[32] time after time

[coolbowtie]

[Voice.]

[The Doctor comes on the line and it's almost hard to recognize that it's him. The usual cheery arrogance is completely gone, replaced by a maniac fear. He seems to be unsure of where he is or whom he is speaking to.]Hello! Is anyone there?! Don't just stand around, answer the bloody phone

Comments

[ontologistic]

Doctor? What are you going on about?

[coolbowtie]

River.

Melody Pond. Everything you are, it's because of me. "The woman who kills the Doctor", eh? I made you become that. I'm sorry.

[ontologistic]

You- [ She's quiet for a long moment, not sure what even brought this on in the first place. ] Don't apologize.

Are you alright? You didn't head your head, did you?

[coolbowtie]

...I should have found you earlier... I let you down. And your mum and dad too.

[Ah. He hisses in pain.]

No, I didn't. Or maybe I did, my head is pounding.

[ontologistic]

Now that's a lot of nonsense. Are you at home? Lie down, I'll be there in a minute.

[coolbowtie]

...Tick-tock goes the clock.

[It's not like he can manage to move from the garage anyway.]

[ontologistic]

... I'll be right there.

[ She hangs up, and you best your skinny ass she is making record time getting there.

She's on her way up the walk when she notices him in the garage. ]

Doctor! What on Earth have you done to yourself?

[coolbowtie]

...Time is running out, River. I've made too many mistakes.

[ontologistic]

Well aren't you a sad sight. [ It's muttered under her breath as she crouches beside him, touching his face gently. ] It sounds like you've fallen a bit off your rocker.

[ She's trying to hide just how concerned she really is. ]

[coolbowtie]

[He trembles a bit at the touch but leans into it.]

River...

[ontologistic]

Shh, whatever it is, I don't want to hear it. [ She's speaking firmly now, her expression stony. ] I can't have you sitting around feeling sorry for yourself.

[coolbowtie]

...River. I'm going to die. Whenever I get back from here. Suppose you know that already, don't you.

[ontologistic]

We're all going to die, love. [ Her voice lowers, and she places a hand on his back. ] On your feet now.

[coolbowtie]

Suppose we do. Even Timelords.

[she died after all and at his hands as well. Perhaps it is fitting, he thinks as he rises at her urging.]

[ontologistic]

[ She supports him as he stands, not caring about the mess or the blood. ]

Let's get you inside.

[coolbowtie]

Thought I could run forever. That time wasn't the boss of me.

[he stumbles along with her, dripping blood as he walks.]