#thirteenth doctor x yasmin khan x reader

[aboutcustardcreams]

Part two

part one

She sees right through me

Can't express how much I loved writing down this chapter. I got carried away, and here's the result. Hope you enjoy it :3

word count: 4000 ish

A pregnant silence fell in the TARDIS right after those simple words slipped from your mouth. A small confession, merely the tip of the iceberg that still was able to cause quite a shock. 

The Doctor’s voice is barely above a whisper when she asks, “so you come from Gallifrey?” 

Of course you did, but she needed to be sure. From the moment she laid her hand upon your chest, she had known. A sound so very familiar to her echoed to her ears, against her palm. It was slightly accelerated, yet in perfect harmony with her own heartbeats. 

Thump Thump Thump 

You nodded your head, and glanced at her while her eyes were still fixed upon your chest. She swallowed hard and blinked a couple of times, as if to find the strength to pull away from you and come to terms with this unexpected revelation. All this time she thought she had lost her family, her people, and yet you stood there, very much alive, and like her. Like a bolt from the blue. She didn’t even know what she was feeling: relief, happiness, fear, confusion. Probably all the above.

You give her a glimpse of a smile, and bow your head just a bit so that you can meet her hazel eyes. “Are you alright?” 

Your voice kinda worked as a wake up call. She nodded quickly and pulled away. One single step back still felt like she had just put an entire ocean between you two. “Of course. I’m great, me. Over the moon.” 

Yaz lightly scoffed at that, clearly having none of it. 

She was lying and it was so obvious. You licked your lips and hummed in thought, suddenly having second thoughts. What were you thinking? Why were you doing this? She had her life sorted out now and was content with it. She wasn’t alone, you had to remember. She had Yaz. And they seemed happy. Complete. You couldn’t just burge in and then what? Disrupt her entire existence? Make her remember you? 

“Are you?” She later questioned, noticing your state of trance and sudden quietness. 

Blinking repeatedly, you waved your hand dismissively, “Sure thing. I’m always fine,” you blurted out. 

“You’re both terrible liars,” comes from Yaz in the background. Her tone is serious yet veiled with a layer of fondness. She found herself thinking that perhaps hiding and …lying was a Time Lord’s thing. 

You let out a sound between a huff and a chuckle. Brief and bitter. The Doctor stirred her lips in a grimace, “I mean, I’m quite shocked if I’m honest. But I’m happy to know you survived the war…” There was honesty in her voice, but also a veil of awkwardness in her movements. She was telling the truth. On one side, she was eager to get to know you, but on the other, she was terrified. 

A lump formed in your throat. “Only because I wasn’t there when it happened,” you stated, somehow a bit ashamed.  

The Doctor frowns at the sight of your features dimming. You’re suddenly wishing to have been there too, to help, maybe? To die? To do something that wasn’t lying in a jail’s cell for an insane amount of time. It wasn’t that easy to read what’s going on inside your head, but the Doctor was trying because you intrigued her. The funny thing was, she only needed a brief physical contact to know it all, a connection she could gain by touching your temple. But it wasn’t her place to pry. 

“Where were you?” asked Yaz cautiously. 

You licked your lips and swayed a bit, shifting your body weight from one foot to another, “Ah– you know,” you looked up at her, voluntarily avoiding meeting the Doctor’s eyes, afraid of what you might find in there. “Prison is not as bad as they think. It’s a tad boring, food isn’t great. It’s slimy, but all in all, it kept me alive.” 

The Doctor’s hearts ached for you. “I’ve been in prison,” her voice came out firm, despite the clear emotion in her eyes, “so no, I don’t believe you for a second. Prison is terrible. It’s lonely. Cramped and quite smelly. Days go by and you feel powerless, useless. You lose yourself in places like those.” 

You swallow at the firmness of her tone. A tear slides down your cheek. She was right. It had been Hell to you, but you managed, you had no other choice. Her eyes softened; drawing closer she reached out a hand to wipe your cheek. You shivered. Oh- how you had missed this. Was it embarrassing to admit you had been touch starved? That the last time you hugged someone was when the Doctor was still with you? “And you–” she trailed off, “something tells me you didn’t deserve to be locked up.”

You lifted your chin and met her eyes. Your smile didn’t reach your ears as you muttered, “what gives?” 

“Can’t explain,” she replied. “It’s a feeling. My gut is telling me there’s good in you.” 

You hummed softly. “Is it because I saved you and Yaz?” you mused, eternally grateful for the hint of a smile she was giving you. 

She chuckled lightly, “You got ten points for that by the way. Plus, you’re our friend now. Isn’t she, Yaz?”

Yaz smiles so genuinely, the dimples on her cheeks showed up. “Absolutely.”

Friend. That was something, wasn’t it? And it didn’t even take much to get there, having started as a total stranger. This version of the Doctor made her look like a cute and loyal golden retriever. Playful, friendly, a bit of a dummy sometimes and always ready to contribute. You never thought you could love the Doctor more than you already did. Perhaps it was a good idea to start over, build your friendship from scratch. Could you do that? Definitely. For her, you’d open up the galaxies. Staying in the shadow was pure bliss if that meant breathing the same air again. 

“But you still have to explain how you know our names,” she adds, arching an eyebrow at you. There’s playfulness in her eyes and in her tone. 

You chucked, “I s'pose I have to.” 

“The TARDIS let you in. And if she did, it means…”

You looked around you, a nostalgic light brimmed in your eyes. You still remember the day you and the Doctor stole this spaceship. The euphoria of having conquered something only yours to use, had been thrilling. Originally, the TARDIS belonged to the Division, but it was damaged, and for that reason, left in some kind of stock with other rubbish and mechanical supplies. But you and the Doctor fixed it, after a couple of months, or years, it didn’t even matter to you, because you bonded like nobody else. And when you two started traveling with it, nobody noticed the TARDIS’ missing, simply because it wasn’t one of the Division’s official spaceships. 

“She knows you,” Yaz continued. The lights of the TARDIS flickered from bright yellow to a warmer hue of orangish. It suited you, that light. You closed your eyes for a brief moment, and hummed softly, feeling the warmth of the TARDIS as a velvety caress on your skin. 

“You’re very perceptive, Yaz. I get why the Doctor likes you so much,” you teased, with your eyes still closed. The Doctor’s cheeks turned into a darker shade of pink. 

Yaz opened her mouth to reply, but her words died down in her throat before she could even think of what to say. Was it so obvious that the Doctor liked her? And that she liked her back? Even for someone that has just met them? Apparently so. 

The Doctor stared at you, all of the sudden a tad bit uncomfortable. To possess such a knowledge meant being exposed and vulnerable. And the Doctor hated to feel that way.

“You talk as if you’d been spying on us.”

You squint your eyes, as if all of the sudden, the Doctor started speaking another language. “Not spying,” you objected. It was frustrating to stand there and be treated like you couldn’t be fully trusted, whereas in the past, you had been the sole trustworthy one. You stiffened and took your hands out of your pockets. “My intention all along was to make sure you were okay. It’s all I ever wanted.” 

The Doctor thought for a second. A wave of guilt flashed through her eyes, as those softened, “can you tell us why?” 

You hesitated, looking back at her like a lost puppy. “I don’t think it’s right,” you muttered, voice broken. Your eyes mirrored the confusion of the Doctor. “This was a mistake, I shouldn’t have–” you felt dizzy, frantic. Your voice trembled as much as your form while you spoke. 

But the Doctor wasn’t having any of that. “No, hey, it’s okay–” she cooed, her hands coming resting upon your shoulders, in the genuine attempt to reassure you. She mentally scolded herself for having been so pushy, without giving you proper time to collect yourself. Your hearts were beating so fast she feared you were on the verge of a panic attack. “I’m sorry I made you feel like I didn’t trust you. I know I can. You helped us and I can’t simply brush that aside. It’s just…” she paused, briefly glancing at Yaz, whose gaze was encouraging. “Yaz and I have been through so much lately and I can’t help but worry about a new danger lurking in the shadows. Ready to catch us unprepared. But you’re nothing like that. Quite the opposite, I think.”

The TARDIS buzzed softly. Yaz couldn’t understand what she was saying, unlike you and the Doctor. She figured by the small giggle that slipped from your lips, that the TARDIS said something funny or accusing aimed at the Doctor. 

“She acts like she knows you well” she later reasoned, “And if she does, it means–” 

You inhaled sharply and hesitated, averting your eyes from her to the tip of your boots. How could you sum up everything in a few words? How could you look into her eyes and tell her you had missed her for entire lifetimes. 

“Tell me, please…” 

Yaz watched you nibbling on your bottom lip. The emotion veiling in your eyes was raw, as if spilling those words out would mean putting salt over a freshly open wound. “Can I tell you something, Sage?” She muttered kindly, reaching up to you. Feeling her standing by you, you turned your head and nodded wordlessly. 

“I learned my lesson the hard way. Hiding my feelings from the Doctor thinking it was the best choice,” she muttered, with a tight smile. “And even if we can’t have what we’d like to share, for all kinds of reasons, I don’t regret for one second having told her how I feel,” a tear slipped down her cheek at the confession. You blinked slowly, trying hard to swallow the lump that just formed in your throat. Her pain was very similar to yours; she was in love with the Doctor and even if she couldn’t have her the traditional way, she was willing to stay by her side for as long as time would grant her. And that was enough. 

The Doctor’s eyes turned glassy too. She pressed her lips in a thin line, nodding slowly, almost mechanically, “I can’t really tell my hearts what to feel, because they are so full of love for Yaz. I vowed to protect her and to stand by her for as long as I’m allowed to exist in this body, and even in the next if she will have me,” Yaz smiled at that. “I can’t give her what she wants, nor what she deserves in matters of human relationships simply because I’m not a human. Time will catch up on me, eventually. And when that moment comes, it will hurt.” 

Bravery is knowing something will hurt and doing it anyway. A wise person once told the Doctor. 

You thought for a moment. It made sense, in a way. Their relationship didn’t need any label, simply because it existed beyond any of those. That was, in your opinion, the most beautiful confession of love. The truest manifestation of it in its purest form. Yaz wasn’t ready to let go of the Doctor as much as the Doctor wasn’t ready to say goodbye any time soon. Never been good at goodbyes anyway. And Yaz, oh– she was brave. Probably the bravest human you’ve ever met. 

Does it still count if you said she is the first one? 

“That’s to say…” Yaz continued, placing a hand upon your shoulder. “That whatever you feel you can’t tell the Doctor, in truth you can. Plus you owe it to yourself. There’s nothing worse than living a life filled with regrets and what ifs.” 

“I know, I understand–” your lids fall shut for a second and when they reopen, the Doctor is met with a pair of puffy and red eyes. It only took you a second to crumble. But you allowed no tears to wet your cheeks. Not yet. Not ever if you could help with it. It was too soon anyway and if you started tearing up now, then it would be impossible to keep talking and make sense of everything. 

“But I think,” you blinked, and forced a tight smile, “I need a cuppa. Don’t you want a cuppa? My throat is dry,” you rambled while the Doctor and Yaz exchanged a curious glance. 

When you started moving towards one of the corridors, as if you knew every path like the back of your hand, the other two followed behind, calling out your name. “Do you even know where to go?”

You hummed in thought, “Should be here, right?” The Doctor realized you weren’t talking to any of them, but with the TARDIS. The blue box buzzed and lit up a series of lights to guide you over the kitchen. A grin curled up your lips, “I thought so, thanks,” you continued, “Second door to the left and then right and then– oh,” you come to a halt when instead of the kitchen you find a cozy library, “Is this new?” 

A pang of nostalgia hit the Doctor in the stomach at the sight of the room. She leaned against the doorframe and stared at the slouchy couch in the middle of the room. Everything smelled like paper and leather in there. 

“The TARDIS made this room for one of my friends, she was a teacher.” 

“Clara,” Yaz whispered, and she nodded her head. 

“Oh,” you gaped, in awe. “It’s beautiful. Love a good book, me. And there are plenty of them here,” you commented quietly. “The kitchen used to be here, so I presume it moved elsewhere. Maybe next door?” 

“Sage, wait, please,” the Doctor grasped you by your wrist, before you could flee away from her again. Her fingers curled around your skin, that felt warm and incredibly smooth underneath her fingertips. You sighed, but listened to her. You didn’t even like tea, to be honest. You were more of a coffee type of person. The Doctor would know if only she remembered you. “The TARDIS knows you, she let you in, and you act like you have known me forever, but I have no memories of you. Only recently I found out what the Division did to me, taking away from me a speck of a life I didn’t even know existed, nor how big that was. And when I look into your eyes, I feel drawn to you in a way that feels both terrifying and right. And I’m not saying that just because you’re a Time Lord. I kind of feel all my past regenerations, those I have no memory of, were there with you. Am I wrong?” 

You promptly shake your head. No, she was hardly ever wrong about a thing. It brought a small smile upon your face, that somehow eased the Doctor’s hearts. You sniffed and adhered your palm against the corridor of the TARDIS, “We fixed her together. It was challenging, but so much fun. You were still working for the Division at the time. I wasn’t. Never did. You couldn’t share much of the things you did for them and with them, despite wanting it so much. I think I asked everyday,” a watery chuckle escaped from both yours and her mouth. It felt like a sense of familiarity was coming back to her. You loved it. “You were always so patient with me. No matter how insistently I kept asking you what you were up to with the Division, you never let a single word slip out,” she hummed, still smiling softly at you. It did sound like something she would do. Especially to protect those she cared about. “Eventually I stopped asking and respected your privacy. And now, thinking back to it, I’m so glad you never told me anything” you bowed your head as the Doctor listened to you in reverent silence. Same did Yaz. You couldn’t hold yourself anymore, and tears started spilling down your cheeks at incredible speed. Your breath hitched. 

The Doctor’s hands came cupping your face, her fingers getting wet with your tears. “Sage, it’s okay…” She looked at you with a pair of eyes that held nothing but affection and comprehension. You sniffled. “If you had told me, they’d have wiped my memories too. They chose prison, instead. There, I had time to think. So much time. I erroneously used to believe you had been blessed with memory loss because at first I was suffering so much. You can’t miss someone if you don’t even know that they exist, right?” 

Yaz’s heart tightened in her chest at your words. She had thought the same thing once. She regretted it later on, but that thought still had crossed her mind once or twice. 

“Then it hit me. I couldn’t live a life, believing it was normal to think a person so special like you never existed. The thought of you kept me going. Doc.”

The Doctor’s chin quivered. She gasped helplessly, and blinked repeatedly to ward off the tears clouding her visions that kept streaming on her face. 

Her hand slid from your face to your shoulder, then reached out to your hand, hesitantly clasping it in hers. She took in a long breath, “for how long?” 

At first you didn’t understand, so you frowned. How long, what? 

Anguish dimmed her features. She started to question her own decisions of keeping her past in the past and you being there was one of those reasons. You suffered her absence, while she kept on living her life like you never existed, never mattered, never touched her hearts. And that was wrong. Cruel. Because you did. She could feel it. Maybe you had another face back then, surely she had too. But that didn’t matter. You were still you in your hearts. And so was she. It was exactly why you never stopped looking for her.  

“How long have you been in prison? How long have you missed me? How long have you suffered because of me? How long have you been searching for me? How long have we known each other? How–” The Doctor was frantic. And you were taken aback by her outburst. So was Yaz. She couldn’t stop talking. Rambling. Panicking. 

Perplexed and rather shocked, you opened your mouth to say something, but you couldn’t master a single word out of you. The Doctor kept asking you questions over questions. She was mad, not at you, but at herself, at the Division, at whoever did this to her and to you. It always ended up like this. In the end a life with her meant only pain and suffering. 

You stumbled backwards, a wave of dizziness at you. Yaz caught you, “Doctor, calm down…” 

“Calm down?” She almost laughed. “How can I calm down, Yaz?” 

You cleared your throat, and then advanced towards her again. “It doesn't matter anymore. I’m here now,” you lifted your hand, allowing it to cling to her coat. 

“Except that it does, Sage,” she insisted, eyes wide open. You held your breath. “Just tell me, how long have you been in prison because of me.”

You inhaled sharply. “Not because of you,” you argued, the determination in your eyes didn’t falter, despite your voice coming quite faint. “Never because of you, you hear me? I’ll not let you take the blame.”

“Please,” the Doctor wasn’t one to beg, yet here she was now. 

You dropped your hands over your hips. “About seventy years.”

Yaz’s face turned white, “Oh God-” she muttered under her breath. 

The Doctor’s mouth twisted into a painful grimace. It felt like she had been run over and over by a train. You didn’t come here for that. You didn’t mean to add to her sense of responsibility. 

“Doctor, that’s nothing for a Time Lord and you know it. We are immortal.”

She snapped, “doesn’t mean we can or should endure everything!” 

It had been unbearable for her to spend about thirty years in prison, but unlike you she had hope. If it hadn’t been for Jack rescuing her at some point, she would have lost her mind. The thought of her fam waiting for her, remembering her, kept her hoping. What hope did you have, instead? What kind of foothold did you have for yourself? 

“Doctor, it’s okay,” you insisted. 

“No, it’s not okay! Don’t tell me it’s okay when it’s not!” 

You gulped and moved your hand from her coat, up to her cheek, where another tear was slipping down, thick and warm. “Fine, it’s not. It was not. It was pure Hell. But I resisted. I never gave up because I knew sooner or later I’d have found you again. And I did. That’s the only hope I ever needed. It was enough for me.” 

Reluctantly, almost fearful, the Doctor eyed you through her wet lashes. “I’m so sorry I don’t remember you,” she pursed her lips and you smiled at her sympathetically. You took a step closer to her. It was your turn to be strong, your turn to reassure her, to tell her that it was okay, because truth be told, it really was. 

“Hey,” you lifted her chin by placing your finger underneath. She sniffled and closed her eyelids to get rid of those itchy tears that kept welling up in her eyes. “I said, hey,” you playfully nudged her arm,  and she chuckled. Yaz was chuckling too. 

“Hey,” she said back, smiling with her eyes. 

“I’m here now, am I not? If you’ll have me, I can help you remember who we were. No pressure at all. Or,” you rolled your tongue behind your teeth, “we can start over, I’ll become your friend from scratch. New me, new you.” The Doctor was considering it, motionless. It’s not that she didn’t want to be your friend, because she wanted to. more than anything she wanted to know you, but at the same time, she couldn’t deny the fact that you knew her deeper, and better than she would ever know herself. 

Maybe that’s what she wanted too. All in due time. You saw her silent request in her eyes, as a free pass to do your next move. Stretching out your arm, you smiled politely at her, still adding a hint of silliness in your tone, because that’s who you were, “Hiya. Nice to meet ya. I’m the Sage. And you are?”

The Doctor couldn’t help but chuckle heartily at that. She could accept that for now. Like Yaz had accepted traveling with her despite knowing it wouldn’t be forever. That’s what love was. Effort, sacrifice, every single day. 

“I’m the Doctor, and that over there is my friend, Yaz,” she smiled and squeezed your hand. 

You nodded your head, happily, “Nice to meet you too, Yaz.” 

“Likewise, Sage” she chuckled, wiping her tears with the back of her sleeve. 

“Can we have that cuppa now?” The Doctor asked, her voice still thick with emotion. “Isn’t it how we welcome the Fam?” 

“It is,” she agreed, walking past you. In the moment, she brushed your hand with your fingers. 

You grinned, and before she could disappear in the kitchen, you scrunched up your nose, “I actually hate tea. Can I have coffee instead?” 

The Doctor draped an arm over your shoulder, while Yaz nodded her head, wordlessly. 

The Time Lady scooped you a bit closer, her smile widening, as you let out a surprised giggle, “I’m glad you found me.” 

“Me too” your cheeks flushed with the colors of hope, the exact same colors she was proudly showing off on her tee. 

Hope, what a beautiful thing to hold on to.

[xreaderwrites]

Where Is She?

AO3

Pairing: Thirteenth Doctor & Reader, Implied Thirteenth Doctor x Yasmin Khan, Missy & Reader

Summary: You’re on the hunt for Missy and the Doctor was the last to see her.

Tags: Reader is a Time Lord, Jealous Reader, Humor, messing with the Doctor, someone give Yaz a break

Authors Note: Writing Yasmin instead of Yaz is so strange.

You saunter into the Doctor’s TARDIS with your hands in your pockets and an easy smile. Your gaze wanders over the place. You haven’t seen this iteration before, or the Doctor’s new face, and find it quite amusing. It’s pretty, in a way, but Missy would have a few choice words about the spider legs and what they’re squatting over.

The Doctor and one of her companions are bent over the console, shoulder to shoulder with their backs to the door. Your search for any stragglers but it’s just the two of them. You can’t see the companions face but you guess she’s pretty like all the rest. You imagine Missy’s response but that image is crushed by the realisation that eyebrows is probably trying get her to ‘work on her jealousy’. Boring.

You whistle a sharp note.

The Doctor spins around, always on her toes, while her companion turns with wide eyes.

“Oh,” the Doctor’s gaze flickers around you but there is no Mistress to be found, “Hello,” she says with false cheer, “Been a while.”

“Sure has,” your eyes slide over to her companion, “fresh meat?”

The Doctor’s smile turns tight. The girl, sensing the Doctor’s tension, decides to step in.

“Officer Yasmin Khan. And you are?”

You raise both eyebrows, “Officer? My, my, how times have changed.”

“Doctor, who is this?” Yasmin Khan asks.

“Oh, Doctor,” you grin at her, “you and your humans.” Yasmin inches closer to her Doctor, who you never take your gaze off, “Miss me?”

“Yaz, this is…an old acquaintance of mine,” The Doctor says, her gaze calculating. Her arm is stuck out to keep Yaz behind her and you’re pretty sure she’s inching towards the console behind her. 

Rude. 

“Acquaintance? Doctor, you wound me,” you put a hand to your heart as you step closer. “What happened to all the good times together? All the running and dancing and blowing things up?”

“I think you’re confusing me with someone else,” she says. You click your tongue.

“Doubtful.”

“The Master doesn’t sound familiar to you?”

“Mistress,” you hiss, “And you know full well the Mistress doesn’t run. She’s much too elegant.”

“So you haven’t seen her new face then,” The Doctor’s eyes scan you like she can see the answer but you don’t feel any poking around in your head.

“No,” you frown, “She went AWOL,” you eyes slide to her, “and I’m not talking about when you trapped her in that little dungeon of yours.”

“Dungeon?” Yasmin breaks in. You ignore her.

“She went on one of your little trips and never came back,” the smile is long gone from your face, “Where did she go?”

The Doctor tries to look casual but utterly fails, “How do you know she never did? You know how fickle the Mistress can be.”

“Not with this,” you bare your teeth and take two steps closer, they’ve already hit the console, “Not with me.” You hate the way your voice cracks. “She was getting better, whatever human thing you were doing to her was working. And then she disappeared.”

“It wasn’t.”

“Excuse me?”

“It wasn’t working. She made the same choice she’s been making for thousands of years.”

You choke on a laugh, “You have got to be kidding, Doctor. That game ended years ago. She wanted you by her side. Was everything with Clara not enough to show you that?” You ignore the look on the Doctors face at that name, but not Yasmins, “She chose you. You and that stupid box. I sucked it up because she wanted to be happy, for once. Actually happy.” You take a deep breathe that absolutely does not help, “You know she got a human companion?”

The Doctor blinks.

“I was right there and she got one of your favourite fragile species to care for.”

“And where are they now?”

You wave a dismissive hand, “Where are yours?” The Doctor’s mouth tightens. You grin.

“It didn’t work out, as I’m sure you’ve guessed. But that was before your whole,” you waggle your fingers at her, “million step plan for getting the Mistress back on track.”

“I don’t know what happened,” her jaw is doing that clenched thing that Missy oh so loved. You kind of get it in this face. “I didn’t see her regenerate. He just turned up with a new face, like he always does.” Her hand is reaching towards a lever that will be wildly annoying and mildly inconveniencing, but you notice Yasmin isn’t holding on to anything.

“I don’t remember asking about her regenerating,” that sharp smile is back in place, “In fact, I never want to think about it. Answer me, or,” your eyes slide deliberately to Yasmin, “things are about to get ugly.”

The Doctor’s hand slams on a level and the TARDIS tilts sharply to one side. You try to balance on your toes but you’ve never quite been able to beat mavity and you slide down towards the TARDIS doors. You were able to steady yourself enough not to fall into an ungracefull heap. In fact, you did it so well that you managed to snag Yasmin, who was neither hanging on to something nor prepared and therefore falling rapidly, on your way down.

The Doctor, dangling from the TARDIS console in that comical way of hers, slams her hand on a shiny button and the TARDIS doors swing shut seconds before you both fall out of them.

You grin up at her as you wrestle Yasmin into your arms. She was stunned by the sudden fall but starts to struggle the moment her slow human brain makes the connection arms equals trapped. 

You kick the doors back open and bring Yasmin to the edge to stop the Doctor shutting them again. Yasmin freezes as she sees just how high up the TARDIS is. The Doctor immediately evens out the TARDIS.

A background thought wonders if Yasmin realises the drop would kill you or if she just assumes the Doctor would make it a liveable height for your species. Or maybe she knows about regeneration and doesn’t realise it’s seriousness. 

You don’t want to regenerate right now. It hurts like a bitch. You don’t have many in you left. And Missy has said quite often how sad she’d be to ruin your pretty face.

Luckily, your forefront thoughts are focused entirely on finding Missy and those questions are easily filed for later.

You quirk a teasing eyebrow at the Doctor as you slowly lean Yasmin over the edge, whose gone from trying to shove you away to clinging to you.

“Tell me the last place you saw Missy. Not the face before or after,” you demand. You see why Missy does this. It’s fun. And the Doctor’s face. You can literally see her doing the calculations in her head, thinking and dismissing plans as rapidly as swiping a tablet. 

The Doctor’s gaze turns to Yasmin, “If what you say is true, that Missy was-is getting better, then you won’t hurt Yaz. It’ll set Missy back by miles if her closest…” You scrunch your noise at the chosen measurement while she hesitates on what word to choose, “friend kills. Especially if it’s one of my fam.” 

“Oh Doctor,” you smile at her, razor sharp, “You were always her closest friend.” You shove Yasmin Khan out of the TARDIS door. 

The Doctor gasps and reaches out but Yasmin is gone before she takes a step.

You flash her the vortex manipulator strapped to your wrist, tap two fingers to your head and salute her as she gapes at you before swan diving out of the TARDIS doors. 

One button later and you’re safely on the ground. Cheap and nasty is right. The vortex leaves a bad taste in your mouth and colours aren’t quite computing right but your genetics saves you from the worst side effects. And one does not simply throw away a gift from the Mistress, second hand or no.

You hum as you brush yourself off. A job well done you’d say. Mission accomplished and you’d given at least one of the Doctor’s hearts an attack. Which means a funny story for your Mistress.

You type in the date and coordinates into the vortex manipulator. The TARDIS had exchanged them for delaying Yasmin’s fall. Whether it was to get closer to the ground or to have time to set up a way to save her you don’t know. But it’s interesting that she’s taken such an interest in a companion. Usually, she lets the bodies drop as they will. 

The possibilities make your head hurt after burning yourself through the vortex so you put that away as an interesting tidbit for Missy to mull over when she no doubt toddles back into the Doctor’s Vault. An annoying want she’s developed that you’ve decided to suffer through. Hopefully, you’ll be able to see her more often now that the Doctor, the angry eyebrows one, seems to be coming around. Although, her being let out more means less opportunities to sneak in.

Oh well, you’ll be seeing her soon anyway and there’ll be time to sneak a few stops on the way back to him.

You tap the screen, happily ignore the warning it gives you, and disappear with a flash.  

[bestshipsmackdown]

Round One Masterlist

Side One

Side One: Group One: Round One

Mike Wheeler x Will Byers from Stranger Things vs. Caitlyn Kiramann x Vi from Arcane

Side One: Group Two: Round One

Evan Buckley x Eddie Diaz from 911 vs. Naruto Uzumaki x Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto

Side One: Group Three: Round One

Percy Jackson x Annabeth Chase from Percy Jackson & the Olympians vs. Buffy Summers x Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Side One: Group Four: Round One

Kazuki Kurusu x Rei Suwa from Buddy Daddies vs. Shibasaki Aizo x Someya Yujiro from Honeyworks[Confession Executive Committee]

Side One: Group Five: Round One

Gimli x Legolas from Lord of the Rings vs. Reki Kyan x Langa Hasegawa from Sk8 the Infinity

Side One: Group Six: Round One

Perfuma x Scorpia from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power vs. Caleb Widowgast x Essek Thelyss from Critical Role

Side One: Group Seven: Round One

Phoenix Wright x Miles Edgeworth from Ace Attorney vs. Jonathan Harker x Mina Murray from Dracula

Side One: Group Eight: Round One

Will Solace x Nico Di Angelo from Heroes of Olympus vs. Bakugou Katsuki x Todoroki Shouto from Boku No Hero Academia[My Hero Academia]

Side One: Group Nine: Round One

Gon Freecss x Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter vs. KJ Brandman x Mac Coyle from Paper Girls

Side One: Group Ten: Round One

Adora x Catra from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power vs. Howl Jenkins Pendragon x Sophie Hatter from Howl's Moving Castle

Side One: Group Eleven: Round One

Akira Kurusu/Ren Amamiya/Joker x Goro Akechi from Persona 5[Persona 5 Royal] vs. Crowley x Aziraphale from Good Omens

Side One: Group Twelve: Round One

Kim Dokja x Yoo Joonghyuk from Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint vs. Dustfinger x Resa from Inkheart

Side One: Group Thirteen: Round One

Edward Nygma x Oswald Cobblepot from Gotham vs. Enid Sinclair x Wednesday Addams from Wednesday

Side One: Group Fourteen: Round One

Korra x Asami from The Legend of Korra vs. Magnus Chase x Alex Fierro from Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Side One: Group Fifteen: Round One

Hiyori Suzumi x Yujiro Someya x Aizo Shibasaki from Honeyworks[Confession Executive Committee] vs. Eda Clawthorne x Raine Whispers from The Owl House

Side One: Group Sixteen: Round One

Lance x Keith from Voltron: Legendary Defender vs. Nancy Wheeler x Robin Buckley from Stranger Things

Side Two

Side Two: Group One: Round One

Rose Lalonde x Kanaya Maryam from Homestuck vs. Kaz Brekker x Inej Ghafa from Six of Crows

Side Two: Group Two: Round One

Jack Harkness x Rose Tyler x The Ninth Doctor from Doctor Who vs. Will Parry x Lyra Silvertongue from His Dark Materials

Side Two: Group Three: Round One

Dean Winchester x Castiel from Supernatural vs. Wylan Hendricks x Jesper Fahey from Six of Crows

Side Two: Group Four: Round One

Luz Noceda x Amity Blight from The Owl House vs. Dream x Hob from The Sandman

Side Two: Group Five: Round One

Hikaru Indou x Yoshiki Tsukajinaka from Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu vs. Bakugou Katsuki x Kirishima Eijirou from Boku No Hero Academia[My Hero Academia]

Side Two: Group Six: Round One

Troy Barnes x Abed Nadir from Community vs. Tara Maclay x Willow Rosenberg from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Side Two: Group Seven: Round One

Yasmin “Yaz” Khan x The Thirteenth Doctor from Doctor Who vs. Merlin x Arthur Pendragon from Merlin

Side Two: Group Eight: Round One

Fred Jones x Daphne Blake x Velma Dinkley x Norville “Shaggy” Rogers from Scooby-Doo vs. Nomi Marks x Amanita Caplan from Sense8

Side Two: Group Nine: Round One

Imogen Temult x Laudna from Critical Role vs. Nana Osaki x Nana “Hachi” “Hachiko” Komatsu from Nana

Side Two: Group Ten: Round One

Michael “Mike” Wazowski x James P. Sullivan “Sulley” from Monsters, Inc. vs. Rapunzel x Eugene “Flynn Rider” Flitzherbert from Tangled

Side Two: Group Eleven: Round One

Link x Zelda from The Legend of Zelda vs. Captain Kirk x Spock from Star Trek

Side Two: Group Twelve: Round One

Gideon Nav x Harrowhark Nonagesimus from The Locked Tomb Series vs. Laura Moon x Mad Sweeney from American Gods

Side Two: Group Thirteen: Round One

Marinette Dupain-Cheng[Ladybug] x Adrien Agreste[Chat Noir] from Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir [Miraculous Ladybug] vs. Eddie Kaspbrak x Richie Tozier from It

Side Two: Group Fourteen: Round One

Yang Xiao Long x Blake Belladonna from RWBY vs. Bugs Bunny x Daffy Duck from Looney Tunes

Side Two: Group Fifteen: Round One

@bracket-bracket x @thecompetitionshowdowntournament x @ultimate-poll-tournament from tumblr.com vs. Death[El Lobo de la Muerte] x Puss in Boots x Kitty Softpaws from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Side Two: Group Sixteen: Round One

Todoroki Touya[Dabi] x Takami Keigo[Hawks] from Boku No Hero Academia[My Hero Academia] vs. Morticia Addams x Gomez Addams from The Addams Family

[ao3feed-torchwood]

The Teas (12 x Reader)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53902150 by noodleleg They were called the Troublesome Trio. The Doctor, Bill Potts and Reader... They would gas a planet with laughs and save people by the dozen. They would conquer monsters and be hailed as heroes. But what really set them apart was their personalities. A very British orphaned lesbian with a deep love for the Doctor and adventure, A beautiful minded reader from a broken home who also loves the Doctor and the kindness he brings to all.. and then there's the Doctor himself... in love with a past companion he refuses to accept that it wasn't. his. fault. All have their flaws, let's see if they can fix eachother with lovely smiles and the fun they deserve. Words: 34390, Chapters: 9/20, Language: English Fandoms: Doctor Who, Torchwood Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Categories: F/F, F/M, Gen, M/M, Other Characters: Twelfth Doctor, Bill Potts, Reader, Thirteenth Doctor, Missy (Doctor Who), The Master (Dhawan), The Master (Doctor Who), River Song, Jack Harkness, Yasmin Khan, Ryan Sinclair, Graham O'Brien Relationships: The Doctor (Doctor Who)/Reader, Twelfth Doctor & Bill Potts, Twelfth Doctor/Clara Oswin Oswald, Twelfth Doctor/Reader, Missy (Doctor Who)/Reader, Bill Potts & Reader, Thirteenth Doctor/Reader, Eighth Doctor (Doctor Who)/Reader, Fourth Doctor (Doctor Who)/Reader

[slurrmp]

DAY TWO - CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

                  it’s hard finding the perfect present for an alien that                   seemingly has it all. christmas shopping is always                   hard but shopping for the doctor was harder.

here we go, day two, finally. that last week went so quickly i’m gonna cry. christmas is gonna come around so fast and this is gonna fall out from under me. this one is a little short and doesn't actually involve the doctor, but that’s only because i really didn’t have any other ideas. don’t forget, y’all can tag me in your christmas prompts as well! anyway listen to THIS if you want the ambience of a christmas market to set the mood x

words: 1326 warnings: none just wholesome bonding with yaz.

“What the hell do you get someone that has everything already?” The question pulls a pout to your lips. You stood just on top of the steps, the awful feeling of sand between your toes made your brows furrow. Looking down at your feet, you tried your best to brush the sand away. You were at one end of the South Bank Christmas Markets. You were back in Australia. This was your home. It was hot, sticky hot. You and Yaz were wearing pretty much nothing but your bathers with your beach towels wrapped around your waists. You had just gotten out of the water and made the short walk to the markets, you were to meet up with Dan for dinner but it was hard to pin him down. He was supposed to stay with the Doctor, to make sure that she didn’t wander off anywhere too far. Make sure she didn’t bring any unwanted trouble.

The sun was just setting, lighting the sky with brilliant shades of pink and red. It would be even hotter tomorrow you could tell. A bunch of people were milling about, the low hum of people’s voices all blended together. You loved Christmas Markets, probably one of your favourite things to do around this time of year.

“I’m gonna be honest with you -” Yaz looked up at you, she stood a couple of steps below you - a slightly sympathetic look crossing her features. “I have no idea.” There’s a snort that leaves you. “I mean I’m having a hard time thinking of what to get Dan.” Her own lips pulled into a pout, as the pair of you took the steps down, and lingered at the start of the market walkway. A band was playing somewhere down the street and it distracted you enough that you weren’t looking where you were going and someone bumped into your shoulder. You frowned in annoyance but they had let a quick apology escape their lips as they continued to chase after their escaping toddler. Your brows softened and you hiked up the beach towel, before reaching over and grabbing onto Yaz’s hand. You didn’t really feel like losing each other in this crowd.

“How about we just walk down one side and see what we can find?” You suggested. The market went on for almost a kilometre. People of all ages were here, many young families. Kids screaming and laughing, a feeling that you sometimes missed. There was even a surplus of dogs, which instantly made your mood brighten. Yaz nodded her head before she squeezed your hand. She shifted her backpack onto her opposite shoulder. “For Dan, I think he’d enjoy something homemade.” You finally answered her statement as you began to make your way through the large crowd of people. You were walking past the food tents and the smell of buttery popcorn, street food and even wine filled your senses. It made your mouth water. You and Yaz had spent pretty much the entire day in the water, not once stopping to act. You were starving. 

“I know that he’s a big history nerd,” Yaz said as she pulled you to a sudden stop. You almost whacked into the back of her, when you spotted why she had stopped. You were standing in front of a tent that was selling hand-made boomerangs and dot paintings.

“Oh, he’d love one of those.” There’s a grin as you curled into her side, pointing over her shoulder. You loved Christmas Markets, but Christmas shopping was hard. Shopping for the Doctor was harder. You didn’t want your present to be too personal (you really weren’t ready for that conversation to come up yet) but you also didn’t want it to be too cheap either. You needed a present that said you cared but as a friend. You needed something that the Doctor didn’t have any of yet and that she would love. The small family that was working the tent consisted of a very beautiful Aboriginal mother and her two sons. She was delighted to sell Yaz the boomerang and even a painting. She wrapped it as well. “Oh, he’s gonna love these.” Yaz beamed as she turned on her heel, after thanking the family. She grinned at you. “Now, just for your present for the Doctor.”

She started tugging you along. You had to pull up your towel again, otherwise, you knew that you would surely trip over it and fall flat on your face. You walked in silence for a couple of minutes, just listening to people around and the soft jazzy Christmas music that filled the air. That was until you spotted it. “Yaz!” You called jerking the woman to a stop. The group of people behind you grumbled lightly as they just missed collecting you on the shoulder, stepping around you with heavy sighs. You ignored them though, your eyes not once leaving the tent. “Look!” You pointed to the vendor on the opposite side of the walkway. Displayed neatly on stands, stood what looked like hand-crafted photo albums.

“Oh!” Yaz exclaimed as you looked at each other. “A photo album?” She questioned as the pair of you shoved through the crowd, making it to the other side.

“A photo album!” Dan adored taking photos. No matter where you went, no matter when you went, you had to take at least one picture of your trip. Even if no one else could see it. “We can put all of the photos that Dan took. That we took.” Your fingers ran over an album that was painted in a strikingly familiar shade of blue.

“All handcrafted.” A new voice piped up. You looked up and spotted the man who was sitting in his camping chair, a beer in one hand and the other adjusting something on the table in front of him. “My wife loves making them. All with vegan leather too.” He finished and a grin crossed your lips.

“Oh, I love it.” You were afraid to even open it, not wanting to crack the spine just yet. The bow that held the book together was even a beautiful shade of dark blue as well. “How much?” The old man shifted, placing his beer in the stubby holder and stood up, a groan escaping him and you had to stop yourself from giggling into Yaz’s shoulder.

“About $100.” Your lips pursed at the price but you justified it to yourself. They were all handmade, they looked like they were hand-painted too. Vegan leather, and the absolute perfect shade of blue. You looked at Yaz, who had already pulled out her phone. Looking back at the old man, you grinned. “Okay - we’ll take it.” He cracked a grin in return.

“Fair dinkum.” He replied. “The misses is on her break at the moment but she will be over the moon when she returns. That was her favourite.” The man took the album off the table. “Is it for someone special? Shall I wrap it?” A blush spread across your cheeks and you stammered for a second.

“It most certainly is,” Yaz answered for you and you nudged her in the side with your elbow. The man laughed.

“Of course, of course.” He shuffled to the table that was at the back of the tent. “Can see it in your eyes, love.” Your blush deepened and Yaz laughed. “It will be a lovely Christmas gift.” There was silence for a couple of seconds, as you watched the old man wrap the book. Once he was finished, he turned around and handed it to you. Then Yaz tapped her phone against the EFTPOS machine. Saying your goodbyes, you turned around.

“Now can we go find Dan and the Doctor?” Yaz spoke up. A laugh left you as you placed the wrapped present into Yaz’s backpack. “I’m starving.” You nodded.

“Course, I’m fucking starving as well.”

[kinglivv]

Something So Wrong - Chapter 6

13th Doctor x Reader AU

Summary: Yaz's suspicions are mounting, and you realise you can't hide your relationship with the Doctor from her for much longer.

Warnings: Student teacher relationship

A/N: Restarting the taglist, so let me know if you wish to be added!

"It's not tomorrow."

"It is tomorrow."

"It's not tomorrow! He said yesterday, test on Friday, fourth period!"

Yaz glares at you from where she's sat on her bed, phone in hand and surrounded by textbooks. Ryan's sat at her desk and you're sat on the floor, also surrounded by textbooks. The difference is that yours are actually open and you're doing thework.

"I don't get why you're so stressed out about it." You say. "You're brilliant at Maths! Who cares what day the test is on, you'll always get an A."

"Wanna place a bet, then?" Ryan wagers. "If it's tomorrow, you have to pay Yaz a tenner."

"Only if she pays me a tenner when we inevitabley find out it's on Friday." You insist.

"Deal," replies Yaz, smugly. "You're gonna be ten quid short tomorrow, L/N."

You throw her a rude sign and turn back to your maths homework. You put your pencil to the page when your phone buzzes next to you, and you glance over at the screen to find a text pop up.

Doc xx: How bout Liverpool? For a day out? Xx

You grin and quickly type back an enthusiastic reply.

"Who was that?" Yaz asks, and you jump, not realising you were being watched.

"Just my Mum." You reply shortly.

A reply from the Doctor pops up, and you text her back. You can't help the blush that spreads across your cheeks at the thought of her, half way across town and probably sat at her desk surrounded by papers about space and time and physics. And she's thinking of you.

"You're looking awfully happy for it to be your Mum, Y/N." Yaz teases.

"Just asking what's for tea."

She raises an eyebrow but turns back to her homework. Although you're slightly unsure what to make of that, you brush it off and stand up.

"I'm off to grab a drink," You announce.

"Don't let us get in your way." Ryan replies, half absorbed in his graphics project.

You're barely gone for thirty seconds, saying a quick hello to Najia and grabbing a glass of water, but when you come back you're heart drops.

Yaz is sat at the edge of her bed with your phone in her hand.

"What are you doing with that?" You snatch it off her, and she jumps, looking offended.

"What? It went off! We look at each other's phone's all the time."

"I'd rather you ask, Yaz."

"Who was that? The Doc person who texted you."

"That's none of your business." You snap.

"Woah, woah." Ryan attempts to intervine, arms flapping.

"Ryan, will you go grab us some snacks from the kitchen?" Yaz asks shortly, still glaring at you, and it's more of command than a request. Go away for a minute so we can have a private conversation.

"We just ate-"

"Ryan."

"Fine! Fine." He disappears out the door.

"You're hiding something, Y/N." Yaz says when it slams shut. Somehow, without Ryan in the room, her words sound even more harsh. "What's going on? You've been acting differently recently."

"What do you mean different? Nothing's going on!" You insist, your voice going up a pitch at every word.

"You are!" She retorts. "Off school for two weeks, then that hickey, then you disappearing overnight. And I know you don't stay at your mum's because I went round the other night. Now you're texting random people I don't even know!"

"What, so I need to run all my mates by you now?"

"Are you in trouble?" She asks, suddenly sounding concerned, and it strikes you that maybe she's just worried and looking out for you. "Is it your Mum? Is something going on?"

"Yaz, I'm fine. You're reading into it."

"Then who's 'the Doc'? That sounds like a drug dealer's name! I mean, the only Doctor person you know is..." She trails off as the pin drops. "Oh shit."

Your fingers are shaking and you're frozen in your place. You purse your lips and hold your tongue, not trusting yourself to say anything. You feel as though you're going to combust.

"It's her isn't it?" said Yaz, "That's our physics teacher."

Again, you say nothing.

"Why are you texting our physics teacher?"

"I'm just getting help with homework. And for our tutoring sessions."

"You don't go to those tutoring sessions anymore, Y/N. She were talking about Liverpool!"

"It's nothing!"

"Did she give you the hickey?" She asks suddenly. "Oh my god, are you... are you dating our physics teacher?" She whispers the last words like it's a crime.

Which it is.

"Yaz, listen to me-"

She shoves you hard, and you stumble back in surprise. Yaz had always been much smarter than anyone had given her credit for.

"You are an idiot!" Her face is slightly pale. "She's a teacher, Y/N! A fully grown woman!"

"There's barely ten years between us!"

"Ten fucking years?" She hisses. "You know she could be grooming you, right? Oh my god, what if she's a paedophile?"

"Yaz, she is not a paedophile." You roll your eyes. "I... I was the one who went after her, not the other way around."

"You came onto her? What the hell were you thinking?"

"Look," You flop down on the bed in resignation. You were caught out. "Can we just talk?"

"How long has this been going on for?"

"About a month." You confess.

"You know how dangerous this is, don't you?"

"Yaz, you're not a police officer yet!" You glare. "Just sit down and hear me out."

She lies down next to you but folds her arms in an attempt to still look disapproving and defiant.

"She's amazing. Actually." You tell her as you stare at the plastic stars stuck to her ceiling. "She's where I go if my Mum is getting too much. She's picked me up loads of times from my flat and let me stay at hers where I know I'm safe for the night. She's also actually making me study for my exams and I'm beginning believe that maybe I can do it. I think she's properly one of the best things that's ever happened to me."

"You know how this sounds, don't you?"

"Like I'm an infatuated teenager," - Yaz nods - "and maybe I am. But the Doctor is a good person, even you can't deny that."

"She is," Yaz sighs, rolling onto her side to look at you. "Have you had sex with her?" She asks bluntly.

You glance at her, slightly taken a back by the bluntness.

"Yes." You reply sheepishly.

"Oh my god. Oh my god, Y/N, she is a teacher," She squeaks, and you grab her arm to stop her from pulling away. "You're really deep in the shit." She groans, swinging her forearm across her eyes.

"Yaz, I'm not a child, I know what I'm doing. You know that more than anyone."

Yaz can't help but agree there. Dealing with you mother had forced you mature and grow-up quickly, and it was obvious you could handle yourself. You weren't an idiot.

Yaz sighs. "I always knew you were her favourite student."

You laugh out loud before rolling onto her side to look her in the eye.

"Yasmin." You say seriously, and her smile fades. "No one can no about this, okay? If anyone finds out, the Doctor loses her job and I lose her. She's one of the few good things in my life right now, and I don't want to go back to a world without her."

Yaz nods.

"Pinky promise?"

"Pinky promise."

You lock fingers, and then Ryan opens the door with a tray full of snacks.

"You two had it out? Good." The tray wobbles slightly. "Your Mum gave me loads of stuff, she didn't seem to want to stop. We won't need tea at this rate."

"Brilliant!" Yaz jumps up, helping herself. You follow, plastering a big smile on your face. However, you can't help the feeling of sinking in your guts.

Yaz knew now. Your secret was becoming a little less secret.

Taglist: @becauseseaotters @b-bae-27

[fabulouspotatosister]

is it still you?

summary: getting left behind is never easy. being found is even harder.

word count:  6,127

gif(s) by: @gabrielokun, @elenaglbert​

a/n: hello there, everyone! welcome to my first proper fic since the school year started! you might have seen this on that wip title game i did a little while back, and here it is! thank you to @penguinwithitsarseonfire​ for reminding me that this idea even existed and inspiring me to write it :0 hope you’re all doing well lovelies!

~ o ~

“Amy, I’ll be fine.”

Amy rested against the console, one delicate eyebrow raised as she watched you hover by the Doctor’s side. You were watching him tinker with something on the console, but you could still feel Amy boring holes into you. “Right, just in case we forget the last time you said you were gonna be fine - remind me again why you’re the one doing this?”

“Because I’ve done it a bunch of times!” You glanced up at Amy, then shrunk back at her piercing gaze. You were definitely being judged. You swallowed the urge to say “sorry, mom”. “Reconnaissance. Right, Doctor?”

“Right,” the Doctor replied, sounding slightly distracted. He was peering at what looked like an earbud through a magnifying glass. His coat lay abandoned, flung carelessly over one of the chairs in the console room. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and a pair of large circular goggles rested over his face as he worked. He was cute, but you’d never say that to his face. “I’ve tracked the weapon to this planet, but they’re a hivemind - if they see me, they’ll raise an alarm. I need you to be my eyes and ears.”

“Aye aye, captain,” you said cheerfully, raising a hand to your forehead in a mock salute. “Racked up your fair share of enemies, huh?”

“Oh, you know me.” The Doctor poked at the earbud-thingie with a sparking device. “I’m like James Bond.”

“You wish you were like James Bond,” Amy piped up. 

“Oi!” The Doctor looked up, indignation written over his face even through the huge goggles. “I’d make a great spy.”

Amy grinned at you. Something dangerous glittered in her eyes. “You’d trip over those laser things and set off a bomb with those limbs of yours.” 

The Doctor made a frustrated noise, and buried his nose in the magnifying glass again. 

“Okay, maybe not James Bond,” you said. You let your hand rest on his shoulder, trying not to jostle him as he started connecting some very thin wires. “I think you’ve got the gadgets down, though. You’d be the Quartermaster.”

“The man in the chair,” the Doctor muttered. 

“Yeah, the man in the chair,” you repeated. Absentmindedly, you let your hand wander, travelling down his back slightly. The Doctor went still. “You’ve got a very important job.”

“...Yep.” The Doctor’s voice was strained. 

“Okay, enough, lovebirds,” Amy said. She raised a finger before the Doctor could protest against the “lovebirds” comment. “Is she gonna be gone long?”

“Hopefully not,” the Doctor answered. “Just long enough for me to find out where they’ve landed so I can shut off their queen. It shouldn’t be too far. Twenty minutes, tops. And - aha!”

The Doctor grinned widely at you, pushing the goggles off his face. “That should do it. Look -” He plucked the earbud from the console and beamed at it. “Your very own communicator. Brand new! You don’t even need your phone.” It gleamed silver as he turned it over in his hands. “It links up directly to the TARDIS so we can hear you twenty-four-seven. Or seventy-two seven here.”

“It’s beautiful,” you said, and if it was possible, the Doctor beamed brighter. You reached out to take it, but the Doctor moved forward before you could snatch it from his hand.

“Hang on, let me,” the Doctor said softly. He leaned down, brushing his hand against your hair, and you shuddered. Some kind of heavy silence fell over the two of you as he tucked a piece of hair behind your ear and gently pushed the communicator in - it fit snugly, almost like it was made for you. Which it was. When he spoke again, his voice was hushed. “There we go.”

Amy met your gaze. Lovebirds, she mouthed.

Shut up, you mouthed back. 

The Doctor ran to the other side of the console, picking up the telephone and quickly punching in some numbers. There was the whining sound of feedback in your ear. He tapped the receiver, and the soft tap tap tap felt like someone tapping directly on your brain. “Can you hear this?”

“Loud and clear.” He tapped again, and you winced. “Ow.”

“Sorry,” the Doctor said. He raised the phone to his lips and spoke again, but quieter. The sound sent shivers down your spine, and you tried not to visibly tremble. “It doubles as a tracker, so I’ll know exactly where you are.”

“Useful,” you squeaked out. Amy waggled her eyebrows at you, and you didn’t have the strength to tell her to stop. “Anything else?”

“Nope!” the Doctor said, setting down the phone with a thunk. “Alright! I think you’re all set, mission control.”

You frowned. “I thought you were mission control.”

The Doctor opened his mouth, as if to say something, but caught himself. He settled on smiling instead, the corners of his lips turning up meekly. “My mistake. You’ve been mission control before, I just…”

“Yeah, when you lost the TARDIS with me in it,” you said, giving him the gentlest smile you could muster. “Remember that? Good times.”

The Doctor hummed in reply. He shifted in place, staring at you, his hands hanging limply by his sides. In the dim, yellowish light of the TARDIS interior, you couldn’t tell if he was blushing or not. He stood there for a moment, his lips slightly parted, seemingly lost in thought.

“Hey,” you ventured. The Doctor jumped at the sound of your voice, his gaze darting up to meet yours. “You okay?”

“Always,” he said quickly. “I’m just seeing you off. That’s what I’m doing.”

He was not, in fact, just seeing you off. This was typical Doctor behavior - he was dodging the question. It was almost frustrating, but the way he looked like he was pouting took the edge off the frustration a little bit. But only a little bit. “Are you worried?”

“Me?” The Doctor pulled a confident face, the one he put on when he wasn’t. “Never.”

If you weren’t looking at the Doctor, really looking at him, you would have believed him. But then there was rule one - after some time, the Doctor had turned into an open book for you. The way he stood, very still when he was usually bouncing off the walls, told a different story.

You met his eyes, and something shifted. His face morphed, from confident to bittersweet, to an expression that looked almost mournful. He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Oh, bugger it,” the Doctor muttered under his breath. 

“Doctor - oh!”

He grabbed your arm and pulled you towards him, pulling you flush against his chest. He wrapped his arms around your shoulders and squeezed. He dipped his head down onto your shoulders, his face disappearing into your neck. Amy whistled, but you didn’t hear her - you were too busy focusing on feeling the Doctor’s lips on your skin, and his breath, warm against it, and - well -

“I wasn’t expecting that,” you gasped out.

The Doctor didn’t reply - just squeezed tighter. This face was most definitely a hugger, but they were mostly short and sweet. Little celebratory hugs. These hugs were reserved for certain moments, and certain people. 

“I’m the man in the chair, of course I’m worried,” he finally muttered. “It’s sort of my job.”

“You’ll keep me safe,” you said. You leaned back, and the Doctor lifted his head to look at you. “Mission control, remember? You’ll be there to guide me.”

The Doctor peered at you. “You trust me,” he said quietly, like he couldn’t believe it.

“After all this time, how could I not?” You gave him another soft smile. “You’re trusting me to do this, I’m trusting you to keep me safe.”

“Just -” The Doctor sighed, ragged, and squeezed his eyes shut. When they opened, they were filled with a familiar concern. “Promise me you’ll be careful. I can’t lose you too.”

The last part was nearly a whisper. The sound of his voice tugged at your heart. 

“You won’t,” you said, pulling away from his embrace. Disappointment flickered in the Doctor’s eyes as you stepped backwards towards the doors. “Ever.”

“Okay,” the Doctor said. He looked you over, his expression turning serious. “Ready?”

You nodded. “On your signal, captain.”

A grin slowly spread across the Doctor’s face, childlike. “Captain. I like the sound of that.”

Amy ran up to you, pulling you into another quick hug. She looked just as concerned as the Doctor when she pulled away, holding your face protectively. “Seriously, be safe, alright? I don’t want to be stuck with him without you.”

“Noted,” you replied, and Amy brightened.

“My company isn’t that bad, is it?” the Doctor asked. 

“It’s unbearable,” you joked, and the Doctor pouted. Amy laughed, you laughed, and eventually the Doctor joined in too, chuckling quietly under his breath.

The TARDIS doors swung open slowly, and a gust of cold air burst through them. You walked backwards, waving your fingers at the two in a two-fingered salute, and creeped quietly through the doors.

The first thing that startled you was the smell. The familiar smell of wet grass. A light drizzle fell on your skin, and you looked up. The sky was dark and full of stars - in the distance, you could see the faint lights of flickering street lamps and lit up windows. You could hear the faint sounds of people chattering and cars passing through the night. All of these things were things you knew -

“Doctor, we’re not in the right place,” you said, tapping your earpiece. 

A feedback whine, then the Doctor’s voice, loud and clear as if he was beside you. “What? No, the coordinates were right, I checked -”

“Check again.” Something felt off. You took a hesitant step backward, your back resting against the TARDIS doors. “This is Earth.”

“No, it can’t be,” the Doctor said, incredulous.

“I can see houses in the distance,” you said, “human houses. Unless this is a really convincing simulation, I’m really sure we’ve just landed back on my home planet.”

“Why’d you send us here, old girl?” he asked quietly, probably to the TARDIS. You could faintly hear the TARDIS hum and beep in reply. Then, sharply: “What?” 

"Doctor?” you asked. You tried to keep the fear from creeping into your voice.

“Come back inside, quickly,” the Doctor snapped. 

The urgency in his voice scared the hell out of you, and you straightened, whirling around to face the doors. The handles rattled, but the doors didn’t budge. “I can’t,” you gasped. 

“They’re not locked.” The Doctor’s voice sounded strange through the earpiece. It was getting fuzzier, the ends of his sentences tapering off into silence. “I’ve unlocked them, you should be able to get inside -”

You moved to try again… and your hand passed right through the door handle. You stumbled forward, shocked, and stared at your hand like it was the one that had turned transparent. Then the air started shimmering, and you heard the beautiful wheezing and singing of the TARDIS’s engines -

It was leaving you behind.

“No, no -” Your voice was like molasses in your mouth. You pressed yourself against the doors. They were still solid, still there. The door handles were impossible to grab now, just a faint image in the air, and a sob crawled up your throat. “Doctor, don’t leave!”

A yell ripped through the earpiece, and you winced - the Doctor only ever raised his voice when he was furious. You curled your fists and pressed them against the doors. 

“This can’t be happening, this -” Another strangled noise. It sounded like a sob, and your eyes blurred with tears. “Stay put,” the Doctor said, his voice trembling with emotion. 

If you imagined hard enough you could feel him on the other side of the door. “Okay,” you replied shakily, and sniffed. 

“I’ll come find you.” The Doctor sounded like a broken man. Your name falling from his lips sounded like a promise. “I -”

His voice cut off, and the TARDIS was gone.

You pitched forward and didn’t even bother to put up a fight - your knees buckled underneath you, and you fell onto your knees in the wet grass. Sharp rocks dug into your skin. You could barely feel their jagged edges. You looked up at the night sky as the drizzle slowly eased into a rainstorm, and suddenly your home planet had never felt so alien before. 

“Doctor?” you whimpered, your voice impossibly small. It was foolish, thinking the Doctor could hear you, but you didn’t care - “Doctor, can you hear me?”

Nothing. You were soaked now, raindrops running down your face and blurring with your tears. Biting back another sob, you tried again. “Please - come back, okay?”

The silence was deafening. 

You didn’t know how long you had spent in the rain. Long enough for the lights in the windows to shut off, one by one; long enough for chattering and the sounds of passing cars to quiet down; long enough for the rain to fall even harder than before. Long enough for you to stop shivering from the cold, and long enough -

Long enough for something to block the onslaught of the rain. Blearily, you looked up at the face of a young woman in a police uniform, holding an umbrella over the both of you.

“Ma’am, are you alright?” she asked softly. The tone of her voice was enough to make you start bawling again, as if you hadn't spent the last hour just crying your eyes out. “You shouldn’t be out here in the rain.”

“I know, I just -” How could you explain this to her? “I’m lost,” was what you settled on. 

The woman’s face brightened in a reassuring smile. “Not to worry, I'm here to help."

You nodded, bringing yourself to your feet. The policewoman held out her hand for support, and you wrapped your hands around her arm. You didn’t trust your legs to keep you upright right now. “Sorry, weird question, but - where am I?”

She probably thought you were drunk. That was a better alternative than the truth. “Sheffield,” the policewoman replied.

You hoped she was ready for an even weirder question - “What year is it?”

 A year passed. Settling in was easy enough - thankfully, you had your wallet and phone on you when you arrived back on Earth. All it took was a quick call back home, some trips back and forth to move your things, some paperwork, and you were officially a Sheffield citizen. 

You kept the earpiece. Found a way to wear it around your neck like some kind of ornament. It looked pretty enough, but it was hard to move on when you had a reminder of him resting like a weight on your heart everyday. 

You had tried talking into it on some days, on rainy days that reminded you of the day you were left behind. Sometimes, if you listened hard enough, you could hear faint conversation, sometimes laughter.

Maybe he’d forgotten. Maybe he’d found another companion. Maybe he had gone off to find that Clara girl. It was none of your business now, and yet -

You could’ve gone back to your actual home. But it was so hard to leave - it was hard to leave when the Doctor’s last words had been stay put. Your rational brain tried to convince you that he could find you wherever you were, but there was just something that was keeping you from leaving. 

Yasmin Khan was the policewoman’s name, and she was your very first friend in Sheffield. She’d been the one to help you adjust, and had been the one to help you find a job - as a receptionist in a hospital. 

It was a little funny, working with doctors when none of them were him.

A bolt of lightning lit up the sky. You turned to look out your window - there was no rain, and yet the rumbling sound of thunder echoed across the land. Absentmindedly, you brushed your fingers against the earpiece. It was worn now, from all the constant sentimental holding. 

Your phone chimed. A weather forecast - scattered thunderstorms, it read. And your lock screen - a still image of you and the Doctor that Amy had taken, once upon a time. You were on your tippy toes, adjusting the Doctor’s bow tie with an exaggerated focused look on your face, while the Doctor just stood there, flustered.

They say take a picture, it lasts longer. You still had pictures of all your travels. They felt like tourist pictures, posing in front of alien architecture and making silly faces at otherworldly flora and fauna. They lay buried under pictures of paperwork and cute kids that came into the office, but they were still there.

A year. It would be seconds to him, but an eternity for you - and you couldn’t live an eternity hanging on to just memories of him. Your finger hovered above the delete button.

Sorry, Doctor, you thought. The mere idea of just deleting pictures made you feel sad, then you sniffed indignantly. You had to move on some time, and if it could be now, then -

Knock knock knock!

“Who is it?” you called. There was shuffling behind the door, and a hushed argument. “Hello?”

“Hello!” That voice sounded familiar - it was Grace, Grace Sinclaire, who used to be a nurse and someone that you worked with and who was notoriously really nice - “It’s me! Could you open up, love?”

“Coming!” you called back. You ran a hand through your hair and rubbed your face, wondering why she would be at your door at this hour when she should have been heading home with Graham -

You swung the door open and very nearly dropped your phone.

It was Grace, alright - Grace and her grandson Ryan, who was carrying an unconscious woman in his arms.

“Grace, what the -” you floundered. “What’s going on?”

“We need your help,” she said, and gestured to the woman in Ryan’s arms. “Can we come in?”

You were gaping now, craning your neck to try and get a good look at this woman’s face. “You need to take her to A and E, not to my house! I can drive you there, if that’s what you need -”

“I said that too,” Grace said slowly, like she was bracing to drop a bomb on you. “But right before she fell, she said -”

“Said she didn’t trust anywhere that was just initials,” Ryan finished, glancing down at the woman and then back to Grace, who gave you a sympathetic look. “She said your name.”

You swallowed. How -

“No.” An incredulous smile spread across your face, and you shook your head. “No, you’re kidding.”

“It’s true,” Ryan said. 

“...I don’t know this woman,” you said nervously.

“She knows you,” Grace said, almost pleading. “Please, love.”

There was no reason for them to be lying - the shell shocked expression on Ryan’s face was enough to tell you that he was absolutely telling the truth, whether you liked it or not.

And something that the Doctor had taught you - never refuse a call for help - echoed in your brain.

“Put her on the sofa,” you said quickly. “I’ll go get blankets.”

A few minutes later, you had a stranger lying limply on your sofa. 

She didn’t even make a noise when she was laid down. You laid a floral blanket over her middle, and it settled over her clothes - clothes that were obviously too big for her. The sight rang a bell in the back of your mind, of a night where a man climbed out of his broken ship in a past life’s clothes, clumsy and new -

There was a pull to her that you couldn’t resist. You sat down near her, gently taking her head in your hands and guiding it onto your lap like it was second nature to you. Her skin was warm, almost flushed, blonde hair falling over a surprisingly beautiful face.

Grace crouched down near the woman. “Do you know her?”

You stared at the woman’s face. Your answer would have been no, but now you weren’t so sure. You couldn’t tear your eyes away from her even if you tried - and you were trying. Very hard.

Your hands found their way into her hair, and soon you were running your fingers through it like it was the most natural thing to do. “I don’t know.”

“You look like you do,” Grace’s voice was soft. “You look at her like you’ve known her all your life.”

Your head shot up, and Grace just shrugged. She had a small smile on her lips as she reached for the woman’s arm.

“How do you know that?” 

“I can tell,” Grace said simply. “That’s how Graham looks at me, sometimes.”

There was a beat of silence as she took the woman’s pulse, then she gasped - “Ryan - look.”

The woman’s skin was glowing gold. 

“Whoah,” Ryan said. The woman’s eyebrows were pinched together, a small crease forming between the two of them. Gold patterns swirled under her skin, pulsing like starlight, and you jerked your hands away from her like she would burn you. 

Grace looked up at you, her eyes wide. “She’s got two separate pulses.”

The woman’s arm fell limply at her side as she exhaled - golden dust fell from her lips, floating around like a miniature star in the room. You followed it with your eyes, your mouth hanging open for what must have been the third time that hour.

“Oh my God, what is that?” Ryan asked, moving out of the way.

Grace stared. “I have no idea.”

But you had an idea. You knew. Only one person did that. Only one alien did that. If this was who you thought she was, then -

Suddenly, the woman shot up, sitting bolt upright, breaking you out of your racing thoughts - she clutched her collarbone, gasping, eyes wild and searching. “Who woke me up? I’m not ready - still healing, still -”

Still healing. Your mind was still reeling, still trying to pick up the pieces - her voice was so painfully familiar, and now you knew why. You reached out, placing your hands on your shoulders to soothe her. She startled under your touch.

“You’re alright, you’re fine,” you soothed. A part of you was saying that to yourself. “You’re safe, yeah? Look at me.”

The woman whirled to face you, and you shrunk back. Her eyes were striking, green flecked with yellow and brown. It looked like a galaxy.

“Safe - you…” The woman breathed, staring into your eyes. She stared for what seemed like forever, her gaze locked onto yours, searching your face for something. Then something shifted - her eyebrows quirked up, then pulled down, her face morphing from shocked to confused to mournful. 

“Oh,” the woman said. “Oh no, I’m too late, am I?”

Too late for what? you wanted to ask, but the woman had shot up again, crouching like a bird on the sofa.

"Can you smell that?” she asked, then stopped, one hand coming to press against her collarbone. “No, not smell. Not hear. Feel. Can you feel…” She trailed off, her expression serious. “Stay still, Ryan.”

“What is it? What’s the matter?” he asked quickly. The woman leapt forward to pull down Ryan’s shirt slightly. She exhaled, a worried noise, and spun to face the others.

“Show me your collarbones,” she said, a touch of authority in her voice. Everyone else in the room pulled down their shirts slightly, and you gasped. Small glowing dots, pulsing with a magenta light. You’d only ever heard of those kinds of devices, whispered in the dark alleyways of alien cities, hidden under layers of conspiracy.

“Oh, you’ve all got them,” the woman breathed out, eyes wide.

“So have you,” Ryan pointed out, and the woman looked down. Another blinking light on her collarbone. She made a face.

“Yeah, I have. Okay.” The woman inhaled sharply, straightening her posture, preparing to give bad news. You knew that posture. “Really sorry. Not good news. DNA bombs.”

You rose slowly from your chair. “What?”

The woman cocked her head towards you as she walked in a circle around everyone else, her hands behind her back. “Microimplants which code to your DNA. On detonation, they disrupt the foundation of your genetic code, melting your DNA.”

“But -” you spoke, and everyone’s eyes were on you. “But those are illegal in almost every galaxy, right?”

An unspoken how did you know that hung in the air, but the woman just nodded, her lips pressed together grimly. She reached out to press against Ryan’s glowing dot. “Right.”

Ryan’s eyes widened. “How did we get them?” 

“Nevermind that, are they gonna go off?” Graham asked. 

The woman grimaced. “Quiet. I’m trying to think, it’s difficult -” Her expression changed, her eyes big and searching and so very new. “Brain and body still rebooting, reformatting… oh, reformatting! Can I borrow that?”

“Yeah, I guess so, but what for?”

The woman had reached over and grabbed Ryan’s phone. She was tinkering with it, her brows knit as she focused. “That creature. On the train. When you two came onboard, it zapped us all with these. Simple plan to take out witnesses. Very clever.”

“Merciless,” you piped up.

“But clever,” the woman continued. The phone beeped a few times, and the woman gasped, then held it up proudly. “I reformatted your phone!”

“No! All my stuff’s on there,” Ryan groaned, but the woman just grinned. 

“Not anymore!” She said cheerfully. 

She held the phone to her collarbone - there was a loud zap, then she was knocked back against the wall like she had been thrown. She looked up at everyone, gasping. 

“That nap did me the world of good. Very comfy sofa,” she said, breathless. She glanced down at the phone, gasped again, and then scrambled to her feet. She yanked her coat from one of your chairs, and headed for the door - “Come on, keep up!” 

Everyone stopped to stare at each other, then quickly turned to follow. You took a few steps forward, the woman still drawing you towards her - “Wait, let me come with you -”

The woman turned to face you, already halfway out of your door. She shook her head. “No.”

You frowned. “No?”

She stared for another moment, and you saw it - the familiar gleam of concern, of protectiveness that you had seen at least a billion times in another face. The way her mouth dragged downward and her eyebrows knitted together, an expression somewhere between angry and worried. Your breath caught in your throat, your outstretched hand frozen in place. 

“I’m not putting you in danger again,” the woman said, determined. “I don’t know why. Think I’ll find out later. But you -” Her gaze burned you, with eyes that seemed so old and so new at the same time. “You have to be safe,” she continued. “Please. Stay put.”

It sounded like a promise. The woman glanced down at your hand while you lowered it, drawing it close to your chest.

“Okay,” you said. “Go. I won’t keep you.”

The woman nodded. “Thank you.”

And then she was gone, driving off into the night with everyone else. 

You didn’t rest easy that night. Lightning flashed and crackled across the sky without any rain. You jumped every time the sky lit up - too on edge to be calm at all, too confused to try and get some rest - your hand thumbing the silver earpiece that still hung around your neck, strangely warm to the touch.

“This can’t be happening, this - stay put -”

“Please. Stay put.”

“Doctor,” you whispered. 

 Grace’s funeral was a few days after that.

At first glance, it didn’t seem like a funeral. The place was covered in balloons. There wasn’t a hint of melancholy in the air - the sun was shining bright through the windows of the church, not a single cloud in sight. No sign of the lightning from the days before. It was almost like the world had moved on.

You decided not to sit in the front. Tried not to think about the Grace that had brought the Doctor to your doorstep. Tried not to think about you had never thanked her for bringing her back to you. Instead you thought about happy, knowing Grace, and hoped that she could hear you, wherever she was now.

You found Ryan standing near the doors of the church. He was waiting - your heart clenched at the sight. Steeling yourself, you moved to comfort him -

And you stopped in your tracks. The Doctor walked up to him slowly, her hands in her pockets. Ryan glanced at her in acknowledgement. 

“What time did your dad say he’d get here?” the Doctor asked softly. 

Ryan kept on looking out, searching. “Two hours ago.”

“If he said he’ll come -” That was the Doctor, always trying to comfort -

“He says a lot of things,” Ryan said, gruffly. “He’s never been the best at being reliable. I mean how can he not be here? She’s his mum. She would have wanted him here.”

The Doctor nodded, pursing her lips. She kept that empathetic look in her eyes as she gazed up at him, not knowing what to say. That was another familiar thing that hurt. She still was so kind, still out to help others in need.

“I want him here,” Ryan finished. 

That was you, once upon a time. But things had changed, and you weren’t the one that left.

The Doctor’s gaze flickered to where you were, standing just a few feet away. Your eyes met for a second, and something passed over the Doctor’s face. Recognition. Her mouth opened like she wanted to call out for you, her mouth forming over the syllables of your name - 

You turned on your heel and walked away before she could see the tears forming in your eyes.

The door shuddered in its frame as you slammed it behind you. Stupid, getting emotional over her when you were supposed to be moving on like she had - your hands clamped onto the earpiece, gripping onto the small device like it was a lifeline. You hadn’t noticed that you were shaking, or that you had fallen on your knees onto the floor. You took in quick, shallow breaths, blinking the tears away like your life depended on it.

The earpiece was cold in your palms. You tried to let the feeling ground you, but even just remembering what it was made you nearly tip over the edge -

Knock knock knock.

“Yes?” Your voice was rough, and you coughed. “So - sorry, who is it?”

There were some hushed voices. 

“Isn’t it so weird how they know each other?”

“Not the strangest thing anymore, after what’s happened.”

“Hush, both of you.”

Then - a soft call of your name, warm and everything you’d ever needed. 

“It’s me," the Doctor said. “Could you open the door?”

You stilled, not trusting your ears. This wasn’t the triumphant reunion that you had wanted for the past year. That fantasy had faded over time. And yet there was a spark of hope in your chest, threatening to set everything alight.

The Doctor spoke again, her voice impossibly gentle and impossibly the same. “Listen -” Her voice cracked, and you bit back a sob - “I know it’s been some time, but I am so so sorry -”

That was it. You rose to your feet, red eyes and runny nose be damned, and flung the door open.

“No,” you said, your voice thick with emotion. “No, don’t start.”

The Doctor’s beautiful new eyes widened a fraction. 

“Hello to you too,” she said quietly. She wasn’t as tall as she used to be - in fact, she was much shorter, so you didn’t have to crane your neck as much to take a good look at her face. She was dressed differently too, finally out of her raggedy clothes and into a new outfit that you’d say was cute, but never to her face. 

You blinked up at her, sniffed, and crossed your arms over your chest. “Don’t apologize.”

The Doctor frowned slightly. “I have to, I left you behind for - oh!”

You grabbed the Doctor by her new suspenders and pulled her against you so she was flush against your chest. You buried your face in the crook of her shoulder, throwing your arms around her neck. Someone - you weren’t sure who - maybe it was Ryan - whistled, but you didn’t hear him.

It took a moment for the Doctor to let her hands rest against your back. Maybe this face wasn’t much of a hugger. But she didn’t let go, and leaned in closer so her chin rested on your shoulder.

“Let me say sorry,” she whispered. “I promised I would keep you safe, promised I’d come back for you. You trusted me, and I let you down.”

“I didn’t think you were gonna come back,” you mumbled. You shifted, letting your cheek rest against her skin. “I thought you’d left me forever and I thought - I thought -”

“Hey,” the Doctor soothed, pulling away. She brought one hand up to rest on your cheek, her thumb delicately brushing tears away, and you sniffed again. You probably looked ridiculous. “I’m here. I’m sorry I took so long.”

You nodded. “Is it still you?”

The Doctor grinned, and the way it lit up the world around her made your heart do flips. “‘Course it’s still me.” She looked down at the earpiece resting against your chest and raised her eyebrows in surprise. “You kept the communicator.”

“I - I couldn’t throw it away,” you stammered, shrugging, “sentimental value. Or I just missed you. Maybe both.”

“Oh, you,” the Doctor said, her eyes glimmering. “You won’t need it anymore.”

Your hands shot up to grab it. You raised an eyebrow at the Doctor, whose grin was just growing wider and wider. You couldn’t help it - you let a smile slip onto your face. “Why is that?”

“Because I want you to come with me. Again.” The Doctor leaned backwards on the balls of her feet, and tucked her hands firmly back into her pockets. 

You felt like you’d just been kicked in the chest - all the air was suddenly gone from your lungs. Every last bit of eloquence that you’d had disappeared in an instant, and all you could manage was, “Uh.”

The Doctor smiled, a kind of nervous, polite smile. “What do you say?”

You could - take her hand and fly away with her again, like nothing had ever happened. Your gaze moved to behind her, where Graham, Ryan, and Yaz stood. They had seen this face before you did, and maybe - just maybe - 

“I can’t. Besides,” you gestured to the three of them, “you don’t need me anymore.”

The Doctor turned to face the three of them, and when she turned back to face you there was an intensity in her eyes that you weren’t a stranger to. The Doctor’s brows furrowed, and you curled in on yourself - that was something the Doctor never liked, when people put themselves down - but you thought it was the truth. 

The Doctor shook her head.

“Yes, I do,” she said simply. She leaned forward to press her lips against your forehead. It still felt magical. “I always have. Always will.”

She peered down at you, looking you right in the eyes, and you tried to find any sign that she was lying. Any sign that this was some kind of trick, some kind of fluke. 

But there she was, her voice gentle and earnest, one hand outstretched to take you back.

You took her hand and her lips quirked up just slightly. That same spark of hope instantly blossomed into a fire, comforting like a hearth on a cold winter evening. 

She led you outside, let you cross the hidden gap between a normal life and a life with her, again. Ryan, Graham and Yaz smiled as you stepped through, your hands intertwined with the Doctor’s.

“No ship, but at least I’ve got you,” the Doctor said cheerfully. Your head shot up to meet her sheepish expression, and you breathed out a laugh.

“The TARDIS? Really? Again?”

“Yep,” she replied, popping the “p” sound. You sighed deeply, but you couldn’t wipe the smile from your face. 

“Oh, you definitely know each other,” Yaz said, her eyes wide with amazement.

“Well? Just like old times,” the Doctor said. “Ready?”

“Aye-aye, captain,” you chirped, and the Doctor laughed.

And when all of you got spat out in the middle of space, in the split second between life and death, you met the Doctor’s gaze and grinned. Perhaps nothing had really changed at all. Perhaps this was just a new chapter.

Geronimo. 

[thirtccnthdoctor]

send me some requests guys. I am now starting write again. I remind that I write for:

Supernatural:

Dean Winchester (Platonic, daughter or sister)

Sam Winchester (Platonic, daughter or sister)

Castiel (Platonic)

Jack Kline (platonic)

Doctor Who:

Thirteenth Doctor (Romantic, platonic, daughter or sister)

Yasmin Khan (Romantic, platonic, or sister)

Ryan Sinclair (Platonic or sister)

Graham O'Brien (Platonic or sister)

[aboutcustardcreams]

Help me hold onto you

warnings: none; bit angsty. Doctor freaks out because she’s scared for you.

part one

“I knew this was a bad idea and neither of you would listen to me!”  

Yaz was frantic, furious and terrified. She was pacing in a circle around your stiff form, arms crossed over her chest, eyes on you. She was confused. Properly confused. From the exact moment you fell silent, she knew something was terribly wrong. And when she touched you, almost timidly calling out your name, her suspicions were confirmed.  

The Doctor spun around the moment she heard Yaz’s muffled cry. Color drained from her face as soon as her eyes landed on you. “No– no, no, no, no!” Her voice started in a low murmur before rising in a more urgent tone. She rushed to you, frantic just like Yaz had been, mouth contorted in an expression of pure confusion and pain. By the color of your skin, the first thing one would think is that you turned to stone, but it wasn’t quite right. However, you still were as stiff as one. 

“Hey, hey, come on now stardust, talk to me–”. Your body twitched, however slightly, when she ran her fingers to cup your cheeks.

Yaz frowned worriedly at how unnaturally unresponsive you were. 

Your expression was a mixture of terror and confusion. Your empty eyes bored into some undefined point ahead of you. But even when the Doctor managed to guide your chin towards her, you still wouldn’t see her. Whatever your mind was showing you was impeding you from locking eyes with her. The Doctor hated that. She needed to bask in your eyes again, in those lively and warm eyes that had nothing to do with those she was staring at now, of a dull light gray, almost stoney, devoid of any glimpse of you. The real you.

Yaz took a step towards you and the Doctor. “She’s–” to her friend’s trembling voice the Doctor’s breath hitched. “Her body is so cold and her eyes–”. Yaz’s frown deepened, as she tried to make sense of what was happening. Your mouth was contorted into a grimace, as if you were scared, trying to pull away from something or someone. “Can’t she see us? Is she in pain? What’s happening, Doc. What do we do?”

But the Doctor wasn’t listening, or well, she was– but couldn’t answer yet. One of the most annoying things according to the Doctor was having thousands of questions and no answer. She stuttered, trying to connect the brain to her mouth before speaking, but she short circuited. She clenched her eyes forcefully and tried to think. 

“Doctor-” 

You were in danger, because of her. The person she silently vowed to always protect was standing right in front of her, looking like a statue enduring the most excruciating pain. She couldn’t breathe. She shouldn’t be allowed to breathe. Not when you were in such a state. 

“Doctor,” Yaz tried again, voice getting louder this time. 

“What? What is it?” The Doctor didn’t miss the hurt in her friend’s brown eyes when she turned around. Yaz took a step back, clenching her jaw while doing so.

The Doctor mentally cursed herself, noticing the distress and partial fear in her friend's eyes. Reaching out her arms towards Yaz, she exhaled, “I’m sorry, I’m truly sorry…”, her apology was sincere, Yaz knew that, yet it hurt. She swallowed thickly, her lips curled upwards only for a second. “I shouldn’t have lashed out like that–it’s just that… I don’t know why this is happening and I’m worried for her, for you.”

“It’s alright–” Her voice was timid when she replied. 

“I’ll take you two out of this cursed place, I promise.” 

She seemed to have regained her composure, or so that’s what she wanted herself and Yaz to believe. There was no time, really no time to portray weakness. 

Her hands came cupping your face again, “Hey stardust–” an exhale, “I don’t know if you can hear me, but don’t worry– It will all be over soon,” she winced, her thumb tracing your jawline that felt like sandpaper. “Oh, and for the record, it wasn’t my turn to get scared. Can’t always be my turn–” 

The Doctor heard Yaz’s quiet chuckle at her attempt at humor, which caused her own lips to curve upwards for a moment. Normally you’d have answered in kind, teased her or laughed along with Yaz. You’d always laugh at her jokes, even when they were terrible. 

“I want you to know that I’m right here, and no matter what, I’ll save you– I’m not gonna leave you– I’m never gonna leave you,” she cooed, finally let those tears slip from her eyes to her cheeks. 

Calm down, Doc. You always figure it out in the end, don’t you? 

She could almost hear you saying those exact words to her. Smiling cheekily, with a confident nod of your head and your hands tucked in your pockets. S 

With a watery chuckle, she muttered, “Yes, yes I do. You’re right. Always right, you.” 

Yaz frowned, trying to understand if the Doctor was creating a psychic link with you. She couldn’t be talking to herself now, could she? 

“Alright let’s see–” The Doctor pulled out her sonic to scan your form and everything close to you. To her horror, she found out that your heart rate was incredibly high, so high, the risks of a heart failure were duplicating at every passing second. You were running with a fever too. Mild now, destined to rise later. 

“This makes no sense at all–” she reasoned to herself, exasperation filled her tone.

“What makes no sense?”

She avoided that question, and instead she said, “Yaz— you need to go back on the TARDIS now.”

Yaz scoffed bitterly and her frown deepened, as if the Doctor had spoken a language totally foreign to her. “I’m not gonna leave you.”

“Yes you are!” The Time Lady argued back. 

Her brown eyes started welling up with tears, “You do it all the time. You push everyone away, when things get difficult. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It doesn’t work that way. Let me help-”

The Doctor faltered, her expression a mixture of frustration and helplessness. “It’s not that simple.”

“Why?” She croaked out. 

“Because you’re human!” she hissed, her hands no longer on your face turned into fists to her sides. “Because the risks that something was to happen to you or her are high and the chances that I am going to lose one of you, because of my negligence are even higher.”

It’s not that Yaz didn’t understand that, because she did. But you were her friend, and she was worried about you. She could almost imagine you telling her not to let the Doctor play the hero by herself. But with your life on a thread, Yaz was sure that would have been an impossible mission to accomplish. 

“Can you tell me at least what’s happening to her? She’s my friend too–”

Time seemed to slow down for a moment. The Doctor felt like all the oxygen had been taken away from her at Yaz’s choice of words. One in particular. Friend. You were Yaz’s friend, and she obviously cared about you. But were you her… friend? Could you be something so reductive to her? The Doctor gave Yaz a hesitant nod, her lips pressed together before parting. That was not the place nor the time to be questioning her feelings for you. She concluded you were trapped in some sort of alternative dimension, staring into things that weren’t really there, but were draining the life out of you. 

“S-she’s trapped– something is–” she stalled, “or rather someone, I don’t know, I’m not sure– but it’s powerful, ancient, almost impossible…-” then she made a face. A face of realization. Yaz knew that expression. It was the kind of face that she put on when an idea popped out in her mind. Her brilliant big mind. She averted her gaze from Yaz to you, hovering her sonic once again at the mist at your feet. 

“Oh–” The sonic beeped, so loud, she almost dropped it. “Of course!” Yaz almost spotted a glimpse of hope in her eyes, relief even. Knowing the source of the problem is a first good step towards the solution. The sonic detected something partially organic, that was once alive, and that in a way still was. Souls, thousands of them, trapped in some sort of Limbo, trapped in the mist filling the planet of Nectoxia. 

There was a reason why Nectoxia appeared so strangely desolate and neglected. There was nothing wrong with the gateway, quite the opposite in fact. People could still cross it, without ever making it back.  

“What?” Yaz needed to know, “you figured it out, didn’t you?”

The Doctor’s eyes locked into Yaz’s one more time. The relief suddenly turned into a new form of despair and fear. If she was right, the Time Lady had very little time to bring you back before it was too late. “I think I know who’s doing this to her. And if I’m right, oh- how I hate to be right sometimes–”, she grumbled, almost childishly. 

“Who?”

She smiled bitterly. “Got me unprepared for a minute. But I’m clever. So boo to him. It’s the Veilstryx, a psychic alien that feeds on people’s wildest fears and makes them real. He twists memories to his own advantage, makes them painful and unbearable. Physically and emotionally atrocious, until the victims suffocate in their own…worst nightmare.”

“So she’s dreaming?” Yaz stated, carefully darting her eyes towards you.  

“Yes. Sort of. Kind of. I need to get to her. I’m the only one that can push through her mind. It’s invasive, probably ethically wrong, but I won’t let this stop me from saving her. She can be mad at me later. Plenty of time to be cross with me, really.” 

Yaz’s lips curved upwards only slightly, relieved that the Doctor finally came up with a plan. All was not lost yet. “What about me? What can I do?”

“What I already told you,” she insisted and that was not up to debate. “You need to leave. Go back on the TARDIS, she will keep ya safe. The Veilstryx… he could come for you too and we cannot let it happen. I will not let it happen,” she insisted, refusing to have another of her friends slip away from her like that. Seeing the mild hesitation in Yaz’s features, the Doctor’s eyes softened. She reached up to cup Yaz’s cheeks, staring into her eyes with a mixture of love and guilt. “I’ve been so reckless with you two, but I’m going to fix this. I need to get her out of this psychic link before it …k-kills her, because it might and Yaz…”, she struggled to swallow the lump in her throat, her voice breaking slightly. “I can’t let it happen, do you understand? Tell me you understand.” 

Yaz knew the Doctor’s hearts. She could see through, so she gave in and nodded slowly. 

“Okay,” Yaz finally conceded, her voice heavy with tears. “I get it. I really do. Just–”, she breathed in a short, shaky breath, “please, be safe.”

“Always safe, me,” she grinned, yet it didn’t reach her ears.  

 “I’ll set these exact coordinates so you’ll find yourself in the TARDIS.” 

“Brilliant” The Doctor cheered, gently patting Yaz’s shoulder and praying to all the stars the Veilstryx wouldn’t get to her too. “Ten points to you.”

She chuckled, quietly and sadly, “I’m catching up, see?” 

“I had no doubts you would’ve,” she responded in a fond whisper.

Her focus went back on you and with her thumb on your temple, she closed her eyes.

Contact

[bestshipsmackdown]

With Nine Submissions: (1)

Kim Dokja x Yoo Joonghuyk from Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

With Eight Submissions: (4)

Percy Jackson x Annabeth Chase from The Percy Jackson Series

Gideon Nav x Harrowhark Nonagesimus from The Locked Tomb Series

Yang Xiao Long x Blake Belladonna from RWBY

Evan Buckley x Eddie Diaz from 911

With Seven Submissions: (2)

Adora x Catra from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

@bracket-bracket x @thecompetitionshowdowntournament x @ultimate-poll-tournament from tumblr.com

With Six Submissions: (4)

Fred Jones x Daphne Blake x Velma Dinkley x Norville “Shaggy” Rogers from Scooby-Doo

Luz Noceda x Amity Blight from The Owl House

Lance x Keith from Voltron: Legendary Defender

Hiyori Suzumi x Yujiro Someya x Aizo Shibasaki from Honeyworks[Confession Executive Committee]

With Five Submissions: (3)

Marinette Dupain-Cheng[Ladybug] x Adrien Agreste[Chat Noir] from Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir [Miraculous Ladybug]

Kazuki Kurusu x Rei Suwa from Buddy Daddies

Akira Kurusu[Ren Amamiya/Joker]x Goro Akechi from Persona 5[Persona 5 Royal]

With Four Submissions: (10)

Jack Harkness x Rose Tyler x The Ninth Doctor from Doctor Who

Link x Zelda from The Legend of Zelda

Eda Clawthorne x Raine Whispers from The Owl House

Phoenix Wright x Miles Edgeworth from Ace Attorney

Naruto Uzumaki x Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto

Nomi Marks x Amanita Caplan from Sense8

Mike Wheeler x Will Byers from Stranger Things

Nancy Wheeler x Robin Buckley from Stranger Things

Yasmin “Yaz” Khan x The Thirteenth Doctor from Doctor Who

Merlin x Arthur Pendragon from Merlin

With Three Submissions: (32)

Laura Moon x Mad Sweeney from American Gods

Caitlyn Kiramann x Vi from Arcane

Troy Barnes x Abed Nadir from Community

Imogen Temult x Laudna from Critical Role

Edward Nygma x Oswald Cobblepot from Gotham

Will Solace x Nico Di Angelo from Heroes of Olympus

Hikaru Indou x Yoshiki Tsukajinaka from Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu

Will Parry x Lyra Silvertongue from His Dark Materials

Rose Lalonde x Kanaya Maryam from Homestuck

Gon Freecss x Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter

Dustfinger x Resa from Inkheart

Gimli x Legolas from Lord of the Rings

Bakugou Katsuki x Todoroki Shouto from Boku No Hero Academia[My Hero Academia]

Todoroki Touya[Dabi] x Takami Keigo[Hawks] from Boku No Hero Academia[My Hero Academia]

KJ Brandman x Mac Coyle from Paper Girls

Perfuma x Scorpia from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Reki Kyan x Langa Hasegawa from Sk8 the Infinity

Korra x Asami from The Legend of Korra

Dream x Hob from The Sandman

Enid Sinclair x Wednesday Addams from Wednesday

Buffy Summers x Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Caleb Widowgast x Essek Thelyss from Critical Role

Eddie Kaspbrak x Richie Tozier from It

Bugs Bunny x Daffy Duck from Looney Tunes

Magnus Chase x Alex Fierro from Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard

Bakugou Katsuki x Kirishima Eijirou from Boku No Hero Academia[My Hero Academia]

Dean Winchester x Castiel from Supernatural

Death[El Lobo de la Muerte] x Puss in Boots x Kitty Softpaws from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Tara Maclay x Willow Rosenberg from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Shibasaki Aizo x Someya Yujiro from Honeyworks[Confession Executive Committee]

Michael “Mike” Wazowski x James P. Sullivan “Sulley” from Monsters, Inc.

Nana Osaki x Nana “Hachi” “Hachiko” Komatsu from Nana

These are the ones that have to go through a prequalifying round:

With Two Submissions: (137)

Carlos Reyes x TK Strand from 911: Lonestar

Kazuma Asougi x Ryunosuke Naruhodo from The Great Ace Attorney

Apollo Justice x Klavier Gavin from Ace Attorney: Apollo Justice

Marceline x Princess Bubblegum from Adventure Time

Salim x The Djinn from American Gods

Sam Black Crow x Shadow Moon from American Gods

Zuko x Sokka x Suki from Avatar the Last Airbender

Zuko x Sokka from Avatar the Last Airbender

Aang x Katara from Avatar the Last Airbender

Barbapapa x Barbamama from Barbapapa

Erika x Annaliese from Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper

Faith Lehane x Buffy Summers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Chuuya Nakahara x Osamu Dazai from Bungo Stray Dogs

Carmen Sandiego x Julia Argent from Carmen Sandiego

Ulrich Stern x Yumi Ishiyama from Code Lyoko

Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III x Vex'ahlia from Critical Role

Harley Quinn x Poison Ivy from DC

Hal Jordan x Bruce Wayne from DCU[Justice League]

Lena Luthor x Kara Zor-El[Kara Danvers] from DC[Supergirl]

Tinkerbell x Vidia from Disney Fairies

The Doctor x The Master from Doctor Who

Jonathan Harker x Mina Murray from Dracula

Jalil x Christopher from Everworld

Nessie97[Vannie] x Luis Cabrera from Five Nights at Freddy's[AR Emails]

Edward Elric x Winry Rockbell from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Anathema x Newt from Good Omens

Crowley x Aziraphale from Good Omens

Orpheus x Eurydice from Greek Mythology

Amelia x Link from Grey's Anatomy

Bailey x Ben from Grey's Anatomy

Bokuto Koutarou x Akaashi Keiji from Haikyuu!!

Charlie Morningstar x Vaggie from Hazbin Hotel

Elle Argent x Tao Xu from Heartstopper

Millie x Moxxie from Helluva Boss

Stolas Goetia x Blitzø from Helluva Boss

Lord Asriel x Marisa Coulter from His Dark Materials

Dave Strider x Karkat Vantas from Homestuck

Dr. Gregory House x Dr. James Wilson from House M.D.

Astrid Hofferson x Hiccup Haddock from How To Train Your Dragon

Howl Jenkins Pendragon x Sophie Hatter from Howl's Moving Castle

Leorio Paradinight x Kurapika from Hunter x Hunter

Sid the Sloth x Manny the Mammoth x Diego the Saber Tooth Tiger from Ice Age

The Black Prince x Violante from Inkheart

Dustfinger x The Black Prince from Inkheart

Beverly Marsh x Ben Hanscom from It

Gojo Satoru x Geto Suguru from Jujutsu Kaisen

Luke Patterson x Julie Molina from Julie and the Phantoms

Hutch x Chloe from Jupiter's Legacy

Yukari Kotozome[Cure Macaron] x Akira Kenjou[Cure Chocolat] from Kirakira Pretty Cure A La Mode

Meta Knight x King Dedede from Kirby

Joacquim Morray x Forever Carlyle from Lazarus

Wendy Pleakley x Jumba Jookiba from Lilo & Stitch

Arwen x Aragorn from Lord of the Rings

Lucifer x Chloe Decker from Lucifer

Eve x Mazikeen from Lucifer

Homura Akemi x Madoka Kaname from Madoka Magica

Jonathan Sims x Martin Blackwood from The Magnus Archives

Steve Rogers[Captain America] x Anthony “Tony” Stark[Ironman] from Marvel

Wanda x Vision from Marvel

James “Bucky” Barnes x Steve Rogers[Captain America] from Marvel

Sam Wilson x James “Bucky” Barnes from Marvel

Charles Xavier[Professor X] x Erik Lehnsherr[Magneto] from X-Men[Marvel]

Noemi x Francis from Mexican Gothic

Adrien Agreste[Chat Noir] x Luka Couffaine[Viperion] from Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir [Miraculous Ladybug]

Nathalie Sancoeur x Émilie Agreste from Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Chat Noir [Miraculous Ladybug]

Phryne Fisher x Jack Robinson from Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

Bakugou Katsuki x Todoroki Shouto x Midoriya Izuku from Boku No Hero Academia[My Hero Academia]

Yaoyorozu Momo x Jirou Kyouka from Boku No Hero Academia[My Hero Academia]

Todoroki Shouto x Midoriya Izuku from Boku No Hero Academia[My Hero Academia]

Uraraka Ochako x Midoriya Izuku from Boku No Hero Academia[My Hero Academia]

Kate Whistler x Lucy Tara from NCIS Hawai'i

Richard Mayhew x Lady Door from Neverwhere

Jack Kelly x David Jacobs from Newsies

Regina Mills[Evil Queen] x Emma Swan from Once Upon a Time

Killian Jones[Captain Hook] x Emma Swan from Once Upon a Time

Elizabeth Swann x Will Turner from Pirates of the Caribbean

Elizabeth Bennet x Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride and Prejudice

Charlotte “Lottie” La Bouff x Tiana from Princess and the Frog

Dani Powell x Malcolm Bright from Prodigal Son

Gil Arroyo x Jessica Whitly from Prodigal Son

Sasha Nein x Milla Vodello from Psychonauts

Utena Tenjou x Anthy HImemiya from Revolutionary Girl Utena

Lie Ren x Nora Valkyrie from RWBY

Ruby Rose x Penny Polendina from RWBY

Mamoru Chiba[Tuxedo Mask] x Usagi Tsukino[Sailor Moon] from Sailor Moon

Daphne Blake x Velma Dinkley from Scooby-Doo

Magnus x Alec from Shadowhunters

Glimmer x Bow from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Mermista x Sea Hawk from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Spinnerella x Netossa from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

John Watson x Sherlock Holmes from Sherlock Holmes

Kaz Brekker x Inej Ghafa from Six of Crows

Wylan Hendricks x Jesper Fahey from Six of Crows

Nina Zenik x Matthias Helvas from Six of Crows

Sonic the Hedgehog x Shadow the Hedgehog from Sonic the Hedgehog

Eric Cartman x Kyle Brofloski from South Park

Loid Forger x Yor Briar from Spy x Family

Captain Kirk x Spock from Star Trek

Connie Maheswaran x Steven Universe from Steven Universe

Ruby x Sapphire from Steven Universe

Steve Harrington x Eddie Munson from Stranger Things

El Hopper x Max Mayfield x Lucas Sinclair from Stranger Things

Rapunzel x Eugene “Flynn Rider” Flitzherbert

Scott McCall x Stiles Stilinski from Teen Wolf

Morticia Addams x Gomez Addams from The Addams Family

Chidi Anagonye x Eleanor Shellstrop from The Good Place

Ellie Williams x Dina from The Last of Us 2

Ashby x Pei from The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet

Sissix x Rosemary Harper from The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet

Jenks x Lovey from The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet

Marco x Celia from The Night Circus

Willow Park x Hunter from The Owl House

Gus Porter x Mattholomule from The Owl House

Westley x Buttercup from The Princess Bride

Chel x Miguel x Tulio from The Road to El Dorado

Barbie x Wanda from The Sandman

Foxglove x Hazel from The Sandman

Hector x Lyta from The Sandman

Will Herondale x Tessa Gray x Jem Carstairs from The Shadowhunter Chronicles

Zachary x Dorian from The Starless Sea

Cassandra x Laura from The Wicked + The Divine

Vasya x Morozko from The Winternight Trilogy

Jaskier[Dandelion] x Geralt of Rivia x Yennefer from The Witcher

Fox Mulder x Dana Scully from The X-files

Jack x Rose from Titanic

Kou Minamoto x Mistuba Sousuke from Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun

Ken Kaneki x Hideyoshi Nagachika from Tokyo Ghoul

Ianto Jones x Jack Harkness from Torchwood

Toshiko Sato x Owen Harper from Torchwood

Agnieszka x Sarkan from Uprooted

Cornelia Hale x Irma Lair from W.I.T.C.H.

Bloom x Stella from Winx Club

Flora x Mirta from Winx Club

Xena x Gabrielle from Xena: Warrior Princess

Agent 355 x Allison Mann from Y : The Last Man

Hero Brown x Beth Deville from Y : The Last Man

Katsuki Yuuri x Viktor Nikiforov from Yuri!!! on Ice

[ranxiaolong]

The Woman who fell in Love with the Stars - Chapter 1 - And to You, the Stars

Chapters: 1 [2] [3] [4] [5]

Summary: You stared wistfully towards the night sky. You had loved the stars ever since you were small. They held all sorts of secrets and wonderful mysteries you could not even begin to fathom. At least, until the Doctor had whisked you away to see them. You still could hardly articulate how much the stars intrigued you, their glow blurred through the Earth's atmosphere. The Doctor showed you the wonders of the universe, gave you a taste of magnificent splendor.

The Doctor was many things. She was a traveler, a Time Lord, and a keeper of secrets. To some, she was like a flame, warm and inviting. To others, she cut like ice. And to you? To you, she was the stars.

A/n: this one’s got angst!

The Doctor stood frozen as your lips were pressed against hers. This was something she hadn’t been expecting. She supposed a lot of your recent actions had begun to make sense now, all the stolen glances, the lingering touches, rosy cheeks. She was an idiot for not connecting the dots sooner. As you pulled away your eyelids fluttered open, anxious orbs searching her face, teeth pulling fitfully at your bottom lip. She recalled how you had been the past few weeks: always a touch closer than usual, a bit more nervous in her presence. 

Maybe Donna had been right all those years ago. She really was thick.

The Doctor felt her hearts race—but she remembered all the people before. This was how she felt when she was with Rose. How she felt when she was with River. Could she really accept these feelings? Accept the heartbreak that was going to come with them? Accept that as long as she cared for you and let you travel with her, you would be in the most danger you could possibly be in?

The Doctor became scared. Scared of her emotions, scared of her past, scared of the future. 

So, she did the only thing she knew how to do. 

She ran.

You found yourself dumped at your flat, a promise to pick you up later given only from Yaz. The Doctor had remained silent. The TARDIS doors slammed shut.

It had been three weeks since you had last seen the Time Lord.

You had started cooping yourself up since the end of the first week. You had most definitely seen Yaz and Ryan around in passing but had never managed to catch either for a quick exchange to see if they had seen the Doctor. It became unnecessary once you saw them out your window late one night running towards the fantastic blue box, the telltale sound of the TARDIS starting as soon as the door slammed shut behind them. The Doctor had not been waiting for you.

You padded over to your bed, falling across the mattress and face-planting onto your pillow. You laid nearly motionless, a few blinks away from passing out. You only rose from the bed two hours later, peeling your face away from a damp pillow.

————

You spent countless hours staring at the posters in your room. Foreign planets, solar systems, stars, and galaxies lined your walls. Some you had ever since you were a child, others were definitely newer as more were discovered. You glanced at the telescope you kept stored in the corner of your room. Ever since you were a child, you were completely obsessed with the stars. Your parents would tell you and the guests you brought over (much to your embarrassment and sometimes abject horror in your later years) the fantastical stories you would come up with as a child about being a space traveler—able to jump between the stars.

A humorless chuckle parted your lips as you reminisced. 

Jump between the stars, indeed.

A sigh swelled and deflated your chest. Your eyes traced over the celestial figures taped to your wall, one poster, in particular, standing out. A mass of reds and blues and greens. The gaseous form had never failed to catch your eye. The Orion Nebula. Out of all of the extraterrestrial forms that grabbed your attention, nothing did it more than the Orion Nebula. You had no idea why, but the nebulous cocoon fascinated you.

Maybe it was how the stars were unattainable. You had always believed that you could only reach them through a telescope until the Doctor gathered you in her arms and let you walk amongst the stars. She let you touch what was only to be looked at through glass and hundreds of light-years away. An invisible barrier that was not meant to be breached.

The Doctor was many things. She was a traveler, a Time Lord, and a keeper of secrets. To some, she was like a flame, warm and inviting. To others, she cut like ice. But to you? To you, she was the stars.

You fell backward onto your bed, softly bouncing upon impact. 

What you wouldn’t give to jump between the stars again. What you wouldn’t give to be with the woman who was the stars.

Was the woman you thought to be the stars to be as unattainable as you thought the stars were as well?

The TARDIS let you reach out to the stars. 

But would the stars ever reach out to you?

————

Around the second week of solitude, Yaz had stopped by. She had hesitated in front of your door before knocking, unsure of what to say. You had a stagnant conversation over tea.

You sipped your tea quietly, waiting for your best friend to speak.

“So...” Yaz hesitated, “How have you been?”

Your eyes never left Yasmin. She was obviously uncomfortable. 

“Fine. You?” You tersely replied.

“Good. I’m good.”

Silence engulfed the room.

“How has work been?”

“The same. Exactly the same as always.”

“I see.”

Another pause.

“Have anything going on this weekend?”

“No.”

Yaz’s eyes flicked between her cooling beverage and your eyes, nervousness intertwined with an unreadable expression on her face.

“See anything good on telly?”

Yaz spoke carefully, like stepping over broken glass. You could tell she was purposefully avoiding talking about the Time Lord. You insisted there was no need for her to check up on you, you were fine, and most certainly weren’t broken. You had shown her out the door with a clipped tone.

After Yasmin departed you sat back down at your dining table, staring at your now cold, half-filled cup of tea. Your mind raced with the quick glances Yaz cast between her cup and your face, eyebrows scrunched and a hesitant tongue. 

You let out a shaky breath as you planted your elbows on the table, head rested in your hands. You were fine.

The Doctor had not been waiting for you. The Doctor wasn’t going to wait for you.

The stars never reached out to others. The stars were to be admired from afar.

A lone droplet made its way down your cheek.

You were fine.

————

Nearly three days passed after Yaz visited your flat that it really hit you. You supposed before was just a numb sort of denial, but Yaz sitting in front of you must have slapped whatever part of your brain that was responsible for the numbness awake. Why had the Doctor left you? Why did she drop you in front of your doorstep without so much as a goodbye? You thought that you had calculated correctly. Even if the Doctor didn’t return your feelings, you thought she would at worst graciously let you down then continue on as if it never happened.

The stars were many things, but they were never intentionally cruel. 

They just were. Higher than anything else, conflict was beneath them.

You set the kettle on the stove as you turned up the flame, racking your brain for the potential cause of your exile from the Doctor’s presence. Your mind flitted to a planet you had visited months ago. 

You had saved the royalty from a plot to scandalize them. As thanks, they threw a ball and insisted on extending your stay another night. There had been a large banquet. The amazing visual spectacle of otherworldly food, customs, dances, and clothes enamored you. The princess has insisted on dancing a few songs with the Doctor and you had thought the Doctor’s rapidly filling dance card was merely a show of thanks in the customs of the alien race. 

The sharp whistle of the kettle broke you out of your thoughts temporarily, removing the boiling water from the stove to pour yourself a cup of tea. Your mind was once again with the thought of the ball. A frown tugged at your lips once you remembered stepping out onto the terrace for a quick breath of fresh air. 

You had seen the back of the Doctor’s head across a few potted bushes and had eagerly stepped towards her in hopes of asking for a dance before you left. Just as you opened your mouth to call out to the Time Lord you heard the voice of the princess, causing your mouth to quickly snap shut as you hid behind a wall. You vividly remembered the twist in your stomach as the princess started flirting with the Doctor, coy phrases thrown her way. You still felt the clench of your gut when the princess had out-right declared her affections towards the Doctor, asking for her to stay and permission to court her. 

The stars are never asked to be wooed. They are chased after with no hope of ever catching them in your arms.

You had quietly slipped away, hearing a soft murmur of an answer from the blonde alien. You couldn’t make out the words but the tone of voice led you to believe (along with the lack of the princess traveling with you when you left) that the Doctor had rejected her politely. Despite the rivalry for the Time Lord’s affections, your heart ached for the princess. 

You quickly gulped down your tea. 

You were an idiot. A massive, colossal, monumental idiot. Fresh tears spilled over your cheeks. She had the entire universe at her feet, all of space and time to choose from. She was the stars.

Why would she choose you?

————

You spent the following four days locked inside your flat when you weren’t at work. Yaz had stopped by regularly, knocking at your door the same time every day after her shift, like clockwork. You explicitly ignored the door. You couldn’t figure out if Yaz had felt bad about the Doctor’s actions or if it was something else. You didn’t particularly care to know, and you much preferred to wallow in peace.

On the fifth day of your self-insured solitude, the anger came. 

You slammed the door behind you harshly when you returned from work that night, nearly missing the bowl you stored your keys in as you stomp towards the kitchen, the sharp metallic notes bouncing off the walls of your flat. Your teeth grit as you yanked the fridge door open, looking for ingredients to make dinner. You growled in frustration at the lack of food, kicking the door, fridge door banging shut. You pulled a takeaway menu from a drawer, your corse movements causing a pen to clatter noisily to the floor. You dialed up your usual Chinese restaurant, the phone static and long dial tone grated on your nerves. As the man on the other end picked up the phone you plastered a false smile to your face, scraping up enough civility to refrain from shouting over the phone. Once the bag was delivered you plopped down on the couch in front of the television screen, eating noodles straight out of the container.

After you finished your meal you threw the paper takeaway box and disposable chopsticks into the bin. You headed directly to the shower, cranking the temperature up to a nearly scalding degree. Stepping out of the washroom you pulled a small towel with you to rub at your hair. Mood slightly tempered, you run the towel over your hair as you padded into your bedroom. Your eyes flitted to a scrape on your wall, the scratch caused by the alien when she was running about your room looking for something to use as part of some sort of complex device she was throwing together. Some sort of “timey-wimey detector” by her definition. The scratch was etched into the wall just beneath one of your many posters of the Orion Nebula.

The anger rushed back.

You glared intently at the spot, stepping closer. 

The bottled-up resentment exploded, physically manifesting in a violent punch to the wall. The loud thud was followed shortly by a loud string of curses. You cradled your bleeding fist. It hurt—you thought numbly. 

Good. 

You exited your room to find your first aid kit to clean and wrap your hand.

————

The following day you gave into Yaz’s insistent knocking, opening the door to find Yasmin’s eyes wide with surprise, her arms and legs in a position indicating she was about to forcefully ram the door open. You sighed, leaving the door open behind you as you turned around to walk back into the kitchen, turning on the gas to boil a kettle of water.

“Tea?”

“Ah, if you’ve got the kettle on then please.” Yaz shifted nervously at the mouth of the kitchen. 

The two of you stood in silence as you waited for the whistle of the kettle. Once the shrill noise started you turned off the gas and poured out two cups. You offered a ceramic cup to Yaz who took it gratefully, a soft “thanks” leaving her lips. You led her to the table and sat down, waiting for her explanation.

Yaz sucked in a breath, “I want to start off by apologizing,” the Pakistani woman fiddled with her fingers. “I know it won’t be enough for what happened, but I’d like to anyway. I didn’t think that the Doc would just leave you here and not explain anything. I thought she had talked with you or something had happened. I couldn’t imagine the Doc wanted you to leave.” 

You slammed your mug down, the harsh sound of ceramic on wood made Yaz flinch. “Wanted? The Doctor kicked me out without so much as a goodbye!”

Yaz held her hands up attempting to backtrack, “I just meant that before she seemed pretty attached to you. I honestly thought that if you weren’t coming it would have had to have been your own decision—which I found odd since you love traveling with the Doc. I tried asking her about it but...” Yaz bit her lip, “I guess when I pieced it all together was her total avoidance of the topic.”

You fell back against the backing of the chair. The Doctor refused to even talk about you. A sigh passed your lips. Well, if the message wasn’t clear enough from the Doctor shunning you like you were some personified form of the plague, her refusal of admitting to your existence did the job quite nicely.

“I don’t know what happened, but if there’s been some sort of misunderstanding between you two, at least let me help,” Yaz’s worried eyes flickered across your face, “You’re my best friend, I don’t want to see you upset because of this.”

A dry chuckle left your lips, “Trust me, the only misunderstanding was entirely my fault. I made a miscalculated decision. I obviously read the signs wrong.”

Yaz’s eyebrows scrunched in confusion, “What’d you mean?”

You bit at the inside of your cheek, “Nothing. It’s unimportant.”

A frown made its way onto Yaz’s lips, “Unimportant? My best friend locks herself away for days on end and you say it’s unimportant?” Yaz suddenly stood up, chair legs scraping harshly against the floor, “I don’t care what anybody says—I don’t care if the bloody Queen says it’s unimportant—but if you’re feeling so upset that you won’t even let me into your flat for nearly three and a half bloody weeks then nothing regarding it is unimportant!” Yasmin breathed heavily, her arms trembling now on the table from where she slammed her hands down. “Nothing about you is unimportant,” she added softly.

You sat in shock at the forcefulness of Yaz’s words. You knew she cared deeply for you, as you did her, but that was on a different level. You grimaced as you mulled over your actions over the past few weeks. True, you were mad, but it was no justification for shutting your best friend out entirely.

You sighed as you pinched the crease between your eyebrows with your hand. You were acting like a total twat to Yaz when this wasn’t even her fault.

“What happened to your hand?”

You looked up, your confused irises making a connection with Yasmin’s concerned-slash-alarmed ones. You glanced down at your hand, realizing it was the one you did a poor job wrapping up the past night.

You waved it off, “It’s fine, just a scratch. Really. It’s—” you cut yourself off, the word ‘unimportant’ on the tip of your tongue, “fine. I’m good.”

The frown on Yaz’s lips returned as she walked around the side of the table and kneeled in front of you, taking your injured hand gingerly between her’s. She carefully unwrapped the haphazardly applied bandaging, causing a low hiss to escape your clenched teeth.

“Not fine,” Yaz mumbled.

“Trust me, the wall had it worse.” You attempted to joke, wincing as she turned the joint of your wrist in her hand. 

“That doesn’t make it any better.” Yaz glanced up to your face, grimace present, before going back to inspect the wound. “The joint doesn’t seem too damaged but it needs ice. I’ll help you clean up and wrap the scrape.”

“Yaz, really, I’m good,” you fumbled as she stood up, “you don’t need to—“

“I want to. Now let me help or I’m going to tie you down if I have to and properly wrap it.” Yaz squinted, challenging you to retaliate.

You let out a squeak but shut your mouth, conceding. You watched Yaz leave the room to fetch the first aid kit you kept in the bathroom cupboard. You could hear the shuffling and the muffled “ah-ha” once Yaz must have found it.

Her head swung out from around the corner, raising an expectant eyebrow at you. You nearly raised one back in question, earning you a long-suffering sigh.

Yaz pulled you by the arm towards the bathroom, rolled up your sleeve and turned on the tap. She felt the running water until it was at a suitable temperature then brought your hand to rest beneath it. You hissed at the warm water, the wound still open and stinging.

Your eyes flitted towards Yaz’s face, her concentrated yet soft expression catching you by surprise. You felt her thumbs carefully brush over the skin of your knuckles. 

“You need to be more careful, I don’t want to see you get hurt.” Yaz opened a bottle of antibiotic cream and rubbed it gently over the torn skin. 

You bit your tongue to prevent another long hiss from escaping your mouth. “A bit late for that.” Not quite enough to bite back a remark, however.

Yaz’s eyes flicked up to your eyes momentarily, quickly going back to dressing your hand, pulling out the gauze. “Then tell me what happened. If there’s anything I can do to help I’ll do it.” You opened your mouth and before you got a single word out Yaz cut in, “Not about the wall. You know what I was talking about.”

You couldn’t prevent the lopsided half-grin that edged its way into your face for an instant. Yaz always knew when you were about to dodge a question. She was always so keen at picking things up when she was around you. “Well, I suppose that attempt has been thwarted.” Your smile fell as you remembered what landed you in this situation in the first place. “Ahhh, how to start this… I guess I should start at the beginning. So you remember when we went to the Orion Nebula? That was—”

“When you first realized you fancied the Doctor?” Yaz finished your sentence. 

Your eyes widened in alarm, your surprise quickly brushing off how her voice, for a split second, sounded rather forced.

“How did…”

“Trust me, everybody else noticed it except for her.” Yasmin didn’t look up at your eyes that time, hers glued to the bandage she was slowly wrapping.

You let out the breath you were holding. “Then I guess I don’t need to explain that bit.” You bit your lip as you carefully chose which words to proceed with. “I sort of confessed to her.”

The bandage abruptly tightened around your wrist, causing a sharp cuss to be drawn from your lips.

“Sorry! Sorry! I didn’t mean to do that! That caught me by surprise.” Yaz loosened the fabric before going back to tie it properly. “So you confessed,” her voice rose a pitch at the first syllable before dropping to her usual octave, “That’s exciting. How did she respond?”

A forceful smile that more closely resembled a grimace pulled tightly on your lips. “I was thrown out of the TARDIS.”

Yaz’s hands stopped moving. 

“Yaz?”

Yasmin was completely still. “I’m sorry, she what?”

You hesitated, not sure what the tone Yaz was using meant. “She threw me out of the TARDIS.” You annunciated each word carefully.

Yaz resumed wrapping your bandage, securing the loose end so it wouldn’t unwind. As soon as she tugged a few times to make sure it was properly on, Yasmin stood up and turned to walk out the door. “Right, then if you’ll excuse me I have some business to take care of.”

Your eyes widened in alarm, “Yaz it’s fine, you don’t need to talk to her about it!”

“It’s not fine!” Yaz wheeled around, anger and something you couldn’t quite place reflected back in her eyes, “You’ve been depressed and angry and I don’t know what else, but this is not fine! She can’t just kick you out because you happen to like her! You’re worth more than that!” Yaz’s fists tightened, “You aren’t just some person she can brush aside.”

“Yaz, really, please don’t talk to her about this. I’m sure she just wants a bit of space and it’ll be alright.” You forced a smile on your face. “It’ll be alright in the end. I’m sure she just wants a bit of space.” 

You weren’t sure who you were trying to convince.

Your best friend worried at her lip. She eventually sighed, giving in, “If it’s what you want, then I’ll listen.” Yaz’s eyes flicked over your face, “Would it make you feel better if I stopped traveling with her too?”

“What?”

Yaz let out a huff, “I just thought that you must be feeling left out from everything she takes us to do. If it would make you feel better I could sit out of the next few and stay with you.”

You shook your head quickly, “No! Please don’t on my account.”

Yaz inspected your face.

“Really, Yaz. Actually…” you paused, “if you could just tell me what adventures you’ve gone on while I wasn’t with you would be good. I miss it.” You fiddled with your fingers. “Just describing it and all that would be enough.”

Tell me about the stars.

Yasmin eyed you critically before relenting, “Alright then. But if you have second thoughts, I won’t hesitate to give the Doc a piece of my mind on the matter.”

A small smile made its way onto your mouth, “I don’t doubt it. Our tea has gone cold, let me pour out a new cup and you tell me what you’ve been up to.”

Yaz shook her head as a small grin etched its way onto her face, following you into the kitchen. “You win. So the first place we went to was this weird planet with an enormous bird that looked like a dodo that tried dressing up for some sort of alien disco…”

And for the first time in nearly four weeks, everything was unequivocally, indisputably, incontrovertibly fine.

[kinglivv]

is it okay if i put in a request? :) if not, i understand. I was thinking maybe the Reader is a sassy loving, caring but also smart, dangerous girl who travels with the Doctor ( 13? ) and maybe she is on her time of the month and having killer cramps/body pains. So like she becomes more funny, witty, vulnerable but trying to fight through it, adorable than usual? 13 is in love with her and the Reader loves her too but both are oblivious to the other's feelings. A sense of taking care of the Reader even though the Reader feels guilty about 13 doing that and trying to fight it. Maybe the feelings come out near the end and the imagine can be sweet, fluffy, romantic and a little funny?

Anything For You

13th Doctor x Reader

Summary: The reader has their period, but they don't want the Doctor to find out how painful their cramps are for fear she'll see them as weak. She finds out of course!

Warnings: None

A/N: Sorry this was so late! The fic disappeared into my abyss of drafts but it's here and finished now :)

You bite your lip, fingernails almost snapping as they dig into the ceramic of the sink while you glare at yourself in the bathroom mirror. Your legs feel wobbly and you keel over slightly, forehead pressing against the glass as you will the pain to subside.

Your period cramps were usually bad, but they hadn't been this bad in a long while. Previously, you'd always managed to get away with hiding them from the Doctor, but you knew no amount of ibruprofen would be helping you now.

"Y/N, you ready?" You hear her call from outside your room, and you jump away from the sink. God you were so in love with her, and just the sound of her voice made your stomach twist in a way that didn't really help the cramps.

Time to put your brave face on.

"Coming!" You yell back, giving yourself one last glance, making sure you looked normal. You couldn't let the Doctor think you were weak. She thought of you as brave, funny, charming, clever. Different. Most definitely not weak.

Ignoring your cramps, you follow her voice.

"I'm thinkin' Gakrilo!" She beams up at you from the console, the warm yellow light bouncing off her skin. "They've got loads of cool stuff - ancient cities, all sorts of species. Sort of like Earth, but the dominant species have these green tentacles which..."

She goes on, and you watch, a smile on your face as she whizzes around the console. Her coat flaps out behind her, her hair sticking out in odd places. She pulls a lever, the wheezing of the TARDIS signalling you've landed, and you run towards the doors, flinging them open without a second thought. Even cramps couldn't stop you from exploring.

"Looks good, huh?" The Doctor appears behind you, chin resting on your shoulder as you look out. There's greenery, lots of it, and an blue stone path leading into a village square.

You wince as another wave of pain hits you. Your head's beginning to ache too now.

"It looks brilliant!" You beam, and her expression matches yours.

She takes your hand, and you follow her down the path into the quaint little village, which has purple cobbled streets and yellow inhabitants. You're biting your lip very hard you walk through the pain. You hope the Doctor doesn't notice you squeezing her hand a bit tighter than usual.

"Ooh! Yashants!" The Doctor lights up, rushing over to what looks like a bakery.

"Don't you mean croissants?"

"No! Yashants are these little pastry things with a delicious goo inside and - well. You've got to taste them!"

And with that you're being dragged inside a bakery. You're not really in the mood to eat, and the smell of food doesn't much help your nausea. You watch the Doctor with a paleing face as she purchases you two each.

This is fine. You think. I can do this. Just be yourself. Make sure she doesn't find out.

"Come on." She grins, handing you one as you make your way outside.

On another day, this treat in your hand would probably appear delicious. Today however, it makes your stomach churn. But you hold it out in front of you - you can't let the Doctor see that you're anything but your usual bubbley self.

Then a cramp hits you. A big one.

That coupled with the smell makes you double over in pain and there's no use hiding it now as you whimper.

"Y/N!" The Doctor grabs you, alarmed. "Y/N are you okay, love?"

She slides an arm around your waist and you lean against her, catching your breath.

"Can you walk? We need to get you to the Medbay."

You feel your face flush as you stumble slightly, trying to catch your breath as she leads you back towards the TARDIS. You hated the Doctor seeing you like this. You hated her seeing you as weak, futile, human.

"Come on," she helps you inside, worry painted over her face, "I hope it's not an allergic reaction to the Yashants. That would be miserable."

"No," you pracitically wheeze, the door swinging shut behind you, "it's just m'period."

"Your what?"

"My... period."

"Oh." The Doctor says dumbly, staring at you. "Oh. Oh, of course! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Can I - can I just sit down?" You couldn't bear this.

"Sure. Of course. Anything you need."

She hurriedly, but gently, leads you to one of the sofas the TARDIS had put especially for you in the console room. You liked to spend your evenings watching the Doctor work around the console, chatting and reading your book as you did so.

"Why didn't you tell me, Y/N?" The Doctor asks as you sink into it. She's crouched at your feet. "I've got loads of things for human menstruation. I could have helped."

"It's stupid." You bring your knees to your chest, and that helps ease the pain a little, "we've got more important things to be getting on with."

"Do we? You being comfortable is top of my priority list, Y/N. Can't have an uncomfortable Y/N. I hate to see you hurting."

"I don't want you to see me hurting!"

"Why?"

You sigh, and she reaches up to brush a strand of hair out of your face.

"Because it's just inconvenient for you, isn't it?" You half ask, half state. "I mean, you're a Timelord - you don't have to worry about periods or pains or not having enough energy. I'm a human and I'm fragile, and I'd hate of you to think of me as that."

You can see she's slightly surprised by your statement - you're usually so light-hearted and unserious.

"Y/N," she reaches down and squeezes your hands in hers. "You really think I'd ever see you like that? You're so much more - you're bright and clever and funny and I could never see you as an inconvenience. Your human and that's why I love... spending time with you."

You give her a watery smile.

"Thank you. I just didn't want to burden you."

She smiles, "What can I get you?"

"Two ibruprofen and some hot chocolate please," you ask meakly, "If it's alright."

"Oh, Y/N," she mumbles, pressing a kiss into your hair. "When will you realise that I'd do anything for you?"

Taglist: @truthbehindthemysteries @queerconfusionthings @xenteaart @actuallyanita @ateliefloresdaprimavera @persephonehemingway @fabulous-jj-style @anteroom-of-death @thewinterpoet2

[foxcantswim]

All I Want For Christmas...

The Reader has been alone at Christmas for a few years.

The Doctor and Team TARDIS arrive at the Reader's flat - They try to encourage her that Christmas isn't all that bad.

13th Doctor/F!Reader

Fluff, First Kiss

-x-

Christmas Eve.

You had dreaded both Christmas Eve and Christmas day for years now... Four years to be exact. They always felt like the loneliest days of the year.

You looked out of your flat window at the night sky, snow was lightly falling. All you could see were the bright lights that covered countless buildings. You also spotted a few giant inflatable Santas and Reindeers. All of this made you feel sick.

Turning away from the window, closing the curtains in the process, you made your way towards the kitchen. The kettle was immediately turned on, you were ready to have a hot drink and just go to sleep. You even thought about sleeping throughout the whole day tomorrow and just pretend that Christmas was some fictional holiday that never even existed.

You leaned against the counter and your eyes drifted to the radio that was placed nearby the kettle... You just knew that a cheesy Christmas song would be playing if you turned it on.

Once the kettle had finished boiling, you realised that the silence just seemed to make you feel even more lonely. You hesitantly reached a hand towards the radio to flip it on - volume low.

"...-just one thing I need. I don't care about the presents..."

You groaned, loudly. Of course. What other song would be playing? You quickly moved towards the kettle and finished making the drink before making your way to the table. You took a seat and allowed the warmth of the mug to fill your hands.

"...-Claus won't make me happy with a toy on Christmas day..."

Your eyes glanced around the flat. It was dark. The only light was coming from the corner of the room, and even that flickered.

You found yourself slightly mouthing the words.

"...-my wish come true..."

You then found yourself whispering along.

"All I want for Christmas is... Y-"

A loud bang caused you to jump out of your skin, spilling some of the hot drink on your lap. You quickly stood up, leaving the mug on the table, "Oh, what the..." you muttered to yourself, wiping the drink away.

The bang occurred again, making you turn your head towards the front door. Your eyes then darted to the clock on the wall - it was almost ten pm. Who could that possibly be?

"(Y/N)!" the familiar voice that made your heart melt came from the other side of the door.

A smile made its way onto your face as you walked towards the door. You had known the Doctor for about nine months now... And they were definitely the best nine months of your life.

You unlocked the door, quick. You expected to see just the blonde Time Lord on the other side. You didn't expect to see everyone else.

"Doc?" you asked, "Yaz? Ryan? Graham? What are you all doing here?" confusion clearly laced your voice. You then noticed that Ryan and Graham were carrying a cardboard box each.

"Here to see you, of course!" the Doctor exclaimed as she pushed past you and into your into.

"B-But... why?" you questioned as the rest of your fam entered your flat, "Not that I mind... it's just... It's Christmas Eve and-"

"The Doctor thought it would be a good idea if we all spent Christmas together!" Yaz exclaimed.

Ryan nodded, "She threatened to leave us on a planet if we didn't do it." Yaz simply slapped him on the back of the head, "Oi!"

Graham smiled, "We brought some stuff. Some decorations."

You raised an eyebrow, "How could you possibly know that I didn't have any up?"

The Doctor smiled, "Well..." she paused, "I have a time machine. And I know that this is kind of a tradition for you. It's not a nice tradition. Having no decorations up... Being alone... It's never fun being alone!" she exclaimed before reaching into the box that Ryan held. She rummaged before she finally found what she wanted.

"Er... Doc?" Graham asked as the blonde held up the item, "Don't you think that tree's a bit on the small side?"

"Don't underestimate it, Graham!" she replied.

"He is right though, Doc." you said. The Christmas tree that the Doctor held lay in her palm.

The Doctor winked, "Just watch." she said as she walked towards the corner of the room. She placed the tree onto the floor, carefully. She then reached into her pocket and pulled out her famous sonic screwdriver before taking a step back from the tree. A few moments after aiming the sonic at the tree, it immediately grew in size, almost hitting the ceiling. It was fully decorated with a small version of the TARDIS sitting at the top, it glowed pure white as it spun slowly.

"Wow..." you all whispered as the Doctor grinned. She then quickly pointed the sonic towards the kitchen.

You were confused at first... But then your ears became filled with music.

"...-I want for Christmas is you!"

You simply stared at the Doctor.

"What?" she asked, "I love this song." she smiled at you… And you couldn’t stop yourself from smiling back.

-x-

You ended up having to turn the music down due to complaints from a neighbour. The Doctor laughed it off as she and the gang continued to decorate your flat.

Lights were placed around the walls and tinsel was upon the fireplace which Yaz ended up lighting. Everyone was seated on the sofa, drinking and talking. You remained in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, listening to whatever Christmas songs were playing.

“Here you go, (Y/N)!” the Doctor said, walking towards you with a small box in her hand, “Forgot to give you this earlier.”

You eyed the box in her hand before looking back up to her face, “If this is another bomb-“

“That was one time!”

“One time too many!” you laughed before taking the box, “Do you remember what that bomb did?”

She bit her lip, “I don’t recall.” she muttered.

“You blew a hole in the wall and the neighbours passed out.” Your smile grew before you looked down at the box in your hand.

“I fixed it, didn’t I? Hand on my hearts.” the Doctor said, placing a hand over her chest, “It’s not a bomb.”

Nodding, you carefully opened the box… You reached in and pulled out the gift.

Your eyes lit up.

It was a small snow globe with a TARDIS seated in the middle, the light on top of it pulsed slowly. There were familiar monsters around the TARDIS, too. You saw a Dalek with a Christmas hat on. You gave it a light shake… But you didn’t expect to hear the famous TARDIS sound coming from within the globe. It was very faint but you still noticed it.

“Oh, Doctor…” you said, as you watched the snow fall, “I love it.”

The Doctor replied, “Real snow! Doesn’t melt. Are you sure you like it? I could always get you something el-“

“No, no, Doctor. I promise. I love it.” You then placed the box and snow globe onto the counter before quickly bringing the Doctor into a hug, “Thank you.”

The blonde laughed before returning the hug, “Well, I’m glad. But! That’s not all!” she pulled away, grabbing your hand in the process. She dragged you towards the front door, “Come on, gang!” she exclaimed to get everyone else’s attention.

“Where we headin’, Doc?” Graham asked.

“It’s a surprise!” she replied. She waited for everyone to put their coats on before finally grabbing your hand once again.

Your hand remained in the Doctor’s as she pulled you through the snow-covered field towards the TARDIS, your eyes focused on the light on top of it. The TARDIS always seemed to amaze you every time you saw it. It just looked even more beautiful as snow continued to fall… But then you looked towards the Doctor who was walking by your side. You loved how the light snow fell upon the blonde’s head, you also loved how the moonlight shone in her eyes.

The Doctor glanced at you as you reached the TARDIS. She simply winked before opening the door. She allowed all of you inside, finally letting go of your hand. You couldn’t lie… You already missed the contact.

“You going to tell us where we’re going, Doctor?” Ryan asked as the Doctor entered last, shutting the door behind her. She shook the snow off her coat and hair before making her way to the console.

“We’re going to a brilliant planet!” she said, dancing around the console, “There’s snow, snow and more snow! There’re three moons in the sky that always shine. Oh! And there are small creatures that are similar to fireflies! They shine different colours and you always seem them building tiny little snowmen! So please try not to step on them.” clear excitement laced her voice, “No other species apart from these fireflies live there. It is a wonderful place.”

“That sounds amazing, Doctor.” Yaz stated.

You nodded, “Yeah…”

“So… There’s going to be no danger this time, right?” Graham asked.

“Shouldn’t be!” the blonde said, pulling one final lever, obviously revealing a custard cream.

-x-

It was more beautiful than the Doctor had described. Ryan, Graham and Yaz all immediately ran out into the snow, “Careful of the snowmen!” the Doctor reminded them.

You could see the fireflies glowing different colours within the night: blue, red, purple, yellow… Countless colours.

You caught the Doctor staring at you as she leaned against the door of the TARDIS.

A smile formed on your lips, “What?” you asked, looking at her.

The Doctor cleared her throat, looking down, “Oh, nothing…” she said before looking back up at you, “It’s just… You… You look beau-“ the Doctor was cut off by a load groan coming from the TARDIS.

“What’s wrong with her?” you asked with slight worry as the Doctor stepped back away from the TARDIS.

A laugh escaped the Doctor, “Now now, old girl.” the Time Lord patted the door, “It’s only a bit of snow. You’ve handled worse!”

You placed your own hand on the door next to the Doctor’s, “She’s really bothered by the snow?”

“She’s not particularly fond of it.” she smiled at you, before cautiously placing her own hand over yours on the door, “You should really wear gloves. This cold will get to a human like you.”

“I’m fine, Doc…” you assured.

“You know I can feel your temperature, right?” the Doctor said, glancing between your hand and your eyes.

“Of course, you can.” you looked down, focusing on the snow on the ground. You soon felt the Doctor’s other hand under your chin, making you look back up.

“I don’t want you to catch a cold, (Y/N). Or worse…” she stated.

You nodded, “I know.” you then looked towards the rest of the gang in the distance. They were making a snowman together, but of course Yaz had to throw a snowball every now and then.

Fireflies soon began to surround you, the Doctor and the TARDIS.

Your free hand came up towards the fireflies, “Wow…” you whispered.

“They are magnificent, aren’t they?” the Doctor said.

The snow continued to fall and the moons continued to shine which only brought out the colours in the fireflies more. You found yourself looking into the Doctor’s eyes. You could see the deep darkness and sadness within them… But her bubbly personality easily covered it up. One of her hands remained on yours on the door. The other made its way to your cheek.

You almost jumped as the TARDIS door suddenly opened. All contact between you and the Doctor was lost.

The sounds coming from the TARDIS almost sounded like laughing.

“All right, old girl!” the Doctor exclaimed, annoyed, before she stepped inside. You followed.

You were about to walk further into the console room, hoping to warm up… But the Doctor stopped you, grabbing your hand.

“Wh-What?” you asked, confused.

She then pointed up with her other hand, you looked up.

There was mistletoe hanging in the doorway.

You felt your face heat up as you slowly looked back down at the Doctor. The Doctor’s hand found its way onto your cheek once again.

Your hand tightened in hers as the Doctor stepped closer. You subconsciously licked your lips just before you felt the Time Lord’s gently press against them. Both yours and the Doctor’s eyes fluttered closed. It was short but sweet, the taste of custard creams still present.

You had dreamt of doing this for months now…

You almost jumped AGAIN as the TARDIS groaned loud before the familiar song blasted throughout the console room.

“~All I want for Christmas is you!~”

“Really, old girl?” the Doctor laughed, looking towards the console. She then looked back at you, pulling you back towards her by grabbing both of your hands. She gave you one last peck on the lips, “Now… How about we get you wrapped up properly and then we go and join the rest of the team?”

You were lost for words so you simply nodded.

The Doctor let go of your hands before walking towards the console. You looked outside the door whilst the Doctor busied herself with getting you a hat and a pair of gloves.

“(Y/N)!” the Doctor exclaimed walking towards you, “Here!” she handed you the clothing.

“Thank you.” you smiled, biting your lip. You looked away before cautiously leaning in to kiss the Doctor on the cheek, “Thank you.” you said again, “For everything.”

“Don’t mention it, (Y/N).” she said before stepping out of the TARDIS, “Let’s go! I will definitely beat you in snowball fight!”

Before you could answer, you saw the Doctor run off towards Yaz, Ryan and Graham.

The smile remained on your lips as you put the hat and gloves on. You pulled the coat tight around you as you stepped out of the TARDIS.

You shut the door and placed a hand on it once again…

“Thank you, old girl.” you said, resting your forehead against the door. The TARDIS hummed in reply. Stepping away, you assured, “We’ll get this snow cleared off you as soon as possible.”

With that, you then turned and ran towards everyone, making sure you didn’t step on any of the snowmen scattering the ground.

As the snow fell around you, you realised…

Maybe Christmas wasn’t the worst time of the year.

Now that you had your fam. Now that you had the Doctor.

[fabulouspotatosister]

emotional support timelord(tm)

summary: yes, it does suck that you've been heavily drugged by an unfortunate understanding, but team tardis finds that you are still up and meme-ing! mostly.

anyway just take this. idk what this even is i just wanted to write this after seeing “emotional support timelord” on a post lmao

"Where have you been?"

That's Yaz's voice - or at least, you hope it's Yaz's voice. There's a firm hand gripping your arm, the faint, far-away sounds of a busy street, and the feeling of cold stone against your back. Where am I? What...

"I haven't - " You blink. "I was just with you guys, I didn't go anywhere."

You hear Yaz sigh, and you can imagine her turning her head to the side in frustration. "We split up to find you. The rest of the team are all around the city. Are you okay?"

You want to say "I'm fine, I'm totally fine" but your mouth feels like its full of cotton. Instead, a strangled noise escapes you, a cross between a groan and a grunt, and the grip on your arm tightens.

"Can you walk?" It's Yaz again, concern coating her words. You must look terrible for her to sound like that. You manage a nod, but the motion makes your head spin. You groan again, feeling your arm escape Yaz's grasp, but she catches you just as fast as you're falling.

"Okay, you're not walking like that," she says finally, holding your arm and throwing it over your shoulder. Yaz is warm, really warm, so you lean into her, breathing shallow. You're so sleepy. When did you get so sleepy? "Come on."

You feel yourself being moved, being lifted, and you drift. Time moves forward in lurches - sometimes, all you can feel is the leather of Yaz's jacket on your cheek and other times you can hear the sounds of a city around you, feel the biting wind against your face. Sometimes, you can hear Yaz speak, pleas for you to stay awake, before you slip into darkness.

You jolt awake when you hear someone shouting your name faintly - Ryan. Blearily, you try to get a good look at him, only to see a dark blue person-shaped blob standing against a tall building. Beside him seems to be Graham, hands in his pockets. You raise a hand weakly.

"Doc! They're back!" Graham shouts, and another vaguely person shaped shape emerges from behind a door - not the TARDIS, you note. The person raises their hands in the air (in excitement? Exasperation? Both?) before running over to you and Yaz. It's only until the person's close to you that you see the curling blonde hair, the lilac jacket and the bright inquisitive eyes that you realize who it is.

"Doctor?" you manage, then internally flinch at the sound of your voice. It sounds rough, like you haven't drunk water in years, and it's terrible. You try to look up at the Doctor, but find yourself squinting at the sun - suns? - behind her.

"Where'd you find her?" the Doctor asks, looking up at Yaz.

"Near where we parked the TARDIS. It was like - like she'd run away from something, but couldn't make it far enough," Yaz says.

"Agh, worm," you mumble, impassioned. They were probably right. Terrible, indeed.

(You hear Graham incredulously say "worm?!" to Ryan, who can only laugh and say "worm" back at him.)

There's only silence before the buzzing, whirring noise of the Doctor's sonic fills the air, the sound getting louder and softer as she scans your body. The noise is a lot in your muddled state. It's actually piercing. You wince, earning you a soft and familiar "sorry".

"What's wrong with her?" When did Ryan get here? "Is she okay?"

"She's been drugged," the Doctor began, "special blend native only to this planet. They must have thought she was an invader when we stepped out of the TARDIS. To them, it's an instant tranquilizer, but for humans… it just slows them down a lot. Yaz, help me -"

You feel Yaz shift, feel her unhook your arm from her shoulder, and the you're weightless for a moment, before you're caught in someone else's arms. You smell tea, and peppermint, and you know --

"Oof," you mutter, leaning into the Doctor's touch. "Feels organic."

You hear Ryan cough.

"Are we heading back to the TARDIS, then?" Graham asks.

"Yeah," she says, an air of finality in her voice. She pulls your arm around her shoulder, just like Yaz did, but her hold is a little bit firmer, a touch… more protective. She's got her arm around your shoulder too, the touch of her hand like an anchor.

And you drift again. It's not fun, you realize, because it feels like whoever was writing your life didn't want you awake for the boring parts. Conversation drifts through the team, Yaz occasionally speaking up, Graham cracking a joke to lighten the mood, and Ryan asking the Doctor questions about the drug, which she was all too happy to answer.

"You see, Ryan, this drug - it's meant to keep intruders at bay so they can be captured and interrogated." The Doctor's voice is like a beacon, so you try to hang on to it, clinging to any semblance of concsiousness so you could stay awake for longer and not be completely useless. "It knocks species of the same physiology as them out right away, but for some reason it doesn't process as quickly through humans. Why does it do that? I might have to run a few tests when we get back. Maybe I could ask them for a sample!"

At "knocks them out right away", you groan. "God, I wish that were me."

"No, you don't," the Doctor says suddenly, probably not understanding that you just wanted to sleep. "That drug also can be fatal without the antidote. So hopefully I can synthesize one - "

Suddenly, there's a booming noise, and the Doctor staggers backwards, taking you with her -- and then in front of you is a large, hulking being, definitely larger than the whole team combined. It's silhouetted by the light of the planet's suns, casting a shadow over you.

That was the one that --

You stiffen, something in you recognizing that it was the one that might have drugged you, and the Doctor turns to you, something stirring in those bright eyes of hers. Then, she turns away to face the being, staring it down (or up? It was quite tall, after all).

"Did you do this to my friend?" the Doctor asks, planting one booted foot in front of the other.

The being is silent for a long time, before it bows. "I apologize. We did not mean to hurt your companion. We simply made a mistake. They ran away before we could administer the antidote for the tranquilizer."

The Doctor hums, and then you notice that she's running her hand up and down your arm. "And you promise to let us leave after this?"

"Yes. You have not commited any crimes against our kind. We thought you were intruders, but you were simply - " The being pauses to think. "Tourists."

"Yeah, well, there's isn't a big difference between intruders and tourists," the Doctor says, and you chuckle weakly. She beams. "How will you administer it?"

"If you would just hand your companion over," the being says, outstretching a giant arm.

Hesistantly, the Doctor unwraps your arm from her shoulder - and then she's gone, a strange vacuum replacing the space that she used to be in, and everything blurred again, the world shifting and moving and -

"...no," you mumble, your words slurring, your mouth not catching up with your brain, the only thing coming to you being a classic line - "no, sir that's my emotional support Time Lord."

You hear what's probably Ryan wheezing from behind you.

"Your what?" the Doctor asks, amused, and you blink at her. No, she wasn't laughing at you, but her arms were crossed and she looked very, very happy. No, no, don't talk -

"Emotional support Time Lord," you say, quieter this time, enunciating the words carefully as if they had a trademark after each one. Yaz is hiding her mouth behind her hand, and Graham's just smiling.

"Oh, that's brilliant," is the Doctor's response, a smile spreading over her features. She reaches out, and, still smiling at you, takes your hand. "That's an honor. Emotional support Time Lord. I might just give up the whole saving the universe business!"

While Yaz breaks out into laughter, the being brushes away some of your hair, and places something very warm on your neck. A tingling sensation spreads from your collarbones to your fingers, and the haze thats been clouding your mind lifts, if only a little bit. Just enough for you to really see the Doctor, and the rest of Team TARDIS, all beaming at you.

"Don't," you warn, and then you promptly fall over.

The Doctor catches you for the second time that day. You cringe up at her, suddenly feeling very silly, but she keeps smiling at you, her face scrunching up in that familiar way that it always does.

You grab her hand and step out of the being's grasp. It may not have a mouth, but it seems like it's smiling at you, so you nod at it. "Thank you."

"You are very welcome," it booms, then it disintegrates, and you're left watching its ashes lift up into the air and zoom away.

"Back to the TARDIS, then?" Yaz asks, and the Doctor nods. "Good, 'cause I was getting a little tired of the double suns."

"Yeah, it's a bit hot, innit?" Graham groans, and you laugh. Except -

The world seems to tilt again, and your heart climbs to your throat. Not again! "Hey, Doctor, did the antidote actually work? Because - I mean - I don't feel so good."

"Too soon!" Ryan mutters, then - "Oh, is something actually - "

The Doctor rushes to you, holding your arm. She turns on the sonic, whirring and buzzing, then brings the device to her face. She scrunches her nose, her mouth open in confusion. "It is working!"

"Then why am I - "

Somewhat mercifully, you black out.

(After you pass out, Ryan solemnly stands over you, hands clasped over his stomach, and says in a quiet tone, "F." He gets a smack from Yaz before she tells him to help pick you up.)

[thirtccnthdoctor]

Whilst we’re all self isolating send me some requests for one shots. Here’s a list for who I write for:

Doctor Who

13th Doctor

Yasmin Khan

Ryan Sinclair (Platonic)

Graham O’Brien (Platonic)

The Master (Dhawan!Master only at this point)

Missy

Supernatural:

Sam Winchester (Platonic, Daughter and sister)

Dean Winchester (Platonic, Daughter and sister)

Castiel (Platonic only)

Jack Kline

Supernatural RPF:

Jared Padalecki (Platonic, Daughter and sister)

Genevieve Padalecki (Platonic, Daughter and sister)

Jensen Ackles (Platonic, Daughter and sister)

Danneel Ackles (Platonic, Daughter and sister)

Misha Collins (Platonic, Daughter and sister)

The Walking Dead:

Carl Grimes (sister and romantic)

Michonne (Platonic)

Rick Grimes (Platonic, sister and daughter)

Daryl Dixon (Platonic, sister and daughter)

Negan (Platonic, sister and daughter)

Glenn Rhee (Platonic, sister and daughter)

Maggie Rhee (Platonic, sister and daughter)

Enid (Platonic and Romantic)

Please send me some requests as I am going out of my mind and those of who have requested one shots they are being written or being rewrote due to having a new phone.

[aboutcustardcreams]

Help me Hold onto you

I got carried away and I wrote a pretty long chapter. I hope it's smooth enough because for the life of me I couldn't bring myself to reread it. Maybe I will another time and fix some eventual mistakes 👻 Hope you enjoy it! To sum it up: hurt/comfort & fluff. The Doctor (the real Doctor) finds you and she is determined to save you.

word count: 4200 ish words

part three

part four

The Doctor walked carefully through the corridors of the TARDIS, fingertips brushing against its walls, actually surprised by how realistic it looked like. She knew it was only a projection of your mind, not the reality of it, but it was interesting to see her home, yours too, through your eyes. At the same time there was this nagging feeling gripping at her stomach at the thought that this place, you loved so much, was part of the nightmare you were trapped in. She needed to find you and quickly.  

When she arrived at the panel room, she almost didn’t recognize it. The once bright orangish lights were darker there, almost crimson red. It didn’t feel like home one bit, it was distorted into something that made the Doctor feel unsafe, weird in the stomach. It was cold, humid, so much it stuck to her skin, biting through her bones. The Doctor hated humidity, because her hair curled up around her face. 

Her eyes shifted towards the TARDIS’ door and a frown found its way on her forehead. She recognized the grayish mist coming from underneath, the same one that was hovering the planet. Instinct told her you were on the other side of that door. And she had to get to you before the mist did, because if it did– no, the Doctor couldn’t even finish that thought. It wasn’t an option. It could never be an option. So she ran to the door, her palms lifted in mid air, almost afraid to touch the surface, “please, be okay, be okay,” she whispered, almost in a plea. 

Before she could touch the door and push it open, a voice came to her ears. 

“Doctor, I was looking forward to meeting you.” 

The Time Lady’s features hardened. She clenched her eyes shut for a second before spinning around, ready to face the enemy of the day. There he was, standing at the panel control, a creature she only read about in books, and never met before. She honestly would have preferred it that way. The Veilstryx was tall, taller than she thought he would be, slender, with edgy features. His skin was purple colored, a dark shade of it, almost black in fact. The first thing she noticed, though, were those large, majestic wings, folded behind his back, of the same color. 

“Can’t say the same thing about you, Veilstryx,” she retorted, with a tight smile, “Is that, correct? Hope I pronounced it right,” she continued, a hint of sarcasm in her tone, hands tucked in her sweeping coat, “Actually no, I hope I misspelled it,” she added, scrunching up her nose. 

He nodded amusedly. “Funny. You’re funny.” He tilted his head to the side and his four pitch black eyes blinked one by one, almost making him look like some sort of reptile. The Doctor made a disgusted face at that. “I must admit, I was expecting to see a man.” 

The Doctor shrugged, giving him a cheeky little smile. She swayed a bit, shifting her weight from one foot to another, “Ah you know– I had an upgrade,” she responded hastily, having other things in mind to care about. You. “I normally enjoy small talk, but I’m quite in a hurry. Always in a hurry lately, me,” she stirred her lips in a thin line, and lolled her head right and left impatiently.  “You see, you’ve got my friend and I’d like to have her back.”

The Veilstryx hummed, tapping his pointed claws over the dashboard, “your friend, your friend…”, he repeated, pretending to have no idea what the Doctor was talking about. “Ah, you mean that delicious girl you willingly brought here for me,” his forked tongue peeked out of his mouth, sweeping over his purple lips, “such a nice gift, I must admit.” 

The Doctor’s jaw tightened, she felt her stomach drop only to jump back up in her throat. “She doesn’t belong to you,” she spoke quietly, however it was evident the concern and the urgency in her tone. “Let her go.” 

For a moment he gave her his back and unfolded his wings as if he was in need of a stretch. “I’m afraid, I can’t do that.” The Doctor blinked slowly, her mind racing with theories and plans to stop him. He was in your head, and the only way to expel him was through you. You were the key. She took a more meticulous look at his wings, only to realize they were made of some weird substance, transparent like an hologram, but not exactly an hologram themselves. She could see through, almost as if they were made of air. But you can’t see air, now can you? So it was something similar, thicker, visible to the eye like… mist. The souls he collected ended up there. 

“You see, I got a taste of her grief. She suffers so deliciously, I must keep her with me. I haven’t had one so exquisite in a while.”

She closed her hands into fists so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her frown deepened and her eyes glimmered with fear for you. “If you want to taste grief, I’ve plenty of it,” she took a step towards him, her voice almost desperate at this point, but there was firm determination in her hazel eyes. The Veilstryx tilted his head to the side, and stared at the Doctor, giving her the illusion he was actually considering her proposal. “I’ve lived longer, I’ve seen more than you can possibly imagine. Take me instead and let her go.” 

“Oh but Doctor, you’ll be next,” the grin that tugged at his lips was unsettling, stretching a bit too wide, giving it a predatory air. “I can sense how much this mortal means to you. You meant a lot to her too,” he added, letting out a quiet dark chuckle. His mind traced back to all the things he told you, while using the Doctor’s appearance.

The Time Lady froze when the Veilstryx used the past tense to mention what you felt about her. 

“Where is she?” She hissed, ignoring the sudden dizziness of her head. She could sense you and your thoughts, pushing through, mingling with hers, but she tried to keep them under control. “Tell me now.” 

He pointed at the door with an amused glimmer in his eyes. The Doctor had been right all along to think you were there. “Go ahead, see it for yourself. I’ve heard you’re not fond of goodbyes, but I reckon this time you should make an exception for her.”

The Doctor’s frown deepened, the more he spoke, the more she felt confused. She shook her head, “I’ll not say goodbye. Ever.” Her eyes darkened, “If you hurt her, I–”, her stuttering was interrupted by his sudden breathless laugh. 

“Doctor, I didn’t do anything. You did.” 

Her mouth parted slightly agape, “No. I didn’t– ”

She didn’t even get to finish, the Veilstryx slithered closer, so close to being now only a couple of inches from her. His wings spread wide and closed up around his form, like a cocoon. The Doctor held her breath and didn’t move. When he unfolded his wings again, they started to fade, and his body too wasn’t there anymore. He shapeshifted into someone, the Doctor immediately recognized. Her mouth parted and her breath hitched. She was staring at herself now, her face, her blond bob, even her outfit was particularly true to the original. The sly grin, though, was something she didn’t possess. 

“Tell me you’re impressed,” he cackled, with her voice. 

The Doctor’s eyes flashed, “you pretended to be me…” she muttered under her breath. 

“I did!” He squealed, in a way that made her feel sick to her stomach. “And she fell for it. Oh– it was so easy to break her,” he mused, sweeping his tongue over his new lips, “you’re in her mind, why don’t you see it for yourself?”

The Doctor inhaled sharply, her eyes were welling up with tears. Her original idea was to respect your boundaries, find you and bring you back without snooping around your mind. But now, she needed to know, a part of her needed to see what the Veilstryx did to you using her face. 

She closed her eyes and focused on your mind. It appeared like a room full of doors, one cracked open, others firmly kept shut, probably belonging to the past. She focused on the most recent memory, the door that was left still ajar and she hesitantly gave a peek, pushing it open enough for her to sneak through. 

She felt everything. All your emotions, all your fears and confusion basking in your head, and breaking your heart at the things the Veilstryx was telling you. She had to bring a hand to her mouth to suppress a pained sob. You were shaking, your face had never appeared paler before. The Doctor was a stranger to your tears, she had seen you cry before, but never remotely like that. 

Next, she saw herself grinning mischievously at you, towered over you, like you had been nothing but a ragged doll to push down and down. It was wrong, so wrong. She wanted to throw up. When you begged her to stop, she didn’t listen and instead her fingers curled around your neck. 

She wanted to intervene, but there was nothing she could do to change a memory that already happened. She could only be a spectator of your pain and it killed her. 

I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, she kept repeating to herself like a mantra. She pulled away, finding her way back to the crimson red panel room, out of breath. 

She stared at her own image with a hate she never thought she could possess, “What have you done?” Despite her sharp tone, tears were streaming down her cheeks with no control. She didn’t even bother to wipe them. 

The Veilstryx shrugged, “I s’pose you should be asking that yourself, Doctor.” 

“You’ll not have her, you hear me? You think you’re so clever, but you know nothing about what I’m capable of. What she is capable of.” 

He snorted. “Don’t get your hopes up, Doctor. Loving someone so fiercely is the dumbest thing you could do.”

“It’s not,” she was quick to argue. “But what would you know about love?”, she let out a bitter chuckle.

He does his best to keep his face unbothered by her teasing, but the Doctor knows her face too well, to recognize the faint tremor of her eyebrows, proof of her faltering confidence. “Now I’m going to save my friend, and you better not come my way or you’ll be sorry–” 

The Veilstryx dismissed her with a flick of her hand, “take a shot, then. It’s only going to taste sweeter for me,” he grinned, but the Doctor didn’t bother to look at him. She spun around and moved towards the TARDIS’ door, throwing it open with no hesitation nor fear whatsoever. 

*

The Doctor’s hearts clenched painfully in her chest at the sight of you crouched down across the room of your apartment, shaking like a dry leaf, with your head buried in your hands. She had seen you in pain before, however, never like this. Perhaps it was because she was in your head, and could feel everything you were feeling: despair, fear, confusion and sadness. It was almost unbearable to stand and watch. With what the Veilstryx showed you, the Doctor was terrified of how you might react to seeing her again. But she pushed through, she would always do that for you. 

Her knees gave in then and she found herself crouched down across you. “Hi, stardust–” when she placed a hand upon your shoulder, your cries subsided softly. The Doctor’s lips quivered in a watery smile, desperately waiting to meet your eyes, “It’s alright,” she added gently, “I know you’re scared, but I’m here now– I’m with you…”

Slowly lifting your head, you’re beyond confused to see her in your apartment. You blinked slowly, as if in trance. How could you not be? After all the things she told you. “Doctor?” your voice sounded barely above a whisper, “what are you doing in my house?” Your orbs would normally sparkle with joy at the sight of the Doctor, but not this time. This time your eyes were glassy and dull, your dark thick lashes were wet with tears, that seemed to never end. 

The Doctor did her best to ignore the sensation of being unwelcome. “This is not your house. And that person you think you saw earlier in the TARDIS, that by the way was not the TARDIS, wasn’t me,” she began, her voice calming, despite the unnatural turmoil going on inside her. She couldn’t ignore how unsettling it was to look into your eyes and see a mixture of disappointment and sadness, veiling them. You never once doubted the Doctor, however at that specific moment it was crystal clear, you were uncertain whether to believe her or not. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. But I know what I saw, who I saw…”, you clarified, in a firm voice. 

The Doctor shook her head slowly, her hand moved from your shoulder to your cheek, or at least that was her intention. But you flinched, “Please, don’t–” you croaked out, making the Time Lady sick in her stomach. You never once pulled away from her, and that hurt the Doctor more than she’d like to admit. When she murmured your name in a soft plea, you clenched your eyes shut, hating the velvety sound of it. 

You bit back a choked sob, sick and tired of crying. “Don’t play with me anymore,” you wanted to be mad at her, to show a different demeanor, but you couldn’t bring yourself to do so. “Haven’t you hurt me enough?”

“No. No, I didn’t. I wouldn’t,” she whispered with a certain urgency. She tilted her head to the side to meet your eyes. You were the absolute best thing that ever happened to her, and the fact that you didn’t know was entirely her fault. No matter how hard she tried to keep those she loved safe, the Doctor always ended up making the same mistakes, over and over. Because she loved you and you thought the opposite. 

You gave her a breathless, short chuckle, “If believing that makes you sleep easier at night, go ahead–”, you muttered sarcastically.

The Doctor slightly shook her head again. Normally she would respond with a playful remark, telling you Time Lords don’t really sleep, but there was nothing funny in the conversation you two were having. It had nothing to do with the usual domesticity between you. “Listen to me,” she tried again, and with a shaky hand, she tried to touch you again, “you’re trapped in your own mind now, the Veilstryx did this to you. Long story short, he took my form to hurt you, because that’s what he does– he feeds on people’s grief and biggest fears. He manipulates minds to his own advantage…” she could almost count all the freckles from your face, for how close she got. Both her hands were cupping your cheeks, her thumbs tracing soothing circles on your wet skin. “But I’m here now, the real me, the one that would never hurt you, hear me? Never.”

There was so much honesty and sincerity in her eyes, you found yourself vacillating. She sounded so much like your Doctor, the person you fell in love with, so different from the one you saw earlier in the TARDIS. 

“I want to trust you, and I feel like a part of me will always do, but what happened earlier– I can’t get it out of my head–”, you exhaled, making the Doctor’s breath hitch painfully. “I never thought you could hurt me like that-” you whispered, your voice was a mixture of sobs and gasps. It was harder to breathe, the more time passed. 

The Doctor wanted to shout now, but her voice died in her throat. She kept hold of you, hushing you gently and pulling you against her chest. You let her. Despite everything that happened, you’d always fall for her display of affections, fake or not. That’s what love did to people. It made them stupid, dependent, and weak. 

The Doctor had faced all kinds of enemies and dangers throughout her life, but nothing prepared her for such a twist. The possibility of you turning your back to her. “Please, don’t say that. I swear to you, that wasn’t me–” she croaked out, voice heavy with tears. “You have to believe me. I know it’s hard, but if you don’t– “ she clenched her eyes and let out a shaky breath. She couldn’t even spill those words. She couldn't even tell herself that you could die, even less to you. “I don’t want to lose you. Please, I’m beggin’ you. Please, don’t make me lose you.” 

There was a flicker of hesitation in your eyes now. Not to what she said, but to what you witnessed earlier in the TARDIS. You had your suspicions too, to be frank, because that person telling you all those horrible things had sounded so artificial, impossibly cruel, and the Doctor you knew was many things, but cruel. 

You lightly pulled away from her, eager to lock eyes with her, “you’re telling the truth?” You asked timidly, your voice so small and filled with vulnerability. When the Doctor nodded her head, without the minimum hesitation, you believed her right away. Perhaps it was irresponsible, and rather stupid, but you’d rather believe this version of her, the one you’ve always known, rather than the cruel one. 

“I want to believe you,” you continued, a sad smile tracing your features. “This truth is better than the one I saw earlier. Anything would be better than that.”

The Doctor’s eyes shone with hope then, “always been brilliant, you.” 

She caught you blushing softly and fidgeting at the compliment received. With extreme gentleness, as if it was the rawest thing in the world, she interlocked your fingers with hers. Another sign to show you she was there for you, and you had nothing to worry about. When she brought your knuckles to her lips, you stared deeply into her hazel eyes, and a wave of guilt flashed through you for all those horrible things you let yourself believe about the Doctor.  And if she was in your head now, there was the slight possibility that she knew–You needed to apologize, you needed to tell her you didn’t really believe all those things that crossed your mind the moment the Doctor– the Veilstryx curled his fingers around your neck with the purpose of hurting you. Because meeting her was and will always be the greatest gift of your life. 

“Doctor, I need to apologize for– when the Veilstryx took your form and said those things, I–”, you bit your tongue, feeling a crescendo of new tears welling up in your eyes. 

“Don’t go there, don’t you dare–” she argued quickly, yet fondly. “I’m the only one that owes you an apology, a big one. And I promise, I’ll make up to you for the rest of my life, but now we should focus on going back. You need to wake up, pull away from the Veilstryx and quickly.”

You nodded, however hesitantly. “How do I do that?” 

“By facing your fears and acknowledging them as such. Irrational scenarios of your mind.” That was indeed your Doctor, your brilliant, rambler Doctor. “They aren’t real and they will never be real. Break the contact with the Veilstryx, make sure he has nothing to hold on to. He has no power in the real world, and you should focus on what’s real, on the things you know are real–” 

You nodded again, and reluctantly let go of her hand to press your fingers firmly against your temples, as if that gesture would push away the lies he fed you with. Your heart rate picked up and cold sweat started pooling from your forehead. He was resisting you. 

“Help me,” you croaked out. “Help me see our life together.” 

You didn’t need to ask twice, when she spoke again, her voice was quieter, yet more serious, “Yaz is waiting for you in the TARDIS, the real one,” her eyes widened slightly when she averted her gaze from your eyes to the fingers on your temples. Your digits were turning the same color of the Veilstryx’s wings, as if they were— fading. He was starting to suck you away. 

She took your hands in her and took a sigh of relief, realizing she could still feel them. “She is worried sick about you but she’s also mad– nothing serious, you know her. She had a bad feeling about Nectoxia and she was right. Always right, that girl. We should listen to her more often,” there’s a hint of weak playfulness in her tone, that elicits a quiet chuckle in you. 

“I should’ve taken her money.”

“You should have. But don’t tell her I said that,” she mused tenderly. 

She started talking about all the adventures you lived together, the silly, quite ordinary moments in the TARDIS like the time you slipped on her sonic, while carrying a tray with freshly baked cookies. You were so determined to hold a grudge, but failed every time the Doctor would make eye contact with you. Her and her silly faces always made you cackle.

You merely rolled your eyes at the memory, “You ate all those that fell on the floor.” 

“Of course, I did. They were delicious,” she remarked, with a grin. 

As she kept talking, you listened attentively, your heart felt lighter and your body warmed up, as if it was coming back to life again. Your hands were tingling, they looked like a hologram, appearing and disappearing intermittently. You were fighting him. When her lips moved to the crown of your head, you smiled and closed your eyes for a brief second, basking in her affection and wishing it could go on forever. 

You let out a sigh while clinging to the Doctor’s tee. “The Veilstryx thought he could weaken me by showing me my biggest fear. Little did he know he only made me stronger,” you began, voice quiet but resolute. 

Her lip quivered slightly, but she was determined to not make a single noise. 

“I think it’s a common fear, especially for those that had the luck to travel with you, the idea that someday all of this will end. For the first moment I laid my eyes on you, I knew you were  my best chance in life to be the best version of myself. And I was right. I tried to be like you, to be brave, kind and extraordinary like you. I wanted you to notice me, the way I noticed you.” 

The Doctor wanted to say that she noticed you from the very beginning too. That she saw all the things you could be the exact moment you took her hand and joined her in her blue box. 

“I’ll hold onto you no matter how much it will hurt later. Because this–” you pulled away and pointed at you and her with a fond smile, “this is worth everything.”

The Doctor ran a hand across your cheek, her fingers trembled as she wiped all your new tears. She later pushed some of your hair from your face, combing it gently, so gently, you closed your eyes and let out a soft sigh. 

She leaned in, wishing to be part of your beautiful little bubble. “I’ve never been too good with words, but if there’s one thing I’m sure about is you. You’re an essential pillar in my life and you will always be. I don’t know what the future has in store for us, but I can see how beautiful our present is and I want to live it, the longest possible. And having a time machine at my disposal could help with that, don’t you think?” 

“Definitely,” you chuckled. 

Your hands were no longer fading, but you felt a tad weird, as if you were being pulled away. There was another voice you heard in the distance. You frowned and lolled your head to the side as to hear it better. 

Come on, come on, come back you two… what’s taking you so long?

“I think I’m hearing Yaz…” you muttered confusedly. 

“It’s okay,” she encouraged you with a warm smile. “It means you’re waking up. Let it happen. Yaz and I are gonna be there.”

“Promise?”

She nodded her head, eyes softening as she took in your adorable expression. She grasped your chin and lifted your face towards hers, her eyes basked in yours before shifting down towards your lips. Her face was so close you couldn’t help but wish to shorten that gap even more. 

I want to kiss you so bad right now, you thought to yourself.  

The Doctor chuckled against your mouth, her breath tickling your lips as she spoke. “Same here, stardust, but I think you’d appreciate it more if our first kiss didn’t happen in a dream.” 

In that exact moment you realized she heard your thoughts. And instead of feeling uneasy and embarrassed by it, you were happier than ever. You nodded your head, and your heart fluttered at her words. “You better be on the other side then.”

A small, sheepish grin played out on her face, along with a faint blush rose on her cheeks. “Wouldn’t miss it for anything in the Universe.”