it's just waiting for you

[expect]

( at this point in rory's life, the sound of the TARDIS landing doesn't even phase him, aside from causing him to take a quick look around to make sure the doctor isn't about to land it on the coffee table for a second time — when he makes out the outline of the police box on the floor, he goes back to what he had been doing, which is: reading a magazine (one of those medical ones that talk about medical techniques and discuss different treatments, because he is, in fact, that boring) and eating a sandwich.

(the sandwich is also boring).

when the TARDIS door bursts open, rory preempts anything the doctor is about to shout with: )

Amy's at her parents for the weekend. It's just me. ( there's no hidden meaning or emotion in this statement; rory just assumes that, at best, the doctor comes here for them both, and will want to try again later. )

Comments

[expect]

( his expression is vaguely horrified. the 'no' is heavily implied. ) If you've seen it, you can't mock my tastes.

[overeducated]

[not even a grin - he wrings his hands, bobs his head, puts an awkwardness in his body language that really doesn't translate well with how bluntly he spoke.]

... Your tastes are...

[those books, Rory. honestly. no wonder your movie taste follows the same line.]

[in truth, the Doctor found it - occasionally offense at portrayal aside - absolutely flattering, but then, of course he thought half of Rory's interest in sci-fi stemmed from him.]

[expect]

Are…? ( there's a challenge in there; i dare you to say it, and he leans forward, hands clasped between his knees, eyebrows raised as high as they go. he knows (because of course amy has told him) that his tastes are "bad." but he enjoys them unapologetically. )

[overeducated]

[lips sealed tight, jaw muscles twitching, eyes wide. a beat.]

[a cough.]

[a smile.]

Nothing compared to the real thing?

[expect]

Which is fine with me, actually, seeing as the real thing usually ends with me nearly dying. ( he doesn't hesitate to point out, fighting amusement at the doctor's backtracking. )

[overeducated]

[nearly? Rory, come on, the real thing commits and goes all the way, none of that nearly junk.]

[... still backtracking.]

Maybe you should write your own, hey? And then they can turn it into a great movie, and---

[FREEZE. think. expression lighting up more genuinely,]

-- Why haven't we done that, Rory?

[expect]

Why haven't we made a film of your life?

[overeducated]

Yes. --- Wait, no, I don't want to be selfish; our life.

[expect]

I'll pass. ( without even a beat. that said, no sooner does the doctor say 'our' that he's pretty sure amy, at least, would love to be a glamorous movie star. )

[overeducated]

Oh, come on. Not even if Amy agreed to it?

[Amy would totally agree to it.]

[expect]

I'll pass. ( he says again, but he looks very briefly guilty, because he just knows she'd agree to it, and she'd ask him to join, and how can he say no, really, as it's amy. )

[overeducated]

Ro-ry.

[with an exaggerated huff and flop, limps at haphazard angles and knee bumping against Rory's, the Doctor sprawled himself on the other side of the couch. one second after the huff, and --]

What movie are we watching?

[- the moment's passed.]

[expect]

( in a moment that is much more overly dramatic sulking than rory would like to admit to, he sighs and slumps into the sofa, his neck resting against the back, propping his head so he looks up at the ceiling. )

Your choice.

[overeducated]

[a deep, lasting groan, hands tugging at his own hair in a reflection of Rory's over dramatic moment. one two three and then one palm dropped and one remained, flat on his face.]

[after a pause, behind the hand.]

Should we call Amy?

[expect]

What, to have her decide?

[overeducated]

Yes.

[expect]

( he considers it for a beat. )

That's pathetic. ( of course — were she here, obviously she'd pick, because he's happy to do what she wants, nine times out of ten. but she's not here. )

[overeducated]

[another exaggerated huff and pathetic silence, but.]

Fine!

[not near as angry as the word may imply - he's up from the couch in one fluid motion, gangly legs taking him toward the kitchen as voice level increases in order for Rory to hear.]

Mothra and Godzilla, let's put it in. You've popcorn in the kitchen, right? I can't remember - microwave or fancy do-it-yourself popper?

[expect]

( he remains seated for a moment longer, content and a little smug that he's, apparently, won this round — and then he realises, wait, hang on, the doctor is going to the kitchen. the doctor is going to touch kitchen appliances.

he springs to his feet and follows. ) Microwave, and you know, I can get it, why don't you get some bowls from the cupboard? ( he gestures. there's definitely not a note of panic in his voice. )

[overeducated]

But I'm already in the pantry. [and already standing precariously on his tip-toes to reach the popcorn box on an upper shelf, nearly wobbling backwards into a different shelf when he managed to nudge it into his hand and turn toward - presumably - the microwave.]

[by then, Rory would've rounded well into the kitchen. he'll be met with a bemused frown.]

You're supposed to be setting up the movie.

[expect]

I thought I could do the popcorn, ( he says helplessly, trying to subtley get between the doctor and the microwave. being rory, it's not very subtle at all. ) As you're the guest. You shouldn't bother yourself.

[overeducated]

It's not bothering. Why would it be bothering? I've the popcorn. [hoisting it up, giving it a tiny shake, side-stepping left and right and left but somehow not managing to get around Rory, what in the world was that about.]

[-- but if Rory didn't budge, the Doctor may attempt a harsh feint to the left and then spin around on his right. which... would go as badly or as well as one might expect.]

[expect]

( he makes a grab or two for it, but ultimately, rory's desire to not humiliate himself holds him back, and when the feint is attempted, it is a whole success — rory ends up spinning helplessly, trying to track the doctor and not sure what had just happened. ) Are you five?