Disclaimer: don't own owt

Well here's chapter 3. Just watched Torchwood - VERY cool ep, though my friends on msn who were watching it too were like 'shoot her!' when Ianto had the gun - they just wanted the gun splatter lol. anyway, read on...

"Where do you think you're going!? Stop wandering off and help me!" The Doctor groaned inwardly at Jackie's voice. His attempt to slink out of the Clinton Cards store had failed and now everyone was looking at them – He suddenly had a feeling of empathy for little kids everywhere being bossed around by their parents and embarrassed in public… Except for the little brats who sprayed graffiti on his beloved TARDIS of course.

He slowly made his way over to Jackie who was holding a birthday card in each hand.

"Hmmm – Which card do you think says 'Happy birthday my time travelling, alien fighting daughter'? The one with the girl and the kitten, or the glittery one?" Jackie asked The Doctor thoughtfully.

The Doctor resisted the urge to bash his head in on the wall – After all, it wouldn't be fair on the staff who would have to clear up all the blood…Besides, he didn't fancy dying right now - Regeneration was so messy and tiring…And not the best good thing to do in a busy shop and in front of Rose's mother – She could die of shock…Not that that would be a totally bad thing right now.

"Whichever." He said eventually, getting a look of disdain from Jackie.

"Fat lot of use you are – I might as well just ask the floor's opinion!" She said with a shake of her head as she chose the kitten card which was blank inside – She could write her own special message.

"Good, can I go then?" The Doctor 'asked' breezily as he made to leave, but was stoppedt by Jackie grabbing his arm.

"No!" She replied indignantly, causing The Doctor to groan quietly.

When we've finished with all the decorations ad cards and stuff we better go to Iceland for nibbles and paper plates and cups, etc...For the guests, and then go find a nice prezzie for Rose." Jackie told him.

The Doctor groaned louder. When would the torture end!? He felt like he'd been shopping with Jackie for DAYS! He glanced at a nearby clock…11:30am…Damn…

The Doctor was tired and carrying several carriers full of crap Jackie had bought – But she still wasn't done yet and it was now 1:34pm – Forget days, it felt like bloody years he had been traipsing round with her."Can we just go now!?" He asked, very close to breaking point now.

"Not yet – You still need to get her a gift." Jackie replied as she walked ahead of him through racks and racks of discounted designer clothing.

"But I gave her the gift of time travel!" He protested, causing Jackie to turn and stare at him.

"Cheapskate!"

The Doctor blinked and gaped open mouthed at Jackie in disbelief as she started walking on ahead to the jewellery section.

The Doctor found a bench and sat down feeling knackered. He dumped the many bags of shopping and searched for 1 of the 3 boxes of Jelly Babies he had made Jackie get on the pretext of them being for the party guests.

He found them, opened them and was just about to put one in his mouth when he caught Jackie glairing at him, arms folded. The Doctor sighed and ate the sweet anyway as he stood up.

As Jackie turned away The Doctor quickly emptied the box of Jelly Babies into his deep coat pockets and tossed the box away.

"What was that?" Jackie asked sternly, turning round.

"Nothing!" The Doctor replied angelically as he scooped up the bags of shopping and followed her…