She couldn’t remember in reverse, but she was intuitive enough to know that separation – in one form or another – was always imminent. She thought she’d lost him so many times already, but somehow it never ceased to hurt. Her own heart was beginning to crack under the pressure of so many unknowns.
Being with The Doctor was painful, in its own way. But being without him… no, she’d tried that. She would endure. She would splinter from within before she could even think of giving him up.
She might meet someone she can’t bear to lose. That happens, I believe.
A lump rose in Clara’s throat, her eyes burning as they traced the lean line of her Doctor. He was still busying himself with things that didn’t need doing, quick, precise movements. He wasn’t filling the silence, this time. Perhaps he was tired. She knew she was.
It was no surprise when they landed in her flat, the door opening into her bedroom with a snap of his fingers. He must have changed her coordinates. She was too knackered to care.
He gave a tight lipped smile. “Thought you might like a rest.”
She looked between him and the open door. “Trying to get rid of me, already?”
He frowned. “It’s been a busy day. Humans need rest.” He began punching coordinates into the computer. “If you’re up for another trip already, there’s a lovely sunset on the planet of the Valdeen. Lasts three days and it’s got colors you’ll never find on Earth…” He looked up, questioningly.
Clara smiled. “Tell you what, why don’t we both have just a quick rest and then go watch that sunset?” She closed the space between them and took his hand.