Rose sat there, her arms wrapped around her knees; her mind and body numb as turmulous thoughts swirled through her mind like a misty haze. Was the Master right? Was that the life she really longed for? A life travelled on the slow path, hand-in-hand with the Doctor who would share that life with her? They could grow old together, live a normal life, settle down and have children…

Rose slowly lifted her gaze and angrily wiped the hot tears from her cheek. No! The Master was wrong. That was not the path meant for her. And even if she wanted that life, it simply was impossible, regardless of what the Master had stated. Her world was here in the Tardis, with the Doctor, going on wild and exciting adventures. There would be no time, or need, to stop and think about what ifs - for that's all these doubts were: a whole bunch of what ifs. Nothing concrete. It was no use dwelling on possibilities that were far out of her reach and unattainable.

But just as her thoughts resolved, her heart gave a painful twist. It could have been a great existence…

No! The Master, the manipulative bastard that he was, had implanted the idea in her head. An idea that had no hope of ever blooming to reality.

Rose stood and breathed in deeply through her nose. The Master…what game was he playing at? Granted, they had gone through a lot in such a short span of time and had grown exceptionally close. Surprisingly close. The electrical charge between was scary at times as both fought to resist the pull. Was this his way of pushing her away? If so, he was doing a damn fine job of succeeding!

Exhaustion swept through her, and longing for comfort, Rose made her way to the one person she knew that could offer her some sort of solace.

The Doctor was leaning back against the console, his arms folded over his chest and a deeply contemplative look furrowing his exceptionally handsome features. Her heart gave a familiar flip at the sight. Where the Master was the dark, promising to keep all her dangerous secrets, the Doctor was her light, promising to envelope her in warmth and offer the surety and safety of his arms.

The Doctor glanced up, a startled look washing over his features.

"Rose?..."

She closed the distance without hesitation, crashing against him with a sense of urgency. Her lips sought his in a desperate attempt to wash away the doubt the Master had implanted within her. She needed reassurance and the Doctor was the only one to give her that.

This is where she belonged. In the Doctor's arms…

The Doctor made a surprised sound in the back of his throat, but she did not relent as her lips molded against his, urging, begging for reciprocation as her arms snaked around his neck, drawing him closer.

His initial reaction was that of shock and his instincts screamed to remain sensible. Something was clearly troubling Rose and he needed to get to the bottom of it. But as her lips caressed against his, her warm body pressed against his with fervent passion, all common sense fled and he returned the kiss with unrestrained passion, his arms enfolding her and pressing her more firmly against him.

Their lips parted, their tongues sensually dancing against each other, tasting each other. His hand fisted in her hair as the heated kiss deepened, and Rose responded in kind by running her hands through his thick wild hair, her nails scraping against his scalp. The sensation elicited a deep moan from the Doctor and suddenly he flipped Rose around, pinning her against the console. But it was not enough. His hands suddenly on her hips, he hoisted her onto the console and she wrapped her legs around his waist, the kiss never breaking. Moans of urgency filtered through the console room as the inferno built up between them, and the Doctor leaned into the kiss, pressing Rose back until she was almost lying on top of the console. The discomfort of the buttons digging into her back did not matter; only the urgency to be one with her Doctor.

The Doctor pulled back enough to gaze down at her, chocolate brown pools staring into warm hazel depths, both darkened by the carnal desire coursing through them.

Rose gasped for air, but the Doctor was eerily still, his respiratory bypass kicking in. They now stood on the precipice; damned be the consequences as they plunged into the unknown. Or they could retreat back to the safety and surety of their familiar dance – a dance where nothing happened and both were left regretting and yearning for more.

"Doctor," she whispered.

The Doctor blinked, realization hitting him. With great reluctance he stepped back.

So they were back to playing this game…

Hot tears sprang to her eyes and Rose swallowed hard, trying to rein in her torrential emotions as she hopped off the console, gripping the edge for support.

"We can't, Rose," he choked, his voice strained with his regret.

"Why? Because the Master said we can't? Well, the Master can go to hell!" she retorted bitterly.

The Doctor closed the distance and cupped her face between the palms of his hands, his thumbs caressing her cheekbones.

"No, it's not because of the Master, Rose."

"Then why?" she asked, her eyes, brimming with unshed tears, imploring him for an explanation.

The Doctor looked so forlorn as he took in the abject hurt written all over her face.

"Because," he sighed and hung his head. When he lifted his head, Rose noted the resolve steeled in his ancient eyes.

"Because it does not feel right for us to do...this when there are so many secrets between us."

Rose stilled, her heart starting to beat frantically in her chest. The Doctor had figured it out. Of course he had. He was no idiot, contrary to what the Master constantly stated. He knew she was holding something big from him. Rose would have laughed at the irony of the situation if she wasn't seized with panic: the secret she kept close to her heart in order to protect herself was the very same thing that was causing a giant rift between her and the Doctor.

Rose swallowed thickly, her bottom lips trembling as she replied, "Please don't force me to tell you, Doctor."

"Please, Rose. It's obvious that it's eating you up inside. Let me help you," he pleaded earnestly.

A lone tear trickled down her cheek. The Doctor slowly wiped the tear away, his own chocolate brown eyes shimmering with the deep concern, his heart twisting painfully at witnessing her pain.

Rose slowly shook her head, her hand coming up to lay over his. "Help me by being my Doctor."

"I'll always be your Doctor." His eyes searched hers, almost pleading in their intensity. "And you will always be my Rose. No matter how bad this secret is."

Rose closed her eyes tightly. "You say that now, Doctor…"

"I'll always say that," he urged.

Rose slowly opened her eyes and stared back at him, her breath catching at the intense love shining through. She saw the truth burning like a torch in the darkest hour: the Doctor would always love her. He would easily forgive her. But she still could not forgive herself. Admitting to herself what she had done, and what she was capable of doing, was almost crippling.

"I know," she said, her thumb stroking against the back of his hand. "But right now, I just need you to be here. I need you to hold me, stay with me. I need you to be my Doctor."

The Doctor stared at her for a heartbeat, knowing that tonight she would not open up to him. He could see the pain reflected in her hazel eyes like shard of glass. This secret was slowly eating away at her, and he was utterly helpless until she was ready to open up. For now, though, she was seeking his comfort. She needed him and he would be there for her.

The Doctor suddenly had her enveloped in his arms, his chin resting on the top of her head. Rose exhaled and snaked her arms around him, encircling his waist as she rested her head against his chest, listening to the reassuring twin heartbeats. Dun-dun, dun-dun.

"Always," he murmured.

Rose closed her eyes, letting the distinct smell of ageless time envelope her and quell her inner demons.

Not a word was spoken as she led him to her room, nor when they crawled into bed and curled against each other. Not a word needed to be uttered in the dark as heated lips sought each other, love and devotion being poured into this act and chasing away the plague of nightmares that lurked in the recesses. Not tonight. Tonight was about solace and comfort. Tonight was about them.

ooOoo

Rose and the Doctor strolled hand-in-hand into the console room, Rose laughing openly as the Doctor rambled on with enthusiasm about a planet he had once visited and the trouble he had met there. The strain had now dissipated and was now replaced with an airy ease, and she now had hope in her heart that things were going to be alright between them. They were the Doctor and Rose – the stuff of legends. They would conquer every obstacle. Together. Last night had proved that.

The light mood immediately died out when her eyes landed on the Master, who was leaning against the console, his arms crossed over his chest and a look of pure venom tainting his boyish features. His eyes held a dangerous and formidable glint as he glared at the two. Then his gaze flickered to their entwined fingers. Slowly he raised his head and his eyes met hers. Rose stuttered to a standstill at the quiet and undulated fury he was now directing at her. It was a look that promised nothing good.

Rose lifted her chin defiantly and glared back at him. He had no right to be angry at her, especially not after he had pushed her away with his cruelty.

The Master's eyes narrowed fractionally, noting the steely resolve in her stance and features.

"Did you two have a good night?" he snarled, his lips curling back in undisguised disdain.

Rose blinked, suddenly realizing that the Master thought that she and the Doctor had finally crossed the line and had been together intimately. The idiot!

"There's no night on the Tardis, Master," the Doctor stated jovially, as though he could not sense the sudden tension radiating from the other Time Lord. Or maybe he was simply ignoring it.

The Doctor released Rose's hand as he bounded to the console. The Master wordlessly handed him a device that looked like a paper-thin tablet and glowed blue, but his sharp eyes never left hers, his gaze boring into her very soul.

"Whatever," he snapped. "There are the co-ordinates. I tweaked it and if your temperamental Tardis decides to behave, then it should take us to the right location."

The Doctor's eyes lit up at the promise of a new adventure and he grinned happily to himself as he danced around the console, typing in their new flight plan.

Rose made her way to the jump seat, giving the Master a wide berth. She could feel his eyes trained on her the whole time, but she refused to acknowledge him. But it took everything not to squirm under his penetrative glare.

"Ready?" the Doctor asked excitedly, his hand curled around the lever handle.

"For your piloting skills? Hardly," the Master stated flatly.

Rose clutched at the jump seat with a vice like grip.

"Allonsy!" the Doctor exclaimed, pulling the lever down with a flourish.

The Tardis shook her occupants about, the ride rougher than normal. Rose tried to hold on for all she was worth but was suddenly sent flying after a particularly violent jolt. She crashed into a body, a grunt of annoyance issuing from the Master as they toppled over onto the grate.

The Tardis continued to rock and buck and wheeze, and the Master's hands were suddenly wrapped around Rose, shielding her from the brunt of the rocky ride.

Finally, the Tardis settled, and Rose opened her eyes to find the Master watching her with guarded eyes. The air between them suddenly crackled with electricity, their eyes locked onto each other and the moment coming to a shuddering standstill. Rose held her breath as confusion washed over her: the Master was furious with her, but still endeavored to protect her from harm. His actions just didn't add up.

The Master blinked, the spell breaking, and roughly pushed her off him. The Doctor was already rushing to the doors, grabbing Rose's hand in the process as she scrambled to her feet. Rose barely had time to blink before the Doctor threw open the doors.

Rose gaped at the scene before them, stunned by the sheer beauty before them. They were in a cave, though the size and magnitude of this cavernous place was almost mind-bending. The ceiling stretched on forever, and as far as the eye could see the interior stretched for miles and miles. The smooth walls glimmered and sparkled in a rainbow of light and were the only source of light in this dark world. The lights blinked and then suddenly flared, showering the cavernous room in a brilliant firework of color and light.

It was cool in here, the temperature enough to raise goosebumps on her bare arms. The air smelled damp, and in the distance her ears could detect a trickling sound of water that must be coming from a stream that ran close by.

"Are we in the right place?" she asked.

"I think so," the Doctor murmured. "Maybe. Possibly. Not sure."

The Master shoved past them, the tablet clutched in his hand and his head bowed as he concentrated on the readings that flashed on the screen.

He glanced over his shoulder, a sneer on his face. "Well done, Doctor. For once in your lives, you have managed to land in the right location."

"Was bound to happen sometime," the Doctor replied nonchalantly.

The Master let out a derisive snort and without a backward glance, he strode forwards with purpose.

Rose glanced at the Doctor and saw, with surprise, that he was watching the other Time Lord in a calculating manner. Gone was the jovial playfulness from earlier. It made her wonder how many times he had looked at her in a similar way when she wasn't looking?

"Did you two have a fight?" he suddenly asked, tugging on her hand and leading her onwards.

Rose sighed. "Not hard to do with him. The Master is always geared up for a fight."

The Doctor made a noise of agreement but said nothing else on the matter.

"So, where are we?" she asked, eager to steer the conversation from the Master and their fight.

The Doctor halted and popped his forefinger into his mouth. He released it with a 'pop' and held it in the air, his brows furrowed in concentration.

"The planet Cortisansula. Sometime between the year Palar Eight and Palar Nine. Palar Eight thousand and twenty-three to be exact. It's a Tuesday."

Rose grinned widely at the Doctor. "Did you really get all that from licking your finger or was that all for show?" she asked, nudging his shoulder with her own before they continued following the Master, his hand curling around hers.

"Oi! I'll have you know that there is a lot of information to be found with a simple taste."

"And nothing to do with your oral fixation?" she asked innocently.

The Doctor grinned abashedly.

Suddenly the Master stopped in front of them, his posture rigid. He peered over his shoulder, his gaze instantly fixed on Rose. Anger still lurked in those depths.

"Down this corridor," he stated, his tone strained with held back fury.

Rose scowled at him, growing rather tired of his attitude.

"Well then, lead on," the Doctor said brightly.

The Master's jaw clenched, his eyes flickering back to their clasped hands and his scowl deepened. He swiftly turned on his heel and marched down a narrow passage hallowed out in the cave wall.

It was more narrow here, and Rose had to let go of the Doctor's hand and walk in front of him. Her hands glided over the smooth wall, her brain marveling at the tiny sparkling stones embedded in the rock that illuminate their passage into the unknown. The light seemed to dim to an almost imperceptible glow as they made their way deeper down the tunnel.

They had trudge what felt like an hour, very little conversation ensuing between the trio. Finally they stepped into a clearing, the glow now a brilliant white illuminating the rectangular carved out room. The Master paused for but a moment and then strode forwards, his eyes flickering back and forth between the device in his hands to his surroundings. The shrill whirring of the sonic behind her told her that the Doctor was taking readings.

Rose stood rooted to the spot and finally turned full circle as she took in her surroundings.

Statues lined the walls like looming and silent sentries, their eyes glowing green from the jewels embedded within. These looked like nothing she had ever seen in documentaries or elsewhere in her extensive travels. These statues were more spindly and alien-looking in form, though still retaining humanoid aspects. Their heads were dome shaped, with only the glinting green jeweled eyes being the only discernable facial features. They were utterly devoid of clothing, but Rose guessed that there was nothing really to cover up. Just spindly limbs that were impossibly elongated.

"What do those statues represent?" she whispered to the Doctor, who was still intently scanning everything his eyes landed upon.

"Hmm?" the Doctor glanced up, his gaze slightly unfocused; so intent was he on his investigation of this room. "Oh! Um, if I had to wager a guess from appearance, as well as the planet, I would say that these are the gods the Cortisans worshiped. They were an underground species, primitive in their way of life and thinking."

"Where are they now?" she asked in a hushed tone.

"They evolved and are now living above the surface. Now known at Gambutians."

Rose frowned and looked once more at the statues that seemed neither old nor time worn.

"How old are these statues?"

The Doctor flicked his sonic at one in particular and studied the readings. "Approximately two million years old. Sounds about right," he said, pocketing his sonic. "That's about how long it took for them to evolve."

"Are they still primitive?"

"Nah, they are quite an advanced race, but their caves have long since been forgotten. We are veeeeery deep underground."

Rose nodded once.

"Sort of gives context to your species," the Master piped up from his position further down the room, clearly having eavesdropped on their conversation. "From apes to…apes."

Hot anger flashed through her and Rose stormed over to the Master, ignoring the delighted gleam shining in his eyes at the impending fight that was to ensue.

"What is your problem?" she asked, poking him in the chest.

"You are my problem, Rose," he sneered, his face suddenly millimeters from her own, that electrical current crackling between them with renewed force.

She was about to make a scathing retort when there was a low rumble beneath their feet; a tremble in the earth that was rapidly growing. Suddenly the ground beneath their feet shifted up with force, sending the Doctor flying one way and them another.

Rose shrieked as another violent earthquake tore through the ground, brutal and relentless. Suddenly an iron grip wrapped around her hand and she looked up wildly at the Master, who was trying to pull her to her feet, undulated fear showing plainly on his features. But before he could pull her up, another violent tremor sent him sprawling on top of her, and before she could react, the ground gave way beneath them, sending them plummeting deep down below into a void of darkness.

Rose would have screamed, but her head hit against something hard and everything went black.