★★★4

[didorothy]

[Sam is still bloody and bruised from his fight with the monsters. Gene Hunt's camel hide coat is in his arms, pressed close to his chest.]

Lapis, Lazuli. You said you sold anything. I have something I want to buy.

Comments

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[a pause, as he considers]

The rest of us aren't figments of your mind, Sam. We come from entirely different realities.

I realise you can't be certain of that, but it does help me a bit.

[didorothy]

To be honest, I don't... know what I want to believe, anymore.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[softly]

The truth is generally the best option.

[didorothy]

[nods, pressing his lips together, eyes distant, frown evident]

[but that snaps, and he looks back to the Doctor]

Sorry. You're right, of course.

Could you... tell me a bit about Gallifrey? While I have accidental time travel under my belt, I haven't ever gotten off-planet.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[raises his eyebrows]

Generally.

[then he smiles, slightly]

Well. It's quite beautiful, really. Silver leaves and red grass beneath an amber sky, magnificent cities beneath shimmering domes...

[didorothy]

It sounds lovely.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[wan smile]

In some ways.

You miss home, don't you? I haven't for a long time.

[didorothy]

Why not? If you don't mind me asking. I just don't... [looks down at the coat and then back up at the Doctor]

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

Understand? No, I suspect many wouldn't.

I left my world for a reason, and my distaste has only intensified since.

[didorothy]

I'm sorry.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

Don't be. I'm quite happy with the life I have now.

[didorothy]

That doesn't mean... Forget it. Sorry.

Ahh... [runs a hand through his hair] I reckon I should get back to ... 'fighting monsters.' [lets out a short laugh] This is madness.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[chuckle]

You apologise entirely too much.

[raises eyebrows]

I think you should rest a bit first. They're powerful, adaptable - you don't need any disadvantages.

[didorothy]

I'd rather not.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[you get a stern frown, Sam]

You're no use to anyone dead.

[didorothy]

[have defiant glare, Doctor]

I won't get myself killed.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[said frown deepens as he crosses his arms]

And how do you know that, Sam? Do you make a habit of killing monsters?

[didorothy]

[folds arms]

I like to think that fighting crime in Cuban heels is a pretty good prep course for it.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[he's amused, but he doesn't allow it to show]

Did you do that immediately following physical and emotional trauma?

[didorothy]

On more than one occasion.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

It was foolish then, and moreso now.

[didorothy]

And yet I am still alive.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

Don't stretch your luck.

[didorothy]

Can't rest, Doctor. Might as well do something helpful.

[miseardae.livejournal.com]

[stares at him for a moment, before shaking his head, hands falling to his sides]

...If you absolutely must, you needn't do it alone.