'Oh, stuff it!' Rose exclaimed, throwing the book down on the bed. 'I couldn't get through it for GCSEs, there's no way I'll manage it now.'
There was a soft laugh from the doorway, making Rose jump.
'Sorry – did I disturb you?' Adam apologised, although he didn't look in the least bit sorry. 'I thought you were talking to me for a second then. What are you trying to read?'
She sighed. ' i A Tale of Two Cities /i . We were supposed to study it for coursework in year eleven, but I couldn't bothered. I went and saw the film instead - much easier.'
'So why are you reading it now?' He came down and sat on the bed with her, making the book slide off.
Shrugging, then bending to pick it up, Rose sighed again. 'Well, partly 'cause we met Charles Dickens, and I thought maybe I ought to see what all the fuss was about. He's the Doctor's favourite author, y'know… But also – I suppose I just feel a bit, well, thick, stuck on here with you braniacs, and there's me, who only just scraped six GCSEs, two of which were for art and DT. It's just, I don't know, depressing. And it doesn't feel like I deserve this chance, you know?'
'What are you on about?' Adam was shocked at this; he had no idea she felt this way. 'You're not stupid! I mean, who was it that figured out how to escape from that cell on the last planet we were on? Not me or the Doctor, that's for sure!'
'Oh, come on, it wasn't that hard. You'd have got there eventually. And – don't tell the Doctor this – but I only knew how to do it from watching an old repeat of 'The Crystal Maze.'
They sat in silence for a moment before Adam caught Rose's eye. They both started laughing, sharing the joke.
'Oy! Pretty boy! Thought you said you wanted to see how this worked?' The Doctor's voice bellowed in from the control room. Adam frowned at the insult.
'You know he doesn't mean it Adam, don't take it to heart.'
'I notice he always manages to use your name, though.'
'Yeah, well. You know what he's like. Hadn't you better go?'
The Doctor appeared at the door.
'So?' He demanded.
Adam rolled his eyes and strode past the Doctor, who started to follow him then came back.
'You alright, Rose?' His brow furrowed with concern as he spoke.
She smiled, wanly. 'Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired, I guess.'
He hesitated a moment, before quickly walking over to her on the bed, and hugging her tightly.
'You don't need to change for us, you know. You're perfect just as you are.' Then, without looking at her, he practically ran out of the room after Adam.
She sat staring after him for several minutes afterwards, the book lying forgotten on the quilt beside her. She didn't move until the Doctor's shouts came floating through the door.
Shaking her head in amusement, she got up to see what Adam had – or hadn't – done this time.
Please review for me! I'd love some constructive criticism on this, because I'm not entirely happy with how it turned out - let me know what you thought.
You'll also find a (more adult themed) sequel here - http/