To Have And Not To Hold - Vingt-Sept

[mtemplar_fic]

Title: To Have And Not To Hold
Author: mtemplar
Rating: Adult
Characters: The Doctor (Tenth), Rose Tyler
Genre: Angst, Graphic Sex, Graphic Violence, Hurt/Comfort, Romance
Disclaimer: I do not own 'Doctor Who' and am making no profit from this fanfiction.
Spoilers: Series 2, up to 'School Reunion'
Author's Notes: My first Who-fic - please be gentle! Thanks to slayersgrl and nonlinearmusing for initial read-throughs and suggestions. Grammar and formatting helpfully beta'ed by brit_columbia and banshee196; general content/grammar has been kindly betaed by platypus - thank you all so very much!
This story is loosely based on the Fourth Doctor serial, 'The Brain of Morbius' and contains elements from the 1996 TV Movie and the NA novel 'Lungbarrow'.

Summary: The Sacred Flame of the Sisterhood of Karn has failed. Will the Doctor once again be able to put things right? Rose soon finds herself in over her head as she learns a few secrets about her traveling companion.

Previous Chapters:

Un Deux Trois Quatre Cinq Six Sept Huit Neuf Dix Onze Douze Treize Quatorze Quinze Seize Dix-Sept Dix-Huit Dix-Neuf Vingt Vingt et Un Vingt-Deux Vingt-Trois Vingt-Quatre Vingt-Cinq Vingt-Six

Crossposted to Teaspoon and time_and_chips!

Latest Chapter:

"What... what do you mean, your barriers are down?" Rose didn't even try to keep the tremor out of her voice.

"Told you I just needed to relax, didn't I?" The Doctor's tone was light, but Rose could hear a tinge of uncertainty beneath.

"Oh," Rose said softly, trying desperately to clamp down on her suddenly scattered thoughts and the swell of longing in her chest. "But... you nearly died back there - you're supposed to be recovering! You can't possibly want to... to - "

"You... you don't want...." the Doctor's voice had dropped to a mumble, and he collapsed back down to the bed, closing his eyes and visibly swallowing. "Sorry, I'm sorry. Was silly of me, really. I misunderstood. Just give me a minute - "

Rose reached out her hand, tracing around the reddened stripe of skin on his chest as the Doctor visibly shivered. "No, that's not it at all," she murmured, moving her hand up to press it to his chest. Twin heartbeats thundered against her palm and Rose fought the urge to shake him. "I love you and I do want you, don't get me wrong - but I nearly killed you. It can wait... until you're feeling better."

He grimaced, shifting in the bed. "Touching me isn't helping," he growled. "I'm doing my best to get my barriers back up and flooding my system isn't making it any easier."

How could he be like that, Rose wondered as she snatched her hand back. How much was one small human being supposed to be able to endure? She really wished she knew the answer, because she was pretty damn sure she'd reached her limit. Alarmed, she watched the Doctor turn from her to curl into a tight ball, struggling to control himself. Did he think she was rejecting him? Her chest began to tighten painfully and she made a soft keening noise. The Doctor made a questioning sound in response and Rose hung her head.

You're alive - you've come back to me.

I almost killed you and there's no way I can ever pay whoever I need to pay back.

I'm not rejecting you, but you nearly died and now you drop your barriers?

Rose couldn't help it - waves of pent-up emotion crashed over her, and her breath began to hitch; her eyes welled up and blurred her vision as the tears began to fall. She swiped at her eyes in embarrassment, but then she felt a cool hand clutching her shoulder, sliding to her neck and trying to pull her forward.

"Please don't cry, Rose. Please - I'm such an idiot," his voice implored. "Please don't cry like that. I'm sorry, Rose - I'm so sorry. Please, I'll do anything," the Doctor pleaded, his eyes wide.

Now that the floodgate had been opened, Rose couldn't seem to stop the tears. "I'm saying all the wrong things," she wailed. "I would have done anything to have kept you from being hurt," she said, her voice cracking and chest heaving. "I nearly lost you back there - " She suddenly couldn't breathe and the Doctor pulled her into his arms. She grabbed onto his shoulders and clung to him wretchedly until her sobs began to subside some time later.

"It's ok, Rose - I'm fine. Just fine," a soft voice murmured against her cheek. The lips that moved across her forehead were softer.

"I know," she hiccuped as she wiped her nose with the sleeve of her robe.

"I didn't mean to upset you," he said quietly. "I wasn't thinking. I shouldn't have snapped at you."

"Don't worry about it," she sniffed, tilting her head back a bit to look at him. "I thought dropping your barriers was supposed to be hard to do." The Doctor was silent, and Rose watched as he ran a hand through his now dry and strangely flat hair. "Doctor?"

He smiled at her sheepishly. "I guess I find your fingers in my hair extremely relaxing?"

Rose laughed despite herself. "I'll have to remember that. Were you able to fix your barriers?"

"No," he admitted. "It seems once the process is set in motion, it's very difficult to stop. Don't worry about it, though. I'll be ok, I can handle it."

She skated her fingertips experimentally across his bare chest, feeling and hearing his sharp intake of breath.

"Unless you are intent on teasing," he hissed. Rose tried to withdraw her hand, but he caught it in his and brought it to his lips, licking at the tips of her digits. His warm tongue curled around her fingers and pleasurable sensations began to register in her belly.

"If you're sure you're feeling better," Rose murmured, her resolve to give him more time to recover beginning to crumble, "I do want you. I want to make love to you. Very much."

The Doctor brought her hand to his chest with a sigh. "I know that I made you cry before," he said in a low voice, not meeting her gaze. "But I promise... I'll do whatever you ask me to do. I'll learn what you like and how to please you - I'll do my best to make it good. I'll even try not to talk too much."

The Doctor's words hurt, and Rose stared into the weary eyes of the man who lay before her in disbelief. It wasn't supposed to be like this. It felt as though he was sacrificing himself again for her sake and her guts churned uncomfortably. "But that's... that's not what I want," she murmured. She pressed her hand over his hearts and leaned in close, her lips centimeters from his. "I want it to be good for you, too - for both of us."

He inhaled sharply, his breath catching in his throat, and she turned her head to whisper close to his ear. "And for the record, you're not rubbish at it. Not at all," she said, watching as his eyes widened in surprise.

"What? But... you - " he sputtered indignantly.

"Shhhhhh," she crooned to him. "It was... really," she paused to lean in closer yet, her lips brushing the shell of his ear. "Really good."

"Oh," he said in a small voice, shuddering beneath her hand.

He was so tantalizingly close, and she could see that he was responding to her. Desire began to stir low in her belly, spreading tendrils of warmth through her. Her hand was suddenly lifted from his chest and she felt the softness of his lips pressed to the back of her hand in a lingering kiss. A shiver ran through her body, and her mind momentarily went blank, transfixed by the feel of his mouth on her skin. She looked up to see his gaze fixated on her, the pupils of his eyes beginning to dilate, and the room seemed to grow quite warm as he released her hand.

"What do you want?"

He blinked, seemingly surprised by her question. "What do you mean?"

Indecision gripped her as she tried to work up her nerve to clarify what she had asked. "I... I mean, what should I do?"

"I think you should do whatever you like," the Doctor said, shyly reaching out his hand to her. A faint blush began to spread across his cheeks, and Rose's heart fluttered in her chest. His obvious embarrassment at even discussing the subject of sex was endearing, and she felt a swell of affection toward him.

"I know what I would like," Rose said as he suddenly fidgeted in the bed. "As long as you're sure you're ok, and are... up for it," she grinned and continued in a low tone, trying to make her voice sound as seductive as she could manage while her eyes roved over what little of his skin she could see above the maroon covering. "I think you should let me make you feel good, since you're still recovering and all that. I promise I'll be very, very gentle. Are your barriers still down?"

"Yes," he hissed between gritted teeth.

"Good," she said quietly as she moved down to kiss him softly, her lips brushing against his. The Doctor tried to sit up to deepen the kiss, but Rose pressed her hand hard against his chest, pushing him into the mattress.

"J-just to make sure I'm understanding correctly - sorry, still a bit fuzzy," he stammered, shyly looking up into her eyes. "You're to be the designated driver, then?"

"Yep," she responded, popping the 'p'. "You're supposed to be resting."

"I see," he said dubiously. "And you're sure it's not because I'm rubbish at it?"

Rose grinned. "Very sure."

"Ok," he squeaked, as she traced her fingers along the edge of the maroon covering.

"There's something I did want to ask you, though," Rose said, her voice low. "You're telepathic, yeah? Is that something you'd be able to teach me to do? To make you feel good?"

"I... I don't know if it's something you can learn to do," the Doctor said, his voice unsteady. "I can assess your capability when we get back to the TARDIS, but - " He swallowed hard, closing his eyes. "In all fairness, I really don't think you'll be needing that particular skill right now."

"I just want to be able to please you - "

"Rose, believe me, that won't be a problem," he said as he propped himself up on his elbows and toyed nervously with the hem of her robe. "And do we really have to talk about this now? And when I say now, I mean, right now?"

"All right," Rose said, smiling. "Have it your way. I'm sure we can find something else to talk about. Or not." She bent to kiss him, shifting her body over at the same time in an attempt to sit astride him. Unfortunately for Rose, the Doctor had drawn up one leg under the bedding, and her hand came down on his knee as they both shifted, causing the Doctor to jerk violently and Rose's hand to slip, making her pitch face-forward to the bedding between the Doctor's legs.

The Doctor's eyebrows arched into his hairline, and his mouth dropped open in a rounded 'o' of surprise. Rose didn't move for a moment, then she pushed herself up, her hands on either side of his hips while he stared at her, his eyes darkening. She sat up on her knees, and watched him intently as she slowly crawled up his front, pushing him again into the bedding. He was panting wildly as she lowered herself down to kiss him, a lovely moan escaping him at the contact.

He reached for her as she broke the kiss, and she shifted back, using both hands to grab his wrists and press them down to the mattress below. "Promise me you'll let me take care of you," she insisted.

"I'll try," he gasped, his arms twitching in Rose's grasp. "But no promises. Do your worst, Rose Tyler."


Next Chapter

***

Additional author's note: I'm out of town next week - will be sitting for exams in FL. I'm pretty sure I'll have internet access (when not taking exams), but it's not a guaranteed thing. It's also a few time zones away from where I live, and exams start at 7am and I'll be DYING. So yes, I might possibly be very evil and delay the next part, but I'll have to see what the situation is and how rubbish I'm feeling. Apologies! *ducks the rotten veggies*

Oh - and here's a linkie for a youtube video for the listed song ('Behind the Wheel' by Depeche Mode) for this chapter if you are interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXYOdNSi0zU&feature=related
Lyrics can be found here: http://www.depechemode.com/lyrics/behindthewheel.html
Enjoy!

Comments

[principia-coh.livejournal.com]

Can't do a proper comment right now, but this is so endearing!

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Oh good. Someone who doesn't want to kill me. We had to have the 'Rubbish' talk at some point, and Rose needed some convincing that the Doctor was all right.

[ramblinsuze.livejournal.com]

Awwwww....you just had to leave it there, didn't you? *pout* ;)

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Sowwy! *runs away*

[lostwolfchats.livejournal.com]

Oh my GOD! You stopped again!?!?!?!?!?!

I don't own enough veg to pelt you properly so if you could please imagine an avalanche of rotten tomatoes I would be much obliged!

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

I'll imagine my hand sticking out of the top, too - if that helps. *grins*

[shengirl.livejournal.com]

Rose deserved a decent cry after all that trauma. And those two are so cute!

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

And she got it. Baby steps for those two - they're still tip-toeing around each other and avoiding some major issues.

[ascendant-angel.livejournal.com]

You have exams that start at 7 am? but thats Evil! Pure unadulterated Evil! I'm so sorry. The chapter itself is of course wonderful. You make Wednesdays just that little bit more tolerable.

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Yup - 7 am start. Have to be in my seat at 6:45, and then 12 hours of hell.

Thank you!

[honorh.livejournal.com]

These two are so cute, even in their misunderstandings. But I trust there'll be some good times next chapter?

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Yep - things just don't always go smoothly. Actually, it's more often the norm than otherwise. And yes, good times are to be had next chapter - not sure when it'll be posted, though.

[(Anonymous)]

Getting closer... But still evil cliffies!!!! Good luck babes for the exams! Where are you going for the tests if you have to go to different timezones? and what are they for? Hope it all goes alright for you!!!!

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Yep - only 2 - 3 chapters left now, depending on how much I run on. I'm flying to FL next Tuesday from 2 timezones away, so technically, exams start at 5 am for me. *cringes* They're recert. exams - get to take them every 5 years.

[melnay13.livejournal.com]

Great chapter! They are adorable!

So, coming to Florida, are you? Well, hope the time zone doesn't make you suicidal;) 7:00? Argh, I can't believe any one would be dense enough to schedula an exam then.

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Thank you! They're being very careful with each other right now, holding their cards close to the chest, so to speak. At least he is, Rose maybe not so much.

Well, in all fairness, the exam goes for 12 hours and you wouldn't want to break for supper - no one would come back!

[garpu.livejournal.com]

Yay! Makeup sex tiem nao! ;)

Good luck on your exams! What kind of sick, sadistic bastard makes someone take exams at 7 a.m.?!? Hell, it was pushing it to get my chair there for my doctoral exams at 1. Which are these? The oral exams I thought were kind of fun, in a perverse way. (Like a seminar with less beer.)

Good luck and kick some butt! :)

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Heh. People of the world rejoice, for there be smut next chapter. *grins*

I'm doing recert. exams - for Twelve Hours next Wednesday. Whee.

Thanks! So is it Dr. garpu, then? *grins some more*

[amybtvsfreak.livejournal.com]

I'd be willing to do favors to see the next chapter! The kind of favors that are likely illegal or at least immoral and possibly demeaning! heehee

Good luck with exams!

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

*laughs* I'll throw you a line if you want, but the next chappie hasn't made it through the betas yet, so things could change.

And thank you!

[brilliantomega.livejournal.com]

Nice. Very very nice. I liked her pitching forward - stuff like that happens.

I'll be out of town for the next two weeks so my fic will be on hold too. *ducks rotten fruits*

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Yup - things can't and don't always go smoothly. Poor Ten probably would have hyperventillated had Rose not done a faceplant. *grins*

You too? Bummer.

[slvrcrystalc.livejournal.com]

I love this fic! If I have to wait, I shall wait.

Good Luck on the Exams! Have a good time in FL, too. Nice and hot down there now, I think.

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Thanks x 2!

Hot - great. It snowed a bit where I live the other day. *grimaces* I'm totally not used to humidity, either - it'll probably hit me like a wall when I get off the plane. Ah well.

[measi.livejournal.com]

No rotten veggies. *dangles chocolate instead*

Good luck on your exams!

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Ooooh! Chocolate! You're dangling it, though... you want something. I can tell this 'cause of my learnings. It are fact. *grins*

And thank you!

[bananasandroses.livejournal.com]

What sort of damn fool schedules exams for 7am? I’m barely functional at that time in the morning.

As for the fic – nice, very nice. I like the slightly unsure-of-himself way you’ve written Ten and his approach to his relationship with Rose – it’s pretty much in character for the time in which you’ve set it.

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Really sadistic, evil fools. And worse yet, it'll feel like 5 am to me - bleah.

And thank you! Ten is very unsure of himself at this point, Rose maybe even more so. Baaaaaaaby steps, here.

[principia-coh.livejournal.com]

"What... what do you mean, your barriers are down?" Rose didn't even try to keep the tremor out of her voice.

One supposes he could've just belted out 'Take me now!' That would, however, be a touch indecorous. He can still be a gentleman about these things.

"But... you nearly died back there - you're supposed to be recovering! You can't possibly want to... to - "

Clearly she does not read enough romance novels if she is not leaping upon the opportunity to experience the Life-Affirming Shagathon After Almost Dying cliché for herself. Silly, practical woman.

"You... you don't want...." the Doctor's voice had dropped to a mumble, and he collapsed back down to the bed, closing his eyes and visibly swallowing. "Sorry, I'm sorry. Was silly of me, really. I misunderstood. Just give me a minute - "

Do Time Lords denied experience blue brain? ;P

He grimaced, shifting in the bed. "Touching me isn't helping," he growled. "I'm doing my best to get my barriers back up and flooding my system isn't making it any easier."

Wow, that was tetchy. Did she say she wanted you to put your barriers back up? No, she just doesn't want you to come and go, as it were.

Alarmed, she watched the Doctor turn from her to curl into a tight ball, struggling to control himself.

Is he worried he'd actually force himself on her?

"I know," she hiccuped as she wiped her nose with the sleeve of her robe.

I shouldn't be smiling, but the thought of one of the high-and-mighty Sisters having to clean a robe that Rose used as a hanky is amusing me.

He smiled at her sheepishly. "I guess I find your fingers in my hair extremely relaxing?"

Dear gourd, if flailing around like you were using a kickboard in a pool is 'relaxing,' I'd hate to see what you'd do if she were making you hyper…

…I'll be ok, I can handle it."

She skated her fingertips experimentally across his bare chest, feeling and hearing his sharp intake of breath.

"Unless you are intent on teasing," he hissed.

Is it really all-or-nothing for him?

The Doctor brought her hand to his chest with a sigh. "I know that I made you cry before," he said in a low voice, not meeting her gaze. "But I promise... I'll do whatever you ask me to do. I'll learn what you like and how to please you - I'll do my best to make it good. I'll even try not to talk too much."

That is not why she was crying, you modo!

He was so tantalizingly close, and she could see that he was responding to her.

Being nekkid under a mere blanket would certainly make that possible!

"I think you should do whatever you like," the Doctor said, shyly reaching out his hand to her. A faint blush began to spread across his cheeks, and Rose's heart fluttered in her chest. His obvious embarrassment at even discussing the subject of sex was endearing, and she felt a swell of affection toward him.

*flashbacks to the omake*

"J-just to make sure I'm understanding correctly - sorry, still a bit fuzzy," he stammered, shyly looking up into her eyes. "You're to be the designated driver, then?"

It's not as though she's not had a bit of experience with the old stick shift at this point. ;D

"I... I don't know if it's something you can learn to do," the Doctor said, his voice unsteady.

I'm not sure he could handle it! And I don't think he is either.

"Rose, believe me, that won't be a problem," he said as he propped himself up on his elbows and toyed nervously with the hem of her robe. "And do we really have to talk about this now? And when I say now, I mean, right now?"

Wow, is he chomping at the bit.

He reached for her as she broke the kiss, and she shifted back, using both hands to grab his wrists and press them down to the mattress below. "Promise me you'll let me take care of you," she insisted.

"I'll try," he gasped, his arms twitching in Rose's grasp. "But no promises. Do your worst, Rose Tyler."

Throwing down the gauntlet. Hee!

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

One supposes he could've just belted out 'Take me now!' That would, however, be a touch indecorous. He can still be a gentleman about these things.

Heh. He's ever-so-subtle, isn't he.
'My barriers are down' = 'Can it be sechs tiem nao?'

Clearly she does not read enough romance novels if she is not leaping upon the opportunity to experience the Life-Affirming Shagathon After Almost Dying cliché for herself. Silly, practical woman.

*laughs* And don't forget the miraculous, healing power of the Tiemcock! Rose doesn't stand a chance!

Do Time Lords denied experience blue brain? ;P

Hee! Good question. The Doctor doesn't want to find out!

Wow, that was tetchy. Did she say she wanted you to put your barriers back up? No, she just doesn't want you to come and go, as it were.

Little known fact: TL Blue Brain - can be diagnosed by display of tetchiness. Severity varies.

Is he worried he'd actually force himself on her?

The thought might have crossed his mind, but no - he's trying to get his barriers back up and she keeps touching him. Naughty Rose!

I shouldn't be smiling, but the thought of one of the high-and-mighty Sisters having to clean a robe that Rose used as a hanky is amusing me.

Maybe when they wash it, the missing tie will turn up!

Dear gourd, if flailing around like you were using a kickboard in a pool is 'relaxing,' I'd hate to see what you'd do if she were making you hyper…

Ooooh - that could be another omake!

Is it really all-or-nothing for him?

All or nothing? He's trying to figure out why Rose keeps touching him and is getting confused.

That is not why she was crying, you modo!

*sniggers*

Being nekkid under a mere blanket would certainly make that possible!

Ah - not nekkid. He still has boxers, by that thin, extra layer isn't going to hide much. *grins*

*flashbacks to the omake*

I tried to keep it in line with this universe. He *is* very shy and somewhat inexperienced here.

It's not as though she's not had a bit of experience with the old stick shift at this point. ;D

Heh. She remembers more of it than he does!

I'm not sure he could handle it! And I don't think he is either.

Hee! That might have to be covered in another fic or omake. 'Telepathy 101'! And I'm not sure he could handle it, either!

Wow, is he chomping at the bit.

It really doesn't help that he doesn't remember what happened previously!

Throwing down the gauntlet. Hee!

We'll see if Rose is up to the challenge!

[bippy24.livejournal.com]

Ah, no, you cut it off! I loved the interaction between the Doctor and Rose in this chapter, and I can't wait for the next one!

Good luck with your exams!

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much!

[salimali.livejournal.com]

I love this chapter, both taking baby steps, the Doctor being presumptuous as usual, Rose having a well deserved cry and the inevitable smut build up :)
I thought the Doctors' reaction to Rose crying was just beautiful, he just didn't want to hurt her *awww*
Just a lovely chapter x

Good luck with your exams next week, hopefully we'll get the next installment- if not it will be eagerly awaited the following week ! :o)

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Thanks! They're both being very careful around each other, each feeling the other out, so to speak. The Doctor is at a disadvantage, though, as once those barriers go down, it gets very hard for him to think clearly. *snuggles him*

Thanks for the well-wishes - we'll see how things look next week.

[dominamia.livejournal.com]

this was so touching. it tugged the heart strings...

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[huggabledog.livejournal.com]

They are just soooo cute in this. The Doctor's shyness about sex is adorable, and her putting a priority on his enjoyment was the right thing with the way he is and what he's been through. I just wish you'd publish more at a time!
My sympathy for the 7am exam; that's nasty. Enjoy the trip away though.

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

He *is* very shy - and doesn't have a lot of experience, at least 'remembered' experience at this point. Rose could have fun with this. *grins* Apologies for not being prolific - I am damned pokey, too. Still thinking about writing up that little missing scene - Melina was so fun to write and I'm actually missing her. Would be even more fun keeping a shy Ten in mind. *grins some more*

Thanks - what makes it even more excruciating is that it'll feel like 5am for me - yurgh.

[bluevolvic.livejournal.com]

Yay! one step closer to the smut :D

I thought this chapter was really sweet , Rose finally able to open up to The Doctor, and he comforted her when she was crying , that was adorable ^___^,I liked also The Doctor finding out that he wasn't rubbish when they slept together before :D

I agree with rose,shy Doctor is adorable lol! ^___^

I hope your exams go well for you, shame they start so early , goodluck anyway . And I'll keep my eyes open for your update whenever :D

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Rose really does need to be convinced that he's ok - otherwise, we'll have another guilt trip on our hands - Do Not Want!

And yes! They had to have the 'Rubbish' talk too - which the Doctor needed to hear before he ended up with a complex from thinking he was Bad In Bed. *grins*

Shy!Doctor is fun to write. I think it's a little more believable that he would be inexperienced. Rose will have fun with this.

Thanks for the well-wishes!

[rattus-aerius.livejournal.com]

Aww that was so sweet it gave me a cavity. ;) Nah seriously, I love vulnerable!Ten. :) No matter how old he is I don't think he's had that much experience with sex. Maybe even especially with someone who loves him so much. And it's fun to see Rose in charge. :)

But my God! 7am?! There are people awake at 7am and their brains work? Damn. Good luck with the exams!

Hope to see the next chapter on Wednesday, but I'll completely understand if it's delayed. That's still a very evil cliffhanger though. ;)

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

You might have to have a root canal with the next chapter, then! *grins* I totally agree with you on Vulnerable!Ten - I don't see the character as being the forward-type unless in extreme circumstances. And yes, in this universe, he wouldn't have been with someone who truly loves him for a really long time, and it would be a bit overwhelming for him if he so chose to connect to Rose at this point. And Rose in charge - yeah!

Yup, 7am. Will feel like 5am for me - feel my pain. Thanks for the well-wishes and hopefully I won't be too brain-dead next Wednesday 'cause it's a really good chapter.

[arwentheta.livejournal.com]

I---- I don't know what to sai... or how to type... Wow, that was beyond words. Can't wait to read the next chapter.


By the way, HELL YOU ARE COMING TO FLORIDA? Really, I live in Miami... where are you from? (Don't hit me if you have already stated it before... I might be a bit Alzheimic since I work in the Revenue Accounting Dept in Carnival Cruise lines... haha... balancing the department.

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Oh good - I'm glad you liked it! The next chapter is better, IMHO! *grins*

Yep - I be headed fer yer state - just how many of you are from FL? I'm flying in from Denver (lotsa funky rocks just like Karn!) - we're supposed to get 4 - 8" of snow here tonight, ironically. Then back up to the 80s for the weekend. Wild weather here in the spring. I'm flying into Tampa, too far from Miami - I think it's 2 - 3 hours away, right? And you work for a cruise line - does this mean you get to do a little research on your product for free or at least on a discounted basis?

[qtrhorserider.livejournal.com]

What sort of exams are you sitting for? I sit for the NE Bar in July.

This fic is lovely, by the way. I've enjoyed it so much. I love how you've woven Doctor Who "history" into this.

Good Luck with exams!

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Oh look - Ten has a horse in your icon! *grins* My eldest daughter (not so ironically) received a Ten doll for Christmas and he had a white horse for a little while that she had him ride around on, to be like the show. Now he just hangs out with the Barbie dolls. Maybe I should've gotten her a Cap'n Jack doll instead?

I'm sitting for recertification of my Boards. Fun, fun, fun. And oh, look - you are from NE! I lived in Omaha for 4 years while I was in school - 38th Avenue and Emile. Small world, isn't it! Good luck yourself on your exams!

And thank you for the kind comments!

[anneebrat.livejournal.com]

Ack...EEk.....Nonononono....you can't just...stop...evil...

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

I'm dying here watching your icon. *grins*

[roxyk630.livejournal.com]

This taunted me at work.... ALL DAY.

ALL DAY.

:3 fantastic as always. Its so cute when they are sweet. <3

[mtemplar-fic.livejournal.com]

Eh? *is confuzzled* Did you read before or after work?

Thanks! I think you'll like the next chapter more, though. *grins*