Chapter rating: T
I hope you all enjoy :) all errors are mine.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
An hour later Jack, Donna, Martha and John sat outside under a tree eating their lunch as Jack regaled the group with a modified story of one of his adventures with the doctor.
"Wow it sounds as if you had quite the adventure during your time in the States" Donna replied throwing her head back as she laughed loudly.
"Oh honey, you don't know the half of it" Jack said with a wink, causing John to scowl at him.
"What do you guys think about getting together after school on Friday to start going through the project?" John asked trying to shift the focus from Jack.
"You could all come to my place. My parents are going out to dinner with friends, so it will just be gramps and I at home" Donna offered shyly. Despite her initial reservations she was starting to warm up to the odd pair, she had to admit they were starting to grown on her.
"Sounds like good to me. John and I can grab a couple of pizzas on our way to your house" Jack replied liking the sound of spending his evening with someone other than the other boys at the boarding house who bored him out of his mind.
"Great, I'll just have to check with Mum, you know how she can be, but I don't see why she'd have a problem with it, especially if gramps is around" Donna said with a knowing glance to Martha.
"Gramps this is Jack and John. They just started at our school, we're all doing a group project together for English" Donna said as she led the pair into the living room.
"Hello, I'm Wilf, nice to meet you" Wilf said holding out his hand to the boys.
"You too. That's a nice-looking telescope you've got there sir" John replied cocking his head in the direction of telescope in Wilf's other hand.
"Yeah, she's a real beauty. Do you like astronomy son?" Wilf asked eagerly.
"I do. Ever since I was a little boy I've been interested in the stars. It would be great one day if we could travel through the stars and visit other planets" John replied his eyes shining with a light Jack hadn't seen since the Doctor became 'human'.
"I'm part of a local astronomer's club, we're always keen for new members. If you ever feel like watching the stars with someone, feel free to come and join me up on the hill behind. Donna used to go with me every night, but now that she's older, she's more interested in boys and what her friends are doing" Wilf said grinning.
"Gramps" Donna grumbled blushing.
"I think that's my cue, I'll leave you young ones too it then. I'll be up the hill if you need me sweetheart" Wilf said kissing Donna on the top of her head, before throwing the group a cheeky smile and adding "no funny business while I'm gone".
"Gramps" Donna growled, her face flushing an even deeper shade of red.
Two hours later and the group had decided on their topic and made decent headway in creating a plan for the essay.
"Anyone else want another drink while I'm up?" Donna asked as she headed towards the kitchen.
"I'm good thanks" the group parroted back.
"Do you think they even realise they they've gravitated towards each" Martha whispered to Jack.
"John for sure doesn't have a clue. I've never met anybody who is as awkward as him when it comes to his feelings" Jack replied chuckling, surely a little teenage romance couldn't hurt the doctor while he was stuck as a human. If nothing else it would keep Jack amused for a while as he watched the doctor try and navigate a relationship.
"I'm pretty sure Donna's none the wiser either. She got hurt pretty bad last year by a guy, and has put up some pretty big walls since then" Martha said glad her friend seemed to be opening up again even if it was subconsciously.
"Are you boys right to get home?" Wilf asked when the group had finished up for the night, Martha's mum having already picked her up.
"Yes sir. It's only a short walk to the bus stop and then only a ten-minute bus ride back to our boarding house" John replied politely.
"Okay, well be safe and John remember to pop around sometime to look at the stars" Wilf said patting John on the back.
"Will do sir. I'll see at school on Monday" John replied wanting to hug donna goodbye, but not sure if it was appropriate, standing there awkwardly for a moment until Jack but in.
"See you later red" Jack said pulling Donna into a hug and winking at her.
"Do you have to do that?" John grumbled to Jack as they made their way to the bus stop.
"Do what?" Jack asked confused.
"Flirt with Donna so much and be so over the top about it" John replied shortly.
"It's not funny" John groaned as Jack burst out laughing.
"Yes it is. Trust me I have no interest in Donna other than being her friend. She's a lovely girl, but I'm not that way inclined, I'm more likely to go for you instead" Jack replied honestly.
"Ohh umm, thank you I guess" John said not sure how to respond. Although if he really thought about it, it wasn't a surprise to find out Jack batted for the other team.
"Hey old girl" Jack said as he made his way into the basement of the boarding house, where the Tardis had hidden herself.
"I've missed you" Jack added unlocking the door and stepping inside, before running his hand along the centre console.
"The doctor is a handful; I don't know how you do it" Jack said feeling a hum in reply to his comment.
"Can you bring up the doctor's message please?" Jack asked sitting in the jump seat, as the doctors image appeared on the screen.
"Is this thing on?" the Doctor asked tapping the screen, "hopefully it is. Jack the following is a list of instructions for while I'm human. 1. Don't let me hurt anyone, 2. Don't worry about the Tardis she'll make sure she remains hidden, 3. Don't let me get involved in big historical events, 4. Don't let me abandon you, 5. If something goes wrong, you'll have to open the watch, but only do this if it's absolutely necessary, 6. …".
"Do you know if there's any protocols if he falls in love?" Jack asked the Tardis, "surely nothing could go wrong?"
The Tardis just hummed uncertainly, as if to say 'are we talking about the same Doctor?'
"Well it's too late now. I'm sure it'll be fine".