realityshifted

Okay, that's not good... [glances around him nervously]

[pouting] I felt you poke me!

But I didn't feel anything else. The storm isn't real--it's just what you look like. [sighs. he really wishes he weren't explaining all this, but he's becoming resigned to the fact that he can't help it]

No, it's a very good example of what's not good around here at the mo'.

[steps very close to him, eyes glancing up and down] This is certainly something new, or else you might have flinched away from me before. Do other people look like storms? How long have you been able to see this?

[adds as an afterthought, his brow creasing as he frowns:] You didn't die again, did you?

Have you seen anything else yet?

[flinches when he does so. hello, storm. but then he makes a face] Don't talk about me like I'm not here.

No, just you. It's your true self. [he looks terribly dismayed as he blurts that out, but he can't seem to stop himself there, either] I've only been seeing people like this since I made a choice.

No! [gives him a look. it's not like he makes a habit of it, after all. and the Doctor's one to talk!]

Oh, I had a look outside a moment before I began my search. I want you to be very careful when and if you go out there.

[frowns] I'm talking to you. Not talking around you or talking like you're not right in front of me. Why would you even assume I wasn't? [granted, he does do that sometimes, but not then...]

[he doesn't comment on the true self part] You had to make a choice as well? Was it a small, dark room? I mean, I'm glad to hear you didn't die again. Very relieved, in fact! But you've got to understand why I asked. At least this makes a lot more sense!

I know that. And you always want me to be careful, anyway. [it's an afterthought he didn't mean to add, but he still can't work out any way to stop himself]

Because you were analysing what I'm doing like you're not talking to me! You know, you could ask if it's new or not, instead of just theorising like I'm some experiment. But I don't really want you to ask me things right now, either. I keep answering you. [makes a face, frustrated]

[his eyes widen in surprise] Yeah, and yeah, it was just like that. [and now that he's answered the Doctor, he's finally able to get his own question in] That happened to you, too?

Really, shouldn't you be used to that by now? [pats him on the shoulder, disregarding the whole storm thing...as well as the not asking questions thing.]

Yes, it did happen to me as well. I couldn't see--and my eyes are normally pretty good in the dark. What were you asked to choose from?

Well, yeah, but you don't have to make me feel as stupid as I am to you.

[now that he definitely didn't mean to say, and his look of horror shows it. it's almost a relief to switch topics to his choice]

Whether I wanted to see people for what they really are or who I believe them to be. Wait...you couldn't see in your room? No sort of computer?

[honestly looks shocked] Why would you even think that? I never thought you were stupid, not even for a moment. And not even back when I first met you, either. I don't invite just anyone to travel with me.

[absently; sorry, he's still reeling a bit from what Oliver said] And you chose...what to see people for who they really are, huh? No, I saw that as well. The screen wasn't lit up at the time.

[oh, he wishes you hadn't asked that. he feels terrible enough already for saying what he did] I'm just human, and you've made it clear plenty of times that you're way smarter than we are. I'm sure I'm stupid to you. Or...I was sure. And I don't know why you wanted me to go with you. I think you thought I could become something I didn't.

[he averts his gaze, not wanting to see how the Doctor reacts to that and wishing, desperately, that he could stop, but he can't] Yeah. I was afraid I wouldn't really see people if I made the other choice, but now I don't see people physically like normal. I think I got it wrong...

But what did the room ask you, Doctor? [and, he can't keep himself from adding:] Are you doing this to me?

How smart I am doesn't matter. [besides, he knows he's an absolute genius, but for once, it's not the time or place to reiterate that fact.] I did say just now that I didn't ever think you were stupid. The day I met you... [softly] Do you want to know what I saw?

No, I don't think you got it wrong. You said you see me as a storm, correct? [he looks away for a moment before returning his gaze back to Oliver, even if his friend isn't looking at him] I don't think I ever told you, but in some parts of the universe, to some of my worst enemies, that's what I'm known as. "The Oncoming Storm".

But my room asked whether I wanted the truth or if I wanted lies. [frowns] ...I might be--or I might not. It could be this building. I was nosing around elsewhere in the ballroom when I was snatched.

I heard you, but you might just be trying to make me feel better. I don't know. I didn't expect you to say that--I don't think you would've done, not before, but this you is different, so I'm not sure what to think.

[he hesitates, trying to stop himself--to make sure the Doctor even wants to share--but it would be a lie to say he only wants to know on that condition. he can't stop the real answer] Yeah, I do.

[nods] Sometimes fire, sometimes ice, but always a storm. [but he's genuinely surprised to hear that] So...they think of you like a storm? And that's why I'm seeing one? No, that's not it. You are like a storm, otherwise I wouldn't see one.

[blinks, his eyes widening as it finally starts to make sense] I don't think it's the building. I can't lie.

I might be a different man than I was then, but just because I change doesn't mean my opinion of you or any of my friends has changed.

[puts his hands on Oliver's shoulders] But what I saw back then... I saw a young man who was so inquisitive and eager, so full of life and potential and I wanted to mould that. To share with you the wonders of the universe.

It must be why you're seeing me like that. "The Oncoming Storm" is part of Dalek legend--and others. Mention the name "Karshtakavaar" to the Draconians... Could be interesting. Besides, you've seen how things are when we turn up some place. [he sighs]

How can you be sure it's not the building?

Edited 2010-10-09 04:09 (UTC)

But I didn't think you thought I was smart back then.

[flinches when the Doctor touches him, but he can feel those real hands despite the illusion of the storm in front of him. closes his eyes to block out the sight] ...you did share that with me.

Yeah, what happens is like a storm hitting sometimes. Everything falls to pieces when you come around--but you're good at putting them back together, too. That part's not a storm.

Because you chose truth just like I chose to see what people are really like.

Of course I did! [not that he always let Oliver know that then]

[realises what he's doing and lets go] I don't share it with just anyone.

...I see. So let me see if I've got this. I'm a storm to you, and then there are times when I'm not?

Well, that still doesn't confirm anything. I haven't left this place, so it very well could be tied to it. [a pause] You know what? Let's test it. Pick some place to go to, and we'll go there. Just...be prepared to run.

[smiles a little at that. it's...nice, to hear that sort of sentiment from the Doctor for once]

[opens his eyes again] You still look like a storm. I meant, sometimes, having you around is like a storm hitting. Other times, it's not so bad. You're usually good at fixing things after they're broken.

[he doesn't even think before he responds, although it should probably be noted that he would have picked a different location if he hadn't had to honestly blurt out the place he really wants to be] I want to go to the bar.

[he smiles faintly, knowing that yes, sometimes it does seem like a storm rolls in when he arrives somewhere] Of course I am. Why do you think I'm called "the Doctor"?

[and then his eyebrow shoots up] The bar? Why the bar?

Because you like to help people. And you like to sound smart. [really, Doctor, you should watch what questions you're asking]

I could really use a pint right now. Maybe then I won't feel so bad about what I'm saying. [makes a face, sighing. he knows he couldn't help but say it]

True, and true--but I can't help that I am a genius. I'm going to sound smart no matter what I do. [he grins. really, he just takes it as a compliment]

Just one? I highly doubt a pint will help your feelings. But come on. I want to come back here, but perhaps a drink first would be good. [after all, there is something about his hand encounter that he isn't telling Oliver]

Depends on how long we stay!

All right, let's go to the bar, then. [that's totally unfair, Ten!]

[pulls open the door, craning his neck out to have a look around him. that general unease sits in his stomach, but he's grown rather used to similar feelings in the past, so he doesn't pay it too much attention.]

Right... It looks clear enough. If we run, we ought to be able to avoid anything else lurking out here.

[nods, used to being in situations like this with the Doctor] I'm ready when you are.

Right. Ready...and--now! [bolts out the door]

[hurries after him. this is really much too familiar]

[they barely make it fifty feet before one of those awful creatures comes lumbering at them.] Whoa! [he puts out a hand to stop Oliver]

[stops just short of crashing into him] It's a zombie!

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