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Tenth Doctor- Nightmare

The TARDIS hummed softly as the 10th Doctor and the reader sat snuggled together on the old, worn sofa. Outside, the stars twinkled as the time machine hurtled through the vastness of space. The Doctor had his arms wrapped around the reader, holding them close as they sat in the comforting glow of the time rotor. The quiet of the TARDIS was broken only by the soft breathing of the two companions.

Suddenly, the Doctor's breathing became rapid and shallow. His grip on the reader tightened, and a low, pained murmur escaped his lips. The reader could feel the Doctor trembling against them, his brow furrowed in distress. It was clear that he was having a nightmare.

"Doctor, wake up," the reader whispered, gently shaking him. "You're having a bad dream."

The Doctor's eyes snapped open, wide with fear. He looked around wildly, taking in the familiar interior of the TARDIS. For a moment, he seemed disoriented, not quite sure where he was. Then, he let out a shaky breath and buried his face in the reader's shoulder.

"It's alright, Doctor," the reader murmured, running a soothing hand through his hair. "You're safe. You're here with me."

The Doctor clung to the reader, his trembling slowly subsiding as the comforting words washed over him. Gradually, his breathing returned to normal, and his grip on the reader relaxed.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I don't know what came over me. It was just a nightmare."

"It's okay," the reader reassured him. "Nightmares happen to everyone. You don't have to be strong all the time, Doctor. You can lean on me."

The Doctor lifted his head, his eyes meeting the reader's with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "Thank you," he said softly. "I...I don't often show this side of myself. But with you, I feel like I can."

The reader smiled gently, cupping the Doctor's cheek in their hand. "I'm here for you, Doctor. Always."

The Doctor closed his eyes, leaning into the touch. "I'm lucky to have you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

They sat in silence for a while, the only sound in the TARDIS the gentle hum of the time machine. The Doctor's breathing steadied, and his grip on the reader relaxed further. Finally, he let out a small sigh and shifted to get more comfortable, his head coming to rest against the reader's chest.

"I think I can go back to sleep now," he said, his voice barely audible.

"Of course," the reader replied, their fingers continuing to stroke the Doctor's hair. "I'll be right here. I won't let go."

The Doctor let out a contented sigh, the tension draining from his body. As the reader continued to soothe him, he gradually drifted back to sleep, the lines of worry smoothing from his face.

The reader watched over him, their heart aching with tenderness for the vulnerable Doctor in their arms. They knew that behind the bravado and the quick wit, there were wounds that ran deep, scars that no sonic screwdriver could heal. But in this moment, they were just two souls finding solace in each other's presence, seeking comfort in the darkness of the night.

As the Doctor's breathing evened out and his grip on the reader relaxed completely, the soft glow of the TARDIS consoles cast a warm light over the scene. In the peaceful stillness of the time machine, the Doctor and the reader found a moment of respite, a moment of quiet understanding and unspoken connection.

And in that moment, they both knew that no matter what adventures awaited them in the vast expanse of time and space, they would face them together, supporting each other through the nightmares and the stars alike.