Do you need me? - a whouffle story

The Doctor found Clara curled up in one of the console room chairs, close to what counted as midnight in the TARDIS. She was wearing a dressing gown and her feet were bare, and the shadows under her eyes told him that she hadn't been able to sleep for some time. She looked tired and downcast, her eyes clouded with worry and sadness.

"Clara," the Doctor said quietly. "What are you doing up so late?"

"I can't sleep."

"Why?" he asked, moving across the room to stand beside her. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," she replied hastily. "Why would something be wrong?"

"Clara..."

Clara sighed. She couldn't get anything past him.

"It's silly," she started quietly. The Doctor inclined his head and raised an eyebrow, indicating that she should continue.

"It's just that, well, I can't stop thinking about - I mean, I'm trying to figure out whether or not... I'm important. To you."

She deliberately avoided meeting his eyes, feeling a hot blush rise in her cheeks. It was such a silly little thing, but she couldn't rest until she knew.

"I have to know if... if I matter to you. If you... need me."

There was a moment of silence.

"Clara," the Doctor finally said. "Surely you know the answer to that?"

"Well, maybe," Clara murmured. "I've just been so uncertain lately... about everything."

"Then this is one thing you don't have to be uncertain about."

Before Clara could ask him to explain, he bent down and pressed his lips to hers. When he drew away, Clara was wide-eyed with surprise. She released a breath she wasn't aware she'd been holding.

"Doctor..."

The Doctor scooped her up suddenly, causing her to yelp in surprise and throw her arms around his neck. He chuckled a little as he sat down in the chair Clara had recently occupied, settling her on his lap.

"Time to go to sleep, Clara," he smiled gently as she leant against him, resting her head comfortably on his shoulder.

"Almost," she replied.

Clara turned her face up to him and their lips met once more.

It was a soft kiss - quiet, lingering, and so gentle that almost before their lips had parted Clara had begun to drift off into sleep.

"No one is more important thank you, my Impossible Girl. I need you more than anyone."