tampered | Incomplete

Incomplete

When; January 12th; Afternoon around 1
Rating; PG
Characters; Artemis

hisplusone
Summary; During the plot, Artemis provided Rose with a weapon he invented. To repay him, she is taking him out to lunch.
Log; Around one. That was the time that Rose had set for their lunch. But naturally, Artemis took this in his own terms. Which meant he had arrived ten minutes before one. It always served him well to come early. Though, security was one thing he was not worried about today.

Oh the lecture he would get if Butler were ever to find out about this. Good thing he hadn't informed Holly of where he was going. She would have been sure to tell his bodyguard about this.

With one of Holly's books in hand and a cup of tea before him, he relaxed as he enjoyed the story. A rather complex thriller. Really, humans could learn a lot from fairies about plot. At least for this genre. Either that or it was the fact that he so rarely ever sat to read a book.

Still, Artemis kept an eye out for the woman he was to eat lunch with. It wouldn't do to be caught off-guard.

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Rose of course hadn’t been keeping track of the time, finding herself running about the TARDIS chasing after her pet. She had gone into her old room to fetch something when the energetic boxer puppy had slipped away. Clever and swift, he was.

"Sam! Come here!" She shouted, as if the dog would listen, giving chase up the spiral staircase which led to the wardrobe room. This was not good. She had to get to him before he decided to claim another chew toy in the form of shoes or clothes. The puppy eluded her, running around the room then past her. The blonde turned sharply and ran after, hoping she could at least stop the puppy from going after another pair of the Doctor’s shoes. This went on for some time, until she had finally cornered the dog in the kitchen.

Once he was back in his proper room, Rose reached for her mobile in her back jean pocket and took notice of the time with wide eyes. It was now a quarter past one. "I’m late!" And with that she made her way down the hallway, grabbing her jacket from the captain’s chair and leaving.

Hopefully, Artemis would still be waiting for her.

As if running hadn’t been enough for her that past week, the former time traveling companion was once again sprinting towards the square, no running from alien invaders or trying to save people this time, oh no. When the café came into view, she slowed her pace and tried to catch her breath. Now where was he...Could he be inside?

Inside the café, Artemis checked his watch. A quarter past one. She was late then. Not that he minded though. This really wasn't a pressing engagement. It wasn't like the fate of the world rested on this meeting.

Still, he closed the book and set it on the table as he pulled out his phone to quickly check any messages he might have received. None. So she had just lost track of time. If his calculations were correct he would be seeing her shortly. After all, Rose did not appear to be the type to forget something like this. Besides, during the short time he'd known her, he had to say he liked the woman.

Testing the warmth of his tea, he noted that he had cooled somewhat due to neglect. Not surprising. He had been more focused on the book. Pouring some more into his cup, he started checking his cameras around the City.

There she was. Right near the café. Artemis smiled slightly. She would come in shortly then to see if he was inside still waiting for her. Probably apologize for her lateness as well. Sitting back in his chair, he picked up his book again and found his place.

Not spotting the teenage boy seated among the outdoor crowd, the blonde decided to head inside to check. Usually she wasn’t the sort to be this late, maybe three to five minutes past at most but a quarter? It wasn’t like she intended to give the boy a bad impression by being tardy, but then again she had to remind herself that this wasn’t a very urgent matter or important meeting. Just a normal get together over promised food.

She scanned the tables then grinned spying the boy’s familiar form. Walking over, she gave him what could be considered to be one of her patented apologetic smiles before taking a seat. The book and the cup of tea was there, but at least he hadn’t taken off. "I’m sorry, I’m late." She started to explain, brushing some hair back behind her ears. "My dog was giving me the run around this morning."

Just as he had expected. Shutting the book, he stowed it inside one of the pockets of his jacket. "There is no need to apologize, Rose. Technically there was no specific time set."

Artemis offered her a small, understanding smile. Of course, he was not one to be late. It just went against everything that he was.

"Besides, I am able to keep myself entertained." That was meant to be a joke of sorts. "Though, your dog? And how does the Doctor feel about this? I do remember you saying he was fond of cats."

It was good to hear that he didn’t seem upset about it and it was true that a certain set time hadn’t been made. It was a bit vague if anything. She just nodded. "I suppose not, but it’s good that you weren’t bored."

At the last statement Rose wanted to chuckle but she held her straight face. When she had first informed Artemis about the whole cat issue, it was meant as a way to get back at the Doctor for saying to much about how they shared a room Of course she wasn’t about to clue the boy in on the truth about the Doctor’s lack of fondness for the feline creatures. Ever since their New New York hospital encounter with those cat nuns, it had made him a changed man as far as liking them were concerned.

"Cats, yes." A small devious smile played on her lips before she quickly switched the topic back to her dog. "Sam," she said recalling her very energetic puppy with a slight frown. "The Doctor doesn’t really like him much." And maybe even hate if he was wise to what the dog had done most recently. But maybe with time he’d grow to like the boxer. After all it had been a gift from himself. She wondered if he had somehow had another bad experience in her absence to trigger that dislike. But she didn’t really know and could only guess.

She looked over at the cup of tea, "Is that Earl Grey?"

Artemis noticed the smile instantly and recognized it. And why not? That very smile had been on his own lips in the past. Thus, the conclusion was that the Doctor was not fond of the creatures. But if he was reading the smile correctly that meant that she wanted him to believe that lie. Interesting revenge. Very creative.

"How unfortunate that he is not fond of him. The Doctor does have to live with Sam after all." Amused by the whole situation and wondering what could have caused the dislike, he began pondering various situations.

"Yes, it is Earl Grey. I find I am rather partial to it or Irish Spring Water." He lifted the cup to his lips for a moment and took a sip. It was fascinating that she wasn't caught offguard by his proper attitude when he was only fourteen.

Setting the cup down, Artemis glanced around the room until he spotted a free waitress. "Shall we order our food now? I am sure you are somewhat hungry after chasing down your dog."

And while the Doctor did have to live with Sam it didn’t mean that he was keen on seeing the puppy everyday. In fact he would avoid him whenever possible. She’d really have to talk to him about that. It had been an uphill battle just to convince him that the puppy should stay. Why couldn’t he be more like his fourth regeneration when it came to animals? It’d be so much simpler.

"It really is, but I’m hoping that Sam will grow on him." She admitted thinking back to how Mickey grew on him eventually. It was sort of different but still she could hold onto that hope.

With all that she had seen, a teenager with manners while not impossible to come across was sort of refreshing, especially in this City, but her look didn’t give it away as such being distracted by the tea. "That’s really good tea, my mum used to make it all the time back home." She remarked referring to the Earl Grey.

"Oh yes lets." Tracking Sam around the TARDIS had really been a work out. "So you already know what you’re going to order?" Not that she needed any time to decide, knowing exactly what she wanted but maybe he needed some extra time.

"Your mother? I must say I am impressed. Though, I will admit that she may have trouble when comparing to Butler's tea." He took another sip as he summoned the waitress to their table. "He is quite handy in the kitchen."

Once she reached them, he noted that she had served him before. Good. Then she would be used to Artemis and know what he wanted. "Yes, and fortunately they make something I would enjoy eating her." He looked up at the woman. "My usual if you please."

Then he glanced at Rose. She was such a simple character. Normally, he would find such company dull but she had a certain way about her that he found enjoyable. Not to mention the fact that she had complimented his genius. That was always a positive in his book.

From the way the youth went about ordering, Rose could tell he was a regular. Turning her attention to the waitress, she went ahead and placed her order. "Some fish and chips for me, thanks." The waitress nodded in confirmation, jotting the order down. "Oh, and a soda." She added as an afterthought, forgetting for a split second that the meal didn’t come with a drink. Once the waitress departed their table, Rose returned her focus onto her tea sipping friend.

"Yeah, my mum. She could make a mean cup of tea for any occasion. But she always fancied that sort. So tell me, Artemis, how long have you been in this City?" There was a curious tone to her voice, as she leaned back in her chair.

Fish and chips. A bit unrefined for his tastes but he was not about to complain. It was not everyday that Artemis could say he enjoyed the company of someone he barely knew. Especially one that he was certain he was more intelligent than. Not that such a thing was hard.

Leaning back, he put of the appearance of being relaxed. Which, in reality, he was. There was no fighting now so he felt he had little to worry about. And he had not made any enemies here that he was aware of.

"I arrived here at precisely 12:30 in the afternoon on December 15th," he said in response to her question. "Thus, I have not been here very long. Though, I have heard that I was here perhaps a years ago. However I remember nothing of those events."

The teenager’s answer managed to impress the blonde, the expression on her face showed that much. To know the exact time and date right off the bat, she couldn’t do that. Though from the information, she had been here a bit longer than him by a month or so but it still wasn’t as long as it was for others. "That’s amazing! You know the exact time and everything." She paused for a second before continuing.

"A year ago, really? And nothing seems familiar?" She couldn’t help but almost repeat with a frown, recalling the little she had found out on the network about people leaving and coming back with their memory wiped. This seemed to be one of those cases. But it didn’t happen to everyone. A random luck of the draw, she guessed. Or perhaps..."Parallel world..." She said without really thinking. But perhaps that could be it, unless he would eventually remember. But there were parallel worlds out there, millions upon millions of them.

"Knowing the exact time and date is not difficult really," Artemis commented truly believing it was nothing. And for him it wasn't. He was well known for knowing such information. Thus, he waved away that fact and moved onto the next.

"Yes, I do believe I come from a parallel world. Since nothing here has triggered my memories then it is my belief I personally have never been here. This is not to say my other self hasn't of course. However, any memories he might have are not my own," he explained as if he was speaking to Butler, Holly, and Mulch. Strange that he had already accepted the woman enough to do so but he could ponder why later.

The concept of parallel worlds was familiar to him. This was good. Great even. She wouldn’t have to explain much, though by what he was saying she wouldn’t even have to touch base. "Well parallel world, parallel you. He’s probably not as bright and no manners. Probably drinks a lot of soda pop." She mused aloud. "At least the other you’s human." She gave it some more thought before continuing, leaning forward in her chair. "So has anyone else met the other you? Your friends? Holly?"

He shook his head. "According to those I have spoken to here, I have every reason to believe is simply an earlier me. Including having two blue eyes rather than having one be hazel." There was a pause then he intentionally took a sip of tea. "And he most certainly would not have enjoyed such a thing as soda pop. To answer your question though, yes. Those I know here have met the other me."

She listened on remarking about the change of color in his eyes compared to his younger self. "Ah. That’s interesting. I’m sure there has to be a world out there where you enjoy soda pop. Trust me." Though he probably wouldn’t want to visit it, he seemed so sophisticated for his age, but she didn’t mind it. "The parallel world I came from, I’m a dog. Would you believe that?" Rose couldn’t help but laugh, now being able to find it funny. Though it also a bit sad since she’d never go back there again but she didn't show it.

"And he went to the same school and had the same friends?" She asked still wondering.

A dog. Well that would be an unexpected occurrence. Not that having your memories erased by the Lower Elements Police and then having them brought back to you wasn't of course. Though that had been a one or two years ago...Technically, four or five actually.

"I am sure he has been to the same schools I have been. Though, depending on his timeline, friends his age are highly unlikely. It is very possible though that he has retired at least one school counselor," Artemis mused.

Parallel worlds varied, she supposed. One could live almost the exact same life with a few differences here and there. Though she wondered if that other version of him would ever pop up. If he did it’d be quite a paradox, though it wasn’t like it didn’t exist here already with having heard of different versions of a certain demon, not the mention the Doctor. Could there be another version of her that wasn’t a dog?

Just then the waitress showed up placing their order down in their respective places, breaking the blonde out from her thoughts. "Ah good ole fish and chips!" She smiled brightly taking a whiff of her favored dish. Taking a look over at Artemis’s choice selection, she pointed. "That looks pretty good too."

It was indeed. A cordon bleu with a side of caviar. At first he had been surprised that a small establishment like this would have such a selection but he was not one to fret over details if he was going to get what he wanted. He did have a fine taste to feed after all.

"It is delicious. Of course, I have already decided that when Butler arrives I will have him make my meals." Artemis eyed the dish before her. It was so...simplistic. A common dish. He had to wonder how anyone could eat such a thing. "Even this isn't as refined as I am used to."

It wasn’t as refined as he was used to? Just what sort of other fancy meals was he used to eating? She shot him a curious look with a brow raised not really responding. She could only guess. With as smart as he was for his age, and having a meal like that, it wasn’t something that she was accustomed to seeing. She was always used to seeing someone his age eating something like a hamburger or a hotdog, perhaps even a few slices of pizza. The plate that reflected in her eyes was something more suited for one of those fancy dinner parties that were thrown on her parallel world, something that an adult would eat. It was sort of surprising that the café served it at all; then again stranger things had happened. The next time she’d get the menu, she’d give it a more thorough look. Who knew what else they served?

Rose looked down at her meal and started to dig in with a fork. Simple was good, especially when you were on the go all the time, traveling all over. Foods that were fancy weren’t really her thing, no matter how much Mickey would try to convince her to try it back home. "So I’ve heard." She finally spoke, "My mate had it at a party once. It’s not really for me though." Everyone had their tastes after all. "Butler, he’s your bodyguard and cook as well? So who cooks for you now?"

He could see her surprise over his comment but didn't say anything about it. Rose's reaction was one he had grown used to over the years. Teens his age just did not eat like this. Though, just thinking about what they did consume made his stomach churn. How anyone could eat such disgusting food at such ridiculous quantities...Artemis shook his head.

In truth, this hadn't been on the menu. But, it was amazing what some people were willing to do for a paying costumer. And luckily, he had plenty of money on him.

That wasn't going to last forever though...

"No one cooks for me currently. Holly and Trouble would never do such a thing and my other roommate...I haven't gotten to know him yet. Butler's job though is to look after every aspect of me well-being. Whether it be as simple as cooking a meal or as dangerous as protecting me from a bullet, he is trained, qualified, and ready to do it."

"Oh, the take out people must love you then." She stated with a bit of a smile before taking another fork full of chips. Not that she wasn’t guilty of that herself, especially since she had arrived, knowing her limits when it came to cooking. On occasion she would make an attempt but her flat mates never even touched the food, which had really spoken a lot to Rose then. Now, however, she was slowly starting to get the hang of it, thanks to some tutoring under Eliza. So far she hadn’t gotten a single complaint but it wasn’t like she was cooking for four people. Two at most, though Christmas dinner had proved to be a challenge but she had pulled it off.

From what she was gathering now this Butler person was more and more like a full fledge guardian of sorts. "That’s quite a heavy responsibility he has." She was very curious now to meet this person, if they ever showed up in the city. "I suppose he gets paid well for it?" Or rather used to. What his friend could be doing back on his world right now, she could only guess. Perhaps he'd eventually show up here. She couldn’t even fathom the sort of salary having multiple jobs like that demanded. It was probably a hefty sum. Reaching for her glass, she took a sip of soda.

He chose to ignore the take out comment. Though it really was true. Still, it didn't bother Artemis. As long as he got decent food then he was happy to eat out. It was certainly easier than finding someone to cook for him. And cheaper in the long run.

"The Butlers have been caring for the Fowls for generations. Every Fowl has had a Butler by his or her side. Because of this, they are given very specific training to ensure that their masters will be safe and happy." He lifted his cup to his lips for a moment as if in thought. "Therefore pay does not really matter. It is their duty. However, I make sure that Butler is paid very well. After all he has done for me it is the least I can do."

And here she had been under the impression that he just happened to be very rich where he came from and could a steady guard. His revelation however managed to wipe that away in an even more interesting and impressive fashion. It reminded the blonde of royalty back home. "So, you’re like a prince in a way." She pointed out, though really he wasn’t but it was a good analogy nonetheless. "That’s really impressive."

"A prince? Of course not. Just a rich genius who also is a reformed criminal," he said casually. And why shouldn't he? Artemis wasn't ashamed to admit to his infamous records back home. They were a part of who he was. "Though, I suppose some would still say that is impressive."

"Not just anyone can claim that especially at your age." The term reformed criminal was a bit loose. Had he actually gone to jail? No wait, he probably had been sent to those detention centers for troubled youths with his parents or that Butler person having to bail him out. Oh yes, she could just see it. Because who knows what else he could’ve done aside from driving some teachers batty. "It is." She said giving the now half empty plate of chips a glance not possibly being able to eat anymore, before looking over at him. "No complaints about the food?"

Artemis nodded. "Yes. And you can add tricking an entire race out of a great sum of gold and saving my father from the Russian mafia as well." He glanced down at his plate. Well, he must have been eating more that he realized if the food was mostly gone now. "I have no complaints. It was quite good."

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