Chapter Text
Rose returned as soon as she could Christmas Day afternoon, after opening gifts and enduring the third degree from her mother. David declared that he'd be released the next morning, and they shared tea and biscuits with Jack and Donna and watched David’s favorite science fiction program’s Christmas special together.
It was a lovely Christmas despite it being celebrated in a hospital room. The hospital did have a little shop, and it was about to close, but Jack sweet-talked the volunteer into staying open long enough for him to purchase a gift.
Rose loved her red roses. David promised to do better next year. They both blushed, but were joyful about the thought of them celebrating again a year later, together.
Jack and Donna brought David home the next morning, to a flat festively decorated for Christmas. There were no lights on the fire escape, however (per Sarah Jane’s orders.) Clara and her beau Danny brought breakfast and Amy and Rory joined them for coffee.
After a while, the crowd dispersed and Rose was alone with David. “If you need to take a kip, I'll be downstairs,” she said.
“Stay with me?” he offered. She immediately joined him on the couch. “I just wanted to say….I appreciate all you've done. I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for you. I feel certain of that. You saved me, Rose Tyler.” He kissed the back of her hand. “I don't have many friends. I've always stuck to my studies and it's always been difficult for me to make friends.. I feel like...even though we've not known each other long….that you're one of the best. And I only take on the best.”
Rose smiled gently and cupped his cheek. “You're the first bloke I've felt...comfortable around...or anything for, in a very long time. I'm honored to be one your friends.”
“I'd like to be more than friends...I fancy the hell out of you,” David blurted.
“I fancy the hell out of you,” Rose chuckled. It feel like we were meant to be, David. Even though it was sort of a disaster of a meeting…..I want more with you.”
“Brilliant!” David exclaimed and snogged her thoroughly again.
******
That was truly the beginning of something wonderful. They spent as much time together as they could. On New Year’s Eve, they decided to forgo the parties in favor of a Sherlock marathon. It was icy out, and David didn't want to navigate his crutches outside. He also didn't want to share Rose. That was fine with her. She didn't want to share David. They kissed at midnight as fireworks exploded and Big Ben chimed.
They spent David’s healing time getting to know each other better. David got to know Rose’s family, and endured countless interrogations from Jackie. She seemed to hold the window incident up as proof of his poor decision making. David pointed out that he was bright enough to choose her daughter. After that, Jackie and Pete Tyler warmed up to him. Rose’s little brother Tony became David’s mini-best mate.
They were yearning to take their relationship to the next level by the time his cast came off. He took her to a bed and breakfast in Wales, and they celebrated quite satisfactorily. They made their first declarations of love there.
After a while, they realized they were spending more time in David’s flat than Rose’s. (His flat seemed bigger on the inside.)
Eventually, Rose gave up her flat and moved into David’s, and a year after that they invested in Mr. Sullivan's old cottage. After he married Sarah Jane, they moved into a home on Bannerman Road. David carried Rose across the threshold of the former Sullivan cottage confidently. His leg was fully healed.
It was Christmas again, and life was good. ("Better with two," as they were fond of saying.) They decorated their cottage (but Rose refused to let him hang lights up high outside. She was superstitious.)
Before they left for Christmas with the Tylers, David had an important question for Rose.
Rose said yes, and she sported a sparkling diamond to Christmas Eve dinner. Jackie forgave their lateness once she saw the engagement ring.
Of course, they knew they were setting themselves up for a lifetime of “David falling for Rose” jokes. And neither one minded it at all.