"We should have more dates like this," River beamed holding tightly onto the Doctor's arm as they strode on through the bustling carnival.

"This isn't a date..." he protested attempting for the third time to escape her tight grip.

"Don't be silly of course it is... You... Me... and we've already covered the running part..." she smiled simply, resting her head on his shoulder and sighing contently. The pair continued on, the Doctor, on guard for anything he deemed suspicious, River, enjoying his ever distant company, knowing that their high affinity for trouble meant that this peaceful walk, wouldn't last much longer. He felt a sharp tug on his arm and spun quickly on to the spot. He squinted trying to identify the threat; finally he looked down in confusion at River. She pointed to a large bunch of balloons being held in place by an oversized ant eater like creature.

"Be a gentleman," she insisted, "... the one with the storm cloud inside looks nice..." she added with a whisper. The Doctor clenched his teeth together and marched over to the startled creature.

"Carnival inspector," he stated firmly holding up his psychic paper, "I need to take those balloons" Snatching them out of the creatures hand he marched back towards River, twenty or so balloon strings held tightly in his fist. He thrust them at her roughly, "come on..." He took her hand and marched her onwards.

"You like to be in control... don't you Doctor?" she teased. She pulled her hand back, forcing him to stand still. She allowed the balloons to float gracefully away before reaching up to grip his hair tightly.

"River..." he whispered into her open mouth. Pausing they stared carefully into each other's eyes, both trying desperately to read the signs correctly as they were drawn closer. With their lips sealed the Doctor slipped his hands around her waist. With a small jump she was in his arms, legs wrapped firmly around him. Her fingers tightened in his hair forcing him to wince slightly; as he gasped he lost the fierce battle their tongues had been partaking in, River was now in full control.

At that point in time the Doctor found his mind wandering in a dangerous direction. He probably should not be kissing River Song like this... probably shouldn't be exploring her body with his wandering hands. He already knew now that River was to be his 'forever'... but he was the Doctor... and the Doctor didn't do love... and he certainly didn't do a permanent commitment... Just the thought of a permanent lifelong relationship made his legs almost give way beneath him. One woman for the rest of his existence... and what a long existence that would be, at nine hundred and three he was still very young. His legs were finally unable to support him sending the pair toppling to the floor. River landed on top of him, straddling him ungracefully. He looked up at her wide eyed in shock. With one eyebrow raised slightly she stared back at him for a moment trying to catch her breath.

"Thanks..." she breathed patting his chest fondly, "I needed that..." she clambered off of him, straightening her jacket and fixing her curly hair. The Doctor sat up slightly, mouth hung open as he stared in disbelief at her,

"You needed that?"

She looked thoughtful for a moment, "Yes," she decided promptly, her hands continued to check that everything was in place, briefly touching on her PDA, gun, and communicator.

"I'm not your play thing... to just... to just pick up when you please" He scrambled up brushing the small blades of grass from his trousers and frowning at her indignantly.

"Of course you're not sweetie" Though the glint in her eye said otherwise. The Doctor shook his head, he'd been had, that much was certain. He rolled his eyes before his legs decided that he'd stood long enough. Though he was still annoyed with her, the Doctor held his hand out towards her, wiggling his fingers insistently until she complied.

"So...," he began, still continuing to sweep the area with his eyes as they walked. River looked to him expectantly, awaiting his clearly looming question. It never came. There were many things he wanted to ask River... many things. He let out a long, loud sigh. There was no way of getting the truthful responses he wanted without some kind of time altering 'spoiler' being revealed, "What are we going to do River?" he asked finally. She frowned looking quite puzzled,

"What do you mean?"

"Us... this... situation..." He turned to her, she was very much taken aback by the sad look in his eyes, it shocked River almost to the point of speechlessness.

"Doctor... I..." Her reply was interrupted by the piercing lock down alarm. The lights began to dim slowly giving the carnival workers just enough time to return to their homes. The Doctor's expression turned dangerously stern as her pulled River towards the cover of Waltzer. Pressed flat against the floor they shuffled underneath the frame holding the ride above the ground. Side by side, in the darkness, they waited. The Doctor would not be caught out a second time.