A/N: Eleven is starting to get bold. It's what happens when you love someone.
Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who.
Staying in shadows, he leaned against the TARDIS and watched as his newly-regenerated self walked slowly towards Harriet Jones's assistant and whispered in his ear. Then he rejoined Rose, Jackie and Mickey as they walked to the Powell Estates.
His new form had not completely shaken off his leather-clad self, even if Rose had softened him. He suspected he would always be rough around the edges. Of course, without Rose to snap him back, his dark side came out more than he would like to admit.
He sighed and began his trek to the apartment, pausing when his pajamaed counterpart walked past him and back to his TARDIS. Making eye contact with the bow-tied Doctor, the younger one simply nodded. The Doctor knew this was the perfect time to talk to Rose and he quickened his pace.
It did not escape his notice that this was the last time he would be at the Powell Estates.
His heartbeats quickened and his breath increased as he stood outside the door and knocked. He hit the button on his bowtie and it quickly began blinking Christmas colors.
The most beautiful face in all of creation opened the door, a smile greeting him. He smiled in return; how could he not?
"Hello," she said.
He had trouble speaking. His mouth opened but nothing came out.
She looked at his bow tie and chuckled. "I like your bow tie."
"Bow ties are cool," he choked out.
She kept thinking he looked familiar, but was still having difficulty placing him. Before she could ask what he wanted, he held a slender box out to her.
"What's this?"
Trying to get a rein on his emotions, he swallowed and then closed his eyes. When he opened them, she was still smiling at him, although this time there was a bit of her tongue in teeth. His knees went weak.
"Christmas present for the lovely lady," he whispered.
"Aw, how sweet. From whom?"
Damn. He knew she was going to ask that. How could he tell her?
"The Doctor."
Surprise hit her features, then giddiness. He hadn't lied; he had always planned on giving this to her. She took it gingerly.
"Thank you. I'll open it later this evening."
He nodded, still staring at her. He wanted to memorize her entire face. She seemed to feel a pull towards him, because she didn't step back or close the door on him.
A voice from inside said "Rose, you and your friend are under the mistletoe. You know what that means!"
The Doctor began to panic. He hadn't planned on this. His bow tie continued to blink red and green.
Rose turned back to him, her face flushed. At the same time, they both looked up and saw the sprig of mistletoe. Lowering eyes, they made eye contact.
He had wanted to kiss her in this form. His previous two incarnations had, so why couldn't this one? He decided he would go for it.
The Doctor leaned in slightly, feeling her pull. She did the same. Their lips connected for a brief second, electricity flowing through both of them. He heard her sigh during that brief encounter, as though she knew and accepted him.
He pulled back first. It had only been a peck, but he knew if he had let it continue, he would have thrown her against the wall for a good snog. And he couldn't do that, at least not now. But as he had wished for back on New Earth, he could still feel her on his lips and tasted the honey that was definitely Rose Tyler.
Making a hasty goodbye, after smiling at the beautiful blonde and wishing her adieu, he turned and began walking back down the hallway, his face flushed.
As he approached the stairwell, he saw his other self, now in a brown pinstriped suit, hit the top stair and make eye contact with him again. The Doctor held his gaze, challenging his younger self as he passed him. He narrowed his eyes at the blinking bow-tied one.
Yes, you recognize me.
Smirking to himself, he went down the stairs quickly, jumping the last three steps as he crossed the street and entered the TARDIS, already off to the next destination.
A/N: Thank you, as always, for reading and reviewing. Up next, Eleven gives a talking to Ten in Girl in the Fireplace.
