There Comes a Time, Time Lord
Chapter 1
"There comes a time, Time Lord, when every lonely little boy must learn how to dance." Reinette plainly stated.
The Doctor was still utterly stunned by the fact that his entire person had just been uncovered. Old scars and open wounds in plain sight. Every memory, every person, every name. And by a young French girl, nonetheless! But Reinette was different. The Doctor could tell by the way she gingerly reached for his hand and laced her dainty fingers within his own. Reinette was different. The next passing moments were nothing but a blur. One moment he was in a quiet sitting room, and the next, at the center of an exquisite ballroom, couples whirring around him in a delicate procession of color and song. He looked down only to find Reinette staring up at him with cautious yet sure eyes, exactly the same as the evening he first met her at the innocent age of seven.
The musicians ended the current song with a dazzling flourish followed by a thunderous applause. The spectators settled and anxiously awaited a new dance. A steady rhythm. Obviously a waltz. Perfect, thought The Doctor. Ordinary dancing was difficult enough with two hearts, and now he would have to take extra care to keep time or risk clumsily stomping on Reinette's toes. He carefully took her waist, but it was clear that Reinette was not as delicate as she seemed. With a smirk she grabbed is shoulder and pulled him closer to her. The Doctor swallowed.
They began to dance, and within moments, they were both grinning and laughing. Slowly the scars began to fade back into The Doctor's memory. He was focused on Reinette. Her hair, her eyes, and all her beauty. Regaining his confidence, The Doctor lowered his other hand to her waist and lifted her into the air, in perfect time with the music. Once back on the ground, he twirled her around on her toes and let her back dip till she was inches from the ground. Without fail, The Doctor guided her back up into proper dancing position without a single hitch. I've still got it! He thought gratefully and with much self-praise. Other guests marveled at the mystery man's dancing.
Reinette looked at The Doctor, and for a split second, she could have sworn she saw something behind his old eyes. Behind everything, he was just a little boy dancing with a pretty girl who adored him. The only man I have ever loved. And in this moment, he was all hers. The waltz ended and the two stepped back and bowed to each other, met by admirational cheering from impressed party-goers.
Too busy enjoying the attention he was receiving from the crowd, he jolted with surprise when Reinette's lips met his. They were soft, just as he remembered from their meeting which was several years ago for her. But for him, little time had passed. Everything stood still as she reached up into his hair and pulled him closer. He placed his hand on her back, trying to hold on to the last seconds of this heavenly kiss.
"May I cut in?"
The Doctor blushed as he shyly handed Reinette over to the king. A second dance would just have to wait.