The both rose early the next day, after a long and sleepless night. The Doctor put on a smile as he strode down the long hallway to the control room. In all honesty, he was quite apprehensive, but there was no way he would let Rose see that. A whole year of Jackie not slapping him was at stake. Nothing was going to ruin this for him.
Rose grumbled her way down the hallway. She cursed the early hour, the cold floor, and the heaviness of her duffel bag. As she neared the control room, she also put on a brilliant smile.
"Morning, Doctor," she called as she entered.
He spun around. "Good morning! Are you ready?"
She nodded.
"Good, good. Now, I'm going to park us near the apartment, in an alley. Then I'm going to lock up the doors so no one, including us, can get in. I hope you've packed everything you need for the next year."
The TARDIS groaned and threw them to the floor as she exited the Vortex and landed heavily.
"Here! Are you ready, Miss Tyler?" He grabbed a small, old-looking suitcase from behind the jump seat. She nodded and he opened the door. "Now remember, I'm John Smith. You're my fiancé. I kept your name the same. Easier to remember." He smiled and gestured for her to leave the TARDIS. "After you, love."
She wrinkled her nose at the endearment, but chose to stay silent as she walked through. He locked up and led her down the alley and onto the street. The landlord was leaning against the doorframe. He was a small man, barely over five feet tall. His dark hair was thinning and his clothes were just a little too big for him. He introduced himself as Ron Jenkins as he and the Doctor shook hands.
Rose was pleased with the apartment. It was a cozy, furnished, one bedroom right in the middle of the big city. The neighborhood wasn't the best, but their rental's charm made up for it. The Doctor had already promised that he would take the sofa so they wouldn't have to share a bed.
Once Mr. Jenkins had left, they both stood shyly looking at each other. Rose went to the small bedroom to unpack. As she was filling the dresser with her clothes, she heard the Doctor come to the door. She glanced up as he cleared his throat to speak.
"There's no food in the kitchen. We'll have to go shopping."
She went over and handed him a small wad of freshly exchanged American bills. "That should be enough."
He stared dumbly down at the money in his hands, not wanting to admit his lack of knowledge in this particular department.
"Well? What's the matter?" She had a small smile playing on her lips.
"Ah, why don't you come with me? I don't know what you like, other than chips. I would hate for you to be stuck in a house full of food you don't like."
She laughed, then, and grabbed a light hoodie out of the bottom drawer. "Come on. I'll teach you about supermarkets."
They slowly walked the aisles, choosing food items that appealed to both of them. Rose almost squealed with excitement when she found bags of frozen chips. The Doctor had to conceal his excitement at the huge container of bananas in the produce section. Throughout the entire shopping trip, they acted like it was perfectly normal, though they were both perfectly aware of how close it made them seem. It was almost like a real relationship.
They paid for their food, Rose making the Doctor count out the money, and returned home. The Doctor filled the cabinets as Rose went to take a shower. He watched her walk away, and as soon as she was out of sight, he slumped to the ground, leaning against the cabinet next to the stove.
On the way home, he had seen something that had triggered feelings he thought were locked down. He subconsciously yanked down the sleeves of his jumper and closed his eyes. It wasn't anything huge. It was just a small exchange he had seen out of the corner of his eye. Two men shaking hands in an alley, but they weren't shaking hands. No. It was a deal. His heightened senses clued him in. He could smell the bitterness coming off of that bag of powder, so strong it was almost like he was right next to them.
He would have gone over and spoken to the man if Rose had not been next to him. She was chattering and struggling with the heavy bags. She had kept him centered that time, but he knew she wasn't always going to be there.
What would happen if he was walking to work and he saw them again? Would he be able to resist on his own? Would he be able to hide it from Rose if he couldn't?
The bathroom door opened and he rose to his feet, quickly putting away the rest of the groceries. After a few moments, Rose walked into the kitchen and gave him a small smile. She had changed into a pair of snug jeans and an oversized t-shirt. Her hair was wet and hung loosely around her face.
"All done? D'you want some lunch?" She opened the refrigerator and pulled out a few items.
"Sure. That would be lovely." He spoke softly, much quieter than he meant to. The concern on her face was easily readable.
"You okay, Doctor?" She laid a gentle hand on his arm.
"I'm fine. I was just lost in my thoughts." He smiled and she returned it before turning to the stove and throwing together a few grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.
They ate together at the table, the classifieds open between them. There were a few promising options, but Rose had specifically said no psychic paper, so they would have to actually apply with the skills they possessed.
The Doctor was excited by an ad boasting openings at the Smithsonian museum a few blocks from their home. An ad looking for daycare teachers caught Rose's eye. She had previous experience with children, and while it wasn't her first or favorite choice, it was better than waitressing.
After lunch, they both dressed to go job hunting. The Doctor suggested they go together and get dinner afterward, and Rose happily agreed. They would split up once they reached the Museum and would meet back up around six o' clock that evening.
They left the house and started up the street. They said goodbye at the corner and went their separate ways. The Doctor began walking up the street toward the museum, but was stopped cold by the sight of another deal in an alley halfway there. Once again, he could smell the bitter powder and it made his mouth water.
The museum was in sight. It would be so easy to just keep walking. On the other hand, it would be so easy to just turn into the alley.
He closed his eyes and took a step.
