The Bits In Between

There was an uncomfortable tension after they took off. They both knew that he had basically manipulated and seduced her into abandoning her life. They also knew it didn’t take that much of a push for her to do it.

“I’m just gonna put away my things.” Rose grabbed her pack and started down the labyrinth to her room.

As she unpacked, she finally started to process all that had happened. Last week, relatively speaking, she was Rose Tyler: shop girl, faithful daughter and somewhat loyal girlfriend. Now, she was Rose Tyler: time and space traveller and companion to an almost complete stranger. She must have been a complete nutter, because she wouldn’t have it any other way.

In the past two days alone, she’d discovered that she had been missing and thought dead for a year, her, she’d guess, now ex-boyfriend suspected of the crime. Watched the new man in her life be slapped by her mother. Found out he was 900 years-old (like the age gap wasn’t an issue before.) Gotten a key to his place. Gone to Downing Street. Been attacked by farting aliens. Been told by her new man that he almost considered not saving the world because of her. Saved the world. Had her mother accept the new man. And had the new man lead her away from her mother like some sort of Pied Piper.

This was normal now. This was a long way from a shop, chips and the bus. This was where she wanted to be.

If she was honest with herself, when she invited Mickey to come along, it was as a mate. She would have done the same if Shareen had been there. She had stayed with Mickey out of habit more than anything else. There was nothing wrong with him. She couldn’t even say she wanted better. Just different (and she currently had about as different as she could.) He’d make someone very happy someday. It just wasn’t her. She knew that before the Doctor came into her life.

She knew she was selfish and quite cruel to him. She had no excuses. She should be a better person than that but she wasn’t. She should have made a clean break when she left this time but she didn’t.

Now she had the entire universe right outside her doors. She could see anything, anytime. Why would she want anything else? It didn’t make it fair to those she knew, but it was how it was.

As for the “new man,” yes, he had known exactly what to say to make her come running. She wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. He did give her a key to the TARDIS, something she was sure no light matter. He had told her, he didn’t want to lose her. She knew he was all alone and maybe that made him do the desperate things he did. She also knew she didn’t care.

The Doctor watched Rose leave and then busied himself with the console controls. He had let himself be vulnerable when he let him know about the choice between the world and her. That was one of many reasons why he had blown off the idea of doing “domestic” with the woman who had given him a very good slap. He would have been impressed with Jackie Tyler if he hadn’t been on the receiving end. As for her “boyfriend,” he had a feeling that the relationship wasn’t too stable if she so willing ran away with him. He had only asked him along as a courtesy. He did help, after all. When he turned him down, he could have danced for joy. That eased some of he guilt and did nothing to tap down the emotions he was having toward her. He was falling quickly. That was dangerous and stupid. He also knew he wouldn’t have it any other way.

After awhile, when he knew he had nothing else to “fix,” he went to find her. She was still putting things in their place. He shook his head. In all his years he still didn’t understand why females of all kinds needed so many things.

“You have everything you need?” She jumped. She hadn’t heard him.

“Yeah. Great. Fine. Thanks. How long ‘til we reach the nebula?” She wasn’t sure why she felt so nervous. Maybe because he was in her room and it felt like he belonged there.

“Awhile yet. I’m not sorry, you know. About your mother.”

“I know. But you have to understand my feelings too. I’m not sorry I came with you but she’s my mum. I’m all she’s got. Just let me be a daughter once in awhile, okay?”

He smiled sincerely. “Okay. Come with me.” He held out his hand and she quickly took it. He led her down a few halls to what he considered his study. It had a couple of desks with paper strewn everywhere, dusty bookshelves, a sofa which faced what looked like a large telly and the floor was covered in lush rugs. Rose thought it suited him and in a strange way, her.

“This is where I come to relax after an adventure. You are always welcome to do the same.” There, he had officially welcomed her into his home. They sat on the sofa and then didn’t know what to do.

They both turned to each other, ready to speak. Their faces inches apart. “I forgot what I was going to say,” Rose said breathlessly.

“So don’t say anything,” and with that their lips joined. This kiss was very different than the last time. It was filled with emotions neither one yet understood or was ready to deal with. They just let the moment carry them. As the kiss deepened, mouths parted and tongues touched. Rose was ready to take what she thought was the next logical step. She placed her hand underneath his jacket and started to remove it when he pulled away.

“Rose, this can’t go any further than this. Is that clear?” He didn’t want to stop but for his own sanity needed to keep at least the little bit of distance between them.

Rose was bewildered but later figured he looked human but was alien. Maybe they weren’t compatible that away. But she would take whatever he was willing to give. “Yeah, alright.”

“Good.” He put his arm around her and they just were. And somehow, it was enough for the both of them.