The Gall

.

Previously in chapter two...

"All right. But then you go to bed. You're lookin' a bit tired, Rose."

"Thanks," she replied with mock sarcasm, shooing him out of the room.

She listened carefully as he made his way down the corridor and away from her, practically holding her breath. When she couldn't hear his footfall any longer, she turned quickly, retching into the sink.

.

Chapter Three

Something's Bugging Her

.

Rose violently expelled the little tea in her stomach, pausing a moment to catch her breath as her hand gripped her stomach tightly. Once her stomach had settled, she rinsed the sink then cupped some water in her hand, splashing her face and swilling out her mouth. Grabbing a hand towel, Rose felt grateful she hadn't filled the sink with their dishes just yet. She wiped the remaining water from her cheeks then turned around, coming face to face with the Doctor.

"Rose?"

"S-sorry," she said, startled by his sudden appearance. "I thought you left."

"Yeah, well I came back to grab a couple of biscuits to take with me. Good thing, too. How long've you been sick?"

Before she could answer him his hands were on her shoulders, guiding her to the chair he'd left not long before.

"Well?" he asked, sonic screwdriver in hand as soon as she sat down.

"My stomach's just a little upset," she admitted, watching as he scanned her head and abdomen.

"Mm hmm. What else?" he inquired, looking at the tool as he read the results.

"Nothin' else," she replied quietly.

He rested his right hand across her brow for a moment, then used both hands to feel beneath her jaw. Rose squirmed.

"What're you doin'?" she asked, backing away from his touch.

"Checkin' your glands."

"It tickles."

"Too bad. Come on," he said, grabbing her elbow as he urged her to stand. "I want to run a few tests."

Rose thought he appeared quite cross with her and lowered her head as he walked her down the corridor. She supposed he had every right to be angry. After all, he was all set to do something else only to find out she was sick. Now he had to take time away from whatever venture he'd planned to sort the sickly human. Perhaps she could persuade him to take her to her room instead. It was only a stomach bug, after all.

Seeing her bedroom door only a few steps away, she suddenly stopped walking.

"Rose?" The Doctor inquired, surprised by her abrupt halt.

"I really think it'd be best if you'd just let me rest a while in my room."

"Yeah? An' why's that?"

She looked up at him. "It's just a stomach thing. Nothin' more. I probably picked it up when you let me visit with Mum a few days ago. And I'm sure that's all it is, because I've had it before. B'sides, you've got things to do, yeah?"

"They can wait, Rose."

"Please, Doctor? I don't want you makin' a fuss over me when there's really nothin' wrong. I just want to lie down in my own bed. If I feel any worse I promise I'll let you know."

He stared at her for a few seconds, and Rose imagined she could see the wheels turning in his brilliant mind.

"I walked into the kitchen and saw you retchin' your guts out. If it's a simple Earth stomach virus, I can take care of it and have you feelin' better in no time. And if it's somethin' else, I can fix that, too."

"If you take me to the Infirmary, it's gonna wake me up. I'm tired. I really just wish you'd let me do what I'm askin' and stop treatin' me like a baby," she protested.

"I'm not treatin' you like a child, but if you're going to start actin' like one I will," he replied briskly.

They both stared at one another, then Rose broke the silence.

"Please, Doctor?"

"Fine. You're all grown up. What do I know, me? I've only got nine-hundred or so years' experience under my belt." He sighed, reining in his sarcasm. It wasn't what she needed, and he was sure they would both agree on that. "Just, if it gets any worse or you need somethin', come an' get me. All right?"

Rose smiled and hugged him. "Thanks."

OoO

The Doctor tinkered with the time rotor and fiddled with the wires beneath the console, all the while prattling on to himself about humans and their many flaws.

Truth be told, he was worried about Rose, but she obviously didn't want him fussing over her. That was precariously bordering on domestic, and he most definitely wasn't the domestic sort.

Still, he couldn't stop himself from worrying about her. Humans were so frail to begin with. What if her ailment wasn't some simple viral or bacterial infection from her world? What if she'd picked up something from somewhere else, and her body couldn't begin to cope with it?

In the end, the 'what ifs' won his internal battle, and the Doctor went to the Infirmary. He gathered up a few small pieces of equipment, shoved them into his pockets, then made his way to Rose's room. Really, it wasn't making a fuss if she wasn't awake to witness it, was it?

OoO

The Doctor stood in front of Rose's door. He leaned in toward the barrier and rested his ear against the wood, listening. The room sounded quiet enough, and he'd given her sufficient time to be deep into her sleep cycle by now.

Grabbing the door handle, he turned it soundlessly and eased himself into the room. Just as quietly, he closed the door and turned around.

"What are you doin'?" Rose's startled voice broke the silence.

"Just comin' in to check on you," the Doctor replied calmly, hiding his surprise well. He noted she was still dressed warmly, with a duvet draped over her legs as she sat in bed, legs drawn up in front of her. Apparently she had been reading before he disturbed her.

"Ever heard of knockin'?"

"Thought you were asleep. Didn't want to interrupt your beauty rest."

"I thought we agreed to let me take care of myself."

"I agreed," he replied a little defensively. "Just wanted to see about a couple of things, that's all. And since I'm here and you're awake, how about we both stop playin' games and you let me have a look ar you?"

"You're worried about me," Rose stated.

"Think I'm more scared of somethin' happenin' to you and havin' to face your mum." The Doctor's eyes widened in mock fear.

She couldn't help but laugh at him, then her expression sobered. "If I let you check me out now, will you let it go?"

"Probably not."

She rolled her eyes. "An' why's that?"

"Because we could've resolved this hours ago." He gave her a pointed look.

"All right. Get on with it, then."

"Glad to see you're finally bein' reasonable."

Rose rolled her eyes.

OoO

To be continued...

OoO