Moving Forward Part 03 Chapter 45 - Introductions & Explanations
Title: Moving Forward Part 03 Chapter 45 - Introductions & Explanations
Author: lostwolfchats
Chapter Rating: G - Series Rating: Adult
Characters: 9/Rose Disclaimer: not mine, and so not making money from this I try not to dwell on it too much :(
A/N: Thank you one and all for your continued support in spite of my erratic posting lately. As always my thanks to othermewriter for her beta work.
Previous chapters: Pressure (NC-17) & Part 03 - Chapter 44 - Double Trouble
It doesn't take us long to get back to the TARDIS and I can feel Verity's start of surprise as I walk into the suite with this much younger Jack.
Jack, I'm going to ask you to trust me - she is not what she appears and I don't dare explain."
"'S okay we've met already haven’t we TARDIS?" he says as he runs a hand lovingly down one corner.
I just shake my head, figures the Doctor didn't get the time right but why did he never say he had met Jack before? “I will be right back.” With that I quickly slip out my key and into Verity's interior.
“Verity, I think we have a problem”
‘So I can see, but we actually have two.’
"I know there shouldn't be two Jacks in the same time," I state. I always feel kind of weird just talking to the air. I wonder if it will ever quit being strange, I hope so because I am sure she senses my discomfort even though she never mentions it to me.
'Well, that too, you see our Jack has been abducted.'
"What!"
"We are working to try to hunt him down but it has been problematic."
"Were? Does that mean you can get the Doctor a message?
'Yes, but I don't think it would be wise as he is trying to find our Jack and you're with Jack's younger self, can't have the two of them together. Better you find this Jack's Doctor.'
I shiver as I remember what happened when I touched the baby Rose, not that I think Jack would be so stupid, but things don't tend to work as planned around the Doctor. So instead I ask, "Then you have met Jack before? Why did you never say?"
'I... I didn't remember,' and I can hear the hesitation and confusion in her mental voice and I wonder if whatever took Jack's memories had affected Verity's as well and maybe it wasn't the Time Agency at all. I will have to ask the Doctor when I see him.
"Then it's find Jack's Doctor. Okay, that sounds odd."
'Hazards of time travel, Rose,' Verity states and I can hear her amusement.
As I exit I say to Jack, "So it looks like were off to see your Doctor." I smile as Jack holds his arm out for me to take like he’s gallant gentleman and I’m some posh lady.
**************************
Ten minutes later, we are entering another suite with a familiar blue box parked in the middle of the room and I smile as I wander over to say hello to this version of Verity. I hear the greeting "Hello Rose," from the other room and the tone of voice is like an intimate caress at which I can't help but shiver.
Expecting the Doctor, I turn with a smile and am instantly confused by the man in green velvet that enters from the ensuite. "Oi, who are you and where is the Doctor!"
His next words are even more confusing as he blurts at the same time, "You’re human!"
"Yeah, you got a problem with humans?" I ask trying not to be insulted.
"No, I just... You reminded me of someone else who wasn't. Pardon me lets start over. Hi, my name is the Doctor."
"Doctor who?"
"Just the Doctor."
"You're not the Doctor. I know the Doctor and he doesn't run around in green velvet with funny things around his neck." and wave vaguely at the wide bit of fabric about his neck.
"No Rose, he's the Doctor," Jack interrupts and confused I back up to lean against Verity's reassuring form only to be startled by her agreement with Jack.
'He is Rose, just a different regeneration than the one you know.'
"Regeneration? What?" I understand the words but they don't make sense and I look to the man that Verity is claiming is the Doctor.
"Oh dear, he hasn't told you yet has he?" says the man in velvet distressed.
"Told me what?" and I have to wonder what else he hasn't told me if somehow this is my Doctor.
"I do hope he has at least explained he isn't human, or this really will be awkward."
At that I hear Jack mumble, “This may take a while, I’ll get the tea,” as I look between the two of them confused.
At Jack’s comment the Doctor nods absently and I hurry to explain. "Yes, he told me that he’s, you're, not human, but..."
As he takes my hand to guide me over to the table I suddenly know with complete certainty, without knowing how, that this is the man I know, or will know. At the abrupt realization I stop, looking up sharply into eyes as blue and deep as the ones I am more familiar with, and can't help blurting out, "Doctor?"
"Yes, Rose, it really is me," he says with a kind smile, guiding me over to a small table with four chairs and pulling out a chair for me. Bemused I sit, and note it’s yet another difference between him and my Doctor. Along with his fancy dress are fancy manners. Sitting down opposite me so our knees are practically touching, he takes my hands and continues leaning forward almost as if he has a secret to tell me, “You see Time Lords have this trick, if we’re fatally wounded, we regenerate, we change all the cells in our bodies."
At my alarmed expression he continues. "We keep all our memories, our mind, but our looks and personality change, we like different things…"
"Does that mean..."
"No, who we care about...” he says letting go my hand to gently cup my face, “Who we love, doesn't change. Trust me Rose, you have nothing to worry about."
With that it dawns on me that this must not be the first time he has met me, and I do trust him, even though I should be furious with him for not telling me himself... well my version of him anyway.
"Wait, how did you know that was what I was thinking?" I say drawing abruptly back from him.
"Well, Humans are rather loud at times and you were practically shouting." He says looking sheepish and apologetic while blushing. Thinking about it I’m not sure if I have ever seen my leather attired Doctor blush.
Then it occurs to me. “That means you’re going to die or you have died... I am confused and my heart is pounding as I realize my Doctor may die before me. Wait are you in my future or his past?”
“Rose, relax, it’s not the first time, and it’s okay, honest.” He says trying to soothe my distress, but I can tell he is not as nonchalant about it as he is trying to pretend as I feel the anxiety he is radiating.
In shock I stand, not believing he has just said that and actually expects me to believe it and I state outraged, “No it’s not okay, and it NEVER will be okay for you to die!”
With that, he too stands and steps closer, gently cupping my face. “It is though; I have you to look forward to.” The sincerity in those words breaks my heart and all my anger melts as I hug him tightly and feel his arms close about me in a way that is so like him - strong and sturdy and oh so comforting.
As Jack makes a noise putting down the cups, the rest of what he said catches up with me and I step back looking him in the eyes. “Wait, you have been through this already?”
With a sad almost embarrassed smile, he nods, “Yes”
My next words tumble out, quiet and hoarse before I can sensor them, “More than once?”
Again he nods, if anything looking even more embarrassed as he confesses, “Seven times actually.”
All I can do is stare in horror as I think about the fact that the man I love has died already at least eight times before I ever even got to meet him. As visions of the shopping planet come to me, suddenly I feel the need to sit down.
Jack quips at my shock, “Well, I guess that explains why you didn’t tell her Doc,” as the Doctor hands me a cup of tea.
He gives Jack a disdainful look. “Don’t call me Doc! Are you okay, Rose?”
I look between them and laugh, startling them both in to asking together, “What?”
“He, my Jack…” at Jack’s leer, I revise my words but can’t help but smile as I tease back, “The older Jack still calls you that.” Insinuating that my Jack is positively ancient and decrepit.
They both look pained for a moment then Jack looks smug. “Guess you better get used to it Doc.”
This time he doesn’t rise to the bait and instead sits back down. He studiously ignores Jack as he makes his tea; I idly note he takes less cream and sugar than my Doctor.
Moving Forward Part 03 Chapter 46 -Two of Thee Times Three
Moving Forward Index 1
Author: lostwolfchats
Chapter Rating: G - Series Rating: Adult
Characters: 9/Rose Disclaimer: not mine, and so not making money from this I try not to dwell on it too much :(
A/N: Thank you one and all for your continued support in spite of my erratic posting lately. As always my thanks to othermewriter for her beta work.
Previous chapters: Pressure (NC-17) & Part 03 - Chapter 44 - Double Trouble
It doesn't take us long to get back to the TARDIS and I can feel Verity's start of surprise as I walk into the suite with this much younger Jack.
Jack, I'm going to ask you to trust me - she is not what she appears and I don't dare explain."
"'S okay we've met already haven’t we TARDIS?" he says as he runs a hand lovingly down one corner.
I just shake my head, figures the Doctor didn't get the time right but why did he never say he had met Jack before? “I will be right back.” With that I quickly slip out my key and into Verity's interior.
“Verity, I think we have a problem”
‘So I can see, but we actually have two.’
"I know there shouldn't be two Jacks in the same time," I state. I always feel kind of weird just talking to the air. I wonder if it will ever quit being strange, I hope so because I am sure she senses my discomfort even though she never mentions it to me.
'Well, that too, you see our Jack has been abducted.'
"What!"
"We are working to try to hunt him down but it has been problematic."
"Were? Does that mean you can get the Doctor a message?
'Yes, but I don't think it would be wise as he is trying to find our Jack and you're with Jack's younger self, can't have the two of them together. Better you find this Jack's Doctor.'
I shiver as I remember what happened when I touched the baby Rose, not that I think Jack would be so stupid, but things don't tend to work as planned around the Doctor. So instead I ask, "Then you have met Jack before? Why did you never say?"
'I... I didn't remember,' and I can hear the hesitation and confusion in her mental voice and I wonder if whatever took Jack's memories had affected Verity's as well and maybe it wasn't the Time Agency at all. I will have to ask the Doctor when I see him.
"Then it's find Jack's Doctor. Okay, that sounds odd."
'Hazards of time travel, Rose,' Verity states and I can hear her amusement.
As I exit I say to Jack, "So it looks like were off to see your Doctor." I smile as Jack holds his arm out for me to take like he’s gallant gentleman and I’m some posh lady.
**************************
Ten minutes later, we are entering another suite with a familiar blue box parked in the middle of the room and I smile as I wander over to say hello to this version of Verity. I hear the greeting "Hello Rose," from the other room and the tone of voice is like an intimate caress at which I can't help but shiver.
Expecting the Doctor, I turn with a smile and am instantly confused by the man in green velvet that enters from the ensuite. "Oi, who are you and where is the Doctor!"
His next words are even more confusing as he blurts at the same time, "You’re human!"
"Yeah, you got a problem with humans?" I ask trying not to be insulted.
"No, I just... You reminded me of someone else who wasn't. Pardon me lets start over. Hi, my name is the Doctor."
"Doctor who?"
"Just the Doctor."
"You're not the Doctor. I know the Doctor and he doesn't run around in green velvet with funny things around his neck." and wave vaguely at the wide bit of fabric about his neck.
"No Rose, he's the Doctor," Jack interrupts and confused I back up to lean against Verity's reassuring form only to be startled by her agreement with Jack.
'He is Rose, just a different regeneration than the one you know.'
"Regeneration? What?" I understand the words but they don't make sense and I look to the man that Verity is claiming is the Doctor.
"Oh dear, he hasn't told you yet has he?" says the man in velvet distressed.
"Told me what?" and I have to wonder what else he hasn't told me if somehow this is my Doctor.
"I do hope he has at least explained he isn't human, or this really will be awkward."
At that I hear Jack mumble, “This may take a while, I’ll get the tea,” as I look between the two of them confused.
At Jack’s comment the Doctor nods absently and I hurry to explain. "Yes, he told me that he’s, you're, not human, but..."
As he takes my hand to guide me over to the table I suddenly know with complete certainty, without knowing how, that this is the man I know, or will know. At the abrupt realization I stop, looking up sharply into eyes as blue and deep as the ones I am more familiar with, and can't help blurting out, "Doctor?"
"Yes, Rose, it really is me," he says with a kind smile, guiding me over to a small table with four chairs and pulling out a chair for me. Bemused I sit, and note it’s yet another difference between him and my Doctor. Along with his fancy dress are fancy manners. Sitting down opposite me so our knees are practically touching, he takes my hands and continues leaning forward almost as if he has a secret to tell me, “You see Time Lords have this trick, if we’re fatally wounded, we regenerate, we change all the cells in our bodies."
At my alarmed expression he continues. "We keep all our memories, our mind, but our looks and personality change, we like different things…"
"Does that mean..."
"No, who we care about...” he says letting go my hand to gently cup my face, “Who we love, doesn't change. Trust me Rose, you have nothing to worry about."
With that it dawns on me that this must not be the first time he has met me, and I do trust him, even though I should be furious with him for not telling me himself... well my version of him anyway.
"Wait, how did you know that was what I was thinking?" I say drawing abruptly back from him.
"Well, Humans are rather loud at times and you were practically shouting." He says looking sheepish and apologetic while blushing. Thinking about it I’m not sure if I have ever seen my leather attired Doctor blush.
Then it occurs to me. “That means you’re going to die or you have died... I am confused and my heart is pounding as I realize my Doctor may die before me. Wait are you in my future or his past?”
“Rose, relax, it’s not the first time, and it’s okay, honest.” He says trying to soothe my distress, but I can tell he is not as nonchalant about it as he is trying to pretend as I feel the anxiety he is radiating.
In shock I stand, not believing he has just said that and actually expects me to believe it and I state outraged, “No it’s not okay, and it NEVER will be okay for you to die!”
With that, he too stands and steps closer, gently cupping my face. “It is though; I have you to look forward to.” The sincerity in those words breaks my heart and all my anger melts as I hug him tightly and feel his arms close about me in a way that is so like him - strong and sturdy and oh so comforting.
As Jack makes a noise putting down the cups, the rest of what he said catches up with me and I step back looking him in the eyes. “Wait, you have been through this already?”
With a sad almost embarrassed smile, he nods, “Yes”
My next words tumble out, quiet and hoarse before I can sensor them, “More than once?”
Again he nods, if anything looking even more embarrassed as he confesses, “Seven times actually.”
All I can do is stare in horror as I think about the fact that the man I love has died already at least eight times before I ever even got to meet him. As visions of the shopping planet come to me, suddenly I feel the need to sit down.
Jack quips at my shock, “Well, I guess that explains why you didn’t tell her Doc,” as the Doctor hands me a cup of tea.
He gives Jack a disdainful look. “Don’t call me Doc! Are you okay, Rose?”
I look between them and laugh, startling them both in to asking together, “What?”
“He, my Jack…” at Jack’s leer, I revise my words but can’t help but smile as I tease back, “The older Jack still calls you that.” Insinuating that my Jack is positively ancient and decrepit.
They both look pained for a moment then Jack looks smug. “Guess you better get used to it Doc.”
This time he doesn’t rise to the bait and instead sits back down. He studiously ignores Jack as he makes his tea; I idly note he takes less cream and sugar than my Doctor.
Moving Forward Part 03 Chapter 46 -Two of Thee Times Three
Moving Forward Index 1