Bending Time: Chapter 5/8
Chapter 5
Since the Tardis wasn’t materializing any time soon, Rose changed into more comfortable clothing and was looking for something to nibble on in the kitchen. Standing in front of the almost bare cupboard (once she decided to stop being upset with the Doctor, Rose hoped the Tardis could visit the planet of Verios - they had such gorgeous biscuits there) in her cut-off denim shorts and long-sleeved gray shirt, Rose finally decided to make some popcorn. She leaned up on her tip-toes to grab the box from the top shelf.
She was busy reading the front of the box (extra butter - perfect) and didn’t notice the Doctor watching her from the doorway, silent as the night.
Freeing a packet and then popping it open, she let it lie on the plate in the microwave. Rose stood in front of it, watching its slow rotation, silent heat emanating from it. Then she felt, all of a sudden, like she was being watched. Quickly turning around to face the entrance to the room, she found…that it was empty.
Hmm, she wondered, just my imagination.
She turned to face the beeping microwave and all thoughts of being watched melted with the anticipation of the buttery goodness of her popcorn. Taking it out, careful not to burn her fingertips on the heat of the bag, she quickly found a bowl to empty it into.
Maybe the Doctor would like some popcorn.
He’s a little busy right now Rose.
Rose jumped, barely holding onto the bowl. A few kernels weren’t so lucky and found themselves on the floor.
Sorry.
She placed the bowl back on the counter.
That’s a’right, just startled me a bit. Hadn’t heard you in awhile.
Rose smiled and ran her hand smoothly across the counter. Even though she couldn’t ever possibly see it, she could feel the Tardis almost smile.
So, she continued, he’s a bit busy, yeah?
Just a bit.
Oh.
Bending down, she started picking up the lost kernels off the floor.
Thank you, Rose.
She smiled, No problem.
Throwing the bits in the rubbish bin, she straightened up and took her bowl with her as she moved to the opposite counter to grab a fizzy drink from the refrigerator.
A’right, well, good you told me - don’t want to bother him.
The Tardis felt a sad twinge to her thoughts. Before the magnificent machine could comment on it, Rose continued.
Is he okay?
The Tardis rumbled gently with warmth towards this one-of-a-kind human girl…woman, she corrected herself. Although Rose could hear the words in her mind, she still couldn’t fully grasp at the emotions that went along with it - though the Tardis figured she could feel it at times.
He’s fine Rose. Just has a lot of thinking to do.
Rose chuckled out loud, Because he doesn’t do that everyday?
The Tardis vibrated gently, her form of laughter.
She took her bounty and went to exit the room, walking in the direction of the library.
Think I’ll keep myself entertained for today. Can you let me know if he needs something?
The Tardis stilled.
Rose, he would let you know if he needs something. You know this, correct?
Aloud, Rose whispered as she continued walking down the hallway, hints of pain etched in her words, “I’m not sure…not anymore.”
After finally disappearing into the room, the entrance sealed up behind her, the Doctor stepped out from his room which was hidden in the darkness near the library. He hadn’t heard Rose until she passed by the room, her words, although spoken in an undertone, were loud enough for him to hear.
“I’m not sure…not anymore.”
He hadn’t heard Rose talking until those words were spoken, so he knew she wasn’t on the phone. The observation suddenly immobilized him.
You’ve been talking to Rose? he almost accused.
None of your business, Time Lord.
The Doctor slammed his fist against the doorway, his face set in a clench.
Tell me, he growled.
Rumbling, she demanded, DON’T do that again. I didn’t tolerate it when you were big-eared and I most surely won’t allow it when you’re big-gobbed.
Sorry, he thought…though it didn’t sound like he was. Still, the Tardis decided to give him the benefit of the doubt that he wouldn’t be doing that again.
She would simply desert herself in the middle of a pop-concert…see how much he liked that.
We’ve been talking.
Since when.
Silence.
Since when, he thought, a little louder.
You don’t want to know, Doctor.
Yes I do. You’re my ship and I have a right to know.
Silence, then…
You know…you really don’t. Have the right, I mean. You did steal me.
Oh, right.
Still. Please, tell me?
His thoughts were a lot softer towards her and he had retreated back into his room, closing the door. She knew he was worried and the wonder was making him all that more tired.
The Doctor sat on his bed…his hardly ever used bed, and waited.
Since Reinette.
He nearly choked on his breath.
What?
Well…it was five and a half hours, Doctor. Someone had to reassure her.
Oh.
What were you two talking about just now?
After a pause he added, I know that I have no right…but I’m sort of flying in uncharted and confusing territory right now…
She wanted to offer you popcorn.
The Doctor smiled at the affection his pink and yellow human always offered him…even when he knew he didn’t deserve it. Then, he suddenly frowned.
But…she didn’t come looking for me, she went to the library.
Yes.
Why?
Because I told her that you were busy.
Closing his eyes, frustration with his ship coursing through him, he didn’t even bother to ask again.
You’re not ready to speak to her Doctor.
Maybe she had a point, but still.
The more time he spent away from Rose, the more he wanted her near.
Soon enough, Doctor.
He sighed. I can go see her right now if I want to. Which he did.
And what, pray tell, will you be telling her?
He remained silent.
Exactly. There’s no other way but forward Doctor, and right now? You’re not ready. For some tired, repetitive, daft reason.
He sat up in his bed, his legs crossed in front of him.
“I miss her.” He meant that in every sense of the word. He missed her presence, always, but until very recently, he had begun to miss how she used to be. How they used to be.
Now just imagine how she felt, the Tardis thought to him before leaving his presence of mind, allowing him to think further.
***
A/N: I know I know, another chapter of dialogue. But seriously folks, I can't help it! Writing Tardis dialogue is so much fun :D Anyway, it gave me time to map out what I want to do with the story so now there's no where to go but forward :)
No tired, repetitive, daft reasons to stay behind here : P
Chapter 6
Since the Tardis wasn’t materializing any time soon, Rose changed into more comfortable clothing and was looking for something to nibble on in the kitchen. Standing in front of the almost bare cupboard (once she decided to stop being upset with the Doctor, Rose hoped the Tardis could visit the planet of Verios - they had such gorgeous biscuits there) in her cut-off denim shorts and long-sleeved gray shirt, Rose finally decided to make some popcorn. She leaned up on her tip-toes to grab the box from the top shelf.
She was busy reading the front of the box (extra butter - perfect) and didn’t notice the Doctor watching her from the doorway, silent as the night.
Freeing a packet and then popping it open, she let it lie on the plate in the microwave. Rose stood in front of it, watching its slow rotation, silent heat emanating from it. Then she felt, all of a sudden, like she was being watched. Quickly turning around to face the entrance to the room, she found…that it was empty.
Hmm, she wondered, just my imagination.
She turned to face the beeping microwave and all thoughts of being watched melted with the anticipation of the buttery goodness of her popcorn. Taking it out, careful not to burn her fingertips on the heat of the bag, she quickly found a bowl to empty it into.
Maybe the Doctor would like some popcorn.
He’s a little busy right now Rose.
Rose jumped, barely holding onto the bowl. A few kernels weren’t so lucky and found themselves on the floor.
Sorry.
She placed the bowl back on the counter.
That’s a’right, just startled me a bit. Hadn’t heard you in awhile.
Rose smiled and ran her hand smoothly across the counter. Even though she couldn’t ever possibly see it, she could feel the Tardis almost smile.
So, she continued, he’s a bit busy, yeah?
Just a bit.
Oh.
Bending down, she started picking up the lost kernels off the floor.
Thank you, Rose.
She smiled, No problem.
Throwing the bits in the rubbish bin, she straightened up and took her bowl with her as she moved to the opposite counter to grab a fizzy drink from the refrigerator.
A’right, well, good you told me - don’t want to bother him.
The Tardis felt a sad twinge to her thoughts. Before the magnificent machine could comment on it, Rose continued.
Is he okay?
The Tardis rumbled gently with warmth towards this one-of-a-kind human girl…woman, she corrected herself. Although Rose could hear the words in her mind, she still couldn’t fully grasp at the emotions that went along with it - though the Tardis figured she could feel it at times.
He’s fine Rose. Just has a lot of thinking to do.
Rose chuckled out loud, Because he doesn’t do that everyday?
The Tardis vibrated gently, her form of laughter.
She took her bounty and went to exit the room, walking in the direction of the library.
Think I’ll keep myself entertained for today. Can you let me know if he needs something?
The Tardis stilled.
Rose, he would let you know if he needs something. You know this, correct?
Aloud, Rose whispered as she continued walking down the hallway, hints of pain etched in her words, “I’m not sure…not anymore.”
After finally disappearing into the room, the entrance sealed up behind her, the Doctor stepped out from his room which was hidden in the darkness near the library. He hadn’t heard Rose until she passed by the room, her words, although spoken in an undertone, were loud enough for him to hear.
“I’m not sure…not anymore.”
He hadn’t heard Rose talking until those words were spoken, so he knew she wasn’t on the phone. The observation suddenly immobilized him.
You’ve been talking to Rose? he almost accused.
None of your business, Time Lord.
The Doctor slammed his fist against the doorway, his face set in a clench.
Tell me, he growled.
Rumbling, she demanded, DON’T do that again. I didn’t tolerate it when you were big-eared and I most surely won’t allow it when you’re big-gobbed.
Sorry, he thought…though it didn’t sound like he was. Still, the Tardis decided to give him the benefit of the doubt that he wouldn’t be doing that again.
She would simply desert herself in the middle of a pop-concert…see how much he liked that.
We’ve been talking.
Since when.
Silence.
Since when, he thought, a little louder.
You don’t want to know, Doctor.
Yes I do. You’re my ship and I have a right to know.
Silence, then…
You know…you really don’t. Have the right, I mean. You did steal me.
Oh, right.
Still. Please, tell me?
His thoughts were a lot softer towards her and he had retreated back into his room, closing the door. She knew he was worried and the wonder was making him all that more tired.
The Doctor sat on his bed…his hardly ever used bed, and waited.
Since Reinette.
He nearly choked on his breath.
What?
Well…it was five and a half hours, Doctor. Someone had to reassure her.
Oh.
What were you two talking about just now?
After a pause he added, I know that I have no right…but I’m sort of flying in uncharted and confusing territory right now…
She wanted to offer you popcorn.
The Doctor smiled at the affection his pink and yellow human always offered him…even when he knew he didn’t deserve it. Then, he suddenly frowned.
But…she didn’t come looking for me, she went to the library.
Yes.
Why?
Because I told her that you were busy.
Closing his eyes, frustration with his ship coursing through him, he didn’t even bother to ask again.
You’re not ready to speak to her Doctor.
Maybe she had a point, but still.
The more time he spent away from Rose, the more he wanted her near.
Soon enough, Doctor.
He sighed. I can go see her right now if I want to. Which he did.
And what, pray tell, will you be telling her?
He remained silent.
Exactly. There’s no other way but forward Doctor, and right now? You’re not ready. For some tired, repetitive, daft reason.
He sat up in his bed, his legs crossed in front of him.
“I miss her.” He meant that in every sense of the word. He missed her presence, always, but until very recently, he had begun to miss how she used to be. How they used to be.
Now just imagine how she felt, the Tardis thought to him before leaving his presence of mind, allowing him to think further.
***
A/N: I know I know, another chapter of dialogue. But seriously folks, I can't help it! Writing Tardis dialogue is so much fun :D Anyway, it gave me time to map out what I want to do with the story so now there's no where to go but forward :)
No tired, repetitive, daft reasons to stay behind here : P
Chapter 6