#Rose and Sarah Jane meet: kill on sight

[whatsfourteenupto]

So was anyone gonna tell me that when Ten was regenerating he didn’t just go back and see ‘his’ companions? He went back and looked in on every companion I’m fucking crying

[thebadtimewolf]

i bet yall will call the new tennant doctor 14 if he actively nearly shags martha and her gushing and joking about on screen in front of your salads because your beloved 10 would never do such a thing t--

[melancholydreadfuldream]

Alternative Dream Part One

Fandom: Doctor Who

Summary: Doctor Who AU where the Doctor as a war Doctor use the moment and managed to defeat the Daleks without destroying Gallifrey. He is seen as a war hero and is given new regeneration as reward. He was given a place in the government. He was never able to travel again so he never met Rose Tyler or any of his companion. He remained on Gallifrey and has regenerated into a version of Thirteenth Doctor where she continue to work for glory of Gallifrey. Until she met you, a time sensitive she was assigned to capture at any cost.

 Pairing: Thirteenth Doctor x Reader, Yaz x Reader and Jack Harkness x Reader

 Warning: angst, mention of use of violence, forced relationship, ooc.

 A/N: I’m bullshitting my way with this particular fanfiction. So Pardon the mess.

 PART TWO is here

Time sensitive.

 I hated that word.

 Time sensitive is a being that is able to see both past and future timeline. Sometimes, if the Time sensitive person is of strong line, he or she would be able to see alternate timelines. Time sensitive person were deemed too fragile and dangerous to be left on their own. Most time sensitive are human and they are not meant to see time like that. Not many can cope with seeing through the fabric of time and most of the time, they went insane or burn out from the outside and inside. It will be a painful death.

 My name is (name) and I am a time sensitive. Unfortunately.

 Because of my nature, my family is hunted by a race called the Time Lord. They have a very firm law regarding a time sensitive person, they are to be taken to their home planet, Gallifrey, where the person will be chosen as a bride for some pompous Time Lord. Once they are bonded, the time sensitive person will have a stable mind and their power will be attune more to those of the past and the future of his or her bonded Time Lord.

Most of time sensitive have no choice and are forced to bond with a Time Lord, willing or not. I will not have that as my fate. So I ran, as far away as possible. I'm one of the oldest of age for someone who is a time sensitive. Most younger time sensitive are unable to hid very well and thus was taken to Gallifrey.

 Time sensitive is originally supposed to be rare and yet these past years there are lot of people born with the time sensitive potential. I heard rumor it was because something that originated from Gallifrey. They said time sensitivity is a virus that plaque the human and the forced bond is some kind a cover up by the Time Lord. No one know for sure. The Time Lord are not very forthcoming about it. They never saw the human as equal in the first place, it's beneath them to even be with human, and yet they forced a bond with time sensitive person. They never treated time sensitive well, just another pawn for their own gain.

 The Time Lord decided to take over the Earth so they can keep track and control all born time sensitive. Of course, the people of Earth refused and fought but it was useless. The Time Lord is superior compare to us, human.

 I have motivation to continue evade those pompous time jackass. The Time Lord who found me is a bastard that didn't even respect me and only saw me as a means to an end. He caused the death of my parents. I was able to trick him and trap him inside a prison he prepared for me and I escaped his rage. I never saw him again. I hope he never able to escape that cage, it would serve him right to spend the rest of his immortal life imprisoned.

 I have been joining a human resistance against the Time Lord on some corner of the Earth. With my time sensitivity, I become useful in the resistance to evade those time jackass. Though lately, I have been feeling sickly every time I peek on the fabric of time. I knew I was running out of time. I have to bond with a Time Lord (over my dead body) or really dies. I choose to die but I will use my time sensitivity as long as I can to help the resistance.

 &&&&

 On the Gallifrey, the Time Lord officials are having a meeting regarding the resistance.

 "They have a time sensitive on their side. That's the only possible way they could ever hope to evade us."

 "Have we locate this time sensitive traitor?"

 "They have hidden him or her very well. We think the time sensitive has got a bio damper to hide their signature."

 "How is that even possible? Find him or her immediately!"

 "This particular time sensitive person seemed stronger than most. He or she will be valuable."

 "If they help the human, it's unlikely they will pledge loyalty to us. Too dangerous. I voted we find them and execute them as a warning to those against us."

 "What a waste. We could force a bond and they would have no choice but to serve whoever Time Lord they are bonded to."

 "They have been out there for too long. Their mind is probably unstable. It would only be a matter of time before they dies. But considering how they have been using their power, they are too dangerous to be left alive. I voted we kill them on sight."

 The Doctor never like these meeting and despite being a celebrated war hero, no one seemed to want her opinion. She never approved of the Time Lords' decision to take over the Earth or the forcing of bond for those poor time sensitive people. But she also knew they have no choice but to bond with time sensitive or they will die. She hated that the Time Lords are forcing a bond, not because they care for the human, but because they want to exploit their power.

 The Doctor raised her hand much to annoyance of the other. "I voted we capture them alive and then we will monitor their state of mind before we do anything harsh."

 "Noted, Doctor." But it was clear to the Doctor, they didn't care. "So who will go to earth and find them?"

 "I volunteer." The Doctor said as she raised her hand again eagerly.

 &&&&

 The Doctor stroke her Tardis longingly. "It's been a while, old girl. Let's have an adventure together, eh?" she said. "We have to help the human and the poor time sensitive person on their side. Do you have any idea where they are?"

 The Tardis hummed gently inside the Doctor's mind and she grinned. "Then, shall we go?"

 &&&&

 I woke up in sweat. My eyes widened.

 Yaz rushed toward me. "Are you okay, (name)? What is it?"

 "Someone is coming...someone dangerous..."

 Yaz looked worried. "Do you know when?"

 I furrowed my eyebrows. "Don't know. I can't see it clearly."

 "It's getting worst, isn't it, for you, I mean, to see the future?" Yaz asked sadly.

 "I'm fine, Yaz. Just needed more rest and I will be good as new." I lied.

 She didn't believe me of course but she didn't argue. She knew better. Everyone knew I have an expired date.

 &&&&

 "Who the hell are you? You are trespassing here!"

 The Doctor raised both hands in surrender. "I'm human, like you, I come in peace. I'm just looking for asylum here."

 Jack stared at him in suspicion. "Scan her!" he ordered his soldiers.

 The Doctor remained calm as a soldier approached her with a scanning machine to determine her species.

 "Confirmed, human." the soldier replied.

 The Doctor hummed. She is glad that her hunch is correct that the human has got their hands on the species scanner machine. The Doctor has put an upgraded bio damper on herself. "See? My name is Jane Smith. Now, may I get some rest? Been walking around for long and I'm tired."

 Jack narrowed his eyes at the Doctor. "Fine. Let her get back to the bunker to see Martha. Tell her to keep an eyes on her."

 The Doctor sighed in relief. She is in. Now she has to figure out which one of the human is the time sensitive.

 &&&&

 The Doctor got along well with Martha. Martha is a doctor who is in charge to keep everyone in good fit. She has checked the Doctor and cleared her.

 Martha introduced her to Donna who is in charge of assigning new people to their quarter and duty.

 The Doctor stared at Donna's ginger hair longingly. "I never get to be ginger..." she murmured.

 Donna is loud and a bit intimidating, the Doctor found, but she likes her enough.

 Strange, how most of the people here in resistance are likeable to the Doctor, even though some of them, are soldier like Rose, Amy and Clara. For some reason, the Doctor felt like she knew them like they were old friends. But that's not possible as she never seen them before.

 It was dinner time and everyone, in the bunker, have dinner together. Despite their situation, they are having a good laugh with each other. The Doctor admired them. She watched Rose and Clara having a laugh together at Jack's expense. Martha is seated with her boyfriend, Mickey, whispering at each other. Amy is with a soldier called Rory whom the Doctor learned is also her husband. A woman named Bill and Heather are distributing food for everyone. Everyone is having a good time.

 The Doctor's eyes widened when she saw her former companion, Sarah Jane Smith. She was on the other side of the room, talking with Donna. She had no idea that Sarah Jane is part of the resistance. She smiled fondly. Of course, Sarah Jane will be a defender of the earth.

 The Doctor took a seat with Rose and her friends.

 "Hey, new girl, Jane, right?" Rose asked with a friendly smile.

 Clara grinned as she look her up and down in appreciation which make the Doctor blushed red. "Looking good, Jane..."

 "Down, girl." Rose said with a grin.

 They soon involved with a friendly conversation with each other.

 "So, how do you lot meet each other?" the Doctor asked curiously.

 "Well, we all have our reason to join resistance... Mine is because of our daughter..." Amy said with a sad smile. "But we are actually recruited by..."

 Rose suddenly shushed her. "No one is to mention him, remember?"

 "Ah, right, he-who-shall-not-be-named."

 "He's not Voldemort, Amy."

 Everyone laughed at the running joke between them.

 The Doctor observed everyone's interaction and realized that they must have been recruited by the time sensitive. But why? What makes them so special? Also now she knew the time sensitive is a man. She will have to look around for a male fit the description of a time sensitive.

 &&&&

 "You need to eat, (name)." Yaz tried to persuade me to have dinner.

 "Not hungry..." I said softly as I laid on my bed and stared at the ceiling.

 Jack entered the room without knocking. The former time agent always annoyed me since I always reprimanded him about his manner. "Hey, how is my Voldemort doing today?"

 I scoffed at the nickname. "Shouldn't I be the boy who lives?"

 "Nah, too heroic." Jack said with a grin.

 It was a secret within our circle that the time sensitive is actually me and that I am a female. It was Clara's idea to throw the Time Lord off my scent. That's why they spread a rumour that the time sensitive is actually male just in case there are mole within the resistance. It annoyed me that the team I put out nicknamed me Voldemort or he-who-shall-not-be-named.

 "Did you see anymore about our hostile visitor?" Jack asked. He is worried after Yaz told him about my vision.

 I shook my head. "Nope. But whoever it is coming and we have to be on alert."

 "There a few new people coming in to join us. I already scanned them and they passed all the tests." Jack said.

 I hummed. "Don't forget the Time Lord is a smarter race than us. They have plenty time to upgrade everything in their disposal. Ours are a bit outdated."

 "Haven't you see anything that could help in that regard?"

 "Think the Time Lords are on me and my tricks. I think they put precaution to put shadow around Gallifrey. Can't see them clearly."

 "Well that is a bummer."

 "Jack!" Yaz glared at him.

 "Sorry, (name), you did good work." Jack said with a sad smile.

 "I hate that I can't be much help." I said. "I have to prepare Melody for when the time come for me to die..."

 Melody is the seven years old daughter of Amy and Rory and she is a time sensitive like me. I have been training her to hide herself from the prying us of other time sensitives and the time lords. She is the whole reason I recruited the parents. She will be my replacement in the future.

 But that's not the only reason, I knew her parents are a potential defenders of earth. I saw it in my vision. most people I recruited personally are because of my vision. I knew that in another timeline they were defenders of earth alongside someone called the storm? I never find out about the storm person and I never told any of them about him. At least I think it's a him.

 Jack and Yaz winced every time I mentioned about my being dying. They hated how helpless they are regarding my situation. It is not like they could get their hand on a decent time lord to bond with me. I told them plenty of time there are not one decent time lord in existence.

 Sarah Jane disagreed though. She mentioned a man called the Doctor who always defended the earth. But she think that man has died because otherwise she believed that the Doctor would join our cause. I never believe her. I didn't recruit her but I sense she is a good person as she joined the resistance on her own free will.

 &&&&

 The Doctor has been with the resistance for a week now and hasn't gotten any closer in figuring which male is the time sensitive. The said time sensitive indeed have been using a bio damper to hide his signature. The Doctor is worried the other Time Lords will be impatient and will declare wars on earth to force the time sensitive out.

 The Doctor suspected a soft-spoken Ryan, who is not a soldier, is the time sensitive but she hasn't got any proof. Ryan is always with Graham, his grandfather, working on fixing damaged machinery within the bunker.

 She hasn't formally talk to Sarah Jane either. She is unsure whether she should revealed her identity to her former companion. She is unsure that Sarah Jane would help her in tracking down the time sensitive.

 She noticed a young woman sitting on library all by her lonesome.

 "Hello there, I'm Jane, who are you? Never seen you before and I have been in the bunker for a week." the Doctor asked.

 &&&&

 I was minding my own business, drawing a doodle on my sketch book, when a young woman approached me. I glanced at her. One of the new people Jack mentioned then. I ponder whether I should talk to her or be rude so she left me alone. I closed down my sketch book and said, "I have been ill so I haven't gotten out of my room. Doctor's order."

 Without invitation, Jane took a seat beside me. I tried to push down my annoyance. "You shouldn't sit with me. I'm still ill. Wouldn't want to get you ill too..." I said, hoping to scare her away.

 Jane didn't look bothered. "I'm not worried. I'm always healthy all my life. My mother said that germs are afraid of me." she said as she moved closer to me.

 "Look, Jane, do you mind? I would rather be alone." I said rudely.

 "You haven't tell me your name yet..."

 "Why? Do you already know the name of everyone in the bunker?!" I asked angrily.

 "Well, I meet with everyone already, I think, except those who are on mission." she said. "As for their name, sure, I do, I'm good with names, you see..." Then she started rattle on some name that I recognized and some that I didn't.

 "Alright, I get it, It's (name), okay?" I said in annoyance and a bit impressed.

 "See, that wasn't so hard, was it? Let's be friend, shall we?"

 "I don't do friend." I said immediately.

 "How can you do not do friend? That's impossible!"

 Jane's behaviour started to annoy me so much.

 At the times, Yaz entered the library. When she saw me and Jane, she schooled her expression in a firm manner. "(Name), are you ditching your duty again?" she asked. She was saving me from having to interact with Jane. She knew how much I hated interaction.

 "And who are you?" Jane asked with a tone that almost flirty which make Yaz blushed, which amused me. "Never see you either before. Hello there."

 "I'm Yaz." she introduced herself. "You are Jane, right? Everyone talk about you. You are really famous with the children."

 "I try..." Jane said with a grin.

 "Sorry, Jane, we got to go to, duty call." I said as I grabbed Yaz away from her.

 "Can I go with...?"

 Before she could finish, I pulled Yaz quickly and out of the way.

 "That was mean, (name)." Yaz said as she saw Jane has this sort of kicked puppy look on her face.

 "She is too cheerful, I hated it." I said.

 Yaz sighed.

 &&&&

 The Doctor meet Melody and she realized almost immediately that she is a time sensitive. So there are more than one time sensitive within the resistance, the Doctor concluded. She realized someone has been training little Melody to utilize her power. But Melody is still a child and she slipped out which caused the Doctor to catch on her signature.

 She remembered what Amy said about her reason to join the resistance is for her daughter's sake. The Doctor felt sadness for the whole affair. She wishes she could fix the time sensitive problem. But she is helpless. The Doctor really fond of little Melody for some reason. She had no idea why.

 She has to report to Gallifrey soon and she is unsure whether she should inform them about little Melody. Melody would be safer in Gallifrey. But the Doctor know it is not quite true. She shuddered at the thought someone might try to claim Melody too early. Also if she informed about Melody, she will be ripped away from her parents and that's something the Doctor can't accept. She loves Amy and Rory, they are now her friends. She had managed to make friends here and she knew she would have to betray them eventually.

[immaculate-benediction-batch]

Sorry this is so long......How TV Creators Are Handling Subtext And Shipping

TV series creators have a hard time not tailoring content towards a strictly heteronormative audience, refusing to lean in to queer context, no matter howlarge an LGBTQ following a show may have.

Once a fictional character is put out for public consumption, it ceases to be the one thing it’s described as on paper. This is especially the case with TV and film, where said character goes through so many hands before hitting the screen and becoming public property.

There are three kinds of creators when it comes to queer content on TV. The first (and sadly, most typical) is the creator who will deny any intention of creating queer content, and who will also refuse to acknowledge a queer audience’s interpretation., This often results in an instant backlash, as the Supergirlcast and creators experienced after an embarrassing interview with MTV last summer. When prompted to recap the latest season, the cast broke into a cringeworthy song that mocked fans’ interest in the Supergirl/Lena Luthor pairing, with Jeremy Jordan repeatedly exclaiming that the two will never get together. It continued despite Katie McGrath’s attempt to save the interview saying, “The great thing about what we do is, like any art, anyone can read into it what they want.” Chris Wood then chimed in with “Sexuality is all about others’ perception of yours, right?”

Supergirl is a show with a large female following that from the beginning has gravitated toward the female relationships it portrays, with emphasis on those relationships with strong queer energy. At first, there was a group of internet fans that were drawn to the chemistry between Melissa Benoist and Calista Flockhart, which was maximized due to the characters’ intense mentor/mentee relationship, and that was fine, and for the most part went unacknowledged by the show.

However, upon Flockhart’s exit, Lena Luthor was introduced, played by Katie McGrath. Kara Danvers and Lena Luthor became fast friends, and fans’ fascination with Supergirl’s queer vibes grew strong enough for the the cast to take notice. One would think that by having Alex Danvers and Maggie Sawyer, two queer characters already in their orbit, fan speculation about others wouldn’t be such an inconvenience that it would have to be addressed by aggressively singing “They’re only friends!” over and over, as if the pairing were unfathomable.

But Supergirl hasn’t been the only show to outright reject queer interpretations. In fact, a few years back, the long-running series Supernatural was called out by its fans for purposefully inserting homoerotic subtext within storylines pertaining to male characters Dean and Castiel, and for rather indirectly addressing said subtext in interviews. In one of them, Misha Collins (Castiel) stated that in certain scenes with Jensen Ackles (Dean) he was directed to portray his character as a “jilted lover.”

During a Toronto Con panel in 2013, it was revealed that a line was changed by Ackles — who last year specifically requested no questions about the popular pairing be allowed during the Q portion of a panel for the show at New Jersey Con–from “I love you” to “We’re family. I need you” because the Actor didn’t think it suited his character. Despite fandom’s interest in the pairing, it hasn’t been enough for Supernaturalto follow through with an actual queer storyline, aside from the one recurring lesbian character, Charlie, who was ultimately killed off. It turns out our tolerance for queerbaiting does have its limits.

Another show that failed to address the sapphic energy between its leads, in effect rejecting a great opportunity to add a bonus layer to an already complex relationship between two women, was Damages. The thriller starred Glenn Close as powerhouse prosecutor Patty Hewes, and Rose Byrne as her protégée, Ellen Parsons. The series went on for five seasons and throughout, though it benefitted from incredible writing, its highlight was clearly the tension and undecipherable relationship between Patty and Ellen.

While there was never any doubt that their connection was what kept the the show’s palpable tension dial at a 10, anytime the subject was brought up to either cast or creators it was denied or waved off as “wishful thinking,” as Glenn Close put it. When pressed further, she added, “I think there’s something seductive about Patty and she just seduces people and she’ll lead people on. I think that can come across as pure seduction.”

With Person of Interest, Sameen Shaw (Sarah Shahi) and Root (Amy Acker) first connected under very unique, very dark circumstances in which one was holding the other against their will in a life threatening situation. But there was a sizzle there that the audience immediately responded to, and while both cast and writers admitted that was not their intention, something amazing happenedthey took that audience reaction and ran with it. In the end, Shaw and Root’s romance became one of the show’s more compelling storylines.

Jane the Virgin did the same. When a character, Petra, who wasn’t intentionally written as queer read queer to LGBTQ viewers, the writers saw no problem taking the interpretation and adopting it as canon. After years of keeping Petra as a sort of peripheral player within Jane/Rafael storylines, the character of Jane Ramos was introduced as Petra’s defense attorney and eventual love interest.

The third type of creator is everyone’s favorite. This is the one that takes whatever gay subtext or context there is, embraces it, and expands upon it, recognizing that it’s there from the beginning. In the Flesh and Killing Eve are true representatives of queer entertainment that isn’t trying to steer its characters toward a path they weren’t organically wanting to go.

In the Flesh, a BAFTA-award winning series from BBC 3, was easily one of the best shows that no one watched; a zombie show with depth, which isn’t easy to accomplish. The story takes place years after a virus epidemic that turned the infected into flesh-eating monsters is cured, and the rehabilitated are returning home. Its main character is Luke, one of the former infected, suffering from memories of the terrible things he did while sick, and tortured by his own suicide, which was prompted by the loss of love interest, Rick.

The series ran for only two seasons, with a total of nine episodes. It was inventive and creative and stands as one of the greats right next to shows like Hannibal and The Exorcist, which was unfortunately canceled by Fox this year after only two seasons of sacrilege, beautiful cinematography, Alfonso Herrera (Sense8) and a bisexual Father Marcus, played by Ben Daniels.

Killing Eve is a female-led thriller that proves that the secret to making great TV is treating characters like human beings with the capacity to change. Eve, who, when we meet her, is living a life that doesn’t seem particularly terrible, whose marriage appears to be solid, her job secure, is lured into potentially life threatening situations for the sake of following her inexplicable attraction to a female assassin. As if beneath the surface there is a dormant unrest that is awakened with the arrival of Villanelle in her life, and though she does not stop to examine exactly what she expects to get from it, she craves and wants more of these moments that have stirred her awake. She’s both excited and frightened by Villanelle’s audaciousness, by the intrusion into her life,

both figuratively and literally.

The season’s got a few episodes left, yet the most compelling, and most attentively queer moment is part of the fifth episode, in which the two women finally come face to face in Eve’s home. Eve is sopping wet in a gorgeous dress Villanelle’s purchased for her, she’s cold and visibly uncomfortable, therefore Villanelle suggests Eve should change, before proceeding to peel the dress off her herself. It is a scene that doesn’t downplay the very real danger Eve is in by having Villanelle in her home. However there is also an erotic aspect to it that is very purposeful, and as series creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge points out, the attraction is definitely mutual, “I knew that the first moment they see each other. I labeled that moment as ‘love at first sight.’ But I didn’t want it to be constrained to romance, or to lust, or anything like that. There’s something waking in Eve every day that she spends imagining what this woman is doing.”

This type of storytelling allows characters to evolve the way that they want to evolve as opposed to forcing them into a first page description. There is loyalty to the authenticity of the story, which comes from meticulous attention paid to the writing, which Waller-Green explains is all about going against cliché: “The moment something feels predictable, there’s a roar in me to just go to the most surprising place. I don’t want to bore myself.”

Often times, when female queer characters are introduced, it is done in order to titillate, and their storylines are the product of a male gaze fantasy. Killing Eve manages to avoid all of that with Villanelle, a character who seems to have no specific preference when it comes to sexual partners, and yet doesn’t feel the need to use her sexuality to get what she wants. In addition to that and the meaty tension between the two leads (Villanelle and the titular Eve, played by Sandra Oh), the attention paid to the very queer theme of the show is evident in backstories of characters that would normally go without one, like that of Eve’s former boss and best friend Bill, an older man in a heterosexual relationship who casually reveals he’s loved “hundreds” of men, much to Eve’s surprise, and further reveals he is in an open relationship, and happily so.

The series proves not only that queer characters are marketablethe BBC series was renewed for a second season before the first even airedbut that straight creators are capable of writing queer content that isn’t offensive or over-sexualized. Phoebe Waller-Bridge credits the authenticity of the series to a collaborative effort, stating, “Because it’s all about the characters, the little details that link the two worlds, everyone’s really made it a psychological piece rather than just an artistic painting of two different people’s worlds,” but it really just goes to show that that negative aspects of queer representation that include the dreaded male gaze perspective can be avoided as long as the bar is set high enough by the showrunner.

It only takes a little bit of creativity and imagination, and a willingness to challenge the idea that heterosexual-based television makes for the best and most successful stories.

Alex Velazquez is a writer, photographer, and queer Mexican living in Los Angeles, CA.

[blueboxesandtrafficcones]

The Nuptial Necessity - Chapter 24

A 12xRose Human AU

Despite an unglamorous job description, Rose loves the work she does with The Thistle Foundation, a charity founded by her best friend’s great-uncle.  It doesn’t hurt that her boss, her friend’s father, is easy on the eyes.  With a great job, wonderful friends and a loving family, life couldn’t be better – except for having someone to share it with.

All of that is threatened, though, when the great-uncle dies – and sets a strange condition for his nephew to inherit, jeopardizing the Foundation and Rose’s future, sparking a chain of events that might just get her everything she dreamed of and more.

Chapters will be posted on Saturdays and Tuesdays.  Many thanks to my beta, @stupidsatsuma

Rated: Explicit, for eventual smut

@doctorroseprompts

AO3  |  Masterlist

—

Tuesday, cont’d

Malcolm drove them into town in the yellow roadster, flying down the road with the top down.  Wind whipped her hair, and she held tightly to the seatbelt.  She trusted his driving, she did, but… when they finally pulled (squealed) into a spot behind the local inn, she felt like falling to the ground and kissing it.

Resisting the urge, she merely stepped out and straightened the hem of her sweater dress.

“Hungry?” her husband asked, appearing at her side and offering her his hand.  “Or want to walk around first?”

“Let’s walk around,” she decided.  “See what our options are.”

He nodded, whistling cheerily as they set off.  He provided a running commentary the length of the main street commercial area, a combination of local and personal history.  They stopped in most of the shops, and roughly half the owners knew Malcolm by name, if not at first glance.  It amused her that the longer he talked, the thicker his accent grew, as it had steadily been doing since their plane left Heathrow.  She stayed silent mostly, other than pleasant greetings, letting him do the majority of the chatting.  It was nice, getting to see this different side of him- she liked it.

“Well, that’s it for main street,” he finally sighed, as they stopped at an intersection.  On the other side of the street were more residential-looking buildings, quaint and exactly as she’d pictured for rural Scotland- they were something off a postcard.  “Did you see anywhere for lunch?”

“What about that cute café-slash-newspaper office?”

Malcolm considered it, looking back towards where it was, before shrugging.  “Whatever the lady wants,” he said gallantly.  “Lead the way.”

-

They stepped inside, finding a cute little café/bakery.  A dozen or so tables were arranged in rows starting at the window, leaving plenty of walking space between them and the counter.  Clear cases showed off delicious-looking food; one contained baked goods, the other small meat pies, sandwiches, and the like.

“This looks good,” Malcolm approved, grinning at her, and she beamed back.

“It all smells incredible- any suggestions?”

Before he could answer a woman came out from the back to greet them, eyes going wide at the sight of Malcolm.  “Malcolm Tucker, as I live and breathe.”

Head jerking up, he blinked several times in rapid succession, jaw falling open.  “Sarah!”

The woman hurried out from behind the counter, and to Rose’s astonishment, he hugged her in greeting.  Since when does Malcolm hug?!  With the exception of his daughter, and occasionally Rose, she’d never seen him hug another person – until now.  Especially not as tightly as he was holding this woman.

Something distinctly like jealousy roared in Rose’s chest, and lips pressing together tightly, she tucked her hair behind her ear and waited.  The woman, Sarah, was around Malcolm’s age, slim and dark-haired with a kind face.  A very pretty kind face.

Finally they broke apart, and Malcolm kept one arm around the woman’s waist as he turned to Rose.  “Sweetheart, come here,” he invited her closer, and she stepped tentatively.  “This is Sarah Jane Smith, a friend of mine from uni.  I had no idea you were in Scotland, let alone so close to Gallifrey,” he directed at the woman.  “Sarah, this is-”

“Oh, you must be Clara,” she cut him off, gushing, opening her arms to Rose for a hug.  “Oh, I remember when you were just a little thing- how you’ve grown.  It’s so nice to see you.”

Rose’s expression soured further, gaze cutting towards Malcolm, who looked uncomfortable but wasn’t exactly jumping to correct her.  “Actually, I’m not Clara,” she said coolly, folding her arms tightly across her chest.  “I’m Rose- his wife.”

She felt a petty glee at the rush of emotions across the other woman’s face, most of which seemed to consist of horror, confusion, and embarrassment.  It wasn’t quite the first time they’d been mistaken as father and daughter, and objectively she knew it wasn’t a stretch given he was her father’s age, but it still grated at her as the other times hadn’t.  Maybe because Malcolm actually knew this woman, maybe because they were now married and shagging, or maybe because she didn’t understand why is his fucking arm still around her?!

“Oh, God, I’m sorry,” the woman said, covering her mouth with one hand.  “I thought- I knew Wallace had died, sorry for your loss by the way-”

“Thank you,” Malcolm nodded.

“And I thought- well, never mind what I thought.  I’m so embarrassed.  Erm, lunch is on me- what can I bring you?”

Still annoyed, and a tiny bit insecure, Rose shook her head.  “We already ate.”

Malcolm frowned at her.  “No we-”  If looks could kill he would be on the ground at that moment, and apparently recognizing that, he changed his tune quickly.  “Yes, but we could do with a nibble, couldn’t we?”  He gave her pleading eyes, and she realized she would have to relent, or risk their tentative new relationship.

“What’s that?” she asked instead of answering, pointing to a square in the baked goods case.  It was caramel-colored on the bottom, chocolate on the top, and the first thing her eye caught on.

“It’s called millionaire’s shortbread, it’s chocolate, shortbread, and caramel.  Let me grab you one, have a seat,” Sarah Jane said hurriedly, darting back behind the counter.  “Sit, sit, I’ll bring you some food.”

Malcolm led her to a table by the window, and Rose didn’t miss how he picked a four-seater.  “Is something wrong?” he asked quietly, putting his hand on her knee once they were seated.  “I’m sorry Sarah assumed- that was a bit awkward.”

“I’m fine,” she said through gritted teeth, knowing that he knew her well enough to not believe it, but hoping he would let it be.

“If you want to leave, we can,” he said earnestly, ducking his head to meet her eye.  “I can catch up with her later- I had no idea she was still in Scotland, I haven’t seen her in years.”

Keeping one eye on the brunette behind the counter to ensure they wouldn’t be snuck up on, she asked the one question gnawing at her gut.  “Did you date?”

“What?”

“You and her,” she jerked her head towards Sarah Jane.  “Did you date?”

He gave her an incredulous look.  “Of course not.  We were friends, but that was all.  Besides, I was married with a baby, remember?”

She just nodded, and his expression softened, hand moving from her knee to cover her own, thumb wriggling her wedding ring.  “And I’m married now, remember?  Very happily.  To be perfectly honest, far more so than I was then.”

“Here we are,” Sarah Jane said, and they looked up to find her carefully picking her way through the tables to them, holding a tray that carried far more than just the shortbread she’d promised.  “I know you said you ate, but I’ve never seen you turn away food, so I brought a bit of everything,” she told Malcolm, doing nothing to calm Rose’s fears- anger, she was angry, not afraid, what did she have to be afraid of from an old maybe-flame of his from thirty years ago who lived less than two miles from his Estate?  Down girl, she tried to reassure herself.  A man who makes love to you like Malcolm did last night doesn’t turn around and go after a uni flame.  I hope.

Then she wondered if it counted as making love if no declarations of love were made – for all she knew, she was just the closest willing and warm body.  Not that she’d seen him with any lovers in a few years, or knew of any.  But he hadn’t said it, even if she could see it in his eyes when he looked at her- and not just when she was naked.

-

She spent nearly the entirety of their lunch as a third wheel, poking at the admittedly delicious food and listening as they caught up, occasionally including her in stories of their exploits.  Though on the surface it was no different from lunch the previous day with Jack, it felt different, as though she were intruding.

She didn’t like the feeling.

Unable to take another minute of it she excused herself to the bathroom, taking her time washing her hands and fixing her hair.  She’d specifically chosen the grey, belted sweater dress for the way it hugged her figure and the ease of access, but now felt like she might’ve worn a snowsuit for all Malcolm had looked at her since they’d entered the shop.

She wasn’t happy, and she wasn’t happy being unhappy.  After a few poorly-chosen boyfriends in her younger years she’d sworn to never feel this insecure and unsettled in a relationship again, and yet here she was.

Deciding she’d been in there too long she reluctantly opened the door, barely fighting back the urge to slam it once she saw Sarah Jane waiting on the other side.

“All yours,” she said stiffly, moving aside, but the woman shook her head, stepping closer.

“No, I wanted to talk to you,” she lowered her voice, glancing back over her shoulder.

You can’t have my husband, Rose meant to say, but what came out was “Yes?”

“I don’t know you, but I know Malcolm,” Sarah Jane started.  “And he is… absolutely head over heels for you.  I knew him- them- for three years in uni, and never saw him look at Missy- I hope you know her, or at least of her- the way he does at you.”

“Is this going somewhere?”  She folded her arms, gritting her teeth.

“Please don’t hurt him.”

Rose blinked at that.  “Sorry?”

“Oh, I know he pretends to be so tough, that he doesn’t care, but he does, actually, very, very much.  He hasn’t always had the easiest time of it, and… you make him so happy, I don’t want to see him get hurt.  He deserves better than that.”

“And, what, you think you’re the person for the job?” slipped out, and though she flinched inside, she didn’t let it show.

Sarah Jane threw her head back, laughing.  “Oh, God no,” she snickered.  “I mean, did I have a crush in school?  Of course, everyone did.  But, no.  I’m just saying… please have good intentions.”

Rose stared at her, unable to decide if she was offended or touched.  “I love him,” she finally settled on.  “I don’t want to hurt him, and I don’t want to get hurt.  I’ve known him- loved him- for too damn long.”

Sarah Jane nodded, biting her lip.  “I understand that.  Er, may I ask…”

You’ve already pried enough, what’s one more thing?  “Sure.”

“There’s no polite way to ask this- have you met his secretary?”

“Why?”

Sarah Jane’s expression grew worried.  “Never mind, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything-”

“No,” Rose caught her by the arm when she tried to leave.  “Why?”

“Malcolm and I haven’t kept in touch,” she said carefully, “but his uncle and I did- not that I knew he was his uncle at the beginning, that was just coincidence- and we communicated semi-regularly.  And…”

Rose’s eyes widened slightly, suddenly supremely interested in what the other woman had to say.  “And?”

“Wally thought they were in love,” Sarah Jane confessed.  “Or at least, that Malcolm was, but was too damn stubborn, or maybe stupid, to do anything about it.  The last time I talked to him he had a plan, something ridiculous involving his will, to get them together, as a... a parting gift I think, but I have no idea what came of it.  You seem perfectly nice, and you mean a lot to Malcolm, who means a lot to me, and…  I’m sorry if I overstepped, but I thought you might need to know.”

Rose’s jaw dropped, unable to believe what she was hearing.  “Hang on, you’re saying Wally engineered something with his will so Malcolm and- and his assistant would… would get together?”

Sarah Jane nodded, looking apologetic.  “I just know I’d want to know if it were me.”

Rose covered her mouth with her hand, joyful laughter bubbling up inside her.  “Oh, I absolutely want to know,” she reassured the woman, suddenly seeing her in a far more favorable light.  “Absolutely.  Because that’s me- I’m Malcolm’s assistant!”

[96flowers-writings]

A Trip Down Memory Lane Ch 2

Waking

The Doctor woke to find himself on a hospital bed with the covers tucked around him. He was slightly confused for a moment till his memories came rushing back. He sat up as quickly as he could and looked around the room. His bed was blocked from the rest of the room by a blue curtain, he was on the side closest to the window, the room was obviously meant for two patients. Looking towards the window he found the blinds pulled tightly closed and there was sunlight streaming in around the edges. Checking his ever present gold watch he found it to be just before 10am. The Doctor pulled the blankets off, swung his legs over the edge of the bed and gently stood to his feet. He quickly made his way over to the curtain dividing the room and pulled them apart.

He breathed a sigh of relief at seeing Clara asleep on the other bed. She was still very pale and she was on a heart monitor but she was alive and breathing unassisted. He walked over to her silently and gently took her hand and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Oh Clara,” The Doctor said shaking his head. “Everything we've been through and walked away from without a scratch and we get mugged and shot after a simple dinner. I'm just very glad you are going to be alright.”

She didn't respond. He didn't expect her too, she was still under the effects of the anesthesia from the surgery. The door to the room creaked open and a very familiar figure entered the room.

“Mickey Mouse,” The Doctor smiled before standing from the bed and meeting him in the middle. Mickey was dressed in a business casual suit, his jacket was off and over his arm, his sleeves were rolled up around his elbows, and his tie was undone and hanging around his shoulders.

“You got old Doc,” Mickey said straight faced. His eyes were moving all over the Timelord, taking in all the changes. “And Scottish, and heavy, I had to carry your heavy self in here after you fell asleep in the waiting room and nothing could wake you. Reminded me of Christmas with the Sycorax when Rose and I had to carry you from the flat to the TARDIS.”

Then Mickey smiled, threw his jacket over the nearby chair, and pulled the Timelord into a hug. The Doctor froze for a moment before returning the hug.

“Martha will be back in a few hours,” Mickey said as the pulled back. “She was dead on her feet so I took her home. Once she has slept for a minimum of 7 hours she’ll be back. She fell asleep about 4am so she'll be back by 2pm.”

“Was she okay? I know she was already at the end of her rope when we came in,” the Doctor asked worried as they sat in the two chairs in to room.

“Yeah, she was okay.” Mickey soothed, “She only got Clara into surgery then sat with you till I arrived. She has pushed herself so much worse and been much worse off than she was last night.”

“Good, good,” the Timelord sighed. “Tell me Mickey, any idea who did this?”

“At this point? No,” Mickey sighed sitting forward and bracing his elbows on his knees and chin on his clasped hands. “Recently, we've had several other cases similar to this one. From the description of the suspect, it seems to be the same man each time. Though this is the first where someone was shot. Till now he has been given what he wanted, the only other time he was denied he pistol whipped them and rifled through their pockets.”

“He’s escalating? Or do you think this was a one off?” The Doctor asked seriously.

“Honestly, if he follows the patterns left by other muggers like him, he will be escalating, getting more bold and confident,” Mickey said morosely. “I've seen it before. It's not pretty. He’s shot someone now, he’ll likely do it again, and soon. He will want to feel that adrenaline rush again. He likely doesn't care that he almost killed Clara. He probably spooked himself when he actually pulled the trigger. That's why he ran without checking your pockets. But now he knows what it feels like, he will either turn himself in out of guilt, or look to do it again.”

“How long does it take to turn themselves in or strike again?”

“Tonight, tomorrow night at the latest.”

“If there is anything I can do..,” the Doctor trailed off with a meaningful look.

“There probably won't be,” Mickey shook his head. “Scotland Yard is very strict on who can help with our cases. I'll let you know though if there is anything you can do. Right now we just have to wait for Clara to wake up so we can get her statement.”

The two were silent for a while. Mickey had been up all night filling out reports and arranging the transportation of the TARDIS, so he was dozing in his seat. The Doctor had moved from his seat not long after the man had started to nod off and was standing in front of the now open window. His mind was a million light years away, thinking about so much yet at the same time so little.

It was nearing 12:30 pm when the heart monitors on Clara showed an increase of her heart rate. The Doctor heard the change and was by her side a second later as she began to wake. Her eyes started to flutter before opening. She squinted at the light in the room for a moment before opening them all the way again. They quickly landed on the Doctor who was once again seated on the edge of her bed.

“Doctor,” she said in a raspy voice. She winced at the sandpaper feeling in her throat. He leaned over to the side-table where a pitcher of water rested. Quickly pouring out a cup and grabbing a bendy straw he brought it to Clara’s mouth to let her have a drink. She gave him a tired and grateful smile. In a still quiet voice she asked, “How long has it been?”

“You were shot at just before midnight last night, it is just now 12:30 pm the following afternoon,” he said softly putting the water back on the nightstand. “How are you feeling? Are you in any pain?”

“Not right now,” she replied after a moment. She shifted on the bed and tried to sit up but the Doctor’s hand on her shoulder kept her reclined. He reached over to the control panel on the side of the bed and raised the bed just a little so she was more upright than reclined but still not fully up. “I mostly feel fuzzy, which I am sure is from the drugs and blood loss.”

She looked around the room they were in and caught sight of the unfamiliar form of Mickey Smith still snoozing away in the chair by her side. She looked to the Doctor in confusion, “Who...?”

“Ah,” The Doctor smiled and looked over to him. “That is Detective Inspector Mickey Smith. He is from Scotland Yard and will be working our case. He also happens to be an old friend of mine. I knew him in my Ninth and Tenth regenerations. It just so happened he was assigned to our case without knowing that it was me. He is married to Doctor Martha Jones, who is one of your doctors, is also an old friend of mine from my Tenth regeneration.”

“I’ve wanted to meet others who have traveled with you to swap stories,” Clara smiled slightly at the idea. The doctor got a slightly scared look on his face at the idea of companions talking about him, flashing back to when Sarah-Jane and Rose meet for the first time.

“Oh it’s always fun,” Mickey said, startling the two. He chuckled slightly at the looks he got from the two of them. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I heard that last comment and couldn’t help but respond. He hates when old companions get together cause we talk about embarrassing stuff and it’s fun to watch him squirm.”

Clara gave a strained laugh and winced again, the doctor was by her side still holding her hand and gave it a worried squeeze. She squeezed back in a comforting way.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Detective,” Clara said with a smile. She held out her free hand, though it was trapped close by the IV. Mickey stepped over and gently shook her hand.

“The pleasure is mine Miss Oswald,” Mickey smiled. “Though, I insist that you call me Mickey. We are fellow companions, we are family.”

“Only if you call me Clara,” Clara countered. She leaned back after he released her hand. “I take it you need an official statement.”

“Yes, I do,” Mickey sighed as he sat down on the edge of the bed. “We can wait if you want. It doesn't have to be right now, but it does need to be today.”

“Might as well do it now,” Clara said, she adjusted herself on the bed so she was facing Mickey a bit better. “Ask away.”

Mickey nodded and went to his jacket and pulled out his phone. He pulled open the recording app and set the phone down on the bed. “First, I would just like you to tell your story, we have already asked Mr. Smith to give his version but we would also like to hear it from you.”

“It was such a normal night,” Clara began with a shake of her head, she vaguely remembered the Doctor giving his name as John Smith when they brought in. “John and I went out to dinner to catch up, he used to work at the school I currently teach at. We were walking back towards the underground so that he could take me home when it happened.”

Here she paused, she coughed a little and motioned for the water. She took a few long sips before continuing.

“He seemed to come out of nowhere, he was probably under a dark tree nearby. He came up behind us, quiet as a mouse. I heard the unmistakable click of him cocking the gun before he said anything. At the sound John and I stopped moving and splayed our hands out to our sides. That was when he spoke,

’So you know what that sound is, good. Put your hands above your head and turn around slowly,’ his voice was low gravely. He was purposely changing it. When we finished turning I got a good look at him. He was taller than me but shorter than John, probably standing at 5 feet 10 or 11 inches. He was wearing all black and a baseball cap pulled as far down as he could manage. He had a cleft chin and a real narrow jaw, I could just make out the shine of glasses in the street light. He said, ‘Alright, turn out your pockets. I wary to see everything.’

I did as asked, I have nothing to hide. John...John is a consultant to UNIT. His phone has contact information to important people and has classified information. We couldn't let his phone be taken. So he only partially turned out his pockets. He knew, I don't know how, but he knew John hadn't given everything. He focused the gun on John. He demanded,

‘I said everything. I know there is more. All of it or you eat a bullet.’

I wanted to try and reason with him. Or at least distract him long enough for someone to notice what was happening. I took a tiny step forward and he swung the gun at me. He didn't even hesitate. He pulled the trigger. I can't remember if I screamed or not. Everything after that kinda runs together. I remember John yelling and another shot. I remember a nice man hovering over me with his hands on my chest, his lips were moving but I couldn't hear him. There were sirens in the distance. I remember being transferred to the ambulance and John hovering with blood dripping down his face. I remember the lights and sounds of the hospital. I remember a woman, a doctor, she was nice. She kept talking to me and stayed by my side with John till I was taken to surgery. Then nothing.”

“Thank you Miss Oswald,” Mickey said and reached for his phone. “You covered everything well. No further questions at this time.”

He then tapped the screen and the recording stopped.

“UNIT consultant?” The Doctor asked amused.

“Well it's true,” Clara defended. She gently flicked his ear. “You’ve pulled their asses out of the fire enough.”

“I can attest to that,” A voice laughed from the door. The three turned to see Martha in the door wearing casual clothes. “I'm glad you are awake and alert.”

“You must be Doctor Smith-Jones,” Clara smiled.

“Just Martha will do,” she said and came to the side if the bed. She took the chart from the foot of the bed a flipped through the notes from the surgeon. “Well you were very lucky. The bullet missed everything vital, your lungs, heart and arteries. They retrieved the bullet in one piece, cleaned the wound and closed it. You'll be in pain for about a week and sore for a month or so but you'll live with no permanent injury save for a small scar.”

Clara smiled wider and went to respond but yawned instead.

“Sleep Clara,” Martha said softly. She walked to the controls on the side of the bed and lowered it back to a more reclined position. “You've been through alot and need rest.”

Clara nodded tiredly, the Doctor gently adjusted her blankets and gave her a kiss on the forehead and she was out.

[kidsviral-blog]

91 Enduring And Beautiful Quotes About Love

New Post has been published on https://kidsviral.info/91-enduring-and-beautiful-quotes-about-love/

91 Enduring And Beautiful Quotes About Love

Because “love is not about staring at each other, but staring off in the same direction.”

We asked the BuzzFeed Community to share their favorite quotes about love. Here are some of the most beautiful replies.

1. “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” –Maya Angelou Suggested by Megan Rose S. via Facebook

2. “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more.” —Emma, Jane Austen Suggested by Rachael C. via Facebook

3. “Even after all this time? Always.” –J.K. Rowling Suggested by Brittney R. via Facebook

4. “The course of true love never did run smooth.” A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare Suggested by Sarah S. via Facebook

5. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” –Emily Bronte Submitted by Jessica H. via Facebook

6. “Love is a snowmobile racing across the tundra and then suddenly it flips over, pinning you underneath. At night, the ice weasels come.” –Matt Groening Submitted by Courtney E. via Facebook

7. “Find what you love and let it kill you.” –Charles Bukowski Submitted by Pay A. via Facebook

8. “We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, so when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness; and then we call it love.” –Dr. Seuss Submitted by Kristen R. via Facebook

9. “cannot fix on the hour, or the look, or the words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in the middle before I knew I had begun.” —Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen Submitted by Mayra A. via Facebook

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Alice Mongkongllite / BuzzFeed.com

10. “Maybe…you’ll fall in love with me all over again.” “Hell,” I said, “I love you enough now. What do you want to do? Ruin me?” “Yes. I want to ruin you.” “Good,” I said. “That’s what I want too.” —Farewell to Arms, Ernest Hemingway Suggested by Kaylee W. via Facebook

11. “And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. —The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran Suggested by Amanda C. via Facebook

12. “Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bears it out even to the edge of doom.” –Shakespeare Suggested by Krysten M. via Facebook

13. “When love beckons to you follow him, Though his ways are hard and steep. And when his wings enfold you yield to him, Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you. And when he speaks to you believe in him, Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden. For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning. Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun, So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.” —The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran Suggested by Carla D. via Facebook

14. “Well you may not be beautiful, but it’s not for me to judge. I don’t know if you’re beautiful because I love you too much.” –“Asleep and Dreaming,” The Magnetic Fields Suggested by Amanda M. via Facebook

15. “I believe love is always eternal. Even if eternity is only five minutes.” —Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stories, Sandra Cisneros Suggested by Sarah O. via Facebook

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Alice Mongkongllite / BuzzFeed.com

16. “Love is not about staring at each other, but staring off in the same direction” –Antoine de Saint Exupéry Suggested by Kristyn M. via Facebook

17. “For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.” –Carl Sagan Suggested by Carolyn P. via Facebook

18. “To love another person is to see the face of God.” –Victor Hugo Suggested by Haley F. via Facebook

19. “You remind me of a poem I can’t remember, and a song that may never have existed, and a place I’m not sure I’ve ever been to.” –Grandpa Simpson, The Simpsons Suggested by Georgina G. via Facebook

20. “What is love but a prelude to sorrow…with heartache ahead for your goal.” –“Blue Prelude,” Nina Simone Suggested by Justin Paul J. via Facebook

21. “Please know whether it’s the days you burn more brilliant than the sun or the nights you collapse into my lap your body broken into a thousand questions, you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I will love you when you are a still day. I will love you when you are a hurricane.” —Mouthful of Forevers, Clementine von Radics Suggested by Andrea A. via Facebook

22. “No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart.” —The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald Suggested by Anne C. via Facebook

23. “Your wide eyes are the only light I know from extinguished constellations.” –Pablo Neruda Suggested by Allison Y. via Facebook

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Alice Mongkongllite / BuzzFeed.com

24. “Out of all those kinds of people, you got a face with a view.” –“This Must Be the Place,” Talking Heads Suggested by Zoë L. via Facebook

25. “Were not there you, I’d be not too.” –Karen Marie Moning Suggested by Sarah L. via Facebook

26. “I have loved to the point of madness; that which is called madness, that which to me, is the only sensible way to love.” ―Francois Sagon Suggested by Holly N. via Facebook

27. “All that I am, all that I ever was, is here in your perfect eyes. They’re all I can see.” –“Chasing Cars,” Snow Patrol Suggested by Gaby D. via Facebook

28. “You are every reason, every hope and every dream I’ve ever had.” —The Notebook, Nicholas Sparks Suggested by Janel P. via Facebook

29. “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you.” — Winnie the Pooh, A. A. Milne Suggested by Alberto R. via Facebook

30. “Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are.” –Oscar Wilde Suggested by Linda S. via Facebook

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Alice Mongkongllite / BuzzFeed.com

31. “I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” —The Fault in Our Stars, John Green Suggested by Kamilah S. via Facebook

32. “I love you as one should, to excess. With folly, delight and despair.” –Julie de L’Espinasse Suggested by Bernardo G. via Facebook

33. “Love is the irresistible desire to be desired irresistibly.” –Robert Frost Suggested by Hannah B. via Facebook

34. “Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move Doubt truth to be a liar But never doubt I love.” — Hamlet, Shakespeare Suggested by Isabelle P. via Facebook

35. “The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise, we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.” — No Man Is an Island, Thomas Merton Suggested by annehuangmf711

36. “Of all the things my eyes have seen, the best by far is you.” –Cecilia and the Satellite Suggested by mmiller2

37. “I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. But I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because he was perfect, or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together.” ― Blue-Eyed Devil, Lisa Kleypas Suggested by queenkatlifah

38. “I don’t ask you to love me always like this, but I ask you to remember. Somewhere inside of me there will always be the person I am tonight.” — Tender Is the Night, F. Scott Fitzgerald Suggested by leahbeth

39. “I am all the time thinking about poetry and fiction and you.” –Virginia Woolf Suggested by alim4bbccf63e

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Alice Mongkongllite / BuzzFeed.com

40. “And so, when a person meets the half that is his very own, whatever his orientation, whether it’s to young men or not, then something wonderful happens: the two are struck from their senses by love, by a sense of belonging to one another, and by desire, and they don’t want to be separated from one another, not even for a moment.” —The Symposium, Plato Suggested by thisprivatewar

41. “I could stay with you forever and never realize the time.” –“You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go,” Bob Dylan Suggested by jennieb3

42. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” —Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte Suggested by makiyahm

43. “But most of all I’m afraid of walking out that door and never feeling again for my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.” — Baby, Dirty Dancing Suggested by aldeen08

44. “My god, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches!” — The Princess Bride Suggested by lisam4de6c969b

45. “You could search the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful.” –Yvaine, Stardust Suggested by joannaw4e62fc827

46. “You’re the better half of me, you’re the only half I need.” — “Wild Ones,” You Me At Six Suggested by annamaried2

47. “I didn’t fall in love with you. I walked into love with you, with my eyes wide open, choosing to take every step along the way. I do believe in fate and destiny, but I also believe we are only fated to do the things that we’d choose anyway. And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you and I’d choose you.” — The Chaos of Stars, Kiersten White Suggested by Erin Ashley

48. “She would defend herself, saying that love, no matter what else it might be, was a natural talent. She would say: You are either born knowing how, or you never know.” —Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel García Márquez Suggested by michaelalianner

49. “The truth, is you could slit my throat. And with my one last gasping breath, I’d apologize for bleeding on your shirt.” –Taking Back Sunday Suggested by katiec438235a9f

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Alice Mongkongllite / BuzzFeed.com

50. “I wish that life could be just like a photograph. One moment captured as you laugh your perfect laugh.” –“Like a Daydream,” Ride Suggested by paulb41753758e

51. “Every breath that is in your lungs is a tiny little gift to me.” –“Dead Leave & The Dirty Ground,” The White Stripes Suggested by kdamico83

52. “So yes. It had flaws, but what does that matter when it comes to matters of the heart? We love what we love. Reason does not enter into it. In many ways, unwise love is the truest love. Anyone can love a thing BECAUSE. That’s as easy as putting a penny in your pocket. But to love a thing DESPITE. To know the flaws and love them too. That is rare and pure and perfect.” —The Wise Man’s Fear, Patrick Rothfuss. Suggested by jojobean16

53. “For you, a thousand times over.” —The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini Suggested by vkummings

54. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” –The Bible Suggested by mmeadows2891

55. “I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.” ―100 Love Sonnets, Pablo Neruda Suggested by erockadashow

56. “I know sometimes it’s still hard to let me see you in all your cracked perfection, but please know: whether it’s the days you burn more brilliant than the sun or the nights you collapse into my lap your body broken into a thousand questions, you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I will love you when you are a still day. I will love you when you are a hurricane.” –Clementine Von Radics Suggested by amandam4b4f6b306

57. “‘It doesn’t happen all at once,’ said the Skin Horse. ‘You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.'” —The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams Suggested by michelleleew

58. “I don’t care if you don’t love me, I don’t care if you won’t change. I would live inside the shadow that is cast by you, if it meant that you would.” –“Miss America,” Something Corporate Suggested by ashn464ef3eda

59. “There’s a lot of things you need to get across this universe. Warp drive, wormhole refractors… You know the thing you need most of all? You need a hand to hold.” —Dr. Who, Season 6 Suggested by Erin Ashley

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Alice Mongkongllite / BuzzFeed.com

60. “Do I love you? My god, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches…” —The Princess Bride Suggested by emilyb401913b36

61. “I love you only because it’s you the one I love; I hate you deeply, and hating you, bend to you, and the measure of my changing love for you is that I do not see you but love you blindly.” –Pablo Neruda Suggested by melibellel

62. “When you fall in love, it is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake, and then it subsides. And when it subsides, you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots are become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is.” —Captain Correlli’s Mandolin, Louis de Bernières Suggested by mary-laurenw

63. “Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move, Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love.” — Hamlet, Shakespeare Suggested by dhanyaj

64. “Love: a single word, a wispy thing, a word no bigger or longer than an edge. That’s what it is: an edge; a razor. It draws up through the center of your life, cutting everything in two. Before and after. The rest of the world falls away on either side.” –Lauren Oliver Suggested by katyross82294

65. “Love is like quicksilver in the hand. Leave the fingers open and it stays. Clutch it and it darts away.” ―Dorothy Parker Suggested by kieshak

66. “I am in love with you, and I know that love is just a shout into the void, and that oblivion is inevitable, and that we are all doomed, and that there will come a day when all our labor has been returned to dust, and I know the sun will swallow the only Earth we’ll ever have, and I am in love with you.” —The Fault in Our Stars, John Green Suggested by sofiak4b91808e2

67. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” –Maya Angelou Suggested by brittanyh40b6d8214

68. “It means that love isn’t about being afraid that it will all be snatched away. Love’s about finding the one person who makes your heart complete, who makes you a better person than you ever dreamed you could be. It’s about looking in the eyes of your wife and knowing, all the way to your bones, that she’s simply the best person you’ve ever known.” —The Viscount Who Loved Me, Julia Quinn Suggested by alexandriachem

69. “We are all fools in love.” —Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen Suggested by sharonc55

70. “If we look at the world with a love of life, the world will reveal its beauty to us.” –Daisaku Ikeda Suggested by aislinnm4f03105da

71. “Love consists of this: two solitudes that meet, protect and greet each other.” ―Rainer Maria Rilke Suggested by bethg31

72. “The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.” ―Rumi Suggested by bethg31

73. “She was like art; and art wasn’t supposed to look nice. It was supposed to make you feel something.” —Eleanor and Park, Rainbow Rowell Suggested by katelyndaniellem

74. “I could hear my heart beating. I could hear everyone’s heart. I could hear the human noise we sat there making, not one of us moving, not even when the room went dark.” ―What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, Raymond Carver Suggested by emilygilliand

75. “Cause on the list of everything I need, there’s air, but first there’s you and me.” –“The Truth Is,” Go Radio Suggested by andie215

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76. “The half life of love is forever.” —This Is How You Lose Her, Junot Díaz Suggested by leog4059ba1d6

77. “You are my sweetest downfall.” –“Samson,” Regina Spector Suggested by harrietg409844cf5

78. “My love for you is a puzzle, for which I have no answers. I can’t control it… and now I don’t care. I truly, deeply love you.” –Padme Amidala Suggested by catherineesparanzaj

79. “Love is the ultimate outlaw. It just won’t adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is to sign on as its accomplice. Instead of vowing to honor and obey, maybe we should swear to aid and abet.” –Tom Robbins Suggested by jaimemcclainfl

80. “Some people reflect light, some deflect it, you by some miracle, seem to collect it.” —House of Leaves, Mark Z. Danielewski Suggested by alexey2

81. “Just in case you ever foolishly forget; I’m never not thinking of you.” —Selected Diaries, Virginia Woolf Suggested by ludovicat

82. “That’s the thing about girls. Every time they do something pretty, even if they’re not much to look at, or even if they’re sort of stupid, you fall in love with them, and then you never know where the hell you are. Girls. Jesus Christ. They can drive you crazy. They really can.” —Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger Suggested by aeslehcgale

83. “We are like islands in the sea. Separate on the surface, but connected in the deep.” –William James Suggested by brittanyb46a381ca8

84. “Love is the doorway through which the human soul passes from selfishness to service.” –Unknown Suggested by michelleu2

85. “But we loved with a love that was more than love.” –“Annabelle Lee,” Edgar Allen Poe Suggested by whitneighs

86. “He was my North, my South, my East, and West, My working week, and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song.” –“Funeral Blues,” W.H. Auden Suggested by anniea4c02ace89

87. “Take a lover who looks at you like maybe you are magic.” –Frida Kahlo Suggested by katiesheets97

88. “I read once that the ancient Egyptians had fifty words for sand and the Eskimos had a hundred words for snow. I wish I had a thousand words for love, but all that comes to mind is the way you move against me while you sleep, and there are no words for that.” –Unknown Suggested by laurenm47cbff421

89. “I want to know you moved and breathed in the same world with me.” —The Short Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Suggested by ludovicat

90. “The heart has its reasons that reason knows nothing of.” –Pascal Suggested by erins45c7d8cda

91. “Grief is the price we pay for love.” –Queen Elizabeth Suggested by rachelm47be0a339

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[blueboxesandtrafficcones]

Queen of Hearts - Chapter 2

Thirty-year-old Rose Tyler’s matchmaking business is doing very well indeed, bringing her clients such as celebrities, athletes, and the now-happily-married son of the mayor.  All of which brings her to her newest client - one whose royal rank is a far cry above her own title as Queen of Hearts.

Ian, King of Gallifrey, calls off his wedding four weeks before the happy day as he realizes he can’t spend another minute of his life with his betrothed.  The catch - he must take a wife before his Coronation, only a month away.  In desperation, his sister and aunt conspire to find him is happy ever after - and it’s going to take a master matchmaker to do it.

-

Based on the Hallmark Movie ‘Royal Matchmaker’.  Chapters will be posted every Sunday.

As always, beta’d by the wonderful @stupidsatsuma​!  @doctorroseprompts

Masterlist  |  AO3

---

Monday, April 1st (continued)

“Is this legit?” Rose asked under her breath, smiling brightly.  “I mean, it’s April Fools.”

Mel nodded, curls bouncing.  “Totally,” she whispered back, before kicking Rose’s leg.  “Rude.”

“Uh, hello, Your Highness,” Rose greeted the Princess, feeling out of her depth if this wasn’t a prank.  She’d had celebrities and politicians as clients, some fairly recognizable names, but royalty?  She folded her hands tightly to help stop the sudden trembling.  It’s just like any other potential client interview.  Keep it together.

“A pleasure to meet you,” Princess Donna said regally, and Rose swallowed her nerves.

“And you, such as it is.  How may I help you?”  Off to the side Mel waved to catch her eye, holding up a post-it reading Ma’am.  “Ma’am,” she dutifully added, forcing her smile brighter.

The Princess gazed at her speculatively, clearly evaluating Rose as Rose was her.  “My brother the King is in… a bit of a situation.  He must find a bride and marry her on or before his coronation, or he will have to forfeit the throne to me, something my husband and I want under no circumstances.”

“And how can I help?”  The post-it waved off to the side, and Rose bit back a sigh.  “Ma’am?”

“I’ve heard you’re a miracle worker, and what we need is certainly that.  My brother must take a wife in the next four weeks, and she must be of the highest caliber with the potential, ability, and willingness to bear children – otherwise we’re simply delaying my own coronation, and I’d prefer to avoid it at all costs.”

Rose blinked, waiting for the 'gotcha!’, but none came.  “I see,” she said, even though she didn’t. “May I ask- Normally I deal directly with the client?” she trailed off expectantly.

The Princess nodded, looking serious.  “I understand.  But I had to speak with you first.  I want my brother to find happiness and love of course, but I also need him to find a wife.  I won’t lie, it’s a heavy undertaking, but you come highly recommended.  If you can pull this off, you may name your price.”

And if I don’t, then my life and reputation are in shambles.  I’ll have to move back in with Mum!  “Can you give us a moment to confer, please, Ma’am?”

Rose’s tense smile lasted just long enough for her to mute the audio and kill the video, double checking the Princess couldn’t hear before she turned on her assistant.  “What did you do?!”

“Nothing!” Mel protested, holding up her hands in peace.  “I just answered the phone!  This woman, Sarah Jane, said she might be looking to hire us – sort of – but it was complicated and delicate.  Next thing I know, I’m Skyping a Princess!”

“I can’t do this,” Rose said bluntly.  “There’s too much riding on it.  If I fail, we’re done.  And how do we pull this off in four weeks?!”

Mel smiled sympathetically.  “I’m not sure turning down the chance to work with royalty will be much better.  We just… have to do it.”

She was right, and they both knew it, but Rose wasn’t quite ready to admit it.  “What do we do?”

“We put on a brave smile, trust the process, and go be the guests of royalty in an actual palace for the next four weeks!”

“It’s not that easy,” she hissed.  “We’ve never had that quick of a turnaround before!”

Mel rolled her eyes, leaning over her to do a quick Google search.  “Look at this.”

Within seconds a picture of a beautiful medieval castle filled her screen, like something out of her little girl princess fantasies.  “That’s not fair!”

“You’re keeping the Princess waiting.”  Before Rose could argue, she reconnected with the impatient-looking redhead.  “So sorry for the delay Your Highness.”

“Well?” the woman demanded, arching an eyebrow.  “Should I book you plane tickets?”

Rose took a deep breath, squaring her shoulders.  “Yes, we would be... delighted to help.”

“Sarah Jane will call back with the arrangements within the hour.  I’m looking forward to meeting you.”

Wonderful.

-

Donna disconnected the call with a satisfied grin, glancing over at Sarah Jane who hovered just out of view.  “What did you think?”

“I like her,” Sarah Jane said decisively, nodding.  “Oh, yes.  From what I’ve heard, if anyone can find the perfect Queen it’s her.”

“Even for Ian?”

“Even for Ian,” she laughed.

Donna sighed, leaning back in her chair and staring up at the ceiling.  “God I hope so.  She’s our last hope.  He said he’d figure it out, but he’s perfectly happy to abdicate and go back to playing doctor.  More than- we both know he’d prefer it.”

“He knows his duty,” Sarah Jane shook her head.  “He’ll come through – kicking and screaming.  He loves Gallifrey too much, regardless of what he says.”

The door to Donna’s office burst open, Ian striding in without consideration.  “What’s going on in here?”

Donna stood, smoothing her skirt as she met her brother’s eye head on.  “Trying to find you a queen.”

He grimaced, bracing himself on the back of a visitor’s chair on the other side of her desk.  “Oh, goody. I hate to interrupt that, but I have a country to run.  I need Sarah.”

“Of course, Your Majesty, my apologies.”  Sarah Jane curtseyed, deeper than strictly necessary.  “I believe the Education Secretary is due soon for an audience.”

Ian nodded sharply, turning towards the door.  “Donna, don’t do anything stupid or I’ll abdicate just to spite you.”

Donna made a face at his back, waving goodbye to Sarah Jane as she hurried out after Ian, closing the door behind her.  Sinking back into her chair, she pulled up the Bad Wolf Matchmakers website again, clicking to the bio for Ms. Rose Tyler.

I need a miracle.  Can you pull it off?

-

Tuesday, April 2nd

Rose flipped anxiously through her book as they made their way through the Gallifrey train station, two porters trailing behind with their luggage.  “Why are there so many rules for working with royals?” she fretted, a tightness in her chest that had settled there after the call with the Princess the day before and had yet to budge.

“Because they’re royal?  It’ll all be fine!”

Rolling her eyes, Rose handed the book to Mel.  “You’re too optimistic.  Right, quiz me again?”

“Name and title?”

Rose rolled her eyes.  “His Majesty King Ian of Gallifrey.  Forty-five years old, never married, came to the throne last spring.  Must marry before his coronation, must be coronated by the first anniversary of his accession.  Give me something difficult.”

“What degree does he have?”

“Doctor of medicine.  Has mainly worked overseas, Africa, that sort of thing.”  They wound their way through the station as Mel peppered her with questions.

“Favorite things to do?”

“Travel the world, practice medicine, play the guitar?”

“Why hasn’t he ever married?”

Rose bit her lip at that as they reached the parking lot.  “Self-proclaimed bachelor.  That’s all I know.  Ooh!  That’s us,” Rose added, spotting a driver holding a sign reading Rose Tyler.

They giggled as they climbed into the town car decorated with state flags, oohing and aahing on the drive to the castle.  It was only fifteen minutes door to door, but they had gorgeous views of the Alps and forest on the way.  The kingdom of Gallifrey, or so Wikipedia had claimed, was a micro-nation nestled between France and Switzerland.  A constitutional monarchy, the family line stretched back nearly a thousand years.  By virtue of their size and proximity to Switzerland they had managed to avoid getting dragged into any of the major conflicts of the last century, remaining neutral and nearly forgotten.

The scenery itself was gorgeous, the first hints of spring budding on the trees even as snow clung to the mountaintops in the distance.  Rose considered herself a city girl through and through, having never lived anywhere but London, but this… I could get used to views like this.

-

The palace appeared out of nowhere around a bend in the road, perched high up on a hill and making both women gasp in delight.  It was stunning, well maintained, and enormous.

“Rose,” Mel breathed, tapping her arm, and she faced forward again only to gasp.

“Oh my God.”  They stared up at the courtyard as the car came to a stop, the driver opening the door for them.  It looked like a traditional medieval castle, built with clean-cut gray stone.  Every doorway in sight was arched, with several turrets and towers reaching towards the sky, and it reminded Rose of her favorite architectural features of Windsor Castle at home.  “This is beautiful.”  The word didn’t do it justice, but it was all she had as she stepped out.

“Hello,” a voice chirped, and she spotted a boy standing in the nearest doorway.  He was dressed fairly formally, in black slacks and a blazer, but had an open and friendly face.  Early teens, he was still all gangly limbs but would clearly be tall.

“Hello,” Rose smiled, trying to take in the view while not being rude.  “How are you?”

“Well, ma’am, thank you.”

A woman hurried out of the door behind him them, gently moving him to the side.  “Luke!  Don’t badger them already,” she scolded, approaching Rose. “Sorry, my son Luke.  I’m Sarah Jane Smith, His Majesty’s personal assistant.  I believe we spoke on the phone?”  She directed the last bit towards Mel, who had joined Rose on the near side of the car.

“Yes, Melanie Bush,” she introduced herself, shaking her hand.  “This is Rose Tyler.  It’s lovely to meet you in person.”

“You as well,” the woman gushed, shaking Rose’s hand as well.  “We’re thrilled you’re here. Please, come with me.”

They followed her into the palace, her son trailing behind only to break off after a minute, disappearing down a corridor.

“How long have you known the King?” Rose asked as they made their way through the halls.  She tried to keep track of the twists and turns, but was hopelessly lost after the third.

“All his life,” she smiled over her shoulder.  “His mother was my sister, actually.  I worked as an investigative reporter, but after I adopted my son about ten years ago I retired from that – I didn’t want to be away from him so much.  She convinced me – begged, really – to come keep Ian- His Majesty- in line.  I manage his day-to-day; the schedule, who sees him, who doesn’t.  I’m the gatekeeper, especially off the palace grounds.  In return Luke and I live here, spending time with family.  It might be somewhat unconventional, but it works for us.”

“That’s really sweet,” she smiled, though her stomach clenched at what wasn’t said.  Is he really that difficult, you can’t find an assistant?  What have we gotten ourselves into?

They stopped at a set of tall double doors, Sarah Jane turning with a smile.  “This is you – a suite normally reserved for visiting dignitaries or royals.  It’s far closer to the King’s quarters, giving you better access.  Hopefully it will suit your needs.”

“I’m sure it’s fine,” Rose promised, then the doors swung open and her heart stopped.  “Oh my.”

She entered the ‘room’ in a daze, mouth falling open as she took in the space.  It was the height of two stories, pristine white walls with gold crown molding.  The furniture was delicate and sparse, exactly what she’d expect in a royal palace, with a sturdy wooden desk situated at the far end of the room by the windows.  Two windows covered most of the outside wall, letting in plenty of sun.  They reached from waist-high to just below the ceiling, and were simply breathtaking. In all, everything she had seen so far was what she imagined castles looking like as a child.

“This will do,” she said faintly, making Sarah Jane laugh.

“Excellent.  There is a bedroom on either side of this room, and I’ll give you a few moments to freshen up before your trip.  His Majesty has fifteen free minutes soon, and I would like to introduce you to himself and the Princess Royal.”

Rose nodded, heading for one of the doors leading out of the room.  Stepping inside she found a bedroom similarly decorated to the first room, with a four-poster bed littered with fluffy pillows.  “Is this heaven?”

“It certainly seems it,” Mel said, amused, peering in over her shoulder.  “D’you want this one? Either is fine, I’m sure.”

“Okay.”  Still in a daze, she meandered towards the en suite.  It was elegant, if a bit old-fashioned, but she didn’t care – she was in love.  Taking a minute to freshen up, she was just checking her teeth in the mirror when Mel knocked on the door.  “Yeah?”

“Sarah Jane is back, she’d like to take you to meet the Princess then the King.”

“Thank you.”  Smoothing her hair one last time and refreshing her lipstick, she met Sarah Jane in the main room.

“Ready?”  The woman asked kindly, and Rose pasted on her brightest smile.

“Of course!  I’m so excited to get started.”

“Excellent.”  Sarah Jane guided her out into the hall, leading her towards the right.  “Once I leave you with the Princess I will work with Mel to get everything you need arranged.  As my duties are to tend to the King, one of my staff has been assigned to you.  Bill will see to anything you need; you only have to ask and she’ll arrange it.  She will also serve as your chauffeur should you need to leave the castle.”

Rose rubbed her hands on her thighs as they neared the most imposing set of double doors yet, knowing she was moments away from meeting royalty.  “That’s very generous, thank you.”

“Miss Tyler- may I call you Rose?”

“Of course.”

“Rose, I just want to take a moment to reiterate the importance of your presence here.  The future of our country depends on you.  But more importantly, my nephew’s happiness does.  I believe with the right bride he could happily face a lifetime of being king, but at the moment… Donna, the Princess Royal and his current heir, does what she can to step into the ceremonial duties of Queen, but that’s not sustainable.  It is critical that we find him the right woman.  I won’t lie and say it will be easy, but you will have everything you require.”

Swallowing harshly, she did her best to meet Sarah Jane’s gaze head on.  “I understand, and will do everything in my power to help.”

Nodding sharply, Sarah Jane opened the door.  “Miss Tyler, Your Highness.”

-

Rose walked in with her head held high, heading towards the redhead she’d Skyped with just yesterday.  “Good morning, Your Highness.”  Curtseying slightly, she noted the approving tick upwards of the woman’s lips before they settled into a firm line again.

“Thank you, Sarah,” the Princess directed at her aunt, who nodded and closed the door, leaving them alone.  “Thank you, Miss Tyler, for your haste in arriving.  I fear you may have your work cut out for you, and there is no time to squander.”

“I’m happy to be here, Your Highness,” she said politely, waiting until the princess gestured to sit.

“Please, help yourself to some tea,” she invited, and Rose did so, carefully pouring herself a cuppa.

“Thank you.”

They sat in silence for a moment, sipping at their teacups, Rose waiting for the princess to speak.  She, naturally, didn’t have much of a daily interaction with royalty, though Princess Diana had visited her primary school when she was young.  Still, she knew enough and rubbed elbows with enough high-profile people through her work to know to follow the other woman’s lead.

While she waited, she stared around the room in awe.  Everything was done in white and gold, from the carpets to the furniture to the walls.  Archways were everywhere, a vaulted ceiling over head, from which hung a magnificent chandelier.  It was the picture of luxury, and exactly what she would expect a royal palace to look like.

“Do you have any questions?” the princess finally offered, and Rose jumped at the chance.

“Yes.  If I may, why has he not taken a wife before now?”

The princess sighed heavily.  “May I be frank?”

“Of course.  The more I know about him, his life, his preferences and personality and likes and dislikes, the better I’ll be able to narrow down the candidates.  There is no time to dance around it, honestly.”

She lowered her teacup to her lap, fiddling with the handle as she stared down.  “Ian… has always been his own man.  He knows his own mind, and his greatest goal has always been to help people – that’s why he went to medical school.  His view on the crown is that he would have to give up that dream; to me, it’s just implementing it differently.  He may not be checking vitals, but it’s his responsibility to steer this ship still, and produce an heir to inherit from him.  His patient is no longer a person, but rather a country.”

“And if he doesn’t…”

“Then it will come to me, or my children if I’m gone.  We- my husband and I- don’t want that.  I prefer working behind the scenes, going unnoticed.  As it stands I am acting as consort for my brother, and it’s bloody exhausting.  I’d rather help shape policy as needed and be home with my kids for dinner and homework.”

“You don’t live in the palace?”

The Princess smiled.  “Technically.  We have a house on the grounds, closer to the lake – it’s still part of the palace, but we have more freedom and room there.  We wanted to give them as normal an upbringing as possible.”

Rose opened her mouth to respond, when the doors to the room swung open and a man stalked inside.

“Donna, what are you up to now?” he demanded, and Rose took her first proper look at him.  For being only in his mid-forties his hair was gray going white, his features sharp and intimidating.  “Who’re you?”

“Rose Tyler, Your Majesty,” she stood hurriedly, curtseying.  “The matchmaker.”

His expression, if possible, grew stormier as he went still, eyes narrowing at his sister.  “What. Did.  You.  Do?”

The princess held fast in the face of his anger, standing as well and smoothing her skirt.  “I told you I wouldn’t stand idly by.  Now, play nice – she’s here to help.  Miss Tyler, my brother King Ian.  Ian, Rose Tyler.  I’ll leave you two to it, then.”

And she swept out of the room without a backwards glance, leaving Rose alone in the room with the furious king.

“Um, hello,” she smiled nervously, eyes wide at his irate expression.  “You have a beautiful palace?”

It was official – she was in trouble.  Damn you, Mel!