"Rory! Clean out your pockets. We don't need dragons running amok on the TARDIS," the Doctor hollered through cupped hands as he walked backwards onto his ship. His face was sulky as he adjusted his bowtie. "Come along, Ponds!" He threw up his hands in disgust. "What a monumental disappointment."

Rory and Amy entered the TARDIS soon after the Doctor. A small, burgundy fairy-like dragon was perched on Amy's shoulder, hiding itself in a draping of her bright red hair. The miniature beast resettled its wings, nuzzling her neck. When it squeaked for attention, Amy lifted her hand absently to gently stroke its leathery wing.

"Oh, I don't think it was all that bad," Amy said, her last few words going up in pitch as she coo'ed at the dragon. Rory reached out to pet the tame looking animal and was rewarded with a less than playful nip at his fingers. Amy only laughed as Rory and the dragon sized each other up critically. "The dragons are so cute."

"Cute is not an adventure." The Doctor started into an agitated pacing. He glanced in Amy's direction when she didn't respond. Spotting the dragon, the Doctor did a double take. "No—no, absolutely no more pets or stowaways."

Amy pouted, continuing to pet the dragon. "So the dragon invasion wasn't quite what you thought it was going to be, but you don't have to take it out on Dash here." She inclined her head the dragon and shook her finger at the Doctor.

The Doctor only gave her a stern look. "No. You can't have the dragon. I let you keep Rory."

Rory perked up at the mention of his name, breaking him from his glaring competition with Amy's dragon. "Wait—she doesn't keep me."

They ignored him. Amy and the Doctor stared each other down before she eventually sighed and rolled her eyes. She coaxed the dragon onto her palm and disappeared out the TARDIS doors.

Rory rocked back onto his heels, pursing his lips before he interrupted the tense silence. "It really wasn't all that bad," Rory said. "There is something appealing about a trip that doesn't place our lives in peril." The centurion smiled to himself, picturing the delight on Amy's face as they were overrun by the tiny playful dragons.

The Doctor placed his hands on his hips, staring at Rory as if he were the strangest creature alive. "Are you mad?" Admittedly, his tone was a bit sharp from the disappointment of not being able to ride a dragon like he had anticipated once he had heard about the destructive dragon migration. Damn miniaturizing animal flu going around.

Rory Williams snapped out of his reverie, giving the Doctor an annoyed look. "No—I'm pretty sure not wanting the looming threat of death constantly hovering over us is the opposite of mad."

Amy stormed back into the TARDIS, pulling the doors closed firmly. "There." She glared at the Doctor, crossing her arms over her chest. "Spoilsport. No need to get cranky over one itty bitty dragon."

The Doctor plopped himself down on the bench in front of the console and crossed his long legs, trying to think of something better than dragons. The Ponds didn't quite grasp why he was so keen on an exciting, proper adventure. He dreaded the placid trips out because he was sure the tameness gave Amy and Rory time to think about and miss their other life. He wanted something that would remind them why they travelled with him. The Doctor itched for an unforgettable escapade.

In the uncomfortable silence, Rory had moved over to Amy, taking her hand in his. They exchanged looks. Amy cleared her throat. "Maybe it's time to think about a break," she said very quietly. She wondered and worried about the pressure the Doctor was under travelling with companions. When Rory and Amy lay in bed unable to sleep, she voiced concerns that they were holding him back. Also, they were forgetting what they kept in standby in their old lives. She hugged Rory's arm. "I think Rory misses his dad." She blurted out. When Rory seemed about to protest, Amy tugged his arm sharply and gave him a look.

"Uh, yeah," Rory agreed, nodding his head solemnly. "Dad was having plant—issues—when we left…." Amy smacked him on the arm.

The Doctor straightened his coat, hiding his disappointment. "Right. Humany wumany responsibilities." He smiled bravely. His face scrunched as he felt a hum from inside his jacket. "Ooo! Got a text!" He whipped out the psychic paper from his inside pocket. Maybe River will be up for some fun, the Doctor thought absently, smiling to himself. He lifted the cover, and his eyes scanned the message. His brow furrowed deeply as he read it again, a quizzical expression on his face. Comprehension flashed, and an excited smile bloomed.

He shot out of his seat. Flipping the book closed he clapped it between his hands under his chin, startling Amy and Rory. "Brilliant," he muttered under his breath. He launched himself towards the confused couple, hugging them both tightly. His face was alight and full of a jovial glee that Amy and Rory had come to dread ever so slightly.

"Doctor?" Rory's tone was cautious.

Ignoring them both, he released them abruptly and ran over to the TARDIS controls, excitedly pushing button and turning dials. "Ponds! Its Christmas!" The Doctor grinned at the stunned pair.

Amy couldn't resist the smile pulling at her lips. "What are you going on about?" There was laughter in her voice as she pulled Rory closer to the exploding ball of energy that was the Doctor.

The Doctor looked over his shoulder at the couple. He was grinning uncontrollably. "A proper adventure!" he shouted, tossing the psychic paper over to them before focusing on the controls.

Amy caught the booklet with both hands reflexively. She lifted the cover, Rory leaning over her shoulder. "Doctor—what is this?" Amy said, staring blankly at the page. " 'Baker Street. Come at once if convenient. SH'? Whose 'SH'?" She looked at the Doctor expectantly.

Rory tapped on the paper, drawing Amy's attention back. "There's another message. 'If inconvenient come anyway. SH'" Amy and Rory exchanged confused glances.

"Bit rude, isn't it. Whose 'SH'?" Amelia asked again, shaking the booklet at the madman.

The Doctor looked over his shoulder, grinning. He threw a lever forward with a flourish. His eyes locked with the stunned expression of Mr. and Mrs. Pond. "Can't refuse an adventure with the famous Sherlock Holmes!"