Doctor Who/Rome Fanfic: The Eye of the Lion (Part 2)

The Doctor's eyes twinkled as he began to introduce his companions to the superb-looking men. “This is Rose, Martha, and Donna.” He smiled warmly at each woman in turn. “And I'm the Doctor. Charmed, Lucius Vorenus, Titus Pullo.”

Vorenus nodded in acknowledgment. “A pleasure to meet you. I don't want to be rude, but why are you all dressed like that? I can tell by your accent, Doctor, that you are a Roman. Yet you are wearing trousers like a Scythian.”

The Doctor shrugged simply. “Style. I look great, don't I?” Suddenly he grinned blindingly.

Pullo stammered, “Y-yes, you do. I mean...” With a confused look to Vorenus, he attempted to regain his composure. Unfortunately Vorenus was no help, since he seemed to be mesmerized by the Doctor's gaze as well.

“Well, it's nice to have met you both,” Donna interjected, “but we have lots to do. Worlds to save and evil to defeat, all that.” She was agitated, and didn't try to conceal it. “Doctor, come on.”

“Oh, nonsense, Donna. It's no use being rude,” said Rose. Then, whispering and winking, “Let the Doctor have his fun!”

“Right! Would you boys like to have a look at the TARDIS? That's it over there.” The Doctor pointed to the top of the hill at the blue box the men had been too overcome to notice before.

Vorenus was uncomfortable with the prospect of going off alone with the Doctor and Pullo. His life had suddenly become confusing enough without that. “No, thank you. But Pullo would be delighted, wouldn't you?”

“Uh, yes. Yes I would.” Pullo said, awkwardly. “I would be delighted.”

Soon, Titus Pullo was following the Doctor self-consciously to the mysterious machine as Vorenus and Donna looked on with concern. Rose, sensing that her friend was troubled, began gently rubbing Donna's back with her strong hands. “How does that feel, then?”

“Better,” Donna admitted, and soon she was lost in thought. Martha simply sat on the grass, brooding.

Several minutes later, the TARDIS opened up, revealing a slightly disheveled Doctor with Titus Pullo not far behind. Vorenus and the women stood up, all attention now on the men descending the hill. “Well, Pullo. What did you think?” asked Rose, grinning expectantly.

“It was, er, bigger on the inside,” said Pullo. He locked eyes with the Doctor and they both giggled delightedly.

Author's note: I believe that writing this, even as a joke, has damned me for all time.

Doctor Who/Rome Fanfic: The Eye of the Lion

“Well, that was a wonderful ride on the tail of the Bandoor Comet of the Flussar system!” exclaimed the Doctor as he exited the TARDIS. “Well, here we are in Italy, 30BC!”

“Oh, yes. What a great comet tail. So much ice. I love ice,” said Donna, her voice dripping with sarcasm, “It's just so refreshingly cold!” She shivered, glowering.

“It wasn't that bad,” Rose replied. “I thought it was fun!” Rose smiled a mischievous smile as she nudged her friend Donna in the arm. Rose noticed a small piece of wood on the ground by her feet. She bent over to pick it up, observing with pleasure the way Donna admired the view when she did so. When she grasped the long stick with her fingers, she let out a shriek of pain.

“What's wrong? Are you hurt?” said Martha, concerned. I'll just bandage it up for you. Their eyes locked for a moment as Martha took Rose's hand in her own.

After an awkward pause, Rose jerked her hand away. “It's fine, really. Just fine.” She dropped the piece of wood and it fell to the ground pitifully.

Realizing the discomfort could be cut with a spoon, the Doctor interjected “All right, ladies! Allons y! This trip is going to be molto bene!”

Just then, they noticed the two men who had been standing in front of them all along. They were both quite strongly built, and all of the travelers were taken by their rugged good looks. Both men were dressed in gray tunics and had short swords at their hips. The shorter of the two had shortly-cropped sandy red hair and a youthful, if dour face. The taller was more overtly muscular and had a crooked, roguish smile.

The redhead frowned at the new arrivals and barked a greeting: “Good day to you. My name is Lucius Vorenus and this is my companion, Titus Pullo. Now tell us who you are.”

2 B CONTINARD