Okay...so

[fan_eunice]

I'm trying not to be batshit over Seven/Ace. I really, really am. But...here's the thing. I was trained up by New Who to think of certain interactions and kinds of physical affection as romantic. And by all of those standards? Seven and Ace are in love. Lounging about on the grass listening to jazz together and giggling. Cuddles and hugs and little touches all the freaking time. Conspiring whispers and huddling. Extreme anger and desperate outrage when the other one is in danger. Beaming smiles and a million little things. The only difference I see in terms of how to read those signals is the age the Doctor appears in this body. And I totally get why that would be a no-go squick factor for reading romance here. Hell, it certainly makes me feel more than a bit skeevy. But...I think my point is, that if these things can be read as platonic with Seven and Ace (and they can, one might say should be), then they can't be unique indicators of a romantic relationship. Just one that has enough signals that can be read that way. If these things must be read that way? Then Seven and Ace were in a relationship, full stop.

I'm fully willing to accept that I do have a bit of the batshit creeping up on, and blinding me, so I'm asking. Are there any specific interactions between Rose and the Doctor that would not apply to Seven and Ace in terms of reading a romantic attraction? Anything? What am I missing here?