"I know," he said. His voice was firm but gentle, imploring and careful. "And it hurts. I know it hurts. But wondering what might isn't going to help you, it'll just eat away at you until there's nothing left."

Cautiously, so cautiously, he let go at his arms and moved forward a little, slipping his own gently around the Doctor's shoulder. And while he could, even for a moment, he held him.