The Bits In Between

Everyone dispersed to get ready for the exploration, leaving the Doctor and Rose alone.

“You know I have to go down there.”

“And you know I don’t want you to.”

“Glad that’s clear.”

“Yep. So, um…” He pulled her to him, clinging desperately.

“I will get us out of here. I promise.”

She squeezed just as hard. “I know. If anyone can do it, you can.”

“Some birthday surprise. I’ll make it up to you.”

“Yes, you will.”

He pulled back to look at her. “Think of it this way, knights used to ride into battle to keep their ladies safe.”

She smiled so sweetly at him, it almost broke his heart. “My knight. I like that.” She ran her hands protectively down his chest. “What’s this?” She reached into the inner pocket and her eyes went wide. "Are these my knickers? What are you doing caring a pair of my knickers in you pocket?”

“Oh, that’s where they went. Um, remember the coronation party? Well, I had to put them somewhere. It was convenient.” He sounded like it was nothing but the rubbing of his neck and red cheeks gave him away.

She lovingly put them back into his pocket. “Consider it a lady’s favour. Just return them when you get back, ‘kay?”

Suddenly his lips descended on hers. The kiss was full of promises and apologies from him and reassurance and understanding from her. He kissed her so hard and so deeply that when they separated she was dizzy and breathless. “A lady also kissed her knight for luck when rode into the thick of it. Make sure you do that for me.”

Chest still heaving, she managed to get out, “Then what was that?”

“That? I just thought you could do with a good snogging.” They laughed easily together but the worry was clear in both their eyes.

“Well then good sir knight, your lady will be waiting.” With one last peck and squeeze of hands, she was off.

He found what he was looking for short bit later. “Fancy some company Ida?”

She looked up. “Doctor. I can’t way I’m surprised and I’d be remised if I at least try to dissuade you. Zach’ll be furious.”

He smiled. “I’ll take care of Zach.”

“And what about Rose?”

The smiled faltered slightly. “She can take care of herself.”

”I had the feeling she doesn’t want you to go.”

“She knows I have to and she wouldn’t try to stop me.”

“Yeah. I had that feeling too. How long have you two been together?”

“She’s been travelling with me ‘round two years now.”

“That’s lovely but how long have you been together?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Only to someone with eyes. Try that suit there, should fit you.”

“Thanks and about a year and a half.”

“Before, you said your ship…”

“TARDIS.”

“TARDIS, was all you had. That’s not true, you have her.”

“No, that would imply ownership and she is her own woman.”

“Trust me as a woman who is very much her own, it would not be an insult to call her yours. I’m sure vice versa is true.”

“I suppose it is. Come on, let’s explore a pit.”
________________________________________________________________________

As he swung her back and forth, she used the momentum to wrap her legs around him. He backed them into one of the pillars. He used his body to hold her in place as his hands wound into her hair. Their mouths found each other easily.

Rose lost herself in the sensation. She refused to dwell on anything that just happened. Refused to think what that thing had said, to dwell on the fact she almost lost him, that they could have been separated, not by choice, but permanently and beyond circumstances they could control. She put all her feelings into her lips and hoped he could tell.

The Doctor used his mouth to claim her. He used his tongue, lips, teeth, whatever he could. He wasn’t quite ready to let her out of reach for even a second. He had lost and regained the pair that meant the most to him. He had every intention of celebrating that fact. One rational thought kept him from moving things further.

“Rose, I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I need to get out of this space suit.”

“Brilliant idea.” She ground her hips into him.

“Mmph. Seriously, then I need to return it. We’ll say good-bye and then, we’ll give each other a proper welcome back.”

With a resigned sigh she unwound her legs. “Alright, but let’s make it snappy.” They made quick work of it when she paused.

“What?”

“You wore your suit underneath?”

He chucked the space suit out the front door. “Good thing too. Wouldn’t have got it back otherwise. Would have lost my favourite tie and my lady’s favour.” He whipped out her knickers and she snatched them back with a grin.
________________________________________________________________________

The Doctor kept his eyes on the time rotor but pulled Rose to him. She wrapped her arms around him and buried her head in his chest. He ran his free hand over the console.

“I’m so glad to have both my girls back and safe.”

She let one arm loose to follow his example, lovingly stroking the buttons. “Is she alright?”

“Think so. She hasn’t shown any problems yet. I’ll check her out after we land somewhere. How about you?”

“Shaken but happy. Nothing physical. You?”

“The same. What do you want to do?”

“I want you to reassure me that you and this is real. That we’re safe and away from that place and thing.”

“I swear it.”

“Show me then.”

“As my lady wishes.” He turned them and walked them to the bedroom. He let her go and removed his jacket, shoes and socks. She did the same. He lifted her chin and kissed her. She undid the knot of tie and started to remove it. He caught her hand. His eyes burned into her. “Do you trust me?”

“Always.” The answer took no thought. He removed the tie and moved behind her. He placed it around her eyes and tied it firmly.

“Not too tight?” She shook her head. “When one sense goes away, the others heightened. Take advantage of that now.” He leaned close to her and lightly whispered, “Hear. Touch,” he raised one of her hands to the side of his face. “Feel,” he pulled her back to him, where she definitely felt something. “Taste,” he leaned forward for a sloppy snog. “Smell if you must, just trust me to keep you safe, even when you can’t see me.”

He undid her belt and opened her jeans, pulling them just below her hips. He pushed her to the bed and put her in a sitting position. He then pulled off the jeans completely, leaving her legs bare. “Lie down.” As she did, he untucked his shirt and undid his cuffs. He ran his hands over her legs and arms. He kissed her again. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever tire of doing that.

He sat up and unbuttoned his shirt. He watched her carefully, the anticipation of the unknown clear on her face. His hearts swelled. She was one of the most beautiful sights that he’d ever seen and he had seen a lot. Very, very few of those things belonged to him, that made her that much more special. She wasn’t perfect but neither was he. It didn’t matter. He wouldn’t change her for anything. Even a wanderer like him found the idea of being stuck in one place for awhile was not that bad, as she put it, as long as it was with her. Neither one was meant to stay still for too long; they would have made it work. Thankfully, they didn’t have to, thanks to his beautiful, wonderful ship.

He got up and went for the door. “Where are you going?”

“I’ll be back. Trust me.”

“Of course I do.”

“No peeking.” He left and returned quickly with his desired object. She felt him sit beside her and lift her t-shirt to expose her stomach. He traced his fingers over her and she heard something click against glass.

He took the ice cube and dragged it around her navel. He smiled as her abdomen flinched at the temperature change. He dipped his head and used his mouth to follow the trail the ice was leaving. “There you go, touch is already heightened.” She whimpered in response. He looked up to see her biting her lip and clutching the sheets. “It’s alright to touch me, you know. The only rule is ‘no looking.’” Her hand directly found its way into his hair and moved him back down. He chuckled as he continued his work. He pulled back slightly to see a red mark forming above her belly button. He ran his fingers over it. “Beautiful.”

He pulled her back up and helped her remove her t-shirt. She shoved his shirt down his shoulders. He finished the job for her and buried his face in her breasts. He shook his head furiously between them, making her giggle. He deftly unhooked her bra and removed it. He took another cube and ran it over her breasts, making her nipples stand to attention. He nipped at them gently. She kept her hands in his hair but not to push him down, just to feel his movements.

She gasped as she felt him leave another mark on her. Well, no bikini for her for awhile. Or maybe she would, she didn’t mind showing the universe she was branded by him. She briefly wondered what the Doctor would have thought of the idea. Then he ran the cube over the sensitive spot on her neck. She didn’t think much after that.

He kissed her, giving both her lips attention. He pulled back when he was certain both were warmed. He took the ice and ran it over her now tender lips. He knew the drastic change in temperature caused an interesting sensation. It was little bit of pain with a rush of heat to just the right spots. The sight of her wet, swollen lips pouting becomingly because of something he did turned him on in ways he couldn’t describe. He wanted to broadcast this image across the stars with the message, “I did this to her. No one else. And you won’t ever get to try.” His possessiveness was almost frightening and he wasn’t sure if he ever wanted to let it go. They had been through too much together for him to let her go now.

He sucked the water from her lips while dragging the ice down her back. Her greedy hands blindly worked to open his trousers. He laughed and murmured against her mouth. “Impatient are we?”

“Well, the sense of urgency is heightened too.”

“Alright then.” He reached down into her pants. He didn’t move; just let her writhe against him, careful not to let her release just yet.

“Fair’s, fair.” She ran her down and gripped him. It was her turn to chuckle as he made a choking sound. He wasn’t prepared for her to get the upper hand yet. He stopped what he was doing to grip her wrists.

“Wait here and take off your pants.” He stood to remove the rest of his clothes and watched her shimmy out of the bit of fabric she had on. He knelt behind her, pulling her up and close. “Put me in you.” His voice was so rough it sent a shiver through her. She reached behind and did as he said. They both moaned at the contact. They moved together. She grabbed his hips for balance. He played with her breasts. Somehow he kept himself in check. He grabbed more ice and held it where they were joined.

“I don’t know if can handle much more.”

“Oh Rose, we’re just getting started.” He pulled out and gently pushed her onto the bed. “Roll over.” He stayed knelt and pulled her hips to him, keeping her legs on either side. He bent her knees so that they were even with his ribs. He kept a firm hold on her hips and slid back in easily. He set the pace but wanted her more involved. “Touch yourself.” The sight was intoxicating. She was completely open to him. Totally free. He could see and feel her fingers as she brushed him while pleasing herself. It didn’t take much more for either of them to scream in climax. He pulled her back up and gave her a deep kiss.

He heard her mumble. “What’s that?”

“Please.”

“Please what?”

“Let me see you.”

“What is it with that word and this tie? I think that’s what we’ll call this pattern. ‘Please.’ I like that.”

He whipped the tie off her eyes. The depth of feeling that shone in them made him warm all over. “Hello.”

“Hello. That was lovely but I don’t fancy repeating the circumstances that led us here.”

“Agreed.”

“This, however, can be repeated. But, oh, what’s this? You’re a bit of a mess, aren’t you? I’ll just clean that up.” He barely caught the glint in her eye when her mouth descended on him. It didn’t take long for him to start getting hard again. To his disappointment, she pulled away. “This will never do. I’m going to need some help.” She grabbed an ice cube.

“You wouldn’t.”

“But I am.” She dragged it achingly slow up and down the length of him. Occasionally she’d stop and just let it drip on him. “That’s better.” She surrounded him once again. His hands wound into her hair, guiding her slightly, though she need little help. She started alternating ice, hands and mouth, while still holding back just a bit. She was killing him slowly and he didn’t mind one bit.

He looked down. The sight before him was one of the most erotic things he’d ever seen. The beautiful, clever woman who saved him when he thought he had lost everything, this woman who he loved more than he should, was doing wonderful things to him. Just for him. He started to wonder if this was a learned or natural talent and if it was learned, who he had to hurt for touching her that way. In all his 900-some years this irrational jealousy was fairly new. His ponderings were cut short when she looked up at him. She didn’t miss a beat keeping her eyes locked with his. That was all it took.

He yelled something in a language the TARDIS didn’t translate as she felt him gush into her mouth. She wasn’t sure what possessed her to do it or even how she knew exactly how to tease him and still enjoy herself, but she was glad she did it. She rolled onto her back and giggled. She lifted her head and smirked at him.

He couldn’t have her being all smug after doing something like that. Only he could do that. He stretched out beside her and kissed her deeply. Meanwhile, he ran a hand up her leg. He almost reached the top when he pulled back. “What’s this? Seems someone has sprung a leak. You should get a man in.” He plunged his fingers into her, teasing with his thumb. She made a noise that was a combination of a gasp, sigh and moan. He went to work on her chest, neck shoulders, anything he could reach. He curled the fingers inside her to tease that special spot. She cried out as she bucked up on him. With a few more calculated thrusts and flicks, she screamed.

“Oh, Doctor,” she breathily sighed. They smiled at each other warmly. She reached up and caressed his face. He picked up the only not completely unmelted ice cube and traced her lips, when they parted, he placed it partly inside. As she sucked on it, she made a point to get the tips of his fingers. She clamped her teeth on the cube and turned her head, removing it from his hand. She looked at him and crooked a finger. He smirked and took the other half of the ice in his mouth. They stayed like that until the ice melted away.

By silent agreement, they decided it was time to turn in. They cleaned up, spooned together and quickly drifted off.

The Doctor started to dream. He dreamt he was in Rose’s mind. He felt her pride and apprehension as he watched himself descend in the lift. He sensed her fear when they were being preyed upon. He felt her go numb when she talked to Ida after he fell. He knew how strong her resolve was when she refused to leave the rest of the crew. He felt her deep sense of loss as they flew away from the planet. He was overwhelmed by relief when she heard his voice. Most of all, he felt her love in all those moments, confirming what he hoped and suspected for a long time. What he saw thrilled and scared him.

As he shifted, he woke slightly. He found he was facing her, his hand on her temple. It wasn’t a dream. He yanked his hand away and gently disengaged himself from her arms. He went to the wardrobe to retrieve his kimono. As he wrapped it around himself, he crossed the room and sat in the overstuffed chair. He held his chin in his hand and watched her.

He had no idea she refused to leave him behind. He would be forever grateful to Zach for getting her out of there. He wasn’t sure what he would have done had he found her not on the rocket.

He knew it was his influence that made her so reckless. He should have never forced his life on her. The guilt of that and invading her head without permission was too much. He made a decision that would break both their hearts, but he loved her too much to let her throw her life away for him.

She stared thrashing about. “Doctor…NO! Can’t leave him…Don’t understand…”

He went to her. “Shh, it’s alright. We’re both alright. Wake up, Rose.” He stroked her hair as she calmed. She slowly woke and smiled in relief. She pulled him down to kiss him. He kissed back but she could tell he was almost passive. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” He retrieved her dressing gown and handed it to her. “We need to talk.” He sat heavily on the bed.

As she got dressed, she smiled at him. “Sound serious. Can’t have that.”

“I can’t do this anymore.”

“What?”

He ignored her and continued. “I can’t do this to you. I can’t give you what you deserve or want.”

“Do you even know what I want?”

“I think so. I know you deserve a home and someone who doesn’t put your life on the line every time you walk out that door. I think you want a house and someone who will grow old with you.” He couldn’t look at her.

“You know, for a genius, you’re awfully thick sometimes. I am home.”

“I appreciate that you see the TARDIS that way, but really.”

“Thick! Yes, the TARDIS is home. More importantly, home is wherever you are. I didn’t have to come with you. I could have asked you to take me back anytime. If I had wanted the average life, average house, average bloke, I could have had that, still could, but I’m here. By my own choice.”

“But I can’t have you risk your life for mine.”

“That’s not your choice to make. I’d fight anyone or anything to save the universe, just like you. And I’d do it twice if it meant saving you. I thought you felt the same.”

“I do but Rose, it’s my choice and I’m forcing it on you.”

“No, you’re not. You told me I could spend the rest of my life with you and that you’d never leave me behind. Were you lying to me?”

“No! It’s just that….”

“Look, you know how I feel about you, right?”

“Yes.”

“And am I correct in assuming you feel the same?”

He paused. “Yes.”

“If you haven’t noticed, neither of us has said it out loud but it doesn’t change it. I used to think I had to hear you say it but I don’t think either of us needs that anymore. We’ve proven it too much through our actions. I promise you I will say how I feel out loud only when words are all I have.”

“I can’t give you forever.”

“That’s where you wrong. I can’t give you yours, I wish desperately that I could but the only forever I know is my own. Can you give me that?”

“I can try, but I can also promise that if it gets too dangerous, I will keep you safe, whether or not we like it.”

“You can’t get rid of me that easily. You know that.”

He finally looked at her. “I don’t know if I can ever tell you how I feel.” He didn’t tell Ida because he didn’t want her to hear it second hand. How could he adequately use mere word to describe what he felt for her?

How could she explain to him that she understood? “Then show me.”

Lips captured hers. He put every bit of feeling he had into it. He moved from her mouth to the rest of her face, peppering kisses on her cheeks, chin, forehead, eyes. He slid to her neck, behind the ears, nibbled the ears themselves. He was glad she had the sense to remove her earrings before she slept. He slid the silk down her arms and made a trail from shoulder to shoulder. He moved the dressing gown down further, trapping her arms. He moved to her breasts and the areas above, between and below. He was determined to lavish attention on every bit of her he could reach.

He moved behind her, shifting her hair along the way. He licked then gently blew on the nape of her neck. He continued on to her shoulder blades and spine. He leaned into her ear.

“How long are you going to stay with me?

“As long as I can.”

“And how long is that?”

“Forever.”

He believed her and he was going to do everything he could to make it happen. “Always answer that way.” He got up and quickly stripped. He motioned for her to lie back and he opened her kimono. He took a moment to just look at her, take her in. She was beautiful, completely lovely and she trusted him with everything she was. He hoped he wouldn’t disappoint her too badly.

He continued his line of kisses over her abdomen to her hips. It didn’t escape his notice that she started to squirm slightly, trying to give him an idea of what she wanted touched next. He’d get there. He just wasn’t ready yet. She wanted to be shown and he was going to take his time to do it. He had a lot to show her.

He gently released her arms for her robe and rolled her over. She kept herself propped up on her elbows and watched him over her shoulder. He moved the rest of the way down her spine. She shifted and tired to suppress a giggle when he reached the small of her back. How had he never noticed that before? “Oh, keeping that in mind.” He laughed at he look he got and gave her bum a firm smack.

“Hey!”

“I’ll kiss and make it better.”

“Alright then.” She shook her rear enticingly. He leaned in and pressed his lips to the slightly pink skin. He kept going, alternating between legs down to each toe.

He lifted each one to cover the fronts to her knees. He looked up at her. Her eyes were liquid and heated every emotion clear. “Now. Please.”

In one fluid motion she was flipped and he slid into her. He kept himself up on his arms so he could see her. As he thrust in further, he saw her breasts shake and her lips gasp all while she watched him. It was perfection. As he thrust he asked again, “How long are you going to stay with me?”

She answered as he pulled back. “Forever.”

“How long?” Another thrust.

“Forever.”

Each movement said the same, sometimes with words, sometimes with noises, sometimes with looks. He worried he was being needy but he wanted to make sure she meant it and wanted to make clear that he did too.

He barely held on until he felt her starting to spasm around him. They both came with tremendous shudders and screams. He collapsed on top of her. As he went to roll off her, she held on. “Stay.”

“But I’m crushing you.”

“No, you’re not. Besides, I like it. It’s reassuring.”

“Alright, for a little bit.” He leaned in to kiss her gently and rested his head on the crook of her neck.

“This stays on the list and there’s other ways.”

“Mmmm?” He kept nuzzling her throat.

“To show me, each other. When you take my hand when we’re not running for our lives, when we run, or hop for our lives, the way you look at me sometimes, you don’t get completely frustrated when I ask you to explain things, sometimes five times, to me. You put up with my mother.”

“Now, that does take effort.” He lifted himself up enough to see her. He brushed the hair away from her face. “You do things too. You put up with me when I isolated myself from everyone. You put up with me in general. You accept who I am. You don’t try to change me. I know you want to know more about my past, but you also respect the fact that I tell you things when I’m ready. You accepted me when I became an entirely new man.”

She reached up and cupped his cheek. He nestled into her palm. “If you had stayed back on that planet, I don’t know what I would have done.”

“How did you know about that?”

He shut his eyes but didn’t pull away. “When we were sleeping before, my hand touched your temple. I couldn’t control it, but I saw everything that happened from the time I left. I’m sorry.”

“You couldn’t help it. Besides, I don’t have any secrets from you. Is that what brought this on?”

He looked her. “Yes. I still did what I did without permission. However, I’m glad I did. I could kiss Zach and Danny for keeping you safe. Don’t ever do that again. If I hadn’t found you…”

“Alright, I’ll try to be more careful, but don’t ever stop me from making sure you’re okay. You know, I think I should make something clear since we’re laying everything out.”

“What’s that?”

“Given the choice, I don’t want the proper house and a mortgage. I was just having a go at you. However, if we had been stuck, I just figured since we already live together… Besides, if we didn’t, you’d be at mine all the time.”

”I know. Just the whole situation was a little much. Hey, why yours? You’d be at mine!”

“Nah, I’d have a girl’s place. Always nicer than a bloke’s.” She laughed at his expression.

“Right then.” He kissed her silent. He realised he was still inside her as he started to get hard again. “Fancy another go?”

“Sex fiend.”

“You like it.”

“You’ve got me there.” They took their time exploring and kissing. They now knew what they had was real. They were both safe. They were going to celebrate that fact for a long time to come.

He released into her and she raked her nails down his back. “Good Lord woman! I think you drew blood!”

“It’s your fault. If you wouldn’t do that thing, I wouldn’t get so enthusiastic!” She rolled her eyes as he whimpered. She chose not to point out his argument lost steam as he was still on top of her. “Let me see.”

“No.”

“You are such a child sometimes. Let me see.” He moved, grumbling the whole time. “You’re pouting again.”

“I do not pout.”

”That’s right you big bad Time Lord. It’s not that bad.” She ran her fingers over the scratches. “I’ll clean it up.” She did just that and covered her handiwork with kisses. “All better?”

“I suppose.”

“If it’s such a problem, we don’t have to do this anymore.” She started to get out of bed. The grin she had when he grabbed her arm nearly cracked her face.

“I didn’t say that. And you could do it again. Now, stop your smirking and come to bed.”

“Yes sir.”

“You can keep calling me that too.”

“Get over yourself.” He snickered into her hair as they slept peacefully.