Summary: He has never said those three words to her face.
Pairing: Ten/Rose
A/N: Thank you so much to all who have added this story to their favourites and follows so far and a huge thanks to Angeldolphin01and MirrorFlower and Darkwind for reviewing the previous chapter. You guys rock!

Those Words

He has never said those three words to her face.

Instead, he whispers them in her ear once her breaths have evened out and he knows she is deep in the throes of sleep. Watches as a small smile spread across her face and feels a matching smile spread across his own face, before he pulls her a little closer, closes his eyes and waits for sleep to overwhelm him as well.

He hugs her a little tighter and breathes them out so quietly, he cannot even hear it himself. Feels her heart beating fast and strong in her chest, feels every inhale and exhale, her hands arms around his neck, all reminding him that she is here, so wonderfully, beautifully alive.

He strokes her cheek gently and the words echo in his mind with each beat of his hearts. Sees her eyes shine with happiness as she holds his hand and for a moment it is just the two of them together, enjoying one quiet, selfish moment where none of the Universe matters.

He kisses her so tenderly, his arms wrapped around her gently stroking her back and hopes - oh he hopes - she understands just how much she means to him. He rests his forehead against hers and hopes she can see it in his eyes, hopes she can see just how badly he needs her, how much better she has made him. Hopes, she knows that he would be so lost without her hand to guide him through the darkness. Through the horror, the guilt, the bloody fog that constantly resides at the edge of his mind, threatening to overtake him.

He fears a time when she is no longer with him. What will become of him then? Will he become a broken soldier once again or will he simply give up, no longer having any strength left inside him to carry through the day?

But for now, he has this blessed time with her. However long or short time it is, he is determined to make every second, every one of these precious moments count.

Because he loves her.