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And Then The TARDIS Fell Into Pete’s World. Chapter 7. (Last chapter!)
Sorry I've been so absent, but this week's been half term. However, I have managed to finish this! (I do love finishing things.) For the WIP-averse (or those catching up) the whole fic is here. As always, many thanks to ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
kathyh for the look-through.
Title: And Then The TARDIS Fell Into Pete’s World.
Rating: PG
Characters: TenToo, Rose, Eleven, Amy, Rory, River.
Genre: AU crack!fic. (/character-study.)
Spoilers: ALL OF S5 OMG!!!!
Setting: Post-The Big Bang.
Summary: The TARDIS falls into Pete’s World. Stuff happens. (I don’t know yet. It’s a thing in progress. Respect the thing. It progressed into lots of character-stuff. I hope you don't mind. Also, I explore a fair few of the issues dealt with in 'Death of the Doctor' - couldn't be helped I'm afraid. No spoilers though.)
Wordcount: A little over 3000 words.
Feedback: I would love to know your thoughts! (Or just a stray line, anything'd make me happy.)
Chapter 7
For a moment they stood in silence, then River tilted her head, looking Rose over, a strange smile on her face - the sort of smile you shared with someone who was in on your joke. Rose didn't feel she was in on anything.
“It's funny…” River began, clearly choosing her words with care. “The Doctor once asked me what I'd tell you, if we ever met. Obviously thought he was just joking. But… even so, I did think about it now and again - just in case he wasn't. The thing is that now you're actually here I can't remember any of the clever things I was going to say. Probably for the best, though.”
Rose nodded, since that seemed the most logical thing to do, and River sighed.
“Really, I suppose it can all be summed up in two words: Thank you.”
Whatever Rose had been expecting, this hadn't been it.
“What for?” she asked, mystified, and River smiled gently.
“For saving him, of course. For being there, and just being you, when he needed you. Without you, goodness knows where he'd be. Dead, probably. Which would mean that I never-”
She shook her head and took a deep breath, obviously trying to calm her emotions.
“I think what I wanted to say is… He has travelled with so many people, but there are very few like you and me. Because choosing him every time comes with a price that most people balk at - and rightly so, probably. And yet, I'm sure you wouldn't change a thing. Am I right?”
Suddenly, Rose understood River's smile. (I made my choice a long time ago…)
“Oh yeah, you're right,” she said, an answering smile spreading on her own face. She'd barely had time to meet any of the Doctor's other Companions when they'd fought Davros, and her Doctor had later explained that they all had lives of their own anyway. Now and again she'd wondered how they walked away - her choice had always been 'forever'…
River looked around, then sat down on the sofa, patting it.
“Come sit down, let's have a proper talk.”
“But… Didn't you say your window was closing?”
River chuckled. “I… exaggerated a bit. There's a good half hour until we need to leave.”
At the look on Rose's face she laughed. “Oh come on - don't tell me you never stretch the truth a little when you need to manage him?”
Rose bit her lip, trying to curb a grin, and sat down as instructed.
“Now,” River said, “tell me all about that time you destroyed the Daleks.”
***
Back on Bad Wolf beach. Again. Studying the pale sand on the huge new circular screen, Rose didn't think there was a single place in any universe that she hated more, and half-wished they'd said their goodbyes along with her mother and Tony back at the mansion. The New Doctor however made straight for the door.
“You know, I've never had a proper look around. Tyler, would you mind joining me? After all, it is named after you!”
She was used to people using her surname at work, but it still took Rose a few seconds to realise that he meant her. Then the New Doctor stopped still in his tracks, holding up his index finger, looking from Rose to her Doctor.
“I just realised that you both, independently, destroyed the Daleks. There's a rather neat symmetry to that, don't you think? Although I really do wish they'd not keep coming back.”
“The Daleks came back? Again?” Rose's Doctor asked incredulously, but the New Doctor had already stepped outside, leaving River to shrug resignedly.
After a second Rose cautiously followed the New Doctor out the door. Considering that she'd have classed 'Knowledge of the Doctor' as one of her top skills, this latest version was a constant surprise.
Once outside, she swiftly caught up with the New Doctor who'd started slowly walking, taking in the landscape. When she was level with him he turned and looked at her, eyes brimming with something she didn't understand (surely he wasn't still thinking about Daleks?), a smile lurking in the corner of his mouth.
“We have a secret, you and I. Just the two us. No one else in the whole universe knows. Not even him.”
He nodded back towards the TARDIS which contained Rose's Doctor, and she smiled nervously.
“We do?”
It wasn't that she didn't believe him, it just seemed… odd. “How? I mean, what is it?”
Was she supposed to know? And how could it be something that her own Doctor didn't know? The New Doctor studied her carefully.
“Do you remember New Year's Eve, 2005? You were walking home with your mum, and after she'd left, a random drunk talked to you.”
Rose's brow creased as she cast her mind back, but it was all a bit hazy.
“Yeah, I think so…”
“Here. Let me,” he said, reaching out and laying his fingertips on her temples.
And then she saw.
The memory sprang forth, bright and vivid - and she gasped as the combination of voice and half-shadowed figure hit her.
“Doctor!” she whispered, hands clasped over mouth, as he let his hands fall, watching her, head tilted.
“I was… seconds away from regeneration. But I needed to see you once more. Just once.”
She nodded, shell shocked, hearing 'I bet you're gonna have a really great year' in her mind and trying not to choke.
But the New Doctor smiled.
“Rather poetic, don't you think?”
“Poetic?” she asked, still reeling from the revelation, and having to fight to reconcile the dying man in her memory with the living one in front of her. How could he be so… calm?
“Well I think it is poetic - you were the first person I saw after I was born, and the last before I died. Unless-“
He frowned.
“Unless you count Ood Sigma, but I don't think I'll do that. Excellent fellow in his own way, but he doesn't exactly have the sort of face you want to have in your mind as you're dying.”
“…Right,” she said, swallowing against the swell of emotions. Oh God he'd been dying... Her Doctor - the real one, not this new one - all alone, just like she'd feared… And now he just stood there, talking as if it was just some quaint old memory, as if-
She could feel some kind of wall come tumbling down inside, feelings and accusations that she'd never been able to throw at her own Doctor because it wasn't him who'd- And it wasn't fair to do this now, when he'd just shared a precious memory, but when would she ever get the chance again?
“Doctor?” she said, trying to steel her voice. “Can I ask something?”
“Of course,” he answered, amiable and friendly, and she swallowed.
“Do you remember when we met Sarah Jane?”
He nodded, all encouragement.
“I asked you then if- if you'd ever leave me behind, like you had her, and you said no, not me. But today… Today is going to be the third time you do it.”
“But… aren't you happy here?”
He was studying her with a frown, and she threw her hands up in frustration.
“That's not the point! You promised! You said that I was different, that you wouldn't do that to me, but-“
She turned away, trying to control the angry tears in her eyes.
“Oh Rose,” he whispered, lightly touching her chin and turning her face towards him.
“I lied. I'm sorry. If it's any kind of consolation, I was lying to myself too. After everything I… I wanted to believe in forever, just once. And well… you did get a Doctor of your own in the end. One who can keep the promises I always break.”
“I suppose there is that,” she admitted. “But… he's not you. Well he is, but he isn't. Not now. And I-”
The gentlest of smiles touched his mouth, and he brought up both hands, cradling her face.
“Rose, Rose, Rose. I've told you this before, but I think this time you might actually listen: If you want to remember me, then you can do one thing. That's all. One thing. Have a good life. Do that for me, Rose. Have a fantastic life.”
He watched her, so close she could have leaned in and kissed him if she wanted - and maybe it was the fact that his eyes were grey, again, or maybe it was the fact that the words brought back that first, real, goodbye (he'd been just a projection, sending her away to save her…), but she suddenly found the tears she'd held back earlier taking over, her whole body shaking as she sobbed like she had the first time she stood in Bad Wolf Bay. (She hated this beach.)
Despite everything - the stupid new face, the odd clothes and the strange companions - he was still her Doctor, somehow. Her Doctor that she'd been willing to sacrifice everything for, repeatedly, because all she wanted was him.
He pulled her into his arms as she cried, softly stroking her hair and making little shushing noises, much like her mother used to when she was little, and when she'd calmed down, brought out a huge handkerchief.
“Oh dear. Better clean you up a little or I fear I shall get into trouble with your husband."
"Thanks," she said, blowing her nose and oddly enough not feeling stupid at all. Then he took her hand - and it was different, and yet OK, and they walked back to the TARDIS. As they got closer the door opened and Rose's Doctor stepped out, for a second faltering a little as he noticed their entwined hands, but the New Doctor laughed and propelled her forwards, letting her go.
Gratefully clasping her own Doctor's hand, she saw that he still looked a bit… tense.
“I've been talking to River,” he said, watching the New Doctor.
“Or rather, she's been talking to me. She… seems to like teasing… us.”
The New Doctor chuckled.
“She does rather, yes. Although she's got reason to be cheerful - this is her first trip since she was released from Stormcage.”
Rose's Doctor stared.
“Stormcage? Why on earth was she in Stormcage?”
The New Doctor studied him levelly.
“She killed a man.”
“She what?”
Shell shocked would be too kind a word for the look on her Doctor's face, and Rose shot the New Doctor a stern look. It wasn't nice to tease. She'd just got her head around River being someone she could understand…
But the New Doctor completely ignored her scolding look, and instead smiled, studying her Doctor, something dancing in his eyes.
“A good man,” he continued. “The best man she has ever known.”
“No… No,” Rose's Doctor slowly shook his head, before he turned and looked at the closed door to the TARDIS, as if River would magically appear.
“But how? Why? That's…”
He looked the New Doctor over, disbelieving, from floppy hair over the bowtie and hands crammed into trouser pockets down to sturdy black boots, and back up again. The New Doctor was still smiling.
“No idea. But it makes for an interesting future, don't you think?”
For a second Rose's Doctor watched him in silence, then shook his head firmly.
“No.”
“Excellent!” the New Doctor replied, happily, slapping Rose's Doctor's arm. “Knew that Donna-ness would be good for something. No point to your life if you're pining after mine!”
The TARDIS door opened, and Amy's head appeared.
“Sorry to interrupt the mutual admiration, but River says that we've got to go - unless you want to stay here for good and have some kind of threesome. Which she won't blame you for, she just wants to know.”
The New Doctor blinked.
“Oh no. No no no. What a thought.” He turned to Rose. “Um... no offence.”
Shooting Amy a look, he held up a finger.
“Just one more minute.”
“Okey-dokey!” she said, and disappeared again.
The New Doctor looked at them both. “There were so many more things I was going to tell you, but nevermind. However, I do want you to have this.”
He stepped up to Rose's Doctor and rested their foreheads together for a moment, fingertips to temples, eyes closed.
Something like a sob escaped Rose's Doctor, and the New Doctor's eyes opened, a smile on his face, as Rose's Doctor abruptly grabbed hold of him, hugging him tightly.
“Thank you,” he whispered, and the New Doctor patted his back.
“Thought you'd like to know.”
Rose's Doctor nodded, face buried in his other self's shoulder. After another second he slowly let go, aiming for a smile but not quite succeeding.
“Good luck with it all.”
“Thank you,” the New Doctor said, “and likewise.”
He spun round, and then opened the TARDIS door, before stopping in the doorway and turning to look at them. For a second it looked as if he was going to say something, but he only winked - like they were all in on some brilliant secret - and then the door closed.
Rose grasped her Doctor's hand as the wheezing engines started up again, before the most wonderful blue box in the world disappeared. The wind blew her hair in her face like always, and she tried her best not to cry again.
“What did he show you?” she asked after a moment, and her Doctor swallowed.
“Memories. Stories. All those who used to be mine, their wonderful lives, people that were lost, that he saw again…” His voice trailed off, clearly too moved to continue.
Then the realisation hit that they were once more stranded on a Norwegian beach with no way of getting home. (Stupid, stupid one-way teleport!) Rose was just about to complain about this when she noticed something in the sand where the TARDIS had stood.
“Look!”
She stepped forward, realising that it was a small gift box and a letter addressed to the two of them.
Picking up the box, she gave the letter to the Doctor, and he studied the red writing with a frown, before tearing open the envelope and reading the message inside out loud.
“Remember to treat her with great care. And behave yourselves.
The Doctor”
Rose frowned.
“That's a bit… patronising, isn't it?”
But her Doctor wasn't listening. Something wild and joyful suddenly lit up in his eyes as he stared at the box.
“Open it,” he whispered.
“As you wish,” she said, removing the silk ribbon and lifting off the lid.
Inside was a small golden-glowing… something. Gently picking it up she thought that it felt strangely new, yet familiar, in the same way the New Doctor's hand had.
“What is it?” she asked, confused, as the look on her Doctor's face suggested that he might just be on the verge of exploding.
“It's a TARDIS,” he said, and even though she didn't understand yet, she eagerly responded to his rapturous kiss.
***
“And they lived happily ever after,” the Doctor said contentedly, as the TARDIS shuddered and the couple on the beach vanished from the screen.
There was something about his tone of voice - a strange surety - that made Rory take notice.
“And how do you know that?” he asked warily.
River chuckled.
“Oh you had a little sneak-peek, didn't you Sweetie?”
The Doctor didn't answer, just smiled knowingly and turned a dial.
“Hang on,” Amy said. “Did we just leave them stranded on a beach in Norway? How are they going to get home?”
The look on the Doctor's face showed that this problem had clearly never occurred to him.
“Well they've managed well enough in the past,” he said, a little defensively, and Amy shook her head.
“Well, it's good to know that you leave yourself behind too.”
“Good point,” River chimed in. “There's poetic justice in there somewhere.”
Amy's eyes narrowed, and Rory prepared himself for whatever was coming next. He knew that look far too well.
“Say River,” Amy began, “what do you think about stealing the TARDIS and leaving him behind for once?”
“It has… possibilities…” River said slowly, as the Doctor began wagging his finger at them.
“Now that's… quite enough of that. You know, Rose never… ganged up on me!”
“That's not what Sarah Jane says,” River sing-songed, and the Doctor sighed deeply, and turned to Rory.
“Rory. Would you be so kind as to be the voice of sanity in this madhouse? Where would you like to go, now we're back in our own universe?”
Feeling somewhat self-conscious, Rory nonetheless did have a wish.
“Um... Rose mentioned this Glass Pyramid? I can't remember exactly...”
“The Glass Pyramid of San Kloon! Excellent choice, Rory. Hold on everybody - here we go!”
Not much later they were walking down the streets of an alien planet, and Rory tried not to be too overwhelmed at the ease with which these things happened. He should be used to it by now.
River was busy explaining the history of everything around them, and it took a while before Rory realised that the Doctor had fallen behind. Letting Amy and River continue - arm in arm and laughing over something Rory hadn't heard - he slowed his steps until he was level with the Doctor.
He was worried that maybe this hadn't been a good idea after all - surely the Doctor had to have a lot of memories from his previous visit… and yet he had agreed so readily that it seemed foolish to question his decision.
Still - it had to be incredibly hard seeing a woman you loved married to a copy of yourself. Rory tried to think of what would have happened if plastic-him and real-him had ever co-existed, and Amy would have had to choose… It made for a very painful image, although one that helped him understand some things better. But he wanted to be sure.
“Doctor?” he started cautiously, and the Doctor turned to him, shaken out of whatever thoughts he'd been lost in.
“Yes Rory?”
“I was wondering, if you don't mind me asking, but… If Rose and the other Doctor hadn't showed up on the beach… would you have gone to see them?”
There was a long silence - so long that Rory began to feel distinctly uncomfortable - before the Doctor finally answered.
“No.”
Rory slowly nodded, his hunch confirmed.
“So… when Amy and I leave we won't see you again… Unless you drop by accidentally?”
The Doctor stopped, his hands looking as if they were popping invisible bubble wrap, and eyes studying Rory with great seriousness and sadness.
“No. Looking back is… too difficult. Sorry.”
Rory nodded again.
“I understand. I… thought that might be the case. And don't worry about it - I'm sure we'll be fine.”
“Thank you Rory.”
Then a sudden bright smile lit up the Doctor's features, like sunshine on a cloudy day, and he reached out and patted Rory's arm.
“I really truly hope you'll be as fine as can be. Especially-”
Whatever else he was going to say was lost as Amy shouted at them, telling them to 'Come on! Look what we've found!' and they had to run to catch up with the girls, whose discovery - not surprisingly - led to yet another adventure.
But that is a story for another day.
The End
kathyh for the look-through.Title: And Then The TARDIS Fell Into Pete’s World.
Rating: PG
Characters: TenToo, Rose, Eleven, Amy, Rory, River.
Genre: AU crack!fic. (/character-study.)
Spoilers: ALL OF S5 OMG!!!!
Setting: Post-The Big Bang.
Summary: The TARDIS falls into Pete’s World. Stuff happens. (
Wordcount: A little over 3000 words.
Feedback: I would love to know your thoughts! (Or just a stray line, anything'd make me happy.)
For a moment they stood in silence, then River tilted her head, looking Rose over, a strange smile on her face - the sort of smile you shared with someone who was in on your joke. Rose didn't feel she was in on anything.
“It's funny…” River began, clearly choosing her words with care. “The Doctor once asked me what I'd tell you, if we ever met. Obviously thought he was just joking. But… even so, I did think about it now and again - just in case he wasn't. The thing is that now you're actually here I can't remember any of the clever things I was going to say. Probably for the best, though.”
Rose nodded, since that seemed the most logical thing to do, and River sighed.
“Really, I suppose it can all be summed up in two words: Thank you.”
Whatever Rose had been expecting, this hadn't been it.
“What for?” she asked, mystified, and River smiled gently.
“For saving him, of course. For being there, and just being you, when he needed you. Without you, goodness knows where he'd be. Dead, probably. Which would mean that I never-”
She shook her head and took a deep breath, obviously trying to calm her emotions.
“I think what I wanted to say is… He has travelled with so many people, but there are very few like you and me. Because choosing him every time comes with a price that most people balk at - and rightly so, probably. And yet, I'm sure you wouldn't change a thing. Am I right?”
Suddenly, Rose understood River's smile. (I made my choice a long time ago…)
“Oh yeah, you're right,” she said, an answering smile spreading on her own face. She'd barely had time to meet any of the Doctor's other Companions when they'd fought Davros, and her Doctor had later explained that they all had lives of their own anyway. Now and again she'd wondered how they walked away - her choice had always been 'forever'…
River looked around, then sat down on the sofa, patting it.
“Come sit down, let's have a proper talk.”
“But… Didn't you say your window was closing?”
River chuckled. “I… exaggerated a bit. There's a good half hour until we need to leave.”
At the look on Rose's face she laughed. “Oh come on - don't tell me you never stretch the truth a little when you need to manage him?”
Rose bit her lip, trying to curb a grin, and sat down as instructed.
“Now,” River said, “tell me all about that time you destroyed the Daleks.”
Back on Bad Wolf beach. Again. Studying the pale sand on the huge new circular screen, Rose didn't think there was a single place in any universe that she hated more, and half-wished they'd said their goodbyes along with her mother and Tony back at the mansion. The New Doctor however made straight for the door.
“You know, I've never had a proper look around. Tyler, would you mind joining me? After all, it is named after you!”
She was used to people using her surname at work, but it still took Rose a few seconds to realise that he meant her. Then the New Doctor stopped still in his tracks, holding up his index finger, looking from Rose to her Doctor.
“I just realised that you both, independently, destroyed the Daleks. There's a rather neat symmetry to that, don't you think? Although I really do wish they'd not keep coming back.”
“The Daleks came back? Again?” Rose's Doctor asked incredulously, but the New Doctor had already stepped outside, leaving River to shrug resignedly.
After a second Rose cautiously followed the New Doctor out the door. Considering that she'd have classed 'Knowledge of the Doctor' as one of her top skills, this latest version was a constant surprise.
Once outside, she swiftly caught up with the New Doctor who'd started slowly walking, taking in the landscape. When she was level with him he turned and looked at her, eyes brimming with something she didn't understand (surely he wasn't still thinking about Daleks?), a smile lurking in the corner of his mouth.
“We have a secret, you and I. Just the two us. No one else in the whole universe knows. Not even him.”
He nodded back towards the TARDIS which contained Rose's Doctor, and she smiled nervously.
“We do?”
It wasn't that she didn't believe him, it just seemed… odd. “How? I mean, what is it?”
Was she supposed to know? And how could it be something that her own Doctor didn't know? The New Doctor studied her carefully.
“Do you remember New Year's Eve, 2005? You were walking home with your mum, and after she'd left, a random drunk talked to you.”
Rose's brow creased as she cast her mind back, but it was all a bit hazy.
“Yeah, I think so…”
“Here. Let me,” he said, reaching out and laying his fingertips on her temples.
And then she saw.
The memory sprang forth, bright and vivid - and she gasped as the combination of voice and half-shadowed figure hit her.
“Doctor!” she whispered, hands clasped over mouth, as he let his hands fall, watching her, head tilted.
“I was… seconds away from regeneration. But I needed to see you once more. Just once.”
She nodded, shell shocked, hearing 'I bet you're gonna have a really great year' in her mind and trying not to choke.
But the New Doctor smiled.
“Rather poetic, don't you think?”
“Poetic?” she asked, still reeling from the revelation, and having to fight to reconcile the dying man in her memory with the living one in front of her. How could he be so… calm?
“Well I think it is poetic - you were the first person I saw after I was born, and the last before I died. Unless-“
He frowned.
“Unless you count Ood Sigma, but I don't think I'll do that. Excellent fellow in his own way, but he doesn't exactly have the sort of face you want to have in your mind as you're dying.”
“…Right,” she said, swallowing against the swell of emotions. Oh God he'd been dying... Her Doctor - the real one, not this new one - all alone, just like she'd feared… And now he just stood there, talking as if it was just some quaint old memory, as if-
She could feel some kind of wall come tumbling down inside, feelings and accusations that she'd never been able to throw at her own Doctor because it wasn't him who'd- And it wasn't fair to do this now, when he'd just shared a precious memory, but when would she ever get the chance again?
“Doctor?” she said, trying to steel her voice. “Can I ask something?”
“Of course,” he answered, amiable and friendly, and she swallowed.
“Do you remember when we met Sarah Jane?”
He nodded, all encouragement.
“I asked you then if- if you'd ever leave me behind, like you had her, and you said no, not me. But today… Today is going to be the third time you do it.”
“But… aren't you happy here?”
He was studying her with a frown, and she threw her hands up in frustration.
“That's not the point! You promised! You said that I was different, that you wouldn't do that to me, but-“
She turned away, trying to control the angry tears in her eyes.
“Oh Rose,” he whispered, lightly touching her chin and turning her face towards him.
“I lied. I'm sorry. If it's any kind of consolation, I was lying to myself too. After everything I… I wanted to believe in forever, just once. And well… you did get a Doctor of your own in the end. One who can keep the promises I always break.”
“I suppose there is that,” she admitted. “But… he's not you. Well he is, but he isn't. Not now. And I-”
The gentlest of smiles touched his mouth, and he brought up both hands, cradling her face.
“Rose, Rose, Rose. I've told you this before, but I think this time you might actually listen: If you want to remember me, then you can do one thing. That's all. One thing. Have a good life. Do that for me, Rose. Have a fantastic life.”
He watched her, so close she could have leaned in and kissed him if she wanted - and maybe it was the fact that his eyes were grey, again, or maybe it was the fact that the words brought back that first, real, goodbye (he'd been just a projection, sending her away to save her…), but she suddenly found the tears she'd held back earlier taking over, her whole body shaking as she sobbed like she had the first time she stood in Bad Wolf Bay. (She hated this beach.)
Despite everything - the stupid new face, the odd clothes and the strange companions - he was still her Doctor, somehow. Her Doctor that she'd been willing to sacrifice everything for, repeatedly, because all she wanted was him.
He pulled her into his arms as she cried, softly stroking her hair and making little shushing noises, much like her mother used to when she was little, and when she'd calmed down, brought out a huge handkerchief.
“Oh dear. Better clean you up a little or I fear I shall get into trouble with your husband."
"Thanks," she said, blowing her nose and oddly enough not feeling stupid at all. Then he took her hand - and it was different, and yet OK, and they walked back to the TARDIS. As they got closer the door opened and Rose's Doctor stepped out, for a second faltering a little as he noticed their entwined hands, but the New Doctor laughed and propelled her forwards, letting her go.
Gratefully clasping her own Doctor's hand, she saw that he still looked a bit… tense.
“I've been talking to River,” he said, watching the New Doctor.
“Or rather, she's been talking to me. She… seems to like teasing… us.”
The New Doctor chuckled.
“She does rather, yes. Although she's got reason to be cheerful - this is her first trip since she was released from Stormcage.”
Rose's Doctor stared.
“Stormcage? Why on earth was she in Stormcage?”
The New Doctor studied him levelly.
“She killed a man.”
“She what?”
Shell shocked would be too kind a word for the look on her Doctor's face, and Rose shot the New Doctor a stern look. It wasn't nice to tease. She'd just got her head around River being someone she could understand…
But the New Doctor completely ignored her scolding look, and instead smiled, studying her Doctor, something dancing in his eyes.
“A good man,” he continued. “The best man she has ever known.”
“No… No,” Rose's Doctor slowly shook his head, before he turned and looked at the closed door to the TARDIS, as if River would magically appear.
“But how? Why? That's…”
He looked the New Doctor over, disbelieving, from floppy hair over the bowtie and hands crammed into trouser pockets down to sturdy black boots, and back up again. The New Doctor was still smiling.
“No idea. But it makes for an interesting future, don't you think?”
For a second Rose's Doctor watched him in silence, then shook his head firmly.
“No.”
“Excellent!” the New Doctor replied, happily, slapping Rose's Doctor's arm. “Knew that Donna-ness would be good for something. No point to your life if you're pining after mine!”
The TARDIS door opened, and Amy's head appeared.
“Sorry to interrupt the mutual admiration, but River says that we've got to go - unless you want to stay here for good and have some kind of threesome. Which she won't blame you for, she just wants to know.”
The New Doctor blinked.
“Oh no. No no no. What a thought.” He turned to Rose. “Um... no offence.”
Shooting Amy a look, he held up a finger.
“Just one more minute.”
“Okey-dokey!” she said, and disappeared again.
The New Doctor looked at them both. “There were so many more things I was going to tell you, but nevermind. However, I do want you to have this.”
He stepped up to Rose's Doctor and rested their foreheads together for a moment, fingertips to temples, eyes closed.
Something like a sob escaped Rose's Doctor, and the New Doctor's eyes opened, a smile on his face, as Rose's Doctor abruptly grabbed hold of him, hugging him tightly.
“Thank you,” he whispered, and the New Doctor patted his back.
“Thought you'd like to know.”
Rose's Doctor nodded, face buried in his other self's shoulder. After another second he slowly let go, aiming for a smile but not quite succeeding.
“Good luck with it all.”
“Thank you,” the New Doctor said, “and likewise.”
He spun round, and then opened the TARDIS door, before stopping in the doorway and turning to look at them. For a second it looked as if he was going to say something, but he only winked - like they were all in on some brilliant secret - and then the door closed.
Rose grasped her Doctor's hand as the wheezing engines started up again, before the most wonderful blue box in the world disappeared. The wind blew her hair in her face like always, and she tried her best not to cry again.
“What did he show you?” she asked after a moment, and her Doctor swallowed.
“Memories. Stories. All those who used to be mine, their wonderful lives, people that were lost, that he saw again…” His voice trailed off, clearly too moved to continue.
Then the realisation hit that they were once more stranded on a Norwegian beach with no way of getting home. (Stupid, stupid one-way teleport!) Rose was just about to complain about this when she noticed something in the sand where the TARDIS had stood.
“Look!”
She stepped forward, realising that it was a small gift box and a letter addressed to the two of them.
Picking up the box, she gave the letter to the Doctor, and he studied the red writing with a frown, before tearing open the envelope and reading the message inside out loud.
“Remember to treat her with great care. And behave yourselves.
The Doctor”
Rose frowned.
“That's a bit… patronising, isn't it?”
But her Doctor wasn't listening. Something wild and joyful suddenly lit up in his eyes as he stared at the box.
“Open it,” he whispered.
“As you wish,” she said, removing the silk ribbon and lifting off the lid.
Inside was a small golden-glowing… something. Gently picking it up she thought that it felt strangely new, yet familiar, in the same way the New Doctor's hand had.
“What is it?” she asked, confused, as the look on her Doctor's face suggested that he might just be on the verge of exploding.
“It's a TARDIS,” he said, and even though she didn't understand yet, she eagerly responded to his rapturous kiss.
“And they lived happily ever after,” the Doctor said contentedly, as the TARDIS shuddered and the couple on the beach vanished from the screen.
There was something about his tone of voice - a strange surety - that made Rory take notice.
“And how do you know that?” he asked warily.
River chuckled.
“Oh you had a little sneak-peek, didn't you Sweetie?”
The Doctor didn't answer, just smiled knowingly and turned a dial.
“Hang on,” Amy said. “Did we just leave them stranded on a beach in Norway? How are they going to get home?”
The look on the Doctor's face showed that this problem had clearly never occurred to him.
“Well they've managed well enough in the past,” he said, a little defensively, and Amy shook her head.
“Well, it's good to know that you leave yourself behind too.”
“Good point,” River chimed in. “There's poetic justice in there somewhere.”
Amy's eyes narrowed, and Rory prepared himself for whatever was coming next. He knew that look far too well.
“Say River,” Amy began, “what do you think about stealing the TARDIS and leaving him behind for once?”
“It has… possibilities…” River said slowly, as the Doctor began wagging his finger at them.
“Now that's… quite enough of that. You know, Rose never… ganged up on me!”
“That's not what Sarah Jane says,” River sing-songed, and the Doctor sighed deeply, and turned to Rory.
“Rory. Would you be so kind as to be the voice of sanity in this madhouse? Where would you like to go, now we're back in our own universe?”
Feeling somewhat self-conscious, Rory nonetheless did have a wish.
“Um... Rose mentioned this Glass Pyramid? I can't remember exactly...”
“The Glass Pyramid of San Kloon! Excellent choice, Rory. Hold on everybody - here we go!”
Not much later they were walking down the streets of an alien planet, and Rory tried not to be too overwhelmed at the ease with which these things happened. He should be used to it by now.
River was busy explaining the history of everything around them, and it took a while before Rory realised that the Doctor had fallen behind. Letting Amy and River continue - arm in arm and laughing over something Rory hadn't heard - he slowed his steps until he was level with the Doctor.
He was worried that maybe this hadn't been a good idea after all - surely the Doctor had to have a lot of memories from his previous visit… and yet he had agreed so readily that it seemed foolish to question his decision.
Still - it had to be incredibly hard seeing a woman you loved married to a copy of yourself. Rory tried to think of what would have happened if plastic-him and real-him had ever co-existed, and Amy would have had to choose… It made for a very painful image, although one that helped him understand some things better. But he wanted to be sure.
“Doctor?” he started cautiously, and the Doctor turned to him, shaken out of whatever thoughts he'd been lost in.
“Yes Rory?”
“I was wondering, if you don't mind me asking, but… If Rose and the other Doctor hadn't showed up on the beach… would you have gone to see them?”
There was a long silence - so long that Rory began to feel distinctly uncomfortable - before the Doctor finally answered.
“No.”
Rory slowly nodded, his hunch confirmed.
“So… when Amy and I leave we won't see you again… Unless you drop by accidentally?”
The Doctor stopped, his hands looking as if they were popping invisible bubble wrap, and eyes studying Rory with great seriousness and sadness.
“No. Looking back is… too difficult. Sorry.”
Rory nodded again.
“I understand. I… thought that might be the case. And don't worry about it - I'm sure we'll be fine.”
“Thank you Rory.”
Then a sudden bright smile lit up the Doctor's features, like sunshine on a cloudy day, and he reached out and patted Rory's arm.
“I really truly hope you'll be as fine as can be. Especially-”
Whatever else he was going to say was lost as Amy shouted at them, telling them to 'Come on! Look what we've found!' and they had to run to catch up with the girls, whose discovery - not surprisingly - led to yet another adventure.
But that is a story for another day.
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“For saving him, of course. For being there, and just being you, when he needed you. Without you, goodness knows where he'd be. Dead, probably. Which would mean that I never-”
*nods* yes, yes, this! *waves 'say no to ship wars' banner*
“I just realised that you both, independently, destroyed the Daleks. There's a rather neat symmetry to that, don't you think? Although I really do wish they'd not keep coming back.”
You just can't resist meta-ing, can you? ;-)
“…Right,” she said, swallowing against the swell of emotions. Oh God he'd been dying... Her Doctor - the real one, not this new one - all alone, just like she'd feared… And now he just stood there, talking as if it was just some quaint old memory, as if-
I don't often feel sorry for Rose, but that is a bit . . . *sniff*
“I lied. I'm sorry. If it's any kind of consolation, I was lying to myself too. After everything I… I wanted to believe in forever, just once. And well…
*hugs Eleventy for being awesome and self-aware and adult*
“No idea. But it makes for an interesting future, don't you think?”
“No.”
“Excellent!” the New Doctor replied, happily, slapping Rose's Doctor's arm. “Knew that Donna-ness would be good for something. No point to your life if you're pining after mine!”
LOL--seriously
“Sorry to interrupt the mutual admiration, but River says that we've got to go - unless you want to stay here for good and have some kind of threesome. Which she won't blame you for, she just wants to know.”
Hahahahahaha! Perfect.
“Memories. Stories. All those who used to be mine, their wonderful lives, people that were lost, that he saw again…” His voice trailed off, clearly too moved to continue.
Ah, you are a sap, aren't you? That's ok, though.
“It's a TARDIS,” he said, and even though she didn't understand yet, she eagerly responded to his rapturous kiss.
Yes, definitely a sap.
The Doctor stopped, his hands looking as if they were popping invisible bubble wrap
Best random Eleven gestures description ever.
“I understand. I… thought that might be the case. And don't worry about it - I'm sure we'll be fine.”
Unexpected Rory love! Always a good way to end a story <3
And everyone was mature and understanding of each other and avoided making pointless drama for the rest of their days . . . . And then they ate some cake. *nods* <----I am a sap too.
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Eeee! That's more than fine by me! *makes happy noises*
*nods* yes, yes, this! *waves 'say no to ship wars' banner*
It helps that River is that much older, of course, and knows Rose's story very well. (Originally this story was going to be *complete* crack and she was going to suggest a foursome! *g*)
You just can't resist meta-ing, can you? ;-)
Nope! Never. (It was a late addition though. But I wanted to get away from the whole 'OMG TenToo is daaaangerous!' from JE. Eleven is in a very different place from what was Ten at that point.)
I don't often feel sorry for Rose, but that is a bit . . . *sniff*
This makes me ridiculously happy. :)
*hugs Eleventy for being awesome and self-aware and adult*
Rose totally deserved some honesty!
LOL--seriously
*beams*
Hahahahahaha! Perfect.
I couldn't resist...
Ah, you are a sap, aren't you? That's ok, though.
Ten visiting ALL OF HIS OLD COMPANIONS was more than I could resist.
Yes, definitely a sap.
It was ALMOST canon! So.
Best random Eleven gestures description ever.
*is very proud* He's... tricky to describe without repetition, and as I tried to work out that particular gesture I suddenly realised that it reminded me of! :)
Unexpected Rory love! Always a good way to end a story <3
I honestly didn't know how to end it, but it struck me that a) Rory can be very insightful and b) he's quite persistent when it comes to wheedling truths out of the Doctor. Cause he's awesome! <3
And everyone was mature and understanding of each other and avoided making pointless drama for the rest of their days . . . . And then they ate some cake. *nods* <----I am a sap too.
*cheers for saps everywhere*
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LOL, well, I'm sure that would have been an entertaining read too, but I prefer this :-)
(It was a late addition though. But I wanted to get away from the whole 'OMG TenToo is daaaangerous!' from JE. Eleven is in a very different place from what was Ten at that point.)
I understand nothing that went on in TSE/JE, including that. Sometimes I pretend that it was an experimental work in post-post-modernism, some sort of commentary on the fragmentary nature of fan response to cult sci-fi something something . . . Sometimes I am convinced that the whole thing is actually a parody. Sometimes I cross my eyes at the screen and look at the pretty colors.
(I kid. I've watched them once. Well, except for the parts where I had a sudden urge to wash dishes.)
This makes me ridiculously happy. :)
*hmmmmm* I'm glad.
It was ALMOST canon! So.
*is confused* What did I miss? I may have been doing dishes . . .
*is very proud* He's... tricky to describe without repetition, and as I tried to work out that particular gesture I suddenly realised that it reminded me of! :)
:-) I'd been thinking about this sort of thing lately. I think I've mostly settled on a vaguely impressionistic way of describing him--we're all familiar enough with the gestures by now, I can let people fill in from memory. Like I think I wrote something like "he straightened himself" once, which could refer to any number of different characteristic movements, and there's that whole array of finger wagging/pointing motions that sort of go together. In this case, though, the specificity was perfect. No mistaking that gesture!
I honestly didn't know how to end it, but it struck me that a) Rory can be very insightful and b) he's quite persistent when it comes to wheedling truths out of the Doctor. Cause he's awesome! <3
I'm very guilty of forgetting about Rory a lot of the time, but then he does something like that and it's like 'oh, Rory' <3
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Oh me too. Less meta in straight crack. ;)
I understand nothing that went on in TSE/JE, including that. Sometimes I pretend that it was an experimental work in post-post-modernism, some sort of commentary on the fragmentary nature of fan response to cult sci-fi something something . . . Sometimes I am convinced that the whole thing is actually a parody. Sometimes I cross my eyes at the screen and look at the pretty colors.
*laughs* As it happens I ADORED The Stolen Earth, and watched it 6 times in the week before JE aired. I didn't hate JE (see my ability to like pretty much anything) but it was... not quite what I'd hoped for.
*hmmmmm* I'm glad.
Getting people to like characters they'd not normally care about, is one of my favourite things! :)
*is confused* What did I miss? I may have been doing dishes . . .
In the original script the Doctor gave TenToo a bit of TARDIS so he could grow his own.
:-) I'd been thinking about this sort of thing lately. I think I've mostly settled on a vaguely impressionistic way of describing him--we're all familiar enough with the gestures by now, I can let people fill in from memory. Like I think I wrote something like "he straightened himself" once, which could refer to any number of different characteristic movements, and there's that whole array of finger wagging/pointing motions that sort of go together.
I can definitely see the merits in doing that - his body language is very distinctive.
In this case, though, the specificity was perfect. No mistaking that gesture!
I love the nervousness of it, combined with the 'I'm-thinking-really-hard'-ness. :)
I'm very guilty of forgetting about Rory a lot of the time, but then he does something like that and it's like 'oh, Rory' <3
Well he's surrounded by all the big noisy people, and he'd not push himself forwards. (I had a wonderful idea/characterisation bit that I couldn't fit in. I'm keeping it for another fic though. Cause he's awesome. *g*)
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As usual I love the little bits of gone-by references.
I've never been a Doctor/Rose fan, but for some reason I seem to love it more when people write fics about Eleven seeing Rose. Not that I ship Eleven/Rose at all, but there's always something sentimental about the Doctor seeing a companion he no longer travels with. And with Rose... I really just adore how he goes on about "their little secret", because it shows the love he still has for her, and something I love about the Doctor is even if he doesn't come back, he remembers and loves them all.
Oh god, conversation about River. Ten an Rose's minds INSTANTLY go to 'River killed the Doctor'.
And so you let the Doctor give Ten his memories anyway. I'm glad. Though I'm wondering if he still kept the scene with Roe for himself. Did he also keep away the *bad stuff* or did he do the whole shebang? Still, regardless, Eleven was trademark gentle self with both Rose and Ten. The hugs are heart-melt worthy
I knew it, he gave them a TARDIS, oh that's really great :) Perfect, the thing that was cut out from the episode that shouldn't have. A fitting end for our alternate-universe stranded pair.
HAH River and Sarah Jane reference means River goes to Bannerman road! I wonder if they have an adventure together? Oh god, two of the Doctor's strongest women together means fun times for them and bad times for the Doctor, especially since they both can tease him up majorly. I love the idea of River visiting old companions to have nostalgic chats and, probably dig up dirt on him.
Aaaannnd obligatory (in my opinion) chat with Rory to put his feet back on the ground. Rory has no illusions about the Doctor, so the Doctor can be frank with him and Rory will just lend his ear and take it as it is. That's something I feel the Doctor needs in his life. It's my hope they go that direction with Rory next series.
Thank you for writing this, it was a thrilling ride!
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Aw, thank you! ♥
As usual I love the little bits of gone-by references.
I am a complete continuity whore - I'm glad it appeals to others too!
I've never been a Doctor/Rose fan, but for some reason I seem to love it more when people write fics about Eleven seeing Rose. Not that I ship Eleven/Rose at all, but there's always something sentimental about the Doctor seeing a companion he no longer travels with
Oh yes. I'm right there with you.
And with Rose... I really just adore how he goes on about "their little secret", because it shows the love he still has for her, and something I love about the Doctor is even if he doesn't come back, he remembers and loves them all.
He is very, very aware, I think, of the fact that he can't go back - not to who he was, nor to what they had - but he can acknowledge how important she was to him, give her that confirmation.
Oh god, conversation about River. Ten an Rose's minds INSTANTLY go to 'River killed the Doctor'.
I HAD to have that in there. Initially I had planned Eleven saying something about 'How it was a level playing field' (meaning that TenToo shouldn't feel guilty), but it didn't work once the conversation developed. But the fact that River isn't an innocent comes across loud and clear, so that's OK. :)
And so you let the Doctor give Ten his memories anyway. I'm glad. Though I'm wondering if he still kept the scene with Roe for himself. Did he also keep away the *bad stuff* or did he do the whole shebang?
Mostly just Ten's goodbyes (like I said I went back and forth, but after 'Death of the Doctor' I knew I HAD to use that) - he added a few things, like the Master's return (and the fact that he saved Ten), plus the Woman in White. But not the angst, no.
Still, regardless, Eleven was trademark gentle self with both Rose and Ten. The hugs are heart-melt worthy
The Doctor is a very hug-gy person! :)
I knew it, he gave them a TARDIS, oh that's really great :) Perfect, the thing that was cut out from the episode that shouldn't have. A fitting end for our alternate-universe stranded pair.
Isn't it just?
HAH River and Sarah Jane reference means River goes to Bannerman road!
In my head, that's totally canon!
I wonder if they have an adventure together? Oh god, two of the Doctor's strongest women together means fun times for them and bad times for the Doctor, especially since they both can tease him up majorly. I love the idea of River visiting old companions to have nostalgic chats and, probably dig up dirt on him.
It's a lovely idea. And she can do it all by herself! :)
Aaaannnd obligatory (in my opinion) chat with Rory to put his feet back on the ground. Rory has no illusions about the Doctor, so the Doctor can be frank with him and Rory will just lend his ear and take it as it is.
*nods* Like I said above, I didn't know how to end it, but once I realised that Rory was going to talk to him it all fell into place. Cause Rory is wonderful like that.
That's something I feel the Doctor needs in his life. It's my hope they go that direction with Rory next series.
Oh same here! *crosses fingers*
Thank you for writing this, it was a thrilling ride!
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! :)
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I love this story so, so much! I think you hit every one of my emotional DW buttons in this one. Possibly in this chapter!
I adore Rose (I know, I know!) and I love the way you write her. I'm glad for both her and Eleven that they got that moment of closure. Awww! And 10.2 seeing it and feeling insecure was perfect. I'm glad you gave him his own moment with Eleven though-- I know he was getting to see all the old companions. That's just... Neat!!
And you tied it all together with a new Tardis for Rose and 10.2; that's just so emotionally satisfying!
I have to say though that my favorite was probably the scene with my beloved Rory. Rory really gets the Doctor. And while he's compassionate he isn't too overly impressed by him; which is exactly what the Doctor needs. Rory has no illusions! And because of that Rory can comfort the Doctor. ::loves Rory even more::
they had to run to catch up with the girls, whose discovery - not surprisingly - led to yet another adventure.
But that is a story for another day.
::sniff::
Did I mention how much I loved this story??
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\o/
I love this story so, so much! I think you hit every one of my emotional DW buttons in this one. Possibly in this chapter!
We clearly have identical buttons! ;)
I adore Rose (I know, I know!) and I love the way you write her.
Oh I'm so glad - I'm very fond of her, but I was worried at how she'd come across. But if you say she's OK, I shall relax!
I'm glad for both her and Eleven that they got that moment of closure. Awww!
I think the whole fic was building up to that. Because she was such a pivotal figure in his life, and that really needed to be acknowledged.
And 10.2 seeing it and feeling insecure was perfect.
Oh good - I was a little worried, but I thought that not having any awkwardness would be, well, awkward. There *is* tension, even though they're good at hiding it.
I'm glad you gave him his own moment with Eleven though-- I know he was getting to see all the old companions. That's just... Neat!!
I am very grateful to SJA & RTD for giving me that - it was exactly what I needed!
And you tied it all together with a new Tardis for Rose and 10.2; that's just so emotionally satisfying!
I couldn't not go there...
I have to say though that my favorite was probably the scene with my beloved Rory. Rory really gets the Doctor. And while he's compassionate he isn't too overly impressed by him; which is exactly what the Doctor needs. Rory has no illusions! And because of that Rory can comfort the Doctor. ::loves Rory even more::
Yay! It's funny, because initially I had Rory asking the Doctor if he was OK, and it didn't work at all. And when I thought about it, I realised that Rory figures that the Doctor is old enough to know what he's doing and doesn't need him (Rory) to 'look after him', as it were. What he does is delve deeper, seeing the bigger pattern and how it applies to himself, and that is very helpful, as you say, since the Doctor appreciates capable people. (I could go on... *hugs Rory*)
Did I mention how much I loved this story??
Aw, thank you! Your comment was utterly lovely! *hugs*
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He noticed!
you were the first person I saw after I was born, and the last before I died.
I never thought of that. I love it.
“I understand. I… thought that might be the case. And don't worry about it - I'm sure we'll be fine.”
Rory is wonderful.
This story is wonderful.
Thank you for writing it.
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He did indeed. Also I never liked Ten's 'Oh he's so daaaangerous!' in JE - I mean, I understand why he's being manipulative and resentful, but I don't like it.
I never thought of that. I love it.
Gorgeous, isn't it? The book ending of Ten. :)
Rory is wonderful.
He is. He really, really is. ♥
This story is wonderful.
Aw, thank you! :)
Thank you for writing it.
Thank *you* for reading and your lovely comments. *squish*
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Bahahahahahahaaha!
“Say River,” Amy began, “what do you think about stealing the TARDIS and leaving him behind for once?”
I can totally see them doing that. Oh how I love River and Amy. :)
they had to run to catch up with the girls, whose discovery - not surprisingly - led to yet another adventure.
But that is a story for another day.
*warm fuzzies*
I love this fic to death!!
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*grins* I love River...
I can totally see them doing that. Oh how I love River and Amy. :)
Poor Eleven if those two ever decide to truly gang up on him!
*warm fuzzies*
:) That was exactly what I was aiming for, yay!
I love this fic to death!!
*beams* You've made my day! Thank you! :)
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(Oh, and your icon is pure win!!!)
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The dialogue in this is seriously just brilliant. And I love how you've written Eleven; he misses Rose and he still cares for her, but he's gotten on with things (which, I love how you wrote him and River, btw!). But he was so... Eleven, especially in the way he hugged her. I could totally see that, like a Vincent and the Doctor repeat, that hug with Amy in the museum, except it was Rose. (Ummm... does that make sense? LOL.)
I liked the idea that it was hard for him to even see Ten, because of all the pain the insanity and the bad choices that came with that regeneration. I hadn't thought of that before but it makes so much sense.
I loved that Eleven gave Rose a half of the white star. Something even River doesn't have. And I just... A:LFKJSEORIUWRE. I love you so much for that. Goodness. That speaks volumes, to me. Actions louder than words and all that.
And I LOVED, LOVED the bit about their own secret that nobody else in the universe shares, him going to see her on New Years. I hadn't thought of that and it's SO TRUE. A:LDKJFWOEIRUWE. Their own little moment in time. I just!! *flail* It's so perfect.
Oh, AND. I loved that River and Rose got to have a chat together. That was really needed and I loved it, and I loved how they can relate to each other probably more than any two people could. It was treated with such respect and not making one lesser or anything and I just really appreciated and loved how it was written and could totally see the whole thing happening.
I do have to say, I felt really bad for TenToo when Amy was harping on him for not being the Doctor---that's so Amy (re: The Rebel Flesh two parter) but it was hard to swallow all the same. D: I was starting to feel a bit defensive of TenToo! LOL.
Anyway, thanks so much for prodding me and leaving teases and stuff for me to get me to come over here and finish this. I enjoyed it immensely, and in fact was sad when it was over, hee! :D Lovely job, it was so fun seeing everyone all together like that. ♥
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Yay! (And I'm not surprised. *g*)
The dialogue in this is seriously just brilliant. And I love how you've written Eleven; he misses Rose and he still cares for her, but he's gotten on with things (which, I love how you wrote him and River, btw!).
Most of the time it all just wrote itself. Really, they wouldn't shut up. And the whole dynamic is just delightful - Eleven is so much more relaxed in most ways to Ten, so it all flows from there.
But he was so... Eleven, especially in the way he hugged her. I could totally see that, like a Vincent and the Doctor repeat, that hug with Amy in the museum, except it was Rose. (Ummm... does that make sense? LOL.)
Oh absolutely. I love Eleven's paternal streak, and the way he... helps people overcome difficult things. I'd not thought of the Vincent parallel, but that's perfect. Sometimes people die, no matter what. And the Doctor lied to Rose, but he can explain it now, rather than run away, and help her understand that he didn't mean to. (I loved giving them that closure, because I really think they needed it.)
I liked the idea that it was hard for him to even see Ten, because of all the pain the insanity and the bad choices that came with that regeneration. I hadn't thought of that before but it makes so much sense.
This is why i would LOVE to see them onscreen together. Srsly. I would give my right arm. Because the ISSUES - the issues that he's dealing with, but that are still there...
I loved that Eleven gave Rose a half of the white star. Something even River doesn't have. And I just... A:LFKJSEORIUWRE. I love you so much for that. Goodness. That speaks volumes, to me. Actions louder than words and all that.
Heee! Thought you'd appreciate that. Of course it's also because of TenToo - a link to his past and history (something actually tangible, rather than just memories), and even a slight warning (because Eleven does worry about him). Plus it's a sort of apology, before their scene on the beach, because he knows he failed her. (And River doesn't need a diamond - although if she wanted one, she'd just steal it! *g*)
And I LOVED, LOVED the bit about their own secret that nobody else in the universe shares, him going to see her on New Years. I hadn't thought of that and it's SO TRUE. A:LDKJFWOEIRUWE. Their own little moment in time. I just!! *flail* It's so perfect.
See? Dolphin noises.
[This is long. Will split it.]
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*beams* I think River would be fascinated by Rose, and in my personal head canon she now and again travelled back in time and left her presents when Rose was younger, like a naughty Santa Claus - makeup, and clothes Rose wouldn't be able to afford, pink diaries, books about boys... That kinda thing. And Rose would later ask the Doctor about this ('You know you gave me a bike that Christmas - what about the other stuff?') And the Doctor would be clueless, and Rose would think he was lying, although also be puzzled as to how he'd managed to get *girly* stuff which was just right, and wonder if maybe he was a bit gay after all...)
Oh! And this fic: Worth Living For. ♥
I do have to say, I felt really bad for TenToo when Amy was harping on him for not being the Doctor---that's so Amy (re: The Rebel Flesh two parter) but it was hard to swallow all the same. D: I was starting to feel a bit defensive of TenToo! LOL.
Hee. There was so much wrapped up in that. One, it took a long time for the Doctor to win Amy's trust, and now along comes this brand new Doctor, and he expects the same level of trust immediately... not a chance! Two, I was playing with that whole idea of 'my' Doctor. Ten was first Rose's Doctor, then Martha's, the Donna's... and he changed because of that and they all knew slightly different versions. So Ten isn't Amy's Doctor - and ditto Eleven isn't Rose's (and she was pretty hostile too. *g*). Third I love just the concept of TenToo and how he is the Doctor (obviously), and yet... different. Which I also explore in how Eleven treats him, of course.
Anyway, thanks so much for prodding me and leaving teases and stuff for me to get me to come over here and finish this. I enjoyed it immensely, and in fact was sad when it was over, hee! :D Lovely job, it was so fun seeing everyone all together like that. ♥
Totes my pleasure. I did kinda have you in mind when I wrote it... :)
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That's it..
*Saves to memories*
Thank you, lovely!!
*DANCES*
*HUGS*
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♥ ♥ ♥ I just love them all, and oh, I loved delving into everything... So pleased you liked it. :)
Am off to bed, but THANK YOU and LOTS OF HUGS BACK! *SQUISH*
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Lurker from the future
(Anonymous) 2018-07-25 10:23 pm (UTC)(link)Favourite quotes:
"who am I and what am I and what do I do now and I can die just like that and how am I supposed to stay in one place and live life in the right order and Rose help me and ooooh, can we have a puppy?"
“Did you die?”
“How dead are we talking?” Rose asked, and Rory coughed a little.
“Very.”
The Doctor studied them, clearly enjoying himself far too much.
“Can I ask which one of you died?”
“Both of us,” Amy answered coolly. “Twice.”
“River says that we've got to go - unless you want to stay here for good and have some kind of threesome. Which she won't blame you for, she just wants to know.”
Be very proud.
And then you made me sad in the end, with the conversation with Rory:
(Although I have to say, even back then: we do sometimes have the universe just throwing Doctors and companions back together by accident to investigate weird alien stuff, many EU reunions –Sarah Jane Adventures, Comics, Audios– and indications that while it’s not something *usual*, the Doctor does sometimes at least try to check up on his old companions under specific circumstances –David Tennant Parade of Death, Eleven’s Farewell Tour… I guess the mindset needs to be “Hey, it’s painful, obviously, but I’m in pain now anyway. So there”. So yeah, rare, irregular, but it happens. But I digress.)
Because starting with the Ponds, Moffat has made it a *point* to have the poor Doctor visit his companions, and to have them simultaneously leading their own, normal life. It’s no longer the whole “they leave the TARDIS, they never see each other again” because at least usually, neither the Ponds, nor Clara, nor Bill travel full-time with the Doctor. It feels like the perfect way to have the Doctor avoid the whole “looking back is painful” thing, because he never really has to say goodbye… and then they lose each other anyway.
Because the poor alien tries to let go of the Ponds, and he can’t, he keeps coming back. And then they’re forcibly separated, and he couldn’t look back even if he wanted to.
That’s putting aside many nice, subtle dialogue hints that at least Eleven is like “Hey, I’m the last, right? Fuck it, I know I said I’d keep my distance, but I’m gonna indulge myself. A family! Hey, I won’t have to let them go, it’s entirely possible I’ll die first, this time”.
In short, Moffat is a cruel bastard. For those in the back who didn’t get it.
Re: Lurker from the future
Well, that just sounds like a terrible rap name.
LOL
Favourite quotes:
Be very proud.
Thank you! I had a great deal of fun writing it (as I am sure you could probably tell)... And I find TenToo an interesting character to explore.
And then you made me sad in the end, with the conversation with Rory:
TWELVE: Things end. That's all. Everything ends, and it's always sad. But everything begins again too, and that's always happy. Be happy.
I guess the mindset needs to be “Hey, it’s painful, obviously, but I’m in pain now anyway. So there”. So yeah, rare, irregular, but it happens.
Oh yes. And although everyone dies, everyone also is always alive, somewhere, somewhen...
It feels like the perfect way to have the Doctor avoid the whole “looking back is painful” thing, because he never really has to say goodbye… and then they lose each other anyway.
Yeah, the Ponds & Clara got more... permanently lost than usual. Bill too I suppose, in her own way.
That’s putting aside many nice, subtle dialogue hints that at least Eleven is like “Hey, I’m the last, right? Fuck it, I know I said I’d keep my distance, but I’m gonna indulge myself. A family! Hey, I won’t have to let them go, it’s entirely possible I’ll die first, this time”.
Mmmmm. Ponds. Sorry, I could have had Ponds forever. <3
In short, Moffat is a cruel bastard. For those in the back who didn’t get it.
He's a writer, it's his job. ;)
Anyway, thank you for reading & the feedback and you didn't mention Rose once!! I'm impressed. (Not that you had to, but it's such a Rose-centric story in many ways. or rather, she is the catalyst.)
Re: Lurker from the future
(Anonymous) 2018-07-29 01:19 pm (UTC)(link)And well, no offence to Rose, it's just that I prefer the Ponds too, and they were there, so. :)
Re: Lurker from the future
And I hear you. Rose is lovely, but Ponds...