Sorry, this is pretty short, especially given the wait. I've had a lot going on (pretty much involving major family issues and moving in with my grandparents) and this is the last week of the quarter. I'll try to update again before then, but don't be too shocked if there's not a new chapter up until next Friday. I'm not entirely happy with this chapter, but this is how it turned out after a few rewrites. Reviews or comments? Ideas?
I also want to give a huge thanks to Peeniss0314 for reviewing this fic so thoroughly – you're great.

Rose felt the Doctor's chest rise and fall underneath her hand, the rhythm too regular and steady. He was lying on his back, staring at some point above him vacantly. Her head lay on his shoulder and her hand pressed against his chest as if to prevent him from leaving. Judging by how stiff he was against her, perhaps she was.

For a moment he had given in, pulling her against him and allowing her to crush her lips against his. Then he had stiffened and gently, as if she might break or flee otherwise, pulled her away. He'd led her here, to her room, clearly planning on leaving her to her thoughts, but she'd caught his hand and forced him to stay. For once, she couldn't read the look in his eyes, but the brief glimpse she'd caught revealed anger and a steely line of self-hatred that hurt to see.

"You didn't tell me, even though you knew I might be hurt.". She propped herself up on an elbow to watch him – her tone wasn't reproachful or angry, but almost absent, as if thinking out loud.

"Yes…". He didn't allow the mask to break.

"Why?". Now he turned his head slightly, eyes focusing on hers. The pain she saw there was almost painful to look at.

"Because I wasn't sure until it was too late. Because I was trying to deny it myself… Because I knew that once he knew you knew, he'd stop circling his prey and attack.". He was speaking faster now, his voice full of reproach for his own actions. "Because I was sure you would leave.". She watched him for a moment, choosing to respond to only the last comment.

"Why would I leave?". His eyes flashed at the question, hard.

"Because you should! Because there's a powerful man without a soul chasing us, who has every one of my memories and nothing but hatred in him, and he won't stop at anything until you're dead.". His voice dripped with bitterness, and suddenly she finally understood.

"He's not you.". His jaw clenched and he turned to stare at the same blank spot as before.

"Isn't he?".

"No.". He didn't bother to reply. "Doctor, would you ever hurt me?".

"Of course not." he rolled his eyes, turning to watch her again with exasperation. "But what else can you say against it? Would I ever destroy a planet? Check. Would I ever watch an entire people burn? Check. Would I ever threaten to kill something out of anger? Check.". Self-condemnation filled his tone.

"You had reasons, and you're different now. You're not that person anymore Doctor – I've seen you change. I've seen you lower the gun and choose mercy over wrath. Whoever – whatever – he is, it was never who you were. And it certainly isn't who you are.". Her voice was firm, and he allowed himself a small smile.

"You always did see the best in everyone Rose…" a hand reached up to cup her cheek, barely resting against her skin. She knew the issue wasn't resolved, but she had planted the idea. Maybe with time he would see himself the way the rest of the universe did. Maybe if he could just hear the songs that she could hear… "Please, let me take you home. I can't guarantee that you'll be safe with me, not anymore, and I promised not to lose you.". His tone hovered between pleading and regret.

"I'm not that easy to get rid of," she replied easily, knowing that running away wasn't an option, if it had ever even been. "we both know that's not who I am.". He shook his head, as if he couldn't understand where he'd found this wild, stubborn girl, and allowed her to lean against his hand without pulling away.

"Rose Tyler, you are something else, aren't you.". She smiled and leaned towards him, silencing any further comments. For the first time in a long while, she didn't have any nightmares when she fell asleep that night.