Doctoring the Doctor

By Sonic Jules

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Previously, in chapter ten...

The Doctor awoke to an unfamiliar setting and sat up quickly to get his bearings. Looking around, he realized that this was Donna's room, and wondered briefly how he'd ended up here. But then the memories began flooding his mind, and he recalled everything, explaining the tingly sensation in his extremities as well. The new artron had been completely integrated with his, then some was purged from his system, just as he'd hoped to do.

He placed his hand on the wall behind him and closed his eyes in concentration. Yes, all had gone as planned and his ship was quite happy with the new particles. In fact, the TARDIS seemed more balanced and less sluggish to him. This discovery had been great for her well being. Perhaps that's why they'd landed on Messesta Nine to begin with...

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Chapter Eleven:
To A Tee

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The Time Lord looked around the room as he stretched, his eyes landing on his companion. He realized she'd somehow brought him here and the action, along with their very long day, had no doubt exhausted her. She sat slumped in the chair across from the bed, sleeping soundly, and looking very uncomfortable.

Rising quietly from the bed, the Doctor walked toward his companion then knelt down beside her. "Donna," he spoke gently, his hand covering hers. She didn't stir.

He touched his fingertips to her temples and brought her to a light, trance-like state, then urged her to get up and walk to the bed. Tucking her in as she arranged herself into a cozy position, the Doctor then took her spot in the chair, watching Donna sleep.

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Donna awoke with a groan. It felt as if every muscle in her body had been abused and she didn't know why. She was in her room, in her very comfy bed, and ... And ...

"Doctor?" She blinked several times as his blurry image appeared above her. Finally he came into focus.

"Yes. You know, I'm supposed to be the Doctor here, not you," he began, sitting down beside her. "But it looks like you've been the one taking care of me."

"What are you on about?" she asked, rubbing her forehead, hoping to alleviate the minor ache she felt.

"Don't you remember Messesta Nine?"

Donna looked around thoughtfully for a moment before meeting the Time Lord's eyes again. "Wow, you mean - all that stuff - it wasn't a dream?"

"It was real. And it seems I owe you my gratitude."

"Yeah, well, even doctors need doctorin' now and then."

"Good thing I've got you around then, isn't it?"

"You've got that right. I often wonder what you'd do without me," she half-joked as she sat up. Once she was sitting, however, she groaned again.

"Are you in pain?"

"More like rigor mortis."

"Hmm. Well, as far as I know, you didn't die, but muscle stiffness isn't out of the question, considering all that walking and carrying me twice in one day. Not to mention the fall you took down the rock mountain."

"I don't know. I think I just slept too long."

"Actually I don't think you've slept nearly enough. I'll make a deal with you, though. Let me check you over in the Infirmary, repair any damage, then I'll fix us a bit of comfort food. After we eat you can sleep as long as you'd like."

"What about you?" Donna asked. "How are you feelin' now? Oh! What about the ship? Is the TARDIS all right?" Suddenly she wasn't so groggy any more, worry awakening her.

"We're both fine." At her inquiring look he added one more word. "Honestly."

"Good. Because I'm feelin' a bit hungry, and if I'm not mistaken, I think you just offered to cook."

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Donna Noble was stuffed. The Doctor, true to his word, had fixed a lovely meal of bangers and mash, which they'd enjoyed heartily, finding themselves both quite ravenous.

Cleaning the dishes, she turned toward him as she dried the last plate. "Isn't it a bit odd?" Donna asked.

The Time Lord set his tea cup down on the table before meeting her eyes. "What's that?"

"Well, I was just thinkin'. We were headin' to Earth, and ended up on that deserted planet. And then when we get there, the only thing we find is somethin' to help the TARDIS. Don't you find it a bit weird that we would stumble upon the one thing that could give her a little boost?"

"Not at all, actually. In fact, I've thought about that myself, and I have a theory. I believe she took us there instead of Earth because she needed the young artron."

"So, she was ill?"

"Perhaps. Or she knew she was going to be ill. That's the beauty of knowing all of time and space like she does. I wouldn't be surprised if one of my own people put it there ages ago. Since Artron is very hard to come by, they may very well have left it there in case of an emergency, or an impending one."

"Impressive."

"Yep. But so are you, Donna Noble."

"Me? What for?"

"You saved me twice in one day. Now that's impressive," he smiled.

"Impressive enough to go see my folks?" she asked with a sly grin.

"Definitely. As soon as you've had some rest, all right?"

Donna nodded. "Deal. Thanks."

"No Donna. Thank you."

He took one final sip of tea, thinking how true her words had been when she'd told him, long ago, that he needed someone. He really did, and she fit the bill to a tee.

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The end.

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