Disclaimer: Dr Who and related characters are owned by BBC
Something Blue
By Eugena
Rated: T
He didn't realize how special she was until he was too late.
Post "The Girl in The Fireplace."
NineRose from Ten's perspective.
The Doctor had avoided Rose's gaze for several days after the Madame de Pompadour incident. Frankly, he'd been embarrassed to let himself go so much. Rose – his Rose – asked him how he was. She had been more concerned with his feelings than her own well-being.
He was always all right. He had Doctor Nine screaming in his head for a long time after that. He gave himself a headache. The same machines that tore apart their human counterparts and would have done the same to Madame de Pompadour would have lobotomized Rose in her place.
He should be madder at himself for that than for losing Reinette, So, he was back at Reinette than her former title. She was frail, her life brief like all humans. He shouldn't had been surprised that he arrived too late.
"But be glad you arrived at all," the TARDIS told him, "I would have only taken you there for a goodbye – and I would have made sure it was very brief."
But, why? he asked.
"It is what Nine wanted. And Bad Wolf."
"What does he have to do with it?"
"He couldn't forgive you for what would happen to Rose. He loves Rose."
I am him, remember?
"Nine is special. Rose is special."
I suppose we should marry them, then, he retorted.
The minute he thought it, he regretted it. He lived and Nine didn't. Nine loved Rose beyond compare and he was broken. The time war broke Eight as he regenerated into Nine and Rose gave both of them hope and a will for Nine to live again. Rose gave up everything for him, and Nine repaid it with a last parting gift.
Sometimes he would have given anything to have let Nine live one more day with Rose.
He owed both of them everything.
Nine didn't give into the depression that could have led to his permanent death. Rose gave him hope. Rose gave him life. Bad Wolf claimed them both. Nine forfeited his life so Rose could live.
Rose stayed with him throughout the regeneration, even though many others would have left. But Rose was different, special. He lived where Nine should have.
A marriage of minds.
Bad Wolf created a link between Rose and The Doctor, but it would always be strongest with Nine.
Maybe that's why he could still hear him.
Nine was right, he didn't realize how special Rose was until it was too late.