Companions
A short, sweet moment. Set after some unseen adventure… somewhere in the middle of the season, I'd say.
Rose
I feel a little light-headed, but fine. It's the high after a won battle. I'm really getting used to that.
The Doctor has a spring in his step, too, and all of a sudden he slips an arms around my shoulders and pulls me close to him. "Rose Tyler, did I ever tell you I'm really, really glad I found you?"
I smile up at him and snuggle a little closer to him, slipping my own arm around his slender waist. "Nope," I say. "Although I hoped you would."
He bends over to me and places a smacking kiss on my temple. It's the enthusiasm of the moment, I suppose, because while he's generous with hugs, he has never before given me a kiss, not even one as innocent as this one. Not this Doctor, anyway. "Ah, but you know, anyway," he says.
My playful grin fades a little. I'm being serious now. "Still it's nice to be told," I remind him softly.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right," he agrees. He stops and turns to me. "Come here, you," he murmurs and pulls me into a hug. I hug him back, enjoying the familiarity of it. His messy hair brushes against my face and neck, and I clasp my arms tighter around him. I love this man. I really do. I'm just not sure how.
"I'm your companion," I say softly. "For better or worse, I'll stay with you. You know that, don't you? Because, see, I'm very glad that you found me, too."
"Glad you think the same. 'Cause, you know, I really care for you, Rose."
It is the closest thing to a declaration of deep feelings he has ever made to me, and I'm a little surprised. He is still hugging me, and for a moment the situation hovers on the edge of awkward. But only for a moment.
Then his face breaks into that familiar wide, enthusiastic grin of his once more, and, with a glint in his eye, he adds, "With all my hearts."
