so impressive," she teased.

He stalked towards her. "I think I've proved how impressive I am," he said in a low voice.

She looked up at him, grinning, and wrapped her arms around his neck. His arms snaked around her waist, holding her tight against him. "Any regrets?" she asked softly as she looked into those icy blue eyes.

"Only that I have to return you to those idiots," he said leaning down and kissing her so tenderly it was hard to imagine he had been so rough during their lovemaking.

"You're going now, aren't you?" she asked sadly, her heart already yearning for this him.

His eyes softened and he caressed her cheek. "Wish I didn't have to. Mainly because I'm going to have to forget all of this."

She leaned up and gave him a small kiss. "But I'll always remember."

He crushed her into a fierce hug. "Are you going to be happy being with those idiots? Cos if you're not, I'll take you away," he said gruffly.

"Tempting," she teased. He pulled back to look down and when he saw that she was joking, he relaxed. "Things were out of your hands, Doctor. You did the best you could to help me."

"And what about Dickie Bow? He said some harsh things to you."

She laughed at the name he had just called himself. Then she nodded. "I think it's going to take time, Doctor."

He held her tightly for a bit longer, softly stroking her hair. "Are you sure?"

She pulled back and took his hand. "Yeah."

"Okay then," he replied. They went to the door and opened it, stepping out to find the three Doctors and Clara sitting patiently on the benches by the painting. The three Doctors stood to face them while Clara merely turned where she sat, watching how it was going to play out.

"You know, I should take her away with me after all that you lot have done," he threatened. It was a hallow threat. He knew it and they knew it. But no one dared contradict him. Instead they all remained uncharacteristically quiet, letting him finish.

"Rose is precious. More than you lot seem to realise. It's time you start remembering and start treating her right. Cos if not, I'll snatch her away in a heartbeat. Time lines be damned."

Then he looked down his nose at them, as though the mere sight of them was repulsive to him. Then he pointed a finger at Eleven. "You'd better get your act together and start remembering what it was like without her. Otherwise you'll be spending more time without her."

Eleven nodded solemnly. "It's something I have regretted since I said it."

"Well make sure there's no more regrets," Nine warned darkly. Then he turned to Rose looked down at her with tenderness in his eyes. He cupped her head in his hands and leaned down, kissing her softly. Then he rested his forehead on her own. "I wish I didn't have to forget."

"You'll remember shortly," she replied sadly, inclining her head to Eleven.

Nine straightened and made a disgusted face, crossing his arms over his chest. "Still can't believe I turn into him!" he muttered. Eleven wisely didn't retort. Nine unfolded his arms and sighed. He kissed Rose on the forehead and turned to leave. He stopped and turned, pointing a finger in warning at all of them. "Remember. Look after her."

Eight nodded, Ten and Eleven saluted. Nine rolled his eyes and went to the Tardis.

"Doctor!" Rose called out.

He turned, hope flaring in his eyes.

"You were fantastic. Don't ever forget that," she said, grinning that tongue-touched grin.

He grinned back, his eyes twinkling. Then he entered the Tardis and shortly after, it dematerialised. She stood there for a moment, staring at the spot where his Tardis had been, longing still tugging at her heart.

She felt a familiar hand take hers and she looked up into the eyes of Eight. Those blue-grey eyes were soft and kind. He caressed her cheek and kissed her. She kissed him back, tears blurring her eyes, a teardrop trailing down her cheek.

"You have to go, don't you?" she asked.

He nodded sadly. "It is my time."

"And you'll have to forget everything?"

Again he nodded, his face miserable at the prospect of what he had to do. She shook her head. "No, stay with me."

He placed his hands on her shoulder. "I can't, even though my hearts will it. Our time has ended, but your time with him has only just begun," he replied softly, looking over her shoulder. She followed his gaze and realised he was looking at Eleven. Of course. It made sense. Ten would also have to go and forget. Eleven was the one they were going to leave her with.

"She turned back to Eight, tears trailing down her cheeks. "He's not you," she choked, knowing how familiar those words were. She shook her head and swallowed hard. "I mean, I know he is you and you are him. It's just…I can't bear to say good-bye to this you. I'm going to miss this face terribly."

He smiled, though it was a sad smile. "It's not good-bye, Rose. It's Hello."

She felt an unfamiliar hand take hers and she startled, looking up at Eleven. She didn't notice Eight letting go of her. Those emerald green eyes were looking down at her with a bit of trepidation, as though he were scared she was going to reject him. She stared into those eyes and noticed the kindness. He had kind eyes. And in the midst of that kindness, she saw love and affection. And devotion.

"Hello," he said softly.

She smiled a slow smile that turned into a grin. "Hello," she replied, seeing her Doctor in that face.

"I know it's not going to be easy and we'll have to work through a few things, but I would really love to have you by my side, Rose. If you still want. Not as a companion. Because you were never a companion. You were always so much more. So, so much more. So…"

She placed a finger on his lips to stop his prattling and he smiled warmly against her finger, his talking ceasing.

"Yes," she said softly. "But let me first say goodbye."

His eyes flickered to his younger selves and he nodded. She turned to face Eight.

"I don't do well with goodbyes, Rose," he said.

She hugged him tightly and his arms wrapped around just as tightly. "I'm going to miss you."

"Me, too," he said back. Then his lips caressed hers and he poured all of his love into that kiss. "My precious Rose," he murmured. Then he looked at Eleven. "It's now your turn to look after her, and I trust you will do that."

"It is my intention," Eleven confirmed.

Eight nodded to himself, kissed Rose and the forehead and turned back to his Tardis and visibly steeled himself. He turned one last time to look at her, as though memorising her face, and then entered the Tardis. She hugged herself tightly as the Tardis dematerialised.

She felt Ten wrap his arms around her and she couldn't stop the tears, though she didn't break down, which she considered a bonus. Later on, in her own private moment, she would mourn them.

"I'm going to have to leave soon, as well," Ten said, stroking her hair like Nine had done. "But I wanted you to know that it was brilliant seeing you again. You were absolutely brilliant, Rose. I couldn't be prouder. And I wanted to thank you."

"For what?" she asked.

"You saved me. You helped me through the War, kept me going. I know that I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. You made me a better man."

She smiled up at him. "We did it together."

"Yes, that we did. And hopefully we'll continue saving the universe together." And before she could reply he was kissing her deeply, his hands entangled in her hair as he tilted her head back to deepen the kiss. Her own hands were in his hair, her nails scraping against his scalp. The kiss tapered off and he pulled back.

"I should go before I haul you into my Tardis," he said, winking at her and she blushed, knowing exactly what he was referring to. He let her go and ambled to the Tardis. "Thing is, I don't want to go."

"Oh, you always say. Off you hop. Shoo," Eleven said sarcastically, though his eyes twinkled in amusement, his hands flapping and making the shooing motion.

Ten grinned back at him and said. "Look after her."

"You have my word," Eleven promised seriously.

Ten nodded and then looked back at Rose, his chocolate brown eyes shimmering with tears. "Allonsy," he said softly.

"Allonsy," she replied back just as softly.

He went in and the Tardis dematerialised.

"Well, I'm knackered," Clara stated. "I'm going to bed," she said, pointing over her shoulder. She didn't wait for a reply and went into the Tardis.

"Clara seems like a lovely girl," Rose commented.

"Yes, that she is. Travels with me part-time." At Rose's questioning look, he elaborated, "She's a teacher. Amy and Rory also chose to travel with me part-time after a while."

"What happened to them?"

"The Weeping Angels."

Rose had heard stories about the Angels. "You couldn't go back for them?"

"They had become part of set events. I couldn't."

She took his hand in her own. "I'm so sorry, Doctor."

He smiled down gratefully at her and then embraced her, a hug that she returned without hesitation. This body of his was already starting to become familiar to her. He let go and led her to the bench where they sat side by side, staring at the painting.

"There's two titles to the painting: Gallifrey Falls and No More."

"I wonder which one is right?" she mused, tilting her head so that it was resting on his shoulder. He turned his head slightly and kissed on top of the head. They sat there in silence, his thumb stroking along the back of her hand.

Clara's head popped out of the Tardis door. "Oh, there was an old man looking for you. I think it was the curator." Then she popped back in and shut the door firmly behind her.

"I could be a curator," he mused. Rose chuckled beside him and he grinned. "I'd be great at curating. I'd be the Great Curator!" He spread his palms in front of him, making a wide arc for emphasis. He chuckled. "I could retire. I could retire and be the curator of this place."

"You know, I really think you might," an older voice declared. Rose recognised that voice, but from where? Eleven had stilled beside her. He knew exactly who was speaking. They both turned to see who was speaking and Rose clasped her hand over her mouth as she recognised the fourth Doctor, though a much older version of him.

Eleven rose slowly, Rose remained seated, still surprised. Eleven advanced slowly to stand in front of Four. "I never forget a face."

"I know you don't. In in years to come you might find yourself visiting a few. But just the old favourites," he replied in a rich, deep voice. Rose got up and slowly walked to stand by Eleven. Unconsciously he reached for her hand and she took it.

Four glanced at Rose and winked and then turned to the painting. "You were curious about this painting, I think. I acquired it in remarkable circumstances," he said and turned back to face Eleven. "What do you make of the title?"

"Which title? There's two. 'No More', or 'Gallifrey Falls'."

Four shook his head, his old eyes twinkling with a secret only he knew. "No, you see, that's where everybody's wrong. It's all ONE title. 'Gallifrey falls no more'."

Rose gasped and Eleven closed his eyes as understanding hit him.

Four leaned in to whisper conspiratorially at them. "Now, what would you think that means?"

Eleven beamed and he grinned at Rose, who was grinning right back at him. He turned back at Four. "It means Galifrey didn't fall. It worked! It's still out there."

"I'm only a humble curator. I'm sure I wouldn't know," he replied, making a move to leave.

"Then where is it?" Eleven persisted.

"Where is it indeed? Lost. Perhaps things do get lost, you know. Now you must excuse me. Ooh, you have a lot to do."

Eleven's face lit up, his eyes shining with excitement. "Do I? Is that what I'm supposed to do now? Go looking for Gallifrey?"

"It's entirely up to you. Your choice. I can only tell you what I would do if I were you…" he broke off in a chuckle. "If I were you."

Eleven chuckled along with him. "Oh, perhaps I were you, of course. Or, perhaps, you are me. Or perhaps it doesn't matter either way. Who knows," he said, tapping the side of his nose. "Who knows?" He looked down and then turned, walking with his cane out of the room.

Eleven turned to Rose, practically jumping up and down. "Did you hear that, Rose? Gallifrey is still out there! It worked."

Rose laughed. "So do we go looking for it now?" she asked, the prospect of an adventure filling her veins with excitement.

Eleven quieted and turned to look back at the painting, still beaming with delight. "You said 'we'."

"Of course I did. You didn't think you were going to leave me out, did you?"

He looked down at her with fondness. "No, of course not. It was just nice hearing you say 'we'."

He looked quite content, and if Rose had to choose a word, 'fulfilled' was the one that that came to mind. Complete.

He cupped her face and kissed her slowly and tenderly. "By your side is where I always want to be," he whispered.

He took her hand and led her back into the Tardis. She still marvelled at how different she looked. But it was a good different. Just like this Doctor. Still the same underneath.

"Hold up. Do you think he was the one who sent us the co-ordinates," she asked, referring to Four.

Eleven grinned at her. "I think he very well may have." He flipped a few switches and dematerialised the Tardis. He then walked to stand in front of her. "I know we have a lot of things to works out, and get used to the new us. And I know you most probably want to take this slow, and I'll go at whatever pace you want, Rose. I just want you to know that I'm not going to hold back. This is what I want. I finally have you and we can be together properly, with no fears, and listen to me babbling. I really am not very good at this. I don't know what to say..."

She hushed him by placing a finger on his lips. "You said it perfectly. You said it in your own way. But can I ask one thing?"

He looked nervous. "What?"

"It's been long day and I need to get cleaned up and get a good night's rest. Will you…stay with me?" she asked uncertainly.

"Of course," he said without hesitation and she gave him a shy smile.

They went to room that the Tardis had now deemed as their room. It was all dark wood furniture and dark blue bedding. She went to the bathroom and filled up the tub, climbing gratefully into the hot water and letting herself soak. She thought back to everything that had happened, a feeling of numbness stowing over her. It was finally over. The war was finally over. And a new chapter was beginning. She didn't know how she felt about that.

Exhaustion washed over her and she quickly scrubbed and got out, drying herself down and putting on the skimpy pajamas the Tardis provided for her. When she came out she found Eleven already in bed, shirtless, and reading a book with his round glasses. She smiled at the sight. He looked up and swallowed hard when he saw how skimpily she was dressed. She crawled into her side of the bed and he placed the book down on the bedside table, along with his glasses. Silently he spooned her, holding her tight. Slowly she relaxed in his embrace, his twin heartbeats lulling her to sleep.

Screams and smoke filled her senses. She watched in horror as Daleks fired down on Gallifrey. She tried to run, to do something, but she couldn't move. She could only stand there and watch as the horror unfolded before her eyes.

"Rose!"

Her eyes snapped open and she realised she was in bed. It was a dream. A nightmare. That's all.

"Rose," an unfamiliar voice called out and she startled when she saw Eleven's face.

"Sorry, just disoriented," she apologised.

"Not the face you were expecting?" he asked gently.

"Yeah, sorry."

"Don't apologise, Rose. You have nothing to be sorry for."

She looked into those emerald green eyes, and she saw the man she loved in those depths. She cupped his face and kissed him, and surprisingly, he kissed her back without hesitation or restraint.

They made love slowly, getting to know one another's bodies and when they came, they called out each other's names in a soft prayer.

As she lay in his arms, she knew everything was going to be okay. They had each other and, in the end, that was all that mattered.

"I love you, Doctor," she said sleepily against his chest.

As she was drifting off to sleep, she heard him whisper, "I love you too, Rose Tyler."

THE END