#actually I'm not done I just remembered like the last dalek thing! that was beautiful it made me cry I loved rose in that episode

[timeandspacenovelist]

Dinner at Criri XEE8

Rating: G

Chapters: 1/1

Summary: Feeling guilty for the events of Into the Dalek, the Doctor decides to take Clara out for dinner. It doesn't go quite as planned....

Notes : This was an idea I had in mind to do for a good few months and I'm especially happy to see it finally come to fruition.

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Archive of Our Own

“See you tomorrow!” was what Clara told the teacher passing her on her way out of the classroom.

Another day, another attempt to get the children to learn. Today wasn’t so bad though, actually. She actually had a bit of fun. The students were attentive. Courtney wasn’t that annoying, and she finished her lesson ahead of time. It was pretty nice. She breezed past a few students as she made her way to her favorite spot after school, at least on Wednesdays. But before she reached there, she remembered she promised Danny she’d sort out something for a field trip. No problem, she’d just meet the Doctor and tell him she’ll be back in a minute. She opened the door to the supply cupboard and, just like the week before, met the Doctor standing right in front of her, looking… a bit nervous if she was honest.

“Hi.”

“Hi. Ready to go?” the Doctor asked, shuffling awkwardly.

“In a minute. I just need to sort out something with Danny first.”

“Who’s that?”

“Co worker. You don’t know him… yet.”

Sounds boring. I need you now. Come on, come on, come on.”

“Alright. Alright. What’s gotten into you? Whatever you have planned for us, can wait. I just need to-“

“I’m taking you out for dinner!”

A sly smile appeared on Clara’s face. “Oh... Oh, this I have to hear.”

“Well, come inside then.”

The Doctor quickly moved inside, with Clara following closely behind. The Tardis was set into flight and he stood at the console, hands in his pockets. Clara, meanwhile, sat on a chair, arms folded, hoping that whatever this was, was worth it.

“The restaurant is kinda fancy so it’s better if you dress more appropriately.” He advised her.

“Ah, ah, ah. I’m not going anywhere until I get an explanation for the sudden desire for taking me out for dinner. Explanation now please.”

“You maybe want to do your hair as well. It’s been looking kinda weird lately.”

“Doctor? Explanation.”

“Fine. I... I know I messed up with the Dalek stuff last week. I should have been more mindful of you. I don’t think I deserved the slap but-“

“I beg to differ.”

“But.... I deserved the telling off.”

“You got there in the end though, which was good.” Clara told him with a smile.

“So....in order to make up for that, I felt that we could maybe head out for dinner at a restaurant.“

“And what is this restaurant you’re so keen to take me to?”

“Well...it’s not particularly a restaurant in itself. More a restaurant planet. Criri XEE8, the best of its kind in the entire universe, at least that I know of.”

“Hmmm... that sounds awfully like you want to take me out on a date....” Clara teased, with a smirk.

“No, no! This is not a date!”

“Haha! What is it then?”

“It’s.... an outing to a restaurant to make up for the mistake I made last week.”

“So you’re trying to make me feel better about last week...by taking me on a date?....”

“I told you it’s not a date...” he said, a red hue appearing on his cheeks, which only promptly made Clara giggle when seeing it.

“Some things never change. The Doctor and his snog box taking girls to fancy restaurants after he nearly gets them trapped inside a Dalek.”

“It is not a snog box! Look, do you want to come on not?”

“What happens if I say no?”

“Then I..I... we’ll go to a Nando's instead.”

“Hmm, I do like a good Nando's chicken though...”

“Clara.."

“Fine. We’ll go to your restaurant planet. You best give me a good time there after what happened with the Dalek.”

“I had no intention to do anything less.”

Clara gave him one more sly smile before heading inside the Tardis halls to head to her room to change. The Doctor went to the Tardis’ scanner screen and just cleaned up his suit a bit (He wasn’t going to change; he looked perfect already in his mind.) He sighed as he finished, pondering Clara’s assertions earlier.

“Hmmm... that sounds awfully like you want to take me out on a date....”

Was it a date? He was taking her out to dinner. In all his lives, that usually involved taking the person out on a date. But he was sure he didn’t want to take her on a date. It was just a nice outing between friends, right? Right? But what if he wanted it to be a date?…. No. It can’t be that. He made a promise. He made a vow to himself and to Clara, and he was going to stick to it.

“Clara, I’m not your boyfriend.”

As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t be…. that for her. Not anymore, not how he is now. Maybe one day? Maybe when the next change comes. Hopefully, she’d still be there by that point. Maybe then he can be the man she deserves…

His thoughts were interrupted by Clara’s voice as she came out of the halls, attired for the location they were going to. She appeared in a stunningly beautiful dress, her makeup light but on point and her hair done up nicely. She even had a shawl to complete the look.

“Right. I thought this was a good choice, but I’m due for some second opinions on it. The Tardis wasn’t much help in that department. So, how do I look?”

The Doctor wanted to use several adjectives that he used for only the most attractive things he knew. But he bit his tongue, and remembered his promise and vow, as much as hurt.

“Fine.”

“That’s the best I’m gonna get, so I’ll take it. Come on, let’s go.”

_____________________________________________________________

The Doctor offered his arm to join and Clara did so, and with a smile (and a tiny blush), the two left the Tardis and made their way towards the restaurant. The restaurant wasn't that much different from any ones on Earth, but it was when they got inside, did Clara realize its alien nature. The patrons and the staff were a mixture of several different species and shapes and sizes and colours. They met up with the waiter at the front, a blue skinned alien himself.

“Good evening. How may I help you?”

“Ah, hello. Good evening. I made a reservation, under the name, John Smith.” The Doctor said, as Clara rolled his eyes with a smile at him using his human name.

“Let me check... Ah, here we are. John Smith, party of two.”

“That’s us.” Clara said, excitedly, ready for the dinner.

“Right this way, please.” The waiter told them, as he took them to their seats, a nice window table at the further end of the restaurant, away from a lot of the crowds, much to Clara’s surprise.

“Wow, these seats are great. How did you get them?”

“Benefit of time travel. I went back in time and made the reservation months ago.”

“Well, I must say, it was worth it.”

“So you like it?” he asked, as his eyes widened in hope.

“Oh yeah. This place is pretty swanky and cool. I’ve been in places like this before, but you know, it usually wasn’t full of aliens.”

“I just wanted to do something nice, like I said, to make up for what happened last week.”

“Honestly, I forgave you for that almost instantly. I just was a bit angry at that moment, and a bit worried.”

“…. Why worried?” the Doctor’s eyes narrowed onto Clara’s, as his head tilted.

“Sigh.. I just... wasn’t sure if you’d be able to get us out of that situation. That’s all.”

“It’s not like we’ve not encountered worse before.”

“I know... but... I’m just a bit wary, you know? After what happened with that half face man.”

The Doctor’s countenance dropped as Clara reminded him of that, the blood slightly drawing away from his face. If she was honest, that moment kept Clara awake that whole week. Constantly worrying, wondering if that moment was a sign of things to come. What if it wasn’t just a plan next time? What if he really did leave her in danger to save himself? She didn’t know what he was capable of in this regeneration. Deep down in her gut, she felt, or hoped, that he was still the same bowtie lover he always was and that he’d always be there for her. But she… couldn’t rely on her gut now. Not with how he was these days.

“Oh.... I...” was all he could muster, knowing he had no argument against it.

“Look. I know that you did what you had to do, and you did save me. But I just wished you had just told me what the plan was. I was so scared. So terrified that you’d never come back for me.”

Not knowing what else to really do, the Doctor put her hand on Clara’s. It wasn’t instant or immediate; he eased it onto her. He knew that they weren’t at the level they used to be, but he could still comfort and be there for her, in whatever way he could.

“… I can’t apologize enough for that. I just... might have expected that you’d just know, know that I was coming back… I thou-”

“Well, you thought wrong. We’re not at that level right now, ok?” she said, slightly angered as her voice rose.

There was a brief silence between them. She sighed. She was a bit rude there, and she knew it. She took his hand and gave it a quick squeeze.

“Sorry. Just… don’t do it again, please. From now on, we tell each other everything when we’re on our travels. That way, we can keep tabs on each other and not have the other worrying.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He said, with a faux salute and a smile.

“Hopefully you listen to your teacher for once, haha. The Tardis showed me your grades.“

The Doctor silently swore under his breath, vowing to give the ship a good talking to, while Clara continued laughing, the two of them settling in. The two sat in silence again briefly, just enjoying the atmosphere, before the waiter from before brought them their menus.

_____________________________________________________________

“I suppose you can give me some advice on what to order. You’re the one with the diverse palette.” She said, confused at the meals on the menu.

“I mean there should be human food available too if you like.”

“Nope. You were kind enough to bring me here, so I will try something different. Something new.” She said, with a longing glance at him that went unseen.

“Right then. Ummm, for a starter we can try Pasteurized Gurlites sparkles. Not too heavy, and tastes really nice. Don’t let the sparkles name confuse you, they’re not that sweet.”

“Uh-huh. Main course then?” she said, eyes still perusing the menu.

“Well, there’s the Steamed Volcers lattuces. River and I had them once, and they were delicious. That’s a good choice.”

“Yep. Dessert then?”

“I mean, can’t go wrong with ice cream.”

“Right....”

“Found anything else you’d like to try instead?”

“That’s the thing. Outside of ice cream, I’ve not seen any of the dishes you mentioned.”

“What?! Let me see.” The Doctor said, taking the menu from her, “That’s... strange. You’re right.”

“I usually am...”

“The waiter must have given you the wrong menu. Let me get you a different one. “

“No, no. I’ll do it.” She told him as she called the waiter over to their table.

“Yes, Ms?”

“I’m afraid you may have brought me the wrong menu. If you’d be so kindly as to just change it, please.” She informed him with a smile.

The Doctor handed over the menu to the waiter who took it and went to walk away, but as he took a brief look at it, he returned to the table, which slightly perplexed the Doctor and Clara.

“No, this is the right menu, Ms.“

“No, it’s not. It’s not got any of the foods on his menu, bar a few exceptions.”

“Well, yes, because it’s a children’s menu.”

The Doctor snickered upon hearing that, knowing exactly why the waiter may have given her that menu, but Clara gave him a mean look which got him to quiet down. He wasn’t wanting another slap in consecutive weeks. She began to breathe in and out deeply, getting angry, but calmed herself down. It was just a mistake; she had to remind herself. That’s all it was.

“Ok...so you made a mistake. No big deal. We all do. It happens. Now, take it back and get me a different menu. I am not a child, so I would need the adult menu.”

“Oh....” the waiter said, his eyes widening.

“Oh.... what?”

“It’s just that on my planet, only children are as short or shorter than you. Ms.”

After already having her nightmares of being left by the Doctor dredged up and that fear and worry returning to the surface, needless to say, Clara did not take that well.

“How dare you? How dare you? My friend and I, out of the goodness of our hearts, decide to give this restaurant a chance. Out of all the ones we’ve could have gone to. We chose this one, and this is how you treat me.”

“Well, Ms-“

“You decided without any kind of interest or care in anything that you’d make an assumption, a guess about me, purely because of my height. Not even because of customs on my planet, but because of prejudices based on your own.”

“But Ms...”

“What?!”

“... You are still short.”

The Doctor’s involuntary wince upon hearing the waiter’s last statement showed he knew what was coming next. Now the entire restaurant’s eyes were on Clara and the waiter, having gotten their attention a few minutes ago. Clara smiled strangely and giggled. The Waiter smiled back, thinking that the worst was over, but boy, was he wrong.

Clara simply rose out of her chair, took a deep breath and.... jumped onto him, grabbing his lapels, and forcing him to the ground. Before she could do any further damage, the Doctor pulled her away.

By that point, the head of staff arrived on the scene. He surveyed the situation quickly and without hesitation threw out the Doctor and Clara. The two found themselves back in the Tardis, with their stomachs grumbling, kicked out of the restaurant, and hopefully without an assault charge in Clara’s name. When they arrived inside, Clara simply sat down, put her hands on face and sulked, sighing. _____________________________________________________________

“I messed up, big time.”

“Yeah, you did.”

“I should have acted much better.”

“You should have.”

“I’m really sorry.. For ruining your perfect night.” She said, putting her head down in shame.

The Doctor walked over to her, and in a rare show of confidence, put his arm around her in a small hug, before releasing it immediately. “It’s alright. I forgive you. Besides...I’m kinda glad you did that.”

“What....? Seriously?”

“Yeah! Honestly, that place really wasn’t my style. Too fancy. I only did it because I thought it would make you happy.”

“Thanks. That was really sweet of you. But surely, you weren’t happy with my little... uproar.” Clara said, unconsciously leaning into the Doctor’s shoulder, which he didn’t seem to take notice of.

“On the contrary, I loved it. It’s only through instinct that I pulled you off.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No, I’m serious. I wanted to see you deck him honestly. Only I get to make assumptions about your height.” He said with a big grin.

“Watch out, or you might get a right hook yourself.” Clara said, pretending to box as the two had a good laugh at the experience overall. Nevertheless, it did leave one question unanswered.

“So, what now, then? We can’t go back there, obviously.”

“True. I’m also still a bit hungry myself. Nandos?”

“Ha-ha. Nah. Not this time at least.... Actually, I may have an idea.”

Turned out, Clara’s idea was a lot more palatable to them than going to any restaurant. The two of them sat on the edge of the Tardis as they watched the night sky, The Doctor’s shirt was undone and his jacket off, while Clara’s heels were strewn aside and her shawl with it, as she let her hair back out. Their five star meal was a plate of jammie dodgers in between them.

“Hey, there’s a shooting star. Did you make a wish?” the Doctor said, pointing it out as it crossed the sky.

“I thought that’s something you didn't believe in?”

“Well, scientifically, there’s no way to prove that wishing on a shooting star grants wishes. There’s no real power that I know of that....” he said before stopping himself, as Clara gave him a knowing look, “Actually, yes, it grants wishes.”

“There you go.”

The two went for another jammie dodger, but their hands touched as they both reached for it, both blushing at the unexpectedness of it. Clara then moved over to lean on the Doctor’s shoulder. Not expecting it this time, he stiffened a bit, but eased into it after a few seconds.

“To answer your question, yes.”

“Yes?”

“Yes, I did make a wish.”

“And?”

Clara could only smile warmly, as she looked up at him, his attention diverted because of the sky.

“It’s already come true...”.

#12th doctor #twelfth doctor #clara oswald #doctor who #ao3 #fanfic #archive of our own #cute #whouffaldi