The Doctor opened the TARDIS doors feeling like he was bouncing inside-more than normal- and stepped out. The others followed and he closed the door behind Jack and turned to survey where they had landed.
It was a grassy field but there was a town within sight. And he was pleased to feel the sunlight pouring down on them. He wasn't completely willing to admit he was trying to impress Anna, but if he were, getting them where he meant to seemed important.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the Doctor said and then wondered if that sounded as odd to them as it did to him. "This is New Longway."
"And it's actually warm, just like you said," Donna smiled at him.
"You don't have to sound so surprised," the Doctor pouted.
"Yes I do," Donna joked but softened it, "But it's lovely."
The Doctor smiled at her and then looked to Anna was looking out to the town.
"Would you like to go check it out," the Doctor asked.
She looked back at him, her smile making him warm in a way the sunlight wasn't able to.
"Yes," she agreed. They began to walk, Jack and Donna pulling ahead of them. "So was there an Old Longway?"
"Good question," he told her honestly. "No, actually there wasn't. If I remember correctly it was the name of the first inhabitant."
She nodded at him and they continued on in renewed silence. He couldn't mistake her lack of chatter for disinterest. Her curiosity was so strong it made the space between them tingle.
Jack and Donna were far enough ahead that their conversation was lost in the gap but not so far that they couldn't find the Doctor if they looked.
But he stayed at Anna's side- equal part desire to keep her safe and desire just to be near her. And for all the words and thoughts he wanted to share he didn't speak. He hoped, with time, that she would come to speak more. But it was mostly in the fear that if she didn't the others would drown her out.
The Doctor watched Donna and Jack holding hands and laughing, though he didn't know what about. He took it in with a smile, they had become a lot closer and the Doctor was happy for both of his friends. Feeling a small hand touch his arm he turned to see Anna smiling at him.
"This is so amazing, thank you."
He beamed at her, and ignored the unhealthy heart fluttering, "You're welcome."
"Um…" she started and then seemed unsure of how to continue.
"What is it?" he asked, his mind going to the worst possibilities.
"What species are they?"
Oh…just a simple question. He had worried she was going to say something about going home, and he would have to find out if he was actually above begging. He knew he was in trouble, feeling like this after such a short amount of time. Of course, it didn't matter because she didn't seem to feel anything towards him.
"They are called the Fishin, they are humanoid." He told her, after realizing he had left her to argue with himself about her mentally.
"Right," she nodded, and her face showed she was curious what had caused the pause, but she didn't ask. Then much to his surprise, she slipped her much smaller hand into his.
It was so warm, though that could be attributed to the heat of the day, but it felt perfect. He tightened his grip just enough to say that she was welcome in his hand. He had in fact, been wishing that he had been doing it since they had stepped out of the TARDIS.
But he told himself, he liked the contact with anyone. It wasn't just her that he longed to touch.
They made it to the town, and Jack and Donna slowed to wait on them. He had never taken them here before and when in doubt they still turned to him.
He liked that. He liked to be needed. When they caught up to them they all began to stroll through the streets. They looked at what the street vendors were selling and talked about things they saw. It was quiet and nice, and he had the best of company. He really was a lucky man.
This was just what he had been trying for when he landed them here. He wanted there to be things to see but low danger.
At least he thought it was low danger until he saw the soldiers. As they approached he spoke a few words in his head that the TARDIS wouldn't have translated on a matter of principle and looked at his companions.
He didn't wait till they arrived to try to figure out the trouble and looked quickly at the vendors, most of which were woman. They all looked nervous and, he was kicking himself for missing it, they all had a spiral brand on their right hand.
The soldiers stopped in front of them, blocking the road completely. "The females must come with us for punishment and processing," what was the commanding officer, the Doctor presumed, spoke.
Anna's hand tightened slightly in his and he gave it a gentle squeeze and offered her what he hoped was an encouraging smile. She didn't seem convinced.
"On what charges," the Doctor let go of Anna's hand and was proud when she didn't fight him.
Jack had moved as well, placing his body in front of the woman, Donna moved back to stand beside Anna.
"Being unwed, unmarked females," the commander answered, with a tone of impatience.
His fellow soldiers didn't seem to want to make eye contact with the Doctor or Jack.
"We are travelers," the Doctor explained, hoping that excuse might actually work. "We didn't know."
"No exceptions," the commander told him, with what appeared to be the beginnings of a smile.
He was about to finish of the last of the Doctors patience.
"Take the females for punishment and then send them to The Sale."
"What is The Sale," Jack asked, though the Doctor imagined Jack knew all too well.
The commander actually sighed loudly, but answered. "The woman will be presented to the unwed males. Offers are made for their hand in marriage and the highest bidder wins them."
The Doctor looked back at the two of them, both beautiful and in his care. His mind had already provided him with an answer but he could only hope they understood well enough not to call him out on his lie.
"They are our wives," he told the commander, his voice firm and holding a tone of anger, he didn't have to fake.
Jack's eyes met his for about half a second before he was agreeing. "Yes, they can't be brought to The Sale. They are already taken."
The commander looked disappointed, and the Doctor felt a stirring of violence but he pushed it away. He wasn't like that, but he had to fight it when people tried to hurt those he loved. But he took his disappointment as what it was and it gave him hope.
"Do you have proof," he asked them, clearly reaching for entertainment.
Fishing out his psychic paper he flashed it concentrating on the right thoughts. "See there…ours."
He hoped Donna would overlook the implied ownership if it saved them.
"Very well," it was conceded. "But they must still be punished and branded. You can retrieve them in two hours."
"No one is branding me or her sunshine," Donna argued as soldiers moved to grab Anna and Donna.
"I've got to agree," Anna spoke out and the Doctor fought a smile. One day with Donna and she was fighting back with the best of them.
"This way," the commander told them once they were secured. The Doctor noted how gentle the two that led his girls away were trying to be and he made a note of it.
"I can walk on my own," Donna was still protesting as they moved farther away.
"Wait," the Doctor called out, wanting to tell them that they were coming for them.
To Jack he said," Tell Donna we are coming and not to fight too much." And then back to the soldiers. "Allow us a goodbye. It is our tradition."
When they didn't move he took that as acceptance and moved to Anna as Jack walked over to Donna.
He leaned in near Anna and she smelled like coconut and starlight and, which was far more distracting than it should have been. He whispered in her ear.
"We will get you out, I promise."
He leaned away just a little, and to complete the act he kissed her cheek. He was fairly sure she blushed and he might have as well, but he hoped not.
When he took a step back he saw Jack kiss Donnas' check and step back as well. Donna had a funny sort of smile and he wondered for a moment if Jack's words had been more of a comfort than his had been. But then Jack winked and the Doctor was certain it was something else.
As soon as they were out of sight the Doctor looked to Jack. "Let's go get our wives."