Disclaimer: I own nothing.

So, I can't just let that last chapter stand alone. Go figure. Only I could turn a one-shot into a full story.

Our beloved Rose Tyler has found her Doctor, and he still loves her! Anyone ready to find out why she sought him out?

Sit back and enjoy!

Love always,

Avoline

"Why did you look for me?"

He watched her, now dressed in her normal clothes. Normally, he would be worried that the walls of the universe were collapsing. She had reassured him twenty times that they walls of the universe were fine, that she just needed to find him.

Which meant something was wrong with her.

"Just know that I needed you," she answered evasively, sinking into one of the chairs. He moved to stand in front of her and knelt down.

"Rose," he breathed. "Talk to me, please." She sighed and met his gaze.

"They're gone," she whispered. "All gone. Tony died of SIDS, and Mum couldn't handle it. She..." She took a deep breath and looked away.

"You don't have to say it, love," he soothed. "What about John, and your dad, and Mickey?"

"Dad was upgraded," she continued. "Cyberman plant in Sydney. Mickey was shot by a man trying to mug him. John..." She covered her face, a choked sob reaching his ears. "He broke his arm, and the hospitals were still trying to get back on their feet. It was such a horrible break; the bone was sticking out of his skin. It got infected..." He felt a dull ache form in his chest.

She had lost everyone. The only person she had left was him. The poor thing literally had no one left she could turn to but him. For once in his life, the Doctor was the only family anyone had left.

"Oh, Rose, I'm so sorry," he comforted, hoping to ease her pain. She reached for him, and he returned the embrace. "I'm so, so sorry. I thought that you guys would be safe and happy. I should have known better."

"It's not your fault," she sobbed. "It was unavoidable. I just never thought it would happen to me." He petted her hair as she cried, her tears soaking into his jacket. How could she not blame him? He had promised her that she would be safe and happy. It had all backfired, though, and now she was alone. He held her closer to him.

"I won't let you leave again," he promised. "I won't leave you again. You're here to stay." She sniffed and turned her head so that they were facing each other.

"Promise," she pleaded. He gave her a gentle peck on the lips.

"Cross both my hearts," he replied. "You're not going anywhere without me." She smiled at him, and he could see the relief in her eyes. "I made a mistake. I should have known better. I won't make that mistake again." She leaned up and kissed his cheek.

"It wasn't a mistake," she murmured. "Things happen. We can't always be prepared." She sighed and sat up, meeting his eyes again. "And you were right. He needed me to help make him better. And he was better." He chuckled and combed a lock of hair behind her ear.

"Leave it to you to find a way to make it all better," he mused. She started laughing, and soon the both of them were laughing like old times. "I've missed you so much, Rose Tyler."

"As have I," she echoed. "There's one thing you have yet to say." He gave her a confused look. "You said two words. I want to hear the full sentence." He let out a bark of laughter.

"Does it really need saying," he answered.

"Yes, it does," she insisted. He leaned forward, his lips near her ear.

"Rose Tyler, I love you, and I always will," he breathed into her ear. She shivered, and he gently kissed her jawline. It had been to long for him, and he was sure it was the same for her. He was shocked at the sudden change in his thoughts, but he wasn't about to change them again. He kissed down her jaw to her chin, then kissed her lips again.

"Doctor," she sighed. "Please, I don't..." He pulled back, realizing he was moving too fast for her.

"Sorry, love," he soothed. "Moving too fast?" She nodded.

"I'm sorry," she muttered. "I'm still a little shaken. Everything's so different."

"I know. Your hair's longer."

"So is yours." He grinned. "And you're skinnier." His smile started to fade.

"So are you," he mused. "Rose, have you been eating right?" She quickly looked away. "Rose." Her breaking started to quiver, as well as her hands. "Rose, why?"

"I don't eat when I'm depressed," she explained quietly. "When I'm stressed or freaking out inside, I eat like crazy. But when I'm depressed, I just can't make myself eat." He turned her face and tenderly kissed her head.

"You don't have to be depressed anymore," he cooed. "You don't have to go there anymore. I'm here now. I won't leave your side. I won't let you go."

Never again.