The Bits in Between
Chapter Thirty: Waiting for Her to Wake
By Lumendea
AN: This takes place at the end of the "episode" Thane Returns in The Tyler Factor while Rose is in recovery. In the episode, she was sleeping for about twenty hours, and this takes place during that period.
…..
The Doctor wasn't very good at waiting. He had never been, and this body felt the urge to run even more strongly than most. Too much loomed behind him that could catch up at any moment. And yet, he found himself waiting at the bedside of Rose Tyler. Reaching out, he touched her still hand that was lying on top of the sheets. Her skin was warm, but she didn't turn her hand to take his. Their fingers didn't intertwine, and the Doctor hated that.
Footfalls outside made the Doctor glance towards the door and pull his hand away. Two guards relieved the pair that had been standing out in the hallway. He tried not to resent the insinuation that he couldn't look after Rose himself.
"The Doctor's inside?" one of the guards asked.
"Yeah, he came in with her and hasn't left since."
"They're together, aren't they?" one of the guards asked. It was conversational and from outside the room, but the Doctor's ears picked the words up anyway. "That's what I've heard. They're lovers."
"That's what I've heard," another voice answered. "He comes when she needs him. I've heard that some people have seen them kiss."
"I'm not sure what to think if it is true. I mean, he's an alien and older than her, but on the other hand, they seem a good match."
"If it was anyone but Tyler, I'd be worried, to be honest, but I'm not sure anyone human could keep up with her at this point. Good on them, I suppose. It's good that he stayed to make sure she's okay."
The Doctor felt his ears turning red. Rose was in recovery, and they were gossiping about very dangerous and bad ideas. He shifted in his chair and tried to focus on the beeps of the machines monitoring Rose rather than the voices from the hall. Thankfully, the guards found a new topic in the latest football match not long later.
Some time later, a very familiar man walked into the medical room. "Doctor," Benton greeted. "You're still here then." The man had aged overnight, looking tired and worn down. "I hate when she's in medical. Never seems right to have someone as full of life and energy as Rose be so quiet. Even if it is only going to be for a little while."
"Yeah," the Doctor agreed. He didn't know what else to say. "She's been asleep ten hours."
"The medical staff figure she'll be awake tomorrow based on her test results," Benton said as if the Doctor didn't already know and hadn't been present during the tests. As if he hadn't tailored the IV himself to make sure that the electrocution Thane had subjected Rose to didn't damage her permanently. "Can I get you anything? Reading material at least."
"Sure," the Doctor agreed. That was probably a good idea; it would give him some distraction from the rumors swirling about UNIT. "I'd appreciate it, John."
Then Benton touched his shoulder, a friendly touch, and smiled at him. "Try not to worry, Doctor. Between you and the staff, she's getting the best care possible, and Rose isn't going to let Thane beat her."
"I know." The Doctor sighed and shifted back. "Just wish she's wake up."
The words felt dangerous, but he told himself it was fine. Rose was a future companion, and he was allowed to care about his companions. Benton had met enough of them to know that he cared about their safety. Still, John smiled a little in response to his words.
"She will," Benton promised. He started to stand up. "I'll get you some reading material, help keep you from going out of your mind, and get back to my reports. If you need anything, Doctor, you have but to ask." His smile widened. "We care about you both around here."
Then Benton left the room, leaving the Doctor with his thoughts as the rumors churned in his mind. He shouldn't be thinking about them. Humans liked to gossip, especially during stressful times, as a way to relax and bond. It wasn't surprising, not really that they'd latched onto him and Rose. But the Doctor couldn't help but worry that maybe he'd given too much away. He had no idea where rumors of them kissing might have started. His face flushed at the very idea, and he looked over at Rose, his gaze moving to her mouth against his will. Shaking his head, he pushed the thoughts away and happily accepted the reading material when Benton returned.