Glimpses of Time

Chapter Twenty-Three: Grandchild

By Lumendea

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or any spinoff material, and I gain no income from this story, just the satisfaction of playing with the characters.

AN: Sorry folks, my dog passed this week, and I've been ill, so I didn't have it in me to finish The Christmas Reunion this week. Hopefully, next week will go better. In the meantime, enjoy the Glimpse, and I hope your 2022 is off to a better start than mine.

…..

Bill was gonna kill the Doctor if he assigned her one more essay. Rose wasn't even in the office to lightly scold him about the workload, which was bad for both Bill and the Doctor. She liked the Doctor and didn't want to pick up the odd alien crystal serving as a paperweight on his desk and use it to hit him with. But it might be necessary.

The Doctor was saved from the murder Bill was considering by a knock on the door. Bill turned to look over her shoulder and then glanced at the Doctor. Rose didn't knock on the door, and since the Doctor didn't teach actual classes, there usually wasn't a reason for students to visit him. The door opened without the Doctor telling them to come in.

"Excuse me, Doctor?" the student asked, poking his head into the office. His eyes landed on Bill and narrowed for a moment. "I'd like to speak with you."

"Whatever for?" the Doctor asked.

"Uh, I have some questions."

"I'm not your professor," the Doctor huffed. Boredom crossed his features. "I lecture. No classes; I haven't taught classes for ten years. I don't have office hours, and I don't have to take questions."

"You take her questions," the student said, pointing at her. Bill was amazed at his bravery. He pushed the door open and stepped into the office. The Doctor raised an eyebrow. "She's not even a student-"

"Yes, I am," Bill said. She was a student. Sure, she also worked in the canteen, but Rose and the Doctor had gotten that all sorted out. Officially, she was studying Physics. "And I'm right here."

"Okay, fine," the young man said. He adjusted the bag over his shoulder, turning his attention back to the Doctor. "So, if you're helping her, how do the rest of us get signed up for help. You're the best lecturer. I'm sure-"

"Flattery isn't going to help you, not after that display," the Doctor said drily. "And as for why I help her, she's my granddaughter. Of course, I want to make sure that she understands all the material." Bill didn't react. She stayed still in her chair, desperately keeping her features neutral after hearing the claim. "I'm not required to tutor anyone, and I'm not inclined to tutor you. Not with you barging in here and insulting the student I was helping. If you're struggling, find out your actual professor's office hours. If you're still struggling, ask them to reach out to me. They'll have more luck than you will after that showing."

"Uh, sorry, sir. I'll just…" he backed out of the room, closing the door frantically.

The Doctor huffed, still glaring at the door as if he could see the student through it. Bill was pretty sure he couldn't but wasn't absolutely certain. He wasn't looking at her, and Bill took a moment to gather herself. The silence was too much, and Bill managed a smile.

"So, I'm a grandchild now?"

"That's what you told your friends when we moved you," the Doctor reminded her. "And people have commented on how much time you spend with us. Rose suggested it was better just to keep that story in place. Seems to do the trick. Though, I'm not sure why people believe I'm old enough to be your grandfather."

"You're kidding, right?" Bill laughed. She shook her head. "Rose doesn't look old enough to be a grandmother. But you, yeah, I'd believe it."

"Rose and I look the same age," the Doctor replied. He truly did look confused, and Bill laughed.

"You see yourself through Rose's eyes then; that's sweet."

"If you're uncomfortable with it-" There was hesitation in the Doctor's eyes, something Bill rarely ever saw.

"No," Bill interrupted. "No, I don't mind. Just… surprised me is all. You and Rose are brilliant. I'm the girl who didn't even try to get accepted." She shrugged, already feeling that she'd said too much.

"You shouldn't punish yourself because life happened," the Doctor said. "And you're brilliant. I won't have you saying otherwise," he added sternly. He was giving her a firm look that dared her to argue.

It was a bit much. Bill blinked and swallowed. When she was a baby, it was only her and her mum. Then her mum had died, and it had been just her and Moira. And she loved Moira, she did, but they didn't have the most open relationship. Bill had no idea how Moira would react to her sexuality. There was none of that with the Doctor and Rose. They'd even gotten her photos of her mother and taken her back in time to hear poetry straight from the mouth of the original lesbian Sappho herself. Hard to get more understanding and supportive than that.

"No," Bill managed. "If you're looking for grandkids to adopt, I'm happy to take a slot."

They were saved from trying to sort out who spoke next by the door opening and Rose Tyler walking in. Bill knew both she and the Doctor sighed a little in relief. The art professor was stunning as always, and there was a hint of red paint on her cheek. She stopped in place and looked at them both. Bill wasn't sure what she saw, but her expression softened. Rose walked over to the Doctor and sat on his desk. He put a hand on her thigh, and she covered it.

Hello, my love," Rose greeted. Then she turned to Bill. "Hello, Bill, dear."

"Uh, hi, Gran," Bill said.

"Oh, are we making it official then?" Rose asked. She turned back to the Doctor and smiled. "My mum will be thrilled."