Fighting
He was used to fighting, to screaming, just not this kind of fighting, this he wasn't used to. It had started off simply enough with Rose and him talking, but soon that talking turned to screaming and they were off, flying into an argument with no real purpose.
And then came the words, the words that made his whole world collapse around him.
"Get out."
He blinked, "what?"
"I said get out," her voice is low and dark and he's reminded of Pete after Jackie had died.
"But, where am I supposed to go?" He stares at her wildly. His only home was the Tyler's mansion.
"I don't care, I just want you out," she's pushing him now and he's not really resisting because he's in shock and he doesn't understand what's going on.
She can't really kick him out? Can she? Well obviously she can because she's opened the door and pushed him out into the night.
"Rose please I—"The words die on his lips as the door slams and he stares at it.
His eyes wide in surprise, before they fill with regret and he turns and stumbles down the steps. He thinks about going back, but obviously she doesn't want him around so he doesn't.
He shuffles down the street slowly, all the while cursing his human body as the cold wraps around him and attacks his bare skin. Shivering he tries to think of where he could go.
Torchwood briefly crosses his mind before he pushes the idea away, people would ask too many questions.
The TARDIS also crosses his mind, but she's no longer around and he feels a pang of hurt as he remembers this. As the emptiness inside his mind becomes more prominent and it hurts, so he pushes the memories away and tries to forget.
He could try a hotel, but he doesn't exactly have money on him.
Shivering he wraps his arms around himself and wracks his brain. He literally has no one else, Rose and her family were the only ones he knew in this world. No, that was a lie, he knew someone else, but he couldn't go to her, she'd never let it drop.
The wind blew again and he sneezes, "stupid human body, and its stupid need for a coat." He mumbles as he decides that he doesn't have a choice. "Stupid normal pockets that are the same size inside and out, stupid human heart, stupid human emotions, stupid human—"He continues to rant, until he reaches a door.
With a sigh he raises his hand and knocks, listening to the shuffling before the door opens.
"Listen whatever you're selling we don't—James!" The voice changes suddenly and the Doctor smiles through his chattering teeth.
"Hey Donna."
"Well don't just stand there Newbie," Donna spoke quickly, her voice bossy. "Come on in before you catch death. I mean honestly I knew you were dumb, but going out in this weather without a jacket, what were you thinking?"
The Doctor shrugs and smiles, but it doesn't reach his eyes and Donna notices.
"Hey you alright?"
"Of course I'm alright, I'm always alright," he mutters out of habit, widening his smile. "Right as rain."
Donna narrows her eyes, "no you're not, you've been crying."
The Doctor blinks surprised, "have I? That's strange. You'd think I would notice." He touches a hand to his face, sure enough it was wet.
"So what's wrong?"
He bites his lip and stares at her, "I was kicked out," he finally mumbles, because it's Donna and he can't help, but trust her.
Donna blinks, "kicked out? You mean you didn't pay rent or something?"
The Doctor shook his head, "I live with Pete Tyler and his family," he explains quickly. "I got into a fight with his daughter, words were said and well she kicked me out."
Donna groans, "are you kidding me? You came to get relationship advice from me!"
"What no I—"
"And here I thought that you were just here to see me."
"No Donna you don't understand, I—"
"Well guess what dumbo you can't just come waltzing in here and expect me to—"
"I came here because you're the only other person I know!" The words are out before he can stop them and his eyes widen. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come. I'll just go. I'm so sorry," He turns reaching for the doorknob, before a hand stops him.
"What do you mean? I'm the only other person you know," Donna asks, her eyes confused, "surely a handsome bloke like you would have other friends."
"Donna Noble was that a compliment?"
"Oi, don't get used to it Newbie."
"Course not." And he thinks that he's dodged the question. That she'll just let it go, but then again it's Donna and she's stubborn no matter what universe he's in.
"But back to the question on the table. Surely you have other friends."
The Doctor closes his eyes, faces racing across his memories, dead faces, faces he'd never see again, at least not truly. Even Donna, wonderful Donna who stood in front of him was lie, because elsewhere, living peacefully was his Donna, but she had forgotten him, forgotten everything, never to remember.
Finally he gulps and shakes his head, "no one, I'm more or less new to town and I don't get out much."
"Family then?"
"Dead," he whispers, he isn't sure why he says it, but he does and immediately Donna's face softens.
"I'm sorry," and a brief look crosses her face, understanding maybe?
"Not your fault," he mutters. It's mine, he adds silently.
"Was it the Cybus Company?" She asks softly.
He freezes for a moment unpleasant memories come rushing up into his mind, but he shakes them away and uses the cover.
"Ya."
Donna's face softens even more, before suddenly she grabs his hand, "well then Mr. Smith I suppose that you're just gonna have to camp out here for the night."
"What?" The Doctor gasps.
"You heard me skinny boy, now come on."
"But I wouldn't want to be a bother I mean I appreciate it, but—"
"Oh shut it, you're fine, house is too big for just me anyways."
"Just you? But don't your mother and father live with you? Or you're granddad?"
Donna freezes at that statement and her face hardens, "No not anymore." And then it passes and she's smiling again. "Hurry up, I'm gonna need some help."
It almost scares him how much Donna brushes off and redirects the statement, because it's something he would do, something he does do. He frowns staring at her worriedly.
"Are you just gonna help me or not?" Donna's shrill voice pieces his ears and the worry vanishes.
"Coming!" He tells her and follows.
In a matter of minutes Donna's pulled out the couch and placed blankets and pillows on it, "there. Sorry you have to use the couch, the other rooms are being used for storage. This is the best I can do."
"Kinda messy isn't it."
"Oi!"
"Oi!" The Doctor winces. "Sorry, habit."
Donna just smiles, a devilish look crossing her eyes.
"No," The Doctor gasps. "You wouldn't." She opens her mouth. "Don't."
"Oi!"
"Oi! Oh I hate you so much," The Doctor groans, falling on the couch.
Donna laughs, "No you don't, besides its fun." She sits down next to him, smiling wide.
"For you maybe," The Doctor grumbles, they sit for silence for a while, his eyes roaming the room until his eyes fall upon a picture of Donna. As he looks at it her mum, her dad and her granddad, all smile back happily, Wilf sporting his classic reindeer ears. The worry returns.
"What happened to them? Your granddad, dad, and mum I mean," The Doctor whispers.
She tenses, the smile disappears.
"They're gone," she says softly her eyes staring at nothing.
"Gone? Gone where?"
"I lost them."
He gulps, "lost them how?" Déjà vu begins to creep up on him and suddenly he can see a hot-tempered ginger demanding an answer about a purple shirt.
She looks down, "the invasion," a gulp and he can see tears. "The first one never saw them after that." Another gulp, "As far as we can tell they were converted, along with my fiancé." After a moment she continues, "Grandad, was taken during a smaller invasion. I almost saved him…I could've…I should've—"She stops and looks like she's trying desperately not to cry.
"Donna I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," The Doctor tells her his heart stilling in his chest.
If he had been faster, smarter, better, he could've saved them, he could've saved everyone.
"Not your fault."
Yes it was, he thinks silently and his eyes fall. It's always my fault, death follows me like a shadow. Even in this universe I somehow manage to screw up Donna's life.
"Besides," she tells him. "its how I got the job at Torchwood and that's how I meant you, can't be all bad. I mean you are a great friend."
The Doctor's throat clenches and he's trying not to cry, because he wonders if she would still say that if she knew the truth.
"So," Donna stands clearing her throat. "I think it's time we called it a night."
"Ya," the Doctor agrees. "And Donna?"
"Yes Newbie?"
"Thank you for everything."
"Don't mention it," she leaves and he sleeps.
oOo
For those of you who are wondering Donna survived, because she was scuba diving in Spain
Anyways….I feel kinda bad cuz I killed off Wilfred…and I love Wilfred, I really do, but I couldn't figure out a way to do him justice.
However, I may find a way to bring him back….So don't give up hope!
Anyways sorry about the late update, and for not posting a Christmas Special as promised…I just couldn't think of any ideas for one…
REVIEW REPLIES
Guest: Thanks and that's actually a really cute idea, that I think I shall steal :D
As Always Prompts and Suggestions are Welcomed with Open Arms