That's his girl. Even with the sharp note heaved right in there, in the center of her voice, he smiles. "I wouldn't dare."

Maybe he had before. Maybe he'd let himself. Maybe he had to. Forget her. Forget them all. When he'd been alone and he thought his adventuring days with companions as long gone as his own people. When he hadn't deserved to be surrounded by even long dead, good memories of the past, not with what he'd done.

Before Rose and Jack. Before the Tardis was once again filled with the noise of laughter. Running feet. Impossible bravery.