( o8 audio )

[wearafeznow]

[ Wanda's chewing on the edge of a photograph, so he swoops in with one arm to lift her up, tilts the device to see them both. ]

I can't be the only one who wants to go absolutely barmy and make a collage, am I? I've always liked the glue that smells a little bit like cake. Unfortunately, Amelia won't let me use the glitter any longer. It usually ends up everywhere.

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[waitedforyears]

[ Patting the couch next to her without looking up. Come sit so that she can lean against you and be sure that you're alive and here, okay. ]

Yeah. [ A pause. ] I know it's not— I mean. River told us. But still.

[wearafeznow]

[ He sits immediately. ]

It's all right, Pond.

[waitedforyears]

[ Leaning against him, head on his shoulder. Barely a whisper: ] Don't die.

[wearafeznow]

[ Wrapping their hands together. ] You know I will do my very best not to.

[waitedforyears]

[ Holding on tight. ] You better.

[ She knows he isn't infallible, she's learnt that he isn't perfect— but if there is one thing that she has not learnt to accept, then it is death. Not Rory's. Not his.

The thought that he may still die, some time—

she swallows, throat dry, and turns her face into his shoulder. ]

[wearafeznow]

You know it works out all right in the end. [ And he knows the next time might not, but it’s worth a shot, to try and pull her out of this depression along with him. ]

I’m sorry, I know it’s upsetting to see it again, but we’re fine, Pond, and we will be fine.

[waitedforyears]

Yeah. [ Look, just— let her hold on for a moment longer. She'll be fine. You'll be fine, too. Everything'll be fine; she just needs a moment. ]

[wearafeznow]

[ He's quiet for the time being, letting her get her bearings again, letting her take what she needs from their companionship. He wants to do right by Amy as much as possible. ]

[waitedforyears]

[ Just hugging him already helps— knowing that he's there.

Eventually, she sits up again with a lop-sided grin. It's a little tired, but honest. ] All right. So, wanna go on a picture hunt?