Card
"What are you writing Rose?" asked the Doctor, trying to appear as he didn't care…when he did…very much so.
Rose was busy scribbling away in a card. Without bothering to look up, she mumbled into her chest, "A Christmas card…for Mickey."
The Doctor felt trickles of jealousy seep from his pores. He shrugged it off.
"Oh? I guess it is time for your Christmas," he stated, again, feigning disinterest.
At that, Rose looked up, a hint of hurt in her eyes. The Doctor's hearts tightened and his lips became dry. He licked them, attempting to retain his mask of indifference.
"Weren't we gonna celebrate Christmas, Doctor?" she asked softly, a pleading look in her eyes.
And at that, the Doctor felt his hearts melt for this very special human girl for whom he would do anything for.
Including, and especially, celebrating Christmas.
"Of course, I was just teasing you. Now, go get your coat, it'll be snowing when we get there." He smiled tenderly at his sweet companion.
Her smile having returned to her lips, she got up from the console chair and skipped down the hall to her room.
The Doctor's eyes returned to the console chair after Rose disappeared at the end of the hallway. His eyebrows furrowed with curiosity when he saw another card under Mickey's. Not being one to fight his curiosity, the Doctor checked to see if Rose was returning. When he was sure that she wasn't, he made his way quickly to the chair, picking up the other card and tossing Mickey's to the side for now.
Unlike Mickey's card, this one was homemade. It was made of heavy watercolor paper and on top was a watercolor of the Tardis. It was a simple drawing, but the sight of it warmed his hearts. Opening it up, he saw Rose's bubbly print: To my Doctor, thank you for the adventures, the hand holding and the running. Because of you, my life has changed for the better. You've made me better. Thank you. Merry Christmas! Love, Rose
It was a short message, but the words brought moisture to his eyes.
Hearing her footsteps as she made her back to the room, he quickly shoved the card back into place, being as careful as he could be in the process, and jumped off the seat.
"Ready!" Carrying a small bundle of gifts in her arms, Rose stopped by the chair and grabbed the cards, placing them in between the boxes.
The Doctor lowered a level, signaling that they were at the Powell Estate.
"Go ahead, I just need to grab something," he told her.
Rose smiled and made her way out of the Tardis.
The Doctor, still physically shaken from her words, knelt under the console and removed a small gift and card with Rose written in his elegant script on top. Placing them in his pockets, he walked down the ramp to the Tardis doors, smiling and humming to himself.
