Short Doctor Who Fic - Married

[banrionceallach]

Donna Noble heaves a deep sigh because once again someone has jumped to the wrong conclusion regarding her and the Doctor. “No,” she corrects them. “We’re not together, not married.”

“Well, except for accidentally on the Noverian Colony in the Damascus Gulf,” the Doctor adds cheerfully, “but that’s not legally binding in this solar system. So not married for local purposes.”

There is brief pause, in which their audience tilts their head in confusion. Then Donna speaks.

“Doctor,” she says slowly, frowning at him. “I thought we had that annulled. I distinctly remember you going back to the courthouse with the marriage certificate.”

The Doctor coughs awkwardly. “Ah. Well. I may have, just possibly, lost the certificate halfway back to the courthouse. There was a slight incident with an angry bird. Bit like a goose, not quite as vicious though.” He grins hopefully at Donna.

Donna gives him a Look. “What,” she says flatly.

“Well, you know,” the Doctor replies, “marriage legality is very serious on that planet. Didn’t I tell you this? I’m sure I told you this.”

Donna’s Look intensifies.

“Oh,” the Doctor says sheepishly. “So, turns out, you’re not actually allowed an annulment on Noverian without the original receipt . .” He trails off, giving Donna a smaller, but still just as hopeful grin.

Donna turns back to their now extremely confused acquaintance with a long-suffering sigh. “Okay," she says through gritted teeth, "so we are married, but not in this solar system. Clear?”