"Do I have time to shower while you set up your gadgets?" River asked as they walked hand in hand out to the TARDIS.

"Yes. I'm going to have to do some recalibrating before we start."

He kissed her forehead as they walked through the doors. The TARDIS made a loud noise as they came up the stairs, causing the Doctor to jump and River to laugh.

"What was that for?" he challenged the machine, embarrassed that he had been startled.

"She was just saying hello to me, Doctor. I didn't get to have a proper chat with her yesterday and I haven't even seen her since...well since this." she said, waving a hand at her stomach. "And a very good morning to you as well, dear friend. Thank you."

The TARDIS groaned in reply.

"I should think so." River said thoughtfully.

He looked at her as the TARDIS again spoke.

She laughed, "He bloody well better not count on it!"

Sending him a smile and a wink, she walked away toward their room.

How could they talk all the time? Even he couldn't find a way to communicate very well with her.

A small seed of jealousy bit his heart as he began his work but he quickly brushed it off.

They could talk all they wanted. He would find a way to understand too one day.

One day AFTER I know River is safe.

River gingerly stepped into the spray of the warm shower. Her sore muscles relaxed as she emmersed herself. It felt incredible.

All the exhaustion of the expedition had caught up to her, of course, but not even that could push out the overwhelming desire to be clean again.

She knew she was a dirty mess. It was time for a fresh start.

As she let the water wash the dirt and grit away, she began to hum. It was one of the few things she remembered from her childhood. The words were gone, but the melody still ran through her every thought, like it was part of who she was.

Once she was clean, she readied herself and grabbed a comb, beginning the process of untangling her wild curls as she left the room to find the Doctor.

"I'm under the console, River!" he shouted when he heard her calling.

Seconds later she appeared, freshly showered and still combing out her hair.

He stood and offered her his seat. "oh, such a gentleman!" she laughed as she kissed his cheek and sat in the swing.

"have you got everything figured out and ready yet?"

"oh, ages ago. I've just been-well, that's not important. Here," he said, handing her a glass of water, "drink this."

Her eyebrow raised suspiciously, but she took a sip as he continued.

"Hydration is very important for you. You should always be hydrated. now, After you've had your water, we're going to put your arm back into the console again and see what it says this time."

River rolled her eyes. "putting my hand back in is your big idea?"

He looked offended. "oh, come on, river. There's no other way to find out and i can't have big elaborate plans every time." he pouted.

"oh alright. Let's get this over with." she said, emptying her glass and standing. "better sooner than later..."