Title: A Day and Life on the TARDIS

Author: Flydye8/Heintz571

Pairings: Clara/12th Doctor

Rating: T (just to be on the safe side)

Summary: This is a collection of stories about the times in-between Clara's and the Doctor's adventures. The ones we never see; because we all know once you starting living with someone, life always gets more interesting. The stories are primarily fluffiness, domestication, and a loving friendship taking place after "Last Christmas".

Author's Note 1: I am writing these because the ideas keep distracting me from writing on my other 12/Clara stories, so I figured, I might as well get them out of my head and penned down. This is a continuation of the previous chapter "Introspections and Surprises" I guess this is a story within a story thing. Oh well, I do hope you enjoy.

Author's Note 2: Thank each of you for favoring/following/commenting on this story I am so pleased that you are enjoying it. If you have the time leave a comment below and tell me what you think, I love feedback. Cheers! now onto the party.

Clara enjoyed herself throughout dinner in the company of her Gran and the Doctor, she found herself laughing more then she had since Danny's death. The Doctor was uncharacteristically charming and more relaxed the she had ever seen him in this regeneration. She wasn't sure if it was the wine, party, or the company that made him act so differently but she found she really didn't care, she liked this new side of him.

She should have guessed that her enjoyment would be interrupted as she heard the voice of her step-mom behind her, "Well it seems Clara, that once again you have ruined a perfectly good celebration." She stated acerbically as she moved in front of her.

Stiffening her back, searching for her father among the guests of the party hoping that he would intercede guiding his inebriated wife from the room; seeing him across the room she guessed that was the reason her step-mom decided to make an appearance at their table.

Clara responded, "I am not sure what you are talking about Linda, I have done no such thing."

"Of course you have. You have selfishly monopolized Gran's time keeping her from the other guests it seems your party etiquette is skewed as usual." Linda paused taking a drink of her wine before continuing, "Not to mention you bringing a strange man with you, who looks old enough to be your father, as your date mere months after your previous boyfriends' death. I wonder, how long did you morn Danny before you shacked up with this man, or maybe your were seeing both men at the same time using them for your selfish intentions." Linda accused harshly her words slurred with intoxication.

Closing her eyes, Clara took a couple of cleansing breaths trying desperately not to be drawn into an argument with her step-mom when the Doctor stood up defending her, "Mrs. Oswald, your statements about Clara are incorrect and uncalled for. I suggest you return to seat, maybe drink a bit of water and sober up before you make yourself more of a fool then you have already."

"Well I never, how dare you talk to me that way." Then turning toward Clara she spat angrily, "Your choices in lovers are horrendous, your first one arrived at your house naked at Christmas, the second one died because of his ineptness to cross roads properly, and finally this one is rude and obnoxious. Really Clara what would your mother say if she was still alive."

Before the Doctor could counter Clara grabbed his arm as the music started to play, "Jonathan, I think you promised my Gran a dance." Somehow, remembering to use his alias instead of his chosen name.

Looking down at her the Doctor immediately recognized the look on her face, one of determination and anger. He had on multiple occasions been the recipient of that very look and for a brief moment he felt pity for Linda Oswald, but only for a moment.

Extending his hand out to Clara's Gran he smiled, "I do believe she is right, will you do me the honor of the first dance?"

Placing her hand in his the Doctor led her to the floor. As they started dancing Gran looked up at him and asked, "Are you sure we should leave Clara with that dragon woman?"

"Don't worry about Clara she is strong, brilliant and impossible. I would worry about the dragon woman. She is about to get a tongue lashing she will never forget." The Doctor answered with assurance.

"You love her, don't you Doctor." Gran stated knowingly as he guided her along the dance floor.

"That remains to be seen, we are still getting to know each other. We have both changed a lot over the past year." He replied glancing over to Clara to make sure she was doing okay, reading himself in case he needed to intercede.

"Change is a constant in relationships that is what makes a relationship so exciting but it can also be a hindrance if you let it." Bringing her hand to his cheek she guided his eyes to meet hers, "Don't let it become a hindrance."

Smiling down at her, he replied, "Yes, ma'am."

Clara watched as the Doctor led her Gran to the dance floor, once they were far enough away she turned toward her step-mom eyes blazing, "How dare you speak to me in such a condescending way, accusing me of such terrible things."

"I only speak the truth; I can't help it if you can't handle brutal honesty." She stammered taking a step back reacting to Clara's burning gaze.

"You know what Linda; I have handled worse things in this universe then you. Faced enemies that you will never be able to comprehend, I have had to be stronger then you will ever be, trusted more deeply than your pudding brain will ever understand. You're a waste of my precious time and energy, so shut it move on with your life and stay out of mine."

Turning away from Linda, her skirt swishing around her ankles, she walked to the edge of the dance floor scanning for the Doctor. Seeing him she walked purposely toward him through the crowd of dancers once at his side she asked, "Can I cut in and dance with my date, Gran?"

Looking at her granddaughter expecting to see tears she was glad to see a soft satisfying smile on her face. Glancing at her daughter-in-law she chuckled softly as she observed her standing unmoving her mouth open in surprise, before turning and exiting the ballroom.

"Of course my dear, I would like to mingle for a bit with the other guest any way." Smiling at her dance partner she nodded, "Thank you for the lovely dance Doctor." Clara quickly took her place in the Doctor's arms, easily falling in sync with his movements.

Guiding her effortlessly on the dance floor he asked quietly, "Are you okay?"

Looking into his blue eyes she replayed the argument with her step-mom in her mind. The things she told her step-mom were a direct reflection of the experiences she have had over the past few years with the Doctor. She is no longer just a girl from Blackpool or a teacher from Coal Hill School she is so much more.

She is the Doctor's best friend and companion, her home is a blue box that can travel through time and space. She is the impossible girl and will be for the rest of her life. Moving closer to him she placed her head on his chest replying ardently, "Yes Doctor, I am more than okay. I am home."

His arms wrapped more tightly around her body, tilting his head down into her hair as he whispered, "I'm pleased to hear that."

Losing herself in the movements of their dancing; Clara for the first time in many months sighed peacefully and happily, yes she was definitely home.