DISCLAIMERS/NOTES

1. This is a fan fiction based on characters owned by the BBC. I DO NOT OWN THEM. This is just for fun.

2. This is a femslash story. If you don't like that sort of thing, you won't like this.

PART 15

As soon as the TARDIS doors were closed, the Doctor and Yaz resumed their embrace desperately, the latter burying her head in the former's shoulder. Once more the Doctor could make out muffled sniffs.

"Don't… don't ever do this t'me again… " Yaz whined.

"I'm so sorry, Yaz… " the Time Lady breathed, tightening her hold. They kissed once more, both clambering to regain what was thought lost forever. The Doctor could taste salty tears, and her own soon joined them. She could no longer stem back her crying, as her hearts threatened to explode at the joy of being reunited with her lost love. "I only did it 'cos… "

"No, don't," the girl interrupted. "I told you, I know - and it doesn't matter." Another deep kiss. "I love you so much," said Yaz. "I've missed you more than anythin'."

"I've missed you more than the entire universe," the Gallifreyan countered, and held Yaz tight again. "But I'm scared."

Yaz glared at her. "Of what?"

"I don't think I should'a let us back in the TARDIS, 'cos if you don't leave now… I'll never be able to let you go."

Yaz looked her straight in the eyes. "Then I'll never leave again."

They kissed once more, both desperate to make certain this was real, that they were truly reunited. After three agonising months apart, it seemed cruel fate that they would forever be denied eachother. Yet it also proved beyond any doubt how much both needed the other. The Doctor and Yasmin Khan could not function unless they were together.

"My dear Yasmin," the Time Lady whispered. "I'm so sorry for everything. I was just so scared - worried that you deserve better. Which y'do, obviously… "

"Stop it," Yaz sighed.

"And then, when your parents turned down my request… " She stopped when she felt her darling tense up.

"Do not mention them again," spat the Human. "After what they did, I'm never talking to them again in my life."

At that, the Doctor bit her lip. "No, Yaz. Don't say that. They're your parents."

"They tried - and succeeded, I might add - t'take you away from me!" There was fire in the policewoman's eyes. "How could I ever forgive them for that? No, forget it."

"Yaz, listen to me," said the Doctor steadfastly. "They only did what they did because they love you. I was an idiot by telling them everything all in one go, and in my stupid desperation to propose, I overwhelmed them and scared them off. But even if I hadn't, they probably still would've done the same thing. Because they still would've been scared and worried for your safety. Trust me, I know what I'm talking about." She thought back to the numerous times a new companion's loved ones learnt of the Doctor's true nature, and the resultant protests demanding their safe return.

"I can look after myself," Yaz frowned.

"I know that, and really, so does your family," soothed the Gallifreyan. "But they're only Human. Moreso, they're your family. Frankly, it would be rather disturbing if they didn't have concerns."

"Whatever," huffed Yaz. "But that doesn't change the fact that they made you leave, and nearly killed me in doin' so."

"Maybe." The Doctor stroked her darling's cheek tenderly. "But please, don't turn your back on them. I also know what it means to lose your entire family, and I'd hate for you to do that, for any reason… especially me." She gave a loving kiss to Yaz's full lips. "Don't lose your parents, Yaz. Fix things before it's too late." She gave a pleading look.

Yaz's shoulders relaxed. "I'll… think about it. For you." With that, they resumed their hug, both eager to move back to their reunion. After several minutes, Yaz locked eyes on the alien once more. "I mean it, though. I won't let this happen ever again. Do y'hear me?" She cupped the alien's face in both hands. "This has been utter hell, and I can't go through it again. I can't live without you, Doctor. I'm never leavin' your side again. Ever. And whatever bollocks reason you may come up with won't wash."

The Doctor let out a small smile. "I think… I have a way to prove my commitment." After giving one final kiss, she reluctantly broke their embrace and nodded in determination. "Gimme a sec." Then, to Yaz's surprise, the Time Lady turned around and got on her hands and knees.

"What… are you doin'?" she asked tentatively, as her beloved scrounged the floor as if searching for something.

"I threw it over here somwhere," came the distracted reply. "Dangit, where is it… ?" There was then a bleep from the ceiling above, and the Doctor stopped her frantic roaming. She then slowly reached into her pocket and felt something within. Smiling warmly, the Doctor mouthed thank you, before getting to her feet and turning back to Yaz.

Yaz's eyes became saucers at the engagement ring now in the alien's hand. "Oh my God… it's beautiful." She reached out slightly, not quite daring to touch the small object which sparkled in the console room's lights. "But Doctor… I already said yes… "

"I wanna do this properly," came the resolute response. "Just humour me, yeah?" she asked with a lopsided smile. It quickly faded, however, and the Doctor's face went serious as she lowered back down - this time, on one knee. Tears were yet again trickling down Yaz's cheeks.

"Yasmin Khan, in all my lives, I've never met anyone like you. You mean more to me than the entire universe. I… I can't promise it'll be easy… I can't even promise your safety. But I can promise you my undying love and devotion. Will you marry me?"

The young woman was nodding before the question was even finished. "You know I will… " Yaz choked. "Of course I will!" The Doctor's face broke into a huge grin, and she reverently slipped the ring onto a waiting finger.

The Doctor got back to her feet, and she and Yaz engulfed each other in a passionate kiss, all the while the Doctor's hand never letting go of Yaz's newly-adorned own.

There were still many things to do, to talk about and decide. Many things yet to face and overcome. It would indeed not be easy - it would never be easy. But both knew, from the depths of their souls, it would be worth it.

The Doctor and Yasmin Khan were about to embark on their greatest adventure yet… as always, together.

THE END