Familiar Stranger

AU. Series 6 Episode 1.

Instead of meeting with Robert, Danny and Alice go the National Art Gallery where Alice sees a familiar stranger.

Alice sighed with contentment as she glanced at all the paintings. A feeling of warmth surrounded her as she basked in her new found status as Mrs Trevanion. She couldn't believe it had been a week since she and Danny had married, and as he squeezed her hand, she wondered if this joyful feeling would carry her through the rest of her life.

"Can we go yet?" Danny whispered in his wife's ear. Despite her enthusiasm for reliving childhood memories, and his enthusiasm to cater to her every need, he couldn't pretend for much longer that the still paintings interested him all that much.

"I put up with the wax bloody Queen and co, you can put up with a few paintings." Alice replied, "Although to be honest, I wouldn't mind finding my way out."

Danny laughed, leading her down the long corridors until he stopped at a toilet. He shot his wife a sympathetic look, smirking boyishly at her slight nod, and rushing off. She sighed, and began to inspect a few of the paintings. Her mind began to drift as to how some people had such talents and others did not, how some people were destined to spend the life doing one thing, whilst others followed completely different paths. She was so consumed in her thoughts that she didn't notice the man approach her side.

"Beautiful isn't it?" A man murmured in a soft Scottish accent, obviously refined through years of culture. "Alice Collins." He added.

She turned and gasped taking a step back immediately. She hadn't seen him for nearly twelve years and yet here he was, stood in front of her. James White - the man who'd brought her world crashing down and then left her in the ruins.

"James." Alice squeaked, shocked and praying for Danny to return swiftly.

"How are you?" He asked as Alice marveled at how normal he was acting. Surely he couldn't have forgotten? He left her because of it did he not?

"Good. Thanks." Alice replied shortly. "Yourself?"

"Yes, good good." He responded. "So, you live in London?"

"No, South Africa on a game reserve. I'm here on honeymoon." She responded.

His face had altered somewhat, but he covered it almost instantly. "Wow, that's not what I was expecting to hear."

"What exactly were you expecting? For me to jump into your arms and say let's get it on?" Alice whispered harshly.

"Where's... I mean... Did you-"

"Yes. I did and I survived pretty well without you." Alice snapped, wondering where her Husband was.

"I... I regret it. I never wanted to hurt you but we were too young-"

"So you left?!" Alice exclaimed before quietening realising where they were. "James... why are you stood here talking to me?"

"He or-"

"She."

"She's been playing on my mind a lot. Alice, I have no kids or family. I haven't been able to just forget what I left behind."

"That's not my problem." Alice shrugged and began to walk away, when he reached out and grabbed her by the arm.

"I advise you remove your hand from my wife."

Alice turned and saw Danny walking with purpose towards them, his stance intimidating and showcasing his full six foot two inches. He came to stand beside Alice, placing a possessive arm around her shoulders.

"I'm sorry, but we know each other and I just wanted-"

"I have nothing to say to you." Alice retorted, "Why can't you get that?"

"Maybe your daughter does."

Danny glanced at Alice, and then back at the man, his mind making all the connections. The green eyes almost immediately gave the man away, and Danny had to use every strength of being in his body not to pummel this man into the ground for what he did.

"James White." Danny stated in a questioning tone.

"How do you-"

"We don't keep secrets Mr White." Danny replied. "Now, I don't know what rights you seem to think you have, but you abandoned those when you left a pregnant woman. I suggest you make yourself scarce. I'm holding onto my temper by a thread, and nothing would be greater pleasure than seeing a man like you get what he deserves."

James looked at the taller man and wondered whether to fight, but within moments seemed to give up. He glanced back at Alice, before turning slowly.

"This isn't over."

A/N - I'll try post another chapter as soon as I can :)