Chapter 5: IOS Christmas Gala, Ferway Nebula, 16302

Rose kneeled crying over her dead father, shedding the tears she was never given the opportunity or outlet for when she lost him as an infant. The Doctor came and stood patiently next to her. She couldn't wait long before her mother and the baby got too close but he trusted her to know that this time. Almost instantly she stood, turning to walk back to the TARDIS and away from the past she'd been so desperately seeking. He reached out his hand and she took it, small fingers wrapping around his own.

He knew exactly where they were going even before they'd closed the doors and she did as well.

The Doctor waited in the console room for Rose. She'd disappeared down the hall nearly an hour earlier but he knew she was somewhere crying and he wasn't going to go find her just yet. Crying teenagers were definitely not his forté. Luckily he didn't have to worry about looking for her as she appeared before too long.

She smiled lightly when she walked in, wearing a festive red jumper over her jeans. She'd showered since she'd been gone. Her hair, partially hidden by a knit cap and green scarf, was still damp, and her makeup had changed. A little less mascara and a bit more lipstick to match her top.

"What are you all dressed up for?" He teased. "Thought we might go visit the desserts of Sut'Kar. Sound good?"

"Shut up," she teased with a smile. "Christmas. Some place alien this time. And get a move on." She grinned at him, her tongue caught between her teeth.

"Just whose ship do you think you're on?" The Doctor looked putout, but moved to the center console anyway. "Honestly," he muttered. "Who does she think she is..." He gave the vortex loop a hard pull and Rose could feel the rush in her gut that told her they were moving through time. Moments later they stopped with a soft thud.

"Nice landing," she complimented. "Able to stay on my feet that time."

He gave her a satisfied smile and took her hand, leading her to the door. "You wanted alien, I give you alien."

They stepped out into what appeared to be a large palace or mansion. The room they stood in was cavernous. Rose simply couldn't think of another word to describe it, looking up at the walls that seemed to go on forever, meeting in a pointed arch high above her. The floors and walls seemed to be made entirely of white marble (though she reasoned a more alien material was more likely). Gold molding and trim lined the walls and ceiling in intricate geometric patterns. It seemed that every inch of the room, as well as the hall Rose could see across the way, had been decorated for the holidays. Rich garlands that smelled of pine ran along the chair rail trim and up around each doorway, interspersed with wooden ornaments and twinkling lights. Intricate light displays were hung from the ceiling, all leading to a huge glowing orb that hung towards the center of the room.

To their right, between two curved staircases, stood the largest Christmas tree Rose had ever seen. It was at least 15 meters tall, completely covered in lights, ornaments and tinsel. Perfectly balanced gold, silver, and color encompassed the large pine. Thinking of how awkward looking her own family's tree often turned out she realized it must've taken a dozen people days to get it right.

"The Intergalactic Outreach Society's annual Christmas Gala. Technically it's the 21st but..."

"It's lovely."

"Can I help you?"

The Doctor and Rose both turned to the woman who'd spoken to them. She stood taller than the both of them, her blue skin glimmering in the Christmas lights.

"Yes. Here for the party," the Doctor told her.

The woman smiled and nodded. "I am Amalthea, this years host. I didn't realize the human population was sending representatives this year. You usually don't."

"Why's that?" Rose asked.

"Bit of a falling out," the Doctor explained. "You lot spread through the stars, find hundreds of intelligent species, and still think you're number one. Got too used to being the dominant species on Earth and had a bit of trouble adapting. Figure it out in the end though."

Amalthea nodded slowly. "Yes, well, you're a bit early. It will be another hour yet before the others arrive." She looked them both over briefly. "Will you be needing assistance with your clothes? You're a bit... underdressed."

Rose was about to complain about their hosts condescending attitude, but the Doctor spoke first.

"Nope. Just fine. Be back in an hour." He stepped back into the TARDIS, Rose following behind. Almost immediately she was complaining.

"Can you believe her?" Rose fumed. "What's wrong with what I've got on?"

The Doctor gave her a quick look and laughed. "Largest interspecies party of the year? Think they want more than a nice top."

Rose frowned, but he did have a point. "Wardrobe then?"

"Yep. Down the-"

"I know where it is. Been here long enough."

"Right. Off you go then."

The Doctor watched Rose's retreating form disappear down the hall. Just how long had she been traveling with him? Somehow, at some point, he had lost track. In some ways it still felt new. Like every time they headed out, he was showing her for the first time. But at the same time being with her felt familiar, like she'd always been there.

He didn't have time to dwell on the thought as the sight of Rose walking towards him thoroughly destroyed his concentration.

She had certainly taken what Amalthea said to heart and changed completely. He realized he must have been lost in thought far longer than he'd thought. Gone were the jeans and jumper, replaced by a deep red evening gown, the neckline of which swooped down a bit too much for his own comfort. When she spun to show off he saw that the back of the dress hung even lower, exposing her from shoulder to waist. By the time she turned back round to face him, he was making a conscious effort to not notice how well it fit her.

"Like the necklace?" She asked, fingering the chain of diamonds wrapped around her neck. "Found it in the wardrobe with these earrings."

The Doctor stared at her for a moment, trying not to following the trail the jewelry traced across her skin, before answering. "It'll do. Ready then?"

He extended his arm, waiting for Rose to take hold, then took her out into the party, which was now in full swing.

"Did we move?" Rose asked. "I thought she said an hour."

He leaned towards her conspiratorially. "Not one for waiting."

Rose smiled up at him and slid her arm from his. "So now what?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, fancy dress party. Can't just stand around watching. Like you said, gotta dive in and experience everything."

"Did I say that? Suppose I did. Well, you go on. Have fun."

"You're not coming?"

"Not really my thing. Besides, not dressed for it." He gestured to his jacket and jeans.

"You could change."

The Doctor shook his head and gave her a nudge forward. "Just go enjoy yourself."

Rose frowned but only hesitated briefly before leaving his company. He watched as she flitted about the room, talking to party guests while drinking and sampling appetizers from the passing wait staff. She waved to him from the grand piano while she sang carols with a group largely comprised of Foamasi and Pakhar. He nodded back at her to let her know he'd seen her and she came to join him.

"Sure you don't want to sing?" She teased, elbowing his side.

"Not even the tiniest bit."

"You're no fun."

"Not even the tiniest bit."

Rose rolled her eyes. "Fine. I am gonna have some of that eggnog over there, and then some sugar cookies. And since you want to be a grinch, I'm not bringing you any."

The Doctor groaned. "Honestly. Can't you just have fun and not try to drag me into it?"

"Fine I know. Too domestic for you. So you stay here and... do whatever you're doing. I'm gonna eat, and find a nice, preferably non-furry, bloke to dance with."

She walked away from him, hips sashaying as she made her way to the buffet. He couldn't help frowning when she did find someone to dance with, and he saw the way her face lit up with a smile as the man spun her about. He saw her glance over and quickly looked away.

Rose fought back the urge to glare at the Doctor from the dance floor. How obvious could he be? Mr. Jealousy putting out do-not-touch vibes from across the room, then acting as if he didn't even know she was there. As frustrating as it was to deal with his behavior, she'd asked to come here to cheer herself up and she wasn't about to let him ruin that. If that was how he was going to act, she'd let him. There were plenty of people interested in having a good time, so she'd let him sit with a sour look on his face.

She spent the next few hours dancing, singing, and just thoroughly enjoying herself despite the doom and gloom emanating from the corner of the room. By the party was beginning to wind down, she was exhausted. She plopped down on the bench next to the Doctor and let her head drop onto his shoulder, too tired to worry about his earlier behavior. Apparently he wasn't going to comment or apologize either. Resting against him, the leather of his jacket cool beneath her cheek, her entire body suddenly felt very heavy and her eye lids became to drop as the fatigue of dancing for hours preceded by the emotional turmoil of 1987 caught up with her. She felt the Doctor's arm slide around her as she began to drift off with the sound of Christmas carols in her ear, and woke hours later in the TARDIS.