The smiled that had played deliciously about her soft lips froze as she heard her Doctor's words. When they began to sink in, her face fell and her smile disappeared entirely.

"I don't understand" she said slowly "why would you do that?"

Her voice was no longer that of Rose Tyler, strong, assertive young woman and fearless companion of the Doctor. It was small, unsure, childlike. In fact everything about her at that moment seemed childlike to him, not just the way she spoke, but the way she wrapped her arms protectively over her chest, stepping away from him slightly, with her head lowered as though she were afraid to look at him, just in case it might make him say something else to cause her pain.

But a part of the old Rose was still there, for despite her protective stance, she did stillmeet his gaze with her own, eyes glazed over with unshed tears that she refused, for the moment at least, to let fall.

"Why would you do that?" she repeated, voice louder this time, although it threatened to break under the strain caused by her distress. He looked at the pitiful figure she cut, and found himself robbed of the words of explanation that he owed her.

My beautiful, brave Rose, if only I could make you understand how much this hurts me too.

He reached out a hand to touch her face, but she flinched as he drew near, a tiny flame of anger flickering dangerously inside her. It saddened him, hurt him, to know that he would never be able to touch her again, to hold her in his arms like he had done so many times before. He could see her delicate body start to tremble again, but this time there was nothing he could do, because this time he was the cause.

"You still haven't answered me Doctor. Why would you want to take me home? Aren't I good enough any more? Have you found someone better, Sarah Jane or someone, and now you don't have room for me any more, is that it? Answer me!"

Her anger grew with every word, and by the end she was practically yelling at him. Then, when he didn't offer her an immediate answer, she took a step back towards him, balled up her fists and began to pound them as hard as she could against his chest, tears finally falling. He just stood there, showing no sign of pain or emotion as she continued to hit him, over and over, until she was drained of her anger and left only with her overwhelming grief. She sunk to the floor, sobbing loudly as she rocked steadily back and forth, absolutely distraught.

"I'm sorry Rose," he said quietly "but I have to. I don't want to, but I have to, because-"

I love you, and I can't risk losing you to Death, not because of me.

"-I promised your mum I would keep you safe and I honestly don't know if I can any more, not after what's just happened."

"Cos we both nearly got killed you mean? There's nothing new there Doctor, that happens all the time, why's this any different?"

She wiped furiously at her damp eyes as she spoke, but made no attempt to get back up on her feet.

"It's different this time because- oh, it just is, alright? I'm taking you home and that's all there is to it. I'm sorry Rose, but you can't fight me on this; I've made up my mind. You should go and pack; we both know how many pairs of shoes you have hoarded away in the closet. If you start now, you might be able to sort them all out before we arrive."

He tried to walk away from her, but a shaking hand shot out and grabbed his ankle before he could take more than a step away from her.

"I ain't going Doctor" she said, the tone of her voice and the look in her eyes defiant, "not until you tell me why you really want me to go. I know you're lying, 'cos you've never cared about anything my mum has said to you before. Besides, the stuff you said about my shoes is rubbish; I've only got a couple of pairs. I know for a fact that most of the shoes in that closet are yours, part of your 'uniform'. I'm another part of your uniform, but I won't let you chuck me like an old pair of shoes. I want an answer Doctor, an honest answer. Why are you taking me home?"

She looked up at him through reddened eyes, and he was captivated again, trapped under her spell.

My God, she's even beautiful when she cries. You can tell her, you know you want to. Maybe then she'll understand why you have to do this. Just tell her how much you-

NO! If I do that, I'm bound to lose her. I'm not taking that risk, not a chance, she's far too precious.

Returning to reality after his brief mental argument, he gently shook his foot from her grasp and walked steadily away from her, pausing at the doorway, through which lay his and Rose's rooms.

"I'm not arguing over this with you Rose because it won't make a difference. But don't think it's because I don't care, because I do, I really do. It's just time for a change of uniform, that's all."

He disappeared through the doorway and in to his room. She lost all hold of her fragile self control and began to cry again, louder this time, still sat on the floor of the TARDIS, distraught and alone. She didn't realise, couldn't realise, that she wasn't the only one to feel that way; the Doctor was just a far better actor, with more rehearsals under his belt.

A new uniform? Really, that was uncalled for, far too cruel. You could have been gentler you know. Besides, there's nothing wrong with your uniform, you like the fit of this one. Perhaps you even could go so far as to say you love it. Rose Tyler, you love her, don't you?

A single tear rolled down his cheek. Sighing heavily, he brushed it softly away.

I love her. I love Rose Tyler. That's why I have to let her go.

A/N: I would love to know what you think of this chapter. I hope it's not too slow! Anyway, I'm still finding my feet here in terms of characterisation and things, so if you could spare the time to drop a review and let me know how I'm doing, it would be very much appreciated! All readers are appreciated, all reviews treasured, so if you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please do let me know and I'l get back to you as soon as I can.

Until next time...

SmileyHalo