He doesn't forget.

He pretends to, most of the time, and tries to convince himself they aren't here anymore, that he can't remember them, that they are gone and forgotten.

But they are not.

He used to visit Susan, whenever he could. He'd never speak to her, but walk by, smiling at the way she was so, so happy.

Victoria, too. She was not, as such, happy, but content. He'd extend his welcome, and grin, and greet her as a friend. She'd simply look at him strangely, and walk on by.

On any visits to Galifrey, he'd stop by and greet the president. She'd wink at him, and he'd address her as 'oh High President Fred'. She was the timelord he missed the most.

And Ace, rich, incredible, so charitable, and brave, would greet him as 'Doctor' when they met in the street, as if she knew, knew he was him.

And Rose. He just wandered through her timeline, watching her life unfold before his eyes.


He doesn't forget.

He pretends to, most of the time, and tries to convince himself they aren't here anymore, that he can't remember them, that they are gone and forgotten.

But they are not.