Okay so this chapter is like a week late… but here :) I'll be going back to writing Earthly Wonders and Summer Camp now, but this story will stay open and I'll use it for 'special occasion one shots'.

New Years Eve came round quicker than either of them expected. Clara had been invited to her colleague's house for the night and had accepted a while ago, but she'd only remembered during the week.
"Are you sure? We don't have to go," Clara said.

"Clara, for the hundredth time this weekend, it's fine! They're your colleagues and your friends, I'm looking forward to meeting them!" Danny tried to reassure her as they walked through the park. "You've spoken to her haven't you?"

"Yeah… it's just… well I didn't tell her everything," Clara admitted, "I just said I had a friend…"

"Hey, it'll be a good surprise then," he chuckled. "Relax, this evening will be lovely if you let it, but we still have hours until then, why don't we find somewhere for lunch?" Danny suggested and Clara nodded, knowing it would be fine really.

#-#-#-#

She'd changed at least 4 times before Danny knocked at the door to her flat. He'd gone back to change himself but all her nice clothes were in her own place which right now looked a complete wreck. Clara was only half dressed when she answered the door, but covered enough to be respectable.

"Are you still not ready? I thought you wanted to leave at half 7," Danny asked as he studied her current attire.

"I can't decide! I know it's going to be black, I've done my makeup for black," she explained, going back to her room.

"Of course you have. Alright, show me your options…" he started as he followed her in but then saw the state of her room. "What the hell happened in here?!"

"I knew I should've got something new…" she sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

"You have half a clothes shop in here, how could you possibly need more? Come on I'm sure there something here you can wear - they all look lovely to me," Danny said, but apparently that was the wrong thing to say. Clara stood up again and stared at the pile of clothing on the bed, running a hand through her hair. "Clara look at me," he took her hand and made her look away from the mess and towards him. "I love you, you're beautiful, whatever you wear tonight you will be stunning. Give me 5 minutes with this lot and I'll make the decision for you. Trust me?"

Clara stared at him for a moment before nodding and leaving the room. Danny smiled as she left and started his job.

5 minutes later he appeared in the lounge with a black bodycon dress with floral decoration. "This is beautiful, the red in the flowers matches your lipstick," he smiled and handed it over. "I've also tidied up the rest of the mess so go and get yourself changed because we need to leave," he grinned and let her walk by him to go and change.

When she reappeared Clara almost took his breath away. Danny had expected her to look good in the dress, but she really was quite something. "Wow…" he finally spoke breathlessly as she moved her hair to grace gently over her shoulder. Clara blushed a little and smiled.

"We should go," she replied and took his hand, "I'll drive over, we can leave the car there and get a taxi back." Danny nodded and followed her out, still a little in awe of her figure.

#-#-#-#

"Clara hey!" Fiona answered the door and hugged her, "how are you doing?" she asked and then spotted Danny standing a little awkwardly behind. "Is this your family friend?"

"Yeah, his parents have gone away as well so I took pity," Clara smiled and went in, making sure Danny followed. "Have you had a good Christmas?"

"Lovely thanks, did you two celebrate together then?" she asked and Clara nodded. Fiona didn't answer straight away and instead called Adrian over. "Can you get Clara a white wine and take Danny to see what he wants?" Clara knew what she was doing here and looked up to Danny who seemed a little confused.

"It's fine, I'll be through in a sec," she smiled and he went off to follow Adrian.

"Come on, tell me more," Fiona questioned, keeping her in the hall. "He couldn't keep his eyes off you and I haven't seen you smile like this in a long time." Fiona knew her very well, she was probably Clara's best friend as well as colleague - there was little hiding.

"Alright. He came to my Dad's party on the last of term - his Dad works with mine. We both kinda got ridiculously bored and escaped and… one thing led to another? I don't know Fi I just felt it straight off I knew he was the one. We got to know each other and spent Christmas together and I never really left his until this morning. I can't explain it and I know everyone is going to think it's fast and-" she went to continue but was stopped by her friend grabbing her hand.

"Is this what I think it is?" Fiona gestured toward the ring and Clara nodded a little nervously. There was a second pause that felt like an hour before Fiona pulled her in for a quick but tight hug and then went back to the ring. "Blimey that's gorgeous! Clara this is wonderful."

"Really? You don't think it's too fast? I know my family are silently judging me…" she sighed.

"Yeah well your stepmother is a knob and your Dad should know better. It's quite clear to me just from a few seconds that this isn't some hasty decision. The way he looked at you wasn't lust that was love. He cares about you, he doesn't just want you for your body he wants you. As for the way you talk about him… it's great Clara, really great. We will have a proper conversation about this another day, let's go and join the party shall we?"

"Sounds like a plan, I need that wine," she chuckled and made her way through, catching up with Danny who was being questioned by Adrian.

"Ah! Clara, here's your wine. We were just discussing how organised you are at work. Actually we need to discuss the Shakespeare for next term…" Adrian handed her the glass and Clara slipped an arm around Danny's waist - much to both gentlemen's surprise.

"Maybe not now Ade, not the best party talk," Clara chuckled, "good Christmas?"

The conversation continued throughout the night. Various people asked about Danny and she didn't lie, but neither did she tell people about the engagement and none of them seemed to notice other than Fiona. It wasn't news she wanted to break at someone else's party - that didn't really seem fair. Danny seemed to bond well with a few of the maths department who seemed to be throwing questions at him - something she left them to do while she caught up with a few others. He came back over to her about 5 to midnight, slipping his arms around her from behind. Clara jumped a little before leaning her head back and kissing him. "You alright?" she asked him.

"Fabulous thank you, my maths has been well and truly tested. I see you avoided that conversation?" he grinned and she rolled her eyes.

"It's complicated. Our departments have a little rivalry," she chuckled, "it's alright I've had a good catch up with the guys here."

"That'll be the ones currently staring at us right?" he asked and Clara looked back to the circle she was sat in.

"That's the ones yep. Sorry, you met Fiona and Adrian earlier and then there's Geraldine, Hayley and Karim," Clara pointed round and they all greeted him. "They've been questioning me intently," she groaned a little.

"You kinda asked for it by bringing me let's be honest," Danny grinned.

"Well now we've established that - it's nearly midnight guys, come on outside," Fiona called out and everyone quickly grabbed layers to head outside the door. The TV was on inside with the countdown but with Fiona's house being where it was there was a fantastic view out over London and the fireworks out there.

10, 9, 8, 7, 6,

Danny pulled Clara closer to keep her warm, taking in the smell of her hair as they counted down. He wanted to remember this, going into a new year with her for the first of many times. The last couple of weeks had been a whirlwind but it was the best ride of his life. So much had changed, if anyone had told him a month ago that he'd be going into the next year engaged to the perfect woman he'd have laughed in their face - this was ridiculous.

5, 4, 3,

Clara snuggled close as Danny pulled her, looking out over the hill as they counted down. She held his hand where it was resting over her shoulder and internally was focussing more on his touch than the sight in front of her. A month ago she had a predictable life - work, eat, sleep, repeat. Even the holidays didn't provide much difference, there wasn't much point. But now here she was having spent the last few weeks in the arms of a wonderful man who had made her life so much more interesting. It was the perfect way to start a new year.

2,1…

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" Everyone shouted at the sky as the fireworks rang out around them. Danny and Clara both turned to each other after a few seconds.

"Happy New Year," Danny spoke just loud enough for her to hear.

"Happy New Year Danny," she replied and they both leant in to kiss softly but longingly. This was the kiss of a new start, a new start together. It was a promise to each other,unspoken, but they both knew what it meant. After they had finally broken apart Clara brushed a thumb along his cheek, almost looking at him unconvinced he was really there. "I love you."

"I love you too," he took the hand from her cheek and held it in his. "We should look at the fireworks…"

"We should," she replied, but neither of them moved and both were happy to stay where they were as new year rang out around them.

#-#-#-#

Clara woke up with one hell of a headache the next morning and immediately regretted how much she'd had to drink after midnight had passed. She looked round and realised it wasn't morning at all but just gone midday and Danny was no longer in the bed beside her - assuming he had got in the bed in the first place… she couldn't really remember leaving Fiona's.

Danny stuck his head around the door, "ah you're awake then," he walked in carrying a large glass of water. Clara sat up and took the glass gratefully when he produced two painkillers. "Hangover?"

"How much did I have…?" she sipped at the water, taking the tablets.

"More than enough," he chuckled, sitting down on the bed beside her. "Don't worry, most people were the same and you didn't do anything that embarrassing."

"How come you're not as bad?" she asked, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Someone had to look after you," he kissed her head softly, "and my parents are currently on their way home so I need to be able to drive back home if called."

"Goody two shoes," she grinned and sipped more water. "What exactly did you mean by that embarrassing anyway?"

"Drunk Clara is incredibly clingy," Danny chuckled and sat back up. "You hungry?"

"Food sounds amazing, I'll go shower. Um… how come we came back here last night?" she asked - realising they were meant to go to his.

"I mentioned the parent thing right? I didn't think it'd be a great first impression if you were half hungover when you first met," he grinned and kissed her. "Go, and shower and I'll see you soon."

Clara reappeared in the kitchen looking much brighter and kissed Danny's shoulder as he stood over the hob cooking. "Thank you for looking after me, you're my knight in shining armour."

"Are you still drunk?" he asked, chuckling and stirring the meal. "Anyway, it's my job now."

"2 way street Mr Pink, let me do something for you today?" Clara stepped away from him now, leaning against the side. "Can I borrow your house keys?"

"I'm not sure I like the sound of this…" Danny replied, turning the heat down on the hob. "But I trust you, I think. Let's eat first though, I'm starving."

As promised, Danny handed over his keys after lunch and Clara headed off. They were going to meet at his at 4 - he had some shopping to do for his parents anyway.

Clara arrived at his house within a few minutes and quickly got to work. She knew they'd left the place in a bit of a mess and while Danny didn't seem too bothered - she was and she was pretty sure his parents would be too. After a quick tidy up in his bedroom to ensure there was no sign of anything too wrong (in his parent's eyes) she made her way to the kitchen, groaning at how little washing up had been done. Thankfully the dishwasher was empty so she stacked everything in and set it going while she cleaned down the rest of the sides, sticking the radio on in the meantime. She sang away as she mopped the floor and moved into the lounge to hoover. "Hmm… this could use something…" she whispered to herself, flicking the music off and grabbing her car keys.

Half an hour later she was back in the house with flowers which she placed on the fireplace and another bunch in the kitchen, "much better. Much, much better," she admired her work before unloading the dishwasher and putting everything away (which was much harder than it should have been).

Just as she finished Clara heard the door go. She stopped what she was doing and looked at the clock. It couldn't be Danny, it was too early, and besides - he didn't have a key and she'd locked the door.

"Wow it looks like the house has survived," a female voice came from the hall. Clara stood still, not quite sure what to do now - she was meant to be gone before they came home but they must have got in early. She pulled out her phone, quickly texting Danny.

Parent alert… mayday!

They're not meant to be home till 6?!

Well they are! And I'm in the kitchen!

I'm on my way x

Clara took a deep breath as she heard them near the kitchen door. The handle was pushed down and the door opened slowly. She stood a little sheepishly in the corner, as they walked in and noticed her.

"Who on earth are you?! Why are you here?" the woman who must have been Danny's mother walked in, but thankfully his Dad recognised her.

"Erin this is Clara, Dave Oswald's daughter?" Suddenly something clicked in her mind - Danny still hadn't told his parents. She knew that, but she'd only just realised how her being in the house was an even bigger issue than she'd first thought.

"Oh yes from work, but that doesn't answer the second question…" both of them looked at her expectantly now.

"Danny should be back any minute, he just went for some shopping," she replied, biting her lip a little. "Can I get you tea? Coffee?"

"Sorry Clara but you still haven't answered the question," Erin replied.

"I know, look, the honest answer? I came to tidy up before you came home, Danny hadn't washed up and the place needed a hoover so that's why I'm here," it wasn't a lie - just not the full truth for now.

"What so he's persuaded you to be his cleaner…?" she asked and Clara almost laughed.

"Actually he doesn't have a clue why I'm here, I just asked to borrow the keys," she shrugged, but before they could question any further the door opened and Danny arrived home. He was quick to appear in the kitchen and make his way over to Clara.

"You okay?" he asked.

"They're your parents not my step-mum," she pointed out and Danny smiled, taking her hand.

"Listen Dad, Clara and I have spent a lot of time together over Christmas and things have changed a lot," Danny started to explain.

"Yeah we can see that," Erin replied - it was a fair point.

"No I mean… a lot…" Danny looked to Clara who nodded and he lifted her hand up to show the ring on her finger. Both his parents took a moment to click, but when they did the responses were clearly far from what Danny expected.

"You've known each other for what? A month? Not even that - 3 weeks!" His Dad did not seem impressed. "It's far too soon to be making big decisions with a girl you hardly know!" Danny quickly become defensive.

"You don't know anything about it! We've spent almost everyday together, talking, getting to know each other. We both know how we feel, there's nothing rash or hasty about this - this is us. Clara came here this afternoon without my knowledge and as far as I can tell she's tidied half the house and bought flowers," he gestured to the ones on the kitchen side. "I didn't ask her to do this, you didn't ask her to do this, but she did. We have fun together, I care about her, I feel everything about her that I need to, you have to accept that because it's happening!" Danny finally finished and Clara squeezed his hand gently. A silence fell over the room and she realised she was going to have to be the one to break it.

"Come on, let's go cool off," she led him out, ignoring the looks from his parents and slipping her shoes on before leaving the house with him. As soon as they were round the corner he spoke.

"They can't say that, they can't do that to you!" he sounded angry, Clara realised this was how he sounded when he'd kicked Linda out of her flat that first night and smiled, "why on earth do you look so happy about it?"

"Sorry, you just reminded me of the first night we met…" she stopped them as they walked into the field area of his village - somewhere a little more private. "Danny they're your parents,"

"Yeah, and they should be supportive!" Clara sighed, putting a finger to his mouth.

"Shut up and listen," she told him before removing the finger once he'd nodded an agreement, "they're your parents, they're protective about you. That's why my Dad questioned me for an hour after I told him and that's why your parents are reacting like this. It's a shock, they'll come round. Now we'll have a walk round and then head back and you can go and talk to your parents. I'll go back to mine and get things sorted there and you can call me after, deal?" Danny paused a moment before reluctantly agreeing.

"Why do you always have to be right?" he asked and Clara started to walk off again.

"Because, Mr Pink, I'm the teacher here," she winked at him and quickly started to run as he chased after her.

#-#-#-#

Once she'd tidied up the whole flat Clara didn't know what to do with herself. She kept looking up at the clock and checking her phone but he still hadn't called. Eventually Clara sat down on the sofa and used her landline to call her Dad.

"Hey sweetheart, everything okay?" Dave asked.

"Why wouldn't it be?" she replied, a little confused.

"Because I don't remember the last time you used that landline, and I only got home 3 minutes ago," he replied and Clara couldn't argue with that.

"I just wanted to talk, I'm sorry you're probably busy I can call back later?" suddenly she felt a little guilty.

"No don't be silly, are you okay? Did something happen with Danny?" Always the protective parent.

"No, well, not really, but his parents… they're not happy with it all, they haven't accepted it as quickly as you did - they can't see it. I left them to it but it's been hours…" she sighed.

"Clara relax, I found it easier to understand because your mother and I got married quicker than some - granted not as quick as this, but I could hear in your voice what I heard in mine. His parents probably haven't had the same experience and it is a very short period of time, you have to understand that won't be easy for them," Dave replied and Clara sighed.

"You're right, I just… hold on Dad" she stopped when she heard the door knock and went over to answer it, not hanging up yet. Danny stood outside, he looked upset. "What happened?!"

"Clara what's going on?" she heard her Dad on the other end of the phone.

"I've got to go, I'll call you later," Clara hung up and moved for Danny to come inside, shutting the door. "Talk to me."

"We had a huge argument, they can't understand, they think I'm being stupid," Clara shook her head and pulled him in tight for a hug. "I told them I was leaving… I know the plan was for me to move here next week but…"

"I'm hardly going to turn you away, let's go put the kettle on," she took him through.

Danny sat at the breakfast bar and Clara handed him the tea, sitting opposite him. She held one hand and rubbed one of her thumbs over his palm gently. "It's not your fault, they'll come round in time," she told him.

"I don't care about that, they can think what they want to think," he replied.

"Don't be silly of course you care, they're your parents. I know not technically, but that doesn't matter they looked after you - you're bound to want them to understand. It's okay, I get that," Clara lifted his hand up and kissed it gently.

"This is a new year, a new start, I'm not going to let them ruin this. I actually wanted to talk to you about something," Danny stood up and Clara quickly followed. "I was talking to some of your colleagues at the party - they were testing my maths actually," he grinned.

"I noticed, not that I stuck around - it's all they seem to do. How'd you fare?" Clara replied, putting her mug down.

"Pretty well actually - maths has always been a strong point. It got me thinking, we talked about me going into teaching didn't we?" Clara nodded, "well there's a course designed to retrain ex-servicemen to teachers…"

"Yeah I know the one, you'd work as an unqualified teacher while you train, it'd really suit you!" Clara smiled, hugging him, "you should definitely apply," she smiled as she stood back.

"I won't be able to start till September…"

"I know that, it's fine Danny I've paid for this place myself for long enough I'm sure I can last a few more months, we'll cope," she kissed his cheek gently.

"I just don't want to make you feel like you're having to look after me, even when I am earning it won't be a lot until I qualify," Clara rolled her eyes and kissed him softly.

"You'll be amazing, so shut up and let's celebrate," Clara kissed him again.

"Celebrate what?" Danny replied between their meetings. "I haven't even applied yet," he kissed her again.

"Mmmm we can do that after," she grinned and they ran through to the bedroom. A new start, a new year, just the two of them.