Character: Donna Noble
Fandom: Doctor Who
Prompt: Pool
Spoilers: for season 4 episode "Midnight"
Rating: Everyone
Summary: She should have gone with him.
Word Count: 490
Donna should have known there would be trouble as soon as he said, "What could possibly go wrong?" A place that had deadly sunlight and sapphire waterfalls couldn't possibly be a safe place for a holiday. She should have gone with him.
"What do you mean there's a problem with the transport?"
The concierge cleared his throat nervously. "They had mechanical difficulties, but there is a repair truck already on the way and it will be bringing the passengers back."
"I need to talk to my friend."
"I'm afraid the communications equipment is malfunctioning as well. They sent an automatic distress signal, but we can't talk to them from here."
"Distress signal? That doesn't sound like mechanical difficulties to me."
"I assure you, Ms. Noble, everything is well in hand. They should be back here within the hour. If you'd like, you can wait in the private lounge and we'll let you know as soon as they arrive."
"I'm not waiting anywhere until you tell me what is going on!"
"Please, I've told you everything we know. I will be keeping you informed, if you'll just wait in the lounge." The concierge gestured toward the lounge, then left before Donna could ask any more questions.
Donna walked into the lounge, pulling the belt of her robe tighter. She wondered if she had time to go and get dressed, but decided not to risk it. She wanted to be there as soon as the Doctor got back. There were a few people sitting in the room already, and she smiled at them. Too many thoughts whirled through her mind. What had happened? This was like when a plane crashed, and they herded all of the family into a little room to give them the news, she thought. It wasn't that bad, surely? The concierge had said they were bringing the passengers back.
She should have gone with him. He was out there alone, with strangers, probably in danger. And she was here having her nails done and sunbathing by the pool. What if he didn't come back? She couldn't even think about that. She should have gone with him.
She stood up and paced over to the window. Fifteen feet of glass between her and the deadly sunlight. And where was he? Out there, on a little shuttle. What was protecting him? She should have gone with him.
Finally, finally, came the announcement the repair shuttle had returned. Donna waited, watching the other passengers come through the gate. Finally, there he was. She saw his face and felt her heart skip. He looked broken, impossibly sad, immeasurably older than he had that morning. She put her arms around him, felt him put one arm around her, then the other, squeezing so tightly. Her stomach did a little flip as his arms tightened around her, and she closed her eyes, leaning into him. She could be here for him now.