Chapter 7: Introductions with a Smile
"Where are we?" Amy asked looking around. "When are we would be a better question with this group," Rory stated plainly. The Doctor spun around, quickly taking in his surroundings. "Looks like Cardiff," he said. He inhaled. "Late July." He looked up at the sky, stuck an index finger into his mouth, pulled it out quickly, and held it up, as if checking the wind speed. "20…11, if I'm not mistaken," he spun to face the others, gloating. "2011…" he muttered, "good year…well sort of…"
The Doctor glanced around again. "Ahh, Millennium Center…" he mused aloud. "Love the silver…" he stopped short. His eyes grew wide. "Everyone, back in the TARDIS, NOW!" he yelled, pushing the others back toward the doors. "Why?" Amy whined, confused. "Because, I said so! And we need to go right now!" he stated quickly pushing her harder. River looked at him quizzically.
"Something wrong, sweetie?" she asked, planting her feet. He gave her a stern look then tried to smile; it was too forced and did not reach his eyes. "Nothing's wrong. I just think we should go before…"
"DOCTOR!" The word echoed loudly in the large open space. The Doctor froze and stiffened immediately.
Amy, Rory, and River turned toward the voice. They saw three figures coming quickly toward them. There was a tall man in front, leading the charge, waving his free arm wildly. He was followed closely by two women; one of which he had by the hand, pulling her along behind him.
"Do you know them?" Amy asked, leaning over to the Doctor. The Doctor's eye twitched. "Never saw them before. Let's go!" he took a step forward, toward the TARDIS door. "Well, they seem to know you, sweetie," River smiled. "And how do you propose to leave, my love? Get in the TARDIS and lock the door? She isn't working, remember?"
The Doctor opened his mouth in retort, then closed it again.
"DOCTOR!" Jack squealed as he skidded to a halt in front of the staring horde. "You've regenerated," Jack said breathlessly. He looked him up and down with a flick of his eyes. "You look younger… I like it," he smiled wickedly. The Doctor rolled his eyes and straightened his bow-tie. "No, Captain, that's Rory. I'm over here," the Doctor sighed. Jack blushed, cocked his head, and smiled. "Nice bow-tie." Amy and River groaned.
Jack then turned his attention to the trio standing behind the Doctor. His eyes first fell on River. He took a step forward, putting on his most devastating smile. "Captain Jack Harkness," his voice dripping with sweetness; he held out his hand. River smiled wickedly back, blushing ever-so-slightly. "Professor River Song." River took Jack's hand in hers.
"Now stop that," the Doctor stepped in-between the two. "Both of you, don't. Just don't," he gave each a look. "Jack, enough flirting," Gwen whispered. Jack dropped River's hand and clasped them both behind his back. He frowned slightly and looked at the Doctor, then back to River, raising an eyebrow. "Are you two…?"
The Doctor and River shared a quick glance; the Doctor raised an eyebrow; River smirked, shaking her head. "Spoilers…" she sang softly. Jack's eyes grew wide, reading the palpable tension in the air. "Okay…" Jack turned to Amy and Rory. "Jack Harkness," he smiled. "A-Amy," Amy stammered, smiling, lost in his eyes and bright smile. "Pleasure," Jack took her hand and kissed it gently. She giggled giddily.
Rory stiffened and cleared his throat loudly. "Rory, wasn't it?" Jack turned to Rory. "Yeah. My wife and I travel with the Doctor," Rory stated, placing an arm around Amy's shoulder, holding out his other hand to Jack. Jack took Rory's out-stretched hand. "Charmed," he bent his head and kissed Rory's hand. Rory looked at Amy, confusion on his face.
Amy looked stunned and confused. Jack lifted his head and looked at Rory; he winked flirtatiously, a devilish smile touching his lips. Rory blushed and dropped his head, staring at the ground, embarrassed. Amy shot a glance at the Doctor; he gave her a 'Yes, he's always like this, Pond,' look, sympathy in his eyes.
"Oh, where are my manners?" Jack clapped a hand to his head. "This is Gwen Cooper," Jack introduced. Gwen smiled briefly. "We've met before, I think," Gwen stated. "You didn't look… I mean, you looked different…" she stammered. "I tend to do that," the Doctor smiled, fixing his bow tie. "The whole looking different thing."
Gwen smiled curtly, shifting her weight slightly. A flash of blonde hair and sudden movement behind Gwen caught the Doctor's attention. He had forgotten about the other person in the large group; now, however, he couldn't take his eyes off of her. He cocked his head, brows furrowing in thought. He had a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach; a feeling that was somewhat familiar. Odessa felt a hard gaze and looked up slowly; the Doctor stared at her intently. Their eyes met for the very first time; there was a palpable electricity in the air.
River observed the Doctor and Odessa's gawking match; her eye twitched, a slight twinge of jealously coursed through her. "And who is this?" River asked stiffly, taking a menacing step toward Odessa.
"I'm Odessa," Odessa stepped forward, sidling up next to Gwen; she smiled and waved at the assemblage. "Odessa," the Doctor mused, not taking his eyes off of her. "That's a pretty name." Odessa blushed. "Thanks." River rolled her eyes and huffed loudly. "Oh, please…"
"I'm the Doctor," the Doctor shot out a hand, ignoring River's outburst. "I know," Odessa smirked, not taking his out-stretched hand. The Doctor dropped his hand. "You know what exactly?" River shot defensively. "River…" Amy placed a hand on her daughter's shoulder. River glared at Odessa.
"Well, now that we all know each other, what brings you to my neck of the woods?" Jack smiled, attempting to cut through the tension in the air.
"We – uh – sort of…broke down…" Rory stammered. Jack's eyes grew wide. "The TARDIS broke down? How is that even possible?" he gawked.
"That is a very good question," the Doctor mused, straightening his bow-tie.
