AN: Hi everybody! Sorry for such a long wait; life caught up with me and, well, the rest is a long story. This is the first part of what will be a three part mini-story within these drabbles, so enjoy :) The next two parts should be up in the next couple days; I won't leave things hanging! Also, I love feedback, so feel free to drop a line if you have suggestions!


"So, Doctor, where did you say we were again?" Rose Tyler gave the TARDIS view screen a brief glance; her eyes were met with the sight of a vast ocean. It would have reminded her of being on a ship, were it not for the fact that said ocean was also bright pink.

Her aforementioned companion met her with an ecstatic grin. "Rose Tyler, we happen to be on the only planet in the entire universe where one can find fresh tetherfish. I promise you, it isn't at all tasty unless it's being served soon after it's caught. It is available on other planets, but it's… imitation!" The Time Lord wore an expression of perfect offense, as if the idea was horribly absurd. Rose had to concentrate on not laughing.

"What you're saying then, Doctor," she began, finding it almost unbearable to stay silent, "is that you brought us here just so that we could have dinner?" It really shouldn't have seemed that strange; the alien had been known to be far more impulsive. But it was strange to her either way: on Earth, this would be the equivalent of her mum flying to Japan just to get real sushi, something that only the richest people could afford. And even then, Rose still thought it to be a catastrophic waste of resources.

The Doctor was unfazed. "Yes, if you really want to cut it that fine. But in reality, Rose, a scrumptious meal is just the tip of the iceberg!" At that moment, it would have been impossible for him to put his feelings into words: he had been keeping a secret from his companion about this place, and said information was just boiling inside of him. It was all he could do to not scream it to the heavens for all to hear.

Instead, the pair went through the standard motions: The Doctor grabbed Rose's hand, and both exited the TARDIS. Stepping out into cool, navy blue grass, Rose was immediately stricken by how this world smelled: from what her woefully underdeveloped nose indicated, the scent that permeated the planet was some strange mix of lavender, rain, and curry. The entire mélange comforted her somehow, and she began to feel calmer about this place. So what if the Doctor had only brought them there to eat seafood? She could at least enjoy the atmosphere in the meantime.

When he did finally glance over at her after he himself had been admiring this planet's beauty, the Doctor found his pink and yellow human in the midst of revelry, most likely about the planet. This pleased him immeasurably; the fact that she could already sense the power here indicated that she had some level of psychic ability, even if it was latent. This would make it all easier when he decided to… well, that was saved for later. For now, he couldn't wait to get to the nearest restaurant because, although he'd never said so, tetherfish was a favorite of his and he hadn't tasted it since before the War. In advancing his plan, he turned to face his companion, the same grin on his face. "Well Rose, what do you say we go find that fish?" The excitement in his voice was on par with that of one who had not eaten in weeks.

Rose, meanwhile, could only grin that trademark smile of hers right back, and reply with the same level of enthusiasm. "Yeah! Although," she paused, her tone shifting to one of thoughtfulness, "do you think they'll have chips? We always seem to have good luck when there're chips." She winked, clearly but wordlessly referring to their first "date", all the way back to when the Doctor had been all ears and roughness.

He laughed at her question, sharing in the memories of his former self, and the impact that this girl—no, woman, had on his recovery. It was very Rose Tyler, he surmised, that she could be on an alien planet ten billion miles from Earth and full of nothing but curiosity about everything around her, and yet she would still ask whether they could possibly get something as mundane as chips. It was this that he loved about her: the fire and the courage that she so readily exhibited intermingling with the carefree nature and naïveté of something so young; the Wolf and the woman living together in harmony within.

Having noticed long ago that the Doctor had begun to stare off into space, Rose allowed him his time before giving his hand a squeeze. "Come on, let's get going!"

The Doctor could not agree more readily. "Yes! Allons-y!" He dashed off through the meadow that abutted the sandy shore, pulling his companion with him, both people exhilarated at the feeling of whooshing air around them. They ran until they reached the town; the TARDIS was now out of sight beyond the nearest hill. Neither was worried about this, however, once consideration was given to the fact that nobody would dare steal it, let alone be successful at getting the doors open.

Following their usual routine now, the Doctor and Rose Tyler walked up and down the streets, seeking a decent restaurant. At last, they decided on a quaint waterfront eatery that was just the right amount of romance mixed with casualty.

To get to the actual restaurant, they had to descend a set of stairs. Upon reaching the bottom of the flight, both were not surprised to find that the view now greeting them was one of underwater life: The setting sun outside tinted the sea purple, and schools of fish both large and small swam about happily. The hostess, a blue-skinned, horned creature, showed them in.

"Welcome, honored guests," she began, "please allow me to show you to your suite." She bade the Doctor follow her, and Rose brought up the rear. They were led off to the West end of the building to a door, which the alien woman quickly opened with the press of a button. Beckoning them inside, a splendid sight awaited: the table was low and appeared to be made of wood, although it was so small that Rose could not see how the Doctor and she could both share it. Across the walls, beautiful tapestries of completely unknown shades obscured any view of the outside and gave the couple privacy. At intervals around the rounded wall, ceiling-high tubes glimmered, and it took Rose a full moment to realize that the lights inside were fireflies of some sort. In all, the effect was breathtaking.

The hostess gave a small bow, and drew her arm about to indicate the space. "This will be yours, if you are pleased with it?"

A nod from the Time Lord was her reply, as he bowed in return. "Yes, thank you. This will suit us perfectly." He hid his excitement, knowing what was to come next. Rose would not understand it, but she would soon find out.

The alien smiled. "Then I will return shortly. For now, please take your accoutrements." She held out two objects: a silvery stick of an almost transparent material, and a stone that seemed to glow with some inner power. The former went to Rose, the latter to the Doctor. After the two gave their thanks, blocks of something were laid out on the table, and then the hostess took her leave.

The Doctor turned to Rose, grabbing her hand and pulling her down with him onto the floor. "Well, Rose Tyler, what do you think?"