sixwordstories | (no subject)

Have you told her?

No. I tried. It isn't that I haven't tried. I just...can't.

Is your fear of rejection truly that strong?

...I wouldn't call it fear of rejection. More like knowledge that I'm hardly what she deserves and worry that I'm being completely selfish.

You are like he is. I doubt you would have to worry about her not feeling you are worthy.

It is more selfish to keep those emotions to yourself.

She may think I'm quite worthy, but does that matter if I think she can do better?

She could have been marvelous. She...is marvelous. But she could stay somewhere and change the world. Instead she's with me, always on the move. We're still in the Autumn, when we settle down for a few months but that's not enough.

It matters because if you continue to think she can do better, one day she might find someone who is. And your hearts will be broken.

I've seen your hearts break. Just like he said they would. It's...so sad.

She stays because she loves you?

That's the end result of anything though, isn't it? It isn't my nature to keep them beside me. It isn't healthy.

*looks away* He would know a thing or two about breaking my hearts. He's always known how to press my buttons.

*smiles a little, glancing down almost embarrassed* Perhaps. More likely because she knows I need her to keep my balance.

You were shattered. Shattered into a billion, billion pieces. He didn't do that to you, they did.

If you want to know if she knows, Doctor, the best way is to simply tell her. That way there is nothing to the imagination.

They?

*pinches the bridge of his nose* ...I'll see what I can do.

It's not time for you to break your hearts again. I don't want to watch it.

*leans a bit to the side, studying him*

Speaking is so simple. Why are you so worried?

Just as well; I don't want my hearts to break right now.

It's not saying it that worries me so much as what saying it will mean, what saying it will change.

Change is terrifying. But think: At the end of the universe, everything is gone. Dried up and sucked away. All that is left is darkness and screaming.

Do you truly want to be there, at the end, and think you were too afraid of change?

What about that, though. You're from further ahead in my time line. What if I'm supposed to just stay at an arm's length and keep my hearts guarded, hm? It isn't wise to muck up my timeline.

It isn't wise to talk to the wife of the man who will hold you prisoner, either.

Yet, here you are. Here I am.

...Touche.

*moves his hands into his pockets* I'll...speak with Nyssa the next time I can, all right?

But I need a favor from you in turn, all right?

Nyssa. Unusual name. But you said she wasn't human. It's...fitting.

What would you have me do?

It's even more-so when you meet her. *smiles*

*quite seriously* He showed you the end of the universe. I want to show you where it began.

No, no, no, no!

I-I can't. I can't. Y-You don't---I can't.

*innocent headtip, you can see he's trying to work out what he's done wrong*

Lucy, what you were shown is more than anyone should have to see...It isn't all like that. *gently*

*quite upset despite virulent attempts to keep from showing it*

He's my husband, I'm his wife. He's the Master, you're the Doctor. I can't possibly go with you!

*cue inward flailing! and deflating!*

You wouldn't stay. A quick trip; and if it makes you feel any better he's taken my companions once or twice.

I had one choice and I made it. Now I have to obey.

You don't understand. I want---

I'm his wife!

And he's gone, isn't he? You can be more than just the Matser's wife. There's a great big universe outside of him.

I'm hardly going to force you to, Lucy. Goodness knows that Tegan's accusations of kidnapping will do nicely for the rest of my lives.

What if he comes back?

I...One. One trip. Just...to...to see how it begins.

Well, if he comes back you may honor your choice and if he is upset that I've taken you to see the stars you are welcome to lay the blame on my shoulders.

One trip.

I'm certain Harry will figure out where to lay the blame himself.

When should we go?

*winces some*

When would you like?

Now?

*slow smile and nods*

Now. *moves his hands from his pockets and nods to the blue police box* Last one to the TARDIS is a rotten egg?

*nods*

It looks like Harry's ship. He had a paradox machine.

*long pause* A para...Why would he want a paradox machine? *considers this but seems to reason that it's much better if he doesn't try to riddle out his best enemy right now -- he can do that when he's Ten*

Well. She's my time machine. *smiles, fondly* Been with me through thick and thin.