2 - Up In The Air
He didn't know she was watching him. Probably for the best really because he would have only gotten embarrassed and flustered, and when he got in that state he went on a more insane ramble than usual. So Rose stayed silent and watched through the gap in the door.
The Doctor was sitting on the edge of the bed with his back to her, facing the window that looked out upon the grand gardens of Pete Tyler's mansion – the place they both now called home. He had the stethoscope plugged into his ears and had the other end pressed against his chest. He moved it around, listening intently for about two minutes. Then with an angrily exhale and a light curse, he ripped the stethoscope off his ears and tossed it across the room. Rose watched him lean forward, elbows on his knees, and hang his head.
She wanted to go in to comfort him, but she knew he wouldn't have it. He would pretend there was nothing wrong as usual, and probably try and prove it by talking her into going on another wild goose chase for Torchwood. She watched him, heartbroken at the self-pity she could feel emitting from the room, and then put her hand on the door handle.
'Sweetheart?' her mothers tentative voice said from behind. 'Are you okay?'
Rose turned and glanced over her shoulder, and then gently closed the door. 'Yeah,' she said, turning around and smiling. 'Fine. What's wrong?'
'Oh nothing,' Jackie Tyler smiled and shrugged her little shoulders. 'Me and your dad are just going to pop out for a bit with Tony. Just wondering if the two of you wanted to tag along? There won't be any nasty aliens to chase or families to rescue from burning buildings or anything but…' She trailed off as her mother's instinct kicked in. 'Are you sure there's nothing wrong, love?'
Rose glanced away to the floor and half smiled. 'Nothing.' She lied. 'I was just coming to see what the Doctor was doing.'
'Bet he's still in bed, the lazy sod.' Jackie joked. 'Never pulls his weight around this place. Never thought he would be a welfare bum.'
Rose frowned vaguely. 'He's not.' She said, defensively.
'I know, love. I was just kidding.' She stood and regarded her daughter for a moment. 'Are you sure you don't want to come along? Might be nice for you to get a bit fresh air that isn't from running around for that bloody Torchwood. They work you too hard, if you ask me. Both of you.'
Rose nodded. 'I think you're right.' She paused. 'Mum, I think that maybe there's something wrong with-'
The bedroom door behind her swung open and the Doctor appeared. He blinked at the two women in the hallway, surprised at their presence, and then smiled. 'Well, good morning ladies.' He beamed as he finished buttoning up his shirt. 'We're in a house with over twenty bedrooms and yet the two of you still insist on hanging around outside of mine. Lucky man, me.'
Jackie screwed up her nose. 'Don't flatter yourself, sunshine.' She nodded to Rose and lifted an eyebrow. 'And see if you can cheer her face up a little, will you? Been trying to get her to come out with us but she's got a face like a bulldog chewing on a wasp. The pair of you should take it easy. Go to the pictures or something.'
The Doctor glanced to Rose looking slightly concerned, but she just looked away. 'Don't worry, Jackie,' he smiled. 'I'm sure we'll find something interesting to help waste the day.'
'No aliens?' Jackie frowned, placing a hand on her hip.
'Cross my hearts,' the Doctor replied, drawing a cross on his chest with his finger.
'Heart.' Rose corrected, and then headed away down the corridor without another word.
The Doctor watched her go in confusion before turning to Jackie. 'What's the matter?' he asked. 'Have I done something?'
Jackie looked at him solemnly. 'I think you know what the problem is.' She said quietly. She looked at him knowingly for a moment longer before turning and heading down the stairs. The Doctor watched after Jackie, and then looked after Rose. He contemplated going after her. They would have to talk this out sooner or later. Sooner rather than later, taking what he had just heard with his stethoscope.
He went down the stairs instead. He couldn't quite face it. Not yet, anyway. It could wait a little longer.
