"Right then! I'll be off! Unless, uh... I don't know... you could come with me?"
He stands against the door trying to look nonchalant, and he tells himself he really doesn't care whether she comes or not. He tells himself he just wants to pay her back for saving his life, show her that there's more to life then chips and telly.
But the truth is it's been so, so long since he's been with anyone. He's been getting reckless, not quite caring as much, after the war.
And he needs her, desperately needs her. He's seen something in her, something he hasn't seen in anyone for a while.
"Yeah, I can't... I've um... gotta go and find my mum and um... someone's gotta look after this stupid lump..."
Rose laughs slightly, patting Mickey on the back. He's wrapped around her, keeping her, keeping her from him. They don't break eye contact.
"OK. See you around"
He sees indecision in her eyes, but doesn't say anything. He's not gonna beg, won't beg her. But still, he thinks, as he closes the TARDIS door and heads for the console. She saved his life. He wants to do something for her.
He pulls the TARDIS into the void and searches the database for information on a Rose Tyler. He skims her history, stopping at the date he met her. Rose Marion Tyler, nineteen years old. Lived in the Powell Estate all her life, with her old mum.
Then he gets and idea. He sets the date for December 24th, 1998. Christmas Eve. She'd be twelve, he calculates.
He checks his watch as he wonders down the street. It's not too late. The shop he wants will still be open. He pulls his sonic screwdriver out on an ATM machine and they are in business.
It's red and shiny and perfect for a twelve year old Rose. He pays the cashier and wheels it back to the estate, and up the stairs to the Tyler's house. He knocks.
A young girl answers. Big chocolate eyes observe him cautiously. "Can I help you mister?"
"Er, hullo young lady. Is your mum home?" he grins.
"She's at Sarah Clarke's Christmas party. Do you know her, then?"
"Er, no. I'm just here from the shop, here to make a delivery. Take this will you?"
She looks up at him, bemused. "Why? Is this for me?"
"Yep!" he grins, "Take it inside. Merry Christmas Rose!"
He's bounding down the stairs before she has a chance to say 'thank you'. She wheels the bike in, still bemused. Hang on a minute. How'd he know my name?
She slams the door shut and chases him. "Wait! Mister!"
He moans. She's the same girl that wouldn't stop following him, seven years later.
"You said 'Merry Christmas, Rose!"
"Yes, I did"
"How'd you know my name, then?"
"Oh, Er, Santa told me"
"You must be jokin'! I've not believe in Santa since I was five!"
"How else would I know?"
She mulls this over.
"Well, then why'd you give me that bike?"
"It's a Christmas present"
"For me?"
"For you"
She looks a little gob smacked.
"Really? It's mine, ta keep?"
"Yep"
"But why?"
"Well I'll take it back if you don't want it"
"No! I do want it. Just a little strange is all. Thank you, mister"
"Your welcome, Rose Tyler"
She watches him walk away from the estate. He's parked the TARDIS around the corner, and he can't help but regretting that that'll be the last time he'll ever see her.
Time Lords don't beg, he reminds himself.
Then it hits him. He's told her it can take her anywhere, but he didn't tell her about the anywhen bit. That's really not fair on her, he thinks. She's not been able to make an informed decision.
It's an excuse. It's good enough.
"By the way - did I mention, it also travels in time?"
TBC
