D: Hey all, I'm really sorry for the slow update, I've had my ass handed to me because of finals these past weeks and I wanted to wait until I could sit down and entirely focus on a chapter. So, big news, I've decided to go ahead and make the "Human Nature" episode the last bit to this story, then move onto a new story idea I've been mulling over. I will have the first chapter of that posted later on today, hopefully, if not some time tomorrow. Anyway, thank you to everyone who has favorited and alerted my story, or just my author page, this one is dedicated to you!
Disclaimer: Thank you for reminding me… I don't own DW or any media I may use.
Twyla's outfit before the episode begins:
http:/www[dot]polyvore[dot]com/cgi/set?id=41046455
What Ten Seconds Can Do
Chapter 8: Family Ties
" 'Case Every time we touch, I get this feeling, and every time we kiss I swear I can fly!' " Twyla belted out as her iPod rang out the same tune on its stand on the TARDS' kitchen counter. A bemused Jack Harkness watched from the doorway, not giving any indication of his presence." 'And every time we touch, I feel the static, and every time we kiss, I reach for the sky!' "
" 'Can't you hear my heart, beating so fast, I want this to last!' " Jack sang out, off key unlike Twyla's pretty soprano." 'I need you by my side!' "
The girl in question jumped a mile in the air when she heard an unlikely duet partner chime into her performance. She blushed and tugged the hem of her shirt down as Jack fully entered the kitchen. She had opted for a little more casual form of her normal attire; wearing a black tank top with a rose and skull drawn on the front, elbow-high red fingerless gloves, black shorts that cut high on her thigh, and black ankle boots with a slight heel. Jack grinned at her as he raked his eyes over her attire, lingering on her legs, and then tugged her in for a hug.
"Was there a reason you barged in on my music time?" Twyla asked. She didn't object to the hug, hanging her own arms loosely around his neck and playing with the collar of his black button-up shirt." Or did you just come to listen to me?"
"Actually, the Doctor wanted me to tell you we're almost to your chosen destination," Jack said playing with the ends of Twyla's red-brown curls." He also said to say sorry for the delay, he didn't know that a wrong turn in the twentieth century would end in a crisis with a hospital on the moon…"
"Don't worry about that, it was entertaining," Twyla said absently," Especially when that pretty doctor girl tried hitting on the Doctor and Rose went all 'hands off my space man' mode."
"Yes that was both entertaining and a tad terrifying," Jack said with a grin. He let Twyla wiggle out of his grasp, and watched her sashay towards the console room." Thank you higher power for beautiful alien princesses…"
"I heard that!" Twyla's voice rang out.
"You were supposed to!" Jack called back. He scurried after the girl, her iPod still blasting out the familiar techno tune as the door swung shut, ominously as if it knew the chaos to ensue next.
~*DW*~
Rose, Jack, and Twyla slammed into the TARDIS as the Doctor sprinted in after them, jumping completely over Twyla and Jack, then helping Rose to her feet before scurrying over to the computer screen of the TARDIS.
"What was that-"
"Twyla did they see you?" The Doctor cut off the auburn haired girl.
"No, Jack and I were running ahead of you and Rose, they didn't see us…" Twyla answered immediately. She rubbed the side of her neck, aching from their tumble." Why is that even-"
"Rose," The Doctor said carefully," Did they see you? This is very important… I need to know if they saw your face…"
"No, they didn't see me Doctor…" Rose said. She came up next to him and tried reading the flashing Gallifrey symbols, but they moved too fast for her new understanding of it." Why… Why is it important?"
"Because they didn't smell you, or see you," the Doctor said," Or them…" he indicated Jack and Twyla who were righting themselves now." The Family is known for their short life spans, as well as their power to smell out one scent once they breathe it in… They were chasing us because they wanted to absorb me… Would want both of us if they had seen you… Time Lords have long life spans, absorbing us would-"
"They would live forever," Twyla clarified. She saw the Doctor sprinting around the room and saw him pause, speaking in a quick and low voice to a computer for what seemed like a good five minutes, before turning back." Well what are we going to do?"
"You three are going to do nothing but hide," The Doctor said. Before anyone could protest, he produced a fob watch from his endless pockets, then turned towards Rose." Rose, you have to do exactly what I say, okay?"
"Of course," Rose said immediately. Jack and Twyla were less keen on this idea, but they could do little else but agree with the brunette as she listened to the Doctor's plan." So, you're tellin' me, we're going to go under cova' as regular humans in an unimportant year, for two months… Long enough for the Family to die, so that they can't absorb us and live on forever reapin' the galaxies… Have I got it all?"
"Yes," the Doctor said," And I've left a video of instructions for if you have any questions… They won't be able to smell you because the TARDIS will mask your scent, you're still newly changed by her gift so you don't smell entirely Time Lord yet… And since they didn't see any of you, they only know about me, but they can only smell me…" The Doctor paused, taking Rose's hands in his own." Rose I love you, please remember that…"
"Course I will… How could I eva' forget?" Rose asked worriedly. The Doctor leaned down and kissed her gently, and she relaxed a little.
"The TARDIS will plant memories in my head, make it so we can live in whatever time she lands in," The Doctor explained," But I can't promise what she will do… You may have to make me fall in love with you again Miss Tyler…"
"Only took me three years, the first time…" Rose quipped good naturedly. She kissed the Doctor again, and tried to hide the few shy tears sliding out." It's only a month, anyway… We've been through worse…"
"Only question is, how are you going to be human?" Twyla interrupted from her perch against one of the coral columns of the TARDIS. Jack was leaning behind her, his arm protective above her on the coral." You don't just change your genetics, Doctor…"
"Actually, I do exactly that," The Doctor said pulling the Chameleon Arch down from its place above him. All chaos broke after that.
~*DW*~
John Smith opened his eyes, gazing frantically around his normal bedroom/ study; his brow was wet with cold sweat and his breathing was labored from the dream he had been thrust from. He shot up from his bed and ran towards his desk, pen already in hand and his journal being yanked out to jot down the dream. He paused, once it was all written down, scanning over all the other stories he had gotten down. He sighed, running a hand down his face and beginning to get dressed. He was knotting his tie when a knock was heard at his door; John's lips quirked up in a smile and instead of answering he just waited for the abrasive auburn haired girl to barge in, like she always did.
"Don't know why you even bother knocking, Twyla," John said finishing his tie and watching his sister-in-law set the tea tray on his desk and begin gathering up some books." God knows you don't need to, you have perfect timing… Always right when I'm tying this bloody tie…"
"Jack says I need to at least attempt some decorum," Twyla huffed. John chuckled at this and finished his tie while she poured both of them tea. She tugged self consciously at the gold and purple ring on her ring finger, then began fidgeting with the band of her black and silver choker. She gave up on these movements moments later, instead playing with the glasses perched on her nose and the sleeve of her pea coat. Twyla never was comfortable in the long skirts and sleeved coats and shirts it was proper to wear. John knew that his brother often let Twyla gallivant around in loose clothing and the like when they were alone or at the small flat they shared- having visited many a times and been caught with the sight of little Twyla in what constituted as under garments." Anyway, hurry it up, we have to return these books, and then Jack is going to take us into town tonight… Says you should ask a friend… Maybe that brunette math teacher you're always walking around with…?"
"R-Rose?" John cried, sputtering and red in the face at the mention of the beautiful brunette teacher. Twyla smiled knowingly and tapped the tip of her nose with a grin, turning to grab more books." I had another dream last night…"
"Oh?" Twyla said. John didn't catch the pause in her movements, nor the hopeful tint in her eyes." You were there… And my brother… And Rose…"
"Your dreams would make phenomenal books, John," Twyla smiled. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear where a cloth rose was perched, only making John think more of the dream, and Rose. Twyla was chatting again, but John's mind was consumed by the pretty brunette woman he had gotten so close to the past month and a half." John? John! Oh lord, you're off in the clouds again… All the way up in the stars, you are…"
"Stars?" John asked curiously. Twyla rolled her eyes and began gathering up all the books to leave." You know… I think I will ask Rose to go to town with us…"
"Knew you would," Twyla said in her easy American accent. She waved goodbye to John and headed towards the Library. John stuffed a few last minute things into his bag before scurrying off towards his first class. On his way, he began flipping though a notebook of notes for the physics class that day, and nearly rammed over a small feminine figure. He dropped his book and caught onto the tiny waist of none other then Miss Rose Tyler, Math Professor and center of his daydreams.
"Oh! John!" Rose smiled. Her unique golden eyes shone with the smile she gave him, as she leant over to help him pick up his things. John tried to pile his books back up, but every time his fingers brushed over Rose's, he dropped them all again. Finally, they managed to sort out all the books and right themselves." Sorry, I wasn't paying attention… Nurse Redfern gave me this new book on the stars and I was so absorbed-"
"Are you busy tonight?" John blurted out. Rose gave him a curious glanced but only smiled and tilted her head at his question, while he himself blushed a light pink and began to stutter." Wh-what I mean is, Twyla and Jack are making me go into town with them again, and I always feel like a third wheel- hard not to with them… they've been married nearly two years and they're still in that newlywed phase… But I thought, maybe you would want to join us… If you would rather not, I would understand but I hope you-"
"I'd love to John" Rose said, putting her hand on his elbow to calm his babbling. John smiled, growing bold at her smile and tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow, leading towards her class." Walking me to class again Professor Smith?"
"Only if you don't mind Professor Tyler," John smirked back. Rose gave him a brilliant smile and squeezed the hand on his elbow comfortingly. They chatted about the book Rose was reading, and about classes, when they ran into Nurse Redfern outside Rose's class." Hello Matron…"
"Please John, it's Joan, we've been over this," Joan smiled. Rose prickled a little at the blatantly flirtatious tone to the nurse's words. John was oblivious, and began a short conversation with the woman. The nurse gestured towards the poster outside Rose's class, advertising the town dance two nights away." Are you going?"
"I… I hadn't decided yet," John said honestly. He had been hoping to ask Rose, if it was not too forward, maybe after dinner tonight." Perhaps Professor Tweed would take you? He has had his eye on you the past month, Joan."
John chuckled good naturedly, but missed the sad look in Joan's eyes as she agreed with a fake smile and then waved her goodbyes. Rose watched her go, then turned towards John, who was studying the poster again.
"She wanted you to ask her, you know," Rose said with a knowing smile. John jumped and tried to cover up with more babble, but Rose simply giggled and waved as she went to enter the class." Just a heart breaker you are, John Smith… I'll meet you and Twyla outside at the gate around sundown?"
"Sundown… yes! Perfect time sundown…" John said with a nervous twitter to his step. Rose smiled, waving him off as she entered her class. She sighed, brushing her bangs back and counting the minutes towards her free hour.
~*DW*~
"Hello Old Girl… Miss me?" Rose asked as she and Twyla entered the TARDIS. It was hiding in a barn back behind the school, one that had been abandoned for awhile now, but Jack had bought with his and Twyla's flat anyway. Twyla groaned and tugged at the collar of her dress. Rose herself had opted for a more comfortable Victorian style; she wore a long black skirt that moved well with her, over black tights and ankle high riding boots with demure gold buttons, her coat was also black but light for the nice weather outside and had a few gold buttons as well. She had her long hair pinned up away from her face and wore her ring from the Doctor on the chain with the TARDIS charm. She also wore a gold and silver coin with an "R" engraved on it, a gift from John last week and a new addition to her necklace chain.
"Only two more weeks…" Twyla sighed, tossing her glasses down ebside her. Twyla hated that she wasn't allowed to wear her contacts during the two months "for image" Jack said. Rose said it was only because the man had a secret fetish for the sexy-librarian-esque look Twyla had with her glasses on." I'm not sure which is worse… These clothes or being married to Jack for nearly two months…"
"Don't lie you love being a married couple…" Rose quipped. Twyla hid a smile from the girl and sat on the captain chair, paying no attention to Rose as she moved towards the video screen. She rewound the video she had long ago memorized, and waited as it began over again.
"Rose… Here are some instructions for when I'm human," The Doctor's image said. Rose touched the screen and sighed as he began his instruction." Don't let me hurt anyone… Can't have that while I'm human… Don't let me forget you, or Twyla and Jack… The TARDIS will plant a story for us, hopefully she won't let me forget any of you… Speaking of the old girl, she'll be on stand-by mode so hide her away for the two months and check on her form time to time… Don't let me eat any pears, either… I hate pears! John Smith is a character I made up, but he won't know that; I don't want to wake up in two months with the taste of pears in my mouth!"
Rose laughed tearfully at the image, fast forwarding through a few more instructions she had long ago memorized. She watched the Doctor gesture wildly with his hands and point over to where she knew they had been standing while he made the video. She started it again right before he ended it, at the line she wanted to hear the most.
"And most important," the Doctor said sternly," Remember I love you… I love you more then anything in all of time and space, and even if I go gallivanting off with some woman in the time we land in, I won't mean it… Just remember, if I do something stupid like that, I'll owe you when we get through this." He winked wolfishly at this and Rose blushed around another giggle. The Doctor's eyes grew serious and he touched his fingers to his lips, blowing her a mock kiss before speaking once more." I love you Rose… My sweet Rose…"
The screen went black and Rose wiped her eyes, trying to stop the soft tears trickling down her face. Twyla stood, offering the girl a handkerchief which Rose took and dabbed at her eyes.
"He didn't say what to do if his human self fell in love with me too," Rose whispered. Twyla nodded and touched her friend's shoulder, comforting her in the only way she knew how to." C'mon, we'll be late for our date…"
Twyla let Rose lead the way, knowing her friend was still conflicted, but also knowing that they only had to endure two more weeks.
~*DW*~
"I swear, these children are more infatuated with a war that hasn't happened yet then anything else," Rose said watching a few more students pass them by, words like "gun powder" and "trench tactics" on their lips. John nodded with her and pulled her a little tighter to his side as a strong wind blew past them. Rose shivered and snuggled against John's side, a smile on her lips." I'm glad you invited me along tonight, John… It's such a beautiful night and it's nice to get out of my dorm room…"
"Well," John swallowed nervously," If you like this so much… Would you think about going to the town dance with me as well? I think it would be most enjoyable, but only if I had the prettiest woman in town on my arm, just like right now…"
"John!" Rose blushed. She swatted his arm playfully and basked in the sly twinkle behind his hazel eyes." I would be so happy to go with you…"
"Really?" John grinned. His voice cracked with excitement and Rose couldn't help the chuckle that escaped when he colored pink." I- I mean, that's wonderful! I'll be the luckiest man in town…"
"I think you already are, brother," Jack said coming beside John with a grin. Twyla had her arm firmly linked with his, and her head on his shoulder as she seemed to be dozing off a bit. The trio began talking about a few things, but Rose's eyes, and attentions, had diverted over to a glowing light in the woods. What seemed to be a shooting star had landed near the edge of the woods, and she was curious to see if it was a trick of the light, or really a danger." Rosie? Daydreaming again?"
"No…" Rose answered, pushing the star aside for now." Thought I saw a shootin' star… Twyla, would you like to nip off to the dress shop with me? I want to pick out a special dress for the dance…"
"Course, Rose," Twyla said, suddenly very awake. The tiny girl leaned up to kiss Jack's cheek, and murmur that they would walk back alone. Rose turned to smile at John, leaning up to give a shy kiss to his cheek as well.
"I'll see you tomorrow, John…" Rose said with a smile. John nodded eagerly and waved the two off, ignoring Jack's playful jabs.
"You're sure it looked odd?" Twyla asked as she and Rose scurried down the empty streets, towards the woods. Rose nodded, and lifted her skirt to run down the worn forest path. Twyla sighed before following suit and watching with curious gaze as they ended up in an empty clearing." I guess it was nothing…"
"Yeah… Noffing…" Rose said still not so sure. Twyla coaxed her friend back towards their warm homes, saying it was only a trick of the lights and to not worry, they only had another two weeks. Neither of them noticed the glimmer of space green as they left, nor the whispers and sniffs emitting from the invisible space ship…
~*DW*~
D: Long chapter… Ugh… Anyway, please review- as always -and let me know how it is so far. I know I changed a few things here and there, and I will continue to change a few more to fit my interpretation of the episode, but I hope it ends well.
Rose's outfit:
http:/www[dot]polyvore[dot]com/rose_family_blood/set?id=41046148
Twyla's Outfit:
http:/www[dot]polyvore[dot]com/twyla_family_blood/set?id=41045863