twenty-one:

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

[written out very slowly]

The healers here in the clinic have judged me well enough to sit up a little and write in my journal for short periods. I'm so very glad for it. I detest being shut off from the world (as it is) because I haven't a voice.

I feel so weak. They say I kept threatening to bleed out, but now that illness overtaking the castle seems to be going away. So that's no longer a danger, but they want to keep me under observation for a few days.

Doctor dear? Are you well?

Comments

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

I'm fine, Lucy, recovering - I'm so very glad you are as well.

Would you like a visitor?

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'd love a visitor. It's very lonely here. You're well enough to come, then?

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

Certainly! It may take me a bit, but I'll be fine.

[a creak as he stands]

On my way.

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

Be careful, please.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[soft chuckle, footsteps]

I'm always careful.

[the book closes; he's presumably on his way]

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

[closes her book as well]

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[he arrives at the clinic some time later, holding himself carefully; there's a bright smile on his face, though, and flowers in his hands - pink carnations tied with a white ribbon]

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

[Lucy's pillows have been arranged so she's propped up a little--not lying flat, but not sitting up either. She's more pale than usual, but her face lights up when she sees the Doctor, and that might be a blush at the flowers]

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[his smile widens, and there may be the faintest blush in response as he presents them]

Feeling better?

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

[she nods slightly and reaches out to take the flowers, beaming as she runs a light finger over the blossoms]

Can you still hear me?

[the attempt probably sounds like an even more badly tuned radio than it had before]

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[delight in his eyes]

I'm glad you like them.

[the words are distant, fuzzy, but he smiles softly, nodding as he opens his mind to her]

Yes.

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

[she carefully puts the flowers down on the table next to her bed, and then takes one of the Doctor's hands in hers]

Oh, good. I wasn't certain if it would still work but I'm so glad it does. Thank you for the flowers, dear, they're very sweet of you.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[he gently squeezes her hand as he begins to sit, hooking a foot around the chair leg to pull it closer]

As am I. And, ah, you're welcome. They're supposed to represent...friendship, and courage.

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

You can speak out loud, you know, if this way is inconvenient.

[she smiles again, and looks at him a little thoughtfully]

I don't suppose it was very courageous of me, not telling you how sick I'd become.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

Not at all. It's a bit more intimate, don't you think?

[his smile falters, slightly, and he shakes his head]

I can't say I'm glad of it, but...I can understand.

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

[Lucy's own smile turns slightly wicked at the word 'intimate', but only for a moment, and then she studies their joined hands]

You were hidden off in the TARDIS somewhere and... I didn't want to worry you. I didn't

[she sighs]

didn't want to show any weakness where the Master could see it.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[his eyes widen at that, and the faint flush returns, but soon after he seems quite oblivious]

...Lucy, I...

[guilt in the words, some measure of helplessness]

The Master sees most people as weak, it's best to ignore it. You know you aren't, and so do I.

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

I know he does. I know I'm just a weak little human, but I'd rather not be having him reaffirm that every chance he gets.

[she laces her fingers in between his, still watching them]

I suppose you two have made nice, then?

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

There's nothing weak about being human, Lucy.

[his gaze drops to their hands, lingering there]

He apologised.

[restrained awe he can't quite hide; then, quickly]

I accepted on my behalf, not yours. I'm...

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

[slight bristly irritation and she quickly squeezes his fingers]

I highly doubt the apology was meant for me, anyway. I appreciate the sentiment but I wouldn't have wanted you to accept for me even if it was. I'd like to think I'm capable of handling my own battles.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[his eyes widen once more, and he shakes his head quickly, ignoring the dizziness that comes with it]

That's why I didn't. It isn't my place, and...I know you are.

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

[blurred snatches of words flit by as Lucy thinks for a few moments, before finally looking up at him]

You do know I'll be moving my things to room two-thirteen when I'm better, don't you?

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[a moment of silence, and then a faint smile]

Would you like assistance?

[dreams-in-red.livejournal.com]

[something like a hesitant smile back]

No... I imagine the ghosts would be happy to do what heavy lifting there might be. I haven't accumulated any belongings besides the clothes in the wardrobe.

[broken-clock.livejournal.com]

[a soft chuckle]

At least allow me to hold the door open...