Disclaimer: No, I don't own the rights to Doctor Who, but I just got owned by it.
A/N: Set before/during "Rose." Enjoy. Also, thanks to my anonymous reviewers (since I can't thank you with a reply): Jecir and Bayseaside and Idiot Jello. Also Kirsten. Thanks all; if your reviews were signed, I'd send individual replies. But who's complaining? Not me, I will tell you. Right…allons-y!
Chance Meetings
Rose Tyler was on what had to have been her twentieth sweater when Henrik's first customer of the day happened to pass by. "G'morning," Rose chimed.
The ginger woman snorted. "It is for some. Not that chipper when you've been booted from a great job."
Rose smiled sympathetically. "I wouldn't know anythin' about great jobs." She gestured around at the department store.
The woman, much to Rose's disappointment, picked up one of her perfectly folded sweaters to examine it. In her experience, the women who shopped here managed to put out of place a hundred more clothes items than they actually ended up buying. Far be it from them to lift a finger putting things back. "Can't be that bad," the woman pursed her lips. "Discounts?" She looked up with a half smile.
"There's always a bright side." Rose had finished the last stack of sweaters. "Is there anything you're looking for in particular?"
To her immense surprise, the woman folded the plaid sweater back into perfect shape and placed it on top of its proper pile. "You wouldn't happen to know where I could find the perfect man, handsome, quiet, agreeable. Would you?"
Rose chuckled appreciatively. "No chance. But if you happen to find Mr. Perfect, drop me a line and let me know where, yeah?"
The woman laughed warmly. "Oh, I will." She held her hand out. "Donna, and I'm sorry to say I probably won't be buying anything what with it being my last check and all."
"Rose, and I don't blame you. Prices across the road tend to be more decent, but you didn't hear that from me."
Donna mimicked a zipper across her lips. "Well, I'd best be going. The sooner I get home, the sooner my mum can start getting over her disappointment."
Rose hummed in sympathy. "I know exactly how you feel."
Donna, who had been turning to leave, paused, her lips pursed in thought. "Still, there's always the future to look forward to, isn't there? They can't be disappointed in us forever."
Rose nodded to be polite, but she couldn't see any truth to the words. "Well," Rose stated as she started on a rack of skirts. "I hope you find what you're looking for."
"You too." Donna smiled sweetly. "It was nice to meet you, Rose." And she turned and left. As she strode down the crowded street, she sighed sadly, failing to take notice of the slightly hidden, dark blue police box.