THEY are a thing of the past, he wants to tell her. they are lying dead in their hallways, in their testing laboratories. all who hadn’t stood in his way had run - a wise choice, once he’d seen what they’d done to her. he’d expected to find her worse condition than he does, but he’s glad she’s alive. that’s a good start. the fact she’s talking is another good sign. it worries him that she’s more concerned about him, but he shakes it off and looks her over. checking her for any OBVIOUS injuries.
he can’t see any, but she’s weak. tired--- and he’s pretty sure she won’t make it to his TARDIS alone. he leans down, scooping her up into his arms and securing her there. he doesn’t want her to see what he’s done, but it’s inevitable. she will see how far he’s gone ( again ) and he wonders if she’ll be afraid of him like josie was.
through the halls they go, him stepping over and around bodies of soldiers -- guards that had been STUPID enough to step in his way while he went after her. they reach the TARDIS and he navigates around the clutter that litters the floor,, kicking some books off one of the chairs so he can sit her in it. they’re getting away physically, but there’s a long way to go before she’s away from here mentally.
❝ CLARA, clara. clara, look at me. you’re safe now. ❞
