"Does it really need saying?" -The Doctor

Seven

"Jack! Jack! I swear to god!"

A man opened the door. He was handsome in a way that let you know he was obviously aware of it. His hair was shaggy brown and he smiled confidently, making him both more likable and obnoxious.

"Just dropping by?"

"Oh yes. Just wanted to see what you were up to."

Jack laughed slightly. "Well the funniest thing happened last night. Rose Tyler showed up at my door."

"In a proper snit I suppose?" Jack nodded and the Doctor sighed. "Yeah me too."

Rose appeared beside him and glared at the Doctor. "What are you doing here?" He looked back at her exasperated. "Me? You're blaming me for this. I didn't want to go Rose. It's not like I regenerated for fun!"

She stormed back into Jack's flat and the doctor followed her. Jack watched them both. "Oh please come in." He muttered under his breath.

"It doesn't matter. My husband is dead."

"My wife has been dead for ages. I deal with it."

She sent him another crippling glare. "I don't know what you mean, but just stop it."

"Stop what?" He noticed the tears rolling down her face as she turned to face him entirely. "Stop changing! Just everything stop!" She sat down in a chair and his face softening, he came to sit beside her.

He awkwardly reached his hand out and put in on her shoulder. She wiped her eyes. "I know it's foolish, but when you regenerated my whole life got flipped upside down. My husband who had always been perfect became someone I didn't even know. I was almost relieved when I saw where I was, because it felt familiar and safe."

She paused to sniffle and wipe her eyes again. "Then I wandered about, looking for you. I knew you'd be nearby because of the dimension split, but it surprised me how easy it was to find you. I guess you're pretty predictable. The first time I knocked I just ran. I couldn't handle it. I felt.. dishonest."

"Dishonest?"

She nodded. "I know it doesn't make sense, but I did. Then I finally convinced myself to go back and you were different. I knew you'd look different, but it's more then that... and you have this wife who seems to be so genuinely sweet."

He laughed instinctively at the word she used to describe River, but got it under control and tried to be comforting.

"I don't know how to help you Rose."

She looked into his eyes and took his hand. "Be my Doctor again."