Hello all!

I hope you had a lovely winter solstice and related holiday season! Mine was rather chaotic, but overall very nice. There has been precious little time to write, though, alas.

In the meantime, enjoy another DocTAR drabble. This one features the first Doctor, woohoo! Takes place just before the very first episode, in case you're worried about spoilers or anything.

Thank you Stories Unleashed for favoriting and following; I hope you got extra presents this year!

Does anyone on here own Doctor Who? No? Well, neither do I.

Vworp on!

~Octy

29. Denial (misunderstanding 1)

"Oh, Grandfather!" Susan squealed, her hands clasping under her chin as she bounced up and down in glee. "Really? Do you mean that?"

"Of course I do!" the Doctor snapped, trying to hide his smile behind a grumpy exterior. "I always said it was a shame you couldn't finish your schooling. I think a bit of cultural study will do you good."

"Thank you, oh thank you!" Susan said. "Where am I going?"

"Well, I suppose that's for you to decide, hmmm?" the Doctor said, stumping over to the TARDIS computer and tapping at it brusquely. "After all, you're the one who will be going there."

"Well," Susan mused, her gaze turning pensive. "I can go anywhere?"

"Of course, my dear, within reason." He twisted a knob that didn't really need twisting, but made the ship thrum a little bit in pleasure.

"Then... then I think I'd like to go to Earth!" Susan said, surprising the Doctor with her quick decision.

"Earth!" he scoffed. "What in Rassilon's name for?"

"Well," Susan said, "I'll be able to blend in. They look like us, don't they? Earth people? And I'd like to go when all that music I've been listening to is new."

"Music!" The Doctor shook his head in frustration. "You've got the universe and you're choosing for the music. When will you young people ever learn, my dear, to clearly and calmly assess all the options?"

"Oh, Grandfather," Susan said. "You're not so old. And I've made up my mind."

"Ah, very well." The Doctor started plugging coordinates into the TARDIS console, running a cross-reference with the music loops that his granddaughter had been listening to recently. In Earth years, that made it 1963 or thereabouts. Foolish girl.

She will enjoy it, the TARDIS interjected in his thoughts. As will you

"I have no doubt about that," the man muttered at the controls, soft enough so the girl wouldn't hear him. "I still think it's a foolish choice."

"But Grandfather," Susan said suddenly. "Won't you be lonely left here in the TARDIS by yourself?"

"Oh, no no no no no," the Doctor said, waving his hands in express denial. "Nothing of the sort."

We will be together, the TARDIS thought, so that only the Doctor could hear her.

"I'll be quite busy," he said, tapping his cane on the floor in impatience. "I'm planning on getting more familiar with the TARDIS here, and I don't suppose you'd be interested in hours of tinkering, hmm? No, I didn't think so. Better to have your music."

Brand new Thief I know you so well

"Come now," the Doctor responded, much to Susan's confusion. "I've only just stolen you. No need to get presumptuous now, is there?"

I see TheifTardis together through Time

"Grandfather," Susan said, "Don't tell me you'll be talking to the ship the whole time!"

"Of course not, child!" the Doctor responded, as if offended. Inwardly, though, he thought you'll be talking to me as well, won't you?

Yes

"If you say so," Susan said, but she didn't sound convinced. But the excitement of the moment overtook her and the changed the subject. "When may I start school? I do so want to see what it's like. And think, Grandfather, I'll get to meet Earth people! Won't that be fantastic?"

"Well I can't see anything fantastic about it," the Doctor responded. "I'd much rather spend time with a really interesting life form. But you go on and have your fun. As soon as the TARDIS flies you there you can enroll or register or whatever they call it there."

And suddenly the TARDIS landed with a loud thump. The doors creaked open. It seemed that Susan wasn't the only one who couldn't wait.