Clara is staring at him, pondering.
She is addicted to this life: the months they stood apart were awful, one dull day after the other, nothing to wait for, nothing to discover, nothing to run toward. She thought she could definitely loose her mind with nothing to do but remember.
Now the Doctor was one step away, he came in her dream to save her once more and she was again in the Tardis, alive and with the heart thudding loudly.
She stares at him, taking in his narrow face, his wrinkles, his gray hair, and she thinks he is the most powerful sight she has ever seen in her life.
All those months alone, thinking at the swirling events of her recent life and understanding so many things: Danny and the Doctor.
The man with reassuring eyes and square shoulders to lean on and be cuddle from.
The man with the murderous eyebrows and the rough edges to be scared of and be burnt by.
The quiet breeze and the oncoming storm.
She had loved Danny, and she was devastated by his death, but the truth was that she was in love with the Doctor, she always had been and no matter the regeneration, she would always be in love with the mad man in a box.
Caring too much is a disadvantage.
Yes, maybe, but caring too much is what makes you alive and ready to fight.
“I was alone”
“So was I”
“I don’t care if I care too much”
“That is a bit confusing, but if you say so”
“Don’t you dare make fun of me! I missed you so much I thought I could go crazy!”
“Your eyes are getting huge again… and, and… all watery”
“It’s because I’m about to cry, you maddening alien!”
Another pause to steady themselves, to calm down their breathing, to regain a little bit of control.
Another step toward one another, slowly leaning forward.
Don’t be afraid.
Don’t fly away.
Stay with me.
He looks at her and sees the impossible woman who’s always been with him throughout his long life, like a guardian angel.
She looks at him and sees the impossible man with the universe in his hands as an offer for her to enjoy.
They reach for each other: his hand cups her face, her hand rests on his hearts.