The Colour Of A Rose - Epilogue
Title : The Colour of a Rose - Epilogue
Pairing : Ten/Rose
Rating : G
Spoiler : thru s2
Disclaimer : Not mine
Summary : A brief look once more as the Doctor expresses his feelings for Rose. Leaves - Hope and optimism.
A/N : Forgive all mistakes as no beta on this. Hope it doesn't detract too much.
Previous parts: Teaspoon or Fanfiction
The Colour of a Rose - Epilogue
Stepping into the backyard, one is struck by the beauty portrayed in the carefully manicured landscape, reminding the observer of a photograph one may find in the Unique and Beautiful Homes annual. So perfect in its presentation, it's difficult to believe something so exquisite, is possible to achieve with the guidance of mere human hands.
A serene calmness lies over the fenced in grounds, hidden from the casual passerby.
For Rose, it's solitary wonder had become a haven, her escape from the ordinary. She searched within it's confines for something, anything, as a reminder to believe she hadn't been forgotten.
Strolling along the many pathways, some laid out in stones, others covered in tiny river pebbles, all winding and meandering between dark green bordering hedges and stepped floral gardens, whose colours varied with the seasons, she'd let her mind wander also.
Subtle scents carried through the air on the whims of the breeze. A combination of faint delicate flowers, to the more pungent herbs, both lightly infused with the sweet odor of fruit, layered with the woodsy smell of ancient trees, laden with differing varieties and combinations of needles, cones, nuts and leaves.
Shadows grew and faded with the sun, a canvas of contrasting experiments in light and dark. Moonlight's glow playing a different symphony, as hushed tones of muted shades brightened and faded against a background of black.
Many hours she'd spent lying on her back, cushioned in the cool fragrant grass of summer brushing against bare skin, as she watched the clouds perform their silent choreographed ballet, never tiring of entertaining their guest.
Other times she'd gaze fixedly upwards at the multitude of stars staring back down upon the diminutive person who'd traveled amongst them as one of their own. Hopes and dreams flared as a comet shot across the still heavens, flashing brightly, leaving a streak of golden dust in it's wake. If she closed her eyes, the vision of the night sky imprinted in her mind, she dared believe she could hear a voice whispering through the heavens.
She floated in the space between realization and sleep, where one sensed, rather than felt the world around them, and ever so subtlely would succumb to the insistent comforting lull of slumber.
It was on one of these escapes, that she stumbled across the almost hidden bush, tucked between a back corner of the house and the worn brick parapet of the fence. Standing defiantly and alone in a darkened corner, she wondered how it had survived.
She included a visit to the solitary shrub, waiting for signs of the beginnings of a bud, curious to see it bloom. Months later she still found herself wandering past and inspecting the bush, noting the dull colour and brittle leaves now displaying as the cooler days forced many plants into their dormant cycle to patiently await springs awakening.
She heard a throat clear quietly behind her. Turning she noticed the elderly caretaker fidgeting, hat twisting in his hand and shuffling from one foot to the other, eyes lowered to the ground.
"Hi. My name is Rose." She smiled, hoping he'd realize they weren't any different.
He nodded, still not daring to look upwards. "Ze rosebush you watch," he indicated the plant she was kneeling in front of. "may never bloom."
Looking back, she reached out tentatively running a fingertip against the ragged edge of a leaf. "I don't understand, it looks healthy enough."
"Aye, that it is. Healthy, yes. Very much so. But, it's said." Squatting near her and gently lifting a few leaves in his own deeply wrinkled and weathered hand. "It is said to only bloom when true love is united."
He dared to steal a glance at the young blond beside him, her face a complex sea of emotions, yet a deep sorrow lined her eyes.
"Why would anyone keep it then?" In that whisper her heard her great loss and despair. He began to understand.
"Did you not know, zat hope and optimism are represented by ze leaves?" She shook her head, as he fondly stroked the leaves. "Zis plant has been handed down for generations, introduced to my family in ze eighteen hundreds."
"Has it ever bloomed?"
"No one ever saw it bloom," He leaned closer to whisper. "but me. I saw it bloom." His grey eyes danced with wonder and remembrance. "When the silver men came."
Rose felt her breath catch, "Doctor." she blurted out involuntarily.
"Ze Doctor," He stared ahead, still focusing on the past. "he took a cutting with him."
"You--" So many thoughts were tumbling through her mind, and she could only begin to hope.
"You're saying he knew about this?"
The older man solemnly nodded, eyebrows drawing together as if trying to recall. "Said he was delighted to see ze bush doing so well, after all zese years."
Shaking his head in disbelief he turned apologetic eyes to Rose. "He must have been in shock, poor man."
Rose burst out laughing and crying, tears streaming down her face as she cupped his startled face in her hands and placed a quick kiss on his cheek. "Thank you! For giving me hope and allowing me to continue to believe."
He struggled back to his feet and shouted after the disappearing girl. "Believe what?"
"In a fantastic life!" She called back over her shoulder.
~fin