Sorry i haven't updated in a while, i've been packing for my move to university! Because of the wait i've decided to add the next six chapters to make up for it! I would love to know what you think so far...
The cog spun open, revealing a darkened room, with white oil cloths covering all the surfaces. Jack walked off into the darkness and the group stood in the light radiating from the doorway, Clara heard nothing but a few scrapings and a disgruntled "Ah man!" as a clanging sound erupted from the inky blackness. The group sniggered as the lights flickered on. There in front of them stood, or rather hopping, was Captain Jack Harkness, time agent extraordinaire and supposed 'God's gift to the universe', whinging and clutching his right foot. He then of course saw the group's faces and put his foot down, leaning against a pillar. "As I said, I knew exactly what I was doing, no problem Docs!" he said, hanging his fingers in his lapels and giving a cheesy USAF 'Fly-boy' smile. The Doctors both gave each other a look of uncertainty then pushed everyone into the room and securely locked the Cog door. "Examination room is that way right?" Raggedy thumbed in the direction of a spiral staircase. "No! Wait, that way!" He said and flung his arms toward a large corridor, leading straight out of the main room. Jack nodded, slightly taken aback by the man's sudden outburst. "Great! Wife, older me this way!" Raggedy said, rubbing his hands together, then taking one of River's hands and clapping the Doctor on the back, who took River's other hand and pulled her off, out of sight. River was of course protesting the entire time. Clara giggled and watched as the trio exited the room. "So, what do we do now?" Rose said, looking around and thumbing some files on a desk. "Tea anyone?" Jack asked.
"Stop it! I'm fine! Oh it's just a headache; you don't need to...oh!" River sighed as the Doctor dug his fingers into her temples again, causing River to collapse into his arms. As soon as the Doctors had sat her on the gurney in the examination room, Raggedy had begun running every test he could find in the Torchwood data base, and the Doctor sat himself behind her, and fussed over her, asking all sorts of questions, some she had no idea how they even related to what was wrong with her. When he was satisfied he rubbed her shoulders and temples, occasionally sneaking a kiss on a bare part of her skin, which was either her neck or face. "Doctor," River began but waited until Raggedy sprang up on the gurney and took her hands, rubbing the back of them tenderly. "Doctors. Don't you want to spend time with your companions? As much as I'm enjoying the fuss, they matter to you as well, just as much as I..." she sighed again as Raggedy lay his head on her lap and kissed her hands. "Sweetie?" she asked again, but then realised that both men were quiet. "You have little more than three hours Riv. We have no idea how to save you, there was a way back on Gallifrey, but we don't have that option, you're dying, and there is nothing either of us can do. We just want to spend time with you..." Raggedy whimpered and curled closer to her, River ran her fingers through his hair, grazing his scalp, and making him moan sadly. "I just got you back, when I feared I never would, and now, I'm losing you all over again!" the Doctor raised his voice suddenly, then hid his face in her neck, sobbing angrily. "I saw something in Stormcage." she stated.
"So he just walked up to an army of Zygons and sent them packing with a few scolding words?" Donna gasped in wonder. Amy nodded in response. "And he didn't even scream when a horde of rogue Silurian threatened his life in front of me and Melody." Amy said, puffing her chest out proudly. The group stared in awe as the man in question appeared, carrying a tray of mugs of steaming hot tea. "Tea's here!" Rory cheered, but looked around confused as he entered to a group of wide-eyed faces.
"Erm, what have I done?" Rory asked puzzled.
"You're a hero!" Clara said, bounding up to him.
"It's only tea..." Rory said shyly.
"Oh stupid face, she didn't mean the tea!" Amy said and took a mug off the tray. "Oh...well I'm no hero, I'm just a loving husband and father...and father-in-law... Jack is the real hero here." Rory handed out the tea then sat on a stool, occasionally glancing in the direction of the examination room. Amy sat beside him. "Don't worry about her, the Doctor promised he'd keep her safe, and he's done a pretty good job so far!" she put a reassuring hand on his knee but Rory sighed, "I'm still her Dad. She's still my little girl, no matter what. River is scared, I can see it." Rory suddenly resembled the age he really was, the two thousand years seemed to flicker into his eyes along with a sadness only a father would understand. "Our daughter wouldn't want us worrying about her, we Ponds are made of stronger stuff!" Amy scolded him, Rory smiled and the age vanished as soon as it had appeared.
"So," Rose piped up, drawing everyone's attention. "What other adventures has the Doctor taken you all on?"
"We should head back." River spoke plainly. The two Doctors nodded and took one of her hands each. As much as she hated help off anyone, River admitted that a little assistance was much appreciated in the current circumstances. The two men gently pulled her off the gurney to the floor. Suddenly the pain from Stormcage shot through River's stomach all over again, causing her to yelp, quite startling both men who looked shocked at her outburst. "River! Are you all right?" Raggedy tried to lift her head to face him, but the pain was too much and she pushed him away, breathing heavily. The Doctor, however, held her firm and moved his hand to the offending part of her body, moving his hand in small massaging movements. The pain died down and Raggedy then took her hands and rested them on his shoulders for her support. River was still breathing heavily and was frankly getting so irritated by her current state; she had a rather angry expression on her face which was only soothed when Raggedy bopped her nose, causing her to giggle. "I'm fine now boys, no need to worry, we just need to get going, then I'll be better. I'll go on ahead, there's a tea with my name on it, I bet!" River excused herself and walked back toward the group's now raucous voices. "That is not a symptom of energy overload." Raggedy said grimly. The Doctor nodded, "We should do a scan." he replied, fixing Raggedy with a cold stare, to which the younger man gave an equally steely one in reply. "As soon as possible." he said and then both followed on after River, who they easily caught. She had been walking slowly; the pain was clearly displayed now. "Comon honey, let us escort you back!" Raggedy smiled cheerily, but after River had linked arms with both men he looked behind her at his other self, and his face matched the concern the Doctor didn't even try to hide.