PEOPLE WATCHING ― doctor who

TEN

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CHAPTER TEN:
CHRISTMAS

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IRIS didn't travel with the Doctor for a week. He ignored her requests, drilling information into her head and dumping new space policies and politics to ensure she memorized them. She'd gone through two notebooks filled with different information, and she attended all of her classes on time (to make up for the one she missed when travelling with the previous doctor.)

"Off you go, then," the Doctor practically shoved her from the TARDIS. "You've got things to do."

"But I want to travel with you," Iris frowned. "I like your other selves, but...you're my Doctor."

"I know," he softened. "But it's still me. Every time. Just different."

"Yeah, but, it's not the same," Iris objected and he shook his head, bopping her nose.

"Tell me that after this one," he told her. "Be good, Holloway."

"Yeah, whatever," she rolled her eyes, then turned around at the last second. "Do you have companions now? That I haven't met?"

"Yes," he answered immediately. "And you'll meet them when it's time."

Iris pouted. "But they're important to you," she pointed out. "Why can't I meet them now?"

"They're not ready for you, Holloway," he grinned. "Get out."

"See you soon?"

The Doctor hesitated. "Merry Christmas, Iris."

Iris furrowed her eyebrows. "It's Christmas?"

"Goodbye, Holloway," he backed into the TARDIS and closed the doors.

Iris let out a small groan, turning and walking down the street, wondering where she'd ended up. This didn't look like Bristol. At all. Or Las Vegas. He hadn't taken her to school, and he hadn't taken her home.

Iris frowned, checking her watch and seeing it was near ten in the morning. Straightening her bag over her shoulder, she clenched her jaw in frustration realizing she'd left her jacket with the Doctor and began walking.

Around her were numerous apartment buildings, all brick and a bit dated. Christmas decorations littered the balconies and lights were strung up on windows. So, he had been right in saying it was Christmas, but a flash of annoyance rushed through her knowing she'd probably end up with a previous him and not be able to see her family.

He was definitely getting lectured for this.

Iris spotted two people in the middle of the courtyard and jogged over to them. The closer she got, the more she realized — Mickey.

So, this was another tenth doctor adventure then. That was fine, she liked that one. She just preferred her Doctor.

She wished she could spend Christmas with him.

"Mickey?" Iris asked loudly, grabbing the attention of him and the other woman. Blonde, older, with kind eyes. "Where's the Doctor? Have you seen him?"

"Who's this, then?" The blonde woman asked in confusion, and Iris stifled a groan at the confusion on Mickey's face.

"Do I know you?"

Iris sighed heavily, but the sound of whirring breaks eased her frustrations.

There he was.