Set after The Satan Pit.


Part Three:

As soon as they dropped Ida, Danny and Zach off, the Doctor turned the TARDIS towards a random, quiet planet nearby, where he knew they'd be safe for the night. After the adventure they've just gone through, they were both exhausted and in desperate need of sleep.

As soon as they landed, Rose left the console room, hurrying towards her own room. Too many feelings were fighting for dominance inside her mind, and the only thing she wanted was to shut them all up and get some sleep. After a quick shower she lay down in her bed, wearing her favourite pyjamas and wrapping herself tightly in her warm blanket. The TARDIS started making calming hamming noises, trying to help her relax.

Within a few minutes she was asleep.


In the console room, the Doctor was looking at one of the monitors, following Rose's sleep. He knew she wouldn't like that if she ever found out, but at the same time, he felt a strong, overpowering need to make sure she's sleeping well. At least that night, after everything they've gone through on the impossible planet.

She's fine, The TARDIS tried to calm him. He shook his head slightly. She's right here and she's fine. Get some sleep yourself.

In a minute, He responded, his eyes following her every breath. He had to know she was alright first; had to know she's safe and asleep in her bed…

And then she screamed.

Within a heartbeat he was running towards her room. He didn't even stop to think before opening the door and turning the lights on, already mumbling soothing words to startled Rose. At first she stared at him, shocked and unsure what was happening, but as the memories of her nightmare slowly filled her mind, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, shivering in his arms.

"Rose," He whispered, hugging her just as tightly, "It's okay. It was just a dream. You're safe."

She nodded against his shoulder, barely managing to stop herself from crying. She dreamed about the Satan creature and dying in battle, being left behind by the Doctor. She knew it was just a nightmare, but it was so realistic that it filled her with such terror she's never felt.

Sensing that, the Doctor continued speaking, knowing she needed something to take her mind off it. "You're in the TARDIS, just like you should be. And I'm right here with you. Nothing happened. You're safe. It was just a nightmare. I promise. Whatever it was, I'm not gonna let it happen to you."

"But what if we can't stop it?" She whispered, tears making their way down her cheeks. "What if it has to happen?"

His muscles clenched for a moment as he shook his head. "No." His voice was dark, the tone of voice she'd only heard when he faced the Daleks. The Oncoming Storm's voice. "I'm not gonna let it happen."

"Doctor," She pulled back slightly to look into his eyes. "What if he was right? What if I'm going to die in battle?"

His brown eyes met hers, silently telling her he'd fight the entire universe if he has to in order to keep her safe with him. "Remember the promise I made to you?" He asked, surprising her. His eyes were still dark and filled with emotions, but his voice was calm. "Remember what I promised?"

She nodded. "But what if we can't stop it?" She repeated, looking at him through a shade of tears.

Understanding he won't be able to calm her just by talking, the Doctor gently let go of her and held his fingers against her temples. Knowing what he intended to do, she nodded, silently giving him permission to create the telepathic link. The moment she nodded, he connected his mind with hers, looking for the nightmare she'd had.

She stared at him, wide eyed, as he took her memories of the nightmare and showed her how many ways there were to change it. He was filled with confidence and she could feel his determination running through him; his decision to never let her go weaved permanently into his whole existence. Underneath his constant pain and his newly-formed anger towards whoever-it-was-that-tried-to-take-her-away she could feel his softness, reassuring her he would keep his promise, no matter what happens.

It's you and me, his emotions, which he channelled to her, seemed to be telling her. The Doctor and Rose in the TARDIS. I won't let them break us apart, no matter what.

And then his hands moved away and the link was broken, leaving her feeling somewhat empty.

His eyes, looking at her, were no longer the Oncoming Storm's eyes – they were filled with softness, holding a silent promise. There was a certain vulnerability in them, as if he was showing her a part of himself he'd never showed anyone else, and Rose immediately wanted to hug him. Instead, she let him take her hands, still looking at her.

"I don't care what he said," He said quietly, his hands gently holding hers. "I don't care who and what he was. If there's one thing I know-" If there's one thing I believe in, I believe in her! "-It's that I won't let anything take you away. I won't leave you behind, no matter what happens."

She nodded slowly, her eyes still filled with tears. "The Doctor and Rose in the TARDIS," She whispered.

He smiled. "Exactly."

Slowly, she returned him a smile, prompting him to smile wider. "Do you think we could… I dunno, watch a movie or something?" She asked shyly.

Knowing he needed the break after the day's events just as much as she did, he nodded. "Sure. But it's my turn to pick."

She grinned at him as she got up. "You picked the last time around!"

He pouted, making her laugh. "But we didn't even watch it!"

"It's not my fault that you decided to land in the middle of a war!" She retorted, still laughing as she did.

"Oi!" Despite the tone of his voice, he grinned at her, taking one of her hands with his. His smile, just like his eyes, held the same silent promise he made all that time ago – the Doctor and Rose in the TARDIS, together forever.