A/N: Wanted to get this up sooner, but things happened. And to let you guys know, this takes place in the Autumn - so first big time jump so far. And the next chapter will take place in early 2011.

"You'll still be there to pick me up for ice cream, right?" Clara looked up at her father hopefully. Her parents were snuggled on each side of her in their nightly tradition. In her hands was 'Charlotte's Web,' a gift from Gwen when it was mentioned that Clara had never heard of the story. So, the next time Gwen visited, Clara was presented with a worn yet still beloved copy of the famous tale.

"You know I finish earlier than your school does so of course I'll be there. Just like before when your Mum and I worked at Torchwood. I was always there right on time, wasn't I?" James dropped a kiss into Clara's hair as she nodded.

The next day was the first Friday of a new school year. Clara was now in year four, and James had begun teaching sciences at the local comprehensive school, declaring that it was way past time to start earning an income for his family. He and Rose felt it was most definitely time to contribute towards household expenses, especially since they had to reside with Jack for an indefinite amount of time: at least eight years by their count, based on the letter mentioning Clara would be at least sixteen when the Doctor came home to them.

Then after that, they were both confident in requesting that the Doctor take them back to Earth on a regular schedule for Clara's benefit. Rose wanted Clara to finish her schooling in a proper fashion, which included her A-levels. Which of course, could lead to a plan revolving around any University that Clara may or may not want to attend.

Rose had tried for several months to find a steady part-time job that would allow her to be home when Clara got out of school. James had insisted that Rose did not need to work, even going as far as to suggesting how it might be for the best. Because what if she ran into someone from her 'old life?'

Rose finally won the argument with the promise that she wouldn't be looking to work in London, and a challenge for James to tell her when he'd ever known her to deliberately sit on her arse at home.

In the meantime, she was volunteering with the village food pantry that collaborated with the church.

"Alright," Rose said while prompting Clara to open the book and begin reading the chapter where they had left off last night. "Chapter Five - Charlotte."

"I'm eight years old, just like Fern." Clara's lips curled into a cheeky smile as she looked up towards her parents. "Can I have a baby pig?"

James tried to disguise the laugh that escaped his throat as a cough while Rose gave a firm, "Absolutely not. Your uncle would have a fit."

"Liar," James teased after he puffed his cheeks in attempt to still the giggles at the mental picture. "We're talking about the Uncle Jack who is partially wrapped around our daughter's finger. He'd probably pick the most adorable piglet and tell the neighbors off when they start complaining."

"So… I should ask Uncle Jack then?" Clara's eyes shined.

"No, love." James was serious now. "Having a barnyard animal is nothing like having dogs or cats. They need special pens and stink like you wouldn't believe."

Clara sighed, pausing before asking, "Can we get a dog at least?"

"Why don't we settle that question another day and concentrate on reading?" Rose tried to change the subject before James and Clara teamed up to bother her and Jack about getting a dog. "I'm not having you up late again."

"I wasn't up that late, Mum," Clara huffed at the abrupt end of goof-off time. She loved when she got to goof off at bedtime! Even if it meant that it took her longer to settle back down.

"Hey, book lover!"

Clara froze before closing her eyes and dropping her head. It was the last ten minutes of PE class and the teacher had given them free time. So she had immediately darted over towards the hopscotch outlines. She loved it because it didn't require two people to play.

"Oi! I'm talking to you!" the voice was closer now. Clara inhaled through her nose, wishing that they would just go away - like Mum said they would do when ignored.

They were three weeks into the term and her parents had already been up to the school four times. Each time demanding action against those who kept taunting Clara for no reason other than the fact that she was smarter than her classmates.

Jack had offered to fund tuition to the best private school of Rose and James's choice if nothing was done to their satisfaction. Then, when Mickey heard about it, he spoke to Jack with an offer to kick in some funds to help out. He felt that since Clara was his goddaughter, it wouldn't be right to have Jack foot most of the bill – especially since they both knew James would probably make just enough with his wages for the family of three to live on, leaving no extra money for tuition when he was already paying for Clara's school clothes and supplies.

Rose and James graciously thanked them and assured that, while the option would be kept open, they wanted Clara to have a regular childhood – which included public schools and the experiences that went along with them. That could change, of course, if things got worse or Clara requested a change.

"Leave. Me. Alone," Clara demanded when the three boys finally reached where she stood. "I haven't done anything to you so go away!"

"Actually, you did." The ringleader sniffed as the two idiots behind him chortled and agreed. "See, you made me look stupid in front of everyone the other day… again. And I can't look like no dummy."

"Well, maybe if you actually read a book once in a while," Clara retorted as her eyes narrowed. "You know, those rectangle shaped things with the writing inside. They sit on shelves. Ring any bells?" The boy's face turned crimson as Clara continued, "Then maybe you might not be so daft. Because come on, you thought whales were fish in science class. Even Robert knew they were mammals and he's a wee bit behind the rest of us."

"Why you little," he snarled as he rushed forward, his hands angrily pushing Clara's shoulders as hard as he could.

Clara gasped after bracing herself. The force of the shove should have caused her to lose balance and fall onto the asphalt. However, to her immense shock, her feet managed to only stumble before immediately righting themselves.

The boy was about to come at her again and Clara raised her arms to try and fend him off. When the blow never came, she lowered her arms, and observed the boy grimacing while rubbing the back of his head.

"Lift those hands again, pig, and I'll tell everyone you wet yourself at the haunted hayride last year!"

The three boys turned. Behind them was a cross looking student who was tossing a bean bag in her hand. She was obviously in their year and she stood only a few inches taller than Clara.

"You hit me!"

The girl smirked while still playing with the small bag. "Yeah, and I'll do it again if you lay another finger on her. She was just minding her own business; not bothering you or anyone else."

The boy muttered something before stomping off. His friends stood there watching Clara as if they were contemplating something.

"Don't even think about it, plonkers," the girl warned. "I still have a bag left and you know I have superb aim."

They took off, and the girl approached Clara with a huge grin on her face. "You alright? You got some serious balance skills going on there."

"Thanks," Clara replied, "and thanks for helping me. You didn't have to."

"No, I didn't. But I've been watching them getting ready to zero in on you since we came out here, just because you're smarter than them. That isn't right." The girl held her hand out. "I'm Nina Jhaveri. I'm in the same science class as you."

Clara smiled as she finally recognized Nina. "You're the one that got sent to the head teacher when you added more Mentos than instructed into the pop."

Nina snorted as mischief glinted in her eyes. "Completely worth the detention, too." She glanced around curiously. "You always spend so much time alone? I mean, I know some of the other kids aren't too warm towards you and all."

Clara was about to respond when the bell rang, signaling that it was time to return indoors to change. They talked some more as they walked before Nina suggested exchanging phone numbers. Clara had just handed over the slip of paper containing her house phone number when their PE teacher stopped them after they entered the changing room. Clara noted how she did not look pleased. "Nina, did you throw a bean bag at Sean's head?"

"He was shoving Clara around! Bet he forgot to mention that when he went crying to you like a baby." Nina rolled her eyes while leaning against one of the gym lockers.

"You know the rules, Nina. You are supposed to call a teacher and we'll handle it."

"Yeah, and then he'd wait until you left before doing it again. At least now he'll think twice, don't you think?"

The teacher merely stared at Nina before repeating her request to be followed. Nina shrugged before saying, "You have lunch next, right? I'll come and find you if you want some company."

Clara smiled and agreed as Nina hurried off to the teacher's office.

"That wasn't so bad at all," Nina crowed as she sat down next to Clara. "Only a call to my parents and a mark on my record."

Clara's head popped up from her doodle in surprise. She admittedly was surprised that Nina came to find her. "Sorry…"

Nina waved her wrist dismissively coupled with a shake of her head. "Don't be. This isn't the first time I've gotten pulled into the office." She then grinned sitting back and settled herself into the hard plastic seat. "If fact, I think of it as all the other marks on my record now have a new friend."

An amused giggle escaped from Clara's as she set her drawing to the side and begin to eat her lunch. In fact, happiness swelled in Clara's chest as she seemed to have a good feeling that her and Nina would become friends.

"You're a pretty nifty artist, you know. Most kids I know only manage stick figures and maybe minor doodles." Nina leaned over to glance at the paper that caught her attention earlier.

"Thanks," Clara answered shyly. "I was always encouraged towards art for as long as I can remember. According to Uncle Jack and Uncle Mickey, I inherited it from both my Mum and Dad."

"Well don't be afraid to flaunt your abilities, girl!" Nina winked while sliding the paper back to where it originally rested. "The world can always use talent like that!"

There was silence for a few moments before Clara asked, "So, I really didn't get you into too much trouble?"

Nina rolled her eyes. "Come off it! I knew I'd probably get in trouble when I did it but I don't do nothing that wouldn't be worth the consequence. I was tired of seeing you getting pushed around like that. Plus, the girls I was playing ball with were aiming to gang up on them if I didn't beat them to it. You aren't the first new kid they've harassed."

Clara sighed. "And for some reason, I don't think I'll be the last."

Nina sadly nodded in agreement, before they went back to their lunch before their time was up.

"So, what are your plans for Bonfire Night, Nina?"

"Nipa, my nanny is taking me, Mr. Harkness." Nina slumped at the thought while picking at the pizza before her.

It was the night before one of the biggest holidays around, and Jack was watching over Clara and Nina while James and Rose were out.

"What did I say about the Mr. Harkness stuff?" Jack smiled kindly. "You and Clara are good friends, so please, I insist that you call me Jack. And what do you mean your nanny is taking you? Where are your parents?"

Nina shrugged while rolling her eyes. "Mum is out of town, as you know. And Dad went to India for a holiday with Prita."

"And I'm guessing you aren't too enthused about that," Jack guessed. He knew divorces on children could be rough. Then when one of the parents took on a new partner, things could grow more bumpy if they were handled wrong.

"At first, I didn't mind her because she seemed really cool. Even though Mum looked really cross when Dad not only brought her to my birthday party, but then they presented me with a really gorgeous locket all the way from Bombay as my gift," Nina explained. "I only wear it for special occasions, even though Mum tries to forbid me from wearing it."

"But… Why did they get married if they were angry with each other?" Clara asked. Remembering one of her classmates on the other side once saying that her sister stopped her wedding because she was always upset with her boyfriend.

"My parents' marriage was matched by their parents." When Clara's eyes widened in surprise, Nina added quickly with a shrug, "They told me that was the way things were done with their families and that they both consented to it."

"And for some reason, it didn't work out," Jack decided to preempt the questions he could see forming in Clara's eyes. "Sadly, not all marriages work out."

"Weren't your parents matched by their families?" It was Nina's turn to ask a question based on her observations. "I mean, your Mum and Dad seem to get on well enough."

Clara smiled as she shook her head. "Dad told me that he saw Mum at her job, and the rest is history. Whatever that means…"

"It means that everyone, including you, knows what happens next." Jack eyed his niece while continuing, "Your parents already told me that it's one of your favorite stories."

"I don't know what happens next," Nina quipped with a cheeky glint in her eye.

Jack laughed as she did have a point. "Basically Clara's Mum and Dad fell in love and eventually had Clara."

"Even when Gran slapped Dad for bringing Mum home late from their date once," Clara giggled behind her hand. "That's one of my favorite parts."

Jack laughed as he answered how that was one of his favorite parts as well, since he could easily imagine the scene in his head.

"So why don't you like Prita now?" Clara rested her elbow on the table. Despite the little side track in the conversation earlier, she was still intrigued about her friend's potential step-mother.

Nina shrugged. "She's extremely fake. And I mean faker than a knockoff purse. She's 25, and just out of school with her master's degree. So she constantly badgers Dad about taking her places for enjoyment, saying how she deserves some leisure after all the hard work she's done. And since Dad likes to have a good time…"

"He goes along with it," Jack concluded. When Nina answered in the affirmative, Jack expressed regret that it also meant her father was putting his child on the back shelf.

"Nipa explained to me that one day, I'm not going to be his only child anymore." Nina's chin was propped into her hand. "I think it will be fun to have little siblings, just as long as they aren't like Prita, and that Dad still finds time for just me and him."

"I'm sure he will," Jack assured her.

Clara eyed her plate guiltily. She felt bad for her friend's circumstances when she had two parents who not only loved each other completely, but never let a day go by without expressing it. Nor did they ever let a day go by where they didn't show Clara how much they loved and valued her, along with the faith they had in her future - whatever it may hold.

"Well then since you are already spending the night here, I suppose you'll have to come with us to the field tomorrow night. Bet you'd have much more fun." Jack interrupted Clara's thoughts as he gathered the paper plates to put them in the bin.

Clara clapped her hands happily as Nina's face lit up as she carefully inquired, "You don't mind me coming along?"

"If I minded, I wouldn't have extended the invitation."

"Then I'd be happy to come, Mr. Harkn– Jack." Nina was chuffed. She had dreaded having to go with her nanny as she knew the older woman would have dragged her back home before all the fun was over. "However, I do have to go home first. I have my lessons with Nipa, but then I'm sure she'll bring me back over."

"And if she can't, then one of us can surely come and fetch you." Jack smiled as they all finished clearing the table before moving into the living room for some television.

"She already said she did not mind driving me here when I'm allowed over," Nina replied before a half grin tugged at her lips. "She thinks Clara would be a good influence on me."

Jack laughed. "Obviously she doesn't know this family that well."

Nina waved a hand as she replied conspiratorially, "I'm certainly not going to say anything."

"Oh, I think you'll fit in just fine with us, kiddo." Jack snickered before handing over the remote to Nina and Clara.

Thirty minutes later however… He was regretting that decision as, thanks to Clara, Nina discovered the Lion King and found that she enjoyed the film immensely.

"Your mother is going to kill me…"

"I don't understand, Uncle Jack. Why would Guy Fawkes want to kill the King? Wasn't he the leader or something? At least, that's what Mum says."

Jack paused as he tried to find the best explanation for an eight year old child. One that wouldn't insult her intelligence, but was still child friendly. "Well… You know how not everyone follows the same religion?

When Clara nodded her head, Jack continued, "Guy Fawkes and a group of English Catholics didn't agree with the idea of a Protestant King running the show. Since the two religions don't always agree, they wanted a Catholic on the throne which would ensure that Catholic ideas prevailed."

"So instead of trying to work together, they wanted their way only?"

"You could say that, Munchkin."

Clara swung her feet as she balanced herself on Jack's knee. The picture book titled 'The Legend of Guy Fawkes' was sitting on his other knee. "I still think they went overboard with the punishment. Like that Cassiopeia lady in the constellation. They could have just locked him up for the rest of his life, yeah?"

"In all fairness, sweetheart," Rose replied as she sat down next to them. "They probably didn't want him to try and escape."

"I still don't get where he thought he'd get away with it," James added as he dropped a bundle down by the front door.

"Let me guess, Dad." Clara smirked. "You tried to talk some sense into him, and he told you to shove off."

"Whoa ho! Where did my sweet little Clara run off to? Woe… I'm left with only the cheeky one!" James exclaimed dramatically with a hand to his forehead.

"Little over the top there, love." Rose winked as she kissed James's cheek while Clara could be heard laughing. When the doorbell rang, she went to get the door.

Besides, if James was at liberty to admit it. He'd tell Clara that the TARDIS refused to land anywhere near that date.

Well... One day he'll be able to tell her all about it.

Clara slid off Jack's lap when she heard Nina's voice drift in from the front door. There were excited squeals coming from the hall when the two friends embraced. Then there was the pounding of feet as they ran upstairs to drop Nina's stuff in Clara's room.

"Not too long up there, you two!" Rose called up the staircase. "We're eating in a few minutes."

"Oh, that reminds me!" Nina came scurrying back down the staircase with one of those insulated bags in hand. "Nipa sent some of her curry as thanks for hosting me tonight. And I made the Naan bread myself!" she added proudly.

"Thank you!" Rose smiled graciously. "You and Nipa didn't have to send anything."

"I know, but she insisted. Said it was only proper to bring something to thank your host."

"Alright... Where's my favorite niece?" a male voice came up behind Rose, before waving at Nina. "Hello! You must be Nina."

Nina waved her hellos as Clara came running down the stairs. "Uncle Mickey!"

"Hey there, short stuff!" Mickey grinned as Clara jumped off the bottom stair into his arms. And of course, ignoring Rose's admonishments about jumping off stairs.

After Mickey spun her around a few times, Clara looked towards Nina after her feet touched the floor again. "I guess you met Uncle Mickey, so come on and I'll introduce you to Aunt Martha." She briefly glanced to Mickey in silent question as to where Martha was.

"She's in the kitchen with your Dad and Uncle Jack. If you hurry, you might snag a few pieces of pizza."

Nina and Clara shared a brief look before taking off towards the kitchen with Rose calling after them, "And make sure they save some pizza and curry for the rest of us."

Ten minutes later, James was juggling the hot pan that he had just retrieved from the oven. He had brazenly insisted that he knew how to reheat bread after Jack took over reheating of the curry.

Of course, Nina had to step in to show him the proper temperature and handling before he dried it out.

"Ow OW! Bloody pan," James swore after dropping the pan onto the counter. Clara helpfully turned on the cold water while asking if he was burned.

"Nah… Just overly warm," He assured her before they heard Luke coming into the kitchen.

"Awesome! Who brought the curry?"

Nina shyly raised her hand as Sarah Jane entered behind him. There were more greetings and introductions, including Clara finally meeting Clyde and Rani for the first time.

"I really hope you don't mind the extra guests," Sarah Jane started - a small hint of embarrassment in her voice. "But Luke came home with them and, after I told him where we were going, he asked them along." She then gave a pointed stare at her son. "Something I've admonished him about before."

"The more the merrier." Jack winked as the adults began dishing out the food for the younger ones first. Clara, Luke, Nina and Rani all sat together chit-chatting before Clara asked Luke how Oxford was and what was it like going to university.

"You can't be in university!" Nina exclaimed while looking him up and down. "You can't be more than what, Sixteen? Seventeen?"

"Got to take my A-levels early, and I got accepted. I was pretty shocked as well. But at least Mum has K-9 to keep her company. I try to come home when I can."

"Speaking of K-9, you should have brought him," Clara said with a grin. "I bet Nina would have loved it."

"I am here, Mistress!"

"Yes!" Clara exclaimed when K-9 rolled to a stop next to her chair.

"No way!" Nina dropped her napkin, darting out of her chair to plop down next to Clara - much to the amusement of the adults in the room. "It's a proper metal dog! And it talks!"

"Affirmative, Mistress." K-9 bobbed his head as Nina reached out to touch it.

"Wicked," Nina murmured as her fingers graced the lettering on the robot's side.

"Did you ever recall who built him, Luke?" Clara peeked up, looking directly at a now uncomfortable Luke. "For as smart as you are, you can't remember who built him?"

Since Clara's attention was focused solely on Luke, she didn't notice James rub the back of his neck nervously as he and Sarah Jane exchanged glances.

"It was a rather wonky name, dear," Sarah Jane was quick to offer a reasoning that she hoped would ease Clara's curiosity for the moment. "I remember hearing it once, but it wasn't simple as a 'John' or such."

"You never heard my name, you liar. But John? You had to slip that in there, didn't you," James mused inwardly as he fought back the laugh in his throat.

"Come on, you two," Rose said as dishes started to be cleared away. "Finish your dinner because we have to leave soon."

Clara and Nina scrambled back into their chairs, and not long after, they could start to hear people walking down the street in festive cheer.

"Clara! I want that coat zipped up completely."

"Mum! It isn't that chilly outside..." Clara protested as Rose tugged the zipper upwards.

"What did we say about talking back?" James warned her as he opened the door for Jack and Mickey - who had volunteered to take the two wood bundles this time.

Clara slumped for a second before giving a small huff. "Fine... I'm sorry, Mum."

"I know, love." Rose smiled as she kissed Clara's forehead. "I fuss because I care. And you'll do the same when you become a Mum one day."

After James locked the door behind them, he had the biggest grin on his face as he declared, "Got everything? Good. Allons-y!"

"Allons what?" Clara's eyebrows scrunched together as she walked backwards in front of her parents.

"It's French. It means 'Let's go,'" James answered with a smile. Rose's hand was tucked into his as they walked within the giant procession of people.

"Allons-y," Clara repeated while testing the word on her tongue. "I like it! I think it'll become my second favorite after 'Molto bene.'"

A happy giggle escaped James's throat. "That's my girl!"

"Watch out, Clara! You almost walked right into that man." Martha grabbed at Clara's sleeve. "You have to walk eyes forward in a group like this."

"But this is much more fun! Right, Nina?" Clara grinned at her friend who began walking backwards as well.

"Molto bene," Nina quipped - causing Rose and James to bite back giggles as the words sounded different with Nina's light Indian accent.

The man in front of them turned his head and shot them all a dirty look before taking his son's hand and walking faster. No doubt he was, looking to create a safe distance and avoid anymore kicks to the back of his heels.

"So you excited for your first Bonfire Night then?" Mickey rubbed his hands excitedly, as they turned the final corner to the large field where the festivities were to be held.

When Clara nodded her head eagerly, rambling off everything she wanted to see and do, Rose gave a small contented sigh.

"Alright?" James squeezed her hand as he leaned in.

Rose nodded. "Just remembering the first Bonfire Night Mum would let me attend on the Estate. Up 'til then, she'd only let me watch from the railing." Her tongue peeked out the corner of her mouth as she addressed Mickey. "You remember that, Mick?"

"What?"

"First Bonfire Night Mum let me go to on the Estate."

Mickey laughed. "Oh yeah. You were what... Twelve? Oh! Remember how each year there seemed to be more and more police there?"

"How come?" Martha asked with a raised eyebrow.

"There was at least one kid each year who tried to toss a spray can into the fire, Babe. We thought it was funny back then, but we didn't know better."

"Estate? What's an estate?" Clara asked.

"They're Council Estates... Subsidized housing for people who don't have a lot of money," Nina answered before accidentally blurting out, "Mum equates them to the slums in India, and swears they are breeding grounds for no good chavs."

Mickey and Rose both turned their attention towards James who could be heard scowling at the remark. Not at Nina particularly, but more so towards her mother's extremely biased opinions.

"Hey, it's okay. She didn't mean anything by it," Rose whispered as she gave James's hand a gentle squeeze.

"I know." James inhaled deeply through his nose while Nina started to grow uncomfortable. "Her mother however, she should know better."

Nina fumbled with the bottom of her jacket, as she realized that she was once again repeating what her mother says without thinking. "I'm sorry, Mr. McCrimmon!" she squeaked out as her friend's father turned his attention towards her. "I have been told before about not thinking before talking."

"I'm not upset with you, Nina," James promised as he felt Rose squeeze his hand once more. After taking a moment to word his next thought carefully, he continued, "Your mother is certainly entitled to her opinion. Even if it can be seen as biased towards places she herself has never visited."

"That's what Nipa says." Nina's head bobbed to the side. "Though ironically, Nipa's mother grew up in an Indian slum and she raised Nipa to succeed in her path in life while remaining proud of her humble beginnings."

"I knew there was a reason I liked your nanny," Rose said as Nina inquired carefully, "Forgive me, but from Mr. McCrimmon's reaction, I assume you know someone from a Council Estate?"

Rose and Mickey each raised a hand, unashamed, as Mickey added, "We were both raised on the Powell Estate."

Clara's mouth hung open in shock as she stared at her parents. While she was not ashamed of her parent's background, she always thought they grew up in the same kind of life that they provided for her.

"Really?" Clara squeaked as her brain began funneling questions to her lips. "What was it like? I bet you and Uncle Mickey lived really close to each other. Did you live on the same Estate, Dad? Can we go see it?"

James and Rose looked at each other hesitantly as Mickey said, "Slow down there, short stuff!"

After Mickey answered every question except the last one, Clara once again asked if they could visit. Rose and James were wary of the idea, mainly because of Mickey telling them privately how the place had gotten dodgier over the years. Not a haven for criminals, but it wasn't exactly a place to hang around at night.

"We'll think about it," James finally decided. When Clara began to protest, James was stern as he repeated, "I said your Mother and I will consider it once I talk with your Uncle about how safe it is during the daytime."

"Hey!" Jack broke up the tension. It was supposed to be a festive evening, so he decided there would be no more negative conversation tonight. "James, why don't we have a piggyback race? I'll take Clara and you take Nina. Loser buys the cider."

There were cheers coming from Clara and Nina as James cocked an eyebrow when they reached the entrance to the field, handing off their bundles to the attendant at the gate.

"Oh go on, James." Rose nudged his shoulder. "You know you want to."

"It's not that." James's tongue rested against the back of his upper teeth, and his chin was confidently raised. "I just want to make sure he isn't gonna be a sore loser when Nina and I win."

"You forget that I've never had any trouble keeping up with you," Jack teased as he crouched down to let Clara hop onto his back.

"Pfft... If you can call being a few steps behind 'keeping up,'" James retorted as he stooped down to allow Nina to climb up.

Nina bit her lip nervously. She wanted to partake in the fun, however she was unsure if Clara's dad was truly alright with carrying her. "You don't really have to."

Her dad never liked to carry her piggyback. Whenever she had asked in the name of frivolity, he was quick to chastise her about not acting her age.

"Oh go on, sweetheart," Rose encouraged her with a smile. "If James truly didn't want to participate, he would outright refuse to."

"What do you say, Nina? How about we leave Jack and Clara in our dust?" James waggled his eyebrows.

Nina shyly nodded as she wrapped her arms around James's shoulders, giving a small squeak as James stood straight after securing his arms under Nina's knees.

"Alright there?"

Nina nodded before clarifying, "It's just that I've never been on someone's back before. I can't believe that I'm so high up from the ground!"

"Isn't it fun though?" Clara gleefully squealed as Jack spun around in circles with a few carefree whoops.

"She's gonna get sick, Jack!"

"She's fine, Rose!"

"Fine! You can clean her coat when she gets sick on it."

"Yeah yeah..." Jack rolled his eyes as Clara giggled.

"Oi! Clear a path!" Mickey shouted at a group of people after Sarah Jane counted them down to 'Go,' and James and Jack took off. Rose and Martha were laughing hysterically as the they dodged the people not heeding Mickey's warning.

"I tried to warn you, Jack," James boasted as Jack handed out the cider he had to purchase. "I'm a natural runner... You can't beat that."

"You know..." Jack held back the drink with a cruel smirk when James reached for it. "They did have cider made from pears. I can easily go exchange this."

Clara and James both cried foul while there was laughter from the rest of the group. Except for Nina who didn't understand the reference.

"Dad and I both despise pears," Clara explained to her friend after Jack finally handed over the cup of cider to James.

"I see." Nina shrugged while accepting the explanation.

There were cheers from everyone as the bonfire was finally lit. And, as the flames grew higher and brighter, the cheers grew louder. Soon the appeal of standing around watching wood burn fizzled and people began milling around while waiting for the fireworks to begin.

"Luke! Put those down!" Sarah Jane called out.

"Come on, Mum!" Luke replied as he counted the sticks. "We did it last year!"

"What?! You ate marshmallows off of sticks that you found on the ground?" Sarah Jane's arms crossed against her chest before turning to Martha. "Will you tell him that isn't safe?"

Martha only shrugged mildly. "While I wouldn't suggest doing so, there isn't anything life-threatening about using sticks."

"What are we doing with sticks now?" Rose asked as she returned with Clara.

"Rani brought these giant marshmallows and Luke was finding sticks for us to use," Nina explained.

Rose looked unsure for a moment before holding her hand out for the sticks. After Luke handed them over, and she inspected them with a critical eye for anything that could be dangerous.

After a moment, Rose then promised Sarah Jane that she couldn't see anything but bark.

"You know that I wouldn't use sticks that could make anyone sick, Mum." Luke smiled as he handed them out. Sarah Jane only exhaled before insisting how she was still entitled to worry.

James wrapped an arm around Sarah Jane's shoulders and squeezed gently. Leaning down so that only she could hear him, he murmured, "It's okay to worry sometimes. But you know they've found worse to get into and they came out just fine according to you."

Sarah Jane looked into his eyes while returning his mischievous grin. "Not as bad as what we got into sometimes."

A happy sound of agreement escaped his throat as he gave her another side hug, before returning his attention to the scene in front of him. Rose and Jack were helping Nina and Clara properly roast their marshmallows while Rani exclaimed how Luke's charred marshmallow looked 'positively disgusting.'

When Rose looked over to him, their eyes met while silently expressing their mutual contentment with the life they've seemed to settle into. Not breaking eye contact, James's hand slid off Sarah Jane's shoulders as he moved to Rose's side. He took the remaining two sticks and a few marshmallows, putting one on each stick before handing one to Rose.

"Oi! Not too many now... I don't want you guys running amok all evening when we get home," Jack warned as he watched Clara eat her fifth giant marshmallow.

"But I don't feel sugared up," Clara protested after Jack held onto her stick and asked her to slow it down.

"That's because your stomach is still digesting it," James answered as he blew on Rose's marshmallow after it caught fire. "There, Rose... Told you I'd save it."

Rose rolled her eyes playfully while leaning in intimately. "Savior of damsels in distress and marshmallows alike."

James giggled while waggling his eyebrows. "My favorite are the ones that are cornered by shop window dummies."

Rose's tongue peeked from the corner of her mouth. "Do that often, do you?"

"Nope!" James beamed as he kissed that oh so tempting tip of her tongue. "One time performance."

"Really?" Rose played along as her fingers danced along his arm. "What did you say to her to make it a one time performance?"

James shrugged as he put the sticks down and took her hands in his. "I told her to run. Then later on, I was foolish enough to think she'd listen when I told her to forget me."

"And we never stopped running, did we?"

"Never will either," James whispered against her lips as he leaned in close. "Even when we're old and gray, we'll run in our dreams for all eternity."

"Your source was incorrect," the man hissed into his communication device while sticking to the shadows. He looked at the revelers in disgust as he considered how he really despised the twenty-first century and their primitive celebrations.

His teeth bared as the person on the other end argued the credibility of the source. "Are you calling me a liar? I'm looking right at them! The child is older than we presumed but it has to be her."

Colonel Manton stalked away from the crowd before he drew attention to himself. "Why am I even wasting my time with you?" he then spat before ending the call.

He walked back to his previous spot to try and spy on the group some more before discovering that they had moved elsewhere. Cursing under his breath, Manton turned on his heel and stalked down the road leading from the back of the field. It was decided that he would present his report and let their leader decide if she would pursue this lead. However, he was confident that an opportunity was within their grasp.

Victory would be theirs. And it would be sweet.