And here we go again…

Thanks to sjsmatee101 for the jealousy prompt, although I know you did suggest it the other way round – that version is to come… and thanks to PCAddict for the prompt to include the Doctor. I hope this hits the right note.

This takes place after the events of 'Journey's End'.

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What's in a name?

Sarah Jane gave Alan a resigned look as he sidled into the attic. He looked distinctly uncomfortable, and she couldn't blame him; after all, the world had very nearly ended; Maria had been in touch with Luke and filled Alan in to a certain extent - Sarah Jane had several text messages to that effect; but he deserved a proper explanation from her too.

"Sarah Jane, I-" Alan began tentatively; pausing as he was suddenly interrupted by the unmistakable grinding of the TARDIS materialising in the corner of the attic. His eyes widened and Sarah Jane turned away from him, her own eyes lighting up.

The TARDIS door swung open and the now familiar spiky hair emerged, topping off a man who was tall and rather thin, wearing a pinstripe suit.

"Sarah!" he exclaimed in delight and Sarah Jane beamed at him.

"Alan, this is-"

"The Doctor," Alan finished for her, reaching out in greeting; the Doctor took his proffered hand and scrutinised him closely.

"Alan Jackson?" he asked suddenly, and Alan nodded in surprise.

"How did you…?"

"Never mind," the Doctor said, looking slightly guilty. "Spoilers, as a friend of mine has been known to say."

"I'll leave you to it," Alan muttered to Sarah Jane, adding as he passed her, "I thought you didn't like being called Sarah?"

"She does by me," The Doctor said, the slightest hint of a challenge in his tone.

Alan gave him an appraising look and nodded to Sarah Jane, leaving them alone in the attic. She listened to his footsteps fading and the sound of the door slamming downstairs before turning back to the Doctor.

"Come here," he said, holding out his arms with a broad smile and she went into them gladly.

"How are you?" he asked her, pushing her away so he could look at her properly.

"Oh, you know;" she answered with a grin, "the world nearly ended, had to help drive the TARDIS home whilst giving the planet a tow. Nothing out of the ordinary. Surprised to see you again so soon though."

The Doctor grinned back and put his hands in his pockets, rocking on his heels as he looked around.

"It's been a while for me, actually. Just wanted to come back and check you were alright, Sarah. We said goodbye so quickly."

"I'm sorry, I had to get home to Luke. And I'm sorry about Alan," Sarah added, "he's just found out about – well, everything, not that long ago. And now this. I think he wanted to discuss what just happened. He's normally a bit friendlier than that."

The Doctor looked at her closely.

"Are you sure that's what he'd come to talk about?"

Sarah Jane was confused.

"Well, what else would it be?" she gave the Doctor a sudden sharp look. "How did you know who he was, anyway?"

"Spoilers." The Doctor said firmly.

The two of them contemplated each other for a moment and Sarah shook her head, knowing he wasn't going to enlighten her further on that point.

"Are you staying?" she asked.

"No, I can't." he answered with a sad little smile. "I just came to give you a message."

"A message?" she parroted, "from whom?"

"I can't tell you that," the Doctor said, "all I can say is this. 'Look at what's under your nose.'"

Sarah Jane stared at him, baffled, and he tugged her into a quick hug, whispering in her ear with a voice full of affection.

"Stop waiting for me."

And with that he turned and walked back into the TARDIS before she could say another word. As it dematerialised, Sarah Jane sank down onto the sofa, pondering his words.

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It was late, and getting dark, but Alan was furiously weeding the front garden. Garden fork in hand, he drove it into the earth and twisted, relishing in the effort. He had seen Sarah Jane's face when the Doctor had appeared; how her expression had changed, her sheer joy at seeing him. How could he possibly hope to compete with that? He was only glad the Doctor had interrupted them before he'd made a complete fool of himself.

"Hi," said a voice from the gate and he looked up in surprise to find the very object of this thoughts standing there. She had her arms wrapped around her to ward off the rapidly cooling air, and she twitched him an awkward smile.

"Hi, Sarah Jane," he said, digging the fork into the ground and leaning on it, wiping the sweat from his brow with his other arm.

"It's Sarah, actually," she answered casually, letting herself into the garden and leaning back on the gate, drumming her fingers against the wood; avoiding his eyes.

"What?" Alan asked, momentarily confused.

"Sarah. It's what people…who are close to me call me. At least, they used to. For years now I haven't liked it, it reminds me too much of what I've lost." At this she looked up at him and he was astonished to see tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.

"The Doctor…?" Alan questioned, his gaze drifting upwards, falling on Sarah's attic window.

"He's gone." She said, "But he left me a message."

"Oh?" Alan asked.

"He said I should – look at what's under my nose."

"Oh?" he asked again, his voice carefully even.

Sarah took a step forward, suddenly nervous. She reached out a shaking hand and touched Alan gently on the arm.

"I've been so blind."

Any remaining jealously Alan was harbouring was swept away as she stepped into his embrace, pressing her tiny hands against his chest while he let go of the fork to wind both his arms around her.

"Sarah," he whispered in her ear, his voice threatening to crack.

She smiled against him.

"That sounds nice."

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And there you have it. More to come.