don't let him see the damage

by lvamp1192

River tries so hard to keep things from the doctor in an effort to keep some of the burden off his hearts, but the doctor isn't stupid and knows something is tearing at river's soul. What happens when the doctor finally finds the secret she tried so hard to hide. Trigger warning self harm.

5. Chapter 5

I grabbed my arm away from him and pulled my sleeve down refusing with every inch of make eye contact. I couldn't deal with the guilt in his eyes the broken look that I knew his face was wearing, one it wore all too often across many different faces. It felt like years had passed as I stood with silent tears running down my face.

"River, my River." His whisper finally broke the silence.

"Doctor…I…"

My thought was interrupted by the unmistakable sound of the Tardis landing .

"That's my ride sweetie. They'll miss me if I'm gone too long."

"I know, but this is not over. River I-"

"I know sweetie as do I."

I watched her enter her cell the air still thick between us. The Tardis took off again just floating through dead space, while I paced the room back and forth. I had to figure out how to help Melody Pond and the secrets that held both her skin and mind hostage. I could save whole planets and negotiate peace talks across the galaxy but none of that prepared me for the stubbornness that Melody had inherited from Amelia Pond. Both such independent creatures but who needed companionship as much as I knew I did, though neither of us liked to admit it.