"Nope. No ties. Unless they're for recreational use." She ended with a sly sidelong glance. "You are on vacation. I'll not have you looking like anyone official that might get asked a question." "Awwwwe!" he whined, reaching for the one on the bed. "I wouldn't use that one if I were you." She said. "You know where it's been." He grinned daydreaming, "Yeah, I do... Right. No tie." She kissed him quick, "Now get your shower, I'm hungry!"

Chapter 45 Dancing in the Dark

The dining car was only half full of people. They were late for breakfast, but that meant they could dine alone instead of having another couple at the table. Not that they were antisocial, just wanting to be alone. They ate at a leisurely pace and watched their world go by. Rose still considered it her planet after all. After breakfast they went to the observation car with windows on all four sides.

The transport company had promised the trip would be full of strange rock formations, incredible plant life, waterfalls and grand canyons. But the two of them had seen things much more exotic on their travels, than this. Still, it was a pleasant journey. He fell asleep holding her hand and she was tempted to wake him when they went over a long, curved bridge. The clear floor showing the 300 foot drop below them.

When he woke from his nap Rose suggested a cup of tea. They arrived at the dining car, but it was full, so they went to the lounge and sat at some very comfy plush chairs. The decor was all dark wood and no windows. A silver tea service was set in front of them along with some petite cakes. A waitress named Nancy smiled as she set it down and said, "If you need anything just call". It was a lovely tea that just hit the spot. They decided to go back to their cabin to rest up for the night's activities. There was to be dancing and dinner at their first stop.

The transport company had created stops along the way to entertain their guests. The first stop was basically a large dance hall divided by type of music, based on old earth history. One ballroom for 1940's swing, one for 50's early rock, one with an enormous lighted disco floor, one electronic club music. The guests were encouraged to choose a provided costume appropriate for the music of their choice.

They chose the 40's swing room and costume. She had a floor length royal blue velvet gown with a halter top, rhinestone broach for her hair, white elbow gloves and heels. It fit her perfectly and the Time Lord was spellbound. He had a perfectly tailored black tux and white shirt, royal blue silk tie, and gold cufflinks.

The company even provided orchids for the ladies. He chose a pink and white one for her wrist. As they entered the room full of people the last song was ending. Many of the men, and some women, were in world war 2 army and navy uniforms. A virtual reality Glenn Miller band appeared to be playing. When they reached the dance floor, In The Mood, by Glenn Miller was just starting. Roses eyes grew wide and her jaw dropped. "You couldn't have arranged this! Oh my god! Did you?" He was silent with a cheshire cat smile. "Of course. This is our song and I'm not adverse to greasing a palm when needed."

The first time they had danced to this music was a bit stiff and awkward. The Time Lord was in his previous incarnation. Just out of the time war and not used to dancing. They had rescued a boy who had been contaminated by an alien ship that had crashed in 1940's London during the blitz. The Time Lord found himself jealous of Jack, a former time agent who helped them, a handsome conn man, shamelessly flirting with Rose. The Time Lord put a stop to it by making it clear to Jack that Rose belonged to him. When she chose him as a dance partner over Jack, to this music.

It would be a bit difficult to boogy woogy in that dress, but she would try if he would. The thigh high slit in the front helped. They were still stiff and awkward on the dance floor but having a marvelous time. They danced to three more songs and then sat down for the dinner provided.

There were others at the table they made small talk with. Most of them were older couples from the new northern cities. One man actually knew of the work that a, Dr John Smith had done. It gave them minor celebrity status at the table, but the Time Lord hoped it wouldn't go any further. He didn't want this vacation to turn into a press conference. When they were finished with desert, they left the table and fled to the dance floor. Hoping not to be recognized again.

The Time Lord much preferred the slower music as he felt her body pressed against his. He held Rose tight in his arms as they swayed on the darkened dance floor. The ballroom was lit up by reflections from the spinning mirrored ball in the ceiling. Gentle kisses and words of love passed between them as they danced to the music. They never returned to the table and stayed for the last dance with a few other couples on the floor who only had eyes for each other.

When it was sadly over, they returned their costumes and then back to their cabin. He had chilled champagne and chocolate strawberries waiting. The Time Lord had thought of everything, even a vase of fragrant flowers had been delivered. Rose came into the room and sighed seeing his efforts. She looked at him with love, "You're too much. Look at all of this. The bed even has towel swans on it." He wrapped his arms around her, kissing her face gently, "Did you know that swans mate for life?"

Rose smiled, "Tonight was perfect. I couldn't have asked for more. Is there anything you want to ask for?" The kisses she placed on his face as she said it, were so gentle he could hardly feel them, but their intoxicating effect was like nothing else. He picked her up and laid her on the bed. "Only to ask if there's anything more I can give you." She tossed the swans on the chair and rested against the pillows, undoing the buttons on her blouse. "How about… body and soul?" she said with intense passion in her eyes as she undressed. His feelings were pouring out of him, and he removed his clothing before getting into bed. Taking pleasure in the way she watched him. "You already have them Rose, but if I could, I would offer them up to you every day, to do with as you please."

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The next morning Rose awoke first. She didn't want to leave the wonderful dream she had, until she realized it wasn't a dream, it was memory. She sighed and looked over at her husband still sleeping. He had a smile on his face even asleep. She wanted to reach up and touch him, but found her arm pinned down. Squirming slightly, her arm came free and she lifted it to reveal his tie still wrapped around her wrist from last night... Well, turn around is fair play.

She smiled and took it off, hoping she could get past him and into the shower first. The moment she sat up, his arm shot out to hold her still. He whimpered, "Not yet." She kissed him saying "Sorry sweethearts" and he moaned. She climbed out of bed and headed for the bathroom, glancing at the clock on the wall. 1:32pm.

They had stayed up to watch the sunrise, talking for hours about all the little things that get lost in the shuffle of their lives between work and Alice. There had been little time or inclination for sleep. It was wonderful, like getting to know each other all over again. The champagne and late night finally took its toll and sleep claimed them.

They would be pulling into the next station in a few hours. Rose wondered if it was it worth it to get dressed and sit in the lounge or observation car. She looked to the bed where her husband was still half asleep, groping through the covers looking for her. She smiled at him and called for room service. That would take about 15 minutes. Just enough time for a quick shower.

At last she could use that fluffy robe, as she waited for breakfast to come. She was thinking dreamily about dancing with him when there was a knock on the door. She rose to get the tray, just tea and toast with some fruit and cheese. Rose was hungry and had a few pieces and a nice cup. She climbed back into bed. He sighed as his arm found her again, going back to happy dreams.

Chapter 46 I'm not 9