θ 3

[bit_impossible]

[currently, the Doctor is crawling on the floor in the entrance of the ballroom, occasionally stopping to look and feel under the couches for something. he doesn't show it, but he's been rather shaken up--and he certainly is not happy]

Come on out! I know you're here somewhere. You've got to be! I felt you before you--[he pauses, his hand suddenly darting under a plush chair]--did whatever you did a few moments ago.


[ooc: The Doctor had to make a choice! When you tag in, I'll leave you a little message in his reply back so you know what's up~]

Comments

[bit_impossible]

[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.

[oliverplus]

[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?

[bit_impossible]

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.

[oliverplus]

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.

[bit_impossible]

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?

[oliverplus]

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.

[bit_impossible]

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.

[oliverplus]

[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.

[bit_impossible]

[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?

[oliverplus]

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]

[bit_impossible]

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]

[oliverplus]

Depends on how long we stay!

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

[bit_impossible]

[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.

[oliverplus]

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

[bit_impossible]

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

[oliverplus]

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

[bit_impossible]

[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]

[oliverplus]

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

[bit_impossible]

Oh, don't be ridiculous. If it were, wouldn't it be crying out for our brains? I doubt it could manage that. [of course, he's being extremely facetious.]

This way! [pushes him to the right]

[oliverplus]

Not all zombies do that!

[but he takes the hint and starts running to the right]

[bit_impossible]

[runs alongside him] Oh, details! Besides, didn't you get a good look at it?

[oliverplus]

Yeah, but I wish I hadn't!

[bit_impossible]

Yes, my point exactly. [glances over his shoulder then forward again] It's slowing down. [looks backward again] Why's it slowing down?

[oliverplus]

[glances back as well] Maybe it found fresher brains?

[bit_impossible]

What?! Are you saying mine are past the sell-by date?