Headcanons about their relationship
(i.e. the nature of said relationship, where it could have gone in the future, what was their downtime in the TARDIS like, relationship dynamics, inside jokes, sleeping arrangements, stock arguments, etc.)
@getbacktoblogwarts @pinkandyellowroses @inscrutableblueeyes
Okay, I have a few minutes before work, so I’m gonna attempt to answer this one finally. Sorry so late, guys!
Headcanons... Well, I always think of the Doctor as being in love with Rose, but generally I see that relationship through the lense of their conversation in School Reunion. I think he held back. I haven’t really allowed myself to imagine much in detail, but I think for most of S2 there was an unspoken understanding between them that they loved each other, but that the Doctor held her at arms length because of his fear of how fleeting her life is, and how much more it would hurt if he took the plunge, so to speak.
I think it’s possible that changed somewhere between Impossible Planet/Satan Pit and Fear Her. Particularly in Fear Her. They seem more intimate in that episode to me. So I think maybe he finally gave in and let her in.
I read recently someone saying that they didn’t think Ten would have given up Rose in JE if they’d had a romantically committed relationship, but in my headcanon, he gives her up because it hurt so much to lose her the first time, he’s too afraid to go there again. When Tentoo comes along, he sees the opportunity to make her happy and give her what she wants--something he’s too afraid to give her himself because of his virtual immortality and the pain of losing her the first time.
I always imagine that if she had stayed with him, he would have spiraled deeper and deeper into depression as time passed, knowing he would lose her again. I mean realistically, he loves her too much in a way, and watching her get old and deal with the physical pain sickness that comes with old age, not to mention her eventual death, while he remained the immortal Doctor... seeing his future of being alone approaching by the day, I have a difficult time imagining him not having a wall up around his hearts. Especially after all the loss he’s already experienced.
Tentoo, on the other hand, is facing normal human mortality, and this new perspective makes him want to take advantage of the time he has with Rose. It also frees him up to not be afraid of losing her, because even if he does, he won’t have to live with the pain for thousands of years like his immortal counterpart would. I picture Tentoo being terrified of mortality, but simultaneously relieved at no longer having the fear of always ending up alone.
I dunno. That’s just how it’s always played out in my head anyway. LOL!