Fic: One Last Journey Home (1/10(?), Teen)
Title: One Last Journey Home (1/10)
Author: carly21
Betareader: naughtybunny23
Character/Pairing: TenToo/Rose, Ten/Rose
Genre: Angst, humour, romance
Rating: Teen
Summary: He thought he could run and get away with it, but he didn't expect them to find their way back.
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own anything than the plot and one or two OCs
Author's Notes: Thanks to naughtybunny23 for doing a wonderful job once again! :)
“...the whole of history could change, the future of the human race. No one should have that much power.”
“Tough.”
“You should have left us there.”
“Adelaide, I have done this sort of thing before. In small ways, saved some little people. But never someone as important as you. Oh, I'm good!”
“Little people? What like Mia and Yuri? Who decides they are so unimportant? You?”
“For a long time now I thought I was just a survivor, but I'm not. I'm the winner. That's who I am. The Time Lord Victorious.”
“And there is no one to stop you?”
~*~
Six months before, on a beach in another universe, waves crash against the shore. Cold wind blows among the three remaining figures. A blonde woman stares ahead, oblivious to the world around her.
She watches the TARDIS vanish, the feeling of abandonment and heartbreak sinking into the pit of her stomach. She travelled worlds for him and now he leaves her in the one place she tried hardest to get away from.
A hand slips into hers, too warm for a Time Lord, too cool for a human. The shape is right but it does nothing to ease the pain inside her heart.
They look at each other and she can see all of time and space in his eyes but also that little spark of humanity his counterpart lacks.
“You don't really want this, do you?” he asks, studying her face intently.
She doesn't know what to say and turns her head away. It's not supposed to be this way...
“It will take time,” he says and she thinks she knows what he means. Time to move on, time to forget.
But then he grins and opens a whole other meaning up to her. “We will find a way back, Rose Tyler. You and me.” He looks at the distance, sheer determination written on his face. “He can run but he will never get away.”
~*~
They are sitting in her living room, having tea and biscuits. It feels surreal, this normality. On the TARDIS, they always had their tea in the kitchen, discussing their next adventures, the Doctor rambling on about possible and impossible places.
He’s different, this Doctor. He understands her, knows what she wants. He told her those three words she has longed to hear for such a long time. But then... why do this? Why does he want to go back?
“I was born for you,” he suddenly says, pulling her away from her thoughts. “This whole batch of coincidences that led to my existence... I'm here to make you happy.”
He takes a sip of his tea and puts the cup back on the table. “He is an idiot, you know?” he says, watching the hot liquid swirl in his cup. “He thinks he knows what's best for all of us but he doesn't have a clue. We’ll go back and beat some sense into that alien brain of his.”
She smiles. She likes this DoctorDonna more and more. “But how?”
“Oh, we’ll think of something. You made the impossible possible once before and I? Weeell, I'm something new... Let's see what this human Time Lord can come up with, yeah?”
She slides over to his place on the couch and hugs his middle, sighing in contentment when he wraps an arm around her, pulling her close. It surprises her how fast she is warming up to this Doctor. Like that time on Christmas Eve...
“But when we are back... what will we do?”
“Whatever you want. I can... build my own TARDIS, give you two some space.”
She smiles. “Know what? You're an idiot, too.”
He doesn't argue with that.
~*~
They sleep beside each other that night. His arms lay around her, his body spooned up behind her.
“Do you really love me?” she asks and he hums the affirmative into her hair. “Then why are you doing this? I could... I'm sure I could be happy with you, too.”
“Maybe, but you would worry about him. Me, too.” That last bit surprises her. The Doctor never seemed to care much about himself. “I think it's Donna,” he goes on. “Few fragments of her remain in me. One part wants him to be alright, really alright and as the only one who really knows what's going on inside of him...”
She threads her fingers through his. “He is unstable, yeah?”
“About to snap, actually.”
“Then we have to hurry.”
They lie in silence for a while, the Doctor drawing small circles on her stomach with their joined hands.
“You will work at Torchwood, won't you?” Rose asks as he begins to write the Gallifreyan alphabet.
“That would be the best solution, yes,” he says, chuckling as she squirms under his touch. She has always been ticklish in that place.
“Any ideas how to cross the void yet?”
“Well, I could modify that dimension cannon of yours, but the walls are closed now. I would have to tear a hole in the fabric of reality to get it working and despite the fact that we'd need a gigantic energy source for that...” he says, his voice trailing off at the end.
“Universes would collapse and we don't want that, right?”
“Rightety, right!” the Doctor says, grinning at her brilliance. “So, the only safe option would be a void ship. And those can't be built on Earth.”
“Means we have to find one?”
“Or find out how it travels universes, yes.”
“You don't know?” Rose asks astonished and it surprises him not for the first time how much faith she has in him.
“Weeell, I have theories but those ships are rare and without one to study...”
“We are pretty much stuck.”
“Yep!”
Rose turns around to face him, her smile visible even in the dark.
He beams at her. “Hello!”
“Hello!” she returns, kissing his nose.
He scrunches it up, making her laugh. Stroking a strand of hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear, he realises, not for the first time, how lucky he is to be with her. Oh, if only it could stay that way...
“We will find a way, Rose,” he says, his voice suddenly thick. “Maybe I'll find something at Torchwood...”
“Yeah, maybe...” She lays a hand on his chest, the single heart beating steadily beneath it. “When we arrived at that beach, did you know what he was planning?”
He hesitates for a moment. “Not... for sure, but I suspected it.”
“Why didn't you say something?”
“I wanted to leave you a choice. He thought you chose me because of the kiss, but he didn't see your face afterwards.” A look into her eyes was enough. It broke his heart, but he knew what to do... Anything to see her smile.
“I... didn't choose at all. It's an impossible choice to make,” Rose says, burying her face in his chest.
“I know. It wasn't fair to you.”
“I saw you die.”
His face shoots up at her words, his dark thoughts forgotten. “What?”
“In that universe with Donna... you died because you were all alone. I don't want that to happen to him!” Her shoulders begin to shake and he realises with a jolt that she is crying
He holds her tight, willing to give her as much comfort as he can, ignoring his own pain. “We won't let that happen, Rose. I promise you, we will go back!”
They fall asleep in tight embrace that night, seeking comfort in each other's warmth.
~*~
The very next day, he begins to work at Torchwood. Rose shows him around, introducing people here and there while walking through the long corridors. This Torchwood looks a lot different than the one he knew. Its atmosphere seems much more relaxed and the only people he sees wearing weapons are the guards at the entrance. That's a definite improvement in his eyes!
Its whole policy seems different, for there are not only humans walking through the halls.
“They work in bookkeeping,” Rose says as two six-handed aliens walk past them. “It’s never been more efficient!”
“But... aren't you lot afraid of them?”
“Oh, we only let aliens work here who we got a peace treaty with... well, save for one, but that's a special case.”
They step into a large lift. Rose takes out a keycard from her purse and sticks it into a slider under the buttons. She presses 'U6' and leans forward to look into an eye scanner.
An affirmative beep as well as a mechanical voice rings out of a speaker. “Identity confirmed: Rose Tyler. Access granted.”
The lift begins to move, its music reminding the Doctor of another one he used not that long ago.
“Say, Rose, have you ever been to New York?”
“No, why?”
He grins. “Oh, it's a great story about a pig and a showgirl. But I'll tell you later. I think we’re here.”
The doors open, revealing a long corridor.
“This is our archive of unknown alien artefacts,” Rose says, stepping out and motioning to a room to their right. “Dad said you can go nuts here... he only expects you to tell us a bit about every piece.”
He opens his mouth to say something but Rose interrupts him. “All dangerous artefacts are being destroyed immediately. But the council doesn't know about that so: shhhh!” she says, putting her finger to her lips.
He frowns. “Then Pete has more common sense than I gave him credit for.”
“Oi! That's my dad you’re talking about!”
He raises an eyebrow.
“Oh, alright: Sort-of-dad, then,” she adds.
“But isn't he afraid of alien invasions? Seems very... unhuman-like to let opportunities like this slip away...” he says sceptically.
“Not really. We have some brilliant scientists in the weapon department. Speaking of which, you have to meet Harry! He is a real genius!”
“Harry the genius, eh? Alright. And what's there?” He points at a door down the corridor.
“The lab. Your lab to be exact,” Rose says, grinning as his face lit up. “You can do what you want there as well... Well, save for fires or explosions.” She puts a finger on her lips, mocking deep thought. “Yeah, I would prefer it if you didn't blow up my workplace this time.”
“Oi! At least I left an impression... can't say that about every pretty boy you met, right?”
“So, you are a pretty boy now?”
He chooses not to answer that question.
~*~
After a quick tour through U6 and a detour to Torchwood's little shop ('Judoon keychains! That's brilliant!'), Rose shows him the weapons department.
The Doctor soon realises that Harry is indeed a genius... a three meters tall, scale covered one!
His scales are silver, a long line of black spikes adorn his shiny head and his eyes are black with golden irises. Despite his impressive appearance, his expression is gentle and kind as he spots them.
“Rose, you forgot to mention that Harry is a Rakgad,” the Doctor says, shaking the alien's hand and beaming at him. “I'm the Doctor, nice to meet you!”
“Harry Dorgod and I'm Rakgod, actually,” the alien says, smiling.
“Oooh, yes! Rakgads have golden scales, don't they? I'm so sorry.”
“Don't be. It's nice to meet someone who has heard of us. It gets a bit lonely being the only one.”
Rose watches them both with a gentle smile. “Harry's ship crashed here three years ago. We didn't find the necessary parts to repair it until now. Maybe you two could work together and think of something?”
“Oh, I would love to!” the Doctor squeals. “What parts are missing?”
“The transmissional stabiliser and energy core. Especially the energy core is a problem... I will need an energy source far greater than any available on Earth.” At the thought of never seeing his planet and people again, Harry's spikes hang, his eyes brimming with tears.
The Doctor doesn't hesitate for even a second. “It won't be easy but I'll get you home, Harry. That's a promise.”
“Thank you so much, Doctor!” He beams at the Doctor, before looking quickly between him and Rose. “So, you two are together now? I have to say, I didn't expect you to come back, Miss Tyler.”
“I told you to call me Rose,” Rose says. “And I didn't expect to come back either...” Her eyes dart to the Doctor. “It was all rather unexpected.”
“Long story, actually,” the Doctor says, rubbing his neck. “I'm not really... the one... she was searching for.”
“Well, my pause is in-” Harry takes a look at his watch. “-five minutes. Why don't you tell me the story over a cup of coffee in the cafeteria?”
~*~
“Doctor, you really shouldn't drink so much of that stuff,” Rose says as he reaches his fifth cup. His like for coffee seems to have increased exponentially after the metacrisis.
“Why, Rose? I can handle it! I'm fine! Finer than fine! I'm great! Great, happy, coffee drinking metacrisis, me!” he says quickly, hands shaking as he gulps down the content of his current cup and orders another one.
Rose rubs her temples. “Great... too much caffeine is exactly what he needed.”
Harry laughs. “Don't worry, he will get around eventually.” He takes a sip of his own cup, put it down and slaps the Doctor's hand away as he reaches over to steal it. “Now, where were we?” he asks Rose, ignoring the Doctor's 'Ow!'
“Oh, yes! So, he, the Time Lord him, takes us back to the beach, tells me how much better the human him would be for me because he only has a human life and then he just leaves us there!”
“We kissed and he left us,” the Doctor says, rubbing his slightly red hand while glaring at Harry.
“Well, yeah. But just because he didn't say it... again! That guy is worse in talking about feelings than any bloke I've ever met!” Rose folds her arms, her eyes darkening. “'Does it need saying?' Yes, you damn alien sod!”
The Doctor, eternally glad not to be meant that time, nods in agreement, his eyes already searching for the waitress.
“And you don't get another cup!” Rose says sternly, making him pout.
“I'm not the alien sod!”
“But the coffee addict.”
Harry watches them quarrel, chin braced up on his palm. “And you two want to go back? Even after being left and called 'dangerous' and so on?”
“Of course!” they say together, smiling at their timing.
“He thinks this is the easiest solution. Making a break, pushing everyone away who means something to him,” Rose mutters, her eyes flashing with anger.
“He is afraid of losing someone else dear to him, so he wants to make a clear cut,” the Doctor adds.
“But not with us!” Rose continued. “It's time to make him see how much he means to us!”
Harry sighs. “Must be nice... loving someone that much.” His eyes wander to a black haired woman at the next table. Neither Rose nor the Doctor notice.
“Now, where is that waitress?”
Rose immediately takes the Doctor's pocket money away.
~*~
“So, you’re really gonna do this then?” Jackie asks when they visit for tea in the evening. The Doctor is off playing with Tony in the garden, leaving Rose and her mum to chat. “Why can't you just stay here and be happy? He wanted that for you, Rose.”
“Mum, we already talked about this,” Rose answers for what feels like the umpteenth time. “He needs us and we can't just stay put.”
“But I don't want to lose you!” Jackie says, tears now swimming inside her eyes.
Rose reaches over to hold her hand. “You won't, I promise. The Doctor said that now there are two Time Lords, we could make it possible to travel between universes without damaging the fabric of reality.”
“And if you don't? What happens then?”
Rose closes her eyes. “Then we won't do it. That's the one thing we are absolutely certain about. Either we find a safe way or we won't go.”
Both women turn to the glass door, watching the Doctor chasing Tony through the garden.
“But is it fair to him? This him?” Jackie asks. “How do you expect your life to be then? Living with two men? Sharing?”
“They are the same, mum.” Except they aren't. “Both can't be alone,” Rose says firmly. “The Doctor says he is unstable. I just-” She stops to take a deep breath, the words nearly stuck in her throat. “I just can't live, thinking he is out there on his own, you know?”
Jackie reaches over to take her daughter's hand, squeezing it slightly. “I know, sweetheart. You love him. I'm just worried about you.”
“You always are and I'm happy about it, just... just trust me, yeah?”
“You know that I do Rose, always.”
They laugh as the Doctor falls flat on his face. Tony jumps on his back, pulls his hair and shouts, “Take this for trying to eat my sister, you alien monster!”
Rose blushes as Jackie turns to her with raised eyebrows. “I had jam on my lips?”
~*~
Jackie insists that they are staying for dinner that night and the Doctor (after Rose ensured him it's not Jackie who cooks but a professional chef) agrees enthusiastically.
After a healthy meal, they sit together in the living room, watching Tony's favourite cartoon superheroes beat each other up.
The Doctor sits with Rose on the couch, fists boxing in the air. “Ooh, come on! Get him, Lone Raider! Use your plasma gun! Come on!”
“His plasma gun broke when he fought against Silver Brawl!” Tony says, scandalised that the Doctor forgot such an important detail.
The Doctor's mouth forms a silent 'O', causing Tony to pat his knee comfortingly.
“Don't worry, he still has that Mega Phasing Gun stored in his shoe!” Tony pumps his fist into the air. “Lone Raider always wins!”
The Doctor turns to Rose. “Did you hear that?! He always wins!” he says excitedly, his eyes sparkling.
“Wow,” Rose says, looking at him in astonishment. Her voice drips with sarcasm as she says, “We should get you some trading cards and action figures of him then...”
He beams at her. “Really?!”
“No.”
“Oh...” he says, his face falling.
Jackie bites back a laugh and looks at the clock instead. “Pete’s late.”
“Maybe something came up... You know how the council pressures him lately.”
The Doctor draws his eyes away from the TV. Now that he missed the Lone Raider's finishing blow, it's not worth watching on. “You mentioned the council before... they’re pressuring Pete?”
“Oh, yeah. There are five of them. They’re sponsors, really, but Torchwood needs a lot of money and so they got these positions. They think Pete's policy is too feeble.”
“'If it's alien, it's ours'? In that way?”
“Yep! But Dad knows how to handle them. All they need is a bit of new technology waving in front of their faces... saleable works best, of course. Something they can make a few millions with and-” She snaps her fingers. “-they eat out of your hand.”
“Oi! I'm watching this!” Tony says, looking angrily at the adults. “Lone Raider is fighting Mech Tiger now!”
“Really?!” The Doctor jumps up excitedly and crouches down next to Tony.
“Get him Lone Raider!” they cry in unison.
Rose looks at Jackie. “Alright, I'll take Tony on Wednesdays when you look after the Doctor at Fridays, yeah?”
Jackie's reply is drowned out by the Doctor and Tony's victory cry.
~*~
The Doctor hums to himself as he examines the fifth row of artefacts. It's been a week since their arrival in this universe and his third day at work. He finds it impressive what Torchwood collected over the years. He has already identified two highly developed technical devices, one used for communication purposes by an alien race that looks like ants; the other an electronic piece of sports equipment. Neither seemed dangerous and so he made notes for Torchwood scientists, but with variances. He doesn't think human society is ready for sentient sports equipment just yet.
The Doctor goes along the long line of shelves. A few things catch his interest at once, others are identified as harmless kitchen utensils or useless junk without a second glance.
But one item stands out: a Sontaran compact laser.
It's not surprising that no one recognised the weapon before. It looks more like a small hair dryer than a weapon to the untrained eye.
He marks it as dangerous, but hesitates in identifying it as weapon. No matter how much he trusts Rose and her father, his experiences with Torchwood taught him to be careful. 'If it's alien, it's ours' continues to ring in his head and so he identifies it as 'unstable device' instead. Better safe than sorry.
The Doctor turns back to the other artefacts and squeals in delight when he finds a yo-yo in the far corner.
Can he still do that awesome trick he learned from Socrates?
~*~
“Doctor, we’re needed! A ship just-” Rose rushes in but stops mid-sentence when she sees him. “What are you doing?”
The Doctor, completely wrapped in silver strings, blushes under her amused look. He will never live this down!
“I'm... working?” he says helplessly, trying to keep his balance. He doesn't think falling flat on his face (again!) will make him look any better.
Rose shakes her head and takes a step towards him. “Here, let me help you.” A small smile plays around her lips. She clearly tries not to laugh.
It takes a bit to free him, but he sighs in relief when the yo-yo is back on the shelf. He eyes it warily. Maybe he should mark it as 'dangerous' later...
“Rose Tyler!” he suddenly exclaims as if he just noticed her. The Doctor pulls her to him in a gentle embrace. “You were saying?” he whispers into her hair, his breath tickling her neck.
“A ship crashed near Farningham,” she mumbles into his shoulder. “It's of unknown origin. We'd better take a look.”
He pulls back to look at her. “Survivors?”
“No reports, but most of it was destroyed upon impact. I don't think anyone or... anything could have survived that.”
They are quiet for a while, arms still wrapped around each other.
“Right,” the Doctor says after a bit. “Allons-y, Rose Tyler!”
~*~
The spaceship crashed into a field, leaving nearby houses mostly unscathed. It's grey and damaged surface makes it look like a big, kicked can. No one has been found inside of it, either alive or dead.
The Doctor recognised the writing on the ship's side at once. “It's a Mna'ka ship, peaceful folk. Shouldn't be dangerous,” he says to the gathered Torchwood scientists and agents. “They often travel by autopilot... that explains the lack of living beings.” He goes to the back of the ship and touches the damaged surface. “Somewhere here should be... Ah, yes!” He presses a small, near invisible button. The whole ship shudders shortly before falling completely apart, leaving only a big black box behind.
The Doctor does some hissing noises, his hands sliding over the black surface. A door on the box opens. “It's a delivery ship,” he explains to the astonished scientists. “The Mna'kas trade in goods from all other the universe. Art mostly. They have this safe in case of a crash to keep their goods intact.”
Looking at his team proudly, his face falls when he sees the scientists expressions. “Oi, you lot! No need drooling over it!”
Rose laughs, hugging him from behind. “Go easy on them. This must feel like birthday and Christmas together.”
The Doctor snorts. “Still, no need to get overexcited, people. I'll go in and take a look first. Don't touch anything without my permission, understood?”
The scientists nod eagerly, pure greed written on their faces.
The Doctor rolls his eyes, “Amateurs.”
He enters the black box, Rose directly behind him. With their first step, light goes on in the large room, revealing several pieces of art behind glass and a big safe in the middle.
The Doctor takes a quick look around. “No defence mechanisms. You can tell the others to bring the art into the van. Carefully,” he says to Rose who musters the safe.
“Alright...” she says but doesn't move. “Doctor, what do you think is inside of this?”
“Not a clue... but it's the most important object. No doubt.” He goes over and kneels beside Rose, mustering the safe's lock. “Isomorphic lock. Will take a while to open this. Rose, the others...?”
“Yeah, right.” She takes a deep breath, turns to the door and screams, “TEAM ONE, GET THE ART TO THE VAN. TEAM TWO, SECURE THE LOADING!”
Everyone jumps to action at once. The Doctor rubs his hurting ears, “I could've done that myself, thanks.”
“Well, why didn't you?”
He kisses the grin off her lips.
~*~
Michael Fome enters the room with sweaty hands. He suspects he knows why he has been summoned but those thoughts are too horrifying to entertain. He thought about his children instead, little Andrea who has been born just two weeks ago and his five-year-old boy, Matthew. How will they cope without a father?
“You are late,” a voice says behind a large desk. The room is dark, making it impossible to see more than outlines. Michael considers running, to leave this place as far behind him as possible but then the voice speaks again. “Come in and close the door behind you. Now!”
The last word was no more than a hiss and Michael feels unable not to follow the instruction.
“Good... We don't want to be disturbed, do we?” The figure stands up and Michael squints to get a better look. It moves across the room. A small glimmer of light shines through the closed curtains. Soon it would reveal its face...
“I'm disappointed in you. I expected loyalty.”
Michael swallows, beads of sweat running down his face. “I won't say anything! I can keep my mouth shut! Please!”
“Too late. We know what you planned to do. ”
The figure reaches the light. Michael opens his mouth for a silent scream.
“Threats to the cause have to be eliminated. Goodbye, Mr. Fome.”
One day later, Michael Fome's resignation letter appears on Pete Tyler's desk. No one sees him ever again.
Chapter Two
Author: carly21
Betareader: naughtybunny23
Character/Pairing: TenToo/Rose, Ten/Rose
Genre: Angst, humour, romance
Rating: Teen
Summary: He thought he could run and get away with it, but he didn't expect them to find their way back.
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own anything than the plot and one or two OCs
Author's Notes: Thanks to naughtybunny23 for doing a wonderful job once again! :)
“...the whole of history could change, the future of the human race. No one should have that much power.”
“Tough.”
“You should have left us there.”
“Adelaide, I have done this sort of thing before. In small ways, saved some little people. But never someone as important as you. Oh, I'm good!”
“Little people? What like Mia and Yuri? Who decides they are so unimportant? You?”
“For a long time now I thought I was just a survivor, but I'm not. I'm the winner. That's who I am. The Time Lord Victorious.”
“And there is no one to stop you?”
~*~
Six months before, on a beach in another universe, waves crash against the shore. Cold wind blows among the three remaining figures. A blonde woman stares ahead, oblivious to the world around her.
She watches the TARDIS vanish, the feeling of abandonment and heartbreak sinking into the pit of her stomach. She travelled worlds for him and now he leaves her in the one place she tried hardest to get away from.
A hand slips into hers, too warm for a Time Lord, too cool for a human. The shape is right but it does nothing to ease the pain inside her heart.
They look at each other and she can see all of time and space in his eyes but also that little spark of humanity his counterpart lacks.
“You don't really want this, do you?” he asks, studying her face intently.
She doesn't know what to say and turns her head away. It's not supposed to be this way...
“It will take time,” he says and she thinks she knows what he means. Time to move on, time to forget.
But then he grins and opens a whole other meaning up to her. “We will find a way back, Rose Tyler. You and me.” He looks at the distance, sheer determination written on his face. “He can run but he will never get away.”
~*~
They are sitting in her living room, having tea and biscuits. It feels surreal, this normality. On the TARDIS, they always had their tea in the kitchen, discussing their next adventures, the Doctor rambling on about possible and impossible places.
He’s different, this Doctor. He understands her, knows what she wants. He told her those three words she has longed to hear for such a long time. But then... why do this? Why does he want to go back?
“I was born for you,” he suddenly says, pulling her away from her thoughts. “This whole batch of coincidences that led to my existence... I'm here to make you happy.”
He takes a sip of his tea and puts the cup back on the table. “He is an idiot, you know?” he says, watching the hot liquid swirl in his cup. “He thinks he knows what's best for all of us but he doesn't have a clue. We’ll go back and beat some sense into that alien brain of his.”
She smiles. She likes this DoctorDonna more and more. “But how?”
“Oh, we’ll think of something. You made the impossible possible once before and I? Weeell, I'm something new... Let's see what this human Time Lord can come up with, yeah?”
She slides over to his place on the couch and hugs his middle, sighing in contentment when he wraps an arm around her, pulling her close. It surprises her how fast she is warming up to this Doctor. Like that time on Christmas Eve...
“But when we are back... what will we do?”
“Whatever you want. I can... build my own TARDIS, give you two some space.”
She smiles. “Know what? You're an idiot, too.”
He doesn't argue with that.
~*~
They sleep beside each other that night. His arms lay around her, his body spooned up behind her.
“Do you really love me?” she asks and he hums the affirmative into her hair. “Then why are you doing this? I could... I'm sure I could be happy with you, too.”
“Maybe, but you would worry about him. Me, too.” That last bit surprises her. The Doctor never seemed to care much about himself. “I think it's Donna,” he goes on. “Few fragments of her remain in me. One part wants him to be alright, really alright and as the only one who really knows what's going on inside of him...”
She threads her fingers through his. “He is unstable, yeah?”
“About to snap, actually.”
“Then we have to hurry.”
They lie in silence for a while, the Doctor drawing small circles on her stomach with their joined hands.
“You will work at Torchwood, won't you?” Rose asks as he begins to write the Gallifreyan alphabet.
“That would be the best solution, yes,” he says, chuckling as she squirms under his touch. She has always been ticklish in that place.
“Any ideas how to cross the void yet?”
“Well, I could modify that dimension cannon of yours, but the walls are closed now. I would have to tear a hole in the fabric of reality to get it working and despite the fact that we'd need a gigantic energy source for that...” he says, his voice trailing off at the end.
“Universes would collapse and we don't want that, right?”
“Rightety, right!” the Doctor says, grinning at her brilliance. “So, the only safe option would be a void ship. And those can't be built on Earth.”
“Means we have to find one?”
“Or find out how it travels universes, yes.”
“You don't know?” Rose asks astonished and it surprises him not for the first time how much faith she has in him.
“Weeell, I have theories but those ships are rare and without one to study...”
“We are pretty much stuck.”
“Yep!”
Rose turns around to face him, her smile visible even in the dark.
He beams at her. “Hello!”
“Hello!” she returns, kissing his nose.
He scrunches it up, making her laugh. Stroking a strand of hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear, he realises, not for the first time, how lucky he is to be with her. Oh, if only it could stay that way...
“We will find a way, Rose,” he says, his voice suddenly thick. “Maybe I'll find something at Torchwood...”
“Yeah, maybe...” She lays a hand on his chest, the single heart beating steadily beneath it. “When we arrived at that beach, did you know what he was planning?”
He hesitates for a moment. “Not... for sure, but I suspected it.”
“Why didn't you say something?”
“I wanted to leave you a choice. He thought you chose me because of the kiss, but he didn't see your face afterwards.” A look into her eyes was enough. It broke his heart, but he knew what to do... Anything to see her smile.
“I... didn't choose at all. It's an impossible choice to make,” Rose says, burying her face in his chest.
“I know. It wasn't fair to you.”
“I saw you die.”
His face shoots up at her words, his dark thoughts forgotten. “What?”
“In that universe with Donna... you died because you were all alone. I don't want that to happen to him!” Her shoulders begin to shake and he realises with a jolt that she is crying
He holds her tight, willing to give her as much comfort as he can, ignoring his own pain. “We won't let that happen, Rose. I promise you, we will go back!”
They fall asleep in tight embrace that night, seeking comfort in each other's warmth.
~*~
The very next day, he begins to work at Torchwood. Rose shows him around, introducing people here and there while walking through the long corridors. This Torchwood looks a lot different than the one he knew. Its atmosphere seems much more relaxed and the only people he sees wearing weapons are the guards at the entrance. That's a definite improvement in his eyes!
Its whole policy seems different, for there are not only humans walking through the halls.
“They work in bookkeeping,” Rose says as two six-handed aliens walk past them. “It’s never been more efficient!”
“But... aren't you lot afraid of them?”
“Oh, we only let aliens work here who we got a peace treaty with... well, save for one, but that's a special case.”
They step into a large lift. Rose takes out a keycard from her purse and sticks it into a slider under the buttons. She presses 'U6' and leans forward to look into an eye scanner.
An affirmative beep as well as a mechanical voice rings out of a speaker. “Identity confirmed: Rose Tyler. Access granted.”
The lift begins to move, its music reminding the Doctor of another one he used not that long ago.
“Say, Rose, have you ever been to New York?”
“No, why?”
He grins. “Oh, it's a great story about a pig and a showgirl. But I'll tell you later. I think we’re here.”
The doors open, revealing a long corridor.
“This is our archive of unknown alien artefacts,” Rose says, stepping out and motioning to a room to their right. “Dad said you can go nuts here... he only expects you to tell us a bit about every piece.”
He opens his mouth to say something but Rose interrupts him. “All dangerous artefacts are being destroyed immediately. But the council doesn't know about that so: shhhh!” she says, putting her finger to her lips.
He frowns. “Then Pete has more common sense than I gave him credit for.”
“Oi! That's my dad you’re talking about!”
He raises an eyebrow.
“Oh, alright: Sort-of-dad, then,” she adds.
“But isn't he afraid of alien invasions? Seems very... unhuman-like to let opportunities like this slip away...” he says sceptically.
“Not really. We have some brilliant scientists in the weapon department. Speaking of which, you have to meet Harry! He is a real genius!”
“Harry the genius, eh? Alright. And what's there?” He points at a door down the corridor.
“The lab. Your lab to be exact,” Rose says, grinning as his face lit up. “You can do what you want there as well... Well, save for fires or explosions.” She puts a finger on her lips, mocking deep thought. “Yeah, I would prefer it if you didn't blow up my workplace this time.”
“Oi! At least I left an impression... can't say that about every pretty boy you met, right?”
“So, you are a pretty boy now?”
He chooses not to answer that question.
~*~
After a quick tour through U6 and a detour to Torchwood's little shop ('Judoon keychains! That's brilliant!'), Rose shows him the weapons department.
The Doctor soon realises that Harry is indeed a genius... a three meters tall, scale covered one!
His scales are silver, a long line of black spikes adorn his shiny head and his eyes are black with golden irises. Despite his impressive appearance, his expression is gentle and kind as he spots them.
“Rose, you forgot to mention that Harry is a Rakgad,” the Doctor says, shaking the alien's hand and beaming at him. “I'm the Doctor, nice to meet you!”
“Harry Dorgod and I'm Rakgod, actually,” the alien says, smiling.
“Oooh, yes! Rakgads have golden scales, don't they? I'm so sorry.”
“Don't be. It's nice to meet someone who has heard of us. It gets a bit lonely being the only one.”
Rose watches them both with a gentle smile. “Harry's ship crashed here three years ago. We didn't find the necessary parts to repair it until now. Maybe you two could work together and think of something?”
“Oh, I would love to!” the Doctor squeals. “What parts are missing?”
“The transmissional stabiliser and energy core. Especially the energy core is a problem... I will need an energy source far greater than any available on Earth.” At the thought of never seeing his planet and people again, Harry's spikes hang, his eyes brimming with tears.
The Doctor doesn't hesitate for even a second. “It won't be easy but I'll get you home, Harry. That's a promise.”
“Thank you so much, Doctor!” He beams at the Doctor, before looking quickly between him and Rose. “So, you two are together now? I have to say, I didn't expect you to come back, Miss Tyler.”
“I told you to call me Rose,” Rose says. “And I didn't expect to come back either...” Her eyes dart to the Doctor. “It was all rather unexpected.”
“Long story, actually,” the Doctor says, rubbing his neck. “I'm not really... the one... she was searching for.”
“Well, my pause is in-” Harry takes a look at his watch. “-five minutes. Why don't you tell me the story over a cup of coffee in the cafeteria?”
~*~
“Doctor, you really shouldn't drink so much of that stuff,” Rose says as he reaches his fifth cup. His like for coffee seems to have increased exponentially after the metacrisis.
“Why, Rose? I can handle it! I'm fine! Finer than fine! I'm great! Great, happy, coffee drinking metacrisis, me!” he says quickly, hands shaking as he gulps down the content of his current cup and orders another one.
Rose rubs her temples. “Great... too much caffeine is exactly what he needed.”
Harry laughs. “Don't worry, he will get around eventually.” He takes a sip of his own cup, put it down and slaps the Doctor's hand away as he reaches over to steal it. “Now, where were we?” he asks Rose, ignoring the Doctor's 'Ow!'
“Oh, yes! So, he, the Time Lord him, takes us back to the beach, tells me how much better the human him would be for me because he only has a human life and then he just leaves us there!”
“We kissed and he left us,” the Doctor says, rubbing his slightly red hand while glaring at Harry.
“Well, yeah. But just because he didn't say it... again! That guy is worse in talking about feelings than any bloke I've ever met!” Rose folds her arms, her eyes darkening. “'Does it need saying?' Yes, you damn alien sod!”
The Doctor, eternally glad not to be meant that time, nods in agreement, his eyes already searching for the waitress.
“And you don't get another cup!” Rose says sternly, making him pout.
“I'm not the alien sod!”
“But the coffee addict.”
Harry watches them quarrel, chin braced up on his palm. “And you two want to go back? Even after being left and called 'dangerous' and so on?”
“Of course!” they say together, smiling at their timing.
“He thinks this is the easiest solution. Making a break, pushing everyone away who means something to him,” Rose mutters, her eyes flashing with anger.
“He is afraid of losing someone else dear to him, so he wants to make a clear cut,” the Doctor adds.
“But not with us!” Rose continued. “It's time to make him see how much he means to us!”
Harry sighs. “Must be nice... loving someone that much.” His eyes wander to a black haired woman at the next table. Neither Rose nor the Doctor notice.
“Now, where is that waitress?”
Rose immediately takes the Doctor's pocket money away.
~*~
“So, you’re really gonna do this then?” Jackie asks when they visit for tea in the evening. The Doctor is off playing with Tony in the garden, leaving Rose and her mum to chat. “Why can't you just stay here and be happy? He wanted that for you, Rose.”
“Mum, we already talked about this,” Rose answers for what feels like the umpteenth time. “He needs us and we can't just stay put.”
“But I don't want to lose you!” Jackie says, tears now swimming inside her eyes.
Rose reaches over to hold her hand. “You won't, I promise. The Doctor said that now there are two Time Lords, we could make it possible to travel between universes without damaging the fabric of reality.”
“And if you don't? What happens then?”
Rose closes her eyes. “Then we won't do it. That's the one thing we are absolutely certain about. Either we find a safe way or we won't go.”
Both women turn to the glass door, watching the Doctor chasing Tony through the garden.
“But is it fair to him? This him?” Jackie asks. “How do you expect your life to be then? Living with two men? Sharing?”
“They are the same, mum.” Except they aren't. “Both can't be alone,” Rose says firmly. “The Doctor says he is unstable. I just-” She stops to take a deep breath, the words nearly stuck in her throat. “I just can't live, thinking he is out there on his own, you know?”
Jackie reaches over to take her daughter's hand, squeezing it slightly. “I know, sweetheart. You love him. I'm just worried about you.”
“You always are and I'm happy about it, just... just trust me, yeah?”
“You know that I do Rose, always.”
They laugh as the Doctor falls flat on his face. Tony jumps on his back, pulls his hair and shouts, “Take this for trying to eat my sister, you alien monster!”
Rose blushes as Jackie turns to her with raised eyebrows. “I had jam on my lips?”
~*~
Jackie insists that they are staying for dinner that night and the Doctor (after Rose ensured him it's not Jackie who cooks but a professional chef) agrees enthusiastically.
After a healthy meal, they sit together in the living room, watching Tony's favourite cartoon superheroes beat each other up.
The Doctor sits with Rose on the couch, fists boxing in the air. “Ooh, come on! Get him, Lone Raider! Use your plasma gun! Come on!”
“His plasma gun broke when he fought against Silver Brawl!” Tony says, scandalised that the Doctor forgot such an important detail.
The Doctor's mouth forms a silent 'O', causing Tony to pat his knee comfortingly.
“Don't worry, he still has that Mega Phasing Gun stored in his shoe!” Tony pumps his fist into the air. “Lone Raider always wins!”
The Doctor turns to Rose. “Did you hear that?! He always wins!” he says excitedly, his eyes sparkling.
“Wow,” Rose says, looking at him in astonishment. Her voice drips with sarcasm as she says, “We should get you some trading cards and action figures of him then...”
He beams at her. “Really?!”
“No.”
“Oh...” he says, his face falling.
Jackie bites back a laugh and looks at the clock instead. “Pete’s late.”
“Maybe something came up... You know how the council pressures him lately.”
The Doctor draws his eyes away from the TV. Now that he missed the Lone Raider's finishing blow, it's not worth watching on. “You mentioned the council before... they’re pressuring Pete?”
“Oh, yeah. There are five of them. They’re sponsors, really, but Torchwood needs a lot of money and so they got these positions. They think Pete's policy is too feeble.”
“'If it's alien, it's ours'? In that way?”
“Yep! But Dad knows how to handle them. All they need is a bit of new technology waving in front of their faces... saleable works best, of course. Something they can make a few millions with and-” She snaps her fingers. “-they eat out of your hand.”
“Oi! I'm watching this!” Tony says, looking angrily at the adults. “Lone Raider is fighting Mech Tiger now!”
“Really?!” The Doctor jumps up excitedly and crouches down next to Tony.
“Get him Lone Raider!” they cry in unison.
Rose looks at Jackie. “Alright, I'll take Tony on Wednesdays when you look after the Doctor at Fridays, yeah?”
Jackie's reply is drowned out by the Doctor and Tony's victory cry.
~*~
The Doctor hums to himself as he examines the fifth row of artefacts. It's been a week since their arrival in this universe and his third day at work. He finds it impressive what Torchwood collected over the years. He has already identified two highly developed technical devices, one used for communication purposes by an alien race that looks like ants; the other an electronic piece of sports equipment. Neither seemed dangerous and so he made notes for Torchwood scientists, but with variances. He doesn't think human society is ready for sentient sports equipment just yet.
The Doctor goes along the long line of shelves. A few things catch his interest at once, others are identified as harmless kitchen utensils or useless junk without a second glance.
But one item stands out: a Sontaran compact laser.
It's not surprising that no one recognised the weapon before. It looks more like a small hair dryer than a weapon to the untrained eye.
He marks it as dangerous, but hesitates in identifying it as weapon. No matter how much he trusts Rose and her father, his experiences with Torchwood taught him to be careful. 'If it's alien, it's ours' continues to ring in his head and so he identifies it as 'unstable device' instead. Better safe than sorry.
The Doctor turns back to the other artefacts and squeals in delight when he finds a yo-yo in the far corner.
Can he still do that awesome trick he learned from Socrates?
~*~
“Doctor, we’re needed! A ship just-” Rose rushes in but stops mid-sentence when she sees him. “What are you doing?”
The Doctor, completely wrapped in silver strings, blushes under her amused look. He will never live this down!
“I'm... working?” he says helplessly, trying to keep his balance. He doesn't think falling flat on his face (again!) will make him look any better.
Rose shakes her head and takes a step towards him. “Here, let me help you.” A small smile plays around her lips. She clearly tries not to laugh.
It takes a bit to free him, but he sighs in relief when the yo-yo is back on the shelf. He eyes it warily. Maybe he should mark it as 'dangerous' later...
“Rose Tyler!” he suddenly exclaims as if he just noticed her. The Doctor pulls her to him in a gentle embrace. “You were saying?” he whispers into her hair, his breath tickling her neck.
“A ship crashed near Farningham,” she mumbles into his shoulder. “It's of unknown origin. We'd better take a look.”
He pulls back to look at her. “Survivors?”
“No reports, but most of it was destroyed upon impact. I don't think anyone or... anything could have survived that.”
They are quiet for a while, arms still wrapped around each other.
“Right,” the Doctor says after a bit. “Allons-y, Rose Tyler!”
~*~
The spaceship crashed into a field, leaving nearby houses mostly unscathed. It's grey and damaged surface makes it look like a big, kicked can. No one has been found inside of it, either alive or dead.
The Doctor recognised the writing on the ship's side at once. “It's a Mna'ka ship, peaceful folk. Shouldn't be dangerous,” he says to the gathered Torchwood scientists and agents. “They often travel by autopilot... that explains the lack of living beings.” He goes to the back of the ship and touches the damaged surface. “Somewhere here should be... Ah, yes!” He presses a small, near invisible button. The whole ship shudders shortly before falling completely apart, leaving only a big black box behind.
The Doctor does some hissing noises, his hands sliding over the black surface. A door on the box opens. “It's a delivery ship,” he explains to the astonished scientists. “The Mna'kas trade in goods from all other the universe. Art mostly. They have this safe in case of a crash to keep their goods intact.”
Looking at his team proudly, his face falls when he sees the scientists expressions. “Oi, you lot! No need drooling over it!”
Rose laughs, hugging him from behind. “Go easy on them. This must feel like birthday and Christmas together.”
The Doctor snorts. “Still, no need to get overexcited, people. I'll go in and take a look first. Don't touch anything without my permission, understood?”
The scientists nod eagerly, pure greed written on their faces.
The Doctor rolls his eyes, “Amateurs.”
He enters the black box, Rose directly behind him. With their first step, light goes on in the large room, revealing several pieces of art behind glass and a big safe in the middle.
The Doctor takes a quick look around. “No defence mechanisms. You can tell the others to bring the art into the van. Carefully,” he says to Rose who musters the safe.
“Alright...” she says but doesn't move. “Doctor, what do you think is inside of this?”
“Not a clue... but it's the most important object. No doubt.” He goes over and kneels beside Rose, mustering the safe's lock. “Isomorphic lock. Will take a while to open this. Rose, the others...?”
“Yeah, right.” She takes a deep breath, turns to the door and screams, “TEAM ONE, GET THE ART TO THE VAN. TEAM TWO, SECURE THE LOADING!”
Everyone jumps to action at once. The Doctor rubs his hurting ears, “I could've done that myself, thanks.”
“Well, why didn't you?”
He kisses the grin off her lips.
~*~
Michael Fome enters the room with sweaty hands. He suspects he knows why he has been summoned but those thoughts are too horrifying to entertain. He thought about his children instead, little Andrea who has been born just two weeks ago and his five-year-old boy, Matthew. How will they cope without a father?
“You are late,” a voice says behind a large desk. The room is dark, making it impossible to see more than outlines. Michael considers running, to leave this place as far behind him as possible but then the voice speaks again. “Come in and close the door behind you. Now!”
The last word was no more than a hiss and Michael feels unable not to follow the instruction.
“Good... We don't want to be disturbed, do we?” The figure stands up and Michael squints to get a better look. It moves across the room. A small glimmer of light shines through the closed curtains. Soon it would reveal its face...
“I'm disappointed in you. I expected loyalty.”
Michael swallows, beads of sweat running down his face. “I won't say anything! I can keep my mouth shut! Please!”
“Too late. We know what you planned to do. ”
The figure reaches the light. Michael opens his mouth for a silent scream.
“Threats to the cause have to be eliminated. Goodbye, Mr. Fome.”
One day later, Michael Fome's resignation letter appears on Pete Tyler's desk. No one sees him ever again.
Chapter Two