The acoustic sets all wrapped up around 9.30pm, which allowed the venue to transform from pub-to-club all in one setting. The drinks flowed and Yaz finally felt like she could relax. With each drink, she could feel her inhibitions fall away, one by one.

She would never call herself a dancer, but tonight it didn't seem to matter. Ryan had all the moves, and she and The Doctor tried (and failed) to copy him. He smiled at their attempts, and tried to mime each move over the heavy, loud music. Ryan's mates had joined them after their set, and joined in the dancing.

Yaz couldn't stop smiling. She was dancing with her best friends. They were safe, and well, and happy. Oh, and the best thing? The Doctor was keeping up her charade, very well.

Despite dancing as a group, occasionally The Doctor would grab Yaz, and just dance with her exclusively. The Doctor would drape her arms around Yaz's shoulders, and move closer and closer with each beat. The scent radiating off her was intoxicating to Yaz, as she couldn't stop herself from moving in closer.

After getting very close a couple of times, Ryan would pull one of them back, reintegrating them into the group. The Doctor and Yaz would break away, but The Doctor made sure to stay very close to Yaz, no matter who tried to interject.

Despite how the evening had begun, Yaz hadn't even thought twice about Danny. She was aware that he must be around, but she had stopped searching for him. She was entirely focused on The Doctor; the person who she wanted to dance with most.

The Doctor, however, was very aware of Danny's presence. Ever since their run-in, he had kept his distance, but would make sure he could keep Yaz in his eyeline. The Doctor hated that. She didn't know what had happened, but she didn't like the predatory way he seemed to be keeping tabs on them. Danny would accidentally make eye contact with her at times, and would avert his eyes in embarrassment at being caught. In response, The Doctor would pull Yaz closer to her, or twirl her, or hold her hand in excitement.

The Doctor wasn't sure what was coming over her. She saw herself as protecting her friend. This man had hurt her friend, so she was going to do everything she could to help her. Even if that meant faking being in a relationship with her. Which, honestly, was not difficult at all. The Doctor knew her feelings towards Yaz were complicated. But she'd been down that road before, and wasn't ready to lose someone else close to her. Not if she could help it.

But she hadn't considered how easy Yaz made it to break her own rules. Yaz, with her big eyes, her kindness, her brains – no wonder The Doctor was hooked. And with her just there, dancing so… enchantingly, The Doctor could do nothing but follow her. Each time Danny looked their way, The Doctor felt the hot stab of anger. Instead of channelling that rage sensibly, The Doctor smugly pulled Yaz closer to her, smiling at her as they danced together. She couldn't help but savour the look on his face. She knew it was petty, and that wasn't her usual style, but she couldn't help it. He had given up something amazing, and he needed to feel that loss.

It was Ryan's turn to go and get more drinks. Yaz had stuck to wine, but The Doctor had been like a child in a sweet shop. She'd been mixing drinks all night, and much to Yaz's amusement, The Doctor had bought them apple sourz shots. Twice.

'Come on Yaz, I'm just integrating into human culture!' The Doctor had exclaimed when Yaz had rolled her eyes at her fondly.

'You daft alien.' She replied in amusement.

Whilst Ryan was gone, a couple of his mates had followed him to the bar. The other two stayed with The Doctor and Yaz, just enjoying dancing with their new friends. Yaz couldn't help it, but she wasn't really fully aware of them. All her senses converged on where The Doctor's hands were, and how they were all over her. The Doctor seemed to be a clingy drunk, and Yaz was living for it.

The lights danced over The Doctor's face, illuminating her grin each time she and Yaz locked eyes. They didn't notice the knowing looks that Ryan's mates were sharing. Yaz was beaming. She knew her face would ache later from all the smiling, but she really didn't care. She was dancing with The Doctor, and that was all that mattered.

Out of nowhere, an older, sweatier man began to brush up against Yaz. Her smile faltered slightly, feeling her muscles tense in unease. At first, she couldn't tell if he had accidentally entered her space, since dancefloors are always packed. She waited, continuing to dance normally, just to see if he would move away. He did not.

It soon became apparent that he was trying to grind up on her. Yaz tested her hypothesis by moving forward, away from him. He followed her, and continued to attempt to gyrate against her. Yaz felt instantly sick and tried to move away from him. Yet again, he followed. Yaz's eyes sought out The Doctor, signalling for assistance.

The Doctor, reading the discomfort on Yaz's face, immediately sprang into action. She was already in protective mode. Moving around Yaz, The Doctor put herself behind her friend, shielding her from the creepy dancer. Yaz gasped at the feel of The Doctor behind her, of her back moving against her chest. The Doctor encircled her arms around Yaz's middle, and rested her chin on Yaz's shoulder.

They continued to sway to the music, but Yaz could still feel pressure pushing her forward. She tried to glance over her shoulder to see what was happening. The Doctor's grip on her tightened.

'He's still trying it on. He's getting frustrated.' The Doctor whispered loudly into the shell of her ear. Yaz felt alarmed. Sure, he was just a bit creepy, but what if it escalated? The Doctor had put herself between them, protecting her. That in itself warmed her heart. But she didn't want to put her friend at risk.

'Okay, let's take a dance break.'

'What about Ryan and the drinks?'

Oh yeah, they couldn't just disappear on Ryan, not when he would have to navigate drunk dancers and balancing drinks. Yaz glanced up in the direction of the bar, but couldn't see her friend.

'Let's just move to the side, then we'll see him when he comes back.'

She felt The Doctor nod against her shoulder.

'Okay, lead the way!'

Yaz grabbed The Doctor by the hand, and led her through the crowd. They couldn't go very far, but it was a bit quieter at the side of the dancefloor. She hoped the creep wouldn't follow them. They came to a stop by the club wall. Yaz turned to face her friend, dropping back to lean against the wall in exhaustion. The Doctor came closer, trying to hear what her friend was going to say over the heavy beat.

'You okay?' She asked, concerned. Yaz nodded.

'Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for coming to my rescue, back there. Like you always do.' Yaz smiled at The Doctor, which of course, she couldn't but help return it.

'Anytime, Yaz. I'm not going to have you feel uncomfortable. Not if I can help it.' Yaz's grin grew even wider.

'Too good to me, you are.'

'Oh no, Yaz, on the contrary, it's you that is too good to me.'

Okay, Yaz's cheeks were definitely going to be hurting tomorrow. And did she care? Absolutely not. Yaz wasn't too inebriated, but she was definitely feeling braver and more outgoing than usual. Good old alcohol. She pushed herself against the wall slightly, stepping more into The Doctor's personal space. She was secretly thrilled when The Doctor did not step back to accommodate her.

'Thank you, again. For, y'know, pretending to be my girlfriend.'

'It's my pleasure Yaz.' The Doctor's smile was so sincere, Yaz smiled shyly in response.

'When I first saw Danny, I thought the night would be really awful, but you've made it so much better. Thank you for doing that for me.'

'Yaz, you really don't have to keep thanking me. But I'm glad I could help make it better.'

'You always do.' Yaz responded. There was a beat, a silent acknowledgement of what was being said. 'You having fun?' Yaz asked her friend, changing the subject slightly. The Doctor nodded in response, seemingly starting to notice how close they were. But again, she did not move.

'Yeah, yeah, it's good fun. Not been on a night out in ages.' She paused, clearly trying to remember the last time she'd been out. 'Actually, this body has never been on a night out. This is a first!'

'What other firsts has this body not experienced?' As soon as Yaz said it, she instantly regretted it. Oh god, how had that slipped out?! Her eyes widened in horror with instant regret. The Doctor's eyes widened at the question, but seeing Yaz's instant panic she couldn't help but smirk.

'Well, wouldn't you like to know, Miss Khan?' Wait, what? Was The Doctor… flirting back? Normally, Yaz would have backtracked or changed the subject. But suddenly, fuelled by alcohol, hormones and increased closeness to The Doctor, Yaz was both intrigued and feeling brave. She wanted to see how far this could go.

'Maybe I do.' Yaz countered. The Doctor cocked an eyebrow, equally intrigued by where this might go. Also fuelled by alcohol, she moved even closer to Yaz. They were stood so close, that their noses were barely a few centimetres apart. Yaz gulped, her cheeks flushing with nerves and adrenaline, but her feet remained planted to the floor.

'Well, there have been a few already tonight.' The Doctor began.

'Such as?'

The Doctor let her gaze roam slowly over Yaz's face. Yaz had never felt so scrutinised. Her heartbeat picked up, and she was pretty sure The Doctor could sense it. Damn, why did she have to know everything?

'Well, I had my first apple sourz.' The words may have been disappointing, but The Doctor's tone was not. It was deep, smooth and sultry.

'And?' Yaz asked, her heart hammering away inside her chest. She was tingling with nerves, excitement and the unknown. The Doctor stepped even closer into her space, which caught Yaz by surprise. She took a small step backwards, and found herself leaning against the wall again. The Doctor brought her hand up to wall, right hand placed to Yaz's left. She leant into it, and into Yaz's personal space. The air was getting tenser and hotter. Yaz licked her lips nervously. The Doctor's eyes were instantly drawn to them.

'Going to a proper pub with my mates. Then clubbing. Then, dancing with a beautiful girl. After that, saving said beautiful girl from a creep. Just to name a few.' The Doctor responded, eyes flicking back up to meet Yaz's. Even in the darkness of the club, Yaz could see that The Doctor's eyes were fully dilated. Yaz felt her breath catch in her throat.

'Really?' Was all she could get out. The Doctor watched her with confusion.

'Really what?' She asked.

'You really think I'm beautiful?'

Yaz watched The Doctor's expression switch from sultry to sincere.

'Of course I do,' she said, sounding the most sober she had all night. Yaz felt warmth spread throughout her body, and didn't know how to respond. She had no words.

The Doctor watched her closely, trying to read the expressive face of Yaz Khan.

'Is that okay?' She asked quietly, nervously, suddenly not sure of herself. Yaz caught The Doctor's nervousness, and realised she needed to put an end to it. It was so endearing, that The Doctor would be so concerned about her boundaries.

'Yeah, yeah that's okay. More than okay.' Yaz answered.

The Doctor smiled in relief.

'Okay, good. That's good.' Yaz reached down for The Doctor's other hand, taking it gently in hers. Hesitant fingers found each other, and linked together as one. The Doctor glanced down at them, smiled, and looked back at Yaz. Their faces had moved even closer with their hushed conversation.

Both women were breathing heavily, the air thick with everything that was left unspoken. Instinctively, Yaz moved ever-so-slightly, bringing her nose closer to make contact with The Doctor's. She nudged gently, as her eyes fluttered close. Her stomach flipped with excitement for what was about to happen. The Doctor released their hands, and brought her left hand to Yaz's waist. It then slipped around her back, pulling her slightly away from the wall. She could feel The Doctor take a deep breath, as they were about to step over the precipice of their friendship, together.

She was about to close the gap, so, so close, when…

'Oh, there you guys are! I've been looking for you…' Ryan's timing was impeccable, as always. He tailed off, when he realised he'd just walked in on a private moment.

Yaz's eyes snapped open. Before she'd even got them fully opened, The Doctor had jumped away from her in alarm. She had retracted her arms, so that they were now held firmly down at her sides. She glanced briefly at Yaz, before turning to look at Ryan. Yaz felt immediately cold.

'Ay it's Ryan! About time! What took you so long with the drinks? The Doctor began to babble, taking one of the drinks off Ryan before he could offer it out to her.

'There was a queue, it was taking ages. Do you want me to come back…?' He began to ask but The Doctor cut him off.

'Nah, don't be silly Ryan, you stay here.' She wiped her brow, glancing at Yaz again. 'Actually, I'm gonna go get some air. You keep Yaz company. I'll be back in a bit.' And with that, The Doctor moved away from them, back through the dancers, and out of sight.

Ryan looked at Yaz in confusion.

'Okay, what did I just walk into?'

Yaz looked at him, still reeling from The Doctor's swift exit. Why had The Doctor just left her suddenly? They had been about to kiss, Yaz was so sure of it. Or was Yaz imagining it? Oh god. What if Yaz had tried to kiss The Doctor, but she hadn't wanted it? Was that why she ran away?

Yaz suddenly had many, many regrets.