Just the two of us

Written by Loverly Souris

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Grief and gratitude

Grief

Nobody could see the TARDIS hidden behind the delicate branches of the willow tree. They were standing on the edge of the black crowd – he looked over all those people and he was amazed how many loved her. But then again, knowing her, it wasn't amazing at all.

She was uniquely wonderful.

He felt a hand on his wrist, squeezing softly, and he glanced down at the girl beside him. She was so similar to her – loving, brave, stubborn but gentle at the same time. Beautiful. Loyal.

And for some unfathomable reason, both of them were utterly devoted to him.

He laced their fingers together and lifted their hands to his mouth. He placed a brief, grateful kiss on her skin – he was glad he didn't have to do this alone. He knew she would be happy too. She'd always said he needed a companion, even after they'd left each other.

The crowd slowly started to walk away. Long, painfully long minutes later, they were alone with the headstones. He wanted to turn and run away, but she held his hand firmly and pulled him towards the grave. She was so like her. Always so strong.

They stood, staring at the heap of flowers and the name modestly carved into the greyish marble. She let go of his hand and he stepped closer, tenderly placing his palm on the cold stone.

That was when the tears finally arrived.

"Hello, Sarah Jane," he whispered.

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Gratitude

Sometimes, when the burden of thousand lives was too much to bear, Clara snapped.

It was frightening and painful. She started speaking in languages she didn't even know existed – she craved food she hated before – she forgot that her name was not "Clare" or "Carla" or any other variant of "Clara". Fortunately, these schizophrenic attacks gradually subsided and the Doctor was hopeful. She was his impossible girl after all – he knew she would heal.

However, one day a particularly strong consciousness swam up to the surface of her mind.

Someone whom he'd never seen properly but always wanted to.

"Hello, Chin boy. Remember me?"

The Doctor spun and stared at Clara. She never called him that and her eyes, they didn't have such a mischievous glint in them either – not like that anyway. Her smile was different as well, it was still very kind, but somehow... flirtier. He recognized her. Of course he did. "Oswin?"

More gentleness in her smile and her eyes. "How are you? Did you behave well?"

The Doctor went to her and wrapped his arms around her. "Oswin... I couldn't even say thank you for what you did for us. For me."

The girl reached up and stroked the back of his neck. "Shut up. You'd have done the same."

"I will never be able to repay you, Oswin."

"You already did. But if you are that eager..." And with that, she stood on the tip of her toes and captured his lips in a fierce but loving kiss. He tried to hold onto her as long as he could, but soon he felt her slip further and further. He kissed her harder until she broke away with a grin.

"Take care of us, Doctor," she said as her mouth eased into a tender smile once again.

Then Oswin disappeared and Clara collapsed into his arms.

She was the last one.

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Thank you for reading! :)

Also, thank you everyone for the prompts! I chose the winners – you'll see them on Saturday. :)