Home 'The Original'
by Karina
This is for all you First Doctor/Tegan fans out there!
Remember in 'The Five Doctors' when Tegan told the First Doctor she was afraid? Start from there. And blame Jenna for the idea.




The Doctor -- the original, as he called himself -- wasn't afraid, and Tegan found herself drawing strength from his confidence.

When he turned to move on, she impulsively placed a hand on his sleeve. 'Wait a moment. Whatever we do today -- since you're the first Doctor, does that mean the future Doctors will all end up remembering it? Is that how the time line works?'

The Doctor leaned on his cane and eyed her consideringly. 'You mean, will my fifth self, specifically, remember? Isn't that what you're really getting at?' He frowned. 'Perhaps you should find out, if you think it wise.'

So she did, reared up slightly to reach, accepting the tacit invitation. He stood still as she moved to him. The years melted away. He was no longer this withered, stooped, ancient gentleman, but a young, fair, dashing figure who alternately inspired and infuriated her. His lips were cool and dry, and his mouth tasted faintly of mint. It wasn't what she had expected but then again, she hadn't harboured actual expectations of him, as she'd just met this man today and spent most of their acquaintance working out puzzles and running for her life. At this remembrance, the thought rose like a tide from the back of her mind: 'The Master, the Master is still out there and so is the Doctor, what are you doing?' She fell back a pace to stare up at his first incarnation.

The Doctor was more possessed than she. He shifted his weight from his cane, straightened, and was that a glimmer of disappointment in his eyes? All he said, though, was, 'Shall we continue, young lady?' as he offered her his arm.

That evening, when Tegan, Turlough, and 'their' Doctor were well away from Gallifrey, trouble resolved, Turlough pestered her for more details about her day. Tegan steadfastly refused to give any. At the mention of the subject, however, the Doctor turned away and would not look her in the eye for hours to come.