Lapidary

Humans have a lot of contradictory knowledge in their history books and myths, but one gem stood out in my mind. It was a rather long passage in the Christian Bible, in the book of Ecclesiastes, 3:8.

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven: 2 a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, 4 a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, 5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain. 6 a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, 7 a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

“That’s a bit of obvious,” the Master said, stroking down my arm and twining our fingers together. “And, it didn’t mention a time to surrender to your best enemy.”

I grinned into my pillow before rolling over to face him. “Terrible oversight,” I agreed, leaning in to get his lips.

I didn’t think I’d ever get used to how he’d just let me kiss him. No matter what, he’d allow it. For us it was an intimacy that could overpower any other.

“Mm,” he murmured, pressing his mouth underneath my eye. “You haven’t put your mental shields up against me since we got on your TARDIS. I’m getting addicted to your thoughts as well as your body.”

“I don’t want to hide from you.” I fluffed up our pillows and we stared up into the stars together. He’d insisted we make a joint bedroom, one with a clear ceiling. I was enjoying it quite a lot. “Besides, it seems like I can only be honest with my mind. My lips are rebellious liars.”

“Not always,” he said softly. “Don’t slander those pretty lips; I like keeping them busy.” He slid an arm under me, and we lay there in perfect, perfectly companionable silence. I thought about how much I loved him, and felt him shiver in response.

“You never have to say it,” I told him.

The Master hugged me close for a moment and kissed my forehead. “And, that why I love you,” he whispered, making my hearts beat out of rhythm. “That’s why I love you, Doctor.”

END