Well, alright, not quite that long, but it had felt like forever since he'd been with her. So much had happened since; sure, there were good times, but the bad times were so much worse. If the gods had more control over who they pick up, he mused to himself, I might be inclined to think they were being kind.

But of course they weren't, and Charley being here is a happy accident. Then again, after what had happened recently, maybe it isn't so happy. Eight swallows hard, trying not to think of one of those creatures cutting this precious girl down. That would certainly be the thing that might drive him completely over the edge this time.

When she squeezes his hand, he squeezes back, and smiles gently at her. It took everything he had not to just blurt out all his regrets for things he's done, since most of what he'd say would have to do with things she hasn't lived through yet. "You have no idea how pleased I am to see you," he says, brushing his thumb along her knuckles.

"And...no, from what I gather, you will be put right where you were. I'm not even sure you'll remember this. Also, I'm the only Eighth Doctor here, though there are a few past and future incarnations of me running around. You'll meet them soon, I'm sure."