Rose walked down the TARDIS halls and paused at a small door. Raising her hand, she knocked softly on it twice. No voice called out, but as an answer, the door slid back. Rose walked inside and looked around.

The study was one of Rose's favorite rooms. It was painted a deep red, with dark green furniture and brown tables spread out on the floor. Book cases, filled with so many stories, lined the walls and at the end of the small room was a burning hearth. A small couch lay facing the fire, and Rose saw the hunched form of the Doctor sitting on it.

The Doctor sat staring into the fire, his elbows on his knees, and his head in his hands. The fire danced in his eyes, casting shadows on his face. Rose made her was over to him, cautiously, and sat down beside him.

"Doctor?" she asked softly. "Are you alright?"

The Doctor blinked and slowly turned his head to her. He raised his eyebrows and leaned back against the couch.

"Rose? Sorry, I didn't hear you come in," he rubbed the back of his neck. "You haven't been here for long, have you?"

"No," Rose smiled. "I just popped in."

"Oh, okay," he said and turned back to the fire. Rose watched his face, trying to pick out his emotion. For the first time in a very long while, he looked tired. His eyes were heavy lidded and each blink was slow.

"What do you think it was?" Rose said, guessing what was on his mind.

"No idea," the Doctor sighed looking back over at her.

"Do you think it's still out there?"

The Doctor's gaze flicked away and he said nothing.

"Well it's good you told them," Rose looked at the fire. "Them lot."

"Yeah, they can build a Leisure Palace somewhere else," the Doctor said in a cold tone. "Let this planet keep on turning around an Xtonic star, in silence."

"What," Rose began. "How was—what did it feel like? When she had taken your voice, did it, did you…?"

Rose trailed off and looked to the Doctor as he brought his hands up, rubbing his temples and covering his face.

"I'm sorry," Rose said. "I shouldn't have—"

"No, no," the Doctor whispered. "It's alright."

He took a deep breath and Rose saw that he was shaking slightly.

"It felt," the Doctor paused. "It felt cold, and alone. Like, like an echo. I felt frozen in time, and I was frozen. All I could do was sit there, watching and repeating, not feeling anything or hearing anyone. All I heard was her, in my head, taking my words. It-it… it hurt. I guess that's what I'm trying to say."

The Doctor buried his face in his palms, taking deep breaths. Rose was silent, remembering what had happened on that car, only hours ago. She wanted to say something to comfort him, but couldn't get anything out before he spoke again.

"Rose," the Doctor's voice was barely above a whisper. "Could you… I mean, you don't have to, but… can you stay with me tonight?" He raised his head but didn't look directly at her. "I just… I don't want to be alone."

The Doctor looked at her fully now. Tears were shining faintly in his eyes and he looked so scared. Alone.

"Of course I can," Rose murmured and gave him a small smile. He returned her smile faintly before reaching out so he could wrap his arms around her middle, his head nestled in the crook of her neck. Rose held him close, rubbing small circles on his back as she rested her chin atop his head.

"I'm sorry, Doctor," she said quietly. "I'm sorry I couldn't stop them. It's all my fault. I didn't stop them from taking you… I'm so sorry."

The Doctor was silent and Rose squeezed her eyes shut, holding back new tears. Then he pulled away partly and whispered, "There is nothing for you to apologize about. It's not your fault, okay? Rose, look at me. I'm fine, see? Everything is alright now."

Rose looked up into his tired face and he gave her a gentle smile. Leaning forward he pressed his lips to her cheek for a few moments before hugging her close to him once more.

"It's alright," he repeated, leaning back and gently pulling her with him against the couch. "We're safe now. That's all that matters."

Rose rested her head against his chest as they lay together on the sofa. The rhythmic dual heartbeats of the Time Lord played softly in her ear and she allowed herself a faint smile.

The Doctor kissed her head softly a few times, nuzzling her hair with his nose and cuddling her gently. Before them the fire glowed, the flames dancing and curling as if blown by an invisible wind.

"We'll always be okay, you and I," Rose murmured. "Won't we?"

"Always," the Doctor reassured her softly. Something nagged him at the back of his mind, something he knew he should be concerned about. A storm was coming; he could feel it brewing in the future. But the Doctor pushed the thought away. He wasn't going to worry about that now. Right now, all he needed was Rose, to have her close to him.

"We'll always be okay," he whispered.

A/N: Thanks for reading and for the comments! Human Nature is up next is last episode of this series! I hope you've all enjoyed it!