Chapter Text
The vibrant city of Cardiff was once again buzzing with excitement as Whovians from around the globe gathered for the annual Doctor Who convention. The city, a mosaic of old and new, carried a special significance for two of its returning guests. The Millennium Centre, with its iconic inscription, stood proudly as a reminder of the days gone by. For Matt Smith and Alex Kingston, Cardiff was not just a city; it was a treasure trove of memories.
The convention hall was a hive of activity, with cosplayers, vendors, and fans eagerly awaiting the arrival of their favourite stars. Banners of the Doctor’s many incarnations hung from the ceiling, while the unmistakable hum of the TARDIS echoed through the speakers. The air was thick with anticipation, punctuated by bursts of laughter and excited chatter.
Matt Smith, his distinctive mop of hair now tinged with a touch of grey, arrived at the venue, greeted by a chorus of cheers. Despite the years that had passed, he still possessed that boyish charm and boundless energy that had endeared him to fans worldwide. He took a moment to soak in the atmosphere, his heart swelling with nostalgia. Cardiff had been his home during some of the most exhilarating years of his life. The city’s streets, once familiar paths to the set, now felt like avenues leading back to cherished memories.
As he made his way through the throng of adoring fans, signing autographs and posing for selfies, Matt’s thoughts wandered. It had been years since he’d worked alongside Alex Kingston, yet the bond they’d formed during their time on the show remained unbroken. He wondered how she was faring and whether their paths would cross at the convention.
Meanwhile, Alex Kingston, with her radiant smile and curly locks that seemed to defy the passage of time, arrived at the convention with a sense of excitement. Cardiff held a special place in her heart too. It was here that River Song, the enigmatic and time-traveling archaeologist, had come to life. Alex reminisced about the days on set, the camaraderie, and the magic of bringing the Whoniverse to millions of fans.
As Alex entered the convention hall, she was met with the same enthusiastic reception as Matt. She graciously greeted fans, her laughter ringing out like a melody. Despite the years, she still carried that aura of mystery and elegance that had defined her character. She too, couldn’t help but think of Matt and the fun they’d had working together.
Their reunion happened almost serendipitously. In the midst of the bustling crowd, their eyes met across the room. There was a moment of recognition, followed by broad smiles and an unspoken understanding. They made their way towards each other, cutting through the sea of fans.
“Alex!” Matt exclaimed, enveloping her in a warm hug. “It’s been far too long.”
“Matt!” Alex replied, her voice filled with genuine delight. “I’ve missed you, darling”
They pulled back, taking a moment to really look at each other. The years had been kind, but they had also added a layer of depth to their friendship. There was a comfortable silence as they both reflected on the journey that had brought them here.
“So, how’s life treating you?” Matt asked, his tone light but his eyes searching.
“Oh, you know,” Alex began with a chuckle, “keeping busy with various projects. It’s been a whirlwind. And you? Still running around like a madman, I see.”
“Guilty as charged,” Matt laughed. “But it’s good to be back here, isn’t it? Cardiff... it feels like coming home.”
Alex nodded, her eyes misting over slightly. “Yes, it does. So many memories... the good ones and the bad.”
A series of flashbacks began to unfold in their minds, transporting them back to 2012. The two of them were inseparable back then, navigating the challenges of their roles with a camaraderie that was both professional and deeply personal. The long hours on set often turned into evenings spent exploring the city, discovering quaint little cafes, and sharing secrets under the starlit sky.
One evening stood out more vividly than the others. It was Matt’s last week on the show, and he had decided it was time to confess his feelings to Alex, knowing there was something profoundly deep between them. He had planned the evening meticulously, choosing a small, cosy pub tucked away from the bustling city centre. They had dined on traditional Welsh fare, laughed over silly anecdotes, and danced to the soft tunes played by a local band. The atmosphere was perfect, intimate, and tinged with a sense of impending change.
After a particularly enchanting dance, Matt had pulled Alex aside, his heart pounding in his chest. Slowly, he had stepped closer, his hand gently cupping her cheek. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down her spine, and she leaned into his palm, closing her eyes for a moment to savour the feeling. When she opened them again, he was closer Without another word, he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a feather-light touch. The initial contact was gentle, almost hesitant, as if they were both savouring the sweetness of the moment.
As their lips met again, the kiss deepened, a slow and passionate dance of emotions. Alex felt a surge of warmth spread through her, her arms wrapping around Matt’s neck to pull him closer. His hands slid to her waist, holding her as if she were the most precious thing in the world.
“Alex,” he began when they finally pulled away, his voice barely above a whisper, “there’s something I need to tell you.”
Alex had looked up at him “What is it, Matt?”
Taking a deep breath, he had confessed, “I love you, Alex. I’ve loved you for a long time. I can’t leave without telling you how I feel. There’s something special between us, and I know you feel it too.”
For a moment, there had been nothing but the sound of their breathing and the distant murmur of pub patrons. Then, Alex had taken a step back, her face a mask of conflict and sorrow. “Matt, I... I do care about you, deeply. But we’re at different points in our lives. I’m older, I have responsibilities, a daughter. You’re just starting a new chapter, and I can’t hold you back.”
The words had stung, but Matt had tried to understand. “But Alex, we could make it work. We could try.”
Alex had shaken her head, tears glistening in her eyes. “No, Matt. We can’t give each other what we need right now. As much as it hurts, we have to let this go.”
Their hearts had shattered that evening. Matt had left the pub with a heavy heart, and the following days had been a blur of farewells and unspoken pain. He hadn’t invited Alex to his farewell party, nor mentioned her in his goodbye video, a decision he had regretted but felt was necessary to protect himself.
Alex, on her part, had been deeply hurt by his omission. Seeing Matt quickly move on with a younger, beautiful woman named Lily had only solidified her belief that she had made the right choice, though it pained her to think of what might have been. Over time, they had managed to rebuild their friendship to some extent, but the wound between them had never fully healed.
They shared a small, bittersweet smile, knowing that while they couldn’t change the past.
Between photos with fans, they had time to catch up on their respective lives. Their professional lives were going great, but their personal ones left them dissatisfied. Matt had split up with Lily years ago and hadn’t had a serious relationship since. At 41, he still hadn’t fulfilled his dream of having a family. Alex, at 61, felt a similar void. Her daughter Salome was grown and had moved out to live with her boyfriend, leaving Alex feeling alone. Both had regrets, but they didn’t share these with each other, pretending that everything was just fine.
The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the bustling convention hall, now packed to the rafters with eager fans awaiting the highlight of the day: the panel discussion with Matt Smith and Alex Kingston. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the buzz of excited conversations and the occasional exclamation as fans spotted their favourite Doctor Who memorabilia.
Matt and Alex were ushered onto the stage to thunderous applause. They took their seats, exchanging a playful look that hinted at the fun to come. The moderator introduced them, and the room erupted once more.
“Hello, Cardiff!” Matt greeted, his voice booming across the hall.
Alex followed with her signature smile. “It’s wonderful to be back with all of you.”
The questions started pouring in, ranging from their favourite moments on set to their thoughts on the show’s enduring legacy. As always, Matt and Alex played off each other effortlessly, their chemistry as palpable off-screen as it had been on.
“So, Matt,” Alex teased, “tell us, who was the better kisser, me or the Daleks?”
The crowd burst into laughter, and Matt pretended to ponder the question, tapping his chin theatrically. “Well, the Daleks were a bit... metallic, shall we say? But I think I have to give it to you, Alex. Far less extermination involved.”
Their banter continued, light and flirty, keeping the audience entertained. They shared anecdotes from their time on set, mimicking castmates and recounting behind-the-scenes pranks. The fans lapped it up, thrilled to see their idols in such high spirits.
Midway through the session, a young man stood up from the back of the room, catching everyone’s attention. He was dressed eccentrically, with a flamboyant hat and a brightly coloured scarf that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Doctor’s wardrobe.
He cleared his throat, and the room quietened. “I have a question for both of you,” he began, his voice steady and clear. “There’s a saying: ‘Better to have remorse than regrets.’ What do you think of this quote?”
The question hung in the air, charged with a weight that cut through the playful atmosphere. The young man continued, “In life, it’s important to take risks, even if it means making mistakes. Otherwise, you might spend forever wondering what could have been.”
Matt and Alex exchanged a glance, a flicker of discomfort passing between them. The words struck close to home, stirring memories and feelings they had long buried.
Matt was the first to respond, a trademark smile on his face. “Well, that’s quite the philosophical question for a Doctor Who panel!” The audience chuckled. “I suppose it’s true, though. Sometimes, you have to leap and hope there’s a TARDIS to catch you.”
Alex nodded, adding, “Yes, life is about taking chances. If you don’t, you might miss out on something wonderful. But... it’s not always easy to know when to take that leap.”
The young man’s intense gaze didn’t waver. “But what about you two? Do you think you’ve taken enough risks?”
The question lingered, and for a moment, the room seemed to hold its breath. Matt, ever the showman, broke the tension with a quip. “I think jumping off buildings with River Song counts, don’t you?”
The crowd erupted in laughter, and the moment passed. But beneath the surface, both Matt and Alex were stirred by the question. They managed to maintain their composure, continuing the panel with the same energy and charm, but their minds were elsewhere.
As the convention wound down, Matt and Alex found themselves lingering, chatting with other guests and soaking in the afterglow of a successful day. The excitement and camaraderie of the event still buzzed in the air. But as evening descended, the sky darkened and a steady rain began to fall. The once lively streets of Cardiff grew quiet, the sound of raindrops creating a soothing, rhythmic backdrop.
“Looks like we’ll need a boat to get back to the hotel,” Matt joked, looking at the downpour.
Alex laughed, pulling her coat tighter around her. “Typical Cardiff weather, eh?”
They made their way to the exit, hoping to find a taxi. But the streets were nearly deserted, and no cabs were in sight. Just as they were about to resign themselves to a soggy walk back, a lone taxi emerged from the misty rain, its headlights cutting through the gloom.
“There’s one!” Alex exclaimed, waving her arm. The taxi pulled up, and the back door swung open.
To their surprise, the driver was the same young man who had posed the thought-provoking question during the panel earlier. His eccentric outfit was unmistakable. “Need a lift?” he asked with a friendly smile.
Matt and Alex exchanged glances, both slightly hesitant but grateful for the shelter. “That would be great, thanks,” Matt said, and they climbed into the backseat.
As the taxi rolled through the rain-soaked streets, the young man chatted amicably. “I’m a huge fan of you both and Doctor Who. I grew up watching the show, and it’s been a big part of my life.”
“That’s lovely to hear,” Alex replied warmly. “It’s always nice to meet fellow Whovians.”
The driver’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “I’m also really into space and astronomy. Did you know there’s a planetary alignment happening tonight? It’s supposed to be quite a sight.”
The conversation flowed easily, but then the young man’s tone shifted to something more serious. “If you had the chance to meet the Doctor and travel through time, where would you go? And I don’t mean the usual ‘see the dinosaurs’ or ‘stop Hitler’ answers. I mean, really, where would you go?”
Matt and Alex felt a twinge of discomfort at the personal nature of the question. Matt, ever the deflector, tried to lighten the mood with a joke. “I’d go to the future to see if I finally get that happy ending,” he said with a chuckle.
The young man didn’t let it slide. “Why the future? Why not work on being happy now?”
Matt’s smile faded slightly. “Because sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can’t make everything happen the way you want. Some dreams just don’t come true.”
A heavy silence settled in the taxi. Matt and Alex exchanged a glance.
The young man then turned his attention to Alex. “What about you? If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give?”
Alex responded with a hint of sarcasm. “I’ve made so many mistakes, I wouldn’t know where to start.”
The driver’s tone became almost gentle. “Mistakes are part of life. You shouldn’t be afraid of them. Running away won’t help.”
Feeling a bit irritated, Alex replied, “You’re too young to understand how life works, dear.”
Suddenly, the taxi came to an abrupt halt in the middle of a deserted street. Matt leaned forward, a note of alarm in his voice. “We need to get to our hotel.”
The driver turned to face them, his expression serious. “I’m sorry”
A chill ran down their spines. Matt’s voice was tense. “ Look” he said, trying to keep his voice steady, “we’ll do our best to find happiness. Just get us to the hotel, okay?”
The driver shook his head and his eyes met theirs in the rear-view mirror, filled with an unsettling intensity. “It’s too late. You won’t have the chance because….tonight, you both will die.”
The words hung in the air, heavy and final. Matt and Alex stared at each other, their hearts pounding. The rain outside seemed to intensify, hammering against the windows.
They scrambled out of the taxi and began walking briskly down the deserted street.
“Bloody hell,” Alex muttered, her voice shaky. “That guy was completely mad.”
Matt tried to keep his own fear in check, putting a reassuring arm around her shoulders. “He was just trying to scare us. We’re not going to die tonight, Alex. Let’s just get back to the hotel.”
They walked in silence for a few minutes, the rain soaking through their clothes and making their shoes squelch with every step. The city, normally so familiar and welcoming, now seemed eerie and uninviting under the stormy sky.
As they crossed a street, Alex’s eyes were drawn to a familiar sign through the downpour. It was the pub where they had spent that fateful evening in 2013. The memories came flooding back with a force that took her breath away. She remembered the laughter, the dancing, the kiss, and then the heartbreak. It was as if no time had passed at all.
Lost in her thoughts, Alex slowed her pace, lagging behind Matt. He noticed her absence almost immediately and turned to see her standing still, staring at the pub’s sign.
“Alex?” he called, his voice barely audible over the rain. “Come on, we need to keep moving.”
Just then, Matt saw headlights approaching rapidly from around the corner. An approaching car was moving far too quickly for the slick, rain-slicked streets. Panic surged through him as he realised the danger Alex was in.
“Alex!” he shouted, running towards her. “Watch out!”
She snapped out of her reverie just as Matt reached her, grabbing her and pulling her close. They stumbled together, but it was too late to fully get out of the way. The car’s headlights blinded them, and the deafening roar of the engine filled their ears. In that split second, Matt held Alex tightly, trying to shield her from the inevitable impact.
The world exploded into chaos. There was a blinding flash of light, a cacophony of noise, and then... nothing.