A/N: sorry it's only a short chapter after all this time, but there's a major plot point that still needs to be written and I fancied posting something.

Chapter 12

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John immediately jumped away from Donna, breaking their tight embrace.

"Yes, Dr McGann. Is there something wrong?" John replied to the figure that had appeared from the dark shadows. "We were about to head back home."

"Is that Ms Noble with you? Good evening Donna. Sorry, I didn't see you there for a moment in the darkness," Dr McGann politely lied. "I'm just returning from visiting my American friend in Walker House."

"Dr Holloway?"

"Yes. As a matter of fact, it was," Dr McGann replied. "Just a small medical procedure we needed to discuss. Nothing overly important. Anyway, I will let you get back to your evening walk and I shall see you both in the morning. Good night."

He then gave them a gracious nod and hurried towards the House of Gallifrey, leaving them standing in his wake.

"Well, that wasn't awkward at all," Donna sarcastically stated, puffing out a breath. "At least he was nice enough to pretend he hadn't seen anything."

"We aren't committing a crime," John testily pointed out.

"Are you sure about that?" she countered. "Looked like you thought it was a crime to me. You couldn't wait to put a few feet between us."

"Donna, I didn't mean to react in that way. It just happened. Sorry."

"Me too," she murmured. "Perhaps you're not as ready for this... us to happen as you thought you were."

"Please," he begged, reaching out to grasp her hand, "let me try again. This is all so new for me, but I don't want to ruin what we have already achieved. Dr McGann caught me off guard when he suddenly appeared while we were erm... busy."

"It's called 'kissing', Doctor," she sighed. "And I suspect it will be best if I say good night too."

"But you promised Jenny some hot chocolate. Can't we at least do that together? Sort of a first date." He nudged her shoulder with his. "Go on, you know you want to."

"Alright," she reluctantly agreed. "But if one of the other Doctors throws a hissy fit, on your head be it."

He held out a hand for her to take, and she took it, knowing she was probably being too eager to enter into whatever relationship was being offered. She had no idea, but it made her feel safe and warm whenever she was with him, so that would have to do for now.

-0-

Their first date turned out to be a lot more fun than she had expected. Throughout the time making them all some hot chocolate, John had grinned constantly in quiet delight, taking every opportunity, to touch her hand, kiss her cheek or wrap her in a cuddle.

He was like a happy little hamster, she thought as he bustled about with his usual chore. Albeit a hamster that was actually over six feet tall, but the fond sentiment was there. And she couldn't stop smiling back as she accepted his small loving gestures. It was nice, and miles apart from anything Lance had ever shown her.

Don't think about him, she scolded herself. What good would it do? Whereas in front of her was a man who was prepared to alter his cosy lifestyle for her to be included. Plus, lots of potential cuddles. Who could ask for more in that moment?

The shared kiss as they picked up their mugs of hot chocolate to take upstairs was full of promise too. Although not as much as the one they had outside her bedroom door.

"Do you want to come in for a while, once you've given Jenny her drink?" he whispered to entice her company.

Should she, she wondered. "Alright, for a few minutes," she allowed. Then quickly handed Jenny her drink after knocking on the door. "I'll be back once I've finished this," Donna told her.

"No problem. Take your time," Jenny replied, holding back a knowing giggle. "Just make sure you get home before the pumpkin coach disappears."

Donna left her with the words, "I'll make sure I keep my shoes on, in that case." And a cheery wink.

-0-

Each night after that, both John and Donna had had a late evening date, making and drinking hot chocolate together, before snuggling on the sofa in his room. They were taking things slowly, enjoying the ability to show affection and share sweet kisses. Truth be told, he was frightened to go any further until he was certain what and where their future circumstances would be.

To keep his place in academia, he would need to maintain his presence within the published journals, so he resolved to get back to writing once his official college duties ended for the summer. And Donna had been given the time off for her annual leave too, to do as she pleased for a few weeks. It would not seem too long before the A level results would be posted and the rush to firmly reserve university places began.

John was working on his latest manuscript one hot July afternoon when Drew suddenly burst into his room, all of a flutter. "John! Come quick!"

"Whatever's the matter? Found another spider in the bathroom? Although I don't understand this constant need to shower. You'll wash yourself away down the plughole at this rate."

Drew frowned sideways at John's change of phrasing his words. He didn't normally talk that way. "I've not seen a spider. I'm talking about them outside, on the grass." Before John could ask who he was referring to, Drew raced to the window and pointed to a spot further along the building. "Look for yourself. She's all…"

"What?" John wondered as he strained his neck to look at the appropriate place. "Oh!"

Out on the grass were two beach towels, and sprawled on them, wearing little more than bathing costumes and sunglasses, were two women. Donna and Jenny. Out of the two, Jenny wore the least, showing off her slim figure with a bikini, just like a catalogue model. At least Donna had some shade over her, otherwise she would have been fried to a crisp.

"Now do you see," Drew demanded. "She's deliberately taunting me with her beauty."

"Or she could just be getting a spot of sunbathing done while she has the opportunity," John suggested. "I very much doubt she had you in mind."

"Thanks," Drew complained. "Hasn't stopped you ogling Donna, I've noticed."

"I am doing no such thing," John protested. "You asked that I look, and here I am, doing just that. I shall now stop," he determined, moving away from the window, "because their intention was not to provide entertainment for any passing sexist male."

"A bit unfair to call yourself that," Drew joked, and was pleased with the amused smirk on John's face. "Won't granddad be annoyed with them for doing that?"

"I shouldn't think so," John reasoned, "and stop calling him granddad."

But Drew merely chuckled at his own joke. "I'll go and make him some tea. Sweeten up the old boy."

"It's Dr Baker, to you." Watching him leave, John commented, "And strangely enough, doing so will mean being in the kitchen, right where you'll get to see Jenny up close through the window."

There was a shrug and another laugh but no denial before Drew disappeared from the room.

Having made sure he'd gone, John returned to the window and peered out. The view from up here is lovely, he mused. Worth spending your time over. His gaze settled on Donna, and he found himself wondering how many star constellations you could discover on her skin, if you used all your varied skills.

Funny how, in the heat of that particular hot afternoon, he soon discovered the refreshingly qualities of an afternoon cool shower in light of that.

-0-