(A/N: So close and yet so far lmao)
Lovers are flames that breathe all the more deeply for being closer together, it is then they shine brighter, both within and upon one another, becoming a source of light and love in the world, showering sparks of positive chaos into the dark.
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After Echo had her beloved Time Lord put his fancy clothes on like her, she had soft dancing music play in the background of the console room. The lights were dimmed by the Tardis alone. The gentle ambiance embraced the serene couple, the Doctor holding her as close as possible. As they danced in tempo with the calming song, they both basked in each other's presence and felt it paradise. Even more so when their eyes met. His warming dark chocolate gazing into deep infinity. They could both recognize the look of want in their features. Eagerly and without hesitation, they leaned in simultaneously and shared with each other a loving, consuming and overall enthralling kiss.
Before their heated actions were able to progress, however, a fog horn could suddenly be heard around them. Then, much to their surprise, a ship's bow crashed through the side of the Tardis. "Well, damn." Echo said with intense confusion.
"What? What?" he repeated, just as boggled. As a ship's bell rang, he picked up a life belt and turned it over. Much to their bewilderment, they read 'Titanic'.
She snorted in a very unlady like manner. "Of course." she chuckled. With mild amusement, Echo went to the console and adjusted the controls a bit. As they moved, the Tardis walls reformed back to normal. Moments later, they materialized inside the ship next to a board detailing a list of shipping companies. "Come along, my love. I think we look fancy enough." then grabbed his hand and led them to the doors.
Walking into the reception area, they found people in Edwardian dress enjoying a champagne buffet. A band played a slow version of Jingle Bells. Around the perimeter of the room were golden skinned statue like robots of male angels; one moving as the curious couple walked past. They then spotted a small red-skinned alien in a dinner jacket as they approached a window. "Attention all passengers. The Titanic is now in orbit above Sol Three, also known as Earth. Population, human. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Christmas." a tannoy announced.
On a screen for everyone to see was a recording of a bald man with a thin moustache sitting behind a desk. "Max Capricorn Cruise liners. The fastest, the farthest, the best. And I should know, because my name is Max." His gold tooth then glinted in the light on cue. Moments later, the screen returned to the logo and the lady singer crooned Winter Wonderland.
The Doctor smiled down at his beloved Echo and kissed the back of her hand happily. Passing dancing couples, they mingled kindly with those that greeted them. With the desire for more information, they then approached one of the angels. "Good evening. Passengers fifty-seven and fifty- eight. Terrible memory. Remind me. You would be...?" he inquired slyly.
"Information. Heavenly Host supplying tourist information." it answered robotically.
He nodded. "Good. So, tell me, because I'm an idiot. Where are we from?"
"Information. The Titanic is en route from the planet Sto in the Cassavalian Belt. The purpose of the cruise is the experience primitive cultures."
"So, tell us. Who thought of the name 'Titanic'?" Echo asked with a mild smile.
"Information. It was chosen as the most famous vessel of the planet Earth."
The Doctor furrowed his brow, "Did they tell you why it was famous?"
"Information. All designations are chosen by Mister Max Capricorn, president Max-- Max-- Max--" Unexpectedly, the Host twitched as its voice pitch rose.
The Steward noticed and immediately hurried over. "Ooo, bit of a glitch." the Doctor commented.
"It's all right, Sir, Madam. We can handle this." Two more officers arrived and switched the Host off before carrying it away. "Software problem, that's all. Leave it with us. Merry Christmas." and walked away without another word for them. Though his quickened pace tipped Echo off to possible signs of trouble coming their way.
Suddenly, they heard the dropping of glass after a stuck up rich man bumped into a blonde waitress; to which thoroughly distracted them. "For Tov's sake, look where you're going. This jacket's a genuine Earth antique." he spat arrogantly.
"I'm sorry, sir." she immediately apologized as she knelt down to clean the mess that had been made.
The ignorant man, however, wouldn't have it. "You'll be sorry when it comes out of your wages, sweetheart. Staffed by idiots. No wonder Max Capricorn's going down the drain." the childished fool complained. As the Doctor went to help the woman, Echo took the opportunity to confront the pathetic man. Though, the moment he laid eyes on her, desire and entitlement surged through him. "Something must be wrong with my phone... It doesn't have your number in it. If you're lucky, I'll make time for you." he attempted without shame or consideration of rejection.
She gave him a bored expression from hearing the lame pick-up line. "You have no right to insult and even threaten another person just because of their lower standing. Keep this in mind for next time. It's better to keep your mouth shut and give the impression that you're stupid, rather than open it and remove all doubt." then walked away, satisfied with his offended and outraged expression though had a feeling he didn't quite understand what she had said.
"Nice to meet you, Astrid Peth. Merry Christmas." the Doctor said as his love joined them.
The blonde woman smiled a little at his unforeseeable, genuine kindness. "Merry Christmas to you both. Doctor who, though?"
"It's just the Doctor and I'm called Echo. Happy to meet you." she clarified and shook her hand.
Her smile grew as she felt a subtle desire to remain in their presence. "So, are you enjoying the cruise?"
He nodded, "We were having a date night and thought it fun. But what about you? Long way from home, planet Sto."
Astried shrugged indifferently. "Doesn't feel that different. I spent three years working at the spaceport diner, traveled all the way here and I'm still waiting on tables." she grumbled lightly.
"No shore leave?" he questioned in mild surprise.
She immediately shook her head. "We're not allowed. They can't afford the insurance. I just wanted to try it, just once. I used to watch the ships heading out to the stars and I always dreamt of being on one. I know, it sounds daft."
The Doctor nodded in complete understanding as Echo smiled fondly. "You dreamt of another sky. New sun, new air, new life. A whole universe teeming with life. Why stand still when there is all that life out there?" he mused truthfully.
Astrid felt inexplicable relief just from hearing how accurate he spoke. "So, you two travel a lot?" she wondered aloud, her curiosity mounting.
"Constantly." came the nonchalant answer from the entertained Echo.
Her Doctor smiled at her before looking back to the interested waitress. "Just for fun. Well, that's usually the plan. Never quite works out."
"Must be rich, though." Astrid probed, trying to figure them out to the best of her ability.
Taking her aback, he shook his head. "Haven't got a penny."
"Stowaways." Echo whispered conspiratorially.
The blonde's grin instantly grew. "No way." she denied happily.
"Oh, yeah." he added with a cheeky grin.
"How did you get on board?" she asked quietly.
"Accident, really." he explained. "We've got this, sort of, ship... thing. The defenses were left down by mistake. Bumped into the Titanic. Thought this could make date night more exciting, and here we are."
Glee shone in her eyes with the same beauty as the stars in a clear night sky. "I should report you two." she teased.
"Off you go, then." Echo playfully challenged, enjoying their new friend.
"I'll get you some drinks on the house." she said quietly and calmly walked away so as to avoid attracting attention of any kind.
After she had left them, they noticed a bunch of toffs laughing at a large woman in a purple cowboy outfit and her equally well padded companion. Without question did the travelers join the mocked couple, not an ounce of hesitation to be found. "Just ignore them." the large man tried to remind the large woman.
The Doctor looked towards the laughing bullies curiously. "Something's tickled them."
With a heavy frown, the woman answered with clear annoyance. "They told us it was fancy dress. Very funny, I'm sure."
The man shook his head in disagreement. "They're just picking on us because we haven't paid. We won our tickets in a competition." he clarified with just as much bother.
"I had to name the five husbands of Joofie Crystalle in By the Light of the Asteroid." the woman explained further. "Did either of you ever watch By the Light of the Asteroid?" Even when deeply disturbed, she still managed to be kind and courteous.
Thinking for a moment, the Doctor replied with half a thought of recognition. "Is that the one with the twins?"
She nodded enthusiastically. "That's it. Oh, it's marvellous."
Her partner, however, kept his frown. "But we're not good enough for that lot. They think we should be in steerage."
Echo smirked mischievously at her lover. "We can't have that, now can we?" she subtly urged and glanced at the nearby champagne bottle on the other table.
"Nope, unexceptable." he agreed before aiming his sonic screwdriver with his back facing the desire table.
Almost instantly did the cork pop out, spraying their expensive clothes with alcohol. Echo didn't even try to hide her laughter, to which was heard by the virtually panicking bullies. "Did you do that?" the woman asked in surprised enjoyment.
The Doctor smirked, "Maybe."
The woman beamed with nothing but gratitude. "We like you."
Beside her nodded the man. "Yes, we do. I'm Morvin Van Hoff. This is my good woman, Foon."
He happily shook their hands in greetings. "Hello, I'm the Doctor and this is my beloved Echo."
Foon laughed, "Oh, I'm going to need a doctor, time I've finished with that buffet. Have a buffalo wing. They must be enormous, these buffalo. So many wings."
"Attention please. Shore leave tickets Red Six Seven now activated. Red Six Seven." a tannoy announced before they could decline the offer.
"Red Six Seven." Foon said as she took out their tickets. "That's us. Are you two Red Six Seven as well?"
The Doctor shrugged, "Might as well be." he answered without care.
"Come on, then. We're going to Earth!" Morvin urged and happily led the way.