My first fanfic (or story in general, for that matter) ever!

It basically follows the Doctor arround Xiang Xien (aka Shang Shen) while Donna is off creating an alternate universe-my feeble attempt at getting inside the Doctor's head ;)

Please enjoy, REVIEW, and be patient while I slowly turn out the rest of the chapers!

Turn Signals

Chapter 1: Days Like These

Ah! These were the days that made my burden worth it! Every day, every planet, every time different, with different moons orbiting up above, different suns in the sky, and different grounds beneath. No Daleks or Cybermen or being slapped around by your mate's mad mother (what was with mums anyways?)

No battles or diplomacy today. Today he Donna were just going to live life, getting their first taste of normalcy in a what had seemed like forever, spending the perfectly normal day as normal tourists on the perfectly normal planet of-

"Right, here we are then-Xiang Xien!" the Doctor exclaimed as he brought the Tardis to a stop. "Colonized by Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea after the Oriental Trade Schism of 3672, occupied briefly by the Dravidians after the Great Carrionite scourge early 42nd century, and now, you marvellous humans, you habituate the most successful planet in the history of the Andromeda Trade Confederation!" he declared, running his hand casually through his hair as he held the door open for Donna, taking in this brave new world. "And if I'm not mistaken, it's the mid-47th century, the Age of Peace here in the Maffei Galaxy, year of the Chelonian, and ooh, would you look at that, the-"

"Year Xiang Xien hosts the Intergalactic Games," his companion and friend said as she peered at a banner hanging across the alley.

Brilliant she is, that Donna Noble. Never failed to miss anything, even the points that I'd rather her not notice.

"Yep," he muttered as he pulled out his "brainy specs", "… and it looks like we're just going to miss the opening ceremonies by 12 days. It's a shame too-" putting his glasses back up, "first time the games are open to all species. Gave us some really good limball matches between Grolon and Stiora and a legendary telejet race to Clom and back. Hmph," He chuckled as he shot Donna a sideways glance, "Probably the only thing more fantastic than the games were the after-parties.'

"Well, if their idea of a good time is anything like Midnight's…" Donna darkly murmured, and then jokingly chuckled, "or their food is anything like that Foamasi barbecue"

"Nah, much worse," the Doctor winked, relieved not to mention his trip to midnight again. It still hurts to remember how low, how cruel, the human race could go. At least on this planet, life is relatively normal and there were plenty of distractions..

"Oh, and speaking of food, Donna come here!"

"What's that?"

"Here, try this-" The Doctor said as he handed Donna what appeared to be a shish kebob of some sorts.

"Mmm, it's brilliant. Sor' of fi-"

"Fishy? Yeah," as the duo continued to saunter down the crooked, crowded, lively alleyways. "Szechuan Macra, with Raagan chili sauce, coconut essence, nalgon oil, and… I think a hint of banana...'

"Mmmm, It's beautiful. It's days like this that make me want to do this forever."

"Yeah… me too…"

He could never pinpoint what it was that brought her back into his mind. Was it the fact that a banana was the one piece of fruit not in the bathrobe the first day these eyes had laid eyes on her?

"You alright?"

Or was it the talk of forever- and the thought of an eternity without her?

"Yeah, I'm fine."

At least Donna understands the loss of someone you loved, and, more importantly, knows how you have to deal with it- alone, but not without your mates who support you.

"Alright, well, I'm off to do some shoppin' for Gramps. You know him and aliens…" Donna told him as she nodded towards a street adorned with banners in the most brilliant golds, reds, and oranges human eyes had ever seen. "You want anything?"

"Nah, you wouldn't want me to come alone- might annoy you with my dullness."

" Doctor, look here, at my face. Now, do I look bothered by it?"

He glanced into her green eyes. The only eyes that somewhat understood him now."No," he grinned, "but seriously, go on without me."

"'Kay then. I'll meet up with you in a few. Won't be long"

"'Kay."

Donna really has been good for me-- the Doctor thought to himself as he strolled down the alley, hands in pockets. -- After all that happened… loosing them… loosing her… hurting Martha… It's nice to have a proper mate. –

He raised his gaze up from his feet and looked at the life, the ever-adapting, ever-evolving human life around him- the children weaving in and out of knock-off helmet vendors and antique clothing merchants. The streetside cooks calling out for business, and the artists painting murals of dragons on the brick walls, and the tapestry hangers putting up banners in preparation for the big day and he kept wondering- Why is it that days like these always remind me of her?