The Doctor pressed his lips firmly to Rose's forehead, lingering a moment longer than he would normally. She was already more than half asleep, but she let out a happy sigh at the contact. Today had been his worst nightmare; their safe, simple, routine trip to the Powell Estate went horribly awry, and before he knew it, he was battling Cybermen and Daleks, the safety of two universes in his hands. And, of course, the safety of Rose.

He'd nearly lost her today, permanently and irrevocably. She'd helped him save the day, as per usual, and, as per usual, she risked her own safety for the greater good. Though her selflessness and bravery were a few of the many things he loved about her, once, just once, he wished that she would put her own safety first.

He'd nearly had a panic attack when she let go of her magna-clamp to upright her malfunctioning lever, and then he'd nearly had a hearts-attack when her fingers slipped from her lever. The universe must have looked upon her favorably, though, because just moments before she would have been swallowed up by the Void, the breach closed.

"You're thinking too loudly," Rose murmured softly, breaking him from his reverie.

She wriggled around until she was spooned up against him. He rolled over onto his side and curled his body around hers. He pulled her into arms, holding her tightly to him, as he pressed his lips to her forehead once more.

"I nearly lost you, today," he whispered, his hearts quickening when he recalled her look of abject terror as she fell towards the Void. "You were being reckless and stupid, and I'm absolutely furious with you."

His harsh words lost their luster as he nuzzled his cheek against her hair. Rose pressed her lips to his collarbone and the hand that was resting on his hip drew slow, gentle circles.

"Don't do that again," he pleaded. "Please. I can't lose you."

"Never gonna leave you," she mumbled, her eyelids losing the battle to stay open. "Love you."

His lingering fear and anger momentarily disappeared as he allowed his love for her, and her love for him, wash through him. He allowed her words and confidence to comfort him, and soothe the wounds left behind from the day. He sighed, cuddling impossibly closer to her.

"I love you, too," he whispered, his eyes to drifting closed as he joined her in sleep.