Note: This is a birthday present for Marshmallow’s Rock. Happy Birthday!!

Summary: The Doctor tries to prepare a cake for Sarah’s birthday, with help from Harry. Four, Harry and Sarah.

Birthday Preparation

“Where’s that damn cook book?” The Doctor cursed under his breath while digging out a whole pile of books from the library shelf.

Harry just happened to be passing the TARDIS corridors when suddenly he heard the sound of heavy objects thumping on the ground. He knew the Doctor was up to something, and so, he made his way into the library. He found the Doctor yanking out books and dropping them down on the ground. One nearly smacked Harry’s head, quickly, he dodged the falling books.

“I say, Doctor. What on Earth are you doing?”Harry wondered.

“Ah, Harry, good to find you here. I need you.” The Doctor said from above the ladder. “Help me find a cook book, any sort of cook book.”

It was obvious what the Doctor wanted with the cook book for. He had mentioned before that Sarah’s birthday was tomorrow and that he wanted to bake a cake before the big day comes (thanks to Harry, he had found out about Sarah’s secret information. She was liable to kill him whenever she got her hands on him).

Harry looked to his left and found the spine of the book marked ‘galactic cook book’ on it. He pulled it out carefully; the weight of it was unbelievable. The book contained more pages than the bible and Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ put together. It had a purple, hardback cover with a picture of the galaxy behind the massive white letters. Harry looked up and licked his lips.

“Is this what you’re looking for? I must say it’s awfully heavy for one to lift!” Harry complained. The strain was hurting his biceps and hands.

“Oh good.” He called out and climbed his way down the ladder. “Don’t worry; I’ll get these books sorted out soon.” He lifted the book from Harry’s aching arms. “But first, the kitchen.” He passed Harry and strutted out of the library. Harry followed him.

“Perhaps I may be of some assistance to you?” Harry said gingerly.

The Doctor instantly stopped. He looked at him as if he had something on his face. “You can cook?”

Harry nodded. “Yes, I’ve watched my mother and father cook many times when I was a nipper, I know what to do.” He said with a smile. “And you did tell me once that you weren’t exactly ace at cooking yourself, if you don’t mind me saying so.” He pointed out knowingly.

The Doctor growled under his throat. He simply gave in and nodded lazily. “Alright, I may need a little help.”

Harry shrugged as the Doctor led the way into the kitchen area.

A couple of hours had passed, Sarah was hoping for a decent cup of tea to be made for her to fill her appetite. But a sudden wave of smoke wafted up her nose, it was a mixture of something sweet and strong. Sarah bit the bottom of her lip and went forward to investigate the smell. She stopped outside the door as she heard two fully grown men arguing. One was blaming the other for setting the timer wrong and the other voice was arguing because they baked the cake wrong. This quarrel continued until Sarah opened the door.

The two men stopped arguing as their attentions were drawn to Sarah. Sarah almost chocked out laughing, she wasn’t quite prepared to see the Doctor and Harry both wearing frilly aprons. Marks of dirt got on the Doctor’s face, arms and hands, Harry ended up looking the same as him.

“What happened?" Sarah said behind giggles. “You two look a mess!”

The Doctor and Harry were deeply embarrassed by their appearances, and the two of them arguing just made it even more foolish. Sarah looked at the burnt substance lying scorched on top of the gas cooker. The Doctor wafted away some of the smoke away from his face.

“Umm... surprise, old thing?” Harry said.

“You knew it was my birthday?” Sarah’s eyes widen in surprise and, at the same time, in dread.

“We had a cake planned out for you and everything,” He said to Sarah innocently and then looking dreadful at Harry. “Until somebody got the oven temperature and timing wrong.”

“I most certainly did not, you’re switching stories. You couldn’t cook to save your life.” Harry pouted.

“Liar!” The Doctor raised his voice at him.

“The two of you went through all this trouble, looking as if you nearly burned the whole kitchen down, to prepare a cake for me.” Sarah’s voice cackled.

“We had other plans, only we sort of burned that too.” The Doctor continued, feeling terribly guilty about the whole situation. “Sorry we spoiled the surprise.”

Sarah shook her head and smiled. “You didn’t spoil it. Even though you burned the cake and everything; in the end, it was such a thoughtful idea. Thank you.” She tip toed up and hugged the Doctor and then Harry; she kissed both of their cheeks and thanked them again. Harry blushed, the Doctor just grinned.

“Well since you don’t feel so sore about it. Perhaps we should leave the kitchen and go out for your birthday instead?” The Doctor suggested happily.

“Why not.” She kept her smile with a playful shrug. “But first, the both of you need to clean yourselves up.” She giggled, turned her heels and walked off.