Chapter 8 - Rose
Hours had gone by since Rose had gotten her cuppa and snuggled on the couch on the library. Her tea had long since gotten cold, but she was too comfortable to move. The fire was crackling cheerfully, and she had lain herself across the length of the couch with a variety of blankets. She was tempted to fall asleep right there.
There was no escape from the events of the day, they played relentlessly in her mind. Reinette's graceful entrances, the Doctor running back to her, waiting for him while strapped to the gurney. Looking back, it seemed like that had been the only thing she'd done all day, standing by and waiting for him.
He had come back, she kept reminding herself. That didn't mean it didn't hurt. She tried to swallow the emotions that began to build up in her throat. It did matter, and it did hurt. She sniffed loudly as tears began to well in her eyes. It didn't hurt that he'd left, because he had come back. It hurt that his first thought on returning was Reinette. For the first time in ages she felt unworthy. Like she wasn't good enough. Reinette had been so smart and graceful and beautiful. While she stood by with her jeans and tshirt, feeling clumsy and unwanted.
The door creaked, and out of the corner of her eye she saw him step inside, watching her hesitantly. She sat up, making room for him on the couch. As he stepped closer to the fire she gasped inwardly. He looked haggard, his face pale and hair sticking up everywhere. He sat on the edge, leaning his arms on his knees and staring into the fire.
"I'm sorry." she spoke quietly and sincerely. As much as it hurt, she hated seeing him like this. If it would take bringing Reinette back to make him happy again, she would do it in a heartbeat. He looked up at her sharply in surprise.
"For what?"
"Reinette." realization dawned on him and he nodded slightly.
"Thats what time does, doesn't it? Wither and destroy." his gaze returned to the fire and he sounded bitter. "You'd think I would be used to it by now." He sucked in his breath.
"If you were used to it you would be heartless." She scooted closer to him and laid a hand on his arm. "But you're not, and that is why you have me. Because even geniuses can't do it on their own." she forced a smile for him, hoping he'd believe it and cheer up. He patted her hand and smiled faintly back.
"Yeah."