The Next Steps

River ran her hand across the console. This TARDIS didn't look familiar, and she knew she was jumping out of her timeline to be here. But she had to be. The Doctor needed her, and she was always there for the Doctor. But where was he? She turned to look around the room, though she had looked several times before. It was still just as empty. She slowly sat down in the chair, waiting as calmly as she had before. No, not calmly. The Doctor left his door open. Obviously, he hasn't changed. She tapped her foot on the floor, cement now. Not a nice choice. "I take it you did this for him?" She asked softly, staring at the time rotor. She was silent, but River knew as she got up, walking deeper into the TARDIS in search for the Doctor. "Doctor! It's River! You left the door open! Your TARDIS is being quiet, though..." She trailed off, staring at the water on the ground with a frown.

The hallway twisted in front of her, and as she moved, metal slabs smacked together behind her. Her pace picked up as she broke into a run. Something wasn't right. "Doctor!" The path led to the library and she slowly walked in, more cautious than intended. But it was a large library, one to be slightly hesistant in. "Doctor?"

Books fell, dropping against the tile floor with loud thuds. The Doctor put his hands over his ears, hair falling in his eyes as he slowly stood up. Upon seeing River, his hands dropped. "River! Hello! I was just... Organizing." He stumbled over a few books, trying to get his footing as he grinned. "Sort of. Anyway! How was the trip to Barcelona? Sorry about the whole... Unexpected part." He set his hands on his hips, showing genuine interest for a fraction of a second before his mind shifted. "There's water on your shoes. Why? Raining outside or did you break something?" He exclaimed and the TARDIS responded with a hallow groan. The Doctor sighed, "oh, don't you stick up for her!" He called out and walked around River towards the doors. But they snapped closed before he could reach them. "Oh... Ah... That's not supposed to happen. Not at all." He rubbed his fingers together, slowly turning back to River with a gentle smile. One that could hopefully not be yelled at.

"Sweetie..." River started softly, watching him with a critical eye. "What have you gotten yourself into while I was away?" She sat down on the soft, cushioned couch, crossing her legs as she watched him for a reaction. The doors shook for a fraction of a second until stopping, but River didn't move, smiling at the Doctor as he smiled back. Oh, no, he just doesn't want to be yelled at... Or slapped. "Doctor, relax, the TARDIS will get it organized and fixed. But I'm not so sure the same will be dealt with of the books." She got up, walking over to the novels and short stories, some written in other languages or just picture books. There were a lot of picture books here.

The Doctor picked up a book, then collapsed into a cushion beside River. He crossed his legs, surveying the cover for a brief moment. "I've got an idea. Leave the books until she wants to pick them up herself." He smiled as if the idea was a good one, flipping through the pages of the seemingly blank book. "But don't think I did the door thing! I dropped Houdini off two weeks ago. Besides, he refused to teach me anything." The Doctor set the book on River's lap and jumped up, taking the sonic out as he hurried towards the doors. "No doors, no windows. But why would there be windows? We're in a box," he paused as if regretting it as the TARDIS shudder. "Sorry, sorry! Well, maybe you should add windows!" He exclaimed, smacking the door with his palm.