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A Sequel to The Gift
The Doctor walked quietly down the path, trying not to be heard by the young woman on the bench. She had her back to him and was playing with a baby boy.
Finally he was within six feet of the woman and baby. He opened his mouth to speak.
"Hello, Professor."
She turned in time to see his handsome face fall. She laughed at his slight frown.
"How did you know it was me?" he asked, smoothing down his green velvet frock coat as he sat beside her on the bench.
Ace smiled. "I got used to the sound of you creeping about the TARDIS at 'night', when you thought I wouldn't notice. And it helped that I noticed that earlier."
She pointed to the other side of the ornate gardens they were sitting in. Just visible over a hedge was the telltale stacked roof and lamp of the TARDIS.
"Ah," the Doctor said. "That would give the game away rather, wouldn't it?" Ace laughed again and the Doctor joined her.
"So, how have you been keeping?" she asked him.
"Oh, much the same. Apart from regenerating of course."
"I had noticed," she assured him. "How was it?"
"I've had better," he admitted. "Nearly didn't make it this time."
Ace smiled. "I'm glad you did. And quite handsomely, if you don't mind my saying!"
"What, this old thing?" He spread his arms, indicating his body. "And how are you?"
"Coping with motherhood," she told him. "It's funny. When I joined you aboard the TARDIS I never thought I would have children one day. If you had suggested it I would have laughed in your face."
He nodded. "You don't have to be a Time Lord to change your outlook on life."
"No, I suppose not." At that moment the baby made itself heard by crying.
"What's his name?" the Doctor asked.
"Well, I could have called him after you, but that would have been silly. He's called Dimitri, after his grandfather." She gently rocked the squalling infant, who gradually calmed.
The Doctor waved his hand in front of Dimitri's eyes. "Hello, little fellow. How are you today?"
Ace sighed. "I sometimes wonder if I did the right thing."
The Doctor raised an eyebrow but waited for his former companion to continue.
"I married Count Sorin, I've given him a child. Isn't this just playing straight into the hands of Fenric?"
The Doctor seemed to consider for a long moment. "Is this the first time you had these doubts?"
"No," Ace admitted. "I've had them all along."
"But you didn't let it stop you at any time?"
"No," she sighed. "I've created the future we saw, condemned all those who died when the Haemovores attacked. Haven't I?"
"Of course not," the Doctor smiled. "Fenric would have found a way, used another of his Wolves. He just found it convenient and amusing that way."
"So everything turns out the same whatever I do here?"
"Pretty much. It could have turned out much worse if you had tried to change things."
Now Ace smiled. "The Professor and Ace save the future again!"
He laughed. "Just like old times."
A wind sprang up and the sun disappeared behind cloud.
"Let's talk inside," suggested Ace. "I'll organise some tea."
"Sounds very civilised," the Doctor replied as they headed towards the house.
***
The Doctor balanced Dimitri on his knee while Ace poured the tea.
"He's got your eyes," he told her.
She nodded. "And his father's curiosity." Dimitri had got fed up of the Doctor's company and crawled off to explore the living room.
Ace's expression turned serious again. "Doctor, I am free of Fenric's influence here, aren't I?"
"Yes, he can't harm you in this time. Or your family."
Ace sighed with relief. "That's good to hear. We did defeat him totally, didn't we?"
"Well, I have learned to never say never," he replied evasively. Before she could ask anything further he seemed to change the subject.
"I see you're wearing the necklace I gave you when I was last here."
She fingered the blue stone at the end of the gold chain. It glowed slightly.
"I never take it off," she told him. "I'll pass it on to Dimitri when he's old enough."
"Good," the Doctor commented, smiling.
For a while the two old friends chatted about times past, and future. After a third cup of tea, the Doctor rose from his seat.
"I should go. Sam will be expecting me."
"Sam?"
"Current travelling companion. Short for Samantha."
"Now why doesn't that surprise me?" Ace muttered, rolling her eyes.
The Doctor seemed not to have heard her. "She's at a Greenpeace rally in Canada."
"Eco warrior then."
The Doctor grinned. "Something like that. Tell Alexie I'm sorry I missed him."
"I will." They hugged. Ace was surprised that the Doctor did not seem embarrassed, as he usually did. Must be the regeneration, she thought.
"Take care, Ace. Of all of them."
"I will," she promised. "Look after yourself."
He turned in the doorway to smile at her. "Always, Ace. Always."
***
Some years later, little Dimitri was leaving the circus with his mother in a state of high excitement.
"Did you see those tigers, how big they were? They could have eaten me whole!"
"I might ask them to if you don't behave," she scolded mildly. "Now, take my hand and we'll go and see Daddy." Dimitri did as he was told.
"This has been the best birthday ever," he announced as they walked.
"Well, you're a big boy now. Ten years old already." Where does the time go, she thought.
"Will there be a cake when we get home?"
"Yes, if you're a good boy. And Mummy's got a special present for you," she told him, fingering the blue stone on the end of her necklace.
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