The Skin Thief (10th Doctor x OC)

Chapter 7

Oh my god!" Ruby shouted, taking the sight of Willow in as she left the ship. She was still covered in Skin.

Willow ran over and looked up to the sky with relief. "It's over now," she breathed.

Ruby nodded. "That's good, I guess," she said before pursing her lips. "I still can't believe that that thing is-" she stopped and glanced at Willow's soaked shirt- "was an alien."

"Believe it sister," Willow assured her. "I traveled with one."

Ruby furrowed her brows but brushed off what she said. "So who's the guy?" She gestured toward the entrance of the ship.

The Doctor walked out of the spaceship carrying his overcoat. "Alrighty then!" he exclaimed loudly. "I programmed the ship to safely fly out of Earth's orbit. Time to hit the road."

Willow turned around and crossed her arms. "Don't you wanna say something?"

The Doctor paused for a moment before looking at her for a queue.

Willow tilted her head with a smile. "A thank you would be nice."

"Oh right, yes!" The Doctor shouted as he did a little jump. He approached both of the girls and clasped his hands together. "Thank you. If it wasn't for the both of you, things would have been a lot worse for all of us." Willow nodded in appreciation, but he kept talking. "Well, technically I  was the one who ultimately saved ourselves from impending doom-"

Willow hit his arm.

"Oi!" He cried and pretended to be hurt.

"I'll accept the first part of your so called apology," Willow said, patting where she hit him.

They all sat there for a moment until Ruby piped up.

"Who are you?"

The Doctor looked at her before taking a glance at Willow. She nodded lightly.

"I'm the Doctor," he said.

Ruby's eyes lit up with recognition of the name. She smiled at Willow before returning her gaze to him.

"I'm a Time lord from the planet Gallifrey. Willow and I met a while ago, but we lost each other for a bit," his eyes unconsciously traveled to Willow as he spoke. "But I'm back. We're back. Together."

Willow bit her bottom lip as a smile spread across her face.

"We're gonna go traveling to planets and galaxies, Ruby," she exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement any longer. "I'm going to go on adventures in places I can't even dream of!"

"Adventures like this?" Ruby said, gesturing to the now revving ship. "With an alien?"

Willow nodded. "Always and forever."

Ruby's eyes dimmed, as if she couldn't fathom a life of this. Willow wiped her hands on her leggings and took Ruby's hands.

"After you leave, you're not coming back, are you?" Ruby whispered, knowing her reply.

Willow shook her head softly.

"But why?"

"I don't belong here," she admitted with a sad smile.

"I know," Ruby chuckled. "Friggin' weirdo."

"Smart ass," she laughed. Willow sat for a second before her big hazel eyes brightened with an idea. "You could come. I mean-" she faced the Doctor- "if it's alright with you..."

The Doctor gave a half shrug. "I don't see why not."

Willow looked back at Ruby with a grin, but it faltered. Ruby's mouth was drawn in a tight line.

"What?" Willow asked.

"You know I can't," Ruby blew out her cheeks. "That life isn't for me. I've gotta pursue what I want."

Willow let go of her hands and nodded. "I understand. I totally get it."

Ruby hugged herself. "Will, the space adventurer. Never would've thought."

Willow flicked a strand of Ruby's hair playfully. "Well here I am."

Ruby suddenly pulled Willow in for a tight hug. The gunky substance rubbed itself onto her.

"Ruby, your clothes-!"

"I don't care," Ruby said, voice wavering.

Willow felt her shoulder dampen from Ruby's trailing tears.

"You be safe, okay?" She hiccuped into her shoulder.

"I will," Willow promised.

Ruby broke the hug and looked at the Doctor after rubbing away her tears. "You and the Doctor..." she said in a low voice only they could hear. "Kissing in a tree... K-I-S-S-I-N-G..."

Willow laughed. "Bye, Ruby."

"Bye, Willow."

Ruby pointed to the Doctor as she walked out of the alley. "Take good care of her, okay?"

"Course I will." The Doctor nodded confidently. "Oh, and Ruby?"

Ruby turned around. "Yeah?"

The Doctor folded his arms and lifted an eyebrow. "Before you go... how about I show you a real TARDIS?"