#theladyoperaghost

It had been too long. That was the litany his mind felt needed repeating. Far too long. She wouldn’t be there. And if she was, she would be too furious, too hurt to even look at him. But at this point, he was beyond caring. A last wish was a last wish, good or bad. 

He landed outside the house, and wondered if she still recognized the noise. When he opened the door, he assumed she must, because there she stood. Beautiful and strong as ever, despite the years. He cursed old eyes for stinging and blurring her, and old hearts for aching so soon. His mouth opened, and closed, and spread into a nervous smile. “Hello love. I- I’m so sorry I took so long.” 

Arms folded, lines he never expected to notice enhancing her frown, Erika looked him over. “How long?” 

"Too long." It was so easy to answer now. "Far, far too long and I am so sorry. Erika, I am so so sorry about- this. I just, I wanted to- I am sorry." He fully expected her to slap him, push him back into his TARDIS and tell him to leave, but as always, Erika surprised him.