Little Wonders

19. Breakfast

19. Breakfast

“Darren, sweetheart. Time to get up.” Rose called softly. “Time for school.” She added as the small boy started to stir.

Darren’s eyes flickered open and he stretched.

“Good morning Mr Sleepy Head.” Rose smiled as she stood up. “Come on, breakfast is nearly ready.”

Downstairs, John was attempting to make breakfast as he kept an eye on Tony. Pete had left for work in the early hours of the morning and Jackie had left John to watch over Tony as she went and got ready for the day ahead.

“Tony! Sit down!” John scolded, starting to lose his temper. It had been the 10th time he had asked Tony to do so, and Tony kept on ignoring him as he ran round the table yet again. “TONY!” This made Tony freeze. John had never yelled at him before.

Tony looked up at John, his eyes wide and shining with tears.

“Sit. Down,” John said firmly. He hated having to be so firm with him. There were so many things around that could hurt him; cups of boiling coffee, chairs that weren’t tucked under the table, a glass jug full of orange juice sat waiting to be spilt. The list was endless.

As Tony slipped into a seat the bread that John had put in the toaster popped up. John jumped, not expecting it. He let out a huge sigh as he turned around to view the black, burnt toast. He took the toast out of the toaster and dropped it on the side.

“Ow.” He mumbled under his breath as he cradled his now burnt finger tips.

“Everything alright John?” Rose asked as she entered the kitchen.

“Blooming brilliant.” John mumbled, sarcasm laced through his voice.

Rose helped Darren onto a seat and went over to John who was mumbling in what Rose knew was Gallifreyan. She couldn’t understand what he was saying; but she knew it was negative from the tone in his voice, he was probably cursing.

She wrapped her arms around his waist.

“John calm down.” She whispered. He started saying something in his home language and then suddenly stopped. He coughed.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to,” He mumbled and Rose realised he was apologizing for talking to her in Gallifreyan. “It’s just… I dunno, I’m on a short fuse today.” He paused as Rose rubbed his shoulder in what she hoped was a comforting, calming way. John reached over to the toaster and placed fresh bread in to toast. “It’s one of those days.” From those five words, Rose knew what he meant. She also knew that today wasn’t going to be the best of days as John was going to be in a bad mood all day. “I want to be running, annoying the planets natives, saving Earth from alien invasions. Instead some new guy in a bow tie is doing just that.”

“John, stop it!” Rose warned. “It’s not his fault.” She mumbled quietly, referring to the full Time Lord Doctor. “And think about it. We are running. We’re running the road to getting a family. You annoy every human you come into contact with,” She giggled slightly before she added, “In a good way. And we save Earth from Alien Invasions everyday.”

Rose felt John sigh heavily.

“I know Rose. But I want to feel the excitement of stepping out of the TARDIS in a brand new world.”

“John…”

“No Rose, I’m being serious!” He had raised his voice from a whisper to loud for the whole kitchen to hear. He slipped round to face Rose. “I just need time to cool off.”

John knew why he was like this. He had, had another dream last night. Except since the other him had regenerated the other him now had a baby face and wore a bow tie. He, even if he had been viewing it from the full Time Lord’s eyes, had seen River Song again – just like she had promised. The other him had a new companion, Amy Pond, and together the three of them had battled a forest full of Weeping Angles. He had woken up with an adrenaline rush, wanting a real adventure more than anything.

“Uncle John!” Came Tony’s yell, breaking the silence that had fallen on the room. “Is the toast ready?!”

John turned around again and popped the toast up.

“Nearly there Tony,” He mumbled as he began to butter the toast.

Rose turned away; she would talk to him later before they got to work. She looked down when she felt a tug at her sleeve. It was Darren.

“What’s wrong with Daddy?” He asked.

John dropped the butter knife on the plate in shock. He turned round quickly.

“Did he just…” He began but was silenced by a warning look sent his way by Rose. Rose looked back down at Darren.

“Say again hunny.”

“What’s wrong with Daddy?” The small boy repeated. Rose smiled brightly and felt very close to tears. John shovelled his way past Rose and picked Darren up and enveloped him in a massive hug.

“Nothing!” John exclaimed, looking at the boy in his arms; all anger and longing for adventure gone. “Nothing’s wrong!” He beamed.

“Don’t cry mummy!” Darren said, turning to look at Rose.

“They’re happy tears sweetheart.” Rose laughed slightly as she cupped Darren’s cheek.

“I thought you only cry when you’re sad.” Darren thought out loud.

“Uncle John!” Tony called. Everyone turned to look at the brunette haired boy who was now at his godfather’s side. “I’m hungry!”

*

Rose and John stood together waving at Darren who was waving back as his teacher led the class into the classroom to start the school day. As soon as the class had disappeared inside the two began the walk out of the school gates. They passed through the green bars and paused to embrace each other in a hug.

“Wow!” Rose mumbled into John’s shoulder.

“Speechless Mrs Smith?” John asked as they pulled apart. “That’s very rare.” Rose waked him playfully on the arm.

“Shut up!” She smiled. “I never thought he’d call us mum and dad.”

“Me either.” John admitted as they linked hands and began the walk back to the car that was parked down the road.

“I don’t think I could live without him…” Rose mused. John smiled. He knew that, he was just the same.

“Just think about it… he could really be a part of the family soon.” John commented as they reached the car.

“Really?” Rose turned round to face her husband. “You really mean that?”

“Course I do!” John paused. “Darren Smith… Hmmm… It has a nice ring to it, I like it.”

“Me too.” Rose said, trying to contain her excitement. She went round to the passenger side and got in as John got in the driver’s seat. “Should we tell him?” Rose asked as John started the car. “Ask if he wants to become a Smith?”

“Yes.” John commented as he pulled out of their parking space and began the journey to the Torchwood tower.

Rose couldn’t help the smile that crept onto her face and stayed in position all day. She was finally getting the family she wanted.