Chapter 7- Mickey

When Mickey had found the kitchen, the Doctor was already at the table, his jacket tossed across one of the chairs. A steaming mug of tea sat before him, but his lands lay folded on his stomach and he stared into space.

"S'gonna get cold." Mickey waved at the mug nonchalantly. He was slightly nervous. This strange man could leave him stranded on a planet with cannibalistic oak trees, if he felt like it. But that wasn't going to change Mickey's mind, he had to do this. With a quick breath he sat down at the table.

"I wanna say something. About today, that is." he folded his hands across the table and stared at them. He didn't want to look the Doctor in the eye, he had to say his piece before he muddled everything up. He could feel the Doctor shift in his seat and his eyes focus on him.

"Mickey..."

"No." Mickey shook his head firmly, and looked briefly at him before focusing on the TARDIS walls. "I have something to say, and I want to get it out. Before Rose walks in or you tell me how ridiculous I am." he paused and took a breath. "I know I don't belong here and this life doesn't suit me, and I'll get out as soon as I can. But I've got to know that you're going to take care of Rose. I can't leave knowing that you'll just up and leave her the next time a fancy royal is in distress." He blew out air, relaxing a bit now that that was out. He looked at the Doctor, searching for some kind of reaction. He didn't look violent or angry. Mickey was relieved, he was never adept at hand to hand combat.

"Oh Mickity Mick Mick." The Doctor sighed, weariness etched over his face. "You're growing up aren't you?" he reached forward and leaned his elbows on the table, rubbing his hands over his face. Mickey looked back at his hands, unsure how to respond.

"I just know now, that I don't have a place in Rose's life anymore, and I have to move on. I've got to go on and be my own person, but I still care about her." he raised an eyebrow and looked at him. "I have to know she won't be left behind."

"I came back didn't I?" The Doctor stated, still staring straight ahead. Mickey shrugged.

"Well yeah, but only so you could run back to Reinette. I have to say that surprised me." he shook his head. "I thought you cared." The Doctor's head snapped up, looking alarmed.

"I do." he said solemnly.

"Then act like it. She hasn't said anything, but you hurt her today." he said. The Doctor frowned.

"Is she alright?" Mickey shrugged.

"She doesn't talk to me anymore. It's like I hardly know her." Mickey rubbed his hands on his jeans and looked pointedly at him. "She's changed." The Doctor looked back at his tea mug, picking it up and swirling it around. Mickey got up and walked to the door. A thought crossed his mind and he turned around.

"Two and a half years ago Rose dropped out of school for a man who promised her love and a new life. Months later, she came home in debt and crushed by a man who considered to be no more than a toy." He scowled at the memory. "Don't you dare hurt her, else you'll have me andJackie after ya." He turned back and walked out the door. "Next stop, I'll be leaving." he paused. "Don't tell Rose."

"Mickey." the Doctor said, his voice thick. "I'll take care of her, but not because I have threats of you and Jackie hanging over me." Mickey looked back, unable to see the Doctor's expression. He was staring intently at his tea mug and didn't look up. He knew what was going through the Doctor's mind, he didn't have to see his face to know.

"I know." he turned away and walked out the door.