Golden Girl. (On Going) [Doctor Who Fanfiction] {Book One}

Cold as Ice.

Sorry I know I said this one would be up quicker but it is a longer chapter than normal so that should make up for it, and we've finally gone over the 100k mark! Woo, enjoy

Chapter Fifteen: Cold as Ice.
Series: Three.
Episode: Extras: Post - 42.

The Doctor had been off ever since they'd returned to the TARDIS from saving the crew on McDonnell's ship. Rose could see the guilt lingering in his gaze, every member of the crew they hadn't been able to save weighing on his mind. Rose could understand the feeling, she'd felt the same way when she thought Korwin had been killed. But she also knew it was more than that.

His mind had been ravaged by a telepathic presence. A lifetime ago the Doctor had explained the etiquette of telepathic species, the rules that were universally known and respected - generally. And entering another's mind without permission, especially forcing entry into another's mind, was considered the most despicable violation and awful pain a person could experience.

She couldn't imagine how that would feel exactly. But she remembered her own reaction to just knowing that the TARDIS was inside her head. Remembers how it felt to be manipulated and used by Jimmy, to have her thoughts and experiences twisted beyond reality. She still felt dirty just thinking about it.

And she could remember how the TARDIS' sweltering presence had felt in her mind. Clearly, the sun had left a similar presence in the Doctor's mind, but far more potent and malevolent.

The TARDIS had been colder ever since that encounter, the Doctor refused to go anywhere near the library fireplace, practically recoiled at the kitchen stove.

The telepathic invasion and subsequent loss of control had left its mark on the Doctor and Rose had no idea how to help. Because as always the Doctor refused to acknowledge anything.

"Right then, how do we feel about a trip Ciurtir?" The Doctor asked them, dancing around the console.

On the surface, he seemed as cheery as always. But Rose had practice looking past the veneer he presented, his stance was rigid, his movements mechanical so at odds with his usual fluid elegance.

"What's on Ciurtir?" Martha asked giddily.

She hadn't noticed the Doctor's continued peculiar mood past the giving of her TARDIS key. He was an alien and his behaviour was generally at odds with how she expected people - humans - to act. She didn't have the same experience that Rose did, and Rose wasn't about to burst her bubble and drag her down with her. Travelling was supposed to be fun and exciting after all.

"It's an ice planet, in the Safoar system. It's well known for its resorts and skiing facilities. Thought you two might like to spend a day or two there. Been a hectic couple of days with the kidnapping and mutant professors." The Doctor sniffed nonchalantly, tone blunt and forcefully free of the guilt swimming in his eyes.

"A holiday? Sign me up." Martha beamed.

The Doctor smiled at Martha's enthusiasm, before turning to look at Rose with an expectant brow raised. Martha turned to her too. She'd been unusually quiet, she knew. Because the Doctor was right, it had been a hectic couple of days and she hadn't been sleeping well.

"One question." She started instead of voicing all that was occurring with the confines of her cranium.

"What's that?'

"Are there any cultural customs that we should be aware of beforehand that could land us in prison?" Rose asked with a teasing smile, poking her tongue between her teeth for good measure to make up for her lack of enthusiasm.