Every End Leads to a New Beginning
Title:Every End Leads to a New Beginning
Author: ireach4thestars
Rating: G
Spoilers: Though “The End of Time Part Two”
Disclaimer: This is a RPF (real person fic). I do not own any part of Doctor Who, the Doctor, Rose, Billie Piper or David Tennant. This story is purely fictitious with situations created by the author.
Author’s Note: The idea for this story came after a conversation with mrs_roy. Due to that, this story is dedicated to her.
“Quiet on the set.”
Immediately a hush fell over all the people assembled. Those in charge of hair, makeup and clothing stepped back from the actors they were working with, leaving the two actors alone. Or at least, they seemed to be alone. Behind the cameras, lights and wires were dozens of people. Crew members took their appropriate places behind cameras or to ensure the lighting was just right. There were assistants standing off to the side while an effects crew above caused snow to fall.
The two people were the sole focus of everyone there. One wearing a suit and long brown coat, both of which were things he was well known for wearing, at least when he played the Doctor. The other was wearing a purple and blue hoodie, a scarf wrapped around her neck and though she wore a hat over her head, her blonde hair was long enough to still show. She certainly looked like Rose Tyler had back in 2005.
In real life, they were not the Doctor or Rose Tyler. They were David Tennant and Billie Piper. Billie smiled at David, which caused him to smile back though there was sadness mixed into this gesture, perfect for the scene. It wasn’t just acting through. This is the last scene they would share together. The last scene Rose and the Doctor would have too. It reminded David of his first day.
”And this is Billie Piper.”
Upon hearing her name, the blonde girl glanced up from the magazine she was reading and gave a smile to David and to the man giving David the tour of the studio.
David had seen her on television as Rose and had heard her music on the radio before. He always wondered how she was in person. He always wondered that about people he was going to work with. It was one thing when they had a character they were playing or in interviews. They could be completely different when the cameras were not rolling. Time would tell though. “I’m David.” He offered his hand to shake hers.
“The Doctor David,” she smiled, brown eyes sparkling as she took his hand, giving it a firm shake.
David smiled back at her. “I guess I am.” He paused as he let go of her hand then lifted it again, giving a small wave. “Hello.”
This made her laugh quietly. “Hello. You’re getting the tour of the place?” she asked, setting her magazine down on the table in front of her.
The other man nodded. “We’re almost done. We just have the soundstages left.”
Billie’s smile grew even more. “You mean you haven’t been to see the Tardis yet?” Her smile faded and she attempted to look stern, though her brown eyes continued to show amusement.
“Not yet,” David answered. “Want to come with us?”
Billie nodded, pushing away from the desk, getting to her feet. David thought about offering his arm, but that seemed too formal. Though it could work because they just met, he and Billie would be spending a lot of time together. Also, Billie was acting quite informal too. On impulse, he offered his hand to her and wiggled his fingers.
She looked at his hand then slide her hand into his. She looked at their hands; fingers intertwined, and then grinned up at him. “Let’s go.” She gave his hand a tug and together they rushed down the hall toward the Tardis.
David could already tell he was going to enjoy working with her.
As Billie came into sight, David stumbled, acting like the Doctor who was forced to regenerate soon, though he was fighting it. Hearing the sound, ‘Rose’ turned to face him.
“You alright mate?” she asked him.
“Yeah,” he answered, looking as if he was trying to make his pain, as he was supposed to look for this scene.
“Too much to drink?” she guessed with a small smile.
“Something like that,” he responded, looking over at her. She looked beautiful, as always. Her blonde hair shone under the lights and the falling snow seemed to add to it as a few flakes fell onto it.
“Maybe it’s time you went home?” she suggested in a kind tone, breaking him away from his thoughts about Billie. He had to focus on being the Doctor, not David Tennant.
“Yeah,” he answered, still keeping in the shadows, not making any movement to leave. It wasn’t hard to keep looking at her and luckily, this was how the script was written.
“Anyway, Happy New Year,” she smiled at him.
“And you,” he responded, and then watched her turn to leave.
”I am really going to miss working with you,” David told Billie on their last day filming together.
“I’ll miss you too, but we’ll still see each other,” she assured him. “What would I do without my best mate?”
“I am?” David feigned surprise, trying to keep the mood light, though it was hard with so many people being sad.
“No, I just like hanging out with you outside of work though I am with you at work for sometimes twelve hours a day,” she answered sarcastically, then laughed and swatted his shoulder before becoming serious. “Of course you are.”
“You’re mine too,” he admitted and hugged her so tightly her feet came off the ground. He felt her bury her face in his jacket, arms wrapped tightly around him.
Finally, they broke apart and he slowly lowered her until her feet were on the ground again. He looked at her and for a moment, their eyes locked. David felt urged to do something that one didn’t do with their best mate, which was kissing them. They had kissed before, during “New Earth”, but that was different, since it was for the show. That had been Cassandra in Rose’s body surprising the Doctor. It hadn’t been Billie and David.
“I’ll call you,” she broke him away from his thoughts. “Maybe we can have lunch or dinner next week, yeah?”
“Yeah,” he agreed, managing a small smile.
“Don’t worry, Rose will be back before you know it,” she told him, giving him another hug. “Until then, enjoy your time. Catherine Tate should be fun for the Christmas special.” Her voice caught and from the extra shine in her eyes, he knew she was fighting back tears.
“She will be,” he agreed and didn’t add what he thought in his head. But she isn’t you. Instead, of saying anything, he wrapped his arms around her. They were still standing on the beach where they had just filmed their final scene together, where Rose had told the Doctor she loved him and the Doctor had been unable to say the same before the transmission ended. They had just finished that part and Rose’s breakdown, causing her to run to Jackie for comfort. There was one final scene, of the Doctor alone on the Tardis, alone until a bride appeared. That would be filmed the next day.
Billie hugged David back tightly and neither said anything as he felt small shakes run through her body. A few tears escaped, despite her best attempts to hold them back. Still, neither of them spoke. Nothing had to be said. He just pressed a kiss to the top of her head and held her.
They had already done this scene half a dozen times to shoot it from a variety of camera angles. However, this was going to be the last take as long as everything went well. They just wanted to make sure they had all the footage they needed.
“What year is this?” David, as the Doctor, asked.
Billie, as Rose, turned back to face him. “Blimey, how much have you had?” she asked with a small laugh.
He made a small sound as if it was the way to answer, as if he had certainly had enough.
“2005,” she told him, before adding. “January the first.”
Seeing her, smiling like this in the snow, he felt the strange urge he had when he had said goodbye after filming his first series and her second. To kiss her. It didn’t help that he had gotten the chance to kiss a year ago when they had been standing on that beach.
“And you, Doctor?”
Bille turned to David who now dressed in his blue suit. His hair was sticking up a bit more and he had to change his accent just a little. However, when she looked up at him, he didn’t feel like the Human Doctor or the Doctor. He felt like just himself. Like David. Then, he leaned over and whispered three words. They were meant for Rose, but also, Billie. “I love you,” he whispered.
It wasn’t just a line of dialogue. After all, it was whispered so that the microphones wouldn’t hear it. David knew of how he felt since he had seen Billie again. She was married now, yes, but that didn’t make her love her any less. It just made him feel like a fool for not telling her earlier.
He pulled back a few inches so that his eyes could lock with hers. Then she kissed him. It was not just a mere touch of lips. Instead, it was a kiss of longing and passion and even more. It was a kiss that made his heart race and he lost track of everything else. Of the sand under his feet, of the crew, the producer and everyone else except for Billie. He returned the kiss with fervor, pulling her close. Though there were layers for clothes between them, they were so close that he could feel her body pressed against his. He kept her close, wanting to continue this and due to how tightly she was holding onto him, how her fingers felt on the back of his neck and touching his hair, he wondered if she felt the same way he did. If this was more than just acting.
He heard a voice say something and then Billie pulled away from him, to stumble a few steps toward where the Tardis was supposed to be. David just stayed where he was, remembering his blocking, somehow, though his mind was on the kiss he and Billie just shared.
“2005…” He said aloud, and then watched Billie, as Rose, nod before he continued. “Tell you what, I bet you’re going to have a great year,” David said, emotion in his voice, though he was trying to sound upbeat. He had found himself doing that a lot more in real life with Billie. Pretending that he was happy and everything was fine, though it was also just an act. Ever since she had married Laurence. It was hard to know she was married to someone else, but she was happy. At least, she seemed to be.
When she found out she was going to have a baby, she was positively beaming when she told David. David had seen her with Winston and knew she was already an amazing mum. She was David’s best friend and he wanted her happy, no matter what. However, inside, it ate away at him. For over a year he had been smiling on the outside, wanting to show the world he was happy, though inside he felt like something was missing. Yet, he had to keep up appearances. He went out with his friends, including Billie and talked about a future with Georgia.
David had meant what he said when he said that he wanted to settle down and start a family. Everyone assumed it was with Georgia, since they were dating. He could be comfortable with her and they got along well. There was also no denying she was pretty. However, she was more like a friend. Yes, there was an intimacy with them that friends didn’t have. It was certainly nice, but more than once, at night, with the lights low, he would see her blonde hair and he would think of Billie, which was not what people were supposed to be thinking when they are with the person they were dating. He couldn’t tell anyone though. Just like he could never tell anyone that once, he almost called out Billie’s name instead of Georgia’s.
That was why he had suggested that they end things. He hated that he upset her, but after talking and tears, she also agreed it for the best. He hadn’t told her about his feelings for Billie, but that he had a feeling that Georgia knew. He didn’t think he had would ever have a chance with Billie, but he knew it wasn’t fair to Georgia. She deserved someone better. Someone that wouldn’t be thinking of someone else when they were together. Someone who would love her like she deserved to be loved. So, hoping he made the right choice, he kissed her one last time and they went their separate ways.
They both agreed not to mention the break up with the press, not until after all of the Doctor Who specials had aired. In fact, they were so quiet about it, some of their friends thought they were still dating.
He had worried that he made the right choice, but at that moment, when Billie looked at him, giving him a smile, he knew he had. Whenever Billie smiled, it seemed to light up a room and made it nearly impossible for David not to smile back.
“Yeah?” she asked and David gave her a tight smile, like the script called for. Billie, as Rose, smiled back. There was just a moment of silence between them before she said her final line. “See ya.”
She turned to walk back inside and he felt his heart leap to his throat. Yes, he and Billie would see each other again. They had already made plans to meet in three days for lunch, as long as filming stayed on schedule. However, it wasn’t the same. For some reason, he couldn’t just let her walk away, though the script called for it.
He hesitated slightly, aware of the others that were watching, not knowing the internal struggle. Just as Billie pulled open the door to step inside, she stole a glance back at the David. It was brief, not even a full second of time. However, it was enough.
He heard someone shout “Billie” and realized it was him. She paused and slid her foot out to stop the door before it could shut completely, giving him a quizzical look. In that amount of time, he dashed to the door, stopping just inches away from her.
“David-“ she started but was interrupted.
“What is going on?”
Both turned and saw that the entire crew was confused as to what was going on and the director was also confused, but looking a bit annoyed. It had been a long day and night for all of them.
“Just, five minutes, please,” David answered. For a moment, it looked like the director would refuse but then sighed.
“Alright, but just five minutes.”
David nodded and as everyone broke away to get a coffee or return phone calls, he nodded to the interior of the building with his head. Billie backed up in response, letting him inside, though she was clearly as confused as the others.
David stepped inside and when the door shut, he turned to Billie.
“What is this all about?” she asked him.
“It is about…” David ran his fingers through his hair, something that he did when he was stressed or frustrated, something that was natural for the Doctor was now natural for him. “I…well…” he stammered. “How do I say it…”
“Just be blunt,” Billie told him kindly, putting a hand on his shoulder. It was something she had done a number of times in the past and when he looked into her concerned brown eyes, he nodded.
“I like you,” he started then winced.
“I like you too…” she answered slowly. “We’re mates. Best mates at that, though we sometimes have conflicting schedules now.”
He shook his head. “I like you as more than a mate, more than a friend. Bil…” he reached out and touched a strand of her soft blonde hair, like spun silk between his fingers. “I…” he took a deep breath, eyes locking with hers. “I love you.”
He wasn’t sure what he expected, but his heart sank as Billie’s eyes grew wide and she took a half a step back, pulling her hand away from his shoulder. “What?”
“I love you.” David knew he had to say the rest of it, no matter what. “I should have told you that a long time ago. But, I didn’t. So I have to say it now or I might never get the chance again. I know you are married with a child so I shouldn’t be saying this, I shouldn’t even be thinking it, and I don’t want to lose you as my friend but I need you to know. I love you, Billie Piper.”
Billie’s face showed many emotions, but he could only clearly read the surprise. The others were hard to tell. Was she angry? Sad? Upset? Relieved? Happy? Still too shocked to make up her mind? The surprise faded as did the other emotions. Instead, her face became a mask, hiding whatever her emotions were.
“What about Georgia?” she asked quietly. “You are leaving all this to have a family with her,” she reminded him.
David shook his head, “I never said I wanted to have a family with her. People assumed that. And things ended between us. We just haven’t made it public yet. I care about her, I might love her, in a way, but it isn’t even close to how I feel about you. I love you. I am in love with you.”
He stopped at that point and waited for Billie to do something or say something. Even if she slapped him, that would at least be a reaction. Instead, she was just silent and not moving and her expression did not convey any hint of her emotions. She had been looking at him, but she drew her gaze away from him to look at the wall. They stayed like this for what seemed like an eternity, though it was probably only a minute.
Seeing that she wasn’t going to say anything, David sighed, shoulder slumping. He supposed he should have known better. At least he had told her. He just hoped he hadn’t destroyed things between them. He’d rather have Billie in his life as a friend, instead of not having her in his life at all.
As he turned to leave, he heard Billie finally speak, her voice quiet. “We’re divorcing.”
David turned back to face her and saw that her eyes looked wet. “What?”
“Me and Laurence,” she elaborated, though David knew who she meant. It was still a shock.
“What? Why? When? Why didn’t you tell me?” They still talked as often as their schedules allowed. He knew that Billie had seemed distracted or stressed lately, though he hadn’t considered this to be the reason. He thought it was due to juggling responsibilities of being a wife, mum and actress. He never would have guessed this.
She shrugged, trying to look nonchalant, though David could see how tense she was and how much she was trying to hold back her emotions. “We didn’t want the press bothering us about it. And I suppose I didn’t want to say it aloud. It’s the first time I have been able to since we decided this a month ago.” She sighed, taking a moment to collect her thoughts and her motions before continuing. “He’s still going to be a big part of Winston’s life. As for the why…people change. We weren’t as compatible as we thought.”
“I guess…” David answered, stunned by this news. Then he focused on her. “How are you doing?”
She gave a small laugh, though it didn’t contain happiness. “I suppose as well as can be, considering everything.”
David winced. “Sorry.” He should have expected that answer. “You hid it well.”
“I’m an actress,” Billie reminded him.
David knew he should stop himself, she was going through enough with the divorce, but he thought back to their kiss on the beach. “In our scenes together, was that always just acting?” Watching her reactions, seeing how she hesitated, that was enough to answer his question. “The beach scene? You as Rose and me as the human Doctor.” She glanced away, toward the wall once more and again, though silent, that answered his question. “You felt something.”
“Of course. I fancied you from the first time we met,” she answered, turning to face him.
This surprised him. “You did?” He thought back to all of their time together. They were like adventures in a way, even if they were happening in front of cameras and crew members. Then there were the times that the cameras didn’t catch. Laughter, tears, smiles and frowns. Though there were others, some reoccurring cast members, others who were just there for an episode or two, during that one year, it had always been the two of them. He supposed there were moments that should have hinted that to him. Looking back he recognized them, but at the time he hadn’t.
She nodded. “I did. You didn’t seem to feel the same way though.”
He looked at her in disbelief. He had given hints too, hadn’t he? “I didn’t think you felt the same way. Not until that day on the beach.”
Billie laughed quietly and shook her head. “We sound like two primary school children who have crushes on each other.”
This made David smile slightly, but then he became serious. “It’s more than a crush for me.”
She nodded. “And it is more than that for me too. But, we can’t start a relationship. Not right now.” Seeing David’s frown, knowing he was going to protest, Billie continued. “No one knows that you and Georgia ended your relationship and I do not want to let anyone know about my divorce. Not right now. And if press found out we were in a relationship together…it would look horrible for both of us. It would make it look like I destroyed your relationship with Georgia or that you are the reason for my divorce.”
David could see her point, but that didn’t mean he liked it. “So what happens next?”
“We see each other like we do now, then, after the specials air and things calm down, the word will get out about our relationships. I know Laurence and I will probably tell people in another month or so. I don’t know when you and Georgia will tell others. Then, when it doesn’t seem like I destroyed your relationship or that you are the reason my marriage ended, we can go public. See how things go.”
“It all sounds so…technical. You’re right though,” he sighed. It would look bad if they went public right after Billie’s divorce and his breakup with Georgia.
“It is for us and them. But I have Winston to consider too,” she pointed out. “I don’t want the media bothering him at such a young age. Or ever, if I can help it.” She paused. “And he will be with me much of the time. Most of it, as long as I am not working.”
“I know, but you know I’ve always wanted kids,” he reminded her. “And I really like him. I also think he’s lucky because looks a lot like his mother.” This got the desired effect, making Billie smile, though it was a very faint one. “I’m not saying we rush into anything, but I’d like to be a part of his life,” he told her, serious now. “How big a part of his life I get to be is up to you.”
This made Billie’s smile grow, not a big one, but more than just a hint of one. Then she took two steps closer so she was right in front of him. “We’ve both waited this long…we can wait a bit longer to make this official and go public. Except…this…this needs to be now…”
Without warning, she wrapped her arms around him, kissing him deeply, much like they had on the beach. This time it wasn’t Rose kissing a version of the Doctor. This was Billie kissing David and David was certain it was much better than the kiss on the beach, because this was truly them, not characters. He returned the kiss, drawing her close. He conveyed all his feelings into the kiss. To show her without words how much he adored her and how much he loved her. How much he wanted this stolen moment to last forever and how much he longed that this kiss would be the first of many. When they finally pulled back, breathless, they both were grinning.
Before either could speak they heard their names being called.
“I suppose we should get back and finish the scene,” Billie said, still smiling, though she didn’t move to the door.
“Yeah,” David agreed, his grin matching hers, also not moving.
“The end of our time on Doctor Who…how do you feel?” Billie asked him.
“Much better than I did before,” he grinned and he linked his fingers with hers. She smiled and squeezed his hand back before letting their hands drop to their sides again.
“Ready?” he asked.
She took a deep breath and let it out before giving a nod of her head. “Ready.”
Opening the door for her, David let Billie go first, then followed after and apologized for the short break, which had been extended longer than five minutes. The director called for the makeup artists to touch up on Billie and David’s makeup and hair again. The two actors stood still, letting the makeup artists put on more powder and blush. Billie also had her lipstick reapplied.
“Everyone, take your marks.”
As David walked back to the side of the building, he felt Billie’s hand brush against his, so fast and light, it could have been an accident, but he knew it wasn’t. He fought the urge to smile. He might not know what would happen in his future, but he was certain that Billie would be a part of it and that together, they could handle anything.
Author: ireach4thestars
Rating: G
Spoilers: Though “The End of Time Part Two”
Disclaimer: This is a RPF (real person fic). I do not own any part of Doctor Who, the Doctor, Rose, Billie Piper or David Tennant. This story is purely fictitious with situations created by the author.
Author’s Note: The idea for this story came after a conversation with mrs_roy. Due to that, this story is dedicated to her.
“Quiet on the set.”
Immediately a hush fell over all the people assembled. Those in charge of hair, makeup and clothing stepped back from the actors they were working with, leaving the two actors alone. Or at least, they seemed to be alone. Behind the cameras, lights and wires were dozens of people. Crew members took their appropriate places behind cameras or to ensure the lighting was just right. There were assistants standing off to the side while an effects crew above caused snow to fall.
The two people were the sole focus of everyone there. One wearing a suit and long brown coat, both of which were things he was well known for wearing, at least when he played the Doctor. The other was wearing a purple and blue hoodie, a scarf wrapped around her neck and though she wore a hat over her head, her blonde hair was long enough to still show. She certainly looked like Rose Tyler had back in 2005.
In real life, they were not the Doctor or Rose Tyler. They were David Tennant and Billie Piper. Billie smiled at David, which caused him to smile back though there was sadness mixed into this gesture, perfect for the scene. It wasn’t just acting through. This is the last scene they would share together. The last scene Rose and the Doctor would have too. It reminded David of his first day.
”And this is Billie Piper.”
Upon hearing her name, the blonde girl glanced up from the magazine she was reading and gave a smile to David and to the man giving David the tour of the studio.
David had seen her on television as Rose and had heard her music on the radio before. He always wondered how she was in person. He always wondered that about people he was going to work with. It was one thing when they had a character they were playing or in interviews. They could be completely different when the cameras were not rolling. Time would tell though. “I’m David.” He offered his hand to shake hers.
“The Doctor David,” she smiled, brown eyes sparkling as she took his hand, giving it a firm shake.
David smiled back at her. “I guess I am.” He paused as he let go of her hand then lifted it again, giving a small wave. “Hello.”
This made her laugh quietly. “Hello. You’re getting the tour of the place?” she asked, setting her magazine down on the table in front of her.
The other man nodded. “We’re almost done. We just have the soundstages left.”
Billie’s smile grew even more. “You mean you haven’t been to see the Tardis yet?” Her smile faded and she attempted to look stern, though her brown eyes continued to show amusement.
“Not yet,” David answered. “Want to come with us?”
Billie nodded, pushing away from the desk, getting to her feet. David thought about offering his arm, but that seemed too formal. Though it could work because they just met, he and Billie would be spending a lot of time together. Also, Billie was acting quite informal too. On impulse, he offered his hand to her and wiggled his fingers.
She looked at his hand then slide her hand into his. She looked at their hands; fingers intertwined, and then grinned up at him. “Let’s go.” She gave his hand a tug and together they rushed down the hall toward the Tardis.
David could already tell he was going to enjoy working with her.
As Billie came into sight, David stumbled, acting like the Doctor who was forced to regenerate soon, though he was fighting it. Hearing the sound, ‘Rose’ turned to face him.
“You alright mate?” she asked him.
“Yeah,” he answered, looking as if he was trying to make his pain, as he was supposed to look for this scene.
“Too much to drink?” she guessed with a small smile.
“Something like that,” he responded, looking over at her. She looked beautiful, as always. Her blonde hair shone under the lights and the falling snow seemed to add to it as a few flakes fell onto it.
“Maybe it’s time you went home?” she suggested in a kind tone, breaking him away from his thoughts about Billie. He had to focus on being the Doctor, not David Tennant.
“Yeah,” he answered, still keeping in the shadows, not making any movement to leave. It wasn’t hard to keep looking at her and luckily, this was how the script was written.
“Anyway, Happy New Year,” she smiled at him.
“And you,” he responded, and then watched her turn to leave.
”I am really going to miss working with you,” David told Billie on their last day filming together.
“I’ll miss you too, but we’ll still see each other,” she assured him. “What would I do without my best mate?”
“I am?” David feigned surprise, trying to keep the mood light, though it was hard with so many people being sad.
“No, I just like hanging out with you outside of work though I am with you at work for sometimes twelve hours a day,” she answered sarcastically, then laughed and swatted his shoulder before becoming serious. “Of course you are.”
“You’re mine too,” he admitted and hugged her so tightly her feet came off the ground. He felt her bury her face in his jacket, arms wrapped tightly around him.
Finally, they broke apart and he slowly lowered her until her feet were on the ground again. He looked at her and for a moment, their eyes locked. David felt urged to do something that one didn’t do with their best mate, which was kissing them. They had kissed before, during “New Earth”, but that was different, since it was for the show. That had been Cassandra in Rose’s body surprising the Doctor. It hadn’t been Billie and David.
“I’ll call you,” she broke him away from his thoughts. “Maybe we can have lunch or dinner next week, yeah?”
“Yeah,” he agreed, managing a small smile.
“Don’t worry, Rose will be back before you know it,” she told him, giving him another hug. “Until then, enjoy your time. Catherine Tate should be fun for the Christmas special.” Her voice caught and from the extra shine in her eyes, he knew she was fighting back tears.
“She will be,” he agreed and didn’t add what he thought in his head. But she isn’t you. Instead, of saying anything, he wrapped his arms around her. They were still standing on the beach where they had just filmed their final scene together, where Rose had told the Doctor she loved him and the Doctor had been unable to say the same before the transmission ended. They had just finished that part and Rose’s breakdown, causing her to run to Jackie for comfort. There was one final scene, of the Doctor alone on the Tardis, alone until a bride appeared. That would be filmed the next day.
Billie hugged David back tightly and neither said anything as he felt small shakes run through her body. A few tears escaped, despite her best attempts to hold them back. Still, neither of them spoke. Nothing had to be said. He just pressed a kiss to the top of her head and held her.
They had already done this scene half a dozen times to shoot it from a variety of camera angles. However, this was going to be the last take as long as everything went well. They just wanted to make sure they had all the footage they needed.
“What year is this?” David, as the Doctor, asked.
Billie, as Rose, turned back to face him. “Blimey, how much have you had?” she asked with a small laugh.
He made a small sound as if it was the way to answer, as if he had certainly had enough.
“2005,” she told him, before adding. “January the first.”
Seeing her, smiling like this in the snow, he felt the strange urge he had when he had said goodbye after filming his first series and her second. To kiss her. It didn’t help that he had gotten the chance to kiss a year ago when they had been standing on that beach.
“And you, Doctor?”
Bille turned to David who now dressed in his blue suit. His hair was sticking up a bit more and he had to change his accent just a little. However, when she looked up at him, he didn’t feel like the Human Doctor or the Doctor. He felt like just himself. Like David. Then, he leaned over and whispered three words. They were meant for Rose, but also, Billie. “I love you,” he whispered.
It wasn’t just a line of dialogue. After all, it was whispered so that the microphones wouldn’t hear it. David knew of how he felt since he had seen Billie again. She was married now, yes, but that didn’t make her love her any less. It just made him feel like a fool for not telling her earlier.
He pulled back a few inches so that his eyes could lock with hers. Then she kissed him. It was not just a mere touch of lips. Instead, it was a kiss of longing and passion and even more. It was a kiss that made his heart race and he lost track of everything else. Of the sand under his feet, of the crew, the producer and everyone else except for Billie. He returned the kiss with fervor, pulling her close. Though there were layers for clothes between them, they were so close that he could feel her body pressed against his. He kept her close, wanting to continue this and due to how tightly she was holding onto him, how her fingers felt on the back of his neck and touching his hair, he wondered if she felt the same way he did. If this was more than just acting.
He heard a voice say something and then Billie pulled away from him, to stumble a few steps toward where the Tardis was supposed to be. David just stayed where he was, remembering his blocking, somehow, though his mind was on the kiss he and Billie just shared.
“2005…” He said aloud, and then watched Billie, as Rose, nod before he continued. “Tell you what, I bet you’re going to have a great year,” David said, emotion in his voice, though he was trying to sound upbeat. He had found himself doing that a lot more in real life with Billie. Pretending that he was happy and everything was fine, though it was also just an act. Ever since she had married Laurence. It was hard to know she was married to someone else, but she was happy. At least, she seemed to be.
When she found out she was going to have a baby, she was positively beaming when she told David. David had seen her with Winston and knew she was already an amazing mum. She was David’s best friend and he wanted her happy, no matter what. However, inside, it ate away at him. For over a year he had been smiling on the outside, wanting to show the world he was happy, though inside he felt like something was missing. Yet, he had to keep up appearances. He went out with his friends, including Billie and talked about a future with Georgia.
David had meant what he said when he said that he wanted to settle down and start a family. Everyone assumed it was with Georgia, since they were dating. He could be comfortable with her and they got along well. There was also no denying she was pretty. However, she was more like a friend. Yes, there was an intimacy with them that friends didn’t have. It was certainly nice, but more than once, at night, with the lights low, he would see her blonde hair and he would think of Billie, which was not what people were supposed to be thinking when they are with the person they were dating. He couldn’t tell anyone though. Just like he could never tell anyone that once, he almost called out Billie’s name instead of Georgia’s.
That was why he had suggested that they end things. He hated that he upset her, but after talking and tears, she also agreed it for the best. He hadn’t told her about his feelings for Billie, but that he had a feeling that Georgia knew. He didn’t think he had would ever have a chance with Billie, but he knew it wasn’t fair to Georgia. She deserved someone better. Someone that wouldn’t be thinking of someone else when they were together. Someone who would love her like she deserved to be loved. So, hoping he made the right choice, he kissed her one last time and they went their separate ways.
They both agreed not to mention the break up with the press, not until after all of the Doctor Who specials had aired. In fact, they were so quiet about it, some of their friends thought they were still dating.
He had worried that he made the right choice, but at that moment, when Billie looked at him, giving him a smile, he knew he had. Whenever Billie smiled, it seemed to light up a room and made it nearly impossible for David not to smile back.
“Yeah?” she asked and David gave her a tight smile, like the script called for. Billie, as Rose, smiled back. There was just a moment of silence between them before she said her final line. “See ya.”
She turned to walk back inside and he felt his heart leap to his throat. Yes, he and Billie would see each other again. They had already made plans to meet in three days for lunch, as long as filming stayed on schedule. However, it wasn’t the same. For some reason, he couldn’t just let her walk away, though the script called for it.
He hesitated slightly, aware of the others that were watching, not knowing the internal struggle. Just as Billie pulled open the door to step inside, she stole a glance back at the David. It was brief, not even a full second of time. However, it was enough.
He heard someone shout “Billie” and realized it was him. She paused and slid her foot out to stop the door before it could shut completely, giving him a quizzical look. In that amount of time, he dashed to the door, stopping just inches away from her.
“David-“ she started but was interrupted.
“What is going on?”
Both turned and saw that the entire crew was confused as to what was going on and the director was also confused, but looking a bit annoyed. It had been a long day and night for all of them.
“Just, five minutes, please,” David answered. For a moment, it looked like the director would refuse but then sighed.
“Alright, but just five minutes.”
David nodded and as everyone broke away to get a coffee or return phone calls, he nodded to the interior of the building with his head. Billie backed up in response, letting him inside, though she was clearly as confused as the others.
David stepped inside and when the door shut, he turned to Billie.
“What is this all about?” she asked him.
“It is about…” David ran his fingers through his hair, something that he did when he was stressed or frustrated, something that was natural for the Doctor was now natural for him. “I…well…” he stammered. “How do I say it…”
“Just be blunt,” Billie told him kindly, putting a hand on his shoulder. It was something she had done a number of times in the past and when he looked into her concerned brown eyes, he nodded.
“I like you,” he started then winced.
“I like you too…” she answered slowly. “We’re mates. Best mates at that, though we sometimes have conflicting schedules now.”
He shook his head. “I like you as more than a mate, more than a friend. Bil…” he reached out and touched a strand of her soft blonde hair, like spun silk between his fingers. “I…” he took a deep breath, eyes locking with hers. “I love you.”
He wasn’t sure what he expected, but his heart sank as Billie’s eyes grew wide and she took a half a step back, pulling her hand away from his shoulder. “What?”
“I love you.” David knew he had to say the rest of it, no matter what. “I should have told you that a long time ago. But, I didn’t. So I have to say it now or I might never get the chance again. I know you are married with a child so I shouldn’t be saying this, I shouldn’t even be thinking it, and I don’t want to lose you as my friend but I need you to know. I love you, Billie Piper.”
Billie’s face showed many emotions, but he could only clearly read the surprise. The others were hard to tell. Was she angry? Sad? Upset? Relieved? Happy? Still too shocked to make up her mind? The surprise faded as did the other emotions. Instead, her face became a mask, hiding whatever her emotions were.
“What about Georgia?” she asked quietly. “You are leaving all this to have a family with her,” she reminded him.
David shook his head, “I never said I wanted to have a family with her. People assumed that. And things ended between us. We just haven’t made it public yet. I care about her, I might love her, in a way, but it isn’t even close to how I feel about you. I love you. I am in love with you.”
He stopped at that point and waited for Billie to do something or say something. Even if she slapped him, that would at least be a reaction. Instead, she was just silent and not moving and her expression did not convey any hint of her emotions. She had been looking at him, but she drew her gaze away from him to look at the wall. They stayed like this for what seemed like an eternity, though it was probably only a minute.
Seeing that she wasn’t going to say anything, David sighed, shoulder slumping. He supposed he should have known better. At least he had told her. He just hoped he hadn’t destroyed things between them. He’d rather have Billie in his life as a friend, instead of not having her in his life at all.
As he turned to leave, he heard Billie finally speak, her voice quiet. “We’re divorcing.”
David turned back to face her and saw that her eyes looked wet. “What?”
“Me and Laurence,” she elaborated, though David knew who she meant. It was still a shock.
“What? Why? When? Why didn’t you tell me?” They still talked as often as their schedules allowed. He knew that Billie had seemed distracted or stressed lately, though he hadn’t considered this to be the reason. He thought it was due to juggling responsibilities of being a wife, mum and actress. He never would have guessed this.
She shrugged, trying to look nonchalant, though David could see how tense she was and how much she was trying to hold back her emotions. “We didn’t want the press bothering us about it. And I suppose I didn’t want to say it aloud. It’s the first time I have been able to since we decided this a month ago.” She sighed, taking a moment to collect her thoughts and her motions before continuing. “He’s still going to be a big part of Winston’s life. As for the why…people change. We weren’t as compatible as we thought.”
“I guess…” David answered, stunned by this news. Then he focused on her. “How are you doing?”
She gave a small laugh, though it didn’t contain happiness. “I suppose as well as can be, considering everything.”
David winced. “Sorry.” He should have expected that answer. “You hid it well.”
“I’m an actress,” Billie reminded him.
David knew he should stop himself, she was going through enough with the divorce, but he thought back to their kiss on the beach. “In our scenes together, was that always just acting?” Watching her reactions, seeing how she hesitated, that was enough to answer his question. “The beach scene? You as Rose and me as the human Doctor.” She glanced away, toward the wall once more and again, though silent, that answered his question. “You felt something.”
“Of course. I fancied you from the first time we met,” she answered, turning to face him.
This surprised him. “You did?” He thought back to all of their time together. They were like adventures in a way, even if they were happening in front of cameras and crew members. Then there were the times that the cameras didn’t catch. Laughter, tears, smiles and frowns. Though there were others, some reoccurring cast members, others who were just there for an episode or two, during that one year, it had always been the two of them. He supposed there were moments that should have hinted that to him. Looking back he recognized them, but at the time he hadn’t.
She nodded. “I did. You didn’t seem to feel the same way though.”
He looked at her in disbelief. He had given hints too, hadn’t he? “I didn’t think you felt the same way. Not until that day on the beach.”
Billie laughed quietly and shook her head. “We sound like two primary school children who have crushes on each other.”
This made David smile slightly, but then he became serious. “It’s more than a crush for me.”
She nodded. “And it is more than that for me too. But, we can’t start a relationship. Not right now.” Seeing David’s frown, knowing he was going to protest, Billie continued. “No one knows that you and Georgia ended your relationship and I do not want to let anyone know about my divorce. Not right now. And if press found out we were in a relationship together…it would look horrible for both of us. It would make it look like I destroyed your relationship with Georgia or that you are the reason for my divorce.”
David could see her point, but that didn’t mean he liked it. “So what happens next?”
“We see each other like we do now, then, after the specials air and things calm down, the word will get out about our relationships. I know Laurence and I will probably tell people in another month or so. I don’t know when you and Georgia will tell others. Then, when it doesn’t seem like I destroyed your relationship or that you are the reason my marriage ended, we can go public. See how things go.”
“It all sounds so…technical. You’re right though,” he sighed. It would look bad if they went public right after Billie’s divorce and his breakup with Georgia.
“It is for us and them. But I have Winston to consider too,” she pointed out. “I don’t want the media bothering him at such a young age. Or ever, if I can help it.” She paused. “And he will be with me much of the time. Most of it, as long as I am not working.”
“I know, but you know I’ve always wanted kids,” he reminded her. “And I really like him. I also think he’s lucky because looks a lot like his mother.” This got the desired effect, making Billie smile, though it was a very faint one. “I’m not saying we rush into anything, but I’d like to be a part of his life,” he told her, serious now. “How big a part of his life I get to be is up to you.”
This made Billie’s smile grow, not a big one, but more than just a hint of one. Then she took two steps closer so she was right in front of him. “We’ve both waited this long…we can wait a bit longer to make this official and go public. Except…this…this needs to be now…”
Without warning, she wrapped her arms around him, kissing him deeply, much like they had on the beach. This time it wasn’t Rose kissing a version of the Doctor. This was Billie kissing David and David was certain it was much better than the kiss on the beach, because this was truly them, not characters. He returned the kiss, drawing her close. He conveyed all his feelings into the kiss. To show her without words how much he adored her and how much he loved her. How much he wanted this stolen moment to last forever and how much he longed that this kiss would be the first of many. When they finally pulled back, breathless, they both were grinning.
Before either could speak they heard their names being called.
“I suppose we should get back and finish the scene,” Billie said, still smiling, though she didn’t move to the door.
“Yeah,” David agreed, his grin matching hers, also not moving.
“The end of our time on Doctor Who…how do you feel?” Billie asked him.
“Much better than I did before,” he grinned and he linked his fingers with hers. She smiled and squeezed his hand back before letting their hands drop to their sides again.
“Ready?” he asked.
She took a deep breath and let it out before giving a nod of her head. “Ready.”
Opening the door for her, David let Billie go first, then followed after and apologized for the short break, which had been extended longer than five minutes. The director called for the makeup artists to touch up on Billie and David’s makeup and hair again. The two actors stood still, letting the makeup artists put on more powder and blush. Billie also had her lipstick reapplied.
“Everyone, take your marks.”
As David walked back to the side of the building, he felt Billie’s hand brush against his, so fast and light, it could have been an accident, but he knew it wasn’t. He fought the urge to smile. He might not know what would happen in his future, but he was certain that Billie would be a part of it and that together, they could handle anything.