Clara quirked her head and narrowed her eyes. “You know, I don’t believe that’s true.”
The Doctor waved his hands in a batting motion between them, reminding her a bit of Maebh for a second. “Doesn’t matter. The point is, if you’re going to continue carrying on with this PE Teacher, I have to know that I can still trust you.”
“Maths teacher. And of course you can trust me! I know this situation went a little bit awry. I didn't handle it as best I could’ve, I know that. You don’t need to lecture me like a child.” She put her hands on her hips and glared at him.
“And you don’t need to act like one.” It was a low blow, and by the look on his face, he knew it.
Clara felt her hands clench into fists. “Oh please, this all started because you don’t like that I’m dating a soldier. A former soldier, even! It’s your ridiculous prejudice that started it and now it's the two of you on either side pulling at me like I’m a rag doll! First you tell me that you’re not my boyfriend. Well fine! That’s all well and good, I think. I go out and find myself a nice, normal boyfriend. One who wants a nice, normal life without time travel and galaxies and alien races. One who doesn’t want to watch a solar flare while suspended among the stars. And I think, that’s alright because I've got The Doctor to travel on trains through space with and rob banks and… “ Her voice trailed off as her thoughts got tangled in knots. “I've forgotten where I was going with all of this…”
“I wasn't going to say anything, but I’m pretty sure your initial point is quite buried by now.” He smirked at her but it was with obvious fondness.
The anger and frustration that had been building up began to ebb away at the warmth in his gaze. “You’re a very frustrating man, I think, was my original thesis.” She shrugged. “But I don’t ever want to choose between you and my boyfriend. He is my home port, but you… you’re the perfectly exhilarating storm. I know you won’t be in my life forever, but I intend to enjoy getting swept away as many times as I can before you go.”