"What have I gotten myself into?" the Doctor muttered as he threw another ridiculous outfit on his bed. "Can't you give me anything good to wear?" he said louder, looking up at the ceiling of the TARDIS.
As if in answer, a black sleeve on the rack in his closet caught the Doctor's eye. He pulled out a black suit and tie, as well as a white dress shirt. Now that wasn't so bad; not like the nostalgic outfits he had rummaged through just moments earlier. The TARDIS must have been pulling things from his memories, including clothes from younger regenerations. She had to know that none of them would be acceptable for what he had in mind, which meant that he had another mischievous TARDIS. But how could it be exciting any other way?
The Doctor changed into the suit and looked at himself in a full length mirror next to his closet. He straightened his tie and nodded. "Not bad." He fluffed his hair up a little more, and then was satisfied. He exited his room and walked down the hallway to Rose's room.
"Rose?" he asked in quiet voice as he knocked on the door. "Are you ready?"
The door slid open to reveal Rose in a knee length shimmering black dress complimented by a long, dark sweater. Her hair was all done up in a neat bun, with bangs hanging on either side of her face. She smiled at him with red lips, her bright eyes framed by dark makeup.
The Doctor had to remind himself to breathe as he looked at her. It was such a human thing, being so captivated by beauty to the point where your normal bodily functions stopped. Well, time lord, human, or both, nothing could ever be more beautiful than her, his Rose.
As soon as he gathered his wits about him, he smiled back at her. "You look beautiful, Rose."
Her smiled widened. She looked him over and raised her eyebrows. "Look at you, handsome. I was beginning to wonder if you would ever change out of that suit."
"Oi, watch it." The Doctor crossed his arms over his chest. "I gave you a compliment, and all you can manage is an insult."
"You're the one getting defensive over a joke." Rose elbowed him in the ribs as she looped her arm through his. "Come on, we're late for our date."
The Doctor smiled and led on without another comment, walking through the TARDIS in silence. Outside, a crisp breeze blew through the streets of Manhattan, sending a shiver down the Doctor's spine. The air was clean and fresh, nothing like it would be in about fifty years time. The 1930s; fun and carefree, with a war past and people looking far ahead into the bright future, even in this universe.
Their arms still linked, the Doctor and Rose walked across the street to a small Italian restaurant named Angelo's. The Doctor still remembered when he had come here while on a business trip eighty years in the future, knowing in the back of his mind that Rose would love it, though he had refused to let the thoughts come to the forefront of his mind. They would have been too painful at the time.
Now here he was, his daydreams becoming a reality. They entered the restaurant, which was all pristine and spotless inside. A smiling waiter with a strong Italian accent led them out back to an enclosed courtyard, where the tables were spread out to allow room for dancing to the live music next door.
They were seated at a solitary table in the corner with a perfect view of the dancing couples. The Doctor was entranced, remembering that he hadn't danced in a long time. Rose, too, seemed captivated by the twirling couples, watching them with wistful eyes.
The dinner passed in a normal fashion as the Doctor and Rose recalled old adventures and events. Rose also seemed quite amused with the Doctor as he tried to eat spaghetti, which he had momentarily forgotten how to do. They laughed and talked for quite a long while, until everyone else had vanished from the courtyard. Night had completely fallen, but there were plenty of lit lamps outside. The band at the restaurant next door played on, regardless of the dark.
At one point, the Doctor leaned back in his chair and sighed. He had the urge to belch, and though he knew that he would be amused, Rose would probably frown upon it. Instead, he smiled at his date and said, "If there's one thing I love about humans, it's their food. Really, you lot know how to make the best food."
"You know," said Rose, leaning forward with a jocular smile, "you're part human now. 'You lot' applies to you too."
"Part human," the Doctor emphasized, telling himself in his head that he was much more time lord than human.
The music of a slow waltz drifted from over the courtyard's high fence. The Doctor scanned the empty courtyard, and then looked at Rose. He reached his hand out across the table. "What do you say, Rose Tyler? I haven't been your partner in far too long."
Rose turned around and looked over the courtyard, seeming to be surprised that it was empty. A sly smile spread across her face as she took his hand. "Only if you haven't lost your moves."
The Doctor managed to put on a serious countenance. "I will never lose my moves." A smile broke through as soon as he said it, and they both laughed as they got out of their seats and stepped into the clearing.