Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"I will not forget one line of this. Not one day. I swear. I will always remember when the Doctor was me."

"Please don't change."

BANG BANG BANG

The Doctor swung her head towards the door. Her thoughts broken. She didn’t appreciate that. Her head was swirling with enough things already. She didn't need her thoughts broken, too. She turned back towards the other woman in the room.

Thingy. Ugh, she forgot the name. She knew the brunette was important, though. The brunette told her important things, like how to fly the TARDIS. That was very helpful. Back to the task at hand, though.

“What’s that?” the Doctor asked. 

The woman shrugged, but before she could say anything, a voice rang out. A slightly familiar one.

“Hello? Exit the box and surrender to the glory of the Sontaran empire.”

Empire? That didn't sound good. Besides, he was interrupting her thoughts, too. She reckoned it was the same guy who was doing all the banging. She had to deal with that before she got a headache.

A huge spark caused a puff of smoke to appear, hindering her vision for a few seconds, but she braved through it enough to open the door and give a very pointed message.

“Shush!”

She returned inside and dusted her hands, content with her work. “There. Peace and quiet. By the way, who was that potato man?”

The brunette woman looked at her incredulously. Like she’d said something wrong. She was sure she didn’t.

“You just shut the door on Strax!”

“Is that his name? What an odd name.”

The woman rolled her eyes. “Regardless of his name, he’s a friend. He may not look it, but he is.”

The Doctor pondered her statement. She had no reason not to trust the brunette. She seemed to be on her side. If she thinks the potato man is a good guy, then he must be. She was a bit too harsh for shutting him out like that. She reopened the door and stuck her head out again.

“I was being chased by a giant dinosaur, but I think I managed to give him the slip!”

“Who are you and what have you done with- “

The Doctor immediately put a finger on Strax's lips, shushing him more overtly. She had to think. She looked into his eyes, searching, trying to knit her brain back together enough to make sense of this. She then gasped, removing her finger and smiling widely.

“Ah! I remember you!”

“Well, I don’t remember you- “

“Where are the others? You’ve never alone. You come in a trio. Oh!”

The Doctor sighted two now familiar faces. She scuttled over towards them, ignoring the rocky terrain underneath her feet. She knew it was there; it was just that her brain had other issues to fulfil currently. Greetings being paramount amongst them.

"The green one! And the not-so-green one." She scrunched her nose before coming in between them. "Or it could be the other way around. I mustn't pre-judge."

Names escaped her once again, but she'd get to them in good time. She still had one more introduction to make. The brunette no doubt followed her out by now. She should have, at least. It made sense, and she seemed a logical person.

“Oh, you remember…umm….”

She hadn't followed her out yet. But she did once the Doctor mentioned her. She had that incredulous look on her face again. And a little bit of her seemed cross as well. That wasn't good. What didn't help was that, for the life of her, she couldn't remember her name. The Doctor knew it would come back to her, but it wasn't sparking.

She knew it started with a C, but she couldn't just call her C. That'd be weird.

 “Thingy. The, er, the not-me one. The asking questions one. Names are a bit wonky for me right now.”

“Clara!” she shouted, clearly annoyed.

She knew it started with a C!  Still, you could never be too sure. Hell, the Doctor wasn’t even her own real name. It actually was-

“Well, it might be Clara. Might not be. It's a lottery.” The Doctor then said.

“It is Clara.”

“Well, I’m not ruling it out. You never know sometime-Oi, big man, shut it!”

Except that wasn't a big man. It was very much not even a man. The Doctor looked up to see a giant T-Rex roaring at her down on the ground, something she very much didn't want. And yet, she was still fascinated. What a coincidence that was.

“Oh, you’ve got a dinosaur too!”

The dinosaur roared again, prompting an amelioration to her earlier statement. She didn't want to get it wrong, after all.

“Big woman, sorry! Brain still not right yet. New face and all that, you know?”

“Doctor, listen to me. You need to calm down.” Clara said, rushing in front of the Doctor.

“Why?” the blonde asked, tilting her head as she walked away and continued to examine the dinosaur.

“Something’s gone wrong.”

"Wrong?! What's gone wrong?!" the Doctor then asked. Her hearts began to beat faster. After the last ten minutes she had, she didn't need any more wrong things to happen. She already just regenerated, for goodness' sake.

She walked over to Clara, wanting to find out what had happened. A huge brain stimulation then hit her. She gasped again, her eyes widening as much as her mouth. She grabbed onto Clara’s shoulders.

“I remember you!”

She instinctively latched onto her with a hug. One, she felt, Clara also eased into. That was good. She liked that.

“Clara, I’m so sorry. The Daleks and they-regeneration energy and I- “ 

She looked down at her hands, noticing how much smaller they'd gotten. Her clothes had become so much bigger than they were before. Her voice was much lighter (and distinctly Yorkshire) and quite different. She was also barely taller than Clara.

Did she regenerate into a-

“Doctor, I know, but we have more pressing issues right now.” Clara reassured. She looked up, causing the Doctor to do the same.

The T-Rex roared again, but this time, the Doctor knew why. She was hurt. She was scared. Worst of all, her head must be killing her.

“The frequency!” the Doctor said, rushing over to the green one.

“Sorry?”

“Your sonic lanterns, turn them down!” she said, pointing to the ground to further make the point. “You’re giving her a headache.”

“Giving who a headache?” the non-green one said.

"My lady friend!" the Doctor shouted, looking up at the dinosaur. She didn't seem too keen on the idea, though. "Just an expression. Don't get any ideas!"

“How’d you know?” Clara asked, walking towards her.

“Come on, Clara. You know I speak dinosaur!”

“He’s not Clara! I’m Clara!” A second Clara then said, coming next to the original.

The Doctor came to a complete stop. How could there be two Claras? Had something happened? Did this have something to do with her jumping in her timestream? But before she could further investigate, the Doctor’s vision began to be hazy.

She wiped them vigorously and saw that the Clara to the left wasn't Clara at all but Strax. Post-regeneration sickness was affecting her badly. More than usual. Starting a new regeneration cycle would do that, she supposed. Still, she couldn't worry Clara any further. Maybe she could make a joke out of it. That would help.

“Well, you’re very similar heights. Maybe you should wear labels.”

Clara and Strax looked at each other in confusion, as the Doctor only then realised that Clara had a good few inches over Strax. Okay, maybe that joke wasn't such a good idea. But at least she got one off before she passed out.

She could feel it coming. Eyes growing heavier, body growing weaker. She could time it, though; that was a new one. Just needed to find a way to access it properly.

“Doctor, are you okay?”

“Of course I’m okay, Clara. I just need one thing from you.”

“What’s that? Anything.”

The Doctor stuck her finger up her nose. “Can you catch me?”

“Are you going to fall over?” Clara asked, alarmed. She ran over towards the Doctor, staying right behind her.

“In two minutes, 19 seconds. Wait! Forget the two minutes. 19. Oh, this new nose is so unreliable…”

Thankfully, Clara was in the right place at the right time. She managed to catch the Doctor well enough, but the sudden drop caused her to (gently) rest her onto the ground. Clara held her in her arms, looking at the now-sleeping Time Lord.

She was glad the Doctor was having a kip, but she also really needed her awake for this. She didn't know what to do. There was no Time Lord handbook, and she was sure it didn't have a section specifically for this.

“I don’t understand. Who is she?” Jenny asked. “Where’s the Doctor?”

With that, it hit Clara. All this time, Vastra, Jenny and Strax had no idea. How could they, really? The last time they saw the Doctor, he was this bow-tie-wearing, big chin-having man. But he wasn't that anymore. He was something else…someone else.

“Right here. That’s hi-her.” Clara said, licking her lips and swallowing. “…That’s the Doctor.”

She looked down at the fallen angel in her arms. The soft facial features, the bright green eyes. The rampant and bright blonde hair. Clara wasn’t entirely sure herself. But she knew she saw the Doctor – her Doctor – turn into this woman. But surely, she was also the Doctor. That’s how regeneration worked, right? She’d seen all his faces. She knew what it entailed.

And yet, at no point was she ever told regeneration could make you change gender, too.

“Well…this is a new one.” Vastra said, her voice full of intrigue. “Nevertheless…here we go again…”

Chapter Text

ROARRRRRR

Clara could hear the dinosaur still roaring loudly, clearly aggravated over something. It wasn’t the only one. She stood there, ear against the door, anxious. She’d been told by Vastra to wait outside when they brought the Doctor in. To have something to eat and drink. She needed it to be fair. The long drag of water she took said it all. But she still couldn’t shake the anxiety. Especially once she realized the Doctor must have woken up.

Never was one for long naps, he was.

But it meant that she could no longer stay downstairs, at least in her mind. She had to see what was going on. She promptly got up out of her chair and sped towards the stairs, only to reach them and see Jenny had the same idea. It was at least a comfort to see they both cared about the Doctor enough to see what happened.

The run upstairs was scored by muffled shouts from what Clara assumed was the Doctor. In all the chaos of what happened, it’d not sunk in what she sounded like now.

Yorkshire? She’d heard the Doctor’s accents vary from Scotland, Manchester, Liverpool, but Yorkshire was definitely a new one. And it was a strong accent. Could pick her out of a crowd, easily. Not that it was ever difficult to do so.

Once she and Jenny arrived at the door, they both pressed their ears against it to at least make sense of the distressed shouts that they’d just heard. It seemed like the Doctor had gotten closer to them. Closer enough to hear it clearly. Although it didn’t help that much to be honest.

“Why are you not getting it? I’m telling you. I’m fine!” the Doctor shouted.

They however both found themselves falling forward once the Doctor opened the door, with Clara falling directly into the Doctor’s path. For a brief moment, they locked eyes and for an even briefer moment, the Doctor calmed down. And so did Clara. It was odd. For a moment there, it felt kinda…normal. Like they were used to this.

But it passed pretty quickly unfortunately.

“Doctor, please, you have to lie down.” Vasta instructed.

“Why doesn’t she want to lie down?” Jenny asked.

“There’s a giant dinosaur out there, in pain, needing help. You expect me to just let that happen?” the Doctor cried out.

Clara could hear the pain in her voice, and for a moment it warmed her heart. Always wanting to put the safety of others above herself. But the Doctor couldn’t do anything, not in this state. Not like this. She took the Doctor’s hands and held them tightly, forcing the blonde to look at her.

“I get it. And we will make sure the dinosaur is alright, but Doctor, please. You have to lie down. You keep passing out.”

“Of course, I keep passing out. I’ve just regenerated, Clara. You should know what that means.” The Doctor told her.

She thought she did. But this was something completely different. She’d never had to deal with a Doctor fresh off a regeneration, let alone one who seems to break all conventions of what she knew.

“I do.” She fibbed, nodding. “But you can’t help if you’re not at your best.”

Clara felt that would be what would help best, but it looked as if the Doctor was going to offer another rebuttal. Thankfully, Vastra stepped in, taking the opportunity away from her. She stepped in front of Clara and towards the Doctor.

 “Doctor, I need your help with something.”

It captured her attention immediately, albeit making her worry more. “What is it?”

“I'm having difficulty sleeping.”

“Oh? Oh, well, I wouldn't bother with that, I never bother with sleep, and I just do standy-up catnaps.” The Doctor responded.

Jenny turned to Clara for understanding and she duly gave it by nodding. That was all Jenny needed, it seemed. She turned back, confused, but contented.

“Help me out then.” Vastra said. She took the Doctor by the hands and dragged her towards the bed, finally getting her to sit down at least. “Project an image of perfect sleep into the centre of my mind.”

“What, do you want a psychic link with me? The size of my brain, it would be like dropping a piano on you.”

Clearly, regeneration hadn’t dulled the Doctor’s arrogance, Clara noticed.

“Be gentle, then.”

“I'll try. Brace yourself.”

The Doctor and Vastra put each other’s hands on their temples, readying themselves for this mind link. Clara wasn’t quite sure what the plan was, but trusted Vastra had it under control. She knew what she was doing, right? Right?

Turns out she did.

The Doctor then suddenly fell back onto the bed with a thud, her newly gained blonde hair flopping about all over. Vastra simply chuckled and got up, clearly content with her work.

“What did you do to her?”

“Simply put her to sleep. The Doctor forgot the tricks of the trade he taught me.” Vastra smirked.

Clara wondered if she’d ever learn those tricks. Nevertheless, she and Jenny got to work tucking the Doctor into bed. That was one issue down, but they still had many more to fix. The Doctor was now sound asleep in bed, hopefully sleeping off any issues with this regeneration. But that then meant she’d be unavailable for the foreseeable future. A future that clearly included stopping a giant dinosaur in the heart of London.

“So what now?” Jenny asked.

“She needs rest.” Vastra informed her. “Once she’s awake, she’ll be able to help with our other conundrum.” The roar of the dino was still audible in the distance.

“Maybe then she can explain why she looks like this now.” Clara said.

Unbeknownst to Clara, that didn’t seem to go down well with Vastra and Jenny. Vastra gave an unseen glance towards the Blackpool native before turning back to her dear wife. “Jenny, I will be in my chamber. Would you be kind enough to fetch my veil?”

“Why? Are we expecting strangers?” Jenny asked, slightly confused.

“It would seem…there’s already one here…”

With that, Vastra left the room, her last words pointed towards Clara with a steely gaze. One Clara didn’t appreciate whatsoever. As if she didn’t already have enough problems. First the Doctor and now this. She was starting to get really fed up now.

She tried to play it off with a laugh, however. Not a convincing one though. “What have I done wrong?”

Any answer Jenny would have given was prevented by the roar of the dinosaur once again. A much more strained and painful one at that. Her attention now diverted.

 “The dinosaur doesn’t seem very happy.” She said, walking towards the window and looking out at it.

“What’s wrong with it?” Clara asked.

“I don’t know.” Jenny admitted. “The Doctor’s the one that speaks dinosaur.”

Jenny turned, expecting a response but saw Clara kneeling at the Doctor’s bedside. Completely transfixed, looking at her face. Clearly, this wasn’t the time or place for her to stick around.

“Excuse me, ma’am. The wife doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

But again, Clara didn’t respond, continuing to stare at her best friend. It just…didn’t seem right. Thirteen regenerations, all into different men and now, a woman. Why now? Why this woman? Why was she blonde? Why did she sound like she was from Yorkshire?

“Where did she get this face?” Clara asked, mostly to herself. She did turn to Jenny eventually though. “Why a woman? Why now?”

“It’s still the Doctor, ma’am.” Jenny offered a small smile. “You saw him change.”

“I know. I do. I, I know that.”

“Good.” Jenny nodded.

“It's just-“

“What?”

“Nothing.” Clara told her. But there was clearly something. Which explained why Jenny couldn’t even walk a few paces before she turned back. “If. If Vastra changed, if she was different, if she wasn't the person that you liked?”

“I don’t like her, ma’am…I love her.” Jenny said, with a small blush. Words and a gesture that touched at Clara. “And as to different, well… she’s a lizard.”

That seemed enough for Jenny to make her leave. The Doctor wasn’t a lizard, no, but she was different. Clara knew she should feel completely out of it with this. Confused, baffled, unsure, and she did feel all those things. But equally, she felt conflicted. Because as she kneeled down and looked at this blonde haired, hazel eyed stranger…her heart still skipped a beat.

ROARRRRRR

But she couldn’t stick around here, much as she wanted to. It was up to her, Vastra, Jenny and Strax to figure out what was going on with that dinosaur while the Doctor rested. She pulled the covers up on the Doctor a bit more and got up, feeling at least slightly okay with leaving her here.

She made her way towards the window and looked outside, shaking her head in the process. “I wish I could understand you.”

“…I am alone…The world which shook at my feet, and the trees and the sky, have gone. And I am alone now. Alone.”

Clara carefully sat back down on the bed, with only one question in mind. “Are you translating?”

But she wouldn’t get an answer.

“Boy? Madame Vastra is waiting.”

Strax’s words seemed like a cue for the Doctor to stop, her voice going silent once again. Clara sighed. The Doctor’s words didn’t yield much more than what she already thought. But she knew one thing though.

The dinosaur wasn’t the only thing that felt alone.

Chapter Text

“And then?”

It was honestly pretty fuzzy for Clara, if she was honest. It all happened in a blur. She went from looking into the eyes of the Doctor - her Doctor - and then suddenly he was gone in a flash and this woman appeared. Then the TARDIS started going and all hell broke loose. It sounded simple enough, but it felt so much worse. She wasn’t sure she’d gotten her head round it. Hell, she’s not even 100% currently. Her mind constantly drifting from point to point, not able to focus.

“Why are you wearing your veil?”

“And then?” Vastra repeated.

Right, she needed to focus. Vastra called her over for a reason in the first place and she didn’t want to make her madder than she already was. If even she didn’t know why, better to not risk it any further. She took a deep breath and continued.

 “And then we got swallowed by a big dinosaur. You probably noticed.” Clara explained.

“How did it happen?”

“I don't know. I don't know. We were crashing about everywhere. The Doctor was gone. The TARDIS went haywire.”

“She’s not gone. She’s upstairs.” Jenny mentioned.

Clara chanced a glance at her. She. God, it felt weird hearing that. Clara couldn’t wrap her mind around it. It just didn’t make sense. That shouldn’t be possible, right? The Doctor never told her this could happen. After everything that happened with the Time Lords and him growing old, it just-it felt like it all went wrong, and she didn’t know how.

“Okay, she changed.” Clara said, curtly, her eyes intense.

“She regenerated. Renewed herself-“ Vastra said.       

“Renewed, fine.” Clara cut her off, barely restraining her anger.

“Such a cynical smile.” Vastra noted.

The anger surged even more inside Clara. What did Vastra think she was seeing? Did she look at any point like she was smiling?

“I’m not smiling.”

“Not outwardly. But I'm accustomed to seeing through a veil. How have I amused you?”

“You said renewed. Renewed involves him looking the same but better. He-” Clara said, before swallowing. “She doesn’t.”

“And you assumed she’d always look like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like your dashing young gentlemen friend.” Vastra added. “Your lover even.”

“Shut up.” Clara said, unable to hide a small smile. Even now she couldn’t ignore it. Though, clearly that potential was gone the moment he left and the other woman arrived.

“But she is the Doctor. She has walked this universe for centuries untold, she has seen stars fall to dust. And nearly every time it’s been with a different face. You might as well flirt with a chameleon.”

“I did not flirt with him.” Clara fibbed. Again, that smile barely contained.

“She’s flirting with you.” Vastra said matter-of-factly.

Clara looked at her incredulously. After everything that’s happened, she’d really love to know exactly how this was flirting in any way. Her eyes widened and she sat up. “How?”

“She looks young. I’d wager a regular human might think you two the same age. Who do you think that was for?”

“Me?” Clara asked, baffled.

“Everyone. I wear a veil as he wore a face for the same reason.”

“What reason?”

“The oldest reason there is for anything. To be accepted.”

Sleeping off regenerations were always a mixed bag for the Doctor, particularly when she was rudely mind punched by someone. She’ll confront Vastra about that later. But for now, she needed to restimulate her brain. The regeneration had burned a few brain cells that needed to be regained. The nap did her the world of good though, very comfy bed. She’d give Vastra that at least.

But she needed some way to get the brain going again. Experiment? No, all her kit was in the TARDIS, and she wasn’t sure there was anything advanced enough for her here. No, she needed something dreadfully simple. Something she could find in here, not to alert suspicions.

Then she smelled it. Chalk.

She woke up and followed the scent as best she could, getting off the bed and dropping to the ground. It wasn’t under the bed but she was sure it was somewhere near. She crawled on her feet and went as quickly as she could towards a radiator towards the side of the room. It took a bit of fumbling on the ground beneath it but she finally got it. A nice, clean piece of chalk. And so she began to draw.

Equation after equation, no matter the numbers or the solutions; she wrote it down. Anything to get the brain pumping. Anywhere she could. She hoped Vastra would forgive her for the mass amount of writing on the walls and the floors but she needed to get it all out somehow. She just needed to complete a few more sums and-

ROARRRRRR

Oh, right, the other problem. By the pain in her voice, the Doctor assumed the others hadn’t fixed the issue yet. She didn’t know what they were waiting for, did she have to do everything herself? She went to bolt through the door and head downstairs, but she noticed a small flaw in the plan. She’d get caught and sent back to bed which was not ideal. Besides…

“Door. Boring. Not me.”

She dashed across to the window to the other side and pulled it open gleefully. “Me!”

Now this was more her speed.

“Jenny and I are married. Yet for appearance's sake, we maintain a pretence, in public, that she is my maid.”

“Doesn't exactly explain why I'm pouring tea in private.”

“Hush now.”

“Good pretence, isn't it?”

“I wear a veil to keep from view what many are pleased to call my disfigurement. I do not wear it as a courtesy to such people, but as a judgment on the quality of their hearts.”  Vastra directed towards Clara.

That was odd. Really odd. Because, it almost sounded like Vastra was-nah, she wouldn’t. That wouldn’t make any sense. She didn’t know Vastra super well but she would assume she’d not stoop as low as to do that, with all that was going on.

“Are you judging me?” Clara asked, bemused.

“The Doctor regenerated in your presence. Your dashing young lover disappeared, the veil lifted. She trusted you. Are you judging her?”

Okay, that was it.

Clara got up from her chair, her eyes bulging out in disbelief and anger. She’d sat down and tolerated enough of Vastra’s words long enough.

“How dare you? How dare you?”

Okay, she wasn’t exactly enthused by the Doctor’s change but she wasn’t judging her. Far from it. Why would she judge her? She has no issue with being a woman. That’s not who she is and how dare Vastra assume otherwise. She began pacing up and down the room, barely acknowledging Jenny’s existence. Vastra was all she cared about.

“You don’t know anything about me.”

“I know you seem to care deeply about the Doctor changing. Why is that?”

“Because she changed!”

“Something she was always able to do.” Vastra corrected.

“Yes, but I-“ Clara said, having to stop herself and pace around again. “I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t ready for him to become…her!”

“I think it’s a rather fetching change myself. A bit preferable.” Vastra said, with Jenny giving her a wary eye.

“Of course she looks good! She’s gorgeous. She’s stunning. It’s just that-“

“Just what?”

“I-“

“Because it seems to me that your dashing young gentlemen friend becoming your dashing young lady friend, isn’t a deal-breaker.”

“Well I-it-she-“ Clara stammered, a red hue appearing on her cheeks.

She had no response, really. Thinking about the Doctor still made her heartbeat faster. Brought a blush to her face. Why was that? Surely it was just because the Doctor was just the Doctor, right? That didn’t make sense. If she fancied her as a man and now as a woman, then that meant-

No, she wasn’t that, was she? She’d know if she was. Wouldn’t she?

“Ahem…”

 She’d never been gladder to be interrupted by Vastra.

“The Doctor needs us, you more than anyone. She is lost in the ruin of herself, and we must bring her home.”

That Clara entirely agreed on. The Doctor was her best friend. The ma-woman she loved more than anyone. Whenever the bridge to figure out this new arrangement came, they’d cross it. Together.

But her attention was diverted briefly to a realisation yet unmentioned by Vastra. “When did you stop wearing your veil?”

Vastra smiled. “When you stopped seeing it.”

Chapter Text

The Doctor knew she was on the clock, as per usual. She heard Vastra say there were similar murders, but she had to find out for herself. A newspaper would help, but she had no cash on her at the best of times. Let alone while in a dressing gown.

She'd rather not rummage around in the trash, but desperate times called for desperate measures. It wouldn't be the worst thing she's done. Hard to go lower than being vomited out by a space whale.

But instead of a newspaper, she found herself drawn to something else. A mirror. Something she hadn’t looked into since the regeneration. She was having a busy day, okay? Dirty as it was and dirty as she was, she still felt compelled to look into it, even despite her prior task. And it was…strange.

There were maybe a lot stronger words for it, but that was all she had at the moment. She was about the same age as her last regeneration, which was good. She liked being young. But it really just stopped from there. She wasn't ever ruling out being a woman, but it still came as a shock. Hell of a way to start a new regeneration cycle.

She reached out and brushed her long blonde hair away from her face, still getting used to having it. But at that moment, she realised she wasn't alone. A bottle thrown got her attention, and she turned to see what she assumed was a tramp. Dishevelled with a haggard blue coat, brown cap and unkempt beard. She wasn't going to judge, though. It could have just been a guy down on his luck for all she knew. He stepped back when she turned round, but seemed to be more caring than he initially seemed.

“You all right, darling?” he said.

She scrunched her nose. She didn't like being called darling. But she felt that, to be polite, she should offer something back at least. So, she was truthful.

“Bitey. The air, it's bitey. It's wet, and bitey.” She told him. He didn’t seem to understand at first, but he soon got the message.

“Oh, it's cold.”

“That's right. It's cold. It's cold, I knew it was a thing." Brain still wasn't completely put back together yet. It would take a few more hours without rest. “I need, um, I need clothes. I need clothes, that's what I need. And a big, long scarf. No, no, move on from that. Looked stupid.”

“I wish I could offer some, but I ain’t really got women’s clothes.”

“Too right, too right.” The Doctor said, nodding. “I don’t usually have them either. It’s just this new face, you see. Unexpected but you just have to go with it. You know, I never know where the faces come from. They just pop up. Zap.”

He didn’t seem to understand what the Doctor was saying.  So, she felt she should maybe break it down a bit more.

“Sorry. Yesterday, I was a black-haired, big-chinned man.” Now, the tramp seemed to be walking away. That wasn’t ideal. “No wait!”

“I must be getting on my way, ma’am.”

“Just give me a second!”

She ran over towards him and dragged him towards the mirror on the ground. Both looked at each other's reflections, though the Doctor was a lot more in awe of hers than the tramp was of his. Coming back here just further compounded the insanity of it all for her.

“I wasn’t intending for this, you know?”

“Oh no?”

The Doctor shook her head. “I was supposed to go off in a blaze of glory, saving the town…but I got a second chance. I don’t know why, the Time Lords are always hot and cold with me.”

“And so, you became a woman?”

“So, it appears!” the Doctor shrugged. “Dunno why. I was just wishing for a good change this time. A way to celebrate still being around. Then they gave me this face.”

“Well, I think it’s a lovely face.” The tramp said, halfway between sincerity and utter confusion.

“Thanks! I don’t know if Clara likes it though. Things are still weird between us. Well, weird might be an understatement.”

“Is she your friend?”

“My best friend, thank you very much.” The Doctor turned to him, offended. “I didn’t give her proper warning but to be fair, I also assumed the last face was the last one.”

“I am sure she will get used to it in time.” He said, in the same split tone.

“I do hope so. Kinda never been a woman before so I need all the help I can get.”

A stiff breeze then rolled in, blowing through the Doctor and the tramp. She shivered considerably, bringing her back to her initial interaction with the man earlier on. She'd deal with all the other stuff later. She really needed to be not cold right now.

“Can I have your coat, please?”

“Madam, you seem nice if oddly queer, but I cannot do that.”

She scrunched her nose, annoyed. “Come on! I’m cold!”

“I’m cold too!” he responded. He wrapped himself up tighter in the coat.

“I'm cold. There's no point in us both being cold and I’m pretty sure I’m about to save London from people randomly turning into marshmallows at a campfire. Give me the coat.” The Doctor said, more forcefully this time.

“I said no.”

She was about to further ask for it until suddenly it hit her. It was there, right in the corner of her eye, and she missed it. She missed it because she got distracted by her face.

“Shut up. I missed something. It was here; it was here. It was. What was it I saw? What did I see?”

She scoured around the dirty street, looking, seeking, trying to remember what it was. But she wouldn’t have to wait long. On the ground was a newspaper, one she picked up without hesitation.

“I knew it! Here it is!” she said, running over towards the man and bringing the paper up to his face.

“Spontaneous combustion? What devilry is this?” he cried out.

“Not devilry. Science.”

Chapter Text

Did she get here early?

Clara looked back at the newspaper to make sure. It couldn’t be for anyone else, could it? No one else was the Impossible Girl. A nickname bestowed to her by the Doctor that she couldn’t quite understand. Maybe it was a compliment. It was definitely a compliment. A girl too impossible to exist. She liked that. Okay, so it soothed her ego, so sue her. What’s wrong with that every once in a while?

She just didn’t know why the Doctor didn’t, you know, call or text or just come back to the house to bring her here. It would be much simpler, but she allowed it this one time. The Doctor was acting quite weird – more so than usual – and she just wanted to be able to sit down and talk to her. Talk to her about a LOT of things. Doing it over a meal could help soften the blows.

But suddenly, a foul stench attacked her nostrils. That was weird. It didn’t seem like anyone was badly dressed or anything. This restaurant seemed too high brow to be smelling bad as well. (She also wondered how the Doctor was going to pay but decided to leave that one alone for now.) If this is how the place smelled, then maybe she and the Doctor would have to find a new-

Oh.

She turned to see a familiarly unfamiliar figure next to her. Face a bit dishevelled, hair slightly sooty, in what seemed a beat-up old suit with a blue coat, far too big for her.

But it was still her. It was still the Doctor. Something she was getting used to now. Part of her felt more overjoyed than she thought she would be. But it made sense. They’d basically been away from each other for nearly two days straight. No matter how she initially felt, the Doctor was still her best friend, and she worried for her so much. So to see her here in the flesh, just sitting there calmly, it felt right.

On the other side however…she found the source of the smell.

She decided to unsubtly cough to let the Doctor know of her offending odour, hoping the message was sent. And yet it didn’t exactly go that way.

“What’s wrong?” the blonde asked, interested.

“I don’t know…maybe the smell?” Clara said, even more unsubtly.

“It’s everywhere, innit?!” the Doctor asked, completely oblivious.

She couldn’t control the smile that briefly appeared on her face. Now that felt like the Doctor she knew. Nevertheless, questions had to be asked of her attire. Especially due to the fact that she was swimming in it.

“Where’d you get that coat?”

The Doctor looked down at it shiftily, before clearing her throat. “…I bought it.”

“From where?”

A shop-“

“No.”

Clearly, the Doctor was embarrassed to say where she got it, which meant there wasn’t likely a good story behind it. But Clara pressed on, eager to see whether she’d give into the truth or continue fibbing. Particularly as she wasn’t very good at the latter right now.

“…Might have been a tramp.”

Now that was the truth, Clara reckoned. But there was another thing that she didn’t understand about this transaction. “You don’t have any money.”

“I…“

She was hesitating now, mouth agape. Clara really wouldn’t like where this was going, would she?

“I had a watch!”

“No! That watch was beautiful.” Clara cried out. It was one of her favourite things that he wore. Why would she ever give that up?

“It was my favourite.” She said somewhat forlornly.

“You swapped your favourite watch for that coat? That’s maybe not a good deal.”

“I was in a hurry! There was this terrible smell…”

“Okay.” Clara frowned.

Maybe the obliviousness wasn’t entirely fun anymore. Neither was the random smile that appeared on the Doctor’s face. Okay, that was harsh. She loved that smile. The smile brightened the room somehow and it showed how incredibly pretty the Doctor was now, but it didn’t feel…right.

“No. No, don't. Don't. Don't. Don't smile. I will smile first and then you know it's safe to smile.”

She wasn’t there yet with her. They weren’t there yet. As much as she wanted it to be different, they just weren’t.

“…I understand.” The Doctor responded.

“You do?” Clara said, confused.

“You’re cross with me.”

“I am not cross!” Clara protested…and fibbed. “But if I was cross it would be your fault and… Yes, I am cross.”

Wasn’t any point in acting like she wasn’t at this point.

“I guessed that-“

“I am extremely cross.”

“And if I hadn't changed my face, would you be cross?”

The sincerity in her voice took Clara aback. So did the longing in her face. Of course, she’d have thought that. The Doctor wasn’t an idiot. Acted idiotic at times, but never an idiot. But Clara didn’t make it that difficult to see however. Nevertheless, despite it all, she wasn’t ready to go into that yet. She was still working out some things.

“…It doesn’t matter.” She said, meekly.

“Cause it’s okay if you are because of it.” The Doctor responded. “I didn’t exactly give an early warning.”

“No, you didn’t!” Clara said, breaking her earlier decision. She breathed heavily for a few seconds before sighing. “You didn’t.”

“I didn’t have control over it. I-I thought that maybe having the other face a bit longer would have made things easier.”

“Did you have control over that as well?”

“…No.” the Doctor said, lowering her head.

Clara took her eyes off the Doctor for a few seconds, taking time to scoff. But once she turned back, there was a softness in her eyes that was unmistakeable. Not tears, but maybe not too far away from it.

“…It didn’t make it easier, no…I wasn’t…”

“Wasn’t what?”

Clara struggled to decide whether she should let it all out now. They were in a restaurant, in public. Things were weird and odd and crazy. But she felt she owed it not only to the Doctor, but to herself to say it. It’s one thing telling Vastra but she had a feeling this anxiousness wouldn’t escape until she told the reasoning for it.

“..Ready.”

“Oh. Was it the change?”

“No, it wasn’t the change.” Clara said, as the Doctor raised an eyebrow. “Okay, yes it was the change. But I would have been mostly fine with it. I’d already met two of your previous faces. I knew it could happen. But this…I didn’t expect this.”

“Neither did I!” the Doctor said, leaning forward eagerly.

“You didn’t?”

“No! I’ve never been a woman before. Thirteen regenerations and this is the first time. I say that like I’m not already over my limit. I shouldn’t even be here right now. I don’t know who contacted the Time Lords, but I’d love to thank them. A proper angel, they are.”

His name, his name is the Doctor. All the name he needs. Everything you need to know about him. And if you love him, and you should, help him. Help him.

Clara blushed furiously, a smile creeping onto her face. “Are they now?”

She saw an equally small smile grow on the Doctor’s face. Did the Doctor already know? Was she playing coy? Did she just find out? Clara didn’t know, but what she did know was that was the signal to smile, and the Doctor took it in her stride. Was it a breakthrough? She wasn’t quite sure yet. But it felt…good. She knew that much.

“I’m glad you did this, by the way.”

“Hmm?” Clara asked.

“I know I’ve not been the easiest to get along with since the regeneration, so arranging to meet is a big step.”

Huh. She didn’t-she never-what?

“What are you talking about?”

“The ad. The one you put in the paper.”

“No. No, no. I didn't place the ad. You placed the ad.” Clara confirmed.

“No, I didn’t.” the Doctor said, perplexed.

“Yes, you placed the ad, I figured it out. Impossible Girl, see? Lunch.” She took out the paper and pointed exactly to the spot. But it didn’t sway the Doctor.

“No, look, the Impossible. That is a message from the Impossible Girl.”

“For the Impossible…Girl.”

Okay, that was freaky and a tiny bit terrifying.

“Ooo.”

“…Huh.”

“Well, if neither of us placed that ad, who placed that ad?”

It was a great question, one that had both women scratching their heads. Literally in the Doctor’s case. On an already odd trip to Victorian London, with dinosaurs being set on fire, this was the oddest one. Someone wanted them here and wanted them here for a reason. They weren’t sure what that reason why at the moment which didn’t decrease their heartbeats one bit.

“You think it may be a trap?” Clara enquired.

The Doctor didn’t answer the question at first, instead deciding to pluck a hair off her golden head. Something she regretted clearly. “Ow!”

“What are you doing?”

“It’ll grow back. Regeneration, remember?” the Doctor mentioned. “It’s a trap, yes. A vanity trap to be specific. You’re so busy congratulating yourself on solving the puzzle that you don’t notice you’re sticking your head in a noose.”

“…And what’s this noose?”

“I dunno yet. Working on it.” The Doctor said. She bent over and placed the hair above the ground. “I’m trying to measure the air disturbance in the room.”

It didn’t sound entirely interesting, but the Doctor had to be doing it for a reason, right? She rose back up and somehow looked even more concerned than before. Definitely not a good sign.

“There is something extremely wrong with everybody else in this room.” She continued.

“Bit harsh, that.” Clara said.

“Look at them.” The Doctor nudged towards them. So Clara did just that. Apparently she shouldn’t have. “Don’t actually look at them-“

“You just said to look.” Clara argued.

“Should have been clearer with that, sorry.” The Doctor scrunched apologetically. “Look without looking.”

That didn’t help proceedings, but Clara took it to mean just look out of the corner of her eye. And even then, she didn’t see what the issue was. “They look fine to me. They’re just eating.”

“…Are they?”

Clara looked again and saw…woah. What she saw was every person in the restaurant moving the spoon from their bowl or plate, placing it near their mouth and back down again. Repeating the process over and over again. Like it was a program. Made to do one thing and one thing only ad nauseum.

“Okay, no. No, they’re not eating.” Clara noted. With a hint of fear in her voice.

“Something else they’re not doing…” the Doctor said, plucking out another one of her hairs. She dropped it just as quickly and the hair didn’t waste time hitting the table. “…Breathing.”

Clara looked around at it, the fear really starting to rise in her. Something the Doctor could relate to, as she noticed the Time Lord’s breaths begin to quicken as well. It was something of a comfort at least. However small it was in this situation. They had to find a way out and now.

“How long before they notice that we’re different?”

“Not long.” The Doctor informed her.

“Anything we can do?”

“How long can you hold your breath?”

Not very long, Clara recalled. Several challenges at uni to do it ending in disaster. So a different plan would be needed.

“We could just casually stroll out of here, like we've changed our minds.”

“Happens all the time.” The Doctor nodded.

“Ha. Course it does.”

So the pair stood up to get out and…so did everyone else. All eyes firmly on the Doctor and Clara. Definitely wasn’t super creepy at all. Not in the slightest.

“Well, we’re not royalty so…” the Doctor said.

“No reason they’d get up when we do.”

“Mm hmm.”

Still, they chanced it further. They took a few more steps ahead of them, only to see everyone else then also walk closer towards them. A more steps and now there was a man directly in the Doctor’s face, and a woman right next to Clara. They clearly were not getting out the front door. So there was only one other place to go.

“…We could take another look at the menu.” Clara said.

So, they went back to their table and everyone else did the same. Locking back into place like…like…well Clara didn’t even know. And unfortunately, she wouldn’t be the only one.

“What are they?” she asked the Doctor.

“I dunno, but the important thing is that that isn’t the main question.”

“What is the main question?”

“What is this restaurant?”

“Okay, so what is this restaurant?”

“I dunno.”

That didn’t help matters. But before Clara could give her an annoyed glare, they noticed that a waiter had come to their table. Looking just as pale and lifeless as everyone else. He simply stared at them, not saying a word. Acting ever so creepy. The Doctor took up the menu and looked it up and down, before looking back up at the waiter.

“Any specials?”

The waiter then took out a device which emitted a light, scanning her upper body. Clara assumed that that wasn’t taught in waiter school. “Liver.”

“I don’t like liver.” The Doctor responded.

“Spleen. Brain stem. Eyes.” The waiter told her.

“Is there a lot of demand for those?” Clara then asked, gulping. Making jokes in the face of indescribable fear. She learned that from the woman sitting next to her, who thankfully looked as perturbed as she did right now.

“I’m gonna hazard a guess to say that’s not on the menu.” The Doctor said.

“Please don’t say. Please don’t say it. Please don’t say i-“

“I think we are the menu.”

Clara really wished she’d not said that. She also wished that the Doctor didn’t do what she did next. She reached up and literally ripped the waiter’s face off. But somehow, it actually made things easier. Because there was no flesh in its place, but pure metal.

“Okay. Robot in a mask.” Clara noted.

“It’s a face.” The Doctor then said.

“Yeah, it’s very convincing.” Apart from the paleness, definitely.

“No…it’s an actual face.” The Doctor said, holding it up for her to see.

Clara looked at it intently. Surely, she couldn’t actual mean that. Surely not. There was no way that it was-

“Oh!”

She wasn’t even able to register that being one of the grossest things she’d ever seen in her life because suddenly they were trapped. Thankfully, the face dropping out of the Doctor’s hand, as metallic hands latched around them. Before they knew it, they were leaving the restaurant, but they were going down now out. Down an elevator shaft of doom.

“You’ve got to admire their efficiency!” The Doctor tried to joke.

 “Is it okay if I don’t?”

They took their sweet time to do so, but eventually they did hit the ground. Not particularly hard but there was a thud. Clara looked around to see a large empty metallic room. Definitely not appealing, but she felt that it wasn’t meant to be.

“It’s not a real restaurant, is it?” Clara said.

“Well, more a sort of automated organ collection station for the unwary diner. Sweeney Todd without the pies.” The Doctor said.

“Not a real restaurant then.”

“No.”

Clara sighed. Only they would get themselves into trouble like this. She struggled against the holds around her, but they wouldn’t budge. It was a long shot anyway. But there had to be another plan coming, right?

“So, what do we do now?”

Clara then saw a lifeline. One she didn’t realise the Doctor had. The sonic screwdriver nestled in between her arm. A smile appeared on her face. She immediately knew what the Doctor was planning. An old classic.

“Are you ready?”

“Go for it.”

“Don't let it roll away.”

“No.”

“We've got one shot at this.”

“Next time, make one that doesn't roll.”

“Adding that one to the list.” The Doctor mentioned.

She popped it out from her arms but it dropped out of Clara’s hands. Falling onto the floor. Clara grappled with it for what felt like an eternity before she managed to get it between her feet.

“Ready?”

The Doctor nodded. So Clara managed to flick it up successfully into the Doctor’s lap. They still were a great team after all. The Doctor grabbed it and pressed the button, freeing herself, before doing the same to Clara.

Next part of the plan…well they didn’t know. But they decided to walk forward and see what they’d find. They came upon and oval shaped opening with an Asian man inside of it. Well, after what they’d just seen, they couldn’t even be sure of that. The Doctor looked intensely at it and came to only one conclusion.

“Dormant.” She whispered, letting Clara know the lay of the land with communication.

“How’d you know?”

“I don’t. I’m just hoping.”

Not ideal, that. But still, they went forward. They had to. If not to find a way out, then to explore as much as they could. As scared as they both were, these things were clearly not good and were very dangerous. In fact, Clara reckoned they may have already committed a hell of a crime.

“So, it was these guys that killed the dinosaur?”

“Well, if they're harvesting organs, a dinosaur would have some great stuff.”

“Why would robots need organs?” Clara asked, brushing a chain away from her. “Burke and Hare from space?”

“No, but that's a good theory.” The Doctor said, genuinely. It put a smile on Clara’s face. A light in a sea of darkness currently. “Droids harvesting spare parts. That rings a bell.”

But what bell it rang, Clara wouldn’t find out, as they locked eyes with an unfortunately familiar face. Or rather half-face.

Sitting on a chair in the middle of the room – hopefully also dormant – was the man from the night the dinosaur burst into flames. The man who simply walked past it and didn’t bat an eye.

“Captain, my Captain.” The Doctor said.

“Can he see us?”

“Dormant.”

“Hoping?”

“Yep. Oh, look.” The Doctor then said. She walked over to behind the chair, seeing a few wires connected into the man. She waved her hands in front of him. “He's recharging. He's asleep. Doesn't even know we're here.”

“Are you sure?”

“Sure. Not sure. One or the other.”

“Okay. So, half-man, half-robot. A cyborg, yeah?”

Clara felt confident in her diagnosis of what sat before her, but the Doctor didn’t seem as much. She didn’t respond right away.

“Oh.”

“Oh, what?”

“Look at the hands.”

The Doctor bent down and Clara followed, unsure what she meant. The Doctor grabbed them both and placed them next to each other, revealing a spine-chillingly brutal conclusion.

“They don’t match…these hands don’t belong to the same body.”

“…I don’t understand.” Clara admitted.

“I don’t either really. But I know it’s not good.” The Doctor said, before slowly rising up. “See this? This is not your normal cyborg. This isn’t a man turning himself into a robot…this is a robot turning himself into a man. Piece by piece.”

“That’s what the restaurant’s for.” Clara gathered.

“Well, it would need a constant supply of spare parts. You can tan skin, but organs rot.” The Doctor told her, before approaching its face. “Some of that metalwork looks Roman. Wonder how long it's been around, how much of the original is even left? The eyeballs look very fresh, though.”

Then its hands moved.

Clara and the Doctor stepped back immediately, hearts beating a mile a minute. Not charging now, is it?

“Is it awake?” Clara asked, concerned.

“It’s waking up, I think.” The Doctor hypothesized.

Clara needed no prompting for what needed to be done next. She and the Doctor wordlessly exchanged a message between each other. Simply put, they needed to leave and fast. Boots stepped quieter and quieter as they made their way towards an open oval door. Bright light flashed them, Clara having to shield her eyes. She ran off expecting to see the Doctor behind her, only to barely notice the blonde was still in the room.

“Doctor!” she cried out.

Why was she taking so long? What was she doing? She jogged back towards the entrance, incredibly eager to get her to come along. Not was not the time to dawdle. They were so close to getting out of here with their lives. All she’d need to do is contact the Paternoster Gang and they’d have back up.

“Come on!”

“I’ve seen this before!”

Clara didn’t care if the Doctor saw her long lost puppy. They needed to leave and NOW.

“Hurry up!”

She physically grabbed the Doctor and began pulling her towards the entrance. She managed to push her through, but as soon as she did, she saw something she really didn’t want to. The half-faced man was now fully awake, and he pressed something on his hand. With that, the door immediately closed between the Doctor and Clara, slamming down hard.

“Doctor!”

The metallic door was too heavy to move and the only respite it did offer was a mesh opening so she could see the Doctor. The same Doctor who was trying desperately to unlock the door or move it or do something. She managed to get the door up but it stuck just a quarter of the way through. Nowhere near enough space for Clara to get through.  

“I can’t get it up!”

“Well, keep trying!”

“I’m doing the best I can. I-“ the Doctor said, suddenly stopping. It prompted Clara to turn around just the same.

What she saw was the half-faced man pulling out one of his wires, he was getting ready to get up.  Needless to say, that didn’t reduce Clara’s heartbeat in the slightest.

“Doctor, do something!”

“Come on, Doctor. Think, think, think!” she said, hitting her head repeatedly.

“Well?!”

“I’ve got a plan. But you’re going to have to trust me on this.”

“Okay, what’s the plan?” Clara said, calming down a bit at it.

“That’s the thing. I can’t tell you. You’re going to have to just take my word for it.”

Clara’s face drained of life at the sentence. Well, it drained with every subsequent sentence to be more specific. She swung her head back towards the half-faced man, seeing that he still hadn’t properly gotten up yet, but it’d be a matter of time. Time they didn’t have.

“That’s not really a luxury you’ve earned today.” Clara said, her voice beginning to shake.

“I know. I’m so sorry. But you have to believe me. There’s no other time I’d want you to believe me more.” The Doctor pleaded.

Clara didn’t respond, instead just staring at the Doctor. But she knew the blonde knew that was as good as she was going to get in terms of a positive response.

“Just keep him talking. No matter what. I don’t care what you do. I’ll be back as quick as I can.”

“When?”

“I don’t know, but trust me. I’ll be where I always am. At your side.”

Clara nodded, her eyes beginning to water. Unable to say much else other than just one word. “Go!”

Chapter Text

The Doctor had a plan.

Well, she had a concept of a plan. And that’s all she needed right now. Because it wasn’t her life on the line now. It was Clara’s. She could hold her breath for ages. Clara couldn’t. She knew by now they would have gotten her; humans can hold their breath an average of 30-90 seconds, but Clara was special. She knew she could make two minutes, but it still wouldn’t be enough.

She leaned against a wall, trying to keep as quiet as possible. In the corner of her eye, she could see the droid heading back into its spot. Booting down. Going dormant again. She had one shot at this. If she alerted it, it'd alert the others, and she'd really be in for it. And worst of all, she'd have lost Clara.

Oh, Clara, her Clara.

She wished this had all gone better. She didn't plan for any of this to happen. She should have paid her more attention. She should have focused on explaining this more. She'd managed to get past the effects of regeneration sickness before. She had no excuse.

She let Clara down.

She slowly made her way over towards the droid, still making as little noise as possible. She only had one go, and she was going to make it count. She took out the sonic and, in one motion, pressed it against the droid. If it was dormant before, it was certainly dead now.

Good.

Now, the actual challenging part of the plan. The Doctor began to remove the clothes from it. Starting with the jacket, then the shirt and then the pants. She dropped it on the floor, realising that the next part would be the worst one. She sighed deeply before reaching out towards its face and pulling it off, before letting it fall to the ground as well. Thankfully, it was a lot better than she anticipated.

“Alright, Doctor, no time for modesty.”

She wasted no time in stripping out of her own clothes. Well, they weren't her own clothes. They were a tramp's who now had her favourite watch. It didn't bear thinking of, knowing what she lost, but she had to continue. At the very least, they were easy to get off. It helped that she was several inches shorter and smaller than she was previously. They all just flew off her.

Once discarded, she began to pull on the clothes from the droid. Thankfully, this one matched her size. She enjoyed wearing suits anyway. Once she was fully suited and booted, she looked at the remaining piece of the puzzle on the floor. She cringed heavily, but she knew that that was the only way for this all to work. She grumbled furiously but picked it up and placed it around her head.

She’d need several showers after this, but it was properly on.  Now all that remained was just one question.

“Alright Doctor…how long can you hold your breath?”

“I'm right, aren't I? Go on. Please, please, go on, say I'm right.”

Clara felt a hand grasp her own.

It pulled her forcefully away from the half-faced man, and she had only one idea of who it could be. One hope of who it could be. She turned and stared at her potential saviour, seeing a bald man in front of her, not much taller than her. But it wouldn't be that way for long.

He grabbed the back of his head and tugged deeply at his skull before pulling it apart. The grossness of it all would only be rivalled by the immense jubilation that followed it soon afterwards. The face was pulled off completely, revealing a full head of blonde hair and a kind, beautiful face that sparkled with confidence and joy.

The Doctor was back.

“Ah. Blimey, that was a lot. Remind me to never do that again.” The Doctor said, nodding towards Clara. She then turned her attention to the half-faced man. “Hi! Me again. Thanks for all the gratuitous information.”

Gratuitous information? It certainly didn't feel like that when she was terrified for her life during all of it. The Doctor then glided towards her, her face beaming with genuine pride. One Clara couldn't stay mad at.

“I knew you could do it!”

“I hate you.” Clara shook her head.

The Doctor leaned forward and pressed her lips to Clara's forehead before making eye contact with her. Eye contact that felt very familiar, but in another time, with another man. Well, the same man she was. Gosh, that was going to get confusing.

“No, you don’t.”

Clara scoffed. “I don’t.”

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I did that to you. Never again. I promise.” The Doctor told her, her voice soft and caring.

“Can you guarantee that?” Clara asked, an eyebrow raised.

The Doctor thought about it for a few seconds before scrunching her nose. “Nah, not really.”

Clara’s frown soon turned into a growing grin, one that then broke into a full-on giggle. “I missed you.”

“I told you I’d be back soon.” The Doctor smiled back. “Now as for you…”

She moved away from Clara and ran towards the half-faced man, pushing down his arm. The same one he just threatened Clara with, to be exact. She breezed past him and inserted the sonic into the port next to him, leaving it in place. Suddenly, the lights flickered off, which worried Clara slightly. But she knew the Doctor had something up her sleeve.

“This is your power source. Feeble though it is, I can use it to blow this whole room if I see one thing that I don’t like.” The Doctor demanded, before her eyes fell towards Clara. “If any of your goons harm a hair on her head, for instance.”

“Why are you here?” the half-faced man then said.

“Why did you invite us?” the Doctor asked in return. The half-faced man tilted his head in confusion. “The message. In the paper. That was you, wasn’t it?”

It didn't respond, which, considering how clinical and forthright she expected it to be, confused Clara. It confused the Doctor as well, as she saw confidence draining out of the rambunctious blonde. Her eyes darted around, unsure of what to do now. Neither expected this.

“Oh…I hate being wrong in public. Everyone forget that happened.” The Doctor then sheepishly said. She grabbed the sonic from the half-faced man’s chair and walked back over towards Clara before grabbing hold of her hand. “Clara, say the word.”

“What word?” Clara asked, confused. The half-faced man had now turned its attention towards them and began walking.

“They’d never send you in here without a word. Never mind, I already figured it out.”

Clara pressed a button on her dress, and it glowed dark blue. She wasn't going to give the Doctor the satisfaction of saying it before she did.

“Geronimo.”

Suddenly, Vastra rappelled down from the ceiling, with Jenny following suit at her side. They gracefully dropped to the ground and pulled out two impressive-looking swords.

“Remain still and lay down your weapons in the name of the British Empire!” Vastra announced.

“Wait, where’s- “

A round object fell gracelessly from the ceiling and struck the ground with a hard thud. Followed by the white garment, it was meant to accompany. There was only one obvious answer to who it was, alas. Had to make a dramatic entrance in his own way.

“Strax.”

“Sorry.” He apologised.

“I told you before. Take the stairs.” Jenny chided.

They weren't the A-Team, but they'd do the job just as well. They'd definitely need them for what was to come.

 “I burned an ancient, beautiful creature for one inch of optic nerve. What do you think you can accomplish, little woman?” the half-faced man strode towards the Doctor and Clara.

But Vastra came in to block with her sword, it banging against the metallic hand of the half-faced man. She then pushed the blade further into him, pushing him a few steps back as well.

“The establishment upstairs has been disabled with maximum prejudice, and the authorities summoned.” Vastra warned.

That was actually a good idea, Clara thought. Too good. “Hang on, she called the police? We never do that. We should start.”

"Too much paperwork." The Doctor told Clara before turning her attention back to the villain of the hour. "You see? Destroy us if you will, they're still going to close your restaurant.”

But that seemed to only enrage the half-faced man, unfortunately. "Then we will destroy you.”

He turned to his left and gestured with his hand. Suddenly, all the other droids awoke, each with a sword for a hand. The doors opened to reveal more coming, all armed with the same sharp point. Safe to say the odds were now not in their favour. The Doctor, Clara and the PG all began to step backwards, assessing their dwindling options.

“Killing us won't change that. What would be the point?” the Doctor asked.

"To find the promised land." The half-faced man told them. The pair had now been separated from their friends, as he continued to approach them.

“For what?” the Doctor questioned.

“To find paradise.”

He slammed his hand towards the Doctor, knocking her onto the floor. Clara immediately ran to her aid, checking up on her. But the half-faced man wasn’t focused on them anymore. Whether that was good or bad remained to be seen.

“I will leave in the escape capsule. Destroy where necessary.”

“Escape capsule? This ship is millions of years old. It'll never fly.” Vastra told him.

“It has been repaired.”

“What with?”

“…You.”

That seemed a very potent threat currently. The other droids had now surrounded them. They were completely outnumbered.

“Defensive positions, everyone.” Strax instructed.

But Clara knew that there was a more important thing at hand. They couldn't let the half-faced man leave. And he was now sitting on the same bench that brought the Doctor and Clara here in the first place. His way out.  But she knew just the woman to ensure it wouldn't happen.

“Doctor. He's getting away!”

“Your friend is intelligent. She'll know better than to follow me.”

But as Clara saw the bench rise up back to the main restaurant, she saw a curious sight underneath. With one hand holding onto a brass railing, the Doctor waved at Clara, even despite the pain surging through her, in keeping a tight grip on it.

She knew herself, Vastra, Jenny and Strax could handle themselves here. The Doctor was going to save the day again.

Chapter Text

“You sure she’d come back here?”

“There's no trace of her in the wreckage. They searched all Parliament Hill. Where else would she go?" Vastra said, before passing a glance at the other person in the carriage. "Besides, she'll need to return for a very special person."

But Clara wasn't paying attention. She was looking down, actually, down at her feet. The day had been saved, the droids disposed of, and the half-faced man clearly defeated; yet she still felt worried. Not because she feared the Doctor wouldn't return, but because of what would happen when she did.

Still clad in her Victorian dress as she was, Clara knew that this adventure was over, and normal proceedings were on the docket. But it still made her feel nervous. It almost felt like this was a one-off adventure on its own. Too good to be true. Or rather, too unbelievable to be true.

The Doctor transformed into a woman, and a dinosaur caught on fire because droids wanted to become human to reach the promised land?

Yet, she knew that one part of that would be a permanent fixture. For now, at least. That was the one she had to get used to. The one that would become part of her life now.

She felt the carriage come to a complete stop. 

She still wasn’t able to fully look up, only doing so to address the cleared throat from Vastra. She was greeted with a soft smile and a knowing one at that. She already knew what she was going to say.

“This is your stop, I presume.”

The happy couple opened the door and stepped out merrily, which left Clara to bring up the rear. She took a deep breath and just jumped out. As her boots hit the ground, she was hit with her new reality just the same.

The TARDIS, standing tall and bright as it always did. But it felt…newer, somehow. Clara couldn't quite explain it. Like she'd had a new coat of paint. But truthfully, she knew it was because of what awaited her inside. In there would be a new life, a fresh start. An opportunity she hadn't known she would get just a few days ago. It certainly brought out all the butterflies in her stomach.

“I guess I should say thank you, for all you’ve done for me. For us, over the last few days.” Clara said, smiling and turning towards the Paternoster Gang.

“What are friends for, eh?” Jenny smiled back.

“We only did what you two would do for us in a similar situation.” Vastra informed her politely. “Now…I do believe your chariot awaits.”

Clara rocked on her feet, uneasily. “Guess so.”

But after their conversation in the house and everything that had happened since, Vastra knew exactly what was happening. She stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Clara’s shoulder.

“It’ll only be as different as you make it.”

Clara knew that deep down. She could either treat her like this alien woman (not literally) that she doesn't know or treat her like her friend who's just had a facelift. And a gender transition. She never lost track of how mad her life was.

Once she stepped through those doors, she knew it’d never be the same again. And that’s saying something for her.

Clara sighed deeply and smiled. “Guess I’m off then. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye Clara.”

“Goodbye Ms. Oswald.”

“Your salutations will mean nothing, boy if you don’t actually leave.”

“Goodbye to you too, Strax.” Clara added.

With that, she began the – actually short – long trek towards the TARDIS. Each step felt heavier and heavier, all the while she felt drawn to it like a moth to flame. Cliché, maybe, but there was no other way to describe it. It felt an equal relief and terrifying to reach the door. She turned back to get some reassurance from the trio. Still, she only caught a glimpse as the carriage turned round back to 13 Paternoster Row.

So, it was just her on her own.

She leaned her head against the TARDIS door, hands touching it gently as well. “You and I have never really gotten on well but…I have a feeling she’s gonna need me as much as I need her.”

The softly spoken words clearly made an effect on the ship, as the door next to her eased open. The ambient hum of the TARDIS already penetrating her ears once again. It filled her with a joy she didn't realise she was missing. This felt like home. Or at least a home away from home. The Wednesday trips had increased recently.  There was no need to make a drawn-out spectacle of it, so she just walked inside. No fanfare, no dramatic entrance. Just re-entering a familiar place.

Well…almost familiar.

The TARDIS looked as she knew it, but very different now. Crammed bookshelves now lined the circular corridor above. There were blackboards covered in calculations, and the calculations also spread over the walls. There were tables, a desk, a pot of tea, and a gramophone. A hat-stand crammed with coats.

Felt so new and yet she knew it so well.

“You’ve redecorated.” Clara noted, walking in more.

She caught a glimpse of the owner as she did. Sitting down in an armchair. One that seemed too big for her. But the cover of blonde hair wasn’t hard to miss.

"The TARDIS did it more than me actually." The Doctor said. It was followed by a beep, which Clara assumed came from the TARDIS. "Yes, you did! Don't act like you didn't."

Clara giggled. “Am I interrupting something?”

“We just had a disagreement.” the Doctor said. She eased off the chair and got up, before leaning on a railing for some steps. “She thinks there should be more round things on the walls. I used to have lots of round things; I wonder where I put them.”

“And you disagree.”

The Doctor shrugged. “Can’t always live in the past. Sometimes you have to move forward.”

Truer words were never spoken. Those same words seemed to be the catalyst for the Doctor to walk down the stairs and towards Clara. The only sound evident being her footsteps. Clara turned to see the Doctor in her full splendour.

She now wore a long black coat, a red shirt and a black tie, alongside black culottes and military brown boots. Very much unexpected.

“So, what do you think?” the Doctor said, spinning round and posing.

“Very interesting outfit choice.” Clara admitted.

“No, not that!” the Doctor said before gesturing around her entire self. “Everything.”

“Oh...”

It was said with such sincerity that Clara didn't know what to do at first. She had expected the question to come up, but not so soon. An idea immediately came to mind, but she wondered if it was the right tactic to take. Telling the truth could be awfully dangerous. Things could get weird and awkward, and it could all go bad. It was such a risk that it might not even be worth it.

But then she remembered. The Doctor had removed her veil for her.

After such a bold and terrifying thing to do, would it not make sense to tell her the truth? Would it not make sense after the Doctor proved that she’s still the same Time Lord Clara knew and loved? But it wasn't just about that, was it? A lingering, unsure feeling stayed with Clara. She had an idea of what it was, but the only way to confront it would be to speak it out loud.

So, she took a deep breath, placing her hands in front of her and cleared her throat. This was going to be a lot.

“I think you’re really fit. Like ridiculously pretty. And if I’m honest…I kinda get butterflies around you and I don’t really know how to feel about that.” Clara admitted.

She looked towards the ground, unsure of whether that was the right thing to do or not. Did she break a boundary? Did she go too far? But she soon found her head being lifted up, and the Doctor looked into her eyes. For that one moment, it was only them in the universe, unbent to anyone or anything else. The Doctor pressed her lips to Clara's forehead again, leaving them there an extra few seconds.

“That makes two of us then.” She smiled.

Clara giggled joyfully and spun out of the Doctor’s grasp. She walked towards the console, gazing up at the large spinning machine above her. “So where are we off to next?”

“You wanna stay then?” the Doctor asked, her eyes lighting up.

“Course I do. Why wouldn’t I?”

“I just assumed since I wasn’t him anymore and that things were different and you know the whole leaving you alone with the half-faced man thing. Sorry about that by the way. I thought you’d not want to stick around, and I’d be fine with that, really. Actually, maybe I wouldn’t, but I’d at least- “the Doctor rambled, only stopped by Clara putting a finger on her lips.

“A- You’re forgiven, although you owe me for that. B…” Clara sighed. “I know things will be different. But sometimes, we need different more than we think.”

“Besides…” Clara continued, removing her finger. She took a few steps and leaned her back onto the console. “Who put that advert in the paper?”

“Who gave you my number?” the Doctor asked.

“Huh?”

“A long time ago, remember? You were given the number of a computer helpline, and you ended up phoning the Tardis. Who gave you that number?”

“The woman. The woman in the shop.”

“Do you remember what she looked like? Sounded like?” the Doctor asked, but Clara shook her head.

“No, it was so long ago now I can’t remember.” Clara admitted.

“Well...” The Doctor said, approaching the console next to Clara. “Then there is a mysterious woman out there who is very keen that we stay together.”

“Then we shouldn’t disappoint her.” Clara smirked.

She tucked that detail to the back of her mind for now. She briefly wondered who it could be before quickly dashing the thought away. There are millions of possibilities, and to be quite honest, she just wanted to get a cup of tea and relax. It seemed the Doctor agreed somewhat.

“What are you doing?”

“Setting a course for Earth, 2014.”  the blonde said, flicking switches and pressing buttons. “I think we both need a holiday.”

Clara wouldn’t disagree there. The familiar groaning sound of the TARDIS let them know that their destination was soon approaching. But another sound came right after the thump of arrival.

Brrring

Who would be calling her now, she wondered? It should still be Christmas time, so it couldn't be work. And she messed up Christmas dinner so badly that she was sure her family wouldn't want to talk to her for at least a week.

“You'd better get that. Might be your boyfriend.” The Doctor joked.

“Shut up.” Clara smiled.

She took a look at the caller ID, but it wasn't really familiar. Still, it'd be rude not to answer, wouldn't it? Whoever it is, they can understand why she wouldn't want to talk for long, however.

“Hello?”

There was some weird static, but she was sure she heard a voice. Vaguely, but she heard it.

“Hello?” she tried again, plugging one ear to hear better.

“... it's me.”

“Yes, it's you, who's this?”

“It's me, Clara…The Doctor.”

Clara’s heart dropped and then subsequently began to beat a mile a minute. There was no way. Someone was having her on. That couldn't be who she thought it was. And yet the voice sounded so familiar, so comforting. Who else could it be? However, she still had to be certain. After everything, she had to make sure.

“... what do you mean ... the Doctor?”

“I'm phoning you from Trenzalore. From before I changed.”

Clara then remembered. She saw it that day. The TARDIS phone, off its hook. She put it back, thinking nothing of it. She didn’t know…how could she know?

“I mean it's all still to happen for me, it’s coming. Oh, it's a coming. Not long now. I can feel it.” he continued.

She immediately put the phone to her chest. Tears determined to come out. She needed a few seconds. Because she just had one question to ask once she returned to the call.

“Why? Why would you do this?”

Her eyes glanced towards the other woman in the room. Her own face not far off sadness, keeping hold better than Clara, but not by much.

“Because I think it's going to be a whopper, and I think you might be scared. And however scared you are, Clara, the man you are with right now, the man I hope you are with, believe me, he is more scared than anything you can imagine right now and he, he needs you.”

“…She.”

“Eh?”

“She needs me.”

“What are you talking-“the other Doctor said, before Clara placed the phone on the console and pressed the speaker button. “-about.”

She saw the blonde Doctor take an exhausting deep breath before walking towards the phone and leaning over it. She then gained a small smile. “...Hi.”

“Is that the Doctor?”

“Yeah…yeah it is.” Clara smiled back, sniffling.

“She sounds northern. I’ve not been northern in a while. That’s nice.” The other Doctor said. “A woman. That’s certainly a new one.”

“Not fooled by your long hair this time.” The Doctor joked,

“Oi! I was panicking.” The other Doctor protested, leaving the two women to chuckle lightly. But then came a long breath from him, before the reality of the situation came back into view. “I don’t have much more time, so I need a favour. From both of you.”

“Go for it, chin boy.” Clara sadly smiled. Made even worse when he chuckled as well.

“Please. Hey for me, look after each other. Go on. And don't be afraid.”  Clara’s gaze fell upon the Doctor as he said it. Both women’s eyes locked onto each other. “Goodbye, Clara. Miss ya.”

Clara then ended the call before holding the phone against her chest once again, looking down. The future was always bright, shiny, and new, but the past can never be forgotten. Should never be forgotten. If that was the lasting image she had of her boyish bow-tie enthusiast, then she'd be content with that.

“Well?”

“Well what?” Clara said, giving another sniffle and looking back up towards the Doctor.

“He gave us a task.”

"Suppose he did." Clara smiled. As lovely as it was, though, she did have a question. A very pertinent one. "Did you always know you were gonna do that? Did you know what was coming?"

“No. Well, not really. Past versions of me tend to forget encounters with future ones so all I remembered was that I called you.” The Doctor told her.

Clara nodded and walked towards the Doctor. She looked up into her eyes before gently grabbing her hands and squeezing them. She couldn't wipe away any incoming tears because of it, but she didn't really care.

“Thank you…for phoning.”

“I think I needed it as much as you.” The Doctor smiled.

Clara didn't hesitate to match it. She also didn't hesitate to latch onto the Doctor with a strong hug, one she didn't shy away from. Clara was glad she was still a hugging person.

“You said Earth, 2014, right?”

“Yeah?”

“You never said where.”

“Oh right!” the Doctor shouted. She scampered towards the scanner and read out the city. “Huddersfield.”

“Oh, you’ll fit right in then. Yorkshire, innit?” Clara giggled. She then turned and began walking towards the console room exit. “Now, I think I better go change. Can’t go walk about in a Victorian dress. Meet back here in 20 minutes?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”