. ❝ Will it be a lot further? it's only-only, oh, you said it wasn't far. ❞ She didn't want to be rude, truly, she didn't, but it had been over a mile since they'd left the town behind, with no end in sight. Her feet ached from the walking on those tiny heels. She should have packed better, she'll remember that for next time. If there was a next time.

if any confusion showed in her eyes, it was quickly hidden by a pointed look and a raised brow. she slowed her horse to a stop as she eyed the stranger. truly, strange seemed the only word possible to describe the man. " you were not, i hope, intending to be inconspicuous, sir... if so, i'm afraid i must be the bearer of some ill-tidings indeed, " she said dryly. firefly stamped impatiently beneath her, clearly as irritated as his mistress at being distracted from the thrill of the hunt. tossing her hair over her shoulder, caroline added, " as i do not recollect any peddlers amongst my uncle's illustrious guests, perhaps you would be so good as to explain your business on his land. " lips curved into a smirk. " i know i certainly look forward to the answer... "

❝... NO wait! You! Other me! .... hang on I know you. ❞

the  TARDIS  doors  swung  shut  with  a  satisfied  thump,  the  echoes  of  laughter  &  hurried  goodbyes  still  lingering  in  the  air— ponds  safely  deposited,  timeline  intact,  no  paradoxes  clinging  to  coat  hems.  a  good  day,  then.  eleven  bounds  back  into  the  console  room,  fingers  already  snapping  toward  levers,  humming  something  tuneless  &  pleased  with  the  universe.

but there  is  someone  there.

presence  occupies  the  console  room  that  has  no  right  to  be  there.  planted  beside  the  console  with  all  the  audacity  of  a  man  who  believes  he  belongs.  tall.  eyebrows  like  a  personal  accusation.  &  the  doctor  stops  short.   “ … oh,  absolutely  not. ”

offense  came  first,  swift  &  indignant.  the  hand  froze  mid-reach,  eyes  narrowing  as  if  the  stranger  might  dissolve  under  sufficient  disapproval.  “ no,  no,  no—  this  is  my  TARDIS. ”  the  ship didn’t  object  to  the  newcomer,  which  frankly  felt  like  a  betrayal.  just  the  steady  hum  of her came in response,  calm  as  anything.

“ breaking  &  entering,  grand  theft  time  machine,  loitering  with  intent. ”  a  finger  jabbed  the  air.  “ this  is  a  private  vessel.  friends,  family,  the  occasional  historical  figure  with  good  manners.  you  don’t  just  wander  aboard. ”

his  posture  straightens,  chin  lifting  in  challenge,  curiosity  crackling  beneath  confusion.  “ who  are  you ? ”

NO IDIOT