Characters: Rose, Ten
Words: 348
Prompt: Can't love
"That was close," Rose gasps, clutching his sleeve as she tries to catch her breath.
"Oh, but what's life without a few close calls, yeah?" He forces a lighthearted tone and smiles down at her. Rose offers that tongue-in-teeth grin in return and nods her head decisively.
"Yeah, there's nothin' like runnin' for your life. 'S good excersise." Finally she straightens up and reaches for his hand. He lets her take it and squeezes her fingers in what he hopes is a reassuring manner. They begin walking back to the street corner where the TARDIS is waiting for them. Rose is silent, so he is too.
When they reach the TARDIS she stops him, tugging his hand so he'll turn around and face her. She runs her tongue over her teeth and smiles tentatively. "Doctor?"
"Yes, Rose?" he says, his voice a little too breathless.
She puts her arms around his waist and squeezes her body against his. He stiffens and feels her pull back. "Sorry." she says, her voice too quiet. "I just want you to know that... well, I'm thankful. Thank you. For everythin'. Especially for savin' me back there. I was scared that that was gonna be the end."
"You're welcome," he whispers back. "I would never let you die like that, Rose."
She looks up at him with glassy eyes and her arms go around his neck. He knows that look in her eyes. He knows what she wants. And he knows he has to say no.
"Goodnight, Rose." He says brusquely, stepping back. Rose's arms fall back to her sides. She blinks, bewildered and hurt.
"Goodnight, Doctor," she mutters.
He turns away from her and steps into the TARDIS, immediately busying himself at the console. A minute later, he hears Rose pass by him. He sneaks a glance at her tear-streaked face and closes his eyes.
He could go to her. He could comfort her and apologize. But he doesn't. He looks back down at the console, pretending to be fiddling with something.
Rose passes by and leaves him in heavy, guilty silence.