A/N: Hi! Hope you're all well!

I apologise for taking an eternity to update (haha see what I did there). University tasks have been piling up even during my summer holidays but I've been trying to write whenever I was able.

The chapter ahead is a tad shorter than usual but I invested most of the time to rewrite a few parts to make it just right :p

Special dedication to TheStrangeSeaWolf who came up with the general idea of this chapter. Hope it was worth the wait

"Do you really want to do this, Doctor?" Clara asked. She was sitting on the toilet lid wearing a soft dressing gown as the time lord was checking the temperature of the running water in the bath. His outfit gave a fairly relatively relaxed vibe; white shirt with rolled up sleeves and two opened buttons, trousers and shoes.

"Yeah... Yeah." He stuttered. "Why? Are you uncomfortable? If you're uncomfortable, I won't, don't-"

"No, I'm not uncomfortable." Clara took quite a pause, thinking about what she was going to say. "But you've been my carer for over a week now and I don't want you to be my full-time nurse anymore." She heard him hold his breath. He must have misunderstood it. "Not that I'm uncomfortable. I just think you need some rest. I can manage, you know?"

"You leave that to me." He said before pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. The time lord turned to the dresser.

.

Clara sighed. Hard headed as always. "Doctor?"

"Yes, Clara." He said as he opened and closed the cabinets, trying to find epsom salts and all the ingredients for the concoction needed.

"You look very... jumpy." The Doctor scoffed. "Jumpy? What kind of a word is that?"

"Well... You know... You seem like you drank a crate of energy drinks before coming to get me at medbay."

He tried to shake it off. "Why would you say that?"
And yet, he knew damn well why.

"You aren't used to contact. I know that the thought of helping me bathe isn't sitting very well with you."

He stopped from what he was doing. Damn, he really couldn't hide anything from her, could he? The time lord sighed, continuing to take out towels, essential oils...

.

As soon as his hand was in reach, Clara rested her own on top, stopping him. "Doctor, I'm going to be fine here. There is no need for you to worry. I can do it on my own." He was able to get a glance of her face. She was smiling tenderly... as if she understood his struggle.

"It's- It's alright, Clara." His fingers slipped from under her hand and worked through the anxiety.

"Doctor." She said. His eyes dared meet hers. The Doctor swallowed thickly. Her eyes spoke a thousand words.. He could not explain the sensation he felt. "We'll take this thing a step at a time. I don't mind." He bowed his head in defeat. He'd let his fear and emotions overcome him... He'd let her down. But her voice... Oh her beautiful voice pulled him away from the thoughts. "Doctor... trust me... it's alright."

He flashed a smile before checking the bath water yet again and closing the tap. The time lord proceeded to add the epsom salts, adding the soothing mint fragrance Clara enjoyed. He turned to his companion. "Ready?"

Clara's lips curled into a sneer. "Just a kiss." She knew he would never say no. He knelt in front of her, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. The time lord took her hand and pressed the back against his lips, lifting his eyes to look into hers. I'm weak, Clara. The companion heard in her head. But it won't stop me. I want to help, if you'd let me. She was almost startled by the delicacy the time lord had shown such love, and his huge sad eyes burning with love... for her. Clara couldn't possibly argue.

She nodded, looking at him starstruck. He'd changed. The shy time lord who stayed away from any intimacy was ready to overcome his fears. Thank you. She heard yet again, before the time lord delicately placed her hand on her lap.

He helped Clara remove her dressing gown to reveal the black one-piece swimsuit which hugged her petite figure beautifully. The bruises which had previously covered most of her body were now almost non-existent. The time lord swallowed thickly. She looked so frail and fragile... But he knew... Clara was the strongest person he knew. She was kind, and gentle, yet fierce and hard-headed at the same time. The perfect combination.

The time lord hesitantly wrapped his arms around her trunk and under her knees, slowly carrying her to the bath next to them. He slowly lowered her down into water-filled bath tub.

Clara sighed as she sunk deeper into the water. "This feels so good." She turned to the Doctor, who was drying his arms. "Thank you." She continued. He smiled whilst desperately trying to avoid any eye contact. The time lord then proceeded to place a few towels on the edge of the sink, just close enough for Clara to reach them from the bath.

.

"Anything else I can do?" he asked, before nervously biting his lower lip.

The companion looked at him mercifully. She cupped his cheek with her palm, wettening his face. He refused to look at her until the time lord accidentally made eye contact with those brown orbs of hers. He moved closer slowly, as if he was attracted to her by some sort of magnet. His cracked lips touched hers, so soft and sweet and gentle. He continued kissing her hungrily, forgetting all the anxieties he had previously as he tasted the plum yogurt Clara had eaten for breakfast. The girl naturally gave in, letting her damp fingers get tangled in his long silver curls. Some time had passed for them, before the Doctor pulled away slowly.

She snickered. "You really know how to numb the pain away, daft old man."

"I'm glad I can be of service." He purred.

"I won't take long."

"Take all the time you need." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Call when you need to, I'll be very close."

"Not to worry. I'll be alright."

The time lord pecked her lips. "I know you will be." He stood up and walked to the door. The Doctor started closing the door behind him, before peeking from behind it. He could see Clara, relaxing further into the bath with a satisfied smile on her face. He subconsciously mirrored it, before silently closing the door.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I'll try to update this story asap but I'm afraid it'll still take a while (I have around 4 more chapters planned rn... and things might get chaotic so brace yourselves). So you might see some other one-shots/ short stories whilst planning on the next stages of this story. Feedback appreciated as usual xxxx

Stay safe and wish you all the best xxxx