Day 24: Making Up Afterwards

Rating: T

Summary: The Doctor realizes why Clara is so grumpy

Word Count: 646

Notes: Hope that fight was good… here's part two!

PREVIOUSLY…

"I don't want to be your friend because…"

"Because why?"

"BECAUSE I LOVE YOU."

The Doctor's hearts were pounding for a completely different reason now. She loves me! His anger and frustration melted; he knew exactly why she was feeling the way she was.

Clara stared up at the Doctor through misty eyes. I can't believe I just said that. She felt like an idiot. Clara had promised herself she would never confess her feelings to the Doctor, she thought he would laugh in her face, or think she was weak. She didn't expect to see him gaping at her with his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for that to come out. Can you just drop me off then—"

"You love me?"

Clara sighed heavily. "Can we just forget I ever said anything?"

"No, we can't, did you mean it?"

Clara looked down at her feet shyly. "Please forget it—"

"I can't forget it, Clara, I won't forget it. Did you mean what you said? Do you really love me?"

Slowly, she craned her neck up so she could look into his eyes. Slowly, she nodded her head and whispered out "yes", so softly he could barely hear her.

Clara was surprised to feel him pull her into a hug. The tears were still coming; she knew she embarrassed herself in front of a man who could never feel the same way about her. And yet, he was comforting her?

"Clara, beautiful Clara." He whispered to her, burrowing his face in her brown hair. She stayed silent, not knowing what exactly to say to him. He kissed the top of her head, and she felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe he did feel the same way, but then again, maybe I'm dreaming.

"I'm sorry Doctor, I really didn't mean to just… say it."

"Why not?" He looked at her concerned.

"Well… because… I don't know. I wasn't going to tell you, I didn't want to mess things up."

"But don't you feel better now that you did?" The Doctor smiled at her.

"Yeah, I do actually. I get it if you want me gone, you can just drop me off at home—"

"Why would I want you gone?"

"Well… you know…" Clara stammered, "won't things be… awkward for you? Knowing how I feel?"

"Not in the least!" The Doctor said excitedly. He calmed down for a moment and turned serious. "There are things I meant to keep from you too, but in light of what was just said…" He pulled away from her, turning on the spot, then brought his hands to her cheeks. The Doctor took a deep breath before saying, "I love you too, so much Clara. I knew I loved you when you told me to try coming back tomorrow."

"Really?" Clara whispered, a watery smile gracing her features.

The Doctor nodded, and stroked her cheek with his thumb.

"I'm sorry I've been such a grump, Doctor. I just didn't know how to tell you."

"It's okay, I understand. You were nervous, so was I."

She nodded and looked back into his eyes. "I love you. God I love saying that."

"I love you too, Clara." He said back. He looked intrigued for a moment. "Does that make us…"

"Make us what?"

"Boyfriend and girlfriend?" The Doctor was amused.

"Only if you want us to be."

"Damn, looks like Artie was right when he said goodbye to 'Clara's boyfriend'. I thought he was properly bonkers."

Clara giggled. "Artie wasn't the only one that was right."

"What are you talking about?"

"It is a snogbox!" Clara laughed.

The Doctor looked at her disapprovingly. Then considered it. "Well…"

"Well what?"

"Technically, it isn't a snogbox yet."

"Oh, I guess it isn't." Clara giggled. "Shall we make it one?"

"I think that sounds like a wonderful idea." The Doctor chuckled as he brought Clara, his love, in for a kiss.