Vignette: Date

Rating: T

Word Count: 1,073

Notes: Sorry for the lack of updates on this story, the most horrific weeks of school are over, and yay no more classes till January! My semester is basically over save for 1 more exam and 2 projects, but I'll have a lot more time to write now!

It was Friday, the day had finally come.

Clara had only seen the Doctor once since their little Starbucks confession, and it had been in class. They sat together like normal, but their fingers connected briefly under the desk. She thought it was really sweet, and she was so glad that it had finally happened between them.

She still had that sinking feeling that he didn't feel for her as much as she felt for him. Yes, she knew that he wanted to kiss her that night, and yes, he had asked her on a date, but did he really have romantic feelings for her?

When she heard him knock at her door, all feelings of doubt left her mind. She opened it to see him nervously adjusting his bowtie. "Clara, hi!"

"You look surprised."

"No, no, not surprised, just… excited." He said with a smile. Then he really got a look at her. "You look beautiful."

Clara blushed. "Thanks."

There was an awkward pause before the Doctor finally spoke up. "So, ready to go?"

Clara nodded and locked up, following him to the front door.

Clara found herself sitting across from the Doctor at a fancy restaurant a few minutes later. They seemed to be the youngest ones there and sat amongst a dining room full of couples in their forties sipping wine glasses and catching up on the day's news.

"This is… nice." She commented.

"Yeah," the Doctor started, "sophisticated." He looked around the room and felt silly. "Wanna find somewhere new?"

"Yes please." She giggled.

Twenty minutes later they found themselves in a local pub.

"Alright dears, here are your burgers, and I'll be right back with another round of beers for you."

"Wonderful, Rita. Thank you!"

Clara bit into he burger and moaned. "Oh my god, they weren't joking when they said this was the best burger in the United Kingdom."

The Doctor bit into his. "Ugh, this is bloody fantastic."

"I'm so glad we decided to come down here. I mean, the restaurant before was gorgeous, but I had no idea what anything was on the menu."

"Well… I was going to try to impress you, but I'm glad you were as uncomfortable there as I was." The Doctor said scratching behind his ear.

"Why do you need to impress me? You're my best friend."

"I know, but I wanted to be more than your best friend. This is our first date, hopefully of many. I just didn't want you to think I wasn't serious about this."

"You're too sweet, you know? I'm glad you're serious, I was actually worried about that." Clara said nervously.

"Why would you be worried?"

"You're older than I am, I just thought, maybe you'd think I was silly for wanting you… for wanting this."

"It's not silly. I'm glad we're doing this. It feels natural, y'know?"

Clara smiled and nodded.

After they finished their food, the Doctor paid and started to walk Clara home.

"It's still early, let's do something." The Doctor said.

"Movie at yours?" Clara suggested.

"Sounds good."

"Can I borrow a pair of sweats?"

"Yeah, bottom drawer on the left." Clara emerged a few minutes later donning his sweat pants and her tank top. The Doctor had already changed into his familiar flannel pajama bottoms.

"I chose the movie last time, it's your turn, Doctor."

"Um, okay. Any preference?"

"Not really." Clara smiled and watched him from the couch. He put in Back to the Future and sat down beside her, unsure of what to do now.

"Are you having a good time?" The Doctor asked warily.

"I'm having a blast. Honestly, it doesn't matter what we do, I just like to hang out with you."

"Are you sure? I don't want to be that guy who gives you a lousy first date."

"Positive. This is honestly the perfect Friday night, I wouldn't have it any other way!" Clara said with a smile.

"Good, I'm glad. I haven't been on a date in forever. I'm a little rusty."

"You're doing fine! Well… you're a bit gentlemanly."

"Is—is that a good thing?" The Doctor's heart was pounding. Was he doing something wrong?

"Well yeah, I've been out with guys that have been total creeps, so you're a breath of fresh air, but you don't have to be afraid, Doctor. Chances are, whatever you want, I want it too." Clara said as politely as possible.

"Umm… do you want something to drink?" The Doctor had something else in mind, but was afraid to say it."

"Not quite." Clara giggled. She moved closer, inches away from his face. "Try again."

"Can—can I kiss you?" The Doctor stuttered.

"There you go." Clara giggled and leaned in to capture his lips for the first time since Starbucks. The Doctor was shy. She could tell he was holding back, but went along with his actions. Their kisses were soft and pleasant, but Clara wanted more. She gently touched his lips with her tongue, and was pleasurably surprised when he opened up to her. She moved so that her legs were on either side of his and sat down on his lap, never breaking the kiss.

Things were getting heated. The Doctor's hands tentatively grasped her waist and began a slow ascent upwards as she ground down slightly against him. Clara clutched the hem of his shirt and started to move it upwards, but he pulled away from her.

"Wait, Clara."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, just, can we hold on a bit?" The Doctor said breathlessly.

"Yeah, of course." She moved off his lap and returned to her previous position. "Were we going too quick?"

"A bit, yeah." He said with an apologetic smile. "Sorry."

"No reason to be sorry. Don't do anything you'd regret."

"I just… not the right timing. It's still too fresh."

"I understand. It's okay, Doctor!"

"Thanks." He said with a smile.

"So, how about some popcorn?" Clara said cheerily.

"Got some in the cabinet, be back in a tick!" The Doctor ran off to make the popcorn, but not before stealing a kiss.

"You're the best." Clara smiled.

"No, Miss Oswald, you're the best!"

Clara ended up staying the night claiming to be too tired to walk home. The Doctor teased her and was jokingly upset, but was grateful to have her back with him at night. He slept soundly for the first time in weeks.