( o8 audio )

[wearafeznow]

[ Wanda's chewing on the edge of a photograph, so he swoops in with one arm to lift her up, tilts the device to see them both. ]

I can't be the only one who wants to go absolutely barmy and make a collage, am I? I've always liked the glue that smells a little bit like cake. Unfortunately, Amelia won't let me use the glitter any longer. It usually ends up everywhere.

Comments

[waitedforyears]

No. No glitter. [ But it comes out all wrong, because she just found another picture and she's staring at it, face sad. ]

[wearafeznow]

[ Sliding over to her. ] Why the long face?

[ Wanda mewls, tries to chew on the end of the photograph she's holding, and - .] Ah.

[waitedforyears]

[ Patting the couch next to her without looking up. Come sit so that she can lean against you and be sure that you're alive and here, okay. ]

Yeah. [ A pause. ] I know it's not— I mean. River told us. But still.

[wearafeznow]

[ He sits immediately. ]

It's all right, Pond.

[waitedforyears]

[ Leaning against him, head on his shoulder. Barely a whisper: ] Don't die.

[wearafeznow]

[ Wrapping their hands together. ] You know I will do my very best not to.

[waitedforyears]

[ Holding on tight. ] You better.

[ She knows he isn't infallible, she's learnt that he isn't perfect— but if there is one thing that she has not learnt to accept, then it is death. Not Rory's. Not his.

The thought that he may still die, some time—

she swallows, throat dry, and turns her face into his shoulder. ]

[wearafeznow]

You know it works out all right in the end. [ And he knows the next time might not, but it’s worth a shot, to try and pull her out of this depression along with him. ]

I’m sorry, I know it’s upsetting to see it again, but we’re fine, Pond, and we will be fine.

[waitedforyears]

Yeah. [ Look, just— let her hold on for a moment longer. She'll be fine. You'll be fine, too. Everything'll be fine; she just needs a moment. ]

[wearafeznow]

[ He's quiet for the time being, letting her get her bearings again, letting her take what she needs from their companionship. He wants to do right by Amy as much as possible. ]

[waitedforyears]

[ Just hugging him already helps— knowing that he's there.

Eventually, she sits up again with a lop-sided grin. It's a little tired, but honest. ] All right. So, wanna go on a picture hunt?

[threeolives]

I found a picture of you, but... I don't understand it.

[wearafeznow]

Oh dear. [ He grins. ] I'm not wearing the ceremonial robes of Tiana, am I? Because that was not my fault.

[threeolives]

Now that is a story I'll have to hear more about. But no, this one just has two of you. Not in the way there's two of you here, two of the same you. Can you, uh, can your people do that?

[wearafeznow]

Ah, no. Well, yes. Sort of. It's all a bit complicated.

[ Pausing. ] Where doe sit look like the picture's been taken?

[threeolives]

Your whole life sounds complicated.

[ She takes a close look, squinting at it. ]

A basement-type place, by the looks of it. All dark and shadowy. Here. [ She holds it up for him to see. ]

[wearafeznow]

Oh! The Flesh, I see. [ That probably doesn’t explain anything. ] Now that was a funny old day, you see, we were on an adventure, Pond and I, and we ran into the Gangers, and he’s my Ganger. Or he was.

[threeolives]

And what exactly is a "Ganger?"

Pond... wouldn't happen to be a redhead girl? There was a girl who mentioned her world had the Doctor, but she could have meant the other one. We met on the day those flying-salt-shakers-of-death attacked.

Audio

[iwasherefirst]

Finally takin' orders then?

[She's attempting to tease him. The photograph she's got of him is a bit too worrisome to really succeed at teasing.]

Also, I say you ought to use all the glitter. Nothin' wrong with havin' it anywhere. You can come glitter things at our flat.

Audio; for them both :3

[leathered]

Now, now, Rose, you're undermining Amy's authority. [ He's kidding, he's kidding. ]

Don't know about a collage, though. Some of these pictures are a bit. Well. [ He trails off. He found one of Gallifrey. ] Wouldn't be appropriate glittered.

Audio; for them both :3

[iwasherefirst]

Oi! I was here first. [That will forever be her defense.]

Well you don't glitter them. Put 'em in proper frames.

Audio; for them both :3

[leathered]

[ Well, there were plenty before you, Rose, but he's sensible enough not to say so. ]

Might not be a bad idea.

Audio; for them both :3

[iwasherefirst]

[He's a very smart Doctor.]

I'll have to go 'round and get a coupla frames.

Audio; for them both :3

[wearafeznow]

[ The sound of squeaking wheels and then: ] Yes, some people do keep finding quite negative pictures. It’s sad really, it all seems rather sweet to me. The curse that is, nice memories floating on down.

Audio; for them both :3

[leathered]

They'll probably all be gone in a day, anyway.

Audio

[wearafeznow]

Now Miss Tyler, why would you ever think that? Orders are for boring people, and I am not a boring person, or I try very hard not to be.

[ A chuckle. ] Maybe I will, bring the Crayola over too.

Audio

[iwasherefirst]

Not a borin' day in your entire life, but you said Amy wouldn't allow it.

[A big smile.] Anytime you want.

Audio

[wearafeznow]

Well. She does know how to work the toaster so it comes out just perfect, I think it’s a gift. It must be, because otherwise the toaster’s playing favourites and I hate that.

Audio

[iwasherefirst]

Wouldn't do for the appliances to start playin' favourites, no. 'Long as it's not the tea kettle.

[ Action ]

[latenightfondue]

If y'need time alone with the glue and glitter, pal, I could help hook you up.

[hexuality]

I didn't realise there was glue that smells like cake. Have I been stuck with the boring sort all these years, then?

[wearafeznow]

Yes. [ Conspiratorial. ] It’s in the craft store.The little yellow tube. Though I wouldn’t suggest eating it, terrible for the digestive system. Makes you feel all sticky.

[hexuality]

I might've if I was about three, but after growing up with the brothers I've got, I know better than to eat anything like cake glue.

[She laughs.]

I don't suppose you've tried? If you have, I'd advise against the collage idea. Wouldn't want to be tempted, would we.

[wearafeznow]

[ Flustered, but still amused. ]

We all do silly things for a bet.

[hexuality]

Well, if it was a bet, that's a different story altogether! I've done loads of idiotic things to win bets.