oOo
The TARDIS dematerialized. On Earth, in South Croydon, the household waited for the TARDIS to reappear. And waited.
Finally, after a week, Tegan was given a sedative by Harry, in order to ensure at least a single night's sleep. Tegan acquiesced only after being reassured that a) Lanie would be watched over and b) she would be woken up immediately if the Doctor returned.
K-9 was put on twenty-four hour alert for any incoming transmissions. His sturdy form trundling around the edges of the property became a familiar sight as he tirelessly scanned for signs of the TARDIS, as requested. Lanie frequently managed to find her way into the backyard through mysterious means, much to her mother's exasperation, but once it was clear she was only crawling after K-9, Tegan's distress lessened. After all, a mechanical dog with a computer for a brain and a laser in its nose made an ideal body guard.
The Doctor did not reappear for another six weeks. Tegan went from frantic to sullen to accepting. Only the fact that her daughter needed her kept her from giving in fully to the despair that regularly threatened to overwhelm her. And the vindication. "I knew this would happen," became her private mantra.
When the Doctor finally did show up, only K-9 was there to greet him as the TARDIS wheezed its way back into corporeal existence. Sarah Jane was away on assignment, Harry was on maneuvers, and Lavinia, Tegan and Lanie were sound asleep as the Doctor walked through the darkened garden and opened the kitchen door. "Master."
"K-9." The Doctor sounded weary. "Time and date, if you please; I've been having...issues...with the TARDIS." He did not elaborate, nor did K-9, literalist that he was, ask for such elaboration.
"3:07 a.m. local time, 12 July 1985."
The Doctor seemed to have difficulty digesting the length of time he'd been gone; he asked K-9 to repeat the date, then shook his head. "Seven weeks, is it? I believe it will be at least that long before Tegan stops saying 'I told you so.'" He glanced down sharply at K-9. "She's still here? Tegan and the baby are still here?" He had a sudden fear that she'd taken his absence for abandonment and brought Lanie somewhere else to live.
"Mistress Tegan and Mistress Elaina are currently asleep in the quarters assigned to them. Mistress Lavinia is also asleep. Mistress Sarah Jane and Master Harry are currently elsewhere but will return at an unspecified point within the next two days." K-9 sounded apologetic. "I am unable to confirm their return with any more specificity as their itineraries were--"
"That's fine," the Doctor interrupted, sounding relieved. "I'll just go see Tegan and Lanie. Before I have to leave again," he muttered angrily.
oOo
The bedroom door creaked open and Tegan came instantly awake. Harry only insisted she take sedatives on particularly bad nights. "Lavinia? Has there been news?"
"Sh, no, Tegan, it's me."
Tegan was out of the bed and in his arms before he finished speaking, holding him tightly before abruptly shoving him back into the hall and closing the bedroom door behind her. In the dim lighting he could see the storm gathering in her face, and swept her up for a heartfelt kiss before the angry words hovering behind her lips could burst free.
"I'm sorry, it was the White Guardian, exactly as you thought, you were right, can we not fight, at least not just yet? I'd really like to see Lanie, if you don't mind. I promise not to wake her." The Doctor's words came in a rush, but Tegan could hear the weary resignation in his voice and merely stepped aside so he could open the door.
"You don't have to worry about waking her; she's still the soundest sleeper in the house," Tegan reassured him, although she kept her voice low.
He nodded and quietly walked over to gaze down at his sleeping daughter, marveling at the changes even seven weeks had wrought in her face and form. She was, what, seven months old now? She stirred and mumbled something but never opened her eyes, even when he leaned down and kissed her gently on the top of her head. Was he hair longer? He couldn't tell. After another silent moment, the Doctor rejoined Tegan in the hall, closing the door behind him. "I could use a cup of tea."
"Sounds good to me. Should I wake Lavinia?"
The Doctor shook his head and reached for Tegan's hand, clasping it in his as they descended the stairs together. "Later. Right now I just want to spend some time with you, even if you yell at me the entire time."
"That's the second time you've accused me of wanting to pick a fight," Tegan said crossly. She hitched her nightgown sleeve up from where it had slid down her shoulder. "I've barely said a word. Give me a little credit!" She tucked her arm through his as they entered the kitchen, releasing him only reluctantly when he turned on the light and started the kettle. "I'll save the 'I told you so's' until later. Right now, I'm just glad you're back and safe. I'm ready to hear what happened to you as soon as you're ready to tell me." She folded her arms on the table, hands clasped demurely, and shut her mouth with a snap.
The Doctor smiled as he pulled two teacups out of the cabinet. "There isn't much to tell, actually."
Tegan threw him a disbelieving look, but as promised remained silent. "All right," the Doctor conceded, "perhaps there is a thing or two to tell..."