Clara couldn't feel more surprised. More frozen...numb with shock. She gripped the rail with one hand for a support she didn't really need, trying to relieve the burning pressure forming behind her eyes.

"You're going to help me?" She clarified incredulously, hands twitching nervously at her sides.

"Why wouldn't I help you?" The Doctor questioned, glancing up from his attention on the console and throwing an absentminded hand in the air.

"Because of what I just did. I just..."

"You betrayed me, you betrayed my trust, you betrayed our friendship, you betrayed everything that I ever stood for. You let me down!" He growled, thick brow knitted with anger, yet sadness.

Clara drew in a shuddering breath, the salty tears burning her eyes and sliding down her cheeks once again. "Then why are you helping me?"

"Why?" He raised his eyebrows, finally emerging from behind the console to walk up to her with a confident stride. The anger vanished, replaced by an expression of simple...caring. The tiniest smile flickered across his face, and he fixed his gaze directly with hers. "Do you think that I care for you so little that something like betraying me would make a difference?"

The feeling returned, leaving Clara numb and possibly disoriented. Because...of course she hadn't heard that right. After all she'd done...she'd threatened him. Betrayed him. She should go to hell. But to the Doctor, it seemed that none of that mattered. As she saw the corner of his lips hitch up in a smile, her heart fluttered wildly, and she had to close her eyes. I don't deserve a friend like him.

She wanted to bury her face in her hands and let the tears flow freely. Let herself cry until her tears ran dry, and just allow it to hurt. But she'd already been enough of the whimpy, insecure woman the Doctor strived for her not to be. She let her eyes flutter open, sniffing, but kept her head lowered.

Only did she look up when she felt two cold hands gripping her shoulders. The Doctor stood just inches away, making more contact with her than he ever previously allowed. The weight of his stare more than his arms made her legs feel wobbly, as if she were to collapse right then and there.

But Clara wasn't even spared time to react as the Doctor pulled her close, inflicting a gasp of surprise. His long arms wrapped tightly, almost protectively around her shoulders, and he'd never seemed more content.

Clara's eyes widened briefly, but she found the burning pressure returning. With a choked sob, she leaned into his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist, feeling a sort of serenity she hadn't know she needed. She'd been so distant ever since Danny died. So...far away. Even from herself. She'd ignored the comments of condolences, the offered comforting hugs, and left the many sympathy cards unread and scattered around the kitchen. She hadn't realised until now how much she needed this. How much she needed him.

The Doctor smiled, resting his chin atop her chocolate hair-coated head. He hadn't realised how much he'd missed this. Missed her. Missed her hugs. She gave marvelous hugs. Out of habit, he found himself rubbing her back in a comforting manor, feeling her heart speed up against him.

"You okay?" He asked, never loosening his grip.

She nodded solemnly against his chest, eyes fluttering closed and completely relaxing into him. He supported most of her weight, allowing himself to just be swept away by the moment, before shaking his head vigorously and finally stepping back, gesturing to her face. "Now, time you got those eyes under control. We've got work to do."