Here's my entry for the fourth day of Dalek week, Summer Afternoons.

It features Deryn being Deryn, Alek being Alek, and Volger being a third wheel. As for Bovril, he's taking a nap, where I don't know.

I wanna be bad
You make bad look so good
I'm losing all my cool
I'm about to break the rules
I wanna be bad
- I Wanna be Bad – Willa Ford

It was a lovely summer afternoon in London and Deryn and Alek had just come back from the local ice cream shop. It was only a few blocks away from the townhouse that Alek had shared with Count Volger ever since he had gone to work for the Zoological society.

Deryn lived with Dr. Barlow.

The two were enjoying their ice cream at the small table on the stone porch that overlooked the back garden.

It had been Deryn's idea to go out for something to eat. Alek had of course eaten ice cream many times but never from a public shop.

It had not, however, been Deryn idea to wear a dress on their outing; that had been Alek's. She had put up a fair bit of a fight when he'd suggested it, but as Alek had pointed out; if she wore the dress they could hold hands in public without fear of being arrested. So she had grudgingly gone home to change into the only other dress she owned besides the one she'd worn to the New Year's party.

Deryn glanced over at Alek who was seated next to her.

"So, your princliness," She asked. "How is it? As good as any of those fancy desserts you used to have?"

Alek took another bite before he answered.

"It's quite good. I think I rather like being a commoner."

Deryn had to smile at his statement.

"If only for the ice cream." She added.

Alek nodded seriously.

"Yes," He agreed. "If only for the ice cream."

There was snort from across the table and they both turned to where Count Volger sat, his nose buried in the latest news paper that Dr. Barlow had given him.

The Count insisted on making a nuisance of himself every time Deryn and Alek were in danger of being alone with one another. It was sodding annoying, and it was spoiling Deryn's afternoon.

"Have something to barking add to the conversation? She asked, her patients wearing thin.

Volger's eyes flicked toward her for a moment before dropping back to the page in front of him.

"Not at the moment, Miss Sharp."

Alek let out a muffled laugh. It was always like this whenever the count and Deryn where around each other; it was amusing to watch. Alek wondered if the two would ever get along.

Deryn rolled her eyes, trying to resist the urge to snatch the man's paper away and beat him senseless with it.

Alek leaned over to her and whispered, "He always behaves that way, you know. Besides, I think he's just trying to wind you up. He doesn't seem to like you all that much."

Her eyes narrowed. There had to be some way to be rid of the man.

Her eyes fell on Alek. He had a bit of melted ice cream on his cheek and that gave her an idea. Leaning over she grasped him by the collar of his shirt. Pulling him toward her, she kissed him; then licked the smear of chocolate from his face.

Alek gave her a confused look.

"What was that for?" He asked.

She sat back in her chair satisfied.

"You had a bit on your face." She explained.

There was an annoyed snap of a newspaper as Volger folded it. Then he stood, glaring at the two before retreating into the house.

A look of understanding dawned on Alek's face.

"Ah, you were just trying to get rid of him; quite clever." He said, looking slightly disappointed.

Deryn took Alek's ice cream from him and set it on the table followed by her own. Then she sat down on his lap.

"Aye, if I'd known that was all it took I'd have kissed you sooner." She paused, running her fingers through his thick auburn hair. "Not that I need a reason to kiss you." She added.

Alek wrapped his arms around her, smiling.

"It really is enjoyable, being out here with you."

She leaned her forehead against his and smiled.

"Kissing aside, it's perfect, isn't it?"

Alek laughed and tightened his arms around her.

There is always plenty of time for kissing, liebe. Though Volger is most likely keeping a watchful eye on us from inside the house."

Deryn rolled her eyes.

"Let him sodding watch. We're in love."

Then she kissed him.