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[makemeasong]

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[thedreamer]

[ That's not entirely correct either, but she's right in thinking that the fun is in the guessing, and he'll leave it where it's at. ]

You do know me, don't you?

[ The second spin feels just as exhilarating and he's laughing with joy and playfulness as they move in a circle together. ]

[makemeasong]

'Course I do. Not better than anyone, but I like to think I'd make it to the final round.

[ She says this with a smile, then moves so that he can twirl her in a circle. He didn't actually say yes or no, but Clara's happy to let it go when he's smiling and happy. How many times will she have this before she leaves this place? She'd rather soak up good moments when they can and not cause sad ones. ]

What about me? How well do you know Clara Oswald?

[thedreamer]

You might, you just might. Near abouts.

[ He enjoys the spin with her, feeling exhilarated all over again as they move about in a circle. ]

Oh, I know everything about you.

[ Quite the boast, of course. ]

Where would I start? Ask me anything!

[makemeasong]

Oh, everything?

[ She asks that with a laugh, and then ridiculously tries to twirl him, but she's too short—which is why it's hilarious. ]

Alright then, clever boy, what's my middle name?

[ A trick: she doesn't have one. And maybe she already knows he'll (probably) know this. Maybe. It's a toss-up sometimes on what the man knows and what he doesn't. Although he did stalk track her through her life, who knows what he knows. He's also a snoop. For all she knows, he's seen her long-form birth certificate. ]

[thedreamer]

[ Ah, but little does she know that even if he doesn't really know the answer, he'll have fun guessing and pretending to know, regardless.

When she calls him clever boy, though, for a moment he feels his hearts ache and flutter. She's only ever said it when she's dying and for a moment, those painful memories flash in his mind and he just holds tighter to her hands. But this is a better memory, a far better one. A remembrance of those words while she's right in front of him, perfectly healthy, happy, whole. ]

Bedelia, of course! Clara Bedelia Oswald

[makemeasong]

How did you know?

[ For some reason, the name gets her, and she laughs loudly, squeezing his hands because she assumes he was only doing so to keep her steady. ]

Guess again, since you were generous enough to give me more than one try.

[thedreamer]

[ He wants to just always remember her like this, exactly like this; that bright smile, that joyful laugh, Clara just alive. It pains him again to think that she'd died for him, that she's died over and over again, and he's reminded of his promise to himself once more, to do everything he can to keep her safe, to try and alter the future she's going back to.

But he grins at her nonetheless. ]

Okay, a better one—Beatrice! Clara Beatrice Oswald.

[makemeasong]

[ Clara gives it some thought. ]

Huh, y'know, that's wrong, but I don't hate it? Does that count?

[ Taking his hand, she begins to skate slowly beside him and with him holding onto her, she feels steady on her feet. ]

Clara Beatrice. Why do I like it! [ She exclaims in the same breath she asks, laughing again. This is what she wants to remember too, always. Not the grumpy man who made it feel like he'd disliked her. ]

[thedreamer]

Is that your middle name now? Have we accidentally and perfectly stumbled onto it?

[ He begins to skate in a broader circle with her now, enfolding her hand protectively in his. ]

[makemeasong]

I think we have. My parents' shortcomings are our win. I accept this new middle name.

[ It's so good to be silly, and as they skate, she tries not to worry that she may not be able to remember it. ]

You know what we need now? Hot chocolate.

[thedreamer]

Well, fortunately for both of us, I happen to be excellent at making hot chocolate.

[ He puffs out a breath of a laugh, and as they start to slow down a bit, he reaches out to fondly tap her nose. ]

Your cheeks are red, should definitely get you back inside. Fragile human body.

[makemeasong]

That, I don't doubt at all. [ If there's anything in the kitchen he's actually amazing at, it's any dessert. Even if it seems bizarre. ]

I'm not fragile. [ She pouts as she says that, but the teasing is still there in her eyes when she looks up at him in defiance. She's definitely tiny and fragile, and needs bubble wrap. ]