voice testing, x-posted

[wayfar]

But that doesn't even work. Wayfarer. The er is important, didn't you pay attention to Goblet of Fire? Otherwise it just sounds like I'm from way far away--

[The Doctor practically swallows his words.]

Right, I suppose that'll do. But don't get too cocky, I don't like it. You come up with one little pun that works if you tilt your head and squint, you think you can pull off anything.

So! [He clasps his hands together.] Off you trot, you know what I like. People, friends, acquaintances. Got loads of them to choose from. Not that anybody wants to see an old man anymore--maybe just Clara, then. Or River, she'll probably turn up again. Or Missy in a pinch, if you can't find anybody else.

Comments

[bustled]

I'm a Clara, [ she says with a bit of cheek. ] Would that do?

[wayfar]

Miss Oswald. [He does a quick glance, surveying her up and down. Faint smell of coal, buttoned to the neck. Right, it's that Clara.]

You look well. Not dead! Always a plus.

[yousofine]

In a pinch? Really? You'd rather have your little puppy than me?

[wayfar]

Can we have new arguments for once? It's always back to the same; it's why you're a third choice.

[yousofine]

I just think it's terribly rude, that's all. You wouldn't be my third choice.

[First? Maybe not, although she doesn't know who would be. But definitely at least second.]

[wayfar]

I'm honored. [There's a bit of a roll in the eyes, there.] You tried to kill me. And succeeded. Knocked you off of first place.

[yousofine]

What's a bit of murder between friends? [If traps are her flirting, then murder's like making out, or maybe second base.] Think of all the times I haven't killed you instead!

[Pause. Her lips twist into a moue of displeasure.] Actually, don't think of those. It's embarrassing.

[wayfar]

Oh, well, when you put it that way, it's what, twelve to one?

[Only the long drop with scarfy. And to turn the tide, it's been more than a couple of her regenerations and/or body-thefts that the Doctor was present for. Or possibly triggered.

Right, new subject.]

Well, no Cybermen or Daleks running around. No Clara to chip in. You and me, having a chat, like old times.

[yousofine]

I know. It's almost a bit dull, to be frank. Much more interesting with explosions, or just a tiny bit of bloodshed. [She holds her thumb and forefinger apart. This estimate may be slightly inaccurate.] Not your blood, of course.

...Probably.

[wayfar]

[The mighty eyebrows just quirk at that. Good eyebrows, they're dead useful for unconvinced looks like this.]

There's only two people's blood in the universe you care about. You know that as well as I do.

[spacegirl]

Please tell me you don't actually want to see Missy.

[But he's named her first, her egomania's been appeased. For now. He gets a smile, meaning that she's pleased so see him.]

[wayfar]

Yes. No. It's complicated.

[There's a small little twitch at the corner of his lips, before he wills it away. Serious face, Doctor.]

She's not all that bad, except when she absolutely is.

[spacegirl]

[That earns a long, long stare. And finally, a snort and roll of her eyes.]

Yeah, well, I haven't known her to be anything but awful.

[Her arms cross over her chest, signaling that she's done with the Missy talk.]

You haven't forgotten I'm not going anywhere, have you?

[He doesn't need other people to go on adventures with! she's here to do that.]

[wayfar]

[He rubs his face, trying to silently will this conversation away. It's complicated, Clara, and they were friends once. Still are, maybe, in a very masochism tango sort of way.

The new conversation comes as a relief.] As long as you're drawing breath, Clara Oswald, you'll be here.

[spacegirl]

[Grinning now, she gives a slight sway, and a bite to her lip is all the warning he gets before she's darting forward to hug him. He's gotten better about the hugging now, surely he won't mind.]

Just wait 'til I'm old and grey and can't run any longer. You'll be regretting saying that.

[wayfar]

[Ack, hugging, no, stop--his arms almost seize up. Can't there be a bit more warning? Or a contract, yeah, a notarized form with the proper procedures for a hug. That'd be great.]

Maybe you'll take up knitting. Knit your way out of trouble. Only don't, that's terrible, forget I said that.

[spacegirl]

[Nope. Sorry Doctor. You don't get a choice on the matter, when it comes to hugs. Luckily for him, this one is short lived. She rests her head against his shoulder and gives out a laugh at what he's said. She pulls away then, moving about to face him fully.]

Don't think I'm much of a knitter. You're the one that probably carries balls of yarn in their pockets!

[Both eyebrows arch, and she pulls away, just enough to go over to the console and fiddle with one of the levers. She's half expecting him to pull out another yo yo or something, just because he can.]

[wayfar]

Look, you never know when you'll come across a cat, alright? They work surprisingly well.

[He doesn't pull out a yoyo, or a recorder, or anything else. He just watches her round the console.]

You're planning something.

[spacegirl]

[Biting at her lip, she tries not to smile. She fails miserably at it, and winds up eagerly nodding instead.]

You always think I'm planning something.

[It comes out a scoff, mock-accusatory. Her voice softens when she speaks again, head tipping to the side as she makes eye contact.]

Take me somewhere.

[wayfar]

You always are.

[And so is he. Planning about how to keep on running, how to keep his friends safe.]

Where? [There's no hesitation, no pondering if now is a good time. She calls, and he responds. Heel, Doctor.]

[spacegirl]

[She shrugs, fingers toying with the lever a little more.]

Somewhere...exciting. Exciting and magical.

[She steps to the side, leaving room for him to stand beside her and set the coordinates for somewhere new.]

Think you can find someplace that fits the bill?