Author's Note: New story. This one is a tribute fic for Patrick Troughton's birthday which I will be posting over the next day or so. For this occasion, I thought about the qualities I adore about his Doctor and decided to try to find a way to highlight each of them into a separate one-shot. Thus, each chapter of this will be another quality or "face" of the Second Doctor.

One of the first things I thought of was how wonderfully charming his Doctor was. Plus, I remembered reading interviews with actors who had co-starred with him in various episodes mentioning that Troughton wished that the Doctor could enjoy a slight romantic interest from time to time. So for this chapter, I decided to focus on that charm and give his Doctor a chance to engage in some subtle flirting. :) This one takes place during The Enemy of the World.

I do not own Doctor Who or any of its characters.

Thank you to everyone who reads/follows/favorites/reviews this. It is always appreciated.

Part One—The Romantic Wanderer

Even though this wasn't the first time she saw him, Astrid Ferrier found that she could not stop herself from staring.

The Doctor was sitting in a chair studying some files that Kent had been keeping on Salamander's activities. On their own, the files were hardly definitive in establishing Salamander's guilt, but Kent had hoped that they would further convince the Doctor of the validity of his accusations. In the meantime, Kent was in another room, trying to get a hold of other contacts who might help them in their plan to infiltrate Salamander's research center.

While the Doctor read, Astrid gathered up some things so she could work on styling his hair. She had given him an outfit that was typical of the ones Salamander favored for him to wear. Seeing him in it now, she couldn't help but note how much it enhanced his uncanny resemblance to a man she had spent years hating.

"This is all very interesting," the Doctor murmured as he flipped through the last few pages of the file. "But it doesn't really prove anything, does it? So far the only evidence I've seen that holds any weight at all was the information that girl Fariah had for us."

Astrid placed a press photograph of Salamander onto the counter next to her and sighed. She knew first-hand how zealous Kent was in his mission to eliminate Salamander and had resigned herself to it even if it meant that she didn't always agree with his methods. But the Doctor would not be so easily swayed.

"I would like to think that we've shown you enough to convince that we're not making up stories," she said. "And that we're not just a bunch of fanatics."

"Oh no, I don't think that," the Doctor said, looking up from the file. "No, I think you have very credible reasons for wanting to discredit Salamander and remove him from power. I just wonder if they are other sides to this that aren't being considered. Yes, I think there is something we are missing. Something simple, but that could have great significance. If only I could figure out what it is."

The Doctor tossed the file onto a nearby table and let out a sigh as he slumped down in his chair. Despite the gravity of the mission they were planning, Astrid couldn't help but smile at the sight of this strange, little man looking almost comically glum.

It was then that reality of how different Salamander and the Doctor were from each other truly resonated with her. As far as physical appearance went, they were practically mirror images of each other, but that seemed to be where their similarities ended. The more time she spent around him, the more she came to see the Doctor as everything Salamander wasn't: kind, gentle, thoughtful, and devoted, especially to the people close to him. True, they both had a sort of cleverness about them, but with Salamander, that cleverness seemed to be limited to cunning and a scientific expertise that suited his plans.

Astrid could not put her finger on it, but something in the Doctor's demeanor indicated a far greater intelligence coupled with wisdom that could only come with a vast amount of experience. It was as if there was something…ancient within the twinkle of the Doctor's eyes, a knowing wink that hinted that she was on the right track in thinking him older and even more mysterious than he appeared on the surface.

'But that's absurd,' she told herself. 'Whoever this Doctor is, he's still a man. A man who just happens to look a lot like a horrible tyrant bent on taking over the world. But here I am making him into…well into an almost otherworldly figure. And all because he chooses to keep his private life and his background to himself.'

'Still, it almost seems a little…wrong somehow that someone like him should have to have to share the same face as someone who is so evil and twisted. But then again, I wonder if the opposite is true for those friends of his. I wonder if they think it's strange and terrible that Salamander looks a lot like someone who is so dear to them.'

Astrid walked over and draped a striped dish towel around the Doctor's neck and was dismayed at the glint of anxiety and sadness in his eyes.

"You're worried about them, aren't you?" she said softly. "About that boy and girl?"

"Yes, yes I am," he said quietly. His expression abruptly became sterner. "And I'm still very much against Kent using them to force me to cooperate with his schemes. It's blackmail and it's no different than the tactics he accuses Salamander of employing."

"But it is different," Astrid insisted. "Salamander blackmails people so he can use them to further his own ends. We are not doing this for personal gain."

"Maybe," the Doctor retorted. "However I don't believe that the ends always justify the means."

The Doctor gave a slight harrumph and frowned. Astrid shook her head and crouched down in front of him so she could tuck the edges of the towel into the collar of his shirt.

"I don't know if this will mean anything to you," she said. "But I don't agree with Kent's tactics here either. Those two are risking their lives for our cause. We should be doing what we can to rescue them, just as we would any other member of our team."

Astrid finished with the towel and started to move her hands away when the Doctor caught one of them in his hands.

"Actually Miss Ferrier it does mean a great deal to me," he said. "A great deal indeed."

He looked her in the eye as he said this and smiled warmly. The corners of Astrid's mouth curled up slightly.

"Listen Doctor," she said. "We might not be able to rely on Kent or any of his people, but I promise to do what I can to help you get your friends back safely. It's the least I can do to pay you back for what you're doing for us."

The Doctor continued to hold Astrid's hand, and Astrid was surprised to find that she didn't mind this at all.

"Miss Ferrier…."

"Oh go on, call me Astrid," she laughed. "Everyone else does."

"All right, Astrid," the Doctor nodded as he finally let go of her hand. "Thank you; for your assistance before and in the future."

The Doctor smiled at her again as she stood and picked up a comb and a small mirror.

"Here," she said, handing the mirror to him. "Your hair will need some styling in order to complete the disguise. I might have to cut it a little. Feel free to let me know what you think of my efforts. I wouldn't want to…."

"It's all right," the Doctor interrupted. "I suppose I could do with a little fixing. At least it will give Jamie one less thing to carry on about."

Astrid laughed again and the Doctor joined in. She moved to stand behind him and combed his hair.

"Doctor," she said thoughtfully. "I know that you're determined to keep your own identity and life a secret. But I would like to ask you one thing: those two, Jamie and Victoria, what are they to you?"

"Jamie and Victoria are my friends," the Doctor answered firmly. "And my responsibility."

"I can see that," Astrid replied. "But that's not exactly what I'm asking you."

"Oh?" the Doctor said, raising an eyebrow. "And what are you asking me, Mis—Astrid?" Astrid combed another section of his hair, smoothing it down with her palm as she worked.

"Well, take Jamie for example," she said. "When I met him, I got the impression that he didn't truly understand what was going on around him. No knowledge of things like helicopters, rockets or Salamander's Sun Store technology. It's…it's as if he's not of this world at all. No, no more like he's from another time."

Astrid paused and studied his hair for a moment before going back to untangling an unruly section in the back.

"And yet, despite all that, it's impossible to deny that he is a brave, resourceful young man," she continued. "I think Kent believes that he had managed to persuade Jamie that our cause is just, and that that's why he offered to help us."

"But you have a different theory?" the Doctor asked.

"I do," Astrid nodded. "Jamie didn't do for us, but for you. Because you asked him to. It's obvious to anyone who takes the time to notice that he would go to the ends of the earth and beyond for you. Even with all of his power, Salamander could never inspire that kind of loyalty. I'm afraid Kent probably never will either. So I suppose I'm wondering how it was that you were able to gain such a steadfast ally."

"That is a question I've asked myself many a time," the Doctor said quietly.

Astrid blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected an answer like that or the serious tone with which he had given it. Sensing that any additional probing in this area might make the Doctor close up completely, she decided to try a different tack.

"And what about this girl, Victoria?" she asked. "I can see that she is quite fond of you and is more than willing to go along with your plans. However, it's also clear that she is out of her element entirely. I worry that she might not be able to handle this sort of lifestyle."

"As do I," the Doctor sighed.

Astrid finished combing his hair in the back and studied the photograph some more before reaching for a pair of scissors. She trimmed a section toward the middle to make the hairline more even.

"I suppose what I am asking you is why you have these two in your charge," she said. "You don't exactly seem like the type who leads a quiet, stationary life."

"Are you sure that is what you're asking?" the Doctor said, a mischievous spark in his voice. "Because I suspect you have another question in mind."

Astrid smiled again and went back to standing in front of him.

"All right, I give," she said. "I'm wondering what kind of man would choose to take in and look after two young people, who are not bound to him by blood or law, the way you have. I don't understand it."

The Doctor reached up and took Astrid's hand into his again, causing her to crouch down in front of him.

"Is it really so hard for you to understand?" he said, sadness flickering in his eyes. Astrid closed her fingers around his and curled her other hand around them.

"Perhaps it would have made sense before," she said. "Before…."

"Before what happened to your father," he said gently.

Astrid turned her face away, but did not let go of the Doctor's hand. Soon, she felt him caress both her hands and rub the backs of them with his thumbs.

"My father…that was Salamander's doing," she said bitterly. "I'm sure Kent told you all about it."

"He did," the Doctor replied. "What he didn't tell me was how much you miss him. But I think that is pretty plain to see."

"It's funny," Astrid said. "Growing up, I wasn't able to spend much time with him. He had important work. I knew that, even if I didn't always like it. But…I always knew that he cared deeply for me. I guess that's why, even when I couldn't see him, it didn't seem as if he was ever really far away. That's the type of man he was. He could make you believe in the goodness of people. But now…now I don't know if I can believe in things like that anymore."

Astrid shook her head and stood up, pulling her hands away. She turned her back toward the Doctor and dabbed at the corners of her eyes.

"Sometimes, I wonder what my father would think of what I'm doing," she said. "And of me."

Astrid blinked her eyes hard as she tried to contain her emotions. She was so caught up in her efforts, she didn't notice that the Doctor had gotten up and moved to stand behind her until she felt his hand on her arm.

"I'm sure he would be very proud of you," he murmured into her ear. Astrid sniffed and let out a huff.

"Proud?" she echoed. "Proud that his daughter chose to embark on a career in a treasonable underworld? Proud that all the training he arranged for me is being spent tracking down his murderer?"

"Proud that you chose to carry on his legacy of standing up for what is right," the Doctor said. "I might have been important to your plans, but you didn't have to risk your life the way you did to save both myself and my two friends. I've observed your methods throughout this whole affair, and I've noticed that you are careful to avoid bloodshed whenever possible. Kent might be your boss, but it's clear that you do not share his or his people's thirst for revenge at all costs."

Astrid turned around to see the Doctor staring at her intently. He placed another hand onto her other arm.

"I think your father would be very happy to know that you have chosen to devote your life to fighting evil," he said. "An evil he himself tried to defeat from the sound of things. And I think it's vital that you continue to resist the temptation to become more like Salamander in order to stop him. Remember that, Astrid, even if Kent tries to persuade you to act otherwise. Remember that life is always more important than revenge."

Astrid smiled and placed her hands on the Doctor's forearms.

"I will," she said. "But now, I think you should sit back down so I can finish with your hair. If you're going to go into that research center, your disguise will have to be perfect. "

"Oh yes," the Doctor sighed as he plopped back down into the chair. "I'll never understand why you humans are so obsessed with such trivial surface details."

Astrid raised her eyebrow at the Doctor's odd comment, but put her curiosity aside as she went back to work. She handed the Doctor the mirror again and picked up the scissors.

"You know, it's funny," she said. "When I first saw you, I could hardly believe that you weren't Salamander. But the more time I spend around you; the harder it is for me to see how I could ever mistake you for him."

"Thank you," the Doctor said as he fidgeted with the mirror. "Although that's hardly a vote of confidence toward my ability to pull this off."

"Well, if this plan goes the way it should, you won't be around any of Salamander's staff long enough for them to figure it out," Astrid assured him.

"I certainly hope you are right about that," the Doctor sighed.

Astrid moved in front of him again and carefully trimmed a bit off the Doctor's eyebrows before combing his bangs down across his forehead.

"Almost done I think," she said. "Just a few more touches."

"Good," the Doctor huffed. "Because I really don't see what was so wrong with my hair before."

"Oh, I wouldn't say that it was terrible," Astrid said with a smile."It just wasn't Salamander. And frankly, I'd consider that a good thing."

"I hope this transformation won't change your opinion of me," the Doctor said, the twinkle returning to his eyes.

"I doubt that," Astrid replied. "For what it's worth, Doctor, I still think you are the most wonderful and marvelous man that has ever dropped out of the skies."

The Doctor's face broke into a wide grin with a slight blush appearing on his cheeks. Astrid beamed back at him while trying to hold back an unexpected giggle at his sincere, but endearingly amusing response to her words.

"Doctor," she added. "I don't suppose there's any chance, after this is all over, that you could be persuaded to be a little less mysterious. You know, it's not every day that a woman gets to meet a man who helps save the world."

"Quite," the Doctor said with a cough as he fidgeted even more. "But, um we don't know yet if this is going to work. Better to not get too far ahead of ourselves."

Astrid looked down at his face and was surprised again to see that the impish glint in his eyes had faded into something wistful. It was then that it occurred to her for the very first time that, once this was over, the Doctor could disappear just as suddenly as he had appeared. In fact, the more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

"I'm sorry, you're right," she said. "We should concentrate on the matter at hand."

"Astrid…."

"Oh, it's all right, I know," she sighed. "Or at least, I think I can guess. Just like Jamie and Victoria, you don't belong here in this world either. I can't say that I completely understand it, but I do get why you probably can't be here once this is finished."

Astrid combed down the Doctor's bangs even more and was about to trim them when the Doctor reached up and touched her forearm.

"However this turns out," he said. "I would like you to know that I would have very much enjoyed the chance to repay you for everything you have done for me and my friends, including that very timely rescue."

"I see," Astrid smirked at him. "That's what this is about, is it? A fortuitous helicopter ride? Are you like this with every woman who whisks you away into the air?"

"Oh I wouldn't say that," the Doctor grinned bashfully, a tinge of scarlet returning. "Although I can safely say that it was an unforgettable helicopter ride…and that the pilot was even more memorable."

The Doctor gazed into her eyes and Astrid couldn't help thinking that he was catching glimpses of her soul and committing them to memory. Despite her regret that she would probably never know more than she already did about the Doctor, she was confident that he would indeed remember her. It was far less than she would have liked, but the idea that he would always hold onto this remembrance was an unexpected comfort to her heart.

"Well, how's it going?"

Astrid looked over to see Kent walking into the room, his eyes firmly fixed on the Doctor. She immediately went back to styling his hair.

"Almost finished," she said, her tone curt and formal. "I highly doubt anyone will be able to tell the difference between him and Salamander."

"You better be right," Kent said. "There's too much at stake now. Nothing can go wrong."

"It won't," Astrid insisted. "Not as long as you make sure to have everything we need when the time comes."

"Oh don't worry, you'll have what you need," Kent snorted. "I've waited far too long for this moment."

Astrid nodded and gave the Doctor another reassuring smile after turning her back toward Kent. She was still determined to take down Salamander, but now she was equally determined to make sure that the Doctor and his friends came out of this safely.

"Remember that life is always more important than revenge."

'Yes, now I can see that again, Doctor, thanks to you,' she mused. 'And I promise to never forget that…or you.'

And that was something Astrid Ferrier was certain she would treasure for the rest of her days.