a/n: I decided to post another of my trope fics here. This one is AU Gen combined with mistletoe kiss. Nothing but fluff with a smidge of angst. Very sweet romance story. Part 2 of 2

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who

She didn't see the Doctor at any more meetings and wasn't invited back to his lab. In fact, she barely saw him at all other than passing him a few times in the hallway. When she did see him, he looked like he wanted to say something to her but couldn't get the words out which was odd for him. If there was one thing the Doctor was good at, it was talking. Rose did her best to smile and then dashed off away to focus on her work.

It drove her a little mad at how much time she thought about him, wondering if she had done something wrong. It needed to stop. She was better than some whimpering lovesick girl. She'd never let a man get to her this way before which made her even more determined to put this behind her. Rose loved this job and wasn't going to let some mild flirtation ruin it.

Life went on and Rose went on a few dates but she was bored to tears. That's when she realized she wanted more than just dating and dancing. She wanted someone to talk to her about important things, hopes and dreams, not just football or what's on the telly or who Tricia Delaney is shagging this week. She wanted someone like… Donna walked into her office interrupting this thought.

"Rose, can I have a moment?" Donna asked, standing in the doorway.

"Yeah, sure. Come in."

Donna settled down in a chair and stared at Rose. "You know, you've been here six months now."

"I know, I can't believe it. It went so fast," Rose replied.

"Rose, if anything was bothering you, you know you can talk to me," Donna said, tapping her manicured nails on the cushioned arm of the chair.

Rose swallowed hard and wondered what she'd done. She had tried so hard to fit in here and not mess up this opportunity. "Did I do something wrong? I mean if I did, just tell me and I'll fix it…make it right."

Donna sat up straight. "Don't be daft! Of course you didn't do anything wrong. It's just in a place like this, gossip runs wild and I know that a certain space man may have…" She paused. "May have done what he always does, runs off with his gob, takes you on adventures and then wanders off without another word." She sighed. "Look, he doesn't mean to hurt you, he just gets distracted. He's that brilliant creative type and he has a history of getting swept away."

Rose stared at her and then looked down at her desk, drawing concentric circles on her writing pad. She knew she had to talk to Donna rationally. Her job was on the line. "Donna, I don't know what you've heard but the Doctor and me, we're just friends is all."

Donna rolled her eyes. "Oh don't be stupid. You think we don't see? It's obvious to even Malcolm how nuts the two of you are for one another. That is, until that Christina decided to pop back in to drag him off on one of her fiascos.

"He's entitled to date whoever he wants," Rose defended. "I can too and have," she said in a soft voice.

"Yeah and you're miserable," Donna pointed out.

"Maybe datin' life hasn't been the best but it's not effectin' my job," Rose said, a little perturbed at this line of questioning.

Donna smiled. "Now that's the spunk that's been missing and you're right. You are one of our best employees. The point is I care and I hate that, that little strip of nothing has you in knots! I like you and you're a hard worker. So, just tell me you're not gonna let him ruin this for you."

Rose smiled at Donna. "Naw, I'll be all right. It's made me think ya know? Maybe…maybe I want to go back and get my A levels. On my own time, of course!" Rose quickly informed her.

Donna perked up. "Good for you! Our company has a program to help out with the cost. Visit HR and they'll tell you all about it. Now that we have that settled, let's talk about the marketing campaign for the Dalek doll."

While Donna spoke to Rose, the Doctor was in his lab staring at his Ood marbles and thinking about Rose. He missed her. It had been stupid to let Christina convince him to go run head long into trouble. Her kind of trouble often involved stealing something for an adrenalin rush or purposely causing a scene at some society function. He had run off on a lark, and perhaps to get some distance from Rose.

Things had happened so fast with her. He'd never felt so drawn or in tune with anyone before. It was like an instant connection only much deeper than he had with anyone else. He had found himself thinking about her often, about how nice she smelled or what she would think of his latest project or if her lips were as soft as… He stopped. His thoughts then ran to how a girl like her, young, brilliant and fresh, couldn't possibly have romantic feelings for someone like him, would she? He paced and pulled out his sonic yo yo which whirred up and down as he concluded he really was an idiot. Just because she didn't aggressively pursue him like Christina or push the boundaries of friendship didn't mean she wasn't amenable to something like snogging him in the supply closet. He smacked himself in the head. He'd mucked this up good. Now he had to fix it.

dwdwdwdwdwdwdw

More weeks passed and Rose had begun classes to continue her education. Everyone at the company was supportive. The holidays were approaching quickly and this was a big time at Tardis Toys. The marketing department was in the office nonstop and even Rose had pitched in a few nights. Donna's mobile was practically glued to her ear and it seemed to Rose she was always on the cusp of threatening someone. Despite the stress, the holiday spirit was alive and well. No one celebrated the holidays like Tardis Toys. It seemed like all the main holidays occurring at this time of year was represented, Hanukkah, Kwanza and Christmas.

Along with all the rushing about and decorating, Rose had her own personal mystery. Every day, a mysterious item would appear on her desk. It might be flowers, a plant, crystalline rocks, a bag of chips, a movie, a scarf or sometimes something bizarre like a blue plushy banana that had a happy little face on it. Rose was never able to figure out who was doing this but she was determined to find out.

Rose subtly questioned her co-workers but never figured out the identity of her gift giver. The company's holiday party was coming up and she was determined to use that as an opportunity to interrogate her co-workers a bit further, especially after they'd had a few drinks and loosened up a bit. Although, she couldn't deny that a part of her had a suspicion she hoped might be true. Perhaps a certain madman in R&D was paying her office secret visits. She had heard in the cafeteria that the Doctor had broken things off with Lady Christina months ago and had been seen working on a secret project. Still, he seemed to be making great efforts to avoid her. But why would he avoid her? She had asked Donna about it and she had shrugged and just said, "He's the Doctor. Who knows why he does anything." Of course, Donna also seemed a little too interested in Rose's schedule and practically commanded Rose to show up at the Company holiday party.

The holiday party was a posh affair. Tardis Toys mysterious CEO made sure it was the event of the year and all the employees had a good time, although he never showed up himself. Everyone dressed up for a night of dancing, drinking, good food and fun. Rose, who normally wore jeans or khakis, casual tops and jackets to work, decided to really dress up for the party. Her Mum styled her hair in an up do and she picked out a new dress with the very generous bonus Donna made sure she received. It was a halter top silver cocktail dress that hugged her curves but wasn't too tight. She paired it with a white faux fur coat and sparkly sequined sandals. The jewelry she wore was dangling crystal earrings and a silver bracelet adorned with charms of stars, moons and space ships that her admirer had left for her.

When she walked into the ballroom at the hotel where the party was being held, her jaw dropped. It was simply amazing with crystal chandeliers, sparkling light across the room. Brightly decorated Christmas trees dotted the hall and white, silver and gold dressed tables were spread on one side filled with poshly dressed employees. A band was playing at the other end of the room and waiters were circulating with food and drinks. She checked her coat and joined the crowd, whispering hello to everyone as she took it all in. She'd never been anywhere like this before and she didn't want to miss anything so she could tell her mum all about it.

Donna waved her over to a table where she sat with her husband, Lee. She insisted Rose sit with them and some of the other department heads. At first, she was a little uncomfortable sitting with the executives but they were all so friendly that she relaxed and enjoyed herself. It wasn't long before she was sipping champagne and nibbling on elegant appetizers. Donna was dressed in a sparkly green sheath dress and was the life of the party. Soon, Donna was dragging her husband on the dance floor. Rose was sitting quietly taking it all in when a hand was laid on her bare shoulder. She looked up to see the Doctor.

"Doctor?" she asked, unsure how she should react. He'd been a right git avoiding her but, if he was her secret admirer…

"Rose, you look beautiful. I mean for you know the Christmas party and all," he said and shifted nervously. He was dressed in a tux and black converses and looked adorable.

Rose knew that it was time to set some things straight. "Yeah, well, I'm surprised you noticed since you've barely been lookin' at me lately, much less talkin' to me." She gave him a pointed look. "So where's Christina?"

He winced. "About that, can we talk? In private, I mean?" he said, his hand tugging at his hair.

Rose stared at him for a long time before standing up. "Yeah, maybe we should. I might have a few things I want to say too," she answered.

He looked scared but grabbed her hand and pulled her through a door into straight into a lift. "Doctor, where are we goin?"

He looked at her hand which he still held, lifting it up to examine the bracelet on her wrist. He looked her in the eyes then and smiled. "It fits. The bracelet I mean."

Rose wasn't sure how to react. She looked down at the bracelet. "Yeah, have this secret admirer. Pity he's afraid to come talk to me."

"Maybe he's afraid. Maybe you scare him," the Doctor responded.

"I don't think I'm that scary. I'm just a shop girl off the estate who lucked into a good job is all."

"You have never been just a shop girl, Rose Tyler and you didn't luck into a job. Tardis Toys is the lucky one."

"But I haven't done much of anything," Rose said softly.

"Oh yes you have. You've reminded us what we do all this for; that this company is about more than statistics and sales."

Rose blushed and looked at where his hand still held hers. The lift pinged and the doors opened. The Doctor quietly led her out and to some double doors. He punched in a code and walked her into what she could only assume was the penthouse suite. She hesitated at the door.

"Oh," he said when he realized what this must look like. "No, no, no! I mean, I just wanted to talk to you in private." She still paused. "Please," he said looking at her with puppy dog eyes begging her to give him a chance. Rose bit her lip as she searched his face and finally came to the conclusion he really just wanted to talk and nodded her head.

He led her through the suite, which was again decorated for the Christmas holiday with a tree, and bows and candles sparkling all over the room. He continued walking with her until they exited onto the balcony and an impressive view of the London skyline. She shivered and he gallantly put his coat around her shoulders.

"I don't understand any of this. Why are you doing this? Why didn't you just talk to me and why here in this suite which must cost a month of my salary," she said, looking all around the balcony which was lit up with white Christmas lights.

"Because I needed to talk to you alone and some place special," he answered, leaning against the balcony railing.

"Why?" Rose asked simply.

He sighed and scrubbed at his face. "I'm not good at this. I mean I can talk about robotics, electronics, maths, physics and tell you the name of every star up overhead," he said looking up at the night sky. Then he looked down at her. "But you, talking to you about how you make me feel, it…it's beyond words."

"You, without words? Mark that one on the calendar," she teased and then saw that he was serious. Her smile fell. "Maybe I can help. Why don't you start with Christina. I mean I thought you me was…well close and then you just disappeared with her and when you came back, it was all different. You hurt me, Doctor."

"I know!" he exclaimed and shot forward to grasp her hand. "You just came from no where and exploded into my life like a super nova. You were this bright star, ready to take anything on, even me and you never asked for anything in return."

Rose smiled and squeezed his hands, encouraging him to continue. He inhaled. "And it scared me, terrified really. I felt so much so fast for you. I've spent so much of my life always running, running toward adventure, discovery and learning everything I can and then running away from responsibility, obligation and anything that tied me down. But, you Rose Tyler, I didn't want to run from you and that was a bit frightening."

"And Christina?" Rose asked, intent on pushing him for answers.

"Christina is like a long list of others before her. First, there was Joan at university. She demanded commitment in short order and wouldn't put up with my need to live an unstructured life. So, I ran away to Paris and met Reinette. She was the opposite of Joan but she wanted an open relationship and to be spoiled. I didn't want that either. I ran into River at an archeological dig. She was fun for a while. We each had our own lives and met up for adventure occasionally but she was keeping her own secrets and just showed up unannounced expecting me to drop everything for her. I met Christina over a year ago. She was all about adventure but was too aristocratic and getting into her version of trouble was wearing on me. Then I met you, Rose. You, who have so much spirit and outshine everyone in the room. You're brave and smart and utterly fantastic. When I'm not with you, I want to be. I realized that after I'd mucked everything up between us and for that I am sorry."

Rose was gobsmacked. He was effectively declaring his love for her, under a starlit sky on the balcony of a posh penthouse suite. She needed to keep her head though, needed to be sure.

"And the gifts? You've been leaving them on my desk, yeah?"

He grinned. "Oh yes!"

"Why? I don't get it? Why didn't you just leave me a note or something?"

He scoffed. "Notes are boring! Besides, I didn't want anyone to know and I was…" He tugged at his ear. "nervous you wouldn't talk to me again. I thought I'd sort of break the ice."

Rose grinned. "With a blue plushy banana?"

He smiled broadly at her. "That's my favorite! Everyone loves a happy banana and what's wrong with blue?"

He may not be perfect and perhaps he had a history of running and being a bit of a flirt but he was her flirt and a romantic one. "All right. I suppose I can't be mad at any bloke that gives me a blue plushy banana! So, anything else you want to confess before we um…" she said, blushing.

"Well, there is one other teensy tiny little thing," he said nervously.

Rose raised her eyebrows. "You're not married are you? 'Cos that's a deal breaker."

"What! Oh no, no, no!" he said emphatically. Not at all, not even a little!"

"All right then what?" Rose asked.

"Um, it's a secret. I mean a big honking secret and you can't tell anyone."

Rose nodded. "Okay, I promise I won't tell anyone."

He walked up close to her. "I sort of own Tardis Toys."

Rose stared at him blankly. "Sorry, did you say you own Tardis Toys?"

"Wellll, most of it," he said, nodding his head. "My sister, Donna, owns a good portion too and then the employees own some and a few others. You own some too you know. It's part of your employee benefits."

"Oh my gawd! You're the super secret CEO!" she exclaimed.

He winced and then grinned madly at her. "Oh that's Molto Bene! Super secret CEO! See, I told yo're brilliant! Donna will love that!"

It started to snow and they both looked up and giggled. "We should go inside before we both freeze," she said and curled up to his side. As they walked in she stopped him. "Why tell me if it's such a big secret? I mean, why me?" she asked, still unable to comprehend that a super intelligent sexy man like him, would love her.

"Because, I don't want to keep any secrets from you. Because, I don't want to run anywhere but to you," he said and caressed her face, his thumb tracing her cheekbone.

He leaned over and whispered into her ear, "Look up."

When she did, she saw that they were standing beneath the mistletoe. She looked up into his eyes, reflecting joy laced with a tiny bit of uncertainty. She smiled. "I love you too," she said softly. He whispered her name and pulled her a passionate snog. Both of them plastered themselves against each other, moaning and tasting each other in way they had both dreamed.

"It's about bloody time!" a voice called out and they parted and looked over at Donna and Lee standing there watching with champagne and wine glasses. Rose looked up at him smiling. They may not be perfect, but life for them would never be boring.