The footprints were fading from the sand, along with the large square indent where the TARDIS had rested. His size, his shoes, but not him. He was the Meta Crisis.
His eyes darted over to Rose, his lips were pursed together, though only seconds ago he had the taste of Rose's lips on his. Who knew how she was feeling... To watch the man you love fly away in a blue box, leaving you with a copy. That's all he was, and though he had argued against it, he was quite sure he hadn't convinced Rose. His Rose.
Her blonde hair seemed to move with the wind, fluttering into her face as she stared at the square patch of sand. He wasn't her Doctor, he could tell by the pain in her eyes, the mist that rested on her eyelids swam with memories and confusion. Carefully, he took a step forward, standing next to her as she seemed to grieve.
"I know what you're thinking Rose... I know.. And I'm so sorry that it had to be this way, but I have one heart now. One heart, and one life." he tapped on his chest, speaking slowly in a quiet sort of voice. "I'm not going anywhere anymore, not for a while at least..."
"You sound like him..." Rose muttered, her voice cracking. She seemed distant.
"I know..." he felt like his heart was going to be torn right open. She didn't accept him. How could she? She knew him as a copy, and only a copy.
"You... You look like him, and you sound like him... You smell like him even..." she said as she turned to look at this man. Not Time Lord. Man.
"I know..." It was all he could say. There was nothing else he could think of... All of the memories of her swam in his mind. Her laugh, her smile, her love for chips, her kindness... She loved the Doctor, and the Doctor was gone. He stuck his hands into his pockets, turning away. He couldn't look her straight in the face. Not that beautiful and fair face.
Feeling a warm hand pull his from his pocket and lace the fingers together, he closed his eyes. Maybe she could accept him. Maybe over time she could see that he could be the Doctor she longed for.
She leaned into her arm, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
"Let's go home," she muttered, leading them away from the beach. He gladly complied.