The holidays soon ended and they were both finally back to work. The first day back was a shock to the system – early start, out the house by 7:15. With Danny not able to drive they'd decided now was as good a time as any. They pulled up in the car park, thankfully it was empty – very few people were mad enough to arrive this early.
"You sure about this? We can always escape separately now?" Danny told her, but Clara shook her head.
"We can't keep this up every day for the next 5 months; we have to tell people eventually… unless you want to wait?" she asked, realising he might be unsure.
"No, no I'm ready, I just didn't want to think that this thing," he pointed to the top left of his chest where the device sat, "is forcing us." Clara shook her head, leaning over to kiss him softly.
"It's the right time," she told him, "let's go." Clara got out the car and Danny joined her, both grabbing their bags from the back seat. She held her hand out and he took it, smiling. They made their way in to the school, walking through to the staffroom. "Coffee?"
"Sounds good, I'm going to run my bags so my room, shall I take yours?" he asked.
"Thank you," she smiled, kissing him quickly before walking over to the kettle, ignoring the looks from everyone else and flicking it on, grabbing their mugs.
"Something you want to share with the class?" Harry asked, walking over to her. Clara glanced round, smiling.
"Sorry, you want a coffee?" she asked and he rolled his eyes.
"You know full well that's not what I'm talking about," he replied. "You and Danny? When did that happen?"
"Oh that? We were engaged before he even started," she shrugged, making tea for her and coffee for Danny. Harry was still stood beside her looking a little confused when Adrian showed up.
"Am I hearing things, or is everyone talking about you and Danny?" he asked, looking at Harry's face.
"I just told him we were engaged before Danny started, I think it's still sinking in," she chuckled and Adrian rolled his eyes.
"How did I know that when you finally told people you'd just mess with their heads? You're a cruel person Clara Oswald," he told her. Harry looked at him now, "of course I knew, before you ask."
"We just didn't want to make a huge announcement out of it Harry, and I wanted Danny to be able to make his own impact without being 'the guy who replaced Tom'. We've kinda got to the point where we had to tell everyone now he can't drive and… well, there's a wedding to invite you all too." Danny walked back in then and she handed him coffee.
"Excuse me; does this mean you've set a date?" Adrian asked when Danny leant against the counter by her.
"It does, I'll tell you later, in fact I need to talk to you about that properly but now isn't the time. There are some people who probably aren't going to take this quite so well…" she nodded over at Beth who had just walked in and was already headed in Danny's direction. Harry nodded, leaving them to it.
"You're looking great! Welcome back," Beth walked over and hugged him to which Danny looked a little confused. "You've been missed, but hey you got a super long Christmas, you're looking very tanned, been away?" Clara turn to face Adrian at this point, struggling not to giggle. He shook his head at her but had to smile a little.
"Yeah, lovely two weeks in Barbados," he smiled, "did you have a nice Christmas?"
"Yes thanks," Beth turned to Clara, "good to see you back as well, you're looking tanned too! Clearly illness has treated you both kindly, if you get what I mean. Where have you been?"
"About that…" Clara started, turning to look back at her and looking at Danny. She took a step towards him, taking his hand. "We went together. We've actually been together for just over 5 months," Beth took a step back, "I'm sorry Beth, I know-"
"No I don't think you do," she replied and walked out. Clara shook her head, letting go of Danny's hand.
"Clara this isn't your fault," he told her, "we did this for a good reason, you know it was the best for both of us," Danny kissed her head but she moved away.
"I need to go and talk to her; I'm supposed to be her mentor. I'll let you answer everyone else's questions," Clara smiled briefly before heading out after Beth.
Unsurprisingly she'd made her way to her classroom and Clara knocked lightly before heading in. Beth didn't look up at her, instead looking at a lesson plan on her computer.
"Why didn't you say something?" Beth asked. Clara stayed by the door.
"This whole journey has been difficult for me Beth; opening up to someone after Tom was not easy by any means and Danny did a lot for me, but he got the job here before we met and I wanted him to be able to make his own influence. Then he got sick and it wasn't right then and… well, here we are. I'm sorry, I really am, I never wanted to hurt anyone with this. Danny did try and let you off…" she explained. Beth shut her laptop, nodding a little before turning to face her.
"He's the reason you've been so happy, why you cheered up over the summer?" Beth asked. Clara nodded, "nobody could do that, not even your family, not even Adrian." Clara nodded again. "Is that a new ring?" Beth had clearly spotted her hand.
"Oh, yeah I guess I'm wearing this now," Clara told her, "it happened during the summer too, I know it seems quick but-"
"You guys are clearly made for each other," Beth smiled and stood up, "it's just a bit of a shock, but I'm really happy for you. Can I see?" Clara walked over to her, holding her hand out. "Oh my word it's beautiful! He has a fantastic taste, I'm quite impressed."
"Given he'd only known me a few weeks I was quite impressed he got the size right to be honest," she chuckled. "Hey, we good?" Clara asked.
"Of course we are," Beth replied, hugging her quickly. "We should get back, staff meeting soon after all."
They made their way back and Clara went over to Danny, picking her tea back up and confirming everything was fine with him. They sat down ready for the meeting and she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I told you we should've got an earlier night," he grinned and she shrugged, playing with his fingers. "I also thought we were being professional at work?"
"Yeah, but I'm tired so that's gone out the window," she told him, sipping at her tea, "does everyone know now?"
"I did a general announcement while you were out with Beth, made life easier," he told her and she nodded. "Are you okay?"
"Quite perfect thank you," she lifted his hand to kiss it gently.
"Oh you two are never gonna stop now are you?" Adrian groaned as he sat down. "Dear gosh help me." Clara rolled her eyes and turned back to look to the headmaster as the meeting began.
When lunchtime came around Clara went straight to Adrian's room, waiting for his class to leave before she went in.
"Well well, still in the building at 12:30?" he grinned.
"Yeah well, Danny's busy and I need to talk to you – plus, we don't exactly have to leave school to talk anymore," she pointed out, shutting the door behind her. "I need to ask you a question," she jumped up to sit on the edge of his desk.
"Shoot, I'm listening – I just need to finish this," he told her, pointing at his computer screen.
"Fair enough, well, Danny should really be having this conversation but after a lot of tickling and screaming-"
"-too much information!" he stuck a finger up to stop her and she chuckled.
"Fine, but here's the thing – Danny wants you to be his best man for the wedding. I did say that you're my best friend and I should claim you for maid of honour, but he informs me you might not suit the dress so… best man?" she asked, kicking his leg gently to get him to look up.
"I don't get it, surely he has a friend or family member?" he asked.
"Yeah I did try that, but he lived in foster homes so there's no family and apparently he started a new life here so actually, he considers you pretty much his closest friend too," Clara told him. "So, will you? I'm sure you can organise a pretty good stag do."
"Oh I certainly can," he grinned and stood up. "There's just one condition," he told her. "I still get to come dress shopping with you," she raised her eyebrows, "like you weren't going to make me?" Clara chuckled and nodded, jumping off the desk to hug him.
"Am I interrupting?" Danny's voice came from the door and Clara's head spun round.
"Bloody hell it's like a mouse to cheese," Adrian let her go as she ran over to him.
"I take it you agreed then?" Danny asked as Clara hugged him.
"By the way you're getting squeezed is there any other conclusion? Honestly you've set yourself up to live with an 8 year old child," Clara rolled her eyes as she stood up properly.
"Look if this arrangement is going to be a way for you two to make fun of me I'm not sure how happy I am about it," she pointed out.
Adrian gave her a soppy look. "Would we ever do anything like that?" he asked and she gave him a knowing look. He nodded to Danny and they somehow both knew what the other was thinking as Danny grabbed her shoulder and Adrian lifted her legs up.
"Oh my gosh what are you doing?!" she squealed as they swung her a little.
"Am I missing something important?" Mr Armitage interrupted and they quickly put her down and all stood up, Clara straightening her hair out.
"No, no nothing at all, we were just…" Danny started.
"Long story short? These two were being horrible to me. Short story long? Danny and I are getting married and Adrian's going to be his best man," Clara told him.
"I… can't say that's exactly what I was expecting to come out of your mouth just then, but I suppose congratulations are in order?" he shook all their hands.
"Thanks, just maybe keep the best man thing quiet for now?" Mr Armitage nodded at Adrian's request and backed out smiling. Only once he was out and the door was shut did they all burst out laughing and Clara hit them both gently on the stomach,
"One of you will be the reason I get fired, honestly," she joked and grinned, "speaking of which, I still need to speak to Jasmine about her next lesson before she confuses the year 8s to death so I will love you and leave you," Clara smiled, kissing Danny quickly before running out.
The guys were left in the room together, a little shocked at the events of the previous few minutes.
"She hasn't been that bubbly in a very long time, you're doing a good job my man," Adrian patted Danny's arm as he made his way back to his desk.
"Aren't you my man now?" Danny asked, pointing a finger as he did. "I'm going to need a lot of advice; I want to make sure this is everything she wants."
"Yep, and my job is to make sure this is also everything you want, because the first thing you should realise about Clara is that she will always put you first, therefore I will never be forgiven if I don't do that – and you do not want to be on the wrong side of her," Adrian replied.
"Oh I've been there, it wasn't pretty," Danny chuckled, "thanks Adrian, this means a lot."
"Anytime, but I have one question – when actually is it?" he asked.
"July 25th, sorry I probably interrupted the part where she was going to tell you that. I'll email you over all the details if you want?" Adrian nodded, "great, I'd better get going. See you later?"
#-#-#
"I'm home, sorry!" Clara called as she came in through the door at the end of a long week. Adrian had given Danny a lift home when she got stuck in a meeting with a pupil and their parents over an incident that happened earlier in the day. "That went on forever and we still don't really know what happened," she hung her coat up and went through to find dinner on the table. "How did you know I'd be back…?"
"I got Beth to text me when you were leaving, you know she's pretty keen on making up for how she was," Danny smiled and kissed her gently. "This is for surviving today; I know you were actually nervous about everyone finding out."
"So would you not have made me dinner if I hadn't?" she asked cheekily, "sorry, I'm in a really weird mood today aren't I?"
"I hadn't noticed," he replied, winking before moving the chair out for her to sit down. "How'd it go anyway?" Danny asked as they started to eat.
"Jamie said pretty much nothing; her parents on the other hand were incredibly vocal on how their precious daughter couldn't do something like this so all in all, just another day in paradise and another exclusion on the books. I don't know what the supply did with this class while I was away but it's certainly undone a lot of hard work," she told him.
Danny leant over and rubbed her hand softly. "You'll get them back, you're a good teacher Miss Oswald," he replied before sitting back and continuing the meal.
"I do my best, how was your day?" she asked him. "This is delicious by the way."
"Why thank you," he replied, "it wasn't too bad – lots of numbers you know how it goes," Clara chuckled a little.
"Last time I came in to your classroom there were more letters on that board than on mine," she pointed out.
"I can teach you algebra if you really want?" Danny grinned, finishing up his meal.
"You'd be surprised what I already know," she winked and stood up, picking up the empty plates. "Anyway, story for another day, grab a tea towel mister."
Clara felt less than perfect when she woke on Saturday morning. Danny was still asleep when she looked over so she slid out from him carefully, grabbing her dressing gown and wrapping it around her before going downstairs. She made tea and sat down on the sofa, flicking the TV on and curling up for warmth. Clara sipped at the tea mindlessly watching the TV before she suddenly had to get up and run to the sink.
"I really hate kids sometimes…" she complained as she leant against the counter.
"Hey what's going on in here?" Danny's sleepy voice asked before he observed the scene in the kitchen. "Oh gosh are you okay?" he walked over and brushed her hair back from her face.
"Mmm… probably some bug from school that's all, I'm sorry," she leant in to him and Danny wrapped his arms around her.
"Let's get you back to bed darling," he kissed her head, "I guess I'll just have to look after you." Danny supported her back up to the bedroom and lay her down. "Can I get you something? Water?" Clara shook her head.
"Just you, you're good," she lay against him, "you know I'm going to make the most of this right?"
"Oh I know," Danny replied, kissing her head again, "sleep, you look like you need it."
"Flattery will get you everywhere," Clara muttered before she dropped off.
Danny didn't move, turning the TV on quietly but keeping one eye on her. A couple of hours later his phone started flashing – he'd put it on silent a little while before just in case. He leant over carefully, picking it up from the side before answering.
"Adrian?"
"No need to whisper, is everything alright? Clara asked me to call this morning but she's not answering," Danny smiled a little – Adrian really was Clara's best friend.
"She's a little sick this morning, slept for the last couple of hours," Danny told him.
"Sick how? She seemed alright yesterday?" Adrian asked, sounding concerned.
"I don't know, she woke up before I did and I found her after she was sick, probably just a bug from one of the kids – perils of the job. Can I help with anything?" Danny stroked her cheek softly as she stirred a little.
"Nah its fine thanks though. Get her to give me a call when she's feeling better?" he asked.
"Sure, thanks mate," Danny told him before hanging up. "What you up to hm?" Danny asked Clara rhetorically, smiling down at her. "You're so adorable when you're asleep, in the least creepy way I love watching you, ever since that first night on camp," he kissed her forehead gently, "I can do that now though."
"Yes you can," she whispered before flicking her eyes open, "but I prefer you doing this," she lifted her head just a little so their lips touched. "How long was I asleep?"
"Just over 2 hours, how're you feeling?" he asked and moved so she could sit up.
"Better, maybe I just needed that sleep. Have you eaten?" she asked, "you haven't have you? Right – let's get an early lunch." Clara stood up, but went a little dizzy as she did and sat back down. "Well, it must be your turn to make food anyway," she told him.
"Mmm, come on; let me help you downstairs and you can get settled on the sofa. Adrian wanted to speak to you as well but no rush if you're not right," he told her. Danny walked around and helped her up, making sure she was steady before they moved. It was slow progress but they did eventually make it downstairs and he sat her down on the sofa. "What do you want for lunch then?" he asked. Clara wasn't actually all that hungry now, but she didn't want to say as much.
"Surprise me," she replied, settling back, "just don't burn anything." Clara smiled and Danny smiled, going in to the kitchen. Once he was out of the room she grabbed her laptop off the table and sat back with it, going through some emails she'd not got round to doing yesterday. There was a stream from teachers informing her about Jamie's behaviour that she needed to go through and file together for the exclusion statement and she also had a fair few from Jasmine asking for advice.
"Oi, you should be resting," Danny came out from the kitchen.
"Like I have time to rest," she replied, "I need to sort this stuff out. I'm fine, honestly." Danny didn't look convinced, but got back to finish up the lunch.
A few moments later he heard a scream from the lounge and ran in to see Clara throw her phone at the wall, her laptop already back on the table.
"Woah what's going on?! Clara?" he went over to go and pick up her phone.
"No! Leave it!" she shouted at him. "Please Danny, please leave it."
"What is this?" he went over to the sofa and knelt on the floor beside her. "Clara what the hell is this?"
"Nothing, it's nothing," she sighed, "I need a walk."
"Tough, you're not well enough to go outside alone. Whatever this is it's making you upset and I don't like that, show me Clara," he kept eye contact with her.
"Open my laptop," she replied, pulling her knees up to her chest. Danny did as she suggested and looked at the email on her screen.
"What's this?" he asked, looking at the email in front of him.
"I don't know, I don't know who it is," she told him, "but someone's watching us."
Danny put the laptop down and quickly pulled her in to a close hug, kissing her head as she sobbed in to his shoulder.
"Calm down, it's okay, we'll call the police – they can find these things out," Clara pulled away from him at that and shook her head. "Clara we need to."
"Please, no. No police," she told him. Danny looked confused at her, "I can't."
"Alright, no police, but we can't ignore this," he told her. Clara sighed, leaning her head forward. "I need to phone Adrian back," she stood up and picked up her phone, "it's lucky this thing is indestructible." She left before he could argue, going out in to the garden as a compromise so he would be able to see her but not hear her.
"Clara! You wanted to discuss a party?" Adrian answered cheerfully.
"Not now, we have a problem and it goes by the name of Joel," she replied, sighing.
"What? I thought you hadn't heard from him since the funeral?" Clara had his attention.
"I hadn't, but he's emailed me. Somehow he knows about Danny and he's followed us, he sent a picture saying I was a traitor and he'd stop me from making a huge mistake. It was anonymous but I know it's him Adrian, it has to be, the way the email was phrased it sounded like him…" she ran a hand through her hair. "I told Danny I don't know who it was but I don't know what to do."
"I could call him?" Adrian suggested, but Clara was quick to dismiss that idea.
"No, he hates you Ade that's not going to help," she sighed, "I need to go there."
"Clara you need to tell Danny," he told her.
"No, no I don't. I never told him about Joel and if he knows who it is he'll go after him – it'll be messy and I just can't. I have to go myself, alone," Clara replied.
"You are not going alone. I'll drive you if you're that determined, but not today – you're not well and Danny would never forgive me, I can't imagine he's going to be too happy about this as it is."
"Yeah, well maybe he doesn't need to know. I'm gonna get back inside it's cold out here, but just… watch out, if he's going for me, you never know…" Clara sighed.
"If he comes anywhere near me I'll punch his lights out," Adrian replied, "now get in the warm, I'll come round tomorrow if you're well enough."
"I will be. I need to sort this out, sooner rather than later," Clara told him, hanging up and making her way back inside.