I never know why. I only know who. (AU)

Chapter 28

Here's some more Christmas because it advent tomorrow.

The lunch was just as delicious as they'd guessed it would be. Diana had brought a chicken that was inside a duck that was inside a turkey. And it went down like a treat. Nobody could eat much at all, and they hadn't even started on dessert yet, which they eventually decided would have to be for their dinner that night or a mid-afternoon snack.

That was why they all escaped to the living room, trying to get rid of the "food baby" they had all gained as Clara had so kindly chosen to call it.

John sat down by the presents and handed them out, deciding that it was time for everyone to get done with that. However he kept his three presents for Clara tucked safely under his arm, planning on giving them to her later when they were alone. He felt like it would be wrong to pour his heart out when everyone was watching.

Clara flopped her body down on her bed after the long day. She actually felt happy for the first time in what felt like forever. Everything felt right. It was normal once again in a fashion.

No-one had made any awkward remarks, and at the end of the day Dave had gone and done the unexpected. He pulled Clara into a big hug and told her he loved her after saying Merry Christmas to everyone. She would have been lying to see the entire room hadn't melted into silence just to witness that moment.

It wasn't much, but it was definitely a start at least.

Clara popped up on her elbows as she heard her door open. And to no surprise, John was standing there scratching the back of his neck.

"Um, I kind of asked if I could stay the night and everyone said yes. If that's okay with you?" John mumbled, looking nervous. As if she could ever deny that face anything.

"No." She said teasingly. His face dropped slightly before he saw her happy smile. "What do you think, you complete idiot?" She laughed, patting the space beside her on the bed as she dropped her body back down once more.

He walked over to the bed, kicking off his shoes as he fell down beside her. He wasn't quite sure why Clara was looking at the ceiling, but it was very calming in a way.

"I'm stuffed." Clara moaned, rolling onto her side to face him as she moved further up the bed so her feet weren't dangling off. Her hands went down to her belly and held them there. "I think I've put on a lot of weight today, don't you?" She laughed.

John laughed too, turning to face her and smiling at her flushed cheeks. "Wow, how much did you eat?" John laughed, his hand going to join hers on her stomach. It was this new thing that he found he couldn't stop himself doing.

"Only as much as you." Clara said, sounding concerned as she looked down. The slight perk to the edge of her lips gave her game away, but it still made John crack a smile too.

"Oh, are you sure honey? You looked like you were eating for two..." He began, raising his eyebrows.

"Oh, that must be it!" She laughed, prodding John on the arm. "I'm eating for two, aren't I?"

He nodded, smiling all the while as Clara look down on to the duvet she was lying on, her hand moving to rest against the fabric.

They both remained in silence for a few seconds. John gently raised his hand from her stomach to brush away the loose strands of her from her face and tuck them behind her ear. she smiled softly at him as he did so, looking into his eyes all the while.

She could see many things there; admiration, love and hope. Hope for a better life maybe? Or hope that everything might turn out alright with them?