Dinner and a Dance
by
Sabrina Lonewalker
They had tried the Pu-Pu Platter of appetizers and had moved to the main course. He had managed to get her her favorite, cashew shrimp in a sweet soy sauce. He noticed that, as much as she did enjoy eating, she never seemed to take in enough to sustain a bird, let alone a fully grown human being. Not that he ate much either but, he had learned over the centuries that humans not only ate for sustenance but, because the flavors actually mattered.
He watched her as she savored the tastes of the shrimp, cashews and soy sauce combined in her mouth. Her expression as she closed her eyes told him more about her than she ever could. Then, she looked at him, caught him staring and then she blushed the most delicate shade of pink he had ever seen. "Sorry," The Doctor dropped his eyes, "Didn't mean to stare." Serena smiled softly, "It's ok."
He then shocked her again as he got to his feet and music began to play. He extended his hand to her. "Care to dance?" He asked. She looked up at him sharply. "I thought you said you couldn't?" He smiled, that age old smile of his she found so appealing. "I said I didn't, never said I couldn't." She smiled and placed her hand in his. He drew her out onto the small floor gently and a waltz began to play. She was surprised. He could dance very well.
They dance for a long time as she let him lead her around the floor. Finally, he spun her back to the table and she sat down laughing. He took his chair and smiled as he lifted his wine glass to his lips. "You enjoying yourself so far?" Serena lifted laughing eyes to his. "Yes, I am. I like being with you." His eyes looked startled for a second or two then relaxed. He realized that she meant it. She liked being with him, not as the great Timelord travelling time and space but him, the Doctor, the man he was.
This was a new experience for him. He knew that even Rose had held him in a certain amount of awe. Serena however, she seemed to be able to see into him and find things he normally never let anyone see. Rose had seen somethings within him but Serena, Serena seemed to see everything there was. He wondered if this time things could be different.
Serena looked at him, "You're thinking again, your face shows it. Past loves?" He was really startled now. "Yes, but, how did you know?" Serena smiled sadly. "Your eyes had that faraway look and there was a hint of a sad smile. That and I could sense a melencholy about you that wasn't there before. I guess that has to do with my heritage after all, I do come from a long line of Shaolin priests."
The Doctor smiled at her. "That could be, I hadn't thought of that before." He ran one finger on the rim of his glass. "You have learned to read me rather well." Serena smiled, "Well, after travelling with you for eight years, I should. Look, It's probably time that I..." She didn't get to finish. "No, I don't want you to leave, please?" Serena reached across the table and took his hand in hers, "Are you sure?" She looked directly in his dark brown eyes. He smiled, "I'm sure." She nodded.
He smiled and the dinner finally ended. She went back to her room to change and get ready for bed. She needed time alone to assimilate what had just happened between her and the man who had come to mean the world to her. She slid into the bed and pulled the blanket up to her chin. Soon, the song of the TARDIS lulled her to sleep.
TBC