Jenny had to admit Vastra's connections worked fast, whether or not that was a good thing was anybody's guess. It was a strange experience, she hadn't thought about moving, she was quite comfortable in her affordable small-ish apartment. She wasn't exactly looking forward to sharing a living space, she hadn't done that since she was at university, even then she didn't spend much time there, she could not say she enjoyed the state the people she had lived with in the campus accomodation left their living space and found she could take care of herself rather well alone, even going so far to ask parents to help her pay rent for the flat, the one she was now about to leave, until she could support herself. Now that she thought about it she missed her parents, or the idea of then at least.

It didn't take long for all her things to be boxed and hauled into an inconspicuous white moving van, at least she kept things in their proper place, if she hadn't the whole process would have taken far longer. She was thankful she never really made friends with her neighbours, so she didn't have to answer any questions about the sudden move.

One of the men in charge approached her. "Our mutual friend never told us why she asked us to do this."

"I'm not exactly sure why either," she admitted, looking at the apartment even more bare than the day she arrived and far cleaner.

"She tell you to say that?" he was only half joking.

"Would you be surprised?"

"I don't think anyone would be."

"Do you know where I'm going?" That was a disturbing question to have to ask, she hadn't thought about where she might be headed until then, all she knew was that the property would be in her name and Vastra would also be living there. Jenny, what have you gotten yourself into? Strangely enough she was finding it hard to criticize the decision with any serious conviction.

"Not far, said she didn't want you to have to find another job."

"How considerate," she said dryly.

He chuckled, it was low and throaty. "Do you talk to her like that? I've never properly spoken to her, but I reckon if I did she'd bite my head off."

"Literally. How do you know her?"

"Every so often she turns up at the Yard with someone on the wanted list, sometimes not, saying that she 'can't eat this one'," he shuddered, "and leaves them with us. Better than dropping some traumatized crime lord at the local station like she did before."

"You're joking."

"I wish. Gotta feel bad for whoever handled that paperwork."

"None of you seem affected by her... y'know... ailment," it wasn't the best word choice but it was better than green scalyness.

He smiled, kinder than she thought suit his face, fully understanding what she meant. "Most of the people here haven't actually seen her, she likes her privacy."

"At least she keeps herself hidden."

"Not from you, civvy."

"Not a civilian anymore, sir." She crossed her arms and frowned at the spot her sofa used to be. "I didn't think Scotland Yard dealt with stuff like her, I thought it was out of your jurisdiction."

"Officially yes, but with aliens becoming a more regular occurrence, it's worth us having at least some weight to throw around." Jenny could hardly believe this was a conversation she was having. She decided not to point out that Vastra was not, in fact, an alien. "Plus, she likes to get involved with 'ape affairs', says it's better than leaving it to us. Still, we can hardly complain, she's done a fair bit of good."

Her frown deepened, slightly agitated at the fact that she'd never been told any of this before. Of course, she understood why her friend had kept quiet about it, but that understanding did little to comfort her. "Is that why you've all let her be for so long?"

"As long as she isn't causing harm to anyone who doesn't deserve it and keeps herself under-wraps we see no reason to intervene. She's got powerful friends too."

"What about me? Can't imagine your lot were too happy about her being so chummy with someone like me."

"She kept quiet about you, wasn't until the other day that we found out that she was coming to you for medical attention. Apparently, someone was saying that we ought to take you in for questioning, she said, and I quote, that she'd 'hunt us all down like the vermin we are,' if we tried to take you into custody."

She rolled her eyes reflexively. "God, she's dramatic." And, as it happened, very protective. She found herself quite liking the fact that Vastra was protective of her.

"Name's Abberline by the way, felt a bit rude me knowing yours and you not knowing mine."

"Got a first name to go with that?"

"Frederick."

She replied without thinking. "Parents hate you?" She slapped a hand over her mouth, as if trying to halt the tactless remark even after it had been said. Vastra must have been rubbing off on her. She must have been turning red with embarrassment and his laughter wasn't helping, he was being incredibly unprofessional.

At least he didn't seem upset, quite the contrary. "Just call me by my surname then, or Inspector, whichever you prefer."

"I am so sorry. Inspector. Sir. Sorry."

"Hard to see why she latched onto you- no offense meant, you don't seem the sort she'd like."

He had a point, she'd admit that. "None taken."

"So, how do exactly did you meet her?"

"I don't think she'd want me to talk about that." In truth she knew she wouldn't want her to talk about it. "She was a bit of a brat though, still is."

"Are you sure you're her friend?"

"Someone has to be."


Idk why it took me so long to update I've just been tired and lazy I might post some oneshots to compensate for that and the fact that this is short and a bit shit. I keep saying it but I do have plans and its gonna get really nice I promise.

Reviews are super appreciated even send prompts or whatever I'll probably do them