My Queen of The Garden

by aliceoakdown11

"This is where we've always been heading, you and I." The Doctor's daughter was always shunned on Gallifrey, now travelling with her father, can she learn to trust him while keeping from him her biggest secret? That she's unavoidably in love with his best enemy. The MasterXOC

108. Part 7 - Chapter 108

Jack could still feel the chill of it, the water. It lingered in his bones even after they'd been ushered back to UNIT. Kate had insisted on it, brooking no argument as she explained the need to check them over before letting anyone go home. Something about residual energy. None of them had fought her on it. They were too tired, and some unspoken part of them knew she was right.

The five of them had been changed into dry clothes and quarantined in the zero room for now. It was sterile, quiet, devoid of distractions, save for a table and chairs at one end. Martha and Alina had claimed those, their conversation subdued as they waited for whatever scans or tests were occurring to be completed. Jack had opted for the floor, leaning back against the wall with his arms resting loosely on his knees.

And then there were the two Time Ladies.

Neither of them had said a word since they'd left the cavern. He had briefly wondered, if they were simply communicating telepathically, but Jack didn't so. He'd seen it before, the tiny flickers of expression on Hally's face when they were speaking mind to mind, and there was none of that now. Just a long, comfortable silence.

Neither of them had strayed more than half a meter from the other. They'd gravitated to the corner near the door as soon as they'd entered the room. Missy had taken her place first, sitting with her back against the glass and her legs stretched out in front of her. Hally had started beside her, upright and alert, but not for long. Slowly, she'd shifted closer, leaning her head on Missy's shoulder before eventually giving in entirely.

Now, Hally was lying on her back, her knees bent with her feet flat against the floor, her head resting in Missy's lap. Her gaze was fixed on the ceiling, although now and then he'd watch as her eyelids threatened to slip closed. Missy's hand moved rhythmically through her damp hair. It was a slow, soothing motion, one that didn't falter even as Jack watched.

He couldn't help but watch them.

Physically, he felt fine. He was pretty sure they all were. But he understood why Kate was being cautious. That box—whatever it had been—hadn't let Hally go willingly. He'd seen the strain it had put her through, seen the panic it had instilled in her wife.

Something twisted in his stomach at the memory. Something uncomfortable.

Missy's other hand had moved to rest across Hally's torso. Hally took it in her own, her fingers fidgeting with Missy's, lacing and unlacing them in a repetitive, almost meditative rhythm. It was tactile, overtly so, and Jack could see what it was—comfort. One drawing from the other and vice versa, silent and steady, rebuilding whatever had been shaken.

Jack swallowed, the knot in his stomach tightening.

He cleared his throat, the sound louder than he'd meant in the stillness of the room. Missy's head turned sharply, her piercing gaze snapping to his in an instant. Her hand in Hally's hair stilled.

Jack kept his focus on Missy, his voice came low, tinged with uncertainty. "I'm not saying I approve…"

The sound drew the attention of the others, their gazes settling on him. Hally shifted, turning her head towards him.

Missy's brow arched delicately, the faint ghost of a smirk threatening to form at the corners of her mouth only made his throat tighten.

"…because I don't. I will never not hold you accountable for the lives you've taken." His tone was firm, but even to his own ears, it lacked the sharpness he might have intended.

Missy tilted her head.

Tension flexed across his jaw. "But…"

Her lips parted slightly. Jack inhaled deeply, steadying himself.

"…but I can't pretend like I don't understand."

A ripple seemed to pass between them. Missy's expression shifted subtly, her usual arrogance giving way to something quieter, something curious.

He gestured vaguely, unable to meet her gaze for a moment. "He can be… infuriating. He can be wrong. That moral superiority, the way he skirts responsibility when things go wrong… and I get it. I really do. He's saved countless lives, but he doesn't always see what he leaves behind. The damage. The people."

Missy's hand shifted slightly, her fingers tightening around Hally's. Her expression was unreadable now, but Jack pressed on.

"And I don't know every intricate detail of it but… from what I have seen… from what I know you lost… I can understand why you felt you needed to show him. What it felt like. To lose. To hurt." His eyes flicked down to the floor before he shifted his gaze back up to her. "It doesn't make it right," He added. "But if I said I didn't understand, I'd be lying."

Hally's gaze darted between them, her brow furrowing, but she didn't interrupt. Missy, for once, was silent. She could have quipped something back. Both of them knew she could. Something cutting, no doubt. But she didn't. She didn't actually say anything. She just hummed softly. Which between them was certainly something.

Hally frowned, the tension in her expression mirroring the atmosphere in the room. She stayed quiet for a moment, her gaze flicking between Missy and Jack as though weighing her next words carefully. Finally, she sat up straighter, her shoulders squared, and addressed them.

"Okay… and… well… I don't disagree," she started, her voice measured. "But can you just remember that that was… a while ago. And I have… moved on from it. I'm not saying I forgave him because I'm not sure if I did, but I have moved past it."

Her eyes darted down briefly, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face as she swallowed hard. "And… well… it wasn't really something either of you were ever meant to see… I mean, I know you knew but…" Her voice faltered, and she swallowed again before continuing. "Can you just remember that it's done? I want to move on from it. I have moved on from it. Don't be going all weird and moody the next time he shows up."

She shot Jack a pointed look, her tone softening but firm. "I dealt with it… and yes… it does still hurt, and the trust I have in him is probably always going to be broken because of it… but I don't want to linger on it forever."

Missy's hand moved almost instinctively, brushing a stray strand of Hally's hair behind her ear. Her voice, though gentle, carried an unmistakable edge. "It wasn't only your trust he broke, sweetheart."

"I know." Hally turned to look at her, her expression open but resolute. "I'm not asking you to forgive him; I'm just asking that you… both of you… respect the decision I made to move past it. I'm not asking you to do the same. Just… I don't want to be stuck on it."

Jack let out a low hum, the sound neutral but thoughtful, as if weighing her words. Missy gave her a small, reluctant nod, the corner of her mouth twitching in what could almost pass for acceptance.

"Just don't expect me to be nice to him anytime soon."

Hally's lips twitched upward, an almost-smile playing at her face. "When have you ever been nice to him?"

Missy smirked, the sharpness of it undercutting the weight of the moment.

Hally let out a soft breath, her gaze shifting to Jack, searching his face. "Are you still that angry at me?"

Jack met her gaze. "No." He shook his head firmly. "Not at all. I don't think it was picking out emotions I still had… more like… strong emotions I'd had in the past. I was angry at you. In the past. But no… not anymore." He gave her a small, reassuring smile.

"I think it was feeding off of strong emotions we'd had… linked to one another," Alina added thoughtfully, her voice quieter and less certain than usual. Her eyes flicked briefly toward Missy before continuing. "I suppose it made it more… complicated." She cleared her throat. "They're not necessarily emotions we still harbour."

Hally hummed softly in response, her expression pensive.

"I can vouch for that," Martha interjected with a knowing hum of her own.

Hally let out another soft sigh, but something still seemed unsettled in her. Jack could see it in the way her eyes lingered on the floor, tension lingering in her shoulders as she seemingly avoided Alina's gaze.

Alina seemed to notice too and offered a small, encouraging smile.

"Why don't we find some time tomorrow when you and I can talk it through?" Alina's voice was steady, calm, a gentle reassurance.

Hally nodded, giving a faint hum of agreement before leaning back against Missy. She settled herself fully, lying down with a sense of quiet surrender, her head pillowed in her wife's lap.

Eventually, Kate returned with the all-clear. The residual energy scans were clean. She dismissed them, telling them all to go home and rest.

Even as they prepared to leave, Jack could see the reluctance in both Hally and Missy. Neither would admit it outright, but it was clear in their small hesitations, the way they lingered. Missy's eyes flicked over Hally in a subtle but thorough once-over, as though double-checking for any hidden injuries. Whatever she saw seemed to satisfy her, and her expression softened, the sharpness replaced with quiet contentment.

Jack offered Hally a lift, and she agreed. But as she moved toward him, she hesitated, her hand hovering briefly before touching Missy's face. Her thumb brushed gently across her cheekbone, a small, tender gesture.

Jack turned his head deliberately, pretending to be searching for something on the table to give them privacy. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Hally leaning in, her lips pressing softly against Missy's in a kiss that was brief but lingering.

By the time they parted, something in the air between them seemed a little lighter, to Jack at least.

---

It had been a few days. The weekend had come and gone, filled with Missy. The Doctor. Separately, of course. The new usual.

Sitting in her office now, Hally typed half-heartedly at her keyboard, the glowing screen illuminating her frown. She bit her lip, leaning back into the chair. The insistent thought wriggled its way back to the forefront of her mind.

She wanted to see her wife.

Having her to herself only once a week isn't… enough.

She wanted more.

Lunch. It had been three days since she first considered it—surprising Missy, showing up at her office unannounced. She could spare a little more than an hour, couldn't she? Nobody would notice if she left a bit early and came back a little late.

It had nothing to do with the fact she'd probably replayed the last time she'd gone into her office at least twelve times a day, every day since then.

Nothing at all.

She just wanted to take the initiative. Missy was waiting for her to take the lead anyway, on the… not going so slow front.

She wasn't necessarily referring to sex.

That wasn't what she was thinking about.

She just wanted to see her more.

To tread over those boundaries.

That was definitely it.

She wanted to spend more time with her wife.

At 11:45, Hally shut down her computer and grabbed her things. 11:45 was an acceptable early lunch, wasn't it? It wasn't exactly sneaking off, but it wasn't scheduled either. She could have warned Missy, but where was the fun in that?

The drive to the school felt quicker than usual. She popped out of the car, adjusting her coat against the light breeze. As she entered the reception area, the receptionist's expression faltered.

"Is she in her office?" Hally asked, giving her an overly polite smile.

"Umm… I think so… but she prefers if I ring through for visitors…" the receptionist stammered, gesturing toward the phone.

Hally waved her off with a quick, "It'll be fine," and headed toward Missy's office.

She knocked once and stepped inside without waiting for a response.

Missy looked up from her desk, a sly smile curving her lips. Her eyebrow arched as she leaned back in her chair, hands clasped loosely in her lap. "Do you need me to save some humans again, darling?"

Hally cleared her throat, shaking her head as she moved to sit across from her. "No. I just thought… we could do lunch."

"Lunch?" Missy repeated, her voice laced with intrigue.

Hally nodded, her tone casual. "Mmhmm."

Missy tilted her head, her sharp eyes trailing over Hally with deliberate slowness. She seemed to take in every detail of her appearance, from the slight flush of her cheeks to the way she sat forward in the chair. A teasing edge crept into her voice. "Just… lunch?"

Hally purposefully ignored the implication, keeping her tone light, almost airy. "Yeah. I thought it might be nice to just… spend time together. Without it being a date or… anything. Nothing tied to it. Just lunch."

Missy studied her for a moment longer before responding. "We could go out for lunch?"

"No," Hally said firmly, shaking her head. "Here is fine. Just… us."

Missy shifted in her chair, one leg crossing over the other in a languid motion of indulgent curiosity. Her gaze lingered on Hally, as if peeling back layers with her eyes alone. "Just us," she repeated slowly, her voice a velvet purr. "How very quaint of you."

Hally tried not to fidget under her wife's scrutiny. She busied herself by straightening the cuff of her jacket, a tiny, unnecessary adjustment. "I just wanted to see you." She glanced up at Missy with a tentative smile.

"Hmm," Missy murmured, her tone making it clear she wasn't convinced. She leaned forward slightly, propping her chin on her hand as she regarded Hally with laser-sharp focus. "So, you thought you'd swoop into my office, unannounced, and sweep me off my feet for a charming midday tryst of sandwiches and small talk?"

"I didn't say anything about sweeping or trysts," Hally replied quickly, her voice just a touch too casual. "It's just lunch." She folded her hands in her lap, a picture of forced innocence.

Missy's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Mmm, is that so?" She leaned further forward, her other hand drumming idly on the desk. "Forgive me, darling, but your sudden appearance, all doe-eyed and demure, has my finely-honed instincts… suspicious."

Hally scoffed, though it came out weaker than she intended. "Suspicious? It's not a crime to want to spend time with my wife, is it?"

"Oh, of course not." Missy's smile widened, sharp and teasing. "It's just that you're terrible at hiding when you want something." Her eyes sparkled with amusement, her tone dropping conspiratorially. "So why don't we skip the charade and you can tell me what's really brought you here, hmm?"

"I told you," Hally said, sitting up straighter and forcing her tone to stay light. "Lunch."

Missy's eyes narrowed, a playful glint in their depths. "You're adorable when you lie, darling. Positively charming."

Hally resisted the urge to pout. "I'm not lying."

Missy arched an eyebrow, standing slowly and rounding the desk with deliberate, cat-like grace. She perched herself on the edge directly in front of Hally, her gaze locked on her wife's face. "You're not very convincing either. Let me guess..." Her voice dipped into something darker, more intimate. "You couldn't stop thinking about the last time you were here. Could you?"

Hally swallowed hard, her face heating under the weight of Missy's gaze. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Missy chuckled, the sound low and throaty, sending a shiver down Hally's spine. Missy's gaze swept over Hally like a predator circling its prey, her smirk growing sharper. "So why did you lock the door?"

Hally blinked, glancing back at the door she had closed moments ago. Her stomach sank as she realised Missy was right, the lock was turned. She hadn't even noticed she'd done it. "Uh…" She turned back to her. "It's just… habit," Hally said, her voice faltering as she tried to maintain her casual front. "You know, privacy and all that."

Missy stopped behind her, leaning down so her lips were close to Hally's ear. "Privacy… for lunch?" she whispered, her tone low and suggestive.

Hally's cheeks flushed, and she turned her head slightly to avoid Missy's knowing gaze. "Yes."

Missy straightened, coming back around to lean against the desk in front of Hally, her sharp eyes taking in every inch of her wife. "You're wearing a skirt again."

Hally stiffened, her hands fidgeting in her lap. "So? I wear skirts sometimes."

"Oh, you do," Missy agreed, her tone as smooth as silk. "But you didn't yesterday. Or the day before. Or the day before that. In fact, the last time I saw you in a skirt…" She tapped a finger to her lips, feigning deep thought. "Oh, that's right. It was the day you fucked yourself on my desk."

Hally's jaw dropped. "That's not—"

Missy's eyebrow arched, her expression delightfully incredulous. "Yes, yes. I know you're here for lunch. Lunch, you say?" She tilted her head, looking behind Hally pointedly. "And yet… you have rather arrived empty-handed. What exactly is it you thought we'd be eating?"

Hally felt her face heat up, her breath catching in her throat. She shifted in her seat, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

"Well. Fine. I thought you might just..." Her voice trailed off, unsure of how to continue.

Missy raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "Oh, you thought you'd waltz in here and I'd do all the work? All the seduction?"

"That tends to be how it goes..." Hally replied, her tone a mix of challenge and curiosity.

Missy snorted a laugh, her eyes flickering with something far more dangerous than amusement. "Now, I know you're used to batting your eyes and having the humans get you whatever it is you need but don't forget who you belong to."

Hally looked up, meeting her gaze with something almost defiant. "You want me to ask?" Her words held an undercurrent of bite.

Missy paused, studying her carefully. Her cheeks hollowed as she sucked on the back of her teeth, considering her. There was a shift as she leaned forward her fingers coming to rest lightly across Hally's throat. Her voice hummed with a quiet intensity. "You remember that word, don't you? The one you need if you need me to stop?"

Heat peppered across Hally's face, and she swallowed, nodding.

Missy's hand moved, her fingers pressing against Hally's throat for just a moment before pulling back. "Good," she murmured. She straightened and as she did the air around her shifted back, her eyes sparkling with the sharpness of broken glass. "You could ask. But after your little stunt and this… quite frankly disappointing attitude. I'm going to need a little more convincing before I even consider giving you what you want."

Hally felt a spark of frustration, mixed with something else—something hotter, deeper. She wasn't sure if it was defiance or desire, but she couldn't deny it was there, hot and throbbing between her legs.

"Get on your knees."

The command hung in the air, hot, sticky, almost uncomfortable as it settled on her. She couldn't bring herself to look away from her, the fierceness in her eyes, it held her, suspended her. She could choose not to, but the knowledge thrummed deep within her. She wanted this. She needed this.

Missy's gaze hardened, the reprimand a firm warning. "Darling, you are very close to exhausting my patience. All I need from you, is obedience. Now. Get. On. Your. Knees." The warning danced in her eyes, sharp and unmistakable, a command in itself.

This time, there was no hesitation. She slipped off the chair, her knees hitting the floor with a soft thud as she knelt in front of Missy. Satisfaction glittered behind ice blue.

"There you go. It seems you can follow instructions." Missy murmured, the teasing lilt wasn't kind.

Missy lifted her hand, her fingers trailing gently over Hally's face, across her cheekbone, and down to her jaw. Hally could feel her pulse humming hard in her throat, an undercurrent of desire thrumming through her.

"Isn't this easier?" Missy asked softly, her voice low and velvety, every word deliberately savoured. Her eyes never left Hally's, spearing her with an intensity that seemed to see straight through her. "Isn't this exactly where you want to be?"

A spark of something hot rushed through Hally, igniting a flicker deep within her. It flared, sharp and rebellious, but it was fleeting—drowned out by the overwhelming heat that followed, swept under by a tide of something far more powerful, more visceral. The truth of it settled over her like a heavy weight, undeniable and absolute.

Her breath caught as Missy's voice broke the stillness, low and steady, wrapping around Hally like a physical force. "It's been a little while… but that doesn't change anything. It's me you submit to. You're mine. Right here. You're just mine."

The words reverberated in her chest, and Hally couldn't suppress the soft whimper that slipped from her lips.

Missy's fingers moved slowly, deliberately, weaving through Hally's hair with a tenderness that belied the intensity in her eyes. She guided the strands with ease, brushing them away from Hally's face before her fingers slid down, tracing the curve of her jaw. The touch was soft, almost soothing, but there was an unmistakable weight to it—an undercurrent of something heavier, far more commanding. Her thumb swept across Hally's lower lip, the pressure light. She could feel the command in the way Missy's fingers lingered. The softness in her touch disappeared as her voice cut through the silence, low and steady. "Open your mouth."

Hally's jaw slackened, a soft exhale slipping from her parted lips. Her chest rose with each breath, but the shallow attempt at compliance wasn't enough—not for Missy. The tilt of her head, the faint arch of her brow, spoke volumes. Missy didn't need words to demand more.

Hally's cheeks burned as she opened her mouth wider, stretching her jaw in silent surrender. The vulnerability of the act sent a fresh wave of heat coursing through her, sharp and unrelenting. It was humiliating—utterly degrading—but the sensation that coiled in her belly told her a different truth. The shame only fueled the fire.

Missy's lips quirked into a sharp, knowing smirk as she slid two fingers into Hally's waiting mouth. The pads of her fingers grazed over her tongue, their smooth texture betraying a faint bitterness that bloomed across her taste buds. The sensation was foreign and intimate, sparking a tremor of conflicted emotions—resistance and desire locked in a fierce, unyielding dance.

Hally's instincts took over, her lips closing around Missy's fingers. Her tongue moved in worship, curling and rolling over the digits in adoration. The warmth of her breath mingled with the lingering tang of Missy's skin, every movement deliberate yet desperate. Each stroke of her tongue felt like an offering, a wordless plea for approval she wasn't sure she could name.

Heat thrummed in her veins, heavy and consuming, as her gaze flicked up to Missy's. The glint in her eyes was unmistakable—commanding and sharp. It made Hally's heart stutter even as she surrendered further to the moment, losing herself to the intoxicating blend of submission and sensation.

"There she is. Good girl."

The praise rippled through her, a low, thrumming wave that raced down her spine and left a tingle in its wake. It wrapped around her nerves, hot and fierce, igniting something deep within her. Her body responded instinctively, tension melting from her shoulders. She didn't question it. She knew how to please Missy. Like this, she could do nothing but please her. The sensation was seeping into her bones, a mix of raw desire and something sharp, something tight.

The pads of Missy's fingers pressed deeper, sliding further into her mouth, brushing the back of her tongue. The pressure was unyielding, deliberate, it teetered on the edge of discomfort. She fought the reflex to pull back, the urge to gag rising in her throat. Her breath hitched, her pulse quickening.

Missy's gaze stayed fixed, unrelenting, her eyes locked on Hally's face with a predatory intensity that made every nerve in her body sing with awareness. The fingers pressing against her tongue retreated slightly, granting her a brief, fleeting moment of reprieve, a chance to gasp in shallow, desperate breaths.

Tenderly Missy's other hand slipped into her hair, fingers threading through the strands with deceptive softness. Hally barely had time to register the touch before the grip tightened, firm but not painful, bracing the back of her head. It was a cage, gentle in its construction yet unyielding.

Missy didn't speak. She didn't need to. The brush of her fingers against the back of Hally's throat said enough. The sensation wasn't gentle, it was deliberate, forcing the gag she wanted around her fingers. Hally's throat tightened, tears sprang unbidden to her eyes as she choked against Missy's hand.

A low hum escaped Missy's lips, an unmistakably satisfied sound. Even as her body fought the instinct to pull away, her mind clung to the sound, drinking in the approval woven into the hum. Slowly, Missy eased back, the movement unhurried and precise, granting just enough space for Hally to breathe. She held them there, knuckle deep in her throat, teetering on the edge of too much.

"Take it, sweetheart." Missy's voice was low, a murmur almost too soft to be an order. The endearment lingered, deceptively sweet, just enough to sting with its juxtaposition against the command.

Her fingers pressed deeper, insistent as they brushed the back of Hally's throat. The intrusion was sharp, impossible to ignore, and with the next involuntary pulse of her throat, salt spilled over from her eyes. The tears traced a path down her flushed cheeks, accompanied the faint, pleased curve of Missy's lips.

"We both know you can," Missy continued, her tone clipped, edged with amusement. "You've had larger things in your mouth." The remark landed with a jolt, sharp and teasing, cutting through Hally's haze of sensation like a blade.

Missy spoke over the muffled sound of her wife gagging. "Now," she said, her gaze locked on Hally's tear-streaked face, "I want you to apologise. For last time."

The words hung in the air as Missy's fingers finally eased their retreat, slipping slowly from Hally's mouth. The absence was jarring, leaving her gasping for air, her chest heaving with the effort. Missy's expression didn't waver, expectant and patient.

"Missy, I…"

The slap came quick and sharp, the sound of it harsh against the otherwise silent room. Her cheek stung with a fiery heat that tingled against her flushed skin, the shock of the strike biting harder than the pain itself. The reprimand was instant, exacting.

"That is not the way you address me when you're on your knees." Missy's voice was like steel wrapped in velvet, firm but laced with a cutting edge. "You know better."

Hally blinked up at her, her wide eyes meeting Missy's icy blue gaze. The intensity of that stare burned through her, scattering her thoughts and leaving behind nothing but trembling need. Her body caught between two worlds: the raw discomfort of the slap and the molten heat that pooled low in her belly, spreading between her thighs in a way that left her breathless.

"Mistress," she managed, her voice thick with strangled desire. The single word escaped on a shaky breath, her chest heaving. "I'm sorry, Mistress." The apology spilt from her lips, heartfelt and raw, her voice trembling with emotion and need.

Missy's head tilted, an eyebrow arching as her lips curled in amusement. "What for?" she asked, her tone light but edged with the sharpness of a test, a challenge. Hally could feel herself unravelling under that gaze, helplessly drowning in it, desperate to please.

"For teasing you…" Hally's words fell out, unsteady but earnest, her gaze locked on Missy's. "For tricking you, denying you."

"Mmhmm." Missy's hum was a low vibration, almost a purr, as her thumbnail traced a deliberate path along Hally's jaw. The motion was slow, teasing, designed to draw out her torment. "Good. Now, what is it you want? Now that we've put you back in your place, darling. What is it you came in here to ask of your Mistress, hmm?"

Hally's breath hitched as she bit her lower lip, shifting uneasily. Arousal throbbed insistently between her legs, heat coiling in her stomach and pooling low. Her words caught in her throat, her pulse pounding as Missy's expectant gaze bore into her.

"I…" She swallowed hard, the lump in her throat refusing to dissolve under the weight of Missy's scrutiny. A single, impatient eyebrow lifted in question. "I want you… Mistress. I want you. I need you. I need you to take me. To have me. Make me yours."

Missy tilted her head slightly, a glimmer of satisfaction flashing in her icy blue eyes. "Right here?"

Hally's tongue darted out, wetting her bottom lip, before she nodded. "Yes, Mistress."

"In a public place?" Missy's voice held a playful, almost scolding lilt.

A wince flickered across Hally's features, quickly followed by a soft, needy whine. Her answer came barely above a whisper. "Yes… Mistress."

The moment stretched. Hally felt entirely exposed, as though Missy had stripped her bare despite every stitch of clothing she still wore. Her vulnerability was stark and undeniable, her desire laid out before her Mistress like an offering.

Missy clicked her tongue softly, leaning in closer until her breath ghosted against Hally's lips. "You're filthy… you know that? Don't you?"

"Yes… Yes…" Hally breathed, her voice trembling. She leaned forward instinctively, closing the space between them as Missy's mouth hovered just above hers. "Yes."

Missy claimed her lips at last, her mouth hot and demanding, her kiss a possession as much as it was a gift. Hally melted into her instantly, surrendering every ounce of herself with no hesitation, giving over completely to the kiss, to Missy.

When Missy finally pulled away, leaving Hally gasping for air, she stepped back with an air of casual command. "Over the desk."

Hally's legs trembled as she rose unsteadily, her breath coming in shallow, shaky bursts. She made her way to the desk, pausing briefly. Missy had said over—like bend over—not 'on'…

"Yes, pet." Missy's voice was low and firm, a hand in between Hally's shoulder blades pressing her forward with deliberate intent. The other found her hip, guiding her into position. "Over you go."

Hally's hips met the edge of the desk with a soft thud, her chest lowering until it was flush against the cool wooden surface. She instinctively braced herself on her elbows, but Missy wasn't having it. A firm push from her Mistress left Hally's cheek pressed against the desk, her breathing shallow and uneven.

With one hand firm against Hally's back, the other grasped the fabric of her skirt. With an unhurried precision, Missy pulled the material up and over her hips, baring her underwear.

Hally squirmed, a soft, involuntary motion born of the unbearable tension that thrummed through her body. It was futile, though. Missy's control was absolute, her grip steady, her movements intentional.

With an almost lazy efficiency, Missy hooked her fingers into the waistband of Hally's underwear, dragging them down with a deliberate slowness that left Hally whimpering. The sound escaped her unbidden, a desperate, needy, pathetic little noise.

Cool air kissed the bare skin of her thighs, sending a shiver rippling through her body. Her hearts pounded in a chaotic rhythm, each beat thumping against her chest. The soft brush of Missy's trousers against her exposed skin had her toes curling. Splayed out like this, laid bare for Missy's scrutiny.

"Just, look at you," Missy murmured, her voice rich with amusement and approval.

Hally shifted her hands forward, clutching at the edge of the desk as though the wood could ground her. The cool, hard surface beneath her cheek offered no comfort, only contrast to the molten heat pooling low in her abdomen.

Missy's hand skimmed over her ass, featherlight yet deliberate, before slipping lower. Fingers traced a path over her folds, teasing her briefly over clit. Another pathetically desperate whine spilt from Hally's lips, her body arching taut against the hand pressing her into the desk. Each pass of Missy's fingers had her steadily unravelling, spreading her arousal with unrelenting care until she was a trembling, gasping mess.

Hally gasped as Missy's fingers stilled, hovering just at her entrance. The pause was deliberate, commanding attention. "Beg."

A shudder ran through Hally, and she arched her back instinctively, seeking what was being withheld. "Missss…" The word tumbled from her lips, raw and pleading, but she caught herself and corrected quickly. "Mistress."

Her correction was met with a sharp tap between her legs, the sudden sting jolting her. A sharp moan tore from her throat as she bucked slightly, her reaction unbidden and immediate.

"Beg."

The single word hung in the air, sharp and commanding. A groan rumbled from deep within her, laden with frustration and need, a desperate sound she couldn't stifle. She didn't want to give in—not so easily, not so completely—but she couldn't hold back, she couldn't deny that in fact, she'd already surrendered.

"Please…" The word spilt from her, cracked and breathless. "Please, Mistress." She exhaled sharply, her body quaking with anticipation. "Please fuck me. Please. I need you. Please."

The words tumbled from her lips in a frantic rush, their meaning almost irrelevant, driven by the consuming need coursing through her veins. "Please. Please. Please. I'm yours. All yours. Just yours." Her plea turned into a mantra, raw and reverent, as though the act of speaking it might conjure the relief she craved.

The moment Missy's fingers pressed inside her, a sharp cry escaped Hally's lips, her body arching into the touch as heat and tension flooded her senses. The stretch, the pressure, the fullness. Overwhelming. Perfect. A moan fell from her, muffled as she pressed her face into the desk.

"Thank you," she gasped, the words tumbling out, barely coherent as pleasure overtook her. "Thank you, thank you, thank you…" Each repetition was a prayer, a confession, a surrender. Hally didn't know where her body ended and Missy began, only that she was complete, utterly undone and entirely hers.

Missy's hum resonated behind her, low and satisfied. The hand inside her moved with deliberate intent, the rhythm a maddening balance of pleasure and torment. Missy stretched her, filled her, the slow, rough thrusts building a fire that burned hot between Hally's thighs.

Her grip on the desk tightened, knuckles white as she writhed beneath Missy's control, her body caught between craving and surrender. Just as she began to climb higher, to reach that precipice, Missy slowed.

Again and again, she played her body with patient, practiced ease, bringing her to the edge of the brink only to be denied. Over and over. Her voice cracked, a sound caught somewhere between a sob and a silent plea. The desperation had her throat burning, tears slipped down her cheeks.

"Oh, do you want to come?" Missy cooed.

"Yes…" Hally's voice cracked with a sob. "Please…"

Missy hummed, the tone almost pitying. And then, without warning, her hand withdrew. The sudden emptiness left Hally gasping.

"Go on then…" Missy's words were light, almost teasing, but cold enough to cut.

A broken sob spilt from Hally, writhing helplessly under Missy's hold.

Missy's presence moved, the air shifting as she leaned in close, her breath a heated whisper against Hally's ear. It was a pulse in the stillness, sharp and electric. "You see, you need me," she murmured, her voice smooth, like silk dragging across Hally's skin. The words settled in her bones, a deep, dark promise. "Your pleasure is mine. Don't you dare forget that."

Hally's breath hitched, a shudder had her vibrating underneath her. Her hand pressed back between her legs, pushing back inside her. She set a relentless, punishing pace. Every thrust deeper, harder, precise. Missy's fingers moved with intent, pressing deep within her, the pressure finding that spot within her over and over again, pulling at Hally from the inside out. Her breaths came in ragged, desperate gasps as her legs began to shake.

"Every gasp, every whimper, every moan is mine to give you," Missy continued, her words a hypnotic rhythm that matched the movement of her hand. "Do you understand?"

"Yes!" Hally cried out, shaking, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks.

Missy stilled for a fraction of a second, her dominance absolute. "… Yes, what?"

"Yes, Mistress," Hally choked out, her entire body trembling, her voice raw with emotion and need.

Missy smiled against her ear, a dark satisfaction radiating from her. "Good girl. Would you like to come?" The question was soft, barely more than a whisper.

Her chest tightened, the words stuck in her throat. Missy had painstakingly exposed her of everything, layer by layer, each moment of surrender tearing down another wall she had built to keep her out. There was nothing left. No pretences, no defences. Missy had taken it all, stripped back to something primal, something basic. She could feel it in every part of her body, in the tremors that ran through her. Missy had done this with such precision, such care, that there was no room left for anything but the raw, unguarded truth of this.

She was never not going to be hers.

"Yes… please…" The word left her lips, ragged and broken. Her entire body felt like it was strung tight, on the edge of something that she wasn't sure she was ready for, but could no longer deny. "Please let me come… please… Mistress.. please. I'll be good. I'll be good. Fuck! I- please!"

"Come for me."

The words were barely more than a murmur, but they vibrated through her, deep and raw. Hally's breath caught in her throat, and then, like a dam breaking, a violent tremor ran through her body. The world around her blurred, spinning into a haze of heat and sensation, as her body responded to Missy's command, not with hesitation, but with total surrender.

The burning wave of heat rushed through her, spreading from the core of her being outward, each pulse of it shattering her further. The flood of sensation consumed her. Just falling—falling into the abyss of everything Missy had built within her.

The solid, unforgiving surface of the desk anchored her, Missy's hand remained steady between her shoulder blades, pressing her into the desk as if to hold her in place while her body shook with the aftermath of the release. There was no reprieve. The overwhelming heat still rippled through her, leaving her trembling and exposed, shattered by the sheer force of it.

Breathing hard, Hally's forehead pressed against the cool wood of the desk. The world was distant, still held behind a fog. The edges of her vision blurred, the tension in her muscles slowly began to release, her body still catching up.

Missy's hand slid gently down her back, light but steady, a soothing presence against her skin. The touch soft and grounding. Missy's other hand moved to her shoulder, giving a gentle pull, a soft command. "Up."

It took a moment, her legs struggled, like they might give out at any second, but she pushed herself up, her entire body shivered with the effort. Missy's hands were there, firm at her waist, turning her gently and propping her up against the desk. The world was a little steadier now, with Missy holding her close, her arms wrapped around Hally's waist, anchoring her in place.

For a long moment, Hally let herself breathe, the air filling her lungs in slow, measured breaths. She let her head drop onto Missy's shoulder, the steady rise and fall of her chest offering a calming rhythm. Missy's hands continued their soothing path up and down her back, before one hand came up to stroke through her hair, fingers gently weaving through the strands. Bringing her back.

She could feel the warmth of Missy's body against hers, always there, always steady. She could feel her breath against her skin, slow and even, in time with her own. She came back to herself, piece by piece, her breath evening out, the edges of reality sharpening once more.

Missy's lips pressed a soft kiss to the side of her head, gentle and full of unspoken care. The kiss lingered. Missy's voice was quiet, a tender question that felt like the only thing in the world. "Are you alright?"

Hally nodded, humming in response, the sound vibrating in her chest. Her head lifted from Missy's shoulder, and she met her gaze. "Yes…" She let out a soft, shaky breath. "Yes." A small smile curved her lips, one that was tired but happy, a quiet release in itself. "Fuck…"

Missy's gaze sharpened with its usual mirth, accompanied by the faintest of wry smiles. "Missed me?"

Hally let out a breathless laugh, the sound soft but full of warmth. "Mmhmm."

Missy stepped closer, helping her straighten up, her hands steady on Hally's waist as Hally shifted to pull her underwear back up. The skirt fell naturally, and Hally moved to smooth it down, her body still feeling the soft echo of the moments before. She stood there for a second, catching her breath, feeling the lingering heat in her skin. Slowly, methodically, she put herself back together, regaining some of her composure.

Then, with a small, deliberate smile, she turned slightly, glancing over at Missy with a glint of mischief in her eyes. "Are you free Tuesdays and Thursdays? Around… this time."

Missy raised an eyebrow, an amused surprise flashing across her features. "Are we scheduling sex, now?"

Hally's smile widened, a soft chuckle slipping out as she shook her head. "No… we're scheduling lunch." She smirked back at Missy, a playfulness in her voice that seemed to be at odds with the tenderness still lingering in the room.

Missy's smile softened, a small, almost wistful one, but still full of her usual self-assurance. "I can make myself available." Her voice dropped slightly. "Although, we really should stop using my desk."

Hally laughed quietly, the sound light but genuine. She stood tall now, her body steady under the gentle pressure of Missy's gaze. "Your office is just… conveniently private."

Missy's lips quirked upward. "So, it's not just lunch."

Something mischievous flickered behind Hally's eyes. "Can't it be both?"

---

Hally rushed around the house, throwing things into place, the clock ticking down with every second that passed. Missy was waiting, perfectly composed as always. The absence of her rushing was not helping. "Why is it always me running around late?" She muttered to herself, the words thick with frustration.

Missy, unbothered, was standing by the door, looking every bit the picture of grace and calm. She had her dark hair styled just right, a dark coat draped over her shoulders, and a scarf that twinkled faintly with hints of sparkle. Her long skirt swirled elegantly around her legs, and she was wearing heeled shoes that clicked softly on the floor as she moved. Hally caught a glimpse of herself in the hallway mirror. No shoes, not even socks, her hair a chaotic mess, and still trying to pull herself together.

God, Missy looked so put together.

It was infuriating.

"You get it from your father," Missy said with a nonchalant shrug, clearly unfazed by the hustle around her.

"Or…" Hally slammed the dishwasher shut with an exaggerated force. She grabbed a dark blue dress from the drying rack, shoving it over the counter as she muttered to herself, "Maybe… it's because I'm busy doing everything for everyone else."

The words were sharp, but Hally didn't have time to care. She yanked off her jeans and pulled her jumper off over her head, standing in her underwear in the kitchen. Without a second thought, she tugged the dress over her body, hands brushing through her hair in an attempt to smooth it down. She moved into the hallway, trying to work out some way of getting herself to look presentable.

"Lily!" She called up the stairs, her voice rising above the frenzy as she tried to fix her hair again, her hands coming to rest on her waist in frustration.

Missy's soft voice came from behind her. "Darling, you look beautiful."

Hally paused, her eyes flicking to her reflection in the mirror, catching sight of Missy's gaze through the reflection. She swallowed, but didn't have time to linger. Their little one still hadn't emerged from upstairs.

"Lilja!" Missy shouted, her voice sharp with warning. There was a loud thud of stomping feet as Lily finally appeared at the top of the stairs.

"I can't find the gloves!" Lily's voice rang out, high-pitched and dramatic. She stood at the top of the stairs, a picture of childhood royalty in her Elsa dress, hair carefully braided into a side plait that had no doubt taken longer than Hally had time to spare. A tiara sat delicately on her head, completing the ensemble.

Hally sighed softly, giving up on trying to fix her hair. She turned, stepping toward the stairs. "I'm coming, just—stay put."

Missy followed slowly behind her. "If you're insisting on driving there, we're currently twenty minutes late."

"The commentary isn't helpful." Hally clipped over her shoulder, shooting her wife a sharp glare.

When Hally reached the top of the stairs, she entered Lily's room, only to be greeted by the complete chaos of toys, books, and clothes scattered everywhere. The gloves were nowhere to be found. "Lily, we need to go," Hally said, her patience running thin as she scanned the mess.

"But it's not the whole costume!" Lily's voice whined from behind her, arms crossed as she pouted.

"We're going to be late…" Hally tried.

"We're already late." Missy clipped from the doorway.

Hally groaned, moving back into search mode, rifling through the pile of clothes and shoes, trying to find the missing gloves.

Meanwhile, Missy and Lily just stood there, watching.

"We could always…" Missy's voice cut through the silence, her gaze flicking to her wrist where her Vortex Manipulator sat, obnoxiously.

"No," Hally muttered, shaking her head. "We're not… Not 'teleporting.'" Her voice was firm. "She's eight. We're not… travelling without a capsule."

Finally, giving up on trying to find the exact pair, Hally slid under Lily's bed to grab the pair of gloves she knew was in her winter box.

Lily frowned from the doorway as she peered down at the gloves Hally had pulled out from beneath the bed—a pair of white, fluffy gloves with sparkly stars. "Well, I can't wear those," she said, her voice almost a growl of disdain.

Hally glanced at her watch. They were really late now—so late, in fact, they might miss the start of the show. And yet… it wasn't necessary. They didn't have to be.

Looking up at Missy, she met her eyes, and there was something in that gaze, something wordless that passed between them. Hally sighed, looking back down at the gloves in her hands, the surface of them started to shift, altering. The white smoothed into a light blue satin, the stars fading away as the gloves lengthened.

She looked back up at her wife, her eyebrow raised. The silent question hung in the air—an unspoken request, one that didn't need words.

She sighed, defeated. "Yes. Fine. Go and get it."

Missy's small smile was enough to make Hally's heart soften, despite everything. Missy moved from the doorway disappearing while Lily moved closer to her mother, offering pointers as Hally transformed her normal winter mittens into Elsa's long blue gloves.

Lily, finally satisfied, slipped the gloves on and examined them with wide, glowing eyes. She turned her hands this way and that, admiring the sparkles that twinkled in the light.

"Will they stay like this?" she asked, her voice full of curiosity, her tone earnest.

"They will if you behave," Hally replied with a soft smile, her voice laced with a teasing edge. She gave her daughter a look that made it clear she meant every word.

Both of them moved toward the stairs, descending. In the corner of the lounge, a new 'bookshelf' had already appeared. Lily's gaze immediately flicked to it, a slight frown creasing her forehead as she took it in. But then, as if a lightbulb had gone off in her head, her face brightened, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Are we going in the TARDIS?!" She squealed, her voice rising to an excited pitch.

"Yes… Lils," Hally said, her nervous smile laced with amusement. "Just… don't touch anything."

Missy's voice broke through the moment as the door to her TARDIS swung open "Darling, get your coat." Her tone was light and teasing, but there was something semi-serious about it, a reminder that they were still on a schedule.

Hally paused for a moment, her brow furrowing as she realised she had, indeed, forgotten her coat. She rolled her eyes at herself, murmuring under her breath before she quickly turned and went to grab it. By the time she returned, Lily was already inside, her excitement bubbling over as she darted around the TARDIS console room in her Elsa dress.

Hally stepped into the TARDIS, and the door clicked shut behind her.

The light was dim, suffused with a subtle haze of light that seemed to emanate from no particular source yet touched every surface with an ethereal glow, tinged with purple. The walls curved and rippled like the inside of a cave, their metallic texture alive with shifting shadows and faint, iridescent patterns. It was as if the room was breathing, its energy palpable and alive.

The console itself dominated the centre of the space, a compact but intricate creation that seemed half-machine, half-art. Dark, brushed metal formed its base, etched with strange, looping patterns that caught the faint light in glimmers of lavender and silver. The controls were a dizzying array of crystalline levers, brass dials, and glowing panels that hummed faintly with latent power. A central column spiralled upwards, transparent and pulsing gently, as though the heart of the machine were beating in time with theirs.

The walls, curving and organic, were lined with towering bookcases that seemed to grow out of the metallic surface like natural formations. The shelves were cluttered with chaos: thick leather-bound volumes, precariously stacked notebooks, and loose sheets of yellowing paper scrawled with Missy's unmistakable, looping handwriting. Interspersed among the books were odd trinkets—steampunk goggles, an old-fashioned sextant, half dismantled, jars of swirling, luminescent liquids, and what looked like a miniature model of a Boeing 747.

The mixture of materials struck Hally as quintessentially Missy: polished metal that gleamed cold and sharp under the faint purple haze, tempered by dark, rich wood that gave the space a warm, almost sultry edge. The bookcases were carved with intricate designs, swirls and flourishes that seemed both alien and Victorian, as though the TARDIS itself couldn't decide on one aesthetic.

"Whoa," Lily breathed, her eyes wide as she looked around. "Is it a library or a spaceship?"

Missy laughed, a sound rich and full of herself. "Both. Obviously. A girl's got to multitask."

Missy had strolled ahead, pressing buttons on the console. "Charming, isn't it?" she purred, leant against it, enjoying the awe on her daughter's face. "A little cluttered, perhaps, but who's judging?" She waved a dismissive hand toward an alcove crammed with more oddities: shattered timepieces, books spilling over with loose notes, and what looked suspiciously like a glowing skull.

"It's... not what I expected," Hally admitted, her voice softer now, almost reverent. She caught sight of the floor—uneven and textured like a mosaic, with tiny, iridescent inlays that shimmered when her boots shifted slightly.

Missy glanced back over her shoulder, a sly smile curling her lips. "Not ostentatious enough for you, darling? Too subtle?" Her gaze flicked down to Lily, who was now peering intently at one of the glowing panels. "Careful, little one. That lever might unmake the universe. Or just make tea. It's so hard to keep track."

Lily's hand darted back, and she gave Missy a sheepish grin. "Sorry."

"But do take it all in." Missy leant down to Lily, leading her to one part of the console. "This is where the magic happens."

Hally stepped further into the TARDIS, her heels clicking against the intricate mosaic floor, and looked up, drawn instinctively by the sense of height and vastness. Above her, suspended like a crown jewel, was a glass dome, its crystalline surface shimmering faintly with reflections of the console lights. Beyond the dome was the cosmos itself, an endless sprawl of stars and galaxies that seemed close enough to touch. Wisps of nebulous clouds drifted past, their colours muted and otherworldly, as though the universe was holding its breath just for them. The design was familiar, the glass dome not unlike the one of the old observatory on Gallifrey.

Hally leaned against the back of an armchair, watching Missy and Lily with a mixture of amusement and fondness. Missy was effortlessly guiding Lily's hands, her voice light and smooth as she talked her through everything she was doing.

"Press that button" Missy coaxed, her tone playful but firm. Lily's small fingers hesitated before she pressed the button, her face lighting up as the TARDIS hummed beneath them.

"Good job," Missy said with a smile, her eyes glinting with approval. She guided Lily's hands again, moving her toward a lever. "Now, hold it steady. Just like that."

As the TARDIS dematerialized, the vibrations of the ship echoed through the air. The central column began to rise, its gleaming brass spires and crystalline rods spiralling upward, catching the purple light that filtered through the dome. The beams of light scattered across the room, converging into a chandelier-like structure that pulsed faintly with energy.

Missy stood, relaxed but poised, leaning casually against the edge of the console. Her hand brushed a lever, her gaze flicking upward toward the dome as she watched the patterns of light shift.

Hally watched Missy, feeling an odd, quiet satisfaction settle in her chest. Missy's focus remained on Lily, keeping their daughter and out of trouble as they dematerialised.

Screens dotted the walls in irregular patterns, some flickering with streams of data in Gallifreyan script, others displaying snapshots of the universe outside. One, larger than the rest, displayed a clock with symbols Hally didn't recognise but understood instinctively—time zones shifting, calculations running. Another screen seemed to display a real-time feed of a nearby star, its surface rippling with fiery waves.

Hally's eyes trailed back to the console, the centrepiece of the room. Its surface was a patchwork of brass and polished wood, etched with runes and adorned with glowing, crystal-like knobs. Wires coiled like serpents beneath its surface, visible through glass panels that offered glimpses of the chaotic machinery beneath.

"It's beautiful," Hally murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she stepped closer to the console, her fingers grazing the edge of the smooth, gleaming surface. The lights from the central column glowed softly, casting a purple hue across the room that made everything feel alive, vibrant, as if the ship itself was breathing with them.

Missy's smirk softened, just slightly, her lips curving into something almost genuine as she leaned closer to Hally. Her breath was warm against her ear. "And she knows it."

Hally glanced over at Missy, the flicker of pride in her eyes unmistakable.

Missy's tone shifted, becoming playful again. She turned to Lily, who had been bouncing eagerly between them, her excitement barely contained. "First trip, successfully survived." She held out her hand dramatically to her daughter, her voice pitched with mock seriousness. "Shall we?"

Lily's eyes shone with excitement as she grinned up at Missy, bouncing on her heels. "Yes! Let's go!s

With a quick glance at Hally, Missy guided them toward the door. The TARDIS had rematerialized, settled down in a quiet alleyway, far from prying eyes, having transformed itself into a inconspicious back door of the theatre. The hum of the ship faded as they exited, the door clicking and locking shut behind them.

Lily practically skipped ahead of them, her enthusiasm radiating from every step. The three of them slipped inside the theatre.

Frozen the musical. Obviously, Lily's choice…

She wanted to see it with the both of them.

Lily was nearly vibrating with anticipation, tugging at Missy's sleeve as they made their way to their seats. She sat between them, her eyes wide as she perched on the edge of her seat. She could see the wonder in Lily's eyes, could feel her daughter's excitement in the air. She could help but pull her against her, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head.

"Mum…" Lily pouted. "You'll mess up the tiara."

As the lights dimmed, Hally leaned back in her seat, letting herself relax.

Hally's gaze shifted, her attention flickering between Missy and their daughter. She shot Missy a knowing smile over the top of Lily's head. The last time Koschei had walked into a musical, they'd left halfway through.

Not this time though.

Missy shifted, moving her arm over the back of Lily's chair, her hand resting gently against Hally's shoulder. Hally let herself enjoy the touch. Her thoughts turned inward, to the TARDIS. Missy's TARDIS. She trusted her wife with everything—everything—and that included their daughter. The ship was safe, at least, it was with Missy. But something had shifted in Hally's chest, an unfamiliar sense of possibility.

She hadn't always been like this—overly cautious, overly protective. But Lily was their daughter, their little girl. The weight of that responsibility was heavy. Yet, there was a part of Hally that felt the tug of something else: freedom. Maybe they didn't always have to drive everywhere. Maybe she didn't need to pack Lily into the car and head off to somewhere within or close to the M25. Hally stole a glance at Missy. Missy, who had this way of making everything seem simple, even the impossible. She would keep them safe.

Maybe it was time to think bigger. Further afield. She could start with small steps, just on Earth for now, just to test the waters. That way, she could guarantee their safety—or at least the semblance of it. It wasn't perfect, but it would have to do. Maybe weekends, holidays... Hally imagined a future where they could break away from routine, travel, and see more than just the city around them. We could do it. All three of us.

The thought bloomed in her chest. Together.

She'd always wanted to travel the stars with her. With Koschei. That had always been the plan, what she wanted—before everything, before life had tangled them up in unexpected ways. She had always longed for it, wanted to experience it with her, and now, for the first time in a long while, it felt possible. They could make a new norm—one that wasn't just here, but elsewhere, too. They could take the time to create their own version of what family meant, one that didn't have to fit into the boxes of human expectations.

Still, they had Lily to think about. Stability mattered. A sense of security. It wasn't about uprooting her or throwing her into something completely new; it was about balance. This is our base, Hally thought, a quiet conviction settling over her. They would keep their foundation strong here, on Earth, but weekends, holidays—those could be for travel. For adventures. For new experiences.

Her eyes wandered to Lily, her daughter sitting between them, her small face illuminated by the stage lights. She was so excited, caught up in the magic of the moment. Hally's hearts clenched at the thought. She wanted her daughter to have a stable childhood, one full of love and laughter, but she also wanted more. For herself, for them.

And if it meant taking small steps toward something more—toward a life less ordinary—Hally was ready.

She felt Missy's hand on her shoulder again, her fingers twirling absentmindedly through a lock of her hair.

As the lights came up for the interval and the buzz of conversation hummed around them, Hally relegated to ice cream duty, rose from her seat to queue in line at the edge of the aisle. She rolled her bottom lip between her teeth as she snuck a look back at them. The two of them. Settled, so naturally in a deep excitable discussion.

Her daughter's face alight with such happiness.

And her wife…

Missy's face was alight with something softer, a side of her Hally rarely saw. There was still that sharpness about her, the unmistakable edge that kept her unapologetically herself. But it was just Koschei, the Koschei that had her family right in front of her.

By the end of the night, they made their way back into the TARDIS. It was well past Lily's bedtime, but the little girl was showing no signs of tiring. Her eyes were wide with excitement, her cheeks flushed, and she practically buzzed with energy.

"Do we have to go home straight away?" Lily looked between them hopefully, her voice filled with a child's insistent innocence.

Hally cocked her head, her gaze soft as she glanced down at her daughter. "Where else would we go?"

Lily's eyes lit up, her enthusiasm only growing as she moved around the TARDIS console, her eyes bright with ideas. "Anywhere. I want to go on an adventure."

"It's quite late…" Hally said, her voice gentle but firm, as though trying to gently close the door on the request without causing disappointment.

Lily's face fell, and she scowled slightly, her lip sticking out in a pout. "But it's Sunday tomorrow! We could sleep in."

Hally's gaze flicked to Missy, and there, just for a moment, she saw the faintest of smiles curl on her wife's lips. Lily noticed too, her hope reigniting as she looked up at Missy. "Mamaidh? Can we?"

Missy shifted, the playful gleam never leaving her eyes, but her tone was deliberately casual as she motioned towards Hally. "It's up to your mother."

It was a small thing, a slight deflection, but it grated on Hally. She could almost feel the weight of responsibility settling back onto her shoulders. Missy could've just said no—had the final say—but instead, she made it Hally's choice, left Hally to be the 'unfun' one. It was annoying, that subtle shift of the burden, but the smile on Lily's face made it hard to hold on to her frustration.

"It is bedtime…" Hally tried again, though her words lacked any real conviction.

"Just for an hour. Please. Please, please, please." Lily was already moving closer, her hands clasped together in a pleading gesture as she looked up at Hally with wide eyes. "I just want to see somewhere. It can be on Earth." Her face pouted, verging on a full-on sulk. "You've been everywhere, but you won't take me."

Hally sighed softly and knelt down to Lily's level, her hands instinctively reaching to tuck a strand of hair behind the girl's ear. "That's because we don't always know if it'll be safe. I just want to keep you safe."

Lily crossed her arms, clearly not letting her mother off the hook so easily. "What about somewhere you know is safe? Somewhere you've been before?"

Hally opened her mouth to respond, but Lily was already ahead of her. "What about New York? You said you lived in New York? You have an apartment! We can go there. Just there. In the apartment. Just for an hour. That's safe, right? Please, Mum."

Hally's shoulders sagged, her resolve weakening. She hesitated, then sighed deeply. "Lily…" She paused, biting her lip. "That was… years ago. Someone else probably lives there now."

At that moment, Missy made a soft noise—a noise that was quiet but unmistakable. Hally's gaze shifted to her wife.

The expression on Missy's face was clear for Hally to read.

"...We still own that?"

Missy blinked, looking at her as if she had asked a ridiculous question. "Of course, we do."

Lily perked up, her excitement nearly unbearable as she bounced on her feet. "Can we go see? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeea-"

Hally groaned in mock exasperation, though the hint of a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Ok!" She sighed, finally relenting. "But you have to be on your best behaviour. Understand? We stay in the apartment and we're home by 11:30 pm."

Lily's face lit up like a Christmas tree, and she immediately nodded as though she'd just won the greatest victory of her young life.

Without another word, Lily darted around the TARDIS console, her enthusiasm fully engaged. She was already buzzing with excitement at the prospect of flying the TARDIS with Missy, eager to help in any way she could.

Hally and Missy exchanged a glance—Missy's look was warm, encouraging, and light. Hally's was something else entirely—tinged with a small, resigned irritation. But her daughter's infectious energy tugged at her, and she found herself reluctantly following Lily's lead.

Hally drifted about the edges of the console room, quietly observing while Missy took charge of piloting the TARDIS. It was a stark contrast to how The Doctor piloted—rushing around, frantic, as if the very fabric of time and space were about to tear apart. Missy was poised. Concentrated. She moved with the grace of someone who knew exactly what they were doing, her movements sharp and focused.

The TARDIS was meant to be flown by a team of at least six, but Missy handled it alone with a fluid precision that left no room for doubt. Her eyes flicked over the dials and buttons, each movement purposeful, each adjustment measured. But her attention never wavered from the child running circles around her, Lily following her every move with wide, eager eyes.

"Lily, hand me that," Missy would call out, directing their daughter to assist with the less complex tasks—twisting dials or pressing buttons that wouldn't throw the TARDIS into a time loop. Meanwhile, Hally found herself drifting toward the bookshelves, the desk crammed into one corner, somehow messy yet carefully curated. She could spend hours rifling through Missy's things, picking up strange devices or old, worn books.

One of them caught her attention—a sleek, odd-looking trinket with intricate engravings. She reached for it, but before her fingers could make contact, a hand shot out, slapping hers away. She turned, caught in Missy's playfully reprimanding gaze.

Hally blinked, realizing in that moment they had landed. Missy's attention shifted, her face lighting with that faint, enigmatic smile. Without another word, she moved to open the door.

Lily skipped forward eagerly, slipping through the TARDIS doors behind Missy. Hally followed, stepping out behind them.

The penthouse was just as Hally remembered it. The skyline stretched out before them, the sun just beginning to dip behind the horizon, casting long shadows over the city. The light glinted off the glass and steel of skyscrapers, the streets alive with the pulse of the city.

Lily, wide-eyed, ran immediately toward one of the floor to ceiling windows, pressing her hands against the cool glass. "Is that Central Park?" she asked, her voice full of awe.

Hally hummed in affirmation, her eyes flicking to the sprawling landscape beyond. The penthouse still looked almost exactly the same. Most of their things were where they had left them, but tidied up, neat and clean. She wondered briefly how the whole place wasn't covered in dust.

Lily, oblivious to the nostalgia tugging at her mother, bounced from room to room, running in and out like a whirlwind. "Why do we still have this?" Hally turned to Missy, gesturing to the space around them. She was genuinely curious.

Missy shrugged casually, her lips quirking into a mischievous smile. "There was no reason to sell it," she said lightly, her eyes glinting with something unreadable. "Plus, it's excellent real estate." She winked.

Lily, still entranced by the view, glanced toward one of the windows again. "Is that the Empire State Building?" she asked, her voice growing even more excited.

Missy chuckled, her arms crossing. "Yes, it is."

Lily's face lit up. "Wooooah. You actually lived here?"

Hally laughed softly, a sound full of fondness and something deeper, bittersweet. "Yes, we did."

"It's GIANT," Lily said, eyes wide in amazement.

Hally gave Missy a pointed look, one that didn't go unnoticed. "Well… yes," she said with a smile, nodding toward their daughter. "It is."

Lily, after taking in the view, moved from the window, her curiosity now pulling her through the apartment, exploring every corner, every detail. She wandered into the kitchen, eyes widening as she took in the sleek, modern appliances and the polished countertops. "Is this yours?" she asked, her voice moving through to them.

Hally and Missy exchanged a glance before moving past the separator wall, following her into the kitchen. Hally's gaze immediately landed on what Lily was looking at. She let out a soft laugh, followed by a sudden, more urgent, "Oh shi—"

She paused, catching herself just in time. "Shoot," she corrected quickly, a nervous laugh escaping her. Her eyes darted to Missy. "We should probably give that back."

Lily didn't even look up from the painting she was inspecting, her hand reaching for the canvas. "Give it back to who? We should take it home. I like it." She stepped closer, her eyes filled with admiration.

Hally blinked, incredulity flashing in her expression as she looked back at Missy. "You just… left it here?" she asked, disbelief lacing her voice.

Missy shrugged, her expression nonchalant. "I didn't leave it here, darling."

Lily looked up between them, eyes wide with excitement. "Can we take it home?" she asked, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Can it go in my room?"

Missy snorted a laugh. "You'd like the Van Gogh in your bedroom, would you?"

"Yes!" Lily nodded emphatically.

Hally exhaled a laugh. "It's not going in your bedroom… It'll end up with felt tip all over it in days." She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, giving Missy a pointed look.

"Well, we can't give it back," Missy interjected, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Then they'll know someone stole it."

Hally shot her a sideways glance. "And whose fault is that?"

Missy held up her hands in mock surrender. "I haven't stolen it yet."

"Yet…" Hally muttered under her breath, the word hanging in the air.

Lily, cocking her head to the side in deep thought, piped up, "What about above the fireplace? It could go there?"

Hally rubbed her hand across her forehead in exasperation. "Lily…" she began, voice full of disbelief. "This thing is worth over £100 million. I can't just hang it up in our lounge. It'll get sun damage."

She paused, the idea of leaving it behind seeming just as wasteful as having it somewhere it didn't belong.

Her gaze flickered toward Missy, the wheels turning in her mind. "We could…" she started slowly, a new thought sparking her attention, her eyes fixing on her wife with an intrigued expression. "… it'd look nice in your TARDIS…" She motioned toward the ship, currently disguised as an innocuous cupboard.

Missy tilted her head, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "So… in the space of about three seconds, you've gone from 'we should give it back,'" she mimicked Hally's concerned tone, "to… 'let's pop it up on your TARDIS wall?'"

Hally shot her a look, but it was more amused than reproachful.

Lily's face lit up, her voice ringing with excitement. "Yes! Yes, it would be perfect!"

Hally grinned. "See. It's perfect." She glanced back at Missy, her smile widening.

Missy sighed, shaking her head in mock defeat. "You're lucky you're cute." She clipped. It wasn't entirely clear which of them she was referring to.

Hally carefully took the Van Gogh off the wall, her hands steady as she floated the painting through the air. They settled it neatly against one of the bookshelves, the soft purple glow of the TARDIS's interior giving it an almost ethereal quality as the dark shades of the TARDIS set the scene perfectly.

They lingered in the penthouse a little while longer. Missy took Lily on a mini tour, showing her all the sights through the floor-to-ceiling windows as the sun slowly began to set, casting a warm glow over the sprawling city below. It felt like a different world, a forgotten one. The nostalgia of it hit her in strange waves, but she pushed it aside.

As the sun dipped lower, they made their way back to the TARDIS. The familiar hum of the ship filled the air as it rematerialised at home, stepping back into Hally's house just past midnight.

Lily threw her arms around Missy, her reluctance to let go obvious on her face. "Goodnight, Mamaidh."

Hally smiled, her heart warm as she watched her daughter eventually untangle herself. "Right. Off to bed with you. I want you in bed and asleep in five minutes, got it?" Lily hummed a soft, tired agreement as she moved up the stairs.

Missy cleared her throat as the last echoes of Lily's footsteps faded. "I'll see you… Tuesday then," she said, a teasing glint in her eye.

Hally looked up at her. "Or… you could just stay. It's late…" She paused, glancing down for a moment before meeting Missy's gaze again. "If you want to."

Missy raised an eyebrow, her voice low and playful. "On the sofa?"

Hally's smile softened, her hand brushing against the fabric of Missy's coat as she moved a little closer. "It doesn't have to be…" she trailed off, leaving the suggestion hanging in the air.

Missy closed the distance between them, her hand gentle as it caressed Hally's cheek. "Are you asking to be polite, or because you would like me to stay?" Her voice dropped to a whisper, her eyes locking with Hally's.

Hally inhaled slowly, her hands moving up to rest on Missy's waist. The warmth of the soft, dark jumper beneath her fingertips. Her voice was barely above a breath as she spoke, "I want you to stay."

Missy's smile curved with a hint of something both tender and playful. "Then I'll stay." She pressed a soft, gentle kiss to Hally's lips before pulling back with a smile, her eyes bright.

It felt almost surreal, having Missy in her space. There was no tension between them, nothing heavy or heated—it was just them, slipping into the ordinary rhythms of a shared night. Hally found Missy an oversized T-shirt and some comfortable shorts to sleep in, and the two of them moved in and out of the bathroom, brushing their teeth, taking off makeup. The small rituals of the evening felt oddly domestic, in the best way. Saying goodnight to Lily, making sure everything was in place before they finally settled down.

It was strange, but in the most comforting way. So normal, yet so foreign, like it had always been this way and they just hadn't realised.

They slipped into bed, and with a soft flick of the light switch, the room darkened. The night settled around them, and Hally naturally nestled into the curve of Missy's chest. Missy's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer, her hand gently caressing the back of Hally's head. It was easy, effortless, the way they fit together.

Hally's hand found its place across Missy's abdomen, brushing lightly against her waist. The motion felt almost automatic, but then there was a pause, a realisation that settled into her chest like a soft sigh. She could touch her. Really touch her. It hadn't been possible before—not in this way, not like this. Every moment of their encounters had been defined by Missy's touch, by the way she'd moved through Hally's world like a force, always in control. But now, in the quiet of their bed, Hally could reach out, could feel the warmth of her skin beneath her fingertips.

She let herself linger there for a moment, just breathing her in. Missy's warmth. The gentle press of her body, the softness of her skin.

Hally propped herself up on her arm, leaning across Missy, and pressed her lips against hers. It was soft, gentle, a languid unhurried moment. The kiss deepened, and Hally's hand slowly slipped underneath Missy's T-shirt, moving to rest at her waist. Bare skin. Missy hummed softly in response, a sound that vibrated against Hally's chest.

"Don't start something we can't finish." Missy whispered, her voice low.

Hally paused, the thought tugging at the back of her mind. Oh, yes, their daughter was in the next room. She pulled back slightly, her breath warm against Missy's skin.

"I can be quiet," Hally whispered back.

"No… you can't." Missy's grip tightened around her.

Hally sighed, her lips brushing against Missy's once more. "I just want to touch you…" Her fingers traced along Missy's skin beneath the fabric of the T-shirt, soft and slow.

"We're not demoting this to a quick fumble in the dark." Missy clipped back to her on a breath.

"I won't do anything… you've just... always got so many bloody clothes on. It's not fair." Hally huffed, shifting slightly, her hand still resting on Missy's waist, her thumb drawing small circles against her skin.

Missy chuckled softly. "Poor you."

"Just let me touch you. Let me feel you," Hally breathed, her fingers slipping along Missy's skin, each inch of her was a discovery, a treasure she wanted to savour. To explore.

Missy leaned into the kiss, letting Hally lead it, and then pulled back just enough to speak. "And you'll be satisfied with a quick grope, will you?" Teasing laced her words.

"Mmhmm…" Hally murmured, nipping at Missy's bottom lip, a mischievous spark in her eyes. It probably didn't help her cause, but she couldn't help herself.

"Fine…" Missy's voice was a quiet surrender. "But stay out of my pants, and if you turn yourself on, I'm not going to help."

Hally smiled against Missy's lips, savouring the softness of the kiss before shifting down, her hands still roaming. She kissed along Missy's jaw, feeling the faintest tremor of Missy's pulse beneath her lips. Slowly, her kisses trailed down, exploring the smooth curve of Missy's neck, tasting the warmth of her skin. It was tender, intimate, memorising every inch of her. As she shifted lower, the collar of the T-shirt formed a barrier in her path.

"Can I take this off?" Hally asked, her voice barely more than a breath, a soft request as she began pushing the fabric upwards, her fingers sliding over the soft cotton.

"No." Missy hummed, her voice teasing, a playful note that made Hally's frustration bubble up in an almost amused sigh.

But Hally wasn't giving up that easily. With renewed determination, she shifted beneath the duvet, moving with purpose. She came at it from a different angle, hands pushing the fabric higher, exposing more of Missy's skin. Her breath caught in her throat as her hands splayed across her stomach.

Her lips made contact, soft and slow, trailing across the gentle curve of Missy's stomach. The skin was even softer than she imagined, warm and inviting, begging to be explored. Hally kissed along the curve of Missy's waist, savouring the feel of her body beneath her lips, the taste of her skin.

She moved with deliberate slowness, each kiss an intimate caress. The swell of Missy's hips was so delicate, so inviting, as though her body was sculpted for Hally's touch. It was everything she had imagined and more—so soft, so warm, the heat radiating off of her. Hally's fingers brushed against Missy's ribs, feeling the faint flutter of breath that passed through her chest with each exhale. Her fingertips trailed slowly, following the curve of her body, the outline of her chest, tracing the delicate lines of her form.

Hally shifted upward, gently pushing the T-shirt higher. Her hand cupped her breast, the soft skin tightening as she traced light circles across it with her thumb, over the slightly pebbled nipple. She kissed her way up, along the gentle slope of her chest before her mouth encased the hardened bud between her lips.

Missy's soft sigh reached Hally's ears, only spurring her on. Hally's other hand traced the curve of Missy's waist. The sensation was so different from anything they had shared before. Each regeneration there had been differences, of course, but this… it was so different.

She was so fucking soft.

A muffled moan vibrated in Hally's throat as she trailed her tongue down into the valley between her breasts, her lips mapping her route, the tender spaces of her body. She kissed every surface she could access, exploring every detail, every detail of her skin with her mouth.

"Mmm…"

Her wife.

Warm and soft and perfectly curved.

She rolled a nipple between her teeth, feeling as Missy arches underneath her. Hally groaned softly against her skin because yes, alright, she was not satisfied with a 'quick grope'. She needed to touch her. Everywhere. She needed to make her moan. To feel her come apart.

Missy huffed, a playful frustration in the noise, and in an instant, Hally found herself on her back. The movement was swift, and before she could fully process it, Missy was above her, her body pressing down with a delicious weight, pinning her against the bed.

"I knew this was a bad idea…" Missy murmured, the words lost as soon as her mouth found Hally's, silencing any further protest. Hally arched into the kiss, her body instinctively responding, heat building as Missy's lips moved against hers.

Hally's hands, still tucked underneath Missy's T-shirt, roamed freely, fingertips grazing against the supple skin beneath. She felt the muscles of Missy's stomach tense beneath her fingertips as she shifted. The firm, sculpted skin of her abdomen was taut, each movement a ripple of smooth, controlled strength. Hally's hand skimmed over the contours, the slight shift of muscle beneath the surface, the subtle tremor as she moved.

Hally shifted her hands to Missy's back, making space as Missy moved, pushing her thigh firmly between hers, forcing her legs to slide apart. All the while her tongue met hers in a passionate dance of need. Her wife shifted her hips above her, pressing down over the top of Hally's thigh. Flexing above her she moved, pressing against her with the heat between her legs. The purposeful rock of her hips had the thigh between Hally's legs pressed right where she needed it, the coiling tension rising.

Missy moved with a deliberate, unrelenting rhythm, her hips rolling with purposeful need. Each movement sent a shiver through Hally, her breath catching as she felt every shift and press, every fleeting moment of friction that built between them.

It wasn't gentle; it wasn't meant to be. Missy was using her, guiding them both to the edge with a focus that was almost overwhelming. The realisation bloomed hot in Hally's chest, a soft, involuntary moan escaping her lips, cut off by Missy's hand, covering her mouth. Her palm was hot against Hally's skin, not deterred from the chase of her release.

Hally matched Missy's movements, rocking her hips in rhythm. She wouldn't put it past her wife to take what she needed and leave her wanting, so she'll take her own pleasure back. Their heated breaths mingled in the space between them, warm and rapid.

It was messy, uncoordinated.

A fumble in the dark.

Hally tensed, her breath catching as Missy's rhythm grew more insistent. She arched upward, meeting the press of Missy's body, the friction between them sharpening every sensation. Missy's movements lost their deliberate precision, her hips rolling with an unmistakable urgency.

Missy buried her face into the crook of Hally's neck, muffling the low, unrestrained moan that broke through her. The sound undid Hally completely. She couldn't hold back, her own body trembling as the tension shattered. Beneath her hands, she could feel the tautness of Missy's muscles, the strain and release as she undid above her.

Their breaths came fast and uneven, mingling in the scant space between them. Missy's lips descended on hers, a kiss that was anything but gentle—hard, claiming, reprimanding.

"Impossible thing." Missy muttered, her tone clipped but not unkind.

Hally arched into her without hesitation, a wry smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Missy shifted, rolling off her, though the evidence of their shared heat lingered in the flushed skin and laboured breaths.

The moment softened as Missy turned to her, curling close, her arm draped possessively over her waist.

Hally nestled into the embrace, her body instinctively moulding to Missy's. "'S not my fault…" she murmured, her words slurring slightly. She let her eyes drift shut, her senses filled with Missy's warmth, the faint scent of her skin and the steady rhythm of her breathing. "…you're so fucking sexy…"

---

Hally stirred awake, groggily aware of the warmth behind her. Missy's arm was draped over her, holding her close. She felt the soft rise and fall of Missy's breath against her back.

There was a faint noise downstairs, just enough to tug her fully from sleep. She blinked. Probably Lily, hungry and up before her usual time. Missy stirred as well, her hand trailing lazily down Hally's back.

"Do you need to…?" Missy murmured, her voice thick with sleep.

Hally hummed, stretching slightly. "No... it's probably Lily. It's fine." She curled back into Missy's arms.

Despite the steady noise below, she let herself sink into the comfort of snuggling for a moment longer. The creak of her bedroom door interrupted the quiet.

"Mum?" Lily's soft voice carried into the room.

"Mmhmm…?" Hally responded, not bothering to open her eyes yet.

"What time is it?"

Hally sighed, finally shifting around to look at her daughter standing in the doorway, rubbing her eyes. Reaching for her phone on the nightstand, she squinted at the screen. "It's 6:20. Are you okay?"

"Yeah… Grandad's early…" Lily yawned, pointing toward the window.

Hally paused, frowning. "Uh…"

Lily continued sleepily, "His TARDIS is in the garden."

Hally sat up abruptly, snapping fully awake. "Oh, fu—uh…" She groaned, rubbing her hands over her face before slipping out of bed. Peering through the window, she confirmed the sight of the unmistakable blue box sitting obnoxiously in her garden.

Of course.

Fuck.

She grabbed her robe and shooting Missy a sort of semi-apologetic, semi-warning look headed out, padding down the stairs. The smell of cooking welcomed her into her lounge as she passed through into the kitchen. It was there, she found The Doctor happily bustling about amidst a chaotic mess of food and utensils.

"Dad?" She called, dragging his attention to her.

The Doctor turned, beaming at her. "Morning!" His enthusiasm was far too loud for this hour.

Hally rubbed her temple. "You're early."

"Yes! Sorry. Spilled tea over the time rota. Thought I'd just…" He gestured vaguely around the kitchen.

"Make breakfast?" She suggested, her eyes sweeping over the disaster zone.

"Yes! Breakfast. Breakfast is good." He grinned, then paused, his attention shifting to the two refrigerators standing side by side. "What do you need two fridges for?"

Hally followed his gaze, a low hum vibrating in her throat as she remembered Missy's parked TARDIS in its current disguise.

"I… don't," she replied quickly, moving to block his view.

"Hmm. No," he mused, clearly unconvinced, but thankfully distracted by the act of cooking.

Hally's mind raced. She needed to get The Doctor out of the house.

"What did you want to do today?" he asked, moving around her with a surprising amount of energy for such an ungodly hour.

Sleep in till ten?

Not have to sneak my wife out?

"Preferably something quiet…" she muttered, eyeing the mess he was creating.

"Is that bacon?" Lily padded into the kitchen, still in her pyjamas and fluffy slippers, her hair mussed from sleep. She looked as tired as Hally felt—last night had been late, and now they were both up far too early.

The Doctor swept Lily into a hug, squeezing her cheerfully. "It is indeed! Would you like to help, Lilypad?"

Lily tilted her head, considering. "Mmm… can I make coffee?"

Hally stifled a smile. Lily's fascination with coffee had started recently, though she never drank it herself. It seemed to be an adult thing she liked mimicking, offering cups to Jack, Ianto, and Hally with a serious demeanour.

The Doctor pulled a face. "What about hot chocolate?"

"We can make both," Hally suggested, touching Lily's shoulder as they moved toward the counter. She helped her daughter gather what they needed, getting chocolate powder and milk for The Doctor's drink while Lily focused on frothing milk and sprinkling cinnamon for hers.

"Do you want one?" Lily looked up at her mother, a mug already in her hand.

Hally smiled warmly, though her voice carried the grogginess of someone who had been awake for far too long this early. "I think I need one…"

"Yes, I think you do too." Lily quipped, earning a small chuckle from her mother as she pulled out two mugs.

Hally let Lily take charge, overseeing her efforts but stepping in to help with the hot water. Coffee preparation had become Lily's self-appointed job, and Hally had decided it was better to supervise than to discourage her enthusiasm.

As Lily busied herself with the drinks, Hally's mind raced. Maybe she could suggest eating breakfast in The Doctor's TARDIS? Or perhaps a walk afterwards to give Missy the chance to slip away. If all else failed, she could get Missy to teleport with the vortex manipulator and retrieve her TARDIS later.

She was just starting to turn toward the stairs, when The Doctor appeared at her side, gently steering her back toward the counter.

"Breakfast," he declared with a grin, placing the plates down.

Lily joined in, setting the mugs beside the food with a proud flourish.

The Doctor frowned slightly, cocking his head. "I think you've done too many, Lils."

Lily crossed her arms over her chest, a pout forming. "No, I haven't. You haven't done enough."

Hally glanced between them, realising all too late what was about to unfold. Three plates of food, all made by The Doctor, and four mugs, courtesy of Lily. She cleared her throat, hoping to intervene. "Let's just eat."

But neither was listening.

"What do you mean I haven't done enough?" The Doctor motioned between the plates. "One, two, three."

Lily scowled, shaking her head firmly. "No, one, two, three, four." She pointed to the mugs as if that settled the argument.

Hally rubbed her temples. "Let's say you're both right."

Ignored again.

"Four? What's four for?" The Doctor looked genuinely perplexed.

"Because there's four!" Lily countered with all the certainty of an immovable object.

"It's fine," Hally muttered quickly, attempting to diffuse the situation. "I'll have both coffees."

"No, there's not. There's three. One… two… three." The Doctor gestured emphatically to the plates.

"Four." The lilt came from behind her, playful and sharp.

The Doctor's gaze flicked past Hally, narrowing. Her stomach sank as she followed his line of sight.

Hally didn't bother trying to quell the groan, rubbing both her hands over her face, eventually following her father's gaze to her wife.

Behind her, leaning casually against the doorframe, was Missy. Still in the oversized T-shirt and shorts she'd slept in. Somehow, she still managed to look dangerous, her smoothed-down hair failing to disguise the "just out of bed" look.

Lily took her plate and milk to the table, shaking her head as she went. "I think Grandad might be losing his mind."

"Oh, he certainly might be about to…" Hally murmured, shooting a glare at Missy.

Missy only smirked, watching with amused detachment as she moved to take the coffee Lily had made for her. She carried it to the table, sitting casually, one leg crossed over the other, her bare foot bouncing lightly as she observed the scene unfold.

"She's… here…" The Doctor finally managed, gesturing at Missy as if confirming her existence required extra effort.

"Nothing gets past you." Missy cooed, mimicking his accent with an exaggerated, mocking lilt.

"In your house." His tone was equal parts incredulous and disapproving as his stern gaze turned to his daughter. "Hally," he said in a low, scolding tone, "the humans trusted you."

Hally sighed and moved back to the counter, too tired to care much for his theatrics. "They know."

"They know…" He blinked, clearly trying to process. "They know she's here? In your house?"

"Well…" Hally shrugged, reaching for her coffee. "I don't know if they know she's specifically in my house right now. They probably do. But they know she's… around."

"Around," he echoed flatly.

"Yes."

The Doctor stared at her, his face cycling through emotions—shock, disapproval, and the faintest glimmer of worry. Hally sipped her coffee, watching him steadily.

The Doctor squinted at her, his brain clearly racing to catch up. He gestured vaguely at Missy, then at Hally, then at the house in general, as though the sheer absurdity of the situation could be solved through interpretive hand movements. "You're telling me that UNIT knows she's just… here? And they're fine with that?"

Missy took a leisurely sip from her mug, her pinky raised in an exaggerated show of elegance. "Fine is such a strong word," she drawled, placing the mug down with a soft clink. "Let's say they're… tolerant." She aimed a saccharine smile at Hally, who, in turn, gave her a deadpan look.

"They tolerate her." Hally confirmed, her tone flat but not unkind. She reached out to steady Lily's milk as the girl leaned precariously across the table to grab a fork. "It's either that or risk her getting bored."

Missy's grin sharpened, and she raised her eyebrows at The Doctor. "And nobody wants that, do they?"

"How long has this been going on?" The Doctor asked, his voice tight.

Hally sighed, sinking into her chair. "A few months," she admitted, resting her arms on the table. "Look, you knew she wasn't… dead. You knew there was a chance she was going to show back up. We've purposefully avoided the topic, but I know you're not that stupid."

He huffed, gesturing vaguely toward the table as if the explanation needed a visual aid. "But… she…"

Missy raised a single eyebrow, sucking on the back of her teeth. The sharp sound was pointed, almost mocking.

"Dad," Hally interrupted, already exasperated. "Just shush. Sit and eat. It's too early for this." She reached for an extra fork and handed it to Missy, silently inviting her to pick at whatever was left on her plate.

The Doctor lingered a moment longer, as if weighing whether to escalate the argument, but ultimately gave up. With a low grumble, he sat down beside Lily, as far from Missy as the seating arrangement would allow.

They ate in a stifling silence, the tension at the table palpable. Missy, unbothered as ever, casually helped herself to bits of Hally's food. Lily, still yawning and clearly unfazed by the awkwardness, turned to her grandfather.

"We went on an adventure," she announced brightly.

The Doctor's brows lifted slightly. "Did you now?" He latched onto the change in subject with visible relief, as did everyone else.

"Yes!" Lily beamed. "We went to the theatre, and then we went to New York. It was very late when we got home, which is why Mum looks so tired. Oh, and we stole a painting."

Hally shot her daughter a sharp look, to which Lily responded with an innocent grin.

The Doctor's frown deepened. "You stole a painting?"

Hally cleared her throat. "We didn't steal the painting. The painting was already… ours."

The Doctor's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And when she says New York, she means…?"

"New York," Missy replied, her sly smile curling like smoke.

"Y-you… you took her in your TARDIS?"

Lily grinned, jabbing a thumb over her shoulder. "Yes. In the fridge."

The Doctor blinked, as if suddenly noticing the second fridge for what it actually was. His gaze snapped to Hally. "You let her take Lily in her TARDIS… but you won't let me?"

Hally sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Your TARDIS has a habit of not going where it's supposed to."

"But… but she'd behave if Lily was onboard," he protested, his tone almost petulant.

Hally hesitated, clearly choosing her words carefully. "Look, it's not…" She swallowed. "She's just… well… I mean… your driving isn't exactly…" She sighed again, resigned. "She's just a better driver."

The Doctor opened his mouth, undoubtedly to argue, but Hally cut him off with a pointed look. "Remind us all why you're six hours early again?"

He clamped his mouth shut, scowling as her words sank in. It was clear he didn't like the implication that Missy was better than him at anything.

"And you trust her," he said after a pause, lowering his voice and glancing at Lily. "With Lily, I mean. After… after the Cybermen… Clara… Danny… Osgood…"

"I trust her with our daughter," Hally said firmly. "Yes. I trust her to get us from A to B without crashing into a black hole."

Missy shifted slightly as she grabbed a piece of toast from Hally's plate and took a leisurely bite.

"But… you can trust me…" The Doctor insisted, his voice softer now, almost pleading.

Hally sighed softly, her shoulders sinking. "I know…" She paused, then took a breath, bracing herself. "Dad, it's just—okay, bluntly." Her eyes locked onto his, her tone firm. "I know that if something happened, if for whatever reason we ended up somewhere dangerous, she would do anything—and I mean anything—to keep us safe. Regardless of human lives, native lives, planets, rules, laws, whatever. She would let the entire universe burn so long as that little girl was safe."

The Doctor's frown deepened, his eyes scanning her face as her words settled in. He looked at her like he was starting to understand, though it was clearly not a conclusion he wanted to reach.

Hally's voice softened, though the conviction in her words didn't waver. "…And that's the reassurance I need."

The Doctor let out a long sigh, leaning back slightly in his chair. His gaze flickered between Hally and Lily, his expression shifting, the hard lines softening into reluctant acceptance.

"Fine," he said at last, his voice carefully measured. His eyes met Hally's, a mixture of frustration and reluctant agreement swimming in their depths. "Fine. I just—" He hesitated, his words faltering as he struggled to articulate whatever protest still lingered.

Missy sighed dramatically and gestured toward The Doctor with her mug. "Fine, fine. Go on, gramps. Say your peace. You've clearly got something rattling around between those eyebrows?"

The Doctor turned toward her, his expression steeling. "I suppose what it comes down to… is that I just don't believe you. Here. All of this. You're not domestic. You're not 'toe the line'. You never have been."

Missy's smirk didn't falter, but her eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing behind her playful facade. "And what, exactly, am I, Doctor? Enlighten us."

"You know what I mean."

"Oh, I do," Missy replied, her voice silky and sharp. She set her mug down deliberately and leaned in, her tone turning. "But let me make something very clear." She paused, her eyes boring into his. "Whatever you think you know about me, whatever version of me you've built up in that judgmental little brain of yours to suit your morality complex… it doesn't matter. I don't care."

The Doctor opened his mouth to retort, but Missy didn't give him the chance. She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor, and leaned across the table, her tone growing lower, quieter, more venomous. "You're only here because she wants you here." She pointed sharply at Hally, her eyes boring into The Doctor's with a ferocity that dared him to argue. "Hally, in her infinite generosity, decided that Lily should have her grandfather. And me? I will respect her decision. I'm choosing to tolerate your existence in my family for her. Despite the fact that you don't deserve an ounce of the love she's poured into you."

"Missy…" Hally breathed.

Her words hung heavy in the air, but she wasn't finished. She straightened up, her voice low and heavy. "But make no mistake, Doctor. Your opinions? Your little judgments? They are irrelevant. Invalid. I'm here, Doctor. And that… isn't up to you. It never was."

Her voice trembled slightly, although she didn't look from him, her chest rising and falling. For a moment, she stood frozen, her jaw tight, her lips pressed into a hard line. Then, with a sharp inhale. "So, just shut up and let her be happy."

Hally's voice broke the silence, soft but steady. "Missy…"

Missy glanced at her, and for a moment, the walls she'd so carefully constructed seemed to tremble. But then she straightened her shoulders, the manic edge of her grin creeping back onto her face. "Well," she said, her tone lighter, forced. "This is fun, isn't it?"

The Doctor finally spoke, his voice hoarse. "Missy…" He hesitated, his gaze darting to Hally and then back to her. "I—"

"Save it," Missy cut him off, though her eyes betrayed the storm raging inside her. "You've said enough. I've said enough. Let's just… leave it, shall we?"

Hally cleared her throat softly, cutting through the charged silence that had settled over the room. Her hand moved instinctively, finding Missy's resting on the edge of the table. She gave it a gentle squeeze, a silent reassurance before she turned her attention to Lily, her expression smoothing into something calm and easy. She offered her daughter a small, wry smile. "And this," she said lightly, her tone almost playful, "is what happens when we don't get enough sleep."

Lily blinked at her, then giggled softly. The Doctor looked between them, brow furrowing slightly, but he didn't press. Missy stayed silent, her expression neutral but her fingers subtly curling tighter around Hally's in a quiet, unspoken gratitude.