marvella15:

Regeneration energy surged through the Doctor’s hand. Clara clasped it. 

“It can’t hurt me,” she said softly, cutting off his concerned protest. “Remember?”

The Doctor nodded weakly. 

“Yes.” He pulled her closer and brought their hands to his chest. “I do.”

Clara Oswald smiled, at once happy and sad. After a beat, he smiled too, and a part of Clara’s silent heart expanded. She had missed this.

“Anyway, it won’t matter soon,” she said, looking at her hand. “I’m going back.”

Remorse flooded the Doctor’s face. He shook his head. “I’m sorry-”

“No, it’s ok. I’m ready. I’ve been ready a long time, I was just…” She tilted her head. 

The Doctor frowned. “What?” 

“Waiting,” she said, her smile growing. “For you. For you to remember. For you to be ready too.”

She reached up to stroke his cheek and settled her fingertips into his hair. 

“You’re dying.” Clara shrugged. Wasn’t it obvious? “I’m dying too.”

(insp. by @gwendolynnby‘s post)