My Rose
She was just standing there. He would have missed her as he walked back to the Tardis, Donna at his heels, if he hadn't just happened to glance to the side.
But glance he did. And froze, midstep. Donna pulled up short, staggering sideways in an attempt to avoid him.
Not that he noticed.
She didn't recognise him. He could tell by her face, by the bewilderment in her brown eyes as he approached, slowly, carefully; hardly daring to believe that it was her, afraid that at any moment she might disappear.
But she didn't disappear. She stood, staring at him. Hesitantly, he reached out his hand, brushed fingertips against her cheek. She flinched in surprise, braced herself to run.
He stopped her with a word.
"Rose."
Her lips parted slightly in shock. Her name – how had he known her name?
Another step, and his left hand caressed her face. His other hand slid down her arm, grasping her hand – in their way, the way that felt right.
"My Rose."
Rose felt her eyes widen. He looked different – very different. And yet... Blue eyes, she couldn't help noticing. Not brown, as she had last seen them; but as she had first seen them.
"Doctor..." she barely had time to breathe the word before his lips met hers with a desperation born of separation and longing.
Eventually, she pulled back. He looked so empty, so bereft. His lips silently formed the words he had never gotten to say. I love you... His eyes begged, Please don't leave me again...
In response, rosy lips curved into a gentle smile before she leaned into his embrace once more.
"My Doctor."