Curb Appeal
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Previously in Chapter Five...
"You shouldn't've left her like that. She passed out 'cause she was worried about me, and you could've prevented that just by lettin' her in the door with you. Hell, she passed out probably thinkin' I was dead!" Rose accused.
"I know that and I'm sorry, I truly am. But that stranger was helping her chase me down, and I didn't want him in coming in here. I didn't have time to go through the whole 'bigger on the inside' chat. Besides, I really wasn't thinking too clearly, and I wasn't worried about her hurt feelings, Rose," the Doctor defended himself. "I was more concerned with saving your life."
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Chapter Six:
The Calm Before Her Fury
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Rose looked down at the floor for a moment then returned her eyes to the Doctor's, nodding. "I understand," she said quietly. "So where is she then?" she asked, looking around the room. "Why didn't you bring her in here so you could take care of her, too?"
"I took her to one of the guest rooms. I was hoping when she awoke to have you in there as well. That ought to ease her worries a bit, don't you think?"
"Yeah. Let's go." Rose hopped off the couch, suddenly discovering her body's weakness, finding her knees too weak to currently hold her up. She fell toward the quick thinking Doctor, who reached out, catching her by the arms just in time.
"Not so fast, Rose. It'll be a few days before you'll feel back to your old self again."
"Yeah, well help me then, Doctor. I want to go see my mum," she urged.
He nodded, sliding off of the couch while still supporting her. "Yes."
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They walked the corridor slowly, the Doctor holding Rose securely at the waist in case her weakened state hindered her gait. The room where Jackie rested wasn't far from the Infirmary, no doubt due to the TARDIS helping in her own way. Within a couple of minutes they had reached their destination.
"She looks pretty peaceful," Rose spoke softly, allowing the Doctor to help her sit down on the bed opposite where her mother lay.
"I gave her a little nudge to help her rest. And I checked her over thoroughly. Your mother had a few minor cuts and bruises, but more than anything she was just overwrought with worry," the Doctor said as he grasped Jackie's wrist, checking her pulse. "She's fine," he said, laying her hand by her hip.
"What kind of nudge?"
"Oh, I just touched her mind for a moment and encouraged her into a deep sleep. Nothing more."
"Hmm," Rose practically hummed, unsure how to reply to his answer. She wrapped her hair around her ear, still looking at her mum. "Are those my sweats?" she asked, her voice a higher octave than before.
"I didn't think you'd mind. She was completely soaked by the rain and I couldn't very well just leave her in those wet clothes, now could I?" He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment. "I noticed you didn't ask about your change of clothing."
"Well, with all that blood on your shirt I thought you probably didn't have much of a choice. And since I've still got my bra and knickers on, I figured you kept my bits covered well enough. So, you just did what needed to be done."
The Doctor nodded. "Yes. Just as I did with Jackie."
Rose looked at him thoughtfully for a moment, then gave him her first smile since the accident. "Oh Doctor, she is so gonna kill you."
"Yes, well, maybe we could tell her that you changed her clothes then," he offered hopefully.
Rose looked from her mum to the Time Lord and grinned. "You're afraid of her!" she teased quietly.
"A smart man knows his limitations," he agreed.
The Doctor looked down at his soiled top, the grin falling from his face. "I'm going to leave you here with Jackie while I go change my shirt. I think I'll get you two something to drink as well. Something nice and fruity and full of nutrients, because I'm sure you both could use it." He walked toward the doorway, but turned around quickly to face his companion. "And no getting up Rose, promise me. You're still very weak, though you probably can't tell just by sitting there, all right?"
"Yes, Doctor," she sighed.
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The Doctor returned ten minutes later, shirt changed and a tray of goodies in hand.
"How are my patients?" he asked jovially as he walked through the doorway. He stopped short at the sight before him. Rose had curled up on her side facing Jackie, who was now curled up facing Rose from the other bed. Both women were sleeping peacefully.
Quietly, he walked between them, placing the tray soundlessly down on the night stand.
The Doctor stepped next to Jackie, placing his hand on her forehead briefly before nodding to himself at the normal, human temperature he felt. He then took three steps over until he was in front of Rose. She stirred slightly with his movement but did not awaken. Her coloring was good and her breathing was normal, as he expected.
He sighed, deciding to let both Jackie and Rose rest for a while. It was the best medicine he could prescribe for them both. He sat down in the cushioned chair next to the door, allowing himself a bit of a respite while still being close by in case either of them should need him. And if this stretched into an hour or two of peaceful bliss before the two Tylers awoke, well, that was simply a bonus.
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To be concluded next chapter...
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