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

New chapter ahead; filled with whouffaldi fluff. Enjoy!

"He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. Live, then, and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget, that until the day God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these two words, 'Wait and Hop-.'"

...

Clara raised her gaze from the book when she heard a light tap on the bedroom door. Her soft lips curled into a gentle smile as she placed the bookmark between the book's current pages. "Come in!" She placed the book on the bedside table.

The Doctor opened the door ajar, peaking through. "Did I wake you up?"

"Nah, I was just reading a book." She smiled, before patting the space next to her on the bed. "Come on."

The time lord grinned, before entering with a large mug, closing the door behind him. "I thought you might like some hot cocoa with mini marshmallows." He carefully handed the mug to the companion, whose fingers curled around it, feeling consoled by its warmth. The intense smell of chocolate and sugar invaded her nostrils, but it was nothing short of pleasant. The time lord sat at the edge of the bed, looking at Clara.

.

"How are you feeling?"

"Good, very good. I'm feeling better everyday." She smiled before taking a sip of the thick hot chocolate. "This is glorious. Thank you."

He felt relieved. She was in fact making a lot of progress. "I'm glad." He purred, tucking back some hairs behind her ear.

"I only have you to thank; I wouldn't have done it without you."

He looked away. "You wouldn't have been inj-"

"Doctor, we've talked about this." She breathed, interrupting him. "I know the risks, and they won't stop me from being here, from travelling with you."

"Clara-"

Her fingers curled tighter around the mug. "No please, Doctor. Let's change the subject. Please." She pleaded. She couldn't bare falling into yet another argument... She couldn't bare leaving the TARDIS... Leaving him. Her fingers slipped into his, squeezing his hand. The time lord's lips curled into a sad smile. He couldn't bare talking about Clara hurting or leaving... But it was a reality he would have to ultimately accept.

.

"Very well." He breathed. "Any priorities for our next trip?"

"I'd ask for a relaxing holiday, but I know you wouldn't be able to do that." She teased, taking another sip.

The time lord straightened up. "Why not?"

Clara laughed. "Because we always get into trouble; some war strikes, some aliens let loose..."

He sighed. "Fair enough. But if you really want to have a relaxing time, I'll do my research well beforehand."

"Don't you worry, daft old man. I just want to spend time with you. Even if that means being chased by a furious cyberman."

His lips curled into a sad smile.

Clara shifted away from him before tapping on the pillow next to her. He toed off his shoes, placing them neatly beside the bed, before making his way next to Clara, his back against the mountain of pillows next to her. The companion snuggled against him as the Doctor curled his arm around her, holding her close. The time lord pressed a kiss to her hair.

.

After some moments of silence, apart from the occasional sipping, Clara asked. "Doctor?"

"Yes, Clara."

Silence ensued, placing the mug on her bedside table. "Do you ever regret the things we've been through?"

"What do you mean?" He asked, intrigued but at the same time terrified of what she wanted from him.

"You know... Trenzalore, the regeneration," yet a longer pause. "Danny..." Her voice trailed off as she played with her fingers anxiously.

"I never regret the events that shape our lives, Clara." He sighed. "I do regret the times I placed you in danger. I'm sorry."

"Don't apologise, Doctor." She smiled. "That's what we do; take risks and save planets."

But he didn't care. "All those times... The time stream, Trenzalore, the Moon-"

"Hey, I forgave you a long time ago for the latter two." Her hand cupped his cheek. "I have nothing to forgive you for the time stream. I did what I believed was right. And if I ever have to live through that again, I'd do it wholeheartedly."

"And I make sure you never have to." He purred as his index finger grazed across her cheek, to which Clara leaned ever so slightly.

"We'll look out for each other, then." She pecked his lips softly before cuddling to his side. Her ear rested comfortably on his shoulder, listening to the regular thumps of his hearts, as well as the feeling of his left heart under the palm of her hand.

.

He heard his companion breathe a laugh. "Something caught your fancy?" The Doctor asked.

"Nah, just thinking." She mumbled.

"I'm interested." He purred. "If you want to share, that is."

There was a moment of silence before Clara replied, "I would have never thought, in my wildest dreams, that I would have fallen in love with an unearthly man having a big blue box another self had chosen and travel through time and space with him."

"Do you regret it?"

She looked at him passionately. Her eyes bore into his. "I wouldn't change it for the Universe."

He left a slow, soft kiss on her lips, feeling Clara's fingers curl tighter around his jumper. The time lord pulled away slowly before letting their foreheads rest together. "I'm glad you feel the same way, Clara Oswald." He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Rest for a while."

.

She grinned. "You're in need of sleep, daft old man. And a lot of it."

He sighed, rolling his eyes. "Clara..."

"Come on! Doctor's orders!" The girl teased.

"You know I can't stand to stay in the same place for more than-"

"You can't keep yourself busy and expect not to crash in the end." Her tone turned more serious, yet merciful as she smoothed his cheek. "Trust me, I've been there."

Of course she has. He thought, picturing the countless times she had tried to postpone sleep whenever her mind was acting up after Trenzalore.

"But-"

"You're no different from me, Doctor. You still need rest. No excuses."

"As you say then." He purred. "I trust my doctor with my life."

Clara hummed. "Bad decision." She giggled. Oh... the way she laughed.

He pecked her lips one more time before making himself a tad more comfortable, letting Clara snuggle against him yet again.

"G'night, Clara."

She rubbed her cheek to his jumper. "Good night, Doctor."

.

And so they drifted off to peaceful slumber in each other's arms.

A/N: fyi, the quote above is from The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Though it was very fitting for the Doctor.

hope you enjoyed this chapter! Feedback is my motivation, so any comments (no flames) are greatly appreciated!

Till next week, take care!