They stood silently for a minute before he actually reacted.

"In" He ordered. Alex squeaked in surprise when he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the TARDIS with him. He let go of her, closing the door and leaving her in the doorway as he walked quickly to the console, putting the arm down and fiddling with things. The TARDIS took off with the familiar sound of the breaks on in flight, but even when it stopped The Doctor continued playing with switches and controls, looking back at the screen every now and then.

Alex stared. Sure she had seen the thing countless times but seeing it in real life made it look even bigger somehow. The circular light things that not even The Doctor knew the purpose of decorating the walls. The coral support beams marking the edges of the console platform. The console itself also in a coral design wrapped around a blue pillar. Alex took everything in, from the criss-crossed coral beams of the ceiling the show never let you see to the grating of the floor, wires and storage spaces all crammed in underneath.

Alex let her hand ghost along the railing as she moved slowly into the room. She approached the console, being wary as she reached out to rest a hand on the coral surface. There could be a chance it didn't like her, because she wasn't supposed to be here. Like Jack. She flew to the end of the universe to shake him off. Her fingers had just made contact with the surface when the TARDIS hummed. Alex started, jumping away from the console before she registered the happy hum for what it was. She smiled, a little less nervous when she reached out again, flattening her palm to the surface. The TARDIS gave out another contented hum, as if welcoming her. Alex smiled, feeling the console vibrate gently against her touch.

"She likes you" Alex looked up quickly, startled despite the soft tone. The Doctor watched her from the monitor and she removed her hand, suddenly feeling self-conscious. He beckoned her over with a tilt of his head and turned the screen as she came to stand beside him. The screen showed what looked like scan results. The TARDIS had been scanning her while she was looking around.

"Do you know what any of that means?" He asked softly. Alex shook her head. "Well, you certainly aren't from this Earth. And if you're from another universe…" He trailed off, not looking her in the eye. Alex continued to stare at the screen, knowing what he was thinking.

"I can't go home" She finished for him. He looked up at her, looking her in the eyes this time but Alex kept hers fixed on the scan unseeingly.

"Alex" He called softly. She didn't respond. Too much was going through her head. Would they notice her gone? She didn't exactly call often. She lived in a different part of the world. They had each other, she was always the odd one out. She had never taken her little brother to Comicon, he had been asking her to take him this year. She had promised… Her mother wanted to come over to England and go shopping with her, she didn't do that. Her friends in California were waiting for a catch up. Her older brother had just gotten a girlfriend who wanted to meet her. Her Dad… Oh god, she was never going to see any of them again… She-

"Alex, look at me"

Alex's overwhelming thoughts were broken by the voice and she blinked back tears before she turned. The Doctor was watching her sadly.

"I'm sorry" He told her softly. Alex tried not to, she really did, but she couldn't anymore. She let out a choked sob, covering her mouth with a hand as tears began to streak her face. The Doctor almost seemed uncomfortable for a moment and Alex almost apologised. He moved forward suddenly, wrapping his arms around her and Alex copied the gesture before she knew what she was doing. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder. She always imagined this Doctor to be bad with people, being just out of a war. He never seemed to have any good people skills and when Rose started crying in the first episode he dismissed it as 'culture shock'. This was completely different.

The Doctor kept one arm wrapped around her, holding her close and moved his other hand to stroke her hair gently. He shushed her softly and then began whispering comfortingly in her ear in a language she didn't recognise. He stayed there, holding her and whispering until Alex had calmed down and stopped crying and even after then. She wasn't sure how long they were there but it seemed like years. Neither seemed to want to let go.

"I know"

Alex was shocked for a minute, that was the first thing that had been said in English since she had been crying, but it was something she should have already known. He knew. He understood what it was like to lose everyone you love. But his loss was on a much bigger scale. His loss was every one of his species, hers simply the ones she had already met. Alex suddenly felt horrible for breaking down like that in front of him. She had just lost her family. He had just lost his species. His planet. And he thought he had killed them. Alex hugged him a little tighter.

"I'm sorry" Was all she said, in the same soft voice he had used when he said it to her. He leaned down a little more and his face was in her shoulder. Alex searched her brain for something to say, anything. He thought he killed them all. "You did what you had to" She whispered. "You did the right thing. You did good"

They held each other a while longer, both offering comfort to the other and both unwilling to let go. The TARDIS gave a small beep and they both looked up, glancing at the screen. It showed readings but no longer hers. The TARDIS had detected the arm.

"You're right" The Doctor said, moving to grab the arm. He plugged it in to the console, pressing buttons and flicking switches until the monitor beeped again. Alex leaned on the console as she looked at the readings and The Doctor stopped beside her, doing the same.

"There's a signal but it's too weak" He told her.

"The arm's too simple" She nodded. He stared at her a minute. "Oh sorry, didn't I explain?" He shook his head. "Right sorry, in my universe there's this TV show about you, surrounding your life travelling with people from Earth. Basically I became pretty obsessed with it, I know quite a bit, but certainly not everything" There was a pause. Was straight out not the best way to go?

"How far back does it go?" He asked, looking at her closely.

"When you first left for earth with your granddaughter seven hundred years ago it began I'm pretty sure. But that's the classic episodes. I started watching the revival series. This right here" She gestured to the TARDIS around her and the plastic arm in front of them. "Is the first episode of the revival series" He paused again, taking it all in and almost hesitating before asking the next question.

"How far forward does it go?" He asked hesitantly. Alex smiled at that.

"Spoilers" She whispered, grinning. She had always wanted to use that. He simply nodded.

"Had a feeling you'd say something like that. Alright then, on with the show" He grinned to himself as he moved about the console again. Alex laughed at his choice of words and watched him work. After had moved passed her a couple times, placing a hand on her back as he passed, she retreated back to the flight seat, sitting down and watching him run in circles. He stopped at the screen a couple times before he seemed to find what he was looking for.

"AHA!" He shouted suddenly, making her jump. "Found you" He muttered quietly. He didn't stop working however and the TARDIS started moving and Alex grabbed hold of the seat as the whole thing shook. This thing was even shakier than she had imagined, but you couldn't blame him. He did quite a good job replacing six men.

"Got a new signal?" Alex asked, grinning at him. He grinned right back.

"Yep, and here we are" He pulled one last lever and the TARDIS calmed. They had landed. "Wanna come along?" He asked, looking at her hopefully. Alex couldn't help but grin.

"Hell yeah!" She responded enthusiastically. He grinned back at her, holding out his hand. Alex jumped up, taking the offered hand and the two rushed to the doors, jumping out and closing them behind them as they continued on. They were still in London it seemed. The Doctor stopped at some point and checked his sonic screwdriver, making sure they were going the right direction and they ended up at a pizza shop in town.

"Oh, pizza" Alex breathed out in understanding.

"Right place then?" The Doctor guessed as they walked in, hand in hand.

"Yeah but guess who"

The Doctor looked around for whatever was plastic and caught sight of Rose and the plastic Mickey.

"Of course" He muttered under his breath. Alex grinned at him. He glanced over at her, noticing her grin and simply rolled his eyes. "Right then, stay here a moment" He told her. Alex blinked as he slipped into the kitchen, returning a moment later with a bottle of champagne.

"So that's where you got it from" Alex muttered under her breath. The Doctor smirked slightly at that. Damn, he has pretty good hearing.

"You can stay here if you want" He suggested, heading over to the table. Alex smiled to herself, watching the scene unfold before her. The couple denied the bottle once, twice, then-

"Doesn't anybody want this champagne?" Alex laughed lightly, watching the fake Mikey as his expression changed. "Don't mind me" The Doctor hummed, smiling as he shook the bottle in his hands. "Just toasting the happy couple, on the house" He pointed the bottle at the dummy's head and released the cork. Alex would've laughed then too, but it was pretty damn creepy in reality.

Alex stood up straighter for a moment. In reality. She hadn't even considered the possibility of it being a dream. No, it couldn't be. Her dreams were never this detailed and never showed the parts in between. They would've appeared at the restaurant from the TARDIS. So this was real, and she was really never going home, and she was really with The Doctor and Rose, and The Doctor was really looking out for her.

Alex really didn't know how to feel about that.

Well She thought I can't go home, so what the hell. Let's do this.

Alex was about to run over to join the two as the plastic Mickey stood up when a hand clamped over her mouth and she was grabbed roughly from behind. Plastic. Alex tried to scream but any sound that was made was too small in this room. By now every person in this room was screaming and running for the doors and Rose had pulled the fire alarm. Alex tried to struggle, she really did but, well you try to escape from a plastic dummy kidnapping you. Alex tried to scream, tried to kick, tried to do anything as she was pulled away. At least she thought she was slowing it down, but not enough. She watched The Doctor helplessly as he pulled the head off the plastic Mickey.

Apparently the dummy seemed to think she had been enough trouble just as they turned the corner and Alex felt something hit the side of her head and everything went black.

"Hello?" The voice faded in through the darkness. It sounded hazy and far away. "Hello miss?" The voice continued on uncertainly. "Miss are you okay? Oh god, can you open your eyes?" Alex really didn't want to open her eyes. She shifted slightly on the cold ground and a sharp pain shot through her head, making her eyes snap open. Alex sat up quickly and someone grabbed her, keeping her from standing while also keeping her from falling. Alex couldn't hold herself up she found and ended up leaning into the person in front of her. "Are you okay?" Whoever it was asked. Alex wasn't actually sure. "Miss? Are you alright?" The voice repeated. She knew that voice.

Alex gathered what little strength she had and moved back from the person to look up at his face. Mickey Smith. She was never going to get used to this.

"Not sure" Was all she said in answer. "Where are we?"

"The humans shall remain unharmed" A sharp voice cut through the air. Mickey's eyes widened and he looked over her shoulder, terrified eyes locked on something. Alex, already feeling her strength return, sat up straighter and turned. They seemed to be somewhere underground, on some kind of platform. There was another platform wrapped around above them and a flat level below them. Alex's eyes locked on the large vat on the ground below them and she found herself smiling for some reason.

"Ooh, the Nestene Conciousness" She smiled, moving towards the bars at the edge of the platform.

"You know what I am" The voice spoke again.

"Well I thought that part was obvious" Alex shrugged. "But what're you doing here?" She asked, forgetting for a moment. She remembered something suddenly. "Oh!" She just about shouted, making Mickey jump. "Protein planets gone! Oh, you're hungry" She realised.

"I am" It confirmed.

"Well bad luck buddy, cause you're not eating anything here. I'm telling you now, leave this planet if you want to live"

"Who would threaten me?"

"Well I'm not threatening you, your threatening this planet, which is why I'm warning you. Anyone who threatens Earth, it never ends well for them"

"What could you do?"

"Oh not me" Alex shook her head. A sound came from above behind them and Alex smiled. "Him"

Alex turned, looking up to watch the two figures walk out into view. They spoke quietly for a moment before The Doctor came closer.

"I seek audience with the Nestene Consciousness under peaceful contract of convention fifteen of the shadow proclamation"

"Granted" The Consciousness spoke. Alex looked down at it. She understood it. This was curious. Rose didn't understand by this point and she'd been in the TARDIS while it moved. Alex didn't dwell too much on it, deciding in the end that it must be because Alex had been in the vortex and the TARDIS must have had more time to establish the connection. Like The Doctor had said. She liked her.

"Thank you. That I might have permission to approach?" The Doctor requested.

"Mickey!" Rose cried out suddenly, spotting them. Alex expected to see The Doctor roll his eyes and follow her leisurely but she was surprised when his eyes widened and he hurried down, following Rose.

"Alex, are you okay?" He asked, voice betraying his obvious concern. Alex nodded.

"I think so yeah" She told him. He froze, eyes locked on the side of her head it seemed and Alex frowned, reaching up to touch the spot gingerly before withdrawing her hand with a hiss of pain. She blinked at the crimson now coating her fingers. "Oh" Was all she said. The Doctor pulled out his sonic screwdriver and scanned her quickly.

"Just a surface wound, no concussion" He told her. "You'll be fine, don't worry about the blood for now, I'll fix you up in the TARDIS" He put his sonic screwdriver away and Alex noticed his whole hand dip into the small looking pocket as he did so.

"How exactly big are these?" She asked, reaching into that pocket. He seemed unfazed, but looked at her as she moved her hand about inside, exploring some of the contents.

"Doctor they kept him alive" Rose spoke up, looking at him.

"Yes that was always a possibility" The Doctor confirmed. "Keep him alive to maintain the copy" He took Alex's hand gently, moving it away and standing. "Stay" He told her softly. She looked at him but didn't answer as he stood and made his way down to the lower level.

"Am I addressing the Conciousness?" He asked. Alex moved to look past the bars behind her and see what was happening below them. She missed that was Rose looking at her as she stayed beside Mickey.

"You are"

"Thank you. I observed that you infiltrated this civilisation by means of warped shunt technology. So may I suggest, with the greatest respect, that you shunt off" He grinned to himself as he finished and Alex chuckled under her breath as she watched.

"Excuse me, according to convention thirty-eight of-"

"Oh don't give me that, it's an invasion, plain and simple. Don't talk about constitutional rights"

"What makes you think-"

"I. Am. Talking!" The Doctor shouted suddenly, making Alex jump. His voice, loud, commanding and powerful, echoed around the room several times and Alex watched with wide eyes. The fury of the Timelord. Alex stood.

"This planet is just starting" He continued, voice softer now. Pleading even. Alex moved to the stairs, descending and watching from behind The Doctor. "These stupid little people have only just learned how to walk. But they're capable of so much more. I'm asking you, on their behalf, please just go"

"Doctor!" Rose shouted in warning. Alex saw the auton move forward and grab hold of The Doctor, who had no time to run beforehand. Alex narrowed her eyes slightly, wait a second, there was only one there. Where-

Alex let out a cry as she was grabbed from behind and she saw The Doctor turn, watching wide-eyed as Alex was moved forward. A hand reached into her pocket and The Doctor stared at her as a third auton removed the tube of anti-plastic from her pocket. So much for the plan.

"That was just insurance I wasn't going to use it!" The Doctor insisted

"You and your humans were going to attack me!" The Consciousness accused.

"I was not attacking you. I'm here to help. I'm not you enemy I swear I'm not…"

"You kind are my enemy"

"What do you mean?"

A door slid open above them and Alex looked up to see the TARDIS being revealed. Why did they always get the TARDIS? Well in this case it proved useful but the point still stands.

"Oh, oh no, honestly no!" The Doctor cried as The Consciousness continued on accusingly.

"This is yours?"

"Yes, that's my ship"

"You are one of them!" The plastic roared. "One who destroyed my planet! My species! They could've been saved, but they weren't, you wouldn't"

"That's not true. I should know, I was there, I fought in the war. It wasn't my fault, I couldn't save your world! I couldn't save any of them!"

"Please, your planet was destroyed, would you want that for someone else?" Alex called out.

"I shall not destroy the planet, only the species"

"What's it doing?!" Rose shouted down.

"It's the TARDIS!" He called back. "The Nestene has identified it's superior technology, It's terrified! It's going to final base. It's starting the invasion! Get out, Rose! Just leg it! Now!" He ordered. Alex watched Rose dial on her phone and looked over to the Doctor.

"I'm sorry" She said, shaking her head. "I'm sorry I thought I could fix this, I thought I could stop it"

"This is nothing for you to be sorry for" He assured her, his voice eerily calm all of a sudden. Despite everything that happened around them Alex couldn't help it when it all tuned out. Until all she could see was The Doctor, all she could focus on, all she could think about was him. And he might very well die tonight because of her. Alex hoped Rose would jump in but she didn't know how much she'd change simply by being here. Maybe Rose got out before that could happen.

There was a sudden burst of electricity from the Consciousness and Alex looked on in horror as the signal was transmitted.

"It's the activation signal! It's transmitting!" The Doctor exclaimed, looking between the two girls and the signal.

"Get out Rose! Just get out! Run!" He called desperately. Part of the ceiling caved in that very moment and Alex knew things had gone from not good, to bad to terrible to end of the world in the last few short minutes.

"The stairs have gone!" Rose shouted over the sound that was made worse by its own echoes. Alex winced as the sound assaulted her eardrums, wishing she could just move her arms and cover them. She tugged against the auton but it didn't budge, standing there calmly as if it wasn't the end of the world.

"I haven't got the key!" Rose shouted from the TARDIS above them. Alex turned as far as she could, trying to see her.

"We're gonna die!" Mickey cried out dramatically. Alex really did like him later in the series but in the beginning, god, she agreed with The Doctor whole-heartedly. The Doctor looked to Rose seemingly helpless before he turns to Alex. He picked up immediately on the fear in her eyes and the horrified expression she wore and struggled against she auton once more, trying to get free to reach the anti-plastic.

"Just leave him!" Mickey shouted and Alex turned to see Rose standing, looking at The Doctor and then at her. Alex gave the slightest nod and Rose sprung into action. "There's nothing you can do!" Mickey tried again. Fat lot of good you are.

Rose ran over to the wall, grabbing an axe. She spoke to herself as she held it in the air, steadying her grip before dropping it down, breaking a chain free from the wall. She dropped the axe, grabbing the chain tightly and turning, preparing herself.

"I got the bronze" Alex heard her say. She ran and jumped, swinging off the edge and Alex ducked out of the auton's grip as Rose kicked out at it, landing it in the Consciousness. The Doctor used the distraction to flip the one holding him over his head and into the vat also. The first one Rose kicked hit the third and the anti-plastic fell into the plastic creature and it wasn't long until it began screaming. A high inhuman screech. Alex was paying attention to the vat so she was surprised when Rose called out "Watch out" and Alex was hit by her, the momentum throwing them both back until The Doctor caught them both. He looked down into the vat before grinning at each of them.

"Now we're in trouble" He smiled, turning to lead both quickly up to the TARDIS. He found the key easily and unlocked the door, stepping in almost leisurely as the shell-shocked Mickey, and excited Rose and Alex followed. Just another day with The Doctor.

Mickey stumbled out first, attempting to hide behind a couple trash bins and Rose followed him out of the TARDIS, dialling a number on her phone. Alex stood at the console watching them for a moment.

"You alright?" The Doctor asked her softly, glancing at her head again. Alex nodded.

"Yeah, I'm probably never gonna really see my family again, but for now. Yeah I'm fine. Just tired" She answered him truthfully.

"It'll take a bit of getting used to" He told her and she nodded.

"That happens when everyone you know suddenly doesn't know you" She joked. The Doctor smiled at that.

"But I mean, you could, you know, if you want. You don't have to… I mean, the TARDIS is endless, you could-"

"I'd love to" Alex smiled. After all these years he still found it so hard to ask every time. The Doctor grinned at her.

"Welcome aboard" He announced. He looked at the door then as Rose hung up and moved over to Mickey. "Mind another passenger?"

"I was hoping you'd say that" She nodded to him. They moved to the door together and stood in the open doorway, watching as the couple turn and Mickey did nothing but panic at the sight of them.

"Nestene Consciousness" He snapped his fingers. "Easy" Rose scoffed.

"You were useless in there. You'd be dead if it wasn't for me. Both of you" She pointed out. That's when Alex actually realised, yes the Doctor would be dead without her. But in this case, so would she.

"Yes, we would" He nodded and Alex could swear he sneaked at glance at her. "Thank you" He told Rose genuinely. "Right then! I'll be off" He announced. "Unless uh… I don't know… you could come with me" He offered

Rose didn't answer. She glanced at Mickey and the two of them, slipping her hands in her pockets as she seemed to consider it.

"This box isn't just a London hopper you know, it goes anywhere in the universe, free of charge" He added.

"Don't!" Mickey cried "He's an alien! He's a thing! She's probably one too!"

"He's not invited" Alex scowled at Mickey. He shrunk away a little and it took a lot of effort not to laugh.

"What do you think?" The Doctor continued, looking at Rose again. "You could stay here and fill your life with work and food and sleep, or you could go, uh… anywhere"

"Is it always this dangerous?"

"Yeah" The Doctor grinned, nodding. Alex smiled too.

Rose considered it a moment until Mickey reached up, wrapping his arms around her legs like a terrified child. He kind of was.

"Yeah I can't…" Rose seemed to realise. "I've um… gotta go and find my mum and um… someone's gotta look after this stupid lump" She laughed, patting Mickey on the back as he still watched the pair distrustfully. "So…"

"Okay" The Doctor nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. "See you around"

The two continued to stare at each other and Alex looked between them, giving each a sad look. The Doctor gestured her back in and Alex entered the TARDIS, standing behind him as he closed the door. When he took off Alex noticed he kept looking back at the screen watching Rose as they disappeared.

Alex sat away on the flight seat, thinking. What went wrong? Was it simply because she was there? Did The Doctor not mind as much because he wasn't really alone? It didn't seem to be due to lack of trying. Rose had known she was there, maybe that was why. Alex didn't remember the episode perfectly of course, but she knew Rose joined him on the TARDIS in the end.

"Alright, time to clean you up" The Doctor announced then, pulling her to her feet and wrapping an arm around her shoulder as he guided her further into the TARDIS. Alex had almost forgotten about her head but it proved what she had already suspected. The Doctor was looking out for her now. Alex was travelling in the TARDIS.

It had been a couple weeks for them, travelling the universe, as exciting as you'd expect it to be. If you didn't count the alien planet they were chased off only because apparently some guy with The Doctor had slept with their princess. But The Doctor claimed he had not been here yet. God damn it Jack They went and saw some sights and Alex loved them all but she knew this was wrong. Without Rose the storyline would likely never progress properly. But she couldn't force any of them to do something they didn't want to. She was sure it was meant to happen, but whatever was truly meant to happen should happen anyway right? She wasn't sure anymore. Alex was wandering the TARDIS after an amazing day on a planet that looked entirely like Egypt. The pyramids were simply beautiful and just as the sun was setting, when the light hit them just right, they shone and glittered like a thousand diamonds. Alex smiled at the memory. It was truly beautiful and something she could never forget. Never in all of time.

She realised something then. Time machine. Alex's eyes widened in realisation and she let out a loud "Oh!" She turned, nothing short of running back to the console room where she knew The Doctor would be. The TARDIS helped best she could, rearranging the rooms and corridors for the shortest route. But Alex had a pretty good grip on the closest rooms by now.

"Doctor!" She shouted as she burst into the console room. The Doctor was working on something under the console and bumped his head as he scrambled up, rushing over to her. He grabbed her arms, looking her up and down.

"What is it? Are you okay? Are you hurt? What happened?" He asked feverishly.

"No I'm fine!" She exclaimed, talking quickly and puffing from the run. "Did you tell her it was a time machine?" The Doctor paused a moment, but it was clear he know who she meant. He watched her a moment longer to be sure she was okay with the running she just did before he headed towards the console. He moved quickly, pressing buttons, flicking switches, turning things. Alex held onto the bars behind her at the edge of the platform. She grinned to herself. She figured it out, she'd figured it out. They were on the right track this whole time.

The TARDIS landed and Alex followed as the Doctor rushed to the door. He opened the door and Alex saw Rose and Mickey only a few paces away from where they'd been before, staring at them. Only seconds had passed, they were back on track.

"By the way did I mention, it also travels in time?" He asked. Rose grinned then and The Doctor and Alex grinned back, retreating from the door but leaving it open.

It was only moments until Rose ran in, a grin on her face with the door closing behind her. Alex and The Doctor grinned back at her.

Things were all as they should be.

You guys, I'm kind of freaking out over how much attention this thing has gotten overnight. So here's another chapter straight up. First episode finished. To be completely honest I've already written a whole season and probably reread it so many times. Anything wrong in the writing is just my being an idiot at this point. So I've started writing season two but that doesn't mean I won't forget to post or that I will continue writing at any steady pace. So we'll see how it goes. Although with how many reviews I've been getting already I've probably got less of a chance of forgetting, so thank you!