AN: In response to elensari, I'm glad you liked the filler! I just had to write something else to try to get my mind rolling on the storyline again. I know, it's really a shame no one talks about their feelings in the Who universe. Like EVER. Anywho, next chapter update!

Chapter 36- Forgiveness He Gave You

It was while the Doctor was enjoying some Jammie Dodgers and tea in the TARDIS kitchen that John came to him.

He gripped the mug in anticipation of whatever might happen, knuckles turning white from the pressure. But instead, he was shocked by what John did.

The metacrisis sat across from him, a tired look in his eyes. He sighed and looked at the Doctor before he said, "I knew you would have to come back."

"Why?" the Doctor asked confusedly.

"Rose," he replied simply. "You and the TARDIS can't deal without her for too long."

"I think I am perfectly capable of functioning on my own, thanks," he scoffed.

John's eyebrows raised at him. "Maybe if you tried to talk to her about your feelings more, this whole mess wouldn't have happened in the first place."

The Doctor sighed. "Maybe. Or maybe it would have been worse."

"How do you figure?" he asked curiously.

"Because then she could have chosen to leave," the Doctor said sadly, head hanging down.

"You know she would never do that," John said fiercely. "She's stronger than she looks."

"I know," the Doctor held up his hands in surrender. "Trust me, I know."

John settled back in the chair, nodding. "Yeah, I s'pose you do."

"Would you like some tea?" he asked softly.

"Yeah," John replied.

The Doctor stood up and went over to the cupboards to fetch everything. Once the water was on he walked over to sit back down.

He flopped into the chair heavily and blew some hair out of his face. "You know, I'm glad she has you."

"You don't mean that," laughed John. "I know you don't."

"No," he said firmly. "I do. You both help each other. She makes your temper get under control like whenever she first met me, and you pick up the pieces I broke."

"I know why you did it-" John started to defend, but the Doctor cut him off.

"But it doesn't make up for it in the first place. No, she's better off without me, but the TARDIS doesn't seem to agree."

"And neither do I," John said.

The Doctor just looked at him, and then the kettle began to whistle. He got up and prepared the tea, before handing John the mug.

"Thanks."

He just nodded at him, before returning to the table once more.

"So, what did you do while you were gone?" John asked. "Save any planets? Discover new worlds and universes?"

The Doctor got even more quiet, twiddling his thumbs around and around, avoiding his gaze.

"Nothing?" John asked, in disbelief.

The Doctor shook his head. "The TARDIS took me around to see Rose's past. I mucked up our timelines so much," he sighed. "I comforted her, and watched her win competitions. I danced with her when she was alone, and I ran into her shopping."

John just stared at him for a moment. "I was wondering how long it would take you to reappear, and now I see why it took so long. But if that's all you did, then why aren't you going after her?"

"It's been one hundred years, John. I'm older and I know better now. She is still attached to you, and loves you, even if you don't see it."

John smiled. "You think so?"

"I know so." The Doctor tapped his temples. "Time Lord, remember?"

John rolled his eyes. "Now I see why Rose gets annoyed when I do that."

The Doctor sighed. "My point is, I know better than that now. I'm not going to take her away."

John stood up and patted his shoulder. "And I will always be grateful that you left her with me again. But you need her back."

He left the room and the Doctor stared at the spot John had just occupied, wondering just what the metacrisis had meant.