A Whovian's Journal

Fic: Defying Reality

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 20:55:27 GMT

Title: Defying Reality
Fandom: Doctor Who
Rating: PG-13 so far.
Pairing: Jack/Rose
Spoilers: POtW/Christmas invasion
Characters: The Doctor (10), Jackie Tyler, Rose Tyler and Jack Harkness
Summary: A Tale of Captured moments, stolen kisses and a death-defying love that should not have been. This is the story of Captain Jack Harkness' damnation...

Night and day, you are the one,
Only you beneath the moon and under the sun,
Whether near to me or far,
It’s no matter, darling, where you are.
I think of you,
Night and day

- Cole Porter

The sting of silence almost deafened him. Without checking, he knew that he was the only living being on the Gamestation. He sat down on the floor, a wave of shock coursing through his body.

He could remember dying. He could remember his last words as an ancient war chant rang through his ears.

‘EXTERMINATE’

‘Yes, I thought you might.’

He could remember the ultimate darkness.

Acceptance wasn’t easy, for months he still bristled at the phantom sound of the TARDIS. It was when he’d finally made it back to Earth that he realised he was on his own.

1930’s France wasn’t exactly his desired location. He’d actually hoped for 51^st century Illinois. At least it was Earth - a start.

Sitting in a remote café on the second day of the acceptance of his abandonment, he thought about his predicament. He didn’t have anywhere to live, the night before he’d simply walked around the city. He didn’t have the TARDIS’s translator anymore and French wasn’t exactly his strong language.

He had no means of surviving and the stab of betrayal was still wrenching through his insides.

He sat up, took a deep breath and thought about Rose. He thought about the stolen moments he’d spent with her – the way she’d almost been seduced by his charm on that spaceship in 1941.

The kiss they’d shared before he’d gone to get himself killed. At that thought, Jack audibly chuckled. Death seemed so welcoming now.

If the Doctor hadn’t have stepped in, Rose would have most probably found her way into his bed months ago.

Stifling a sob, Jack remembered the happy times shared between the three of them. The sharp edge of reality sliced through his memories though as he remembered why he was sitting in 1930’s Paris.

He’d opened himself up to them and had been repaid by such betrayal the Devil himself would have spat.

Was that what he’d have to resort to now?

The Satan-worthy cons and schemes to get from one day to the next were fine when he was running from the Time Agency, but now he was running from something much greater.

Captain Jack Harkness was running from himself.

And that’s why birds do it,
Bees do it,
Even over educated fleas do it,
Let’s do it, Let’s fall in love.
In Spain the best upper sets do it,
Lithuanians and Lets do it,
Let’s do it, Lets fall in love!

- Cole Porter

“‘Ere, this thing’s safe, init?” Jackie Tyler screeched as she was thrown about the console room. Rose rolled her eyes. The Doctor stood at the controls, trying desperately not to throttle Jackie.

‘I owe this to Rose.’ He repeated to himself over and over.

It had been Rose’s idea, of course. Her mum had expressed a wish to go on holiday, yet there was no-where she really wanted to go. It was only a matter of time before Rose had Jackie interested in a week in Paris, any era she wanted.

When the Doctor had protested, Rose had given him that disgusted glare he had been receiving since his regeneration. The glare that said ‘It’s you’re fault Jack’s not here.’

In the commotion of his regeneration and the Sycorax Invasion, Rose hadn’t truly realised how dearly she missed Jack. Suddenly there was no flirtatious innuendo thrown at her from the moment she awoke to the moment she retired. There was no human companion to talk to when the Doctor’s wild excursions disturbed her.

Now there was no one who wanted her as a woman, not just another travelling companion.

Rose had laid into the Doctor when he was better and had as much as blamed him for Jack’s death. She’d given him the cold shoulder, barely acknowledging his presence and spending more time that required at home with her mum. Which is of course where she heard about her mother’s little desire.

At first, neither Jackie nor the Doctor agreed to the idea, Jackie replying with ‘what, and end up on Mars’ and the Doctor’s less imaginative ‘Over my dead body’ struck a chord with Rose.

<I> Didn’t he realise that at the moment she would have preferred that HE died on the Gamestation rather than Jack? </I>

At last, the Doctor had agreed to Rose’s idea. Soon after, Jackie had warmed to the idea and had chosen 1920’s Paris as her desired holiday destination.

The TARDIS landed roughly, throwing the three passengers across the cavernous room. As Jackie scrambled and yelled at the Doctor for ‘deliberately making her fall over’, Rose’s thoughts changed swiftly to the many memories of the TARDIS’s rough landings and finding herself on top of or underneath Jack. One night she’d asked him if he moved to be near her deliberately or if It was just coincidence. He’d told her that he couldn’t help it, if she was near someone with such a body, she’d jump to be near it as well.

She’d blushed at that and had muttered something incoherent about him having a better body.

After a quick trip to the TARDIS wardrobe, a task that wasn’t easy when Jackie Tyler was ooh-ing and ahh-ing at everything, the group assembled in the console room.

“Now, some ground rules…” the Doctor started.

Rose glared at him and he shuffled back toward the controls.

“C’mon, mum, let’s go and see gay Paris!” Rose led her mother towards the door and swung it open for her to see.

Despite the Doctor’s earlier reassurances that they would be arriving in summer, it was currently snowing in Paris.

“’ang on, Rosie, I’m gonna catch my death of cold out there. I’m gonna go and get a coat or sumfing.” And Jackie retreated back to the Wardrobe room.

Rose had already selected a reasonable enough coat from their first trip to the Wardrobe. Life with the Doctor had taught her not to trust his weather predictions, or his directions.

Rose stepped out into the night, snow flittering around her. As her foot made it’s first crunch in the crisp snow, she heard the Doctor shout something at her. Whipping around, she saw the TARDIS door slam shut and dematerialise.

Snow fell down like a blanket over the city he’d grown to loathe. He pulled his collar up to block out the frosty wind and walked sluggishly down the Champs-Elysées. Around him, the bustle of people overwhelmed. Looking back, he saw the Arc du triumph standing tall and proud, ahead was the Eiffel Tower, dominating the skyline with all of it’s regal glory. In 1000 years it would be gone. Melted down by the dictatorship of New Earth and made into armour.

Jack kicked a large amount of snow from his path, his frosty breath catching in the piercing cold. What he would give to be back in the TARDIS. He shook his head, ridding himself of his daunting wishes.

Turning the corner, Jack Harkness decided to get drunk.

xxx

Just before panic consumed her, Rose Tyler’s mobile phone bleeped cheerily in her coat pocket.

“Rose?” The Doctor’s voice practically screamed down the receiver.

“Doctor, what’s going on?”

“We’re trapped. The TARDIS has some sort of Virus…I don’t know how…” The Doctor’s voice trailed off until Jackie Tyler started screeching for dear life down the phone at her daughter.

“Rosie, sweetheart, are you alright?” Jackie gasped when she’d won the fight with the Doctor over the phone.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I think.” As much as Rose wanted to speak to her mum, she needed the Doctor to tell her what was going on.

There was a shouting match on the other end of the line and minutes later she heard the Doctor’s overly confident voice boom down the phone.

“The TARDIS is stuck in the Vortex. I can fix her to come and pick you up, but it could take a while. Rose, you may be in France for a while. I’m sorry.” The Doctor sounded genuinely sympathetic as he broke the news to her.

“What am I supposed to do?” Rose whined as fear crept into the pit of her stomach.

“Find a hotel, try and sleep…I’ll ring when the TARDIS is fixed. Until then, the Virus is blocking all transmission signals. We have ten seconds left of this conversation. I’m so sorry Rose….” The Doctor trailed off and static crackled down the phone. < ‘bugger’.

I saw you there one wonderful day
You took my heart and threw it away
That’s why I ask the Lord in Heaven above
What is this thing called Love?

- Cole Porter

As it turned out, The Eiffel tower was even more beautiful with snow drifting around it. Walking through the scenic streets, Rose tried hard not to think about the little problem of her recent abandonment. The skirt of her dress was practically soaked as she shuffled up a rather busy street. Music and light drifted from a large building on her right, the Snow being propelled brilliantly by the large red windmill on the top.

Rose thought momentarily about going into the Moulin Rouge but changed her mind quickly when she saw the crowds it had attracted. A particularly rowdy customer was being thrown out by what Rose presumed to be the guards. There was something vaguely familiar about him as he verbally abused the guards with crude French and an even cruder American accent.

Rose’s jaw dropped as she realised that Captain Jack Harkness was standing right in front of her. It couldn’t be her Jack, she concluded. Her Jack was dead. This must be Jack before he came travelling with her and the Doctor.

He shot his head around and caught her eye. It couldn’t be her.

He all but gasped as he took in the patchy blonde hair, the large eyes and the full lips.

She caught him staring.

“Je suis desolee.” He slurred. “ You look like someone I used to know.” He’d given up on the whole ‘Speaking French’ lark and had taken to shouting if people didn’t understand his patchy French the first time.

“Jack?” She moved closer. < 'No' She thought 'Jack's dead.’

Yet recognition flooded his face as emotions poured into his very being.

“Rose Tyler. Did I mention that you were worth fighting for?” He flashed her a tired grin and no more evidence was needed for Rose Tyler to believe that it was him.

Without thinking her actions through, she moved froward and flung her arms around him. A gesture, she was glad to know, he returned.

‘The night is young,
The skies are clear,
So if you want to come walking dear,
It’s delightful,
It’s delicious,
It’s De-Lovely!’

- Cole Porter

They ended up walking around the back streets of Paris for the rest of the evening. Small talk was exchanged, ‘how are you’ ‘what have you been up to?’ ‘Why did you leave me for dead on a space station?’…

Rose looked up at him, noting the pain that was engraved into his face.

“I thought you were dead. I thought that you’d been killed by a Dalek. I wanted the Doctor to go back and look for your body but with the commotion of his immediate regeneration…” Jack signalled for Rose to stop talking.

“What do you mean ‘Regeneration’?” He asked.

“Uh…He changed his…body… and his personality. It’s his death cheat.” She stuttered. The truth was that she hadn’t really spent much time asking the Doctor what had happened after the Game station. Now she might not even be able to ask him ever again.

Jack slid an arm around her shoulders, blocking the drifting snow from settling on her frame. They walked a little more through the freezing city, exchanging tales of what had happened since they’d been parted.

“So, There I was, a Cancan girl on each arm and a Bartender in tow when this lot’s equivalent to the police turn up…” Jack chuckled at the memory, grinning broadly when he saw Rose laugh and smile fondly. Her gaze stayed on him for longer than he’d anticipated and he suddenly felt embarrassed. Not an emotion Jack Harkness usually succumbed to.

“What…? Do I have something on my face?” He asked. He turned towards her and grinned again as she subtly slid her hand into his.

“God I’ve missed you.” She whispered. He wrapped an arm around her, protecting her from the cold.

It was then of course, that he noticed her clothes.

“What ARE you wearing?” he asked. Rose looked down at her dress.

“What’s wrong with this?” She asked her features riddled with confusion. Jack merely laughed again.

“ Babe, you’re outfit’s ten years out of date – this is the thirties!” She groaned at his announcement.

“The Doctor said that this was the twenties…” She trailed off as she suddenly remembered the Doctor, stuck in the Vortex.

“He’ll be ok, won't he?” Rose asked. She knew that jack could never answer her question, but she wanted reassurance.

“Course he will. He’s the Doctor…and besides, he’s not gonna bugger off while he has your mother in tow is he?” Rose merely shivered, her initial shock of seeing Jack again worn off. The emptiness of abandonment crept upon her again. ‘How must Jack have felt?’ She shivered again, the cold suddenly exceptionally unbearable.

Noticing Rose’s second shiver, Jack wrapped his arm around her once more.

“There’s a hotel I’ve been staying in that’s not too far from here. You’re frozen and need to rest, come on.” Rose needed no other encouragement. She gladly took his arm as he escorted her once again through the snow-covered streets of Paris.

‘After you, who?
Could supply my sky of blue?
After you, who?
Could I love?
After you, why?
Should I take the time to try?
For who else could qualify,
After you?’

-Cole Porter

Rose hadn’t expected the Ritz, but that’s what she got. Why did she expect any less from Jack? He explained to her that he wanted somewhere…comfortable to stay during his ‘temporary’ time in Paris. He didn’t answer her when she asked him how he’d managed to stay here with no money and no identification. Scared that he’d sunk back into his conman ways, Rose searched his face for reassurance. What she saw instead was the dead hollow of secrets and far too many memories. Seeing his expression, she decided to keep her opinions to herself.

Jack placed a hand on Rose’s back and guided her across the lobby towards the main reception desk where a pretty girl no older than Rose sat sorting keys. She looked up immediately when Jack’s shadow rolled across her.

A broad smile stretched across her features.

“Bonsoir, Monsieur Harkness.” She said as she reached for his key.

“Bonsoir Mathilde.” Jack replied. Rose briefly wondered how long Jack had been staying at the Ritz. “Any messages for me?” he asked.

“Ah, yes. Monsieur. There was one.” She disappeared down under the desk, obviously trying to retrieve the message from the piles of neatly stacked papers Rose could see.

“I like her.” He whispered. “She speaks English”

He shuffled back when the receptionist came back with a piece of A3 paper.

“There you go, Monsieur.” She handed over the note. Jack smiled his trademark grin and leaned over to her.

“How many times, Mathilde? Call me Jack.” She blushed slightly, but recomposed herself when she noticed Rose. She handed over Jack’s key and smiled once more.

“Will you be needing extra blankets, Jacques?” she asked with fake sweetness. Jack looked puzzled for a moment then suddenly nodded.

“Yes. Extra blankets will be needed…and a pillow.” He glanced at Rose.

“I’ll sleep on the couch.” He whispered. Before Rose could question him, he’d spun around and headed off towards the lifts.

“This isn’t a hotel room.” Rose gawped. “This is a LOT of hotel rooms.” Jack smiled as he took Rose’s drenched coat.

“Care for the guided tour?” He asked, extending an arm for Rose to take. Aside from the TARDIS, Jack’s suite was one of the most luxurious forms of accommodation Rose could ever think of. Fine ‘30’s antiques filled the room.

‘Well of course they do, you idiot, It’s the thirties. What did you expect?’ Rose scalded herself. She watched as Jack made up a bed on the couch. On one of the many couches.

“I’ll take the couch. This is your suite, Jack” Rose insisted. Jack merely gave her a tired look and moved towards her.

“Rose…just take the bed, ok? I insist.” He started at her with such intensity that all she could was nod. She said goodnight and made her way to the bedroom Jack had earlier shown her. She heard Jack move behind her.

‘ Jack.’

She was here. In the hotel suite of the man she thought to be dead. The man she loved. ‘No. Stop it, Rose. You’re just in shock…the only man you love is the Doctor.’

But her train of thought still didn’t stop her from spinning around, grabbing Jack off guard and placing a passion filled kiss onto his lips. She’d pulled away before he could respond properly. Breathless, Rose looked Jack confidently in the eye.

“That was to say thank you. And goodnight.” She smiled and exited the room.

‘In the Still of the night,
As I gaze from my window,
A t the moon in its flight,
My thoughts all stray to you,
In the still of the night,
While the world is in slumber
Oh the times without number when I say to you
Do you love me? As I love you?
Are you my life to be my dream come true?’

-Cole Porter

The light of dawn glowed like a purple blanket around the Parisian skyline. Captain Jack Harkness sat on his balcony, observing the serenity of the city. From great heights, he felt safe – as though he could keep an eye on the world while it slumbered. Usually he liked to sit out here while the girl he’d sought refuge in the night before slept soundly in his double bed. That morning, though, the girl in his bed was Rose Tyler. The Rose Tyler that had haunted his dreams since he’d caught her from that damned barrage balloon. Sometimes for a few brief seconds, he wished he’d never caught her. He wished that he’d gone with Algy down to the shelters and had a normal evening and later, a night of normal, casual sex. Sometimes he wished that he’d never even met the Doctor. He’s always been better off as a coward. Coward… Was that all he was? A coward who hid in a delusion of fantasies?

He always ended up cursing himself after his thoughts ventured to such drastic betrayal. That night was no different – and as he looked at Rose in his bed, he could see that he had bigger problems to deal with.

“Dammit Doctor, where are you?” His voice rang out into the night’s sky, bouncing through the emptiness. Cradling his head in his arms, he let out a sob. The truth of the matter was; he loathed the woman he loved.

xxx

Rose awoke to find a maid clattering around in the living room. She was dressed in what Rose thought of as the ‘correct’ attire for a French maid. She blushed wildly at seeing Rose and started apologising enthusiastically.

“Je suis Desolee!” She began, however Rose abruptly stopped her, a sudden realisation hitting her. The TARDIS connection was broken. She couldn’t translate the maid’s French anymore…

She glanced over to the sofa where an outfit had been laid out. A note attached confirmed that it was from Jack.

‘When did he get the time to buy this?’ < She thought. She quickly scanned through the rest of the note, learning that not only did she have a new outfit, but she also had her own hotel room.

Smiling at the maid, she picked up the dress and went back to Jack’s room to get changed. She placed the carefully pieced together outfit onto the bed and took a good look at the styles of 1930’s Paris. A dark red, knee-length day dress made of some fine material lay underneath a mink coat.

Trying the coat on, Rose realised that Jack had spared no expense.

‘But where did he get the money?’ She thought as suspicion filled her. Taking off the dress she’d worn and had slept in yesterday, Rose felt something heavy bash against her thigh. Looking down, she saw that her mobile had fallen out of the pocket that the TARDIS had very kindly ensured was inside the coat she’d chosen. ‘My only link to the Doctor…’

Rose sagged down to the floor as every emotion that had numbed the previous night when she’d met Jack again rushed back to her. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she buried her head in the mink coat, unable to face her abandonment.

Fic: Lingerie and Latte's

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 23:49:33 GMT

Title: Lingerie and Latte's
Author: me
Fandom: Dr Who
Pairing: Ten/Rose
Rating PG-13 to 15
Summary: The Doctor lets Rose do something that she wants, after he makes her fight alone in a battle.

Agent Provocateur

The Doctor had forced Rose to fight. She had been scared and alone. He’d put the Sonic screwdriver in her hand and told her ‘to quickly fight them off’.
She knew he had to face the bigger threat, but she was still scared. He hadn’t returned when the others did.
She waited five and a half hours for him. She remembered what he’d said after returning from the fireplace.
“Five and a half hours. Always wait five and a half hours!”
He’d returned and they went off again, into the stars. He knew how brave she’d been. He knew how scared she’d been. That’s why he knew he had to do something that she’d love. Something that he despised. Something he would have to sacrifice an afternoon of his Tenth life to participate in.
He was letting Rose drag him shopping.

“Yes, Rose. You can go anywhere.” The Doctor repeated to a stunned Rose.
“You mean, I just name where I want to go, and you’ll take me?”
“Yup” He flashed her a grin.
Rose stood and thought for a moment. Then she walked around the TARDIS console, to where the Doctor was bashing the panel with his little hammer.
“I wanna go to 2006. Not to my mum’s, but to the largest shopping mall in Britain.” Rose said softly into his ear.
He looked puzzled for a moment.
“Birmingham Bullring.” Rose giggled at his blank expression.
“There’s something that I want from there.”
“Oh. Well you deserve it, and if that’s where you want to go, then that is where we shall go.” The Doctor grinned and set the co-ordinates.
‘ Brilliant.’ Rose thought ‘ He won’t know what hit him!’

The TARDIS landed in the exact place requested, much to Rose’s amazement, she was half expecting to be a couple of years out.
The Doctor was grumbling as they walked through the crowded ground floor of the mall and started to look wistfully in the direction of the TARDIS.
“The old girl needs some repairs done, I could just….” The Doctor was cut off as Rose put her finger on his lips.
“No. I didn’t want to be left to fight. I knew I had to though. You don’t want to traipse around the shops, but the same thing applies. You have to!”
“Yes. Ma’am.” The Doctor grumbled as she turned around and headed in the general direction of Topshop.

An hour and a half later, Rose still hadn’t bought anything. The Doctor was getting even more restless now and had even started commenting on the motor chairs for the elderly saying,
“By the year 5000, one of those will have broken the Land Speed record. It’s 2006 now. The latest Land Speed record was broken by…”
The Doctor started to think hard, his brow furrowing in a way Rose thought most cute.
“Oh, yes, The JCB Dieselmax. Rose, did you know that the chassis for that car was built by the English Engineering Company QM Engineering…” He trailed off as a few people turned around to look at him as though he were mentally ill.
Rose wasn’t listening; her attention had been directed to a shop in the far corner of their current level.
She led the way through the crowds of people to the small discount shop, knowing that she wouldn’t buy anything there, but wanting to get the Doctor nervous.
“Rose, have you found what you wanted?” The Doctor sighed, stuffing his hands into his pockets and walking along beside her.
“Yeah, they might have what I’m looking for in this shop.” Rose lied.
The Doctor’s hearts genuinely stopped as he looked at the shop Rose had just entered. It’s name was the ‘Knickerbox’. The Doctor stared in dismay as Rose looked through the pile of discount undies.
She left the shop after five minutes and greeted the Doctor with a smile.
“Nah, nothing there. Come on, I want to go to the Selfridges make up counters.”
Still speechless and more that a little worried, The Doctor followed Rose to the Selfridges make up counter.

“Doctor are you listening to me?” Rose asked the obviously troubled Time Lord next to her.
“What? Yeah, Yeah” said the obviously troubled Time Lord next to her.
“What did I say then?” Rose turned around to face him. ‘My plan’s working!’
“Umm, something to do with bananas?”
“You wish.” Rose smirked to herself. She tried a tester on the back of her hand.
“Oh. I remember something I need!” Rose declared, leading the Doctor over to another kiosk. She smiled when he looked hopeful.
“Eight Hour Cream by Elizabeth Arden. I’ve just run out.”
“Is that what you wanted all along?” The Doctor grinned.
“Nope.” She saw his face drop and laughed.

Half an hour later, Rose was dragging the Doctor up the escalator, standing a little too close to him as she did. They eventually reached the top floor of Selfridges filled with designer shoes and handbags.
Rose winked at the Doctor and led him to a corner of the large floor, to a separate little department.
The Doctor gulped and all colour drained from his face as he read the sign above the doorway in which Rose was now standing. It said Agent Provocateur.
“What’s this?” The Doctor asked meekly. Rose raised an eyebrow.
“A Lingerie shop, Doctor. Surely even you knew that.”
“Yes. I know what it is, but why are you…. we here?”
“I wanted some new Lingerie. I needed you to come with me.”
“Why?”
“Because if I get my way, you’ll be the one looking at me in it.”
The Doctor’s mouth dropped open in a most unattractive fashion. He looked dazed and felt it too.
“You, Doctor, will be the one taking it off.” She gave him an inviting and provocative wink and entered the shop.
The Doctor just stood there, all comprehension of the world around him gone.
When a shop assistant came over and asked him if he was alright, he turned around and said,
“She wants me. She actually wants me.” He left the shop assistant looking bemused as he followed Rose into the Lingerie shop.

Rose was starting to get worried as she absently flicked through the racks of erotic undergarments. ‘Had she made a terrible mistake? Didn’t the Doctor want her?’
Her mind was put to rest as a husky voice whispered in her ear.
“So, I’m gonna be taking them off then am I? Well, I most certainly am looking forward to that.” The Doctor put his hands around her waist and turned his attention to the underwear before him.
Rose felt as though all of her birthdays had come at once.

The Doctor and Rose walked silently through the mall, on their way back to the TARDIS. They didn’t hold hands, but they weren’t angry. On the contrary, The Doctor was just worried that if he even came in contact with her at that moment, he wouldn’t be able to trust himself not to take her right in the middle of The 2nd floor.

Rose broke their silence abruptly.
“Wanna go for a coffee?”
The Doctor sighed.
“Yeah. Okay. Not too long though.” He smiled at her, and she smiled back.
The Doctor and Rose went for coffee, the images of Rose in a corset dancing through the Doctor’s mind.

Fic: Appearances can be decieving

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 23:33:01 GMT

Title: Appearances can be deceiving
Author: me
Rating: PG
Fandom: Doctor Who
Summary: The sequel to Keeping up Appearances . Rose finds that appearances are not always correct.

A funeral wasn’t enough for Jackie Tyler; she had to have an engagement as well. Only five hours after the funeral of Robbie Prentice, Jackie’s brother, Jackie had announced that The Doctor and Rose were engaged. Now, as they sat in the kitchen of Jackie’s council flat, Jackie explained why she had said such truly strange things earlier.
“It’s not enough that you said the Doctor and I are together, but to say that we’re ENGAGED?!” Rose was pacing the lino, looking up now and again to see the Doctor, standing awkwardly in the corner of the room, staring distantly into space, an untouched cup of tea in his right hand.
“I’m sorry love, but your grandmother wasn’t giving me much choice. The old bag was starting to say awful things about you.” Jackie sighed. Rose shushed her mum and closed the door.
“She’s in the other room you know.”
Jackie sighed again. The Doctor still hadn’t said a word. Rose exhaled loudly.
“What are we going to do?” Just then, Rose’s grandmother walked into the room.
“I have decided. To take my mind temporarily away from my grief, I will organise an engagement party for Rose and John. i was thinking that I could even organise the Wedding!”
At this the Doctor dropped his teacup, spilling the contents across Jackie’s kitchen floor.
“Well, John. You’ll have to be more careful when you and Rose have a home of your own.”
“WEDDING? No one said anything about a WEDDING!” Rose could tell that the Doctor was panicking. Rose’s grandmother laughed.
“Well, you can’t be engaged if you’re not going to get married. Come to think of it. Rose, I think I’m going to give you my engagement ring.”
Rose looked stunned.
“No! I don’t want any arguments. My mind is made up. Jackie I think I’m going to bed. I’ll be using your room of course. Goodnight!”
With that, Grandma Prentice walked out of the Kitchen, leaving three very stunned people behind her.
“Wedding…” the Doctor repeated.
“MUM! You can’t let this happen!” Rose was close to tears.
“I don’t think that I can do anything. You know I’ve never had any effect on my mum. It was always Robbie…” Jackie sobbed a little, a few tears rolling down her cheeks and smudging her mascara.
“Wedding…” The Doctor seemed to be somewhat in a state of shock.
Rose glared at her mother.
“I’ll sort this out in the morning.”

Breakfast the next morning was silent. The only noises to be heard were those made by Grandma Prentice chewing. ‘Those dentures’ Rose thought ‘more trouble than they’re worth.’
After breakfast The Doctor and Jackie were told to leave the kitchen by Rose, who was working up to confronting her grandmother.
“You’ll only put me off.” She’d said.
As soon as they’d left the room she braced herself. ‘This is it! I CAN do this!’ Ever since she was a little girl, she’d been scared of grandma Prentice. She had made up stories with her teddies that included Grandma Prentice coming to eat them. She felt like that now. She felt like she was a lonely old Teddy bear that had been left behind and could now hear the sound of the predator Grandmother coming to eat her up.
“You’ve been awfully quite dear. Is something on your mind?” Grandma Prentice attempted a smile, flashing her dentures in a way reminiscent of the wolf grandma in Little Red Riding hood.
“Grandma, there’s something I need to tell you.” Rose held her tongue. She’d come this far she couldn’t turn back now.
“TheDoctorandiarenttogether.Wenevergotengaged, mummadeitallup.”
“What?” Rose sighed. She knew she’d said everything quickly, however she didn’t know it was inaudible.
“Who’s the Doctor?”
“Oh. John. THERE’S NOT GOING TO BE A WEDDING! MUM MADE IT ALL UP!” Blood rushed to Rose’s brain. She had only just realised that she was shouting.
“Well.” Grandma Prentice said, a look of sheer disappointment in her eyes.
“You LIED to me! A woman who has just lost her son, a woman who is struck by grief and despair, who had put all of her trust and happiness in her granddaughter’s wedding, only to have it ripped away from her, a woman who…”
“Oh give over!” Rose interrupted her grandmother, “That’s not you! Don’t make me feel bad! I’ve lost someone too you know! And you know what? You can try and be nicer to my mum! She’s a widow, her brother and father are dead and she has YOU sticking your poisonous little Denture filled mouth in!”
“And that kiss last night? That kiss between you and John? What was that all about?”
“We were just keeping up appearances.”

Later, in the safety of the TARDIS, The Doctor and Rose discussed what had happened.
“Your mother had me folding washing!” The Doctor moaned, when Rose had asked what he’d done when she’d made him vacate the room. “And hovering!” The latter, Rose didn’t believe.
“I was thinking…”
“Oh No. Now what are you going to do? Take over morocco?” The Doctor teased.
“It’s true. People can pretend as much as they want. They can deny what they are really feeling. Appearances are deceiving. You’ve got to look further to see what doesn’t always appear.”
“And?” The Doctor asked, now a little bit worried.
“And I’m tired. I’m going to bed.” Rose got up and winked at the Doctor.
Now he was in trouble. After all, he knew what she was implying, but Appearances can be deceiving.

Fic: Keeping up Appearances

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 23:26:30 GMT

Title: Keeping up Appearances
Author: me
Fandom: Doctor Who
Rating: PG
Pairing: Ten/Rose
Summary: When Rose has to go home due to a family emergency, she pursuades the Doctor to come with her.

“Mum, slow down!” Rose Tyler said worriedly into the phone.
“Mum, it’s okay, tell me what’s wrong. “ Rose gasped and let out a sob. “No! NO! How? That’s terrible. Oh my god. No!”
The Doctor looked up to see his young female assistant ‘companion, she prefers companion’, crying down the phone. She hung up shakily and sank down on the floor.
“Rose?” apparent concern flooded the Time Lord’s face. Rose looked up and felt a wash of comfort as she saw the worried puppy-dog look in the Doctor’s brown eyes.
“My…um…” She sobbed again, tears rolling down her cheeks.
“My uncle has just died. He was like a dad to me. ‘e were always there when I needed ‘im. He is…. was me mum’s brother. I need to go back for the funeral. Mum needs me.”
“I understand Rose.” A look of sympathy was in his eyes that Rose knew was only surface deep. She was touched all the same; he was trying, after all.
“Would you, please, well, come with me?” She asked hopefully.
“To the FUNERAL?!” The Doctor spat. He looked into Rose’s eyes and saw a deep pain. The pain of loss.
“Okay.” He sighed. He knew this wasn’t going to be a pleasurable experience.

The friends and family of Robbie Prentice stood around the graveside. Everyone there recognised each other. There was Jackie; weeping her eyes out next to her was Rose. Then there was Robbie’s girlfriend Cheryl. Besides her were aunt Doris and aunt Anna. Next to them were Robbie’s mother and Robbie’s uncle, Bill. Next to them were various friends and acquaintances of Robbie including his boss, Mr Townsend, Rose’s friend Shareen and her family, and various aunts and cousins. They all formed a circle around his grave. Yes, everyone knew one another, except, for the dark haired stranger standing next to Rose. Seeing as he was unknown to the crowds, he was assumed to be the ‘new bloke’ Jackie had said Rose had found herself.
When the congregation moved to go back to Jackie’s flat, many of the old women, who had moments earlier been distraught with grief, were now deliriously happy to have something new to gossip about.

Back at Jackie’s flat, Shareen waited until Rose was alone before she pounced.
“Come on then.”
“What?” Rose asked with a truthful innocence.
“Come on then tell me, who’s the hot guy?”
“Oh.” Rose knew who she was talking about, but wanted to annoy her friend first.
“That’s my uncle Gerald. A dear for 85, a party animal when he’s got his walking stick.”
“Very funny Rose. I mean the Cutie you’ve been around all day. The tall dark and handsome one!”
“Oh. Then you probably mean the Doctor. Um, Dr John Smith, that is.”
“Oh.” Shareen smiled. “So you’re dating him?”
Before Rose could respond, The Doctor walked into the room.
“Rose, it turns out that your mum has told everyone that you and I are an item!” The Doctor looked outraged, but a twinkle in his eyes told Rose otherwise.
“So you’re not together then?” Shareen asked.
“No, we are. We just didn’t want anyone to know.” Rose quickly led the Doctor outside, leaving a confused Shareen in the kitchen.

An equally confused Doctor followed Rose to her bedroom.
“WHAT?” he gawped at her.
“I’m sorry, but come on! My mum hates you! She would never say that we were together unless she had a very good reason.” Rose couldn’t figure out what it was though.
The Doctor mumbled something in response.
“So could you please play along? Just for today, then we’ll get an answer from my mum.” She looked at him, a look of pleading in her eyes. His hearts each did a little somersault, he was secretly rather tempted by this idea. ‘Cant let feelings like that leak out. Have to try harder to suppress them.’
“Okay. S’pose” he tried to sound as though she’d talked him round, but she could tell by the look in his eyes that he didn’t think it was a devastating problem.

Rose and The Doctor walked back out into the kitchen to find Jackie and Shareen there talking to a group of old ladies.
“Ah, Rose, love there you are. I was just telling this lot about you and John. I was telling them about how you met.” Jackie looked guiltily at her daughter.
“Oh Jackie, do tell all. I’m sure everyone’s craving to find out.” The Doctor said, a sarcastic flare in his tone.
“Yes, well as I was saying,” she turned back to the old ladies who were scanning the Doctor, their eyes filled with suspicion, “Rose met John at that department store she worked at, he took her away and they’ve been travelling ever since.”
“Travelling?” Aunt Doris interrupted
“Yeah, Travelling. All over the place. Yeah.” Rose stammered.
“He’s a little OLD for you Rose.” Rose’s grandmother glared at the Doctor. “You’re only nineteen. Jackie, I’m ashamed of you letting Rose go around with a man old enough, daresay, to be her father!”
‘I’m old enough to be her great, great, great, great, great, great, great…’
The Doctor’s thoughts were interrupted when Rose’s grandmother started crying uncontrollably.
“Robbie wouldn’t let her do a thing like that!”
The Doctor looked at the bizarre and slightly over dramatic scene in front of him. The old women now started to blubber and well up. Rose looked at the Doctor and tried to stifle a laugh when the women retreated back to the living room. Rose smiled.
“All that stuff mum said, it sort of sounds nice. Normal.”
“You wish it had been like that?”
Rose thought for a moment. She shook her head.
“I much prefer being chased by monsters and finding new planets with you!”
This made the Doctor smile. His smile quickly evaporated when an elderly man came into the room.
“John, I’ve come in here to congratulate you and Rose on your engagement. I’m sure you’ll make an honest woman out of her.”
The Doctor turned around dazed.
“What?” the man gifted with words finally managed to say.
“I dunno.” Rose looked worried.

They walked into the living room to find everyone greeting them with smiles.
“Well, I thought it was a little impractical, Jackie telling us about your engagement at a funeral, but congratulations all the same.” Rose’s grandmother smiled.
A chorus of congratulations filled the room.
The Doctor looked back at Rose.
“We’ll question Jackie about this tomorrow,” He whispered.
Then he kissed her. A kiss that she returned. The feelings that she had so purposefully suppressed were let out, all mingling into that one kiss. When they broke away, it took Rose a minute to clear her mind.
“What was that for?” She whispered.
“Well, I thought for today, we need to be keeping up appearances.”

Fic: A Secret and a Gothic Castle

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 23:23:18 GMT

Title: A Secret and a Gothic Castle
Author: Me
Pairings: Ten/Rose
Rating: PG-13
Fandom: Doctor Who
Summary: The Château Rose, a romantic castle on the planet Rose. The Doctor swears to Rose that the only reason he brought her here was because of the name. However, when strange things that bring the Doctor and Rose closer together start happening, Rose wonders if the Doctor's as innocent as he makes out to be... and what is in that forest?

Sight seeing

“Where are we?” Rose Tyler moaned. The Doctor had covered her eyes with his tie and was leading her out of the TARDIS.
“It’s a surprise!”
“What type of surprise? A ‘hooray! We’re at Disneyland’ surprise or a ‘run for your life from the alien’ surprise?” Rose giggled.
“Well, I always thought Mickey Mouse was an alien, Donald too…” The Doctor turned her around. A light breeze ran through her hair. The Doctor slowly, teasingly undid the tie.
“Oh my God! Doctor it’s beautiful!” Rose looked at the vast landscape in front of her. To her right, a forest spread around, pink trees moving slightly with the wind. To her left, a large stone castle with gothic turrets and windows loomed. Straight ahead of her, a beach with light golden -pink sand stretched out, meeting sea, which was reflecting pink from the sky. Wispy pink clouds drifted above.
“I remembered that you liked pink.” The Doctor grinned wildly. Seeing Rose this happy made him feel good. She grinned and gave him a quick hug.
“What’s this in aid of then?” Rose asked with a mischievous glimmer in her eye.
“Well, I thought, as you’ve done so well with saving planets and defeating monsters that I thought you could do with a little break. I thought this was the perfect place for you. The native language is French.”
“French? As in from France? On Earth?”
“Yup.”
“Well what’s this place called?” Rose was a little confused.
“Look around you. Everything’s pink. Your favourite colour. The French for pink is….”
“Erm…”
“Rose. This planet is called Rose.” The Doctor’s grin widened as Rose threw her arms around him.
“Okay.” He turned her around and pointed to the castle. “ That is Château rose. We’ll be staying there in the lap of Luxury. Actually, we wont. I know Luxury, he lives around San Francisco, not actually gonna be sitting in his lap even if….”
“Doctor!” Rose interrupted, “ You’re rambling.”
“Am I? Oh sorry. I’ll shut up then.”
‘Thank You!’
The Château rose was a black stoned gothic castle, with pink interiors and furnishings. The Doctor and Rose were greeted as they came in by a Young man and a young woman, dressed in Red uniforms. A very small reception desk stood in the middle of the plush, pink and red lobby. A sweet rose smell filled the air. The Castle reminded Rose of a backdrop for a sexual scene in a movie. She briefly wondered if that’s why the Doctor had brought her here. Blushing wildly she suppressed the thought. A strange feeling had entered the pit of her stomach. That COULDN’T have been the reason. Could it?
“Bonjour, welcome to the Château rose. May I have your names sir?” The male attendant asked, checking a pink book on the desk.
“Uh, yes. I think I booked under The Doctor.” The Doctor sighed. Things like this were always a problem.
“Doctor Van Daan?”
“No just the Doctor.” The attendant turned the book around to find his name. “Here we go. The Doctor.” The attendant turned around again.
“I noticed when I was looking through the book that Luxury’s staying here. I must go and say hi…” Rose gave the Doctor a playful punch in the arm.
“Ah Doctor. Here you go two rooms on the third floor. I haven’t got your, well, friend’s name,.” The attendant handed over two keys and indicated for Rose to sign the book.
“ Rose Tyler. Enjoy your stay.” The attendant smiled. The Doctor indicated for Rose to go on and get the lift, he needed to sign some documents. When she had gone to the separate lift area, he turned back to the Attendant.
“Remember, the fresh flowers, the aphrodisiac perfumes and tomorrow night, the unfortunate room mix up.” The Doctor grinned mischievously and walked over to meet Rose.

The rooms weren’t much different from the lobby. A plush double bed covered in a red duvet and pink pillows filled the centre of the room. A selection of Dark Mahogany furniture completed the room’s intense look. These included a wardrobe, a desk and a chest of drawers. A Red couch filled the corner of the room, nearest the bathroom. A mini bar stood next to the desk. Rose couldn’t help herself but have a peek inside. The Top shelf was lined with fruits and chocolates, the next shelf held two bottles of champagne, the bottom shelf held normal snack foods like peanuts and crisps. Rose noted that a box of Jam Doughnuts was also present. She closed the fridge and decided to take a shower. She had promised to meet up with the Doctor at the restaurant. She had reminded him that she had no clothes to change into, but she was assured that something would be in her wardrobe.
The bathroom was made completely of pink marble. A low sunk bath filled one corner and a deluxe shower dominated the other corner. Fresh pink towels were hung up on the towel rail. This hotel, Rose decided, she would like.

Half an hour later, Rose Tyler emerged from the bathroom, clad only in a fluffy towel, to find her jeans and hooded top from earlier, gone. In their place was a Black evening gown with pink details and lace. Simple Black high-heeled shoes completed the stunning outfit. Rose quickly dressed and pinned her hair up. On the desk, was a selection of make up, all of which Rose tried. A pale pink lipstick and a dark smoky eye shadow soon became her favourites. Next to the make up was a curious bottle of perfume. She tested it once into the air to try it. It was the sweetest smelling perfume Rose had ever come across. She soon sprayed on a generous amount and headed for the door.

The Restaurant area of The Château rose was large and spacious. Each table was in it’s own little area, surrounded by walls. The architecture made it look like a pink maze. An attendant took Rose to her table. Rose wasn’t surprised when she saw that The Doctor was already there. He was dressed in a tuxedo that made Rose automatically think of James Bond. Complementary Champagne came with the meal and Rose felt thoroughly happy. For dessert, a fondue set came, filled with melted Chocolate and served with bowls of Strawberries. Rose let the Doctor feed her one. They both instantly felt foolish and wondered what had come over them.
Rose returned to her room to find a black lacy nighty-type thing laid out on her bed. She instantly blushed and wondered if this hotel had many single people staying. She returned from the bathroom fifteen minutes later to find the dress shoes and make up gone. All that remained from the evening’s attire was the perfume.

The next morning, Rose awoke to find a light pink dress hanging in her wardrobe. She spent the day at the spa, leaving the Doctor to track down Luxury, (he wasn’t kidding when he said that he was staying here. How the Doctor knew these people, Rose didn’t know). After massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, Rose felt truly at ease with the world. In The late afternoon, she and the Doctor took a walk along the seashore, watching the amazing sunset. ‘I don’t know what it is, but I feel different, I have the urge to kiss the Doctor senseless! I feel like my mind has been wiped and all of the problems I used to face have disappeared!’ Rose started giggling uncontrollably. The Doctor noticed this and made a funny face, causing Rose to truly appreciate the intensity of his brown eyes.

They returned to the hotel and asked the attendant for the keys. The attendant handed over the Doctor’s key, but not Rose’s.
“Wait a minute, where’s my key?” Rose demanded. The attendant checked his book.
“Miss Tyler, I’m afraid there seems to have been a mistake. Someone else has taken your room. We seem to have, for some reason marked you in our book as checked out. Rose grabbed the book.
“That can easily be sorted” The Doctor smiled, “Are there any rooms available at the moment?”
“I’m afraid not, sir, we’re all booked up.” the attendant looked truly sorry.
“What am I going to do?” Rose asked, panic striking her voice.
“Unless” she started.
“Unless, what?” The Doctor asked, his grin now completely gone.
“No, it’s silly, it’s well, I was wondering, maybe I could go in with you, you know on your couch.” She winced, hoping her words sounded better aloud than they did in her head.
“Of course. Can’t let you sleep out here. Well, I could make some arrangements, and you really could sleep in the lap of Luxury! I’m sure he wouldn’t mind!” The Doctor’s grin reappeared. His dirty little plan was working. He now had Rose in his room all night.
“Um, no, I don’t think so.” Rose replied.
“Oh. Luxury will be so disappointed.”
‘One night with the Doctor. Won’t be too bad. Just got to keep that little desire to myself, that’s all.’
The Doctor and Rose walked to the pink lifts. As the doors slid shut Rose knew this want going to be an easy thing to do.

tbc

Playing a little game

The Doctor’s room was different to Rose’s. The walls were dark and there was no pink to be seen. It was all red and black. The Bed was a four-poster, made of the same Mahogany as the furniture in Rose’s room. A wardrobe and desk filled the spaces not taken up by elaborate tapestries and paintings. Rose couldn’t recognise any of them but thought them beautiful all the same. The Doctor noticed her awed expression and chuckled.
“Every room is different in some way. The theme of the hotel still exists in each room, but is portrayed in a different way.”
“What’s the theme of the hotel?” Rose asked cheekily.
“Well, um, it’s…. not really important is it? I mean what is important is that we sort you out a room for tomorrow.” The Doctor pulled at his collar. He glanced over into the corner, to where the couch had been. He tried to suppress a smile when he saw that his requests had been met. The couch was gone.
“I’m gonna go for a shower, dinner’s at 7, right?” Rose checked her watch. She had an hour and a half.
“Yeah. Don’t be too long, I want a shower too.” The Doctor watched as she left the room. He exhaled and held his head in his hands. The thought of Rose in there naked was driving him crazy.

When they were down for dinner by 7, the Doctor wearing another tux, Rose wearing a Peach evening gown.
Rose was bewildered as oysters and champagne were served, along with the strawberries and fondue from the previous night.
When they returned to the Doctor’s room, Rose blushed wildly as she saw the sexy Lace nighty-ish thing that lay on the bed next to the Doctor’s pyjamas.
“Oh. I think the hotel have drawn the wrong conclusion about us.” Rose sighed.
“Do they?” The Doctor replied and walked into the bathroom.
Rose Tyler’s mind started whirling. Had he really just said that? Does he want what I so desperately long for?
After what seemed like an eternity, the Doctor exited the bathroom. Only to be greeted by Rose in the nighty.
“There’s no couch. Bit weird. Anyway, I thought I could share with you, just until I get a room tomorrow.” Rose bit her lip. A dazed expression had come across the Doctor’s face.
“Yeah. That sounds…fantastic!” ‘Ooh. That was lame’
“Brilliant.”
Rose climbed into the bed and patted the duvet for the Doctor. He followed and soon lay next to her. Her leg brushed his. He hand slipped down. Was this really happening? She looked at the Doctor, a look of lust in her eyes. The look was mirrored in his.
‘Is this actually going to happen?’ Rose thought. ‘Or have I misread the Doctor?’
Rose’s question was answered when the Doctor suddenly lunged forward and kissed her passionately, sliding his tongue into her mouth. Rose kissed back and soon, The Doctor was loosening the fastenings of Rose’s teddy.

Unwanted

Heat. That’s the only word that could sum up the feelings in that room. Heat. A heat that neither could explain. The intensity they shared grew, until neither could go on anymore. Of course, all actions have consequences. As the Doctor and Rose found out, these consequences often occurred the morning after.

It wasn’t if they were pretending that nothing happened, it was just that they didn’t know what to do next. The Doctor had busied himself the next morning, going out before Rose was awake. He had left her a note, that wasn’t explicit in detail about where he was going —
Rose-
Going out. See You Later
The Doctor.
Rose ate breakfast alone and spent the day in the Hotel’s library, looking up information on The Hotel and the Planet. Yes, she was right, this was a sex planet. Thoughts ran through her head. ‘Now the Doctor’s slept with me, will he take me back home? Doesn’t he want me’ Her mind was plagued by thoughts like these and by 6.00 she hit the bar.
“Vodka, no ice” she told the bar tender. After a few drinks, a man in drag came up to her.
“You Rose” He said
“Yeah.”
“Hi, I’m a friend of The Doctor, I’m …”
“Luxury! I know.” Rose interrupted. She started giggling.
“Rose, can we talk outside?”
“Yeah, okay.” They went out to the patio, where two waitresses were smoking.
“The Doctor loves you, he’s just afraid to show emotion. He’s stupid like that. Go after him Rose. Tell him how you feel. Go on.” Luxury sighed.
Rose shrugged, not knowing what to do. Luxury sighed again.
“You’ll have to excuse me. If you want me, I’ll be in Lounge number three with my Show, ‘Queens and Dames’.” And with that, Luxury left, putting a crown on his head as he walked through the double doors.

Rose sat on that patio for a very long time thinking about what she should do.

After a waitress had asked if she was okay, Rose jumped to her feet.
“I’m great thanks. No, I’m better than great! I’m Fantastic!!” She walked quickly back through the double doors.
The bar was crowded and she didn’t know where to go. ‘I’m going to tell him. I’m going to tell him I love him!’
Rose was about to ask the attendant if she’d seen him when she saw him, sitting on a barstool. Her view was obscured, due to the number of people in the room. She walked faster, her thoughts whirling as she felt her heart beat speed up. ‘This was it…this was …’

Rose stopped, her mouth open as she looked at the sight in front of her. There was the Doctor, sitting on a barstool, drink in one hand, talking and laughing…. with another woman!
She was dark haired, in her late 20’s and was smiling at the Doctor.
‘MY DOCTOR!’ Rose was hurt. She felt as though her heart had been ripped out. She felt like vomiting. She must have had a noticeable expression on her face, as her brunette rival had stopped and was looking at her. This made the Doctor look too.
“Rose” He looked shocked. “This isn’t what it looks like. I can explain!” Rose didn’t want explanations. She just ran out of the bar, knocking over a waitress on her way. She ran and ran. At first she was vaguely aware that the Doctor was following her, but either she was too fast or he gave up because soon, he had gone. A single thought ran thought Rose’s mind as she ran out of the Hotel;
‘He doesn’t want me. He wants the others. He wants Sarah-Jane. He wants Madame de Pompadour, he wants Her.’
Rose ran and ran, until she saw trees around her and identified her surroundings as the Pink Forest. She didn’t stop though. She ran forward. Straight to the heart of the forest.

Running

‘Can’t stop!

Must run!

Can’t stop!

Got to keep running!!!’
Rose Tyler ran through the forest, not caring that she was lost. Not caring that she was being watched. Not caring that she was being followed. Just not caring. She only cared about the Doctor and how the Doctor USED her! She could hear her mother now.
‘I knew this would happen. I knew he would end up just like all the others. He was nice at first, but he went after another woman as soon as he’d slept with you! Oh, my Rose. You do attract the bad ones. Mickey’s gone because of HIM. What am I gonna do with you. I know what I’m gonna do to him. He has a nerve. A real bloody nerve! If he tries coming back here again, I’ll show him what happens if he messes with my daughter…’
Rose finally slowed in a clearing. She sank to her knees and sobbed.
“WHY?” She shouted
“WHY CAN’T I MEET SOMEONE WHO’S DECENT?!”

Rose fell into an unnatural sleep, filled with peculiar dreams and strange feelings. In one dream, She saw the TARDIS leaving, and a multiple number of faces staring at it. Rose stood in the background, looking in bewilderment as the scenery changed for each person. She couldn’t understand, until she saw the game station. The game station and Jack.
She saw Sarah Jane Smith, waiting for the Doctor. She saw the others, waiting for the Doctor. She saw a young girl crying her eyes out and talking through the TARDIS door. She saw what would happen to her.
In her next dream, she saw The Doctor talking to the Brunette girl from the bar. This time, however, she hadn’t been noticed. The Doctor and the girl kept on talking, laughing and drinking.
The Doctor then got up, taking the brunette girl by the hand and leading her over to the lifts.
Rose felt as though her heart was being ripped out.
Another dream came and Rose saw the Doctor and Reinette. Reinette was holding a baby. The Doctor was cooing over it.

Rose was snatched from sleep roughly, as a pair of hands gripped her arms and pulled her up. She tried to scream and found her mouth gagged.
“Hello Rose Tyler” the Voice sneered.
Then all Rose could see was darkness.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

“Rose” The Doctor called but it was no use, she’d disappeared into the night.
“Just leave her.” The Brunette said.
“I can’t, Tanya, I can’t” The Doctor explained.
“Well, she obviously doesn’t trust you, if she ran off after just seeing us.”
“Don’t alright.” The Doctor walked gloomily back to the Patio.
“If she has any sense, she’ll have gone back to the TARDIS. Now if you’ll excuse me. I’m due to be onstage with Luxury in 5 minutes.”
“Yeah. See You.” The Doctor watched her leave.
“And for Rose’s sake, you’d better be right about the TARDIS”.

Hidden Surprises

The Doctor checked the TARDIS and found nothing, no sign of Rose or anyone else. The TARDIS hummed worriedly.
“It’s alright old girl, she’ll be taking a walk. You know her, whenever she thinks there’s a problem, she never wants to talk.” The Doctor patted the Console, listening to her calm down. He knew deep down that he should be worried.
He left the TARDIS and began to walk along the beach, looking for Rose. He searched for a good hour, walking all around the gardens of the Castle. He found no sign of her anywhere and made his way up to the castle once more. He entered the lobby and asked the attendant if he’d seen Rose.
The answer was negative and gloomily, the Doctor walked back to the Lounge where he was greeted by both Tanya and Luxury.
“Any sign of her?” Luxury asked worriedly.
“No. She wasn’t at the TARDIS.” The Doctor looked at Tanya, who was less than interested.
“Well, leave her. Take us with you. Come on please.” Tanya pleaded with the Doctor.
“I’m sorry, but I just can’t leave her! I lo…. She’s really important to me.”
“She loves you.” The Doctor turned to Luxury.
“What?”
“She loves you. I told her to go in and tell you. She was on her way to do that when she saw you and Tanya talking. She was in a bad way, Doc. She over reacted. She loves you, that’s the important thing.” Luxury stood there, a look of sincerity in his eyes. A look that the Doctor would have taken more seriously if Luxury hadn’t happened to be wearing a bodice, suspenders and high heels.
Tanya looked upset. She secretly wanted the Doctor. And she would make sure that some simple blonde tart wouldn’t get in her way.
“She ran in to the forest.” Tanya revealed, “You can’t go in there, you know what happens…”
“Yes, but I promised Rose’s mum that I would protect her. I promised Rose. I lo…. I lo…. I…. oh. Forget it!” And with that the Doctor ran off, into the Pink Forest.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Rose woke up to the smell of roses. A sickening smell of the burning petals. Her vision was blurred, but so far, she could tell that she was in some type of cave or grotto. As her vision returned, she could see that the walls were a dark pink, shadows falling into the crevasses and corners secluded by the small shaft of light in the ceiling
Rose tried to move, but was forced back down by a strong hand.
“You’re not going anywhere, missy.”
“Who are you?” Rose tried to struggle. Her kidnapper kept behind her, holding her head so that she couldn’t turn around.
“You’re in no position to ask questions Miss Tyler. I think I’ll be the one doing that.” The voice held no emotion, nor held a particular accent. Rose shivered at the voice. It sounded ridiculous, but she couldn’t determine whether the voice was male or female, soft or rough, loud or quiet. It just was.
“Where’s the Doctor?”
“Who?” Rose lied.
“THE DOCTOR!” Her lie had earned her a slap across the face. Tears rolled down her cheeks.
“I don’t know.”
Rose was bracing herself for another slap, when she heard footsteps. High Heels. A Distinctly female voice shouted at her kidnapper.
“Let Go of her! This isn’t what I wanted!” Rose heard a slap behind her and the kidnapper’s voice apologize to the female. Rose fell forward as she was released. She turned around to face her captors.
“YOU!”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Doctor fought against trees and ran along pathways. Luxury followed closely, having swapped his stage clothes for casual every-day clothes. ‘ Still managing to get away with a tight pink T-Shirt with a heart and the words ‘Hey Hot Lips, wanna play my Trumpet?’ and wearing ladies trousers. Jack would like this guy. Maybe even a little too much.’
The odd pair ran through the sea of pink pine trees that spread in front of them. The Doctor held the Sonic Screwdriver in his hand, trying desperately to track Rose.
“ There’s a large amount of energy in this direction.” The Doctor pointed North West of their current position.
They came to a clearing, occupied by nothing but an eerie silence. A light-headed dizziness came over the Doctor.
“NO!”
Faceless creatures, clad in black robes drifted out of the shrubbery and led them into the clearing.
The Doctor watched, helpless, as Luxury fell to the floor unconscious.
“NO!” The Doctor tried to shout. His voice was barley a whisper.
The Creatures nodded slowly and the Doctor fell to his knees. He saw them descend upon him as everything went black.

Memories Returned

The Doctor awoke to find himself tied up in the clearing. Luxury was still unconscious, a few feet away. The black robed figures floated around him.
‘Time Lord. Where are your people, Time Lord? Where are they now? You destroyed them. Killed them. Even your own children and grand children. You murderer. That’s all you are. A murderer.’
“No!” The Doctor screamed. These creatures were the Lutin. They were pixies, clad in black robes to hide their faces and prevent showing their true forms. They showed people their greatest fears, sub-conscious thoughts and most painful memories. They dwelled in this forest because they used the planets seductive and lustful aromas and feelings to feed from. They kept the harmonic balance between evil and Oh-so-very-good.
Now, however, they stood around the two, playing with the fears of both men.
The Doctor could now tell that Luxury was awake, by the whimpering moans that came from the transvestite.
The Lutin were swooping down now, ‘coming for the kill’.
In all truthfulness the Doctor didn’t know what would happen next, as there had never been a survivor of a Lutin attack to tell anyone.
Luxury was crying madly like the big girl he was and a Lutin swooped very closely to the Doctor’s ear.
“You murderer.”
The Doctor heard screaming around him and Gunfire. He tried to look around, but a searing paint erupted in his skull, and he was engulfed in blackness.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rose stared in disbelief at the woman in front of her. She was medium height, brown haired, wearing all black. Black leather zip up jacket, black skintight jeans, and black stiletto healed boots. She had her hair pulled back into a ponytail and black eye make up beautifully enhanced her strong cheekbone features. She was undoubtedly the girl attendant from the hotel lobby.
“YOU!” Rose’s voice echoed from the roof of the cave.
“Yes, me.” She spoke with an upper-class accent, beautifully deep and confident.
“Rose Tyler. The last in a long line. So nice of you to join us.”
“What d’ya mean ‘last in a long line’?” Rose’s voice was soaked with confusion and fear.
“Well, I could tell you or you could just ask the Doctor himself.” She turned around and motioned to the lifeless body of the Doctor being carried in by masked men. His body was set down and he immediately awoke.
“Rose!” He cried.
Rose tried to make her way to the Doctor, but was held back by the attendant.
“No, no, no, no, no, no” she mused, smiling smugly at the pair.
“Who the hell are you?” The Doctor demanded.
“The one who was left behind.” Came the answer.
“What?”
“You left us. You left Gallifrey to die.” She encircled the Doctor, “My, my, Theta, the regenerations have been kind to you. How many regenerations now? Ten? Only three left. Unlike I, who has twelve left”.
“What? You’re A Time Lord?!” The Doctor was utterly confused.
“Not only that, but an old friend of yours. I’ve only regenerated once, maybe you can still recognise me”.
She stepped back and continued circling the Doctor and Rose.
A sudden realisation struck the Doctor.
“Mischka!” The Doctor stared as she laughed and nodded.
“Finally he recognises me!”
“What do you want, Mischka?” The Doctor tried to take a step forward, only to find that he was in Shackles.
“You murdered Gallifrey, now it’s my turn to repay the favour. Take them to the cell.”

The Doctor and Rose were led to a cell in the middle of the cavern.
“Doctor. When I was out in the forest, I had a dream. In the dream, there were all of these people watching the TARDIS leaving. Can you tell me please, how many companions have you had?” Rose stared at him blandly.
“What? A couple.”
“Name them. All of them. I don’t care about dates just name them. Please.” Rose sat back, watching the Doctor struggle.
“Um, well there was Susan my granddaughter and Ian Chesterton and Barbara Wright. They were…” Rose cut off the Doctor.
“I don’t want to know who they were, how they met you or where they came from. Just tell me how many, Doctor. I want their names.”
The Doctor gulped.
“Well then there was Vicki, Stephen Taylor, Katarina, Sara Kingdom, Dodo Chaplet, then there was Polly, Ben Jackson, Jamie McCrimmon, Victoria Waterfield, Zoë Herriot and, um, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. Captain Mike Yates, Sg. Benton, Liz Shaw, Jo Grant, Sarah Jane Smith…” The Doctor’s voice dropped sheepishly as he carried on.
“Harry Sullivan, Leela, Romana, and she regenerated, Adric, Nyssa, Tegan Jovanka, Turlough, Kamelion, Peri Brown, Melanie Bush, Ace and Grace Holloway, You, Jack and that Adam.” The Doctor finished, looking nervously at Rose.
“Thirty Four.” Rose glared at the Doctor.
“I can’t believe I slept with you!” She yelled.
“Rose.”
“No. You are going to save us from this. And after that, I’m leaving.”
“What, why?”
“Because that’s what I am, isn’t it? The Thirty- second in a long line. I thought we were special. I bet you’ve slept with them all.”
“That’s ridiculous. Some of them were men.”
“Your point being…”
Mischka’s guards entering the cell cut off the pair. They dragged a screaming Rose away and took her to a room along a corridor tunnelled into the cave.
“Alone again. Wait a minute, where’s Luxury?!”

Ladies, we could have been staying in the lap of luxury!

The Male Attendant looked up from the pink sign in book, grumbling to himself that he had been on duty twice as long as he should have because ‘Mischka buggerd de et m'est parti’, Which roughly translated to ‘ Mischka buggered off and left me!’
He was about to go looking for her, when someone rang the bell at the front desk.
A tall, dark haired man stood behind the counter with a girl on each arm. He had a strong jaw, muscular arms and a dazzling smile.
“Hello, may I book a room for tonight, please?” He spoke with an American accent.
“I’ll pay extra for you to make sure it’s a King-Sized bed.” He raised his eyebrows and the girls on either side on him giggled.
“Certainly sir, what name shall I put in the book?” the male attendant asked wearily. He’d been working far too long.
“Harkness. Captain Jack Harkness.”
“Thank You, Captain.” The attendant said, his tongue lodged in his cheek. “Would you mind signing the book?”
“Of Course.” Jack bent down and reached for the pen.
“Thank you sir. Your room’s on the fourth floor.” The attendant turned his back on the (all too literate) three-some and clapped his hands at another member of the hotel staff.
“Où elle est ?” He barked.
“Qui ?” the member of staff replied.
“Mischka Gailitis. Cela qui est. Quel est votre nom ?”
“je m’apelle Elodie Le Booth. Pourquoi ?”
“Vous l'avez vue ?” The attendant was growing angry now.
“Excuse me?” Jack interrupted “can we have our key please?”
“Oh, oui. Desolee.” The attendant handed the key over and turned back to Elodie. Jack turned to his ‘friends’.
“Well, ladies. You two go up to the room. I noticed when looking through that book that my old friends are here. I have to see them first, you see, The Doctor is in.”

XXXXXXX

Mischka paced the cave, wondering what was taking her main operative so long. She still had The Doctor and Rose imprisoned in the cell, and as much as it pleased her to listen to Rose degrade the Doctor and completely humiliate him, her patience was running thin. A guard called her over.
“госпожа” The guard spoke in the main language she had adopted when she had first come to earth.
“да.” She replied.
“чего мы ждем? косяк мы только убивает их и быть сделан с этим?” She stopped abruptly and looked at him.
“НЕТ! разве Вы не слушали слово, я сказал все эти годы? Мы ждем Таньи. Танья - единственный ключ. уйдите с Вами.” She shot him a steely glare and started pacing again.
When she had come to earth, she had taken a liking to Eastern European countries, adopting the Russian language and a Latvian surname, Gailitis. When she had found this planet, she had found her Russian influences useful, giving the tourists a change from the French culture. She had waited hundreds of years to get her revenge. Soon she would have it, soon she would rip apart the Doctor’s world, taking from him all that he held dear. Just as he so rudely did to her…

XXXXXXXX

After searching for the Doctor and failing, Jack went back to his room only to find his lady friends entertaining themselves. He sighed, surprising himself at his not wanting to join in.
He decided to see the show ‘ Queens and Dames’ in the Lounge. Half way through the first act, a crazed transvestite ran screaming through the double doors.
“They’ve got him! They’ve got him!”
Jack raised an eyebrow and with his tongue in his cheek asked,
“Who?”
“The Doctor!”
Jack froze. This sounded far too plausible for his liking.
“Who’s got the Doctor?”
“The Lutin! The Lutin have the Doctor!” Many people had started laughing and the music continued and their attention was drawn back to the stage.
“Listen, I’m an old friend of the Doctor’s. Let me help you find him. I’m Captain Jack Harkness. Who are you?”
“Luxury…”
“THE Luxury? Of the San Francisco Boulevard Show? NO WAY! I am your biggest fan! And hey, I’ve been known to bend the other way…”
“You mean you’ve been with” Luxury’s voice dropped to a whisper, “ Women?”
“Yeah, Sure. Anyway, we’ve got to find The Doctor. Where’s Rose?”
“The Lutin probably have her.”
“Okay then. Well I’m gonna go have a word with those Lutin. Don’t know what they are, but they don’t know what’s hit ‘em when Captain jack gets into town!”
With that, Luxury and Jack walked through the double doors and left the Lounge, all thoughts of Amy and Stacey, Jack’s Lady friends, replaced by another thought.
‘Damn. He looks good in ladies trousers.’

Playboys

The Doctor had long since stopped listening to Rose’s annoying babbling; instead he tried to catch snippets of the guard’s conversations.
Although they spoke in Russian, The TARDIS did a successful job of translating the monologues for the Doctor.
“Чего мы ждем?” A rather fat guard asked.
“'главный действующий' или так что Мишка говорит. Я говорю, почему не делают мы только убиваем их теперь!” Another guard replied angrily.
“Мы должны ждать в течение правильного времени. Mischka был бы literallly убивать Вас, если Вы убили лорда времени все же.” Said the fat guard.
“И девочка? я могу думать о нескольких вещах, чтобы сделать с нею!” the other guard laughed smugly.
“Мы, как предполагается, поддерживаем их так, чтобы Mischka мог получить их синюю коробку.”
The Doctor listened intently, their conversation translating roughly to:
“What are we waiting for?”
The ‘main operative’ or so Mischka says. I say we kill them now.”
“We have to wait for the right time. Mischka would literally murder you if you killed the Timelord now.
“And the girl? I can think of a few things to do with her!”
The Doctor shuddered at the thought of that guard violating Rose, His Rose, Who he was very close to loosing.
“We’re supposed to keep them alive until Mischka can get their blue box.”
“So that’s what She wants. The TARDIS.” The Doctor said to himself.
“Doctor, have you been listening to a word I’ve said?” Rose glared.
The Doctor turned around abruptly.
“That’s what Mischka wants! The TARDIS! Listen to this.” He dragged Rose to the wall of the cell, and peered through the crack where the empty restraints were attached to the wall.
Another guard sauntered in pointing to a security monitor that the two guards had paid no attention to.
“Трансвестит и Бисексуал шли в лес. Вы знаете то, что случилось?”
“ нет” The guards chorused lazily.
“хорошо мы собираемся узнавать. ЗЛОУМЫШЛЕННИКИ!” The guards picked up their guns and ran out of the cave, giving the Doctor and Rose a good view of the monitor.
“Oh shit.” The Doctor groaned.
There on the screen were luxury and Jack.

“A Transvestite and a Bisexual walked into a forest. Do you know what happened?”
“No”
“Well you’re about to find out. INTRUDERS!”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mischka paced the beach, cursing the fact she’d worn high-heeled boots.
‘дерьмо! Я глуп. эти ботинки не были сделаны для ходьбы! трахните это! Она берет слишком долго!’
Mischka paced some more, often repeating the same word in her head; ‘трахнитесь!’
Finally, at around quarter to eleven, a figure walked onto the beach.
“Mischka?”
“Tanya?”
The two women stood facing each other, never having actually met before.
“Parlez-vous le français?” Tanya enquired.
“Вы говорите по-русски?” Mischka asked, “Aucun Russe ? Oui, je parle le français” The Women walked back to the cave discussing in detail, the plan they were about to execute.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Luxury and Jack walked through the forest, secretly eyeing each other up. Jack had subtly (yeah right) dropped his sexuality into the conversation.
“Well, This day and age is so understanding, a Playboy isn’t ridiculed because he hasn’t found the right person, so why should I? That’s all it is, I haven’t found the right person. Or sex. Mind you, people have labelled me as a Playboy. The magazine’s good too.”
They walked in silence, without any particular direction, trying to ignore the apparent sexual tension.
‘This is ridiculous’ Jack thought.
I’ve only known the guy/gal for half an hour and already I wanna jump him.’
Little did Jack know, Luxury was having similar thoughts.

Perfume

Rose awoke alone in the cell. Her memory was clouded and she felt hung over.
The Doctor’s form was nowhere to be seen in the shadows, leading Rose to assume that he had been taken away while she slumbered. She sat up, clutching her knees to her chest, easing the nausea that had swept upon her. Distant voices danced around in her head, speaking in a distant language.
A feeling of heat spread across her face milliseconds before she keeled over and threw up.
XXX

The Doctor’s head hit a wall as he was roughly restrained to what appeared to be a Dentist’s chair.
Mischka circled the chair like a hawk stalking its prey. Never breaking eye contact with the Doctor, she signalled to someone in the shadows to step forward.
“Doctor I believe you know Tanya.”
Tanya smiled as a look of sheer disbelief crossed the Doctor’s angular face.
“Now Doctor, listen carefully.” Mischka began “ If you don’t want your little friend Rose killed, you will do as we ask.”
They were playing dirty, getting the Doctor exactly where they knew it hurt.
“You have my attention” The Doctor tried to sound in control and relaxed, but could not disguise the tone of fear in his voice.
“ Doctor, I think you should know that you and I are the same.”
“How are we the same?” The Doctor practically spat.
“We are the last. I am a Gallifreyian. I am Time Lady.” Mischka took a step back, wanting to examine the Doctor’s face.
Eyes of pain and sadness looked back at her. The small wrinkles that lined the eyes framed the pure sorrow within.
“That’s right.” She whispered in his ear.
“You destroyed my planet, my family, my home. All that I held dear, all that I loved. Now, it’s time to repay the favour.” Mischka stepped back, signalling to Tanya to turn on a Television screen. The monitor flickered and came to focus on Rose.
“If you don’t do exactly what we ask, you will see her die in front of you.”
“What do you want?” The Doctor croaked, his emotions flooding to his voice.
“The TARDIS for the girl.”
XXX

As the forest around them thickened, Jack seriously couldn’t remember why he was so worried about the Doctor and Rose. There was something about this forest that was so…sensual. His own libido was heightened, making him immensely attracted to the man walking next to him.
All his common sense was gone, all wisdom faded, all that was left was an overwhelming lust.
Jack shifted to walk behind luxury — he was a man on a mission. In a few easy steps Jack had an eager Luxury pinned up against a tree.
“I want you.” Luxury moaned.
Jack didn’t verbally respond. Instead he opted for a physical approach.
Leaning forward, he crashed his mouth down onto Luxury’s immediately using his tongue in devilish ways to ask for entrance into the man’s mouth.
Luxury immediately granted access and turned the cards round, pinning Jack up against the tree roughly.
Kisses and heavy breathing continued moans rang up through the night air, echoing to the moon.
XXX

“If you are a Time lady, why was I not able to sense you?” the Doctor tried to postpone the impossible choice he had to make.
“The Time War injured me drastically. I regenerated, it took me a whole decade, but I regenerated. My family died. My life was destroyed. All at your hand. How can you live with yourself when the guilt of the deaths of millions falls on your shoulders? I am prepared to kill Rose, Doctor. No mercy, not any more. I want your TARDIS. The last TARDIS.”
Tears were visible in the Doctor’s eyes. Mischka had just rubbed salt into open wounds, wounds that would never fully heal.
“With the push of a button Rose’s air supply could fail, her life could end in two minutes flat. If I push another button, poisonous gas could be injected into the room, electric currents sent through her restraints could electrocute her, deadly vipers could be let loose into the room, her life would end right in front of your eyes. You would have to watch her screaming in terror, screaming for you. With the knowledge that you sentenced her to this cruel end. Is that what you want, Doctor, is it?” Tanya sneered, her finger poised on a button on the remote control.
Anger flared inside the Doctor accompanied by the regrettable feeling of helplessness. Mischka’s cruel words echoed in the Doctor’s head,
‘The TARDIS for the girl.’

XXXX
Rose felt her head spin as she tried to mop up her face. Every emotion she had experienced earlier had vanished, leaving her feeling pathetic and wanting the Doctor. She sat back down, trying to keep comfortable — no easy feat when restraints cut at her skin. She thought about her previous actions, how she let the Doctor make love to her, how she over reacted when she saw him with Tanya, how she ran stupidly into the forest. Why hadn’t she gone back to the TARDIS like a sane person, why did she run?
‘Why did I say I’d leave the Doctor?’
Rose loved him, more than she should do, and yet she told him she wanted to leave him.
‘Why?’
Rose thought for a while and tried to remember if there was anything strange about the previous day, when they’d arrived on the planet.
The funny thing was, Rose couldn’t think of anything. Almost everything had changed from her make-up to her room, from —
‘Hang on!’ A sinking feeling hit Rose, ‘ everything but the perfume I wore. It seemed to affect me like a drug.’
Rose knew in that instant that she had been drugged.

More to come.

John and I!

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 23:01:14 GMT

I have decided to post this, the photograph of the greatest moment of my life. (So far, that is)
I went to Cardiff on Saturday the 6th of January to see John in the 7pm performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. He was AMAZING! The entire thing was (in the words of Nine) 'Fantastic!'
I had two photos taken because he accidentally spoke through one of them and told us to take it again!

Here's the first photo (the one he spoke through) And here's the good one (though they're both good!)

I look terrible in both pictures, but compared to him, who doesnt!

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:19:03 GMT

Vicis Procurator 1/1
Pairing: Jack/Gwen
Rating: PG-13 (some swearing)
Summary: Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens - J.R.R. Tolkien
written for the Captain Jack Harkness ficathon.

The rain poured down over Cardiff, drenching the pavements and roads of the City Centre. A lone Weevil dashed around the back streets of the city, closely monitored by a black SUV. The Weevil rounded a corner and disappeared into a warehouse. The SUV stopped and four individuals climbed out into the pounding rain. Gwen Cooper and Toshiko Sato dashed for the momentary cover of a nearby balcony, while Owen Harper merely pulled up his collar and grunted at the girls. Their leader moved ahead of them, a tracker in his hand and a gun in his holster. He nodded towards them meaningfully. The game was on.

Gwen Cooper had to jog to keep up with the over confident strides of her boss. His big grey Greatcoat fluttered behind him as he marched forward, eyes fixed to the screen in his hand. The rain plastered her hair to her head, making it difficult to hear his commands. Obviously irritated with the difficult communication, Captain Jack Harkness suddenly spun around to talk to her.

“…Around here somewhere.” He finished, oblivious to the fact that Gwen hadn’t heard the first part of his statement. “All we gotta do is find out where the little rascal is, then soon we can all be getting back to warmth and comfort. Until then though….” He pulled up the lapels of his coat, creating a barrier against the penetrating rain. The Weevil had disappeared into one of two dark alleys surrounding the docks, the shadows so far successfully hiding the alien from view. The team had split up to cover more ground, an action Gwen always hated as - in her view- it made the team more vulnerable.

“Jack, Gwen…” Owen’s voice drifted into the comm. secured to her ear. “What you got for us?” Jack dabbed at his head in annoyance as a large amount of water dripped from an over hanging fire escape.

“There’s nothing here. We’ve searched twice but there’s no sign” Tosh reported. Jack audibly clicked his tongue and cast a glance over his shoulder.

“Check once more and then give me your status report.” Jack’s head was still turned away and his voice sounded distant and weary.
”Jack…” Tosh’s voice drifted over the comm.
“That was an order. We’re not leaving until you have triple checked that ally”

Placing a hand on the small of her back, Jack led Gwen further into the ally, dodging between the soggy cardboard boxes and the rotting garbage. A sudden noise from the right shifted Gwen’s gaze to a large rubbish bag, filled with some degrading material.

“Did you hear that?” Gwen whispered. Jack moved towards the area of the noise and slowly lifted his gun. In a matter of seconds, the ‘rubbish bag’ was leaping out from its dormant state and attacking Jack.

A gunshot sounded and blood sprayed in all directions. Gwen scrambled for her gun, finding it tucked away in the back pocket of her jeans. Jack staggered backwards, fresh claw marks engraved into his chest.
”Jesus Christ!” He spat, his coat tangling with torn strips of his bloodstained shirt.

The Weevil turned towards her. The dark voids of its eyes bore into her as it moved closer. Raising her gun shakily, she moved backwards, more of a reflex than a conscious decision. The effect, however, was ruined as she slipped on a piece of wet cardboard and fell.

The Weevil continued forward, seemingly unaffected by the gunshot that Gwen inadvertently produced. It moved closer, predatory hunger seeping from its inhuman skin.

With, In Gwen’s mind, what must have been great effort; Jack hauled himself toward the Weevil, stunning it into a sudden state of unconsciousness.

“Shit.” Gwen cursed softly as the Weevil landed beside her. Footsteps pounded somewhere behind her.

“Jack!” Tosh screamed. He waved his injuries off, grasping to a dustbin for support with his other.
”It’s nothing.” He rasped. Owen moved closer, shoving his gun into his jacket pocket and rubbing his hands together.
”That doesn’t look like nothing.” He said.
”I said leave it.” Jack barked, his strength suddenly returning. He stood up straight and fastened his coat. Inhaling deeply, he kicked the sleeping Weevil.

“Get her back to the hub. Owen, I want you to run some tests on her while she’s still out. Then lock her up in the cells.” Jack moved to face them, pulling on a pair of leather gloves from deep inside his coat pocket as he did so.

“Look at her.” Jack crouched down, leaning towards dormant alien. He ran a hand along her lightly wrinkled face.
”She’s only young…a few weeks old at most.”
”Oh. A baby.” Owen mocked, joining Jack at crouching level and examining the Weevil.

“Have we ever come across a young Weevil before?” Gwen asked slightly nervously.
”I don’t think so…” Tosh moved toward the men. Raising his head, Jack cleared his throat.

“You know what this means don’t you?” Jack asked, a hint of challenge laced in his voice.

“The Weevils are mating.” Owen finished.

Xxx

The sight that greeted Gwen Cooper as she entered her apartment was not one of which she highly regarded. Rhys was home, unfortunately so were his friends. Dav, ‘Banana Boat’ and a few other of his work mates were slumped on the couch, beer bottles and crisp packets littered across the coffee table. Upon seeing Gwen, Dav raised his bottle and slurred a greeting. Rhys whipped around to see her in the doorway.

“What’s going on?” She smiled, although she was really too tired to do anything but collapse into bed.
”Oh. Just a few mates round.” He replied, the faint smell of alcohol resulting in her standing a distance from him.
”Why didn’t you ask me?” She whispered. His face suddenly fell. Forehead furrowing he sighed.
”I can never bloody get in touch with you.”
”You could try.”
”I did.” He protested. “Several times. You’re mobile ran straight to voicemail. Where the hell were you today?” Gwen grabbed his arm and moved them out of the room, desperate not to make a scene in front of Rhys’s intoxicated friends.
”It doesn’t matter.” She looked away, legs aching with tiredness. For a moment, Rhys looked as though he were about to say something, but instead shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose.
”I’ll be up for a while. If you want anything to eat just yell.” He said, kissing her on the cheek.

Turning toward the bedroom, Gwen kicked off her shoes, wincing with pain as she irritated a bruise on her left side. Choosing to ignore Dav’s invitation to join them, she shuffled away, glad to collapse onto a soft bed.

A sharp trill roughly awoke Gwen, dragging her unwilling senses back to consciousness. Looking at her alarm clock, she noted that it was four twenty. Scrambling on the tabletop beside her, she finally found the Motorola, cursing under her breath as she read the message on the screen. As she set down the phone once again, she rolled over to find Rhys’s side of the bed empty. Closing her eyes once again, she thought about the torment of actually getting up having had only two hours sleep. Fifteen minutes later, she was making her way out of the apartment, careful not to wake Rhys and his friends in their drunken coma.

The streetlights were still casting their dull light onto the bleak dawn, mixing with the damp chill to the air. Gwen decided that it was still far too early to be up and about, yet shivered with anticipation at the prospect of something so dangerous that Jack had to bring the team in this early. Of course, Jack stayed at the Hub all night, prepared for anything and Owen probably hadn’t even gone to bed yet, instead finding refuge from the cold night in a bar somewhere. Gwen knew that Tosh was likely to be in the same situation as her, dragged out of bed into the cold night – then again, Tosh had been known for going on all night technology binges. Shaking her head, Gwen drove away, the streets deserted in the early light of morning.

The first oranges of dawn crept through the clouds, bathing Cardiff in an eerie glow. The wind whipped through his hair as he stood on the rooftop of a warehouse, once again contemplating the ways of the world in which he was trapped. Jack Harkness glanced down at Owen down below, his look of irritation evident even from such a great height. ‘I should probably go down’ Jack thought, yet a part of him wanted to stay longer, hidden from the world, where nothing could harm him. Technically of course, nothing could harm him. He could only harm other people, and he seemed to be doing a brilliant job at that. Just by being with them, walking among them, he posed a threat that they couldn’t see. Or didn’t want to see.

He made his way down to where the whole team had gathered – Ianto included. He’d called them together to investigate a ‘UFO’ landing that for once, didn’t seem to have slipped through the Rift. Instead, it seemed to have been drawn to the rift.
”Like a moth?” Owen asked when Jack had explained to them all.
”Like a moth.” Jack repeated.

Following Tosh’s directions, the team made their way to the site of the landing. Other than Gwen’s audible yawns, they walked in silence, not once making eye contact with each other. As they reached their destination, Tosh took out her hand held computer, checking the readings were correct.

The area was deserted. No spaceship, no debris – just a small oval indentation in the paved ground. The team looked inquisitively at Jack who merely stared at the small dent, his eyes clouded with memory. Gwen followed the direction of his gaze and found his object of interest was a small piece of metal – roughly ten centimetres long – proudly sporting an unknown winged logo on its right side. Tosh moved forward, an evidence bag in her hand, ready to collect the artefact.

“Don’t” Jack suddenly snapped. Tosh looked surprised at his harshness and stepped back slightly.
”I have to bag it so we can take it back to the Hub.” She explained.
”No.” Jack said again, this time his voice was slightly quieter and more timid.
”Leave it.”
”I can’t” Tosh looked at Owen for support.
”If this is the thing that landed, then we need to take it back to the Hub to check it out. Surely you know that. You taught us that.” Owen moved towards Tosh, taking the evidence bag from her hands.
”I said leave it!” Jack shouted. Owen dropped his arm to his side and turned to look at him. Jack moved forward and snatched up the object, stuffing it rather unprofessionally into one of the pockets of his Greatcoat. He turned to look at the team- Gwen practically cowering behind Tosh, Ianto next to them his expression neutral and Owen still standing still, flares of anger running through his eyes.

“Go home.” Jack ordered. “I can deal with everything. Just go home.” With that, he turned, walking in the opposite direction, desperate to get away from them.

“What the hell was that about?” Owen snapped, kicking the dent on the floor.
”I think we’ve come across something that Jack doesn’t want us to come across.” Ianto said quietly from behind Tosh. Gwen turned to look at him worry evident on her face.
“I’ve never seen him like that.” Tosh sighed, moving to leave.
”Where are you going?” Gwen asked.
”He said go home. I’m not going to argue with him in that mood.” She shrugged slightly, expressing her helplessness in the matter. Gwen turned to Ianto and Owen.
”We’ve got to check if he’s alright…”
”No, newbie, you’ve got to check if he’s alright. I don’t want anything to do with the bastard right now.” Owen said. He followed Tosh back to the cars without casting a single glance back.

“I think they’re right.” Ianto said. “ We should just leave. Jack obviously has some problems he doesn’t want us to know about.”
”We need to make sure he’s alright.” Gwen responded.
‘What’s it to you?’ Ianto wanted to say. ‘Why are you so bothered when the rest of the team isn’t?’
Instead he smiled. “Do you really think Jack would want us following him after he told us specifically to go home and leave it?”
”Anyone can see that Jack needs to talk…”
”Jack’s not anyone.” Ianto snapped. “ When Jack says leave it, you leave it. No questions asked. That’s how it is in Torchwood.” Taken aback at Ianto’s harsh tone, Gwen merely nodded.

Ianto began to move away, pausing briefly and turning back to Gwen.
”Don’t go after him.” He said, a look of intensity in his eyes. Before she could respond one way or another, he was gone. Glancing in the direction Jack had disappeared, Gwen pondered on whether to follow Ianto’s advice or to find Jack.
‘There’s something wrong. He shouldn’t be alone…no one likes to be alone.’ Sighing, she set off in his direction.

The metal burned through the leather of his gloves, searing the skin beneath. It shouldn’t have been there. Had it followed him? After a whole lifetime, had fate finally caught up with him? Mating Weevils he could handle, this he didn’t think he could.

Leaning against a brick wall, he examined his surroundings. As soon as he was out of the team’s view, he’d started to run aimlessly, ending up around the side of a warehouse. A tom cat was scent marking a drainpipe on his left, moving closer and closer to his foot.
”Get out of it.” He kicked out, scaring the moggy away and emptying the ally. The winged logo on the object was taunting him, cruelly reminding him of times he’d so carefully buried. His guts churned, panic and fear engulfing him. This little piece of metal was ripping the stitches from old wounds, exposing the flesh to the world.

He didn’t hear the footsteps behind him. When she made her presence known, he reacted just as they had taught him to – a gun was pressed to her head in a matter of seconds. She screamed and he dropped the gun, cursing as he did.
”Shit, Gwen! What the hell are you doing here?” he bent over to pick up the weapon, making sure not to drop the metal object as he did so.
”I wanted to check to see if you were alright…”
”Well as you can see, I’m fine. Peachy, even!” He replied, the sarcasm in his voice acting as a blow to her stomach.
”No. You’re not.” She replied, but could see that he wasn’t listening.
”You know what that object is, don’t you?” She asked, the questioning in her voice reminding him instantly of Rose. ‘Well, if you’re going to go on a trip down memory lane, you may as well stop at all of the stations…’

”You do. Don’t you?” She insisted.

Of course he knew. That little ‘object’ plagued him. There was a time when he’d carried one around everywhere with him. That way they could always get in touch with him. He shuddered at the thought of the tracker identifying him after all of those years…then again time was relative.

”What’s that logo on the side?” She persisted. ‘Just as Rose would have…’ he noted. She wanted to know what that logo was? Did she really think that the truth would make her happy? He wasn’t prepared to tell her the truth. The last people he’d told the truth to had deserted him thousands of years from home.

He chuckled at the memory of the galactic playboy-conman he’d once been. He was so willing to tell the truth then, he had no perspective of what was important. It was only after he’d met…. well, he wasn’t going to go into that now. Not now that years of hiding suddenly seemed wasted.
He wasn’t going to tell her the truth because the truth had made him bitter. The truth had taken away his essence, his soul, and replaced them with a curse. He couldn’t even look forward to dying anymore. His one basic human right had been cruelly taken from him. Whatever they were going to do now they’d found him was nothing compared to what had already happened.

She looked desperate. She actually cared about him – far more than she should. He hadn’t exactly encouraged it. Mild flirting didn’t count as anything these days, did it? If it’d been the fifties, then maybe it would. When he was in the fifties, it was bad enough. He’d had to watch his step everywhere he’d gone. Once wrong smile and he was practically engaged. Of course he wasn’t going to tell her that either. The truth only hurt people and he didn’t really want to hurt Gwen – she was too much like Rose. Gwen was the last strain of sanity in the Torchwood team.

“Jack!” She shouted. He’d been silent for a long time, a freakishly long time. “For fucks sake, what’s the logo? Where’s it from? What is that thing?”
She glanced at the logo. The letters VP were printed faintly on one of the wings, with the letters TA printed on the other. What was he keeping from her?
”What do VP and TA stand for? I know you know.” She tried once again to get a reaction from him, but instead a haze filled his eyes.

She was right. He knew exactly what they stood for. In fact, the letters were more novelty than anything else. They’d thought it funny to have the initials of the old Latin name printed along with the modern initials. He knew what they stood for: Vicis Procurator or Time Agency.

“It doesn’t matter.” He lied. Were they coming for him?
”Jack…tell me what’s going on. The rest of the team left, but I came after you.” Gwen sighed, moving to put her hand over his, but withdrawing sharply.
”Fuck! That thing’s hot.” She complained, nursing her scalded hand.
”Why did you come after me?” He asked.
”You were…are in a state.” She said, “I thought you may need someone…”
‘You’re right.’ He thought, ‘but it’s not you.’

He pocketed the tracker. She needed to go before she got hurt. Around him, people got hurt…

“I understand if you can’t tell us.” She said suddenly, “ I really do. But don’t shut us out. Whatever it is I’m sure you can sort it, one way or another. Don’t lose faith…”

Jack snorted, looking at his boots. ‘Lose faith? I never had any to start with…’
When Jack looked up; Gwen was gone, leaving him alone with the torment of his past.

Xxx

Gwen sat at her workstation, half-heartedly glancing at the pile of paperwork on her desk. Her thoughts kept ricocheting back to her conversation with Jack the previous day. ‘Where was he?’ She hadn’t seen him since and was terrified he’d done something stupid. The fact that he was unable to die was less than a comfort. In fact it made her even more worried.

She could see Ianto on edge, pacing through Jack’s office, undeniable worry written on his face. Owen was no better. She reckoned that he felt guilty for exploding at Jack the way he did.

‘Where was he?’

Her thoughts were stopped suddenly by the sound of the heavy gates of the Hub opening. Jack strolled casually in through the doors, smiling as if nothing had ever happened. Gwen shifted in her seat as he made his way towards her.
”Morning.” She smiled meekly. Her smile turned into a squeak however when he leaned in and planted a kiss on her lips.

“What was that for?” She stuttered as he pulled away.

“What?” He asked, “Oh, just to say thank you. I took your advice.”
”and what did you do?” She asked, actually thinking she would get an answer.
He merely twitched his lower lip to form the obnoxious expression that he used in response to questions he didn’t want to answer. She shook her head and turned her attention back to the paperwork on her desk.

Dawn cascaded down across the city, wind whipping through his hair and sending the tails of his coat flying. He could see the whole city from the roof of the millennium centre, but they couldn’t see him. They just walk on by, never noticing and never suspecting.

After Gwen had left the previous day, he’d started thinking about what to do with the tracker. After examination, he’d found that it was broken and probably couldn’t be traced by the Agency. Just to be sure, he took great pleasure in throwing it into the bay and watching its descent into the dark depths of the water.

Before then, he hadn’t had much to live for, or even look forward to. But Gwen had shown him that he had her –just by coming after him, just as Rose would have. Looking down at the peaceful city once more he turned, early morning shadows dancing around him.

He may not have believed it until that point, but he did have faith. He had faith in the right kind of Doctor.

This is me!

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 17:11:17 GMT

Hi, I'm Catz_Pyjamas.
I go by different names on different websites.
On A Teaspoon and an Open mind (Whofic.com) i go by Catwoman13
On Fanfiction.net i go by Madame Elodie.
My real name is Lauren and I am one of the creators of bad_wolf_lives (bananas2killMartha.Absolutley).
The other creator is my good friend Last_Timegal.
If you don't like the look of The Doctor's new assistant Martha (In Doctor Who, The BEST television show in the world) and you prefer Rose, please check out our journal :)