She wakes to darkness around her, gasping. It feels like it's suffocating her; she can't see anything and her breathing is irregular. Nightmares like the one she's just had are becoming increasingly common the more she sees while discovering time and space.
A hand takes hers in the dark. She's startled at first, before a voice accompanies it.
"I'm here," the Doctor reassures her quietly. Rose sighs in relief. He's been staying by her side while she sleeps for a while now, just in case of times like this. He moves closer and gently wraps his arms around her.
"Thank you," Rose whispers after a moment. She rests her head on his shoulder.
"I'll always be here," the Doctor promises. His words echo through Rose's mind as she drifts off to sleep in his embrace.