Merry Christmas Everybody! Hope you enjoyed the Christmas special, I loved the regen scene. Here's your Christmas chapter...
Although her week at the home had been a little better, mostly thanks to Jackie being stuck in her room for the week, Clara was glad when Christmas eve came round. She'd had her bag packed from the moment she got back and once she was able to move about a little Hannah had taken her to sort out presents. Danny's parents were due any minute and Clara was sat in the lounge playing with Noah and Elijah. "They've taken a shine to you," Hannah walked in and smiled at them playing snakes and ladders for about the tenth time that week.
"We're best buddies now aren't we?" Clara smiled at the boys who nodded.
"Clara's fun!" Noah jumped up and hugged her, but he was gentle - they knew it hurt otherwise. "We've been helping look after her."
Hannah walked over and knelt down between the two boys"you have and you've done a fabulous job, well done."
"Why do you have to go away for Christmas?" Elijah asked, looking up at Clara. She felt a little guilty looking at their faces, but she also knew what she had waiting for them on Christmas day.
Clara managed to get herself off the chair and knelt down on the floor, they both immediately moved to sit on her lap, "I'm going to spend Christmas with Danny, but you guys are going to have an incredible time here. I'll be back before I go back to school so we can play some more."
They smiled a little at that and she hugged them both. "Hey do I have competition?" Danny's voice came from behind her and Clara looked up, smiling.
"Yep, these two are trying to stop me from leaving," she told him.
Danny looked shocked, "well that just can't be allowed!" he pretended to jump at them and they both quickly jumped up, running away from him. Danny started chasing them around the room while Clara got up with a little assistance from Hannah and went over to greet his parents.
"You settled in a little better then?" Gina asked, "it's lovely to see you."
"Yes, a little. It's good to see you too," she hugged them both carefully. "Sorry, still a little painful," she apologised.
"No need to be sorry," Phil told her, "how is the bruise doing?"
"Oh it's going down pretty well, at least I can move around now," she smiled.
"Shall we get your stuff in the car while you say your goodbyes?" he asked.
"Yeah, it's in the hall. Thank you," Clara told them and turned back around just as Danny caught up with Noah and picked him up, spinning him around. Elijah had just got over to her and hid behind her legs. Clara chuckled, "what you doing down there young man? Come on I need a big hug before I go!" Elijah quickly jumped up on the arm of the sofa so he could hug her. "You be good yeah? Make sure you're in bed early on Christmas eve so Father Christmas can bring your presents."
"We will!" Noah called out as he made his way over. "I hope you get lots of presents!" he giggled excitedly and jumped up for a hug too.
"Thank you little man, I'll see you next week," she let them go and turned to Danny. "Just need to go and see Kate, she had a migraine so she's upstairs."
"Nah I'm here," Kate came to the door, "heard the activity. You have a fab time," she smiled and hugged Clara.
"You too, I'll call you yeah? Now go and get some sleep you look awful," Clara chuckled and took Danny's hand. "Ready?"
"Yep, let's get out of here," he smiled and they left the home.
When they got back to Danny's place and inside Clara realised something, "you haven't decorated the tree?"
"Nope, that's our job," Danny pointed at the box of decorations on the floor. "We wanted you to have that."
"I can't believe you've had a bare tree for a whole week for me," she looked a little shocked.
"You're part of the family love, we do this together," Gina smiled. "First, tea."
They decorated the tree together, the four of them. Clara was a little limited in what she could do but Danny helped her and she made a good supervisor. Finally it was time to put the star on top and between Danny and his Dad they managed to persuade Clara to stand on a chair to put it on, which she did. She turned around and Danny lifted her off and looked up at the tree with her, "it's perfect." he told her.
"Like you," Clara smiled and kissed his cheek, "thank you."
"You okay?" he asked.
"Painkillers wearing off," she leant into him. "Kinda tired."
"You two go rest, I'll call you for dinner," Gina told them, placing a hand on both of their shoulders.
The rest of Christmas Eve was quiet but perfect. Clara and Danny went up to bed after they'd all sat and watched a Christmas film together. They lay together, Clara rested gently on Danny and shut her eyes. "I can't wait to wake up on Christmas Day with you," Danny played with the edge of her hair. "Today was perfect."
"I couldn't have asked for more, you've been so good to me," Clara smiled. "I love you,"
"I love you too, now we'd better get to sleep before Father Christmas arrives," he chuckled.
Clara smiled but didn't open her eyes, "don't joke, he might not bring you anything,"
Danny gasped, "that's it, I'm sleeping. Goodnight angel," he smiled kissed her forehead before lying back.
#-#-#-#
Clara woke up but didn't move - Danny was still asleep. The clock read 7:30am and the house seemed quiet so there was no need to move. She looked up a little and smiled at how peaceful he was. Time passed and she stayed in that position for a while until she heard the front door which seemed to wake Danny up. "Good morning," she smiled, "merry Christmas," she added and kissed him gently.
"Mmm good morning beautiful, Merry Christmas," he returned the favour. "How are you feeling?"
"A little stiff, but so happy," she told him. "What's the plan?"
"Presents," he grinned and sat up, pulling her with him. "And painkillers, actually let me go and get them before you move properly," he smiled, "stay there." Danny jumped up and ran downstairs. He went into the living room, "Mrs Oswald," he smiled at Clara's gran who had just arrived with her Dad who'd gone to pick her up. "Lovely to see you again."
"And you, looking very handsome," Danny chuckled, he forgot how much Clara's gran flirted with him.
"Thank you," he smiled, "I'll bring her down in a sec. Do you need anything?"
"Oh no your father is just getting me tea so I'm perfect thank you," Grace smiled. "How is Clara? Honestly? Because she will lie to me."
Danny sighed, not wanting to say too much but knowing Grace would notice as soon as she came downstairs, "she had a bit of an incident at the home earlier in the week, but she's doing okay. Her ribs are a bit painful so just be gentle," he smiled, hoping that covered it enough.
"Did she fall…?" Grace seemed concerned.
"There was a bit of an altercation, but it's nothing to worry about and she really doesn't want to talk about it," Danny explained. "I just need to take her painkillers up," he disappeared into the kitchen and ran back upstairs.
"You took your time," Clara told him and took the water and pills from him, taking them quickly.
Danny smiled, "I know, sorry Dad was asking me questions. He's making tea but we'll wait for those to kick in before we move."
Clara shook her head, "they work quickly and I'm impatient, let's go," she reached for his hand and gently lifted herself up and over the edge of the bed before standing up. Danny handed her dressing gown to her and Clara slipped it on as they went downstairs.
"I'll go and get tea, you go sit in the lounge," Danny smiled and went into the kitchen,
Clara let him go, opening the door and going into the lounge, she looked around and suddenly saw her Gran on the sofa, "you're here already?!"
"No, no I don't think I am…" Grace chuckled and pushed herself up, going over to meet her. "Merry Christmas sweetheart," she kissed her head and hugged her carefully.
"Danny told you huh?" Clara commented, "you're never that gentle."
"You got me," Grace smiled. "He's only looking out for you."
"I know, it's fine. Merry Christmas Gran," she smiled and walked back to sit down with her. "How did you get here already? I thought you were coming for lunch."
"Ah your father in law picked me up nice and early, you really think I'd miss present time?" Clara almost choked on the breath she took in.
"Gran please! He's not my father in law," she shook her head in slight despair.
"Yet," Grace raised her eyebrows cheekily and Clara hit her playfully. At that point Danny's family walked in the room and Danny sat beside her, handing the tea. "Is it time to open presents then?" Grace grinned.
Clara put her head in her hands but Gina chuckled, "oh it's definitely time. Danny you doing the honours?"
Danny grinned and jumped up. They all exchanged presents with Clara almost crying with how generous Danny's parents had been to her. She hugged her Gran tight when she opened her gifts and they were all very surprised to see ones from her but the thought she'd put in was worth it. They'd finished, at least she thought they had. "Hold on," Phil stood up. Clara looked at Danny who shrugged, but she could tell he knew something. He returned with a Christmas bag and handed it to Clara.
"I don't understand…" Clara looked at the bag as she placed it on the floor in front of her.
"Look at the label," Gina directed her and Clara did so.
Clara,
I'm sorry I can't be there sweetheart, but that doesn't mean I can't try and give you the best Christmas I can from where I am. Have a wonderful day my beautiful girl, I'll see you soon.
All my love,
Dad
"But how did…" she looked up at Phil and Gina, "did you sort this?"
Gina smiled, "with a little help from your Gran and Danny. Team effort," she smiled. "You want us to go?"
Clara thought about that, "no. Like you said, we're family now," she smiled and started to open the presents.
Her Dad hadn't held back. She had a new phone, a set of classic books that he knew she loved and a few other lovely bits. There was one more in the bottom of the bag which she pulled out and unwrapped, opening the box to reveal a gorgeous ring. Clara almost dropped the box as she gasped at what she saw. Danny didn't know about this one and he was confused, but let Clara had her moment. After a few seconds Gina pulled a phone out and handed it to Danny nodding at the screen. He looked and returned the nod, turning the sound on. "Clara," he nudged her a little and she looked over, seeing the phone.
"Hi sweetheart," her Dad spoke on video call. Clara almost broke down there and then but she took a deep breath and the phone from Danny. "By the look on your face you know what you're looking at."
"It's Mum's engagement ring…" she spoke, still in shock. "I don't understand, why?"
"Because you deserve it Clara, because your Mum would want you to have it, and because I think it might go on at least your thumb now," he smiled. "I love you Clara."
"I love you too Dad, thank you so much," she wiped at her eyes quickly.
"Now you go and enjoy your day alright?" Dave smiled, "I want a full report when I see you tomorrow."
"I promise," she smiled and they hung up. Clara took the ring and carefully put it on, deciding it just about worked on her middle finger.
"It looks perfect on you," Danny smiled and kissed the side of her head gently.
"It really does Clara, your Mum would be so proud to see you sat here now," her Gran hugged her carefully.
"You two go and get dressed then, we'll get breakfast sorted," Gina told them and Clara nodded, putting everything away for now apart from the ring which she had no intention of taking off for a long time and going up.
Clara got changed into her favourite dress, the first time she'd ever worn it around Danny and his reaction when he walked back into the room had her blushing. "You look amazing," he walked over to her. "I'm so lucky."
Danny was in a shirt too, they'd all decided to make an effort that day and he did look rather handsome for it. "Not too bad yourself," she smiled. Danny chuckled and then bought something out from behind him. "I wanted to give you this one separately," he told her. Clara smiled a little nervously and bought her arm round from behind her where she was also holding something for him. They both chuckled, "great minds eh?"
Both perching on the edge of the bed they exchanged gifts, "you first," Clara smiled, seeing how impatient Danny was to open his - it was sweet how much of a child he was with Christmas. He carefully unwrapped the present and opened it.
"Oh wow Clara…" he looked down at the very well presented pen which was engraved with the date they first spent together in the library - they always joked it had been their unofficial first date. "It's perfect, I love it." He leant forward and kissed her softly. "Your turn now."
Clara unwrapped hers equally carefully and pulled out the box inside, opening it to reveal a gorgeous watch inside, "Danny this is…"
"Shush, I've been saving up and I won't lie, my parents are pretty generous on pocket money," he shrugged. "Go on check the back," he told her and she turned it over, seeing the same date printed there. "Told you, great minds," he smiled and Clara looked up.
"I can't believe you've done this, it's wonderful Danny," she kissed him again and then took the watch out. Danny helped her put it on. "It's barely started and this is already the best Christmas."
"Just you wait," he smiled and kept hold of her hand in his. "I've had a whole week to make this as perfect as I can."
"All you needed to do was be here," Clara smiled. "Should we go down?"
They went down holding hands and joined the table where breakfast was indeed served. "Oh Clara you look just like your Mum today, gorgeous," Grace smiled as Clara sat down beside her. "Oh and Daniel you are rather handsome aren't you?"
Clara put her head in her hands, "Gran it's Danny," she tried saying but she knew it was pointless. "And please stop flirting with him." Danny and his parents simply laughed and everyone tucked into breakfast.
As soon as breakfast was done preparations had to start for lunch. Clara went to help but was basically told where to go, her Gran however did get involved. Danny grabbed Clara's hand, "come on, let's go explore outside," he smiled and took her out to the hall so they could put coats on.
They walked out and round to the park, arms around each other. "I love seeing all the little ones on their new bikes and things," she looked around at all the families out together. "Been a while since that was me."
"Growing up sucks huh?" Danny chuckled. "I'm sure I can push you along on a bike if you'd like?"
"I'm good, thank you for the offer," she chuckled. "Is this what you normally do at Christmas then?"
Danny nodded, "I usually go for a walk while Mum and Dad cook dinner. It's quite nice not to be alone while doing so, but they've let me go to the park for a few years now. When I was younger I'd bring new toys, now it's just to get out the house for a little while."
"It's nice, everyone is happy and enjoying themselves," she smiled and stopped where they were, thinking a moment.
"You alright?" Danny asked.
"Yeah, just thinking how special this is. Can we go to the lake?" she asked and he agreed, walking with her over. When they got there they walked around the edge together, "it's always so pretty here."
"I do enjoy walking round it, or more frequently being chased by my cousins," he chuckled. "At least I'm safe from that today eh?"
"That's what you think, these painkillers are pretty strong," she winked at him.
"I'd like to see you try," he grinned. Clara pretended to make a move forward which for some reason Danny believed and went to run off, but he looked back at the wrong moment.
"Danny!" Clara shouted at him but it was too late as he hit the edge of the lake and slipped, falling flat down in the water. She spent a second trying to decide if he was okay and once she'd decided he had it was impossible not to laugh at how hopeless he looked sat in the edge of the lake. "You fool! How on earth did you manage that? I'd offer to help you out but…"
"No don't you dare," Danny rolled his eyes, "be glad you're injured or I'd pull you in with me!" He managed to get himself up and out while Clara was still trying to curb her laughter. "You're cruel Clara Oswald!"
"I'm sorry but that was really funny," she took a deep breath. "We should get back, you'll freeze out here now."
"I'm already freezing! Come on," he rolled his eyes and took her hand, walking back.
When they got in the door Phil came through and immediately, of course, spotted Danny's state. "What on earth have you two been up to?" he wasn't angry, in fact he looked rather amused too.
"Well Clara-" Danny started but she hit him.
"You cheeky bugger, you weren't looking where you were going!" Clara chuckled. "You also need to go and change, you're really very cold."
"Am I? I hadn't noticed," he rolled his eyes before making his way upstairs.
Phil grinned at Clara who was also smiling, "it was honestly hilarious," she chuckled. "Can I do anything to help?"
"No chance, Danny told us you're not allowed to do anything strenuous. How's the pain?" Phil asked.
"Laughing isn't good for it," she smiled, "but it's okay. I'll take more painkillers with the food."
"Alright, well your Gran is being fantastic and very entertaining so we are fine in there. Feel free to relax," he reassured her.
"Sounds like Gran," Clara replied, "thanks Phil. I'll go check on Danny."
She made her way upstairs and perched on the bed with her book for a while until Danny reappeared. "We've not known each other that long and I'm sure that the third time I've seen you read that book."
"It's a good book," she shrugged but put it down. "Are you alright?"
"A little bruised - physically and metaphorically- but I'll live," he climbed onto the bed beside her. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I really am. I thought being here was going to be weird with not having Dad around but you've all helped me and it's been great. I have to say I am very ready for dinner now," she giggled.
"Oh yeah? I'd like to see you devour one of my parent's Christmas dinners," Danny replied, knowing how huge they piled it up.
"You might be surprised," she winked. "We should go down, sounds like they're nearly ready down there."
"Someone's keen," Danny chuckled and stood up, taking her hand and pulling her up gently. "Come on then, let's go down."
Clara was right and dinner was almost ready so she and Danny sorted out the drinks ready and sat down. Gina bought the plates through and served everyone and Phil and Grace joined shortly after. Danny leaned over and pointed out he was right about the size of the dinner to which Clara simply winked again in response.
They ate together, chatting about various things and generally having a good time. It was only when she sat back that Danny realised Clara had finished. "How on earth did you fit that in you?"
"Bigger on the inside," she grinned.
"Honestly it's like her stomach grows on Christmas day, she's always eaten like a horse at Christmas," Grace responded and Clara gave her a look, "what? It's true!"
"Yes but you could've made me sound a little less… gross…" Clara rolled her eyes. "Can always reply on you to make me embarrassed."
"Well your Dad's not here so someone had to take on the job!"
"At least you can't pull out the photo album here," Clara replied.
"I'll save that one for another day, I'm doing a good enough job here," Grace sounded proud of herself and Clara could only shake her head in despair. Danny put a hand on her shoulder and smiled before standing up to start clearing the table. Clara went to follow but he quickly told her to sit down.
Clara ignored him, continuing to stand up, "honestly I'm not a complete invalid and I could do with stretching my legs briefly."
"Well nothing heavy then alright?" Danny compromised. They took everything through and even offered to sort out dessert, leaving the adults in the dining room alone.
"She's happier with him than I've seen her since her Mum died," Grace spoke up. "That's the Clara I know."
"Clara has changed Danny too, he's finally achieving what we know he's capable of and - well - we're not complaining about how he's suddenly helping round the house either," Phil commented. "They're a good pair, just what each other need."
"Thank you for sorting this for Christmas, the thought of Clara being away from everyone was awful on both sides." Grace shook her head, trying not to think about it.
"We couldn't let it happen," Gina told her, "she's such a lovely girl."
"Agreed, but I am a little biased," Grace replied before Clara and Danny walked back in with dessert.
#-#-#-#
After lunch had been cleared up they sat down on the sofas and put a film on. Clara leant against Danny, tired from all the food and the effort it did take to keep going at the moment. She was content, everything that day had been perfect and now they could just relax. They played a game after the movie finished before settling back with Love Actually and a few snacks.
Clara hadn't even realised she'd fallen asleep until her Gran shook her slightly. She opened her eyes. "No no don't move, I'm just going to get home now. I'll see you at the hospital tomorrow though okay?" Clara nodded and Grace kissed her forehead.
"Love you Gran," Clara whispered.
"Love you too kid," Grace replied before standing up and being driven home.
Clara looked up at Danny when she'd gone. "What time is it?"
"About 9. You look tired love, why don't we go upstairs?"
"Mmm no I'm comfy," she told him sleepily.
Danny chuckled and took her hand, kissing the back of it. "You can't sleep here, it'll be rather painful in the morning."
"Mmmm I know," she sighed. "Alright, let's go."
They got up and into bed once they'd both got ready. Danny kept an arm around her as they lay down. "Goodnight, Merry Christmas," he kissed her gently. She was asleep within seconds. Danny looked up when Gina opened the door. "Shh, sleeping."
"That was quick," she whispered, "everything okay?"
"Fine, just tired her out. She's still suffering from what happened whatever she says," Danny gently stroked her hair.
"Well today was lovely, she's a real asset," Gina told him, "we'll go after lunch tomorrow if that's alright? She can spend the afternoon with her Dad then."
"Sounds perfect. Thanks Mum, you've done so much for her," he smiled up at her.
"When she makes you smile like that, how can I refuse?" Gina chuckled softly and ruffled his hair. "Night kiddo."
"Night Mum, Merry Christmas," he settled down a little more and Gina left the room.