After the Star shower on Shanquis, the three travelers didn't feel up to sticking around. The thought of what those people would inevitably suffer in their future weighed heavily on all of their hearts. Silently, they entered the TARDIS. As the Doctor piloted them into the void, Jack didn't stick around, choosing instead to wander off on his own, whereas Rose decided to stick around and sit on the jump seat. After a few tense moments, they made it into the void. The Doctor moved away from the controls and sat next to her, taking her hand in his.
"Please, Rose," the Doctor said, finally breaking their silence. "don't pity them too much. You'll only make yourself sick with guilt."
"I shouldn't feel guilty." She replied horsely. "There's nothing we can do."
"But you feel guilty anyways." It wasn't a question. The Doctor knew her too well by now.
"It's stupid." She said, shaking her head.
"Of course it is." He shrugged, making her look up at him. "Completely irrational. But also, completely human."
They shared a melancholy smile, taking comfort in one another. Rose put her head on his shoulder and the Doctor swore internally at the way his hearts sped up at this. She was sad, mourning a people she had never even known, and here he was getting giddy by her touch. It was inappropriate, but he couldn't bare to ask her to stop.
"Thank you, Doctor." She said, interrupting his thoughts. "You're really good to me."
She squeezed his hand once, then removed herself from him and stood. He was sad she was leaving, which he shouldn't be, but he knew she needed rest. She made her way to the corridor.
"Rose." He called to her.
She stopped and turned to him. He didn't know why, but he wanted to tell her... But he couldn't say that. He wouldn't dare. He was not allowed to cross that line, he was not allowed to love her. She's only human, fragile and temporary, he reminded himself. Besides, how could a woman like her ever love a monster like himself. How could he ever be good enough for her? He couldn't, plain and simple. He was too old, too alien, and far too broken.
"Goodnight." He said.
And she smiled. She smiled that special tongue-in-tooth smile, the one he swore she only did for him. Then, she walked away.
A/N: I am so sorry it has been so long, but finals was hell and Christmas was crazy and I have all sorts of excuses. But, all that aside, I am back to writing! I'm currently visiting family so I am no where near my laptop, so I decided to write this short baby chapter on my phone. Once I'm home I promise to upload the next episode, Boom Town. Until then, enjoy this!