Verosika Mayday's life was good, all things considered. She had friends, fame, wealth, and a legion of fans both in Hell and on Earth who worship the very ground she walked on. Her life is great. Or at least it was for a few years after her rise to stardom. But It had started to feel dry, and empty. She would supplement the repetitive nature of her career. With wild parties and drinking. She gave romance a shot and only ended up hurt. The emptiness of her life only grew, but she persevered. Hoping that maybe something or someone would bring some needed spice to her life.
Slowly she walked off stage, waving to her adoring fans as she went.The crowds cheered and chanted her name. Verosika Verosika Verosika her name echoed through the concert hall. She gave one last blown kiss to the crowd before she exited off stage, her friends quickly met up with her, bottles of alcohol in hand.
"You killed it tonight, as usual!" Said Coco as she handed the pop star a glass of beelzejuice.
Verosika's crew was very loyal to her. Some had known her since before her rise to stardom, and had helped her get her start. They were a tight knit group of friends, and it was not uncommon for them to be seen together after Verosika's concerts at party's and clubs.
As Verosika held the glass of booze in hand, she took a seat in the lounge area reserved for the popstar. Taking a swig of her drink, she let out a soft breath of exhaustion.
Her friends talked to Verosika and with each other about their day so far and how they looked forward to going out later in the evening. But she wasn't really listening, her mind lost in thought. While most of the group didn't seem to notice, Kiki could tell that something was on her mind. Despite her confident and put together persona, it was pretty clear to her closest friend that she was going through something. So as the rest of her friends continued to chatter in the background, She approached Verosika. "Hey, are you alright?"
Verosika looked at her friend and gave a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine Kiki. Just... thinking, I guess." She took another swig of that alcohol, the liquid burning her throat as it went down.
Kiki sat down next to her friend, seeing right through the smile. "Thinking? About what? You know you can tell me anything."
Verosika was quiet for a few seconds. Debating with herself if she was going to open up or not. But the trust she held for Kiki was enough to break her silence. "It's just... everything feels so repetitive y'know? I do a show, a meet and greet, I get drunk and have some hookups then I rinse and repeat it all over again the next day... It just... it feels so empty and boring."
She took another drink, trying to wash down the empty feeling she felt in her chest. Not that it helped much. "Don't get me wrong, I love the music and the attention, but... sometimes it just gets so damn repetitive and lonely."
She placed a comforting hand on Verosika's knee. "Have you given any thought about putting yourself back out there?" Kiki could sense some unease coming from her friend, but she continued to press. Understanding that she's reluctant after Blitzo broke her heart.
Verosika sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "I don't know. I mean I've tried dating after Blitzo, but they've all just ended up in disaster. And I mean can you really blame me? I'm a damn pop star for Lucifer's sake. If it's not some asshat trying to use me as a stepping stone for a quick path to fame, then it's someone who wants me for my money or body." She paused for a moment to sigh."I just... I want someone who doesn't see me as a star, but as a person. Hell, I'd even settle for someone older if they would give a fuck." She gave a half hearted chuckle to try and lighten the mood, but it didn't seem to do the job. "I just... I want someone to at least care about me."
Kiki's expression softened. She knew her friend was hurting and she hated seeing her like this. "Hey, I get it. You're a superstar and everyone in hell knows your name. it's hard to find genuine connection. But you have to be looking, it's not like the perfect date is just going to show up at your door-step and whisk away all your woes"
"Yeah, I know," She conceded somewhat begrudgingly. She knew deep down that Kiki was right. Sitting around and feeling sorry for herself wasn't going to magically fix her problems. But she was tired, and didn't really feel like putting any real effort in dating at the moment. So she tried to deflect the topic away with a cheeky smile. "What about you? You got your eye on anyone?"
Kiki chuckled and rolled her eyes. She knew Verosika was trying to steer the conversation in a different direction but went along with it anyway. "Nah, all the guys and girls I flirt with just seem so... dull. There's no charisma, no spark. I think I'm just going to be single for a while"
Verosika chuckled and playfully punched her friend on the shoulder. "Ahh come on, you've gotta have your eye on someone. What about that cutie who's always front row at my concerts?"
Kiki's cheeks visibly reddened at the thought of the mystery fan that she had been eyeing up for the past few months. "I...I don't even know his name. And I don't even know if he's interested in girls."
"I'm pretty sure he comes to my shows to see you" She threw back at her with a smile.
Kiki's cheeks reddened even more, a shy and lovestruck expression on her face. "Y-You really think so? He does come to every show we have..." She seemed to be falling into her own fantasy, her mind filled with images of her and her 'mystery admirer'.
Verosika couldn't help but chuckle at how easy it was to get her all flustered. "Yeah, he definitely seems to have a thing for you. Why don't you just walk up to him and give him your number now? You can probably still find him in the crowd before he leaves"
Kiki was silent for a few seconds, contemplating her friend's words. She hadn't put much thought into actually talking to the guy who had become her secret crush for the past few months. But now that her friend had planted the idea in her head, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. "You're... You're right. I should go talk to him. What's the worst that could happen, right?"
"Exactly! Just go up to him and chat with him. The Worst thing that could happen is he turns you down. But I doubt he'd say no to a cutie like you" Verosika responded, giving her friend a sly wink and a smirk.
Kiki let out a nervous breath, her cheeks still flushed and red. "Yeah...yeah, you're right. I'm going to go talk to him now. I'll meet up with you later!" She said as she got up from her seat, her heart beating with excitement and anxiety.
Verosika chuckled as she watched her friend practically buzz with excitement. "Go get him girl! I expect all the juicy details when we meet up later."
Kiki nodded and gave her friend an almost unnoticeable smile before quickly rushing out to find the object of her affection. Verosika couldn't help but smile at her friend's enthusiasm. It was like watching a teenager go on their first date.
Verosika found her mind wandering as she finished her drink. As much as she wanted to be happy for her friend, she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Seeing Kiki so excited to possibly fall in love was a stark reminder of how lonely and empty her own life felt. She let out a sigh, feeling a mix of emotions.
Verosika looked up and saw Apple approaching. She forced a small smile onto her face, trying her best to hide the turmoil she was feeling inside."Hey Apple. What's up?"
Apple gave a shrug, her usual cheerful demeanor somewhat subdued from Verosika's less than enthusiastic greeting. "Me, Coco and the rest of the crew were thinking of going out to a club. You wanna tag along?"
Verosika paused for a moment, considering her friend's offer. Going out to a club was something she usually enjoyed, an opportunity to let loose and drown her sorrows in alcohol and mindless one-night stands. But right now... she wasn't in the mood. "I don't think I'm really up for it tonight, sorry. You guys go on without me"
Apple's cheerful demeanor faltered slightly upon hearing Verosika's decline. "Are you sure? It might be fun. You know, a few drinks, a few guys and gals..." But seeing the look in her friend's eyes, she knew Verosika's mind was somewhere else. Reluctantly, she nodded. "Alright, we'll catch you later then."
Verosika gave a weak smile and nodded. "I just need some time alone tonight. But you guys have fun, alright?" She tried her best to sound encouraging, but her tone was a bit flat.
Apple nodded in reply, though her expression revealed that she was a bit concerned. But she didn't push for more, knowing her friend's mind was elsewhere. "Okay then. If you change your mind, just let us know. We'll let you know where we are at."
Verosika nodded and gave her friend a small wave as she left. Once Apple was gone, the smile quickly faded from Verosika's face. She let out a weary sigh and leaned back in her seat. The club sounded like a good time. Music, drinking, a few casual hookups. But the thought of going out was exhausting to even consider.
Verosika stood up from her seat and gathered her things. It was clear that she was in no mood to party, and just wanted to be alone for the remainder of the night. With this thought in mind, she began to make her way towards the exit of the venue, saying goodbye to her friends before leaving the room entirely.
The journey back to her hotel was mostly uneventful. Verosika moved through the crowd of hellspawn with relative ease, the occasional fan recognizing her and asking for a picture or autograph. She'd feign a smile, say a few words and sign her name where they wanted, but her heart really wasn't in it. By the time she arrived at her hotel, she was feeling especially worn out, both physically and emotionally.
Verosika opened the door to her room and stepped inside, immediately kicking off her high heels and letting out a relieved sigh. The silence of the room was strangely welcomed at this point. She headed over to the bed and dropped down onto the soft mattress, letting out a heavy exhale.
Verosika settled on the bed, her body practically sinking into the comfortable sheets. Despite the comfort, her mind was still racing. She stared at the ceiling, her thoughts swirling around in her head like a whirlwind. Every failed relationship, every hookup that left her feeling used, every time she failed to find a shred of genuine love. Each memory felt like an old wound being reopened.
She closed her eyes, trying to push away the thoughts that were weighing her down. But like a stubborn shadow, they refused to leave her alone. She rolled onto her side, curling her body into a small ball, feeling both physically and emotionally drained. It wasn't like her to feel this low and lonely. But the years of failed relationships and empty one-night stands were starting to take a toll on her.
Verosika let out a weary sigh and clutched an extra pillow to her chest, seeking comfort in the cushy object. The silence was starting to get to her. The lack of noise seemed to amplify the whirlwind of negative thoughts in her mind.
She sat up, the noise of the empty air becoming too much for her to bear. She reached over to a bedside table, grabbing the remote to the small television in front of her and quickly turned it on. The sound of the TV filled the room, providing a distracting background noise that helped to drown out the intrusive thoughts that were plaguing her.
She channel surfed for a while, trying to find something decent to watch. The selection wasn't great, but the noise was enough to keep her occupied for the time being. And with the sound of reality TV droning on in the background, she felt herself gradually begin to relax.
Eventually she settled on a cooking show, watching as the contestants and master chefs prepared extravagant and mouthwatering dishes. She found herself getting relatively invested, her mind finally having some time to think about something other than her own personal problems.
As she watched the contestants skillfully craft their dishes, a thought entered her mind. She couldn't remember the last time she had a proper meal. Between her busy schedule and her tendency to drown her sorrows in alcohol, she often only ate fast food or takeout if she remembered to eat at all. As reality sunk in, she realized just how hungry she was.
She glanced over at the bedside table, her eyes falling onto a room service menu. A ach of hunger hit her stomach, and the thought of having a warm meal brought some small joy to her otherwise miserable mood. She picked up the menu and began to peruse through the options, the sound of the TV still filling the room with a pleasant hum. As her mood lifted, so did the desire to do something.
Verosika decided that sitting in her room moping about her miserable love life wasn't going to solve anything. She needed a change of scenery to go along with her meal.
She stood up from the bed and stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh as her muscles loosened. She gave herself a quick glance in the mirror, making sure she looked presentable. The pop star quickly smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress, and fixed her hair and makeup.
Once she was satisfied with the way she looked, she slipped on her previously discarded high heels and headed out the door. Stepping out into the hallway, feeling a sense of determination growing within her. She was tired. Tired of feeling miserable and hollow. She was going to grab a decent meal and just enjoy herself for once.
She made her way through the corridor, the sound of her heels clicking against the floor echoed in the hallway. Walking passed the rooms of the other residents, she thought about the menu she glanced over before leaving her room. The restaurant had a rather impressive selection of food items to choose from. From gourmet burgers to vegetable based meals, there was a plethora of dishes to satisfy even the pickiest of appetites.
As she made her way to the elevator, the thought of all the different options she could choose from filled her mind with excitement. The simple act of deciding what to eat was enough to distract her from her earlier melancholy. She pressed the call button and waited for the elevator doors to open.
The elevator ride down to the ground floor seemed to take an eternity. But once the doors finally opened, Verosika was greeted by the warm ambiance of the lobby. She walked past the reception desk and towards the restaurant. Once she reached the entrance, one of the staff greeted her with a smile. "Good evening, miss. Table for one?"
Verosika paused for a moment. It seemed like a stupid thought, being one of the most well-known celebrities in hell and not having her arms intwined in someone else's. But she pushed the negative thoughts aside and returned the staff member's smile. "Yeah...Table for one, please."
The staff member guided her to a secluded table in a far corner of the restaurant. The spot was quiet, giving her the privacy she wanted. Verosika settled into her seat and glanced over the menu, feeling her stomach long for a decent meal as she browsed through the various dishes.
She didn't realize how hungry she was until now. A small part of her wondered if her cravings had more to do with stress eating rather than actual hunger. But her stomach made the decision easy, giving off a low grumble as if to reinforce her need to eat.
She decided to order an old favorite, a black and blue burger with a side of grilled vegetables. As she placed her order, she found herself watching the other patrons go about their afternoon.
Verosika glanced around the restaurant as she waited for her food to arrive. Other patrons were dining with company; laughing and chatting over their meals, enjoying themselves. She found herself somewhat envious of their casual interactions.
A voice from nearby startles her out of her quiet observation. "Hey baby, what's a pretty thing like you doing all by her lonesome?"
Verosika looked up, her eyes falling on a tall and muscular incubus stood a few feet from her table. He was clearly trying to hit on her, his cocky grin and laid-back body language exuded confidence. Normally, she'd encourage such an obvious attempt with a flirty remark, but today she wasn't in the mood.
"Just having a quiet night in" She answered with a flat tone, hoping he would get the hint that she wasn't interested. But the incubus seemed oblivious to the lack of enthusiasm in her voice. He moved closer, leaning against the table and leering down at her.
"A beautiful gal like you doesn't deserve to spend the night alone" he said, his tone oozing a poor attempt at charm as he tried to flirt. The incubus eyes roamed over her body, making it very clear what he was after.
Verosika felt her irritation rise at the incubus's amateur flirting. She wanted to enjoy her meal in peace, not have to deal with some arrogant ass trying to get into her pants. he clearly thought she was some naive bimbo who would fall at his feet with a few sweet words. But she wasn't having any of it. Giving him a disinterested look, she simply said, "Thanks, but I'm not interested."
His cocky facade wavered for a moment, clearly not used to his advances being rejected. But he quickly regained his composure and attempted to persist. "Aw c'mon, don't be like that. I'm just trying to keep you company" he said with a sleazy smile as he placed his hand on hers.
She opened her mouth to retort the man when an unknown third party took a seat at the other end of the table Verosika was seated at. "That call took longer than I thought it would, I going to trust you ordered something I'd like" The mysterious stranger said to her. The newcomer was slim built but noticeably taller than the insistent incubus. "Oh who is your friend honey?" He gave her a knowing look, telling her to trust him and follow along with his lead.
The stranger's unexpected arrival caught her off guard for a moment. However, she quickly caught on to his cue and decided to play along. She shifted her attention to the newcomer, feigning a friendly tone and plastering a fake smile on her face. "Oh, he's just some guy who won't take a hint hon. Nothing to worry about." she said with sweetness in her tone, going along with the idea that her and the stranger were together.
The incubus looked between them, clearly surprised at this turn of events. He studied the newcomer with a hint of annoyance before turning his attention back to Verosika. "You're with this guy?" he said skeptically as he sized up the mysterious stranger.
Verosika nodded while making a show of it by placing her hand over the stranger's, a small smirk pulling at the corner of her lips. "Yep, we're together. And if you know what's good for you, you'll leave us alone." she said coolly, her tone holding a warning that even the oblivious incubus couldn't miss.
The Incubus looked back and forth between the two one final time, his previously cocky demeanor now replaced with a hint of resignation. He backed off with a small huff, realizing he wasn't going to get anywhere. "Your loss" he muttered as he walked away, leaving Verosika and the stranger alone.
Verosika let out a relieved sigh as the incubus finally left them alone. Despite her usual ability to handle such types of pestering, she was grateful for the unexpected help. She quickly dropped the fake smile and turned her attention to the stranger who had come to her rescue.
"Thanks, I really wasn't in the mood for that guy's lame attempts at flirting," Verosika said with a slight smirk. She studied the stranger for a moment, taking in his appearance.
The stranger chuckled softly at her comment "Happy to help." he replied, standing up from the seat opposite to her to make his leave. He was tall, with a slim but lean frame. His face was sharp and angular. For some reason he was using his human disguise in public which was a little weird, but aside from that he seemed relatively normal. However, despite his unassuming appearance, there was something about him that was captivating. Maybe it was the confidence in his voice or the way he carried himself. Either way, there was something intriguing about him.
Her eyes followed his every move, watching as he stood from the seat. But for some inexplicable reason, she found herself wanting him to stay. Without thinking, she blurted out "Wait. You don't have to go..." She mentally facepalmed at herself for being so forward. But it was too late to take back what she said, he probably already had someone waiting on him.
However, the man looked to be having an internal conflict within himself. Eventually though, his response came like a prick to her self esteem. "I-I'm sorry but I really should get going" He turned to make his leave without even so much as a goodbye.
Verosika's heart instantly dropped. His words sent a pang through her chest, disappointment and hurt washing through her. Of course he had somewhere to be. Why did she ever think he'd want to stay with her? She quickly tried to cover up her disappointment with a casual farewell. "Ah... alright then. Thanks again for the save" she managed to say, her voice just a bit colder than intended.
Verosika sat there in the aftermath of her impulsive request, her heart still sinking in her chest. A mix of disappointment and shame washed over her. She felt foolish for daring to hope that he would want to spend more time with her. But even more so, she felt lonely.
As she sat there by herself once more, she found herself replaying the brief interaction over and over in her head. Her desire for that man's company was strong even though he had rejected her. But an ember inside her rapidly grew into a raging desire.
Despite her initial deflation, anger suddenly flared within her. She hadn't felt this way in a long time, but she couldn't deny the rush of frustration fueling her. This man had stirred up something within her and then just walked away as if she didn't matter. It was almost insulting!
Her earlier disappointment began to morph into something else. A burning determination fueled by her wounded pride and intense loneliness.
With a swift, single action, she stood up from her seat, her jaw clenching in determination. The urge to chase after him had somehow grown to a level that it had taken over her mind completely. A desperate hunger to just be around him for a little longer had completely taken hold.
She didn't care how desperate or crazy she looked, she had to get him to stay at any cost.
She quickly made her way through the restaurant, ignoring the strange looks being thrown her way. Her eyes quickly scanning the area where he'd just vanished, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. But as she reached the lobby, there was no sign of him.She let out a frustrated huff, her heart racing with a mix of anger and determination. She couldn't just let him get away, not after her embarrassing blunder.
Without a second thought, she pushed through the doors of the hotel and stepped outside into the cool evening air. Her eyes darted around, searching for any sign of him. But the only thing she was met with was the usual bustle of the city. Her frustration was steadily growing as she desperately tried to find any trace of him. He couldn't have gone far, right?
Determined, she began walking down the sidewalk. Her gaze scanned every person that passed by, desperately hoping to spot him amongst the strangers. But with each passing person her heart sank lower and lower. Each disappointment and failed sighting only fueled her fury further, her body tense and her heart racing.
She could feel her pulse in her ears. She didn't care how far she had to walk, or who she upset in her search. She had to find him. She Needed to find him. Her determination had grown into a near manic obsession.
Her search continued for what seemed like eternity. Her frustration and anger was becoming unbearable. And yet, in the back of her mind, she knew the whole thing was utterly foolish and desperate. She should've just let him go, but her wounded pride and intense obsession left her with no other options but the endless search.
Her mind was consumed with thoughts of him. The way he carried himself, the confidence in his voice, the way he looked at her. What was is about him that was so entrancing?
But then she thought of the way it felt to have him near her, if only for a moment. That brief taste of connection had ignited something deep within her and she longed to feel it again. Even if meant looking utterly, pathetically, sad.
Her steps quickened as that thought hit her harder. The brief moment of connection, no matter how small or insignificant, had awakened a deep desire that she now realized had been lying dormant for some time. She pushed aside any thoughts of shame or embarrassment. This obsession had consumed her, and she couldn't stop herself even if she wanted to.
As Verosika walked along the sidewalk, her eyes caught a glimpse of something in the corner of her vision. A hint of blue amongst the typical scenery. She stopped in her tracks and turned her gaze towards it with a sense of disbelief. But what really caught her attention was the figure stood just outside of it.
Her breath caught in her throat as the realization hit her that it was him. The man she had been desperately searching for, standing just a few yards away. She felt a wave of relief mixed with a hint of disbelief, but it was quickly overtaken by a mix of anger and determination.
She quickened her pace, now fueled by an intense hunger and a need to confront him. She didn't care about how she would look anymore, all she cared about was the burning need to get him to talk to her.
Her thoughts and feelings were a whirlwind as she approached the police box, her heart beating rapidly in her chest. She couldn't believe her luck, or perhaps it was destiny, that he would be standing right before her again. The hunger, the determination, it was all too much.
Without hesitation, she closed the distance between them and spoke up, her voice filled with a mixture of demand and desperation. "Hey! Wait!" But he slipped into the police box before she could be heard.
Her heart dropped as she saw him enter the police box. No... He couldn't just disappear like that, not after all this. She quickened her pace and reached the box in a matter of seconds, her hand grasping the cool metal of the door handle.
She swallowed hard, her mind racing with thoughts of how to react if he denied her again. But the need to be near him was too strong, and she wasn't going to let him get away a second time. With a deep breath, she pushed opened the door and stepped inside.
But to her surprise, the interior of the police box was unlike anything she had expected to ever see. It was larger on the inside, filled with a ethereal orange glow, various industrial catwalks leading into doorways, insinuating there was more to this structure beyond the immediate room. Her eyes darted around, her mind struggling to process the impossible sight before her. Everything she had planned to say to him went out the door at the sheer shock she felt entering the blue police box. She was frozen as she tried to recall an iota of what she organized ahead of time.
But then she noticed him, standing in the center of the room, back turned to her. His shoulders were slouched as he leaned against some kind of control structure for support as he began speaking to himself. "I can't, not again, not after... You really are hopeless Doctor"
Her heart ached as she heard his murmured words, a sense of curiosity and concern overcoming her. Who was he talking to? And what did he mean by "not again"? The brief glimpse of vulnerability in his demeanor drew her further inside, the door of the police box closing behind her with an audible thud that alerted the man to her presence.
He swiftly turned around, his eyes going wide at the sight of her. The surprise and shock on his face nearly matched hers, as if he hadn't expected her to follow him from the restaurant. "You followed me?!" he asked, his voice betraying a mixture of annoyance and disbelief.
Her own surprise turned to a flash of anger at his reaction. "Yeah, I did," she spat out defiantly, feeling a mix of hurt and irritation at his annoyance. "You can't just walk away from someone like that and expect them to just let you go!"
She took a step forward, her eyes locking with his defiant gaze. Despite her anger, there was this weird feeling in the pit of her stomach that she couldn't quite place. It was a mixture of anticipation and excitement, a strange concoction of emotions that only seemed to spike as she got closer.
"And you didn't even have the decency to say goodbye," she continued, her voice still sharp and defiant. "I mean, seriously, what kind of person does that?" As she spoke, she drew closer still, her heart racing faster with each step, the strange sensation only growing stronger.
He visibly stiffened at her words, a flicker of guilt passing over his face before he quickly composed himself. He sighed, running his fingers through his hair and looking at her with a mix of resignation and confusion. "Look… there's a reason I didn't want to talk to you" he said, leaning against the control panel in a relaxed, but slightly defensive, manner.
Her heart rate quickened at his response, a mix of curiosity and frustration bubbling up within her. What reason could he possibly have to avoid her like that?
She took yet another step forward, now standing just a few feet away from him. Her eyes scanned his face, trying to decipher the hidden emotions behind his expression.
"Why?" she asked simply, her voice soft but firm. "I thought we were getting along, but then you just... walked away." The words felt vulnerable as they left her lips, and yet, there was a sense of determination mixed in there too, a drive to get him to open up to her.
He met her gaze, his eyes a complex mix of guilt, resignation. He took a deep breath, his shoulders slumping slightly as he looked straight at her, knowing he wouldn't be able to skirt around the topic.
"It's because we were getting along," he said quietly. "But trust me, you don't want to get involved with me. I'm… complicated"
She arched her eyebrow slightly, his words eliciting a mixture of surprise and intrigue. Her initial reaction was to protest, to insist that she could handle his complexity, but the vulnerability in his voice gave her pause. Taking a small step forward, she closed the distance between them even more. Her eyes were fixed on him, searching his face as she spoke. "Does it have anything to do with all of this?" She asked, gesturing to the room they were in.
She looked around, taking in the sight of the control panels, the various lights and shapes that lined the walls, the intricate walkways above them. It was all so unusual, so out of place from everything she had ever seen so, alien. "I mean... What is this place?"
He gave a wry smile, his eyes darting around the room as if to take it all in himself. "This my Tardis" he said, his voice tinged with a sense of affection. "Time And Relative Dimension In space. it's an acronym"
Her confused expression didn't waver as he spoke. Tardis. The word echoed in her head, her mind slowly trying to process the information. "A Time Machine?" she mused out loud, having deduced the name's implications. Her eyes scanned the room once more, a hint of excitement mixing in with her disbelief. "You have a Time Machine..."
"Putting it simply, yes" The stranger relaxed slightly at the nostalgic feeling of presenting the Tardis.
She slowly circled him and the controls, her eyes taking in every last detail of the Time Machine. She paused to lean against the controls herself, her fingers tracing over the buttons and levers. "You're telling me... you're some kind of... time traveler?"
Her voice was tinged with disbelief and wonder, her mind struggling to process the sheer impossibility of it all. But she couldn't tear her eyes away from him, his demeanour, his confidence, the way he seemed so familiar with the machine. Her heart was racing now for an entirely different reason. There was something about him... something she was utterly drawn to. She couldn't explain why, but this moment felt… significant somehow, as if it was the beginning of something new.
Her heart hammered in her chest as she looked at him. This strange, intriguing man who had somehow managed to take such a strong hold of her curiosity and turn her world upside down. Her thoughts were a mix of confusion and exhilaration, and a deep need to get closer to him, to figure out the mystery that he was. "You know..." she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "You haven't even told me your name"
The stranger gave a slight chuckle, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "No, I suppose I haven't" he said, his gaze never leaving hers. He studied her face quietly for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Do you want to know why I didn't want to talk to you?" he said abruptly.
Surprise flickered across her face at the sudden shift in conversation, but she composed herself, curious about where this was going. She only nodded quietly, her pulse quickening.
He took a step closer to her, his eyes searching hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "I didn't want to talk to you because being around me is dangerous," he said, his voice serious in a way that gave her a strange jolt. "Just knowing my name could get you killed"
She drew in her breath, her heart racing even faster. How could knowing something as simple as his name be dangerous? And yet, his words had a weight to them that made her believe him. She stared directly into his eyes, her heart conflicted by his warning and how utterly beautiful and cosmic his eyes were.
Her mind was spinning from the intensity of the situation. His eyes, his words, everything about him was overwhelming in a way she couldn't quite describe. The warning was clear, yet it only heightened her sense of curiosity. He was a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, and she was too far gone to just let him slip away.
"Is this supposed to scare me off?" she asked, her voice laced with defiance. "Cause it's not working"
The stranger studied her for a moment, a flicker of something in his eyes - was it amusement? - as he noted her determination. He sighed, shaking his head slightly. "I should have guessed as much," he murmured, half to her and half to himself.
A hint of a smirk tugged at the corners of her lips. She pushed herself off the console and took a step towards him. She was standing right in front of him now, her chest almost touching his, her eyes burning with a mixture of curiosity and desire. "So, are you gonna fly me to the moon or are you going to be a lame ass and tell me it's too dangerous?"
The stranger chuckled at her demand, his gaze roving over her face with a sort of bewildered appreciation for her boldness. "You really are relentless" he murmured, his voice holding a note of admiration. "Fine, I'll take you for one trip to anywhere in all of time and space. But you have to promise me one very very important thing"
She blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected him to agree so quickly. She took a moment to process his words, her heart still pounding in her chest. "I'm listening" she said, her voice tinged with excitement and a touch of anxiety.
He looked her directly in the eye, his expression serious yet there was also a hint of gentleness. "Don't pick somewhere boring"
She smirked at his words, her excitement only increasing. Anywhere in time and space, any place she wanted and all she had to do was get creative. "Trust me," she said, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, "I don't do boring"
The stranger couldn't help but grin at her words, her enthusiasm and eagerness to dive headlong into an adventure was both refreshing and slightly concerning to him. He'd met plenty of people over the course of his years, but there was something different about her. Something that piqued his interest in a way he hadn't felt in a long time.
She noticed his grin, and it only served to make her heart race faster. There was a sort of connection between them, a chemistry that was both unexpected and captivating. As she met his gaze, she found herself growing bolder, her earlier feelings replaced by a determination to explore the bond between them.
"So, mystery man" she said, a hint of playfulness in her voice, "show me the universe"
He chuckled at her directness, clearly enjoying her enthusiasm. "My name's the Doctor by the way" With the pull of a lever, the Tardis came to life around them, the sound of the engines filling the room.
The Doctor and Verosika stepped out of the Tardis, into the vast and extravagant space station club. They were immediately hit with a wave of sights, sounds and scents that assaulted their senses. The place was like nothing she'd ever seen, the floor space was at least a couple of football fields in size, encased in a glass dome structure giving everyone a view of the breathtaking solar system outside. A mix of various alien races and humans danced and drank together. It was a strange experience for Verosika, to walk among humans not in disguise was one thing but to do that whilst aliens were in the mix was something else. But to her surprise, she had expected to be greeted with other worldly music. "Why are they playing Judas?"
"Not everyone here is human, let alone from the twenty first century, so to them Lady Gaga is pretty alien. Besides, it's classics night" The Doctor replied with a touch of amusement in his voice.
She chuckled and nodded. "Fair enough." she responded, her eyes still taking in the wild, chaotic, yet beautiful sight. The dance floor below them was packed, the bodies moving in rhythmic unison to the music. The flashing lights, the booming beats, it was as if all her senses were being stimulated at once.
The Doctor looked over at her, taking note of the way she was taking it all in. "You're handling all this pretty well. You could almost fool me into thinking you're used to this sort of thing" A hint of a smirk teased at the corner of his lips.
She tore her gaze away from the bustling dancefloor and turned to him, a smirk of her own tugging at the corner of her lips. "Hey, I'm just rolling with it. I did ask you to show me the universe." She said with a shrug, trying to play it cool. But, truth is, she was struggling to think straight. The adrenaline rush, the unfamiliar environment, and most of all, the presence of the Doctor beside her, was making her head spin.
The Doctor seemed amused at her attempt to appear nonchalant. As they stood there, in the middle of this vast, cosmic night club, he could feel a strange attraction drawing him to her. It wasn't just her natural beauty, or the unusual calmness she displayed. It was her spirit, her passion for life and her willingness to throw caution to the wind. "Well, we didn't come here to just stare did we? I say we start off with a drink"
She shot him a cheeky grin. "Now you're speaking my language." She responded, a spark of excitement igniting in her eyes. The thought of a night filled with new experiences, dancing, and alcohol, with this strange but captivating man was thrilling as it was nerve-racking. "Lead the way, Doctor"
The Doctor led her through the bustling club, navigating their way through the sea of dancing aliens and humans. The music was thumping loudly in her ears, each beat syncing with her racing heart. They arrived at a sleek, glowing bar, the bartender, a four-armed, multi-eyed creature, greeted them with a nod as he polished clean a glass. The Doctor turned to her, a smirk on his face. "Order anything you like, it's on me. though I would make sure to ask for a sample before you get a glass of anything you don't know, alien alcohol can be intense"
As they settled onto stools at the bar, she couldn't help but notice the looks they were getting from other patrons. A good-looking hellborn and an human looking stranger in a suit - they probably made an interesting pairing. She glanced at the aliens around the bar, her eyes lingering on the four-armed bartender, before turning to Doctor. "Trust me, I can handle my liquor. But I might still take your advice on the sample."
She scanned the array of colorful liquids behind the bar, her eyes settling on a glowing purple drink. Without thinking, she raised her hand and called the four-armed bartender over. "One of those, please," she said, pointing to the drink as she leaned against the bar. The bartender nodded and proceeded to prepare her drink, pouring a clear green liquid into the base before adding the purple liquor, finishing off with a splash of something yellow on top. It swirled together, creating an almost hypnotic vortex of color.
Verosika watched as the bartender prepared her drink, intrigued by the process and the resulting vibrant color that was created. As the drink was placed in front of her, she picked it up, gave it a tentative sniff, before taking a small sip. A jolt of unfamiliar flavor filled her senses, it was sweet yet bitter, and as the Doctor had warned, strong. "Damn," she muttered, "you weren't joking about the strong part"
"Just wait until you start tasting colors" He responded while biting back a laugh.
Verosika took another sip, the alcohol warming her throat nicely. She glanced at the Doctor, the hint of a smile on her lips. "Tasting colors, huh? That sounds kinda fun" she said, a glimmer in her eyes as she took another, longer sip of her drink
"I'm starting to think that you are not from Hell" She joked somewhat knowingly as she let the flavor of the drink rest on her tongue.
"Caught me red handed" He replied a slight but real smile. "Yeah I'm not from Hell or Earth, I'm just an alien who likes to travel around in his space ship disguised as a 1960's british police box"
"Where do you get a Tardis, is their like an alien time machine dealer ship or something?" She questioned before taking another swig, slowly taking larger and larger sips as she becomes acquainted with the beverage.
The Doctor responded with a genuine laugh at the prospect, the idea of a seedy Tardis dealership was more amusing than he would have expected. "No nothing like that. Proper time machines like the Tardis are relatively rare to come across, and for good reason. My Tardis was an old museum piece that I feel in love with. There were newer models available when I first came across her, but there's just something special about classic models of pretty much anything. So, one day, I kinda just... Stole her"
Taking another sip of her drink she nods slightly in response. "Good to know I just ran off with a felon" She was clearly unfazed by his admission of guilt. "I did always have a thing for bad boys so I guess it makes sense" she threw in after to tease him a bit and see how he would react.
Though he realized she was unbothered by his crime, he still felt the need to defend himself "They certainly weren't using her anymore, I was giving her the attention a beautiful machine like that deserves. And besides, they never bothered to reclaim her or arrest me for what I did"
The alcohol was starting to take its effect, loosening her inhibitions and heightening her senses. The lights in the room seemed brighter, the music sounded more vibrant, and the Doctor seemed even more captivating, if that was even possible. She felt a wave of courage and confidence rushing through her. "You know," she said, leaning a bit closer to him, her voice slightly sultry, "I could really go for some dancing right now."
The Doctor raised an eyebrow as she moved closer, a small grin playing on his lips. It seemed the alcohol was starting to affect her, though he was surprised at how well she was handling it. "Dancing, eh?" He said in a low voice, his gaze never leaving hers. "Should have expected that. You do seem like the wild and energetic type"
She gave him a coy smile, her eyes dancing with mischief. The alcohol had indeed taken its effect, and she was feeling lighter, bolder, and far more carefree. "You have no idea" she replied, her words tinged with a sultry tone she hadn't meant to give. Her gaze flicked over the crowded dance floor, her heart rate increasing at the thought of losing herself to the rhythm of the music. "So, Doc, can you dance?" she asked, a challenge in her voice.
The Doctor chuckled, the sound causing a strange, fluttery sensation in her stomach that she couldn't quite understand. "Oh, I can dance," he said, his tone a mix of amusement and confidence. "The real question is, can you keep up?"
Her smile turned into a cheeky grin, accepting his challenge without a second thought. "Oh, please, I bet I can out-dance anyone in this room, including you"
She downed the rest of her drink in one swift gulp, her lips lingering on the rim of the glass for just a fraction longer than necessary. She slid off her stool and took his outstretched hand. "Let's find out, Doc"
The Doctor allowed himself to be led onto the dance floor, weaving through the throngs of dancers until they found a cleared space. The beats continued to thump loudly around them, the energy of the crowd palpable in the air.
He turned to face her, a smirk on his lips. "So, Miss Verosika," he said, his voice carrying over the music, "how good is your stamina?"
Verosika planted her feet firmly on the floor, her eyes meeting his with a wicked gleam in them. "Impress me enough and maybe you'll find out" she replied, her voice challenging. She felt the rhythmic pulse of the music flow through her, invigorating her every cell. Her heart was pounding in her chest, a combination of excitement and the alcohol coursing through her veins. She took a step forward, closing the distance between them, her confidence soaring. "You gonna keep talking, or are we gonna dance?"
The Doctor's smile widened at her response. This woman was unpredictable, bold, and undeniably attractive. His hearts raced just a little faster. Matching her stance, standing eye to eye with her. "You're on" he replied, his voice low and full of quiet challenge. As the music changed beats and a faster song took over, he took the lead, his moves quick but precise, challenging her to keep up.
Verosika watched his every move intently, a smile on her face. She had thrown down the gauntlet, and he had accepted. She wasn't about to back down. The immediate aggressive movements took her by surprise, but she wasn't fazed. She responded in turn, her body moving with a natural grace born from years of practice. Her moves were fluid, smooth and perfectly synchronized with the beat, meeting his every step. As the music picked up speed, so did their banter. "Is that all you got, Doc?" she threw back, the smirk on her face almost devilish.
The Doctor was good, his movements confident and skillful. But Verosika was keeping up, her own moves sharp and precise, mirroring his with a sense of ease. Her body moved in perfect synchrony with the pulsing rhythm. The energy on the dance floor was infectious, their little competition adding to the excitement.
The song changed again, the beat faster than before. Both of them were beginning to sweat, their breath coming in quick gasps. They continued their dance of challenge, each move an attempt to outperform the other. The alcohol was coursing through Verosika's system, making her more daring, more willing to take risks.
Keeping Verosika on her toes, the Doctor changed his style to cha-cha-cha, wanting see if she can keep up.Her eyes widened at the unexpected switch, the unexpected move catching her momentarily off guard. However, she quickly regained her composure, a determined gleam appearing in her eyes. She followed his movements, adapting to the faster footwork and sensuous body rolls of the dance, matching his steps and adding her own flair. "You're switching it up on me, huh?" she said breathlessly, a defiant grin taking shape on her face. "Trying to throw me off, is that it?"
The Doctor's lips curled into a smirk, appreciating her ability to keep up with the sudden change in pace. "Just trying to keep things interesting," he said, his voice slightly hoarse from the exertion. He added a few extra spins and dramatic dips to the routine, his movements a blend of skill and charm.
Verosika's eyes narrowed at the sight of his excessive movements, her competitive spirit flaring up once more. She refused to be outdone, countering his spins and dips with her own,the hem of her skirt dancing around her legs. Taking his left hand in her right and guiding his right arm to her waist, she retaliated by switching up the dance to a sensual Tango, her body moving with a sultry and provocative grace.
Their dance had become a full on battle, the music didn't even match their movement anymore as they competed to see who would be the first to falter under the other's pace. Verosika found herself enjoying this little contest a bit too much. The music was intoxicating, so was the alcohol in her system, and the challenging dance with the easy on the eyes stranger she just met had her heartbeat racing. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had such a thrilling night.
Their gazes locked again, the dance floor their battlefield, the music their symphony. "You're good, Doctor" she managed to say between breaths. "You're very good."
He met her gaze with a smirk, his own breath equally labored. "You're not too shabby yourself," he replied, his voice carrying genuine praise. He was enjoying this as much as she was, perhaps even more. The way she challenged him, both in dance and banter, was something he hadn't experienced in a longtime.
They continued their back and forth, neither one of them giving an inch. The music had become a blur of sounds, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. They were no longer dancing just for the challenge, but for the thrill, for the adrenaline rush. Verosika's skin was glistening with sweat, her eyes shining with exhilaration. She was enjoying this, this feeling of being challenged, of feeling seen.
The Doctor couldn't remember the last time he'd enjoyed dancing this much, or the last time someone had been able to keep up with him. His hands found its way to her hip, guiding her in a particularly complicated move, a slight smile playing on his lips. They were no longer attempting to outdo each other. Now, they were just enjoying the dance, each step, spin, twist of the hip and stretch of the leg a shared experience, their bodies moving in an almost perfect rhythm.
Verosika's breath caught in her throat as his hand made contact with her hip, the unexpected touch sending an electric current through her body. Her eyes flickered up to his, the surprise in them replaced by something else. A strange mixture of thrill and attraction she couldn't quite ignore. They spun and whirled around each other, the dance now more intimate than competitive. The alcohol in their systems seemed to be making them bolder, less restrained.
Right as the song was about to come to an end, the Doctor had one more trick up his sleeve he wanted to pull before its conclusion. Pulling her close to his right side, he lifts her off the ground and swings her over to his left, finishing the dance with a kaye dip.
Verosika gasped as she felt the Doctor's strong grip on her waist, lifting her off the ground. The unexpected move caught her by surprise, her body curving gracefully with the swing. The world seemed to freeze for a moment as she found herself looking into his eyes from her inverted position. Her hand clutched his shoulder, holding on more for balance than anything else, but she found she didn't mind his closeness. In fact, the warmth of his body so close to hers was quite pleasant.
They stayed like that for what seemed like an eternity, their breath mingling with the sound of the last notes of the song and the pounding of their hearts. Slowly, the room came back into focus, the other dancers who witnessed the two were clapping or doing their home worlds equivalent at their unintentional performance, their audience believing them to be professionals.
Their gazes met and held, a moment of stillness in the whirlwind of the night. The air between them was charged with something that had little to do with the alcohol they'd consumed.
The applause of the crowd faded into the background, their cheers and whistles nothing more than an afterthought. All she could focus on was him, the warmth of his body against hers and the gleam in his eyes. Slowly, she was lifted back to her feet, their bodies still close. Her breath a little ragged. She found herself staring into his eyes, feeling a strange mixture of excitement and vulnerability. "That was... Exciting," she managed to whisper, her voice shaky.
The Doctor held her for a moment longer, his arm still around her waist, reluctant to let her go quite yet. He was feeling it too. Verosika was stunning, yes, with an undeniable allure. But there was something more that drew him to her.
"Exciting is an understatement." he murmured, his voice low. He could feel the heat radiating off her skin, the rapid rise and fall of her chest. Inevitably, he let go of her, his arms resting at his sides now.
The moment he let go, Verosika felt a strange emptiness, her body missing the warmth of his touch. She stared at him for a moment longer, her eyes searching his face as though trying to read his mind.
She'd never felt so flustered and excited before, it was a little intimidating. "You're a damn good dancer, Doc," she said, her voice a little more steady. "Where did you learn those moves?"
The Doctor chuckled, the compliment bringing a smile to his lips. "Been here and there" he replied, waving a hand as though it was nothing. His eyes never left hers, the intensity of their gaze unwavering.
"I could say the same about you. You're one hell of a dance partner."
Verosika tried to play it cool, but the compliment made her heart skip a beat. She sat at the nearest empty table, folding her arms in a deliberate attempt to appear relaxed. "Well, I am a pop star," she said with a shrug, a small smile playing on her lips. "Dancing is a part of the job"
Once they were seated, Verosika leaned back in her seat, studying his face intently.
"So, Doctor," she began, her voice taking on a sultry edge. "You sure you're not an incubus in disguise? You got the charm and the moves down pat"
The Doctor chuckled, a mixture of amusement from what she said and a long forgotten flutter in his chest. "I'm pretty certain" he replied, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "But I'll take that as a compliment."
"Oh, don't get me wrong," Verosika drawled, her smile widening. "It was most definitely a compliment." She shifted slightly forward, her eyes never leaving his face. There was a strange electricity in the air, one she couldn't quite explain but was drawn to nonetheless. She waved over a waiter, needing something to drink after the workout of a dance they performed. "You know, with moves like that, I'm surprised you're not already spoken for."
The Doctor was rudely brought back to reality by her words. He was reluctant to answer the question, but was spared having to continue down this route of conversation by the waiter approaching their table with a small tablet in hand. The robotic staff member wore a black dress shirt with matching pants, their head head was a largely smooth screen surface with a holographic projector attached to the left temple showing the drink menu.
The waiter smiled politely through the digital display, their two dimensional eyes flitting between the both of them. "What would the two of you like to drink?"
Verosika had opened her mouth to continue their conversation when the waiter arrived. She studied the digital display with mild fascination before making placing her order. "I'll have a Long Island Iced Tea," she said with a casual smile. "With a shot of vodka on the side... On second thought, make that two shots," she added.
"Banana daiquiri with a splash extra of coconut milk and one of those little umbrellas if you would be so kind" He told the waiter without hesitation.
Verosika raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning. "Interesting choice," she commented, not quite hiding the hint of humor in her voice. "A bit... fruity, isn't it?"
"As the person who accidentally invented it a few centuries early, I feel that I should have the right to order it when I like without being shamed" He said as he leaned back in his chair balancing on the two back legs, using it like a rocking chair.
Verosika chuckled at his response, her eyebrows raising in amused surprise. "Oh, is that so? You invented the daiquiri, huh? I didn't know I was in the presence of a time traveling mixologist." Her smile was laced with a hint of challenge as she leaned forward, resting her chin atop her folded arms. "Care to explain how?"
The Doctor chuckled at her challenge, clearly enjoying the banter. He leaned forward, his chair returning to all four legs with a thump. "Well, let me tell you a story..." he began, his voice taking on the tone of someone recounting a well-loved tale. "Me and a couple of traveling companions I had at the time found ourselves on an abandoned fifty-first century spaceship, on it was a Spatio-temporal hyperlink connecting the ship to the bedroom of an eighteenth century girl. Long story short, I stopped a bunch of clockwork droids from using Madame de Pompadour's brain to fix their ship, kissed Madame de Pompadour, withtongue I might add, and the whole reason I'm telling you this story, made a banana daiquiri almost a whole two hundred years before the daiquiri itself was invented, let alone the banana variant
Verosika listened with rapt attention, her eyes not leaving his face. His story was so ludicrous, yet so absurdly believable with his calm and confident demeanor. She found herself a little envious of Madame de Pompadour. "So, you're telling me that this," she said, gesturing at his daiquiri that the waiter had just brought, "this drink was first created because some clockwork aliens tried to use a 18th century French courtier's brain and you accidentally made a banana daiquiri, and then kissed the same french courtier?"
"The kiss happened before I made the drink. But yeah, that's pretty much it" He said with the drink hovering in front of his mouth before finally taking a sip.
Verosika's eyebrows raised, her lips twitching into a smirk. "You, sir, have an interesting life story. Time travel, clockwork droids, brain theft, and a passionate kiss with a French noble. Sounds like a movie script, not gonna lie."
She took a sip of her Long Island iced tea, her gaze fixed on his face, studying it carefully. "So, is kissing historical characters a hobby of yours then?"
The Doctor chuckled at her question, setting his cocktail back on the table. "It's not by choice. They are the ones kissing me"
Verosika couldn't help but chuckle at that. "Oh, you poor soul," she teased, her voice dripping with mock pity. "All those women throwing themselves at you, forced to endure their affection. It must be such a tough life you lead, Doctor."
The Doctor met her sarcasm with a smirk of his own. "It's a heavy burden to bear, but someone has to do it." He picked up his daiquiri and swirled the contents idly before taking another sip.
Verosika's smirk widened, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Oh, of course. For the greater good," she purred sarcastically.
The two sat in comfortable silence for a while, the music providing a very much enjoyed backdrop. "I was thinking" The Doctor started, his voice taking a slightly more questioning tone. "It has been quite a few years since I last traveled with someone. I was wondering if you would come with me sometimes? You know, when your available or are in the mood to gallivant around the universe"
Verosika was mid-sip when he asked, heart skipping a beat at the prospect, her mind already rushing with possibilities. Exploring the vast universe in a time machine... It was the stuff of dreams. It was the opportunity she was looking for. She tried to compose herself, to act like she had to think it over. But in reality, she'd made up her mind the moment he had spoken.
"Well, I suppose I could pencil in some 'galactic gallivanting' into my busy schedule" she replied, feigning nonchalance. But her heart was beating too fast for her to hide the excitement from him. Even in the dim lighting, her eyes were practically sparkling.
"I do have one condition however," She leaned forward slightly, her intense gaze fixed on him.
The Doctor met her gaze calmly, arching an eyebrow. "And what might that be?" he questioned, taking another sip of his drink as he waited for her to continue.
Verosika's smile turned sly, her index finger tapping against the rim of her glass as she held his gaze."If I going to ride along in your Tardis," she began, her voice low and serious. "If I'm gonna go on adventures with you, you can't just leave me behind for the sake of my safety or some other noble bullshit." She locked eyes with him, her gaze steady. "I want to be fully involved. No coddling, no treating me like a porcelain doll. I'm not that delicate."
The Doctor leaned back in his chair, mulling over her conditions. He liked that she was assertive, standing firm on what she wanted. But he also held a protective nature towards his companions. He wanted to keep them safe given he was the one putting them in danger in the first place.
Verosika saw the hesitance in his eyes, the protectiveness that he felt. But she was determined to stand her ground. "Look, Doctor," she said, leaning forward a bit more. "I get that you probably want to protect the people around you, and that's sweet, really. But I can handle myself." She held his gaze, her expression a mix of determination and something else, something that mirrored his own protective nature. "I won't break, okay? I'm not going to sit backseat and let you have all the fun."
The Doctor studied her face, her unwavering determination, the stubbornness in her gaze. But more than that, he saw something in her eyes, a fire, a spark that reminded him of himself. He let out a soft sigh, a small smile playing on his lips. She was right, he had a tendency to coddle his companions, try to shield them from any harm. But she wasn't begging him, she was telling him. Demanding that she be allowed to be an equal partner. It made him respect her even more. "All right, then. Deal"
Verosika's heart did a leap at his agreement. She had expected a fight, a back and forth where she had to argue every single one of her points. But he had agreed so fast, it made her wonder if maybe the offer was for his benefit as much as it was for her. She tried to compose herself, to maintain a cool demeanor, but she couldn't hide the excitement that flared in her eyes. "Good," she said simply, taking a sip of her drink to hide the fact that she was struggling to suppress a beaming smile.
The Doctor caught the flicker of excitement in her eyes, and it made him chuckle as he took another sip of his daiquiri. Seeing her try to hide her true thoughts behind a wall of nonchalance was endearing. He couldn't help but find the contrast between her popstar persona and her genuine self fascinating and intriguing.
"So," Verosika said after a pause, the excitement starting to crack her nonchalant facade. "Where are we going first?"
(So here is the rewrite of chapter one, almost double the word count of the original so that alone makes me happy, and I hope this is a more thought out start than its predecessor.
I have changed the plot quite a bit from the original so within the next few days I'll go and fix some of the continuity issues in chapter two by having an insinuated time skip.
The reasons for me doing that as apposed to rewriting parts of chapter two is because I am going to eventually add a couple more chapters in between one and two, I kinda rushed ahead in character and relationship development because I was so eager to get to write the exciting part. So I'll like to stretch it out by a couple more shortish chapters. But I'm switching focus back to continuing the story for now.
Also, (While it's not fully done because I want to myself draw a background for it) I have Finished drawing for myself new cover photo.
(If this is your first time reading my fic, below this message contains some minor spoilers ahead, of you care about that you can move on to the next chapter.)
Responding to some of the comments.
Yes, I do plan on Lyra being at the very least a major recurring character, but will most likely be a pretty involved character moving forward once I figure out exactly what kind a personality I'm going to give her. (As a side note, I am willing to hear out any ideas on what kind of character Lyra is, but I am not going to humor back seat writers wanting to tell me what direction my story should go. So if you want to send a DM to shoot some ideas about Lyra I'm cool with that and would appreciate some help, but anything that leaves the realm of suggestions I'll ignore)
As to Valentino, he'll be on the back burner for now, but I have stuff planned for him in the future.
And finally, while I feel that I have some unfinished business with chapter six, I appreciate the compliments and am glad it was still enjoyable.
Thank you to all again for your feed back and for reading my little passion project. I hope you all have a wonderful day, and I'll see you all roughly next week.)