After a whirlwind experience in the parallel world, Willow finally discovers what happened to Reinette.

The song above is 'Lego House' by Ed Sheeran

***

When they ended their stop at Jackie's, the trio boarded the TARDIS once more and began to travel. However, during a few of their trips, Willow held a feeling that was too irreplaceable to remove; curiosity. Whilst she was curious about everything in the universe, she also kept thinking about Reinette and what happened when the Doctor went to collect her.

She seemed so sure that Reinette would come with them but was disappointing when the Doctor did not deliver her as promised. But why should she still dwell upon this, it was a thing of the past. So why couldn't Willow let go?

Once again she found herself dwelling on the subject in the library like always. To distract herself, she'd either be reading her favourite books or just relaxing on the leather red chaise provided. In fact, Willow found that she often had a peaceful sleep when she was in there.

The roaring fireplace reminded her of Reinette, yet the flames were as wild as the one's in the factory when it was exploding. All the adventures the TARDIS team had had, the memories they made, she didn't know how to handle it.

In the last several months, Willow had been possessed by skin on a trampoline, chased down by a werewolf, became jealous of one of the Doctor's old companions, became the imaginary friend of Madame de Pompadour and stopped the Cybermen. What was becoming of her life now? A show?

Her thoughts were swiftly suspended when the library door swung open, revealing the Doctor who strode in. "Hello."

Willow softly smiled. "Hi, you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm always ok." He replied. "Just checking up on you, you've been a little quiet."

"I'm fine, I just needed some time to myself." She said.

"Understandable." They stared out for a few moments, unable to think of what to say to each other. The silence was almost calming until the Doctor piped up again. "So, what have you been reading then?"

"Oh," Willow gazed down at the pile of books strewn across the floor. "This and that really. I swear some of these books just appear here sometimes."

The Doctor sat down on the edge of the seat, his hands in his pockets. "Well, the TARDIS has a thing about accommodating people by presenting their needs. I don't know how she does it though."

"She'd probably have to know the person extremely well, I'd assume." 

He raised an eyebrow. "Yeah... I guess..."

Willow took a deep breath, thinking to herself for a moment before asking. "What happened to Reinette?" He glimpsed at her, surprised. "Why did she say no?"

"No?"

"To coming with us."  She added. "Why did she say no?"

The Doctor clicked his tongue, growing saddened as the fire raged on in front of them. He stared back at the dancing flames, deciphering what to say to her. "She didn't."

"What?"

"She didn't say no," He told her. "We were too late."

She kicked her legs off the chair, trying to understand what he was saying. "What do you mean by that?"

He sighed, biting his tongue in pity. "She wanted to go, but by the time I got there, the time had passed and Reinette..."

Finally, Willow understood what he meant, frowning. "She's dead..."

The Doctor nodded, acknowledging the welling of tears in her eyes. She was silent, realising that Reinette was not to blame for anything. "Willow-"

"Go." She muttered.

He tried to edge in closer. "Willow-"

"Just go..."

A discouraged pout settled upon his face, comprehending that she wanted to be left alone. It was for the best. He straightened up, gently moving away from her and wandered back towards the exit of the library. 

Abruptly, he stopped, remembering something. The Doctor slipped his hand into his jacket pocket, hoping to find what he was looking for. Eventually, his hand lay upon an envelope with the name 'Willow' scrawled on it. "Er..." He turned back, his moan attracting her attention. "This is for you." He waltzed over to her once more, handing her the envelope before leaving.

Once the door was closed and Willow was again left on her own. She unsealed it, inquisitive to see what was written upon the parchment. The handwriting was elegant and decorative like the ink danced across the page.

My friend, I have known you for quite some time yet at points I feel you do not know me at all. Yet that makes no difference to how you have affected my life. Over time you have risked your life to save me so many times, watching over me from your vessel in the sky.

Though I believe you are watching over me now, I fear that is not true. Wherever you may be, I understand that you cannot be here to take me to the stars. I hope in time that this letter will be retrieved by you, so you shall know that I never did forget the times we had with the Doctor.

My only wish for you now is to help him. I've seen into his mind and he is so very lonely. The lives he has lost, the heartaches he has felt and the children he once carried in his arms now discarded in the storms of his wake. 

Be there for him. I know your love for him is deep, so show it. Right now, he needs you more than ever. I promise you that. Let him know before your heart is full of regret.

I wish you the best fulfilment that life can offer, don't forget me.

Your friend, Reinette Poisson.

She wiped her wet cheek, feeling the water residue left behind. It was bizarre, Willow had only known Reinette for a day whilst she had known her years. Perhaps she was only emotional because of the impact she created on her. If Willow had not shown up on the other side of the fireplace then she might have not known about the creatures after her.

Although, there was one thing Reinette was right about: she had to take a chance.

Willow threw the letter backwards and quickly dried her face with her hands, not even caring if there were mascara stains. She ran out of the library door and looked down both ends of the hallway. When she gazed down the left side of the hallway, her eyes captured the Doctor who was slowly walking down it in a huff.

"Doctor!" She shouted. His head shot up upon hearing his name, spinning around to see Willow gleaming.

She ran down to catch up with him. "What is it?"

"I don't care." Willow stated.

The Doctor squinted, bewildered by her sentence. "Don't care about what?"

She grinned, ready to tell him what she always wanted to say. "I don't care that you're going to outlive me one day. All I care about is here and now."

Without another word needed to be said, Willow cupped his cheeks and pulled him in for a kiss. His lips fell into hers unexpectedly, but he didn't dare falter. While it was a shock to him, the Doctor couldn't stop her from kissing him, besides he didn't want to anyway.

As they ultimately parted, Willow awkwardly smiled and hoped that he wouldn't think of her any differently. Nevertheless, to her surprise, all he did was smile back. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." He then pulled her in once again, placing his hands comfortably on her face and kissing her for what seemed like forever.

***

Short but sweet.

The ship has finally sailed, the Doctor and Willow are finally a couple! I was intending this interlude to be a little different and make them a couple in 'The Idiot's Lantern' but then again, screw it!

I hope you enjoyed this! 'The Idiot's Lantern' is next.

- Alice ❤