Winter Rose, Book 1

Settling In

"Actually, Doc, would it be possible for us to get some rest before we head off again? Plus, I'm hungry." Win spoke up before any destinations could be offered up. The Doctor scowls at her.

"I told you not to call me Doc." He playfully glared at the white haired woman, who just grinned back.

"Not a chance. And what about sleep and food? I've only had a banana for breakfast and Rose has had a full day that was more eventful than normal." He sighed realizing he wasn't going to win against her, Rose did look exhausted.

"Okay, I guess we can grab some food and let the TARDIS set up your rooms before you two get some sleep." Rose let out a relieved sigh. The Doctor led them out of the console room into one of the many branching off hallways. Win tried her best to memorize the path to the kitchen, but was confused by the time they reached it.

"You should be able to find anything you're looking for in the fridge, freezer, or pantry." The Doctor informed them as the two girls admired the spacious, very modern, kitchen. Rose grinned.

"You fancy a pizza?" She half joked, glancing at Win. the white haired woman raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"That depends, are you looking for a pre made one? Or are you wanting me to make one from scratch?" Win asked. Rose hummed and hawed.

"Hmmm, well a pre made one would be faster, but then it wouldn't be as good as the ones you make..." She pretended to think about it.

"You make pizza's?" The Doctor stepped into the conversation. Win's smirk widened.

"Yes, both my aunt and my foster sister were rubbish at cooking. So I taught myself how to make stuff that was actually edible. Turns out I have a bit of a thing for making good food." The Doctor raised an eyebrow at her.

"Your aunt and sister? What about your mum or dad?" Win's smirk fell into a flat, almost cold expression.

"Foster sister, and we didn't have a mum or dad, just a really horrible aunt." Win's voice was just as cold and flat as her expression, making both Rose and the Doctor's eyes widen. The Doctor didn't understand the abrupt change in attitude, but Rose did.

"How about you make the pizza? It's much better than pre made and definitely worth the wait!" Rose hurriedly shifted the conversation away from the obviously upset woman. Win sighed, moving further into the kitchen and began gathering the needed ingredients. Rose gently pulled the Doctor over to the kitchen table which was far enough away from the counter that if they spoke quietly Win wouldn't hear then. Not that she'd listen if she could. By now her mind was busy concentrating on what she was doing.

"You should probably know this Doctor, since we're going to be traveling with you, but Win is very sensitive about subjects pertaining to her family or younger years. I personally don't know that much, even with having her live with me and mum for a few years now. Just figured I'd tell you that." Rose informed him. The Doctor frowned, glancing over to the white haired woman who was almost dancing around the kitchen as she made the pizza.

"What do you know about her childhood? What made it so bad?" The Doctor asked, speaking in the same quiet tone Rose had.

"That's not for me to tell you. It's Win's life, so she should be the one to tell you when she's ready." Rose sighed, watching her friend sadly. They watched in silence as Win made the food. Listening to her humm interesting songs under her breath like bananaphone by raffi. Thirty minutes later Win was setting the kitchen table and the pizza was nearly done. The timer went and Win rushed to retrieve the pizza from the oven.

"There we go, one pepperoni pizza courtesy of yours truly." Win grinned as she set the pizza in the center of the table. A woven basket of warm garlic bread sticks on one side of it and a simple tossed salad on its other. Rose grinned right back as she hurriedly began cutting the pizza into equal pieces and serving the three of them. To say Rose spent the meal praising Win's cooking ability was a slight understatement, but this was normal for Win whenever she cooked or baked something for her friend.