Space; pitch black and dotted with little star-like glimmers. Every few billion light years, if you were lucky enough to find them, were planets. Large spheres suspended in the endless nothingness; inhabited by millions, varying in colour and size and glory.
Space was huge; huge and silent. At least, it was silent until the wheezing of the Tardis went breezing past. Twirling and whirling, following paths seemingly drawn out by some five year old child with an overly large crayon. It flew playfully beside rogue comets like a dog would chase a cat before becoming bored and continuing on its journey. In the open doorway it was just about possible to see a small figure, in dark trousers, white shirt and brown jacket – bow tie included.
"HaHaa!" the Doctor cried gripping tightly onto the doorframes as the Tardis swooped down to barely skim the Ozone of a planet below, "Whoo!" His hair flew about flapping wildly as was his jacket. He struggled to hold on, utterly thrilled by the rollercoaster ride. The Tardis twirled and bucked and soared as if trying very hard to shake off the Time Lord.
River laughed loudly as she raced around the controls, barely able to stand up herself as she directed the Tardis on its wild journey. Oh the fun that could be had with the Time Machine. She'd long since turned the stabilisers off; stumbled backwards the odd time and was thrown this way and that. Even pressed and pulled, twisted, slid, flicked and tapped buttons and levers she was sure she'd never seen before. In a last ditch effort she stepped out an awkward flight pattern finally throwing the giddy Time Lord from the doorway.
"Geronimo!" he cried falling out into the cosmic beauty that he'd claimed as his back yard. River pulled the handbrake on firmly rushing to the open doors to admire her work. He was floating, upside down, jacket flaring behind him in gentle ripples. His hair was on end, flowing slowly as he finally found himself the right way up.
"Better?" River called leaning out as far as she dared.
"Brilliant Song!" he called, "How long this time?"
River consulted her watch, "Five minutes forty three seconds!"
"Haaa!" the Doctor beamed pointing a finger wildly at her, "Newton only managed four minutes! Wait until he hears about this!" River shook her head with a smile reaching to hook a finger in the laces of his boots. He was very light as she pulled him back into the doorway. Hands holding the upper frame of the door the Doctor stretched himself out grinning with satisfaction. After poking him sharply in the stomach River took to closing the doors one by one, making sure the normally unused door was bolted shut.
"Not having a go?" the Doctor puzzled, he pulled out his sonic, "Or we could do it hands free?" he offered excitedly.
Silently declining his offer River seated herself besides the console. The confused man followed her; he stood, not quite knowing what to do arms held awkwardly by his sides, teeth bit into his lip, eyes shifted uneasily from side to side, "Something wrong?" he asked finally.
"No sweetie," she replied a little too quickly. She couldn't meet his eye; not really, "Have you put enough distance between us yet?" the question came again; too quickly.
"I don't know what you're talking about," he perched himself on the edge of the console facing her; his hands gripped the edges too tightly.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about," her words were harsh yet her voice shook; ever so slightly. Her eyes were suddenly able to pierce him, wanting. No. Needing an answer.
The Doctor found himself unable to find words to bring to the forefront of this conversation. His hearts raced. Had he really expected her not to ask at some point? Of course he hadn't. So why was he suddenly so unprepared to give her a straight answer?
"I know what you're doing Doctor. And I'm just letting you, run away with me"
"Why are you letting me do it?"
"I live for the days I see you; and I if I let you go I'll probably never see you again; not like this"
The Doctor folded his arms and considered her for a moment. He sighed in defeat; she was right.
Never again; not, like, this.