Authors Note: This is my first story and all criticism is appreciated. I'd would love to know your thoughts and suggestions!
Updated May 24th: I have made some revisions, hopefully to clarify somethings a bit =]
Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who, or its characters, else I would be busy plotting the giant 50th anniversary special.
Chapter One: Rose
It was up to her, she realized, as he jumped around the ship. His face was void of all emotion, and he was absurdly quiet. Rose almost wanted to make a joke about it; he hadn't shut up since after his regeneration, but she knew he was far from calm. His movements were quick and frantic, and his eyes were distant, far from his actual task. He was delaying making any decisions while he still could.
Rose watched him, facing away from the time window. She could still hear the screams coming from inside the ballroom. They sent a chill down her spine and she crossed her arms, a failed attempt to shield herself from the horror that emanated through the sound.
The air was thick with apprehension. Each new sound cast layers of terror and panic swirling through the air. The ticking of the clockwork robots supplying a heightened sense of urgency. Exhaustion seeped through Rose as each moment crept by. The anticipation of the Doctor's declaration threatening to burst out of her. It was an ache that rippled through her entire being, an energy that shook her entire body. She was overwhelmed, the need to pass out warring with the endless energy she suddenly had. Her emotions threatened to burst open her heart, exposing her fear, flooding the room with it.
She knew he couldn't stay, how could he? When so many people needed him. So why did he even toy with the idea? It seemed tortuous, for both of them. Time had trapped them, and one of them was going to have to break, or else there would be disaster.
Taking a deep breath, she glanced at Mickey and wondered if he felt as engulfed with emotion as she did. He was staring at the two of them, his jaw tense, fear plainly evident on his face. She knew what she had to do, and she knew Mickey wasn't going to like it. She also knew she couldn't ask the Doctor to stay, or leave him to suffer the the decision on his own.
She made her decision in that moment. The finality of it hardening her resolve. She would let him go. She had to, because this wasn't about her or Mickey. It was bigger than that, and someone had to make a stand and do the right thing. It scared her, knowing that she may never see him again, much less be able to get back home. But then, success never came without sacrifice, the Doctor was living proof of that.
Walking up to him, she laid a hand across his. Her heart pounded in her ears, her body shaking slightly with fear and adrenaline. Rose tightened her grip on his hand and breathed deeply, praying he wouldn't be able to feel her shaking.
"Go." she said simply. A strangled note could be heard coming from Mickey, but she ignored it. "she's waiting for you." the Doctor stared at her, his jaw dropping. She stared back, hoping to convey her trust and understanding to him. He nodded slightly, his mouth still open and turned from her. She watched as he snapped his mouth shut and stared at the console, nodding more fiercely. His eyes flicked back up to hers.
"Wait for me, I'm coming back." he finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. She nodded, leaning on the console. He pushed away and strode toward Arthur, Mickey watching him incredulously. She clenched her teeth and bit back the raw fear she felt.