"Doctor, can I ask you something?"

The Doctor turned to the door of the library to face Jamie. It had only been a short time since the young Highlander had joined the TARIS crew, and already he was developing a friendship with him. There were times with Ben and Polly were he was too distant or couldn't quite keep up; Polly was always trying to make things simpler or easier for him instead of letting him work it out himself, and Ben was… well, Ben. But with the Doctor, Jamie was able to find a person who understood when he wanted to find out how to do something on his own or when he needed help.

"Yes Jamie," the Time Lord replied.

The Scott boy looked at he ground for a moment, as if thinking about his question. The Doctor could see sadness and worry in his eyes.

"What's wrong?"

Jamie sighed. "Doctor, am I…" He stopped.

"Are you what Jamie?"

"… stupid?"

The Doctor's eyes widened. "Where did you get that assumption?"

Jamie shrugged. "I mean, I never know how to do anything. I can't read, I can't write, I can't tell time… there are times where I don't have any idea what you're sayin."

"Well, I haven't met many who really could understand me… besides all the other things are simply because of your time. You were raised in an environment that didn't require those talents."

"Aye… I was just a stupid piper."

The Doctor stood out of his chair. "James Robert McCrimmon, you are not, in any way shape or form, stupid. In fact, you are one of the most intelligent people I know."

Jamie looked at him, confusion in his eyes. "How?"

The Doctor sighed. "You have gotten used to this lifstyle quicker than many of my companions. I once traveled with a girl, Vicki, who came from the era of space travel and advanced technology. She spent weeks trying to put all this together."

Jamie's face lifted a bit. "Really?"

"Yes… and you took, what, a few days?"

The Highlander smiled at the thought. The Doctor walked over to him and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"You are not stupid," the Doctor said.

Jamie looked at him beaming. "Thank ye Doctor." Then, his face fell a little again.

The Doctor frowned. "What now?"

"I was also wondering… could you teach me to read and write?"

The Doctor smiled and clapped his hands together. "Of course. Now lets find some paper and a pen."