Chapter 2. Promise.

Rose stared out across the scenery before her. A deep blue lake rippled at her feet; bottomless and feeding the landscape beyond. The valleys disappearing under the warmth of the sun, the lush green grass filling her senses, snow capped mountains hiding a world beyond the safety of a haven; its forests hiding its secrets, the wins whipping in her ears through her hair. Small balls of light flickered constantly above the lake, wings barley moving keeping the child like fairies floating in air.

'Magical isn't it?'

Rose smiled as her lover wrapped his arms around her waist from behind and breathed in her sent, his breath sending shivers down to the spot where his hands rested on her stomach. She leaned back into his embrace.

'Yes it is. Surprising what is going to be here in 450 million years time. It's a shame.'

'Mmmm . . .' Rose giggled as the Doctors lips travelled down her neck and across her collarbone. His hands tugged at the hem of the shirt she had borrowed. She pulled it of herself and turned to face him to find him in only a pair of blue jeans.

'I have to say Doctor, that these' she pulled of his belt, 'are better' she undid the zip 'off. . .'

He kissed her full on his passion pushing her to the ground. Jeans and shirt thrown carelessly to the side. Only the sound of water cascading down a rock face in the distance was heard above their names and pleasure as he pushed into her, their rhythm familiar.

As they lay entwined by the shore, the Doctor looked down at his companion and not for the first time saw a look of confusion, worry and despair covering her face. He himself was worried. The antibiotics weren't working and she seemed distant, especially after seeing the medical Doctor. He didn't know what to say but he knew he had to say something soon,

'Rose?'

'Um. . .?'

'What's bothering you?'

Rose stiffened at that and the Doctor was sick and tired of not knowing. He sat up and dragged Rose with him. She wouldn't look at him.

'Rose?'

'Take me away.'

'What do you mean?'

She finally looked him in the eye, but he thought he saw her hesitate as if deciding what to really say.

'Promise me that whatever happens you won't bring me back to Earth, not when my mum and Mickey are still alive. Never! Promise me!'

'Rose, she's your mother; I can't take you away from her.'

'I don't need her I've got everything I need, my life is here now, space and time is my home, not Earth. She'll get over it, she could see how much this means to me, please promise me, I beg you don't bring me back!'

The doctor looked down at her confused, and tried to find the hidden meanings behind her words. He saw her eyes pleading with him, tears ready to fall.

'When did she get this emotional? I swear she never cries! Urg! Bloody women hormones!'

He remembered quite clearly the heated 'discussions' between mother and daughter, Mickey had assured him that it was normal. Was it really? What could have they said to make her to never go back? What had happened? Ideas where running through his mind, and things started clicking into place.

'This isn't my problem, I don't get involved. What have I done? I'm in way too deep. Give me the Daleks anytime I'm screwed this time.'

'I promise.'