It's Called Marriage
Prompt 38: Sunset
River liked the sunset. It was a fiery pink color, lighting the whole world with it's rays. The soft pinks, oranges and reds flickered in the dimming sky, making the whole world look like it was on fire. But it was so peaceful, the air was crisp and cool, the whole world was settling in for the night. It was like the beautiful fire made the whole world settle, and freeze for several hours, and then it sped up again.
She wondered if she liked sunset because of the Doctor.
The effect that the Doctor had on River was so like the effect that sunset had on the world. He was the most exhilarating fire, racing through her veins; but at the same time he was like a hot cup of tea, calming her down instantly. He had made her feel like the only way to live her life was running, exploring, never settling down. And then, he'd come back in her life, and she would feel like she could just...slow down. Start a life-a family-with him.
That was how the Doctor made her feel. She felt like the world at sunset. So full of fire-yet at her calmest point.
She was studying the sunset, contemplating these thoughts when the metallic whirring of the TARDIS was heard. She smiled to herself, thinking about the breaks, and how it wouldn't matter how many times she fixed them-he'd leave them on every time. She ignored the TARDIS, and continued watching the sunset.
She heard the creak of the doors, but ignored them, her eyes focused on the sunset. It was like that for a few minutes, the pair of them just watching the sunset. He was the one who broke the silence, with the words: "Come with me," His voice was surprisingly cheerful. "There's this little planet-edge of the galaxy-they have this wonderful little cafe-and WiFi!"
She smiled to herself and continued studying the sunset, waiting for the words to come to her mind. They finally did, and she spoke them. "What do I mean to you?" Her voice was soft, careful.
She could sense the complete silence behind her. He was at a loss for words, but she didn't care. She'd wait forever to hear his answer.
"Everything River," He said finally, his voice soft and careful. The pain leaked out of the carefully constructed facade. "You mean absolutely everything."
Her eyes closed, she asked: "Are you ever going to stop? Stop running? Are you going to settle down?"
His voice cracked as he responded. "River, if you want a family-"
"No," She said, correcting his accusation. "I just wanted to know."
There was a long silence, once again broken by his voice. "I had a family once. Kids." His voice was soft. "I can't do it again, River."
She nodded, standing up and kissing him. It was a long kiss, a passionate kiss. They stood there and kissed, over and over, her arms draped around his neck, his arms securly around her waist. Protecting her from the world. He was making her feel safe. Calm. "It's called marriage," She thought to herself.
"Just like the sunset," She whispered when the kisses ended and they stepped into the TARDIS.