Back To You

Chapter eleven: Truth

No point of view

They stared at each other, until the pain became unbearable. The Doctor stepped into the room, guilt flooding each and every one of his veins. Despite wiping his tears away, more had already formed, and were streaming down his pale face. Rose was also crying, hands over her mouth to muffle the sobs. Pete stood up from the edge of the bed, and patted the Doctor softly on the back, before leaving the room, and closing the door behind him.

His voice cracked and faulted with each syllable that attempted to leave his lips. She closed her eyes over and over again, wishing to wake up from this cruel nightmare. After pinching her arm repeatedly, reality hit her.

"Is it...Is it really you? Are you back? Are you real? Oh god, I'm going crazy, you're not here, you can't be it's-" Rose's frantic gabble was cut off, as in three massive strides, the Doctor was beside her, his forehead pressed against hers. A bony hand and frail fingers placed themselves on the nape of the Doctor's neck, and another hand fell onto Rose's back.

"I'm here." That was all she needed. She kissed him, the salty tears still lingering on their lips. They pulled apart, both struggling for air and for clarity in their thoughts.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have lied. I wanted to keep everyone safe, I wanted to protect you." Rose cried. She was still in shock that the Doctor was there, that he was with her.

"No, no. Don't you dare think that it was your fault. Not for one minute okay?" The Doctor held Rose's head between his hands, staring deep into her eyes. "It was never your fault, it was mine. I should've kept you safe, not put you in danger. If i'd... If i'd kept you safe, we wouldn't be here. We'd be off on another planet in some far away system. I'm so, so sorry." He hung his head in shame, hands falling to his sides. Sobs shook through his body, and he doubled over, hiding his head in his palms. Rose felt her world fall apart again, this time as she watched the man she loved blame himself for an unpreventable accident. She slid out from the bed sheets, and sat down on the carpet next to the Doctor. Just that small movement sent a sharp ringing noise into her ears, and each muscle felt like it was tearing with every breath. Her lungs ached, and her heart was beating much too fast for her liking, but she ignored it. She put aside the pain for the Doctor.

"Look at me." Rose whispered, her eyes begging him. "Please, just stop this, just stop it. It's not your fault. You didn't know, and I shouldn't have kept it from you. I only found out once I got trapped in this universe. I didn't tell you cos'... I knew that if you came through, both universes would collapse, and I didn't want that to happen." She ran her fingers through his dark hair, and sighed. Eventually, the Doctor sat up, and swiveled to face Rose. His eyes were red and puffy, his skin blotchy and sticky. The Doctor stared at Rose in awe, wondering how someone so perfect came to exist. He was glad that he never let her slip through his fingers, and finally happy because she was with him. The Doctor was certain that he would never let Rose out of his sight again, especially not now. Their fingers laced together, and Rose placed his hands on her small bump. "I'm sorry, but this is now, this is us, and I don't regret it anymore because you're here. Everything will be fine, I'm sure of it. I need you... our baby needs you-" The Doctor cut her off once more. The sunlight from the open curtains shone on his hair, turning it a strange golden colour. His brown eyes glittered with joy, one corner of his mouth tugged upwards in a smile. He silenced her with a kiss. Soft skin and warm breath tangled in an expression of love so pure and intimate, no one could deny it's truth. A rough hand caressed Rose's cheek, the other still over her stomach. She wound one hand into his hair, and the other rested on top of his. A harsh knock on the door tore them apart. Jackie entered the room, and looked down at the Doctor and Rose, hands interlaced.

"So I'm guessing he knows about it then." she gave a gentle smile, to which Rose sighed.

"He knows." Rose run his thumb along his knuckles.