Be strong for me Rose, Be strong for both of us

 

Be strong for me Rose, Be strong for both of us

Summary: A look at the doctor's relationship with Rose from his perspective, starting from Series 1, Ep. 5 World War Three. All the dialogue came from the actual episodes. You can view the transcript I'm using here http://www.chakoteya.net/doctorwho/27-5.htm

Chapter 1

 

I stood there back against the wall, arms tight across my chest. The sleeves of my leather jacket constricting my movement, forcing me to remember where I was and why. To consider what I might lose.

 

“If we could just get out of here.” She says.

 

And the words are out of my mouth before I have a chance to consider what will happen. No. If I can stand what may happen. “There's always been a way out.” I say, wishing I didn't have the responsibility of the time lords weighing down my conscience.

 

“Then why don't we use it?”

 

Why. Why don't we Rose? I don't want to look at her, as I tell the room. “Because I can't guarantee your daughter will be safe.”

 

Jackie's voice springs back, full of fear and indignation. “Don't you dare. Whatever it is, don't you dare.”

 

I wish I could take it back. In that moment, I agree with her. Can I really jeopardize Rose?

 

What is it about her? Over the centuries I've had many companions, and regardless of my best intentions they've too often been hurt by my decisions, my morals, my rules. But just this once, I am seriously considering not doing the right thing. For her. For Rose.

 

But then my sense of self kicks in. I can't back out of this now. “That's the thing. If I don't dare, everyone dies.”

 

“Do it.” Her soft voice echoes in the silence of my declaration. For a moment I think I'm hearing things, but as I look up at her, see the expression on her face, I know I've heard correctly.

 

“You don't even know what it is. You'd just let me?” I've forgotten how to breath in the space between our words.

 

“Yeah.”

 

My hearts pound in my chest. This woman, how? How can she have total faith in me? For days we've known each other. And yet she is just as willing to lose everything, to risk everything as I am?

 

I barely hear Jackie's “Please,” across the speakers. “Doctor. Please. She's my daughter. She's just a kid.”

 

“Do you think I don't know that? Because this is my life, Jackie. It's not fun, it's not smart, it's just standing up and making a decision because nobody else will.”

 

“Then what're you waiting for?” I drag my eyes back to her, so young, so sure of me. I can't bare it.

 

I stare at her still unable to believe what she's told me. So brave, so selfless. In that moment she's better than I am. I'd spent the last few hours wanting to save her, and damn the rest of the world. And in the space of seconds, she's willing to give the world her life.

 

Nine hundred years be damned. Rose Tyler would have made a great time lord.

 

“I could save the world but lose you.”

 

We watch each other then. She sees me I realize. She sees that I'm struggling with this. But I wonder. Does she know that I'm not like this with all my companions? It's only her.

 

I'm still not sure that I can go through with it, until Harriet Jones' voice fills the room, taking the decision mercifully out of my hands. “Except it's not your decision, doctor. It's mine.”

 

And we move, like pieces at a general's command. I'm so relieved in that moment that the power was taken out of my hands. I'm not sure I could have done the right thing.

 

 

 

This has always been one of my favorite scenes and it really makes me question how/if the doctor and Rose got through three seasons without having some sort of sexual relationship. I think as young as she was, Rose was probably really close to what the doctor would want/require in a soul mate. Any thoughts? Please comment below. If you have any particular Dr./ Rose scenes that you'd like to see explored from either characters perspective let me know. I'm gonna be picking my favorites and adding to this.