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CHAPTER FOUR:
THE VICE OF
THE VITRUVIAN MAN

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TRUE to his word, the Doctor didn't take Iris on another adventure for a week. Not that it mattered.

When she wasn't in lessons and he wasn't lecturing, the pair spent time together. He showed her around the TARDIS, they read in the library together, played chess — he won but it was a close game — and she cooked her brother's pot roast.

(The Doctor informed her that it was secretly one of his favorite dishes, and the most human thing about her was her family.)

Speaking of; Iris called Sebastian and told him everything, obviously, to which he asked to speak with the Doctor. They had a conversation over the phone for nearly fifteen minutes before the phone was handed back to her.

According to the Doctor, he'd meet her family, but he couldn't see them in his current regeneration until he met them in a previous one.

"Holloway!"

Iris popped out an earbud, leaning back in her chair, feet on the desk he'd informed her was hers, and looked over at him in his own.

"Doctor!" She called back, raising her eyebrows.

He looked at her from over his book. "Ever been to Italy?"

Iris perked up, pulling out her earbuds and stopping Noah Kahan from playing, pushing the book aside.

The book was titled: Gallifreyan Basics but didn't have an author name. Handwritten testaments and drawings and captions, seemingly made for Iris captured her attention. The Doctor didn't mind that she read it, encouraging her, in fact.

He claimed if she could learn Gallifreyan on her own, it was one less thing he had to try and squeeze into her "small human brain."

"Always wanted to go," Iris replied, pulling her hair into a ponytail and grabbing her bag.

The bag, which the Doctor gave her on their second day together, was bigger on the inside. It was hers, he'd informed her, and she could use it on every adventure they went on.

It looked small, just a crossbody bag with a small pouch at the end. If she didn't want to wear it, she could tuck it into the pockets of her leather jacket.

"Ready?" He asked, adjusting a paper on his desk as he passed her, nodding for her to follow.

Iris did as such, then circled back to grab her favorite sparkly pen — she'd left it on the desk — and tucked it in her bag, jogging after the Doctor to the console room.

He had already set the TARDIS in flight, barely sending her a glance as she leaned against the console.

"What year?" She asked curiously.

"1518," the Doctor answered, "it's believed the Dancing Plague only affected Strasbourg, but that's only where the mass hysteria was. It happened all throughout Europe."

"Dancing Plague in Italy?" Iris asked in amusement. "Will you partake in the dancing?"

His eyes narrowed. "Not a chance."

Iris grinned and followed him out of the TARDIS, squealing when she spotted Florence before her.

"We're in the past!" She squealed, wrapping her hand around his arm and squeezing it.

He looked down at her, a soft look in his eyes, and she grinned up at him. His eyes trailed over her face, and she raised her eyebrows up and down before pulling him down the streets.

Something she was beginning to love about the Doctor and traveling with him was seeing things as they were meant to be seen, not the way they'd ended up in modern times.

For instance: Florence, Italy during the Renaissance.

"We're actually here during Carnival," the Doctor informed her as they walked. He hadn't moved her hand from his arm, and she hadn't made any move to. "Typically comes just before Lent—"

"—which is the forty-day fasting period before Easter," Iris filled in. "Carnival's the super fun party that happens before Lent."

The Doctor glanced at her, shaking his head.

"Show off," he muttered.

Iris was beginning to understand the Doctor's gruff mannerisms after a week of spending time with him. When he mumbled and grumbled, he'd get a softer look in his eyes.

He wouldn't admit he was proud of her or happy for her or that he cared about her — excluding the first day she'd met him — but he did more actions than anything else.

In taking her to places she'd loved; he was showing affections. In suggesting books she'd like, or teaching her about things she wanted information on; he was showing affections.

He even promised to watch a Studio Ghibli movie with her — but only if they did so at the opening double release for Grave of the Fireflies and My Neighbor Totoro.

(She wanted to watch Howl's Moving Castle or Ponyo, but he vehemently declined. They made a compromise.)

And even now, with a shake of his head and low, grumbling voice, she could tell he meant something else.

"My name is Ezio Auditore De Firenze," Iris spoke in her best Italian accent.

The Doctor looked at her as though she'd grown a second head and she giggled. "Sorry," she smiled sheepishly. "It's from a video game."

"Come on," he sighed, walking them along the busy streets of Florence. "Let's get some food."

"Oh, I've never had authentic Italian food before," Iris commented, smiling gently as a child raced past them, giggling after a little boy. "I can never decide if I like kids."

The Doctor hummed in response, glancing down at her again. "No?"

Iris shook her head. "No. I like the idea of kids, but every time I meet them, they're like these weird little crotch goblins with sticky hands and forgetful personalities and—"

"—Sounds like you're describing yourself, Holloway."

"Hey!" Iris laughed loudly, swatting her hand on his arm. "Rude!"

"I've never pretended otherwise," the Doctor countered.

"Oh, teach, look at this!" Iris squealed, grinning up at the carnival before them. The setting sun cascaded over pitched tents and stands, catching light on metals and golden hair. 

Stands scattered the square, manned by people in masks or fancy dress. Tangy smells and hints of barbecued meat filled her nostrils and Iris' gaze was immediately drawn to a stand with handmade masks.

"Oh, we have to get one!" She pulled the Doctor over. "Charlie'll love one of these."

"Get two," he nodded to them, pulling out a handful of strange coins. "You'll figure out why eventually."

Iris looked at him curiously, and then to the coins. "I didn't realize you carry money around," she observed.

"Started in my last regeneration," he rolled his eyes. "You're always getting souvenirs."

"They're fun!" Iris grinned, paying the person behind the counter and taking two masks. Both golden in design with intricate lacing engraved under the eyes and cheeks, they were a matching pair; one with pink feathers and the other with blue. "Look!" Iris held one up to her face.

The Doctor scowled, taking the mask and stuffing it into his pocket. She took the other and put it in her bag.

The pair walked further down the stalls, admiring different jewelry — and Iris picked up a gold Italian horn necklace, smiling down at it softly before putting it back — and other goods.

"Oh my gods," Iris breathed out, grabbing the Doctor's hand. "Is that — do not tell me that's Leonardo Da Vinci in the flesh?"

The Doctor squinted, then nodded. "Beard's longer than I remember, but that's him."

"You know him?" Iris whirled around on him, eyes wide with excitement. "Introduce me! Now!"

"Don't demand everything," he rolled his eyes, walking her to the older man. "It's unbecoming."

"Like you won't give it to me anyway."

"You're acting out," he glanced down at her, "behave."

"Introduce me to all of your favorite historical figures that you just so happen to know, and I might."

"Leo," the Doctor called out, gathering the attention of the long-haired man and the curly-haired younger male next to him.

Da Vinci looked to the Doctor in mild confusion, before his eyes settled on Iris.

"Iris!" A grin decorated his face, his Italian accent thick. "Oh, I've missed you." He took the few steps forward and kissed her cheeks, then looked to the Doctor, then to Iris again. "A new face?" He asked, intrigue lacing his tone. "Good to see you again, my friend," he kissed the Doctor's cheeks quickly.

"It has been so long since I've seen you," Da Vinci rested a hand on the younger man's back. "This is my apprentice, Gian, but you may call him Salai."

Iris smiled brightly at the pair. "Pleasure," she held a hand out to the younger man. "Oh, and, Mister Da Vinci—"

"—Leo, please, Iris! We go so far back, luminosa!"

"Leo," Iris corrected, trying not to squeal from excitement. "Of course, just-just remember that whatever you know about your past, this is my first time meeting you. The Doctor and I can't know anything we've experienced together."

"Oh, of course," Leo waved her off, "of course. Come, come, are you enjoying the festival?"

Iris nodded, looking between Leo and Salai. "We actually just got here, but it's amazing so far."

"Wonderful!" Leo grinned, patting her cheek and then looking to the Doctor. "Have you dined yet? Solai and I were having an early dinner, you are welcome to join us."

Iris looked up to the Doctor, who glanced down at her, subtly nodding.

"Of course!" Iris nodded, and Leo's grin only grew as he walked in front of the pair, Solai dutifully at his side.

Lowering her voice, Iris spoke to the Doctor. "Didn't you say we're in 1518?"

"I did," the Doctor confirmed.

"And, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Solai leave that year?"

The Doctor nodded again. "We might just witness history, Holloway."

Iris rolled her eyes. "Your favorite thing."

His lips quirked up into a smile. "It is."

The group walked for nearly ten minutes to a large white estate, making small talk — to which the Doctor didn't participate in, not one for conversing with anyone, really — before Leo opened the door and let them all in.

"One hour, Solai," Leo reminded him gently, gaining the curiosity of both the Doctor and Iris.

The pair exchanged a look as Leo led them to a grand dining area. A long feasting table seating twelve was placed in the middle of the room. All sorts of different foods were placed upon the table; potatoes, vegetables, meats, wine. 

Iris grinned, taking a seat immediately. The Doctor rolled his eyes at her enthusiasm and sat next to her, Leo and Solai sitting across from them. 

As Solai took a sip of his wine, Iris noted the exhaustion under his eyes. By the Doctor's brief glance between Solai and Leo — he noticed too. 

"How have you two been?" Leo asked, digging into the potatoes. 

Iris noticed the Doctor didn't grab anything, but she wasn't surprised. He explained that he didn't eat often — "my digestive system is far better at absorbing nutrients than your little human stomach" — but Iris dug in, munching on a roll. 

"Good," Iris responded. "How's your art doing, Leo? Anything remarkable happening? And your apprenticeship," she asked Solai. "How's that going?"

"Wonderful," Leo smiled. "Solai is the most gifted," he reached a hand to the younger man's face and gently ran a hand across his cheekbone. Iris smiled softly at the sight. "He is also my lover," he winked to the Doctor. "You understand the appeal, no?"

The Doctor's eyebrows raised and Iris' mouth fell open, the roll halfway to her mouth. "Pardon?"

"Oh, do not tell me this body has stopped your love?" He asked, meeting Iris' shocked gaze. "You were a happy couple, so in love and so—"

"—Shut up!" The Doctor exclaimed, eyes wide. He looked flustered for the first time since Iris met him. "Leo, she just met me. Time travel with her works in opposite directions."

"Ah," Leo nodded, though the twinkle in his gaze suggested he knew exactly what he was doing. "Of course. My mistake." He smiled to Iris again. "Forget I said a thing. I read into many situations, romanticize everything. The world is art and sex is the world, no?"

In sheer disbelief, Iris couldn't form a proper response.

"The name Iris," Solai cleared his throat. "That's Greek, no?"

Her face flooded with relief and Iris nodded. "Yeah, I was named after a character, but yes, the name originates from Greek Mythology. Solai is Arabic, right?"

His eyes lit up. "Indeed," he nodded. "You are as intelligent as Leo described."

Before anyone could say something else, a crash sounded down the hall, followed by shouting, and then thumping footsteps.

Iris jumped, quickly following the Doctor in standing. 

"Don't!" Leo stood next, grabbing Solai's arm as he moved to follow the pair. "Doctor, Iris, please, it is not your fight."

"Fight?" The Doctor whirled back around, looking at the two in confusion. "What fight?"

"They're after me," Solai cleared his throat. "I...they're coming after me. They will not stop until I am dead."

"That's not happening," Iris cut in firmly, giving them both a firm look.

"Who wants you dead?" The Doctor asked, eyebrows furrowed. "Why? What did you do?"

"He has done nothing!" Leo snapped, resting his hand on Solai's back. "They are the true monsters. They hunt innocents and lay waste to their hard work."

Iris looked to the younger man. "Solai," she began gently. "What do we not know?"

"I don't have time," Solai swallowed, thickly, moving closer to Leo. "This was a mistake. I need to go. Please," he cupped Leo's face. "Be careful. Run if you must."

And then Solai was rushing past them and scurrying out the front door. The Doctor and Iris exchanged a confused look before he ran after the younger man, leaving Iris and Leo. 

"Who was screaming?" Iris asked Leo hurriedly. "Who's in the house?"

"I—I can't tell you," Leo replied regretfully. 

"You have to," Iris leaned over the table, resting her palms atop the wood. "Or Solai could die."

She didn't really know if that were true because she wasn't able to properly identify the threat, but she knew it was the best way to make Leo listen to her. 

Leo hesitated. "The Hunters," he glanced behind Iris. "They've come twice before but we've been able to fight them off. I've hired protective units, but they were dismissed for the Carnival. I didn't think they'd come tonight."

"Why are they after Solai?" Iris asked, glancing behind her as footsteps grew louder. 

"Werewolf!" The Doctor exclaimed, rushing into the room, grabbing Iris' hand. "I've seen this before, long time ago, different face, you weren't there. Come on," he waved for Leo to follow them and pulled Iris out of the room and into the night. 

"What do you mean, werewolf?" Iris asked loudly as they ran. 

A howl was heard and the trio froze. 

"He means werewolf," Leo panted behind them. "Solai is not from this planet. He arrived to escape his father but fell in love with me and humanity. He was discovered six moons ago and now..."

"Now they're hunting him," the Doctor finished. "We can take him somewhere safe. Where does he go when he turns?"

Leo winced. "The cellar, typically, but with the home invasion, he..."

Iris groaned. "He didn't hide, did he?"

Leo looked sheepish, shaking his head. "He is unaware of the chaos he creates."

"Oh, man," Iris rubbed her head. "And of course, of course, this is the biggest night of the Carnival and everyone is in the main square."

"That's because you're here," the Doctor remarked, glancing down at her. "You have terrible luck."

"Me?" Iris asked, flabbergasted. "Are you insane? You are the trouble-magnet."

"Am not."

"Are too."

"Shut up."

"You shut up."

"Not to interrupt," Leo coughed, looking between the pair with a smile that made Iris scowl. "But Solai?"

"Of course," the Doctor nodded, heading back to where they'd originally landed. "He'll follow the noise and lights. Last time, the wolf was trained to fear mistletoe, this time...nothing." He glanced back to Leo. "Chances are, he won't remember or fear a thing."

"What are you implying?" Iris asked, glancing around in case the wolf decided to make an appearance. 

"We may be the reason for 1518."

—

Iris wasn't entirely sure how it happened. 

One moment, they were chasing the werewolf across the Florence square, and the next she was holding a rapier challenging a vulgar man with a crossbow slung over his back. 

The Doctor was off chasing the werewolf, keeping him occupied until the early morning when the sun rose. Leo was in hiding. 

And Iris was declaring her intentions to battle the man before her — despite never having used a sword. 

"You are a weak little girl," the man taunted. "And with an uncovered bosom, you are asking for a man to show you the straight and narrow. I will whip you into shape."

"You're going to eat those words, my man."

The man scowled. "Your language is so strange, ragazza," he mocked her.

Iris charged first, and he blocked her easily. He laughed tauntingly and she charged again — which he blocked. 

"Weak little girl!" 

"Brainless simpleton!" Iris retorted. 

Then he knocked the rapier from her hands, and it flew across the room. 

"Oh no," Iris said quietly, blocking her face as the man swung the rapier down. 

There was a clash and clinging of metal and Iris peeked her eyes open, surprise filling her face. Leonardo Da Vinci stood before her; beard tucked into his half-unbuttoned shirt as he fought the man away. 

"Not! In! My! House!"

Iris looked at the artist in respect, eyebrows raised high as he swung and defended her honor. (And Solai's.)

Leo stabbed the intruder through the middle and Iris gasped as he removed the bloody sword. 

"Alright there, luminosa?"

Iris nodded, taking his outstretched hand and standing. "Thanks, Leo," she grinned at him. 

"Only repaying the favor," he winked at her. "Come on, the moon is passing the peak."

—

Solai leaned against the TARDIS exterior, a sad look in his eyes. 

"You alright?" Iris asked gently, taking a seat next to him as Leo and the Doctor spoke. "I know this can't be easy."

"It's best," Solai sighed. "He deserves to be happy and...they will only terrorize him. If I am gone, he will be free."

Iris smiled softly at him. "You're very brave."

"No," Solai shook his head. "I am not brave, I am only in love. I do it for no one but him." He observed her for a moment. "Sometimes the pain is worth it."

Iris nodded. "I've heard that," she agreed. "But I've never been in love, so I can't confirm it."

"Maybe not yet," he replied with a knowing look. "Come," he stood. "Time for me to go home."

—

Solai was brought back to Vulpana, sending both the Doctor and Iris a sad smile as he stepped from the TARDIS. They watched him go sadly, and the Doctor shut the door behind him. 

Iris leaned against it, letting out a breath of air from her cheeks. 

"I'll tell you what," she looked up to the Doctor, who was busy fiddling with the console again, setting them back into flight. "I didn't expect that."

The Doctor glanced up at her, smirking a bit. "I win."

"What?" Iris frowned in confusion. 

"You'll see."

—

okay this is not the best chapter BUT i think some of the places they go aren't super exciting and crazy. this is just a fun sad little story about leo da vinci's lover being a Vulpanic wolf that went to earth fell in love and was forced to move. it was intentionally sporadic so sorry if it felt like i was skipping. thank you all sooooo much for the love on this story so far, i'm excited for the future of it. next chapter we meet the 9th doctor;)