The Doctor had left Rose on his own bed. His room was the closest to the middle of the ship, and although he knew he could have left her next to the open control room door without danger, leaving her in his room felt somehow safer. Now he and Jack were standing in the open TARDIS doorway, along with a very confused Ianto Jones.

"Leaving already?" the Doctor asked, smiling.

"Yeah, I've got stuff to sort out here. That lot, for starters," he said, almost regretfully, pointing at a few officers who were still gathered a short distance away. "I'm sorry, about the hitting you and all," he added.

"It's okay. I understand. I've been feeling the same way about the TARDIS for the last few days…" He held out a hand, and Jack shook it.

"See you round, maybe? Now you know where I am there's no excuse for not sending a Christmas card."

"Sure you're not coming?" Jack nodded. The Doctor smiled at them both, then turned and walked into the TARDIS, waving as he closed the door. Jack and Ianto watched them disappear, and walked away, towards the group of policeman.

"Sir, can I ask a personal question?"

"Yes, I did. Still do, I suppose." Jack grinned at Ianto, who just nodded and smiled sadly. "Miss him like Hell. They don't need me around, though, especially not now."

"What happened in there, anyway?"

"Long story. I'll tell you sometime." Jack stopped in his tracks. "Shit. I never checked." Ianto looked away, flushing, as Jack suddenly pulled at the buttons on his shirt and put a hand to his chest; first one side, then the other. His face fell. "Still there," he muttered, almost sadly. "Oh, well. All the more reason for him to come back for me."

Jack didn't mention the part about how Rose had been dying. Whether it was because he didn't want to scare Ianto, or because he didn't want to scare himself, he wasn't sure. He just mentally crossed his fingers and plastered on his best grin, then prepared to charm the pants off the policemen.

-

Inside the TARDIS, the Doctor walked away from the controls, leaving the ship to her own devices, and made for his room. He wanted to be there when Rose woke up.

Just so he could make sure she was okay.