A/N: I slightly liked writing this chapter. Maybe it was dwelling with an extreme amount of sickness with a character, I don't know. And I hope you like this chapter.

Please R/R.

XXXXX

Chapter 5: Companionship…

The Doctor sighed as he sat down by Tash's bed, he didn't know what to make of her condition. She slept for days on end and he was worried and extremely concerned. Was she dying? He didn't know. He checked her blood for infections and various tests. In addition, he spooned various Mala'shraian medicines into her mouth carefully. She had been occasionally feverish as well and so he often took a soft wet cloth and dabbed it across her head. Touching her skin, it was very clammy to his touch, plus sometimes took on a light warm golden glow, that clearly wasn't human in origin and made the Doctor think about his regeneration occasionally. Frequently he would comment, "Just once I wish Rose was still around." Nursing wasn't really his thing; it was too much close to domestics but being concerned for a friend he was willing to step out of his zone.

On the second week of this delicate care, when Tash called him Ti'wellan, her long dead brother, the Doctor knew that Tash wasn't in her right mind and that the fever she was having was dangerously high. He had finally had it and taking her in his arms, he stripped her of all her clothing and placed her in an ice bath to lower her temperature. He debated often whether or not to touch her mind to see if the problem was based in her psyche. Although part of him didn't want to do it as Tash was telepathic as well, plus he remembered how Reinette was able to read his mind when he touched her. If he could read Tash's mind then more than likely she could read his as well. He did not want to add any more worry upon the fevered Mala'shraian's mind. So he waited patiently and cared for Tash, because what more could he do?

On the fifteenth day, the third week he had Tash onboard the TARDIS, he was ecstatic to see her open her eyes, "You're alive….I thought a few times that you were going to die."

Tash sighed weakly, "What happened? All I remember is lying down for a few hours and…."

The Doctor chuckled,"A few hours, try a few weeks."

Tash blushed lightly, "Was I sick? I am sorry. I will do all I can to…."

He shook his head, blasted Mala'shraians and there idea of reciprocating generosity. Depending on how close a friend you were with a Mala'shraian, the level of generosity increased. Some followed it religiously others not so much. It was clear that Tash tried to follow the tenets of her race and beliefs to the utmost. She was a good heart. Too good in fact, that her ideas of virtue were so warm and inviting that she had worn herself out in the task of taking care of her offspring. Tash was in no condition to offer anything back for all the care he had given her.

He sighed, "You owe me nothing Tash. Just live a little longer that's all."

He offered her water and Tash gulped it down in eager greedy swallows. He then asked her, "Do you think you could handle anything to eat? You must be starving."

Tash looked thoughtful, "Yes, as long as it has no meat to it, Doctor. I am a vegetarian."

He smiled and he ruffled her hair a bit, pleased to know she was hungry and to be picky enough to remind him of her species' dietary habits. She then said something that alarmed him, "Doctor, please may I stay with you. I once remembered being in your garden. It could use tending. When was the last time you had anyone tend your garden?"

The Doctor looked thoughtful, "I haven't done anything to my garden since the Time War, Tash. I am afraid that my garden has gotten a bit unsightly since I last did anything to it. I know Rose tried to do something with it once, but she really didn't have a green thumb. Gardening really wasn't her thing. Why do you want to stay? And why do you want to tend my garden?"

Tash sighed, "It has been a long time since I have planted or looked after any gardens, Doctor, and I have been too busy back home to even consider just simple gardening just for fun. I remember when gardening was supposed to be fun. Now all it is is work."

The Doctor smiled lightly, "Then Tash, consider it a gift, I give to you the TARDIS garden, for your pleasure."

Tash leaped from her bed, any previous signs of being sick or tired diminished from her body. She threw her arms around the Doctor and gave him a tremendous hug. "Oh thank you, thank you."

The Doctor chuckled, "If I knew that was going to make you well, I should have offered you the garden right off. But since you're so fond of gardens and plants, I'll take you to all of the greatest gardens of the universe. I think you would like that. Come to think of it. I haven't been to some of those places since…." He sighed and he paused, he didn't want to say the Time War, but it was on the tip of his tongue regardless. He then said, "It's just been awhile."

Tash shook her head, "Oh no, that would be way too much, Doctor. I couldn't. I just couldn't take that offer from you. It wouldn't be right, it wouldn't be fair."

He sighed; leave it to a Mala'shraian to be so very unassuming to the point of rejecting his minor offers to see the universe with him. He would have to offer at least four or five times before she accepted.

"Are you sure Tash?"

"I am quite sure; tending your garden is more than enough."

"Well it doesn't really matter to me. I am just happy to go anywhere. But I know you're fond of gardens. I wouldn't mind taking you."

"Doctor, you took care of me. I assure you. I am happy enough."

The Doctor sighed, this bordered on insanity. He could tell that Tash liked the offer, but it was extremely annoying to have to ask again and again. But he knew that if he didn't, she would then complain that he hadn't taken her to those places, and that she had really wanted to go. And even if he did take her without her consent, she would hound him with saying that she hadn't asked for it in the first place.

He had finally had enough of it though and said, "Confound it you silly Mala'shraian, just accept my offer."

Tash blushed slightly embarrassed, "Honestly, you really are impatient, Doctor. Very well, if you insist…."

The Doctor grinned, "That wasn't so bad. I don't know what it is with your people, but you act like it would kill you just to accept something. Come on though; let's get you something to eat first."