Oneshot. From tumblr prompt. Based off the song "Pompeii" by Bastille.
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Clara had a difficult time adjusting to the Doctor, after he regenerated, after her changed. He appeared entirely different. His whole body changed. He looked older, and he had icy blue eyes and silver curls. The days of the protruding chin and bowties she fell in love with were gone; replaced with an angry Scotsman.
Not only was his outside appearance different, but his personality, everything, was new as well. The Doctor didn't appear innocent anymore. He knew how harsh and cold the world was and he wasn't going to try to hide it. He gave off the impression he didn't care for anyone anymore. Though, if he truly didn't care, why would he continue saving everyone?
There were little things in the Doctor, Clara noticed, that didn't change with the rest of him. He still saved everyone, he still cared (though he said he didn't), and he still looked at her the same way, often when he assumed she didn't notice. But she did. Even if his eyes were a different color, she still noticed the pupil dilation.
The 'new' Doctor said he didn't do hugs. Complete opposite of his previous self who would often sweep Clara into his arms whenever he got the chance. Now the Doctor flinched every time she touched him.
And then once, they were making their way back to the TARDIS after witnessing a rather gruesome massacre on an alien planet. The Doctor had tried everything to stop it, but seemingly failed. Clara was in shambles from watching hundreds of helpless creatures slaughtered before her eyes. The Doctor found her crying in her bedroom later in the night. He quickly scooped her into his arms and gently rocked her. They sat in silence until Clara had finally calmed down. She wasn't sure if it was being held by the Doctor again, or maybe the familiar scent he always had, but she fell asleep in his arms. As she was drifting into sleep, she felt the Doctor press a gentle kiss on the top of her forehead, the way he used to.