[ His guilt is all-consuming, it always has been, though in this precise moment, it's tempered by the sight of Vanessa covered in the harpy's blood and barely steady. He worries desperately over the head injury he'd surely inflicted, and for a moment as his eyes flicker with concern across her blood-splattered face, he runs his fingers lightly through her hair; touching her to grasp the extent of her injuries, needing to know she's safe...or not.
A moment later, assured that she isn't bleeding internally from a cracked skull, the Doctor's lips briefly press to her forehead, eyes closing as he considers her words. ]
I chose this, I allowed that thing in my mind. I don't want your mercy or pity.
[ His words, though harsh, are accompanied by a tender touch as he strokes his thumb across her temple. A battle continues to rage around them, the screams of terror unending, and Vanessa remains his anchor amidst a sea of terrible memories made all the more potent by what's just happened here between them. ]
no subject
A moment later, assured that she isn't bleeding internally from a cracked skull, the Doctor's lips briefly press to her forehead, eyes closing as he considers her words. ]
I chose this, I allowed that thing in my mind. I don't want your mercy or pity.
[ His words, though harsh, are accompanied by a tender touch as he strokes his thumb across her temple. A battle continues to rage around them, the screams of terror unending, and Vanessa remains his anchor amidst a sea of terrible memories made all the more potent by what's just happened here between them. ]