RP for timewill_tell

[brigadiertardis]

She waited until she was certain he was asleep (and chamomile tea mixed with sleeping herbs was always a sure fire way to ensure any being, even the Doctor, slept), the TARDIS set her destination, double-checking the coordinates before making her way to the Doctor's room -- a room he very rarely used but she'd insisted this time, when he professed

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[timewill_tell]

When the Doctor did finally rouse, less than an hour later, he moved sluggishly while he continued to grow more lucid. He twisted in bed, a confused expression on his face as rose up on his elbow and glanced towards the figure at the end of his bed. It was unusual enough for him to be sleeping, in his bed no less, but for her to be watching him was quite another thing entirely.

"TARDIS?" He raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

[brigadiertardis]

"You display several strange habits while you sleep," she replied, scooting closer, eyes wide as she considered him. "Your breathing is unnaturally shallow, your blood pressure drops and you tend to twist about without any real purpose." She tilted her head. "You also recite algorithms and twitch your foot. Is this normal? I have never noticed your actions while sleeping. It is ... strange."

[timewill_tell]

The Doctor's look of confusion hadn't yet receded, and he sat up fully now, drawing the blankets down to his lap. He was still trying to recall how and why he had ended up asleep in bed. He hadn't felt that tired. Until he'd drank the tea she'd given, that is.

The Doctor shot her an appraising look. "You notice those things because our physical proximity now allows you to observe those subtle nuances. Those actions are perfectly normal. I'm in a level of unconsciousness and relaxation you don't normally see."

He paused, tilting his head. "I'm curious as to how and why I ended up asleep. Did it have anything to do with the tea you insisted I drink?"

[brigadiertardis]

The TARDIS nodded at his explanation, still regarding him curiously. It was true she rarely had the chance to study his sleeping habits, and it was, in fact, something she'd never really considered exploring previously. He slept when he slept and she went about her business until he woke. That's how it always was

[timewill_tell]

Though he felt ready to admonish her actions, he stopped himself. It was sneaky, disingenuous, but she certainly meant no harm. In fact, she meant the opposite entirely. How, then, could he scold her? It would seem an admonishment with no justification, and her genuinely curious and earnest expression wiped any small amount of petulance from his mind.

"I'm quite well, particularly if we're to explore," the Doctor smiled, pushing the blankets away and standing up eagerly. He smoothed his shirt down, pulling his coat on and adjusting his shoes.

"Where are taking me, out of curiosity?"

[brigadiertardis]

Unfolding her legs, the TARDIS rose from her sitting position on the bed, standing over the Doctor, her feet sinking into the blankets, still warm from what little body heat he produced. She wriggled her toes in the fabric, momentarily distracted and giggling faintly at the feeling of soft cotton fibre. She liked sensation. It was one of the few things this body was capable of providing her that made up for all its inferiority.

Eventually, she allowed her attention to travel back to the Doctor, stepping off the bed with slightly less grace than she'd displayed while standing. "We are currently docked on Hesiphora IV, Doctor," she explained. "It is one of the many planets I have wanted to visit and does show signs of primitive life. I thought perhaps you would enjoy documenting a new culture while I gather information on the planet and its lifeforms." She paused. "It also has vegetation I am unfamiliar with. I want to add it to my Gardens."

[timewill_tell]

He held his tongue again when she stood on the bed; there wasn't much danger in such an act, ordinarily, but he knew she was still a bit unused to this physical form, and these legs, which caused some mild concern as he watched her stand on the bed and descend ungracefully from it. Instead, he sighed softly and shook his head as he buttoned the last button of his shirt.

"Well, I would never shy away from collecting an abundance of flora for you to cultivate. And I would certainly never forego the opportunity to explore an unfamiliar culture," the Doctor smiled, smoothing his slightly tousled hair. "So a little exploration, and reconnaissance mission. That sounds quite enjoyable."

He lifted his arm slightly so that she could tuck hers underneath his. "Shall we?"

[brigadiertardis]

"Yes," she replied, considering his arm before sliding hers through the opening he'd made, mimicking his pose. When that proved uncomfortable, she simply leaned into him, nuzzling his shoulder. "It is the proper components for a date. I have read as such. I do not believe there are any beaches within the vicinity, however. Forgive me. I had not calculated the importance of walks along the beach when I programmed our coordinates. Will a date be sufficient without such walks? We were unable to engage in such activity our last outing, as well. I do not want to do anything wrong."

[timewill_tell]

"Oh, more than sufficient," the Doctor assured her, leading her along casually. "No date is ever like another, even among the same couple. We needn't go to a beach to enjoy each other. Perhaps we could pack a picnic, with fruit and cheese? Oh, and a bit of chocolate. You haven't yet tried that, I'm fairly certain you'll enjoy it."

"A picnic, a bit of exploring. Perhaps we'll meet a few of the 'primitive lifeforms' and they can suggest further points of interest," the Doctor smiled whimsically.

[brigadiertardis]

The TARDIS tilted her head curiously. "Chocolate?" she queried. "I have seen your companions eat such substances. Miss Brown seemed particularly fond of the concoction." She made a face. "Are you certain I would like something she enjoyed?"

They made their way through her interior toward the kitchens, where she'd all ready assembled a basket filled with the sweets and fruits he'd mentioned. There was no sense in dallying about putting one together when they could be out exploring this new world.

"Would you like to meet the natives?" she asked, "or would you prefer it remain only us?"

[timewill_tell]

"I really don't understand some of the vehement dislike you seem to have for many of my companions," the Doctor replied loftily, in reponse to the mention of Peri. To suggest it loathsome that they might enjoy the same dessert was a point of confusion for him. The Doctor quickly peeked inside the basket of food, satisfied with the selection, and hooked it on his arm before joining her again.

"Well, if we happen to come across some natives while we wander, I certainly wouldn't ignore them," the Doctor started, looking at her thoughtfully before he decided, "But I do believe I would enjoy a bit of solitude with you. It's rather a rare occurrence for us. Would you enjoy that, as well, sequestering ourselves from others?"

[brigadiertardis]

"If it needs to be explained, perhaps you do not know me as well as you claim to," she noted, though there was no malice in her words. It was simply a statement, nothing more nothing less, and she led him out of her interior as though she'd said nothing of consequence, peeking out into the world beyond and surveying the landscape while she waited for the Doctor to join her. She could sense him just a few feet behind her and turned her head to glance at him, smiling softly and offering a hand.

"I would enjoy that, yes," she said, drawing him out into the daylight. "I always want you to myself, Doctor. I would that there were never any others to disturb us."

[timewill_tell]

The Doctor smirked weakly. "Yes, I believe you informed me of your dislike for the attention my companions give me, and I to them. I had hoped I'd clarified that for you, and assuaged your malcontent, but I suppose you're entitled to feeling as you will. That certainly won't stop me from insisting you have nothing at all to worry about."

When he took her hand, he squeezed tenderly, hoping to convey a modicum of reassurance. If they were to be alone together on this excursion, he wanted to quiet his own mind, the part of him that couldn't ever seem to understand why she thought anyone would ever be able to take him from her. And it was so rare that they could be alone, he found himself exuberant at the thought.

"Well, you'll have me all to yourself for the time being, TARDIS. And I must say that while we haven't done it nearly often enough, I do enjoy the thought of having you all to myself again. And under better circumstances," he spoke softly.

[brigadiertardis]

She smiled gently at him and squeezed his hand back, pausing a moment to tap him on the nose reassuringly. "This will be better," she said, a hint of mischief in her voice. "I chose the location, after all. We will have an enjoyable time together."

With that, she released his hand and set off into the grass, intent on seeing all she could see. A small stream wound its way off to her right and she made a soft turn toward it, curious. Water had, of course, been a subject of contention their last date; she wanted to ensure no such thing occurred again.

"Doctor, come," she called, waving him over. "There are fish here. I want some."

[timewill_tell]

He followed her, though his pace was far more leisurely. His head was turned up slightly to smell the air surrounding him. Though he was lagging behind her, he kept a watchful eye on her, still not trusting that she wouldn't inadvertently do something to harm herself.

"Yes, yes, I'm coming," he called, hooking his thumb on the lapel of his coat as he walked.

Of course, what he didn't account for was suddenly being distracted by an interesting formation of rocks near the stream. When he wandered over to examine them, his interest was further piqued by some small reptilians sunning themselves on the grass.

He called aloud to her again, "Don't wander too far. I'll join you shortly, I'm just taking a moment to examine this rock formation."

The Doctor picked up a small, smooth rock, turning it around to observe the strange bright streaks of color on its surface, muttering lowly, "Fascinating."

[brigadiertardis]

It would figure the Doctor would find himself intrigued by something other than what she wanted to show him. How typical of him. The TARDIS frowned, craning her head to look at him, one of the fish she'd wanted to capture for her aquarium splashing its way down the stream and out of her reach. She pouted, watching it go. Now the Doctor would never be able to see what she'd wanted to show him.

Her sadness lasted only a moment, however, as she caught sight of something waving low to the ground in the distance. Scanning the horizon with sensors and optics alike, the ship was able to identify what she'd detected: flora. Dozens of various types of flora, all growing wild, and some of which she did not currently have in her Gardens.

Figuring the Doctor would be safe examining rocks, the TARDIS stood and made her way across the creek, heading for the flowers.

It occurred to her as she went she could complete two tasks at once by gathering the plants: saving some for her Garden and giving the Doctor a proper dating gift.