Doctor who one shots/imagines BOOK 2🌏

the way that i loved you before (13)

I sat at Clara's grave, just staring at her name engraved on the gravestone as I take a deep breath. It had been five years since she left, since we said goodbye and it was just as painful as the first time. I promised to come back every year, same time, to leave flowers for her, never failed. "He's gone, Clara. The Doctor. He left. It was too difficult and- he fell apart. Because of you. Because I couldn't save him." I took a moment, as the tears fell down my face. "I miss him. I miss you. The only two people in this world- I need you both to be here. I need you to come back- but there's nothing I can do." I whispered, as I play with my hands. "It's hard to believe that he left two years ago. Two years. And I need him, Clara. I need him more than I've ever needed anyone before. And I don't expect him to come back- not after this. But I could do with that right now." I slowly stood up, as I wipe my tears away. "I'm sorry that I let you down. I'm sorry I couldn't save you. That I had to watch it happen. You deserved better than this." I slowly turn and I walk away, when I noticed this blonde woman in the distance, just staring right at me. I frowned, confused as I turn and I leave, but something stopped me. Who was she? Why was she looking at me like that? I look back again, frowning as she finally looked away. But I knew, something deep down inside me remembered. "Doctor?" She stopped, as she slowly turned back to me. "Oh my god. It is you." I was in complete shock. "Hello again."

"Doctor- you.. you're a woman." She smiled a bit, awkwardly as she looked down at her feet. "I guess a lot has changed since we last met." I nodded, "You don't say." I couldn't think straight, my head was spinning. "I shouldn't of come here. I know that. But, I've been here. Every year. Watching you in the shadows. Checking on you both." I felt the tears hit my eyes, as I hugged her tightly, she held me in her arms. It was my doctor, she was still the same as before, right now I needed her. "I miss you every single day, Doctor." I whispered, as she squeezed me softly. "Me too." I gently let go of her, "Are you on your own?" I asked, "Yeah.. no one else compared." I wipe my eyes, as I watched her closely. "Are you leaving again?" She looked back at me, "Not without you." I was surprised, I didn't think she would want me back. "You want me to come?" She smiled. "I would love if you came with me. Please, I need you with me." I glance back at her grave once more. "Thank you." I mouthed, before turning back. "Let's get out of here." She took my hand, as we both ran back towards the TARDIS.

"Off we go. Once again."