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A/N: Just a short oneshot as part of a 100 prompts challenge. This prompt: I love you. Spoilers for Season 4 Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead. Enjoy

She wasn't quite sure why they never said it. After all, it was painfully obvious to everyone who had ever observed them. Perhaps it was because everyone fell in love with him at some point and he wasn't used to reciprocating the sentiment. But whatever the reason, as River Song gently smoothed the worn pages of her diary, she was struck with the desire to say the words. Of course, that would have to wait until the next time he appeared to whisk her off on a crazy adventure. She sighed and closed the book, placing it back on her nightstand. Waiting…it's ironic how some roles pass through the generations. It seems the Pond women will forever be waiting for their Doctor.

Suddenly there came a very particular noise and River smiled while shaking her head. He always seems to know when she needs him most. Sure enough, her Doctor was waiting outside the TARDIS wearing a new suit and the minute she stepped through the doors they were off. When they landed, for once there was no running, explosions, or other calamities. Instead there were beautiful crystal towers that sang and as River watched, the Doctor held her in his arms. The final song ended and River glanced up at him, shocked to find tears streaming down his face.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

He shook his head and smiled sadly in that way of his and whispered, "I love you."

River sucked in a breath and kissed him softly.

"I love you too."

When the Doctor dropped River back at her house, he left her with his sonic screwdriver and one last declaration of love. And the next week when she had his younger self handcuffed to a console and was waiting to face her death, her last thought was the look in her Doctor's eyes in the glow of crystal towers as he murmured those three little words.