The TARDIS was dim and quiet, floating in the vortex as Clara and the Doctor sat together.
"Now what's wrong Doctor? And don't say nothing is wrong, because you've been moody lately and I want to know why. So tell me, I promise I'll not judge."
Clara looked at the Doctor's old eyes and she saw hidden grief and longing finally breaking free after who knew how long.
"Is it...Is it someone's anniversary? I..I can give you some time alone if you like."
Clara hesitated in sitting and was about to stand when she felt his hand on her arm. Taking his hand, she offered support because it wasn't everyday the Doctor told her about himself.
The Doctor's voice wavered, "I loved her...but I never told her. I was too afraid Clara, because she was human, so very human and I was - I am a time lord. I didn't want to watch her die, but sometimes when I think about it...I wish I had told her. Even if I had to watch her die, just to see the smile on her face and that twinkle in her eye."
Clara comforted the Doctor,"We are never truly alone you know, somewhere in time and space you and her are running around having the time of your lives."
The Doctor sunk into Clara's comforting embrace,"Why is the universe so cruel? I finally had someone to believe in. She did so much to save me. She created herself because she wanted to save me. I loved her, truly loved her and then she was ripped away. When that happened I felt like I forgot how to breathe. She was oxygen to me, she was light. I know if she were here she'd tell me to have a great life and to remember her, but sometimes its so hard. I hear her voice sometimes telling me the right thing to do, and it only gets louder the older I get but its just an echo Clara..not the real thing."
Clara ran her fingers through the Doctor's hair,"Maybe she left a part of herself with you. Doctor, no matter what I say, as a companion I know that I won't be here forever. Maybe she knew too, she knew that even if she was in love with you, the universe wouldn't be so kind as to spare her. So what if you think you're going crazy? Even when she is gone, she is telling you the right thing to do, or to say. I'm not going to lie Doctor, sometimes - sometimes back then I'd feel like I couldn't be anything to you - not a friend, a companion, or even just a person. Sometimes it was really hard to remember that you were supposed to be the good guy because there was just so much sadness and anger. But I realized you would only get worse if you didn't have someone Doctor. You need someone Doctor, even if Gallifrey didn't burn, even if the Mas- sorry Missy is still alive. Someone to hold your hand, and to show you the good in the universe. I can be that person Doctor, but I know I won't always be. So you remember her, this woman whose name you won't tell me. Who you loved but never told, because even if she's just in your head, she'll be with you long after I'm gone. Who knows? Maybe I will too."
Clara stood and brushed her skirt,"Now come on, I want to make a souffle and you mister are going to help."
The Doctor let out a chuckle,"Thank you, Clara. But I'll have you know, I'm pants in the kitchen."
Clara smiled and raced to the kitchen,"Well then you'll have to learn quick Timelord!"
The Doctor stood still for a moment and whispered to the empty control room, "Thank you for being my friend Clara," before racing after Clara into the kitchen tucking away his sad thoughts for another time. The TARDIS hummed quieter than ever and softly howled, she mourned but she remembered just as her thief did – as they always had.