4 – On a Date
There are many words that Samantha Jones could use to describe the Doctor, but one of them could not be 'ordinary'. So it should come as no surprise to her that he didn't realise that her asking to go out for a meal on the 14th February (cringe-y, she knows) was her asking him to go on a date with her. She enjoys it nevertheless… Until a fleet of Cybermen show up – apparently they were the reason behind the restaurant's workers mysterious disappearances. Fret not, of course the Doctor saved the day again.
And now they're back at the TARDIS and Sam's heart is heavy in her chest. He never notices her advances, he only treats her as anything more than a child (despite her now being 21) when he's drunk and whenever they find just a moment of peace danger leaps out at them. Of course she loves saving the universe, but will they never get a minute to themselves? Though, she wonders, what difference will it make? He'll never love me…
It's slightly odd that he walks her through the hallways, once they're back inside. She is about to ask him if he thinks she's forgotten her way around the TARDIS; they come to a standstill outside her room and she opens her mouth to say it, but he speaks first.
"Despite the slight distraction that arose, thank you for the date. It was lovely."
"Wait," She blinks, surprised, "You actually knew? I mean, it actually registered?"
"Oh, Sam," He grins, "I'm not as absent minded as you think."
"Right, of course you're not," She raises her eyebrows and he pouts in response, earning a quiet laugh from her, "Well, thanks to you. For paying, I mean, and for the night, and for everything."
He smiles sweetly and reaches up to glide his fingers against her cheek – tucking some of her growing hair behind her ear – and then meets her eyes. There's an electric moment between them, and she's sure he's going to do it, but then he takes a step back and opens her bedroom door for her.
"Goodnight, Sam."
Ignoring the frustration in her stomach she smiles at him, "Goodnight, Doctor."