Ch.5

Today had been Rose's first day back at school since the incident with the Doctor. Her classmates were as distant as usual, and with the exception of a few curious glances no one acted as if anything was off. Teachers had piles of homework ready from her absence, so much that she couldn't help thinking that she'd have to stop time just to finish it all. It was difficult enough keeping Matthew happy now that her mother was working again, she didn't know if she could continue and still have time to work.

The Doctor hadn't made a return visit yet, but Rose was still hoping. The healed ribs and lost time were enough proof that the whole experience hadn't been just some, insane, wonderful, dream. So when she snuck out her window after a long evening of avoiding the wrath of the man the man on her couch, there was almost no guilt. This had become more or less a nightly occurrence, sitting on the roof outside with her school bag and a torch. Any light from her room was noticed, so this was the only way she to anything done. Plus her perch provided a perfect view of the park where the Doctor had previously landed. If he showed up, she would see.

"ROSE TYLER!" what the *hell* do you think you're doing?" The girl in question froze, her hand halfway to the glass she had been reaching for. She had been banished to her room for the evening, but she was thirsty and had snuck out for a drink. "When I tell you to go to your room, I mean for you to stay there."

I know, but-"

Her sentence was cut short by a sharp smack.

"I have told you not to interrupt me, Rose, so many times. And if you can't get that you have the most pitiful mind of any child I have ever met." He raised his arm to hit her again, but just as she flinched there was a knock at the door. Matthew hesitated for a split second before grabbing Rose's jacket collar and dragging her over to the couch.

"Stay." He growled before heading to the door. She curled into a cushion, her cheek stinging. She began to retreat into her mind, preparing for what was coming as soon as Matthew got rid of their visitor. But her eyes snapped open when she heard the voice at the door.

"Yeah?"

"Hello! I'm Mr. Smith, Rose's English teacher."

Matthew groaned. "What's the little witch done now?"

"Oh no, Rose hasn't done anything. I just have a project for her. She missed quite a bit last week, and left so quickly today I didn't have a chance to give her the notes and assignment. Is she here?"

There were a few tense seconds where it almost seemed like he was going to turn him away, but-

"Rose!"

Se scrambled off the couch, praying that she was right about the voice. Grabbing her schoolbag from where it had dropped by the kitchen, she nearly sprinted into the front hall. There, standing in the door with a perfectly calm expression on his face, was her Doctor. His suit was different from last time, and he had lost the trench coat, but it was still him. Rose forced away a smile when the doctor spoke.

"Actually, would you mind if I borrowed her for a few minutes? The assignment is actually quite complex…"

Rose could practically hear Matthew losing interest in in the whole thing.

"Fine. I don't care." And with that, he turned and went back to his couch. Rose could feel the Doctor's eyes rest momentarily on her cheek, which still burned from Matthew's hand, but they quickly slid back to her eyes.

"Feel like a bit of a trip, Miss Tyler?"

"God yes."

This time, she reached her own hand out. His fingers were strong as he grabbed it, and he pulled her out the door and back into the unknown.

"RUN!" The sound of thundering footsteps followed Rose and the Doctor as they raced through the crowded marketplace. Rose was trying to keep up while suppressing her laughter, and the Doctor's now singed coat flapped behind him. The roar of a small mob was getting closer, and seemed to be just around the corner when they finally reached the TARDIS. Rose slammed the doors behind her, slumping against the slightly vibrating wood as she finally burst out laughing.

"I can't believe... you did that…" she gasped.

"Well, How was I supposed to know they were married?"

Rose grinned up at the man she had grown to like so much in the last few days. The thumps of the angry citizens faded as the Doctor flicked a switch and they faded into the time vortex.

"So. Rose." the Doctor hesitated a moment, wondering if he could continue, before deciding he would wait a little longer. "Do you think you want to get home soon? You probably have stuff to get done..."

Rose's eyes flashed wide before she regained her calm. "Actually, um, I do have a lot. But I'm actually kind of tired, and if I go home now, I'm worried I might drift off before I can finish. Is there maybe any way I could do it here before I go back to normal time?" she gestured vaguely in the direction of her backpack, tossed haphazardly in the corner, adding, "I have my stuff..."

The time lord wasn't fooled by her nonchalance. He'd seen the frighteningly dark circles under her eyes. He hadn't missed the fear when he'd suggested her return. Rose desperately needed some time away from whatever was happening back at her house, and even if she wouldn't tell him what it was, he could help her in this way. Shaking away his worried thoughts, he smiled brightly at his young companion.

"If you'd like, I've got a beautiful study around here somewhere. I haven't seen it in a while, but I'm sure we could find it..."

Her smile was answer enough, and, with his usual confidence, he grabbed up her bag and turned towards the twisting passages of his ship.

They sat on the couch together, working through complex math equations and, using the huge dictionary Rose found on the shelf, full of words she had never heard of (Whoops, I don't think those have been invented in your time, just ignore those) finished an essay. When the stack of a weeks worth of homework had finally vanished, the Doctor left to make a snack as a reward. When he returned, Rose was fast asleep where he had left her, curled in his discarded coat. Gently, he set the plate of biscuits on the side table, and switched off the lamp. The door barely creaked as he closed it behind him. Rose would eventually wake up, well rested. Then, he decided, they would talk.

xxxxxxx

Yes, i realize its been months. but i am, in fact, still here. I'm really sorry.

Tell me if you think i should start actually describing their adventures, or it you're ok with the way I'm handling them.

Each and every review is precious, i love everyone who left one. I'm sorry if you did leave one and I didn't respond, i've had a crazy couple of months. I'll start doing that again.