Big Bang Three!

[daft_old_man]

WHO: daft_old_man and EVERYONE!
WHERE: The TARDIS house
WHEN: Forward dated to July 4th
WARNINGS: The Doctor is in charge of the fireworks. Enough said.
SUMMARY: Wherein the Doctor and Jack spend all their money on a big old party! Sorry Ian -_-;
FORMAT: Whatever folks want! It's a free for all!



The Doctor hopped around the house making sure everything was to his satisfaction. There were streamers and balloons filling every nook and cranny and all of it was especially tacky and wonderful! Humans sure knew how to make decoration!!

The small backyard managed to fit two bounce houses (a castle and a water based bounce house), and inflatable pool entirely too small for adults, and the grills. There was the danger of someone bouncing into the pool but the Doctor saw that as more opportunity for fun! Inside there was food on every flat surface and downstairs where once the aquacat pool was now was ready for dancing! Even if no one showed the Doctor was going to have a good time!

Of course the real show started at sundown with the Doctor's own firework show helped along with human gunpowder and Time Lord know-how. Hope someone has the fire department on speed dial!

Comments

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

"A few of them. Most of them except Christmas and Easter--" And that dreaded one Ned didn't like to mention. "And H-Halloween."

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

"Halloween?" Shahrazad looks a little guarded. Something about the way he said that troubled her.

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

"You've heard of it?" But there was no recognition on her face; Ned sighs. "It's a holiday where children dress up like scary ghouls and get candy for their trouble."

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

"I see. Does it frighten you?" There's no judgment in her voice. She genuinely wishes to know.

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

Caught of guard be the question, he fidgets a little, then shakes his head. "N-not in the traditional sense. I just have bad memories, associated with that date."

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

Shahrazad frowns. She worries that someone may have harmed him in the past. "I'm sorry. When this holiday comes, I will do what I can to make you feel safe."

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

Even more perplexed by her response, he looks down, wondering if he should just tell her. What harm could it do? But instead, he just says, "It's not really a matter of safety."

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

"What is it a matter of?" She's still concerned. Everything with Esther made her a little overprotective.

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

And that's really all it takes to get Ned to tell her and he's looking over at her, clearly distressed.

"When my mother died, my father left and send me away to school. The only piece of mail I ever got while I was there was a post card. It was Halloween. My father had moved." He swallows around a dry lump in his throat, forcing himself to go on. "When I went to see his new house...he had a whole new family too."

And not even forming an unwieldy friendship with his twin half-brothers, Maurice and Ralston, could make the hurt go away.

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

"Ned..." Shahrazad can't wrap her head around it. Yes, Suleyman had betrayed her but, this was different. He had grown sick in mind and heart over the way their country was run. This was willingly leaving a little boy behind to create a new family without him. "I'm sorry." Whether he wants it or not, he is getting a hug.

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

He lets her hug him for lack of a better option, and even, awkwardly pats her arm. There, he participated, he could tell himself. And it wasn't so terrible, as far as hugs went. "It's not your fault."

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

Shahrazad pulls away. She still keeps a hand on his arm though. "No but, you deserved so much better."

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

He's doing good, he doesn't twitch or anything, just stays perfectly still. "He didn't seem to think so." Even after all this time, it's hard not to sound bitter.

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

"He was wrong." There's no shred of doubt in her voice. He was sweet and thoughtful. What father would not look at him and feel pride? "It's people like you and Esther that remind me of how good humanity is."

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

[On the inside Ned is like even if on the outside he's pokerfacing it up.]

I'm not sure if I'm the best example.

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

But you are. [She couldn't sound more sure of this.] You both give people chances, work hard, and show everyone kindness.

Those are great human qualities.

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

Those things aren't too extraordinary. [but he might be smiling, just a little]

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

But they are to me. [She says softly.] It enriches the lives of others.

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

[This is so intense he cannot even deal.]

If you say so. [he's so uncomfortable but he doesn't even know how to shot changing the subject]

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

[She senses it enough to remove her hand and tactfully change the subject.]

Would you like me to escort you home later?

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

Oh. Sure. [He smiles] It would be silly not to walk together now that we're neighbors.

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

I would feel more at ease too. [That Ned is someone who can protect him. She's sure Digby would be a valiant protector when push came to shove.]

fade out?

[stressbaking.livejournal.com]

Then how could I say no?

fade out!

[lovedthesun.livejournal.com]

[Shahrazad shrugs, an affectionate smile on her lips. She feels blessed more than ever so rather than keep going on her eyes just return to the fireworks.]