Disclaimer: Doctor Who belongs to BBC. No infringement is intended.

Note: This makes a vague reference to Banana Bread, but they're not really connected otherwise.

The Sand in the Sky

Donna swirled the drink in her hand, watching the bright blue sky turn darker. Even though she had witnessed this for two straight weeks, she didn't think she'd ever grow tired of it. Never mind that if it weren't for the thick glass between her and the sand-infused air outside, she wouldn't last a minute. It was stunning; surely that was worth the danger.

And she wasn't in any danger. She, like the dozens of other tourists, remained safely enclosed in the glassed walls, watching the wonder of an alien world unfold before her. Every night at the same time, the Fourth Half Moon of Perristoria would orbit the closest to its host planet. The bright orange sand would be pulled skyward, filling the air with tiny crystals. The setting sun would hit the grains just right, making them sparkle as they danced in the air. The show was never repeated; gravity and air currents were constantly changing.

Mesmerized, Donna let her mind drift along with the currents of shimmering flickers, called "The Sand in the Sky." This was what she'd had in mind when she'd packed her mother's car so long ago. But after all this time with the Doctor, she realized what they did more often than not (the running, fighting, rescuing, and saving) was deeply enriching and made respites like these all the more rewarding.

"It is stunning, isn't it?" a male voice asked.

She turned to see a tall, handsome man (human!) standing next to her. He smiled and cocked his head to the display before them.

Donna nodded. "I don't think I'll ever get tired of watching it."

He sipped his drink. "How long have you been here?"

She exhaled as she thought. "Oh, maybe two weeks?"

His eyebrows rose. "Two weeks!" he repeated. "You're very lucky to be able to stay here that long."

Confused, Donna narrowed her eyes. "How do you mean?"

"Well, most people can only stay two or three days, at the most."

"Oh," Donna said, searching the crowd for the Doctor. Unsuccessful, she returned her attention to this kind stranger. She never thought about that aspect of things; how did the Doctor manage to secure such a long stint at these luxury resorts?

She smiled at this stranger. "Well, I guess I am lucky then," she said and took a big swig of her drink.

He offered his hand. "Andrew," he said.

Accepting it, she grinned. "I'm Donna. So, you're staying for a couple of days, then?"

He nodded. "Saved up for five years to come here. I promised my wife a lovely second honeymoon."

Donna's smile froze. "Oh? A second honeymoon?"

Andrew nodded and looked across the room. There were observers lining every wall. One of them had to have been Andrew's wife. Noting the gentle gleam in her companion's eyes, Donna smiled to herself and looked around the room again for the Doctor. Still, she failed to spot him.

How long does it take to get some drinks? she wondering in annoyance.

People around them gasped in appreciation, and their attention was brought back to the window. There must have been a gust of wind, as the sand swirled in a tornado-like movement.

Andrew shook his head, words failing him. Donna tipped her glass back, only to discover it was empty. She pursed her lips and turned away. She looked up and finally found the Doctor. He was across the room, holding two drinks and staring at her with the most peculiar expression. When their eyes met, the odd look vanished, and he walked over.

Upon reaching them, he offered her a second glass of whatever fruity drink she'd been nursing. He gave Andrew a quick glance before offering her a dazzling smile. "Enjoying the show this evening, Donna?"

"As always, Doctor," she answered, hoping her tone was light enough.

Never fooled, the Doctor gave her a concerned glance before turning to Andrew. "Hello, I'm the Doctor," he said, sticking out his hand.

The other took it eagerly and looked back and forth between Donna and the Doctor. "How nice that you get to spend so much time here!"

The Doctor rolled his head. "Oh, well, you know. It's worth it."

"Your wife certainly has appreciated it!"

"We're not married – " Donna said at the same time as the Doctor's "We're not together – "

Andrew nodded before his attention was diverted. A pretty woman was approaching, smiling happily. She gave Andrew arm an affectionate squeeze when she reached them.

"Sarah, this is the Doctor and Donna," Andrew introduced them. After the usual pleasantries were exchanged, the quartet was silenced as the moon started to drift along, letting the sand fall like a cascading rainbow back to the ground. People applauded when it concluded.

"It was lovely to meet you," Sarah said. "But, we should get going. We have dinner reservations."

"It's our last night here," Andrew added.

"Enjoy the evening," the Doctor said, smiling broadly.

They watched the couple retreat. Donna lifted the glass to her mouth, but found she wasn't thirsty anymore. "They're always taken, the good ones," she muttered.

The Doctor turned to her. "All right?"

She inhaled deeply. "Yeah, I'm all right."

Understanding, the Doctor took her glass from her and smiled softly. "Getting tired of paradise?"

She laughed. "Not on your life," she said. "You said a month."

"If I remember correctly, I said a year."

"That would be a bit much, I think," she said. As she looked at the other patrons leaving, something Andrew had said hit her. "Doctor?"

His eyebrows rose. "Yes?"

"This place is expensive," she said hesitantly. "How can we afford it?"

The Doctor's lips formed that exasperating "O" they normally did when he was trying to sugarcoat an answer.

"Tell me, Spaceman."

He waved in the air. "Just a little casual use of the psychic paper, that's all," he explained. "They think we're inspectors from a high profile travel publisher."

Donna smiled. "Under threat of a bad review, we get the best."

"Only the best for Donna Noble."

She rolled her eyes. "Please."

The Doctor studied her. "Don't you think you deserve a holiday, especially after our last adventure?"

"You already said thank you. You don't have to spend all this time here just because of that."

He stopped. Something in his expression startled her. "We're here because you're amazing and deserve to be treated like royalty."

Donna stared at him, momentarily silenced.

"And contrary to what you may think, I do like relaxing," he added.

His genuine and insistent gaze broke through. "Thank you, Doctor," she said.

Beaming, he offered his arm, which she happily accepted. "Ready to go? We have reservations too."

"Where to this time?"

His exhalation was exaggerated. "Someplace posh where the stars are multi-colored and the food is so legendary, people put their names on waiting lists two years in advance."

"Let me guess, you put our names in two years ago?"

"Of course!"

"It sounds exotic."

"Oh yes! Just us best mates."

Donna's heart tightened at the declaration. "Well, let's go then. We've got a scathing review to write!"

"That we do!" he exclaimed as they walked outside.