Theta Sigma by LayneCarver
Summary: When the Eleventh Doctor has an unusual regeneration, a Time Lady appears in his life, ready to find which Doctor is suitable to revive the Time Lords. Over months and years, she works with the Ninth Doctor to heal his wounds, and somehow, they find a way to their new home.
Rating: Teen
Categories: Multi-Era, Ninth Doctor, Eleventh Doctor
Characters: Original Companion, The Doctor (9th), The TARDIS, Amy Pond, River Song, Rory Williams, The Doctor (11th)
Genres: Action/Adventure, Alternate Universe, Angst, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Romance, Series
Warnings: Explicit Violence, Swearing
Challenges: None
Series: Auxiliary Timelines
Published: 2013.05.28
Updated: 2013.07.17
Theta Sigma by LayneCarver
Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Cold Blooded
Author's Notes: The Doctor feels for the first time since the Time War, and Theta feels the effects of regeneration.
"Doctor?" Theta slowly asked. He blinked, then turned to face her. His eyes were red, his cheeks were wet, and his forehead was wrinkled.
"I never knew, I've only just remembered my nickname was Theta Sigma at the Academy," he said, clearing his throat.
"If you chose that name, the Doctor, then what is your real name?" she asked.
"My name is ------" he answered, rolling off liquid syllables, though no vowel could be heard. Theta didn't look surprised.
"I've never told anyone, but they wouldn't know how to pronounce it," he said, swatting away the wetness that covered his face.
"They're gone because of the war?" she asked gently, sensitive to his emotional state.
"Yes..." he sighed. "That's what has happened to all of them. But because you're here, I know it's over." He smiled and shook her shoulder. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek, then got up to leave. As she reached the door he called her name.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
"The galley, aren't you hungry?" she said, waving her fingers at him. His stomach answered her before he did with a displeased growl.
"I think that means yes." He chuckled, and took her hand, leading her to the simple room.
They walked in silence, neither one sure of what to say or do. The Doctor pulled her out a chair and instructed her to sit down.
"I think I could cook, I still remember that," she fussed.
"Oh no, I am not having you burning your delicate fingers on the stove," he replied.
"So I get to sit here and watch your bum?" she teased.
He turned his head to look at her over his shoulder, then wiggled his hips, causing them both to crack up.
Soon he sat down with two sandwiches that looked like the alien equivalent of a tavern dip au jus. He brought their plates and sat down across from her. As they ate, they conversed about simple things, the mood lightened and soon, the Doctor wasn't brooding.
"Don't be worried- it's the same thing I feel after regenerating, only I have my memories... Usually. Who am I? What do I like? What am I like? It's always similar."
"So, what do I do?" Theta asked.
"Give it some time, it only takes a little experimenting and adventuring to find the answers. We could start anytime." The Doctor finished off his sandwich in a large chunk that filled his cheeks and rounded his face.
"Somehow I don't feel ready, even the TARDIS is an adventure!" she exclaimed.
"Tell me about it..." he grumbled quietly, but the TARDIS still flicker her lights in warning.
"At least I can help you, your not human, ugh!" he grumbled yet again, this time Theta sent a warning.
"Can't you relish something that reminds you of yourself?" she argued.
"It hurts to remember," he stated plainly.
"Sometimes it's a good hurt," she said, taking his hand.
The Doctor pulled her up from her chair into a tight hug, and she lay her head on his strong chest, feeling the steady rise and fall, and listening to the thud-thud-thumping of his twin hearts. Unwrapping his arms from around her, he took her hand and lead her to a different bedroom.
"This is my bedroom," he stated, and led her in.
The room was breathtaking, black glass walls with Circular Gallifreyan inscribed in gold, blue floors of crystal tile, a midnight blue rug of velvet on the upper level where the bed resided. The bed was a king, four posts of a deep mahogany frame. Black sheets were concealed by layers of deep blue organza and two layers of black lace, white lilies grew up the posts and were woven above into the canopy of cascading fabrics.
"It's beautiful!"Theta gasped. Her eyes met his briefly, when he pulled to sit down next to him on the edge of the bed. He had thrown his coat onto a rack and pulled a small chest by the bed, the key in his hand.
"Do you want to spend your life with me? Not because we're the last, but because we can?" he asked her, uncertainty in his eyes, he was asking of a simple, small commitment from her, a relationship, but they were far from anything normal.
"Why would I want anyone else if I can have you?" she said sincerely.
"Well, for a starters, I've committed genocide on two species and killed thousands of others-" he said, until Theta slapped her hand over his mouth.
"You are brave, gentle, loving, caring, friendly, courageous, adventurous, and so much more. Why wouldn't I want that?" again asking questions.
He smiled back at her, and took her face in his hands.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.
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