Chapter Text
The TARDIS hummed softly, its usual reassuring vibrations rippling through the ancient ship like a living heartbeat. But today, the hum seemed muted, subdued—as though the sentient ship herself was reflecting the heavy silence that had blanketed the air. The Doctor paced the console room, his bowtie slightly askew, and his usual buoyant energy dulled by worry. He hadn't seen you for days.
At first, he gave you space. Everyone needed time to themselves sometimes, even on a ship as vast and full of wonders as the TARDIS. But as the days stretched on, his concern grew, gnawing at him. You hadn’t emerged, not even for tea or one of his ridiculous attempts at cooking.
He finally made up his mind. He wasn’t going to stand by and let you vanish into yourself.
The Doctor approached your door and knocked gently, his knuckles barely brushing the wood.
"Y/N? It’s me," he called softly. "Well, it’s always me, isn’t it? Seeing as it’s my TARDIS and all. But, um… can I come in?"
Silence.
He hesitated for a moment, then pushed the door open slowly. The room was dark, save for the faint glow of a small lamp by your bed. You were curled up under the covers, your back to the door. The sight made his hearts clench.
"Ah, there you are," he said, keeping his tone light as he stepped inside and closed the door behind him. "I was beginning to think you’d built a secret passage out of here. Or perhaps a mini TARDIS of your own? Oh, that would be brilliant, wouldn’t it? A tiny little—"
"Doctor." Your voice, muffled and heavy, cut through his rambling.
He stopped immediately and approached the bed. "Right. Sorry." His voice softened as he sat on the edge of the mattress. "I’m worried about you."
You didn’t reply, but he could see the tension in your shoulders, the way you pulled the blanket tighter around yourself.
"I know what it feels like, you know," he said after a pause. "The weight. The way it presses down, makes everything seem so… gray. And lonely." He hesitated, as if choosing his words carefully. "But you’re not alone. I’m here."
When you still didn’t respond, the Doctor sighed and slipped off his shoes, climbing onto the bed beside you. He stretched out on his back and looked up at the ceiling, his arms folded behind his head.
"Do you know why the TARDIS hums?" he asked, his voice quiet but warm. "It’s not just the engines. She does it on purpose, you know. It’s a kind of lullaby. A comfort for the times when everything feels too much."
You turned your head slightly, just enough to glance at him out of the corner of your eye. His eyes caught yours, full of gentle concern and infinite patience.
"I thought… maybe you could use a bit of that right now," he said softly.
After a moment, you shifted under the covers, your hand emerging to reach for his. The Doctor immediately intertwined his fingers with yours, his grip firm yet reassuring.
"I don’t know what to say," you murmured, your voice thick with emotion.
"You don’t have to say anything," he replied. "We’ll just lie here, as long as you need. The universe can wait."
For the first time in days, you felt a small flicker of warmth pierce through the fog. The Doctor’s presence, steady and unwavering, reminded you that you didn’t have to carry the weight alone.
And as the TARDIS hummed her lullaby, the two of you lay there, hand in hand, letting the quiet comfort of the moment wrap around you like a blanket.
He turned his head slightly to look at you. Your face was partially hidden under the blanket, your eyes distant and rimmed with shadows that told stories he didn’t need words to hear.
"I don’t know if I’ve told you this," he began softly, his voice tender, "but I love you, Y/N."
Your breath hitched, and you looked at him, your eyes wide and glistening.
"I mean it," he continued, his tone unwavering despite the lump forming in his throat. "Not just in the big, grand, sweeping sense. I love you in all the small ways too. The way your eyes crinkle when you laugh, the way you can spend hours tinkering with the TARDIS and make her purr like she’s brand new. The way you see the universe, even on the days when you struggle to see yourself."
Tears welled in your eyes, and one escaped, trailing down your cheek. The Doctor shifted closer, his hand reaching up to stroke your hair gently. His fingers combed through the strands with infinite care, soothing and grounding.
"You’re extraordinary," he murmured, his gaze never leaving yours. "Even on the days you feel small. Especially on those days."
The warmth of his words broke something inside you, the dam holding back your emotions shattering in an instant. A sob burst from your chest, raw and uncontainable. You tried to turn away, embarrassed, but the Doctor wouldn’t let you.
"Shhh," he whispered, gathering you into his arms. His hold was firm yet tender, a safe haven in the storm of your emotions. He pressed a kiss to your forehead, then to your temple, lingering just enough to let you feel the weight of his affection.
You clung to him as the sobs wracked your body, your face buried in his chest. His hearts thudded steadily beneath your ear, a comforting rhythm that seemed to say, I’m here. I’m here. I’m here.
After a while, your cries began to subside, though the tears still flowed freely. The Doctor pulled back just enough to cup your face in his hands, his thumbs gently wiping away the wet streaks on your cheeks.
And then, with infinite care, he kissed you. His lips were soft and warm, full of love and reassurance. It wasn’t hurried or demanding; it was a promise—a reminder that you were loved, wholly and unconditionally.
When he pulled back, his forehead rested against yours, his breath mingling with yours in the quiet aftermath.
"I’ve got you," he whispered. "I’ll always have you, Y/N. We’ll get through this together. One step at a time."
For the first time in what felt like forever, you believed him. You nodded slightly, your fingers curling into the fabric of his jacket as he held you close again.
The TARDIS hummed softly around you, and for a moment, the universe felt just a little brighter.
The Doctor held you close as the silence enveloped the two of you. Your breathing had steadied, and though the ache in your chest hadn’t fully subsided, the warmth of his embrace soothed you in a way that words never could. He kissed the crown of your head, his lips lingering for a moment before he spoke.
"How about we try something? Just… to help you feel a little more human again?" he suggested, his voice low and full of care.
You tilted your head up slightly, looking at him with tired eyes. "What do you mean?"
The Doctor gave you a soft smile. "I’ll draw you a bath. Something warm and relaxing. No pressure, but it might help."
You hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Okay."
With that, he gently let go of you, tucking the blankets around you as though shielding you from the world even as he got up. He moved with purpose, his lanky form disappearing into the bathroom. You heard the sound of running water, followed by the clinking of glass as he rummaged through a shelf.
A few minutes later, he returned, his face brightened with a hint of boyish enthusiasm. "All ready," he announced. "I even found some of those fancy bubbles the TARDIS seems to stock. No idea where they came from, but they smell like lavender and starlight."
You managed a small smile at his effort, letting him help you up from the bed. He supported you as you walked, his hands steady and reassuring on your waist.
When you reached the bathroom, the sight of the warm, steaming water and delicate bubbles made your shoulders relax slightly. The scent of lavender filled the air, and soft golden light bathed the room, making it feel almost otherworldly.
"Go on," he encouraged, gesturing toward the bath.
You hesitated again, your eyes flicking to him. "Will you… will you stay? I don’t want to be alone."
The Doctor blinked, his expression softening instantly. "Of course," he said. "Whatever you need, love."
You climbed into the bath slowly, the warm water wrapping around you like a comforting embrace. You sank down until it reached your shoulders, letting out a small sigh as some of the tension melted away.
But something was missing. You turned your head to look at him, standing nearby with his hands stuffed awkwardly into his pockets.
"Come in with me," you said quietly.
His eyebrows shot up. "Me? In there? With you?"
You nodded. "I want you to hold me."
The Doctor hesitated for only a moment before smiling gently. "Well, I suppose it would be rude to say no, wouldn’t it?" He pulled off his bowtie and jacket, rolling up his sleeves before unbuttoning his shirt. Despite the somberness of the moment, you couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle at the sight of him fumbling with his suspenders.
Once he’d stripped down to his undershirt and boxers, he climbed into the bath behind you, carefully lowering himself into the water. You leaned back against his chest, his long arms wrapping around you protectively.
"Comfortable?" he asked softly, his lips brushing against your temple.
"Yeah," you murmured.
The two of you sat in silence, the warmth of the water and his embrace creating a cocoon of peace. He rested his chin on your shoulder, his fingers tracing gentle patterns on your arms.
Then, suddenly, a sharp pain shot through your abdomen, making you flinch and suck in a breath.
"Y/N?" The Doctor’s voice was full of concern. He shifted slightly, trying to get a look at your face. "What’s wrong?"
You winced, your hand instinctively going to your stomach. "I—I think it’s just my period," you said, your voice tight.
The Doctor frowned, his brows furrowing as his hand moved to yours. "That bad, is it? I’ve read about menstrual cramps being a bit like a small moon collapsing inside you. That’s not pleasant at all."
You couldn’t help but let out a weak laugh despite the pain. "Yeah, something like that."
"Right, hold on." His voice was determined now. He shifted slightly, his long arms wrapping more snugly around your torso. One of his hands settled gently over your lower abdomen, his thumb rubbing soothing circles. "This might not help much, but at least you’re not alone."
You leaned into him, grateful for his presence. The pain ebbed slightly as the warmth of the water and his touch worked together to ease the tension.
"You know," he said after a moment, his tone light and conversational, "I’ve faced down Daleks, Cybermen, Weeping Angels, and the occasional overcooked soufflé. I think I can manage a bit of period pain with you."
You let out a soft laugh, your head tipping back against his shoulder. "You’re ridiculous."
"Ridiculously in love with you," he countered, pressing a kiss to the side of your head.
The two of you stayed like that for a while, the pain becoming more manageable as you relaxed in his arms. The Doctor hummed softly, a melody you couldn’t place but found comforting nonetheless.
And as you lay there, cradled in the warmth of the bath and his love, you felt a flicker of hope—small, but enough to remind you that you didn’t have to face anything alone.
The warmth of the bathwater and the soothing touch of the Doctor’s hand brought a temporary reprieve from the pain. His gentle hums filled the air, a melody that felt like a lullaby woven just for you. You nestled deeper into his arms, grateful for his presence, his love, and the safety he offered.
But then, another wave of pain hit—this one sharp and twisting, forcing a gasp from your lips. Your body tensed involuntarily, and you instinctively curled forward, clutching your stomach.
"Y/N?" The Doctor’s voice was alarmed, his hands steadying you as you tried to ride out the wave. "Is it another cramp? Talk to me, love."
You nodded, wincing as the pain radiated through your abdomen. "It’s—it’s really bad," you managed to whisper, your voice tight with discomfort.
"All right, hold on," he murmured. His hands moved to your stomach, the same determined yet tender energy he always carried with him. "May I?"
You gave him a small nod, unable to speak through the pain. His hands, warm and steady, began to move in slow, firm circles over your lower abdomen. His touch was soothing, almost rhythmic, and the gentle pressure seemed to dull the sharp edges of the cramp.
"Is this helping?" he asked softly, his lips close to your ear.
You let out a small, shaky breath. "Yeah… it helps."
The Doctor smiled faintly, relief flashing in his eyes. He kept up the motion, his thumbs occasionally pressing slightly firmer in places that seemed to release some of the tension. "Good, good. You see? A bit of Gallifreyan massage technique. Never thought I’d need it for this, but there’s a first time for everything."
His lighthearted tone made you smile despite the lingering ache. "You really are impossible," you murmured, leaning back into his chest again.
"Impossible is my specialty," he replied, pressing a kiss to your damp hair.
For a moment, it seemed like the worst had passed. But then you noticed something—the water had taken on a faint reddish tint. At first, you weren’t sure, but as the water swirled gently around you, the color deepened, unmistakable against the frothy bubbles.
Your cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and you stiffened in his arms. "Doctor," you whispered, your voice barely audible. "The water… it’s—"
He glanced down, his sharp eyes taking in the change in the water’s color. His expression didn’t shift, remaining calm and composed as he gently rubbed your shoulder. "Ah, I see," he said simply.
You started to pull away, mortified. "I’m so sorry—I didn’t mean—I didn’t think—"
But he stopped you, his arms tightening around you, pulling you back against his chest. "Hey, hey. None of that," he said firmly, his voice as steady and warm as ever. "It’s nothing to be sorry about, Y/N. It’s natural."
Tears pricked at your eyes, a mixture of embarrassment and gratitude. "But it’s… it’s gross, and—"
"Gross?" he interrupted, a touch of incredulity in his voice. "Hardly. You’re human—or mostly, depending on how you feel about your Time Lord side. This is part of being you, and you, my dear, are utterly brilliant."
You blinked at him, his words sinking in even as you struggled to shake off your embarrassment. He cupped your face gently, his thumb brushing away a tear that had escaped.
"I love you," he said, his voice quiet but full of conviction. "Every part of you. Even the parts you think are messy or embarrassing or unlovable. You are so loved, Y/N. Do you hear me?"
You nodded, your throat too tight to speak.
"Good," he murmured, and then he leaned down, capturing your lips in a soft, lingering kiss. His touch was tender and reassuring, grounding you in the moment.
When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours, his hands still stroking your stomach in soothing circles. "Now, let’s get you cleaned up and properly comfortable. The bathwater’s done its job, but I’ve got some clean towels and fluffy robes with your name on them."
Despite everything, you let out a soft laugh. "Fluffy robes, huh? Are they TARDIS-made too?"
"Of course!" he said, his grin boyish and infectious. "They’ve got a bit of time vortex woven into the threads. Incredibly soft. Can’t have you shivering now, can I?"
With his help, you stood from the bath, the water swirling away as he handed you a towel. He wrapped another around your shoulders, his hands lingering on your arms as he smiled at you.
"Feel a bit better?" he asked.
"Y/N?" The Doctor’s voice was laced with concern. He adjusted his hold on you, his hands steadying your trembling frame. "It’s getting worse, isn’t it?"
The Doctor remained behind you, his arms a steadying presence around your waist as he continued to soothe your aching stomach. But the sharp cramps returned with a vengeance, and this time, they seemed more relentless, gripping you with an intensity that made you wince and draw a sharp breath.
You nodded, unable to form words as the pain twisted through you. Your breathing grew shallow and quick, and you clutched his arm as if holding on to him would keep you anchored.
"It’s okay," he murmured, his tone soothing. "Just breathe with me, all right? In through the nose, out through the mouth. Slow and steady."
But it wasn’t enough. The position you were in only seemed to make the cramps worse, and instinctively, you shifted, moving away from his chest. You turned and knelt on the smooth floor of the bath, facing him. Your hands found his shoulders, gripping them for stability as you leaned forward, your forehead coming to rest against his chest.
The Doctor didn’t flinch or hesitate. His arms encircled you immediately, his hands rubbing slow, calming circles over your back. "I’ve got you," he said softly, his voice grounding you.
You pressed your forehead harder against him, focusing on the rhythmic beat of his two hearts. The dual rhythm was oddly comforting, like a song played just for you. As the worst of the wave began to ebb slightly, you lifted your head and looked up at him. His blue-green eyes were filled with such unwavering love and concern that your heart ached, even through the physical pain.
"Doctor," you whispered, your voice barely audible over the soft splash of water around you.
"Yes, love?" he asked, his hand coming up to gently cup your cheek.
You didn’t reply with words. Instead, you leaned in, closing the small distance between you, and kissed him. It was a slow, tender kiss, an outpouring of emotion that you couldn’t put into words. He kissed you back with equal care, his lips soft and warm against yours.
But the pain hadn’t entirely subsided, and a sharp cramp made you whimper against his lips. The sound escaped involuntarily, and you started to pull away, embarrassed.
"Hey," the Doctor murmured, chasing after you with another gentle kiss. His hand moved to cradle the back of your head, holding you close. "It’s all right. Don’t stop because of that."
"But—" you started, your voice trembling.
He shook his head, brushing his nose against yours. "No buts. You’re in pain, and I know that. I’m here for all of it, every part. Don’t ever think you have to hide from me, Y/N."
His words broke something open inside you, and tears welled in your eyes again. But before they could spill over, he kissed your forehead, your cheek, and finally your lips again, his movements unhurried and full of love.
"You’re safe with me," he said softly, his lips ghosting over yours as he spoke. "Let it out. Let me carry this with you."
You let yourself relax slightly, leaning into his embrace. Your hands slid from his shoulders to his chest, fingers curling into the damp fabric of his undershirt. The warmth of his body, combined with the soothing strokes of his hands on your back, eased the sharp edges of the pain.
"Just keep breathing with me," he encouraged, his forehead resting against yours. "We’ll get through this together."
For a while, you stayed in that position, your knees cushioned by the smooth floor of the bath and your head against his chest. His heartbeat became a lifeline, a steady rhythm that pulled you back from the brink of overwhelming pain.
"You’re incredible," he murmured after a moment, his voice barely above a whisper.
You let out a shaky laugh, lifting your head to meet his gaze. "I feel anything but incredible right now."
"Well, you are," he said firmly. "You’re handling all of this with so much strength, even when you don’t realize it. And I love you more with every passing second."
His words brought a small, genuine smile to your lips, despite the lingering pain. You leaned forward to kiss him again, this time slower, savoring the connection.
The pain ebbed and flowed like waves crashing against the shore, relentless but no longer as sharp. You stayed kneeling in the bath, your forehead resting on the Doctor’s chest, his steady heartbeat anchoring you to the present. His arms encircled you securely, one hand gently stroking your back while the other rubbed comforting circles on your stomach.
But then, another cramp hit—deeper and sharper than before. A low, involuntary groan escaped your lips, and your grip on his shoulders tightened. Tears sprang to your eyes, spilling over as the overwhelming mixture of pain and exhaustion became too much.
"I can’t," you whimpered, your voice breaking as you buried your face against his chest. "It hurts so much."
The Doctor kissed the top of your head, his lips lingering as though willing his love and strength to pass through the touch. "You can," he murmured softly, his voice steady and grounding. "You’re stronger than you think, Y/N. I’m here. I’ve got you."
The tears fell freely now, your body trembling as you clung to him. The water around you had grown noticeably redder, the crimson tint spreading like an ominous cloud in the bath. You felt another surge of embarrassment, but the pain eclipsed it, leaving you no room to do anything but hold on and let the sobs wrack your body.
"Shhh," he whispered, his tone soothing as he pressed another kiss to your forehead. "Breathe with me, love. In… and out. Just like before. You’re safe."
You tried to follow his lead, inhaling deeply and exhaling shakily, but the effort only made the tears come harder. He didn’t mind. He held you tighter, his arms unyielding in their comfort, and let you cry.
"I’m sorry," you managed to choke out, your voice muffled against his chest.
"Don’t you dare apologize," the Doctor replied immediately, tilting your head up gently so you could see the fierce love in his eyes. "Not for this. Not for anything."
You gave a watery laugh, your lips trembling. "I feel like I’m giving birth to a xenomorph or something," you muttered, trying to lighten the mood despite the tears streaming down your face.
The Doctor froze for a moment, his pale cheeks suddenly blooming with color. He blinked rapidly, and then his lips twitched as he struggled to suppress a smile. "Well, I—I don’t think we’re quite there, are we?" he stammered, his usual eloquence momentarily abandoned.
Your laughter was weak but genuine, and you couldn’t help but grin at the sight of his blush. "You’re blushing," you teased, the faintest hint of mischief in your voice despite your tear-streaked face.
"I am not blushing," he protested, though the flush deepened as he fidgeted slightly, his arms still holding you steady. "It’s just—well, childbirth! It’s a—an interesting comparison, given the current situation."
You laughed again, though the sound turned into a soft sob halfway through. The Doctor’s expression softened immediately, his hand moving to cup your cheek.
"Even in pain, you find a way to make me flustered," he murmured with a small smile, his thumb brushing away your tears. "You’re remarkable, Y/N. Absolutely remarkable."
You shook your head, leaning into his touch. "I don’t feel remarkable. I feel… awful."
"And yet," he said, tilting your chin up slightly, "you’re still here, still making jokes, still you. That’s what makes you remarkable."
He kissed your forehead again, lingering longer this time as though imprinting the gesture into your skin. "Now, let’s focus on getting you through this. One moment at a time. We’ll get you out of this bath, into something comfortable, and I’ll find something warm for you to drink. How does that sound?"
You nodded, sniffling. "That sounds nice."
"And as for the xenomorph," he added, a playful glint returning to his eyes, "I think we’ve established that Time Lords are far too clever to let anything like that happen on their watch."
Your laughter was soft but real, and as you nestled against his chest once more, the pain felt just a little more bearable.
You rested your head against the Doctor’s chest, the warmth of the bathwater and his steady presence providing some semblance of comfort amidst the pain and exhaustion. The crimson hue in the water was impossible to ignore now, and it made you feel more vulnerable than ever.
"Doctor?" you murmured softly, your voice tinged with hesitation.
"Yes, love?" he replied immediately, his hands pausing in their soothing motions to brush a damp strand of hair from your face. His eyes were full of concern and unwavering attention.
"I… I need your help with something," you said, your cheeks heating slightly.
"Anything," he said without hesitation, leaning in closer. "What do you need?"
You bit your lip, struggling to get the words out. "Can you… can you grab a pad for me? And… put it in my knickers?"
The request hung in the air for a moment, and you worried it might be too much to ask. But the Doctor’s expression didn’t falter; if anything, it softened even more.
"Of course I can," he said gently, his tone matter-of-fact, as if you’d asked him to hand you a cup of tea. "No need to feel embarrassed, Y/N. This is what partners do—we help each other."
You felt a lump form in your throat, gratitude swelling in your chest. "Thank you," you whispered.
He pressed a soft kiss to your temple. "You don’t have to thank me. Now, let’s get you comfortable."
He shifted slightly, adjusting his hold on you. "But first," he added, his voice taking on a light, teasing lilt, "we’re getting you out of this bath. I’m not letting you try to stand on your own in this state."
You opened your mouth to protest, but before you could say a word, he slid his arms beneath you, one under your knees and the other around your back. With effortless strength, he lifted you from the water, cradling you against his chest as if you weighed nothing.
"Doctor!" you exclaimed, though you couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at your lips.
"What?" he asked, feigning innocence as he stepped carefully onto the bath mat. "You think I’m going to let you do this alone? Never."
His certainty and care made your heart swell. You wrapped your arms around his neck, letting your head rest against his shoulder. "You’re impossible," you murmured, a hint of affection in your voice.
"And yet, here I am," he said, grinning as he carried you toward the sink where he’d set out a fresh towel.
After gently setting you down on the closed toilet lid, he grabbed the towel and wrapped it snugly around your shoulders before reaching into the drawer. He retrieved one of the pads you kept there and turned it over in his hands, studying it with the intensity he usually reserved for alien technology.
"All right," he said, more to himself than to you, "so this goes… here, right?"
You nodded, smiling despite yourself. "Yeah. The sticky side goes on the fabric."
He nodded with exaggerated seriousness, carefully peeling the backing off the pad and placing it in your clean knickers. He looked up at you, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "There. I think that’s right."
"You’re a natural," you teased, laughing softly.
He grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "See? Even Time Lords can learn a thing or two about human biology."
Once everything was ready, he knelt in front of you, holding your hands as he looked up into your eyes. "Ready to get dressed, or do you need a minute?"
"I think I’m ready," you said, nodding.
He helped you carefully step into your underwear and pulled them gently into place, his touch respectful and tender. When he was finished, he grabbed one of your softest robes and helped you into it, tying the sash securely around your waist.
"Now," he said, standing and offering you his arms once more, "back to bed with you, my brilliant girl. And no arguing this time—I’m carrying you."
You rolled your eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile as he scooped you up again. "Fine. But only because I’m too tired to argue."
He chuckled, pressing a kiss to your forehead. "Good. Because I’m not taking no for an answer."
As he carried you toward your room, you felt the exhaustion begin to take over, but the warmth of his arms and the love in his every gesture made you feel safe.
The Doctor carried you into your bedroom with the same care as if you were the most precious thing in the universe. The TARDIS had already dimmed the lights, casting the room in a soft, warm glow, as though she knew you both needed comfort.
He set you gently on the bed, his hands lingering to ensure you were steady. "There we go," he said softly, brushing a damp strand of hair from your face. "Now, let’s get you settled."
You watched as he moved around the room, grabbing a fresh blanket and adjusting the pillows just right. There was an ease to his movements, a naturalness that spoke volumes about his care for you.
"Doctor," you murmured, your voice breaking the quiet.
He turned to you immediately, his eyes bright with concern. "Yes, love?"
"I just… thank you," you said, the words carrying all the emotion you couldn’t fully express.
He crossed the room in a few quick strides and sat beside you on the bed. Taking your hands in his, he gave you a small, reassuring smile. "You don’t have to thank me, Y/N. You’re my everything. I’d cross the stars and back just to make sure you’re all right."
Your heart swelled at his words, and tears pricked at the corners of your eyes. Before you could respond, he leaned forward and kissed your forehead, then your cheek, and finally your lips, each touch gentle and filled with love.
"Now," he said, standing and moving to his side of the bed, "let’s get you comfortable."
He shrugged out of his damp shirt, tossing it aside before climbing into bed beside you. His arms found you immediately, pulling you close as though he couldn’t bear to have any space between you.
"You’re warm," you murmured, nuzzling into the crook of his neck. The faint scent of soap and his unique scent filled your senses, grounding you in the moment.
"And you’re perfect," he whispered, his lips brushing against your hair.
You sighed contentedly, your fingers drifting up to tangle in his damp hair. It was soft beneath your touch, and you couldn’t help but run your fingers through it, savoring the way it felt. He let out a quiet hum of contentment, tilting his head slightly to give you better access.
"That’s nice," he murmured, his voice low and drowsy. "You keep doing that, and I might fall asleep right here."
"Good," you said softly, your voice warm with affection. "You deserve to rest too."
He chuckled lightly, his chest rumbling against you, but he tightened his hold around your waist, pulling you even closer. His fingers traced gentle patterns on your back, a soothing rhythm that made your eyelids grow heavy.
"I love you," he said suddenly, his voice filled with quiet intensity. "More than all the stars, more than time itself. You mean everything to me, Y/N."
Your heart clenched at his words, the sincerity in his voice wrapping around you like a blanket. You lifted your head just enough to meet his gaze, your eyes locking with his. "I love you too, Doctor. So much."
He smiled softly, leaning in to kiss your forehead one last time. "Then we’re exactly where we’re meant to be."
With that, you settled back against him, your head tucked under his chin. His arms were a warm, protective cocoon around you, and the rhythmic sound of his dual heartbeats lulled you into a state of peace.
As sleep claimed you, your fingers still tangled in his hair and his hands gently stroked your back. Wrapped around one another, the pain and fear of the day faded into the background, leaving only the warmth of love and the promise of a better tomorrow.