I awoke to someone stroking my hair. As I tried to get up the arm around my waist tightened, holding me closer to the person. Turning my head, I saw it was just the Doctor. I sighed, trying to figure out why he was laying in my bed with me. It felt nice and I felt safe, so very safe. It suddenly dawned on me that the last time I was conscience, I was in the console room. I turned my body to him, his arms still wrapped around my middle. His eyes were shut and he seemed to be at ease. "How did I get in here?"

"I carried you."

"Oh. What happened?"

"The intrusion of Cassandra in your mind set you off. You went a bit mad."

"Just a bit?" I glanced down, not wanting to make eye contact with him. "Did… did I hurt anyone?"

"No."

"Tell me the truth. Did I hurt anyone?"

"No one. Rose was in her room. I just tried to help."

"She didn't come out?"

"No."

"She's still upset then," I murmured.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing. How long have I been asleep?"

"Few hours."

"And have you been here?"

"A few hours."

"You didn't leave?"

"Once when Rose had called me."

I sighed and curled myself into him. "Thank you."

"It's fine."

"Of course you'd say that." He chuckled a bit. "I'm sorry, about what I'd said on Christmas."

"You were right though, in a way. I do want her back and you remind me so much of her, but I know the differences. You aren't her. She was taken by the High Council and made into a weapon. She's gone."

"Was she amazing?"

"Yes… but she wasn't perfect."

"Oh. Well, she was probably close enough. Do you miss her?"

"Not as much."

"Why not?"

"I just don't."

I softly smiled, accepting that he wouldn't tell me. I sat up, gently moving his arm from my waist and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "You should probably go." He watched at me with a confused expression. "I want to shower," I chuckled as I crept out of the bed.

"Oh, right," he nodded as he got up. I watched him walk to the door but he stopped, turned, and strode back to me. I observed him, a bit puzzled but that gave way to shock when he cupped my face and kissed me. "I don't kiss you because you remind me of her. I want to kiss you, if you allow me."

I shook my head, trying to get through the fog that clouded my thought. "I will but not in front of Rose." He nodded, gave me another kiss and left me to my own devices.

I stood there for a moment processing what had just transpired. I'd just given the Doctor permission to kiss me. As unsure as I was about his intentions, I was somewhat happy. Puffing out a breath of air, I walked to the bathroom and closed the door. I turned on the shower, making sure the water wasn't too hot before carefully peeling off my sweatpants. I removed the gauze and the rest of my clothing before gingerly entering the shower.

After taking care of all that I needed, I dressed and left the room. Making a quick pit stop to the kitchen, I grabbed a double chocolate chip muffin and walked to the console room. As I reached the door, I heard Rose and the Doctor talking. I stepped back, concealing myself in the shadows. "I don't know. It's like ever since you changed, she's been different."

"She's your sister, Rose and she was in pain."

"I know but that doesn't change anything. It's like she staked a claim on you."

"Still family," he replied, ignoring her last statement.

"Families argue and don't talk."

"When's the last time you and Cerys had a proper row? One that almost ruined your friendship?"

"When we were sixteen. It was after I found her…"

"Found her where?"

"Nowhere. Was she alright though? I heard the screams… and what she said. Why would she say those things?"

"Rose, it was because she had someone else in her head. The brain's extremely delicate and Cassandra's intrusion caused a slight break from reality. She's fine now."

"How would you know?"

"I went to check on her, something you should have done."

"Is this a lecture now?"

"I know what it's like to lose what's most important and I don't want you to feel that way. It's time to get over it and talk."

"I suppose." I took that as my cue and entered the room. The pair looked up, Rose quickly averted her gaze and the Doctor's eyes lighting up. "I'm going to change." She walked past me without a word.

"Where would you like to go?"

"I chose the last place so it's Rose's turn." He nodded as I went to sit in the captain's chair. The Doctor came over and stood in front of me. I watched him curiously, wondering what he was planning.

'Maybe I should do it now.' I heard him say.

"Do what now?"

"What?"

"You said…"

"I didn't say anything."

"Yes you did. I heard you!"

"Cerys, I haven't said anything. Maybe Cassandra's presence did more than I thought." He grabbed my arm and dragged me out of the console room.

"Where are we going?"

"Med-bay. I need to know if something else happened."

"What, besides my mental breakdown?"

"You heard us talking."

"A bit of it. What did I say?"

"Nothing."

I stopped, pulling him to be as he continued to stride down the corridor. "Please, don't lie to me."

"Does it matter?"

"Yes."

He sighed exasperated. "I'll tell you after I figure it all out."

"Promise?"

"Of course."

"Liar," I said with a small smile and continued to walk.

When we reached the medical centre, the Doctor placed me in a contraption and began to scan me. As he glanced at the monitor, I watched as his eyes flickered to me in slight disbelief. The more he looked from the screen to me, the antsier I grew. Then a smile came grew and he came over, shutting down the machine. "So…"

"You're fine. It was really just an aftereffect."

"Then why are you smiling?"

"I'm glad you're alright."

"Um, okay. Can we go back to the console room? Rose is probably waiting. His smile faded a bit but he nodded and grabbed my hand.

We had gotten to the console room only minutes before Rose walked in wearing denim mini-dungarees, oblivious to the fact we had left the room. "What do you think of this? Will it do?"

"In the late 1970s? You'd be better off in a bin bag." She rolled her eyes at him. "Hold on, listen to this." The Doctor inserted a CD into the Tardis music player. "Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Number One in 1979."

"You're a punk." I smiled at that.

"It's good to be a lunatic," he sang along.

"That's what you are. A big old punk with a bit of rockabilly thrown in."

"Would you like to see him?"

"How'd you mean? In concert?" Rose asked.

"What else is a Tardis for? I can take you to the Battle of Trafalgar, the first anti-gravity Olympics, Caesar crossing the Rubicon or Ian Dury at the Top Rank, Sheffield, England, Earth, 21st November, 1979. What do you think?"

"Sheffield it is."

"Hold on tight." I watched as he beat to the rhythm of the song on the console.

"Stop!" the man yelled as he banged his hammer against the console. The Tardis came to a sudden stop that threw us to the floor. I landed on my front, ultimately hitting my leg on the floor. I let out a small hiss before looking up hoping they hadn't noticed. When I felt they hadn't I stood, and walked over to the console.

"1979. Hell of a year. China invades Vietnam. The Muppet Movie. Love that film. Margaret Thatcher. Urgh. Skylab falls to Earth, with a little help from me. Nearly took off my thumb." I laughed at him and led the way out, stopping myself as I reached out to link my arm with Rose's. Looking down, I stepped out, followed by Rose and the Doctor. I suddenly stopped, cautiously glancing at the men in front of me with their rifles cocked. "And I like my thumb. I need my thumb. I'm very attached to…" the Doctor noticed them, "my thumb." He and Rose held up their hands in surrender. Seeing we were surrounded by the men. The man in charge sat upon a beautiful black horse. "1879. Same difference."

"No, it isn't," I hissed.

"You will explain your presence. And the nakedness of this girl," the man said referring to Rose's attire.

The Doctor started to speak, donning a Scottish accent. "Are we in Scotland?"

"How can you be so ignorant of that?"

"Oh, I'm, I'm dazed and confused. Her sister and I've been chasing this, this wee naked child over hill and over dale. Isn't that right, ya timorous beastie?"

Rose glared at him. "Och, aye! I've been oot and aboot."

"No, don't do that."

"Hoots mon."

"Rose…"

"No, really don't. Really," the Doctor stressed.

"Will you identify yourself, sir?"

"I'm Doctor James McCrimmon, from the township of Balamory. I have my credentials, if I may." The Doctor reached inside his coat and pulled out the psychic paper. Rose dropped her hands and tried to cover herself up. "As you can see, a Doctorate from the University of Edinburgh. I trained under Doctor Bell himself."

"Let them approach," said a voice within the carriage.

"I don't think that's wise, ma'am."

"Let them approach."

"You will approach the carriage, and show all due deference." A footman opened the door as we walked over, showing us Queen Victoria. "Rose, Cerys, might I introduce her Majesty Queen Victoria. Empress of India and Defender of the Faith."

"Rose Tyler, Ma'am. And my apologies for being so naked."

"I've had five daughters. It's nothing to me. But you, Doctor. Show me your credentials." He gave her the psychic paper. "Why didn't you say so immediately? It states clearly here that you have been appointed by the Lord Provost as my Protector."

"Does it? Yes, it does. Good. Good. Then let me ask - why is Your Majesty travelling by road when there's a train all the way to Aberdeen?"

"A tree on the line."

"An accident?"

"I am the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Everything around me tends to be planned."

"An assassination attempt?"

"What, seriously? There's people out to kill ya?"

"I'm quite used to staring down the barrel of a gun."

The man in charge joined us. "Sir Robert MacLeish lives but ten miles hence. We've sent word ahead. He'll shelter us for tonight, then we can reach Balmoral tomorrow."

"This Doctor, the sister, and his timorous beastie will come with us."

"Yes, Ma'am. We'd better get moving - it's almost nightfall."

"Indeed. And there are stories of wolves in these parts. Fanciful tales intended to scare the children. But good for the blood, I think. Drive on!"

We began to walk alongside the carriage. I was looking around, taking in the scenery. It was peaceful out, quiet. "It's funny though, because you say assassination and you just think of Kennedy and stuff. Not her," Rose admitted.

"1879? I think there's been six attempts on her life," I replied, momentarily forgetting she was ignoring me. I quickly went back to observing; noticing the concerned glance the Doctor shot me.

"I'll tell you something else. We just met Queen Victoria!"

"I know!"

"What a laugh!"

"She was just sitting there."

"Like a stamp."

"I want her to say we are not amused. I bet you five quid I can make her say it."

"Well, if I gambled on that, it'd be an abuse of my privileges of traveller in time."

"Ten quid?"

"Done." I shook my head at the two of them but remained silent.

We had walked for hours before we reached where we would be lodging for the night and I was excited to see it was a beautiful old place. When we reached the courtyard, a man met us, bowing to Queen Victoria. "Your Majesty."

"Sir Robert. My apologies for the emergency. And how is Lady Isobel?"

"She's indisposed, I'm afraid. She's gone to Edinburgh for the season. And she's taken the cook with her. The kitchens are barely stocked. I wouldn't blame Your Majesty if you wanted to ride on." I cocked my head to the side, confused as to why he was attempting to have the Queen continue on.

"Oh, not at all. I've had quite enough carriage exercise. And this is charming, if rustic. It's my first visit to this house. My late husband spoke of it often. The Torchwood Estate. Now, shall we go inside? And please excuse the naked girl."

"Sorry."

"She's a feral child. Her sister, not so much. I bought them for twelve pence in old London Town. It was them or the Elephant Man, so…"

"Thinks he's funny but I'm so not amused. What do you think, ma'am?"

"It hardly matters. Shall we proceed?"

"So close," Rose whispered as Queen Victoria entered the house.

The commander, Reynolds, walked over to us, with two men in tow. "Makerson and Ramsey, you will escort the property. Hurry up."

"Yes, sir."

I curiously watched as they removed a small box from the vehicle and brought it into the house. "What's in there, then?"

"Property of the Crown. You will dismiss any further thoughts, sir. The rest of you go to the rear of the house. Assume your designated positions."

"You heard the orders," one man said to another.

"Sir."

We walked into the house, a feeling of dread rising up within me. Something wasn't right about the place. I kept my qualms to myself, waiting until I had more information before telling the Doctor and Rose. Silently, I followed them to the observatory.

"This, I take it, is the famous Endeavour," the Queen said as she motioned to a massive bronze telescope that stood by the window.

"All my father's work. Built by hand in his final years. Became something of an obsession. He spent his money on this rather than caring for the house or himself."

"I wish I'd met him. I like him. That thing's beautiful. Can I, em?" He motioned to the telescope.

"Help yourself."

The Doctor walked over to it, scrutinising it. Rose and I joined him although Rose just watched the Doctor. "What did he model it on?"

"I know nothing about it. To be honest, most of us thought him a little, shall we say, eccentric. I wish now I'd spent more time with him… listened to his stories."

"It's a bit rubbish. How many prisms has it got? Way too many. The magnification's gone right over the top. That's stupid kind of…"

"Doctor."

"I'm being rude again?"

"Yep," Rose answered, patting his arm.

"But it's pretty. It's very pretty."

"Some save that was."

"And the imagination of it should be applauded."

"Mmm. Thought you might disapprove, Your Majesty. Stargazing. Isn't that a bit fanciful? You could easily not be amused, or something? No?" The Doctor smirked, looking down to hide it as he rubbed his eye.

"This device surveys the infinite work of God. What could be finer? Sir Robert's father was an example to us all. A polymath, steeped in astronomy and sciences, yet equally well versed in folklore and fairy tales."

"Stars and magic. I like him more and more."

"Oh, my late husband enjoyed his company. Prince Albert himself was acquainted with many rural superstitions, coming as he did from Saxe Coburg."

"That's Bavaria," he whispered to us.

"When Albert was told about your local wolf, he was transported."

"So, what's this wolf, then?"

"It's just a story."

"Then tell it."

He snuck a peek to the servants. "It's said that-" He was interrupted by his bald butler. I examined the man. He was different from any butlers I'd been around or seen. I made a mental note of it.

"Excuse me, sir. Perhaps her Majesty's party could repair to their rooms. It's almost dark."

"Of course. Yes, of course."

"And then supper. And could we find some clothes for Miss Tyler? I'm tired of nakedness. Her sister as well."

"It's not amusing, is it?"

The Queen glanced at Rose and then turned back, ignoring her. "Sir Robert, your wife must have left some clothes. See to it. We shall dine at seven, and talk some more of this wolf. After all, there is a full moon tonight."

"So there is, Ma'am."

Rose and I were escorted to a bedroom and shown the wardrobe. As she went through its contents, I laid on the bed staring at the ceiling. "How long is this going to last?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I'm talking about, Rose. Since Christmas you've been ignoring me."

"And?"

"Are you seriously still upset that I snapped at you?"

"No."

"Then what is it?"

"It's your fault he changed!"

"My fault? You took in the Time Vortex, Rose."

"So did you."

"To save your life!" I all but screeched in annoyance. "Is that what's this is really about, you blaming me because he regenerated? He could have let me die but he didn't. The Doctor chose to save me, just like I chose to save you."

"You just wanted him to kiss you!"

"What does that have- oh, do you fancy him, Rose?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Do you?"

"Maybe but it's not like I stand a chance. It's always you Cerys. He doesn't look at me like he does you."

"You're the one who pushed us together. If you didn't want this to happen then you shouldn't have done it."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that for the first time in a very long time, I'm saying no to you. You can't have the Doctor, Rose. I care about him a lot and I'm not going to let you take that from me. I've always backed off those times we happened to like the same guy but not now, not this time."

"Mickey was right, you do love him."

"I don't know if it's love but I don't want to give him up. I've never felt this happy with someone before and I- I can't…" I looked up, trying to keep my tears from falling. When I had accomplished that, I returned my gaze to Rose, who wore a guilty expression. "Are we good?" She nodded, pulling me into a hug.

"I'm sorry, Cerys." She looked away thoughtful for a moment. "You should tell him. Even someone as stubborn as me could see he fancies you."

"Yeah, I know," I answered with a small smile before I pulled away and turned my attention to the wardrobe. Quickly going through it, I found a blue velvet dress for Rose and a purple one for myself. "Here. Put that on." She nodded and took the dress from me, placing it on the bed beside mine, before she went to look around, opening another wardrobe and yelping.

"Cerys. You should come see this." I walked over, seeing that Rose had found a housemaid in one of the cupboards.

"They came through the house. In the excitement they took the Steward and the Master, and my Lady."

"Listen, we've got a friend. He's called the Doctor. He'll know what to do. You've got to come with us."

"Oh, but I can't, Miss."

"What's your name?" I asked.

"Flora."

"Flora, we'll be safe. There's more people arrived downstairs, soldiers and everything, and they can help us. I promise. Come on. Okay? Come on."

The girl nodded and we all left the room. Out in the corridor, once the coast was clear, we came to a corner, finding a soldier lying on the floor. "Oh, Miss. I did warn you."

I bent down and checked the man. He had a pulse which was a good thing. "He's alive. He was either drugged or knocked unconscious. I think it's the later-" Before I could finish, someone grabbed me around my waist and covered my mouth. I looked up to see the same happening to Rose and Flora. I struggled a bit but the person was too strong. Eventually they placed something over my nose causing me to pass out.

Hello all. So as of now, I'll be updating every two days since I suck at doing the every other day posting while I'm away. Uh, that's all I really had to say. Thanks so much for the reviews. I love hearing your opinions and from you in general.

NicoleR85: Same here. I really hoped you enjoyed this chapter then. I try really hard to make Cerys that way and I hoped it worked.

I'm-a-Klaus-addict: Well, you definitely got the answer for how the Doctor'll react. Not awkward at all haha. But yeah, Cerys will definitely surpass Rose. Caffeine is amazing! Without it, I'd never get anything done. But keep looking for those connections.

dream lighting: Nope, Rose does not hate Cerys. They're best friends and like all best friends, they argue and all. But Cerys might finally open up and tell him what's bothering her... or she might not.