The Doctor stood inside the TARDIS, frozen for a few seconds, trying to take it all in. The first words that escaped his lips were a reverent whisper:
—Oh… you… are… gorgeous.
His blue eyes widened even more as he spun slowly on his heels, letting every inch of the room envelop him. The walls were white, immaculate, as if sculpted by light itself, and upon them floated blue circles glowing softly, like stars trapped within a closed universe.
The air inside was fresh, clean, and smelled of… how to describe it? Like spring rain mixed with the scent of old pages. An aroma that invited adventure.
The Doctor took a deep breath and burst into laughter.
—Ha! I knew you wouldn't fail me! I knew you'd be here!
He walked to the center, where the console towered like the beating heart of the ship.
A glorious mess. That's the first thought that struck him. Nothing made sense, and yet, everything did. Buttons, levers, wheels, screens, cranks, switches that looked like they were stolen from a thousand different eras. Some from a war submarine, others from an airplane cockpit, and some… were those from a child's toy? Why not?
He placed his hands on the console, gently caressing its metallic edges, like one touches the skin of an old friend.
—Hello, old girl. —His voice trembled with emotion—. It's been… well, it's been everything, hasn't it? I'm sorry. Really, I am. I took my time, but… look at me! —he spread his arms wide, grinning—. I'm back!
A soft vibration rippled through the floor. The lights flickered gently, like the ship was answering his words. The Doctor laughed.
—Was that a greeting? Oh, I love it when you do that!
He gave the console a few playful pats, like cheering on a horse before a gallop.
—You know what? You're still a functional disaster. Chaotic. Unpredictable. More buttons than I'll ever need… and I adore you for it! —he looked her up and down with fascination—. You're… you're beauty made into an impossible machine.
He leaned in, resting his forehead on the console, and whispered:
—I promise I'll take care of you. I promise this time… I won't lose you.
When he straightened up, something finally hit him. He looked down and…
—Oh.
Silence.
—I'm naked.
He raised his eyebrows, looked himself over, and burst into laughter.
—Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. The savior of the multiverse, the great Doctor… stark naked!
He walked toward a mirror embedded in one of the walls. His reflection stared back at him: hair white as snow, eyes blue like galaxies, a slender yet toned body, with the elegant musculature of a swimmer. He smirked mischievously.
—Not bad. Not bad at all. Although… —his face fell—. Still not a ginger? Come on! I always want to be a ginger! Why does it never happen? Never!
He shook his head, laughing.
—Well, I can't save existence itself with my backside out… though it would be epic. Let's get some clothes.
He turned to the console, pointing at it like scolding an old friend:
—You. Wardrobe. Now.
As if responding, a door slid open on the far side of the room with a soft hum. The Doctor raised an eyebrow.
—You know what? I love working with you.
He stepped through the door and into an endless hallway, warmly lit as if the lights themselves followed him. The wardrobe opened before him like an ocean of fabric and color: endless racks, Victorian coats, space suits, flowing robes, impossible hats, scarves that could wrap around a planet. It was the museum of time itself… in fashion.
The Doctor let out an impressed whistle.
—Oh, yes… I like this. I like this a lot. Well played, old girl!
He stopped in front of a full-length mirror, rifling through the options:
—Too formal… too intergalactic… what even is this? Sequined robe? No, no, no. I need something that screams "adventure." Something that says "I'm the Doctor and I won't sit still!"
Finally, he found a long, dark coat with elegant lines and a classic touch. He slipped it on, spun on his heels, and grinned in satisfaction.
—Perfect. Absolutely perfect. This says "Doctor."
He adjusted the collar, looked into the mirror, and with a smile overflowing with confidence, whispered:
—All right, multiverse… get ready. Because the Doctor… is back.