XxxXxxxXxxXxxXxxXxxXxXxx
Chapter 47 - The State Dinner
There were celebrities and lots of important people downstairs at the State Dinner. The Doctor knew most of the people there from movies, television and such. But, the biggest celebrity there seemed to be Rose. She was greeted by everyone that attended the dinner. Everyone told her how beautiful she was, and how much they enjoyed following her in the media.
The Doctor had to roll his eyes at that. Ugh, the media. He'd be happy when he had moved her to the island where she never had to worry with the gossip rags any longer. They had purposely stopped reading them while they had been on their trip.
As the Doctor told Rose, "I'm not going to waste one moment of my time reading the lies they cook up!"
Rose introduced him to everyone she could. There were famous movie stars, television stars, diplomats, and some weapons developer that the Doctor thought was really impressed with himself.
"Weapons, Rose. Ugh." the Doctor mumbled to her. "And that he is so smug about it." he gritted his teeth.
Rose took his hand.
'It's alright. You don't have to be friends with everyone.' Rose told him.
And then the strangest conversation of the night probably took place. A man who identified himself as the Dean of Princeton University, and a woman who was the Dean and a professor from Cambridge University introduced themselves to Rose.
The lady spoke. "I'm so thrilled to finally meet you! I enjoyed your paper on your theories in physics so much. I have been trying to get in touch with you for the past few weeks. I've left many messages. Then, everyone thought you were dead. Oh, I'm just so pleased to meet you!"
The Doctor looked the lady curiously. What on earth was she talking about. A paper? Had Rose attended school or something? He couldn't help but notice that both of them were having problems containing their excitement at the opportunity to speak to Rose.
The man spoke. "I know it's just theoretical, but it is such an amazing theory. I mean, Einstein's work was all theoretical as well, wasn't it? And you know, he taught at our fine university!"
The Doctor still wasn't following what they were talking about. But, he smiled at the mention of Albert Einstein. He knew Einstein. They had been on several adventures together. He had always enjoyed talking to his old friend about his theories. Not to mention, sailing! He smiled as the realized that he could now take Genie and Rose sailing on their own private island.
Einstein and the Doctor had spent days sailing when they would get together. They also enjoyed listening to Mozart as Einstein would play his violin. His heart began to feel a bit heavy at the thought that he couldn't get into his TARDIS and go see his friend.
He unconsciously put a lollipop in his mouth.
"Yes, I knew that." Rose agreed as she smiled, startling the Doctor back into her conversation.
The woman smiled and continued to speak. "Well, the reason for my inquiry, was I was wondering if you are presenting on your theories? We'd love to have you come to Cambridge."
"As would we, Miss Tyler!" the man from Princeton.
Rose looked shocked. "I've honestly never given it any thought." She looked back at the Doctor, who was wearing a very confused look on his face.
"I'm so sorry for my rudeness. May I introduce my fiancée, Doctor Johnathon Smith." Rose said as he reached to shake both of the scholars' hands.
"Oh, a Doctor! What sort of Doctor are you, sir?" the lady asked.
"Oh, several different sorts. Mostly astrophysics."
"Astrophysics?" the lady laughed. "I can see what you see in Miss Tyler, then! I imagine you two have a lot to talk about. Her work on Trans-Dimensional Physics is parallel to none. It's like standing in the presence of Albert Einstein with his theories!"
The Doctor was trying to not let the confusion of how they could know about Rose's work on Trans-Dimensional Physics not show on his face. "She is amazing. I completely agree."
The man spoke to Rose again. "We would pay gladly for any speaking engagement you could give us, Miss Tyler. I'd be thrilled if you would like to come teach for us!"
"Teach?!" the Doctor interjected.
The lady from Cambridge University assured Rose, "I'm sure you would rather come to Boston. Our weather is better. Well, most of the year. Ever been to Boston, Doctor Smith?"
The Doctor was trying to keep the surprise out of his voice, "Well, yes, ma'am. The weather is lovely there. I was there in... ummm... December. On a ship." He smiled at the memory of helping toss the crates of tea into the harbor. "Yeah, I'll never forget that." he laughed under this breath.
The Doctor continued, "I tell you what. Rose's secretary has been just distraught over her death. Poor girl is young. It's her first job. Why don't you both contact my security, Michelle? She's amazing and I'm sure she doesn't mind helping Miss Tyler organize her calendar." the Doctor handed them both his card.
"After all, we're usually together anyway. Find me, and you will find her." he smiled like a loon.
The man patted the Doctor on the shoulder. "Well, then! That's the ticket! Thank you, sir! We'll be in touch, Miss Tyler. Congratulations on your engagement! Nice to meet you, Doctor Smith."
The lady smiled. "Yes, Doctor Smith. Thank you so much! I'll be in touch, Miss Tyler! Congratulations to you both!"
They walked away.
The Doctor turned to Rose. "What the hell was that about?"
Rose laughed in embarrassment and patted him on the chest. "I promise, I'll tell you later. You have business cards? What the hell?"
He laughed as he pointed at her. "Don't change the subject, woman."
They made their way to their seats.
The room had been decorated lavishly. Rose had been right, all the men were wearing tuxedos. It didn't make the Doctor feel better at all. He expected the roof to cave in at any moment. But, was trying to remain calm. Rose took his hand and could feel his nervousness.
'Sweetheart, calm down.' Rose told him in his head.
He looked seriously at her as he rolled the lollipop around in his mouth. 'Rose, I'm over 900 years old. I'm fine. Don't worry about me. What the hell was that about a paper?'
Rose raised her hands and looked at him. "Ugh! Not going into now. I'll tell you later."
Rose and the Doctor were joined at the table by Jake and Pete. Jake sat down next to the Doctor while Pete kissed Rose on the cheek as he sat down next to her. Howie, Harriet and Caroline sat at the front of the room at a long table with a podium.
Pete, Rose, Jake and the Doctor were joined at the table by the Deputy Director of the CIA, Richard Crowe and his date. And the weapons developer that had irritated the Doctor earlier.
'He has to sit with us?' the Doctor asked Rose as he grabbed her hand. 'Look at him. He's wearing sunglasses. It's night. Just what in the hell?'
Rose was trying hard not to laugh at him. 'Stop it. Behave.'
"So, how's business?" Pete asked the weapons developer. The Doctor hadn't caught his name.
He snapped off his sunglasses. "Not bad at all. How about you, Pete? I hear you are in the medical profession now. Neat little machine that bone, growing thing is."
Pete smiled, "Yes, it's brilliant. It will help a lot of people."
"I'd love to meet whoever dreamed that up. It's amazing."
Pete pointed over to the Doctor. "Well, it's your lucky night. He's sitting right there. Meet, Doctor Johnathon Smith. My business partner and Rose's fiancée."
The weapons developer smacked the table. "Well, hell. It might be your lucky day. Have you guys thought about offering these to the military? I'm sure there is a need for them there."
The Doctor couldn't help but smile. Rose still held his hand under the table.
She teased him in his head. 'Was that a smile?'
He turned and looked at her. 'Maybe.'
The weapons developer continued. "See, this is a great start. I personally would find use in something that could make your skin grow back together faster. Like when you get cut or shot. Something like that. Anything like that on the radar for you guys?"
The Doctor smiled, "Well, cuts that aren't too deep wouldn't be a problem, but gun shots and deep wounds would be harder to heal with just one tool. Not to mention the foreign bits that would have to be removed. I mean you can leave some shrapnel or stuff inside a body without it causing a problem, but it's not what you want to do. Besides, there are so many different types of human tissue and each one of them respond a bit differently than the other. Although..." he thought. "Hmmm. I could work around that."
Seeing the gears turning in the Doctor's head, Pete already knew he had worked it out. Pete smiled. "Great idea. Thanks!"
The weapons developer put his sunglasses back on in disgust. "Damn, this man is as smart as me. I should have asked for a percentage before I told you that. Tell you what, I'll let it go. We're all friends here. Want me to help you get in with the military committee?"
Pete shook his head. "Ah, I appreciate that, I do. Thank you. I never pass up someone offering to help me make some money."
"You can never make too much money." the weapons developer said. His cell phone rang. He looked down at it. "Damn that Steve. I told him I was busy tonight."
The Doctor asked him, "You going to answer that?"
"Nah. Friend of mine. Old fashioned. Just got a cell phone. He probably butt dialed me. He keeps doing that."
They all laughed at that.
Richard Crowe had listened to exchange between the men. "What would be nice is a small med kit that our agents could carry with them. I imagine something similar to what you have in mind for a military pack. It could save a lot of lives."
The Doctor asked, "Well, what sort of things do you feel would be needed?"
Richard Crowe, "Well, ever been in a war, Doctor?"
"Yeah." he answered uncomfortability.
"Well, think of things you would have liked to have had to help the men around you." Richard Crowe suggested.
"Good suggestion!" Pete said.
"Interesting." the Doctor agreed.
The weapons developer began again, "So, engaged to Rose Tyler, huh? How did you catch her?"
He looked over at Rose and smiled. "Honestly, I have no idea. Just lucky."
Rose smiled back at him.
"I've never heard of you before. How are you going to deal with living in the public eye? Everyone knows Rose and the Tylers. You seem like a private person."
The Doctor scratched his beard. "Well, that's true. Where I came from, I was rather well known. But since I've been with Rose...no one notices me. It's a nice change, honestly. I just hate it for Rose. I think she gets too much attention."
"Don't we all? I'm on the phone ten times a day about some shit I've said that's gotten on the TV. Don't even get me started on YouTube. Damn technology will be the death of me."
"Now, I heard you were making a prototype of a -" Pete started.
"Nope, scrapped that. Everyone is so scared since the Cyberman invasion, I trashed that project. A PR nightmare for sure." the weapons developer said.
The Doctor couldn't help but notice how smug he was about that statement. "Well, you could always do it and just keep it to yourself as a personal project."
He looked shocked at him. "Yeah, there is always that possibility." he said as he smiled. "Rose, I like this guy. I feel better you turned me down now."
The Doctor turned to look at Rose.
"Don't ask." she demanded.
Someone clanged a glass to get everyone's attention. The room grew quiet.
President Howard Shepherd got up to the podium. The Doctor prepared himself to not understand a word. He hadn't had any alcohol in hours. Rose held his hand again.
'Oh, boy. Here we go. Cowboy president.' the Doctor complained. 'Let's see which of the apes can understand this crazy language of his.'
Rose laughed under her breath. 'Oh, this will be good. I can't wait to see your face.'
The Doctor shook his head as he rolled his eyes at her.
President Howard Shepherd began his speech. "Good evening, everyone. Oh behalf of Caroline and myself, welcome to the White House as we host President Harriet Jones of the People's Republic of Great Britain. This is her first official visit here this year and we are honored to have her. We plan to have a great time tonight, but not too much. Nothing like this soccer game I heard about that occurred this afternoon on the White House lawn."
The crowd laughed. Apparently the soccer game was well known.
Meanwhile, Rose watched the Doctor as he listened. He rested his head on his fist and had a very confused look on his face.
Howie continued. "Of course, this soccer match was started by my precious god son, Tony, who is the son of my dearest friends in the world, Pete and Jackie Tyler. You probably all heard about their recent loss, and I couldn't express to you how happy we were to hear it was a simple case of mistaken identity. Not only is Rose Tyler alive and well, but she returned to us engaged! I would like to congratulate the happy couple!"
Everyone broke into applause to congratulate them.
"I've met her beau, Doctor Johnathon Smith. And, Doctor. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into with these Tyler woman! You have my number. Call me when you need me. That's all I'll say on the matter."
The Doctor laughed along with the rest of the room. Rose looked at him and smiled.
'What the hell, Rose? I can understand everything he is saying. I've not been drinking.'
'Newsflash. Neither has he!' Rose told him.
The Doctor nearly doubled over in laughter. 'That explains that!' He covered his mouth and laughed under his breath until tears formed in his eyes. Jake knew what he was laughing about and joined him.
'I can't believe I didn't pick up on that. God, I'm thick!' the Doctor laughed at himself.
Howie continued. "I've always said that Great Britain and America are family. Granted, I think America is more like the rebellious teenager. And I hope that our friends from Great Britain have felt welcome there this week with us. Harriet is an amazing woman. She could work on her bowling, though. We've gotten to discuss a lot of topics that both of our countries share interest in. Most namely at the moment, the recent violence against persons who are not of this world. The Cyber Invasion, four years ago, seems to have caused the fear of extraterrestrial beings. Well, let's talk about fear."
"Fear can make a man do things he would have swore he would never have done in his entire life. As our noted President Franklin Roosevelt said so long ago, "There is nothing to fear, but fear itself." It rings true today. "
"Are their aliens around us? Maybe.
"Are they just trying to live their lives and raise their family? Absolutely."
"Every generation has a group of people that are misunderstood. It causes people to become scared. So, they begin to blame their problems on them. Think about that. Think how that has ended in the past. Have we learned anything? This generation, it is people who are refugees seeking a better life where we live. Our next generation, who will be the target?"
"Our country was founded on the principles of freedom. For one and all. We the people. We didn't say 'of earth'. No. We are all trying to get through this life. Together. We all have our own problems. But the fear will not help anyone's problems. It will only create more problems. This violence must stop."
"This situation with this violence and the news of the upcoming marriage really can be shared with the same advice. So, forgive me Doctor Smith and Miss Tyler, as I give you your first bit of marriage advice."
"Let your love be stronger than your hate or anger."
"Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break."
"Believe the best rather than the worst. People have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them."
"Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship."
"And above all else, please hand this advice down to your children, and your children's children; The more things change the more they remain the same."
"And to that end, I would like to propose a toast - to the great alliance between the United States and the People's Republic of Great Britain; to my friends President Harriet Jones, Pete and Jackie Tyler, Rose Tyler and Doctor Johnathon Smith. To days to come-"
Howie and Harriet clanged glasses and drank wine. Howie then bent over and kissed Harriet on the cheek.
The room was filled with polite applause.
"Well, I am in a state of complete shock." the Doctor confessed to Jake. "I've never understood that much of what Howie's has said in my life."
Jake patted the Doctor on the back and laughed.
The Doctor looked at Rose. "I almost feel ambushed. I mean, wow."
Pete laughed at the Doctor. "That damn whiskey, huh?"
"Yeah, that damn whiskey. I'll never look at it the same." he rubbed his beard as he laughed in disbelief.
Rose laughed at him. "I told you he spoke normally when he gave speeches back at Camp David."
"You did?" he asked as he ran his hand through his hair.
"Yes, you loon. You don't remember?" Rose laughed at him.
"No, love. I don't. I've apparently had too much on my mind. Was that after I drank that damn whiskey?" he asked her.
She laughed and rolled her eyes at him. "You are ridiculous." she teased him quietly.
President Harriet Jones stepped up to the podium.
The room became quiet again as Harriet spoke. "Dear friends, Mr. President. Howie and Caroline, all of you gathered here, it is an extraordinary honor for me to be here with you tonight. Thank you so much for the warm welcome you've extended to the People's Republic of Great Britain and our delegation. Mostly made up of the Tyler family."
The room laughed.
"It's been incredible to not just be here on business, but also to be here with family. As you all know, I do not have a family. Pete Tyler and I have known one another for years, and I have become part of their extended family. To Pete's son, Tony, I'm 'Nanna Jones'."
The room laughed with her.
"The news of Rose and Doctor Smith's engagement was a welcomed surprise. But, I'm sure I have one even bigger that I have the distinct pleasure of announcing tonight. But, I'll get to that in a minute."
"Howie and I were able to talk about a lot of things in great depth during our stay here. One major concern with everyone in all parts of the world is healthcare. Pete Tyler and his brilliant partner, Doctor Johnathon Smith, have come up some of the most, well...in terms Americans would understand...revolutionary things that will completely change the way everyone looks at medical care."
"Their machine that helps rebuild and heal broken bones has now been printed in medical journals and used in some hospitals. It was even used on young Tony's broken wrist a few days ago. I saw it myself. A painless, quick way to heal pain."
"Pete and John have also drew up some other plans for devices they plan to start testing this year. They have told me it will be alright to revel that they have plans for a device that will help patients with dementia, headaches, depression, heart disease, asthma, and more."
The room erupted in an applause. Rose turned to look surprised at the Doctor. "Been busy, love?"
He smiled at her, embarrassed. "I've not been able to sleep, lately. I figure I should do something." he reasoned.
The weapons developer looked impressed. "I find I do my best work then."
The Doctor nodded in agreement with him.
Harriet continued, "As amazing at this sounds, we know that we still have a long way to go before they will be available to everyone that will need this technology. But, wow. As Doctor Smith says, 'What a time to be alive'!"
The Doctor smiled as he was being quoted. Rose grabbed his hand and smiled.
"When it comes to security, Howie and I agree that our countries are stronger and the world is safer when we work together. For more than a century, we have joined forces to protect our world. And now that we need to confront this violent extremism, we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder, until the danger has passed. "
"As Marie Curie stated, 'Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood."
The room applauded.
"And now, my very happy announcement. I was notified two months ago of this news. I rang Pete Tyler and Howie up straight away, and we all mutually decided to hold off on the announcement until later. Rose Tyler had a lot going on when it was announced. She was traveling, doing her work, just being...well... Rose." Harriet smiled and laughed with the rest of the room. "She is really just a brilliant young woman, and it has been my extreme pleasure getting to know her better over these past few years."
"Rose is a rare scientist who does her work for herself. Not anyone else. As a wise man said once, 'Don't climb mountains so that people can see you. Climb mountains so that you can see the world.' That is how I know Rose is, with her work."
"When I first met Doctor Smith, he didn't tell me about how smart he was, or how he was going to change the world with his inventions. I, of course, knew why he couldn't brag about that. Not only is he an extremely modest man, but as he told me himself, he only studies to keep up with Rose."
The Doctor laughed under his breath at that memory.
"Well, Doctor Smith, you probably need to study up some more to keep up with her. I'm sure it will make you feel a lot better to introduce your fiancée as one of this year's Nominees for the Nobel Prize in Physics. "
The room erupted in applause. Rose covered her mouth in shock. The Doctor's mouth fell open. Pete leaned over and kissed Rose on the cheek.
"I'm so proud of you, honey." Pete told her.
Rose looked at the Doctor. She smiled at the look on his face. It was a mixture of shock, pride and happiness. He shook his head in disbelief as he leaned over and kissed her lips.
He laughed under his breath as he sat back and said quietly. "Oh, yes ma'am. We need to have a chat, later."
Rose was laughing at him.
Harriet continued. "And with that, on behalf of the 36 million Americans, I propose a toast to the President, to the First Lady, and to the people of the United States of America. Cheers."
Harriet and Howie clanged glasses and drank.
Rose and the Doctor turned back around to face the table. They looked at one another.
"Really, Rose?" the Doctor said in disbelief. He was smiling like a loon. "Has this been the craziest day, or what?"
Richard Crowe offered his congratulations to Rose, Pete and the Doctor.
Jake came over and kissed Rose on the cheek. "I didn't know about it, but I'm not even surprised." he told her.
The weapons developer congratulated Rose and said, "Damn. Now I can brag that I asked out a Nobel Prize nominee."
Rose pointed at him. "And you can tell people you were turned down for a date by her as well. Include that in your story, playboy."
He shrugged his shoulders as her. "Ah. If that part comes up. I get fuzzy on the details sometimes." he smiled as he looked at Rose as if she was a piece of meat.
The Doctor was so confused. So many revelations in such a short period of time. And he had no idea how half of them had even happened. He felt as though his head was spinning. He did know he unbelieveability proud of his Rose. She was brilliant, and it had smacked him in the face tonight about how brilliant she really was. He couldn't wait to get her alone and get the full story on what had even happened with her work. Why did everyone know about it?
And what was the story with this irritating weapons developer? He didn't even want to know his name. The way he looked at Rose made him want to hit him. He would have to stay away from him after he had some of that damn whiskey. He knew it was probably going to make a reappearance that night.
Pete leaned back to talk to the Doctor behind Rose. "Sorry, I couldn't tell you Doctor. I was worried you would find out, after our...ugh...conversation about senses."
The Doctor remembered that he had convinced Pete that he knew when people were keeping things from him, and laughed. "Don't worry about it, Pete. We're good."
All through the first course, people kept coming over to congratulate Rose on her nomination. They also congratulated her and the Doctor on their engagement, and many people were curious about Pete and the Doctor's healthcare inventions. Many of them just stating that they would have to talk to them later that evening about it.
The second course was served and wine was poured. Jake poked at it with his fork and said, "Doc, what is this?"
"Posh food, Jake. Just eat it. It doesn't bite." the Doctor assured him.
The weapons developer laughed at his response. "Jake, it's Roasted Apricot Galette with Appalachian Cheese, Heirloom Lettuces, and Pine Nut Crisps. Served with a Peane Chardonnay 'Sebastiano' from 2013."
Jake and the Doctor looked surprised at him.
"Stop it." Rose laughed at the man.
He shrugged his shoulders, "I can't help it. It's a sickness. I grew up eating fancy crap like this all the time. You start to recognize it. I bet our main course is lamb chops. Anyone want to lay money down on it?"
Pete laughed under his breath. "Yeah, I'll have a piece of that. Howie hates lamb. I doubt that's what it is."
Jake, the Doctor and Pete tossed money down on the table.
"You in Richard?" Pete asked the Deputy Director of the CIA.
Richard turned to look at his date. "I always manage to find this table." He opened his wallet and tossed some money down.
The weapons developer tossed his cash on top of theirs. He slid over a vase of flowers that sat in the middle of the table, picked it up and put the money under it.
He pointed at Rose. "Okay, Rose is in charge of the cash. She will settle it all up."
Rose laughed under her breath and shook her head. "You are such an idiot. Alright."
The Doctor grabbed Rose's hand and kissed it. Then turned his head to his other side to look at Jake. He asked him quietly, "Do you have a sidearm I can borrow for playboy over here? Just for a second? It will only take a second."
Jake laughed under his breath. "Damn, Doc. Relax. He can't do anything in here."
The Doctor shook his head and gritted his teeth. This man got under his skin like no one ever had before.
The main course was served. Rose asked the waiter to tell them what it was to make the bet fair.
"Yes, ma'am. This is Baby Lamb Chops with Yukon Potato Dauphinoise and Fricassee of Spring Vegetables. Complemented with Cliff Lede 'High Fidelity' from 2012." the waiter told them.
Playboy tossed his hands up and smiled. "Told ya! I'm just that damn good."
Rose took the money out and handed it to him.
Jake turned to the Doctor who was watching the playboy with his arms crossed.
Jake asked. "Now, how did he do that?"
The Doctor rubbed his beard, deep in thought. "I'm not sure. I'll figure it out though."
The playboy was enjoying the fact he was irritating the Doctor so much. The Doctor was trying not to let it show, but it was growing more difficult in each moment.
Pete checked his phone and smiled. He handed it to Rose to look at a picture of the children eating ice cream with huge smiles on their faces. Rose handed the phone to the Doctor, who put on his glasses to see the screen better. His annoyance was erased in that moment knowing that Genie was happy and smiling with the other two children upstairs. He turned the phone to show Jake.
"Now, that warms the heart." Jake said.
They handed the phone back down the table to Pete, who put it back in his pocket. The Doctor took his glasses back into his pocket as he continued to eat his dinner.
Richard Crowe, who had been mostly quiet this entire time, asked the Doctor. "So, Doctor Smith. Read the classics?"
The Doctor looked up at him and nodded. "Yes. I do enjoy them. And you?"
"Ah, some of them. Some of them, I just find long."
"Yeah, I'd have to agree with that. But, you have to realize that some of those books were written during a time when you were paid by the amount of words you had in your book. The Secret Garden is that way. Why else do you think it takes two chapters to find a key?" the Doctor complained.
Richard Crowe laughed. "I've not read that one. Good to know."
Rose spoke, "I love the classics. Mostly Charles Dickens."
"Now, I didn't know that about you, Rose." the playboy admitted. "I like Charles Dickens, too."
The Doctor asked him skeptically, "Really? Which one is your favorite?"
He really doubted this man even had heard of Dickens. He was just using it to talk to his Rose.
"Definitely, the 'Mystery of Edwin Drood'. That was just weird. Ghosts in a funeral parlor coming out of the gas flames. Just, strange."
The Doctor and Rose laughed quietly at one another.
The playboy looked up from his plate in surprise. "What? You didn't think it was strange? A bit over the top?"
The Doctor smiled and shook his head. "Oh, who knows where he got these ideas. It's one of my favorites though."
The playboy looked to his side at Richard, "Have you read that one? It's weird. Not like his other ones. It's rather...I don't know...dark. Like Edgar Allan Poe or something."
Richard nodded his head. "Yeah, I know what you are talking about. It's just not his normal writing."
Pete was scratching his chin at the conversation. He was sure there was a lot more to this than a simple book being discussed.
"Well, what was so weird about it to you?" Pete asked the playboy.
He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, for one thing. These gas/ghost creatures took over the dead bodies and reanimated them. The dead body just got up and walked around like a zombie. The book said there was a glow around their face. Now, how did someone not notice that as they walked to the theatre in 1869? Answer me that."
The Doctor looked surprised. "Maybe because it was night?"
"Ah, phhh... nah. It was glowing! You could see it better in the night! Not to mention it was snowing! Wouldn't the snow reflect the glow?" Said the playboy.
The Doctor looked at Rose. "Was it snowing? I don't remember."
Rose shook her head. "I don't know. I think it had snowed earlier, but it had stopped."
"Yeah, I think you're right." the Doctor agreed.
The playboy continued. "But, I love the girl in that story. She sounds so hot."
The Doctor didn't want to ask, but he did before he could stop himself. "The servant girl? Gwyneth?"
The playboy shook his head. "No, the other one. The one that the funeral home director, Sneed, kidnapped. What was her name?"
"Lily." Pete helped.
"Yes!" the playboy agreed as he continued to eat. "I remember it was a type of flower."
Yeah, leave it to Charles Dickens to not be too original with names. Rose. Lily. He saw what he had done there.
The Doctor brought both of his hands up to his hair to rub his head. It sent his hair in every direction. Rose saw his frustration. She quickly grabbed his hand. He looked at her seriously.
'Are you alright? You look like you are about to lash out.'
'No, ma'am. I'm good.'
He couldn't look at her. He was gritting his teeth.
Rose could feel his emotions now that she held his hand. 'Why, my Doctor. You are so damn jealous!'
He looked at her. 'No, I'm not!'
She laughed at him. 'I can feel it. You are so angry at him.'
He still had his other hand in his hair. 'Rose, he's so annoying. Flirting with you right here in front of me. I've never wanted to hit anyone so much in my life.'
'Except Thomas.' she reminded him.
'That's who that empty chair could have been for! Sit them both together so I could have a go at them at once!'
'Doctor! This isn't like you. Do we need to take a quick walk? Let you calm down?' she asked him.
He looked at her. 'That wouldn't be considered rude?'
'Less rude than you punching this guy. Come on. Let's take a little walk in the hallway. Let you get cooled down.' Rose told him.
Rose and the Doctor stood up. All of the men stood up at the table.
Rose spoke, "Excuse us for a moment."
Pete asked her. "Everything alright?"
"Yeah, just need a little air. We'll be back before dessert." Rose told them.
Rose and the Doctor walked out of the huge dining room and into the marble hallway. It was mostly empty. There was just a few Secret Service members there. The Doctor felt instantly better being away from the playboy. Rose could feel his relief.
"My God, I've never seen you so keyed up. I honestly think you would have probably hit him."
He shook his head. "No, Rose. I can behave myself. Don't worry about me. It's nothing."
"It's not nothing. It's never nothing with you."
He took her hand as they walked down the hallway of the White House.
"Ugh... no sweetheart, I'm sorry. It's just... ugh. I don't know."
Rose stopped him and took his other hand in hers. "It's what?"
"I don't know. I believe even Brigadier would tell me I was acting pretty damned stupid at the moment. And he would have already shot that guy!" he didn't look at her.
Rose looked confused, "Who's Brigadier?"
He looked at her and waved his hand. "Ah, forget it. Nevermind. Forget I said anything. Ugh."
Rose took her hand and lay it on his cheek. She could feel his annoyance more than anything. She leaned in and kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tight. She ran her hands through his hair as she snogged him, right there in the White House hallway. She didn't care if anyone saw. She kissed him until she felt his annoyance turn into love and lust.
When she leaned back to look at his face, she laughed. He had the funniest look of surprise on his face.
"Umm... Rose. Ummm...I'm not complaining. It's not that. It's just, really? We're in the White House at a State Dinner for heaven's sake, woman!" he whispered to her.
"Feel better?" Rose smiled at him with her tongue in her teeth.
"Oh, damn you are a mean vixen." he told her. "Hang on a bit." He looked around wildly.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her over to a nearby door. He used his sonic screwdriver to unlock it and stepped inside. It was a small office. It was empty and the lights were out. He closed the door behind them and used the sonic to lock it again.
"What are you on about?" Rose asked him as he crashed his mouth into hers. She could taste the wine he had been drinking as his tongue played in her mouth. He kneeled down slowly into the floor as he unzipped her dress and removed it gently. He lay it next to them. He then lay her down on the carpeted floor and lay down on top of her.
Rose unbuttoned his trousers. She immediately realized why he had found the closest empty room he could. Apparently, he had really enjoyed that kiss she had given him.
He was lost in kissing her. She could feel his enthusiasm and lust. He seemed to have no other thought in his mind but her and her pleasure. She slid his trousers down and pants to liberate his swollen member.
He pulled her knickers down and thrust inside of her immediately. She wrapped her legs around his back as she fought back a very loud moan.
He kissed her neck and sucked her earlobe as she nearly screamed from the bliss.
He snapped his head up and exclaimed, "Oh shit! I'm sorry, I didn't think about that."
"What?!" She told him, as he rolled her over and encouraged her to continue the movement that was giving them both so much satisfaction. He ran his hands down her back, gently.
She leaned down to kiss him as he spoke to her in a strange language as his eyes rolled back into his head.
'What are you even saying?'
He laughed under her kisses.
'Am I talking crazy, again?' he asked her.
'Oh yes. How do you not recognize you are doing that?'
'I'm a bit occupied at the moment.' he smiled at her.
She raised up and smiled at him. "I'll occupy you for a minute. "
She wrapped her hair up. "Here, hold my hair so it doesn't get in my way."
He put his hand around her small bun of hair she had gathered up.
She raised up and took his length into her hand. She moved down to his waist and took him into her mouth and sucked.
He moaned and started saying something in that strange language again. He held her hair as her tongue danced around his tip. She then pressed down on him, driving him as deep as she could take him into her mouth. She could tell he was close, so she sucked to make him talk crazy a bit more. She was rewarded with a gush in her mouth, which she quickly swallowed. As her mouth left him, she licked from the bottom to the tip. It made him laugh.
"That tickles like you wouldn't believe." he told her as she lay down on top of him.
"Are you feeling better now. Not going to punch someone?"
He rolled his eyes at her. "Yes, and I wasn't going to punch anyone. I can behave myself. I didn't live this long by being stupid."
Rose kissed him and raised up. "We need to get back. Help me find my knickers."
He lay in the floor and pulled his pants and trousers back on as he rolled around to see if he find her undergarment. He stood up and tucked his shirt back into his trousers as she put back on her dress.
"Here, zip me back up. Do you see them anywhere?" Rose asked him.
He laughed under his breath as he zipped back up her dress.
"I really don't sweetheart. I have no idea where they are."
Rose turned to look at his face. He was laughing hysterically.
"You are so full of shit." Rose demanded.
He could barely speak from laughing so hard.
"I'm not... I'm not kidding. My darling. I don't know where they are." He was wiping tears out of his eyes.
She laughed at him. "You are ridiculous. Did you do something with them?"
A look of shock came over his face. He put his hands on his hips as he looked at her. "Why Rose Tyler, are you suggesting that I would do something inappropriate with your knickers?"
She wrapped her arms around his neck as he put his hands on her waist. She nodded as she told him seriously. "I know you too well, old man. That's exactly what I'm suggesting."
He playfully smiled at her, "I don't know what you could be talking about. We need to get back to this State Dinner, Miss Nobel Prize Nominee. What the hell is that all about, anyway?"
She tossed up both of her hands at him. "Ugh. I'll tell you, just not now. Story for later."
He laughed at how annoyed she sounded.
"Hang on, come here a minute." he told her. He turned her around and dusted off her back. He then leaned down to kiss it. He ran his fingers through her hair to help her get put back together.
She looked confused at him. "What are you doing?"
"I wasn't thinking when we first started and had you on the carpet. I wanted to make sure I didn't scratch up your back. You'd be able to see it in this dress, and I don't want you to have to answer awkward questions."
"Rug burn on my back?" she smiled.
He nodded his head as he smiled and blushed. "Yeah, that's what's it called here."
"Sounds like I've had a shag in a closet by a professional." she teased him.
He rubbed his hand through his hair as a smile overtook his face. "Only the best for my Rose!"
She smiled at him.
"Okay, check the door. You hear better than I do." Rose told him.
He leaned against the door and listened. Satisfied, he nodded and opened it for Rose. As she walked out the door, he bent over quickly and grabbed her knickers he spotted on the floor. He put them in his pocket as he closed the door behind them.
XxxXxxXxxXxXXxxxXx