Title: Dancing in Reflection (1/1)
Author:![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
teskafuture
Rating: PG
Pairing: Ten/Rose
Setting: directly after The Satan Pit
Disclaimer: I own nothing, just play in Beeb’s sandbox. *grin*
Author Note: An enormous thank you to my awesome betasrhoboat and humansrsuperior! I couldn’t have done this without them. Oh, and this is just a piece of nice fluffy fanfic.
Summary: “Now,” she said, bringing his attention back to the creature which was presently occupying his thoughts, “no flirting with the natives.” Her finger came out to threaten him into compliance. “This is my trip, and so you are mine for whatever I want. And I want to dance.”
Rose sat in the jump seat, staring aimlessly at the view screen as its endless alien text swirled past her eyes. Why did the TARDIS fail to translate that? Probably at the Doctor's request in order to ensure that only he could know everything. Always had to be so impressive, she mused with a smile. But he completely deserved it today. She had never felt so elated than when she heard his voice over the rocket's speakers asking if there was a Rose Tyler onboard.
She smiled to herself at the joy of being back in the TARDIS with him. Her eyes glanced over to where he stood at the console. They had just said their goodbyes to Ida and the boys, leaving the Doctor to proceed with what he did best…fiddling with his ship. “Alright, old girl, let’s make sure that nasty little rock didn’t hurt you,” he muttered softly as he tinkered.
“Doctor?” Rose interrupted, waiting for him to acknowledge her. It did not take long for his face to pop around the controls to look expectantly at her to continue. “Where we off to next?”
“Wherever you’d like, Rose Tyler!” the Doctor replied, his maniacal grin matching the sparkle of pleasure in his brown eyes.
“Anywhere?” she asked, her tongue popping a bit out of the side of her mouth.
The Doctor instantly regretted his offer. Nothing good came along for him when that tongue made an appearance. “Why?” he asked, hesitantly, “what did you have in mind?”
“Well,” she began, her back straightening in her seat as she approached a regal posture, “I want to go to a party. A real one, where you get dressed up and everything.” Continuing the prim stance, she gracefully lifted herself from the chair to approach him. “Last time you took me to a party, we didn’t dress up. And my mum’s birthday doesn’t count since you made us work.” Rose’s finger had decided to get involved, punctuating the key points of her request into his chest. Then, with a twist of her head, she returned to her throne, leaning back in the chair and crossing her arms, the smug look on her face daring him to deny her.
There was silence for a moment with only the TARDIS’ gentle hum rhythmically keeping time. Attempting to keep a straight face, the Doctor stared at his companion intently before exhaling a sigh. Like there was ever really any doubt to his response.
The Doctor rolled his eyes in defeat. She was going to get her own way, whether he liked it or not. Truth be told, he would give her absolutely anything in the universe if she asked for it right now. His brave Rose, keeping a cool head and accepting her fate, whatever it might be. It rather scared him to think of how she was so much more accepting of the idea of being stuck without the TARDIS than he ever could be.
His mind reached back to a memory aboard the station. Yeah, but stuck with you - that's not so bad. She truly would give it all up for him. Everything she knew. And what did she ask from him in return?
“Oh, alright,” the Doctor finally uttered. He watched as the noble queen leapt from her post to be instantly transformed into an excited child. “Go get changed, the wardrobe is through here, first left…”
“I know, I know,” Rose echoed, heading out the door, “First left, second right, third on the left, go straight ahead, under the stairs, past the bins, and it's the fifth door on my left.” She turned at the last moment to poke her head back into the console room. “Oh, and I expect to see a tux.”
“Well, alright,” the Doctor replied, a teasing hint in his voice. “I thought you’d prefer to wear a dress, but…” He stopped as she returned a look that he knew quite well and expected to see. “Right, me, tux, got it.” The Doctor decided that the grin of triumph she flashed him before walking away was well worth the hassle.
The Doctor stared into his mirror a little while later, working on his bow tie, as he began to doubt whether anything was worth this aggravation. He forcibly willed the small piece of black fabric into submission and headed for the console room.
As anticipated, he arrived before she did. Flicking switches and turning knobs, the Doctor began setting their destination. Suddenly, he heard the clearing of a throat from across the room. The Doctor turned around, forgetting what to expect. The vision in red before him took his breath away and sent his hearts thumping at a faster pace. “Blimey,” he whispered before he had a chance to hold his tongue.
The floor length elegant red gown complemented her figure in a way to rival the last occasion she had to slip into a fancy dress. Her blonde hair twirled in ringlets atop her head with two strands framing the delicate curves of her cheeks. Breathtaking was a complete understatement.
Rose smiled shyly, her hand subconsciously brushing her face and neck as she waited for his response. However, the Doctor did not like where his thoughts were leading him. Clearing his throat, he broke eye contact with her to stare at the floor, but quickly looked back, his voice running off at the same speed he always had when he was uncomfortable.
“Lovely, you look lovely,” he stated, unable to hide the admiration in his voice. “Absolutely beautiful.” Oh bloody hell, he murmured internally, desperate to get out of this conversation before he drowned himself in words he could not take back. “For a human,” he added offhandedly.
However, the damaged was done, and Rose smiled appreciatively, understanding the intent of the compliment. “Thank you,” she said simply. Rose started walking towards him, appraising him as she travelled. “And you look…” she paused, reaching into her brain to find the most appropriate word to describe him. They all seemed to fall short. Biting her bottom lip, she reached up to brush some invisible lint from the sleeve of his jacket. An audible breath escaped her lips. “…distinguished,” she finally finished before he developed a complex during the silence. She turned her face up to his and gave him a grand smile. The one he returned could have melted stone.
They stood like that for a moment, just smiling at each other. However, her smiling in that dress was not conducive to the emotional control the Doctor prided himself on having. Quickly, he derailed the train once again with a change in topic. “Black tie. You know whenever I wear this, something bad happens. We’ll run into trouble.”
“Trouble comes no matter what you're wearing,” she responded with a laugh. “If you were truly worried, you'd have to try going without anything.”
“Don't tempt me, Rose Tyler,” he replied teasingly, moving his hand to undo his bow tie to make the point.
Rose's hand shot up to his neck to stop him before he had a chance to follow through on his threat. “Oi, you'd never do it,” she retorted confidently, “Trouble is your middle name.”
“And how did you manage to find that out?” the Doctor questioned, his eyebrows teasingly bouncing about his forehead.
She watched the dance of his eyebrows and marvelled at him for a moment. From the wild hair, to the smooth tux, even down to the good old black trainers, he was a vision to behold. Just adorkable, she mused inwardly, holding back a slight laugh. However, the internal analysis quickly surfaced on her face as her tongue peaked out the side of her mouth once again. “I guess that’s for me to know, and you to find out,” she replied smugly. Rose reached out to straighten his collar. “Now, where are you taking me?”
“Ah,” the Doctor replied, his eyes widening as they always did when he was being so impressive. “You, Rose Tyler, are going to attend the last great Seedlings Promenade, hosted by forest of Cheem.” He pulled a lever conveniently located beside him and the TARDIS jolted as smoothly as possible. That rakishly boyish grin emerged and he offered her his left arm with flare as he grandly motioned to the door with the right.
Rose accepted the proffered limb by wrapping both of hers around it as they started toward the door. The scene that awaited her just beyond the TARDIS was one of the most gorgeous views she had ever seen. The planet was simply magnificent. The dual suns above were on their descent in conjoining fashion, lighting up the horizon of the tree line in a cascading blue hue that bathed the evergreen forest. The massive trees towered before her and behind her, spread out as far as the eye could see. The temperature was warm, but not humid, the trees rustling in a gentle breeze that echoed like a symphony.
The Doctor looked down at his companion, seeing the wonder in her eyes. This was a far cry from their last adventure of death and destruction. He was pleased to have acquiesced to her request, even if just for this moment, frozen in time, alone in the wonder of a new and happy world. She deserved this, and so much more. “Shall we join the party?” he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper in order not to spoil the moment for her.
“Where?” Rose questioned breathlessly, her eyes slowly scanning her surroundings for signs of life.
“Just around the bend,” he answered. “Can’t have the TARDIS be seen for an event like this. Takes away from the ambiance.”
Rose nodded understandingly. With the look of joy never leaving her face, they continued their journey arm in arm along the lovely natural path. She was partly surprised when she realized who was throwing the ball. While various alien entities were sprinkled among the attendees, the majority that filled the empty spaces were Trees. “The forest of Cheem,” she gasped, realization dawning on her.
The Doctor chuckled softly to himself. He slightly patted the hand that rested on his arm. His attention was then directed at the Tree currently walking towards them. “Greetings,” the Tree said, his head bowing slightly in a respective manner. “I am Coffa. Welcome to the Seedlings Promenade. May I see your invitation?”
“Certainly,” the Doctor replied with a grin, pulling out his psychic paper.
“Let me,” Rose whispered by his shoulder, her left hand reaching around him to take the parchment from his hand. Turning to Coffa, her eyes twinkled as she handed him the ‘invitation’.
Coffa stared at the paper. “The Doctor and Rose Tyler,” he stated before handing it back to her. “Thank you. Enjoy the festivities.” His head bowed slightly again, and Rose felt compelled to return the gesture as they entered the garden party.
The Doctor glanced down at his companion, silently questioning their entrance. Rose maintained a look of complete innocence. “What?” she questioned. He just stared at her a little while longer, a small smile tugging at his lips. Rose took a deep breath creating a faux impression that it was a hassle to have to explain herself. “We…are…together,” she stated plainly. “I don’t want a repeat of last time.”
At this proclamation, the Doctor had to hold back the laugh that threatened to break free as the memory flowed across his mind.
The beautiful Tree, Jabe, stood before them, discussing the problem at hand. “I could show you. And…your wife.”
“She's not my wife,” he said plainly.
“Partner?”
“No.”
“Concubine?”
“Nope.”
“Prostitute…”
“Whatever I am, it must be invisible. Do you mind?” his feisty young companion complained, fully insulted.
A lot had changed since that point, which seemed so long past. A whole life time ago. However, the questioned remained…how did he describe her? The smile that had previously peaked at the corners of his mouth spread out wide as he realized that she had answered the question. They were together. And that answer was simply brilliant.
“Now,” she said, bringing his attention back to the creature which was presently occupying his thoughts, “no flirting with the natives.” Her finger came out to threaten him into compliance. “This is my trip, and so you are mine for whatever I want. And I want to dance.” Smiling triumphantly, Rose tapped his nose and began to pull him towards the dance floor.
“Wait…Rose…” he stuttered. The Doctor did not have much of a choice in destination as he was being dragged along. Rose was surprising stronger than he thought. And in a dress and heels, no less. His protestation and contemplation of his companion were interrupted by the need to dodge couples already dancing.
Suddenly, he came to a screeching halt when he ran into his now stationary partner. Facing him, Rose turned on her charming smile and offered her hands. “You’ll find your feet at the end of your legs. You may care to move them.” Systematically, the Doctor circled her waist and began to move in a haphazard fashion.
Unbidden, memories flood them both at his first attempt to dance with her.
Captain Jack had come back for them, just as promised. The Doctor did not care for this flyboy, or the way he looked at his companion.
“Most people notice when they’ve been teleported,” the ‘captain’ said teasingly. “You guys are so sweet. Sorry about the delay.” The sweet talking conman must have stolen the ship, the Doctor had mused, and had basically stated that as well. He certainly was not surprised to discover that he was right. But Rose did not seem to mind, with such a dashing man around. “Make yourself comfortable,” Jack told them. “Carry on with whatever you were…doing.”
“We were talking about dancing,” the Doctor protested, fully comprehending the innuendo.
“It didn’t look like talking,” the good captain observed.
“It didn’t feel like dancing,” Rose retorted disappointingly.
It definitely did not feel like dancing now, either. “Doctor, what are you doing?” Rose asked in a whisper. “I know you can dance.”
“That’s what I was trying to tell you, Rose,” he answered, slight embarrassment entering his voice. “I don’t know how to waltz.”
“But you can swing dance?” she responded, thinking he must be kidding. The look on his face confirmed that he was telling the truth. “Then, I’ll teach you,” she said, her voice filled with compassion. “You never know when you may need to again.” Talking the lead, Rose began to show him the basic steps as he watched her feet keeping to the music. After over 900 years of time and space, the Doctor realized that he really should have picked this up quite a long time ago.
Another song began to play, and the Doctor took the lead, allowing Rose now to look him in the face. He grinned with the triumph of his accomplishment. Unable to help herself, she giggled at his response. “This isn’t bad,” he realized, “I can handle this.”
“That’s good,” Rose returned, enjoying the feeling of being in his arms and not in harm’s way. It was a welcomed change to their recent adventures. This was one of the reasons she suggested a party. She needed to be able to touch him. To know that he was here. With her. She could lose the TARDIS, lose her ability to go home, lose everything else that she knew and understood…but she could not lose him. She would rather die then let that happen.
The Doctor felt the tightening of her muscles that accompanied her mental contemplation. “What’s wrong?” he questioned, the worry evident in his eyes.
Rose lifted her eyes to him, and he saw bittersweet feelings emanating from them. “Nothing is wrong,” she answered, “everything is perfect right now. I was just thinking how close I came to losing you today.”
“Oh, is that all?” the Doctor replied, keeping his voice light. “I had no doubts that we would end up fine.”
“Really?” she said, not quite believing him. She let her arms rise to round his neck. “And why is that?”
The Doctor took a moment before he could speak. Her hands were burning the flesh of his neck as they gently stroked the hair that laid there. “Because,” he finally got out, bending down to whisper in her ear, “if I believe in anything, I believe in you.”
Her hand froze mid-stroke; her head moving to get a closer look into his eyes. His hearts completely stopped as he gazed into the emotions he saw and reciprocated, but were never to be spoken. Oh, she knows, he thought, surprising himself with the realization that it did not scare him. He had practically told her so on so many occasions. He actually stopped himself before the word came out in their argument with Sarah Jane. How could he possibly explain it to her then?
He could see how upset she was, but he had really not wanted to talk about it. She forced it on him. “I’ve been to the year five billion, right, but this… Now, this is really seeing the future. You just leave us behind. Is that what you’re going to do to me?”
“No. Not to you,” he had replied, desperately hoping that she would drop it there.
But, of course, she did not. “But Sarah Jane, you were that close to her once, and now, you never even mention her. Why not?”
“I don’t age. I regenerate,” he had informed her, terrified to be facing this inevitability himself. “But humans decay. You wither and you die. Imagine that happening to someone you…” The Doctor could not go on. He could not commit himself to the word. The word that would just cause him more pain in the end.
He realized that this was a ridiculous conclusion, but he had not been able to break down and allow his hearts to speak for him. If she had not known before, she certainly did now, as the emotions were evident on his face.
“And I believe in you,” she whispered in response, her eyes continuing to sparkle. Her right hand reached up to cup his face, and for a moment, she believed he would kiss her. Rose’s mind flew to the one time he actually had kissed her, sadly remembering that it was the cause of his previous incarnation’s demise. The temporary amnesia had given way to the memories soon after the crisis of his regeneration, but things were still too fresh with the new new Doctor to bring it up then.
However, Rose's contemplation over whether he would surrender to the urge to snog her would remain a mystery as they were interrupted by another guest. “My apologies for the intrusion,” the Tree stated, his head bowing slightly in Rose’s direction, “but I would like to inquire on whether the next dance is already claimed.”
Rose smiled at him graciously. It was certainly nice to be noticed this time. “Thank you, ah…”
“Folata,” he responded.
“Thank you, Folata,” she said, glancing at the Doctor, who did not appear to like the Tree standing beside them. “I believe that the next dance…”
“…is taken,” the Doctor answered for her. “Her card is quite filled up, I’m afraid.” He glared at Folata with the air of possessiveness. “We are together, you see. The Doctor and Rose Tyler. That is what it said on the invitation.”
“My apologies,” Folata responded, acquiescing to the prior claim. He issued another slight sway of his head and retreated.
Rose waited until the Tree was out of ear shot before turning to the Doctor. The pearly whites of her teeth grinned at him in mischief. “You’re jealous!” she accused with a laugh.
The Doctor scoffed. “I was only sticking by the rules. You said no flirting with the natives.” This only aroused further giggles in the gorgeous woman he was currently holding. His eyes trailed her face, which he immediately regretted. Why did her lips have to appear so perfectly kissable?
“Oh, you are jealous,” she stated with a laugh, that lovely, distracting tongue poking out of her luscious red lips. The Doctor had to close his eyes, trying to remove the image his mind was producing. “Oh, if Mum knew about this…”
That did it. The Doctor’s eyes snapped back open. “You have nothing to tell your mother,” he replied with slight irritation. “I have no need for you making up stories that will just get me slapped again.”
Rose’s burst of laughter at this point was enough to cause several of the dancers near them to turn and stare. The woman in red did not seem to notice as her attention was only on the gentleman in which she was dancing. “Mum’s not gonna slap you again,” she retorted with amusement.
“I find that hard to believe. How come?” the Doctor questioned, amazed that he was actually curious of Jackie’s reasoning.
“Because you’re family,” Rose answered, truthfully. She watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed with a swallow, just as expected. Her eyes dropped to their shoes for a moment to hide the mischief there before continuing, “in a completely non-domestic way, of course.”
Rose saw the Doctor’s shocked amusement when she looked back at him. “Now, you’re just mocking me.”
That hearty laugh erupted once again as Rose turned her eyes back up to him. This was exactly what she had needed. A nice, relaxing, memorable time. Her hands slipped down to his shoulders, very consciously aware of his own hands around her waist. Rose happened to glance about her for a moment to find that they were the centre of attention. “Everyone’s staring at us,” she whispered hesitantly.
The Doctor’s response was a cheeky grin. He stared into her eyes and an eyebrow rose up his forehead as he suggested, “Shall we give them something worth staring at?” Without waiting for a response, he pulled her arms down from his shoulders to twist her around and then turned to dip her low.
Breathlessly, Rose did not realize where she was until she came back crashing into his chest. Gathering herself back together, she found herself staring straight into his perfectly placed neck freckle, poking up from above his bow tie. Her mind drifted to the last time she was breathless in his arms.
Cassandra had finally left her body, leaving Rose with only the remorse of embarrassing words and actions in her wake. The overwhelming rush of being in control of her own faculties once again winded her and she began to fall, only to be caught in the Doctor’s arms.
“Oh! Are you alright?” he asked, concern evident in his voice. Clearly she was not as she felt herself collapsing again. “Whoa! Okay?”
“Yeah,” she managed, her arms tingling where he held her. Rose finally looked up into his anxious face and smiled. “Hello!”
He returned the sentiment, with unabated relief. “Hello. Welcome back.”
Rose must have been silent too long for when she finally glanced back to his face, she found him appraising her features with both anxiousness and admiration. She could see that there was something behind his eyes which he was holding back. Rose wondered what it would take to get him to speak it. However, to her dismay, they were interrupted again by yet another Tree.
Separating from the dance, the duo turned to give the Tree attention. She looked like a stately white birch: tall, thin, and beautiful. “I’m sorry, but he’s mine for the night,” Rose stated firmly before the Tree had a chance to speak. This was her night; no one was going to take her Doctor away.
As per their custom, the Tree bowed her head reverently before speaking. “That seems to be the problem,” the Tree said kindly. “You were approached earlier…”
“By a Folata, yes,” the Doctor interjected.
The Tree nodded slowly. “That is correct,” she said. “However, he is the Grand Regent of Sapling Bush. I came to warn you that you may be detained for you impudence.”
Both of their faces fell at the news. “Thank you for the warning,” the Doctor graciously said, taking Rose’s hand and leading her to some stumps which doubled for chairs. He motioned for her to sit down.
“What do we do now?” Rose whispered, looking up at his standing form.
The Doctor hand rose to rake through his hair as he contemplated. “I told you something bad always happens when I wear this.”
Unable to help herself, Rose laughed. “It’s just a typical day with you,” she said, good naturedly.
The tone in her voice caused him to glance down at her, mulling over her statement. “You really don’t mind this, do you?” he said, almost in awe. This beautiful young girl, willing to run into trouble anywhere. With him. It was humbling, if a Time Lord could feel humbled.
“Of course not,” Rose replied, amazed that he would ask the question. Standing up, she placed her arm in the crook of his and stated, “Shall we attempt to leave unnoticed?” The maniacal grin returned to his face as they began to walk away, off the beaten path. It did not take long for Folata’s guards to realize that they were aiming to leave for good. The Trees slowly began to follow them. Casting a sly peek over her shoulder, Rose noticed and questioned, “What should we do?”
The Doctor let his arm drop to capture her hand instead, feeling the adrenaline already begin to pump through his veins. “What we always do,” he stated, "Run!"
The End
Author:
teskafutureRating: PG
Pairing: Ten/Rose
Setting: directly after The Satan Pit
Disclaimer: I own nothing, just play in Beeb’s sandbox. *grin*
Author Note: An enormous thank you to my awesome betas
rhoboat and humansrsuperior! I couldn’t have done this without them. Oh, and this is just a piece of nice fluffy fanfic. Summary: “Now,” she said, bringing his attention back to the creature which was presently occupying his thoughts, “no flirting with the natives.” Her finger came out to threaten him into compliance. “This is my trip, and so you are mine for whatever I want. And I want to dance.”
Rose sat in the jump seat, staring aimlessly at the view screen as its endless alien text swirled past her eyes. Why did the TARDIS fail to translate that? Probably at the Doctor's request in order to ensure that only he could know everything. Always had to be so impressive, she mused with a smile. But he completely deserved it today. She had never felt so elated than when she heard his voice over the rocket's speakers asking if there was a Rose Tyler onboard.
She smiled to herself at the joy of being back in the TARDIS with him. Her eyes glanced over to where he stood at the console. They had just said their goodbyes to Ida and the boys, leaving the Doctor to proceed with what he did best…fiddling with his ship. “Alright, old girl, let’s make sure that nasty little rock didn’t hurt you,” he muttered softly as he tinkered.
“Doctor?” Rose interrupted, waiting for him to acknowledge her. It did not take long for his face to pop around the controls to look expectantly at her to continue. “Where we off to next?”
“Wherever you’d like, Rose Tyler!” the Doctor replied, his maniacal grin matching the sparkle of pleasure in his brown eyes.
“Anywhere?” she asked, her tongue popping a bit out of the side of her mouth.
The Doctor instantly regretted his offer. Nothing good came along for him when that tongue made an appearance. “Why?” he asked, hesitantly, “what did you have in mind?”
“Well,” she began, her back straightening in her seat as she approached a regal posture, “I want to go to a party. A real one, where you get dressed up and everything.” Continuing the prim stance, she gracefully lifted herself from the chair to approach him. “Last time you took me to a party, we didn’t dress up. And my mum’s birthday doesn’t count since you made us work.” Rose’s finger had decided to get involved, punctuating the key points of her request into his chest. Then, with a twist of her head, she returned to her throne, leaning back in the chair and crossing her arms, the smug look on her face daring him to deny her.
There was silence for a moment with only the TARDIS’ gentle hum rhythmically keeping time. Attempting to keep a straight face, the Doctor stared at his companion intently before exhaling a sigh. Like there was ever really any doubt to his response.
The Doctor rolled his eyes in defeat. She was going to get her own way, whether he liked it or not. Truth be told, he would give her absolutely anything in the universe if she asked for it right now. His brave Rose, keeping a cool head and accepting her fate, whatever it might be. It rather scared him to think of how she was so much more accepting of the idea of being stuck without the TARDIS than he ever could be.
His mind reached back to a memory aboard the station. Yeah, but stuck with you - that's not so bad. She truly would give it all up for him. Everything she knew. And what did she ask from him in return?
“Oh, alright,” the Doctor finally uttered. He watched as the noble queen leapt from her post to be instantly transformed into an excited child. “Go get changed, the wardrobe is through here, first left…”
“I know, I know,” Rose echoed, heading out the door, “First left, second right, third on the left, go straight ahead, under the stairs, past the bins, and it's the fifth door on my left.” She turned at the last moment to poke her head back into the console room. “Oh, and I expect to see a tux.”
“Well, alright,” the Doctor replied, a teasing hint in his voice. “I thought you’d prefer to wear a dress, but…” He stopped as she returned a look that he knew quite well and expected to see. “Right, me, tux, got it.” The Doctor decided that the grin of triumph she flashed him before walking away was well worth the hassle.
The Doctor stared into his mirror a little while later, working on his bow tie, as he began to doubt whether anything was worth this aggravation. He forcibly willed the small piece of black fabric into submission and headed for the console room.
As anticipated, he arrived before she did. Flicking switches and turning knobs, the Doctor began setting their destination. Suddenly, he heard the clearing of a throat from across the room. The Doctor turned around, forgetting what to expect. The vision in red before him took his breath away and sent his hearts thumping at a faster pace. “Blimey,” he whispered before he had a chance to hold his tongue.
The floor length elegant red gown complemented her figure in a way to rival the last occasion she had to slip into a fancy dress. Her blonde hair twirled in ringlets atop her head with two strands framing the delicate curves of her cheeks. Breathtaking was a complete understatement.
Rose smiled shyly, her hand subconsciously brushing her face and neck as she waited for his response. However, the Doctor did not like where his thoughts were leading him. Clearing his throat, he broke eye contact with her to stare at the floor, but quickly looked back, his voice running off at the same speed he always had when he was uncomfortable.
“Lovely, you look lovely,” he stated, unable to hide the admiration in his voice. “Absolutely beautiful.” Oh bloody hell, he murmured internally, desperate to get out of this conversation before he drowned himself in words he could not take back. “For a human,” he added offhandedly.
However, the damaged was done, and Rose smiled appreciatively, understanding the intent of the compliment. “Thank you,” she said simply. Rose started walking towards him, appraising him as she travelled. “And you look…” she paused, reaching into her brain to find the most appropriate word to describe him. They all seemed to fall short. Biting her bottom lip, she reached up to brush some invisible lint from the sleeve of his jacket. An audible breath escaped her lips. “…distinguished,” she finally finished before he developed a complex during the silence. She turned her face up to his and gave him a grand smile. The one he returned could have melted stone.
They stood like that for a moment, just smiling at each other. However, her smiling in that dress was not conducive to the emotional control the Doctor prided himself on having. Quickly, he derailed the train once again with a change in topic. “Black tie. You know whenever I wear this, something bad happens. We’ll run into trouble.”
“Trouble comes no matter what you're wearing,” she responded with a laugh. “If you were truly worried, you'd have to try going without anything.”
“Don't tempt me, Rose Tyler,” he replied teasingly, moving his hand to undo his bow tie to make the point.
Rose's hand shot up to his neck to stop him before he had a chance to follow through on his threat. “Oi, you'd never do it,” she retorted confidently, “Trouble is your middle name.”
“And how did you manage to find that out?” the Doctor questioned, his eyebrows teasingly bouncing about his forehead.
She watched the dance of his eyebrows and marvelled at him for a moment. From the wild hair, to the smooth tux, even down to the good old black trainers, he was a vision to behold. Just adorkable, she mused inwardly, holding back a slight laugh. However, the internal analysis quickly surfaced on her face as her tongue peaked out the side of her mouth once again. “I guess that’s for me to know, and you to find out,” she replied smugly. Rose reached out to straighten his collar. “Now, where are you taking me?”
“Ah,” the Doctor replied, his eyes widening as they always did when he was being so impressive. “You, Rose Tyler, are going to attend the last great Seedlings Promenade, hosted by forest of Cheem.” He pulled a lever conveniently located beside him and the TARDIS jolted as smoothly as possible. That rakishly boyish grin emerged and he offered her his left arm with flare as he grandly motioned to the door with the right.
Rose accepted the proffered limb by wrapping both of hers around it as they started toward the door. The scene that awaited her just beyond the TARDIS was one of the most gorgeous views she had ever seen. The planet was simply magnificent. The dual suns above were on their descent in conjoining fashion, lighting up the horizon of the tree line in a cascading blue hue that bathed the evergreen forest. The massive trees towered before her and behind her, spread out as far as the eye could see. The temperature was warm, but not humid, the trees rustling in a gentle breeze that echoed like a symphony.
The Doctor looked down at his companion, seeing the wonder in her eyes. This was a far cry from their last adventure of death and destruction. He was pleased to have acquiesced to her request, even if just for this moment, frozen in time, alone in the wonder of a new and happy world. She deserved this, and so much more. “Shall we join the party?” he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper in order not to spoil the moment for her.
“Where?” Rose questioned breathlessly, her eyes slowly scanning her surroundings for signs of life.
“Just around the bend,” he answered. “Can’t have the TARDIS be seen for an event like this. Takes away from the ambiance.”
Rose nodded understandingly. With the look of joy never leaving her face, they continued their journey arm in arm along the lovely natural path. She was partly surprised when she realized who was throwing the ball. While various alien entities were sprinkled among the attendees, the majority that filled the empty spaces were Trees. “The forest of Cheem,” she gasped, realization dawning on her.
The Doctor chuckled softly to himself. He slightly patted the hand that rested on his arm. His attention was then directed at the Tree currently walking towards them. “Greetings,” the Tree said, his head bowing slightly in a respective manner. “I am Coffa. Welcome to the Seedlings Promenade. May I see your invitation?”
“Certainly,” the Doctor replied with a grin, pulling out his psychic paper.
“Let me,” Rose whispered by his shoulder, her left hand reaching around him to take the parchment from his hand. Turning to Coffa, her eyes twinkled as she handed him the ‘invitation’.
Coffa stared at the paper. “The Doctor and Rose Tyler,” he stated before handing it back to her. “Thank you. Enjoy the festivities.” His head bowed slightly again, and Rose felt compelled to return the gesture as they entered the garden party.
The Doctor glanced down at his companion, silently questioning their entrance. Rose maintained a look of complete innocence. “What?” she questioned. He just stared at her a little while longer, a small smile tugging at his lips. Rose took a deep breath creating a faux impression that it was a hassle to have to explain herself. “We…are…together,” she stated plainly. “I don’t want a repeat of last time.”
At this proclamation, the Doctor had to hold back the laugh that threatened to break free as the memory flowed across his mind.
The beautiful Tree, Jabe, stood before them, discussing the problem at hand. “I could show you. And…your wife.”
“She's not my wife,” he said plainly.
“Partner?”
“No.”
“Concubine?”
“Nope.”
“Prostitute…”
“Whatever I am, it must be invisible. Do you mind?” his feisty young companion complained, fully insulted.
A lot had changed since that point, which seemed so long past. A whole life time ago. However, the questioned remained…how did he describe her? The smile that had previously peaked at the corners of his mouth spread out wide as he realized that she had answered the question. They were together. And that answer was simply brilliant.
“Now,” she said, bringing his attention back to the creature which was presently occupying his thoughts, “no flirting with the natives.” Her finger came out to threaten him into compliance. “This is my trip, and so you are mine for whatever I want. And I want to dance.” Smiling triumphantly, Rose tapped his nose and began to pull him towards the dance floor.
“Wait…Rose…” he stuttered. The Doctor did not have much of a choice in destination as he was being dragged along. Rose was surprising stronger than he thought. And in a dress and heels, no less. His protestation and contemplation of his companion were interrupted by the need to dodge couples already dancing.
Suddenly, he came to a screeching halt when he ran into his now stationary partner. Facing him, Rose turned on her charming smile and offered her hands. “You’ll find your feet at the end of your legs. You may care to move them.” Systematically, the Doctor circled her waist and began to move in a haphazard fashion.
Unbidden, memories flood them both at his first attempt to dance with her.
Captain Jack had come back for them, just as promised. The Doctor did not care for this flyboy, or the way he looked at his companion.
“Most people notice when they’ve been teleported,” the ‘captain’ said teasingly. “You guys are so sweet. Sorry about the delay.” The sweet talking conman must have stolen the ship, the Doctor had mused, and had basically stated that as well. He certainly was not surprised to discover that he was right. But Rose did not seem to mind, with such a dashing man around. “Make yourself comfortable,” Jack told them. “Carry on with whatever you were…doing.”
“We were talking about dancing,” the Doctor protested, fully comprehending the innuendo.
“It didn’t look like talking,” the good captain observed.
“It didn’t feel like dancing,” Rose retorted disappointingly.
It definitely did not feel like dancing now, either. “Doctor, what are you doing?” Rose asked in a whisper. “I know you can dance.”
“That’s what I was trying to tell you, Rose,” he answered, slight embarrassment entering his voice. “I don’t know how to waltz.”
“But you can swing dance?” she responded, thinking he must be kidding. The look on his face confirmed that he was telling the truth. “Then, I’ll teach you,” she said, her voice filled with compassion. “You never know when you may need to again.” Talking the lead, Rose began to show him the basic steps as he watched her feet keeping to the music. After over 900 years of time and space, the Doctor realized that he really should have picked this up quite a long time ago.
Another song began to play, and the Doctor took the lead, allowing Rose now to look him in the face. He grinned with the triumph of his accomplishment. Unable to help herself, she giggled at his response. “This isn’t bad,” he realized, “I can handle this.”
“That’s good,” Rose returned, enjoying the feeling of being in his arms and not in harm’s way. It was a welcomed change to their recent adventures. This was one of the reasons she suggested a party. She needed to be able to touch him. To know that he was here. With her. She could lose the TARDIS, lose her ability to go home, lose everything else that she knew and understood…but she could not lose him. She would rather die then let that happen.
The Doctor felt the tightening of her muscles that accompanied her mental contemplation. “What’s wrong?” he questioned, the worry evident in his eyes.
Rose lifted her eyes to him, and he saw bittersweet feelings emanating from them. “Nothing is wrong,” she answered, “everything is perfect right now. I was just thinking how close I came to losing you today.”
“Oh, is that all?” the Doctor replied, keeping his voice light. “I had no doubts that we would end up fine.”
“Really?” she said, not quite believing him. She let her arms rise to round his neck. “And why is that?”
The Doctor took a moment before he could speak. Her hands were burning the flesh of his neck as they gently stroked the hair that laid there. “Because,” he finally got out, bending down to whisper in her ear, “if I believe in anything, I believe in you.”
Her hand froze mid-stroke; her head moving to get a closer look into his eyes. His hearts completely stopped as he gazed into the emotions he saw and reciprocated, but were never to be spoken. Oh, she knows, he thought, surprising himself with the realization that it did not scare him. He had practically told her so on so many occasions. He actually stopped himself before the word came out in their argument with Sarah Jane. How could he possibly explain it to her then?
He could see how upset she was, but he had really not wanted to talk about it. She forced it on him. “I’ve been to the year five billion, right, but this… Now, this is really seeing the future. You just leave us behind. Is that what you’re going to do to me?”
“No. Not to you,” he had replied, desperately hoping that she would drop it there.
But, of course, she did not. “But Sarah Jane, you were that close to her once, and now, you never even mention her. Why not?”
“I don’t age. I regenerate,” he had informed her, terrified to be facing this inevitability himself. “But humans decay. You wither and you die. Imagine that happening to someone you…” The Doctor could not go on. He could not commit himself to the word. The word that would just cause him more pain in the end.
He realized that this was a ridiculous conclusion, but he had not been able to break down and allow his hearts to speak for him. If she had not known before, she certainly did now, as the emotions were evident on his face.
“And I believe in you,” she whispered in response, her eyes continuing to sparkle. Her right hand reached up to cup his face, and for a moment, she believed he would kiss her. Rose’s mind flew to the one time he actually had kissed her, sadly remembering that it was the cause of his previous incarnation’s demise. The temporary amnesia had given way to the memories soon after the crisis of his regeneration, but things were still too fresh with the new new Doctor to bring it up then.
However, Rose's contemplation over whether he would surrender to the urge to snog her would remain a mystery as they were interrupted by another guest. “My apologies for the intrusion,” the Tree stated, his head bowing slightly in Rose’s direction, “but I would like to inquire on whether the next dance is already claimed.”
Rose smiled at him graciously. It was certainly nice to be noticed this time. “Thank you, ah…”
“Folata,” he responded.
“Thank you, Folata,” she said, glancing at the Doctor, who did not appear to like the Tree standing beside them. “I believe that the next dance…”
“…is taken,” the Doctor answered for her. “Her card is quite filled up, I’m afraid.” He glared at Folata with the air of possessiveness. “We are together, you see. The Doctor and Rose Tyler. That is what it said on the invitation.”
“My apologies,” Folata responded, acquiescing to the prior claim. He issued another slight sway of his head and retreated.
Rose waited until the Tree was out of ear shot before turning to the Doctor. The pearly whites of her teeth grinned at him in mischief. “You’re jealous!” she accused with a laugh.
The Doctor scoffed. “I was only sticking by the rules. You said no flirting with the natives.” This only aroused further giggles in the gorgeous woman he was currently holding. His eyes trailed her face, which he immediately regretted. Why did her lips have to appear so perfectly kissable?
“Oh, you are jealous,” she stated with a laugh, that lovely, distracting tongue poking out of her luscious red lips. The Doctor had to close his eyes, trying to remove the image his mind was producing. “Oh, if Mum knew about this…”
That did it. The Doctor’s eyes snapped back open. “You have nothing to tell your mother,” he replied with slight irritation. “I have no need for you making up stories that will just get me slapped again.”
Rose’s burst of laughter at this point was enough to cause several of the dancers near them to turn and stare. The woman in red did not seem to notice as her attention was only on the gentleman in which she was dancing. “Mum’s not gonna slap you again,” she retorted with amusement.
“I find that hard to believe. How come?” the Doctor questioned, amazed that he was actually curious of Jackie’s reasoning.
“Because you’re family,” Rose answered, truthfully. She watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed with a swallow, just as expected. Her eyes dropped to their shoes for a moment to hide the mischief there before continuing, “in a completely non-domestic way, of course.”
Rose saw the Doctor’s shocked amusement when she looked back at him. “Now, you’re just mocking me.”
That hearty laugh erupted once again as Rose turned her eyes back up to him. This was exactly what she had needed. A nice, relaxing, memorable time. Her hands slipped down to his shoulders, very consciously aware of his own hands around her waist. Rose happened to glance about her for a moment to find that they were the centre of attention. “Everyone’s staring at us,” she whispered hesitantly.
The Doctor’s response was a cheeky grin. He stared into her eyes and an eyebrow rose up his forehead as he suggested, “Shall we give them something worth staring at?” Without waiting for a response, he pulled her arms down from his shoulders to twist her around and then turned to dip her low.
Breathlessly, Rose did not realize where she was until she came back crashing into his chest. Gathering herself back together, she found herself staring straight into his perfectly placed neck freckle, poking up from above his bow tie. Her mind drifted to the last time she was breathless in his arms.
Cassandra had finally left her body, leaving Rose with only the remorse of embarrassing words and actions in her wake. The overwhelming rush of being in control of her own faculties once again winded her and she began to fall, only to be caught in the Doctor’s arms.
“Oh! Are you alright?” he asked, concern evident in his voice. Clearly she was not as she felt herself collapsing again. “Whoa! Okay?”
“Yeah,” she managed, her arms tingling where he held her. Rose finally looked up into his anxious face and smiled. “Hello!”
He returned the sentiment, with unabated relief. “Hello. Welcome back.”
Rose must have been silent too long for when she finally glanced back to his face, she found him appraising her features with both anxiousness and admiration. She could see that there was something behind his eyes which he was holding back. Rose wondered what it would take to get him to speak it. However, to her dismay, they were interrupted again by yet another Tree.
Separating from the dance, the duo turned to give the Tree attention. She looked like a stately white birch: tall, thin, and beautiful. “I’m sorry, but he’s mine for the night,” Rose stated firmly before the Tree had a chance to speak. This was her night; no one was going to take her Doctor away.
As per their custom, the Tree bowed her head reverently before speaking. “That seems to be the problem,” the Tree said kindly. “You were approached earlier…”
“By a Folata, yes,” the Doctor interjected.
The Tree nodded slowly. “That is correct,” she said. “However, he is the Grand Regent of Sapling Bush. I came to warn you that you may be detained for you impudence.”
Both of their faces fell at the news. “Thank you for the warning,” the Doctor graciously said, taking Rose’s hand and leading her to some stumps which doubled for chairs. He motioned for her to sit down.
“What do we do now?” Rose whispered, looking up at his standing form.
The Doctor hand rose to rake through his hair as he contemplated. “I told you something bad always happens when I wear this.”
Unable to help herself, Rose laughed. “It’s just a typical day with you,” she said, good naturedly.
The tone in her voice caused him to glance down at her, mulling over her statement. “You really don’t mind this, do you?” he said, almost in awe. This beautiful young girl, willing to run into trouble anywhere. With him. It was humbling, if a Time Lord could feel humbled.
“Of course not,” Rose replied, amazed that he would ask the question. Standing up, she placed her arm in the crook of his and stated, “Shall we attempt to leave unnoticed?” The maniacal grin returned to his face as they began to walk away, off the beaten path. It did not take long for Folata’s guards to realize that they were aiming to leave for good. The Trees slowly began to follow them. Casting a sly peek over her shoulder, Rose noticed and questioned, “What should we do?”
The Doctor let his arm drop to capture her hand instead, feeling the adrenaline already begin to pump through his veins. “What we always do,” he stated, "Run!"
The End
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