Constellation 07

[scienceandgod]

[Arthur sits at his desk, hunched slightly forward, his head resting somewhat on his hand. He's got a history book opened up in front of him, several more stacked around him. Its opened to one of the chapters regarding World War II.

His expression is hinted with confusion, sadness, and anger. But mostly, he just looks very tired. In his left hand is

Comments

[salvagestime]

[The Doctor ends up leaning against the desk, glancing down at the pages.]

Have you already read through them all?

[salvagestime]

[He shakes his head.] Oh, don't worry about it. I'm certainly not one to complain about returns. I've actually got more than a few libraries after me for late fees. [He pauses, tilting his head a little.] Are you going to be all right?

[scienceandgod]

[surprised] Oh, I'll be fine. Just...I'll be fine, in due time.

[salvagestime]

[He nods.] I really shouldn't have given you these but considering all the facts you were getting, there didn't seem to be much of a point. I thought it might be best if I could explain it a bit.

[scienceandgod]

......you don't have to teach me about everything, Doctor. It's okay. You shouldn't bother yourself with it so much.

[salvagestime]

I did give you the books, so it follows that I should take responsibility for that. It's not exactly a bother. Better than however you were finding out about it before.

[scienceandgod]

[Nods, hesitating for a moment] Would it be okay, if I hugged you? It's fine if not, I understand, but Winnie's not at home, and I can't really talk to her about this regardless, and I promise it would just be a quick thing-

[clears his throat, taking a step back] No, no, forget it. I'm sorry I asked.

[salvagestime]

[The Doctor blinks, a bit taken aback. Then he reaches out, catching Arthur's arm and tugging him into a hug.]

Something like this, I assume.

[scienceandgod]

[Arthur freezes a moment, surprised. Slowly he relaxes, and soon enough he's hugging the Doctor back, almost clinging]...I'm sorry about this.

[salvagestime]

[The Doctor just lets the hug continue.]

Oh, don't apologise for it. Really.

[scienceandgod]

[Arthur holds on for a moment longer, then slowly let's go of the Doctor, taking a step back again. He seems embarrassed, but not quite as down. Almost relieved, in fact]

[salvagestime]

[The Doctor smiles at him and just lets his hands slip into his pockets.]

Feel any better?

[scienceandgod]

[Nods] Thank you, for that.

[salvagestime]

I didn't mind at all, honestly. [Then a bit curious.] Your sister isn't at home?

[scienceandgod]

Not for the day, no. She came back from Germany some weeks before, but she's still been busy with the Friends Society.

Today, though, she's gone out to meet with a friend of hers, someone she met while in Belgium.

[salvagestime]

Oh! Oh yes, the relief efforts. That's good, that she made a friend. It must be nice to have her home.