AN: Thank you to safiregurl and Anaika Skywalker for the follow/favorites to this story! To answer PeacePinkSeddie, I feel bad for the Doctor, and I agree he should have listened to the TARDIS. I don't know how well they would all travel together, though. I guess we'll have to wait and see! As for the other review from a guest: Yes, my point is she would never leave the metacrisis, but there's something that's going to happen. It's not as brutal as my original ending, so I guess everyone should be thankful for that xD Enjoy!

Chapter 21- Fear of Being Alone

This was the first time in the Time Lord's 900+ years of existence that he was actually afraid to be alone. What do I do? he asked himself.

I can't tell you that, the TARDIS said gently.

He sighed and leaned against the console. "I know if I drag out the leaving it'll only make it that much worse for everyone, but I can't seem to bring myself to leave yet. Why do they always leave in the end?"

Not on purpose, she reminded him. And Rose left against her will. I have no doubt she would travel with you until she died.

"Maybe it's better then?" he asked. "That I didn't have to see her grow old? Instead I can imagine her living a happy life with the metacrisis."

At least you'll know she's happy. I'm sure this isn't easy on her either.

"Do you know what happened while you were off?" The Doctor wanted to know, but he was afraid she would scold him for it.

That the two of you fought for Rose like five year olds after cookies? Yes. I also know that you and Rose are bonded, soulmates. It's not hard to figure that out. But you both can still be happy knowing the other one is happy.

"But what about the link? Won't we both be in pain?"

Let me handle that, my Doctor. I can help, the TARDIS said comfortingly.

"You can help Rose, too?" he asked.

If she comes in the TARDIS before we leave, I can help her.

The Doctor nodded happily. "I suppose I know what I have to do then."

A note glided under the TARDIS door, and he ran over to pick it up. Doctor, come to the house. Rose needs you. -J

The Doctor felt panic rising in his throat. What if it was after effects of the Bad Wolf incident? He would never forgive himself if anything bad happened to her.

"I gotta go!" he called out, and ran into the daylight.

….

He didn't bother with knocking, he barged right in. The Doctor called "Rose?"

"In here, Doctor," John said, sounding like he was in the kitchen. That was weird. Why would Rose be in the kitchen if there was something wrong with her?

"Rose, what's wrong?" he asked, stumbling over his own feet to reach the kitchen from running so fast. But there she was, perfectly fine, although a little tired. She was sitting at the kitchen table. "What?" he asked. "What about the note?"

"The note?" Her eyes swam with confusion.

"I wanted you here so we could talk about Rose going with you in the TARDIS," John explained, "She needs it, and she needs you. The piece of coral you gave me won't be ready in this lifetime."

The Doctor frowned. "I can't do that."

"Why not?" John asked. "You were so ready to yesterday."

Rose got up from her seat and walked over to John. "I wanna be with you, I don't wanna leave without you."

"I know you're just waiting for my permission to go, eh?" John smiled sadly. "You just don't wanna hurt my feelings, because that's not who you are, Rose Tyler."

A tear slid down Rose's cheek. The Doctor cleared his throat. "She should stay here with you."

"But what about your speech last night?" John asked.

"I just don't want to be alone," he said, looking at Rose.

"Exactly," John agreed, and turned to Rose. "Listen to me, it's okay to go with him. We're the same man, but he's the one you made the promises to. And now you've got a chance to make good on them, alright?"

"No," the Doctor spoke up. He walked over to Rose and kissed her on the lips slowly. "You have to stay. You made John a better man, and he wouldn't know what to do without you. You did the same for me, but he won't be stupid and leave you. Twice."

Rose started to cry and she pulled him in for a hug. "Promise me you'll find someone."

The Doctor just broke apart from her and patted her shoulder.