A/N: Well, this is it. We've finally reached the end of this story! First off, let me just say that this is not the last that you'll hear of these crazy kids! I do have two follow-up stories planned, so be on the lookout for those :) Now there's a few people I'd like to thank...

To everyone who has followed and favourited this story: Your follows and favourites humble me. Thank you for sticking with me through this adventure. You're all so wonderful.

To everyone who has reviewed: Words cannot express how much I appreciate all your kind words, your thoughts and theories, and your general support for me and this story. You guys are the best and I truly thank you all for taking the time to review!

And last, but never least, to Ashlanielle: You have supported this story since it was just a thought in my mind. I was so terrified of writing this AU, but you've held my hand in support, answered all of my many crazy medical questions, and given me wise advice and encouragement when I was ready to throw the towel in. I can't thank you enough, friend. Even in the midst of your own hard times, you've always taken the time to check on me and be there for me. Seriously, if we lived closer I would be taking you out for margaritas right about now! Thank you again. **HUGS**

(For reals, kids, if you've never read any of Ashlanielle's stories, go do that right now. She's a brilliant writer and it's her amazing AUs that inspired this one!)

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or anything related. That all goes to the BBC.

Six Months Later...

"I can't believe you're going on two honeymoons!"

Rose laughed into her mobile. "We're not going on two honeymoons, Shareen."

"Really? You just returned from a week long stay in New York yesterday and tomorrow you're leaving for another week long stay in Barcelona. Sounds to me like two honeymoons, lucky girl," her friend teased.

"New York was our honeymoon. That trip was just John and I. Barcelona is a family trip. We're taking Jenny for her birthday. Which reminds me, are you coming over for her birthday dinner the Saturday after we get back?"

"I'll be there!"

"Great! Jenny will be pleased," she informed her. "So, how're things at The Sparrow and Nightingale?"

"Really wonderful," Shareen answered. "You were right, Sally's a great boss. I can't thank you enough for everything you and that husband of yours has done for me these past six months."

Hearing how genuine and happy she sounded caused tears to rim Rose's eyes. "It's been our pleasure. I'm so happy that you're doing so well, Share Bear. And I'm really glad you're enjoying working for Sally. How's the remodel on the shop going?"

"Almost done. Thankfully, it hasn't disrupted business too much. Frank thinks it will be finished by the end of next week."

"Frank? Who's Frank?"

"Oh, just one of the construction workers."

Though Shareen couldn't see, Rose raised her eyebrows. "You're on a first name bases with one of the workers?"

The other girl huffed. "Honestly, Rose, I see these guys everyday. I'm not going to just not introduce myself. That would be rude."

"Alright, alright. So tell me about Frank," she suggested.

"Not much to tell. He's an American, moved her a couple of years ago to work with his uncle. His dad left his family a while back and Frank's taken it upon himself to help his mum care for his little siblings. That's why he moved here for work, better pay with his uncle. He's a really amazing guy."

"Mmmm. Good looking?"

"I-I suppose some might find him rather attractive."

A smile played on Rose's lips. "And do you find him attractive?"

Shareen sniffed. "I might. But I'm trying to be good, Rose. I don't want to jump into a relationship. Plus," she added in a quiet voice, "he's such a nice guy. I don't want to burden him with all my baggage."

"Hey," Rose said softly. "I get where you're coming from. I've been there, remember? No one says you have to rush into anything. Take your time to get to know him. And, if he's as great as you're making him sound, don't be afraid to be honest with him about your past."

"I know. You're right. Thanks, friend. Listen, I've got to run, but you give that girl of yours a hug for me, yeah? And I'll see you when you get back from your second honeymoon!"

Rose gave a playful sigh. "I'll see you then. Tell Sally I said hello."

"Will do! Bye!

"Bye!" Rose sighed as she ended the call with her friend.

So much had changed for the old friends in the past six months. Shareen was living a healthy and clean lifestyle, and for the past four months, had been working at The Sparrow and Nightingale. As soon as she was released from the rehabilitation, Rose knew that Shareen was going to need a job that would not only occupy her time, but give her a fresh new start. It had actually been Sally's idea for Shareen to go and work for her. She wasn't desperate for the help, but with Sally and Larry both making trips to Hull to see Larry's sister, Kathy, it was nice to have an extra set of hands around the place.

For a short while, Shareen stayed with Mickey and Jake at their flat, but just recently Shareen was able to get her own place near the shop. It was small and not what many would consider ideal, but it was in a safe neighbourhood and the other occupants of the building were incredibly kind and watched out for one another. Shareen had never been happier.

Rose smiled as she looked down at her left hand. Of course the biggest change for her in the past six months was that she was now Missus John Noble. And yes, thank you very much, she did enjoy being called that at every opportunity possible.

The weeks after her attack had been rough. As soon as she was released from the hospital, John immediately took Rose home with him, barely letting her out of his sight for more than a few moments. Jackie came to stay for a couple of weeks as well, to help Rose as much as possible. Between the three adults, they were able to sit Jenny down and explain to her as gently as possible about what had happened to Rose. The little girl was clearly devastated and confused, but once she was assured that Rose was okay and going to make a full recovery, she perked right up and took it upon herself to be Rose's self appointed nurse.

And John was with her every step of the way. He stayed by her side and didn't falter once through the nightmares or the days when the only person Rose would allow to touch her would be Jackie. He held her as she cried, played her favourite songs on the piano for her, and brought all of her art supplies over from hers and her mum's flat, so that she could start painting again. Jackie, John, and Jenny weren't the only ones who were there for her during that time. She really did have the best support team around. Mickey and Jake would always stop by with her favourite chips and board games, Jack would come and be the comic relief, Donna always had a steady supply of ice cream and chick flicks, and even Wilf would come by with his telescope to show Rose the stars.

Three months after the attack and Rose felt almost as good as new. It wasn't a full recovery, and she knew it would be a long time before she would truly be able to put it all in the past, but now she felt healthier and happier than she did before her run-in with Jimmy. And her relationship with John had never been stronger. Through all the tears and sorrow, they fell more and more in love with one another and their trials only proved to them that if they could endure those tough times, they could get through anything, side by side. It came as a shock to no one when one night John whisked Rose away for an evening out on the town and they came home engaged.

Some naysayers, John's mother included, said it was too soon. That the couple wasn't ready for that kind of commitment, not after everything they'd gone through. But John and Rose paid them no mind. That's why they set the wedding date for a little less than three months away. It had been a tight schedule, but all the planning was accomplished in time and they were able to have the intimate wedding of their dreams right there at John's, now their, home.

Rose was pulled out of her thoughts by a chime on her phone. It was a text from her mum. "Jenny!" she called out. "Let's go, love. Your Nan wants to meet us at the park so she can say goodbye before we leave on our trip tomorrow."

"Coming!" the little girl cried back as she raced down the hall. "Is Daddy going to meet us there too?" she asked when she reached Rose's side.

"Yep! He just had to run by the hospital to check up on a couple of his patients," she responded, stifling a yawn.

Jenny peered at her curiously. "Are you jet-slagged?"

Rose's eyes widened. "What?! I, uh, I think you mean jet-lagged. And yes, I suppose I am a bit. Your daddy and I had a long flight home from New York yesterday and I guess I'm just a little thrown off is all."

"Oh. You should make sure you go to bed early tonight, so your not too tired when we get to Barsalona."

"Barcelona. Don't worry, love. I will make sure to get plenty of rest for our trip! Now are you ready to go?"

"Yep!"

The drive to the park nearest the hospital was filled with Jenny's chatter about the time she spent with her Uncle Jack and Aunt Donna, while Rose and John had been on their honeymoon. It was obvious she didn't want Rose to have missed out on a single thing that happened.

"We're here!" Rose proclaimed as she parked the car and assisted Jenny out of the backseat. It was then Rose noticed another car park a few spots away from them. A car that had been behind them since they left the house. She felt suspicion as first, but shook it off as silly paranoia. It was clearly just a coincidence. But as they walked further into the park, Rose couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Feigning interest in a bird that had just flown past, Rose snuck a peek and realised that there was a woman walking several paces behind them. Under normal circumstances, Rose wouldn't give it a second thought. There was nothing odd about a woman walking in the park.

Except that Rose had seen this woman before. Twice to be exact. The first time was the night before. After arriving home from the airport, John and Rose were too tired to worry about cooking dinner. Instead, while John unpacked (and repacked for their second trip), Rose took Jenny out to grab some takeaway. This same woman had been in the chippy they went to last night. The next was just a few hours earlier that day when Rose and Jenny made a run to the chemist to grab a few last minute items for Barcelona. This same woman had been there too. She supposed it could just be someone who looked similar, but there was no denying that this was the same person by their very distinctive hair.

Thinking back, Rose tired to figure out if she new this her. She seemed harmless enough. Her clothes were a little baggy, but she didn't seem to be carrying any weapons. The only thing in her hand was a blue book that she held tightly to her chest. Rose was sure they had never met, but there was no denying that there was something extremely familiar about the woman. Just as she was prepared to call Jack to inform him of hers and Jenny's stalker, an elderly couple passed by. It was when the woman smiled at the couple did Rose finally figured out who this person was. She had seen that smile. Often. Just on another face.

Pulling out her mobile, Rose shot John a quick text, asking him to get to the park as soon as possible. At that exact moment, Rose heard her mum calling her name.

"Rose!" Jackie moved forward and pulled Rose into a tight embrace. "Oh, look at ya! Did you have a nice trip? Oh, I want to hear everything!"

"I'll tell you everything, Mum, but first, why don't you and Jenny go and get an ice cream from the vendor down the way. There's someone I need to talk to," she said, giving her mum a pointed look.

Jackie narrowed her eyes. "Course, sweetheart." She leaned in and whispered, "Is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine. There's just something that needs taken care of."

"Okay then. Well, Jenny, my sweets, it looks like you and your Nan are getting an ice cream!"

"Hooray!" the little girl cheered as she grabbed the older woman's hand and walked down the path and away from Rose.

When Rose turned away, she noticed that the mysterious woman had taken a seat on a nearby bench and had her face covered with her book. Taking a deep breath, Rose moved forward and sat herself down beside the woman. "Lovely day, isn't it?" she said, trying to sound as casual as possible.

The woman's eyes flickered to her briefly before returning to her book. "Mmhm," was her brief response.

"Sunny days in London should be treasured, don't you think?" Rose continued. "I mean, I just love taking my daughter out on days like this." When she remained silent, Rose went on. "Did you hear what I said? She's my daughter. Mine. And if you think you're going to take her back-" the other woman cut her off.

"Excuse me?" She put her book down and turned so they were face to face.

"I know who you are. I know who you are, River, and if you think you can just waltz back into her life after five years then you have another thing coming!"

River's was clearly shocked. Her lips were parted and there was a small tremble coming from her whole body. "I don't- I'm not here to take her back... I just wanted to see her," she admitted quietly.

"Why now? It's been five years!"

"I know. I know. Giving her up... I won't say it was a mistake, because clearly she has a wonderful life, one I would never want to change or take from her... But I have regretted giving her up since the moment I handed her over and watched her disappear from my life."

"Then why did you?" a distinctly male voice asked from behind them.

Both woman jumped at the sound. Rose immediately relaxed when she realised it was John. River just gave a small smile and said, "Hello, sweetie."

"Don't," John said harshly. Moving to take a seat on the bench, placing himself between the two women. "Answer my question. Why did you give Jenny up?"

"Jenny...I heard that's what you decided to call her. What's wrong with Jeneva."

"Nothing. It's just not the name I would have originally chosen if given the chance. Of course, I wasn't so..."

"You know the way I lived my life, John. It's wasn't a healthy lifestyle for a child. I tried. I did try for a few days, but I clearly wasn't meant to be a mother," she painfully admitted.

John rolled his eyes. "You would have learned, River. The same way I did. You think I knew what I was doing when that baby was handed to me? I was a wreck! But I figured it out. And as for your lifestyle, so what if you had to make a few changes. You think I lived a life that was fit for a baby? A lot of things had to change, but that's what happens when you take responsibility for your actions. You should have called me. The moment you found out. Why didn't you call me?" he asked desperately, clutching Rose's hand tightly.

"I was scared. I knew what I was to you. I knew we were never going to be in a relationship. And for a brief moment I really did think I could do it on my own. Silly overconfident, me."

"You weren't just some one night stand. We were friends. Or at least I thought we were. Don't you think I had the right to know about Jenny as soon as you did?"

River took a shuddering breath. "I suppose I was just trying to protect you."

John snorted. "Rubbish excuse."

"Perhaps, but all the same."

"So, why now? Why are you here?"

"Yeah," Rose chimed in. "Don't think I haven't noticed you followin' us."

She bit her lip and began nervously fiddling with the book in her lap. "I'm really not here to disrupt your lives. I just... I just wanted to see her. That's it. I have no plans to talk to her or tell her who I am or anything. I just wanted to see her.

John quirked an eyebrow and asked, "That's it?"

"Yes."

Rose observed the woman carefully. There was something... off about her. The dark circles under her eyes and the continuous tremors that ran through her body gave her away. "You're lying. What aren't you telling us?"

River deflated. "Clever girl," she said under her breath. Looking at the couple she admitted, "I'm dying."

"What?"

She shrugged. "It's as simple as that. I'm dying and before I go I just wanted to see her."

John shook his head. "No. No. No. No. W-what do you mean? What are you dying from?"

"You're not going to like the answer," she said.

"Try me."

"The Vashta Nerada virus."

"You have got to be kidding me! You went to that damn library didn't you!? I told you, River. I told you that area was quarantined, but did you listen? Obviously not."

"That sight was the find of the century, John! I'm an archeologist. You honestly expect me to not want to see what I could discover from those ruins?"

"Sorry," Rose interrupted, "Could someone please fill me in?"

"The library was a found many years ago during an archeological dig in Greece," John began. "I found out about it when, a few years later, everyone who had been on the trip became fatally ill. After a series of tests I discovered the source of their illness was a virus that was later named the Vashta Nerada virus, due to the "shadows" that were found in all of the victims full body x-rays. I tried to find a cure, but there's nothing. Once you succumb, you can't heal from the Vashta Nerada virus. That's it."

"That's horrible!"

"It is. Which is why I had that area quarantined." He looked to River. "The library was the one thing that every victim had in common. You knew that, yet you still went."

River nodded. "It was a risk I felt I needed to take. My team agreed."

"You took a team? And what happened to them, hm?"

"They knew the risks when they agreed! All, but one got sick. I'm the last left of those who were ill. I don't have much time now, I can feel it. That's why I wanted to see Jeneva."

John pinched the bridge of his nose. "No. Listen, here's what's going to happen. We're leaving tomorrow for a week, but in the meantime I'm going to have one of my colleagues run some tests on you. When I get back, I'll review the results and try to figure out what I missed before. I mean there has to be something I missed."

She moved her hand and rested it on his arm. "No, John. You're brilliant and you didn't miss a thing. It's my time and that's okay. So you're going to go on your holiday with your lovely wife and daughter and you're not going to worry about me, alright?" She blinked back her tears. "I've seen how happy Jeneva, I mean Jenny, is. You've chosen a wonderful mother for her, the best. Much better than I. And now I can go and die in peace. I'm content, John."

Rose squeezed her husband's hand as she addressed the other woman. "You can't just give up."

"Oh, I'm not. I've fought to make it this far so I could see her. And I have."

John took a deep breath and looked steadily at Rose. Sensing what he was asking she gave him a brief nod. With her permission to continue he asked, "Would you... Would you like to meet her?"

River gasped. "I shouldn't. I don't have the right to."

"It's okay," Rose told her. "Really."

She continued to shake her head. "Honestly, I don't even know what I would-"

"Mummy!" Jenny yelled as she raced around the corner and towards Rose. "Look, Nan and I got you an ice cream!"

Rose smiled widely and embraced her little girl. "Oh, thank you!"

"Hey," John said, playfully tickling his daughter's side. "Where's mine?"

Jenny's grin broadened when she realised her father was there too. "Daddy! I'm sorry. I didn't know you were back from work."

"That's alright, poppet. Perhaps I can get your mum to share with me?"

Rose looked conspiratorially at Jenny. "What do you think, love? Should I share with 'im?"

She giggled. "Yes. Probably."

Jackie huffed as she walked around the corner. "Blimey that girl runs fast!" she huffed.

John winked. "Takes after her dad."

Jenny winked back before turning to the new person on the bench. "I'm Jenny. Who're you?

River's eyes widened as looked to John and Rose for guidance. With a nod from both of them she stuttered out. "M-my n-name's River. It's a pleasure to meet you, sweetie."

"That's a pretty name!"

"Thank you. I've always liked it."

Jenny plopped herself down on her father's lap so she was closer to the other woman. "How do you know my mum and dad?"

River smiled. "Well, your dad and I are old friends and I just became acquainted with your mum today."

"Really? She just became my mum a week ago! Before she was just Miss Rose, then Rose, and now I get to call her mum, and her mum became my nan!"

"What a lucky girl you are. Rose seems like a wonderful mother."

Jenny nodded enthusiastically. "The best!"

"Well, it has been lovely talking to you Jenny, but I really must be going. You take care of your parents for me, alright?"

"I will!"

John stood and helped River to her feet. "Here, Rose and I will walk you to your car. Jackie? Do you mind staying here with Jenny for a minutes?"

"Not at all!" she responded, sensing there was more to this woman than her daughter and son-in-law were sharing at the moment.

The walk back to River's car was a silent one, broken only when John asked, "Will you still be here? When we return in a week?"

River smiled coyly. "Do you mean here in London or here on this Earth?"

"Both."

"Mmm. I should think not."

"To which one?"

"Both."

They stopped walking when they reached her car. Before River could get in Rose stopped her. "Are you staying with someone? Do you have someone to care for you?"

"I'm staying with some friends. Don't worry. I won't be alone," River assured her.

John shifted from foot to foot and handed over his business card. "If you need anything at all, you call me, alright? And, if you could tell whoever you're with to... to..."

"I'll make sure you're informed when I pass on," she finished for him.

"Right. Ta."

"Here." River held out the blue book she'd been clutching so tightly. "I want Jenny to have this, when she's old enough. It's my journal. Maybe you can just tell her that even though I couldn't take care of her, I did love her very much. That giving her to you was the very best thing for her."

Rose gently took the journal and placed it in her purse. "We'll tell her."

"Thank you," she said, hugging the blonde. When she pulled back she turned to John an embraced him as well. "Goodbye, sweetie."

"Bye, River"

As John and Rose Noble walked back through the park and towards their daughter they both contemplated that afternoon's events.

"Well that was unexpected," Rose finally blurted out.

John gave a light chuckle. "That it was."

"I'm glad I got to meet her and that Jenny did as well."

"Agreed."

Rose pulled him to a stop and wrapped her arms around his waist. "I just wanted to say, thank you."

He narrowed his gaze. "For what?"

"For choosing me. For allowing me to be Jenny's mum."

John leaned forward and pressed his forehead against hers. "It's I who should be thanking you."

"I'm so glad I met you," Rose whispered against his lips.

He smiled and kissed her lightly. "Me too."

They lost themselves in the moment and were only pulled back by the sound of Jenny's laughter. "Let's go get our daughter," Rose said happily.

John grabbed her hand and responded with one word. "Run!"

Thank you for reading this story! xoxo