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

[his_sarah_jane]

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.

Comments

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"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."

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

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.

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

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!"

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

"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?

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

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?"

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

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

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"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?"

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

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.

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"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?"

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

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

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"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.

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

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.

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

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?"

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

James narrows his eyes, leaning over the counter a bit to get a better look at the rings. Then he looks at Sarah Jane. Then he pulls out her left hand and carefully examines her finger. Then he looks back at the case.

He points. "That one."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

Sarah looks at the ring and grins a little broader. It really, really is happening. She nods at James, eyes shining, and then turns back to the woman helping them. "I think we have a decision."

The woman beams, clapping happily. "Brilliant choice, if I say so myself. You're certainly a man who spares no expense, aren't you? Now if I could just get a size of your finger, dear, we'll see what we can do." To James, "Will you be wanting that engraved with anything?"

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

"No," he says, looking at Sarah. "We'll save the engravings for our wedding rings."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

Wedding rings. Marriage. James.

It's something along those lines running through her head again and again and it feels like she's suddenly gone back to that moment where he asked her. It's all unreal and real at the exact same time.

All she can muster is a happy (if not slightly overwhelmed) nod, which the sales lady takes as agreement. "Well then, I'll give you the proper information to fill out, I'm assuming this will be credit? and I'll be back in a moment with the ring."

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

He nods, pulling the paperwork closer to him. He fills out the appropriate information, his left hand still on Sarah's back, rubbing it in small circles.

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

The circles help to soothe her nerves somewhat and she closes her eyes for a moment, taking a breath.

This'll work out. Everything will be wonderful. It won't be like it was with Andrew, and the only real difference in everything is making it official. And life can continue as it is until ...well, until the day the Doctor no longer wants her travelling with him and she moves in with James for good. She can do that, right? Say goodbye to her whole world?

Once again, she forces those thoughts out of her head, trying to do what she does best and remain steady with the here and now. Her eyes watch James intently as he fills out the paper, occassionally flickering to the back room door or the couple of other shoppers left in the botique.

This is what she wants. There is, at least, no doubt left on that.

Finally, after what seems like forever, the sales lady returns carrying a small black box and wearing an overly cheerful grin on her face.

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

Bond grins right back at the woman, his expression as overly cheerful as hers. Bond can fake it a lot better than she can, so maybe she can't pick up the hint of mockery in his expression. "Thank you," he says kindly, taking the black box from the saleswoman.

She needs serious lessons on how to be less fake.

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

Sarah watches him suspiciously, stiffling any laughter at his smile. She does, however, jab him lightly in the ribs as the sales lady takes his credit card and information and heads over to the machine to charge the ring.

"Arse," Sarah Jane whispers, finally allowing a giggle. "Oh, you're absolutely horrible."

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

James looks innocently towards the ceiling. He's not capable of being horrible! Really!

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

Sarah laughs lightly again, sobering up when the woman returns.

"Everything seems to be in order," the woman explains, handing James back his credit card and a copy of some of the forms. She smiles happily again. "You two looks like such a cute couple. The best of luck, really."

It's the last straw, really, and Sarah has to hide her head in his sleave to keep from truely embaressing herself. It's absolutely absurd. Cute couple? Them?

It's quite possibly absolutely true.

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

Thank you, ma'am. I'm sure you say that to all the couples who shop here.

Bond grins at her, folding the forms and placing them in a pocket inside his blazer. "Thank you," he says. "You've been a great help." He nods slightly towards her. "Good evening."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

An amused smirk still on her face, Sarah nods and tugs on his sleeve. It's only moments later that they're standing outside the door and she laughs loudly, reaching out to grab one of his hands.

"Oh, people like that." She giggles again. "Well, at least our mission was successful, eh?"