The Fool On Mott Hill (Doctor Who)

Chapter 4

The Doctor's hands slid off Wilfred and his arms hung limp at his sides.

"What am I really good for?" His voice cracked.

He crouched over with his head on his knees, and the wail he suppressed all night escaped. His entire form shuddered and heaved as he struggled to control his massive grief.

Donna was shocked. She'd been a blubbering mess weeks after the funeral, but even her reaction to Wilfred's death wasn't this heartfelt.

"I'm so sorry I said that, Doctor. It's not true! It's not!" She wanted to reach out and touch the Doctor to console him.

"This is my dream and I make the rules, dammit!" Donna plopped on the edge of the cot and folded her arms around the Doctor's waist, resting her cheek against his warm chest. She heard the devastating sound of two hearts breaking.

"You poor man, it's all true. No wonder you feel so deeply. I think you are probably the best man in the universe."

Her whole existence instantly felt right for the first time in her life. For this one, shining moment she utterly loved him. Not in some star-struck romantic way, but with the most intense love that best friends could share.

"Be still, Doctor. I have you. We're together again."

The Doctor eased into the embrace and tilted his head delicately against hers. His crying subsided as their mental bonds intensified. Donna didn't know how long she held him, it could've been hours, this dream felt unbound by time, but she knew it'd never be enough. He would always need someone to care for him this way.

"Gramps is right. You should never be alone, Doctor." She whispered compassionately. "And if you ever find yourself alone, you come back to me." Her gaze fell to her wedding ring. "I'm a married woman though, so there'll be no snoggin' in your little spaceship. That TARDIS or whatever ya' call it. I could bring the family, yeah? Little John would certainly love you. We can have a picnic on Mars!"

Donna could never resist a joke when her emotions were stirred. She glanced at the Doctor's face, willing him with every thought and prayer to actually see her. His gaze filled with pure tenderness and he entwined his fingers through hers.

Donna gaped at him. Before she could react he seized her face and kissed her forehead with a flourish.

"Donna, how many times have I told you I'm not a Martian from Mars. And trust me when I say it's not the proper place for a picnic...you really can't drink the water."

He rubbed his face in her hair and then drew her closer for a long overdue hug. The Estuary British accent popped out of him. "Ohh, I've missed this, my Donna Noble!"

~~Oo~~

As their minds fully linked, golden light swam across her vision and Donna lowered her arms awestruck. "Doctor! Oh Doctor! It's really you! Oh my Gaawd! You're what was missing from my life! I was gonna be with you forever. The DoctorDonna! Flyin' in the TARDIS!"

The Doctor straightened up. "Yes! Ya gotta love an Ood and their prophetic words and songs. The DoctorDonna back in action for..." He checked an invisible watch. "Erm...ten minutes?"

"Ya better give me more than that, bowtie boy! I remember it all now. Look at you! A new man! Still spry and young, and really, really...steampunk."

He adjusted his bowtie proudly. "Is that what the kids are calling it these days?"

"What happened out there? When didjya change?" She blanked out for a moment, then gripped his shoulders and bawled. "No, don't tell me. I can see it. Oh Doctor, please tell me you didn't die alone!...You did!"