FireOpal: I want a cat. I need a cat. This is born of my cat-cravings.

Summary: Rose wants a new companion. The Doctor objects. PreUC. One-shot.

A New Companion.

"He's not staying," the Doctor said firmly, concealing his amused smirk in a mask of indifference.

"But Doctor," Rose whined. She had her tongue stuck teasingly between her teeth, and her eyes glittered with mirth.

"I said he's not coming," the Time Lord repeated, glaring at the object of their discussion.

"But he's so cute."

"Rose Tyler, this is my TARDIS, and my word is final."

Rose mock-pouted, tucking some rogue strands of hair behind her ear. "He hasn't got anywhere else to go!"

"I'm sure he'll find somewhere," He replied indifferently. "If you hadn't noticed when we got rid of Him," (Adam), "I don't take useless companions."

"He isn't useless! He's agile, strong, loyal, and he has a good sense of direction." She grinned as he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, really useful." The Doctor said sarcastically, folding his arms.

"He saved your life back there!"

"By accident," the Doctor pointed out, and Rose nodded ruefully, admitting defeat.

"True. But look at him!"

The Doctor looked. "And?"

Rose practically stamped her foot. "Well? Look at his cute little paws. And that expression!" Rose held up the black stray and thrust him in the Doctor's face.

"Mrrrow."

"Rose, I don't take strays on the TARDIS. Cats or otherwise." He allowed a small smile to reach his face.

"But he's so cute!" Rose insisted, cuddling the white-pawed cat closer to her and stroking his soft fur.

"Fine!" The Doctor replied, throwing his arms in the air. "You look after him. I don't want the thing sleeping anywhere else but your room, and the same for litter boxes. You feed him." He wagged a finger at the cute couple. "But he stays on two conditions."

"Name them," Rose replied confidently, grinning.

"One, as before. He's yours, and I mean that. There is no way I'm going round after it."

"Done!"

"And two," the Doctor grinned. "I name him." Rose thought for a moment, then shrugged, handing over the cat. He held it up to his face, and it gave him an intelligent look. Well, he did like cats.

"Oi, you." The cat looked away, and he gently tilted its head back towards him. "You do exactly as I say, right? You sleep in here, and I'll throw you out of an air lock."

"Rrrow." The cat replied. The Doctor nodded, noticing Rose stifling a giggle in his peripheral vision. He smirked evilly.

"Right then. Nice to meet you, Raxacoricofallapatorious."

Rose spluttered, wordlessly taking back the cat, a shocked look on her face. "You, you evil-"

"What?" He replied in mock-innocence. She narrowed her eyes at him.

"You know I can't call him that!"

"What, Raxacoricofallapatorious? Why not?" Rose stuck out her tongue at him, then turned away with the newly christened cat.

"Come on Raxe- Raxaca- Raxacorell-" She glared at the Doctor over her shoulder. "Come on Rax."

The Doctor shook his head, grinning as he heard her walk off, muttering to their new companion.