01. And now for something completely different

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[The Doctor is smiling happily and humming a Beatles song to himself.] Ah, The Beatles. Earth has produced quite the preeminent collection of musicians, though few compare to The Beatles. Oh, but I can't forget Miles Davis and John Coltrane, now, can I? Different favorites for different genres. I couldn't very well compare a rock 'n' roll band to jazz luminaries, it's hardly an even playing field. So to speak.

[Glancing at the food and drink he's precariously balancing in his hands, the Doctor ponders what he's currently holding.] I don't have the affinity for bacon sandwiches that Ace does, but chips are rather nice on occasion, and I must say, I do enjoy these chocolate malts. Far more delicious than carrot juice.

[At last, he realizes he's not on a street, or anywhere near Harry's Café, the place he only just left. It's hard to determine when exactly the scenery changed, but this is most certainly not where he's supposed to be. It's different, and he supposes it should be disconcerting, but with no sign of an immediate threat, he allows himself a moment to appreciate the view.] Well, this is peculiar.

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[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[The Doctor also finds it peculiar that he can experience such a variety of emotions all at once, simply from looking at one face. But this is his granddaughter, after all, so he supposes it's acceptable]

Oh, I'm immensely fond of them, though likely not as fond as you.

[He's more tactile in this incarnation than he was in others, so his instinct is to hug her, but he waits]

It's been...quite some time since I saw you last, Susan.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

No, I expect not.

[She was smiling at first, but the smile becomes a little less certain when he says that.]

A lot of people have said that.

Which regeneration are you?

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

Seventh. I've been in this regeneration for quite some time now. I was on my way to Gallifrey, actually, to visit a friend.

[It really shouldn't feel awkward to speak with his own granddaughter, but it is, and that hurts him a bit, too]

Have you been well, Susan? Where are you now? I suppose I should ask when, as well, since timelines appear to be converging here.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

You always said that we'd go back one day.

Oh, I'm fine. [She's going to determinedly ignore any awkwardness that may or may not be there.] We've just met the Gonds and the Krotons. I think we're going to try and find somewhere peaceful to visit next.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

I should have taken you back much earlier.

[But he didn't want to go back anytime soon, and he can be selfish that way]

I regrettably seem to have passed my penchant for trouble onto you.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

It wasn't your fault.

I think so! Although I think Jamie gets into more trouble than I do.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

I suppose not.

[He does have a way of blaming himself for things quite often, though]

Jamie? [Yet another companion whose mere name causes sorrow to ripple through him] How do you know him?

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

He's traveling with us, of course. [She wrinkles her nose. She isn't all that fond of Jamie and his penchant for clinging to her grandfather.] And Zoe.

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

[Raises and eyebrow, not so much confused as intrigued]

So in your timeline, you travel with my Second self? Fascinating. We appear to be converging here from two divergent timelines.

[Of course, now he's curious]

And what do you think of Jamie and Zoe? I was awfully fond of them, myself.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

Yes. That doesn't seem to happen in any other universes. [Something which continues to perplex her.] I don't really understand why.

Oh, I like Zoe a lot. We get on very well.

[She'll ignore the question about Jamie for now.]

[timewill-tell.livejournal.com]

It's a mystery to be solved, and I've no doubt we'll find answers soon enough.

[He does notice her deliberate avoidance of mentioning Jamie]

It's been a long time since I traveled with them. Zoe has quite the brilliant mind. Not so bright as you, my girl, but nearly.

[unearthlysusan.livejournal.com]

She does! We do a lot of reading in the library, and she's taught me a lot about her century. It's almost as fascinating as the 20th on Earth!