DISCLAIMER: Doctor Who and all its characters belong to BBC. OC's are my own creations and the events depicted in this story are fictitious. Any similarity to any people or events living or dead is merely coincidental. ^_^

AN: Hello readers, and welcome to Saving the Doctor From Himself... This is not my first Fanfic but it is the first I've submitted to a public forum...so I ask that you at least read up through the third chapter before abandoning the story, LOL. This story is set in a slight AU where The Doctor lost Rose during Doomsday and has stuck firmly to his resolve not to let anyone else close to him. I see this story as being post Doomsday but breaking from cannon before reaching The Runaway Bride. He has not met Donna or Martha at this point in time and has been wandering alone for quite a while when my story begins. I welcome any feedback, but please no flaming! Now, I hope you will sit back, relax and enjoy the story! Allons-y!

Chapter 1: First Meetings and a Close Call

London- Becca's POV

The first time I saw The Doctor I had no idea who he was. He was just another man, standing with his back against the wall of a nearby building. He was tall, around 6'1", quite slim and I have to admit rather sexy. He was wearing a close fitting blue suit with a red tie, covered by a long brown jacket. As I watched he tucked his hands into his trouser pockets and seemed to be watching, just… watching. He observed the traffic and the people going by him, yet seemed separated from it all somehow. I noted this about him in an absent sort of way. What really captured my attention were his eyes. They were sad and seemingly ancient eyes…ones that looked to have seen too much in their time. Somehow those eyes just didn't match the rest of his face which was smooth and seemed so much more youthful.

As I continued to watch him, he happened to glance my way and his brown eyes met my hazel ones. I smiled, but he looked away quickly. For the briefest of moments when our eyes met I'd gotten the impression of great sadness and regret- dare I say deep loneliness? A group of women, chatting loudly passed in front of me, and after they'd gone past I looked for the man again- but he was gone! It was strange really; he had seemingly disappeared into thin air. Hard to figure really, good-looking guy like that surely wouldn't have trouble finding a companion if he wanted one, which led me to think any loneliness was self-imposed- but why?

Ah well…what did it matter really? He was probably just an ordinary man, out and about London, probably picking up something for his missus. Yet I couldn't shake the impression from my mind. My friends would have told me I was letting my imagination run wild, and…maybe they'd be right.

The Doctor was striding quickly towards a blue police box sitting several blocks away, but to him it was more than a police box, it was his TARDIS. As soon as he stepped inside and closed the doors, he took a deep breath and sagged against them, running a hand through his messy brown hair, making it stand out in odd directions.

Why do you torment yourself like this? He thought berating himself silently. You know what happens to all the people you let get close to you.

It had started as just going out for a walk; get some fresh air, you know- clear out the old noggin. He'd stopped for a bit, just watching all the humanity around him, going about their daily, boring lives. He had been scanning the crowd when not far away a brunette girl had caught and met his eyes and then she'd smiled. It was a brief meeting of eyes, but he'd felt a strange and instant connection being made. He had broken the contact quickly by looking away. Fortunately a group of women had passed between them blocking her view of him, and using that moment he had quickly made his escape.

Now here I stand, practically quaking in my trainers. The desire to walk over to her, to talk to her, had been so strong, but NO, I know full well where that road eventually leads. I can't do it again! I can't allow myself to get close and then lose another person to the dangers of my life. I can't! He thought in anguish. Yet between the memories and regrets…I'm not sure how much longer I can stand this terrible loneliness. Placing his head in his hands he felt despair creeping up to claim him.

A gentle caress of affection and concern swept across his mind, light as a feather but most definitely felt. The Doctor smiled briefly. "Thanks old girl," he said aloud to the TARDIS. He strode up the ramp and to the console in the middle of the room. Patting her gently he added "I know you're always with me." For the moment the despair was pushed away.

Becca's POV

Several days later I found myself at a chippy, picking half-heartedly at my order of fish and chips. The shop I was eating at was not far from where I had first seen the man in the blue suit. I still had no idea who he was and despite my best efforts to forget him, I couldn't. His eyes or at least their impression stayed with me. I could call them up clearly in my mind's eye, as if I had a photograph. I pondered those eyes while I was waiting for my friend Scenttia. Glancing at my watch for the fifth time in less than a half hour, I muttered vaguely to myself. Apparently Scenttia was pulling another no show. What with that new boyfriend of hers she probably forgot all about our girls' night. Pulling out my cell I checked one last time for messages- nope, not even the courtesy of a single one. Getting out my wallet I left a tip on the table, and exited the shop heaving a sigh of frustration.

Outside a blast of wind caused a deep shiver to run down my spine. Flipping the collar of my jacket up, I started walking. I didn't think much about the direction I was taking, instead I was deciding where to stop for a book or DVD to take home. I could have gone out alone, but then again, I've never liked to party by myself. Coming to an intersection I stopped and waited for the walk signal, and when it changed I started across the road still deep in my own thoughts.

The sound of a horn blasting and movement to my left caused me to jump out of my skin. I turned to see a red double-decker barreling straight towards me and it wasn't slowing down! Panicking I tried to get out of the way, but part of me knew I wasn't going to make it. As quickly as this realization formed, from the opposite direction, a flash of blue and someone knocking me to the ground.

"Get down and lay flat as you can!" A smooth male voice said from beside me, and suiting actions to words he flattened himself to the pavement.

Obediently I lay flat as I could as the double-decker passed over top of us. Rolling my eyes as far upwards as I could from this position I saw the bottom of the bus clearing me with maybe an inch or two to spare! The wind from its passing ruffled my hair, exhaust fumes hit my nose and then it was past. For a moment I forgot how to breathe and felt my heart racing as adrenaline coursed through my veins. I had nearly been killed!

Beside me the man's voice spoke again, "Right then, coast's clear. Are you ok...? Hurt anywhere?" He sounded anxious and spoke about a mile a minute. After a quick internal scan, I rolled to my side, about to reassure him I was fine.

The words faded from my lips as I realized…it was him! The man I'd seen before! His warm brown eyes filled with competing emotions, foremost in them concern. Trying again I was able to get out… "Fine, I think…thanks to you".

Rising to his feet he held out his hand to help me stand. As I took hold of the proffered hand he easily pulled me to my feet. Traffic, thankfully, hadn't been heavy and several vehicles had stopped. A bit shaky, I walked to the other side of the street, shadowed by my rescuer. As soon as we reached the sidewalk concerned witnesses all started talking at the same time…

"Blimey….are you ok miss?"

"….crazy bus driver, if I was you I'd sue is what I'd do…"

"…you need an ambulance? Got my cell right here…."

"…right close call that was…"

So many emotions and voices! Confused, I swayed slightly and took a step backwards.

"Here now…everyone quiet down and shove off. I've everything under control here and if she needs it I'll see she's taken care of."

The man in blue was suddenly beside me holding up a small black leather item, and as the crowd looked at it they fell to muttering amongst themselves and began dispersing. I guess he had shown a badge or something. However he had done it, I was grateful for the breathing room. Closing my eyes briefly I took a deep breath and willed my heart to stop beating so fast. When I felt a hand gently touch my shoulder I jumped slightly. Turning, I tried to cover up the involuntary jerk, but was pretty sure I hadn't managed to do so.

Standing there was my rescuer- his eyes were searching mine. He was probably looking to see if I had a concussion or if I was in shock or something…

Why am I doing this? The Doctor had just come back to Earth after a bit of a run-in on Raxicoricofallapatorius (which was/is the planet of the Slythene family who, by the way, had nearly caused World War Three…interesting planet, the purple atmosphere seen from space is stunning really… located at the edge of Mutter's Spiral, it used to be part of a solar system that included its twin planet Clom…which mysteriously disappeared ages ago, Clom that is, not Raxicoricofallapatorius). He'd been out walking, thinking about his last adventure and about maybe getting some chips (London really does have brilliant chips!) and had seen a familiar looking brunette begin crossing the road- had also seen the bus barreling towards her on a collision course. He'd reacted immediately and instinctively…nobody deserves to be hit by a double-decker bus! Much too mundane a way to die!

"Get down…lay flat as you can!" The Doctor said quickly as he pushed the brunette firmly to the pavement mere moments before the bus would have hit her.

After the bus had cleared them, he rose to a crouched position and began asking the girl anxiously if she was ok. She seemed a bit shaky, so as he stood he offered his hand to help her up (let no one say I'm not a gentleman!). When they got to the sidewalk on the other side of the street, she was surrounded by concerned onlookers clamoring to make sure she was ok, offering assistance, and in some cases offering ridiculous (to my way of thinking) advice. He was about to use the distraction to blend into the crowd and melt away when he noticed her sway and take a step backward away from all those "helpful" people.

Muttering a Gallifrayan curse under his breath he quickly pretended to be an authority figure and pulling out his psychic paper was able to quickly clear the crowd. Touching the girl gently on the shoulder he felt the involuntary jump as she turned toward him. Searching her eyes he could tell she was still a bit shook up but surprisingly handling it well. "Better?" He asked quietly.

"Yeah, thanks- that crowd overwhelmed me I guess."

"Understandable," He said ruffling a hand through his thick brown hair, "well…if you're sure you're ok, I'll be off then." He added starting to turn and leave.

"Wait!" she said making him turn back, "How can I ever thank you…that bus nearly flattened me."

He felt a lopsided grin appear briefly on his face, "You just did"

Blinking at him in surprise, she blurted out "No, seriously- at least let me buy you a cuppa or something."

It took him a nano-second to comprehend that what she was saying. A cuppa! She wants to buy me a cup of tea? With her watching, he was aware of a series of conflicting emotions going through him, but finally settled into a dark, regretful sadness.

"Nah, as long as you're ok that's thanks enough for me." He finally replied, forcing a bright smile and starting to turn again and walk away. Before he could take more than a step however, she grabbed his arm. Startled he looked at the hand on his arm and then at her face, noting a subtle but undeniable strength there.

"Please, I insist it's the least I can do and besides…" she said obviously thinking quickly "…I could really use some tea myself- I'm still a mite shaky-like".

Concerned, but determined to be on his way, he pivoted around completely to face her again. Gently placing a hand over hers, he was about to decline again, but the contact made him aware of how cold she felt. Whether she realized it or not the girl was not as ok as she pretended to be. His consciousness pricked at him. Despite all his best efforts to be away as soon as possible, he knew now that he couldn't just leave her. What if she went into delayed shock, passed out or something? Bowing to the inevitable, he sighed quietly to himself and gave in. "Ok then, two teas it is," he agreed smiling a bit sadly at the big smile that rewarded those words.

As they walked along towards her chosen locale, he subtly observed her. She was fairly tall only a couple inches shorter than he was, with long athletic legs; wearing a nice pair of jeans and a forest green jacket. Her brunette hair framed a lightly-complected face with hazel-brown eyes. Again he noted that there was something different about her…something most people didn't see, but then he was the Doctor; he was always seeing things others don't.

One cup of tea, he promised himself, One cup and I'm off. I'm not going to involve myself any further. This of course brought unbidden memories of previous companions, all the people he'd lost over the years. No, He thought firmly, one cup and I'm gone.

As she walked beside him towards her favorite tea place she must have suddenly realized that she didn't even know his name.

"I'm Becca by the way, what's your name?"

"Hello…I'm the Doctor"

"Just the Doctor?"

"Yep, just The Doctor…Nice to meet you, Becca." He was always polite, even when he knew he was treading on dangerous ground. Thankfully he was saved from further questions by their arrival at her destination. They got two cups of tea and found a table to sit at.

Becca had immediately picked up her cup of Irish breakfast and had not set it down. He was pleased to see that she was calming down a bit, helped along by the heat of the cup she held and the tea's pleasant aroma. He could smell it from across the table, along with that of his own English breakfast tea. Once again, this proved his theory that a good cup of tea could fix anything. He was relieved she wasn't chattering away at him like some magpie. The silence was a bit awkward but better than listening to hysterics mind you. Then she opened her mouth to speak. Oi, here it comes…

"Thank you Doctor, I really would have felt horrible just letting you walk away without doing a little something to repay you. I mean, you saved my life back there and I'm grateful."

For a moment the Doctor was speechless (which had only happened on a handful of occasions in his many lives!). This was not at all what he had expected to hear. Gushing gratitude…questions about what his name really was or just a meltdown- those situations he had been prepared for! This simple and genuine gratitude, accepting and using his name- well this just squashed any response he would have given!

"Ahem…well…um…you're welcome," was all he managed to get out at first, rubbing the back of his head self-consciously. "What can I say? We're lucky those double-deckers have a bit of clearance underneath, eh? Otherwise we would have been left a bit thinner, yes indeed a bit thinner…not that either of us needs to be…any….thinner," he trailed off as he noted the change in her expression. Clapping his hands together and grinning broadly he quickly changed topics…"So Irish breakfast eh? Always been an English breakfast man myself. Met the fella who came up with it back in oh…the 1840s I think it was. Loved tea he did….fascinated him even! Amazing man, always trying to make new and better blends…of course if I wouldn't have 'accidently' left that special ingredient…"

Becca was speechless- met a man in the 1840s? What was the Doctor talking about?

"You met someone in the 1840s? Huh…that must have been quite a…um…experience…" she said slowly grinning, obviously intrigued by his quirkiness.

Realizing what he was going on about the Doctor tried to come up with a more reasonable explanation…"Bit of a history nut you might call me, get so immersed I guess I think I'm there…" he quickly replied with an embarrassed chuckle. He had to get out of here…otherwise he'd really talk himself into trouble!

For a minute they both sat there awkwardly, and resorting to his mask of cool indifference the Doctor began looking over the girl's shoulder toward the door. "Well," he said continuing not to look at Becca, "Things to do." Gathering himself, he stood quickly.

Becca, surprised by this sudden departure stood as well. "Well Doctor," she said holding out her hand to him…"guess this is goodbye then."

She'd done it again- completely gob smacked him! So much so that he shook her hand without thinking. As he did a sudden shock of energy coursed up his arm and he gasped involuntarily, dropping her hand. Becca looked at him with concern.

"Sorry did I shock you or something?"

"No, I'm fine…well…Goodbye."

Becca watched a bit bemused as the Doctor strode quickly out of the shop. Shaking her head slightly she sat back down and took a long sip of her tea. What was that all about? She wondered. Then she thought not about what he'd said, exactly, but the tone of his voice. He'd obviously been surprised by her, why she couldn't fathom. The way his eyes had turned cold and distant before he left… he seemed to be hiding something with his quick topic changes, like someone desperately trying to avoid hitting a tender wound. Something of a puzzle he was turning out to be- and she liked puzzles. Yet, there was also vulnerability about him- buried deep. She wondered if she would ever see him again and, despite his rude departure, she certainly hoped so!

A feeling of inquiry and curiosity brushed across his mind, not in words but he understood the meaning just the same. The TARDIS, with its empathetic and telepathic abilities, frequently communicated with him in this way and through the years he had learned to understand her nuances quite well.

-You know why.

An impression of running and a feeling of wrongness

-Who says? I've been running for a long time now.

Disappointment and a sense that he should have stayed.

Upon reaching the TARDIS and going inside, he finally lost it…

"You know, sometimes you think you understand so much, yet you know nothing!" He shouted. "Do you think it's easy for me? Has it ever been easy for me? NO! I live everyday with the memories: good and bad, heaven and hell! I constantly feel the emptiness in my head, and where there were once thousands of voices, there is only deafening silence! Memories of family, companions, even foes- tearing me apart slowly from the inside!"

The Doctor strode from the console room, his face dark with anger and grief. For hours he walked the endless corridors until anger gave way to anguish and then he sat, arms wrapping around his long legs like it was the only thing holding him together as he curled into a ball of misery and old regrets.