Fic-"Alternates" (12/?)
Jan. 27th, 2007 06:05 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
walkwithheroesTitle: Alternates (12/?)
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
walkwithheroes
Rated: PG (for curse words)
Spoilers: Up to Doomsday
Word Count: 6,284
Disclaimer: The Doctor, Rose Tyler, Mickey Smith, Jack Harkness, Jackie and Pete Tyler, Torchwood, etc, aren’t owned by me.
Pairings: Ten/Rose, Alt!Eleven/Tess. Alt! 12/Leven. Hints at others.
Summary: 12 and Leven return to her world, and met up with a few old and new friends.
Author's Note: Thanks to my beta,nemesis_cry for understanding the characters, not giving up on me, and for giving this story a wonderful beta.
All other parts can be found here: Alternates 1-11
Leven Campbell's Earth
September 29, 2009
Buses, the Doctor had decided, had clearly been invited to make him miserable. In the last two days, he had ridden in two, and he had hated both rides. The first bus ride had involved his companion not speaking to him, and the second...it involved his companion drooling on his shoulder. She was tired and he couldn't fault her for that, but did she really have to drool?
Mere hours earlier, Leven had put in a phone call to her cousin Alex. Alex, it seemed was skipping work at the local pub, the King's. And while the Doctor did not want to go there – if only for Leven's sake – Leven assured him that Alex couldn't make it to London.
“I din' tell 'im we don't got the TARDIS.” Leven had awkwardly stated as they had taken their places on the bus, her real accent slowly coming through. She had lost most of the inflections her accent over the past two months, allowing them only to come out in times of stress or excitement, but now that she was home they were getting stronger by the sentence.
And so, there they were...on a bus to Scarborough, or 'Scar-brer'' as Leven's family called it.
They sat in the back of the bus, the Doctor calmly resting, his hands on Leven's. Her head was gently propped against his shoulder, her body curled against his side. For all the world, they looked like a man in his early thirties and his younger girlfriend. The Doctor couldn't help but wish that they were what they looked like – two normal people in love.
He was getting too old for all the crap he had to deal with. When it was over, the Doctor knew what he wanted...he and Leven would go somewhere, together. No more saving everybody in the universe just because he could.
________________________________________________________________________
The cold air bit through his lean jacket, causing him to shiver. He cleared his throat loudly, before reaching into his jacket for his lighter and a loose cigarette. Slowly, he lit his cigarette, and carefully placed it between his lips.
Absentmindedly, he ran a hand through his blonde hair, all the while keeping his eyes glued to the street.
“All right, Alex?” Glancing to his left, the man saw that it was Izzie Sharpe, the barmaid for the King's that had spoken to him. No doubt she was wondering what he was doing outside the King's when there was a match on the telly.
Alex shrugged, took a drag from his cigarette, and went back to watching the road. With a huff, Izzie went back inside the King's...something that Alex was grateful for. He had no time for Izzie's flirting, not with Leven and the Doctor coming.
He wondered where they were, and why they were taking so long. Couldn't the TARDIS get from one place to another in mere moments? With a shake of the head, Alex briefly wondered what Harriet would say when she saw Leven and the Doctor – they hadn't seen or heard from Leven in five months. Harriet had begun to suspect that Leven was dead on some alien planet ; Mr. Jones hadn't said much on the subject. As for Alex, well...he figured Leven was fine, he somehow figured he'd know if she were hurt or dead. Besides, the Doctor wasn't a bad sort...he'd let them know if something had happened.
Wouldn't he?
_______________________________________________________________________
The Doctor placed his hand firmly in Leven's. It was getting late in the evening, and they were nearing the pubs. More importantly, they were coming upon the King's, the local place that was known for being unsafe. One look at Leven let the Doctor know one thing: the girl was still scared to death of that place.
“It weren't safe near the King's, bu' Alex weren't home an' I went lookin'. I were thirteen.”
Leven squeezed the Doctor's hand, sparing him a worried glance. “All right, Doctor?”
He returned the gesture. “Comin' up, daisies, Leven.”
They walked on quietly for a while after that, each thinking about different things. Leven had begun to sweat, nervous about where they were going no doubt. After a bit, she skidded to a stop, nearly causing the Doctor to fall into her.
“He's waited outside.” Leven cheerfully stated, pointing toward a figure that was smoking just outside the King's. “Weren't that lovely of 'im?”
“Yeah,” The Doctor didn't seem nearly as impressed. “Real lovely.”
“Alex!” Leven waved the man over, smiling broadly.
The man, Alex, tossed the cigarette he had been smoking into a near by dust bin. With a huge grin, he jogged over to the Doctor and his companion. “Lev, you're not dead!” Still grinning, he gave Leven a quick hug. “Harriet'll be happy.” Before Leven could ask what her cousin meant, Alex went on, “Alright, mush?”
The Doctor scowled at Alex. In the two months he and Leven had been traveling together, he had spent a total of three hours with Alex. It was more than enough for the Doctor to decide that Alex wasn't much of anything. “Don't call me 'mush', Allan.”
“Alex.” Both Alex and Leven corrected.
The Doctor rolled his eyes. “Right.” He ran a hand through his thick hair. “So, Albert...why is Harriet Jones not happy? Is has only been,” he spared a glance at his watch, “a few hours since we last saw her.”
Ignoring the name thing, Alex shook it head. “Aye, maybe to you two. It's been months for us.” It was than that he noticed the teleportation devices around their necks. “And, what's this rubbish? Some fashion statement from the future?”
“Nah, they're...” Leven started.
She was interrupted by the Doctor, before she could go on, however. “Months?” He laughed softly, and glanced to Leven. “Pete's super tech doesn't work well, does it?” Carefully – he didn't want himself or Leven to go teleporting off somewhere – the Doctor removed the devices from himself and his companion. As he put the devices around his arm, almost like a bag, the Doctor went on, “No matter. Where's your friend?”
Ducking his gaze from the Doctor, Alex cleared his throat. “Uh...well, that's the thing, innit?” He could feel the heat of the Doctor's glare, and the disappointed look on Leven's face. “Now, he lives in London with his mum, but he were in Glasgow for this...thing. An'...” Alex raised his gaze to meet the Doctor's. “Well, it ain't like he can just walk here!”
Keeping his voice deadly calm, the Doctor simply asked: “When will your friend get here, Alexander James Jones?”
Leven swallowed hard, only Harriet ever called Alex by his full name. She spared her cousin a look that she hoped was lat least a little comforting.
“T-tomorrow, sir.” Alex felt stupid for stuttering, but the Doctor was so...angry and stern. He reminded Alex of his uncle, something which just made the young man even more nervous. “But, he's an alien expert.”
Smiling, Leven patted the Doctor's shoulder. “See? Daisies. S'not a bad thing, an' now we can sleep at me house.”
“Yeah,” Alex added, hoping that through Leven he could get back in the Doctor's good graces. “Harriet and Jones will love it. A nice family reunion.” His smile grew, slightly mischievous. “Harriet'll cook.” He clapped his hands together. “It'll be grand, yeah?” With all the charm in the world, he flung an arm over Leven's shoulder. “Ready, our Leven?”
The two cousins shared a secret smile and a giggle, before starting on down the road. With a groan, the Doctor followed, scowling all the while.
__________________________________________________________________________
The Jones family had quietly lived in Council House 15-E, just near the church. The church had been where the Doctor had first met Leven Campbell and Harriet Jones two months before; it was the only thing the Doctor liked about the place. The Council House that the Jones' lived in was painted a pale white, as where all the other houses on the street. There was also a small garden in front, with a little wooden fence.
Alex opened the fence's gate and guided Leven to the blue front door of the house. He was sure that after four hours Leven and the Doctor were in need of a rest, but they weren't about to get one. Harriet would start in, Mr. Jones would...look at them, and despite his feelings for both teen and alien...Alex would sneak out the back.
His hand on the door, Alex turned back to his cousin and her traveling companion. “Prepare yerselves.”
As he did, he opened the front door, only to find himself face to face with Harriet Jones. Scared, both Alex and Leven stumbled back into the Doctor's feet. “Auntie Harry, look!” He gently shoved Leven forward. “It's our Leven and her Doctor!”
Her arms folded over her chest, Harriet glared at the trio. “Five months, Leven. Mr. Jones an' I were worried sick, an' it weren't as if we could call the coppers.” She pointed a finger at the Doctor, who was standing protectively behind Leven. “It's all that thing's fault! Takin' our little girl.” She turned back to shout into the tiny and, narrow house. “Mr. Jones, our Leven's home!”
From a side room, a crisp and monotone voice called back: “Alive?”
“Yes, I'm alive.” Leven muttered.
“Right. Harriet, could I trouble you for a brew?” The voice of Mr. Jones called again.
Harriet shook her head fondly. “'Course.” She spared one last glance at the group outside. “Don't just stand there, you three! Come in an' I'll gi' you all some tea.” Leven's mother grabbed her by the hand and dragged her into the house.
Left to themselves, Alex and the Doctor exchanged a look.
“I thought you said she was upset?” The Doctor questioned the young man. “She just seems...herself.”
Alex shrugged. “I think she's just hiding the pain, Doctor.”
The Doctor rolled his eyes as the man and alien followed inside, just as Harriet yelled out:
“Alexander James Jones, come get yer uncle's tea! You weren't raise in a barn!”
_____________________________________________________________________
Ten minutes later, the Doctor found himself in the tiny family room the Mr. Jones' home. It was a small room, just off the hallway. The wallpaper was an ugly flower-pattern, and the three chairs in the room were over stuffed and just a little uncomfortable. A small black and white television – the Jones' still didn't have a color telly - sat tucked away in a corner of the room. Against the narrowest wall was a fireplace, with a cheerful fire blazing away.
Mr. Jones-the Doctor very much doubted that he had a first name-was sitting calmly in the pea-green chair, reading the newspaper. Every so often, he'd reach over to the side table for his tea. Sometimes, Mr. Jones would glance up from his paper and at the Doctor, his gaze indifferent.
The Doctor sat in the sky-blue chair, the devices that had brought he and his companion home beside him and a cup of hot tea in his right hand. Alex had wondered off somewhere, no doubt for a quick smoke or an even quicker shag at the King's. As for Leven and Harriet, they were still in the kitchen. Harriet was no doubt shoving food down the girl's throat, all the while complaining that Leven had been gone too long.
Harriet Jones. Now, there was an odd bird. Every time she was around Leven, she was either pushing the girl away or hugging her much too tightly. The Doctor supposed it was because Harriet had never actually wanted children, but still loved her child. It was human nature...more or less.
“So, Mr. Jones...I see you still like your evening paper.”
From behind his paper, Mr. Jones grunted. Spared a quick glanced over his newspaper, his eyes dark behind his large glasses. “Yes, thank you.” With niceness out of the way, Mr. Jones went back to his paper.
Awkwardly, the Doctor took another sip of his tea. “I wonder where Alex's gone off to?”
Mr. Jones just grunted from behind his paper.
_____________________________________________________________________
Just outside the Council Church was a pay-phone. It cost half a crown to make a local call and a whole crown to call long distance. And, at that very moment Alex Jones had just stuffed a crown into the tiny slot of the pay-phone. It wasn't long before the operator came over the line, asking Alex where his call could be directed. It took even less time for another voice to come over the line.
“'Ello?”
“It's Alex Jones, you said I should call...when the Doctor got back. He's back.”
_________________________________________________________________________
Leven Campbell sat at her kitchen table, playing with a napkin. Her mother was busy managing the inside of a small cupboard.
“An' April's girl got into university. 'Course, that was never for you. No, you're better at the shop. Were. You were better at the shop.” Harriet turned to face her only child, a tin of cookies in one hand. The cookies were for Mr. Jones, but the veiled insults were just for Leven. “Our Leven...you're lovely at books, but the real world? Well, you were always scared of people, weren't ya?” Harriet laughed lightly. “Always hiding behind yer Mummy.”
Leven kept her eyes firmly fixed on her napkin. “Not anymore.”
“What?” Harriet gave Leven a tight smile. “'Course you are! An' once this travelin' nonsense is over, you'll come home an' work in the shop again.”
Harriet didn't even wait for a response, she just opened the tin and took out four cookies. She placed them gently on a plate, before closing the tin. “You an' Alex'll have to learn the ways of the shop. Mr. Jones an' I wouldn't be around forever.” She went on, completely ignoring what her daughter had just said. “Now, finish yer tea. Then, it's a good bath an' bed. Nearly nine an' you should be asleep.”
“Mummy,” Leven finally looked up and at her mother. “I'm grown now. I'm travelin'. I've met aliens! I don't gotta go to bed at nine!”
“Don't you raise yer voice at me, young lady.” Harriet replied sternly! “Yer not too old to get a smack.” She took a deep breath and released it out through her nose. “Not too old at all.”
Leven sighed inwardly in frustration before going back to her now-cold tea. She kept her eyes glued to her cup, listening carefully as Harriet went into the other room with the cookies.
*
“Evening cookies, Mr. Jones. Now, where's our Alex gotten to? No doubt with that Izzie Sharpe or that new girl, Martha.” Harriet snorted.
“All right there, Harry?” That was the Doctor, a teasing tone in his voice. In the kitchen, Leven smiled from behind her cup.
“Let the boy alone, Harriet.” Mr. Jones, his voice emotionless and crisp. “We let Leven Ann travel in a blue police box with an alien, after all.”
In the kitchen, Leven's smile grew. She liked that Mr. Jones called her by both her names. It seemed more familiar and loving; it let her know that he did love her, even if he didn't say it very often.
“Mm...he's probably shagging that Martha. I don't like her, she's so snotty.” Harriet shot back, annoyed that Mr. Jones had made a good point against her.
“Leven could be shagging, as well. I've seen the way the Doctor looks at her.” Leven was sure Mr. Jones had gone back to his paper, his work done.
There was a long pause.
“I never touched her! I just like to look at her. She makes me less angry.” The Doctor spoke low, almost as if he didn't want to say it out loud.
Harriet snorted again, before going back to the kitchen.
*
“I do not like that Thing.” Harriet stated, before tossing the now empty plate into the sink. “It's all just...rubbish.”
“Mummy,”
“Leven, please. You should hear what he says about you.” Harriet turned the water on, washed the plate, and put it away as she spoke. “Yer not goin' back with him. I'm putting my foot down this time. Last two times I were too nice 'bout it. Yer just a kid, m'luv. Too young for him to...hurt you.”
“He don't hurt me!” Leven protested. She stood up from the table, wanting to make sure her mother would look her in the eye. “Mummy, the Doctor cares about me. He wouldn't...”
“Damn it, Leven you were shot with a laser on some alien world in the future!” She hit her fist on the counter, before whirling around to face her daughter. “You could of died!”
“But, I didn't! The Doctor took care of me. An' he needs me now! Things are happenin' an'...he needs me. I...I make him calm an'...everyone could die...an'...Mummy...please, jus'...stop.”
Harriet's eyes widened in anger. “Yer me daughter, Leven! I'll never stop worryin' 'bout you an' you aren't save with that...that Thing.”
“He's not a Thing, Mum!” Leven could feel her face growing hot. “He's the Doctor. He's my Doctor.”
“Yours?” Harriet felt as if the floor had just come out from under her. She couldn't lose Leven, and yet it seemed that she was. So, she said the only thing she could think of to get the girl back: “You think he loves you? That yer the only one? Leven, we both know he'll leave you as soon as he gets bored! You belong here, with me and yer father an' yer cousin. Yer a shop girl, not someone special.”
Leven stood where she was, her body language tense, her eyes burning with anger. She opened her mouth to speak, but found that her throat was tight. If she even began to speak, she knew she'd start to cry...and she was not about to cry in front of her mother.
“Harriet.”
Both mother and daughter turned to the doorway of the kitchen. They hadn't heard anyone, and yet Mr. Jones stood in the doorway, the Doctor right behind him. The Doctor looked like he wanted to rip Harriett's head off. Mr. Jones just looked stern and yet oddly indifferent toward the scene.
“Harriet, the news is on. Leven Ann, I believe the Doctor would like to freshen up. Be a good girl and show him to the loo.”
Leven swallowed hard and nodded. With a small and grateful smile at her stepfather, she walked out of the tiny kitchen and up the narrow stairs, sure that the Doctor would follow close behind.
Left alone, Mr. Jones stared at Harriet for a long moment. “She's our daughter and you're insulting her, Harriet? Because...yer jealous.” He shook his head in disappointed. “Yer a fucking grown woman, Harriet. An' she's a kid. An' he loves an' needs her.” Mr. Jones stared at his wife for another moment, before silently going back to his chair and paper.
_____________________________________________________________________
Shaky and near tears, Leven pointed out a clean pair of pink towels. “They're jus' for company. An' s'the yellow soap.”
The Doctor kept a close eye on her as he washed his hands with the yellow soap and dried them on the pink towels. It made the corners of Leven's lips twitch up just a bit; that was enough to make the Doctor happy.
“That's more like it. Prettiest smile in the world, that is.” He lightly touched her chin, raising it up. “She didn't...alright, she did mean it. But, she's still your mother and she still loves you.”
Leven's stared deeply into the Doctor's eyes for a long while. Finally, she swallowed and whispered: “I know. I know.” She nodded, almost as if she was still trying to make herself believe it.
The Doctor lowered his hand from her face. “I'll go check on everything downstairs. You take some time.”
Again, Leven nodded. The Doctor began to walk past her, but she stopped him by touching his arm. “Doctor,” Without thinking, she lightly kissed the corner of his mouth. “You really are champion.”
The biggest grin spread across his handsome face. With a nod and a nervous, “Yes, see you later,” he left the bathroom and quickly jogged down the stairs.
___________________________________________________________________
Humans, the Doctor had decided, were the most brilliant and awful creatures in the universe. Their greatest achievements often dealt with hurting one another, mostly for the so called 'greater good' of humanity.
His hands deep inside his trouser pockets, the Doctor stood in the doorway of the kitchen. His eyes were angry, but he wore a grin on his lips. He watched the woman in front of him, as she quietly sorted through her trash. The Doctor watched her for a moment, waiting.
“I can feel you starin'.” Harriet stated, not bothering to look up at him. “Is Leven alright?”
The Doctor nodded, then remembered that Harriett wasn't looking at him. “As she likes to say, it's comin' up daises.”
After a moment, Harriet looked up at the Doctor. “She's jus' a kid. I work an' work an' she gi's the adventures.”
“Harriet,” the Doctor sighed softly.
“She's not comin' back, is she?” She suddenly questioned, her eyes burning with hot tears. “You'll take 'er away again an' she won't come back.”
He could have lied. It would have been kinder if he had lied, but the Doctor wasn't very nice anymore. “No.” He took a deep breath. “No, she won't. There's more going on than you know, and I can't promise that Leven will stay safe.” Harriett opened her mouth to speak, but the Doctor quickly went on. “But you should know, if anything...anything happens to her...”
“I know...Doctor.” Harriet nodded stiffly. “An' that's what I'm scared of. Would you let the whole world die if Leven was in danger?”
He didn't even skip a beat. “Yes. She's worth the universe to me.”
The woman kept eyes firmly on his. “That's what I'm scared of.”
____________________________________________________________________
Leven supposed that she should have been scared of the dark, or at the very least of being alone at night. The funny thing was she wasn't scared at all. Monsters, nightmares, dangerous men...all of that didn't seem so scary after aliens. Besides, the Doctor was just a few feet away and he made her brave, even if she didn't act it.
Her face firmly in her hands, Leven let salty tears fall from her eyes. The row she had had with her mother was still fresh in her mind. The fight had made her feel unwanted and angry. Harriett had had Leven late in life, she had had plenty of time to become someone, but she chose to be a shop girl instead. That wasn't Leven's fault!
Her ears perked up at the sound of the kitchen door opening. Leven heard someone enter, heard them breathing softly.
“Leven? Shouldn't you be asleep?” It was the Doctor. Her Doctor, who had saved her from the dull life of a shop girl.
"Go away."
There was the smallest of pauses, before the Doctor answered: "Shan't."
Leven swallowed. "Go away, please."
"I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request."
Leven kept her face hidden in her hands, even as she heard the sound of the Doctor walking toward where she sat in a corner of the kitchen. She only glanced up when the Doctor sat on the floor beside her.
The pale glow of the lights from outside made the Doctor's face look dark. Those same lights made Leven's face look angelic. It was something that did not go unnoticed by both Time Lord and companion.
“Hello,” the Doctor looked at her with a loopy grin.
“Hello,” Leven smiled tightly.
There was a comfortable beat of silence before Leven went on, “I've slept enough lately. I were jus'...mi mum an' me had that row.” She sniffed softly.
The Doctor nodded sympathetically. “You have a right to be a little angry at her. You never stopped her from going after her dreams. She was just...” he paused, searching for the right word. But, he found he didn't know what word it was he wanted. “Scared. She was scared to be more than some shop girl or someone's wife. Harriet Jones was scared to be special, Leven. Don't fault her for being human.”
Leven smiled wryly. “You do.”
“Ah, she's not my mother.”
Feeling her lips grow into a smile, Leven nodded slowly before wiping away a couple of stray tears. “I feel right silly. Booing 'cause o' one little row.”
“Your Mum and Mr. Jones are asleep.” The Doctor told her. “So, cry if you need to.” Almost awkwardly, he cupped the side of her face. “Everything is goin' to come up daisies. I promise.”
The Doctor's hand felt warm and comforting and Leven found herself leaning into his touch. Even when she was scared and weak, he always made her feel safe and brave. He protected her, took care of her...loved her.
Their eyes were locked onto one another's, and both knew it would be best if one of them locked away. One of them had to look away.
“Doctor...” Leven found her voice soft and unsure. It made her somewhat uncomfortable. “Why me?”
Why little, dull, sweet, perfectly normal Leven Ann Campbell? The Doctor could have chosen anyone to live out the remainder of his life with, but he had chosen her. She was sweet, sensitive, naive, and wonderfully human.
“In 2,005 years no one's ever seemed to need me the way you do.” He told her, his voice equally low. “Oh, everyone needs me to save them. But, after I save them, I'm just the strange man in the blue box. Besides, I believe in you. I've never believed in anyone, not really. It's a bit human, actually.” He made a playfully disgusted face. “It's not something I always like.”
Leven laughed softly under her breath. “You're daft, you are.”
Slightly annoyed that Leven had taken his confession so lightly, the Doctor dropped his hand from her face and stood up from the floor. He stuffed his hands deep into his pants pockets. “Maybe. Or maybe I'm just tried of saving everyone.”
Without even realizing it, Leven was on her feet. “You can't jus'...you've....you're needed! To save...everyone. You're not givin' up, are ya?”
“Leven.” His voice was stern, low.
“You can't! I won't let ya, Doctor.”
“Oh Leven,” He sighed softly. She was so young and hopeful. It could get rather annoying, actually. “What do we have to save the universe?” He began counting things off on his hands. “No TARDIS. No Torchwood. No UNIT. What have we got?” The Doctor shrugged lightly. “Alex's alien-obsessed mate. A sonic screwdriver. Physic paper.” The Doctor stared at Leven for a long moment, his face hard and unreadable. “One old and battle-scared Time Lord. Who's never at fault.”
He had thought Leven would glare at him or cry. Maybe even run up to her room or tell him to 'gi' off '. She didn't do any of those things. Instead, she held her ground, stuck her chin out in determination and simply said in a whisper, “There's me.”
That had certainly caught him off guard. “What?”
“You've got me, Doctor.” She explained, her voice a little more sure. “An' I don't want my universe to die.”
“No, of course. I don't either.”
She smiled softly. “I know. I don't want anyone to gi' hurt or die. Especially if that person's you.” The faintest of blushes crossed her face. “ 'Cause you've got me. An'...there's Us. I mean...I know you're tired an' you have no mercy left an',” she took a deep breath, “you'd rather it were all over. Bu'...don't you want...” Leven shrugged hopelessly. “Us?”
A breath caught in his throat and for the life of him, the Doctor had no idea what to say. He smiled sadly. “Leven...”
“'Cause,” She took a breath. “I think you do. You protect me an' you're only nice to me. You go on 'bout us...I just thought...it seems special, you an' me.”
Completely unsure of how to react, the Doctor took his hands out of his pockets and tried to dust imaginary lint off his trousers. “Right...yes...I mean, you've known that for two months.” It seemed so more easy to just be in love for her. But now, now that she was actually reacting to it...it was completely throwing the Doctor off.
Not completely aware of her own actions, Leven slowly began to walk to the Doctor. “Well,” she let out a small and somewhat nervous laugh, “I had my suspicions.” She lightly touched the Doctor's cheek. “You weren't very cool about it, were ya?” Leven looked at him intensely. “Truth? It were kinda nice.” She smiled softly, chuckled under her breath, and backed away from him.
Suddenly feeling silly, Leven shrugged. “I should go...to sleep now. I'll jus'...night.” She gave him a little wave, and turned to leave.
Leven barely got half an inch out of the kitchen, before the Doctor suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him. Their gazes met for only the briefest of seconds, and then the Doctor was passionately kissing Leven's lips. They awkwardly stumbled backward and into the cupboard door. Before her brain could react, Leven found that she had started to kiss the Doctor back, her hands moving into his hair.
This was certainly not something she saw coming.
The Doctor broke the kiss. His hands cupping Leven's face, he forced her to look him in the eye. "I'm selfish and old." He told her sincerely. “Just...tell me.”
Her gaze didn't falter, though she seemed confused. “What do you want me to tell ya?”
“Tell me and it'll be alright.” He demanded, his tone low and stern.
Her voice barely a whisper, Leven leaned close to the Doctor's ear. “I'm never gonna leave you.”
The corner of the Doctor's mouth turned up into a small smile. “Anything else?”
Her pale fingers moved to the collar of his shirt, and she gently tugged on it. “I love you.” She pulled him forward until his lips were firmly on hers again.
And though they both knew Leven wasn't being totally truthful, the lie was worth a universe.
________________________________________________________________
There was a rooster crowing somewhere in the distance, which was how Leven knew she wasn't in the TARDIS. Unless the Doctor had picked up some animals, which she very much doubted. No, Leven remembered where she was, and it wasn't the TARDIS.
She and the Doctor were at her house, it was late September, and the world - universe- was possibly ending. Not only that, but only the night before, she had told the Doctor she loved him. They had kissed and...everything. Oh, it was enough to make Leven want to hide under her covers for the next year!
Peeking out from under her covers Leven looked around her room. No sign of the Doctor, but her door was wide open and she could hear voices floating up from downstairs.
“It's nine. Is he coming or isn't he? We've waited long enough, Alden.”
“Alex! An', he's comin', ya Wanker.”
“Did you jus'...”
“Has anyone seen the bloody morning paper?”
“Mr. Jones...”
With an annoyed sigh, Leven threw her covers back over her head. This was all too much. She waited a couple of minutes before climbing out of bed and changing into some real clothes; she wanted to wear something layered and comfortable - she was sure she'd be running for her life in a mere five hours.
*
Leven hopped down the last of the stairs, just in time to see Alex walking out the front door.
“Alex!” Without thinking, she rushed out the door after him. “Bit early, yeah?”
Alex whirled around to face her, a ratty cigarette hanging from his bottom lip. “Coz,” his brown eyes narrowed on her. “fuckin' 'ell!”
Leven blushed at the curse word. “Alex, language!”
“Oh, sorry. It's jus'...you an'...finally? Now?!” Alex spit out his cigarette. It fell onto the ground, burning itself out. “Not really the best time, luv.”
Shifting uncomfortably under his gaze, Leven shrugged. “Not now, yeah? 'Sides that, where's yer mate?”
Alex gestured to the corner of the street, where a tiny mint green car was parked. “He's sort o' scared. 'Cause the Doctor. An'...”
“An'?” Leven pressed. “Alex?”
“An', he's not alone. I made this call an'...they're alien people, Leven. They know stuff.”
“Stuff? What stuff?”
“Doctor!”
“Who...” Leven's forehead knotted in confusion. “What?”
Alex pointed behind Leven. She looked over her shoulder to see that the Doctor had come outside, and that he was standing right behind her. She hadn't even heard the door open or the sound of his dress shoes on the path.
“Doctor,” Leven felt her breath catch in her throat. It felt a bit awkward to be seeing him, especially with Alex standing so close. Oh, and the mint green car parked just a hop, skip, and jump away. “Nothin' good in the mornin' paper?”
He looked at her for a beat, a bemused smile on his face. “Nah,” the Doctor shrugged lightly. “'Sides, I know it all already.” Without a pause, he turned his attention to Alex. “So, your friend's in the car...with other friends that you had no right to call.”
“They can help!” Alex protested. “An' they know all 'bout you. Yer famous in the Underground scenes.”
The Doctor laughed, loud and from the heart. “Hear that, Leven? I'm bloody famous!”
Leven, not totally sure how she should react, cleared her throat. “That's aces, Doctor. Bu'...we got things t' do.”
“Right.” With a nod to the cousins, the Doctor started a determined walk toward the car. Leven and Alex exchanged a quick look and shrug before following after him.
*
“Alright you lot, come on. What's your story?” The Doctor banged on the roof of the car, as he walked alongside it. “Out, out, OUT!”
From the sidelines, Alex and Leven watched as three people stepped out of the car. The Doctor stood by, his arms folded over his chest, just waiting to lay into someone. Alex's friend was about his age, with a geeky air about him. The other two people, whom had stepped out of the backseat of the car, were a few years older. If anything, they seemed more mature.
“You're him.” Alex's friend breathed, clearly having a 'fan boy' moment. “I've seen your pictures, but to see you in person. Wow!” He reached out to touch the Doctor, thought better of it, and stuffed his hand in his jacket pocket.
“The Doctor.” The other man stated softly. He was dressed casually, but gave off an air of intelligence. “Never thought I'd see It.”
“See what?” The Doctor shook his head. These people were supposed to help he and Leven save their universe? Fantastic. “Who are you three?”
“Um, if I could...” Alex joined the group by the car. “This is my mate, Adam Mitchell.” Alex patted the geeky guy's shoulder. “An' these are his mates, Tosh Sato and Owen Harper.”
The Doctor looked the three people over carefully. “The alien experts from the Underground? Lovely.” He clapped his hands together. “I'm the Doctor, that's Leven.” He nodded to the young girl, who was still a bit away from the group. “Pleasure. Shall we get going then? London, end of the world, it all awaits us.”
“Now?” Alex glanced from Leven to the house. Leven couldn't just leave without saying goodbye, could she? Of course, she had left without a single word the first time. Left for two weeks, something which worried him sick. Alex firmly nodded to himself. “No, right. Adam, mind if I drive a bit?”
The Doctor raised an eyebrow. “You're coming?”
Alex shrugged. “Leven can't have all the fun.”
Silently, Alex got into the driver's seat of the car, with Adam in the passenger seat and Tosh squeezed in between them. Owen took his cue and climbed into the backseat; he figured the Doctor and Leven needed a moment.
The Doctor walked back to Leven, who was now facing the house. She had a look on her face: that 'I'm never coming back here.' look that so many of his companions had had before. He placed a hand on her shoulder, forcing her to turn and face him.
“You don't have to come.” He smiled down at her gently. “I'd understand.”
Leven laughed softly. “No you wouldn't.” Sadly, she spared a glance out her home. Mr. Jones was standing just outside the door, and for once he didn't look emotionless or indifferent...he looked like someone who was silently saying a goodbye to their child. Leven took a chance and offered him a tiny wave, which he returned. “I think...I think I ought to grow up now, Doctor. Save the universe, become something bigger than a shop girl.”
Leven turned away from the house and back to the Doctor. “We should go, before Alex leaves us.”
The Doctor took Leven's hand, and they slowly walked to the waiting car.
Disclaimer 2:
-Adam Mitchell, Harriet Jones, Owen Harper, and Tosh are owned by BBC Wales, RTD, and others. Adam appeared in S1 of DW, in the episodes Dalek< and The Long Game. Harriet Jones is owned by BBC Wales, RTD, and others. Harriett appeared in S1 of DW, in the episodes Aliens of London and World War Three as well as The Christmas Invasion. Owen Harper and Tosh Sato are both characters from Torchwood, which is also owned by RTD, BBC Wales, and others.
-"I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request." was a line in PotC.
Author:
walkwithheroesRated: PG (for curse words)
Spoilers: Up to Doomsday
Word Count: 6,284
Disclaimer: The Doctor, Rose Tyler, Mickey Smith, Jack Harkness, Jackie and Pete Tyler, Torchwood, etc, aren’t owned by me.
Pairings: Ten/Rose, Alt!Eleven/Tess. Alt! 12/Leven. Hints at others.
Summary: 12 and Leven return to her world, and met up with a few old and new friends.
Author's Note: Thanks to my beta,
nemesis_cry for understanding the characters, not giving up on me, and for giving this story a wonderful beta. All other parts can be found here: Alternates 1-11
Leven Campbell's Earth
September 29, 2009
Buses, the Doctor had decided, had clearly been invited to make him miserable. In the last two days, he had ridden in two, and he had hated both rides. The first bus ride had involved his companion not speaking to him, and the second...it involved his companion drooling on his shoulder. She was tired and he couldn't fault her for that, but did she really have to drool?
Mere hours earlier, Leven had put in a phone call to her cousin Alex. Alex, it seemed was skipping work at the local pub, the King's. And while the Doctor did not want to go there – if only for Leven's sake – Leven assured him that Alex couldn't make it to London.
“I din' tell 'im we don't got the TARDIS.” Leven had awkwardly stated as they had taken their places on the bus, her real accent slowly coming through. She had lost most of the inflections her accent over the past two months, allowing them only to come out in times of stress or excitement, but now that she was home they were getting stronger by the sentence.
And so, there they were...on a bus to Scarborough, or 'Scar-brer'' as Leven's family called it.
They sat in the back of the bus, the Doctor calmly resting, his hands on Leven's. Her head was gently propped against his shoulder, her body curled against his side. For all the world, they looked like a man in his early thirties and his younger girlfriend. The Doctor couldn't help but wish that they were what they looked like – two normal people in love.
He was getting too old for all the crap he had to deal with. When it was over, the Doctor knew what he wanted...he and Leven would go somewhere, together. No more saving everybody in the universe just because he could.
________________________________________________________________________
The cold air bit through his lean jacket, causing him to shiver. He cleared his throat loudly, before reaching into his jacket for his lighter and a loose cigarette. Slowly, he lit his cigarette, and carefully placed it between his lips.
Absentmindedly, he ran a hand through his blonde hair, all the while keeping his eyes glued to the street.
“All right, Alex?” Glancing to his left, the man saw that it was Izzie Sharpe, the barmaid for the King's that had spoken to him. No doubt she was wondering what he was doing outside the King's when there was a match on the telly.
Alex shrugged, took a drag from his cigarette, and went back to watching the road. With a huff, Izzie went back inside the King's...something that Alex was grateful for. He had no time for Izzie's flirting, not with Leven and the Doctor coming.
He wondered where they were, and why they were taking so long. Couldn't the TARDIS get from one place to another in mere moments? With a shake of the head, Alex briefly wondered what Harriet would say when she saw Leven and the Doctor – they hadn't seen or heard from Leven in five months. Harriet had begun to suspect that Leven was dead on some alien planet ; Mr. Jones hadn't said much on the subject. As for Alex, well...he figured Leven was fine, he somehow figured he'd know if she were hurt or dead. Besides, the Doctor wasn't a bad sort...he'd let them know if something had happened.
Wouldn't he?
_______________________________________________________________________
The Doctor placed his hand firmly in Leven's. It was getting late in the evening, and they were nearing the pubs. More importantly, they were coming upon the King's, the local place that was known for being unsafe. One look at Leven let the Doctor know one thing: the girl was still scared to death of that place.
“It weren't safe near the King's, bu' Alex weren't home an' I went lookin'. I were thirteen.”
Leven squeezed the Doctor's hand, sparing him a worried glance. “All right, Doctor?”
He returned the gesture. “Comin' up, daisies, Leven.”
They walked on quietly for a while after that, each thinking about different things. Leven had begun to sweat, nervous about where they were going no doubt. After a bit, she skidded to a stop, nearly causing the Doctor to fall into her.
“He's waited outside.” Leven cheerfully stated, pointing toward a figure that was smoking just outside the King's. “Weren't that lovely of 'im?”
“Yeah,” The Doctor didn't seem nearly as impressed. “Real lovely.”
“Alex!” Leven waved the man over, smiling broadly.
The man, Alex, tossed the cigarette he had been smoking into a near by dust bin. With a huge grin, he jogged over to the Doctor and his companion. “Lev, you're not dead!” Still grinning, he gave Leven a quick hug. “Harriet'll be happy.” Before Leven could ask what her cousin meant, Alex went on, “Alright, mush?”
The Doctor scowled at Alex. In the two months he and Leven had been traveling together, he had spent a total of three hours with Alex. It was more than enough for the Doctor to decide that Alex wasn't much of anything. “Don't call me 'mush', Allan.”
“Alex.” Both Alex and Leven corrected.
The Doctor rolled his eyes. “Right.” He ran a hand through his thick hair. “So, Albert...why is Harriet Jones not happy? Is has only been,” he spared a glance at his watch, “a few hours since we last saw her.”
Ignoring the name thing, Alex shook it head. “Aye, maybe to you two. It's been months for us.” It was than that he noticed the teleportation devices around their necks. “And, what's this rubbish? Some fashion statement from the future?”
“Nah, they're...” Leven started.
She was interrupted by the Doctor, before she could go on, however. “Months?” He laughed softly, and glanced to Leven. “Pete's super tech doesn't work well, does it?” Carefully – he didn't want himself or Leven to go teleporting off somewhere – the Doctor removed the devices from himself and his companion. As he put the devices around his arm, almost like a bag, the Doctor went on, “No matter. Where's your friend?”
Ducking his gaze from the Doctor, Alex cleared his throat. “Uh...well, that's the thing, innit?” He could feel the heat of the Doctor's glare, and the disappointed look on Leven's face. “Now, he lives in London with his mum, but he were in Glasgow for this...thing. An'...” Alex raised his gaze to meet the Doctor's. “Well, it ain't like he can just walk here!”
Keeping his voice deadly calm, the Doctor simply asked: “When will your friend get here, Alexander James Jones?”
Leven swallowed hard, only Harriet ever called Alex by his full name. She spared her cousin a look that she hoped was lat least a little comforting.
“T-tomorrow, sir.” Alex felt stupid for stuttering, but the Doctor was so...angry and stern. He reminded Alex of his uncle, something which just made the young man even more nervous. “But, he's an alien expert.”
Smiling, Leven patted the Doctor's shoulder. “See? Daisies. S'not a bad thing, an' now we can sleep at me house.”
“Yeah,” Alex added, hoping that through Leven he could get back in the Doctor's good graces. “Harriet and Jones will love it. A nice family reunion.” His smile grew, slightly mischievous. “Harriet'll cook.” He clapped his hands together. “It'll be grand, yeah?” With all the charm in the world, he flung an arm over Leven's shoulder. “Ready, our Leven?”
The two cousins shared a secret smile and a giggle, before starting on down the road. With a groan, the Doctor followed, scowling all the while.
__________________________________________________________________________
The Jones family had quietly lived in Council House 15-E, just near the church. The church had been where the Doctor had first met Leven Campbell and Harriet Jones two months before; it was the only thing the Doctor liked about the place. The Council House that the Jones' lived in was painted a pale white, as where all the other houses on the street. There was also a small garden in front, with a little wooden fence.
Alex opened the fence's gate and guided Leven to the blue front door of the house. He was sure that after four hours Leven and the Doctor were in need of a rest, but they weren't about to get one. Harriet would start in, Mr. Jones would...look at them, and despite his feelings for both teen and alien...Alex would sneak out the back.
His hand on the door, Alex turned back to his cousin and her traveling companion. “Prepare yerselves.”
As he did, he opened the front door, only to find himself face to face with Harriet Jones. Scared, both Alex and Leven stumbled back into the Doctor's feet. “Auntie Harry, look!” He gently shoved Leven forward. “It's our Leven and her Doctor!”
Her arms folded over her chest, Harriet glared at the trio. “Five months, Leven. Mr. Jones an' I were worried sick, an' it weren't as if we could call the coppers.” She pointed a finger at the Doctor, who was standing protectively behind Leven. “It's all that thing's fault! Takin' our little girl.” She turned back to shout into the tiny and, narrow house. “Mr. Jones, our Leven's home!”
From a side room, a crisp and monotone voice called back: “Alive?”
“Yes, I'm alive.” Leven muttered.
“Right. Harriet, could I trouble you for a brew?” The voice of Mr. Jones called again.
Harriet shook her head fondly. “'Course.” She spared one last glance at the group outside. “Don't just stand there, you three! Come in an' I'll gi' you all some tea.” Leven's mother grabbed her by the hand and dragged her into the house.
Left to themselves, Alex and the Doctor exchanged a look.
“I thought you said she was upset?” The Doctor questioned the young man. “She just seems...herself.”
Alex shrugged. “I think she's just hiding the pain, Doctor.”
The Doctor rolled his eyes as the man and alien followed inside, just as Harriet yelled out:
“Alexander James Jones, come get yer uncle's tea! You weren't raise in a barn!”
_____________________________________________________________________
Ten minutes later, the Doctor found himself in the tiny family room the Mr. Jones' home. It was a small room, just off the hallway. The wallpaper was an ugly flower-pattern, and the three chairs in the room were over stuffed and just a little uncomfortable. A small black and white television – the Jones' still didn't have a color telly - sat tucked away in a corner of the room. Against the narrowest wall was a fireplace, with a cheerful fire blazing away.
Mr. Jones-the Doctor very much doubted that he had a first name-was sitting calmly in the pea-green chair, reading the newspaper. Every so often, he'd reach over to the side table for his tea. Sometimes, Mr. Jones would glance up from his paper and at the Doctor, his gaze indifferent.
The Doctor sat in the sky-blue chair, the devices that had brought he and his companion home beside him and a cup of hot tea in his right hand. Alex had wondered off somewhere, no doubt for a quick smoke or an even quicker shag at the King's. As for Leven and Harriet, they were still in the kitchen. Harriet was no doubt shoving food down the girl's throat, all the while complaining that Leven had been gone too long.
Harriet Jones. Now, there was an odd bird. Every time she was around Leven, she was either pushing the girl away or hugging her much too tightly. The Doctor supposed it was because Harriet had never actually wanted children, but still loved her child. It was human nature...more or less.
“So, Mr. Jones...I see you still like your evening paper.”
From behind his paper, Mr. Jones grunted. Spared a quick glanced over his newspaper, his eyes dark behind his large glasses. “Yes, thank you.” With niceness out of the way, Mr. Jones went back to his paper.
Awkwardly, the Doctor took another sip of his tea. “I wonder where Alex's gone off to?”
Mr. Jones just grunted from behind his paper.
_____________________________________________________________________
Just outside the Council Church was a pay-phone. It cost half a crown to make a local call and a whole crown to call long distance. And, at that very moment Alex Jones had just stuffed a crown into the tiny slot of the pay-phone. It wasn't long before the operator came over the line, asking Alex where his call could be directed. It took even less time for another voice to come over the line.
“'Ello?”
“It's Alex Jones, you said I should call...when the Doctor got back. He's back.”
_________________________________________________________________________
Leven Campbell sat at her kitchen table, playing with a napkin. Her mother was busy managing the inside of a small cupboard.
“An' April's girl got into university. 'Course, that was never for you. No, you're better at the shop. Were. You were better at the shop.” Harriet turned to face her only child, a tin of cookies in one hand. The cookies were for Mr. Jones, but the veiled insults were just for Leven. “Our Leven...you're lovely at books, but the real world? Well, you were always scared of people, weren't ya?” Harriet laughed lightly. “Always hiding behind yer Mummy.”
Leven kept her eyes firmly fixed on her napkin. “Not anymore.”
“What?” Harriet gave Leven a tight smile. “'Course you are! An' once this travelin' nonsense is over, you'll come home an' work in the shop again.”
Harriet didn't even wait for a response, she just opened the tin and took out four cookies. She placed them gently on a plate, before closing the tin. “You an' Alex'll have to learn the ways of the shop. Mr. Jones an' I wouldn't be around forever.” She went on, completely ignoring what her daughter had just said. “Now, finish yer tea. Then, it's a good bath an' bed. Nearly nine an' you should be asleep.”
“Mummy,” Leven finally looked up and at her mother. “I'm grown now. I'm travelin'. I've met aliens! I don't gotta go to bed at nine!”
“Don't you raise yer voice at me, young lady.” Harriet replied sternly! “Yer not too old to get a smack.” She took a deep breath and released it out through her nose. “Not too old at all.”
Leven sighed inwardly in frustration before going back to her now-cold tea. She kept her eyes glued to her cup, listening carefully as Harriet went into the other room with the cookies.
*
“Evening cookies, Mr. Jones. Now, where's our Alex gotten to? No doubt with that Izzie Sharpe or that new girl, Martha.” Harriet snorted.
“All right there, Harry?” That was the Doctor, a teasing tone in his voice. In the kitchen, Leven smiled from behind her cup.
“Let the boy alone, Harriet.” Mr. Jones, his voice emotionless and crisp. “We let Leven Ann travel in a blue police box with an alien, after all.”
In the kitchen, Leven's smile grew. She liked that Mr. Jones called her by both her names. It seemed more familiar and loving; it let her know that he did love her, even if he didn't say it very often.
“Mm...he's probably shagging that Martha. I don't like her, she's so snotty.” Harriet shot back, annoyed that Mr. Jones had made a good point against her.
“Leven could be shagging, as well. I've seen the way the Doctor looks at her.” Leven was sure Mr. Jones had gone back to his paper, his work done.
There was a long pause.
“I never touched her! I just like to look at her. She makes me less angry.” The Doctor spoke low, almost as if he didn't want to say it out loud.
Harriet snorted again, before going back to the kitchen.
*
“I do not like that Thing.” Harriet stated, before tossing the now empty plate into the sink. “It's all just...rubbish.”
“Mummy,”
“Leven, please. You should hear what he says about you.” Harriet turned the water on, washed the plate, and put it away as she spoke. “Yer not goin' back with him. I'm putting my foot down this time. Last two times I were too nice 'bout it. Yer just a kid, m'luv. Too young for him to...hurt you.”
“He don't hurt me!” Leven protested. She stood up from the table, wanting to make sure her mother would look her in the eye. “Mummy, the Doctor cares about me. He wouldn't...”
“Damn it, Leven you were shot with a laser on some alien world in the future!” She hit her fist on the counter, before whirling around to face her daughter. “You could of died!”
“But, I didn't! The Doctor took care of me. An' he needs me now! Things are happenin' an'...he needs me. I...I make him calm an'...everyone could die...an'...Mummy...please, jus'...stop.”
Harriet's eyes widened in anger. “Yer me daughter, Leven! I'll never stop worryin' 'bout you an' you aren't save with that...that Thing.”
“He's not a Thing, Mum!” Leven could feel her face growing hot. “He's the Doctor. He's my Doctor.”
“Yours?” Harriet felt as if the floor had just come out from under her. She couldn't lose Leven, and yet it seemed that she was. So, she said the only thing she could think of to get the girl back: “You think he loves you? That yer the only one? Leven, we both know he'll leave you as soon as he gets bored! You belong here, with me and yer father an' yer cousin. Yer a shop girl, not someone special.”
Leven stood where she was, her body language tense, her eyes burning with anger. She opened her mouth to speak, but found that her throat was tight. If she even began to speak, she knew she'd start to cry...and she was not about to cry in front of her mother.
“Harriet.”
Both mother and daughter turned to the doorway of the kitchen. They hadn't heard anyone, and yet Mr. Jones stood in the doorway, the Doctor right behind him. The Doctor looked like he wanted to rip Harriett's head off. Mr. Jones just looked stern and yet oddly indifferent toward the scene.
“Harriet, the news is on. Leven Ann, I believe the Doctor would like to freshen up. Be a good girl and show him to the loo.”
Leven swallowed hard and nodded. With a small and grateful smile at her stepfather, she walked out of the tiny kitchen and up the narrow stairs, sure that the Doctor would follow close behind.
Left alone, Mr. Jones stared at Harriet for a long moment. “She's our daughter and you're insulting her, Harriet? Because...yer jealous.” He shook his head in disappointed. “Yer a fucking grown woman, Harriet. An' she's a kid. An' he loves an' needs her.” Mr. Jones stared at his wife for another moment, before silently going back to his chair and paper.
_____________________________________________________________________
Shaky and near tears, Leven pointed out a clean pair of pink towels. “They're jus' for company. An' s'the yellow soap.”
The Doctor kept a close eye on her as he washed his hands with the yellow soap and dried them on the pink towels. It made the corners of Leven's lips twitch up just a bit; that was enough to make the Doctor happy.
“That's more like it. Prettiest smile in the world, that is.” He lightly touched her chin, raising it up. “She didn't...alright, she did mean it. But, she's still your mother and she still loves you.”
Leven's stared deeply into the Doctor's eyes for a long while. Finally, she swallowed and whispered: “I know. I know.” She nodded, almost as if she was still trying to make herself believe it.
The Doctor lowered his hand from her face. “I'll go check on everything downstairs. You take some time.”
Again, Leven nodded. The Doctor began to walk past her, but she stopped him by touching his arm. “Doctor,” Without thinking, she lightly kissed the corner of his mouth. “You really are champion.”
The biggest grin spread across his handsome face. With a nod and a nervous, “Yes, see you later,” he left the bathroom and quickly jogged down the stairs.
___________________________________________________________________
Humans, the Doctor had decided, were the most brilliant and awful creatures in the universe. Their greatest achievements often dealt with hurting one another, mostly for the so called 'greater good' of humanity.
His hands deep inside his trouser pockets, the Doctor stood in the doorway of the kitchen. His eyes were angry, but he wore a grin on his lips. He watched the woman in front of him, as she quietly sorted through her trash. The Doctor watched her for a moment, waiting.
“I can feel you starin'.” Harriet stated, not bothering to look up at him. “Is Leven alright?”
The Doctor nodded, then remembered that Harriett wasn't looking at him. “As she likes to say, it's comin' up daises.”
After a moment, Harriet looked up at the Doctor. “She's jus' a kid. I work an' work an' she gi's the adventures.”
“Harriet,” the Doctor sighed softly.
“She's not comin' back, is she?” She suddenly questioned, her eyes burning with hot tears. “You'll take 'er away again an' she won't come back.”
He could have lied. It would have been kinder if he had lied, but the Doctor wasn't very nice anymore. “No.” He took a deep breath. “No, she won't. There's more going on than you know, and I can't promise that Leven will stay safe.” Harriett opened her mouth to speak, but the Doctor quickly went on. “But you should know, if anything...anything happens to her...”
“I know...Doctor.” Harriet nodded stiffly. “An' that's what I'm scared of. Would you let the whole world die if Leven was in danger?”
He didn't even skip a beat. “Yes. She's worth the universe to me.”
The woman kept eyes firmly on his. “That's what I'm scared of.”
____________________________________________________________________
Leven supposed that she should have been scared of the dark, or at the very least of being alone at night. The funny thing was she wasn't scared at all. Monsters, nightmares, dangerous men...all of that didn't seem so scary after aliens. Besides, the Doctor was just a few feet away and he made her brave, even if she didn't act it.
Her face firmly in her hands, Leven let salty tears fall from her eyes. The row she had had with her mother was still fresh in her mind. The fight had made her feel unwanted and angry. Harriett had had Leven late in life, she had had plenty of time to become someone, but she chose to be a shop girl instead. That wasn't Leven's fault!
Her ears perked up at the sound of the kitchen door opening. Leven heard someone enter, heard them breathing softly.
“Leven? Shouldn't you be asleep?” It was the Doctor. Her Doctor, who had saved her from the dull life of a shop girl.
"Go away."
There was the smallest of pauses, before the Doctor answered: "Shan't."
Leven swallowed. "Go away, please."
"I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request."
Leven kept her face hidden in her hands, even as she heard the sound of the Doctor walking toward where she sat in a corner of the kitchen. She only glanced up when the Doctor sat on the floor beside her.
The pale glow of the lights from outside made the Doctor's face look dark. Those same lights made Leven's face look angelic. It was something that did not go unnoticed by both Time Lord and companion.
“Hello,” the Doctor looked at her with a loopy grin.
“Hello,” Leven smiled tightly.
There was a comfortable beat of silence before Leven went on, “I've slept enough lately. I were jus'...mi mum an' me had that row.” She sniffed softly.
The Doctor nodded sympathetically. “You have a right to be a little angry at her. You never stopped her from going after her dreams. She was just...” he paused, searching for the right word. But, he found he didn't know what word it was he wanted. “Scared. She was scared to be more than some shop girl or someone's wife. Harriet Jones was scared to be special, Leven. Don't fault her for being human.”
Leven smiled wryly. “You do.”
“Ah, she's not my mother.”
Feeling her lips grow into a smile, Leven nodded slowly before wiping away a couple of stray tears. “I feel right silly. Booing 'cause o' one little row.”
“Your Mum and Mr. Jones are asleep.” The Doctor told her. “So, cry if you need to.” Almost awkwardly, he cupped the side of her face. “Everything is goin' to come up daisies. I promise.”
The Doctor's hand felt warm and comforting and Leven found herself leaning into his touch. Even when she was scared and weak, he always made her feel safe and brave. He protected her, took care of her...loved her.
Their eyes were locked onto one another's, and both knew it would be best if one of them locked away. One of them had to look away.
“Doctor...” Leven found her voice soft and unsure. It made her somewhat uncomfortable. “Why me?”
Why little, dull, sweet, perfectly normal Leven Ann Campbell? The Doctor could have chosen anyone to live out the remainder of his life with, but he had chosen her. She was sweet, sensitive, naive, and wonderfully human.
“In 2,005 years no one's ever seemed to need me the way you do.” He told her, his voice equally low. “Oh, everyone needs me to save them. But, after I save them, I'm just the strange man in the blue box. Besides, I believe in you. I've never believed in anyone, not really. It's a bit human, actually.” He made a playfully disgusted face. “It's not something I always like.”
Leven laughed softly under her breath. “You're daft, you are.”
Slightly annoyed that Leven had taken his confession so lightly, the Doctor dropped his hand from her face and stood up from the floor. He stuffed his hands deep into his pants pockets. “Maybe. Or maybe I'm just tried of saving everyone.”
Without even realizing it, Leven was on her feet. “You can't jus'...you've....you're needed! To save...everyone. You're not givin' up, are ya?”
“Leven.” His voice was stern, low.
“You can't! I won't let ya, Doctor.”
“Oh Leven,” He sighed softly. She was so young and hopeful. It could get rather annoying, actually. “What do we have to save the universe?” He began counting things off on his hands. “No TARDIS. No Torchwood. No UNIT. What have we got?” The Doctor shrugged lightly. “Alex's alien-obsessed mate. A sonic screwdriver. Physic paper.” The Doctor stared at Leven for a long moment, his face hard and unreadable. “One old and battle-scared Time Lord. Who's never at fault.”
He had thought Leven would glare at him or cry. Maybe even run up to her room or tell him to 'gi' off '. She didn't do any of those things. Instead, she held her ground, stuck her chin out in determination and simply said in a whisper, “There's me.”
That had certainly caught him off guard. “What?”
“You've got me, Doctor.” She explained, her voice a little more sure. “An' I don't want my universe to die.”
“No, of course. I don't either.”
She smiled softly. “I know. I don't want anyone to gi' hurt or die. Especially if that person's you.” The faintest of blushes crossed her face. “ 'Cause you've got me. An'...there's Us. I mean...I know you're tired an' you have no mercy left an',” she took a deep breath, “you'd rather it were all over. Bu'...don't you want...” Leven shrugged hopelessly. “Us?”
A breath caught in his throat and for the life of him, the Doctor had no idea what to say. He smiled sadly. “Leven...”
“'Cause,” She took a breath. “I think you do. You protect me an' you're only nice to me. You go on 'bout us...I just thought...it seems special, you an' me.”
Completely unsure of how to react, the Doctor took his hands out of his pockets and tried to dust imaginary lint off his trousers. “Right...yes...I mean, you've known that for two months.” It seemed so more easy to just be in love for her. But now, now that she was actually reacting to it...it was completely throwing the Doctor off.
Not completely aware of her own actions, Leven slowly began to walk to the Doctor. “Well,” she let out a small and somewhat nervous laugh, “I had my suspicions.” She lightly touched the Doctor's cheek. “You weren't very cool about it, were ya?” Leven looked at him intensely. “Truth? It were kinda nice.” She smiled softly, chuckled under her breath, and backed away from him.
Suddenly feeling silly, Leven shrugged. “I should go...to sleep now. I'll jus'...night.” She gave him a little wave, and turned to leave.
Leven barely got half an inch out of the kitchen, before the Doctor suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her toward him. Their gazes met for only the briefest of seconds, and then the Doctor was passionately kissing Leven's lips. They awkwardly stumbled backward and into the cupboard door. Before her brain could react, Leven found that she had started to kiss the Doctor back, her hands moving into his hair.
This was certainly not something she saw coming.
The Doctor broke the kiss. His hands cupping Leven's face, he forced her to look him in the eye. "I'm selfish and old." He told her sincerely. “Just...tell me.”
Her gaze didn't falter, though she seemed confused. “What do you want me to tell ya?”
“Tell me and it'll be alright.” He demanded, his tone low and stern.
Her voice barely a whisper, Leven leaned close to the Doctor's ear. “I'm never gonna leave you.”
The corner of the Doctor's mouth turned up into a small smile. “Anything else?”
Her pale fingers moved to the collar of his shirt, and she gently tugged on it. “I love you.” She pulled him forward until his lips were firmly on hers again.
And though they both knew Leven wasn't being totally truthful, the lie was worth a universe.
________________________________________________________________
There was a rooster crowing somewhere in the distance, which was how Leven knew she wasn't in the TARDIS. Unless the Doctor had picked up some animals, which she very much doubted. No, Leven remembered where she was, and it wasn't the TARDIS.
She and the Doctor were at her house, it was late September, and the world - universe- was possibly ending. Not only that, but only the night before, she had told the Doctor she loved him. They had kissed and...everything. Oh, it was enough to make Leven want to hide under her covers for the next year!
Peeking out from under her covers Leven looked around her room. No sign of the Doctor, but her door was wide open and she could hear voices floating up from downstairs.
“It's nine. Is he coming or isn't he? We've waited long enough, Alden.”
“Alex! An', he's comin', ya Wanker.”
“Did you jus'...”
“Has anyone seen the bloody morning paper?”
“Mr. Jones...”
With an annoyed sigh, Leven threw her covers back over her head. This was all too much. She waited a couple of minutes before climbing out of bed and changing into some real clothes; she wanted to wear something layered and comfortable - she was sure she'd be running for her life in a mere five hours.
*
Leven hopped down the last of the stairs, just in time to see Alex walking out the front door.
“Alex!” Without thinking, she rushed out the door after him. “Bit early, yeah?”
Alex whirled around to face her, a ratty cigarette hanging from his bottom lip. “Coz,” his brown eyes narrowed on her. “fuckin' 'ell!”
Leven blushed at the curse word. “Alex, language!”
“Oh, sorry. It's jus'...you an'...finally? Now?!” Alex spit out his cigarette. It fell onto the ground, burning itself out. “Not really the best time, luv.”
Shifting uncomfortably under his gaze, Leven shrugged. “Not now, yeah? 'Sides that, where's yer mate?”
Alex gestured to the corner of the street, where a tiny mint green car was parked. “He's sort o' scared. 'Cause the Doctor. An'...”
“An'?” Leven pressed. “Alex?”
“An', he's not alone. I made this call an'...they're alien people, Leven. They know stuff.”
“Stuff? What stuff?”
“Doctor!”
“Who...” Leven's forehead knotted in confusion. “What?”
Alex pointed behind Leven. She looked over her shoulder to see that the Doctor had come outside, and that he was standing right behind her. She hadn't even heard the door open or the sound of his dress shoes on the path.
“Doctor,” Leven felt her breath catch in her throat. It felt a bit awkward to be seeing him, especially with Alex standing so close. Oh, and the mint green car parked just a hop, skip, and jump away. “Nothin' good in the mornin' paper?”
He looked at her for a beat, a bemused smile on his face. “Nah,” the Doctor shrugged lightly. “'Sides, I know it all already.” Without a pause, he turned his attention to Alex. “So, your friend's in the car...with other friends that you had no right to call.”
“They can help!” Alex protested. “An' they know all 'bout you. Yer famous in the Underground scenes.”
The Doctor laughed, loud and from the heart. “Hear that, Leven? I'm bloody famous!”
Leven, not totally sure how she should react, cleared her throat. “That's aces, Doctor. Bu'...we got things t' do.”
“Right.” With a nod to the cousins, the Doctor started a determined walk toward the car. Leven and Alex exchanged a quick look and shrug before following after him.
*
“Alright you lot, come on. What's your story?” The Doctor banged on the roof of the car, as he walked alongside it. “Out, out, OUT!”
From the sidelines, Alex and Leven watched as three people stepped out of the car. The Doctor stood by, his arms folded over his chest, just waiting to lay into someone. Alex's friend was about his age, with a geeky air about him. The other two people, whom had stepped out of the backseat of the car, were a few years older. If anything, they seemed more mature.
“You're him.” Alex's friend breathed, clearly having a 'fan boy' moment. “I've seen your pictures, but to see you in person. Wow!” He reached out to touch the Doctor, thought better of it, and stuffed his hand in his jacket pocket.
“The Doctor.” The other man stated softly. He was dressed casually, but gave off an air of intelligence. “Never thought I'd see It.”
“See what?” The Doctor shook his head. These people were supposed to help he and Leven save their universe? Fantastic. “Who are you three?”
“Um, if I could...” Alex joined the group by the car. “This is my mate, Adam Mitchell.” Alex patted the geeky guy's shoulder. “An' these are his mates, Tosh Sato and Owen Harper.”
The Doctor looked the three people over carefully. “The alien experts from the Underground? Lovely.” He clapped his hands together. “I'm the Doctor, that's Leven.” He nodded to the young girl, who was still a bit away from the group. “Pleasure. Shall we get going then? London, end of the world, it all awaits us.”
“Now?” Alex glanced from Leven to the house. Leven couldn't just leave without saying goodbye, could she? Of course, she had left without a single word the first time. Left for two weeks, something which worried him sick. Alex firmly nodded to himself. “No, right. Adam, mind if I drive a bit?”
The Doctor raised an eyebrow. “You're coming?”
Alex shrugged. “Leven can't have all the fun.”
Silently, Alex got into the driver's seat of the car, with Adam in the passenger seat and Tosh squeezed in between them. Owen took his cue and climbed into the backseat; he figured the Doctor and Leven needed a moment.
The Doctor walked back to Leven, who was now facing the house. She had a look on her face: that 'I'm never coming back here.' look that so many of his companions had had before. He placed a hand on her shoulder, forcing her to turn and face him.
“You don't have to come.” He smiled down at her gently. “I'd understand.”
Leven laughed softly. “No you wouldn't.” Sadly, she spared a glance out her home. Mr. Jones was standing just outside the door, and for once he didn't look emotionless or indifferent...he looked like someone who was silently saying a goodbye to their child. Leven took a chance and offered him a tiny wave, which he returned. “I think...I think I ought to grow up now, Doctor. Save the universe, become something bigger than a shop girl.”
Leven turned away from the house and back to the Doctor. “We should go, before Alex leaves us.”
The Doctor took Leven's hand, and they slowly walked to the waiting car.
Disclaimer 2:
-Adam Mitchell, Harriet Jones, Owen Harper, and Tosh are owned by BBC Wales, RTD, and others. Adam appeared in S1 of DW, in the episodes Dalek< and The Long Game. Harriet Jones is owned by BBC Wales, RTD, and others. Harriett appeared in S1 of DW, in the episodes Aliens of London and World War Three as well as The Christmas Invasion. Owen Harper and Tosh Sato are both characters from Torchwood, which is also owned by RTD, BBC Wales, and others.
-"I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request." was a line in PotC.
