[ she says more that doesn't carry context, about the doctor forgetting her, and suddenly he realizes that this death she's talking about, it might not even be something either one of him knows about. because if clara is as close to both of them as he's come to see, then chances are at least one of them would have made the deal to save her — if they had, then she wouldn't be fighting tooth and nail to try saving herself.

it's all thoughts that run through his mind during his own silence, while she curves her body into him and he could hear the shake in her voice even before she looks up at him to show the presence of her tears.

it differs so much from the girl he'd met, the one trying to put on a brave act. it's even different from the girl who'd slip into his bedroom the last time, so desperate to clutch onto that bravery when she talked about needing to believe they have that chance.

and now he knows why. ]

Hey — [ he shakes his head, eyes looking directly at her tear-stained ones, bringing up a hand to cup her cheek, feeling dampness against his thumb. ] That's not gonna happen.

[ for a man who's known to be a realist, and even more often, a fatalist, he speaks without a second thought, like in his mind, he's already certain about finding a way to make sure of it, to make sure she doesn't have to give up something she isn't ready to, to make sure she doesn't face this end. ]

Remember what I said? We'll figure it out. [ he leans down into her, forehead pressing gently to hers, an arm embracing around her as he keeps a touch of his palm to her cheek. ] You and me. Together. This doesn't change that. I promised you.