From a tumblr prompt asking for "Top of head kisses"

Good-Bye

The door clicks behind him, and the Doctor is still. Distantly, he can start to hear the rain start to fall, and he realizes earth is putting itself back together again. A trip through the universe and back again is bound to have some effects, maybe even long-lasting. But it'll work out. It will survive, even if it will be altered.

Just like its savior.

He inhales, staring down at her, at Donna, his best mate. She who burned so brightly and saved everyone. All at a terrible price. A price he'd forced her to make. It was better than the alternative.

But was it?

He exhales, his jaw twitching and his hair starting to fall. No, it wasn't right. She didn't want that. She'd begged for him not to do it. He knows he'll never get her pleading, scared, dying voice out of his head for the rest of his regenerations and then some.

But how could he allow the universe the brilliance of Donna Noble?

He shakes his head, his stomach tightening and his hearts pounding. She'll be waking up soon, and he cannot be here for that. It would be a disaster. For if she did remember him, there would be no second chance. So, he has to leave, but first he has to explain to her family what's happened. His eyes narrow as he thinks of her mother. He has to break through to her. Maybe, just maybe, Sylvia can help her daughter rebuild and see how amazing she is. If nothing else, he has to do that for Donna.

He cannot leave her thinking she's nothing.

Pulling his hands over his pocket, he steps closer. She's so still and quiet. That makes his throat tighten all the more. Donna Noble, silent. What he wouldn't give to hear her shout at him one last time. Shout and then smile at him, making him feel silly and free. Or she'd make him laugh, and his pain would be dimmed for a moment. All that she's done for him, how happy she made him.

And he took it all away.

She shifts, and he freezes. He really has to leave. But he cannot resist. He leans over and smooths away some of her hair. He's always loved her hair. He once always wanted to be ginger, but now…he doesn't deserve it.

He closes his eyes and presses his lips to her forehead. It's all can give her at the moment, but he'll find a way to give her more. To give her everything. Maybe even cure her. But for the moment, this is all he has.

Hovering over her, he sighs. "Be happy," he whispers before he straightens.

It kills him to do it, but he turns away from her and heads to the door, ready to face her family.