The Doctor had always carried heavy burdens hidden deep in his hearts; more than most people could even imagine dealing with. Yet while those same people might share their load with others, he had always chosen the more stoic route- to bear it alone. Years of habit kept him fighting against the sudden urge to pour everything out to this sympathetic woman beside him. Maybe someday he'd share...but not now.
Gradually the Doctor regained control and calmed himself. As he did, he became acutely aware that his head was buried in Becca's shoulder and neck…and of the soothing energy coming from her. She smelled like sunshine and the air after a summer storm…A small part of his rational brain was surprised by that observation. As his body ceased it's trembling, he started to pull away embarrassed. To his relief Becca allowed him to pull away, but he found himself a little dismayed when she moved to stand up.
"I'm going to put the kettle on…" the Doctor felt her weight leave the bed beside him. "I think we could both use some tea right about now," she announced softly as she was leaving the room.
Looking up in surprise at her sudden departure, he wondered if he had done something wrong. Sounds drifted to him of a kettle being filled with water and a stove burner coming on. Then he heard her rummaging around, presumably for mugs and tea. While he listened, he went through some mental exercises he often used to regain mental clarity. After he had gone through several exercises without Becca returning, he began to wonder if he should go check on her…maybe something really was wrong...then he became aware of the soothing energy surrounding him and realized…Becca was intentionally taking a while to give him some time to compose himself! Smacking himself in the forehead, he shook his head and grinned wryly at his denseness.
"Doctor…do you take anything in your tea?" Becca called out to him, as if his insight was some kind of cue.
The Doctor thought for a moment…did he? After regenerating he was always having to rediscover his likes and dislikes….sometimes fun but more often than not he just found it strange. After all he was the same person; just in a new body...one would think that tastes wouldn't change…then again new taste buds and olfactory sensors would account for…
"Doctor…?"
Becca's second inquiry snapped his awareness back from his mental ruminations. "Just sugar thanks," he called back to her. Deciding he'd been sitting long enough, he stood up and walked out of the bedroom and towards the direction Becca's voice had originated from. He was delighted when he found himself in a small but organized kitchen.
Becca turn to him surprised, "I was going to bring the tea to you. You probably shouldn't be out of bed just yet," she scolded with a hint of amusement.
"I feel fine…fit as a fiddle," the Doctor said pretending to do some calisthenics.
Shaking her head and trying to suppress a grin, she held out a mug to him. "Well if you can pause a moment from your oh so impressive exercises…how about some tea?"
The Doctor accepted the cup from her and inhaled the wonderful aroma. "Smells fantastic…," he announced and took a sip. It tasted pretty fantastic too...full of tannin goodness. As the warmth of the tea spread throughout his body, he leaned against the table top thinking...Though this had been one of his hardest regenerations in a long time, he found that he felt completely rejuvenated in body and spirit.
She saw me...saw that despite all the physical changes I am and always will be the Doctor!
AN: Can one ever really say "The End" when writing in the Doctor Who universe? I mean the story never really ends does it? We just drop in and out of his many adventures...always moving, always adventuring...always The Doctor.
I hope you enjoyed my attempt to depict what I think the Doctor must feel after a regeneration...sorry if it got a bit angsty, but I can't imagine it not being emotional and overwhelming to change like that. OH...If any of you were wondering how the Doctor knows Becca, I would humbly refer you to my other story "Saving the Doctor from Himself" for that particular adventure. Some shameless plugging there I know, LOL!
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Thanks for reading! :-)
***Disclaimer: I do not own "Doctor Who" or "The Doctor", they are copyright of BBC. I humbly endeavor only to play in their universe...Becca however is my own original character ***
