![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Entry tags:
[ ximilia ] inbox.
// the.doctor
TEXT • AUDIO • VIDEO
XIMILIA
TEXT • AUDIO • VIDEO
Hello, Clara — Clara? [ There's a pause and then a delighted: ] Ooh! Now this is interesting, I'm thinking about what I want to say to you and it's just coming right out through the feed.
Brilliant technology, this.
[ There's another pause, and then: ]
Jammy Dodger.
[ And then a laugh. Yes, the Doctor is, in fact, five. ]
Sorry about that. Now, where were we? Ah, yes. Where am I — good question. I am — it appears to be a hallway. I think I was trying to get to — [ There's a slight shuffling and then a familiar buzzing sound. ] Did you know there's a door here that won't open?
Brilliant technology, this.
[ There's another pause, and then: ]
Jammy Dodger.
[ And then a laugh. Yes, the Doctor is, in fact, five. ]
Sorry about that. Now, where were we? Ah, yes. Where am I — good question. I am — it appears to be a hallway. I think I was trying to get to — [ There's a slight shuffling and then a familiar buzzing sound. ] Did you know there's a door here that won't open?
[He definitely has the attention and energy of a five year old. Clara wishes he was right there so he could see the look on her face.]
Doctor, I -
[She tries to get out in the midst of his talking, but relents and lets him finish. He's just so excited, it's hard not to smile a little as he speaks.
When he addresses the door, she almost feels offended. Does she know there's a door here that won't open??]
Of course I know there's a door here that won't open. I met a woman first day here. We tried opening it together.
[Her tone sounds fond, like it's a great memory shared with an old friend. Of course, it could be a great memory shared with her closest friend if she hurries her way on over toward that door.
And she gets there in record time, because there is absolutely no way she's letting him try to get in without her. When she gets there she's out of breath, and has to hold up a hand to signal for him to wait a moment.]
We're not supposed to be messing with this specific door.
[But the mischievous look in her eyes says that's exactly what they are about to keep doing.]
Doctor, I -
[She tries to get out in the midst of his talking, but relents and lets him finish. He's just so excited, it's hard not to smile a little as he speaks.
When he addresses the door, she almost feels offended. Does she know there's a door here that won't open??]
Of course I know there's a door here that won't open. I met a woman first day here. We tried opening it together.
[Her tone sounds fond, like it's a great memory shared with an old friend. Of course, it could be a great memory shared with her closest friend if she hurries her way on over toward that door.
And she gets there in record time, because there is absolutely no way she's letting him try to get in without her. When she gets there she's out of breath, and has to hold up a hand to signal for him to wait a moment.]
We're not supposed to be messing with this specific door.
[But the mischievous look in her eyes says that's exactly what they are about to keep doing.]
Did you?
[ The Doctor could react in so many different ways, but he decides that unsurprised and impressed are what he's going to be (because he is both of these things in equal measure), and so unsurprised and impressed it is.
He turns to look in her direction, face breaking into a grin of sorts. Hello, Clara. Long time, no see. His eyes are bright, and he flicks his sonic screwdriver up between them, the tip lighting green. ]
Who said we're not supposed to be messing with this door? I'd like to have a word with whoever told us not to mess with this door. Doors are meant to be messed with, otherwise what is the purpose of a door, eh?
[ Of course he has been trying to get it to open with absolutely no luck whatsoever, so it's quite possible the joke is on them. ]
[ The Doctor could react in so many different ways, but he decides that unsurprised and impressed are what he's going to be (because he is both of these things in equal measure), and so unsurprised and impressed it is.
He turns to look in her direction, face breaking into a grin of sorts. Hello, Clara. Long time, no see. His eyes are bright, and he flicks his sonic screwdriver up between them, the tip lighting green. ]
Who said we're not supposed to be messing with this door? I'd like to have a word with whoever told us not to mess with this door. Doors are meant to be messed with, otherwise what is the purpose of a door, eh?
[ Of course he has been trying to get it to open with absolutely no luck whatsoever, so it's quite possible the joke is on them. ]
[She leans in just enough to peer down at the green lit tip like it's going to do a trick or tell them something interesting. It does neither, and her eyes glance up past it to look to the Doctor. She laughs then, cheeks dimpling as it's accompanied by a grin.]
Someone I spoke to mentioned the area beyond this door being off limits. No one knows what's beyond here.
[Which fills them both with the desire to break right in, she's sure. She knows she's itching to figure out the secret before anyone else. She's so taken with it that she momentarily forgets why she came to find him in the first place.]
Someone I spoke to mentioned the area beyond this door being off limits. No one knows what's beyond here.
[Which fills them both with the desire to break right in, she's sure. She knows she's itching to figure out the secret before anyone else. She's so taken with it that she momentarily forgets why she came to find him in the first place.]
Well, someone must know what's beyond it. That AI — ah, what's her name. We all heard her. She must have an idea.
[ Of course he isn't going to summon her right now either, because just as Clara's thinking it, so is the Doctor: this is something the two of them should be figuring out before anyone else. A kind of ... flag-planting victory that has absolutely nothing to do with the thrill he gets when he sees Clara's face light up, all glowy and happy and excited. He likes seeing people glowy and happy and excited, all right, he isn't biased whatsoever. ]
Where did you come from?
[ This question is to Clara, of course, and when he puts his screwdriver away, sliding it back into the pocket of his jacket, it's to spread his palms over the door like he's seeking a loose spot or a hinge or a secret latch that will bypass whatever security the station's got. ]
[ Of course he isn't going to summon her right now either, because just as Clara's thinking it, so is the Doctor: this is something the two of them should be figuring out before anyone else. A kind of ... flag-planting victory that has absolutely nothing to do with the thrill he gets when he sees Clara's face light up, all glowy and happy and excited. He likes seeing people glowy and happy and excited, all right, he isn't biased whatsoever. ]
Where did you come from?
[ This question is to Clara, of course, and when he puts his screwdriver away, sliding it back into the pocket of his jacket, it's to spread his palms over the door like he's seeking a loose spot or a hinge or a secret latch that will bypass whatever security the station's got. ]
[Clara watches him with the same fascination she always does as he works at the door, heading over beside him to press her ear against it like she's actually going to hear him stumble across a secret that she hasn't uncovered yet.]
Me? I was busy making friends and arranging kitchen duties.
[But that does bring back to mind what she had wanted to tell him, and she reaches over to curl her fingers around his wrist.]
I'm concerned about the rations here. Mostly about what's gonna happen once they run out. We don't really, actually know the people here. Who they are and what they can do. That could be dangerous if the situation gets tense. And there are children here.
[Children that she's determined to protect, much like the ones she's nannied for in the past or teaches back home.]
Me? I was busy making friends and arranging kitchen duties.
[But that does bring back to mind what she had wanted to tell him, and she reaches over to curl her fingers around his wrist.]
I'm concerned about the rations here. Mostly about what's gonna happen once they run out. We don't really, actually know the people here. Who they are and what they can do. That could be dangerous if the situation gets tense. And there are children here.
[Children that she's determined to protect, much like the ones she's nannied for in the past or teaches back home.]
Edited 2021-07-05 06:16 (UTC)
[ The touch gives the Doctor pause and he returns his gaze towards Clara. Brilliant, big-hearted Clara. His mouth turns up into a smile and he steps away from the door. They can always return to this little bit of exploration later. It's not as though the door's going anywhere anyway.
Maybe.
Ooh, how interesting would it be if the door could simply walk away. But — no, no. Back to rations. ]
Of course. [ Thoughtful. ] Yes. [ He takes on a slightly far-off look as though he's imagining that worst-case scenario in his head, assessing the faces he recalls seeing as he'd passed them by in other rooms with a quick wave. It's hard to tell who might be the best of them and who wouldn't hesitate to sell their shipmates off for a meal.
The fingers of his free hand twitch — well, fidget, really — and he nods. ] Yes. I did see something said about that over the network thingy. Has anyone taken stock of what we have yet? How many children are on board? Of course we must protect the children.
[ The Doctor's always had a soft spot for children, the hope of the universe. Little Amelia Pond's face flickers across his vision, threatening to provoke the wound within him that's been scabbed over with her loss. Hers and Rory's.
He shakes his head, plasters on a silly little smile and reiterates: ] The door can wait.
Maybe.
Ooh, how interesting would it be if the door could simply walk away. But — no, no. Back to rations. ]
Of course. [ Thoughtful. ] Yes. [ He takes on a slightly far-off look as though he's imagining that worst-case scenario in his head, assessing the faces he recalls seeing as he'd passed them by in other rooms with a quick wave. It's hard to tell who might be the best of them and who wouldn't hesitate to sell their shipmates off for a meal.
The fingers of his free hand twitch — well, fidget, really — and he nods. ] Yes. I did see something said about that over the network thingy. Has anyone taken stock of what we have yet? How many children are on board? Of course we must protect the children.
[ The Doctor's always had a soft spot for children, the hope of the universe. Little Amelia Pond's face flickers across his vision, threatening to provoke the wound within him that's been scabbed over with her loss. Hers and Rory's.
He shakes his head, plasters on a silly little smile and reiterates: ] The door can wait.
[She wonders what's going on in that head of his sometimes. She knows him well enough now to know when his smiles are forced on, but now isn't the time to force him to talk about what he's thinking. ]
It'll have to wait. Same as -
[There's a pause as she gasps, right as Viveca's message about their mission plays in her head. She's adjusted rather quickly to the earpieces she thinks, but this still startling. Her eyes widen as her fingers press against her ear, and she looks over to the Doctor as if to ask he's hearing the same thing.
By the time the message ends, she can't tell if she's exciting or apprehensive about what's to come.]
Looks like we've got our first chance at finding an orb.
It'll have to wait. Same as -
[There's a pause as she gasps, right as Viveca's message about their mission plays in her head. She's adjusted rather quickly to the earpieces she thinks, but this still startling. Her eyes widen as her fingers press against her ear, and she looks over to the Doctor as if to ask he's hearing the same thing.
By the time the message ends, she can't tell if she's exciting or apprehensive about what's to come.]
Looks like we've got our first chance at finding an orb.
Ooh — not sure whether I like that or not. It's surprising. Very surprising.
[ The Doctor lifts his hands to tap at his ears, at the little communications device that's been plugged into them for convenience. Very efficient for getting a hold of someone, of course, and for surfing the station's web (and their version of Twitter over the network) but this — yes, this will take just a little bit of getting used to.
He meets Clara's eyes but there's a delighted gleam in his, at least. Whatever dark thought he might have had just before the interruption appears to be gone now. It's just the Doctor being his usual excitable self once more. ]
But you're right. That was quick, wasn't it? I wonder what these orbs look like. Big glowy things, do you think?
[ The Doctor lifts his hands to tap at his ears, at the little communications device that's been plugged into them for convenience. Very efficient for getting a hold of someone, of course, and for surfing the station's web (and their version of Twitter over the network) but this — yes, this will take just a little bit of getting used to.
He meets Clara's eyes but there's a delighted gleam in his, at least. Whatever dark thought he might have had just before the interruption appears to be gone now. It's just the Doctor being his usual excitable self once more. ]
But you're right. That was quick, wasn't it? I wonder what these orbs look like. Big glowy things, do you think?
[Her cheeks puff up as she has no idea how to answer that. She holds her breath, gesturing with her hands to make a big circular shape. Guessing that an orb could be about that big, she glances up at him with a questioning look. Slowly exhaling, she ends her guessing with a casual shrug of her shoulders.]
It's an orb. We'll know it when we see it. We're the Doctor and Clara Oswald, professional orb hunters.
[She's confident in that much, at least. So she puts on her best reckless smirk, and holds both hands up toward him. If he presses his palms to hers, she'll lace their fingers together and press back against him, laughing in the process. It's like a high five with hand holding included.]
It's an orb. We'll know it when we see it. We're the Doctor and Clara Oswald, professional orb hunters.
[She's confident in that much, at least. So she puts on her best reckless smirk, and holds both hands up toward him. If he presses his palms to hers, she'll lace their fingers together and press back against him, laughing in the process. It's like a high five with hand holding included.]
Professional Orb Hunters, oh — yes, I do like the sound of that.
[ The Doctor watches Clara make an orb-like shape with her hands, and then considers how he has absolutely no idea what these orbs look like or what they do or how they're supposed to help, and the sheer amount of unknowns here is both frustrating — but a little exciting too. Used to knowing just about everything and having a plan (while also not having a plan), this is all new.
New can be good too; he's just not sure if this is the kind of new he wants to wager when his regret is so ... universe-alteringly important.
He's grinning when he catches on to what Clara's got her hands up for, and obediently places his palms against hers, a match for a match. He allows himself a moment to be so relieved that she's here, that while he could manage all of this on his own, he's rather glad that he isn't. ]
You and me, Clara. We're going to have an adventure.
[ The Doctor watches Clara make an orb-like shape with her hands, and then considers how he has absolutely no idea what these orbs look like or what they do or how they're supposed to help, and the sheer amount of unknowns here is both frustrating — but a little exciting too. Used to knowing just about everything and having a plan (while also not having a plan), this is all new.
New can be good too; he's just not sure if this is the kind of new he wants to wager when his regret is so ... universe-alteringly important.
He's grinning when he catches on to what Clara's got her hands up for, and obediently places his palms against hers, a match for a match. He allows himself a moment to be so relieved that she's here, that while he could manage all of this on his own, he's rather glad that he isn't. ]
You and me, Clara. We're going to have an adventure.
[She presses against his hands, leaning in until their foreheads and the tips of their noses touch. She's incredibly grateful to have him here, to be going into this as a team. They've been through so much together that she couldn't think of anyone she'd rather have with her.
Her eyes close as she takes in a few breaths, mentally preparing herself for the adventure ahead. Once she feels ready she pulls back, grinning.]
We best not keep anyone waiting, then. Don't want to make a bad first impression.
Her eyes close as she takes in a few breaths, mentally preparing herself for the adventure ahead. Once she feels ready she pulls back, grinning.]
We best not keep anyone waiting, then. Don't want to make a bad first impression.
Doctor? Please, please, please be in a position to answer this.
[She sounds tired, but her voice is thick with emotion. She's obviously crying.]
It's been hours since the attack, and I've looked for your everywhere. But I can't...
[Her voice trembles and she lets out a shaky exhale. She's trying to be strong but it's hard when she's so close to panicking.]
I can't find you anywhere. And I need to know that you're alright.
[She sounds tired, but her voice is thick with emotion. She's obviously crying.]
It's been hours since the attack, and I've looked for your everywhere. But I can't...
[Her voice trembles and she lets out a shaky exhale. She's trying to be strong but it's hard when she's so close to panicking.]
I can't find you anywhere. And I need to know that you're alright.
[ There's nothing for a long moment, and then there's a slight crackle; a shuffling sound; movement, maybe. And then a voice, as enthusiastic as he can make it, as normal as he can keep it, but there's something off about it too — the barest edge of strain. ]
Clara? Clara. [ There's an exhale, ragged. ] I'm all right. Are you safe?
[ A pause. ]
You're back with the others?
Clara? Clara. [ There's an exhale, ragged. ] I'm all right. Are you safe?
[ A pause. ]
You're back with the others?
[She's trying not to let him hear her crying, so she hesitates and tries to compose herself before saying anything in response.]
...yeah. I got a bit banged up, but I'm safe now. But the guards aren't letting me get to you.
[She promptly switches over to video because she wants him to understand how that's going to be a problem for her. There's a wild look in her eyes that says she's going to tear apart and burn down the entire palace to get to him.]
I've lost you before, and I'm not letting it happen again. So tell me. How injured are you? Be honest.
...yeah. I got a bit banged up, but I'm safe now. But the guards aren't letting me get to you.
[She promptly switches over to video because she wants him to understand how that's going to be a problem for her. There's a wild look in her eyes that says she's going to tear apart and burn down the entire palace to get to him.]
I've lost you before, and I'm not letting it happen again. So tell me. How injured are you? Be honest.
Good. Good, I'm glad you're safe. Wherever you are, stay there. Stay where the others can look after you. Where you can be most helpful to them.
[ Oh, Clara. He may not know you as well as you might know him, not yet, but it isn't difficult to hear the thickness in her voice, the valiant attempt to keep herself in one piece. All of his companions of the past had been similar in some ways: brave, strong, heartfelt types. Good people. All very, very good people.
He doesn't dwell too long on those faces, not wanting this to be any sort of goodbye, not yet. He doesn't believe things will end for him here, that isn't what he's heard, but then again time has a funny way of revealing unexpected details when one least expects them. He lets himself think of Clara though, lets his favourite memory of her linger in his mind for a moment too long so the line feels like it's gone dead.
And then: ]
You won't lose me, Clara. Hey? Not ever. [ He sees her face appear in video but keeps his communication as it is. There have been . . . further developments he doesn't want her to see, not if he can help it. The light here is shoddy anyway.
He ignores the way his skin itches, the way the dark spot where he'd been attacked seems to be hot and cold at once, and leaves him with a lingering smell of — well, he supposes it's decay, the physical form breaking down in reaction to the monstrous DNA. One of the far more claw-y monsters had managed to sink a rather sharp, curled nail through his shoulder in an attempt to reel him back into the fight, and — well. It was a stupid mistake, really. He'd been nosing in places he shouldn't have, to help the people and (in part) to help himself. He'd wanted to see the infected for himself and then he'd been overwhelmed. ]
That would explain why none of us has seen any company pass through, though. They've fortified these walls here.
[ Oh, Clara. He may not know you as well as you might know him, not yet, but it isn't difficult to hear the thickness in her voice, the valiant attempt to keep herself in one piece. All of his companions of the past had been similar in some ways: brave, strong, heartfelt types. Good people. All very, very good people.
He doesn't dwell too long on those faces, not wanting this to be any sort of goodbye, not yet. He doesn't believe things will end for him here, that isn't what he's heard, but then again time has a funny way of revealing unexpected details when one least expects them. He lets himself think of Clara though, lets his favourite memory of her linger in his mind for a moment too long so the line feels like it's gone dead.
And then: ]
You won't lose me, Clara. Hey? Not ever. [ He sees her face appear in video but keeps his communication as it is. There have been . . . further developments he doesn't want her to see, not if he can help it. The light here is shoddy anyway.
He ignores the way his skin itches, the way the dark spot where he'd been attacked seems to be hot and cold at once, and leaves him with a lingering smell of — well, he supposes it's decay, the physical form breaking down in reaction to the monstrous DNA. One of the far more claw-y monsters had managed to sink a rather sharp, curled nail through his shoulder in an attempt to reel him back into the fight, and — well. It was a stupid mistake, really. He'd been nosing in places he shouldn't have, to help the people and (in part) to help himself. He'd wanted to see the infected for himself and then he'd been overwhelmed. ]
That would explain why none of us has seen any company pass through, though. They've fortified these walls here.
[If there's one way to get her to switch back to audio only, it's his promise that he won't lose her. Knowing what she knows only makes his words pierce her heart and cause it to painfully twist. It's not his fault, of course. Clara's realizing for the first time since they found each other in that dark room upon arriving on the station that their timelines are all wrong.
She's been unintentionally meddling in his, casually dropping spoilers about adventures that likely haven't happened for him yet. Knowing that makes her heart ache even further, to the point that she can't respond to him right away. It takes at least a few minutes for her to cry out everything she's feeling. From her frustration to not being able to help him, to her desperation to save him, to her heartbreak at having him age and regenerate that she hasn't been able to properly deal with yet. None of this is fair to either of them, but she's not childish enough to think that matters. Life isn't fair.
But she's going to get them through this.]
Course I won't lose you, Doctor.
[She keeps it to audio only, and makes sure that she sounds happy enough even through her upset.]
We'll be laughing about all this back on the station in no time. The Doctor and Clara Oswald, Clever Boy and Impossible Girl. Safe and sound, orb hunters that successfully completed their first mission.
[She's really good at lying. So good that she sounds like she actually believes that will happen.]
So don't worry about those walls, yeah? We're gonna find a way to take care of them.
She's been unintentionally meddling in his, casually dropping spoilers about adventures that likely haven't happened for him yet. Knowing that makes her heart ache even further, to the point that she can't respond to him right away. It takes at least a few minutes for her to cry out everything she's feeling. From her frustration to not being able to help him, to her desperation to save him, to her heartbreak at having him age and regenerate that she hasn't been able to properly deal with yet. None of this is fair to either of them, but she's not childish enough to think that matters. Life isn't fair.
But she's going to get them through this.]
Course I won't lose you, Doctor.
[She keeps it to audio only, and makes sure that she sounds happy enough even through her upset.]
We'll be laughing about all this back on the station in no time. The Doctor and Clara Oswald, Clever Boy and Impossible Girl. Safe and sound, orb hunters that successfully completed their first mission.
[She's really good at lying. So good that she sounds like she actually believes that will happen.]
So don't worry about those walls, yeah? We're gonna find a way to take care of them.
[ Perhaps he's said something wrong, but he doesn't have a whole lot of time to mull it over. In the brief pause between them, he uses it to regain his composure once more, taking in a few deep breaths and adjusting his current position in the rather lumpy beds all the infected have been provided. Some of them are asleep, others are like him ... awake and restless and exhausted all the same.
The Doctor knows he should be doing something, but he isn't sure what, and his brain's finding it difficult to keep his thoughts in order (not that they were particularly organized to begin with, but there's a difference between an organized mess and a plain mess, you see). He taps at his temple, trying to jumpstart the little communicator in his mind, and about to call her name again — and then he hears her voice on the other side.
A reassurance. An agreement. The familiarity of her voice. ]
That's right. [ He exhales, mouth curving into a smile. It can be heard in his response. ] Impossible Girl. [ Yes, yes, it sparks something in his mind — well, sparks many somethings. He'd met her before, several befores, and he could never figure out how or why or for what reason. Perhaps he might never know, but she's an impossible mystery and so important too. Clara Oswald, the Impossible Girl.
He wishes he were there right now, but not like this. No, not looking like this. ] Our first mission. Sounds kind of fantastic, doesn't it? A mission. Like we're spies.
[ His breath hitches despite his best efforts to ramble on a hundred miles per minute. ]
Or — well, hunters. [ Another breath. ] Ah. You saving me this time, like we're taking turns.
The Doctor knows he should be doing something, but he isn't sure what, and his brain's finding it difficult to keep his thoughts in order (not that they were particularly organized to begin with, but there's a difference between an organized mess and a plain mess, you see). He taps at his temple, trying to jumpstart the little communicator in his mind, and about to call her name again — and then he hears her voice on the other side.
A reassurance. An agreement. The familiarity of her voice. ]
That's right. [ He exhales, mouth curving into a smile. It can be heard in his response. ] Impossible Girl. [ Yes, yes, it sparks something in his mind — well, sparks many somethings. He'd met her before, several befores, and he could never figure out how or why or for what reason. Perhaps he might never know, but she's an impossible mystery and so important too. Clara Oswald, the Impossible Girl.
He wishes he were there right now, but not like this. No, not looking like this. ] Our first mission. Sounds kind of fantastic, doesn't it? A mission. Like we're spies.
[ His breath hitches despite his best efforts to ramble on a hundred miles per minute. ]
Or — well, hunters. [ Another breath. ] Ah. You saving me this time, like we're taking turns.
[It's easier to think of it that way. Like they're taking turns. Except she feels like she's having to continually save him and she's tired, but can't let him know that because it's basically waving a giant banner that says SPOILERS in front of his face.
So she abandons her focus on that and instead replays the sounds of his breathing through her head. He's not doing well, that much is obvious to her. She wishes she could be there to hold his hand or comfort him somehow. But she can't be, and she's going to have to live with that.
For now.
She can already feel her patience wearing thin, her exhaustion creeping in to something that makes her dark and willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. It's a side of her that the Doctor doesn't know and hasn't seen, and she's almost thankful he won't be in a position to see her now.
There's work to be done, and she has to be a part of making it happen.]
Sounds like I'm due to get in over my head on the next one.
[She actually manages a laugh, one that has no tears behind it.]
You better rest up so you're able to figure out a way to save me when it happens.
So she abandons her focus on that and instead replays the sounds of his breathing through her head. He's not doing well, that much is obvious to her. She wishes she could be there to hold his hand or comfort him somehow. But she can't be, and she's going to have to live with that.
For now.
She can already feel her patience wearing thin, her exhaustion creeping in to something that makes her dark and willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. It's a side of her that the Doctor doesn't know and hasn't seen, and she's almost thankful he won't be in a position to see her now.
There's work to be done, and she has to be a part of making it happen.]
Sounds like I'm due to get in over my head on the next one.
[She actually manages a laugh, one that has no tears behind it.]
You better rest up so you're able to figure out a way to save me when it happens.
If you're asking me for permission, I won't give it to you.
[ There's a playful little tone of petulance in his voice, or perhaps it's stubbornness — either way, the banter keeps him from spiraling deep into his thoughts. Besides which, he likes the sound of Clara's voice, right in his ears like she's there beside him.
He leans back against the too-flat, too-uncomfortable mattress, and exhales a small cough. ]
But I'll always save you, Clara. You know that. [ There's another deep breath, and then a shuffling. Clearly the Doctor's getting a little uncomfortable with the sentimentality, and when he clears his throat it's to recompose himself. Get him back on track, as it were. ] Right. Tell me what's happening over there? Have you seen the Ghost Girl?
[ There's a playful little tone of petulance in his voice, or perhaps it's stubbornness — either way, the banter keeps him from spiraling deep into his thoughts. Besides which, he likes the sound of Clara's voice, right in his ears like she's there beside him.
He leans back against the too-flat, too-uncomfortable mattress, and exhales a small cough. ]
But I'll always save you, Clara. You know that. [ There's another deep breath, and then a shuffling. Clearly the Doctor's getting a little uncomfortable with the sentimentality, and when he clears his throat it's to recompose himself. Get him back on track, as it were. ] Right. Tell me what's happening over there? Have you seen the Ghost Girl?
Only in the middle of the attack.
[But seeing her that once wasn't enough to really figure anything out, which is good because she hates having to avoid telling the truth when it comes to him. ]
I'm not sure what everyone on this side of the infirmary's doing. Newt's keeping me from making any stupid moves trying to get to you. So we'll definitely owe him a big thanks once this is all said and done.
[She can't give away much of anything else without either worrying him or failing her personal goal, so she sighs and trails off there.]
[But seeing her that once wasn't enough to really figure anything out, which is good because she hates having to avoid telling the truth when it comes to him. ]
I'm not sure what everyone on this side of the infirmary's doing. Newt's keeping me from making any stupid moves trying to get to you. So we'll definitely owe him a big thanks once this is all said and done.
[She can't give away much of anything else without either worrying him or failing her personal goal, so she sighs and trails off there.]
Ah — yes, yes, of course. The other doctor. The one with monster experience, hey?
[ Maybe a little different from this particular kind of monster, but he can only hope that Newt's expertise could help in this endeavour. Either way, his voice sounds a little soft. Yes, when all of this is done and over with and they've wound up back on the station, good as new, he'll have to give Newt his utmost gratitude for helping to keep Clara safe.
This isn't a place he wants her in, certainly not when he's looking the way he looks right now. And hell, everything hurts too. ]
Good. [ He's still thinking about the others keeping her from making any of those rash moves he's already been privy to in the short while he's known her. It's not quite unlike what he'd do, but he's got two hearts (truth) and 27 brains (a lie) and being an alien on his side.
But just for good measure: ] Clara, you have to promise me you won't do anything stupid. [ And lightly, he adds: ] Not without me.
[ Maybe a little different from this particular kind of monster, but he can only hope that Newt's expertise could help in this endeavour. Either way, his voice sounds a little soft. Yes, when all of this is done and over with and they've wound up back on the station, good as new, he'll have to give Newt his utmost gratitude for helping to keep Clara safe.
This isn't a place he wants her in, certainly not when he's looking the way he looks right now. And hell, everything hurts too. ]
Good. [ He's still thinking about the others keeping her from making any of those rash moves he's already been privy to in the short while he's known her. It's not quite unlike what he'd do, but he's got two hearts (truth) and 27 brains (a lie) and being an alien on his side.
But just for good measure: ] Clara, you have to promise me you won't do anything stupid. [ And lightly, he adds: ] Not without me.
[Is...he actually trying to make her promise this right now? Clara appreciates the last second add on, and there's a soft laugh that she hopes can suffice as promise enough. But this is the Doctor, and her safety is always important to him. She doesn't like breaking promises, but she also wants him to be able to rest easy.
A little white lie to reassure him won't hurt anything.]
I'll save all stupidity for whenever we're back together again. Promise.
[It's sweet that he worries about her, even though he's the one suffering right now. She decides that she'll get him a little get well soon present and find a way to get it to him. A nice hat would probably cheer him up.
Lying to him probably would dampen that cheer, and she feels a little guilt as she quickly adds on-]
Intentional stupidity, obviously. Not the sort of stupidity that happens when...well, things just happen.
[He knows how that is.]
A little white lie to reassure him won't hurt anything.]
I'll save all stupidity for whenever we're back together again. Promise.
[It's sweet that he worries about her, even though he's the one suffering right now. She decides that she'll get him a little get well soon present and find a way to get it to him. A nice hat would probably cheer him up.
Lying to him probably would dampen that cheer, and she feels a little guilt as she quickly adds on-]
Intentional stupidity, obviously. Not the sort of stupidity that happens when...well, things just happen.
[He knows how that is.]
[ Oh yes, the Doctor knows precisely the flavour of stupidity that Clara means but ... he isn't against it either. Brings a little excitement to their lives and all that, you know? And after 1200 some odd years, it can sometimes be a welcomed thing.
It's only where his companions are involved when things get a little more complicated. Finding the balance between absolute reckless stupidity and being somewhat responsible and having a plan is where he's still got a few things left to learn, but he's trying. (And he'll continue trying; forever, and for the rest of his life.) ]
Things will happen the way that they happen but we'll always figure them out, won't we? [ There's a crackle of static, a wheezing cough to follow, and it's that break in their conversation that serves as a reminder of the very real severity of the situation.
Who's lying to who now, hm? ]
Breakfast. [ It's said suddenly, the way many of the Doctor's nonsensical starts to plans are brought to life. ] I was making a waffle-maker before the mission. When we're all back on the station, what say you, me and the good doctor have waffles together?
It's only where his companions are involved when things get a little more complicated. Finding the balance between absolute reckless stupidity and being somewhat responsible and having a plan is where he's still got a few things left to learn, but he's trying. (And he'll continue trying; forever, and for the rest of his life.) ]
Things will happen the way that they happen but we'll always figure them out, won't we? [ There's a crackle of static, a wheezing cough to follow, and it's that break in their conversation that serves as a reminder of the very real severity of the situation.
Who's lying to who now, hm? ]
Breakfast. [ It's said suddenly, the way many of the Doctor's nonsensical starts to plans are brought to life. ] I was making a waffle-maker before the mission. When we're all back on the station, what say you, me and the good doctor have waffles together?
Page 1 of 25