"There! Done! Done, done, done. Meet you in the Console Room? Yes!"

The Doctor threw the words at Rose and practically sprinted from the room. Apparently, that's what happened when you forced a Time Lord to sit still for more than fifteen minutes. Rose sighed happily, a smile on her face, and followed the path to the Console Room.

Alright, so she could've gotten the job done in half the time it took them to pair socks together. And maybe she would rather have gone 'gallivanting across the galaxy'. But this was it. One of those games they played, just to see if the other would do it. And they would, just to see the other happy. The Doctor had always given in to Rose. But Rose had always given in to the Doctor.

"Rose, come on, it'll be fun! I promise!"

"Is this one of those times where you tell me it'll be fun for us but really it's fun for you?"

The Doctor was silent, unable to find the words. Rose raised one eyebrow, a smirk on her face.

"But Roooose, Albert Einstein has one of the greatest minds in the universe! How could you pass up a chance to hear him speak?"

"Because I'd have no idea what he'd be saying."

"What if I explain it to you?"

"Hmm, what if? I've no idea what you're on about half the time either."

The Doctor opened his mouth to let loose his rambling rebuttal but, as she was one to do, Rose cut him off.

"But I suppose since you're a fantastic date, it doesn't matter where we go."

The Doctor was running around, pushing buttons, and flicking switches when she found him. Rose just smiled as she leaned against the rail. There was something fantastic about this life. Not the running around, saving the day part but the relationship part. Their first date was the end of the world and it just kept getting better.

It wouldn't end, would it? No. It couldn't. He was too fantastic a man to be in love with. And Rose did love him. So much. And she knew he loved her, even if he'd never said it.

But maybe he would. One day. Hopefully soon.

"Rose! So glad you could join me!"

"'Course I did! I'd never miss the chance at a new planet, and you're my lift."

"Well then! Allow me, Miss Tyler."

The Doctor ran over to the door and opened it, motioning for her to follow.

"Let's see where she's taken us," he said as he walked out of the TARDIS behind her.

If there was one thing the Doctor would never tire of, it was the look on Rose's face when she stepped out of the TARDIS with a new ground beneath her feet. He could get lost just taking her in, an awe-inspired grin on her face. The Doctor asked himself on a daily basis how he could be so lucky. Although he'd often indulge himself too long and she'd catch him staring. Like oh, say, right at that moment, for instance?

"Oh I am so much more subtle about that than you are."

"About what?"

"Mmm, like you don't know. Pop your eyes back in your head and walk with me."

They linked hands and walked through the field sprawled out in front of them. The color of everything around them was so vivid, Rose could barely believe her eyes. The brightest green grass, the most vibrant pink flowers, the deepest blue sky. It was truly breathtaking.

"You see, Rose, this planet is very deceptive. You see how beautiful everything is? The planet is just as deadly. Lots of stuff to avoid here!" He finished with a wide grin.

"This the TARDIS' idea of romance? Deadly beauty?"

"Just like you, Rose Tyler!"

She giggled. "Shut up!"

"Surely she has her reasons for taking us where she does. Come on, let's see the sights!"

And they did. Indulging themselves in the local food, people and atmosphere. Rose was delighted to find the planet's inhabitants looked human , other than their bright pink hue. It was almost neon. They were all wearing thick, heavy pans that looked a bit like potato sacks to Rose. She wondered if it was too bold of her to wear a dress, not knowing the planets customs. Maybe they were wearing those pants for a reason? No one seemed to mind though, so she pushed the thought from her mind.

"D'you hear music?" inquired Rose.

"I ... guess I do!" His excited smile turned into a playful pout. "No, Rose. Just, no. I know exactly what you're thinking!"

"Do you?"

"You want to go find out what that music is because it's very pretty."

"Yes."

"And you think it'll be a party and you like parties!"

"Regular Sherlock Holmes, you are."

"Aaaaaaaaand you like to dance at parties so you'll want me to dance with you."

"And?"

"Even though I'll protest because, as you well know, the Doctor doesn't dance."

"Oh you know me too well."

He smiled.

"So the Doctor doesn't dance but the Doctor pairs socks?"

"Not normally, Rose Tyler, no."

"Well perhaps today is the day for surprises!"

She had that same tone in her voice. The one from the laundry room the Doctor had brushed off. The one that showed the longing for those three words she'd uttered so many times before but he never could. But she knew he felt it. Maybe one day he could change that for her. But not today, no matter how much he wanted to. She would never push him into it, and he would be eternally grateful to her for that. She understood him. Was perfect to him. Still, he could give her something, couldn't he?

Suddenly, he flashed her a smile, gripped her hand tight and pulled Rose into a brisk walk. She looked puzzled and started to ask what was going on but he answered the question before she got it out.

"Come on then! If you want to dance, you'll have to keep up!"

Rose looked bewildered, albeit pleased, and broke into a slow jog to keep up with him. The Doctor dropped her hand to push apart some beautiful shrubbery he claimed was a short cut. He broke into a run again, a dashing smile on his face. Rose was right behind him, jumping over flowers and rocks.

Until she wasn't.