You Are Always Here To Me

(►) 

Cred: instagram : whovians_nation

"You’re… different." Her voice is breathless.

"Always am, always happens. New face, new bones." He shrugs. “Just got to go with it."

He runs a hand across his head; curls here and there, oh yes, that’s new. He wonders what River will think. Would think, he corrects himself, with a twinge. It’s not just his hair that changes as he ages.

Clara hasn’t screamed or run for the door yet, which is a good sign. She’s still a few generous yards away — poring him over carefully, studiously, like she does with everything they come across.  

"It’s still me," he says gently, slowly, approaching her as he might a frightened animal. “Still Doctor. Just because I look different doesn’t mean I am different." He taps a finger to his forehead — feels the grooves newly dug there. He smiles. “It’s all in here."