This is completely Doctor-centric. Based on the song Look at What I've Done by Chris Cagle. This will be a two-shot, so look for the follow-up chapter soon-ish. For more info on my "Inspired Series" please see my bio.
I had always known this moment was coming. It was inevitable, really. They all leave in the end. But her…my hearts ached at the thought of losing her. And not once in my darkest dreams did I ever picture it like this…standing alone in the TARDIS, projecting my image across dimensions to say goodbye.
She's talking about her mum now but all I can think about is her. My Rose. I'd give anything to be able to reach out and hold her, but I'm nothing – just an image on a desolate beach. And her eyes…she tries to put on a brave front, but those eyes give her away. She's not going to be alright. Time seems to move faster on her end; it's been almost six months for her, and only two weeks for me. Two agonizing weeks pouring over every calculation, every whisper, every corner of the universe in search of a way to bring her home. But in the end, this is the best I could do for her.
She's hurting, and my hearts break at the sight of tears welling in her eyes. I try to tell myself that she'll be okay, that she has her family to look after her. But I could already see the toll this was taking on her, and I curse silently that I can't be there by her side. Tears pour down her face as she finally breaks, and my arms ache to hold her even as my mind rails against me.
You did this.
Time seems to slow as my memory relives every enticement, every selfish endeavor I had made to keep her with me. From the moment I'd met her I knew she was special; she had been bright and inquisitive and loyal despite my rather acerbic nature. I was broken and hollow, and I latched onto her like a lifeline. I knew she was falling for me; I'd seen the signs too many times before not to recognize them immediately. But I couldn't do that to her. She deserved better than me, so I kept my distance. Then I regenerated, and all those self-imposed rules seemed to fly out the window. I had her heart and she had mine, though neither of us spoke the words aloud.
Now, standing on this beach, I have to hand her broken heart back to her. Mine feels like they're imploding in my chest, but it's a pain I have become accustomed to. Rose – my sweet, beautiful, innocent Rose – is experiencing her first true heartbreak. And it's all my fault. I should have left her at the Powell Estate, safe and happy and free of me.
"I love you."
Oh Rose…she would have to utter those words now, make an impossible thing so much more difficult. But I can't begrudge her; it's so very human that I actually crack a smile. I could do this for her. I could tell her, finally, that she took a man formed from blood and rage and fire and made him better. She'd made life worth living again, and I love her dearly for it. She deserves no less from me for the pain I'm causing.
"And I suppose, if it's my last chance to say it…Rose Tyler –"