Into the 51st Century, for the_corsair

[thecricketer]

The Doctor was nervous.

It wasn't a sort of anxiety he was used to - it didn't concern mortal peril, or faulty circuits, or Gallifreyan politics.

No, those all made sense.

He was simply taking Byron on a trip, one he'd suggested a long time ago. Their first trip in his TARDIS, yes, but that was hardly cause for fidgeting so much.

Really, it made him feel so very young and it was both irritating and exhilarating.

He took a breath before striding out of the TARDIS to wait outside the door. He was still, finally, silently hoping that nothing would go wrong.

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[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

Byron gave him a smile that bordered on tender, touching his cheek lightly. He was good, and didn't make the joke he'd set up, though the words trembled on his lips, ready to fall out, to say something about easing excitement.

But he didn't.

"Shall we, then?"

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

The Doctor closed his eyes for a moment, before his hand rose to cover Byron's, entwine their fingers. After a gentle squeeze, he led him inside.

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

Following eagerly, Byron kept a hold of his hand, the simple contact helping to ease his nervousness. It was always odd how one touch could make him feel trapped, and another comfort.

The comfort was very welcome, and he looked around the TARDIS with interest, seeing all the little ways it was different.

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

The Doctor followed his gaze, lips curving slightly.

"How different is she?" he asked quietly as they walked to the console. He checked, automatically, to see if the coordinates were correct.

He may have done this multiple times.

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

"Very," Byron said, looking around. "I wouldn't know they were the same ship at all except for the outside."

He smiled at him. "But she's still beautiful, either way."

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

The Doctor met his gaze once more, and he was absolutely beaming.

"She always is." He couldn't help an affectionate pat to the console.

"I think you may have just ensured that we arrive at our destination."

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

Byron grinned, then smirked a little. "Well, I do have a way with the ladies."

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

The Doctor looked at him for a moment, before he laughed; a soft, bright sound of simple mirth.

"You do indeed." When he set about getting them moving, drawing his hand from Byron's rather reluctantly, he was still smiling.

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

Byron grinned to hear him laugh, delighted to have caused it. He knew well enough to hold on to the console in case the ride was bumpy.

"It's a gift?" And really, something of a lie when you got right down to it, but he didn't feel like going in to that.

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

There was a bit of a rocky start, but travel was quite smooth after that. The Doctor stepped back from the console, turning to Byron once more.

"We should be there shortly. Now, I'm sure exactly where we'll turn up..."

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

"Where?" Byron asked eagerly. After all the 51st century seemed a very large place. He smiled at the Doctor eagerly.

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

"Earth," the Doctor replied, grinning back.

"It's a very exact destination for me." There may have been a teasing glint in his eyes.

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

Byron laughed. "Earth is good enough when you have the whole universe that you could aim for. I think it's very exact."

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

"Finally, someone understands," the Doctor replied, fond laugher filling his voice.

He shook his head, still grinning.

"We should arrive in one of the better areas of New..." He paused, brow furrowing slightly.

"What number is it on? Oh, no matter. New York."

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

Byron blinked. "It's got numbers?"

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

The Doctor raised his eyebrows.

"Well, they've had to rebuild it several times over the millennia..."

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

Byron frowned a little bit. "I suppose they would have to, yes. I haven't....I mean, Methos would know, but. I haven't lived long enough to see that. London is still old to me."

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

The Doctor nodded, slowly, as if remembering that the rise and fall of great cities wasn't simply a matter of course for most.

Suddenly, his lips curved into a soft smile.

"I could show you Londinium, if you like."

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

Byron's eyebrows went up and he smiled in delight.

"Could we really go there?"

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

The Doctor was quite delighted himself, to see that smile, and it showed.

"Of course."

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

Byron felt bad that he'd asked for another trip before they'd even landed on this one, but the Doctor had offered.

He smiled back softly.

"I'd like that."

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

The Doctor inclined his head, and stepped forward just as they landed. His smile widened, and he offered his hand.

"Shall we?"

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

Byron gave a very good impression of a five year old with that smile, nearly gleeful as he took his hand.

"Oh, yes."

[thecricketer.livejournal.com]

The Doctor decided he quite loved him looking that way, and pressed a quick kiss to Byron's forehead before leading him to the doors.

"Welcome to the 51st century," he said grandly, and pulled open the door, and stepped outside.

And froze.

[the-corsair.livejournal.com]

Byron followed him out, stopping abruptly when the Doctor did. He stared, then grinned, and shot him a mischievous look.

"Why, Doctor...."