RL with Ten

[their_keeper]

[Is sitting on her bed, the laptop firmly closed and trying her damnedest to stop crying. She was fine! Really! Brilliant! She had a place here. She's important to these people! Where had all that stuff on the computer come from?]

...

[But she's still crying, even if it's quietly, and even if she wants nothing more than to stop. Donna may be loud

Comments

[timey_wimey]

[Stupid virus. Stupid, stupid, stupid virus. That's mostly what the Doctor's thinking as he clatters along the corridors to Donna's room. It's bad enough being able to read people's minds anyway, but not being able to elect when to do it is awful. Especially when it's his friends. And especially when his thoughts are being broadcast to everyone as well.

He reaches her room and stands in the doorway for a moment, watching her. This isn't fair. This isn't right. Donna Noble is all brass, the trumpets and french horns and trombones in his orchestra. Not this. Not this.

He says softly, still standing in the doorway:] Donna?

[their_keeper]

[Stupid virus is right. She thought she was over these things. She thought she could keep those thoughts at bay. They did no good. She's trying to be better than that, to be the brilliant person everyone keeps calling her.

She looks up on hearing his voice, startled, eyes still shining with tears that make tracks across her face. How long has he been standing there and she didn't notice?]

Doctor?

[She's too tired to feign cheerfulness, but she does try to dry her tears with the back of one hand.]

[timey_wimey]

[Oh, Donna. Seeing her like that is enough to make his hearts clench in his chest. He nods and walks over to the bed, sitting down heavily next to her with a wry smile.]

Who else is it going to be? [Then he just leans across and hugs her tightly.]

[their_keeper]

[This is nice. Safe. Even if it's uncomfortable. She's not used to people comforting her when she's upset. She's supposed to be this loud and shouty and strong woman, not this crying little leech she finds herself being. It doesn't stop her from holding the Doctor close and pressing her face against his shoulder.]

Never know when an alien might come aboard and try to take control of the TARDIS.

[Yes, she realizes how bad that joke is.]