"...New teeth."

'Did I say that out loud?' thought the Doctor. 'Silly thing to say. Now what was it I had to remember?'

"Barcelona."

'You've done it again Doctor. What have I told myself about speaking before I think...now I'm wandering off the point. Hmmm, now what was the blonde's name... Rose, that's it! Rose. Now I remember... oh dear. She's looking at me like I'm some kind of monster. Smile Doctor smile.'

He grinned reassuringly although it came off more manic than comforting.

'Nope that didn't work.'

Rose stared open mouthed. She couldn't believe what she had just seen.

'Now Rose you've seen stranger things in your travels why can't you grasp this?'

He smiled maniacally. She took a step back.

'I don't know. Is it really the same person? What do I do? What do I say? Is there some kind of etiquette to these situations? Should I introduce myself, is he dangerous? Stop procrastinating and say something.'

"Hi."

'That was weak. You coward. Say something else.'

"Are you okay?"

'Oh that's really going to be useful of course he's not ok, look what happened. But if his face has changed does that mean he's changed? What if he's dangerous?'

'Ah now she's talking to me. Think of something witty to say...'

"Course."

'I said witty not dull. Take a step forward...nope that just makes her draw back. She's scared, who wouldn't be in her shoes...well I wouldn't. But I'm not so it doesn't count.'

"What about you?"

'Still got to get used to those new teeth, nearly messed that question up.'

'Who are you really Doctor? Who are you now? I don't know you anymore; you've changed so much. Go on Rose say it, say it out loud. Stop bottling everything up. Just ask him. But I don't want to. Something behind those eyes says it's the same old Doctor.'

"A little weirded out. What was the whole gold light thing that just happened?"

'There you go nearly getting to the questions you want to ask. Just see how he handles this question. Maybe its like when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly...concentrate Rose don't get distracted.'

"I told you. It's a Time Lord thing we call regeneration."

'There you go again Doctor with the patronising tone. Why do you always take that route when you speak to humans? There not that stupid...ok maybe they are but that's no reason to treat them like infants.'

"It's a way of cheating death, you should try it sometime does wonders for your complexion."

'There you go back on track with your humour. Keep making jokes that will put heart her ease.'

"It's still me Rose, no I not that my names Rose that's your name-,"

'Stop it! Your digging a hole for yourself why don't you just go jump in it.'

"- coz I'm the Doctor of course."

'He's rambling on again. Nerves? But the Doctor doesn't show his nerves...well not that often. Better interrupt him before he ties himself up in knots.'

"I understand, but..."

'Go on. Why are you hesitating you idiot. Say something clever.'

"The ears are defiantly an improvement."

'Argh! Rose you just complemented him on his ears. How weird is that. It's like trying to have a conversation with someone who's just had radical plastic surgery. That's it just think of it as a makeover. Act natural.'

"You wish."

'You did it again. Smile. Laugh...ok so you giggled near enough. Now just walk forward.'

"Thanks."

'Say something else.'

"So no more Spock jibes then. Now you'll be comparing me to someone like Casanova."

'Well she thinks I'm funny.'

"Oops-I-daisy."

'Rose was so distracted she tripped up on the step. Not good.'

"Let me help you up."

'Just hold out your hand. Yes! She took it. Now pull her up gently.'

"You better watch where you're going."

'Oh that's so original.'

'I hope he doesn't think I'm an idiot tripping up like that. Oh no, I'm blushing. How embarrassing. And now he's ticking me off like I was some child.'

"Whatever," sighs. "So what do you think?"

'So what do you think? Hmmm...could be referring to anything, better make sure.'

"So what do I think about what?"

"About the 'new you'?"

'See should have been more specific.'

"Erm...."

'Oh that's clever Doctor. Erm. What's your next great speech? Find a mirror. Now look at your reflection. No need to look so shocked. Floppy hair...nice. And a younger body. I'm good...ok maybe pointing at your reflection and nodding isn't good. Rose will think your vain.'

"Fantastic, but the outfit could do with a change."

"Good that jacket looks like it needs to be retired."

'Oh great now you insult his dress sense. The guy just sorta' died. You could show at least a little tact.'

"You should see some of my other outfits."

'Think now which was the most hideous outfit. Ok so they all had their merits. What would she think as garish? Ah-ha, that one.'

"Imagine a long jacket in a myriad of patchwork colours, check trousers and braces with question marks on them. And I had curly blond hair back then."

'That's it tell her all your faults. Don't mention that you were a tad overweight.'

'Don't smirk. I know that it sounds ridiculous. But that does tie in with the holiday snaps you found. Wonder who the brunette with him was? Hope it wasn't his girlfriend or wife or something. That would be awkward. The scrapbook she'd looked had featured a picture of an old man, a short funny looking fellow, a curly haired dandy, a mad looking guy with wide eyes, a young blond guy who Rose had though had a boyish charm, the curly haired blond who the Doctor had just said was him, a small dark-haired man with a garish knitted pullover, and an auburn haired Victorian gentleman.'

"So."

'So? Is that the best you can come up with?'

"What's say it's time to get back to work?"

'Nice one Doctor.'