[On the Run] Exit Stage Left

[nevermindtherunning]

It took three days to return back to the TARDIS, right where they had left it by the Great Wall. News hadn't arrived of the emperor, and to that, the Doctor was relieved. They were able to give a poor villager the horse and anonymously go their own way back on foot to the TARDIS.

He and Donna looked a little worn, but it was to be expected given what they had been through and their mutual determination to move as quickly as possible back to the TARDIS. Once unlocked and inside, he closed the door and placed his forehead against the cool door. Without a word, he stayed there, palm on door, just breathing slowly in and out.

And a moment later, he spun on his feet, looking up at the coral struts and the control console. It was over, wasn't it? Everything was over? They caught the time vortex and were sent back to their time, hadn't they? And now it was just Donna and himself.

"All of time and space, anywhere in the entire universe and you want to go to the beach." He offers Donna a smile as he walked up to the console, slowly pressing buttons and locking onto coordinates. "The blue moons of Xerxes VI, the most beautiful flowers you can imagine in infinite colors on Matapooshta, the longest waterfall in the galaxy is on Scwetzguld; you can't even see the bottom from the top or the top from the bottom! And you want to go to the beach." There's something endearing in his tone of voice.

Comments

[noblexcompanion]

Was walking in lightning even safe? Oh God. He didn't want to face the wrath of Sylvia so he was going to get rid of Donna by electrocuting her instead, wasn't he?

Donna followed behind. Thank God for trainers with good grip. There were a few times she almost slid into his back, but she managed to stop herself. "Oooh. Reckon they've got a little shop in there? I know how much you love the little shop."

[nevermindtherunning]

"Yuup!" He grinned like a loon, despite Donna not being able to see it as they walked further. Down and down they went until they reached the bottom where the center was visible just a short distance away.

With a half turn, he stretched his hand out, wiggling his fingers for Donna's. "C'mon! Didn't get motion sick, did ya?"

[noblexcompanion]

Donna took hold of his offered hand. Everything was always better when you had a hand to hold. "I'm fine. If I feel the need to vomit, I'll let you know."

She gave a small smile. Some of the weight had definitely been lifted but the dread of going home was still there. "Come on then, trouble. Let's go make ourselves known."

[nevermindtherunning]

It didn't take long before they reached the center. There were species of various kinds and all walks of life here. It sort of made the Doctor think of the Titanic - the flying kind - with everyone here. Who knew this was a hot holiday spot?

Walking casually, his eyes roam around at the displays, almost like a museum, talking of the history of various location of the planet and some significant moments with the storms. Mostly, the oldest tree burning down, and the great fire of 305754.

[noblexcompanion]

"Am I the only human here?" Donna whispered, just loud enough for the Doctor to hear as she looked around. At least she had learned a little bit of tact on her adventures - not a lot, but a little.

She found herself drawn to one of the displays, reading the information thoroughly.

[nevermindtherunning]

"Mmm, probably." He comments, not really paying attention at all to her as he was rather distracted by some of the center's patron visitors.

"Humans are still alive now, if that's what you're asking." The reply was a bit delayed as he rounded the corner.

[noblexcompanion]

She followed after him. She didn't like the way one of the other visitors was staring at her. And not just because he had three eyes - at least she was assuming it was a bloke. You couldn't always tell with the alien folk.

She really hoped he was just leering the way most males tended to at her and not trying to decide how fantastic she would taste for lunch, or how fabulous she'd look mounted on his wall.

Sliding up to the Doctor's side, she took hold of his hand.

[nevermindtherunning]

He turns into her, as her hand slips into his. Opening his mouth to ask something, he looks up and sees what was making her uneasy. "He's saying hello. Don't be rude." He was one to talk as he looked over and wiggled his fingers in a wave.

And his own eyes stared back at the visitor, "Lovely day! Storms are brilliant from the cliffside. Have you been there?"

[noblexcompanion]

Damn it, Doctor. Don't engage with the weirdos who want to eat her or mount her. That was basically giving them the green light to go switch the oven on. What condiment went well with humans?

"It is quite the view. Perhaps you shall sell me your concubine so I may share it with her?"

Donna opened her mouth to speak, and then snapped it shut. After a few attempts of speaking and looking like a goldfish, she huffed. "Oh, he did not just call me a concubine!"

[nevermindtherunning]

The Doctor gives Donna's hand a squeeze. "Oh? No, no, she's not for sale, sorry." He gives an apologetic smile and excuses himself from him.

"Not what I was expecting..." He muttered to himself as he briefly glances behind his shoulder before turning to Donna and offered a lop-sided smile. "I'm sure you'd make a lovely concubine, if you ask me." He was being cheeky.

[noblexcompanion]

"Watch it, mister! I'm nobody's concubine, thank you very much." She gave another huff. "Is it normal for aliens to trade humans as concubines or is this a ginger thing? It's a ginger thing, isn't it? My people are doomed."

Be thankful you aren't ginger, Doctor. Gingers have no luck.

[nevermindtherunning]

"I think more on the human factor in this case." He commented and turned down a corridor, "Donna! A shop!"

It was borderline embarrassing how much he loved little shops. All the little knick-knacks and snacks and friendly faces and children. He could ramble on and on, if allowed.

In the end, it was anything to distract him from far too aware of Donna's sadness (and admitted his own).