The Bits in Between

Chapter Eight: Recognized

By Lumendea

AN: This takes place during the Earth years so The Companion Connection to Child of Earth.

…..

It wasn't a large chippy. In truth, it was even smaller than her Mum's old flat at the Powell Estate, but it had a few tables and a long counter. They didn't have much on the menu, but Rose had to admit as she tasted the first of the golden chips that they did what they did well.

"These chips are gorgeous," Rose said. She was pleasantly surprised and Shireen grinned at her across the table. Sharon rolled her eyes a bit as Rose sighed happily.

"You and your chips," Sharon muttered. None the less she was eating some herself.

"Everyone has a vice," Rose replied dismissively. She picked up another of the golden beauties and smiled. "Chips are mine."

Someone moved past their table, a man a bit older than them with some thick stubble and carrying a backpack. He glanced their way only to stop short. Then he tilted his head and Rose frowned as he looked right at her. While not alarmed, Rose leaned back a little as the brown eyes widened comically.

"Hey wow," the man gaped at her. "It's you, wow that's… I thought the video was older than that, but it's you!" Without waiting for Rose to say anything he grabbed a nearby chair and pulled it up. "So how did you get the video onto all those DVDs? What does it mean?"

"I'm sorry?" Rose said slowly. "Uh, what are you talking about?"

"The don't blink video," the man said. He was grinning now as he studied her face. "I'm surprised I recognised you. Your hair is darker now, it looks good of course. Wow, this is so cool. The others on the forums aren't going to believe this." He took out his phone and held it up like an eager puppy. "Can I get a photo with you?"

"Uh… who do you think I am?" Rose asked.

"You're Rose," the man said with a grin. "So about the video-"

"I'm sorry I think you have me confused with someone else," Rose cut in. She gave him a smile. "Sorry, but my name is Marion."

Thankfully Shireen and Sharon nodded their head in agreement and the man's whole expression changed. He looked disappointed and then confused. Then he looked really hard at her face.

"You must have a twin," he said. "Or… do you look like your Mum or an aunt?"

"Where do you think you know me from?"

"Oh I've got the clip on my laptop," the man said. He turned and retrieved his backpack. "It's only a few minutes, but it will blow your mind."

Shireen gave Rose a sharp look. Rose grimaced and gave her a helpless shrug as the man began to set up his laptop. Licking at her lower lip, Rose considered how much she really should be moving for the door. Somehow this guy knew her name, but nothing about him seemed at all threatening.

He started the clip which opened with her brown-eyed Doctor sitting down in front of the camera. Then he put on those glasses and Rose swallowed as the familiar little rush of attraction hit her. She almost sighed. He really looked good in those glasses. Except he wasn't talking much. There were long pauses between occasional sentences and words. What he was saying didn't make much sense until he said that he was stuck.

"We're stuck," Rose's own voice said. Then she leaned into view. Her hair still hung in long waves and was held out of her face by a bright headband, but it looked a lot blonder like the man had said. The Doctor looked over at her and grinned as Rose leaned against him with a slight smile. "You'd think dating a time traveller would be all historical events and famous parties, but then you get stuck in 1969 and find yourself working in a shop to support him."

"I'm working on the equipment," the Doctor huffed. "And we're rolling Rose."

Her future-self fondly shook her head and quickly kissed the Doctor's cheek before shifting out of view of the camera. Then he started talking about time and Rose almost laughed when he said that it got away from him. That line was definitely about that sentence.

She frowned when the Doctor said that the angels had taken the phone box. Rose didn't know what the angels were, but she knew that he could only be talking about the TARDIS. Sharing a slightly worried look with Shireen, Rose tried to hide her more emotional reactions. Their guest was nodding and talking along with the video. Rose listened to the rest of the dialogue even knowing that she probably shouldn't. Parts of it didn't make sense, but it was clear that the Doctor was working from a script. One that would be finished by someone watching this. Someone who would hopefully help them get the TARDIS back.

"See what I mean?" the man said as the video ended. "You look just like her!"

"Well," Shireen said. There was an almost evil smile on her face. "He did say that he was a time traveller. Maybe Rose is Marion's daughter."

It was all Rose could do from glaring at her friend. Sharon rolled her lips together to hold back her laughter while their guest blinked at them. "Yeah," the man said slowly. He gave Rose another look. "Uh so could I still get a photo with you?"

Rose laughed and nodded. The man handed his phone to Shireen who shook her head fondly. Leaning closer to the man, Rose smiled for the photo as she wondered just how she and the Doctor would get stuck in 1969. More importantly, she wondered how long it would take them to get the TARDIS back. Still, that was a problem for the future and she was confident that it would all work out.