his_sarah_jane | [Milliways] OOM: James' Flat, London, 2006

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[Milliways] OOM: James' Flat, London, 2006

Every day it felt as if that flat they shared in London was becoming less and less James' flat and more and more their's. It was mostly the little things: the invasion of her clothing, new books added to the shelves, more colours added to the decorum, and photographs she had decided were much more fitting than the sparse decorations previously up. It was beginning to feel like a home to Sarah Jane, much like their flat in Milliways.

But maybe more than anything that made her feel as if she actually lived there was the arrival of a letter with her name on it in the post that day. She had stopped to check on her way back from the gym, and absolutely beamed when she opened up the letter - from an up and coming women's magazine - and read the words that told her that she was now a published writer in James' world as well as her own.

It was a small piece she had written, based on something she had once done for the Metropolitan, on the ever changing societal role of women in London -- now updated for the 21st century. And inside was a check for the rights of the piece, and an offer to continue writing on a more permanent basis.

Smiling to herself, Sarah head upstairs. It wasn't the London Times, but it was a start. A start that, in her opinion, deserved a relaxing bubble bath until James came home.

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"Oh, definitely a good laugh, James," she answers, beaming. "It couldn't be anything less right now."

He grins at her. “Mind telling me what I did that was so funny?”

"Not funny, wonderful." Sarah Jane darts her head upward to kiss his nose quickly. "I never realised just how wonderful love could be, is all. Or how much I'd actually be contented lying in a man's arms instead of going out and seeing the world."

James looks crestfallen in an absolutely unbelievable way. After all, you can’t look too crestfallen when you’re grinning like mad.

“Oh, God, I’ve inspired you to clichés. How am I going to live with myself now?”

Sarah rolls her eyes, absolutely refusing to think of any of her words as cliches. She does despise them, after all.

Still, his smile is infectious and she can't help but grin madly back at him. "You can start by getting out of this tub and getting dressed and making this engagement official before all the jewelers in London close for the evening."

“Ah, you’re no fun!” he says jokingly, but he obliges regardless, offering an arm for Sarah Jane when he’s out of the tub and on his feet.

Sarah accepts his arm gratefully, if not giggling somewhat. She steps carefully out of the tub, avoiding the puddles of water and suds that soak the floor. Smiling, she takes a careful step towards him and hugs him tightly, wanting to feel his naked body against hers one more time before they got dressed.

But before an embrace can lead to anything more, she pulls away towards the towel rack and tosses him one before taking another for herself.

He looks at her, resigned and in love. That’s his girl—his smart, playful girl, the one who’d someday be his wife. There were times when that fact frightened him, made him wish he’d never have been so impulsive; then there were times like this, like now, when he was with Sarah Jane, that reminded him why he’d asked in the first place. They had a level of comfort and understanding around and about each other that was deeper than that of any regular couple, something he knew, despite all his bachelor’s doubts, would only be made official by marriage. The only difference a wedding would make in their relationship was a piece of paper and matching jewelry.

Maybe it had been too soon to judge the truth of these feelings, but in his heart he knew it was right. He knew it was right in the little moments they shared together like this.

It’s several minutes later and the two are in the Aston Martin, James dressed in a second, but no less impressive, suit for the day. He’s smiling, perhaps because he’s thinking of how annoyed the people at the jewelers will be at the last minute customers. Oh, well. Some people have to work rather then spend all their mornings shopping.

James isn't the only one dressed impressively. Deciding not to wasting precious time blow drying her hair, Sarah Jane tied it up in a knot, pinned neatly in to place on the back of her head. With the summery pink and white floral dress and sandals, she's also dressed to be out on the town tonight. And enjoying every second of such, even if the crowded London streets make for a slow drive.

She smiles at him, the happiness from earlier not quite faded yet. "Do you have any specific place in mind?"

“Someplace expensive,” he replies. “I’m in the mood for going broke tonight.”

"You just love to spoil me rotten, don't you?" But Sarah Jane isn't complaining. It's a rather terrific habit, if you'd ask her. "Sounds like we're off to Hatton Garden."

James doesn't respond, keeping his eyes on the road. It's a rather unfortunate realization he has that most stores are closed now. There may be a handful left open. He'd rather they all be open, so they'd at least have more of a choice. As it is they're stuck with what's available at the moment.

He speaks: "We could always wait this weekend to buy a ring if you'd rather have more selection. We can just go out to dinner tonight, if you'd like."

"You're the one picking it out," she replies, scanning the stores still open. "I'm just here to approve it."

Sarah shrugs, scanning the store fronts again. "Well, we're here. We could just see what's open."

James pulls the car up alongside a store he deems worthy. It's certainly not a bad selection, although the one he would have chosen is closed. He makes haste around the car to beat Sarah Jane before she can open the door.

Chivalry. He insists on it.

Sarah happens to be positive that, if James tries hard enough, he'll still pick out the most expensive ring he can and it'll cost more than any other piece of jewelry she's ever owned.

But she keeps that thought to herself, instead laughing and rolling her eyes at the open door. "James! I can do this sort of thing for myself, you know!"

"But I insist," he says with a pleasant grin. He doesn't think this is a commentary on whether she can open doors. Can't a fella just be nice once in a while?

She snorts in response and steps out, giving his cheek a kiss before stepping on to the curve.

"Next time I'm returning the favour, got it?"

He hooks his arm around hers, escorting her to the store. "That's not how things are done."

"Says who?" she jokes, sticking her tongue out at him despite the proper look of the jewelry store.

Any look of amusement fades quickly when they walk inside and she looks around, almost overwhelmed. This is real, isn't it? They're here to buy a ring because she's going to marry him and oh.

It's been less than a week since he asked. And it's been less than three months since they first kissed and they're here to buy a ring.

Whatever is she going to tell the Doctor?

Sarah Jane shakes her head and takes a deep breath, especially when she notices the sales woman looking at them. This has been a wonderful day, no need to ruin it with daft and pointless fears.

"Hullo," the sales lady greets, stepping from behind the counter to greet the couple. "Can I help you?"

James unwraps his arm around hers, placing the hand against the small of her back. "Yes--we're looking for an engagement ring," he says, looking at Sarah Jane and giving her a reassuring grin.

"Congratulations," the lady replies brightly, if not in an overly cheerful tone.

Sarah Jane can't help but grimace a little at that, and she gives James a smile back. Softly, "Thank you."

The sale lady nods, oblivious to the exchange. "Do you have any ideas what you're looking for? Stone? Price? Cut?"

He grins wryly. "I can't get away with saying 'the best you have', can Ii?"

"Not this time, James," Sarah teases, and then smiles politely at the woman. "Can you just show us a selection of diamond engagement rings, please?"

The sales clerk nods, "If you'd just follow me."

And leads them to a section in one corner of the store, with a variety of rings in the case.

James scrutinizes each and every ring, skipping over the ones that are too large, too plain, or overly elaborate. He finally settles on a handful of rings, eyes darting back and forth among them as he considers which one he likes best.

Sarah watches him carefully, a small grin on her face. It really is happening.

She can't get over it.

Taking a few steps closer so she's right next to him, Sarah Jane leans her head against his upper arm. "See one you think works?"

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