You Are My Home (6/?)
Title: You Are My Home (6/?)
Pairings: pre-Rose/Nine
Genre: Romance
Rating: PG for this chapter
Author's Note: My inability to work on anything but this fic is getting more than a little absurd but I love it so I really don't particularly care. xD
When she returns to the ballroom after fixing her makeup the Captain is there as well and heads over to her immediately. "Miss Tyler, may I have this dance?"
She smiles as she nods and places her hand in his. She has missed dancing with him after all.
"I'm afraid I may not have made the best impression upon your friend," she confesses a bit nervously. Now that she's had a moment to calm down she finds herself feeling quite foolish about the whole matter.
Jack chuckles. "You underestimate yourself, Miss Tyler. I think his fondness for you is the issue."
Rose is getting more than a little tired of feeling out of her element with these conversations. "I cannot imagine what would give you that impression after I all but caused a scene."
"He told me what he said to you. You had every right to do so. He knows it too."
"He was right though."
"I know," Jack agrees soothingly. "Still doesn't mean he should have said it like that."
"I don't know what I'm going to do about Mr. Mitchell," Rose confesses. "Or my mother." Jack squeezes her hand and kisses her temple.
"I'm sure your mother just wants you to be happy. She'll understand."
"All she's talked about lately is how he'll make me happy."
"Did you agree?"
Rose hesitates. "...Not entirely. I thought that maybe eventually though."
"You shouldn't have to settle like that," Jack tells her softly but in a tone that makes it clear that this isn't up for discussion.
"I'm going to have to eventually if everyone just keeps proving themselves a disappointment," she hisses, feeling her frustration return.
The moment the song ends she breaks away from him and slips out a side door into the garden.
"Miss Tyler?" she freezes when she hears the man's voice. Even though they've only just met she recognizes the accent immediately and thinks that she always will. She takes a deep breath before she spins around to face him.
"Doctor," she replies, keeping her tone as level as she can manage.
"I can go if you'd prefer to be alone," he offers. "Though I owe you an apology first."
Rose waves her hand dismissively. "You don't. I overreacted."
"Alright," the Doctor replies. "Do you wish to talk about it or shall I leave you be?"
Rose shakes her head. "You may stay," she replies after a moment before sitting beside him on the bench.
"I thought... I thought I was going to enjoy this life. All the dancing and pretty dresses. It's been nothing but a string of disappointments though. I thought I was finally getting it right this time. If I didn't have my hopes too high, Mr. Mitchell couldn't disappoint. I'm starting to fear that I'm never going to be properly happy in this life, not in the long run anyway."
"Then don't settle for this life," the Doctor replies as though that's a choice.
Rose laughs. "What other choice do I have?"
"You said you wanted to travel, didn't you? Do that."
"Do you really expect my mother to allow me to travel on my own? It wouldn't be proper."
"Then don't travel alone."
"With who then?" Rose asks in frustration.
The Doctor shrugs. "A friend?"
"My friends are all in there, trying to find suitable husbands, except for the Captain of course." That correction causes the Doctor to laugh and Rose can't help but smiling. "They're happy with this life though. They won't wish to give it up simply because I wish to see more of the world."
"What about your mother?"
Rose shakes her head. "I don't think she'll understand. What little traveling she did when she was younger was with my father."
"What was your father like?" the Doctor asks almost hesitantly, she thinks.
"I can hardly remember him myself. I was young when he died. He was a brilliant business man though. I'm told he was something of an eccentric man in some regards but he had a sharp mind... When I was younger my mother used to sometimes say I reminded her of him but when I tried to ask why she'd be too upset to explain. He and my mother loved each other very much... Oh but here I am telling you my whole life story when I've only known you an hour. I don't know what's gotten into me tonight."
"Oh that's not your whole life story, Miss Tyler. The little moments are just as important as the big ones. I don't know your favorite flower or your favorite poem or anything like that."
"That is easily remedied if you ask though, Doctor. None of that is information I endeavor particularly to keep to myself."
The Doctor grins. "Then why don't you tell me about that instead if it's easier."
"When you've hardly told me a thing about yourself? That's hardly fair."
"I suppose that's true though I don't know that you'll have much use for knowing my favorite flower," he replies with a grin. " I'm rather fond of cherry blossoms presently. In Japan they have a festival for them every year. It's quite beautiful."
"You've been to Japan?" Rose asks. Speaking with ease about traveling on the Continent was one matter but all the way to Japan was quite another.
"Yes. I've seen quite a lot of Asia. Africa as well... and the Americas as well. Actually, we might have more success by listing where I haven't been than where I have."
“I can see why you wouldn’t want to waste your time on parties like this, then. You must think me quite silly for my behavior earlier.”
“That’s hardly the case, Miss Tyler. I just think you are young.”
“I am not a child. I may not have seen the world or have much experience beyond my formal trainings but Doctor do not patronize me, please,” Rose requests. She feels silly again as soon as the words have left her mouth but it is the truth so she doesn’t try to take it back.
“I didn’t say you were a child, just young. You are you know, especially compared to me,” he points out.
Rose shakes her head. “I have known girls my age who have married men far older than you are. You seem to think too low of yourself, Doctor.”
“Are we to be married, then?” he asks, in a tone that obviously suggests he’s joking but she cannot help blushing anyway.
“I did not mean to imply anything of the sort,” Rose insists immediately. “I’ve not even known you for a day.”
The Doctor grins. “A fantastic point, Miss Tyler. Perhaps I’ll ask again tomorrow,” he replies easily and Rose has absolutely no idea what to make of that statement.
“Miss Tyler?” Rose freezes as she recognizes Mr. Mitchell’s voice.
She stands quickly and takes a few steps forward before the man rounds the corner and spots her. “Forgive me, my lady, your mother was inquiring about your whereabouts and I thought I’d seen you step outside.”
Rose forces a smile. “I merely stepped out for a moment to get some air. I was feeling rather faint.”
“Of course, are you feeling refreshed now? If not I can call for a physician…”
“No need,” the Doctor responds cheerfully as he stands up from the bench and enters Mr. Mitchell’s line of sight. “I’ve already told her a bit of fresh air is all she needs to clear her head.”
“Miss Tyler, I must insist you come back inside with me this instant,” Mr. Mitchell tells her as he clenches his hands into fists. “I do not know what Doctor Smith has told you but the man is quite mad.”
“I’ve spent the better part of the evening with him, Mr. Mitchell and I hardly find that to be the case.”
“What are you doing with him?”
“The Captain asked me to keep him company. They’re old friends.”
“And I’m telling you to come back inside and stay away from this man.”
“You have no claim over me, Mr. Mitchell. The Doctor has been nothing but kind to me.”
“What is it with everyone and talking about me as though I’m not here, tonight?” the Doctor interrupts with a sigh.
“My apologies, Doctor,” Rose responds as she turns to him. “You were most correct. The fresh air has quite cleared my head. Would you be so kind as to escort me back inside?”
“Your wish is my command, Miss Tyler,” he replies as he offers her his arm and then leads her back inside past a fuming a Mr. Mitchell.
“My mother is going to be furious,” Rose groans as they reach the door.
The Doctor rests his free hand on top of hers in the crook of his arm. “If she really wants you to be happy, she’ll understand. Are you sure you’re ready to go back in though?”
Rose nods. “She won’t say anything until after all the guests have left anyways or if she can pull me to the side without anyone noticing.”
“Well then, Miss Tyler, since you dutifully kept me company earlier this evening, I shall have to return the favor now, won’t I?”
Rose cannot help grinning as he leads her back into the ballroom. “I think he may have been right, you know,” she tells him. “You are a bit mad.”
“Of course I am,” he replies. “It’s the only way to be sane.” Rose laughs and holds his arm a bit tighter as they enter the house again.
“Where on earth have you been? And where’s Mr. Mitchell?” Jackie demands as she marches straight up to them, barely glancing at the Doctor. Rose winces. She had hoped her mother would wait until they no longer had company. Of course, to anyone watching their conversation it would look as though they were simply chatting but she doesn’t like the idea of the Doctor listening to her mother scolding her.
“I suspect Mr. Mitchell is still standing where we left him and he may stay out there as long as he pleases. I’ll have nothing to do with a man who insults our guests,” Rose answers, holding her head high. “He was dreadfully rude to our new friend, Doctor Smith and tried to order me about as though I were some sort of unruly servant… Now I promised the Doctor the next dance, mother, so if you’ll please excuse us for the moment,” she adds, shifting her gaze briefly to the Doctor who nods.
Rose watches as her mother surveys the Doctor critically. “Of course. My apologies, Doctor Smith,” her mother replies before giving Rose a look that clearly says the conversation is by no means over.
“Asked you to dance then, did I?” the Doctor asks with a grin as the band begins to play a rather popular redowa.
“I should certainly imagine so. If you plan to propose to me tomorrow, we must have danced more than once beforehand if you expect me to take your offer seriously,” she replies. The thrill of having stood up to both Mr. Mitchell and then her mother have gone to her head, she thinks, as she grins at him, catching her tongue between her teeth as she does so. Her mother has told her it’s a terrible habit and most unladylike of her. The Doctor is grinning broadly at her though and his gaze is fixed on her mouth so she supposes he must not have the same complaint.
“A fair point, Miss Tyler. I’m sure I must have asked you to dance then, for the rest of the evening in fact, though your mother and the Captain may object.”
“My mother will forget her objections I’m sure if you make your intentions known,” Rose replies and laughs delightedly when he pales slightly.
“I’d rather not further upset your mother, if it’s all the same to you,” he responds.
“Oh very well, I shall suffer her annoyance on my own,” Rose sighs in an exaggerated fashion. “I have managed for the last eighteen years after all.”
“…You’re eighteen?” the Doctor questions and Rose isn’t quite sure what to make of the look he’s giving her.
“You yourself said that I am young. Surely this fact does not surprise you.”
The Doctor shakes his head. “Of course not. You still have not told me your favorite flower, Miss Tyler.”
“Then let us make it a game. I will tell you if you guess it correctly.”
The Doctor looks thoughtful. “The Captain sends you orchids.”
“He does.”
“Not roses, then.”
Rose grins. “And how did you come to that conclusion based on the Captain sending me orchids?”
“Because he wouldn’t be able to resist if that sort of cliché appealed to you.”
“The first thing he said to me was that I deserved flowers that as such a unique beauty I deserved flowers which matched my qualities not my namesake,” Rose explains. Perhaps it is a bit silly that she’s never forgotten the line but as there is much of her debut which she would rather forget it is one of the few memories from that night which she deeply cherishes.
“Now that sounds more like the Captain I know. What does- did Mr. Mitchell send you?”
“Daisies.”
“Slightly more creative than I’d expected. Not your favorite though. Neither are orchids.”
“You are correct, again. What would you send to me?”
“Oh, you’ll find out soon enough,” the Doctor replies. Rose nearly misses a step and is grateful that the song ends just moments later. “I suppose I should return you to your mother before she becomes further cross with us. Should you need rescuing I’m sure the Captain would love the chance to play the dashing hero. We’ll keep an eye out.”
“I do not believe I shall require further assistance, though your offer is most appreciated. If the two of you are particularly concerned you may call upon me tomorrow morning, of course,” Rose adds, glancing up at him out of the corner of her eye as they slowly make their way across the room towards her mother.
“Might do,” he replies and Rose is quite certain that he will. He bows slightly and kisses her hand before heading off, most likely in search of the Captain. As Rose predicted, her mother does not make a scene at the party but she can tell they’re most likely going to have quite a row once the guests are gone. She spends the remainder of the evening playing the proper hostess and trailing her mother except when she’s occasionally asked to dance.
7. The Former Conman
Pairings: pre-Rose/Nine
Genre: Romance
Rating: PG for this chapter
Author's Note: My inability to work on anything but this fic is getting more than a little absurd but I love it so I really don't particularly care. xD
When she returns to the ballroom after fixing her makeup the Captain is there as well and heads over to her immediately. "Miss Tyler, may I have this dance?"
She smiles as she nods and places her hand in his. She has missed dancing with him after all.
"I'm afraid I may not have made the best impression upon your friend," she confesses a bit nervously. Now that she's had a moment to calm down she finds herself feeling quite foolish about the whole matter.
Jack chuckles. "You underestimate yourself, Miss Tyler. I think his fondness for you is the issue."
Rose is getting more than a little tired of feeling out of her element with these conversations. "I cannot imagine what would give you that impression after I all but caused a scene."
"He told me what he said to you. You had every right to do so. He knows it too."
"He was right though."
"I know," Jack agrees soothingly. "Still doesn't mean he should have said it like that."
"I don't know what I'm going to do about Mr. Mitchell," Rose confesses. "Or my mother." Jack squeezes her hand and kisses her temple.
"I'm sure your mother just wants you to be happy. She'll understand."
"All she's talked about lately is how he'll make me happy."
"Did you agree?"
Rose hesitates. "...Not entirely. I thought that maybe eventually though."
"You shouldn't have to settle like that," Jack tells her softly but in a tone that makes it clear that this isn't up for discussion.
"I'm going to have to eventually if everyone just keeps proving themselves a disappointment," she hisses, feeling her frustration return.
The moment the song ends she breaks away from him and slips out a side door into the garden.
"Miss Tyler?" she freezes when she hears the man's voice. Even though they've only just met she recognizes the accent immediately and thinks that she always will. She takes a deep breath before she spins around to face him.
"Doctor," she replies, keeping her tone as level as she can manage.
"I can go if you'd prefer to be alone," he offers. "Though I owe you an apology first."
Rose waves her hand dismissively. "You don't. I overreacted."
"Alright," the Doctor replies. "Do you wish to talk about it or shall I leave you be?"
Rose shakes her head. "You may stay," she replies after a moment before sitting beside him on the bench.
"I thought... I thought I was going to enjoy this life. All the dancing and pretty dresses. It's been nothing but a string of disappointments though. I thought I was finally getting it right this time. If I didn't have my hopes too high, Mr. Mitchell couldn't disappoint. I'm starting to fear that I'm never going to be properly happy in this life, not in the long run anyway."
"Then don't settle for this life," the Doctor replies as though that's a choice.
Rose laughs. "What other choice do I have?"
"You said you wanted to travel, didn't you? Do that."
"Do you really expect my mother to allow me to travel on my own? It wouldn't be proper."
"Then don't travel alone."
"With who then?" Rose asks in frustration.
The Doctor shrugs. "A friend?"
"My friends are all in there, trying to find suitable husbands, except for the Captain of course." That correction causes the Doctor to laugh and Rose can't help but smiling. "They're happy with this life though. They won't wish to give it up simply because I wish to see more of the world."
"What about your mother?"
Rose shakes her head. "I don't think she'll understand. What little traveling she did when she was younger was with my father."
"What was your father like?" the Doctor asks almost hesitantly, she thinks.
"I can hardly remember him myself. I was young when he died. He was a brilliant business man though. I'm told he was something of an eccentric man in some regards but he had a sharp mind... When I was younger my mother used to sometimes say I reminded her of him but when I tried to ask why she'd be too upset to explain. He and my mother loved each other very much... Oh but here I am telling you my whole life story when I've only known you an hour. I don't know what's gotten into me tonight."
"Oh that's not your whole life story, Miss Tyler. The little moments are just as important as the big ones. I don't know your favorite flower or your favorite poem or anything like that."
"That is easily remedied if you ask though, Doctor. None of that is information I endeavor particularly to keep to myself."
The Doctor grins. "Then why don't you tell me about that instead if it's easier."
"When you've hardly told me a thing about yourself? That's hardly fair."
"I suppose that's true though I don't know that you'll have much use for knowing my favorite flower," he replies with a grin. " I'm rather fond of cherry blossoms presently. In Japan they have a festival for them every year. It's quite beautiful."
"You've been to Japan?" Rose asks. Speaking with ease about traveling on the Continent was one matter but all the way to Japan was quite another.
"Yes. I've seen quite a lot of Asia. Africa as well... and the Americas as well. Actually, we might have more success by listing where I haven't been than where I have."
“I can see why you wouldn’t want to waste your time on parties like this, then. You must think me quite silly for my behavior earlier.”
“That’s hardly the case, Miss Tyler. I just think you are young.”
“I am not a child. I may not have seen the world or have much experience beyond my formal trainings but Doctor do not patronize me, please,” Rose requests. She feels silly again as soon as the words have left her mouth but it is the truth so she doesn’t try to take it back.
“I didn’t say you were a child, just young. You are you know, especially compared to me,” he points out.
Rose shakes her head. “I have known girls my age who have married men far older than you are. You seem to think too low of yourself, Doctor.”
“Are we to be married, then?” he asks, in a tone that obviously suggests he’s joking but she cannot help blushing anyway.
“I did not mean to imply anything of the sort,” Rose insists immediately. “I’ve not even known you for a day.”
The Doctor grins. “A fantastic point, Miss Tyler. Perhaps I’ll ask again tomorrow,” he replies easily and Rose has absolutely no idea what to make of that statement.
“Miss Tyler?” Rose freezes as she recognizes Mr. Mitchell’s voice.
She stands quickly and takes a few steps forward before the man rounds the corner and spots her. “Forgive me, my lady, your mother was inquiring about your whereabouts and I thought I’d seen you step outside.”
Rose forces a smile. “I merely stepped out for a moment to get some air. I was feeling rather faint.”
“Of course, are you feeling refreshed now? If not I can call for a physician…”
“No need,” the Doctor responds cheerfully as he stands up from the bench and enters Mr. Mitchell’s line of sight. “I’ve already told her a bit of fresh air is all she needs to clear her head.”
“Miss Tyler, I must insist you come back inside with me this instant,” Mr. Mitchell tells her as he clenches his hands into fists. “I do not know what Doctor Smith has told you but the man is quite mad.”
“I’ve spent the better part of the evening with him, Mr. Mitchell and I hardly find that to be the case.”
“What are you doing with him?”
“The Captain asked me to keep him company. They’re old friends.”
“And I’m telling you to come back inside and stay away from this man.”
“You have no claim over me, Mr. Mitchell. The Doctor has been nothing but kind to me.”
“What is it with everyone and talking about me as though I’m not here, tonight?” the Doctor interrupts with a sigh.
“My apologies, Doctor,” Rose responds as she turns to him. “You were most correct. The fresh air has quite cleared my head. Would you be so kind as to escort me back inside?”
“Your wish is my command, Miss Tyler,” he replies as he offers her his arm and then leads her back inside past a fuming a Mr. Mitchell.
“My mother is going to be furious,” Rose groans as they reach the door.
The Doctor rests his free hand on top of hers in the crook of his arm. “If she really wants you to be happy, she’ll understand. Are you sure you’re ready to go back in though?”
Rose nods. “She won’t say anything until after all the guests have left anyways or if she can pull me to the side without anyone noticing.”
“Well then, Miss Tyler, since you dutifully kept me company earlier this evening, I shall have to return the favor now, won’t I?”
Rose cannot help grinning as he leads her back into the ballroom. “I think he may have been right, you know,” she tells him. “You are a bit mad.”
“Of course I am,” he replies. “It’s the only way to be sane.” Rose laughs and holds his arm a bit tighter as they enter the house again.
“Where on earth have you been? And where’s Mr. Mitchell?” Jackie demands as she marches straight up to them, barely glancing at the Doctor. Rose winces. She had hoped her mother would wait until they no longer had company. Of course, to anyone watching their conversation it would look as though they were simply chatting but she doesn’t like the idea of the Doctor listening to her mother scolding her.
“I suspect Mr. Mitchell is still standing where we left him and he may stay out there as long as he pleases. I’ll have nothing to do with a man who insults our guests,” Rose answers, holding her head high. “He was dreadfully rude to our new friend, Doctor Smith and tried to order me about as though I were some sort of unruly servant… Now I promised the Doctor the next dance, mother, so if you’ll please excuse us for the moment,” she adds, shifting her gaze briefly to the Doctor who nods.
Rose watches as her mother surveys the Doctor critically. “Of course. My apologies, Doctor Smith,” her mother replies before giving Rose a look that clearly says the conversation is by no means over.
“Asked you to dance then, did I?” the Doctor asks with a grin as the band begins to play a rather popular redowa.
“I should certainly imagine so. If you plan to propose to me tomorrow, we must have danced more than once beforehand if you expect me to take your offer seriously,” she replies. The thrill of having stood up to both Mr. Mitchell and then her mother have gone to her head, she thinks, as she grins at him, catching her tongue between her teeth as she does so. Her mother has told her it’s a terrible habit and most unladylike of her. The Doctor is grinning broadly at her though and his gaze is fixed on her mouth so she supposes he must not have the same complaint.
“A fair point, Miss Tyler. I’m sure I must have asked you to dance then, for the rest of the evening in fact, though your mother and the Captain may object.”
“My mother will forget her objections I’m sure if you make your intentions known,” Rose replies and laughs delightedly when he pales slightly.
“I’d rather not further upset your mother, if it’s all the same to you,” he responds.
“Oh very well, I shall suffer her annoyance on my own,” Rose sighs in an exaggerated fashion. “I have managed for the last eighteen years after all.”
“…You’re eighteen?” the Doctor questions and Rose isn’t quite sure what to make of the look he’s giving her.
“You yourself said that I am young. Surely this fact does not surprise you.”
The Doctor shakes his head. “Of course not. You still have not told me your favorite flower, Miss Tyler.”
“Then let us make it a game. I will tell you if you guess it correctly.”
The Doctor looks thoughtful. “The Captain sends you orchids.”
“He does.”
“Not roses, then.”
Rose grins. “And how did you come to that conclusion based on the Captain sending me orchids?”
“Because he wouldn’t be able to resist if that sort of cliché appealed to you.”
“The first thing he said to me was that I deserved flowers that as such a unique beauty I deserved flowers which matched my qualities not my namesake,” Rose explains. Perhaps it is a bit silly that she’s never forgotten the line but as there is much of her debut which she would rather forget it is one of the few memories from that night which she deeply cherishes.
“Now that sounds more like the Captain I know. What does- did Mr. Mitchell send you?”
“Daisies.”
“Slightly more creative than I’d expected. Not your favorite though. Neither are orchids.”
“You are correct, again. What would you send to me?”
“Oh, you’ll find out soon enough,” the Doctor replies. Rose nearly misses a step and is grateful that the song ends just moments later. “I suppose I should return you to your mother before she becomes further cross with us. Should you need rescuing I’m sure the Captain would love the chance to play the dashing hero. We’ll keep an eye out.”
“I do not believe I shall require further assistance, though your offer is most appreciated. If the two of you are particularly concerned you may call upon me tomorrow morning, of course,” Rose adds, glancing up at him out of the corner of her eye as they slowly make their way across the room towards her mother.
“Might do,” he replies and Rose is quite certain that he will. He bows slightly and kisses her hand before heading off, most likely in search of the Captain. As Rose predicted, her mother does not make a scene at the party but she can tell they’re most likely going to have quite a row once the guests are gone. She spends the remainder of the evening playing the proper hostess and trailing her mother except when she’s occasionally asked to dance.
7. The Former Conman