The Gall

By Sonic Jules & Catharticone

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A/N # 1: It was inevitable - at least I'd hoped it would be! My beta, Catharticone, was finally writing a story with me. (Trust me when I tell you her smarts and talents far exceed mine.) I kept getting stuck, and she kept helping me, and then we were taking turns writing additions to this story, and then - then - she finally agreed to take credit and let me sign her on. This is our creation, not mine, no matter what she says. I added the ingredients while she put the icing on the cake so to speak, over and over again. We hope you'll like the results. :o)

A/N # 2: Disclaimer: Doctor Who and the characters of said show do not belong to me, no matter how hard I've wished for it. No infringement meant on the owners and associates, nor BBC.

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Chapter One:

Oh Bother

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Rose moved through the TARDIS garden, looking at the flowers and shrubs as she walked along the cobbled path. The Doctor was working on the ship and had rather abruptly stated that he didn't need her help. He hadn't specifically said she'd be a nuisance, but the look in his eyes had told her as much. So she'd done as he suggested and begun exploring the vastness of his vessel.

Somehow she'd ended up here, an amazing place she hadn't realized existed. Rose thought perhaps the TARDIS had guided her here, letting her mind relax instead of ruminating about her ineptitude in technical matters.

A sharp pain suddenly interrupted her tranquility, startling her for a moment. She sat down on a nearby bench, her hand covering the affected area protectively. As quickly as it had happened, the pain seemed to diminish then disappear. Rose released a sigh and silently mocked herself for overreacting, dismissing the discomfort as nothing more than a nerve twitch or cramp.

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The second time it happened, she had just stepped into the shower, hoping the hot water would ease the slight achiness she felt. The steaming water had just begun working its magic as Rose soaped herself down, but when she stood after lathering her legs, the pain was sudden and quite intense. She steadied herself, hands on the tiles while awaiting another jab, but nothing happened. Carefully she finished her shower and dressed, wondering what was causing the strange discomfort.

Deciding to relax for a bit, she stretched across the top of her bed, grabbed a book, and hoped for a distraction. She didn't think anything was terribly wrong, especially since only yesterday they'd been running through the jungles of Gradabbleu for nearly half the day. Surely her body was simply complaining about the stress it had endured there.

Rose winced again. This was the fifth - or possibly the sixth - time she'd felt the sharp twinge. She realized that she couldn't ignore it any longer; it wasn't going away on its own. With somewhat halting steps, she made her way to the Console Room.

"Doctor?" she called, almost hoping he'd be elsewhere. At least she'd know she tried...

His closely cropped head popped up from beneath the grating. "Ah, Rose! Where've you been hidin'? Fancy a stop on the fifth moon of Rouran? They've got the best chips east of Mutter's Spiral."

"Um, maybe later." She scuffed one foot against the ramp and kept her eyes on the floor. Before she lost her courage, she coughed lightly and said, "So, um, Doctor. I was wonderin'. Is that also your title?"

"My title? Oi, are you questioning my centuries of education?"

She did not look up. "No. I just wanted to know... I mean, are you really a doctor-doctor?" Before he could reply, she blurted out, "'Cause if you are, I think I need your help."

Suddenly the teasing look he'd given her shifted to one of instant concern. "Rose? What's the matter?"

She looked around the room briefly, her eyes focusing on the corridor. "You know, it's probably nothin'. I'll just go, let you work on whatever it is you're -"

"Rose," he interrupted her words with a hand on her shoulder, drawing her gaze back to him. "I'm more than qualified, me." He raised his hand to her face, cupping her cheek with concern while surreptitiously checking her temperature.

She looked up at him. "It's my, I mean ..." Rose sighed then backed away from him a little, causing his hand to fall away. "You know, it's probably nothin', like I said. You're busy -"

"No, I'm not. And you're skirtin' the issue. Tell me."

She gazed into his eyes, unsure of what she saw there. Was it concern or annoyance? He had mentioned going somewhere - was probably looking forward to it - and here she was with some problem involving her frail human body, diverting him from his plans. Rose didn't want to disappoint him...

"I've just got a little headache an' I was wonderin' if you could give me somethin' before we headed over to Mother's Spiral, that's all," she replied quietly.

"Mutter's Spiral," he corrected, looking her over closely. "And we're not headin' there, we're goin' to the fifth moon of Rouran. You sure a little headache's all that's botherin' you?"

"Yeah. Why d'you ask?"

"Just don't know why you'd be so nervous askin' for a couple of acetaminophen, that's all," the Doctor answered a little briskly.

"What?"

"Paracetamol, Rose. Come on, let's take a walk to the Infirmary. Once you're feelin' better we can go for chips." He smiled at her as he ushered her toward the corridor.

He was obviously looking forward to this trip he'd mentioned, and she wanted to make sure she didn't disappoint him. Thinking the pain relievers would surely help, she smiled back at the Doctor, letting him lead the way.

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To be continued...

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