Just Another Coffee Shop

Girl's Night

A week later Rose stood at the counter as John jumped around in the kitchen, making flower cookies for their new spring collection of coffee and snacks. As he did, he explained how important spiders actually were. For, a few minutes earlier Rose jumped on the sofa when a spider crawled over her shoe.

"See, Rose. The spider isn't going to attack you. Well, unless you provoke it or it's just aggressive."

He looked up too see her with a not-quite-smile-smile on her face and her eyes in a dreamy state. He cocked an eyebrow,

"Aren't you suppose to be writing?"

She shook her head slightly, then looked at him. His hair was sticking up in all angles and his body seemed to be dowsed in flour; she giggled at his confused look, reminding her of a puppy.

"I actually sent it in yesterday."

"You already finished?!" He gaped.

She nodded, "Just took a bit of effort, but I got it down on the paper."

"That's amazing, Rose!"

She blushed and looked down at her feet, "Thanks."

"You better give me a copy,"

When she looked back up and met his eyes, they were mixed with a sparkle and desire. She was tempted to throw herself over the counter to snog him senseless.

"Well, it's not official that it's gonna be published."

He waved his hand is dismissal, "You're brilliant, of course it's gonna get published,"

Moments later Donna stomped down the stairs.

"It's only twelve." John said, "Why are you up?"

"Because I'm going to talk to Rose. At a bar. While you work." Donna said, taking Rose's hand. Rose shrugged at John and followed Donna out the door.

"Um, so was this planned or?" Rose stammered, fingering a loose string from her sweatshirt. Her footsteps echoed off the pavement, and shivered at the cool breeze.

"Yes. No. I obviously wanted to talk to the girl John has been non-stop about, but I didn't know it would be today." Donna said. She smirked.

"W-what?" She asked, eyes widening in suprise. Donna just chuckled.

"Well, he 'asn't shut up about you. Gives me a bit of a headache, but it's sweet." Donna looked at Rose.

"Wait, he actually talks about me?" Rose questioned, looking back at her with emotion strewn all over her face.

There was a startled glint in her eye as she spoke, "Well of course he does! Have you met you? Rose Tyler, meet Rose Tyler, from what I heard you are amazing people and it's a honour to be the one to introduce you. Honestly sweetie, he is smitten."

She waved her hands about in the air as she talked, Rose's eyes following them ever so slowly.Rose blushed, so red it could've put the red flower to shame,

"Um, uh, ha. That's something new."

"Yes, well, I'm assuming you feel the same way. If you don't that would be fine. Usually, at least. But if you are leading him on? Do you need me to tell you exactly what I will do?"

Donna looked at her sternly. Rose had heard stories of Donna defending John, she wouldn't like to end up like the majority of group. Beaten and cursed, she planned on staying on her good side.

"I promise I'm not just leading him on. Just, relationships are hard for me," Rose murmured, looking down at the sidewalk submissively and feeling her cheeks flush.

"Why? If you don't mind my asking. Actually, even if you do." She questioned.

"My mum, she had so many messy relationships. Until I was about seventeen she settled down with Pete. I just don't wanna turn out like her; always expecting them to leave."

Rose let her eyes drift upwards to the sky. It was mostly a deep blue that day, with clouds speckled here and there with the moon peaked through, allowing gentle light.

"I actually didn't expect you to tell me..." The red-head gave Rose appraising eyes, "maybe you will be good for him."

Hope seemed to radiate from Donna, and Rose felt her uneasiness that was clinging to her start to loosen it's grip.

"I think he'll be better for me." She said, closing her eyes and letting go of the string she was rolling up into a ball.

"Better than who? Or better than you are for him?" Donna asked

She smiled brightly, even though she could come of as a mean, rude, woman; she also was caring and probably one of the sweetest people Rose ever had met. John once told her, that Donna befriended the most picked on girl in third grade. They stayed close through out middle school; but the girl died in a car crash as a freshman.

"He would be better for me, he'd keep me ground." Rose said.

Donna rolled her eyes and they soon arrived at the club on the corner. As they took their seats at the bar, a couple men looked their way nudging each other. Rose rolled her eyes and turned back to Donna, who was sipping on her drink with a smirk.

"You like 'im." She stated.

The blonde blushed, "Yeah, is it that obvious?"

"Well, you're wearing his sweatshirt and light up when he's around, so yes."

Rose's blush turned a deeper red and she tried to say something.

"Just talk to him."

Rose smiled, "When we get back?"

"Yeah, but now, girl talk."

"All I've had is nerd talk."

Donna giggled, "He does that to you too!"

"I think it's cute! But yes. Sometimes he gets a bit out of hand."

"He can talk faster than I can type."

The girls laughed and continued to talk about him, Rose learning new things. Donna learning little quirks of Rose. Even though they hadn't chatted much before, it felt like talking to an old friend. Donna's story of how John and her met was interrupted by a hand on Rose's shoulder.

"Can I offer you a drink?" A man with dark hair asked.

"No, I've had enough. Thank you though." Rose said trying to turn back to Donna.

The man chuckled, "Oh, c'mon. Just one more."

"I've already said no, back off."

The man's face turned red in anger, "You don't talk to me like that."

Donna huffed, "She, will talk to you however she wants. Now back off before I slap you back to Wales."

"Who said you were in charge?"

"Me. now get off her."

He muttered something in Rose's ear, before backing away. The group of boys before applauded him as he sat back down. Rose looked terrified, eyes wide.

"Rose?" Donna asked.

She shook her head, panic taking over she just stood up and ran out of the pub. Donna didn't go after her, but stomped over to the man.

"You bastard." She said when she reached the table.

"Hmm?" He asked innocently.

"Get up."

He laughed, "Why should I get up for a woman."

"Because, you said somethin' you shouldn't have."

One of the guys pushed him, he sighed. He stood about a foot above Donna, in a tailored suit and slicked back hair. His eyes threatened her, but that could never stop Donna Noble from giving a man what he deserved.

The man didn't even know what was coming as he received a slap, a red handprint on his cheek. Then, another on his other cheek. He was speechless when Donna pushed him back to the table and curtsied,

"And that boys, is why you don't mess with my friends."