A/N: Semi short teaser chapter (not really teaser, just short) But in an effort to keep the next chapter a reasonable size, I decided to split it here. The second bit is mostly drafted, so the wait should be much shorter. Possibly freakishly shorter. We'll see how my night owl writing goes.

My forehead was determinedly pressed against the hard wall, despite the throbbing headache. I was crying, because of course I was. But I sort of got the feeling that this wasn't a happy Disney movie where the heroine's tears magically saved the day and made all her problems go away.

Sure, because that's why there were stupid useless tears sliding down my cheeks.

Also, I'd have to be a heroine. That was an issue all on its own, because I can't hero shit. On top of that, literally nothing ever ended happy for me. Miracles or no. I'd just gotten nearly everyone I cared about killed. Where the fuck was the happy there?

Well, there go the waterworks again.

I pressed my cheek against the cool metal, just in case.

No dice. A Disney princess I was not.

Of course, it wasn't just wallowing in my own misery that kept me pressed against the wall, though that was a good portion of it. I was also just plain exhausted. Everything felt wobbly, and tired, and hurt. If I stepped away from the wall, there was a very real possibility that I'd fall down and die.

And at this point, it was almost tempting to do so.

But there was Donna. I had to tell Donna. Maybe she could…no, don't get your stupid hopes up. She can't just un-vanish people. Just find her and…try not to die in the meantime. That was a nice short-term goal I felt I could handle. Hopefully.

"Fitz? Blimey, what are you still doing here?" I spun around, half a sob catching in my throat. I knew that voice. Sure enough, there was a floppy haired doofus standing behind me. Looking at me like I was the ridiculous one. Okay, I probably did look a little ridiculous with my puffy face and runny nose. But still. If anyone's getting the stink eye, it's the dude in the bow tie who just magically appeared out of thin fucking air.

"You're…" I croaked, taking a step toward him, and then another. No total collapse yet. That was a good start. I got close enough to poke him, just to be sure he was really there. "You…where the hell did you go?" It wasn't my normal full shouting volume, but my furious glare more than made up for it.

"The main control room. Where did you think we'd gone off to?" He looked like he was considering taking a step back, probably because the hand that hadn't poked at him was clenched in a fist.

"We?" I squeaked, the remaining husk of hope I had hidden away fluttered to life like a one-winged moth. Jack appeared around the corner, supporting the Professor over his shoulder. I let out a shaky breath. "I thought you were all dead, idiot." I swatted at the Doctor, but there was very little strength behind it. The Doctor had the decency to look sorry. That was something.

"There," Jack said as he saw me. "She's fine. Now stop muttering your threats at me under your breath or I'll carry you the rest of the way like my bride." The Professor managed to lift his head, he looked like a corpse warmed over, but he did look alive.

"Ah, yes. Sorry about the whole disappearing act. Wasn't much time to explain, but, we're not dead," he said, attempting to paste a grin on his face. "So there is that." I swatted at him again, but that was more effort than my body was ready for and I tumbled forward. "Yes," the Doctor said, as he caught me in his arms. "I see you're still very upset about the whole thing. Let's get to the medical bay before the Professor bleeds out and you…well, I'm not entirely sure what your complication works out to be, but you look about four minutes away from total system failure, so let's not push it, shall we?" I slipped down in his grip instead of responding, so he hoisted me up. Huzzah, I get to be carried like the bride. Isn't that fun and not humiliating at all.

Frankly, I was too tired to worry about it. "But," I moaned, my head rolling on my noodle neck. "I'm not done yelling at you." My words sounded slurred even to me. Apparently, my relief at finding everyone alive had told the rest of my body it was alright to shut everything down. Well, everyone but Ailla. That was something I'd have to deal with later.

"And we're all looking forward to that," Jack said cheerfully as he walked with us down the hall, half dragging the Professor.

"Just….just remember…" my tongue felt like lead in my mouth, but it seemed important to keep talking. " Remember you're all idiots." I thought I had something more poignant to say there. God I hope I don't die, because, despite being totally true, those would be some crap last words.

"Duly noted." The Doctor said from somewhere above me, but I couldn't see him anymore because it was definitely naptime.