A/N. Thank you for your input :) I never sweeten my tea, so I know just how bad it can get when someone decides to 'improve' its flavour for you. But is this the main problem for Rose?
Anyway. I'm done with the update frenzy for now. (Lack of reviews never helps my flow of inspiration, but this was about time I stopped toying with lack of sleep, anyway). Hope you all have a lovely Easter!
Previously…
The pleasant quiet was soon broken by the fierce ginger companion, who looked them over with mock concern. "If my understanding of sweetened is still too much – blame him. "
Rose grinned, not at all upset about her loud entrance.
Then, she took a sip of the tea.
The cup fell from her hands.
Chapter Seven
Soon
Rose manoeuvred herself out of the collage their bodies had formed effortlessly, getting up in a hurry, throwing an apologetic glance at Donna. "Sorry. Sorry. This has nothing to do with you. Nothing!" The girl threw a quick glance at the puzzled Doctor and hurried out.
The Time Lord was stopped by the ginger mid-step. "Now, you wait and listen. I am sure Rose needs some time to change her dress, or wait until it dries... alone!"
"What makes you think you know what she needs? You don't know her!"
Donna sighed, and spoke as if he were a spoiled child. "I'm a human woman, Spaceman. Before you run to her like a lovesick fool, because you certainly look like one, answer me some questions. Okay? Good."
The Doctor glared at her, but allowed the redhead to continue. "Was that about how I prepared the tea? She never said it openly, and I thought two sugars would be good. Was it too little? Too much? Was the tea too hot? Too cold? You must know!"
The Time Lord shrugged hopelessly. None of the passing thoughts from Rose's brilliant mind were of tea… but Donna was not supposed to know. "I honestly don't know, Donna! Can I go to her?"
The human rolled her eyes, then grinned. "Find a proper suit jacket first. It lessens the impression of you looking like a paper straw. Slightly."
The Doctor looked at her knowingly, smirking. "Oh, she didn't seem to mind!"
"That's because she's a lovesick fool, just like you!" Donna rolled her eyes at him. "Why are you still here, I wonder? Run, I'll clean up. Go, go! But knock first!" Maybe Rose was waiting for him in nothing but her underwear. Donna thought about pointing out the possibility for him, but changed her mind. Maybe Time Lords were not turned on by the sight of uncovered body, for all she knew. Not her business, anyway.
A shocked squeak could be heard next door. Rose. Donna sighed.
Rose glared at the Time Lord. "I would have returned in five minutes or so. Do you mind waiting outside my room until I put something more decent on?"
"I have seen you only clad in your underwear. Just several hours ago, as it comes. Have torn your decent clothing off you myself," the Doctor inhaled, remembering. "What do you think I might do? I can turn around and pretend I haven't seen you in this. Might just imagine you wearing a wedding dress instead, it could even be white and lacy, like your undies." Would this be better, Rose?
"You're right, Doctor. I'm sorry!" His lips curled into a smile. The next moment, Rose's eyes grew wide and she wrapped her arms around him, forgetting all about decency. "Sorry about the cup. Sorry about the dress. Sorry about all this!" She backed away the next instant, panicking. I don't know what's wrong with me! Will you save me, Doctor? Will you?
Come with me, Rose.
Whereto?
To the infirmary.
"What? No!"
The Time Lord could feel fear building inside him. No, it was her fear…
Trust me! You know I could never hurt you, Rose! I only need to see-
"Allow me to put a dress on first. You're not my- whatever we are to become. Step outside."
Chastised, he stepped aside, turning away from her, yet refusing to leave the chamber. Aside was similar to outside, he reasoned.
Rose rolled her eyes, annoyed.
"Do you want me to repeat the request in your native language?"
"In Gallifreyan?" his interest was piqued. No exchange of air, blood, whatever could have taught her a language in moments. Least of all his language.
Rose sighed. "All I need is to change in private. Why can't you just-"
"Something's wrong with you! I can't simply leave you like this, Rose!" he tried to assure her, his eyes full of genuine honesty.
The girl smiled at the Time Lord sadly. "You do realise I know what you're thinking, Doctor?"
He nodded. "There is one more thing I do realise, my love. You know just what is happening, don't you?"
Yes. Yes, her arms wrapped around him practically against her conscious will, the need to wear more clothes momentarily forgotten. "You know me. I know you… I love you. You-"
He nodded at her once again. You know what it is without my saying, Rose.
I do. She blushed. "I feel so- so- foolish. Brave. "Hell, why are we even bothering with this any more?" Rose has put her lips on his, connecting their mouths in a kiss which meant everything for them both. It required great self-control from the Time Lord not to place his hands lower on her body… but he was capable of that just fine.
You need to put something decent on, the Doctor reminded, never letting go of her pleasantly warm, incredibly enticing lips.
Or?
The Time Lord's eyes sparkled with hope. Or I might do this, he lit his sonic device and locked the door.
Rose's breath hitched, but she tried her best not to give in to foolish expectations. It was very likely he would use it to dry up her dress, just so they could return to Donna and actually have their tea properly. Maybe even with the Doctor holding her the very same way. Rose smiled, remembering.
Would you like that, my love? He managed to smile at her flirtatiously.
He knew this couldn't be. Or it might just get more painful this time. They would not even need to wait for this long for the unfinished bond to remind about itself.
Is this it, then? Rose's voice sounded merely curious in the Doctor's mind.
We could wait! A howling sound, coming from the TARDIS, made him forget the suggestion at once.
Rose grinned blissfully, allowing the familiar golden glow overtake her. She's calling me. We must. The glow was gone just as soon as it appeared.
"What was it that's just happened?" the blonde eyed the Doctor curiously. It was clear she could not remember this.
Nothing of importance, my Rose. If the TARDIS felt this was the right step to take, right away… The Doctor could not find any reason not to agree with his clever vessel.
This is it, my love.
Rose smirked. No need to change my clothes, then.
None whatsoever, Rose Tyler. Heaven forbid you might want to put something on now.
Off? The fair-haired human could not hide her excitement. They were together, in love, and anything was possible.
I believe I can help you with this, Rose. He smirked back at her.
A/N. Whee! Tell me, darlings – should I keep the rating as it is or change it (for what might or might not follow)?
