Alternates (8/?)

[walkwithheroes]

Title: Alternates (8/?)
Rated: PG-13 
Spoilers: Up to Doomsday

“I can't sleep here. It isn't the TARDIS.” He stared up at the ceiling for a moment, before placing one arm under his head. It took him a few movements before he was comfortable on the bed. A queen size bed, in a hotel room, in London. He just knew it wouldn't work; he was used to sleeping in his room on his ship.

Well, at least he had his faithful girl by his side, that was a plus. “Can you sleep? You've done this sort of thing before.”

As she crawled into bed, his companion raised an eyebrow. Just what was he suggesting? That she often slept in strange hotel rooms?

“What? Oh, I wasn't calling you a whore.” He moved himself around again. With a content sigh, he watched her out of the corner of his eyes. The bed really was kind of comfortable.

She gently laid her head on his chest. Ignoring his last statement, she said: “They aren't really them. They look different in some ways and they dress differently, too.” She paused for a moment. “Dad Number Two doesn't have that ugly cane.”

Levi frowned at the memory of that cane. The times the Doctor had hit him in the leg with it...well, they were too numerous too count. “Dad Number One's got better fashion sense. And better hair.”

“Mum doesn't seem nearly as pitiful, and I bet she doesn't seek her Doctor's approval on everything.” Lily closed her eyes. She wanted to try and see if she could remember the last time she had seen her mother – her real mother. When she found that she couldn't remember, she opened her eyes and stared off into space. “They're all different, in little ways. Mickey's happier, I think.” A small smile briefly played on her lips. “That's good.”

“Jack,” Levi stopped himself from going on. He didn't want to make Lily sad, but... “Jack doesn't seem so...you know.” He laughed softly under his breath. “I bet this Jack never suddenly screams at people when he doesn't get his way.”

Lily awkwardly nodded, her hair moving against his shirt made a little noise. “He's probably more mature. I'm glad for him.”

A warm and familiar silence followed. They both missed the sounds of the TARDIS, so they instead tried to focus on the sounds of the hotel. Down the hall, two people were making love. In the room above them, someone was taking a hot shower. Below them, a young woman was telling her children a bedtime story. They couldn't completely hear all of these acts, they just knew they were happening.

Another thing that came with not being totally human.

Levi closed his eyes, than opened the right one. “Lily love, I'm bored. I just... I slept forty-seven hours ago.” He held her waist with one of his arms. “We could play a game?” He offered, like a little boy hoping for a treat.

Lily smiled softly, a stroke of brilliance had just come to her. “Oh, I have an idea.” With a happy bounce, she untangled herself from Levi and sat up on her knees. “Of course, I'm not sure you're up to it.”

“Oh,” he smirked wickedly as he followed her lead. “I'm up for it.”

“Good!” Like a flash, she kissed his check and bounced off the bed. “I'll only be a minute, five at the most.” With that, she practically skipped out of their room.

Levi glanced back down at the bed, considering whether or not he should try and lay down again. But, that idea wasn't to stand for long. With a goofy grin, his own stroke of genius entered his mind. Like Lily before him, he practically skipped out of the door.

__________________________________________________________________________________

In a hotel room with red curtains and an ugly chair, Tess Hartnell sat on the edge of the queen sized bed, a pillow tightly held against her chest. Her Doctor had just finished explaining everything to her in his sarcastic and overly wordy way. Rips in time, alternate versions of people she knew and loved, Cybermen, Daleks, the fact that things was currently bleeding into each other, it was all a lot to take it.

She swallowed hard. “Wow.”

The Doctor raised an eyebrow, his eyes intensely looking into hers. “That's it?” He actually looked slightly annoyed. “I tell you the best story ever; I tell you about the biggest adventure we'll ever...that's really all you have to say?”

“Well, no.” Tess moved uncomfortably under her Doctor's gaze. She had only seemed this uncomfortable with him one other time, and that hadn't ended well for either of them. “It's just...” she let her gaze drift back to his, “you have to admit that alternate Earths sound pretty cool. These other Doctors, they don't know me. I'm not in their lives and they aren't in mine. Four other Earths, with four other Me's, living lives without you...”

A hurt looked flashed across his handsome face, but was gone a moment later as he sat himself down in the ugly chair. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Tess repeated with a nod. “I just think it's interesting, you know?” Sighing softly, she moved around on the edge of the bed, trying to make herself more comfortable. “Did my mum stay or did she leave? Is Dad a success or is he still...Dad? Is he still around on any of the other Earths?” She was growing more excited and hyper. In fact she had begun to ramble. “Did the other Me's go to university, are they married, do any of them have kids?”

While Tess seemed utterly curious about her alternate-selves, the Doctor was just annoyed with it. Tess was from her Earth, had her life. It was far from a fairy tale, but she had him to make things better for her. Didn't that count for anything? He had taken care of her, been there for her. Not that idiot who...no, the Doctor wasn't jealous. He didn't get jealous.

The Doctor cleared his throat loudly, causing Tess to give him a questioning look. His voice calm and cool, he asked her a very simple question, secretly hoping that she'd give him a very simple answer. “Would you prefer if we had never met, Tess?”

Never missing a beat, Tess smiled at him. Her smile was somewhat sad and somewhat something else, something that not even the Doctor could know. “I know it won't last forever, Doctor. I'm not stupid. But, I am happy with you and I wouldn't change it for the world...for any world.”

She sounded like she meant it, but there was something in her eyes that made the Doctor skeptical. He knew damn well that if she could be with him, she would. Hell, the Doctor knew that Tess loved him more than she loved the Doctor. “I wouldn't change anything, either.”

Suddenly, the energy in the room seemed off. The twosome always tried so hard to ignore certain things about their pasts. Now, the alternate Earths had brought up one of the things they had always tried to ignore. The alternate Earths and all the problems they brought had caused the Doctor and the woman he loved to come crashing back to the real world. No matter how much they cared for one another, it would end. It would end, and maybe they didn't really love one another as much as they wanted to believe.

“Doctor?” Tess focused her eyes on his. “Do you know that your eyes are a beautiful shade of blue?”

Tess's Doctor looked at her, a playful smirk forming on his lips. “Well, no. I have been a bit busy.” He silently moved from the chair to the bed. With a small smile, he kissed Tess firmly on the mouth. “Glad you did, though.”

Sliding her hands into his, Tess grinned cheekily. “Doctor? You've regenerated only a few hours ago. And, you haven't done much, so...are you technically a virgin again?”

The Doctor couldn't help but laugh. Only his Tess would ask such a question. “I suppose so.”

Tess kissed him on the cheek, before leaning close to his ear. “I could help with that.” She whispered, her voice low and sultry. Tess's eyes locked onto his. “I love you.” She searched his eyes for some kind of confirmation that he loved her back, but found none. Disappointed, Tess moved away from the Doctor, muttering “sorry” under her breath. She knew he didn't like the 'l' word, and yet she had said it. And they had been doing so well too.

Gently, the Doctor placed a cold palm on her right cheek. With a firm hand, he forced her to look at him. “I know, lovely love.” His voice was quiet, maybe even a little sorrowful. His eyes gave him away, and Tess smiled softly. “I know.” The Doctor kissed her forehead, before guiding her down onto the bed.

Lily's mind was racing with thousands of thoughts. She thought about the gravitational pull of the planet Ard. She thought about different ways to fix the TARDIS. She even thought about the best way to make a pizza ;none of which was new, except the nagging thoughts about her current situation. Daleks, Cybermen, Torchwoods gone mad, they could handle that. But rips in time that were causing parallel universes to bleed into one another, thus destroying everything? Lily wasn't so sure she and Levi could handle that. Sure, they had three Doctors, a Torchwood, and a lot of other people to help, but it was still worrisome. Lily certainly didn't want anyone's universe getting destroyed. Especially her own.

The ding of the lift briefly shook Lily from her thoughts. Quietly she stepped into the large lift, thankful that no one else was there. She had just pressed for the lobby, when someone came skidding to a stop in front of the lift, before sliding inside.

“Hello,” Jack grinned at her. He had a strange look on his face, that was a kind of cross between flirting and suspicion.

Jack. Lily really didn't need him around.

She offered him a tight smile. “Hello.” The moment the word was out of her mouth, she quickly looked away. Lily was in the middle of a “game”, and she wasn't about to endanger her winning strike, just to look at a parallel version of her dead husband, no matter how much she still missed him.

Even if he was staring at her in that old, familiar way.

“Enjoying the hotel?” Jack questioned, a smirk on his lips. He was, causally leaning against the wall of the lift.

“Yes, thank you,” She answered without even bothering to look at him. Instead, she wished the lift would go faster.

Nervously Lily looked up, the elevator was only on the floor thirty. God, it was taking forever and she just wanted to get away; get away before he did or said something to make her remember.

“You seem nervous,” Jack pointed out. He was still smirking at her. Jack – her Jack – had always smirked at her when he had known she was nervous. “I'm Jack, did you know that?”

She glanced over at him, her face unreadable. “Yes. I'm Lily, did you know that?”

“Yes.” Jack's face was readable, at least to Lily. He seemed to find her intriguing. “You know, Lily,” he reached over and stopped the elevator, causing it to jerk. Lily kept her feet firmly on the floor- there was no way that she was about to fall in front of him. “I'd really like to know something. Who are you and your pal Levi, really?” Lily just gave him a look, as if he had just asked her the stupidest question possible in the history of mankind. Jack smirk widened. “I've been watching you two. Levi's no Doctor and you're no shop girl from London.”

“You're right.” She swallowed. “I'm not a shop girl. I'm a traveler.” She grinned cheekily at him. It was a grin that reminded Jack of the tenth Doctor. “I travel with a man – who isn't a man - in a flying box called a TARDIS. You know that, Jack.”

He couldn't help but be impressed. “Doesn't make him The Doctor, Lily.”

“That's what this is about: you wanting information? You've got an unhealthy interest in us. For your information, lots of people call him 'Doctor' where we come from.”

Jack let out a small laugh. “Unhealthy? Lady...”

“You're just rude,” Lily cut him off, “rude and completely out of line.”

Lily reached out, hoping to start the elevator again, but was stopped by Jack's hand on her wrist. The two glanced down to their point of contact. It was... right in some way that Jack didn't want to understand.

His voice low, and slightly seductive, he whispered to her. “I never do or say anything, unless someone would consider it rude. And, I'm almost always out of line... It's the best place to be.”

“If I were to say something...that would be considered to be, to some, somewhat apologetic in this situation...it wouldn't be rude. That'd be a first for me. So, you'd have to say yes.”

Lily locked eyes with Jack. She swallowed, thought of Levi, and spoke as calmly and coolly as she could: “I'm very important, better than you, and much too busy to deal with your idiotic questions and assumptions.” She tried to get out of his grip, but found that she couldn't. Or maybe she just didn't want Jack to let go of her just yet.

Jack looked Lily dead in the eyes and smiled wolfishly. She was so...something. She really wasn't just some London shop girl or faithful companion. Oh no, Lily wasn't like Rose, Tess or Leven. Jack found he rather liked that.

“You're very attracted to me, aren't you?”

Despite herself, Lily smiled softly. “You're really full of yourself, aren't you?” She pulled her wrist from his grip. “Now, that's enough talk.” Jack smiled slyly, perhaps thinking something was about to happen. For her part, Lily just pressed a button to restart the elevator and backed away from him.

“If we can't talk...”

“No!” Lily cut Jack off. She gazed at him. “I know what you're thinking, so just stop it.”

“I'm just thinking that you're not who you seem to be.” He paused; his smile growing wider. “And that you're clearly thinking I'm attractive.”

Lily scoffed lightly. “In your dreams, mate.”

It was Jack's turn to laugh. He had known very few people that had actually not wanted to flirt with him. Even Mickey 'The Idiot' Smith had lightened up after a few minutes. But, not mysterious Lily Tyler. She really was a challenge. Jack hadn't been challenged by anyone for a long time.

“Maybe sooner,” he said. “You still haven't answered my question: who are you and Levi, really?”

The elevator dinged and the doors slid open. They were in the lobby.

Lily stepped out, and Jack followed her. He was a man on a mission; he wanted an answer. Torchwood had made him interested in finding the answers to mysteries and he just couldn't walk away.

“Wait, wait. Wait!” Jack caught up with Lily just as she was a mere foot from the hotel's front doors. “You love me following you, I get that. But, I really have other places to be.”

Lily stopped, gave Jack a long and hard look, and then said: “As far as you are concerned, we're nobodies. After tomorrow, Levi and I will go back to our own Earth. If it's our Torchwood causing problems, we'll fix it. If not, we'll hope someone else gets to the problem in time. It doesn't matter who we are, because we aren't your problem. We're two people in a flying, magic, box. And, we don't even know you. You don't even know us. Listen, after tomorrow you'll never see us again. Maybe parallel Doctors and Lilys, but not Levi and I. So, Jack...why are you so interested in my Levi and me?”

Because she and Levi were familiar in some way. Because it felt like he should know them, like maybe they were from his missing two years. Of course, that was impossible. Still, Jack felt...familiar with Levi and especially around Lily. It was like meeting up with an old one night stand, one that had been really special.

He could have said all or any of those things. Instead, Jack just shrugged and told Lily:

“I... I honestly have no idea.” he laughed to himself. “It's so unlike me.”

“No,” Lily reached out to him, but thought better of it and pulled back, “it's rather quite like you. You tend to go by your gut and feelings. It's what brought you here.”

“How did you...?” Jack narrowed his eyes on Lily. As far as he was aware, no one knew he was from a parallel Earth.

Lily grinned mischievously. “Know that you're following me? I do notice when I'm being followed, especially when the man following me is talking to me.” Glancing to the front doors, she smiled to herself. It was a lovely night and there was a music store across the street. “As fascinating as this conversation has been, I really do have to get going.”

Jack's face and eyes softened ever so slightly. “If I were to say something... that would be considered to be, to some, somewhat apologetic in this situation...it wouldn't be rude. That'd be a first for me.”

“Everyone should have a first.” She told him with a sad smile. “I'm honored to be yours.” She gestured to the door. “I'll only be a minute, five at the most.” A small smile formed on Jack's lips. “Levi'll be waiting for me.”

Jack's smile faded. “Yeah. You two kids have fun. Don't do anything I'd do.”

As she turned to leave the hotel, Jack heard Lily laugh softly. And even though he had no idea why, Jack found himself smiling after her. She was cool, calm, clearly hiding something, but also...rather intriguing. Jack found he rather liked Lily Tyler, even if she wasn't a shop girl from London or an alien with no real name.

The Doctor thought of himself as asexual. He found certain people attractive, but he hadn't acted on it in over eight hundred years. After all, he was a bit busy saving the universe. It was good to be asexual, it was safe.

Of course, over eight hundred years ago he hadn't known his current companion. He'd fallen for other companions, but never like this. It was confusing and it made his head and hearts hurt. It secretly made him wish he'd never met her. Knowing that alternate Doctors never had and never would did little to make him feel better, however.

His dark eyes fixed on the single bed, and he felt thankful that he had already gotten enough sleep the night before. Moving his gaze around the small hotel room, he quickly took note of all the technological differences between this world and his companion's. His companion stood in front of the DVD player, staring intently at the black piece of machinery.

"Look it!" She ran a hand over its smooth surface. "I'm three years ahead and they've got...it's aces!" She smiled at him. “We do get here soon, don't we?”

The Doctor shrugged, before cheerfully telling her: “Couple of decades and you'll be where they are, Leven.” He moved over to the bed and sat down. “You alright with everything I've told you? With everything that's going on?”

Leven chewed softly on her bottom lip for a moment, a lost little girl. Staring deeply into the Doctor's eyes she couldn't help but think everything was his fault and that it wasn't fair that he wouldn't pay for it. In some crazy way, he and the others would find a way to save the day and it would be people like her that would end up getting hurt. Sometimes, she wondered why she'd ever agreed to travel with him and why she was still doing so.

“I understood, Doctor.” She forced herself to smile as brightly as she could. “You and the other yous will take care of it. You're the Doctor, after all. You're champion.” Picking up the remote control, she paused before asking. “Mind if I turn on the telly? I want to see what it looks like.” The Doctor only got a chance to nod, before Leven had the television on the BBC.

The BBC was in the middle of the nightly news, and there, staring right back at Leven and the Doctor was Harriet Jones. The Doctor could feel his mouth drop open, as the news reporter stated that President Jones would be visiting the U.N. within the week to discuss aid in Africa.

Harriet bleedin' Jones was the president! Well, she did like to blast orders about the book shop. But...Oh, Leven! The Doctor shook himself out of his thoughts to find Leven, mouth open and body shaking, staring blankly at the television.

“Leven?” He wanted to sound as calm and soothing as possible. She had been through enough, and he didn't want to scare her.

The Doctor had thought she'd say something sweet and polite. He'd thought she'd praise her alternate-mother. Instead, Leven let out a loud: “Fuckin' 'ell!” And her hand flew to her mouth the second the words were out. “I mean, Chuffin' ell!”

Despite the seriousness and weirdness of their current situation, the Doctor couldn't help but laugh. Shaking his head in disbelief, he stood up from the bed and moved to stand in front of his young companion. “Come off it, you're allowed to say fuckin' 'ell in situations like this.”

Ducking her Doctor's gaze, Leven nodded. “Right. It's just, I know me Mummy's gobby, but she's never had an interest in that sort of thing.”

Rolling his eyes, the Doctor scoffed. He knew damn well that Harriet Jones loved bossing people around almost as much as she loved being in control. “You could have fooled me.” Gingerly, he took the remote from Leven's hand and turned the television off. “Harriet's a good person, but you and I both know she'd love to have a bit more power in the world.”

Leven wanted to give her Doctor an icy glare for half-insulting her mother, yet she couldn't bring herself to do so. After all, he did have a point. And it made her wonder if her own mother would have had a better and more fulfilling life without her.

“It's just fuddled.” She whispered sadly.

The Doctor smirked softly. Leven was getting into her Yorkshoreisms, something she really only did when she was upset. “I'm be-fuddled, too.” He reached out and took her hands in his. “But, if you really think about it...this is easy compared to everything else we've seen and learned today.”

Nervously, Leven removed her hands from the Doctor's. She skittishly began moving about the room. “I were just a shop girl when we met. You...you said it were fun to travel around in your box. You said...I'd see things. Oh, I've seen 'em now, haven't I?” Leven turned on him, her eyes accusing. Seeing her mother on television had sent a flood of memories and regrets rushing back into Leven's mind and she wanted to blame someone. She wanted to blame the Doctor. “I didn't even want to come with you!”

The Doctor swallowed, determined to stay calm and collected. “Yes, you did.” He told her sternly, an angry man and not a thousand year old alien. “You wanted to be saved from that shop and that detached house on a corner.” He caught her eyes with a glare. “You were just too shy and polite to admit it out loud. Mummy's good little girl.” The Doctor wanted to stop, but he couldn't help himself from mocking her. It was time Leven grew up, and if it was up to him to say the things she needed to hear, then he would.

Leven's eyes, now cold with anger, stared back into his. Tears were forming in her eyes, but she wasn't about to cry like the little girl they both thought she was. The great Doctor, who was afraid of being alone was going to insult and mock her? “Gi' over.” She told him in a harsh whisper. “When this is over, I'd like to go home.”

He nodded dumbly. They'd just had their first domestic scene and she was running home to her mother. How...couple-like of them. “As you wish.”

Leven sniffed back her tears. “It might be for good.”

“Leven,” the Doctor paused. Why in the world was his voice suddenly so soft and low? He slowly moved toward her, his arms open for a hug. “It's...”

“I...I think I could do with a brew or better yet a bevvy,” she suddenly and awkwardly cut in. Moving faster than either of them thought she could, Leven ducked past the Doctor and made for the door. “I just...need a bit o' time to deal with me mother being a president. With her being better off without me.”

“Leven...” The Doctor started. But she only looked at him and shook her head. Nodding, he ran a hand through his mousy hair. He closed his mouth, just as Leven closed the door behind her.

With an angry sigh, the Doctor sat back down on the bed. Leven was too young, too naive, too talented, too full of hurt and happiness and hope. She was too much of everything; it was what the Doctor hated and loved about her.

And deep down, the Doctor knew she'd get him killed one day. Deep down, he knew he'd be the cause of her death or at the very least her ruin.

Jackie often remarked that Rosemary, Mary, looked so much like her older sister that it was almost as if they were twins. It was a little sinister to some people. Pete just figured that Mary was his world's Rose Tyler, just born twenty years late. He still wasn't sure how he felt about that.

“Just putting her to bed?” Pete whispered as he entered the nursery, where Jackie was just putting Mary down. He made his way to the crib and looked in at his sleeping child. “It's been a strange day, hasn't it?” He asked, though he wasn't really directing the question at anyone.

“The only good thing is the Doctor's return. And, even that's not a good thing,” Jackie remarked, more to herself than to her husband. “Though,” she paused in deep thought for a moment. “it is good to see Rose smiling again.” Jackie frowned. “Still, you just know he wouldn't stay.”

Pete glanced over at her. “You know he can't.” With a small sigh, he reached over and took Jackie's hand in his. “All the Doctors and all their companions have to go back to where they came from. Rose can't go back.” Jackie looked doubtful. “She won't, the Doctor wouldn't let her.”

Though she still looked very unsure, Jackie nodded anyway. “I suppose you're right. After all, it isn't as if Rose and the Doctor can marry and have a life together.”

Pete ducked his gaze from Jackie's and instead looked to the door. He could just make out a light at the end of the long hall. It seemed that Rose and the Doctor were still awake, together. That couldn't be good.

“Jackie?” Looking back to his wife, he forced himself to smile. “Mary should be left alone so she can get some sleep.” With a sad look toward the Doctor's room, he gently led Jackie back to their room. If he knew anything, he knew that things would soon be very complicated between Rose and the Doctor. And in the end, everyone would surely get their hearts broken.

The hotel's bar-lounge looked as if it had been decorated by a blind drunk. The walls were an ugly yellow, the carpet was a dull blue, and the booths were a rather unpleasant looking red. Jack thought it was wonderfully tacky.

After his unusual conversation with Lily, he was looking for a little evening excitement. The moment he entered, his gaze drifted to Mickey and Leven, sharing a booth- a booth whose table was full of glasses and beer bottles.

With a grin, Jack joined them. “Did I missed anything?” he asked Mickey, before stealing a glass of whiskey – or what might have been whiskey – for himself.

Mickey shrugged helplessly. “Leven saw her mum on television.” Jack raised a questioning eyebrow. “Harriet Jones is her mum.”

Leven looked at Jack through her long hair and sniffed. “Me own Mum, in government.” She snorted softly. “She could o' been in it, if she wanted. But, she...ah, screw it.” With another sniff, she downed the rest of her beer.

“Oh,” Jack clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “How about we cheer up?” Looking over at Mickey, he offered the other man a cheeky grin. “We could get a room with a tub big enough for three.”

Mickey gave Jack a sideways glance. “No.”

Leven just made a noise that might have also been a 'no', though neither man was completely sure. It had sounded a bit like a small burp or cough.

One idea shot down, Jack tapped his fingers against the table, determined to think of something else. Something that was so good it wouldn't be shot down. There were three Doctors in the hotel, and it was a very boring evening. Jack sighed. “We could steal some psychic paper and sonic screwdrivers?”

Mickey gave Jack a look, the kind of look that seemed to ask: 'Are you nuts?', though he did seem intrigued by the idea. “Then what?”

Shrugging, Jack wondered why he always had to come up with the good ideas. “Break into a government building and put some shelves together?” Mickey just rolled his eyes. “Alright, you two think of something.”

“My parallel mother probably hates shelves.” Leven muttered from her spot. Mickey and Jack just gave her a look. “ 'Cause my real mother likes them,” she explained her logic lamely.

“Good point.” Jack and Mickey said in unison.

Leven sighed heavily, before pushing some hair out of her face. Three months ago, her biggest worry had been what to make her family for lunch. And now...things certainly had changed. Looking the picture of innocence, she sighed softly. “If things are as bad as my Doctor seems to think...if we can't save all the alternate Earths – universes- what will happen to them, the universes I mean? Is it fair for some to survive, while others just disappear? And if we can't... don't save them... where will everyone go? Will they just die? Just like that? Doesn't seem fair, does it?”

A grave look passed over both men's faces.

With a glance around the table, Jack stated calmly: “I could use another drink.”

Mickey nodded. “I'll buy.”

After seeing Jack, Lily felt much better. In some way - one that she knew she couldn't explain - their conversation had done her good. Jack – her Jack - had died in his sleep; she hadn't really gotten a chance to say goodbye. Perhaps this time she'd get to say a proper goodbye?

She entered the hotel room she shared with Levi, only to find it empty. With a shake of the head, she placed her bag on the table. Just where had Levi gone off to? Probably chatting up the locals, if she knew her Levi.

“Lily m'luv!” Levi slammed the door closed behind him. “You'll never guess what I've found.”

Lily chewed on her lower lip for a brief moment. “Aliens? Bananas? Banana-Aliens?” She let out a little giggle: “Am I getting warmer?”

“Colder, ” Levi answered coolly. “Try again.”

He was standing in front of her, a small blue bag in one hand. Other than the bag, he looked just as he had before. “I really couldn't say. Have you been shopping?”

“Yes,” he nodded sharply. “And I've bought something for you.” Levi stuck the bag out for her to take. As Lily obeyed, he went on to explain his reasoning for the gift. “It occurred to me that you've been wearing your wedding and engagement rings for over two hundred years. Your ring finger must feel awfully nude.” Levi smiled, “I bet your balance is even a bit off.”

She had opened the bag, and had found the box. “Doc... Levi!” Inside it, was a small ring. To Lily, it looked like the kind of ring a teenager would buy his girlfriend after getting her pregnant. And yet, as she slipped it on, she couldn't stop herself from thinking that it was perfect for her. “It's... thank you.”

“Well, don't show all your gratitude at once,” Levi teased. In response, Lily grinned widely, before jumping on him, and hugging him tightly.

“Much better. That isn't what I meant.” Gently, he sat her down on the edge of the bed. “After our time in the Tower of London,” he began as they both shuddered at the mere mention of the name, “it became clear that we mustn't take chances. So...” he pulled out a long syringe - which was filled with a yellowish substance - from behind his back.

Clearly impressed, Lily's grin grew wider. “Where were you hiding that?”

Levi returned the grin. “You really don't want to know. Here,” he said, tossing it to her, “take care of yourself.”

Lily stood and turned away from him, before lifting her shirt up. “I've been to the music store across the road.”

“Yeah?” Levi asked. He opened the bag, and looked through the CDs that she had picked up. “Nature CD?”

“It's got a track, sounds a bit like the TARDIS.” Lily explained.

Levi gave the CD a disapproving look, before turning his attention back to Lily. She was still facing the though, he knew that she had stuck the syringe into her chest- twice.

“Oh,” Lily sighed in contentment. “Thank you.” Turning around, she pulled her shirt back down, causing Levi caught a glimpse of the scars over her hearts. He tried his best to ignore them. “I thought it'd be better after I regenerated.” She told him, a hint of sadness in her voice.

“I know,” Levi told her with a gentle look. “I know.” Running a hand through his ginger hair, Levi let out a sigh. “If you're not fine, I shouldn't be either. You aren't sleepy, are you?”

“Genetics,” was her only half-yawned reply.

Rolling his eyes, Levi put the CD into the DVD player and pressed play. A sound that was a bit TARDIS-like filled their room. Kicking off his shoes, he joined Lily in bed. Silently, they moved their bodies into a comfortable position and yawning they exchanged good-nights, before both drifting off into nightmare-filled slumber.

Rose felt like she was showing a flat to a curious business man; the Doctor kept touching and licking things, while questioning her about their uses. She had showed him around Pete's home – her home – and now they were in one of the many guest rooms. Rose had chosen the largest room for the Doctor, hoping that it would make him feel just a little more at home. Rose knew the Doctor liked his space; she prided herself on knowing him well enough to be certain of that.

“There are extra towels and sheets in the washroom.” Rose said, even though she doubted the Doctor was even paying attention to her. He seemed to be engrossed by the CD player. “It's just a CD player.”

“Huh,” was the Doctor's only reply, though Rose wasn't sure if he was talking to her or not.

With a shake her head, Rose leaned against the wall. As much as she loved having the Doctor back, she couldn't keep her mind from wondering off to all the 'what ifs' and the 'what is going to happens'. Finally, she shook her head. “Jack should have come to stay here. It's much better than a hotel, and I think Mum would have been alright with it. She lets Mickey stay.”

That seemed to get the Doctor's attention, for he suddenly looked up from the book he had been speed reading. “What?” He grinned at her. It was the sort of grin that was supposed to say: 'I don't care what the answer is.' Rose knew it really meant: 'Please be joking.'

“Mickey lives here.” Rose replied, “his room's just down the hall.” Her own room was just down the hall as well and she guessed that was why the Doctor was suddenly wearing his: 'I'm serious, and secretly jealous' face. Feeling her lips forming into a smile, Rose tried to ease the Doctor's unfounded fears. “Doctor, it's Mickey.”

The Doctor let out a small laugh. “Did you think I was... of Mickey... Oh, Rose!” A somewhat disgusted look briefly crossed over his face. “It's Mickey.”

“Exactly.” Rose smiled again, secretly happy that she had one upped the Doctor. He always seemed to be so together and so in control of his more romantic emotions, it was kind of nice to see him not so together, especially if it meant he was slightly jealous.

The Doctor returned Rose's smile as he took off his coat and then his suit jacket. “Off to bed, then.” He glanced around, slowly taking the bright and cheerful room in. “It's no TARDIS.”

Watching the Doctor, she was reminded of how much she had missed him over the past few months. There had been moments when she hadn't been able to breathe and moments when all she had wanted was for the TARDIS to show up on a street corner. And now that he was here, with her, Rose had no idea what to do or say. For his part, the Doctor seemed to be just as unsure.

“I don't...”

“We could...”

They shared a look, a smile, and a laugh. It seemed they still had that connection.

“You go,” Rose told him, her face turning a light red.

“I was just going to suggest that we could talk. You could tell me what you've been doing. Have you...been having a good life?”

Rose thought back: she did have a good life on Pete's alternate Earth. It wasn't a great life; she couldn't have a great life without her Doctor. “No.” It was as truthful an answer as she could give him. His face fell slightly, but Rose went on even if it meant he'd be hurt or angry. “I've missed you. I couldn't... I didn't want to be here without you. I'd made my choice and...” she shrugged helplessly. There really was no way that she could express everything she had been feeling lately. “I just wanted you back. Doctor, promise that you won't leave me again.”

The Doctor locked his gaze on Rose's, took a deep breath, and told her the truth as firmly as he could. “If I can, if there's a way, and if it's really what you want. You'll never see your parents, Mickey...your sister again. Because Rose, I won't just leave you again.”

Rose nodded. She could feel tears forming in her eyes. “Good. 'Cause I made my choice, a long time ago,” reaching over to her right she gently closed the room's wooden door, “and, it hasn't changed.”

Despite himself, the Doctor smiled. “Rose Tyler...” he was cut off by Rose's body falling onto his. “Rose,” he began, only to be cut off a second time by her lips on his. The Doctor lost himself in the kiss for only a moment, before he gently pushed her away. “Rose, this might not be a good idea.”

He searched her eyes for some kind of understanding, for some sign that she thought he was right, but all he found was a brilliant girl that had – God knew why – fallen in love with him. He felt his lips turn up into a grin.

“Quite right.” Slowly he leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers; she tasted like the universe.

Disclaimer 2:

Jack and Mickey's conversation about the psychic paper and sonic screwdrivers was totally inspired by the Doctor and Jack's conversation about the sonic screwdriver in The Doctor Dances

Rose and Doctor's conversation about Rose having to make a choice between her family and the Doctor was based on their brief conversation in Doomsday.

Comments

[daffodiltardis.livejournal.com]

I'm a tad confused. But, I think I get what's going on... different universes and different incarnations right? Anyways, it's really really good. I love the interactions and I love Jack's characterisation. It's so real. I'll be looking forward to the next update. :P

[walkwithheroes.livejournal.com]

But, I think I get what's going on... different universes and different incarnations right?

Right, you've got it.

Anyways, it's really really good.

Thank you.

I love the interactions and I love Jack's characterisation. It's so real.

Again, thank you. That's really kind of you to say.


Hopefully, I'll have an update soon!

[innt-that-rite.livejournal.com]

I've really been enjoying this fic - all the little twists and turns are great. Your plot bunnies are ...breeding like rabbits!

Keep up the good work.

[walkwithheroes.livejournal.com]

I've really been enjoying this fic - all the little twists and turns are great.

Thank you. I do love good twists and turns in a story. And, I'm glad you're liking them.

Your plot bunnies are ...breeding like rabbits!

They really are! lol.

Thanks for reading.

[davidtenanntmad.livejournal.com]

yey on toast you finally updated it :D great chapter :) waiting eagerly for more :P

[walkwithheroes.livejournal.com]

:) Thanks for reading.

[rawthorne.livejournal.com]

Multiple apologies for not having been able to devote more time to the beta. Thankfully, your writing is already of an impeccable standard and your storytelling so gripping any errors become meaningless.

You know I am utterly fascinated about your OC's: they're some of the best I've seen in all my years in fanfic. They're fleshed out, true to themselves and to cannon - and most of all: exciting to read about. I'm curious to see where you will take this; I'm sure the journey will be a delightful one.

Another wonderful chapter.

[walkwithheroes.livejournal.com]

Multiple apologies for not having been able to devote more time to the beta.

That's alright. Your life comes first, and you always do a great job reguardless of how much time you have to spend on the chapter.

Thankfully, your writing is already of an impeccable standard and your storytelling so gripping any errors become meaningless.

Aw, thank you. That really means a lot to me. But, if you do see any glaring errors, let me know.

You know I am utterly fascinated about your OC's: they're some of the best I've seen in all my years in fanfic. They're fleshed out, true to themselves and to cannon - and most of all: exciting to read about.

Again, thank you.

[neptunepirate.livejournal.com]

Fantastic. I really do love this story. And I think this is one of the first times I've read a fic and not been completley frustrated with the OCs playing such a major role. Usually I'm always "Grr. Argh. Not made up characters now please!" But this--I love it. I'm especially intruiged to see where the Jack and Lily relationship goes.

Keep up the wonderful work! :)

[walkwithheroes.livejournal.com]

Fantastic. I really do love this story.

Thank you very much.

And I think this is one of the first times I've read a fic and not been completley frustrated with the OCs playing such a major role.

Okay, wow. That's really kind you of to say. I want people to care about these OCs, as they'll play major roles in the story. It's good to know I'm doing a good job in that respect.

I'm especially intruiged to see where the Jack and Lily relationship goes.

I think (and hope) that you'll enjoy it and be surprised and happy with it.


Again, thanks for reading.