[ Lockwood wouldn't know it yet, of course, but though he can try masking any perceived weakness and put forth his bravest and most capable persona, the Doctor will worry, he'll see through it eventually, and worry all the more. It's not that he doesn't believe in his friends and how very capable and how very brave they are. He wouldn't choose them if he believed otherwise, after all, but they're all so fragile, far too fragile.
And here in this place, it's different, more unpredictable, more dangerous for it. The people around him, for better or worse, always seem to want to do more, to show how very capable they are. Like Rory had said once; they want to prove themselves, and they're in more danger because of it. The thought of Rory makes his hearts ache, but he brushes it aside quickly. Can't think about him right now, not another person he "lost track of." Lost entirely.
So, yes, the closer he can keep the boy to him, the better. ]
Keep it close and safe. Not now, of course, but later — give me ten minutes, a pack of Jammie Dodgers, two spoons, pot of tea, and a carrot, and I'll fashion you something so you can keep it around your neck if you like. [ He offers no further explanation for the seemingly extraneous material requests. They're all important, obviously.
He feels the tap to his shoulder and it grounds him for a moment, pulls him out of his whirling and twirling and endless thoughts going in all directions all the time. A moment, an anchor, a connection. He does understand, without it needing to be said. And, what would he say now, even? For all that he talks, he keeps so much of himself locked away, but he's trying here, in this place, to do less of the running from people, from connections. Perhaps, perhaps he'll try. He's sure of one thing, though; he won't be leaving the boy alone for long. ]
The children and everyone else, off we go! A busy day ahead of us, wouldn't have it any other way.
[ And only sparing one more glance to make sure that Lockwood really is steady, the Doctor bounds up ahead eagerly, legs and arms moving about in ways they really shouldn't for the simple task of walking ahead. ]
Legs! Moving quicker! Do be careful though, you're still wobbly. Don't go sideways. Straight, preferably, bit of leaning to the left to make it exciting, if you like.
no subject
And here in this place, it's different, more unpredictable, more dangerous for it. The people around him, for better or worse, always seem to want to do more, to show how very capable they are. Like Rory had said once; they want to prove themselves, and they're in more danger because of it. The thought of Rory makes his hearts ache, but he brushes it aside quickly. Can't think about him right now, not another person he "lost track of." Lost entirely.
So, yes, the closer he can keep the boy to him, the better. ]
Keep it close and safe. Not now, of course, but later — give me ten minutes, a pack of Jammie Dodgers, two spoons, pot of tea, and a carrot, and I'll fashion you something so you can keep it around your neck if you like. [ He offers no further explanation for the seemingly extraneous material requests. They're all important, obviously.
He feels the tap to his shoulder and it grounds him for a moment, pulls him out of his whirling and twirling and endless thoughts going in all directions all the time. A moment, an anchor, a connection. He does understand, without it needing to be said. And, what would he say now, even? For all that he talks, he keeps so much of himself locked away, but he's trying here, in this place, to do less of the running from people, from connections. Perhaps, perhaps he'll try. He's sure of one thing, though; he won't be leaving the boy alone for long. ]
The children and everyone else, off we go! A busy day ahead of us, wouldn't have it any other way.
[ And only sparing one more glance to make sure that Lockwood really is steady, the Doctor bounds up ahead eagerly, legs and arms moving about in ways they really shouldn't for the simple task of walking ahead. ]
Legs! Moving quicker! Do be careful though, you're still wobbly. Don't go sideways. Straight, preferably, bit of leaning to the left to make it exciting, if you like.