Hello, everyone! Guess who's back! :D

I hope everyone has been doing okay! I am so, so sorry for being gone for so long. I took much longer than I had orginally planned when going away. I realize now I should have made up an author's note before I left the States again. See, treatments here in the U.S. were no longer working whatsoever, and the doctors realized that the cancer was much worse than they had originally thought. But I'm so blessed to have wonderful family members overseas who were willing to take me in to get more treatments in Europe. Unfortunately, they lived without internet, so I was not able to keep up with the story or you lovely readers updated. I'm so sorry for that. I truly feel horrible. I understand if many of you decide to leave the story. Though I will miss you all if you do so.

But I have great news! The cancer has stopped, and doctors think that there will be no more growth! So, I've always been away taking some time to recover from all of this. So, another reason why it took so long. But I'm back and ready to start up the story! :D

I really hope everyone enjoys the newest chapter!

Warning: Adult themes and mentions.

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Chapter 14: The Next Step Together

Wanda breathed in and let out a happy breath as they finally reached the secluded area of which the teenager had directed them to. She grinned and gaze around the peaceful place in delight, seeing it was just as Jane had said. It was far away from everyone else within the park, very private with all the clustered trees of the area. The pond itself was lined with flowers around its banks edges on one side, while the other bank was bare. There was a small dock leading out towards the centre of the pond. Though the wooden planks on the dock appeared to be rather on the old side, with some holes within the wood and were discoloured in age. Glancing upwards, she saw that there was indeed a great view of the stars overhead. Not as nice as their room within the TARDIS, but still nice for star gazing.

"I still think we need to go find that girl again," the Doctor spoke up behind her, sounding almost as if he were grumbling in disappointment in not being able to investigate something mysterious that had occurred.

"Oh, shush you," Wanda replied, keeping her eyes up towards the stars as she observed them. "Not everything is a mystery that needs to be solved. Just let the girl be. Besides . . . I think we might run into her again someday." The Doctor looked away from the pond and stared at her in interest.

"How do you figure that?" he questioned. Wanda shrugged, holding a small knowing smile on her face.

"Just a hunch," she responded. Shifted slightly, she began to crouch down, ready to lay back upon the grass to relax and star gaze.

"Wait a minute," the Doctor said, halting her from getting on the ground. Hurriedly he shrugged off his overcoat, laying it down neatly on the ground for them both as a blanket to lie on. "Okay, go ahead." He sat down himself scooting back to lie down and gaze upwards.

Wanda did the same, placing down her bouquet of flowers next to them and lying right up against him as they both stared at the stars twinkling above. She felt him shift, pulling up his arm and then wrapping it around her shoulders. She scooted closer, laying her head in the crook of his arm. Both sighed in content as they stared up to the night sky, simply enjoying the quiet moment between them. Each of them felt so at peace. More at peace with the universe than they ever had been. Especially when being so close to the other, wrapped together in their loving embrace of sorts. In that moment for them . . . it was perfect.

"Theta," Wanda spoke up after some time had passed.

"Hmm?" he hummed out in question.

"I love you," she said, smiling softly as she tilted her head slightly to look at him. He moved his own to gaze down at her, giving a similar soft smile.

"I love you, too, Wanderer," he whispered. Leaning forward, they both brushed their lips against each other's, giving a loving kiss. Pulling away, the Doctor wrapped his arms around Wanda and gave another content sigh. "You know, I find it funny how willing you are in saying that now in this current regeneration, but in your Second, you'd hardly even hold my hand. Well . . . except for a few times. And well, there was that one time in that department store. That was a surprising day that I learned you have kink for Stetsons." He chuckled as Wanda scoffed and hit him lightly on the chest.

"It's not a 'kink.' I just . . . find you attractive in a Stetson is all." She blushed as she thought over the certain moment he was talking about. The time she had practically thrown him against the store's wall in the back and snogged him passionately. Still a moment she swore her hormones had gotten the better of her.

"Uh-huh. Sure, whatever you say." He snickered as Wanda hit him once more.

Wanda snuggled against him, smiling as she rubbed her hand lightly over his chest. "It's strange to me, too. I can't even remember why I had been so against loving you in the past. It might have been because I was scared of having that sort of bond with someone. Or it might have also been because I've never experienced any sort of romantic relationships in the first place."

The Doctor blinked, surprised by this statement. "What? Never? Not even a quick boyfriend or anything?"

"Nope." She smiled and patted his chest lightly. "You're my first and only. First kiss, first love, and first . . . well, anything else first really." Clearing her throat slightly, she blushed as she shifted next to him. "In fact, when I first arrived to this universe, Eleven gave me one hell of a surprise when we met. Which I'm still beating myself over the head for being completely naïve and stupid in not realizing the clear and obvious signs of you and I being together. I am a complete moron when it comes to the obvious."

"Yeah." The Doctor nodded in agreement, but quickly cleared his throat when seeing the look Wanda shot at him. "Sorry. That was rude, wasn't it?"

She smiled affectionately, poking him in the side. "Yes. But then again, I rather like the rudeness." She winked, chuckling as the Doctor gave a silly grin.

"So, what exactly did future me do when we first met? I hope nothing too bad since it would have been innocent, Young Wanda."

"Nope. Not telling, it's spoilers."

The Doctor grinned slyly as he saw the blush darken on her face. It must have been really something for her to still be embarrassed by a moment that happened so long ago for her. "Oh? Now I really want to know. What happened? Come on, give me a sneak peek? Even a little one?"

Wanda shook her head quickly, not meeting his gaze in her embarrassment in remembering how clearly in denial and naïve she had been in the past. "Nope. Nope. Not ever gonna tell you. You'll just have to wait until it happens." She glanced at him, seeing how he wiggled his brows, looking extremely cheeky as he also waved his fingers at her. She narrowed her eyes, knowing what he was implying to do. They had found out recently that this new body of hers was very ticklish in certain areas. So, the Doctor has been using this weakness against her on different occasions. "You wouldn't dare."

He gave her his famous raised brow as he grinned. "Ooh, I would."

Suddenly, he launched at her, tickling her along her sides, right above her hips. She squealed, kicking out her legs as she began to laugh uncontrollably from the sensation. The Doctor laughed as well as he watched her wiggle on the ground, trying to get out of his grasp.

"S-stop it!" Wanda giggled, trying to get out of his grasp

"Not until you tell me," the Doctor said, moving his fingers fast so she could barely catch her breath from laughing so hard. Abruptly, he found himself on his back, staring up to Wanda hovering over him.

"For that, mister, you're in big trouble," she teased. She flicked him on the nose then hurriedly jumped away from him, skipping down to the dock of the pond. The Doctor sat up quickly, staring at the old, wooden dock with uncertainty as Wanda bounced down it.

"Wanda, I don't really think you should be on that," he called out in concern. He stood up, walking over to the edge of the dock by the shore, watching how Wanda bounced at the other end by the water. She was standing right over the middle of the pond now.

"Oh? You gonna come make me get off of it?" Wanda continued to spring lightly on her feet on the dock. They both could hear the wood creak and moan under her weight. But while the Doctor shook his head in not liking the Time Lady being unconcerned with being on such an instable surface, Wanda only grinned in amusement as she bounced lightly on the balls of her feet.

He stepped lightly onto the dock, holding out a hand to her. "Come on, you should really get off. It's chilly out and getting wet would just make things colder for you."

"You gotta come and get me, Spaceman." Wanda winked, backing up to the very edge of the dock, with the back of her heels sticking out over the water.

Huffing slightly, the Doctor treaded forward, making sure to step lightly over the planks with holes or cracks. He only had a two suits to wear, and one of them was currently in the wash. If this one got wet, then he would have to be in only his pants until both were cleaned. It would be rather embarrassing running around the flat with no clothes on, especially in front of Martha. But as he reached towards Wanda, he knew he should have realized what the Time Lady was up to. It only just dawned on him when he saw that sly grin and her eyes lighting up in mischief.

"Oh, no, you wouldn't," he said, backing up slightly from her. It was too late, however, he was already far too off from the shore and right in the middle of the pond now for him to make an escape. And so, she gave a grin as she grabbed him, using her weight to throw him off balance, and made them both fall back into the water.

It was cold. That was for sure. The Doctor blinked underwater as he saw bubbles coming from Wanda with her laughing. He rolled his eyes, pulling them both back up to the surface. He shook out his hair once they reached air and floated there in the middle of the pond. Wanda kept giggling, splashing him lightly.

"Got you," she laughed. The Doctor splashed her in return.

"Congratulations. You've got us both wet and cold, and now I'll be naked for the rest of the night as I wait for my suits to dry," he responded.

"I don't think I'd mind that," Wanda countered, giving him a coy look.

The Doctor laughed. "Now who's being cheeky."

Wanda splashed him again, sticking out her tongue teasingly. "Well, it's been ages since we've been swimming together. I'd thought we should have a nice dip in this lovely pond."

"Oh, sure. Lovely. But you'd know what be even more fun?" He grinned widely, grabbing her and holding her up above the water slightly.

She kicked out her legs as he held her up, having an amused tone in her voice as she spoke. "Put me down!"

"As you wish."

The Doctor tossed her right into the water, laughing as he watched her sputter when she came back up to the surface. He splashed her, then hurriedly swam back to shore as she chased after him. They were both in a fit of laughter as they waded back onto dry land, completely soaked through their clothes and dripping with the cold water. Even though it was not exactly pleasant to be chilled and cover in pond water, just being together in such a way felt completely perfect for them both. They fell back onto the Doctor's overcoat, still laughing for no real reason. They both just felt so happy and giddy that they could not contain their joy. Eventually, their fit of amusement subsided as they both sighed in content and stared up to the stars hanging above them.

"We should go swimming more often," Wanda said after a moment, staring at the twinkling lights overhead in peace. The Doctor turned his head towards her, smiling softly.

"Yeah, we should," he agreed. He watched as Wanda shivered slightly as the wind picked up around them.

"Brr. You were right. Being wet does not help with the chill," she mumbled, rubbing at her hands and arms to warm them up.

The Doctor scooted over, wrapping an arm around her. "Here. I'll keep you warm."

Wanda snuggled right into him, smiling brightly. "Thanks." She looked up as he gazed warmly at her.

Gently, he tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. They stared at each other for a moment, unblinking, holding their breathes as they felt the same a tug go through them. The very same sensation as they had been experiencing for the past few weeks in being stranded here. The same feeling in being unsure on whether they should take the next step down the road they were heading. Unsure on where exactly they were meant to go. But in the end, at the same time, they both finally took that step.

The Doctor leaned forward and captured her lips in a heated kiss. Wanda treaded her hands through his hair and he wrapped his arms around her waist in the same way his lips held hers. Each invaded the others mouth and they shivered as their Time Lord bond sparked up greatly, sending a flaring warmth through them. There was light smacking as the Doctor rolled on top of her, pinning her to the ground as he ran his hands up and down her sides. She shivered, finding the sensation both pleasuring and ticklish. Her own hands worked hurriedly on opening his suit jacket, then moving to unbutton his dress shirt and pull at his tie. Trembling even more as she felt his hands skim over the skin of her belly.

"Wait, wait, wait," the Doctor breathed, pulling away with a smack with their kiss as he hurriedly stopped her hands on his shirt. She stared up at him in confusion as she saw the sudden uneasy expression.

"What's wrong?" she asked. He hesitated for a moment, seeming unsure how to explain what was on his mind.

"We can't . . . we shouldn't . . .," he tried to speak, swallowing heavily. "I don't think we should do this."

Wanda stared at him, trying to see what exactly he was so hesitant. "Why shouldn't we?" She cupped the side of his face gently. "We've been together through so much. And . . . I want to . . . so badly."

The Doctor shook his head. "But you've never . . . I've been the only one you've been with. You really don't know anything or anyone else. There's probably someone out there, somewhere, who's much better suited for you than I ever could be. And—and don't you think we might be rushing it?"

Wanda scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Theta, we've been together, for you, for three years now. And for me, it's been seventy-two years. Seventy-five if you just want to count starting from the very beginning, but seventy-two in being in a relationship. I think that counts as plenty of time for us both."

"But don't you think . . . this might not be the best time. Or even place. And . . . Wanda I haven't . . . It's been so long for me. Centuries since the last time I've been . . . intimate. I'm not sure if I should, because in the end, things might not last of us. People who want to get close to me . . . it tends to not end well for either of us. Especially for them. I always have to watch them leave, while I have to move on. That's why I haven't bothered at all. I mean, why bother when it just all leads to nothing?"

Still seeing how uneasy the Doctor seemed to feel, she softly kissed his cheek, then pulled forward his hand to kiss his wrist tenderly in reassurance. "I've been with you for all these years, you think I don't know that? I've been by your side, knowing there's always a chance things might go wrong at any second. But that's why I don't want to hesitate or wait any longer. 'Cause you never know when it might be our last chance together. Our last time to swim together." She smiled lightly at her own joke. Her smiled slipped when she realized that sounded rather callous of her. What if the Doctor was not ready? It might still be too soon for him. "Sorry. I didn't mean to push. If you don't want to, then that's fine. I'll wait for as long as you wish. I'm okay with just continuing simple love if that's what you want. Whatever makes you happy, Theta, I'll do it."

"No, no, that's not it." He leaned forward, giving her a brief kiss. "I want to . . . I've been holding back for so long now . . . I don't think I can hold on any longer if we don't move forward." He sighed heavily, leaning his forehead on her shoulder.

She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close and gently rubbing circles on his back. "Then . . . what's stopping us?"

The Doctor only shook his head, hoping to make Wanda realize what path they were heading down. Once the door was opened, there was no turning back for either of them. "Wanda . . . once we cross this line, there's no turning around. There's no going back. Especially when it comes to being a Time Lord. It's something far more, and it can never be taken back. It will last forever for us."

"I know. Why else do you think I've waited?"

"Well . . . I mean, you and future me haven't already . . . have you?"

She chuckled, shaking her head. "No."

The Doctor pulled back to stared at her in shock, blinking in astonishment. "No? Not even once?"

"Nope. Only a few snogs here and there. Nothing more." She kissed him slowly, pulling away to stare deeply into his eyes. "I told you I've waited. Been too scared in the past to cross that line. But not anymore."

It took a few seconds for this information to sink in and for the Doctor to process it. "Seventy-two years. . . That is one hell of a wait. No wonder you're so zealous in this body."

Wanda giggled, kissing his nose. "Well . . . I wanted to wait until the right time for us both." Growing a serious and determined expression, she grabbed his hand from her stomach, pulling it to her chest. He gulped as he felt her hearts pounding away, seeing the steady gaze she held. With another hand, she touched the side of his face. "Theta . . . please . . . make me yours."

Without a second thought more, he leaned down to claim her lips once again.

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Wanda sat at the dining table of their flat, sipping causally on her tea. Often, whenever she placed her tea down, she would grow this dreamy smile and begin to hum a pleasant tune. She would even giggle quietly under her breath and her cheeks would almost glow pink as she dazed off to nothing in particular.

Martha, who was sitting across from her, glanced up from reading the paper, raising a brow at the practically glowing Time Lady. The companion had been noticing how the two Time Lords seem to have this radiance about them when strolling about the flat or anywhere else for that matter. This has been happening since a few nights ago. She had noticed something had changed between them when she had woken up the next morning from working late in stocking. At first, she found it funny how they both had to hang up their wet clothes from falling into a pond during some kind of festival. Then she picked up on how each would give these very affectionate looks and passing touches to each other. And the biggest difference was seeing the constant bounce in the Doctor's steps, and the way Wanda would have this relaxed demeanour about her, even more absent-minded than usual. It made Martha constantly wonder what happened to make the Time Lords so giddy. But then, things were made clear to her when she came home last night.

She smirked at the Time Lady slightly, snickering under her breath. Wanda snapped out of her daze as she heard Martha chuckling.

"What?" Wanda asked the girl.

"Nothing. Nothing," Martha replied, shaking her head. She picked up her own cuppa, taking a sip. Settling down the cup, she smirked at the blonde girl as Wanda was drinking her own. "So . . . did you two have fun last night? 'Cause it sure sounded like it." She laughed loudly as Wanda chocked and sputtered on her drink.

"W-what?! You—you heard us?" Wanda asked in alarm.

"Well . . . kind of hard not to at the way you two were going." Martha took a sip of her drink, chuckling as Wanda slapped a hand over her face and was blushing like mad.

"Oh, my gosh, I am so sorry. We didn't mean . . . we thought you'd be out later than that. I swear, I'll make sure we won't go swimming around you anymore."

Martha waved a hand in dismissal of Wanda's embarrassment or worries. "It's fine, really. I've had flatmates before that were way worse than the two of you. Trust me." She paused in confusion as she had been about to take a sip of her tea. "Wait, 'swimming'? Is that some kind of code between the two of you or something?"

Wanda slumped down her seat, looking even more flustered now. "Sort of." Her blush darkened as Martha burst out in laughter. "It's just something like an inside joke between us. Plus it might come in handy if we come across a version of each other who hasn't gone 'swimming' yet, so . . . well, you know." She took a quick sip of her tea, not meeting Martha's gaze directly.

Martha snorted, shaking her head. "You don't have to go and get all flustered about it. It's normal for lovers to do these sorts of things."

"I know. It's just . . . I'm still new and getting used to this advancement in our relationship. And it's not exactly something I want to bluntly discuss with others."

"But are you two finally happy together?"

Wanda leaned forward slightly, smiling fondly in thought. "Yeah." She grinned at the medical student in front of her. "Really, really happy."

Martha grinned as well. "Good. You two needed to finally move on and be happy. It's actually about time. I've been getting tired of putting up with the two of you always just waiting for the other to make the first move. I was half tempted to just lock you both in the bedroom and not let either of you out until—."

"Martha," Wanda scoffed, shaking her at the girl.

"Well, it's true," Martha laughed. "I could have cut the tension with a knife at the rate you two were going."

The Time Lady snorted lightly, agreeing with the girl. "Yeah, it's true." They both sort of laughed and continued to sip on their drinks.

"So where is the Doctor anyway?" Martha looked over her shoulder towards the door of the flat where the Time Lord had left earlier. She thought it was kind of late for him to be out. It was raining as well. It was strange that he would leave so suddenly on such a dark and cold night.

"He went to test his Timey-Wimey Detector some more," Wanda explained. "I think he's getting anxious for Billy to show up. Especially with all the false alarms he's been getting from the device." Martha hummed and nodded, understanding the Doctor's frustration. She had been feeling similarly anxious to hurry up and get out of 1969. God, did she miss being in the TARDIS. Just as much as the Time Lords did.

Both girls jumped slightly as the flat door suddenly burst open, letting in a quick moving Doctor. He grinned brightly, holding up the detector that was dinging loudly.

"I think we've got him!" he exclaimed cheerfully. "Come on! Allons-y!" He reached forward, quickly grabbing Wanda's arm and pulling her along. Martha hurriedly followed behind them. The Doctor held out his device in front of him as they all briskly jogged down the stairs and away from the flat. "I want to hurry up and give Billy the tapes as soon as possible. The quicker we get the TARDIS back, the better."

"Right. So then you and Wanda can go 'swimming' all you'd like," Martha teased. The Doctor flattered in his steps, looking either confused by this statement, or flustered by it if Martha meant something specifically.

"What?" he questioned.

"Oh, you know, last night. I heard plenty of swimming going on," Martha continued to tease. Wanda face palmed as the Doctor blinked, going bright red.

"What?!" he exclaimed. Wanda sighed and shook her head, grabbing both of their hands.

"Come on you two. We need to shift it if we're gonna reach Billy in time," she mumbled, pulling them along. "And Martha, really, wait to tease us about this later after we've gotten the TARDIS back. Because at the rate you're going, we're gonna be stuck in 1969 for another month if you keep getting the Doctor in a tizzy."

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Oh, I hope the chapter was good for everyone! :) Please let me know what you all thought in a review. Or, truthfully, I would really just like to hear from everyone in a message. I've missed you all so much while I was away. Honestly, I thought of all you guys and each time something scary happened in this crazy world of ours, I prayed that each one of you was safe. Please take care everyone and hope to see you all again soon!

P.S. I promise next time to start up my review responses once again. I also promise to being working on keeping to a schedule on chapter postings. So far I'm thinking every Monday around this time, but I can't promise anything at the moment with me trying to get my life back together.

Take care!

~Tinker~