"That's all right," the Doctor said. "She prefers it when you talk to her. Not enough of my companions can get it 'round their head that she's alive and can feel."

She felt joy when she saw them, when she knew her Doctor was happy. And jealousy, of course, when she saw Jack lean in and kiss him. The Doctor leaned back, deepening the kiss very slightly, if for no other reason than just because he was happy to be alive, in that moment, with Jack.

He broke apart, pressing his forehead to Jack's.

"That question. The one you asked me before." He wasn't even sure if Jack would remember, but the Doctor continued on. "I do. I still---I never stopped."