Hello everyone! Sorry for being late on the update. Didn't have access to a computer for a while. But back at it again with a new chapter. So, please enjoy!
Chapter 34
The clock in the room ticked steadily as ever. The minute hand ever slowly turned as time marched on. The ticks echoed through the foyer, even seemingly through the house itself. It was a rather empty house, after all. Not so much of things, but of people. Only one lived in the home at the moment, creating such a lonely environment for the occupant. Though the solitary home was not unwelcomed to the one living in it. For today . . . being alone was not such an awful thing.
Madison stood at the base of the grand stairs, staring at the grandfather clock by the door to the home she had been occupying. The ticks created a steady rhythm. A beat of time itself reminded her of the inevitable to come for them all one day. She exhaled slowly as she allowed herself to feel the beat of her heart. Somehow . . . it matched the tick of the clock itself. Or, perhaps that was simply the beat of a sad heart. Maybe, when one was lonely and heartbroken enough . . . time just ticked away in the heart, ever marching the body down the slow path. Reinette had called it the 'weary traveller' once. Those words seemed so fitting on a day like this.
She walked over to the window by the front door, glancing out towards the front yard and the roadway beyond the iron fence. The carriage driver said he would be arriving shortly. Perhaps she should wait for him outside? She glanced up towards the sky, seeing the dark grey clouds hanging low in the air. It was going to rain soon. She could taste the water in the air. For once she wished to stand out in the rain and just let the water fall all around her. She wanted to soak in the heaviness that came with cold rain on the skin. To match the heaviness that was in her heart. Shaking her head, she tried her best to keep herself from falling too deep into her gloom. After all . . . she had promised Reinette to keep smiling.
Eventually, Madison opened the front door and stepped outside into the small yard she had. It was not truly a yard in the traditional sense per say. More of a courtyard with a small garden in the centre. Stone bricks laid around the garden, and the home she currently resides in made a 'u' shape around the courtyard. It was a large house that she had been given by Reinette and allowed to occupy by the King. Something Madison felt rather overwhelmed by. She had never received such a massive gift before. She knew she wouldn't stay in it for much longer. After today, she would give it back to the King before leaving Versailles. She couldn't stay here. Not after today. Her heart just couldn't take it anymore.
Locking the door behind her, she placed the heavy key within her clutch. Wrapping the strap of the clutch around her wrist, she adjusted the dark blue skirt of her dress. She glanced towards her reflection in the small window on the door. The dress she wore was plain compared to what others of Versailles wore. Just a dark blue with some brown buttons running down the front of her bodice and white lace around the ends of the sleeves that reached her elbows. She had managed to style up her hair which gathered in almost a bun up high on the back of her head. Though much of her hair had been left out of the bun and allowed to lay curled around the back of her neck. She hoped she looked presentable enough. She didn't have much else to wear. With a sigh and a shake of her head, she turned and stared up towards the grey sky. The clouds could be seen swirling as she felt the first droplet of rain hitting her cheek. As she waited for more to come down, it seemed that the rain was still waiting. Waiting for what, she didn't know. It might as well get it over and done with. Time would not hold out for anyone. Not even rain.
She frowned as she felt the brush of cold wind around her. The wind gusted and picked up. The small trees in the garden shook as the air stirred around the leaves. Then, with the wind came the sound of the universe. Madison gasped as she heard the double echo of the low guttural sound. It wheezed as she watched two TARDISes coming in and out of existence before her. Tears sprung to her eyes as she watched the two TARDISes come to a halt, materialised completely, with one on either side of the courtyard garden. She clutched at the necklace she wore. The necklace with the key to the TARDIS. Something which she never let out of her sight. Not even for a moment. All this time . . . she thought she would never see the beautiful ship again. All this time . . . she had given up hope. How silly of her.
"Hello, old girl," she breathed, her smile wavering as her breath hitched. "It's so good to see you again." She let out a small watery laugh as she felt the presence of the two ships in her mind then. They both wrapped around her mind, pulling her in for a comforting hug; each of them was regretful and sad about the circumstances of their arrival. She felt ready to weep in feeling their presence. But she kept herself steady as she let out a slow breath. She didn't want anyone to be upset by seeing her cry. Not today.
"Maddie!"
"Madison! Are you there?!"
The doors opened on each ship and out came a frantic Doctor from either ship. One with bow tie, and one with pinstripe suit. Each of them looked to be distressed as they rushed out of their respected ship and into the courtyard. Both halted when seeing her standing there by the front door to the house behind her. While the Doctor from her present time appeared confused by the sight of her dress and where she was, the Doctor from her future . . . just appeared devastated. His face fell and his eyes filled with remorse as he bowed his head in defeat. It was then that she knew. He had known this was to happen. It made sense now. Why he resented his past self so much. Why he had tried to keep her out of the time windows. She gave him a soft expression of sympathy then as she knew there was nothing he could have done. No matter how much he wished against it.
"Maddie, are you all right?" said Rose as she and Mickey came out from the TARDIS. Amy and Rory came out from the other. All four of them rushed over to her.
"What were you thinking jumping through the mirror like that?" Amy scolded Madison.
"Did them droids get you?" asked Mickey.
"No one was hurt, right?" questioned Rory.
Madison could only stare at them all, overwhelmed by seeing their faces again. It had been so long . . . Her eyes began burning as she felt the tears come forth. But she kept herself steady as she swallowed down her sadness. "I'm fine," she managed to say. "I got through the mirror in time, the droids powered down, and Reinette was never hurt."
"What's up with your outfit?" Mickey asked then, frowning as he looked Madison up and down. The others seemed to suddenly notice her as well. Rory frowned while Amy and Rose each raised one of their brows.
"I . . . had to blend in. Couldn't exactly wear the outfit I came through with. Not exactly with the times," Madison explained, giving a weak smile. Her voice started to betray her as it came out weakly. She cleared her throat quickly, feeling her composure waning.
"You haven't been stuck here for a week again, have you?" asked Rory. Seeing Madison's lack of response, there was then concern from Rory. "Has it been longer than a week?"
Madison opened her mouth to respond, but she was unable to know what to say. She cleared her throat once more, looking at her clutch as she absently fiddled with it. "I'm sorry. You all came at a bad time. I have a ride showing up soon and I'll have to go," she told them.
"Maddie . . . how long have you been here?"
She glanced up, seeing that the others had parted to allow the present Doctor to walk up to her. She saw his expression. That of uneasy dread. She had a feeling he already knew the truth, but . . . she didn't have the heart to tell him. All this time, she had thought over the different things she would say if she ever saw him again. None of it seemed good enough. Especially when the moment was so real and right before her. What could she say? Nothing would make this okay. For either of them. And she worried about him after he found out. Especially on a day like this.
"Madison, please, talk to me," said the Doctor as he walked up closer to her and touched her arms.
Hearing him say her name just made it all crash down around her. She tried her best to hold back the tears but they came anyway. They streaked down her face as they fell and her lip quivered as she held back sobs. She forced herself to smile, trying not to let them know just how much anguish she felt. "I missed you," she breathed. She then looked at the others. "I missed you all so much."
"How long?" the Doctor implored her again.
"Five years." Everyone around her stiffened and froze. The Doctor's eyes went wide with horror. His hands on her gripped her arms harder for a moment before he let go and backed away. His demeanour was that of devastation. It pained her to see it. "I'm sorry," she apologised. "But at least it was only five years. It could have been longer." She hoped looking on the brighter side of things might be helpful for everyone. It absolutely could have been far worse. She was grateful for it only being this and nothing more. She winced as the flash of a dark storm within the Doctor's eyes hit her then as he whipped around and marched over to his future self.
"You knew about this?! And yet you did nothing?!" the Doctor shouted at his future self.
The future Doctor steeled himself against his past face, holding himself upright and keeping a calm expression. Yet he still seemed so defeated. "There was nothing I could have done to prevent this," he said in a placid voice.
"You could have tried," spat the present Doctor, glaring with rage at his other self. "You could have told me and—"
"And change time? You and I both know we can't go changing our own timeline. Not when it's already happened."
"It's happened for you. Not me. I could have figured it out."
The future Doctor gave his past self an even gaze, showing no pity. "No. You really couldn't."
"Doctor, please stop," Madison spoke up, halting any more yelling. "It was all my fault. I'm the one who went through the mirror. I made that choice and therefore I must face the consequences of my actions."
The Doctor walked away in frustration, running his hands through his hair as he grew aggravated. The others around Madison all appeared to go through different reactions then. Mickey just seemed lost while Rose appeared just as devastated as the Doctor. Rory glanced at Madison in sympathy. Amy . . . there was this strange look from the woman that Madison could not quite place. It was sympathetic but . . . there was this deep understanding in the woman's eyes, too. She reached over and rubbed a hand on Madison's shoulder then. Madison could tell that Amy wished to say something, but the woman held her tongue and remained silent.
"Madame? Are these people disturbing you?"
Madison tensed as she saw the coachman that was supposed to take her to the palace had finally arrived. He had apparently parked the carriage at the entrance of the courtyard and was walking toward her in concern as his eyes shifted around to all the others. She could only assume what they all must look like to him being dressed in 21st-century outfits. And her tears running down her face couldn't help, either. She wiped away the mess from her face.
"No, I'm fine. These are my friends and they've come to be with me today," she answered quickly.
"Oh. Well, I'm afraid there isn't enough room in the carriage for everyone," said the coachman, still glancing around warily at those around her.
"No, they won't be coming with me." She waved a hand towards the carriage. "Please, just give me a moment. I'll be right there." The coachman gave a small bow before turning and going back to the carriage. She looked at everyone then. "I'm sorry. I'll have to go. The funeral will be starting soon."
"Funeral?" Rose responded in surprise.
"You're going to a funeral? Who's?" Amy asked.
Madison hesitated to respond. She saw the Doctor looking at her. Both of them. Though the one Doctor she knew it would hurt the most . . . She turned to him, seeing how he stared at her. It was as though he were holding his breath. Her heart clenched and twisted. "It's Reinette's," she told them, seeing how the companions appeared stunned. She could see that the future Doctor was not surprised, merely pressing his lips tightly together in a grim expression. While the other Doctor . . . He had this quiet, desolate look in his eye then. He didn't allow his expression to change, but . . . she could see it in his eyes. He was greatly affected by this news.
"But . . . how? She wasn't that old," Rose said, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
"You're right. She wasn't. She was only forty-two," Madison explained. "She developed a number of sicknesses. I think the one that took her finally was tuberculosis." She walked around the companions then, heading for the courtyard entrance. "I have to go. I promised the King I would be there and I want to give my final goodbyes. Please, just wait here. I'll be back once it's over." She halted between the two Doctors. She could see the future Doctor giving her a kind look then, nodding as he stepped back. She then gazed at the other Doctor . . . and saw the closed-off expression of his. He was trying to keep his emotions to himself. She could see that clearly. But . . . there was a deep sign of pain just there within his brown eyes. She reached over, grabbing his hand. This seemed to snap him out of his stupor as he blinked and looked at her.
"Come with me. Reinette would have wanted you there. It'll help to have closure," she whispered. Mouthing moving slightly, he looked as though he wished to say something. But eventually, he merely nodded and followed along with her as they walked together to the carriage. She glanced over her shoulder, giving the future Doctor a quick glance. He understood what her look meant as he nodded and made his way over to the companions. She was glad he would be there for them. They all might need comfort on a day like this.
The coachman helped her into the carriage first. The Doctor soon followed her, sitting beside her as the door was closed. They were moving before long, with the carriage rocking around them as the sound of hooves on stone spoke for the two. All windows to the carriage were covered by curtains, leaving a hollow mood created by the dim light within. Eventually, with the silence becoming too much, she let out a soft sigh before turning to face the Doctor better.
"Do you . . . wish to discuss anything?" she asked gently, hoping to give him an opening. She could tell he was closing himself off to everything and everyone. Placing up walls to hold off any anguish, any pain which may tear his hearts apart. He simply sat there, staring at nothing in particular as the carriage moved. Soon he blinked and turned his head toward her.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he whispered. His eyes filled with sorrow as he reached over and took her hand. "You've had to live by yourself for so long after your parents died. I never wanted you to have to live like that again."
"Oh, I wasn't alone. Not really. I had Reinette. She's been wonderful." Madison grew sad then thinking about Reinette. The two of them had grown so close over the years. She considered Reinette to be one of the closest friends she ever had. Reinette had brought Madison such comfort with being away from the Doctor . . . She only hoped that, in the end, she had brought the woman comfort as well in Reinette's last days. They had been hard. So terribly hard. Madison had cried herself to sleep last night after . . . after Reinette had passed. Seeing the Doctor's sullen demeanour, she knew she was not the only one greatly troubled by the loss.
"She was wonderful in every way. I can see why you fell in love with her," Madison continued, removing her hand from the Doctor's then and folding her hands together on her lap. She watched carefully as the Doctor grew tense and his eyes wide in shock.
"What?" he breathed.
Madison stared at her hands as she twisted her fingers together. "I mean she was sophisticated, artistic, and beautiful . . . Who couldn't love a woman like that?"
"I . . ." The conflicted look in his eyes then told Madison everything.
"It's okay. I'm not upset." She reached over and patted his arm. "I've had time to reflect on it and I understand. We rushed far too quickly into our relationship. You weren't ready to love me. Not like the way I love you. You might not ever be ready. And that's okay. I accept that now." She leaned back into her seat, gazing away from him. "I just want you to know that I'll always love you. No matter what changes, that won't ever go away for me. But I'd prefer that I not travel with you anymore. It . . . will be too hard for me. I could always visit though. A trip or two if you're ever alone and need company. The only thing I ask of you is if you could bring me back to 2006. I'd like to live in the more modern era if that's all right."
It was dead silent in the carriage. Though there was the noise of the creaking carriage rocking back and forth, and the clomping hooves from the horses . . . there was not a single sound that came from the Doctor. Not even his breath. She was nervous to look at him. What would she see if she did?
". . . No," he then said quietly. Madison finally turned her eyes back onto him. He stared back at her. Bleak his gaze and forlorn in his facial expression, his self-imposing walls disintegrating, crumbling to pieces as he finally allowed his emotional state, his heartache, to be seen. His Adam's apple bobbed as he slowly opened his mouth to speak. "I don't want you to leave. Please."
"I can't stay. Not when—," she tried to say, to get him to see the reason for her side of things.
"No. I . . . " He gritted his teeth then, closing his eyes hard for a moment before opening them again. "I'll admit it, I did experience some sort of feeling for Reinette. Whether it was fascination or affection or admiration, I don't know. But love? No. No, I . . ." Rubbing a hand through his hair roughly, he made it a mess as he grew frustrated then.
"Then why did you kiss her?" Madison felt tears prick at her eyes but she did her best to push down her emotional state. She wanted to be calm about this. "Why would you let someone leave a mark on your neck? Why . . . Why grow intimate with me if you were just going to allow others to do the same?"
He turned to her fully then, yanking both of her hands from her lap as he gripped them hard. His brown eyes swirled with so many emotions then, like that of a whirlpool. "Madison, I wouldn't have made those steps with you if I wasn't sure of what I felt. We melded our minds together. That—that's not something a Time Lord does so easily." His sigh was heavy as he bowed his head briefly before gazing at her again. His eyes wavered in guilt. "It was wrong of me. I never should have allowed that mark to happen. I never should have kissed Reinette back. I never should have thought it wouldn't hurt you." He cupped her face. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
He kissed her then. It was a desperate kiss. One which spoke volumes. It had been so long . . . Her shoulders slumped and she melted into the kiss. He would pull away every moment or so to breathe 'sorry' before diving in for more. Tears finally gave way and slipped down her face as she closed her eyes. Shakily she began touching his hair, his face, his arms, his hands, his chest. Just every part of him that she could reach. Trying her best to assure herself that this wasn't a dream. That this was real. For once, it wasn't her mind playing a cruel trick of fantasy as it had been for five years. He was real and with her. And when he finally pulled away, she didn't want to let go. This must have shown on her face for the next thing the Doctor did was grab her and allow her to straddle his lap. Her skirts were bunched up and forcing her to not be able to push herself fully against him. But she didn't care. She just kissed him more and held his face this time. More tears escaped her.
"I'm sorry. I–I'm going to be crying for a while," she whispered when they finally parted. She let out a wavering breath as a sob tried to escape. "I've missed you so much. I was beginning to think I'd never see you again."
"I would never let that happen." He pulled her down, allowing her to scoot to sit properly on his lap and to rest her head against his chest and listen to his twin hearts as he rubbed her back. "No matter what I will never stop fighting to find you. I promise."
Her heart sank. She stared at her hand on his chest as it curled up slightly. "Don't make promises you can't keep."
". . . What do you mean?"
"We live a dangerous life. You and I both know that sometimes things happen outside of our control. That, and . . ." She sighed. "Five years. Five years and I've still been waiting for that talk we never finished. I feel foolish for still being stuck on it."
"What talk?"
"The one we didn't have in the café as you wanted. It was only yesterday for you." She moved back so she could see him better. "I know it's silly, but ever since meeting Sarah Jane, I've been worried about our future. Of when you have to leave me behind. Because you'll have to, won't you? You'll have to let me go when I get too old."
"No. Not to you." The Doctor was quiet as he stared away from her. He kept rubbing a hand on her back, but she felt this was an absent motion from him. There was this weariness in him then. As if his age was being felt and it was heavy on him. Years of misery . . . all right there for her to see in those ancient eyes of his.
"But you leave everyone behind eventually, don't you? Sarah Jane isn't the first. I can tell how you stare at us sometimes." Madison shook her head, her stomach twisting. "What's worse is that this isn't the part that troubles me. What really got to me . . . was knowing that you won't even talk about us when we're finally gone." Her voice broke when saying this. Out of everything that has happened, five years or not, simply knowing that she would be forgotten by him left her heart in pieces. It broke her spirit, making her feel as though she were being pulled down into a pit, never to surface or see the light of day again. She stiffened as she felt him brush his knuckles against her cheek. Though he kept touching her, trying to convey comfort in some fashion or another, it was the way he avoided her eyes that hurt even more so.
Finally, he gazed at her once again with a heavy heart. "I don't age. I regenerate. But humans decay. All species decay. Even Mer. You wither and you die. Imagine watching that happen to someone that you . . ." He swallowed heavily as his words seemed to catch in his throat. He was torn then. That much was clear. His eyes grew misty. "You can spend the rest of your life with me," he said then, his voice wavering as she felt him shaking, "but I can't spend the rest of mine with you. I have to live on. Alone. That's the curse of the Time Lords."
With heart clenching and weeping, she moved then. She got off of his lap and sat down next to him. She then opened her arms to him. He hesitated, but soon he leaned over and was hugging her with his head against her chest. She stroked his head, gently kissing the top of it. He didn't cry. He just held onto her tightly. She could feel a few trembles from him. "I'm sorry," she whispered into his ear. "I wish I had an easy answer for this. But I don't think we can ever find one." Growing silent for a moment, she kissed his head again. "Just promise me that . . . when it does come time for me to stay behind, you'll at least still remember me? Even if you just mention my name sometimes, that's all I ask."
He pulled away then, cupping her face as he searched her eyes. "No. I've had to watch so many walk away. I've had to leave so many behind. But with you . . . Madison, I won't ever do that to you. I just can't ever let you go."
"But you'll be hurt. Doctor, I don't want you to have to watch me wither away. I know what it's like."
". . . I'll just have to walk that road when I get there."
XxXxXxXxXx
It began to rain just before they arrived at the palace. The pitter-patter on the carriage broke the solemn silence between the Doctor and Madison. He held onto her hand the entire time, thumbing the back of her hand and refusing to let go. She leaned her head against his shoulder, contemplating everything they had discussed. In some ways, she was torn between two feelings. One was happiness. Happy that he said he wouldn't ever abandon her. The second was sadness. Sad that he would have to watch her wither way someday. But . . . she decided she wouldn't think about it then. It was such a long way off for them both. She still had a few thousand years. For now . . . she was simply going to focus on the present. Which presently . . . was the funeral of a dear friend.
When they arrived at the palace, the Doctor pulled off his suit jacket and used it as a shield for Madison from the rain as they rushed into the building. Once inside, he shook off the jacket before placing it back on. She could tell he was giving her a quick glance to check over her to see if she had gotten too wet from the rain. But she smiled and assured him that the jacket had helped. She mostly got wet on her skits and those protected her legs from the water.
People stared at the Doctor curiously when they finally arrived. But he ignored the looks as he kept his eyes on the casket which held Reinette. He held a grim expression with a heavy heart. Madison felt her tears return as the eulogy proceeded. Both remained in the back of the crowd, standing in the shadows as they held hands. When all speeches were done and people began giving their last respects, Madison spotted the King talking with a few other guests. She held her clutch tighter as she let go of the Doctor's hand and walked over to him.
"Your Majesty," she said after the guests had left. She gave a quick curtsy before opening her clutch and holding out the key. "Please, this is for you. I . . . I can't bring myself to stay in Versailles any longer."
"Are you certain? Reinette gave you that home as a parting gift. I think she would have wanted you to keep it," replied the King.
"I'm certain. The gift is too much for me to bear."
The King nodded, taking the key from her. He twisted it absently in his hands as he stared at it. "You know, my offer still stands. You could live here and—"
"Your offer is very generous. But I'm afraid I cannot accept. Besides . . .," she gazed over to the Doctor, seeing him watching her now, "I cannot leave the Doctor. Not ever. I love him too much."
The King followed her gaze, eyes widening slightly at the sight of the Doctor. "Good lord. She was right. She said he never looked a day older. So many years since I'd seen him last but not a day of it on his face."
Madison did not say anything, merely nodding as she had never explained it to the King. Best not anyway. Too much foreknowledge was never good. "I'll be leaving with him soon. So I'll say my goodbyes now to you," she said, giving another small curtsy. She went to walk away but was halted when the King grabbed her arm.
"Wait. Before you depart, I have something for you. Please, wait here." He walked away then, leaving her standing there. She waited patiently. Not too soon later was he walking back into the room, holding an envelope in his hand. "She left behind a letter. One for you and one for him," said the King as he handed it to Madison. "I think she knew he would come for you one day. I believe that she hoped she might be able to see him again one last time when that day came. I suppose . . . he returned one day too short."
Madison could only nod as she held the envelope carefully in her hands. Her throat felt tight as she had thought of that, too. The Doctor had been one day short. Just by one. If only . . . "Thank you," she whispered, nodding to the King. "And goodbye."
She turned and walked away. She went to go to the Doctor but stopped short when she saw he was no longer at the back of the room. Looking around then she spotted him by the closed casket. He had his hands in his pockets as he stood beside it. His head bowed and gazing at the casket with an unreadable expression, she watched as he slowly took one of his hands and placed it on top of the casket. He held it there for a moment, seeming to be saying something under his breath. Then he removed his hand and placed it back into his pocket. She slowly walked over to him, standing beside him as she too gazed at the casket. She too placed her hand on the casket.
"May the tides carry you home," she spoke in her own language. As she stepped back she caught the look of shock from the Doctor.
"What language was that?" he asked her in a hushed tone.
"Mer. Why?" She stared at him curiously as he blinked and shook his head.
"Nothing, it's just . . . the TARDIS didn't translate it."
This shocked her. ". . . Why would that be?"
"Don't know. I'll . . . think on that one later." He stared back at the casket again, growing sombre once more.
Madison thumbed the envelope in her hand before handing it over to the Doctor. "Reinette left us some letters. I thought maybe . . . you'd want to read yours first."
The Doctor took the envelope slowly, staring at it before carefully placing it into his inner coat pocket. They stood there for just a moment longer before grabbing each other's hand and walking away. Madison gave one last fleeting glance towards Reinette's casket as they went to leave, her heart heavy as tears fell down her face.
XxXxXxXxXx
The carriage ride on the way back was quiet and felt as though it were shorter. Madison's heart thumped sad and slow in her chest as she numbly sat there beside the Doctor. He kept a hold of her hand the entire ride, drawing circles on the back of her hand with his thumb. The cold rain stayed steady throughout the ride through Versailles. When the carriage came to a halt, the Doctor pulled off his suit jacket again, ready to use it for her. But when the door opened, they saw the future Doctor standing there with a very large umbrella. Placing back on his suit jacket, the current Doctor stepped out of the carriage before turning towards her. Together both Doctors held out a hand for Madison. She placed a hand in each of theirs, allowing them both to help her out of the carriage. She turned then and said her goodbye to the coachman before he drove the carriage away.
"Here. Let's go into the house. I think we need to talk," said the future Doctor. The three of them walked together with Madison sticking close to under the umbrella. It was raining so hard now. She was certain to transform under these conditions.
The two Doctors pulled out their sonics at the same time and pointed them at the door. The door clicked open. While one Doctor opened the door for them, the other stayed by Madison to keep her dry. She walked quickly into the home, brushing off any droplets of water that might be on her. The future Doctor closed up the umbrella once inside the home and shook off most of the water before setting it aside and by the doorframe. He shut the door then, closing off the sound of the pouring rain. Now it was just the noise of the ticking clock that kept them company. The present Doctor stood there with his hands in his pockets and a hard gaze given to his other face. The future Doctor stood by the door still, hands clasped together tightly behind his back as he had his head bowed.
"What did you wish to discuss?" she asked. She glanced towards the TARDISes then, wondering if the others were in the ships. "Where are the others?"
"Amy and Rory are in my TARDIS. Rose and Mickey are in the other. I told them it was best if they just waited," the future Doctor explained. He brought his hands in front of him then, wringing them nervously together. Finally, he sighed and dropped his hands as he stared at them both. "I just wanted to say . . . I'm sorry. For how I had been behaving. To both of you. It was wrong of me. I let past resentments and grudges cloud my judgement. I should have never let that happen."
"It's too late for 'sorry'," spat the other Doctor as he glared at his future face. "We lost five years. Not days. Years."
"I know." The future Doctor stared at his past self in remorse, heavy guilt in his green eyes.
"Doctor, it was simply five years," Madison tried offering, hoping to ease their troubled minds over it. "It could have been worse."
"But that's five years we didn't have together," the two Doctors said at the same time, staring at her now.
"Yes, it could have been worse. But it should have never happened in the first place," said the present Doctor.
"That's five years you had to be alone. Years that we'll never have together now. I don't even want to spend one day apart, let alone years," said the future Doctor.
Madison shook her head, seeing the wracking guilt on both of their faces. "And I assume that nothing I say is going to make either one of you realise it's not your fault?" Seeing how both held tight expressions then, she knew it was true. Both of them were going to keep blaming themselves for what happened. She could see that clear enough on both of their faces. Over the five years since leaving the spaceship, she knew this was the case for the future Doctor most of all. That was why he had been so against his past self. The anger. The bitterness. He would always hold himself responsible for what happened and would hate himself for it. But . . . that needed to change.
"Doctor," she said as she turned to the current Doctor, "can you leave us for a moment? I'd like to talk with your future face if that's all right." She could see his hesitation. The suspicious glance he gave his future face. But soon he nodded.
"Anything you need to pack up?" he asked her.
"Just the clothes I was wearing when I got here. They're in the master bedroom, um, up the stairs and to the left, all the way down at the end of the hall," she told him, pointing to the stairs. "They should be in the only wardrobe in the room." He nodded before going up the stairs and disappearing around the corner. She looked back to the other Doctor. She saw how he wrung his hands together, once again nervous. She walked over closer to him, gently taking his hands and holding them. She drew circles with her thumbs over his hands, just as the way he did. She wanted to ease his worries, hoping to make him feel better. He smiled then, making a small sound at the back of his throat. "What?"
"Nothing," he answered quietly. He then gripped her hands tighter, staring at her with such deep intensity. "I truly am sorry."
"There's nothing to be sorry for. In fact, I wanted to apologise. I yelled at you and pushed you away."
"And you had every right to." He lifted a hand, brushing her face softly. "You were right, I was using you as a means to get back at my past self. I wanted him to know . . . well, now I'm not sure what I was doing. Mostly rubbing it in his face on who he was hurting I suppose."
Madison grabbed the hand on her face, holding it close as she leaned into his touch. She didn't want to flinch away from him. Not again. Even if she was still uncomfortable. "I know how much you resent yourself. Especially when things go wrong and you place all the blame onto yourself. So I can understand why you acted the way you did that day. I also understand that, no matter what I say, the Doctor I'm with will never listen to me and will always carry guilt and hate himself for what happened here. But . . . I hope that, now that it's happened to you again, maybe you'll listen to me this time." She pulled down his hand from her face, holding both of his hands again as she stared steadily at him. "Doctor, please, move on from this. Don't let this memory hold you back. There was nothing you could have done to prevent this. It wasn't your fault. Please, just focus on the future to come and not the past. Focusing on the past never helps."
"Yes . . . I know. You're right." He gave a small chuckle. "You're always right."
"Well, I wouldn't say 'always' but most of the time sounds about right," she joked lightly. Both of them laughed quietly before smiling at one another.
The Doctor's smile lessened. He gazed at her then as though searching for something to say. "Madison . . . before I go, there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it, Doctor?" She tensed as he brought up a hand and brushed her face with the back of his knuckles.
"It's something that you haven't been told yet. Something you need to hear. Because he," the Doctor nodded his head towards the stairs behind Madison, "can't say it yet. He won't be able to. He still needs time to heal." He cupped her face, making her come in closer to him. "But I've had time to heal and grow. So, now, I can tell you this." He pulled her close then, cupping the side of her face with one hand as he leaned close to her ear.
She gasped. Her eyes went wide as he breathed a name and three loving words into her ear. Her eyes began to water and her heart pounded away. She trembled as he pulled away to stare steadily at her. He thumbed at her cheek. She couldn't even breathe as her throat locked up. All she could do was stare at him and see the love in his eyes.
"You . . . You know my name," she finally whispered, breath hitching as her eyes burned.
"You'll tell me, one day when you trust me completely. Just as he'll tell you those three words one day when he's ready." The smile was so gentle from the future Doctor that her heart cried with joy. "Just know that he does. He does love you with all his hearts. Just as I do. That won't ever change. Even if we struggle to show it sometimes . . . we'll always love you." He let go of her then, stepping back and looking over her shoulder. "And don't forget to remind her of that."
Madison turned, tensing as she saw the other Doctor was at the end of the stairs. He was standing there, with a carpet bag in hand, just staring at them. Though his expression was blank his eyes gave him away. There was a cascading wave of uncertainty, yet at the same time, a look of hope just there in the back reaches of his mind. His Adam's apple bobbed as he gave his future self a nod before walking over to her. He took her hand then, holding on tightly as though afraid she might slip away. He just kept staring at her. His mouth moved slightly, though never opened. She knew he wished to say something but just could not bring himself to speak. She nodded, understanding what he wanted to say. It didn't need to be said. She already knew. She smiled then, eyes shining with warmth as she saw the tension leave his body. He returned the smile, lifting her hand and giving it a kiss.
The future Doctor clapped his hands suddenly, startling the other two. "Well . . . I suppose that's my cue to go. Can't let Amy and Rory wait all day. And I still have my Madison to go and collect."
"Where is she? Why isn't she with you?" the current Doctor questioned, raising a brow in suspicion.
"She's visiting an old friend. She does that sometimes. You'll do that sometimes," he explained, pointing briefly at Madison at the end. "Nothing to worry about. Just a break. Everyone needs a break once and a while, eh?" He smiled with ease, though Madison could see the turmoil in his eyes. Something was bothering him about this statement. Again, she had a feeling something from his time was troubling him. "You can keep the umbrella, by the way. It's just a spare one of mine, so I can do without it. I'd suggest keeping it by the door. You never know when it'll come in handy. Well then, goodbye! Ta! Be seeing you again!" He went to leave the home, opening the door to the pouring rain outside.
"Doctor, wait," Madison called out to him. She walked over to him quickly as he turned and stared at her curiously. She swiftly hugged him, then gave him a kiss on the cheek. She brushed the side of his face softly as she pulled away, keeping close to him so that she could speak quietly to him. "You don't have to force yourself to be happy. It's never good to lie to yourself. With whatever is going on . . . I'm certain it'll be fine. I believe in you and I know you can figure it out."
He still appeared troubled, but something about what she said must have hit him hard. All humour and smiles were gone as he just stared at her. He swallowed heavily before nodding slowly. He cupped her face then with both hands, carefully leaning over and kissing her forehead. He lingered there for a while before pulling away. He thumbed her cheeks as his green eyes searched hers. "Take care of yourself, Madison. And whatever happens . . . just know that I will always be there for you."
With that said, he let go of her and walked out into the rain. She watched him as he moved stiffly to his TARDIS. Once opened, he paused by the doorway of his ship, gazing back at her through the haze of the rain. He looked as though there was more he wished to say or do. But he soon shook his head and went into the TARDIS, shutting the door tightly behind him.
XxXxXxXxXx
When Madison finally arrived back in the TARDIS, it was like a wave of relief came over her then. She was home again. After so long, she was home. Though she wished to cry in the utter joy she felt, she kept herself together as Rose and Mickey were all over her with questions and such. Mostly questions from Mickey while Rose just kept hugging her. Madison couldn't help herself when Rose hugged her. She held onto the girl so tightly. It had been so long since she had seen Rose last . . . Madison hoped that they would be together for a long time from now on. Mickey as well, even if they were not as close. She had just missed them both and being with her family.
The Doctor stressed to them soon after they were settled not to discuss the future face of his. Pretend as if the future Doctor had never been there. That was the main goal. For the Doctor was going to forget soon and reminding him of the event was somewhat potentially troublesome for paradoxes. Madison understood. She knew she would keep the memory of the future Doctor locked away in her heart until the day she would meet him again. Though . . . she still worried about him. She only hoped that the Doctor in the future would be okay in the end. But she pressed on, not trying to worry too much about that. She would have to deal with that when her time came, and who knew how far off this would be for her.
After some time of story sharing from Madison on what it had been like for her to relive the 18 century again, she excused herself to retire for the night. Though she wanted to spend time with her friends and be together again . . . it had also been a long day and she wanted to rest. So, she went into her room, with the carpet bag the Doctor had packed for her, and sighed heavily when seeing her old bed again. She smiled as she felt the TARDIS nudge her mind somewhat, telling her that everything was the same and there would be peace of mind tonight for her.
"Thank you, old girl," Madison whispered as she sat down her bag on her bed. "It's honestly just nice knowing I'll have a real bath again. You have no idea how uncomfortable copper tubs were." She could have sworn she heard a chuckle of understanding from the ship herself, but maybe it was more of a mixture of hums the old girl had used to make it seem like that. Madison smiled up towards the ceiling briefly before focusing on trying to get her layered dress off. She struggled as the bodice seemed to not want to come off.
"Can I help?" came the voice of the Doctor. She turned to see him standing in the doorway. She must have forgotten to lock the door. He came into the room then and closed it behind him. "Here," he said as he walked over to her. She remained still, her heart beating in a flutter as his hands worked to get her dress off. It had been so long since she had been touched by him . . . she almost felt as though she were back to square one, being fluttery and nervous around him.
When the bulk of her dress was off, leaving her in just the underslip, she shivered as he ran his fingers through her hair to undo the style-up she had. Soon, her hair cascaded in waves around her shoulder. She shivered again as he slowly pulled her back to lean against him as he hugged her close. The warmth of his breath rolled down her skin in pleasant ripples. His lips pressed against her neck making her tilt her head to the side to allow him better access. She tensed as he nipped her shoulder.
"Doctor . . . wait," she breathed, making him stop.
"Sorry," he mumbled. "I thought . . . I'd show you that . . ."
She knew what he was trying to say. To show her how much he cared for her. She turned around in his hold. Gazing at him for a moment, seeing how he stared at her. It wasn't the look of hunger that she had been expecting. Instead, he just seemed . . . sad. She brushed his bangs before cupping his face. "Undress down to your pants. Please."
He did as instructed, doing so without a sound. He then stood there silently as she placed a hand on either shoulder. Leaning up, she had him tilt his head to the side by placing a hand on the back of his neck. Still, he was quiet. That is until she finally bit down on his neck. He made a small hiss then a low groan as she sucked on his skin. His hands went to her hips and pulled her closer to him, giving her better access to his neck. She kept on the same spot, determined with her task, kneading his cool skin with her lips and flickering her tongue. When she finally pulled away, she was pleased with her success. On his neck was now a distinct mark, leaving a clear sign of what she had done. She stepped back from him, seeing how he watched her now with the colour of his eyes darker than normal. She tapped a finger on the mark.
"No one is to ever mark you other than me. Understand?" she said, her voice resolute in her message. She watched as he gulped and nodded. "Say it."
"No one but you," he exhaled as his voice was breathless.
She gave a curt nod, feeling her heart drumming under her chest. She wasn't normally like this, but she wanted to make her stance. To make him know how strongly she felt about this. She then wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a passionate kiss. When she pulled away, both of them were breathless. "I don't want to do anything tonight. It's been five years . . . so I just want to sleep beside you and wake up with you still there. I want to know that you're real. I need this to be real and know that you won't fade away like all my other dreams," she told him, desperate to know that this isn't fantasy.
"I won't leave. I promise."
She pulled off her underslip, leaving her completely exposed now. But she didn't mind being naked around him. Not anymore. She wanted them to both feel at complete ease with one another in every way. He followed her gesture, leaving himself as bare as her. She then held his hand and led him to bed. Once they were under the cover, she held onto him tightly, afraid to let go for even a moment. He rubbed her back as he held her to his chest, soothing her into a deep slumber.
XxXxXxXxXx
Slowly Madison felt herself waking. The coolness of the air on her face contrasted with the warmth of the cover surrounding the rest of her body. The pillowy comfort of the bed felt like a blessing as her entire being rested with ease. She lay on her stomach with the side of her face pressed into the mattress. One arm bent above her head while the other laid out from her as she felt around the sheets for the familiar warmth of another. But all she felt was emptiness. Her heart shattered as she realised it had been nothing more than a dream. The Doctor was never there and she was back in France. She refused to open her eyes, not wanting to see the empty bedroom she had. Not wanting to be faced with the terrible truth of being alone again. It had been such a vivid dream. Why . . . Why couldn't it have been real? She couldn't help but cry as she curled up into herself and hugged her middle. Her frame shook and she pulled her legs up tightly to her chest as sobs broke through.
"Maddie? Maddie, what's wrong? What is it? What happened?" came the sudden rapid, worried voice of the Doctor.
She gasped as she sat up, tears still falling down her face as she looked around. No, it hadn't been a dream after all. It was real. She was back in her old room on the TARDIS and finally no longer alone. She was back with her family. She looked over just in time to see the Doctor, dressed again, setting aside a silver tray with food before he rushed over to her. He kneeled on the bed beside her, making it dip as he began checking over her.
"Are you hurting somewhere?" he asked her.
"You—You were gone. I didn't feel you next to me. I–I thought I was back in Versailles," she said, her voice coming out wavering and still thick with distress. "I thought I was alone again." More tears slipped down her face.
"Oh, Maddie, I'm sorry. I thought I'd get us breakfast. I didn't mean . . ." He pulled her into a tight hug, rubbing her back to soothe her. "I'm here. You're home. I promise, no more being alone. Not ever again."
With her head buried into the crook of his neck, clutching at his suit jacket of his, she shivered as his breath sent pleasant sensations down her bare skin. She pulled away then to stare into his eyes. His warm brown eyes, endless pools of comfort and care, the universe itself within his ancient gaze . . . She had missed them so much. Unable to help herself, she wrapped her arms around his neck as she brought him down for a fierce kiss. Her eyes fell closed when overwhelmed by the bliss from the shared embrace. Their lips melded and moved together as one. His teeth caught her bottom lip suddenly, making her gasp and open her eyes to see him staring at her with heated desire. His mind delved into hers which she instantly accepted. She sagged against him as the feeling of his mind engulfed hers into a loving caress. She had missed this feeling. This feeling of him in all his otherworldly presence. It brought tears to her eyes, but they were of utter joy. No despair in sight. She pulled away from their kiss only to start undoing his tie.
"The food will get cold," he told her, his voice husky as she pulled his tie over his head and tossed it aside.
"I don't care. I just want you. I want to know this is real. I want to know that you are real. Now," she replied, her voice too just as low and sultry.
They met together in a clashing kiss as Madison pulled the Doctor down on top of her.
XxXxXxXxXx
It had been three days since her return. Three days were spent on the TARDIS in a drift. They were peaceful and calm. A nice relief and a perfect way to adjust back to life on the TARDIS. Madison knew the Doctor was doing it for her sake, not wanting to rush back into travelling around as it had been a while for her. It was peaceful being able to spend time with him and the others. Time spent relaxing in her bathtub again and watching movies with the Doctor beside her. Sometimes he would even get into the bath with her and hold her close to him as they'd watch different films or discuss things. Sometimes she would be in the TARDIS lagoon instead, swimming around and splashing the Doctor while he sat by the side of the pool and watched her. He would even get into the lagoon with her and swim alongside her. Which led to her learning he could hold his breath for quite some time while underwater.
There were other things done as well. Getting time to spend with Rose again was wonderful. They would play games together or go into the TARDIS theatre to watch some cheesy movies like they used to. Mickey would also join them often. He even taught Madison about 'video games' which she never knew much about. They were different and hard for her to work with, but she felt confident enough to actually make the little game characters on the screen jump around. Eventually, though, she knew the two companions were getting restless and she felt that way, too. It had been so long since she had travelled through time and space. She itched to start where she had left off and begin journeying again.
"Come on, it's been three days. There's got to be somewhere you want to go," Rose whined when they had all met in the console room. The Doctor was currently making repairs under the console with Mickey instructed to pass along different tools. Rose was sitting in the captain's chair while Madison stood beside her.
"No, not really. I'm good with sticking around here," the Doctor said, speaking up somewhat so they could hear him while he was under the grated floor.
"You're not just hanging around for Maddie, are you?" Mickey asked then. Both he and Rose smirked knowingly as the Doctor banged his head under the console and yelled 'ow!'.
"What? No! It's not—," the Doctor tried defending himself the moment he poked his head up from the opening on the floor.
"Doctor, we don't have to keep spending time here for my sake. I'm perfectly fine for travelling again," Madison said, giving the Doctor a meaningful look. "I won't get trapped in another time again. I'll be fine. I promise," she spoke then in his mind.
"We can't be sure of that. I failed you once. I can't fail you again," he replied as he got out from under the grated floor and placed the panel back.
"You haven't failed me. It was an accident. Simple as that." She watched him walk up to the console, leaning over it with his hands on the controls. She stared at him softly as she walked over to him, patting his back. "We can't hide away forever. Sooner or later, we'll have to journey again." She then smiled lightly. "Besides, I know you can't stand sticking in one place for more than a day. I'm shocked you managed one let alone three days stuck in the TARDIS." She started to tease him. "Come on, you know you want to go exploring the universe. It's calling to you. I know it."
"Oh, all right, you win," the Doctor sighed aloud. Though he tried pretending to sound exasperated, Madison could tell it was just for show. He had that all-telling spark in his eyes for adventure as he started to bounce around the console and hit different controls. "How does the year 2080 sound?"
"What's so special about that year?" Mickey questioned.
"Well, you're about to find out," the Doctor replied with a wink towards Madison, making her giggle with excitement.
XxXxXxXxXx
"Go! Go! Go!" Madison shouted as she jumped up and down in front of her seat in the stadium. Her eyes were alight with glee as she watched the batter sprint around the bases, outrunning the catchers that were trying to tag them out. She and the rest of the stadium erupted into cheers as the batter slid across the home plate. She sat back down in her seat as the stadium relaxed again as the next batter came up to the plate.
The sun was bright and shining. It was hot, in the middle of summer. Though it felt hotter than normal. Maybe that was the year though as the Doctor had explained that climate change had really affected the Earth by this point. The Amazon Rainforest was now the Amazon Desert, leaving a lot of problems for Earth's climate. People were still seeming to enjoy themselves though, with the crowd wearing their different sports teams' colours, waving their signs or flags, and cheering with every exciting turn in the game. Even with the knowledge that the Earth was under harmful effects, people still lived on. People still played games.
At the moment, she sat next to the Doctor, with Rose and Mickey sitting on her other side. They too seemed excited about the exhilarated moment. Though not as much as Madison. It had been decades since she had seen a baseball game in person. To be back in a stadium and witnessing such a game was a true thrill. She had been so ecstatic when the Doctor had announced where they were going, hugging his arm the entire way to the stadium. Her heart warm with glee, she had been touched when the Doctor leaned down and whispered in her ear that he had remembered her mention of enjoying these sorts of games. Even as a passing comment, he had remembered. She couldn't help but love him even more.
"You really like these kinds of games?" Rose said as she grinned at Madison.
"Oh, I love them. I also enjoy a good football game," Madison replied as she beamed in return. "It's the sportsmanship that really drives it home for me. I love seeing people come together for something good."
"Remind me to take you to the Olympics," the Doctor muttered into her ear.
"Which one?" she replied in turn.
"All of them," he said with a wink. He then held up a popcorn bucket for her. "Popcorn?"
Madison nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, please." She happily munched on her salty treat as she began to get excited once again when the next batter made a perfect hit.
XxXxXxXxXx
Later that night, Madison was wandering around the TARDIS. Everyone else had retired for the night, but she found she just could not sleep. She was restless after such an exciting day in the futuristic city. She hoped she could find where the Doctor had gone to and be with him for the night. Though she wondered where he had gone to. After they came back, with Rose and Mickey leaving the console room stating they were too tired to stay up any longer, the Doctor had kissed Madison's forehead before rushing off into the TARDIS. Normally he would have suggested something to do together within the ship if she wasn't going to sleep yet. Was he working on something? He tended to do that sometimes, working on other parts of the ship and whatnot. What would he be fixing up next?
She paused in the corridor when she heard music beginning to play. Picking up her pace, she walked towards an open doorway. The room she ran across shocked her as she paused at the opening. Inside was a curious sight. A room split down the middle between two different eras. One was that of an eloquent ballroom as one might see in a palace. With white marble, golden trimmings around the cream-coloured walls, and massive chandeliers. The golden chandeliers were aglow in the ballroom, lighting up the room beautifully. The other half was something similar to a disco nightclub. It somewhat reminded her of a scene in Saturday Night Fever. The dance floor was lit up with multiple colours, changing with the beat of the music from the massive speakers. The Doctor was standing in the middle of the two rooms, seeming to be debating on which one he wanted to be in.
"Doctor?" she called to him, earning a small jump from him before spinning on his heels. He swiftly pulled out his sonic and aimed it at the speakers, making the music stop.
"Sorry. I was working on something," he said as he put away his sonic.
"Which was?" she asked curiously as she stepped up towards him. She lifted a brow as she saw him rubbing at the back of his neck in embarrassment.
"A date. With you. I was sort of planning it out in my head," he finally admitted. He gave a crooked smile. "Surprise."
She laughed, shaking her head in delight. "You don't have to plan a date for me. The best dates are always the spontaneous ones." She walked over, taking his hands as she smiled. "But thank you. Now I just wish I could plan something for you, but you're far too clever. You'd figure it out the moment I'd try it."
"Yeah, well, I could always pretend to be surprised." He grinned, lifting her hands and giving them a kiss. He then lowered her hands, stepping back from her before holding out a hand. "Dance with me?"
"I'd love to." She took his hand and he pulled out his sonic with the other, aiming it at the speakers. Music began playing, making her giggle at the choice of More Than A Woman playing over the speakers before he guided her over to the colourful disco dance floor.
He pulled her close as the lyrics began, holding out their two clasped hands together with his other hand around her waist. He began leading her around the dance floor, with her trying her best to stay in sync with him as he twirled and moved her about. She was never the best at dancing, but he was easily leading her around so that she wouldn't mess up their flow. As he dipped her in his arms, he brought up a hand to brush against her cheek. She smiled warmly, touching his face as well. When he pulled her back up, he held her close as he began whispering in her ear.
"'There are stories old and true, of people so in love like you and me, and I can see myself, let history repeat itself,'" he sang softly to her, stroking her head as she leaned it against his shoulder and held onto him. Slowly, they turned on the spot, rocking to the music. "'Reflecting how I feel for you, thinking 'bout those people then, I know that in a thousand years I'd fall in love with you again. This is the only way that we should fly. This is the only way to go. And if I lose your love, I know I would die. Oh, say you'll always be my baby, we can make it shine. We can take forever, just a minute at a time.'"
A single tear trailed down her face as she smiled, holding onto him even closer still. She knew, at this moment, while he continued to sing to her, that he was telling her his love. And that made her heart soar.
XxXxXxXxXx
It was a few days later and with a few more adventures under her belt, that she was wandering around the TARDIS. They had just come from a beautiful planet called Sphonly. It was a desert planet, with a blood-red sky, bands of violet, light grey and slate, and rock formations to explore that had crystals embedded into the rock faces which lit up during the night. It had been amazing to wander about, with even small trouble with an alien parasite that was trying to destroy a village's ecosystem that they had to save. She had thought being five years away would have left her somewhat mediocre at adventuring. But it felt almost as if she had never been away. In fact, after five years of nothing happening, it was exhilarating. She was itching for even more. She hoped that their journey will continue to be exciting, though without great harm to her family. She would hate for anyone of them to be hurt.
The TARDIS suddenly alerted her to something being wrong.
"What is it, girl?" Madison asked as she halted in the corridor. She had been about to return to her room after eating dinner in the kitchen. She pressed a hand to the metal wall next to her, feeling the ship trying to guide her. She followed along the trail of lights the TARDIS began using, leading her down different twists in the corridors. Eventually, she recognised the medical ward. She heard sharp hisses and grumbling coming from within. As she turned the corner she saw the Doctor sitting on one of the hospital beds with his back to her. He had his shirt off and was dabbing wet gauze pads onto his skin. All along his arms and across his back she could see large cuts and gashes on him.
"Doctor?! What happened?!" she exclaimed as she rushed over to him. He turned with a start, allowing her to see even more cuts on his chest.
"Ah . . . I didn't want you to see," he said as she came to his side. He winced and made a hiss as she touched his arm.
"I know your suit was torn up from that parasite, but you should have told us you were hurt, you idiot." She grabbed the gauze from him, noticing they were wet from medication and started to dab at his injuries. In the corner of her eye, she could see him wincing.
"I didn't realise I was hurt until I started taking my jacket off," he mumbled. He winced again as she pressed into a cut. "Gah! Watch it."
"Big baby," she teased, rolling her eyes. Then she was giving him a scolding eye. "You should have come to me about this." Listening to his grumbling, she shook her head. "You just hate asking for help, don't you?"
"I didn't want to worry you."
"I'm more worried when you don't come to me about these things." She sighed, setting down the bloody gauze. "Doctor, when you need help, come find me, okay? That's what I'm here for. Now, tell me what you need me to do and I'll patch you up."
She worked quietly as she applied more medicine to the medical pads and wiped him up carefully. She would say 'sorry' occasionally when he would make a groan, hiss, or yelp from the pain. But he mostly kept his head bowed as she worked to clean his wounds and wrap up the deeper cuts. Soon his upper left arm, across his chest, and right shoulder were bandaged and taken care of.
"The rest of these will be fine. Time Lords heal faster than normal species. My regeneration energy will patch me up in an hour or two. You really didn't even need to put on any bandages," he told her after she had finished and began cleaning up the mess.
"Well, until they're healed, they need to be covered. Those are some very deep wounds you've got there," she replied as she dumped the medical waste into the bin and began washing her hands in a sink. Turning around, she saw how he sat there, just staring at her with this odd look in his eyes. "What?"
"Nothing." He then smiled warmly at her. "You just healer of all sorts of wounds, aren't you?"
Walking over to him, she touched his bare chest as she looked at his other scratches. Her fingers trailed across his skin, brushing along the hair on his chest. "I want you happy and safe. That's all I care about."
He grabbed her hand, holding it close to his hearts. "Trust me, I'm very happy. Safe, eh, that comes and goes." Lifting her hand, he gave it a quick kiss before hopping off the bed.
She watched him as he walked over to the counter where his torn-up shirts and jacket were lying. Grabbing his jacket, he thumbed the material for a moment before he dug into his inner pockets. She tensed as he pulled out an envelope. It was cut, but . . . "Are those the letters?" she asked as she walked over to him.
". . . Yeah," he spoke quietly, setting the envelope down on the counter. "It seems fine enough. Just a small cut in the paper."
She could see him staring blankly at it. She knew they had agreed to wait to read the letters . . . but at this point, it seemed they were both simply avoiding the inevitable. She sighed. "Doctor, we should read them. We can't postpone it forever. And what if it's completely destroyed next time?"
He was silent for a moment before he too sighed. "I know." Grabbing the envelope once again, he broke the wax seal on it before pulling out two letters that were neatly folded. One with the Doctor's name, and one with Madison's. He then handed Madison her letter and she opened it.
My dearest Madison,
I know I am nearing my end soon, and though you remain by my side, guiding me through the slow path, I'm afraid you cannot follow me to where I go next. Please, do not worry, for I am not afraid. I know there will be no more monsters to where I journey as my nightmares are all gone. All thanks to you and our lonely angel.
I cannot help but worry though. For your and the Doctor's sake. I worry over your next journey ahead and what will come of it. If there is one last request I may make it is this: Please, stay with your Doctor. Never leave his side. For together I believe both of you will be able to make through any nightmares or surpass any monsters that you both shall face. Love and cherish him to the end of time, just as I know he will love and cherish you.
Be his guardian, just as you were mine.
Madison folded up her letter again. She then kissed it before setting it down on the counter. She looked over then, seeing the Doctor still holding his tightly within his hands. Eventually, he folded it up and silently sat it down next to hers. He turned to her then, a mixture of emotions swirling within his eyes though none which she could grasp. She walked over to him then, hugging him tightly and pressing her face into his chest. "I love you," she breathed.
He hugged her in return, holding her close. He pressed his mouth next to her ear, giving her temple a kiss before whispering, "I know."
Hopefully the chapter was worth the wait. If it was, let me know in a review. Would love to hear from everyone.
Stay safe out there!