The Bits In Between

The two weeks of the games were a dream. They had gone to a large chunk of the events, even managed to party in the village a couple of evenings. At night, they went about creating their own records. They made it to the closing ceremony and had a blast, both knowing they would have to get back to reality and the long awaited discussion.

The next morning at breakfast, he noticed she was distracted. She kept fiddling with her tea mug. He took her hand and smiled softly. “It’s time isn’t it?”

“I think so.”

“Where?’

“The study, I think.”

“Alright, we’ll take care of all this later.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and led the way. He was a little surprised when she sat on the chaise and patted the spot beside her. “I thought when you said talk that….”

“What? I’m not angry. I just, well, I just need for us to clear the air.”

“Fair enough, where do we begin?”

“This ‘storm’ you feel. Should we be worried?’

“Yes, I don’t have a bloody clue what it is but it scares me. You know I don’t admit that often. I can promise that I’ll do anything I can to stop it. And that my main priority is keeping you safe.”

“I don’t want safe. I want you.”

“We could argue all day about this. I care about you too much to let anything bad happen to you because of me.”

“Fine. We’ll deal with it when the time comes. Just know, you promised me the rest of my life. I intend on keeping you to that.”

He couldn’t help but smile and kissed her forehead. “What else?”

“You told me something that took me aback. I’m not upset that you had a kid with someone else. Well, as you said, there were others before me. At your age, it would be stupid not to realise that. I assume it was long before me.” He nodded. “It’s just that you never shared that with me. I though we could tell each other anything and had. Why didn’t you tell me?’

“I don’t know.”

“Can you tell me now?”

“It was before I ever regenerated. Remember my first companion Susan?” Now she nodded. “She was my granddaughter….” And he told her what very few knew. About the life and people that existed so long ago.

At some point during his tale, they had clasped hands. She gave him a reassuring squeeze. “Thank you. I know that wasn’t easy.”

“No, it wasn’t, but since when have I done anything the easy way? I’m glad you know. There is nothing about me that I want to keep from you.”

“Good. The same with me, though I’m pretty sure you know everything about me. Warts and all.”

“Oi, don’t mock you warts. I’m quite fond of them.” That earned him a light smack and a smile. “Anything else?”

“When you were stuck in that drawing… The thought of you being alone, just broke my heart.” She didn’t try to stop her tears.

He quickly wiped them away. “Hey now, no need for that. I am not alone. I have you and I don’t fancy changing that anytime soon.” He pulled her to him.

“Neither do I. Can we just be together today?”

”And do what?”

“Don’t care. As long as I’m with you.”

“Well, let’s start with this.” He laid himself back and pulled her to his chest. She nestled down into his neck.

“This is a good start.” They just stayed entwined together for a long while. That was how the rest of the day went. They occasionally shifted positions, got something to eat, chatted, but for the most part, they just were.

At the moment Rose was sitting up, the Doctor’s head in her lap, running her fingers through his hair. He was quite content to let her. “Promise me something.”

“I can try.”

“When I’m gone…” she pressed a finger to her lips to stop his protests. “I accept it’s going to happen someday. Not for many decades, but when I’m gone, don’t be alone. Now I don’t mean I want you to get some piece of skirt. I don’t want you to replace me. Just a friend or a pet. Get another Arthur or a cat. Oh that’s right, I forgot, you aren’t a cat person.”

“Stupid animal.”

“Uh huh. You were jealous.”

“Was not. I just don’t see the need for you calling things or people beautiful boys. And then petting them.”

“Do you want me to pet you? Or rub your belly? Make you purr.”

“Wouldn’t hurt.”

“Hmm. Well, if it makes a difference, I think you’re a beautiful boy too.”

”Thank you. And you’re what I need most; you’re my hand to hold.” He took her free one in his. “How long are you going to stay with me?”

“Forever.”

“When forever is up, I won’t replace you. I never could. But, I will eventually try to find someone who will put up with me.”

She leaned down to kiss him soundly. “Good, that’s what I want for you.”

“You know what I want for you. A fantastic life.”

“So far, you’re delivering. No complaints here. Something else, it’s been on my mind for awhile. After our first time you said something about contraception and that we were compatible. Is there anything I should be doing? It’s not exactly convenient for me to be on the pill and the like, but if I can do something, I will.”

“No, what I’m doing is enough. It’s an alien futuristic thing. Don’t want to bore you with the details.” He shut his eyes and just enjoyed the feeling of her fingers lightly scratching his scalp. A thought hit him. “You don’t want that, do you?”

“What?”

“Children.”

“I don’t know. Haven’t really thought about it. No, I don’t think so. I mean, our lifestyle isn’t exactly made for that.”

“If that wasn’t a factor?”

“I still say no. I’m too selfish. I don’t want to share you. Even with our kids.”

He couldn’t stop the tightness in his chest at those words. “Our kids.” The images of what could be flitted across his mind. Her, heavy with his child, looking even more beautiful; the same child taking their first steps; teaching them (there would be more than one, he knew for sure) all he knew; watching them and her grow up, grow old; and watching all those he loved wither and die.

“Though, I suppose it wouldn’t be the worst thing, having kids. Your kids. Our kids. Right?” She looked at him in complete innocence, no expectations, just a simple what if.

“No, it wouldn’t.” He didn’t tell her what was raging in his mind, about the heart break he would have to endure. And that he would happily and willing do it all if she would just ask.