[At first, his words feel like a rejection. They sting and cause her to want to curl inward on herself. It's not often she allows herself to be so vulnerable, and feeling like she's made a fool of herself has her wanting to push away and run. She won't do that, of course, since this is the Doctor and she's an adult that can handle some hurt feelings.

But oh, it hurts, really stings. And she doesn't want to do the self-reflection necessary to pinpoint just why that is.

So when he just stays right there in place she's left unsure of what to think. So she enjoys the moment for what she feels like it is. A one sided romance that's being gently rejected for the sake of saving their friendship. Clara releases a slow and shaky breath, willing herself to say a joke or anything to make light out of this. Her pride depends on it.]

Is that all you have to say? Someone's trying to tell you that they love you and you only care to let her know that you'd never ask her to sacrifice herself for your sake?

[Is what comes out instead, and she's surprised by the blunt honesty that spills past her lips. She doesn't pull away, doesn't move from keeping her forehead pressed against hers. Her words don't hold any real bite as much as they do her usual sharp teasing, and the corner of her mouth tips upward in amusement. All humor at her own expense, of course.]