In Your Arms

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

 

Rose and Jenny appeared in the consol room quickly after they heard the dematerialization sequence take place. The Doctor was looking at the scanner when they entered. He doubted there’d be anything dangerous taking place in Cardiff, but anything could happen. Besides, over the years he noticed that he tended to draw trouble wherever he went. And Torchwood didn’t help their cause.

When he received the “all-clear”, he glanced up and flashed a grin at Rose and Jenny. Jenny responded with an equally excited grin, whereas Rose gave him that small smile she tended to give him nowadays.

During the day, she was still almost back to her old self. At least that’s what it seemed like. There were moments when he’d catch her looking as if fighting against pain—not just emotional, but physical, too, it seemed—and she’d double over for a second. She always seemed to walk with a guarded expression. And the smile…that’s what killed him the most. Rarely ever a complete smile, one that reached her eyes…But that was only until she was around other people. She’d laugh, make jokes, and had that compassion which was signature to Rose Marion Tyler herself.

He looked at her now.

Guarded.

Surprise, surprise.  He wondered if perhaps Jenny could get through to her. Maybe Jack would help, like he originally thought. Or Donna…she’d know what to say. Then he mentally shook himself. No need to grieve for the past, he told himself. Besides Donna was alive. She was well. Of course she was.

“So, Torchwood right?” Jenny said, nodding toward the scanner.

“Yup,” he said popping the ‘p’.

She bounced on her heels a little, and he couldn’t suppress the gleam of affection he felt for his daughter, whom was so excited for such a small adventure. He exchanged a bemused look with Rose, ignoring the fact that his heart rate increased.

There was a knock at the door.

Rose lit up with excitement. “Can I…?” she began.

“’Course.” He pocketed his hands.

She pulled open the door. It hadn’t been very long since Rose had seen Jack, but last time they were together, the world was ending and they hadn’t exactly gotten the chance to chitchat. However, the person at the door wasn’t Jack. It was—

“Martha!” The Doctor exclaimed from behind. Rose shifted behind the door, ignoring the disappointment that tugged at her. She was sure Martha was great and all, but she was looking for Jack Harkness, no one in between.

Martha smiled widely. “Doctor!” He leaned in hugged her. “It’s been such a long time! Where’ve you been?” The woman demanded.

The Doctor seemed puzzled. “Long time?” She nodded. “How long’s it been since we last saw you?”

“About a year.”

“A year?” He seemed shocked. “Blimey, I was shooting for a month after we last saw you.” He stroked a piece of the TARDIS doorframe. “Must be having trouble getting to the right time after being outside the universe. Guess I’ll be doing some maintenance on her.”

“Yeah, you better. I don’t want it to be years until the next time I see you again.” She stopped, looking behind him. “Is that…?”

The Doctor turned his head to see Jenny approaching them. He grinned and sidestepped.

“Jenny?” Martha said in disbelief, her voice almost seeming hushed as if she wasn’t  sure if this was supposed be a joke or a big secret that needed to be kept. She took a step forward into the TARDIS.