Of course you can't. You wouldn't be who you are otherwise. And I love who you are.
[He reaches up and grips her hand in his, pressing kisses to her fingertips. His heart aches, yes, but somehow he can't bring himself to be apart from her.]
No. You don't need to go. I...I'm not sure what I want exactly, but I know I don't want you to go away.
I don't want to go, either. [But it's still awkward and she hates that strangeness, the odd foreign element of it that hits her in the gut. She'll never understand it, she knows that. But she loves him and that's not something that can be undone.] Today, then, tonight [her eyes search his face] where and what do you wish me?
[He wishes he could take it all away. He wishes he could just be happy. And maybe he will, in time. For now, it stings. He can't help it. It just does, and nobody will be able to convince him that he doesn't somehow deserves this.
Eight swallows and his fingers squeeze hers gently.]
The only way I leave you is if you tell me to go. [Leaning into him, she can't help but bury herself against him, her lips against his jawline.] I do not like leaving you alone.
I am selfish, too. I know I am. [Her fingertips touch the corners of his lips gently, carefully. She's quiet for a moment and then moves until she's facing him, straddling his lap, her hands cradling his face as she stares into his eyes for a long moment. And then she laughs.]
You're as bad as I am about that, Doctor. [Ril drops a kiss against his lips.] I think 'sometimes' in that sentence must mean something entirely different. [Her words are a soft tease.]
[Still, feelings churn around inside him, but he pushes it all down. What good would it do? His bruised ego is not enough of an ache to cause her such pain.
He forces another smile and rests his forehead against hers.]
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[He reaches up and grips her hand in his, pressing kisses to her fingertips. His heart aches, yes, but somehow he can't bring himself to be apart from her.]
No. You don't need to go. I...I'm not sure what I want exactly, but I know I don't want you to go away.
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[Her eyes close and she swallows.]
I am yours, Doctor, that will never change.
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Eight swallows and his fingers squeeze hers gently.]
Just...don't leave. Stay with me tonight.
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I've had centuries alone, Ril.
[He relaxes a bit and chuckles.]
And you're going to have to leave me alone sometime, if I'm to share my time with you.
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I know, I know. But I don't like leaving you alone, all the same. I worry.
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[There's a little shrug and a self-deprecating smile.]
But I can be selfish sometimes.
No need to worry about me. Even I can stay out of trouble...sometimes.
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You're as bad as I am about that, Doctor. [Ril drops a kiss against his lips.] I think 'sometimes' in that sentence must mean something entirely different. [Her words are a soft tease.]
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Yes, you're probably right.
[Still, feelings churn around inside him, but he pushes it all down. What good would it do? His bruised ego is not enough of an ache to cause her such pain.
He forces another smile and rests his forehead against hers.]
Never forget I love you, will you?
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[And there's a bright pause.]
Often and for a long, long time.
[Her fingertips stroke his cheeks gently.]
Very often.