Fill- Challenge 94 (DW)

[romanajo123]

 (so this is for @ lurking- latinist .  For context I posted another prompt list on Tumblr a day ago that was specifically "hugging" prompts.  She sent me " a hug for good luck" / " the hug ended too soon" for whoever.  So have some 8 and Grace  And I picked the latter.) 

"You know, " the Doctor said, his voice sounding rather soft. "If you are ever interested, you could still come with me." 

 

Grace looked at him across the very pink table in the hospital's tea room.  She'd been expecting just the usual flood of candy-stripers when reception said someone was here to see her, but there he was.  But something was..off. He looked like he hadn't had a good night's sleep in weeks and wore a leather jacket that looked like it'd been put through the wringer. But it was still the wonderful, curious man she'd met on New Years Eve last year. 

 

Taking a sip of her coffee, Grace gave him a small smile. " And you could still come with me.  " she said, "I'm sure we'd figure out..something for you." As long as your amnesia doesn't come back, she told herself. 

 

The Doctor chuckled softly, stirring his tea.  "I can't" he said simply, his tone a little melancholic "Grace, you've done a lot of great things lately. And I need to , at least for now, I need a reminder that I'm at least doing the right thing." 

 

Grace didn't know why, but at his words she immediately enveloped him in a hug.  "Well you know I'm here if you need me. " she whispered, "And I promise I won't kill you again." 

 

Breaking the embrace after several moments, the Doctor quietly left.  Though a part of him wished he could've stayed like that, in her arms, in a place of respite from the endless War.