Can I Hold You? ("Weather" Entry)

[roseglade.livejournal.com]

Title: Can I Hold You?

Rating: PG

Word Count:  500 words

Characters: The Eleventh Doctor and River Song

Spoilers: “Rain Gods” and “Forest of the Dead”

Warnings: N/A

Episode Setting: Post“Rain Gods”

Summary: The Doctor and River Song dance in the rain.

As River rubbed her wet, golden ringlets with a nearby towel, the Doctor allowed himself to gaze upon her.  Every time he saw her, he thought of the library and what they would face together one day.  He shook his head and dried his hair.  He wouldn't dwell on that thought anymore.  He would hold onto her for as long as he could.  He wouldn’t let her slip through his fingers again.

“Sweetie,”  The Doctor spun around to face River as she spoke.  “You seem more distant than normal.  What’s wrong? ”

“Am I now?”  The Doctor faked a laugh.  “Sorry, just escaped being sacrificed to some Rain Gods.  Gotta allow the brain a recharge.”

River smirked.  “Oh?  Maybe this will wake you up.”  She threw her wet towel at the Doctor and it hit him square in the face.

“You shouldn’t have done that River.”  The Doctor laughed and pulled the soaking wet towel from his face.

“And what are you going to do about that?”  River teased.

“This is what I’m going to do.”  The Doctor bolted towards her.

River shrieked and quickly threw the door open.  Raindrops wetted their freshly dried clothing, but they didn’t care.  The only thing they cared about was their little chase.  After a few minutes, the Doctor cornered River in a small, dark canyon.

“There’s no escape.”  The Doctor simpered and wrapped his hand around her waist.  “You’re mine now.”

“Oh really?”  River kissed him.  “How are you sure that you’re not mine?”

“Because I know.”  The Doctor pulled her closer.  He raised her hand and in the air, ensnared in his own, and began to rock her back and forth.

“Are we ...”  River raised her eyebrow.  “Dancing?”

“Yes.  Is something wrong with that?”  The Doctor started leading her back out into the heavy rainfall.

“Well, I just thought we’d do something different.”

“No.”  The Doctor stated.  We wanted to be as close to her for as long as he could.  “I … just … wanted to hold you.”

River looked up at the Doctor and they locked eyes.  The Doctor hadn’t seen her since Manhattan, the place of her parent’s death, a traumatic experience for both parties.  Of course, she would never show it.  She was strong, even when she wasn’t.  

“Alright.”  River whispered.  She rested her head on his chest and they continued to sway in the heavy deluge of water.

The Doctor felt that he should say something else to her, but the words wouldn’t formulate in his mouth.  He wished to stay like this forever.  River in his arms, safe and perfect.

“I won’t let you go River.”

“I know.”  River whispered.  “But our time will come to an end soon.  We all must learn to let go.”

“Yes …”  The Doctor held her head tighter to his chest.  “But not now.”

He kissed her head softly and settled his head upon her.

“Can we stay like this for a while?  One last request, River?”

“Anything for you, sweetie.”