Nyssa Traken finished her mug of tea, and walked sedately back to her room. She was finding herself more and more at ease with living with another person; she hadn't had a roommate since she had been at university back in the nineteen-eighties, but she was definitely enjoying it. After all, Tegan was her best friend.

The bathroom happened to be right next to Nyssa's room, so she could hear the sounds of the shower running as she settled back down into her bed. Tegan wasn't singing to herself, but Nyssa could just about hear the Australian humming to herself. Chuckling fondly, Nyssa picked up the book from her bedside table and nestled down to read. "Persuasion" by Jane Austen was one of her favourite novels; she had re-read a least two dozen times over the years. Something about it spoke to Nyssa, although she could never quite put her finger on what.

After another ten minutes (although the time seems to pass quickly as Nyssa continued to read), the sound of the shower abruptly stopped, and Nyssa heard the tell-tale signs of Tegan climbing out of the bath and stepping flat-footedly onto the bathroom mat. Very naked and very wet, of course.

Nyssa found her cheeks flush slightly at the thought, but she ignored it. Probably just the novelty of sharing a flat with someone. Tegan was her best friend, after all. Best friends didn't think about each other that way-

'Nys?'

Nyssa startled, as there was a knock on her door.

'Y-yes?'

'I've finished in there,' Tegan said, through the door. 'So you can hop in now.'

'Oh, thank you.'

Tegan's footsteps worked away along the corridor, and Nyssa climbed out of bed, feeling a little out of sorts. How strange. She supposed this was to be expected, given that she had just moved in with Tegan. After all, the two of them had been close for many years, and now they were living together as well. Obviously, it would take a while to acclimatise to sharing a flat with someone, especially someone you already cared a great deal about. But -Nyssa felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up- this didn't feel like it was her growing adjusted to the sudden change of living with her best friend. It felt… different.

Deciding that she was probably just overthinking, Nyssa left her room and headed into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

She looked into the mirror as she began to brush her teeth. A tousle-haired woman stared back at her. Nyssa had always been told (normally by Tegan) that her hair was lovely, but Nyssa knew from experience that it could often be a nightmare to deal with, especially on days when it refused to behave. Hopefully, the summer wouldn't be too humid this year.

After spitting out the toothpaste and flossing, Nyssa checked that the shower was working the same as it had been when Tegan had showed her how to use it the previous day. You couldn't be too careful when it came to hot water, after all. After deciding that it seemed to be working fine, Nyssa began to undo her pyjama top. She was just almost finished when-

'Ooops, sorry.'

Nyssa froze, her hands on the final button, as she turned to the door.

Tegan was stood in the doorway, having pushed the door halfway open. Her hair was done up in a towel, and another towel covered her torso and upper legs. Water droplets glistened on her skin, and Nyssa found herself unable to draw her eyes away from the Australian. If Tegan noticed Nyssa's reaction, she didn't say anything.

'Forgot my hairbrush,' Tegan said, quickly, darting forward to grab the item from the stand nearby. 'You look great, by the way; do you moisturise-'

'Tegan!'

'Sorry, sorry,' the Australian, looking at the floor and backing out of the door. 'Didn't mean to look, I swear…'

The door closed behind her.

Nyssa stood, stock still, for a moment, her blood pumping in her ears. What? What had just happened? Well, from a scientific perspective, Tegan had simply forgotten her hairbrush and had hurried back in before Nyssa had gotten undressed. But that didn't explain why Nyssa's palms were suddenly sweaty, or why she had been so flummoxed by seeing Tegan with just a towel around her.

Turning to the mirror, Nyssa was startled to see that her face had turned bright red. She quickly doused her cheeks in cold water, her breathing heavy. What had she reacted so strongly? It wasn't as if Tegan was being deliberate about it, so why did she feel so flustered?

Wrestling with this sudden confusion, Nyssa hung her pyjamas on the back of the door, and climbed into the bath. She had a sudden realisation that a cold shower might be a good idea.

Hoff!

Nyssa looked up from her book. It was a couple of hours later, and she had spent the morning reading quietly on the sofa. Tegan had promised that they would go to the local car boot sale after lunch, so Nyssa had made sure not to get started on any plans that would take the whole day. Like reading a scientific paper, which would have evolved into a day of Wikipedia rabbit-holes that would end up with Nyssa knowing more about Peruvian advances in bio-chemistry than was socially acceptable. Again.

Hoff!

Nyssa frowned. There it was again. It sounded like someone coughing. But not just a normal cough; this was a cough that signalled the need for throat lozenges, warm blackcurrant drinks and at least two days spent away from cold weather.

After removing her reading glasses and marking her page with a bookmark, Nyssa stood up, and followed the sounds. Sure enough, they were coming from Tegan's room.

'Tegan?' Nyssa asked, knocking softly on the door. 'Are you feeling alright?'

'Fine,' came a very croaky voice from within.

Nyssa sighed, and opened the door.

Tegan was sat up in bed, having presumably changed back into her pyjamas in the previous few hours. Her eyes were already becoming bloodshot, and her nose was beginning to go red. A pack of tissues were on the bed next to her, with a large pile of already used tissues collected in the bin nearby.

''m fine, Nys,' Tegan mumbled, trying to put a smile on, before descending into another round of coughs. 'H-honestly, 'm fine…'

Nyssa put her hands on her hips.

'Tegan Jovanka, you are ill.'

'No, 'm fine, Nys,' Tegan urged, her voice hoarse. 'I've just got a sour throat.'

'And the constant coughing and sneezing?'

Tegan pouted.

'But… you wanted to go to the car boot sale…'

'Oh, Tegan…' Nyssa said, sighing as she sat down on the bed. 'I wouldn't enjoy it if you spent the entire time suffering. We'll go next week. For the time being, you are going to rest up and relax.'

'Nyssa-'

'No excuses, Tegan Jovanka,' Nyssa said. 'You are in my care for this weekend, and I won't have you making yourself feel worse.'

Tegan stared at her for a moment. For a second, she looked like she was going to argue further, but then another coughing fit started off.

Nyssa leaned forward and patted her friend gently on the back.

'It's almost lunchtime, so I'll make you some food, okay?.'

'I can make my own -koff-' Tegan managed, before giving up on speaking again.

'I'm sure you normally can, but not now,' Nyssa said, gently. 'I'll get you some hot blackcurrant while the food is cooking; have you had paracetamol already?'

Tegan nodded.

'Thanks, Nys,' she mumbled.

Nyssa smiled.

'You're most welcome; now, lean back against your pillows, and I'll go and cook lunch.'

'Chicken soup,' Nyssa said, placing the tray on Tegan's legs. It was just under an hour later. 'Careful, it's hot.'

'Thanks, Nys,' Tegan mumbled, with only a small amount of self-pity. 'Really appreciate it.'

Nyssa smiled, sitting down on the bed.

'You just focus on eating that, and getting better, okay?'

'Yes'm.'

Tegan picked up the spoon from the tray. The Australian gripped it firmly, but the spoon still wobbled in her hand. Nyssa sighed, as Tegan continued to try unsuccessfully to hold the spoon level.

'Oh, Tegan, let me…'

Nyssa took the spoon from Tegan, dipped it into the bowl and held it up to Tegan's mouth.

The Australian glared at the spoon as if it had just spat in her face.

'I am not saying "ah".'

'I believe you just did,' Nyssa chuckled. 'Just open your mouth for me, please?'

Tegan sighed, before doing as instructed.

They continued this until the bowl was empty. After finishing, Tegan did look marginally less ill, although her face was still clammy and her nose still red. Nyssa placed the tray on the floor, while Tegan blew her nose noisily. Nyssa would have normally been worried that she herself might catch whatever bug Tegan had picked up, but she was already suspecting that the bug had come from the moving of Nyssa's things into the flat. It was likely, therefore, that Nyssa already had something of an immunity to it. Especially the dust from her large collection of books.

'I was hoping I'd be a little more impressive during your first weekend here,' Tegan mumbled, miserably. 'And here I am, with you looking after me instead.'

'Actually, I rather like it,' Nyssa said, smiling. 'It's rare that I get to look after you, instead of vice versa. And you do look adorable.'

'Oh, shut up…' Tegan protested. 'How am I supposed to be the cool lesbian if you're fussing over me like this?'

'You'll have to lump it, then,' Nyssa said. 'Speaking of being a cool lesbian, you'd best take your top off.'

Tegan let out a splutter, her knees flying up to her chest under the covers. The Australian's face seemed to burn scarlet, as if Nyssa had just asked something obscene of her.

'W-what?'

'You haven't had a wash since this morning, have you?' Nyssa said, putting a hand to Tegan's forehead. With her other hand, she pulled a dry flannel from her pocket. 'And… yes, you're not very cool at all; in fact, you're quite a bit clammy. Take off your top and I'll wipe this flannel over your back.'

'B-but I'm not wearing a-'

'Tegan, I'm not so innocent that I'll faint if I see a woman topless,' Nyssa interjected, primly. Honestly; they were best friends, after all. Surely Tegan couldn't be that flustered. 'Stop being awkward and do as I say while I run this flannel under the tap.'

Nyssa climbed to her feet and shot an expectant look at the bed-bound woman. Her face burning red, Tegan removed her pyjama top. Her knees were so wound up against her that it made virtually no difference anyway.

'Thank you. I'll be back in just a moment.'

Tegan really was very pretty, Nyssa mused as she soaked the flannel under the cold tap in the bathroom. Under most circumstances, Nyssa would probably be rather flustered to be doing this. But she found that she wasn't. If anything, she found herself very calm, filled only with an earnest desire to help Tegan as best she could. Even if that did involve seeing Tegan's bare back. No matter how attractive a back it was.

From a purely aesthetic perspective, of course.

Returning to the room, Nyssa sat back down on the side of the bed next to Tegan, whose blush had reduced slightly and now looked more like a mild pinkening of the cheeks.

'Okay, this will be a little cold at first…'

The Australian let out a squeak as the cool flannel touched her skin. It sounded very cute. Adorable, even. Who would have thought that Tegan Jovanka had an adorable squeak? Nyssa resisted chuckling; it was rare to hear Tegan so timid and shy. She had to admin, she was rather enjoying the contrast.

'You know,' Nyssa said, as she set to work. 'Many queer women would probably quite enjoy being washed by a -what was the phrase you used?-"glamorous lady" like me.'

'Not when they're ill,' Tegan mumbled, mortified. 'And certainly not after the lady in question has fed them chicken soup.'

'I think you mean rather nice chicken soup,' Nyssa said. 'Made by the glamorous, gorgeous lady in question.'

Tegan went quiet for a second.

'True,' she mumbled. 'But you don't need to rub it in. I know I'm not-'

'Oh, no you don't!' Nyssa said, sternly. 'This isn't a pity party, Tegan Jovanka; I will not have you say that my wonderful best friend isn't gorgeous.'

Tegan's cheeks flushed.

'Speaking of which, you do have rather lovely skin, Tegan,' Nyssa continued. 'Do you moisturise?'

'Nyssa…' Tegan moaned, miserably. 'That's not funny.'

'Well, it's true. And now we're even, aren't we,' Nyssa chuckled. 'You saw me half-dressed, and now I've seen you.'

'What are we; adolescents?'

'If the people at work are to be believed, we're an old married couple.'

Tegan went strangely quiet for a moment.

'Yeah,' she said, very softly. 'I guess it looks that way, doesn't it.'

Nyssa frowned, in confusion. What did Tegan mean by that? It wasn't like her to be cryptic about these things; the Australian was known for being direct and outspoken with how she felt.

'Okay, all done.'

'Thank you,' Tegan said, slipping her pyjama top back over her head. 'Er… sorry I've been such a pain.'

'You're too harsh on yourself,' Nyssa replied, smiling. 'Besides, what kind of a best friend would I be if I didn't help you when you were ill.'

'Do I get another forehead kiss?'

Nyssa rolled her eyes, chuckling as she stood up.

'Only if you behave.'

Tegan smiled softly at her.

Tegan settled down for a sleep after that, and Nyssa spent the next few hours making her own lunch, doing the laundry, and finally unpacking the last of her things. She really did have a lot of books, didn't she. Back in the cottage, there had been barely enough room for all of them, but there was a lot more space in this flat.

She was just heading to Tegan's room to check on her when, as she reached the door, Tegan's phone rang from inside.

There was a quick movement of duvet, as Tegan presumably rolled over to reach her phone.

'Hi, Peri,' Tegan was saying. 'Thanks for calling back. I just wanted to let you know I won't be -koff- coming into work on Tuesday.'

'I believe you. Yikes; I can practically hear the germs in your voice,' the American replied, sounding concerned. Presumably, Tegan had hit speakerphone to keep her hands free. 'Is Nyssa coming in to work, then?'

'No; Nys is insisting on looking after me. She's gone all nurse and confined me to bed.'

'I thought you'd love that.'

'Oh, ha-ha.'

'That's nice of Nyssa to do that for you, though. Yaz told me you've moved in together; congrats, I take it that you two finally admitted your feelings?'

Nyssa froze where she stood, her hand hovering in front of the door handle that she had just reached out to grab. The world seemed to shake on its foundations around her. A spinning sensation seemed to occur within Nyssa's head, as her brain struggled to process the ramifications of what she had just heard.

W-what?

'Feelings?'-Tegan sounded strangely… unsettled-'W-what feelings?'

'Tegan, you know fully well what feelings I mean. Don't pull that "oblivious lesbian" shtick with me. I'm taking about the feelings of romantic adoration and love between yourself and the lovely Nyssa Traken. Your lovey-dovey feelings. As in, you-love-her-and-she-loves-you. Understood?'

'What?'-Tegan's voice quavered as she spoke-'No, don't… don't be silly. Nyssa doesn't see me that way; this is just something best friends do for each other.'

Peri gave a snort of disbelief on the other end of the line.

'Pretty sure most platonic friends don't stay home from work to look after each other. Also, if Nyssa doesn't see you that way, does that mean that you do see Nyssa that way?'

There was a splutter from the other side of the door. Tegan had clearly taken a large mouthful of water just before Peri had spoken. Nyssa's other hand flew up and covered her mouth, to stop the gasp that had almost escaped from her own lips.

'W-what…' Tegan squeaked. '…what are you talking about, Peri? I-I don't-'

'Interesting reaction,' Peri said, and Nyssa was stunned to hear giggling from the American. 'Well, do you want her to see you that way?'

'I-I don't what you mean,' Tegan stammered. 'Nyssa's my best friend; she's… special.'

'Yeah, that sounds very platonic,' Peri retorted, sarcasm dripping from her voice. 'I'll let the department head know that neither of you will be in for a while; get better soon, 'kay?'

There was a click as the call ended.

Nyssa found herself unable to move. Her mind was a blur. The world seemed to fade to a dull murmur around her. There was a rustle of duvet on the other side of the door, as Tegan lay back down, but Nyssa did not knock on the door.

Instead, Nyssa turned, walked back along the corridor, and sank into the living room sofa.

What?

What on earth did Peri mean? Did Tegan and Nyssa really seem like a couple? How long had everyone assumed that the two of them were… together? It sounded ridiculous, it was bizarre, it… it…

It sounded wonderful.

Nyssa felt her face flush and her pulse race.

Yes, she and Tegan had always been close, but they were best friends. It was normal for best friends to be so in-sync with each other. To light up each other's day. It was! Surely, it was! That was how it had always been for Nyssa, in regards to Tegan. Tegan had always been the best part of Nyssa's life; the person she could count on throughout everything. Her good friend. Her closest friend in all the world. Her closest friend in all her life. Her best friend.

Only… only…

Nyssa put her face in her hands, and let out a trembled gasp.

The penny had dropped.

She was in love with Tegan. She, Nyssa Traken, was in love with Tegan Jovanka. Her best friend. Her closest friend. The person she cared about above all others. The person she would gladly spend the rest of her life with. The wonderful, amazing, kind, beautiful and funny woman that she lived with. She was in love -achingly, heartachingly in love- with Tegan.

She didn't know when her feelings had changed. She had been sure that they must have been platonic at some point. But, over time, things had clearly changed. That soft comfort of platonic affection was still there, but now it was closer to the quiet love of a long-term romantic partnership. Tegan was still her best friend, yes, but… something else was there too. A quiet, sedate inner calm that came with knowing that the other person was the one around whom, in some way of another, your entire world revolved.

No wonder she had kissed Tegan on the forehead.

Nyssa's hand flew up to her mouth, and she gently touched her lips.

Yes… yes, she had done that. At the time, she had assumed it had been a display of platonic affection, the sort of friendly kiss that women did all the time. Only… now she wasn't sure. It was as if her body had understood her mind better than she had herself.

'Oh, Tegan…' Nyssa whispered, barely above a murmur. 'What do I do?'

There was the sound of a door opening, and Nyssa instantly jumped to her feet, her hands flying away from her lips as if in guilt. Had Tegan heard her speak?

A few moments later, Tegan stumbled softly into the room, her eyes heavy and her skin clammy.

'Peri says we… we won't need to come into the office this week,' the Australian said, her eyes focusing faintly on Nyssa. 'You okay? Your cheeks are a bit flushed…'

'O-oh, I must be a little warm,' Nyssa stammered, quickly. 'You go back to bed and get some more rest. I'll bring in your dinner in a few hours.'

'Thanks, Nys,' Tegan replied, her smile faint but tender. 'You're the best.'

As Tegan slowly made her way back to her room, Nyssa's mind was filled with the phrase the Australian had said at work the day she had suggested that Nyssa move in with her.

If I'm still single at 70, we can get married...

A small spark of delight appeared in Nyssa's stomach, giving her a warm, fuzzy feeling that she found herself quite unable to entirely quash. And she needed to quash it. Tegan didn't see Nyssa like that; it wasn't right for Nyssa to pine for her best friend. After all, Tegan saw Nyssa as her platonic best friend and roommate; the idea of them marrying had definitely been made in jest.

Nyssa brushed her hair out of her face, and set to work making dinner. Maybe that would take her mind off of things.

'Nys?'

Nyssa looked up from the sofa, where she had been absentmindedly watching television since she had finished her own dinner, and desperately trying to keep her mind off of the revelation she had stumbled upon earlier that afternoon. Tegan was stood at the door, a blanket wrapped around her.

'You're up late,' Nyssa said, sitting up. 'How are you feeling?'

'Couldn't sleep,' Tegan mumbled, rubbing her eyes before turning to leave. 'Didn't mean to disturb you; I'll go back to my room-'

However, before she could take another step, Nyssa had leapt off the sofa, crossed the room and put an arm around Tegan's shoulders, steering her back towards the sofa.

'You are going to sit here and watch "The Sound of Music" while I make you some herbal tea,' Nyssa said, firmly setting Tegan down onto the sofa. 'And then I'm going to watch the rest of the film with you until you start nodding off.'

'But… I'll make you ill-'

'Tegan!' Nyssa said, firmly. 'Sit down or so help me, I will spank your bottom!'

Tegan's cheeks briefly filled with colour as she goggled at Nyssa, who took the opportunity to drape another blanket around Tegan and then hurry off to the kitchen.

Spank your bottom? Where had that come from?

As Nyssa set the kettle going, she tried not to think too much about that. She had obviously noticed Tegan's bum in the past, but it wasn't as if she thought about it that much. Maybe her revelation earlier had scrambled her thoughts, causing the tension to leak into the way she spoke?

Yeah, that was probably -hopefully- it.

Nyssa carried the mug back into the living room. Tegan looked up from the film.

'So… spanking my bottom?'

Nyssa felt her face burn as she neared the sofa.

'Er… sorry,' she said. 'Maybe that was too harsh.'

'No,' Tegan said. 'Just… well, I didn't know you were into that, Nys-'

'Tegan!'

The Australian giggled, as Nyssa gently placed the mug into her hands. Nyssa sat down behind Tegan, trying not to think about how suddenly physical contact with Tegan seemed to be a mental minefield; would sitting too close be untoward? Would Tegan notice if Nyssa sat too close? What even was "too close", anyway? Would she notice if Nyssa sat too far away? Would she assume Nyssa didn't like being close with her?

Deciding (with a great force of will) to just not think about it at all and pray that it hopefully wouldn't matter too much either way, Nyssa leaned back against the sofa, enjoying the soft warmth that came with Tegan being sat barely an inch away from her.

Tegan drank from the mug, and gave a contented sigh.

'Better?'

Tegan nodded, wrapped in the blankets. Her skin didn't seem to be quite so clammy, and her nose had stopped running.

'Oh, you look so cute…' Nyssa said, putting an arm around Tegan's shoulders without thinking. 'A snug as a bug in a rug.'

Tegan made a face.

'I don't do cute,' the Australian muttered. 'Everyone always says so.'

'I beg to differ.'

'Thanks. I… I am glad you moved in, Nys,' Tegan said, softly. 'Really, I am.'

'Me too,' Nyssa replied. 'I'm just sorry that you probably got ill because of some germs from my books.'

Tegan shrugged.

'Don't care. It's worth it.'

'It was worth getting ill… so you could help me unpack?'

'Something like that, yeah.'

Nyssa tried not to overanalyse that. Tegan wasn't in the practice of hiding what she thought behind layers of subterfuge; if she wanted you to know something, she would tell you.

"The Sound Of Music", then?'

'Oh, yes,' Nyssa said. 'I used to watch this all the time with my father.'

'Your father had good taste in musicals,' Tegan replied. 'Classic romance and some great songs.'

'He always loved it,' Nyssa said, smiling quietly to herself. 'I think it reminded him of his marriage with my mother.'

Tegan didn't say anything but cuddled into Nyssa's side.

'Tegan,' Nyssa said, chuckling. 'My mother died almost half a century ago; I don't need comfort over it.'

'Well, you're getting it.'

The film played out before them, with both Tegan and Nyssa quoting certain scenes word for word. Tegan even hummed a few of the songs.

'Er…Nys?'

'Hmmm?'

Tegan had just placed her now-empty mug on the ground, leaning back against Nyssa in the half-light of the room.

'Why… why did you never get married?'

Nyssa turned her head to look at her.

'What's brought this on?'

'Just… wondering,' Tegan mumbled, eyes slipping closed. 'You're amazing; I'm surprised no-one ever snapped you up.'

Nyssa's heart beat just a little bit faster, but she didn't respond at first.

'I don't know. I suppose… I never met anyone who wanted to marry me.'

'Well, it's their loss,' Tegan replied, stifling a yawn. 'I'd marry you in a heartbeat.'

Nyssa's mind seemed to slow to a crawl. What did Tegan mean by that?

Without warning, Tegan leaned up and pressed her lips pressed against Nyssa's cheek. Nyssa's breath hitched in her throat, and her entire body seemed to freeze. What was happening? What was Tegan-

'You're the best, Nys,' the Australian mumbled, not seeming to notice Nyssa's shock. 'You'd be an amazing wife… lucky sod, whoever gets to be with you…'

And, with that, Tegan drifted into a doze.

Nyssa sat there, her mind whirling with confusion, bewilderment and (a tiny, miniscule bit) hope. Oh, she wished that Tegan meant what she longed for her to mean. But she knew that it was an impossible hope. A hope like the soft edge of a dream. A dream that would surely never become reality.

She let out a small sigh, wiping a small tear from her eye as she did so.

Slipping an arm around Tegan's waist, Nyssa half-carried half-dragged the Australian to her room, laying her down in bed and placing the duvet gently across her. Tegan's face was tranquil and calm in the half-light, her complexion beginning to return to its normal brightness. Her nose was already becoming less red.

Nyssa was just about to leave when a sudden thought struck her. Could she… well, Tegan had asked her…

Without any further deliberation, she leaned down, and pressed a delicate kiss to Tegan's forehead.

'You've always been good,' Nyssa breathed, softly. 'Oh, Tegan, you have no idea how good you have been…'

Nyssa tiptoed across the room, and closed the door gently behind her, leaving Tegan to dream in blissful oblivion.

Nyssa did not get to dream in blissful oblivion.

She had spent most of the night tossing and turning in bed, unable to stop thinking about the events of the day. How was a woman supposed to sleep after her half-conscious best friend (who she also happened to be in love with) had basically said that they'd love to marry her before kissing her?

Nyssa had discovered the answer to that question: very uncomfortably.

Around seven in the morning, she eventually decided that she was never going to get any decent rest, and might as well get up. Forsaking her usual tea, Nyssa made herself a cup of coffee in the kitchen, along with her standard bowl of porridge.

Oh, what a confusing mess, Nyssa thought, sadly. Within one day of moving in with Tegan, she had already discovered that a) she was in love with Tegan and b) she had absolutely no idea if Tegan's feelings for her were really completely platonic or not.

It was enough to make any woman go mad-

'Morning, Nys!'

Nyssa startled in her seat, as Tegan walked into the kitchen.

'F-feeling better?' she stammered.

'Oh, absolutely!' Tegan grinned, putting the kettle on and leaning against the counter. 'All thanks to you going nurse on me, I expect, and it only cost me most of my dignity.'

'You were very dignified in sickness,' Nyssa replied, trying not to think about her stomach currently doing somersaults at the smile Tegan was flashing at her. 'And very sweet.'

Tegan chuckled, her cheeks turning a little pink.

'I… I really do appreciate it,' she said, patting Nyssa on the arm. 'Thank you, Nyssa.'

Nyssa felt heat rise in her face. Oh, why was she so unable to keep her feelings contained? Most middle-aged women didn't have this issue with their best friend! It wasn't fair.

'You're most welcome,' she eventually managed, hoping against hope that Tegan wouldn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

Presumably, Tegan didn't because she then made herself a cup of coffee with water from the just-boiled kettle, and began to make herself a slice of toast, getting the butter and jam out of the fridge.

There was a tap as the letterbox opened, and Nyssa could hear the sounds of various envelopes hitting the floor of the hallway. Glad to avoid her stomach going round the bend when Tegan would inevitably smile at her again, she stood up and headed out of the kitchen and down the corridor to the doorway. Ignoring the slight crick in her neck, she bent down to pick up the various items that had arrived.

She began to skim-read the envelopes as she walked back into the kitchen. Bills, circulars, bills, letter from the bank, bills…

Presumably, her old landlord was forwarding her old post to her. It seemed that most of the letters had her old address printed on the front.

All except for one.

One did have Nyssa's new address on it. But that wasn't what shocked her. What made Nyssa's heart seem to fail was the title and names on the first line of the address.

Dimly, as if in slow motion, Nyssa opened the envelope and withdrew the contents. It was a wedding invitation, with pictures of stars and planets around the text.

Nyssa stared at the invitation in her hands.

Mrs and Mrs Jovanka-Traken,

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Yasmin Khan and Theta Sigma. The date has been arranged for 26th June; you already know the venue. Please RSVP.

Kind regards,

Yaz and the Doctor (Theta)

'Jovanka-Traken?'

Nyssa looked up. Tegan had been staring over her shoulder at the letter, her own face the picture of shock.

Oh. Oh, dear. This was going to get very complicated, indeed.