A/N: I know you're all eagerly waiting for Utopia, sorry to make you bust for another chapter. Much love to all of you lovely reviewers and followers! You guys make my days even brighter ^^


Chapter 50: Serendipity Part 2

Morning came fairly quickly as Martha woke up to the sound of the TARDIS humming in her ears. Sometimes she wished that the magnificent ship would just let her sleep in every once in a while, but as this was an extraordinary trip she made an exception. Of course it was more special for the Doctor and Rose as it was still their honeymoon.

Dressing herself in another set of appropriate attire for the beach she made her way to the console room. Neither one of them occupied it. There were only two guesses as to their whereabouts; they either remained outside after stargazing and watching the light show, or they came back into the TARDIS for the night. Whichever guess it was one thing was common between both possibilities—they were being…intimate.

Again, what they did in their private lives wasn't any of her business—none at all—but ever since they bonded they could barely keep their hands off each other. While she was more than happy to see them in the greatest moods since first meeting them in the hospital, she felt as if she were invading their privacy beyond a shadow of a doubt. Imagining what they had been like before befriending her wasn't difficult as she's seen how they would bounce around the console, dancing to music. Even when she had walked in on them during their activity she felt like an intruder. They were two of her dearest friends, but she didn't want to be the third wheel.

She shook her head. That wasn't the way she should be thinking. Especially when they were having the time of their lives. All of them.

Exiting the TARDIS, she noticed the Doctor's jacket missing. Unsurprisingly they were already awake, but where were they? The sound of familiar giggles got her attention, prompting her to turn her head. She saw them in the distance on the other side of the island rolling around in the sand in another playful fight. Just watching them gave off an infectious liveliness that made her smile. Walking over to them she noticed something glimmering off of Rose's wrist from the double sunshine. It looked like a bracelet the closer she came to them.

Once she was near she got their attention as they stopped in their spots, Rose ending up on top of the Doctor. "Mornin'," she said cheerfully. "We were passing time 'til you woke up."

"I can see that," Martha laughed. "Just so much fun in the sun, right?"

"Oh yes," the Doctor replied, lightly pushing Rose off of him to sit upright. He brought a hand up to shake off the grains of sand dusting his hair. "But today's gonna be different. There's a resort just on the other side if you girls would want to—" '

Not even giving him a chance to finish speaking, the girls eagerly pulled him to his feet and tugged him along.

"Blimey," he said. "Should've known it was rhetorical. And…you're going in the wrong direction.

The spa resort was huge and definitely befitting for the entire planet as it offered the most luxurious cares and services for the visitors. With the use of his trusty psychic paper the Doctor was able to check the three of them into the special guest spa suite that was free of charge—which may have had something to do with the fact that he made the paper say they were royals. Always a title to come in handy.

One of the attendants, who had gills and closely resembled a seal, led them up to the room; large and immaculate as the entire atmosphere was bathed in a golden light. Numerous jacuzzis elevated on coral platforms, skirting the area of the room and ranging from various shapes and sizes as well as border the rectangular pool in the center.

Not wasting any time, the girls went into their changing room while the Doctor simply shrugged off his trousers. He thought ahead and supplied himself with his extra swim trunks since humanoid visitors were a rarity to arrive here, and he instructed the girls to do the same. They wouldn't want to be forced out if they were left to go commando. Not that a situation like that would be comfortable for the three of them…but unless if it was just he and Rose in the privacy of their own en suite onboard the TARDIS…

Definitely worth a try.

"And you claim that you're not lustrous."

The sound of Rose's voice in his mind caused him to blush for a moment, but he recovered as he grinned mischievously.

When the girls emerged in their bathing suits they each made their way to the jacuzzis. Martha chose one with a deep hole for easier relaxation while Rose picked the highest one. Carefully climbing onto the coral ladder leading up to it she slowly stepped inside, with the Doctor following and holding her hand to make sure she wouldn't slip. The water was steamy and gave off a zesty fragrance of lemons and strawberries as bubbles popped away. It was fairly shallow when the Doctor sat down first, bringing his arms up to rest on the edge of the jacuzzi and lolling his head back as the relaxing heat massaged his muscles.

Rose took her spot right beside him, enjoying the steam as she sighed. "Feels good," she breathed out.

The Doctor hummed, his eyes slipped shut. "Very good."

"'S just as amazing as the ocean."

"Well, we should hope so," he said. "The waterline on this planet is clear and clean like a shiny diamond. Which, now that I mentioned it, we should do later on."

"You mean search for the diamond reef?"

"Yep. It'd be nice to settle if the myth is really fact or fiction."

"Another mystery to solve," she said lightly. "Though if we get attacked by the Loch Ness Monster—"

"Creature similar to the Loch Ness Monster," the Doctor corrected.

"Yeah, whatever. If we get attacked by one, I'm gonna smack you."

"Oh, it's nothing to worry about," he told her. "The creatures here are good-spirited, and wouldn't hurt an apple fly - which are incredibly dangerous, never come into contact with those pests. Nasty buggers, they are. One bite from them and you could blow up to the size of a Slitheen."

Rose laughed. "Thanks for the heads up."

Closing her eyes, Rose inhaled the sweet amalgam of scents coming from the water. One of her hands came to rest on the Doctor's knee as she tenderly caressed his skin. He hummed and gently nudged her mind, causing her to smile. Mirroring her movements he brought his own to hers, sending electric shocks through their bodies.

"I'll never get tired of this," Rose said softly.

"Neither will I," he responded. "You know…now would be a good time for some practice sessions."

Rose groaned. As much as she would love to improve their bond, all she wanted to do was relax in the steaming water. "Can we please do it later?" She asked. "I know I said last night that we could do it tomorrow, but…not now."

The Doctor chuckled. "Stubborn," he murmured.

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After spending a bunch of time in the relaxing hot tubs the trio dried off and were treated to an abundance of meals consisted of a variety of freshly grown fruits from the trees and other likings which were offered by the resort. Feasting upon the delicious food given to them, the Doctor suggested they search for the mysterious diamond reef under the ocean. Eager for a possible discovery they each slipped on their clothes and ran out to the beach, still unoccupied. Shedding their layers and returning to their swimwear, the girls ran into the water but the Doctor seized them by the arms.

"Now, wait a second. Before we go snorkeling…" he reached into one of the pockets of his swim trunks.

"Lemme guess, you supplied us with diving masks," Rose assumed.

A smile grazed his lips. "Better than those." He pulled out a handful of what looked to be…chewing tablets.

Martha looked at them oddly. "They look like vitamins."

"Not vitamins, respirators," he said happily. "Take one of these and you'll be able to breathe underwater for long periods of time." He sniffed. "Also get all of the essential nutrients in the process."

"What flavor are they?" Martha asked curiously.

The Doctor stared at her and blinked once. "Really, Martha?" She shrugged in response, waiting for his answer. With a sigh, he told her. "Banana."

Rose laughed. "Of course they are. Don't suppose you have any pear flavored ones, do ya?"

He gave her a pointed look and she couldn't help but laugh again. "I'm not even responding to that rhetorical and nonsensical question."

"Apparently you are," she teased.

He grumbled as he handed over the tablets. "Now, beings as we're diving deep you'll wanna take about two. Double the strength."

"How long do each last?" Martha asked as she palmed hers.

"Well, it depends solely on physiology. You, being a human, would mean that two tablets would allow you to breathe for…" he squinted one of his eyes and pressed his tongue to the back of his upper row of teeth as he calculated. "One hour, forty-seven minutes, and fourteen seconds."

"That's an odd duration," she snorted.

"Yeah, they're a bit…wonky. These are the first edition. Now if I had the twenty-eighth you'd be able to breathe underwater for eighteen years." He tilted his head. "Though I don't believe a human would wanna live in an ocean with no telly or other forms of entertainment. Unless-"

"Then how long will they last for us?" Rose cut in.

"Oh, about…five hours and fifty-six minutes. For you, at least. Since you're not fully human you're able to withstand the rushes easily. Me, being a Time Lord, would mean I'd last the longest."

Rose snorted. "Yeah, I know, you and your 'superior physiology.'"

He clicked his tongue and winked at her as the girls took the pills. The Doctor popped a couple in his mouth as well. While his respiratory bypass allowed him to hold his breath for a significant amount of time, it was still better to take safety precautions. Once they were ready, he led them down the shoreline and swam out to the deep end.

"Let's split up," he told them. "You and Martha dive down and go east. I'll head over to the cliffs."

"Okay," Rose answered.

"And what if we happen to bump into that…similar-to-but-not-the Loch Ness Monster?" Martha asked warily.

The Doctor shrugged. "Try not to frighten it. It's supposed to be friendly, so don't get on its bad side. Don't worry about it. Just focus solely on finding a diamond reef."

"What happens when we find it?" Rose asked.

"I dunno. We shout Eureka," he joked. "It's only a simple mystery to be solved for fun. Come on!"

He dove under making his way to the bottom. The girls followed suit, letting him lead the way. After a moment, he gave them a thumbs up signal before wading away in his direction. The cliffs weren't too far as he made it to their ridges. With a careful hand he examined the material for any trace of crystals, which was a sign of nearby diamonds. Scanning the cliff he maneuvered to the other side, finding nothing.

"Any luck?" He asked Rose through their link.

"Nothin' yet."

"Yeah, same scene here. Check in if you see something like crystals or any other shiny objects."

"'Kay."

Though the day before they had a water war—a lot of it happening on the surface—the few incidents where they ended up under the water, they never took the opportunity to take in the beauty of the sandy depths. The double beam of golden light shining from the sky illuminated the ocean floor, casting small shadows from the tall vegetation. No sea creatures—or as the Doctor had said, no residents—were in sight. All that could be heard was the rushing of the water in their ears along with the faint sounds of the whispering tree branches in the far distance on the outskirts of the shore.

Going down even deeper to the point where walking on the sand below was possible, the girls continued on in their own direction. What a swimming experience this was turning out to be. Searching for a mysterious reef supposedly made entirely out of diamonds and also on the lookout for a mythical creature. Quite the honeymoon. Then again, this seemed very…them. Coming across a normal coral reef they observed it closely. A small glimmer was reflecting off of it. Did that mean the diamond reef could be real and near?

"Doctor, there's crystals on this one," she informed him. "Just a little."

"Brilliant!" he exclaimed. "One step closer to solving this so-called myth. Keep searching."

Rose beckoned Martha with a wave of her hand as they followed the line of reefs. A sudden wave threw them off for a moment. Turning their heads to the side they saw nothing but the ocean floor. Odd. A guttural sound shook the ocean floor. Martha's eyes widened and Rose shrugged.She alerted the Doctor to come right over. Turning a reef the sound was heard again and they swam faster. Risking a look behind them Rose inwardly gasped at the creature following them.

Not a myth anymore.

The Doctor followed the wave to the girls' location, eager to see what they've discovered. But by the way Rose sounded, he hoped it was nothing too serious. And by the inhuman humming that shook the waters, they knew they weren't alone. Twisting around a large reef he noticed a creature. The creature. Fairly large but not a towering length, it had a broad flat body in an emerald shade, gliding through the water with ease with four long flippers, a short tail, an elongated neck and small head.

"Oh, you are beautiful," he thought.

"One myth confirmed to be real," Rose cut in.

The Doctor followed the creature who moved in sluggish strokes. It suddenly came to a stop and turned to face him. His brows shot up when he felt a wave enter his mind. It was telepathic.

"Oh, hello," the Doctor greeted as he approached it. "Sorry to come upon your…home. We were just passing through, just visitors is all." The creature studied him and made the sound again. "I assure you we're not dangerous. Trust me. Mind my saying so, but you are an interesting species." Another sound. "Ah, last of your kind. I can understand that very well."

A number of feet away Rose sensed the Doctor in her mind, sending calming waves of safety. She and Martha swam over to see him and the creature communicating. Wait, it was telepathic? Rose's interest came up as she tried to speak to it. As she sent her greeting the creature turned to her and made a sound. She smiled.

"Amazing," she breathed out.

The Doctor grinned widely. "Absolutely stunning."

After brief conversing with the creature the topic of the diamond reef came up as they asked for directions to see if it were real. If the monster was factual, then a simple reef composed of shining jewels should be no exception. Surprisingly the creature led then to the actual source, to which they inwardly shouted, "Eureka!"

How's that for discovery, Jacques Cousteau?

Saying their goodbyes to the kind creature they each emerged from the surface, laughing breathlessly. "I've seen a lot of things since travelling with you two," Martha spoke up. "But seeing you two channeling your inner Aquaman may have climbed to the top of the list of surprises."

The Doctor and Rose exchanged looks before grinning like loons. Making their way back to the shore they each dried off before the Doctor fetched his Oxford and slung it around Rose. The suns were beginning to set, meaning the light show would start again.

Martha noticeably yawned. "Wow, this day went by a hell of a lot faster than yesterday."

"Well, time flies when you're having fun," Rose said. The Doctor opened his mouth to speak, but she cut him off. "I know, you've went over the true explanation of that phrase, so please don't go into that spiel."

"Spoiling everything," he muttered. "Oh, come on, the lights are about to start. Martha, you didn't get a chance to see them last night."

"I know, I'll stay."

Seating themselves on the sand they watched the light show once again, and it was just as spectacular as the night before. As it was Martha's first viewing, she gazed in awe at the combing hues twisting themselves in intricate designs. After so long it appeared to be nearing its end, and the sound of a deep exhale got their attention.

Rose's head was resting on the Doctor's shoulder as she seemed to have fallen asleep. He snorted. "Old habits, he whispered to Martha.

"Even aliens need sleep, you know," she said. "Or…advanced humans in her case."

He raised his brows and smirked. "Guess this calls for the night, then." Shifting slowly, he carefully took Rose in his arms and stood to his feet. "Night, Martha."

She smiled. "Night."

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A familiar cool sensation pouring into her mind along with a calming hum and the feel of a pair of cool, moist lips pressing softly to her temple woke Rose up. Somehow she must have made it back to the TARDIS after falling asleep while watching the light show in the sky. At least the Doctor wasn't attempting to get her out of the bed, at least not by tossing her out. She was still clad in her bathing suit, but she remembered he had given her his Oxford to wear. Only now it was gone. Knowing him he probably took it off of her himself when he carried her back in the TARDIS. Attachment.

A soft chuckle escaped him from behind her and she smiled. He pressed a few kisses to her bare shoulder before lifting them off completely and landing on the hollow of her neck. She let out a content sigh and relaxed in his arms. Only the Doctor could make mornings seem so much better—or what had seemed like mornings on the TARDIS.

The arm that was secured around her waist moved back slightly to graze the soft skin of her side with his hand, his fingertips ghosting along her ribs then down to her stomach just above her navel, and repeated the motion. A chill ran through her as his movements caused her to have gooseflesh, a smile creeping on her face. He, too, grinned smugly against her skin at her reaction to his touches. The Doctor hummed softly as he continued his trail of kisses up her neck to the corner of her jaw while his fingers danced along her ribs and stomach.

His breath heated against her cheek as he ascended his mouth to take her earlobe between his teeth, giving it a little nibble. Her breath hitched and she felt him smile again. He always knew he was brilliant at making her feel like she was floating in the clouds and always boasted about it. A cold shiver shot through her as his thumb brushed on a sensitive spot over her ribs while he traced the shell of her ear with parted lips.

Sending him a calming wave through their link, she kept her eyes closed and enjoyed the tingling sensation coursing through her body. If he was trying to wake her up he was doing a poor job of it as she felt herself drifting back to sleep. He stopped his ministrations on her ribs and lifted his hand up to place on her shoulder, caressing it tenderly with his thumb.

His lips moved to whisper in her ear. "I know you're awake, so please get up." She remained still, hugging the covers only to have them tugged away and she groaned. "C'mon, there's no excuse for you to lay around in your burrow," he said in a soft, serious tone. "No need for you to fall back into your hibernating tendencies."

She groaned. "Can't we just stay like this for a little while?"

"In other circumstances, I wouldn't mind. But we've got work to do—you, more specifically."

He shifted in the bed to pull off her covers completely, and she squeaked at the sudden chills hitting her exposed skin not covered by her bathing suit. She had a very good idea of what he was referring to: practicing on strengthening their bond.

"Can I at least put on some clothes?" she suggested, still laying in her spot. "'M still in my swimsuit." She looked at him accusingly. "And youtook my shirt."

He snorted, his hands coming up to hold his collar. "Your shirt? I let you borrow mine."

She smiled cheekily. "What happened to 'sharing is caring'?"

"Well…"

Giving him a playful push, Rose raised herself up to a seated position. "Whatever. I still need to change."

The Doctor shook his head. "No you don't. In fact you're perfectly equipped for our sessions." She arched an eyebrow at him. "Trust me," he told her. "You'll wanna shed some layers off when going through these. Relaxation is a main technique, and making yourself comfortable is a part of it."

"Okay, then can I at least change out of this?" she asked, gesturing at her bathing suit. "I wore it all day yesterday and slept with it on. I think it's lost all comfort now."

The Doctor took in her appearance and sighed after a moment. "Fine. Just…don't be too heavy with the clothing. As little layers as possible."

Rose threw him a tongue-in-teeth grin. "Lecherous old man," she teased.

"Insatiable little minx," he shot back with a grin.

She giggled before leaning over to give him a lingering kiss on the lips. He allowed it, but when she raised her hands to angle his face in an attempt to deepen it, he stopped her by wrapping his fingers gently around her wrists. Humming in protest, he broke the kiss.

"Not yet," he said.

Rose grumbled. "Buzzkill," she commented.

"As much as I would love to accommodate you, we need to work on strengthening the bond through you. We don't want anyone else runnin' around in your mind."

"But we're on holiday," she reminded. "Our honeymoon. Which implies no work, just play."

The Doctor chuckled. Oh, this woman. He lowered her hands and placed them in her lap. "I promise we'll continue this after a few lessons. Alright?"

Rose rolled her eyes. "Okay, fine."

Getting up from their bed she went over to their wardrobe to pick out a change of clothes. Choosing a pair of crimson shorts and a pale blue camisole, she laid them down on the dresser before stripping out of her two piece bathing suit set. She could easily feel the Doctor's eyes burning in the back of her neck and inwardly blushed. Though it wasn't anything odd for them, her stomach would always swoop on the receiving end of his heated gazes.

"Enjoying the show, are ya?" she teased through their link.

"Oh, yes," he breathed out.

Before she knew it, she heard him shift off of the bed to come stand behind her. His hands rested on her hips and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek then made his way down her neck. His tenderness and sensuality would always be greatly appreciated and adored, but if he was determined to have her full attention to testing out their bond again, he'd have to restrain himself. And so would she.

Turning around she placed her hands on his chest and gently eased him back, arching an eyebrow at him. "Thought you said 'not yet'?"

He licked his lips and nodded. "Right. Yes. Sorry." Backing away from her, he let her finish changing into her clothes, still ogling her in the process. Definitely a lecherous old man.

Once Rose was done she turned to face the Doctor. "Are you comfortable?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm good," she answered. "Now what?"

Without another word he shrugged off his Oxford agonizingly slow, as if he were torturing her with every inch of his glorious skin being revealed to her, then tossed it unceremoniously to the side. Her eyes fixed on his firm, toned skin, slightly tanned from spending so much time in the suns the day before. God, he's gorgeous. He cleared his throat, bringing her gaze back up to his.

Rose crossed her arms over her chest. "That's so not fair."

"What?" he said innocently.

"And you say that I'm distracting."

"I said that the less layers, the more comfortable and the better. And that applies to me as well, Rose."

"You're really tryna test me," she said.

A lopsided grin appeared on his face. "Well, let's hope that you pass, then."

She strolled over to him and poked him in the chest. "Same goes for you."

The Doctor nodded. "I'll restrain myself. Now, the importance of strengthening your mentality is to be aware of everything that's around you," he began. "The mind is a precious delicacy, and when available to the simplest being or entity, it could easily be abused by force."

Rose snorted. "Yeah, never run into any more bitchy trampolines."

He smirked. "Oh, there's all sorts of species out there that could try to barge their way through here," he tapped a finger to her temple as he began to pace around her. "Nestenes, Silurians, Osirians, Sensorites, the Eight Legs, Kitlings and the Cheetah People, Gastropods, Bodach, Vulcans—"

"Woah, wait, hold on," Rose cut in. "Vulcans? Are you saying there's a possibility we could run into Spock?" she asked with a laugh.

He tiled his head. "Weeeell, not really. For one thing they're not real. Well, technically. But there is a race called the Rututamings, and they're quite similar to Vulcans. Pointed ears and all. Main difference is they're not void of any emotion, and don't actually speak verbally."

Rose shook her head. Though she's seen so much in the world, she hasn't seen everything. And neither did he. "Okay, I get it," she said, bringing him back on the topic. "Finish your lesson, teacher."

He chuckled through his nose. "Right, now where was I…?" He tilted his head before exclaiming, "Ah! Yes. Like I was saying, there's plenty of telepathic species in the universe, and for them manipulation of the mind is like child's play. So to avoid any of them getting inside of your head, you have to put up your defenses—barriers to block them out."

Rose nodded. "Got it." She turned to look over her shoulder to face him as he stopped his pacing. "You want me to imagine doors, 'm guessing."

The Doctor smiled proudly. Always being her brilliant self. "Exactly." He booped her nose with his finger. "Gold star for you."

"Okay, I understand that," she said. "And what's your position gonna be? The bloke who eyes me up and down?"

Raking his eyes over her appearance, a deep hum escaped from his chest. "Trust me," he said in a low voice. "It'll all make sense."

Catching the slightest glimpse of her tongue peeking out to lick her lips, he twitched inside. Rassilon, and he thought he was highly sensitive and affected by each and every one of her mannerisms before the bonding. At least he had enough sense to control himself. Somewhat.

"Just close your eyes," he softly directed.

Rose complied as she turned her head back around and slipped them shut. A small wave of warmth hit the small opening of her upper back where her camisole was cut as the Doctor came closer, pressing his chest against her back, his hearts vibrating through her. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently massaged her skin with his thumbs.

"Think of the things you wouldn't want anyone else—besides myself—to see. Imagine a door or a gate, and keep it locked tight." He leaned down to whisper in her ear, "Concentrate."

Her insides shook and she smiled. "'S kinda hard to do anything with my incredibly gorgeous teacher distracting me."

A low growl escaped from his chest. "Complete your lesson, and you'll be rewarded," he told her.

"Oh, God. That's so cliché," she commented.

"And yet you still love it."

Still keeping her eyes closed, she felt the Doctor back away from her. Doing as told, she thought of some things she'd never want anyone to see. If she was honest, there were certain memories that she'd wished could be easily forgotten and not want to be brought up again, just like the Doctor. But during the bonding process she wanted to open herself completely to him as he did to her. He spilled his secrets onto her and she did the same for him, no matter how painful and depressing they were.

Taking a deep breath, she remembered one of the worst things that ever happened to her in her life: the day she dropped out of school to run away with Jimmy Stone. Just thinking about it now was enough to make her sick to her stomach. She could still hear her mother's worrying cries about her safety when she returned home after it all. Over the years she regretted a great deal of things, but that was probably the worst mistake she's ever made. Everyone left home in the end, but what she had done was drop everything and went with a boy she hardly knew anything about and was brought into a world of pain.

All of the lies, the deception of what she believed was an amazing and exhilarating life backfired on her almost instantly. And then the abuse…

Shuddering at the repressed memories, she inhaled another shaky breath as she tried to keep the memories intact as hurtful as they were. Seeing the face of that boy made her insides churn with disgust. She could only imagine exactly how the Doctor felt when he strolled through that part of her mind when he first created the bond. No doubt he was furious about it. She wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to go back in time just to unleash the Oncoming Storm on the boy. Of course that wasn't the reasonable and wise thing to do as it was interference with the laws, and even if it was allowed, that boy wasn't worth it now.

What she had now was worth everything. Dealing with all of the setbacks and unpleasantness that her old life brought her in the past led her to run across the universe and fly across the stars with the man she loved more than anything. Her husband. That alone sets her life straight in the direction she was going in, and her choices made. And it was all for the good, and the greatest decision she's ever made. Knowing that whatever grief they may come across in the future—which she really didn't want to dwell on, since this was the happiest she's ever been—she'll always know that they'd make it through it all, no matter what.

As long as they had each other's hand to hold, they would be able to face down whatever challenges the universe throws at them.

She flinched and inwardly gasped when she felt the Doctor's fingertips on her temples as he moved to stand in front of her. "Shhh, relax," he told her quietly. "Now I'm going to enter slowly so not to disrupt you, just like always. But this time don't show me your thoughts; try to block me out. Okay?"

Rose nodded. "Yeah."

Feeling his cool, calming essence penetrate her mind was so welcoming that she would never hide anything from him, but as this was an exercise she did as directed and tried to keep him out. With the memories lingering she tried to imagine a large, gated door and to place it in front of it. She misguided and it was still opened up.

"Concentrate," he said through their link.

Feeling like she was drifting off she tried again with a little more strain. A slight pain began to form at the crown of her head as she tried to lower the door in front of her opening. It began to teeter and shake. Screwing her eyes shut even tighter she used as much might as she could to get her defenses up.

"Steady now, Rose," the Doctor said calmly. "Don't strain yourself, you'll only end up hurting. Just put up a barrier. It's not too hard."

"Sure, maybe not for you," Rose scoffed out loud, opening her eyes. "You've got over nine hundred years of experience with this stuff. Give a girl a break, will ya?"

"Sorry. I'm sorry. I meant no offense by that," he told her. "You're doing good, Rose. You're putting in a lot of effort, and that's a very good thing. This takes time. Just…don't try too hard. Relax," he added in his mind.

Accepting his apology Rose closed her eyes again and made another attempt at blocking him out. She exhaled a deep breath that shook her insides as she was finally able to lower her door. Examining the exterior it appeared too…simple. Definitely something that could still be barged through. She may not have knowledge of all of those telepathic species the Doctor had mentioned, but if he said there were many types that were strong, she was sure that they'd easily break their way into her mind. Brushing away the door and chucking it off somewhere she replaced it with an even larger door than the previous one. Lowering it down, she heard a crank as it shut.

"Good. Very good," the Doctor encouraged. "I can still feel your presence, though. Try masking it. Lock it up tight. You have complete control of that door. Use it to your best advantage."

Despite feeling safer with a heavier door, it still seemed to be a little ineffective for her to contain everything behind it, so she tried a different alternative. Instead of a wooden, gated door she envisioned one made entirely out of steel with binding chains around it with a lock. Of course only she had the key. Sensing it lower down slowly, she held her shields up and kept them sealed shut tight.

Slowly creeping through the pathways available to him, the Doctor was wary as he reentered Rose's mind. As much as this was a habit of theirs now, it didn't change the fact that he was still cautious to take a few peeks at what lies in the crevices of her conscience though she bared herself completely for him, pouring everything out for him to see on the night of their consummation. But should a day come where they encounter another telepathic being—which he prayed to Rassilon would never happen—safety precautions are to be taken seriously.

Speaking from experience having one's thoughts invaded and tampered with by another without permission is vile. Having such an ability is beneficial for sure, but with the wrong intentions it can be a burden. He never made a habit of entering another's mind unless it was out of desperation to figure something out. The receiving ends would find it strange and uncomfortable, but luckily it was a breeze with Rose who took it willingly with ease.

A small burning feeling crept onto him as he delved deep enough and came across her barriers. He smiled proudly. It was…incredible. She was incredible beyond limits. She had just achieved in something that should've taken weeks of hard work and patience for her to even accomplish just a fraction, and once again, she proved him wrong and surprised him.

"Oh, brilliant!" he praised. "Clever move using a steel door. I used them myself, they're very defensive. Nothing can come through those, not even someone as experienced as myself."

"Well, you don't have to lock things up around me anymore," she said sincerely.

His hearts warmed up. "Nope. Neither do you," he opened his eyes and saw her own boreing into his. "Well, that's one session completed." At the end of his announcement Rose made a move to bring him down for a kiss but he stopped her with his hands seizing her by the shoulders. "Wait, we're not finished just yet."

She groaned. "Doctor—"

"There's one other thing we need to go over," he assured her before saying with a sly grin. "And I think you'll enjoy it greatly."

"That so?" Rose said with an arched brow. "What is it then?"

"Enhancing the senses," he answered. "Along with a strong mind, you need to be most aware of your surroundings. And if a situation should happen where one of them is disabled or hindered, you'll have to rely on your others to be your greatest assets."

"But aren't they already pretty advanced?" Rose asked. "I mean, I'm connected to the TARDIS, and my system is stronger than an average human's. I should be enhanced already."

The Doctor nodded once. "And you are. Except they could be so much more." He lifted one of his hands off of her shoulder and with a single finger slowly glided down her arm, making her shiver. "You know that tingle? That spark underneath your skin? Up until now it's an after effect from the bond, amplifying mutual pleasures. But it could have another purpose, one that could be used in dodgy situations. Not only could it heighten your sense of touch, but all of the others would increase as well."

As his fingers lightly danced down the lengths of her arms then back up in a repetitive path creating electricity he leaned forward, his face nuzzling the crook of her neck as he inhaled deeply.

"Scent…" Lifting his head his lips ghosted over her ear and whispered. "Sound…" Her insides shook from the combination of heat and chills, balancing each other out. Pulling back he rested his forehead on hers, letting her drown in his gaze. "Sight…" His fingers froze as he moved his hands up to cup her cheeks. Dipping down he waited until he was about a fraction away from her lips when he whispered the last sense. "And taste…"

Closing what little space was between them Rose's hands rested over both of his hearts as he traced her bottom lip fully with a gentle swipe of his tongue, and as always she allowed him entrance, leading to simultaneous moans. Damn him for being so bloody brilliant at making her melt with just a simple touch. Would there ever be a time when she wouldn't grant him access? If so, then it would probably be the end of the world. No, even then she was certain that the effects wouldn't stop. Not at all.

He abruptly broke the kiss and she groaned. Why couldn't the lessons be done sooner?

"Because these will help us both for the future," the Doctor answered out loud. "We can't have anyone or anything creeping through your head again."

"I know," she responded, patting him on the back before releasing herself from his arms. "All right, then. How does this work?"

"Close your eyes," he requested, moving to stand behind her. His hands rested on her shoulders again as he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Stand still." His cheek pressed against hers before he shifted, pillowing her head on his chest and heating her up with every breath puffing from his parted lips. "Hold onto that spark," he told her. "And use your other senses. I'll stand in a certain spot in this room, and what I want you to do is try to find me—not with your sight, but with your other senses. With the bond."

Rose smirked and leaned into him. "This must be Time Lord version of hide and seek, then."

The Doctor chuckled through his nose. "S'pose so. But so much more."

Finally backing away from her, she tried to perk her ears up to hear his quiet footfalls against the floor. She heard him shifting around the room, but couldn't make out a direct location. Silent and swift like a cat, he was. It felt like he was stilled but then he moved again, trying to throw her off. Static buzzed in her ears as she concentrated.

"Find me, Rose," he said through their link so not to make his final position obvious. "Be aware of your surroundings, and find me."

"You better not be in another room, or I'll smack you," she told him. That'd be all she needed, for him to play mind games with her. How appropriate in a lesson like this.

The Doctor laughed in her mind. "Oh, I wouldn't doubt that. I didn't leave the room, Rose. I promise. You would've heard the door open and close if I did."

"Yeah, well you're pretty good at coming and going quietly. Anything's possible with you," she added with a chuckle.

"Fair enough. But I assure you that I'm somewhere in here. Find me, Rose. Follow the wave."

Licking her lips she focussed on those sparks, the ones that only washed over her when in his presence. A small wave of warmth was lingering in the back of her neck, most likely because he had left his trace around that region. Surely he wouldn't remain within the same perimeters. Would he? She was meant to figure it out on her own. Inhaling a deep breath she relaxed her body, feeling the tingling sensations magnetize throughout her system, the small buzzing sound filling her ears along with the sound of her heartbeat.

With complete absorption, she followed the wave in her mind. There wasn't much coming from the receiving end, but that was all a part of the lesson. He was giving her full control of the situation and not looking to assist her, staying put and averted in his spot—wherever he was. Tentatively stepping forward about an inch or so, she froze in her spot. Something felt…off. He told her that he hadn't left the room, but was this all a part of the lesson? Was he tricking her?

"I'm not tricking you, Rose," he breathed out softly. "That type of distance would be for another session, but not right now. I'm in here. Hold onto the wave, and don't let go. Follow it. I know you can do this, Rose. You're brilliant."

Smiling at his constant motivation Rose took another deep breath and changed her position. Wrong signals were coming from where she was headed, so he couldn't have been in that general direction. At least she thought that he wasn't. She inwardly sighed. This stuff was a breeze for him. Just a simple walk around the park. Nine hundred years of mental expertise weighed down on her…one week of experience. She was somewhat at a disadvantage as she would never reach his level of prowess. The Doctor was the quintessential man, but the least she could do was achieve a fraction of his abilities.

Finding her confidence she began to move in her current direction. The buzzing continued in her ears, amplifying in the silence of the room. For a moment she swore that she could her another faint rhythm like…the beating of the Doctor's own hearts. Her fingers were itching so she curled them, balling them up into fists as she moved. Another shockwave washed over her with every small step she took, the closer she was coming into contact with…something. Hopefully it was the Doctor. She'd hate to fail this test especially when this was meant to be a simple exercise.

A calming hum from the TARDIS came to her ears, whispering that familiar melody that was so beautiful and soothing. Unsurprisingly She wasn't taking any part in helping as well, but that didn't bother her much. All she had to do was concentrate on the sounds and follow the wave. Inhaling deeply she also tried relying on her sense of smell. The defining amalgamation of Time, musk, and all around manliness that was the Doctor's scent was indeed stronger than it was before, so going along with the sound waves of the buzzing in her ears she also followed her nose as she resumed her steps.

Suddenly stopping in her tracks she raised her arms up, her hands extended and reaching out. Something was here, she could feel it. Resisting the urge to open her eyes she moved her hands down as if she were tracing a silhouette, sketching the outline of a body though her vision was unavailable for any use. The sparks increased and caused her stomach to tremble and her skin to prickle from the thrilling vibes. A deep, low hum brought her out of her focus for half a second as she followed her path back up, her hands still hanging in the air.

Freezing at the top they moved inward like magnets, waiting to connect…and they did. To the Doctor's head.

Her fingers rested firmly on his temples, a relaxing heat radiating off of the source. Biting her lip as she contained a small cheer of triumph, she entered his mind with ease and spread her cozy and comfortable essence. A quiet gasp escaped from him and she finally opened her eyes to find a look of sheer awe and wonder on his face. Smiling at him, her hands descended down his neck before moving to the back where she rubbed his skin tenderly.

"Found you," she said in a sing-song voice.

The Doctor blinked rapidly and shook his head, unable to speak. While he always knew Rose was brilliant and could surprise him with many a things—much like actually bonding him in the first place—he didn't expect her to be able to do that so soon, but she eased into the clairvoyance with such finesse it was inspiring.

"Y-you're amazing…" he managed to get out, staring at her with such adoration. "Absolutely brilliant."

Rose grinned widely. "Underestimated me again, huh?"

He laughed breathlessly. "Oh, you're incredible. Mind you, you're still a little rusty in deliverance, and it'll take some time and practice before you're able to sense things a little better, but you've already got skills and increasing your sensory awareness very well, my little prodigy," he added with a nudge to her nose.

She giggled before pushing herself up to kiss him tenderly before pressing him against the wall behind him as their bodies felt like they were about to explode from all of the added surge. He suppressed a growl when she pulled away.

"So, are the sessions over now?" she asked, running a single finger down his chest.

He responded by pulling her back against him to capture her lips with his and she snickered. Before she knew it he hooked his hands behind her knees and carried her over to their bed without breaking the kiss.

That was enough practice for today.


The calm before the storm…