Problems
The Doctor hadn't seen either Rose or Donna since they had returned home from the library. Both Donna and his wife had been upset and shaken by what they had gone through, what they had seen in the Vashta Nevada infested library but Rose had more reason to. River Song had threatened Rose's life with him, threatened and caused a rift to fall between the two of them. But River was Rose in the future. Did the Doctor have a right to tell her that River was an incarnation of Rose? Why where the pair of them separated? Why did she not regenerate? Or was she forever trapped in the library mainframe where she had been transported due to the two sonic screwdrivers. All these questions which needed answering and questions he knew Rose would ask when he told her.
River had shown the pair of them their future and the Doctor was fearful that Rose believed she wasn't in it. The Doctor watched as she had to put on a brave face as usual, hiding her true feelings as she continued to smile, to show and prove her worth to the group but in the end she was hurting and the Doctor didn't know how much. Since they had arrived back on the TARDIS Rose had vanished and the Doctor was struggling to locate her.
He was walking down hundreds of corridors, looking in the rooms which were used much, the rooms he knew Rose loved but he still couldn't find her. His worry was beginning to surface and his hand went to rub the back of his neck. After a few more hours of searching the large ship the Doctor travelled to the console room to find Rose was tinkering with her. Her face was downcast as she absentmindedly reconfigured different systems in the TARDIS. The Doctor moved closer to the shadows, his body was angled at the corner of the doorframe as he looked at her sadly, watching her work and studying her. She looked broken and depressed; the carefree and passionate young woman he knew all those years ago could not be found. She had been through so much lately and the Doctor wanted to be there for her. The Doctor ran his hand through his hair nervously, brought in a huge lungful of air before walking into the control room with only one thing on his mind. His Wife.
"Oh here you are" The Doctor cried happily a smile on his face, hands in his pockets as he wandered in. Rose did nothing more than look up around the central column and over at him, a small sad smile on her lips before going back to her work in front of her "I found so man enchanting rooms while I was looking for you" He said with a smile "I found the bubble room, the garden... you remember the garden Rose? I found two new and unused swimming pools, the TARDIS loves swimming pools, I found another study and the..." But the Doctor suddenly sobered, his face dropping when he noticed his wife's eyes glistening with tears. His face fell to neutral while he took steps towards her, slowly and concern written in his posture and evident in his features. His hands fell from his pockets when he was standing right in next to his wife, his hip resting on the railings.
"You ok sweetheart?" The Doctor asked gently, his hand going to her shoulder and rubbing against it a little before he moved his hand back to the console side. Rose sniffed and lifted her head as she nodded over at him with a smile on her face
"Yeah I'm fine" She chimed before her face fell and once again she went back to her work. The Doctor knew Rose well enough to know when she was lying, his eyebrows just moved into a frown as he looked at her.
"You know you can tell me Rose" The Doctor urged encouragingly as he placed his hands to her shoulders and moved her around so he was looking down at her gently, a small smile was on his lips as he looked at her fondly, he pressed his hand to her chin and made her look at him as he smiled down at her encouragingly
"It's just..." She managed to say, the words getting lost in her throat her eyes watering as she looked up at him "I can't..." She stammered again, her voice cracking as her emotions boiled to the surface "I don't think I can do this anymore... I'm not strong enough..." She rushed out quickly, her words coming out before her sentence trailed off as she pressed her hands to her mouth, her eyes closed as she tried to control her emotions but she was unable to stop a few of the harsh sobs that exploded from her mouth, showing the Doctor just how broken she really was. The Doctor just looked down at her, saddened by her pain and he gently pulled her into an embrace. Her body fell into his arms and she was comforted when his long arms wrapped themselves around her. His cheek was rested against her hair as he rubbed soothing patterns in to her back, whispering soothing gallifreyan words into her ear.
The Doctor found his own eyes watering with unshed tears as he looked down at his heartbroken form of his wife. It had taken a little while for her to calm down but the pair of them remained together before the Doctor pulled away gently and smiled down at her. He lifted his delicate hand to her face and began to wipe away the tear stains which had littered her face, his movements delicate so not to hurt her. Rose just looked up at him as he spoke down to her
"Do you want to go and see Jack?" The Doctor asked, knowing that she would be comforted to see him, to tell him her troubles, to see the man who was like her brother. The Doctor wasn't surprised when he watched her nod her head in his hands
"Do you mind?" She enquired, her hand moving so it was rested on his wrist, her voice was still shaking with emotion. The Doctor just smiled at her, his thumb rubbing against her cheek bone again and leaning in closer to her
"Anything for you Rose" He implored with passion Rose just smiled at his forthcoming display of affection. Rose just moved her own arms around the Doctor's neck before standing on tip toes and pressed her lips to his in a loving kiss. When they pulled away the both of them were smiling at each other. The Doctor moved down to her again and pressed another kiss to her lips, their breathing began to increase and become rapid. Their lips where chapping and clasping to each other as their lips moved together as they where engulfed in passionate and loving kisses. The love being shown to the pair of them via their connection which was exploding with colour and energy. The two time beings rejoicing as they got lost in their closeness as they received the love and comfort both of them had been deprived off.
Donna was standing in the entrance of the console room, loving and rejoicing as she watched and took in the closeness of her friends a smile was spreading across her features. She didn't want to disturb them considering everything they had been through recently. She knew they both needed some time alone and she knew Rose had her problems. Something had happened to her before she had met her, something that she didn't like talking about and Donna never thought it was appropriate to bring it up in conversation when she knew how badly Rose reacted to talking about it. She took one last look at them again to see they had rested their forehead together, the pair of them had their eyes closed as they basked in each other company and love, whispering words to each other as they too full advantage of the few rare moments alone.
After about an hour later Donna could feel the TARDIS in flight and decided to head back towards her friends and the console room. When she entered she could see the Doctor at the controls that briefly looked up from his work with his eyes, smiling at her a little before going back to the controls. Rose was standing a little way away with her back to them with a phone pressed to her ear when she spoke to someone. Donna guessing as Jack as he body swayed with the movements of the TARDIS.
"Where are we going?" Donna asked gently as she hung onto the railings of the console as she whispered over to the Doctor who was walking around it calmly.
"Cardiff" The Doctor replied to her "Rose wants to see Jack" he said to her before looking over at Rose and then looking back to the controls.
"Rose?"
"Hey Jack; is it ok if we pop in for a visit?" Rose asked him gently, her voice low and heavy with sadness as she spoke.
"Rose? Is everything ok?"
"Can we visit? I need to tell you in person, I need to see you" Rose stated, ignoring the question knowing she needed to talk to him person. He was the only other person who knew what happened, she knew the Doctor knew what was happening but she needed to talk and see Jack. She needed his brotherly comfort; she needed to talk to him.
"Of course, you never need to ask, I'll see you in a bit yeah?"
"Yeah, talk to you soon" Rose replied before saying her goodbyes and placing the phone back in her pocket as she walked over to the console. She smiled over at Donna who was smiling with her before she looked over at her husband who was concentrating on parking the machine. A loud thud sounded in the large console room and Rose was immediately flinging her body towards the door. She flung it open. She gazed at Jack who had Ianto standing behind him as they had just watched the TARDIS materialise in the hub. She smiled at Jack with a watery smile before flinging her arms around his neck. Jack was simply nonplussed and confused at her emotions but he wrapped his arms around her tightly. Her head went straight to the crook of his neck as she breathed in his comforting scent and after shave. Jack frowned a little when he watched the Doctor and Donna step out of the TARDIS just as upset and sombre as the man watched his wife.
"What is it? What's happened Sweetheart?" Jack comforted, his hands still wrapped around her form, he pulled away just for Rose to cling on to him tighter and Jack just held her closer. He frowned over at the Doctor, a question shining in his eyes but the Doctor just shook his head, knowing that he needed to find out from Rose. The hour Donna had left them alone; Rose had told the Doctor everything that was affecting her. "What's wrong Hun?" Jack chimed again as he angled his head towards Rose who was still clinging on to him, a few tears falling from her eyes. Jack's hair was falling over his forehead as he looked down at the woman in his arms. His eyes were soft and gentle while his eyebrows were in a frown. He was only wearing his shirt with his braces, his toned arms on show as he had rolled up his sleeves to his elbows. A darker shirt peeking out from the top of his undone shirt. When Rose had finally relinquished her hold on Jack he smiled at her comfortingly. He placed her hand to her chin before taking her hand and giving it a gently squeeze. "You wanna tell me what's going on?" he asked her fondly. She nodded up at him before pulling him in the direction of his office. He looked at the Doctor who encouraged him to follow Rose.
When they had arrived in his office Rose went straight to the chair, she was whipping her cheek with her jumper sleeve and Jack came to sit next to her. She pulled her hand through her hair before smiling at Jack, not sure how to start the conversation.
"I'm sorry if we interrupted anything but I really needed to see you" She said up to him, Jack just smiled at her, his eyes comforting as he reached out his hand and clasped hold of hers
"We're never too busy for you guys" He smiled causing Rose to smile at him.
"I meant what I said after what happened to the Master" She started causing Jack to frown over at her "About needing your comfort as much as the Doctor, there are things that I can't talk to the Doctor about, things he can't give me" Rose said over at him "I needed to talk to you, for the affections and comfort you give me, the love of a brother" She said to him, her eyes watering again as the pain washed over her again.
"Rose?" Jack chimed as he rubbed his hand on her cheek "What's going on?" he implored. He knew the seriousness of what was going on. Rose never lost control of her emotions like this, she never broke down into tears unless something was really brothering her.
"We just returned from the Library and as usual we had to fight for our lives to get out of there" Rose started as she tried to explain what was going on "But a woman named River Song was a woman from the Doctor's future and I didn't seem to be part of it. She was adamant that the pair of them were pursuing a romantic relationship which caused me to doubt myself. I'm always having to prove myself, to study and fight for my place at the Doctor's side but this one woman was threatening to take everything away and I could do nothing but protect myself" Rose explained and Jack listened intently.
"Does the Doctor support you? Does he know?" Jack asked her which Rose nodded her head towards him
"Oh the Doctor's brilliant, it's me... I'm the problem" Rose stated her voice cracking with emotion "After everything that has happened on the valiant I knew I needed to talk about it, but every time I think about talking about it with him I freeze up, my memories block and I cant pull myself to talk about it. But the Doctor's great, he comforts me when he knows I need it, he encourages me but never pushes for information. It's just so hard." Rose explained, her eyes streaming with tears causing her to sniff and again wipe the tears from her cheeks. Jack just grasped hold of her hand again knowing she was best to explain it all at once instead of in small sections
"I'm constantly feeling like I'm unclean and I'm crawling out of my skin. I'm always terrified of meeting new people, of what they are thinking about me, of what they could be doing or telling others. My paranoia has risen dramatically compared to before. I struggle to trust anyone, anyone met on an adventure I can't trust until they prove that to me. I mean with Donna it took me weeks until I knew I could accept her and trust her. But the problem is its getting worst. I'm so close to Ianto, but when I look at him, my fear increases and I shake around him, worried about what he could do to me" Rose explained, her long monologue finished as she explained everything she was feeling. Jack doing nothing more than listening and hoping to help the woman who was like his sister. After Rose had told Jack everything about how she was reacting to her rape he didn't stop her talking. She needed to let it out. He got her to talk about the Doctor, how she felt about him, about what she's worried about in their relationship and they were talking for a good two hours.
The Doctor was absentmindedly tinkering with a few of the systems at TORCHWOOD. He helped Ianto with a few of his jobs and his mug was constantly filled with the most delicious tea he had ever tasted. His hearts were heavy with the information he had been given by his wife. She was finally coming to terms and dealing with that one disastrous event which changed the course of her life. He watched from his console and through the glass windows as Jack spoke with Rose. The Doctor knew Rose wanted to talk to him and he was glad he had stopped off here. Jack held a huge amount of her heart and he was more like her brother than her best friend. There were things that Jack could give her that the Doctor couldn't. Things she could say to Jack that she couldn't to him. And he was just so glad that she seemed to be getting and receiving huge amounts of attention and comfort from Jack, because he loved her as much as she loved him. The Doctor watched as both Jack and Rose walked from the office both talking as usual, Rose and Jack falling back into their happy go lucky relationship, full of love and laughter as the pair of them were so close. The Doctor smiled at Rose as she walked over to him and the Doctor wrapped his arms around Rose who had wrapped hers around his waist.
For the rest of that morning the group of them just relaxed. Coffee and tea was drank, games were played and conversations of adventures and missions were voiced around the group. But around 4 O'clock Jack wanted a word with the Doctor and he quickly obliged to talk to a man who he looked at as his best friend. They moved to the briefing room which was far away from the rest of the group so prying ears could not reach them. Jack was smiling at the Doctor who was looking rather confused over at him.
"You know, I always knew you were affectionate underneath" Jack smiled and joked with him. The Doctor just continued to look at him with confusion evident in his features.
"Rose told me everything" Jack replied to the confused expression the Doctor was showing him just for realisation and relief spread across his features "She told me that recently the pair of you have been a little distant which has caused some rather conflicting and disturbing thoughts on her part" Jack started as he sat down on one of the chairs "She relies on you heavily Doctor, one for comfort and love, but you keep her going, keep her fighting. She's terrified that you could leave her at any moment because you find her to clingy or her problems just get too much. She watched as you were enchanted with a woman called River Song, watching as the two of you became close, causing her to be lost and fighting to get back to you. She loves you too much, so if you wanted to leave her she would let you go without a fight. She wants you happy and she knew if she wasn't making you happy she would leave you" Jack explained to the Doctor shocking him to the core that Rose was feeling all those things at once, his admiration for her and grown immensely and his love for her had grown to a whole new light. How could she ever think he would want someone else? "I guess you've been having problems with being romantically evolved?" Jack asked causing the Doctor to blush and get a little awkward causing Jack to smile at him.
"We haven't had sex in a while if that's what you mean" The Doctor chimed "She just freezes up which I believe is because of what happened to her" The Doctor chimed. "If everything you have just said is true I need to show her that I'm not going to leave her. Rose means too much to me to ever let her go and it hurts me to see her suffering like this. I haven't told Rose about River because too many questions would spark from the enquiry. But I worked it out. River was another incarnation of Rose. Rose is in and will always been my future" The Doctor said to him causing Jack's already large smile to blossom into a large grin
"Then I know that once Rose has gained her confidence in herself she is going to be one lucky lady" Jack beamed over at the Doctor causing him to smile with him "Now it's time for us to help regain and build her confidence" Jack chimed as he pulled himself from his chair and they walked towards the others.
For the rest of the day both Jack and the Doctor noticed a sudden change in Rose. She seemed to be smiling more, laughing more and she had become a lot closer with all of them. Maybe having spoke about it had been the first stage for Rose to over come the situation which had been forced on her. But by 10 o'clock Jack, Donna and Ianto had noticed the two time beings asleep in one of the sofa's in the hub. The Doctor had rested his head in Rose's lap with his hand pulled up so it was resting delicately on her leg while Rose had fallen asleep with her head resting against her hand that was rested on the back of the Doctor's shoulder which was just showing his dark blue shirt. Her arm was lying down the curve of his waist while her other hand was placed to the back of his head, her hand getting lost in the thick mob of hair. Jack could see the pair of them with a smile spreading on his face, his eyes then lifted to Donna's form that was looking at the two of them and their closeness. Jack put down the paperwork he was holding before he walked over to Donna. Jack pressed his hand to the middle of her shoulders causing her to snap her eyes to who ever had touched her and relaxed and turned her attention back to Rose and the Doctor who were fast asleep.
"I think this is the first time I have ever seen the pair of them asleep" She chuckled with her arm folded across the bottom of her ribs while her other hand was pressed to her lips.
"Its unusual to look at the Doctor asleep, he's normally the one bursting with energy, running around all over the place" Jack smiled, his own fond smile was being smiled as he looked at the pair of them
"Rose keeps him on his toes though" Donna chimed as she looked up from the sleeping pair and then to Jack.
"She used to be more energetic than she is at the moment" He said looking down at her sadly.
"What happened to Rose?" Donna asked up to Jack "I know something happen but I never wanted to ask" She finished causing Jack to look down to the ground.
"You know that the pair of them were separated for a time right?" Jack questioned as he looked down at her and nodded his head when he noticed Donna smiling at him "Well when Rose and the Doctor finally found each other again the pair of them were captured by a man called the Master. A time lord who the Doctor had grown up with. But he beat Rose, locked her up in a cold cell... and... and raped her" Jack explained. His eyes sad as he talked about what happened to Rose causing Donna to gasp in horror.
"But she never showed any symptoms of a normal rape victim. She reached out for both me and the Doctor, wanting comfort instead of pushing us away. She never pulled us away; she never became withdrawn she seemed to be the normal and happy Rose. But talking with her today I knew then that she wasn't. She had been locking everything up, getting on with life and trying to deal with it on her own but today she had finally broke and lost it." Jack said down to Donna, a small sad smile playing on his lips before looking back to the pair of them asleep as they were lying on each other. "The Doctor has done everything right, he had comforted her, was there when she needed him. But I don't think the Doctor realises just how much he had done to help her, how much she really does love him because she hasn't told him, she hasn't had the confidence to. Hopefully Rose will grow back into the person I knew all those years ago, because when she does, both her and the Doctor are going to enjoy every waking moment with each other" Jack smiled before leaving Donna to her thoughts.
Rose woke with a start a few hours later. She blinked around her as she tried to get her bearings. She looked down to see who was still breathing gently and evenly on her lap to see the Doctor was still fast asleep in front of her, his hand still pressed lovingly and delicately to her knee. She smiled to herself at his gentleness before her mind was fogged with an image of what she had seen. She had received another warning. The Darkness is coming. She settled herself back to the Doctor's shoulders and reminded herself to tell the Doctor when he woke. But for now she was glad to sleep, after all it had been days since she had needed to recharge her batteries.
Rose had poured her heart out to her friends. Her brother and her husband knew everything. All her fears, all her worries, everything that had happened to her over the last couple of years were getting to her. She hadn't properly talked about anything and she found it hard to bare. Watching as the Doctor and Donna would laugh, their hearts lifting with such joy while she watched from the sideline, a smile on her face, keeping up appearances but it never reached her heart. Watching as the wonders of the universe sparkled the life in Donna, watching as her face would fall into one of wonder. Rose remembered when her own soul was lifted by the glorious sights... but now, she just lived in fear, lived in fear as people would look at her, reminding her of the Master, jeering at her for what she believed in, pulling her away from her husband.
But she had told Jack. Come out of character and cried on him, showing him her weakness, showing him all her pain, telling him her fears and telling him of her sorrows. Donna and the Doctor only able to watch; prevented from going to her as she sort comfort from the man who was like her brother. Her husband powerless to help her as he watched her grieve and suffer the way she was. But the Doctor was planning something. Something he knew would help her. Something he knew she would love... because deep down, underneath the hard protective armour that his wife had in place she was still the woman he loved. The delicate woman who watched and noticed the beauty of the universe.
They had been at TORCHWOOD for a few days. Rose still on the road to recovery, always hanging around with the Doctor or Jack, knowing that she was safe and that nothing was going to harm her. The pair of them was noticing drastic differences in her. Her confidence was growing, her happiness and comfort that knowing they were never going to leave her had lifted her spirits, she was becoming the woman she was when they were travelling together all those years ago, before everything had happened. She was beginning to get a golden glow around her. Her energy, her excitement and pure happiness of being alive was returning to her.
The Doctor had ordered Rose and Donna to go out shopping, giving Donna secret orders to find Rose a gown, pamper her and prepare herself for some time alone with him. Donna nodded and agreed almost immediately on the idea of spending time with Rose on her own, being with her best friend and getting some quality girl time. She was also secretly cheering with joy at the prospect of Rose and the Doctor having a romantic evening out. Considering the Time Beings never did Domestic.
By 5 O'clock they had returned to the hub and much to Jack's and the Doctor's delight the pair of them were sharing huge smiles on their faces, shopping bags hanging off their arms as they smiled and laughed with each other, both of them having loved and enjoyed every second they had spent with each other. They said their hello's before much to Rose's disappointment she was shoved into one of the neighbouring rooms so Donna could prepare her. Rose still not having any idea of what they were all planning, Rose also not enjoying the idea of being a Barbie doll.
But almost two hours later Donna asked them all to meet outside the TARDIS which was parked out on the bay. They all agreed and waited for Rose. The Doctor had also scrubbed up for the evening. His trench coat was no where in sight and he was in his black suit, his white sleeves and a pair of cuff links on his sleeves. His blazer was falling on his extremely skinny form, one of the buttons done up so it clung to his sides, his black bow tie present around his neck, his white converses replacing his common red ones, while Jack looked over at the Doctor who was pacing slightly. His nerves getting the better of him.
"Would you calm down!" Jack exclaimed as he lent his arms on his bent knees from his sitting position by the TARDIS his military coat spread around him. "You have a brilliant plan mapped out in your head so stop fussing" Jack stated over at him, comfort sweeping into his tone and his features as he looked at the Doctor's nervousness, watching as the Doctor tried to make everything perfect for his romantic evening with Rose
"But what if she doesn't like it" The Doctor voiced, looking right over at Jack as he adjusted his neck and bow tie
"You know her better than anyone, if you think she will she will. And besides, what you have told me I KNOW she is going to like it" Jack said but started to trail off as he took in the two woman who were walking from TORCHWOOD and towards the TARDIS. The Doctor frowned before moving his head and body in the direction Jack was looking. His mouth fell open as he took in the sight before him.
Rose's long blond hair was curled into such delicate and intricate curls her hair lay delicately over both her shoulders. Her fringe was pulled back with the rest of her hair and was held together with dainty clips which had small pearl butterflies on them, the small clips were dotted around her hair. Her make up was simple, her eyeliner making her eyes stand out while she had Smokey eye shadow but with one look at her dress the Doctor had to let out a heavy sigh of admiration. Her dress was a black floor length strappy dress. The Doctor noticed that it was made of soft satin and was weightless. The neck was cut into a beautiful petal shape which complemented Rose's sweetness and grace. The mermaid shape complimented Rose's curvy figure, clinging to her side and thighs. On the torso was a silver strip of sparkly material and ended at her belly button. She had surprised the Doctor as she had not covered her arms and showed the world her battle scars. She looked beautiful. Jack was slowly getting to his feet and looked over at Rose with the same open mouthed expression as the Doctor. Donna and Rose were smiling and giggling as they walked over to the two of them and stopped in front of them. Rose smiled at their expressions before looking down at the ground blushing. Rose looked up at the Doctor and Jack again just as they were shaking their heads and out of their trance
"You look..." The Doctor whispered, trailing off as he got lost in his wife's beauty once again "Beautiful" The Doctor finished as he smiled down at her, all the while Rose had her tongue sticking out from her teeth, the smile the Doctor loved and hadn't seen in such a long time.
"Thank you" She said as she looked up at her "You really need to thank Donna, she really is a girl of hidden talents. I don't think I have ever scrubbed up as nice as this" Rose said as she motioned towards Donna who was smiling at the pair of them as she stood next to Jack who was looking at Rose with such brotherly affection and pride.
"Well then, Donna thank you" The Doctor smiled over to Donna who was simply waving him away "Now, care to join me?" The Doctor asked as he held out his arm which was bent at his elbow, holding it out for Rose
"Oh, how could I refuse" Rose chimed with a laugh before placing her arm through her husband's and grasping hold of the end of her dress. The Doctor walked into the TARDIS with Rose on his arm before he guided them towards the console and the pair of them flew her in the direction of the Doctor's destination. The pair of them finding it surreal as they drove all dressed up, defiantly Rose considering she had to watch her dress. But however the pair of them was smiling, laughing as they could not keep their eyes off each other. This was the first time in such a long time they had done anything like this. Thinking back the Doctor and Rose realised that the last time they had been out as a couple was almost 7 years ago, it was even longer for Rose. The TARDIS landed once again and the Doctor held out his hand over to Rose who pulled on a small shoulder like cardigan and grasped hold of his hand, beams of happiness being shown to each one of them. The Doctor swung open the doors of the TARDIS and revelled in the sight that Rose was showing him. Her life had started again. Her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her eyes taking in every detail of the sight in front of her. Her mouth hanging open, her features showing one of such elated joy the Doctor couldn't help but smile as he watched her. She had moved towards the stone white bridge which was leading towards the Castle of Enderlasia, her hands were resting on the stone as she lent over and looked at it. The Doctor walking over to her and placing his hand over hers as he smiled over at her.
"Do you like it?" He asked with a smile before they both looked over at the castle.
"Oh I do" Rose chimed, her breath leaving her as she once again took in the beauty of the place. The City was placed on a single island, the beautiful blue waters of the ocean was surrounding them. The bridge the only entry and exit. The sinking sun was casting a brilliant orange and red glow, ships and small boats anchored around the base, lanterns lighting up their silk white sails, while the small lights were showing Rose the small and quaint houses, lights which were littering the cobbled streets, colourful flags lining the streets as they celebrated. But what really took Rose's breath away was the castle. Snow white walls, a blue roof on the towers which moved with the island. Tree's neighbouring the base of the building while the various towers reached to the sky. The Doctor simply smiled at her wonder.
"Come on" The Doctor said to her gently, pulling her away with her hand while she continued to look at the view she was about to get closer too "Or we're going to be late" He said to her and she suddenly followed him, her head moving to him with a frown on her face
"late for what?" She asked curious, the Doctor simply laughed at her slightly
"Now that would be telling" He chimed before he brought her closer, wrapped his arm around her shoulders and guided her towards the island. The pair of them talking in a comfortable conversation.
Rose suddenly went silent when she took in the sheer beauty of the place. Her mouth hanging open as she took in the cobbled streets, the warm colours of the houses, the friendliness and kindness of the people who were living there. Different coloured celebration flags hung over their heads while kids were playing and greeted them. A young girl tugged down on Rose's dress and she smiled down at her, coming down to her height. She was clutching onto a little teddy bear, her finger in her mouth while Rose smiled down at her moving to her height. She was smiling at the young girl who was shying away from Rose slightly but she was holding a small purple Sennetti like flower, holding it out for Rose to take. Rose smiled over at her, cooing over at the pretty flower and she took it as she spoke over the girl. She asked if the young girl could put it in her hair and she nodded enthusiastically, she reached up on her tip toes and placed it by Rose's right ear. Rose smiled over at her before giving the girl a hug. The girl was laughing with Rose before she ran back over to her friends. Rose smiled over at the girl before walking back over to the Doctor who grasped hold of her hand. The inhabitants of the street still saying their hello's and greeting the young couple.
The Doctor guided them over to a large fancy 'Posh' restaurant which was lit with candles, large mahogany wood walls and roses and other sort of flowers were lining the tables. The Doctor gave his name as John Smith to the waiter for him to look at his seating plan and moved Rose and her husband to their allocated table. Rose noticed other couples very much like herself present for the evening. Women dressed in gowns which varied in all sort of different shapes, sizes and colours, the men all dressed very similar to the Doctor, their ties matched the dress colour to their partner. Rose hadn't noticed that she and the Doctor were also matching. Dare she say it but they looked like a proper and happy couple. They arrived at their table and before Rose could sit down the Doctor was holding out his chair for her, guiding her to sit down before he moved to sit opposite her. The waiter asked what they would like to drink, the Doctor ordered Rose's favourite alcoholic beverage of Lambrini, he left leaving the Doctor and Rose smiling over at each other as they enjoyed each other's company. Alone from everyone they knew, and not having to save the universe.
After about 2 hours the pair of them had finally finished their meals. Both of them full to the bone, each one of them having had a lovely meal and drink. Both of them having had at least a bottle of the drink each, neither one of them feeling the effects due to their advanced physiology. They said their goodbyes to the friendly staff before they emerged into the night. The Doctor's plan working brilliantly but he had one more thing he wanted to do, the best part of the evening was about to come. He grasped hold of Rose's hand before beaming over at her and pulling her towards the docks, Rose smiling at him, confused at where he was taking her. When they got to the docks the Doctor could see a small rowing boat he had reserved. His shoes along with Rose's were clicking on the wood, the water moving beneath them
"Doctor where are we going?" Rose questioned him as she finally glanced at the boat and over to the Doctor who was ducked onto his knees as he untied the rope.
"Now if I told you that would ruin the surprise" The Doctor smiled which caused Rose to smile over at him
"Oh, I guess your right" She chimed as she folded her arms across her chest. The Doctor beamed up at her over his shoulder before he held out his hand and helped her aboard the boat. She had one of her hands pressed delicately to the Doctor's the other was moving her dress out of the way. The Doctor then got settled before he rowed the boat... by himself right in the middle of the island so Rose could get a better look at it and wait for what was about to happen. Other boats were also dotted around the place, every one of them knowing what was about to happen, and Rose having no idea, even if she was suspecting her husband. Rose had her elbows resting on the side of the boat as she tried to take in as much of the island as possible, trying to commit every image, every sound and every feeling into her mind, wanting to remember this day for the rest of her life as she relished in the fact the Doctor had planned this for her. The Doctor was also sitting next to her, his hands folded over one another as he lent them on the side of the boat. Rose simply sighed slightly, looking down at the water and her reflection, the Doctor looking over at her.
"Are you OK?" He said to her gently, she just looked away at him
"I'm fine, it's just..." Rose started, trying to find the right words "I mean, I've been trying my hardest to get over everything that has happened to me, trying to forget the feel of the Master, to move on from the Dalek's but what if I can't? What if things get on top of me again and I go back into my shell like I did last time. I don't like feeling like that Doctor. I want to feel like this, looking upon the wonders and the beauty of the Universe, loving and enjoying every moment of my life I have with you. What if my dreams never come true or they don't live up to what I want them to be" Rose said over to the Doctor, her eyes watering slightly at the sheer passion of her words. Her heart and soul put into her words as she explained to the Doctor everything she was feeling again. The Doctor knowing there and then that she had been trying and fighting for so long to get pasted everything that had happened.
"Then I would say, I will always be here to help you and make sure your dreams come true" The Doctor said over to her gently which caused her to look over at her husband again laughing slightly
"And what if I full fill my dreams?" Rose questioned
"Well that's the good part. You get to find a new one" The Doctor said as he looked up at the sky, Rose following his lead before he spoke over to her again
"The reason I bought you here today was so I could show you the wonders of the universe again Rose." The Doctor started turning so she could look at him. "I remember watching as your face would shine with excitement and wonder. Watching as your eyes and your mind would leap at any chance to learn new things, to take in and study different cultures. Rejoicing in the fact you would grab hold of my hand, pulling me to anything that caught your eyes, making sure I was part of your adventure. I have been yearning to see that on your face, in your soul for as long as you have... and if I'm honest, watching your reaction when we arrived here, it's safe to say that you have found it" The Doctor said to her softly as he smiled over at her, Rose taking in his disarray hair, his bow tie present. She beamed over at him, her face shining slightly
"You think so?" Rose cried happily
"Oh I know so" The Doctor laughed with her, his small smile moving into a large beaming one. Rose smiled the smile which had her tongue sticking out from between her teeth as she continued to lean on the edge of the boat.
"Enderlasia" Rose said suddenly "You have thought about taking me here before" Rose said with a smile, the Doctor nodded, his own lips rose into a smile "I saw pictures in your mind" She said as she looked back at the castle, the sky dark, the stars twinkling in the sky, the boats glimmering from the candle lights. "I wish you had taken me here sooner" She sighed in contentment. With that the Doctor lent forward and smiled
"I was saving it" The Doctor started which caused Rose to look over at him "I wanted to bring you here when you were down, when you had lost faith in the universe or recovering from something. I wanted to share this with you when I wanted to show you the beauty of the universe, to show you how much I loved you so I could spend time with you, away from Jack and Donna" The Doctor said to her, Rose nodded over to him, a smile on her face.
"What's the story of this place?" She asked him curiously.
"Now then let me see, the King and Queen were expecting a baby girl, but the Queen fell gravely ill, she was dying along with her baby" The Doctor started before he looked over at Rose "But a solar flare had fallen from the planets sun causing a flower to grow in the place where it had fallen."
"A flower" Rose stated slightly un impressed, the Doctor simply smiled up at her while holding up one of his fingers towards her
"Wait, it gets better" He smiled "This flower had magical healing properties. The King demanded his soldiers to search his kingdom for the flower, spending so many materials in the hope of saving his wife. And they did. Just in the knack of time, saving his wife and their daughter. But she was only 2 months old when she was taken. Stolen from her crib leaving her parents to wait, hope and pray that she will return home" The Doctor explained to her. Rose was listening intently as he spoke, she was about to say something before the Doctor's continued to talk to her. "But every year on her birthday, the whole city group together, releasing thousands of lanterns into the sky, one day hoping that she will find her way home." The Doctor said with a smile, at the mention of the lanterns Rose's excitement grew
"And that's what we're here to see?" Rose voiced happily, the Doctor smiled and nodded
"I remembered that time we went to China for one of the New Year celebrations. I remember watching the happiness floating into your face as we released those lanterns into the sky" She smiled.
"You remember that... after all that time" Rose scoffed, touched at his thought, over the moon that he had gone to all this trouble to bring her here.
"As I said to you, I want you to see the beauty and wonders of the universe" he said with a smile, causing the pair of them to smile at each other as the love in their hearts grew to a new height.
Rose was absentmindedly floating her fingertips in the water, her chin placed in one of her hands as both her husband and herself waited for the floating lights. To say she was excited was an understatement. She had always enjoyed this tradition, ever since she was small. She could remember making the lanterns with her mother and then sending them into the sky, watching as they floated up to the clouds and to the sky.
But suddenly Rose noticed something floating on the water, a small light hanging in the sky; she snapped her head in its real direction and her face lit into a huge smile. It had started. She glanced up at the sky a few seconds more before she rushed to her feet and stumbling towards the edge of the boat, clinging onto the end. The boat rocked violently under her clumsy footing, causing the Doctor to loose his seat but she didn't care, hundreds of thousands of lanterns were being let into the sky. Her childhood memories catching up with her. Rose smiled to herself when she noticed them being released from the city and the others which were floating out from the boats which had been surrounding them. The sky suddenly lit up with a pink colour as the lights flew into the sky. Rose watched as they moved towards her, the whole thing making the castle look like it was shining with fairy lights, the whole sky full of them. Rose sighed in contentment and lent her cheek on her hand as she watched the flames and lanterns wishing her mother could be here to witness the spectacle.
But suddenly she turned around, her torso swivelled so she was looking at the Doctor. He had two of his own lanterns, lit and ready to be released held in his hands. His suit turning a deep orange as the flame's light reflected off his clothing. His face lit up gently so Rose could see the gentle and comforting smile on his face. Her own face moved into one that held a smile and she moved to sit in front of him, her hand adjusting her dress over her knees and she looked over at him.
"It's beautiful" Rose whispered, leaning over to him as she spoke to him
"I thought you would like it" He said to her softly, smiling the smile she loved oh so very much. He grasped hold of her hand and squeezed it before handing her one of the lanterns. She smiled over at him, her shoulders moving slightly in anticipation before the pair of them raised their hands and let the two lanterns off together, the two objects swivelling and moving together. The Doctor was watching the two lanterns with his mouth hanging open in wonder before he moved his head to look over at his wife.
He smiled over at her as he noticed that she had her hands placed to the edge of the boat as she lent forward. Her head was raised slightly as she looked at the lanterns, her eyes wide with wonder and happiness, her mouth hanging open. But she then noticed one of the lanterns. She smiled over at The Doctor trying to get his attention, waving her hand at him before she pointed towards the stray lantern. The Doctor knew she was feeling better in herself because once again she was including him in her adventures, wanting to share her memory with him. She let the lantern travel over to her before she placed her fingers delicately to the corner of the light and moved it into the air so it could be reunited with the others in the sky.
The Doctor grasped one of her hands which were rested on the side of the boat and she moved to look at it. She looked up at him and smiled as she adjusted her seat and clasped both of her hands in his.
"Did I tell you you look stunning tonight?" The Doctor asked as he moved forward to talk to her. Rose smiled over at him and looked down
"On multiple occasions" Rose laughed as she looked up at him "Did I tell you how much better I'm feeling?" She said to him, the Doctor smiled over at him and he shook his head. Rose adjusted her seating, making sure not to remove her hands and she moved closer to her husband. "Being here with you has made me realize just how blind and caught up in my own memories I have been. Being here, amongst the most beautiful sight, sitting here in the starlight, I know this is where I'm supposed to be. I belong at your side Doctor where it is warm and real and bright" Rose said to him gently, her voice full of emotion as she showed her husband just how much he meant to her. The Doctor was smiling at her. He squeezed her hand as he returned those feelings.
"I can see it sweetheart. I can see you sitting in front of me, shining in starlight, watching as the dark fog which had surrounded your soul for so long is being lifted, and the whole world shifting as you looked at it differently. But do you know what. You have shown me to look at the universe differently. I'm seeing things clearly; looking at the new sky above my head, the days of running away and chasing down daydreams are over. I'm meant to be at your side Rose. And I'm never leaving it" The Doctor replied.
He reached over to her face and moved a small section of her fringe which had fallen from her hair. Rose smiled as she closed her eyes in complete bliss and moved into his touch. He moved his hand back to her chin just as she opened her eyes just for the Doctor to press his hand to her cheek once again, the pair of them staring into each other's eyes, both moving forward until their lips met in the middle. Love exploded over their forms. Pure happiness and joy filled their hearts and their minds were fogged with so much colour and light due to their connection. Rose's mind fogged with such a sheer brightness of gold fogging her mind as the Doctor portrayed the raw feeling and power of his love, of his need and happiness that she was staying with him and Rose knew that she was showing him the same things. Rose's and the Doctor's lips moved in sync as they poured out their souls to each other. Rose's arms had moved around his shoulders and her hands had made their way into his hair while the Doctor was pulling her closer, neither one of them wanting to break contact, not wanting to separate in fear of loosing each other all over again.
After a few moments of togetherness the Doctor and Rose finally parted, their eyes still closed as they regained their breath, their foreheads together as they lived the moment. Desire, intimacy and passion had surrounded them as they spent their time together. It had been such a long time since either of them had felt this way. Rose had always shied away, or she had closed off her hearts when moments like this had arisen, but now she didn't. She wanted this, she wanted to have the Doctor to herself, she wanted to reacquaint herself with her husband emotionally and physically and from the thoughts that the Doctor was sending her, she knew he was feeling the same way.
"You know we could try that out Doctor" Rose said to him with humour sparkling in her voice and her eyes as she looked over at the Doctor, she had moved away slightly at this but her arms were still linked around his neck as he looked at her. Her hand trailing her fingertips against this cheek bone and his soft skin as she looked at him. The Doctor pulling Rose onto his lap as he looked at her, both of them was smiling huge smiles. The lanterns shining around them
"I thought one's thoughts were Private Mrs Smith" The Doctor growled over at Rose with a smile on his face. Her hands were absentmindedly rubbing her fingertips over his sideburns and his face while he looked up at her, his arms wrapped entirely around her waist as he placed her closer to him, his head looking up at her.
"Well they would be if you hadn't openly transferred them over to me Mr Smith" Rose taunted again, this time the pair of them beaming at each other while the Doctor moved the fringe from her face delicately again. The Doctor smiled at her before leaning up towards her and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. They parted again before they both continued to chap at each other's lips. The force and pressure steadily increasing until their kisses were full of desire and want, adoration taking over their forms. Rose's hands anchored her husband to her. One of them were clasped to his cheek while the other was wrapped in his hair making it even more messier than before. The Doctor was pushing at her again forcing Rose onto her back so he was hovering over the top of her, his mouth still at hers until his tongue came into play. But Rose's hands slipped down to explore his chest as best she could through his suit jacket. When her fingers skittered along his hip Rose smiled underneath his lips as she heard the moan which had escaped his lips. After such a long time the Doctor had been passive except where there mouths were engaged, but Rose's simple gesture had spurred something within him. His hips bucked into her when she teased him by doing it again and his hands began to explore the territory that was now open to him, his hand skirting across the delicate cloth of her dress. He smoothed down the dress before he reached down and moved his hand underneath the material, Rose and The Doctor smiling underneath each other's lips before crushing themselves against each other.
Desire blazed through the pair of them as Rose felt his fingers or while Doctor obliged at providing it. But Rose had enough of him just feeling her skin and she suddenly needed to feel more of his skin against hers. She tried to push his jacket off his shoulders but he was teasing her by refusing his hold on her long enough for it to slide down his arms. Rose was sighing in frustration as she broke the kiss and made sure that his jacket was off, his bow tie followed all the while the Doctor was kissing the crook of her neck, trying to distract her as he sucked or nipped at her tender skin. Rose's hearts fluttering in her chest as the Doctor sent chills down her spine causing her to gasp slightly. The Doctor smiled as he realised at the effect he was having on his wife. He kissed her once again before he lent forward laying her on the wood and they were gone from the rest of the universe for the next couple of hours.