Meant to Be (TARDIS Family Adventures: Part 1)

Chapter 9: Hope Remains

Chapter Song: "Hurricane" by Slow Meadow

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That evening after dinner, as they walked back towards the garden, the Doctor noticed that Balen had quietly ushered Jacob, Jack, and Donna ahead and had them in a conversation. He and Scarlett were a few steps behind, shyly, and somewhat awkwardly passing glances back and forth between each other.

The humor was not lost on him, that at 900 some years old he felt and was acting like a schoolboy with a crush. The affect this woman had on him was preposterous!

As they moved further down the hall towards to the garden entrance, Jacob turned from his discussion with the others, walking backwards as he posed a question, "Doctor, do you mind if I show the Prime Minister around the TARDIS? I'd like to discuss with him how we might be able to help with the relief and restoration efforts?

"No, no, not at all," the Doctor replied, only half glancing ahead towards Jacob and the others. His attention was focused between the ground in front of him and Scarlett, who walked along beside him. He hadn't felt this awkward in ages. But the knowledge that soon she'd be able free of her ties to the throne and able to make her decisions without those complications made him feel as nervous.

Soon they were back in the garden and before the Doctor could say anything, Jacob led Balen, Jack, and Donna into the TARDIS, leaving Scarlett at his side.

"Well, there's that then. I get the distinct feeling they intended to leave us to ourselves, don't you?" As he spoke, the Doctor ruffled a hand through his hair.

"Yes." Scarlett grinned towards the closing TARDIS door, then looked back to him. "Shall we have a stroll through the garden, then?"

The Doctor smiled back. "That'd be fantastic, yes!" Without thinking, he held out his hand for her to take.

Scarlett looked down at his outstretched hand, then quickly looked around the immediate area. They were alone, the guards were on standby just on the outside of each doorway, out of view.

As if he felt his sister's hesitancy, she heard Balen's voice in her head, Go ahead, sister. Enjoy a few minutes while you have it. I've ensured you won't be disturbed. Things are only going to get more hectic tomorrow, enjoy tonight while you have it.

Before Scarlett could smile and act, the Doctor had picked up on her hesitation and pulled his hand back, dropping it to his side. He frowned and spoke quietly, "Oh, um, sorry. I forgot. I just thought—"

"No, no. Doctor, it's okay. I've just lived too long under the watchful eye of the Elders. My brother says I should relax this evening." She sighed then took another moment to look around before she determined her next course of action. She steeled herself, reached out, and grabbed his hand in hers. "I think he's right."

He gulped and looked down at their hands. "Are you—are you sure?"

"Absolutely. Let's walk. I have something to show you." She pulled on his hand and then nodded in the direction ahead, around towards the section of the garden that held plants from other planets. He smiled in relief and squeezed her hand, pulling her just a tad bit closer as they began to walk. She spoke again as they began moving, "Tomorrow morning the whole planet will hear the announcement from myself and Balen about the upcoming transition of power, as well as the relief efforts. Then things are going to be very—public. I'll have to be on guard. But tonight, I'm the citadel gardens, surrounded by royal guards. My brother has been whisked away to converse with your companions. He ensures me that for tonight, I have a moment of privacy—and to enjoy it."