just write it all out

15

New Student - 01/15/16

Rodie had expected to be forced to stand in front of the entire classroom and introduce themselves, the words of their made up backstory lined up and ready to exit their mouth single file. Instead, the professor announced the arrival of a new student, at which the other fifteen turned to steal a glance, and then turned back to their projects.

Either Ashikiean holovision dramas about Earth a few hundred years ago were inaccurate, or the Earthlings in those shows weren't college students. Because college looked completely different.

They swallowed their anxiety and stood up, afraid to draw attention to themselves, but no one looked up. After making their way to the desk at the front, they cleared their throat and waited for the professor to look up. "Um, sir."

He looked up at them and smiled, immediately making them feel more comfortable. "How have you been, Rodie? Has your day been all right?"

They shook their head. "I guess it's been fine, Doctor, but I'm still nervous all the same," they said as quietly as they could.

He slicked his bangs behind his ear, pushed his glasses further up his nose. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Rodie couldn't help but smile at how much he was trying to sound... straight. Or, at least, not obviously gay. Although, come to think of it, was it considered gay if the people you were attracted to weren't your own species? "Can I... Can I come in here for lunch?"

"Will you be providing?"

"If you're trying to ask if it's gluten-free and you can steal some, the answer is yes."

He chuckled and spoke again, his voice at a normal volume. "You're always welcome in my classroom, Rodie. Besides," he adjusted his sports jacket and leaned back in his swivel chair, "I have something I'd like to talk to you about."

"Thank you, professor. I'll go back to my sketches now." They turned, trying hard not to smile, and sat down in their seat, absentmindedly doodling some fashion sketches next to reference images of early 2000s Earthlings, from what they'd seen on holovision programs at home. No, Earth is your home now, they reminded themselves. And it is until the Doctor figures out what's going on here.

The clock ticked on until the Doctor glanced at the clock and stood up in one swift movement. "All right, students, uh, class is dismissed. Hurry to your next class or whatever you have because I'm not writing any passes today." He leaned onto his desk, looking over the top edge of his glasses at every student individually. "Y'all have been slacking lately."

Rodie gathered their things slowly, making sure they were the last to leave. They made their way up to the professor's desk again as the Doctor stepped around the desk and extended his arms. They stepped into his embrace, laughing. "Thank you so much, Doctor. I'll see you in a few hours."

"See you. Don't get in any trouble." He tilted their chin up. "And don't let your makeup rub off. You're beautiful, but people here won't react kindly to your pink skin."

"I've got it, I've got it. Don't worry. I've got it."

OC but Doctor Who fanfic starring Mitch as the Doctor? Pfft, this is totally original work.

My doodle says "DO YOU LOVE ME?" if you look closely. I actually really like it.