"Doctor, why are we here? I mean, this is 21st Century Earth!!"
"Well," drawing out the sound, "I thought I'd give you a treat, you know, a day off from the usual running for our lives while saving the universe... That's ok, right?" Big, brown eyes met Rose's, giving her the innocent-puppy-dog-look that he knew full well she couldn't resist.
"Yeah, 'course it's ok. But why is it so hot? We're not in London, are we?"
"Oh, no! This is Sydney, Australia. It's the 23rd of January, 2010, and this-" he paused for dramatic effect "-is the Olympic Park." Spreading his arms, the Doctor spun around in a small circle to emphasise his meaning.
Realisation entered Rose's eyes, as she turned and saw the Acer Stadium, made famous during the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. She proceeded to face the Doctor, gawping at him.
"But why? I mean, it is, 'coz I remember watching the Olympics on TV when I was 14, which made me want to backpack around Australia for years... but why are we here?" The Doctor just smiled enigmatically when Rose gazed at him quizzically. "Is this why you brought me here? To be a typical tourist for once?"
Running his hand through his brown hair, the Doctor looked away, muttering something about "Suspicious humans... curious... have to know everything..." then turned around and walked away, leaving Rose on her own outside the TARDIS.
"Doctor, why are we here, really? Is someone in trouble?" Rose spotted a fairly large group of people walking towards a fenced off area just near the big arena. "What're all these people doing? Is there a show or something?"
"If by show you mean the world's biggest travelling music festival to date, then yes, there's a show. Rose Tyler, this is the Big Day Out. Over 12 hours of non-stop music, with 6 different stages, over 700 people travelling with the gig, markets, friendly people, good food, and sun. Actually, lots of sun. How warm is it? Hmm," the Doctor licked a finger, and held it to the sky. "It's about 35 degrees Celsius, and it's only 10.30am. It's going to be a hot one. In fact, as I recall, it was very hot according to the reports..." He headed back towards the TARDIS, Rose close behind. As he disappeared inside, Rose felt slightly disappointed. She had said it was hot, and now the Doctor wanted to leave, coz she was complaining. She lingered at the door in hope that that may be enough to let her stay.
He can't be that protective of my well-being, can he? I mean, I've dressed in summery casual anyway...
After about three minutes of leaning up against the TARDIS's door, Rose jumped back as the Doctor's head poked out, removing her support.
"There you are! Here," he handed Rose a strange, faintly green bottle. "Spray it on your skin. It acts like a sunscreen, and cools your skin at the same time. Thought you may need it, seeing how susceptible you humans are to sunburn and skin cancer!"
"So we're staying?" Please, please, please let us be staying!!!
"'Course we are, why'd you think different?"
Oh "Never mind. Let's just go and enjoy ourselves!" With that, Rose covered her arms, legs and her back that was seen through her shirt with the soft, iridescent pink spray, handed it back to the Doctor, and skipped off towards the growing crowds. The Doctor pocketed the spray, closed the TARDIS, and headed after her.
As they approached the large group of people, Rose looked at the Doctor questioningly. Usually, a day off meant staying in the Time Vortex and pottering around, or going, after much convincing, to see Jackie. Rose didn't mind this change in routine, but wondered what had brought it on. Admittedly, she had been complaining about the lack of social life the two of them had, and how, whenever the Doctor brought her back to 21st Century Earth, it always seemed to be in the UK, even if they weren't due to see Jackie!
"What?" The Doctor had caught onto her look, and was now very worried. "Have I done something wrong?"
"No. Well, not yet," the Doctor gave Rose a hurt look then. "It's bound to happen at some stage! But really, I am curious why we're here. I'm certainly not complaining! Just curious, me."
"We're here to enjoy some good music, with good people. Does there have to be any other reason?" The Doctor scuffed his Converse-clad feet along the ground, hands stuffed in pockets, as he walked. 'Now he's sulky. Dammit, Rose, why'd you ruin his good mood??' Rose sought to lighten the mood, so she skipped a couple of steps to put her arm through his.
"Who's playing? I mean, we have the choice of many of these gigs, all over the world, so what makes this one stand out?"
Instantly, Rose was rewarded with the nearly maniacal grin of her second Doctor. "I'm sure you'll figure out who's headlining when we walk through the gates, but, to name a few, Karnivool, Lily Allen," said with a slight grimace, " Dizzie Rascal, Eskimo Joe, Jet, Midnight Juggernauts, Girl Talk, Sherlock's Daughter (they're going to be huge after this gig), Rise Against, Masterdon and Groove Armada are playing. It's a great line-up. And," he gave Rose a very pointed look, "You better be able to stay up til 11!"
Before Rose got a chance to ask what he meant by that last statement, the Doctor whipped two tickets out of his pockets, gave one to Rose, and walked through the gates. As they walked through, Rose was given a free program, and she flicked through to the line-up for the day. And, when she saw who were finishing the day, she let out a small gasp.
"This is why we're here. I'm sorry, but something had to stop you playing those songs for eternity. I couldn't last that long!"
"THANK YOU!!!!!" Rose ran at the Doctor, and crushed him in a bear hug.
"I'm getting to old for this. 900 years is fine and dandy when you're battling Daleks, but when being hugged by a 20 year old human girl? You're going to make me regenerate again if you keep doing that!" Though it was said in lightness, the Doctor thought it was possible. Stuffing his hands into his pockets, the Doctor turned on his heels, and started to walk, Rose hot on his heels.
"So, where to first, Doctor?"
"Dunno... Thought Sherlock's Daughter would be good to check out, you know, before they hit it big"
"Sounds good."
With that, they disappeared into the thickening crowds of people.