Part 26

Three hours after taking Martha home, the Doctor continued to pace around the TARDIS control room talking to himself and his ship. "I can't believe I kissed her. Why did I have to go and ruin everything by kissing her?" The sentient ship hummed loudly. "Of course I love her! But it's not that simple. I can't forget what I did to her and neither can she. How do we get past that?" The time rotor continued to move up and down as the TARDIS hummed once again. The Doctor shook his head. "No. I wanted to stay until she'd forgiven me. She obviously has. I'll show her how to use her screwdriver and say goodbye." He walked out of the control room purposefully. "I said no," he announced as he looked up, but continued walking.

--

Martha was just finishing up making breakfast when there was a knock on the door. She set the bowl of cubed fruit on the table and walked to the door.

"Hello," she said as she opened the door.

"Hello," he responded.

After a moment of just staring at one another, Martha cleared her throat and spoke. "Come in."

She led him to the kitchen and finished setting the table.

"So, are you excited?" he asked.

"Are you kidding?" she replied. "I slept with it!"

The Doctor couldn't get the naughty image out of his head. "Did you?" he asked as he raised an eyebrow.

"Doctor," she playfully scolded. The Time Lord smiled sheepishly. "Now, let's finish up breakfast quickly so you can teach me everything."

--

After spending the rest of the morning learning all she could about her new sonic screwdriver, Martha began to test it on random things. The Doctor couldn't help but bounce with glee as his breathtaking doctor became more and more astute with the sonic device.

"Doctor, I honestly don't know how to thank you," she told him.

"The pleasure is mine, Dr. Jones," he said. He continued to just look into her dark eyes as he thought about the wonderful times they'd had.

"Doctor?"

"Sorry," he told her. "Martha, I wanted to thank you for being my friend again. I know you didn't have to, and I can't begin to tell you what it means to me."

"Are you ill?" she asked.

"Of course I'm not ill."

"Then, why do I get the impression that you're saying goodbye?" the young doctor inquired.

"Maybe I am saying goodbye," he responded. "I've been here for months, Martha. I said I wanted you to forgive me. By some divine intervention, you have. Now, I know it's not something we'll ever forget. But, you've no idea how good it feels to see you smile at me once more." He paused as his eyes appeared to be memorizing her face. He tried to lighten the mood. "I reckon I should probably move on and start traveling again. Don't you think? I wouldn't want to wear out my welcome."

"No, that's fine," she said despondently. "I understand. I just didn't think it would be so quickly." The beautiful woman sighed. "But, I do forgive you." She smiled. "I know that you really do value my friendship, and I respect your decision to begin traveling again."

"I appreciate that," he told her. "I know we'll never be more than friends. Last night didn't really count because you'd been drinking. I don't want you to feel guilty and think it's a mistake every time something like last night happened."

"I…I'm leaving in a couple of days. I promise not to be a stranger. I'll visit more often than I did before." He announced, trying to cheer her up. Just as quickly his tone was somber.

"I do have something to ask," she hesitantly told him. He mentally braced himself. "Why?"

The Doctor sighed and looked at the ceiling. He didn't need further explanation of the question. "I…I'm afraid to answer that," he finally replied.

"Doctor, you owe me that much," she told him.

"You're right," he relented. "I need you to know that I'm in love with you. I love you with all of my hearts. I was just…I was so caught up in being with you that, for a moment in time, I thought you finally saw me…and that you wanted to be with me, not the time traveling alien," he said as he wiped a fallen tear from his cheek. He took a deep breath as he continued. "And I wanted to believe it was you that saw me. The real you, like you are now. I slipped up. No words could ever make up for how sorry I am for betraying your trust. I never meant to take advantage of you. I really am sorry." He turned to leave.

Martha stood silently staring after the Doctor as he walked away.

--

The Time Lord let himself inside the TARDIS and closed the door. He walked to the console and stood against the railing surrounding it. He hung his head and sighed, thinking about how he might have ruined the friendship he and Martha had just rebuilt.

The TARDIS door opened and Martha walked up the ramp.

"Well, I guess I really mucked up that friendship," he said quietly. "I wonder if she'll ever speak to me again."

"I'm sure I've told you what a complete Drama Queen you are," Martha stated.

The Doctor yelped and turned to see the former UNIT MO standing a few feet from him. Upon further inspection, he noticed the look of amusement in her eyes.

"This is not funny, Dr. Jones," he told her.

"I agree, Mr. Smith," she said. He couldn't be upset with her after seeing that adorably mischievous smirk on her face. "Can we finish this conversation?"

"Since I'm baring my soul," he began. "I should probably get everything out in the open here and now." Martha nodded for him to continue. "I hate myself for letting you walk out the first time. I hated Tom because you were going to marry him. I recommended you to UNIT because I wanted to know where you were at all times." He looked away so as not to see the disappointment in her eyes. "I'm really happy you're such an amazing, successful person, Martha Jones." He then locked eyes with her. "I know you'd probably be happier if I were nowhere near your life. I've made peace with that. All I want is for you to be happy."

"Then, stop being such a baby and tell me what you want."

"I want you, Martha," he stated confidently.

Martha Jones smiled and put her arms around him. "Good," she said. "Because I want you, too, Doctor."

"Sorry?"

"I want you, too, you big goof," she once again stated before standing on her toes and pressing her lips against his.

Her lips were soft and their movement languid. After a moment, the Time Lord returned the kiss with as much passion as he could put into it. After a few minutes of what Martha would look back on as the perfect kiss, they pulled apart.

"I…I'm speechless," the Doctor announced.

"I'll have to kiss you more often," Martha retorted.

"Oi!"

Martha laughed. The Doctor once again decided that was a sound he never wanted to be without.

"So, will you come back inside and talk with me?" the young doctor asked.

End Chapter 26

Thanks to the people still reviewing. Stick with it. I hope to have it finished in two or three more chapters!