It had been years; more years than either of them cared to count. The Doctor was on his thirteenth regeneration, Koschei his third since coming aboard the TARDIS. Amy and Rory had long since gone and companions had came and went. Now they were mostly traveling like the Doctor had said they would when they were both just children. Of course the universe still needed to be saved now and again, but it was mostly seeing the sights that the whole of creation had to offer.
It's another quiet day and the Doctor runs a hand through his (finally) ginger hair at how awkward the silence is. It hadn't been awkward in months, if not years.
Koschei cleared his throat, leaning against the consol that's been changed a dozen times and will be changed a dozen and a half more. "I think it's time for me to go," he said solemnly. The Doctor blinked, hazel eyes wide.
"Kosch! What are you…?" His voice is laced over with hurt and Koschei sighed.
He looked at the other man slowly, gaze unwavering in the gloom. "You heard me damn well, Theta Sigma. Don't make me repeat myself." It was clearly just as hard for him to be saying the words as it was for the Doctor to be hearing them. The older Time Lord blinked back tears.
"Why?" He asked simply. Hidden questions abound were hidden in the word. Why are you leaving? Why would you want to? Where are you going? Is it something I did? Why are you leaving me alone again, Koschei?
The (once again) blond shook his head slightly. "Theet, you have to believe me when I say that this has been the best time or my life - lives, really. I'm-I'm sane and I'm happy and, and I never thought I'd get past the guilt but I have." His gaze hardened suddenly, then softened again. "I just think it's time for me to, you know, try it on my own. Get yourself a vortex manipulator and relax for a hundred years or so. Five hundred and seven regenerations will only last you so long. You've downed twelve, Doctor. Just give me nine regenerations and I'll meet you again, yeah?" He gave a thin smile, a tear trailing down his pale cheek. "I need to try my hand at saving the universe and there's a lovely family vacationing in Rio who would love to come along."
The Doctor blinked, then sat down, then cried. Koschei walked over slowly, one hand going to his friend's shoulder. "I'll be back. Promise. What was that daft old human thing you used to make me do? Back when we were kids?" The Doctor gave him a watery smile.
"Cross my hearts and hope to die-"
"-Stick a sonic in my eye." Koschei finished with a laugh, tears falling freely with the Doctor's. "Well I do. Cross my hearts and hope to die I will be back Theta. Just let me explore on my own a bit."
"Well," the Doctor said slowly. "I've never really explored Earth. Not all of it. Do you think a hundred years'll cover it all?"
Koschei smiled. "Perfectly."
{][][}
A/N: Just so you guys know now the answer is no. Absolutely not. No stories will be coming any time soon of Koschei traveling with the Ponds. (Because, honestly, who else would be in Rio? XD)
Also, make your own little head canon on the facts I've given you on what this Doctor and Master look like, right down to the dress. I didn't want to go into a lengthly explanation and I was too lazy to pick actors anyway. So whoever you like, really. It could be Alex Day and Chris Pine for all I care. (How that would work in with ginger I haven't the foggiest, but hell, it would be your head canon.)
*gives brief thumbs up before disappearing to a Vogon ship*
~Piki :B
p.s. Is it just me or is every even numbered chapter so far... heavy? I mean emotionally. If so it is entirely unintended.
