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

111. Part 7 - Chapter 111

Alina had known, of course. She always knew. That was why she'd gone to the trouble of booking Hally the Friday afternoon off, brushing aside Hally's protests with the ease of someone well-practiced in handling her.

"And you're sure this is all sorted?" Hally had asked, crossing her arms in a futile attempt to sound authoritative.

"Absolutely," Alina had replied with a disarming smile. "Missy's handling everything."

"Okay, fine, but—"

"No buts," Alina cut in smoothly, a finger raised to silence any further objections. "You'll leave everything else to Missy. That's the plan."

Hally huffed but relented, muttering, "Fine," as if conceding a battle she knew she'd already lost.

When Friday arrived, Hally found herself even more apprehensive than usual.

Missy had made a point of telling her not to bring anything—no clothes, no toothbrush. Nothing. That had unnerved her more than she cared to admit. There was something deeply unsettling about showing up empty-handed, without even a hint of what lay ahead.

The sun was low in the sky when Hally found herself standing on the polished stone steps of a grand Mayfair townhouse.

Because of course.

Because her wife was and had always been, in all her regenerations, a snob.

The building was a testament to understated… well… perhaps not that understated opulence, with its pristine white facade, wrought iron railings, and gleaming black door framed by symmetrical topiary. The address Missy had sent her in an annoyingly cryptic text earlier that day was, without question, an upgrade from Missy's office and probably… most definitely, Hally's house. Which, she loved, but looked rather sad in comparison to the building in front of her.

Hally hesitated for a moment, workbag bag clutched tightly, before reaching for the brass knocker shaped like a lion's head. She didn't have to use it. The door swung open with impeccable timing.

The woman herself leaned casually in the doorway, framed by the warm glow of the chandelier inside. She was dressed immaculately, a tailored black suit with a flash of deep red silk at her throat, the picture of smug authority. And there it was—that insufferable smirk that promised mischief and menace in equal measure.

"Well, well," Missy drawled, her eyes flicking over Hally with the precision of a jeweller examining a diamond. "Right on time. How very obedient of you."

Hally rolled her eyes. "I didn't realise punctuality was optional."

"Not for this weekend, darling." Missy stepped aside, gesturing grandly for her to enter. "Now, come in before the neighbours get any ideas."

The interior was every bit as extravagant as the exterior hinted. Marble floors stretched across the grand foyer, their veins of silver catching the light of a crystal chandelier overhead. A sweeping staircase with an intricately carved bannister curved gracefully to the upper floors, and every detail—from the ornate crown moulding to the strategically placed art, screamed wealth and impeccable taste.

Hally barely had time to take it in before Missy's voice broke the spell.

"Give me your bag," she said smoothly, extending a hand. "Your coat, shoes, and your phone. For the next three days, you're only mine."

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Hally hesitated, blinking at Missy as if she hadn't heard correctly. "Is this really necessary?"

"Absolutely," Missy replied, her tone sharp and unwavering. "You agreed to this, remember? Surrendering completely." She stepped closer, her heels clicking softly against the marble. "Trust me, darling. You'll thank me later."

Hally's grip on her bag tightened. "What if someone needs me?"

Missy's lips curved into a slow, feline smile. "Alina has your schedule. Jack has our child and Kate has your emergencies. You?" She reached out, plucking the bag from Hally's hand with infuriating ease. "You have me. Anything else is… irrelevant."

The coat followed, and the shoes, and then, with only the faintest hesitation, Hally handed over her phone. Missy deposited each item into a sleek, lacquered cupboard by the door, dusting her hands theatrically as she turned back to her guest.

"Good," she said, a note of satisfaction in her voice. "Now, let's talk about the rules for this weekend."

"Rules?" Hally echoed, her tone tinged with apprehension.

"Yes, rules." Missy's voice softened, taking on an almost soothing lilt. "This weekend, everything is down to me. You'll surrender to it completely. No fretting, no overthinking, no trying to wrestle back control… although I do love a good wrestle." She paused, a wicked smile curving at her mouth. "Do as I say, and you'll please me." Her eyes sparkled with amusement, though her expression remained commanding. "And, Hally…" Her voice lowered with expectant promise. "Pleasing me should be your only goal."

Hally swallowed, her throat dry, the weight of Missy's gaze pinning her in place. The room felt warmer, somehow smaller, as if the air itself were holding it's breath. Her cheeks burned. "And if I...?" Her voice came out quieter than she'd intended.

Missy's head tilted slightly, her expression softening just enough. "You already know the words, darling," she interjected, her voice low and gentle, but no less unyielding.

She stepped closer, her movements slow and deliberate, her hand lifting to Hally's cheek. The touch was light, almost reverent. Hally's breath caught as Missy's thumb brushed across her skin, grounding her in a moment that felt precariously balanced on the edge of something vast and unspoken. "Orange, if you need me to slow down," Missy murmured, her tone steady, the words deliberate. "Red—or Petrichor, if you're feeling poetic—and I'll stop everything. Instantly. No questions, no judgment. Do you trust me on that?"

For a moment, the only sound was the faint hum of electricity in the air, the silence crackling with unspoken tension. Hally's gaze searched Missy's, the slight purse of her lips, the arch of her eyebrows, the almost indecipherable softness around her eyes.

"I trust you." Hally said finally, the words almost a whisper.

Missy's lips curved into a faint smile, her thumb lingering for just a second longer before she stepped back. "Good girl," she murmured, the praise soft yet deliberate, hanging in the air like a note waiting to resolve.

The room shifted with her retreat, her commanding presence snapping back into place like a taut wire. Her heels clicked against the marble floor as she began to pace, each sharp staccato echoing in Hally's chest.

"Now," Missy clipped, her voice level but laced with an unmistakable edge, "let me be perfectly clear." She paused, glancing over her shoulder, her eyes gleaming with something precise and calculated. "There are a few simple rules for this weekend. First, there will be no back-chatting. I don't care how clever you think you're being, or how much you might want to debate. What I say goes."

Hally straightened instinctively, her arms folding across her chest before she could think better of it. The tension in the room seemed to thrum louder, every muscle in her body on high alert.

Missy's sharp eyes didn't miss the movement. Her smirk was quick, almost playful, but there was a warning in it. "Ah, ah," she chided softly, one finger wagging in a slow, deliberate motion. "That's a freebie, my dear. But let me be crystal clear—there will be no pouting, no crossed arms, and certainly no stomping about like a petulant child."

Hally's lips parted in a retort, but the words faltered under Missy's unwavering gaze.

"If you have a genuine question or concern," Missy continued smoothly, her tone almost conversational now, "you're always encouraged to raise it. But that sharp little tongue of yours?" Her smirk deepened, a glint of amusement flickering in her eyes. "It has no place here. Save your wit for another time, my love."

The silence between them stretched, thick and charged, like the stillness before a storm. Hally could feel her heartbeats thrumming in her throat, each pulse a steady reminder of just how exposed she felt under Missy's gaze. She shifted her weight, her attempt at nonchalance betrayed by the tension in her shoulders.

"I feel like there's a lot of nuance there…" she muttered, the edge of apprehension bleeding into her half-joking tone.

Missy stopped pacing abruptly, turning to face her with a deliberate slowness. Her expression a masterful blend of indulgence and sternness, a dangerous glint sparking in her eyes as she cocked an eyebrow.

"Except we both know that I'll always know when you're being smart with me," Missy said smoothly, her voice a low, measured purr. She leaned forward slightly, her gaze unwavering. "But darling, do not take that as an excuse to not communicate with me. I want to know what's going on in that pretty little head of yours. I want to know how you feel. At all times. Understood?"

Hally swallowed, her throat tight. "Yes…"

Missy grinned, sharp and satisfied, the weight of her approval somehow heavier than her critique. "Which brings me to rule two: no saying 'no.'"

Hally blinked, her lips parting in surprise. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Missy replied smoothly, the wicked curve of her lips sending a shiver down Hally's spine. "No refusals. No rejections. No 'but, Missy.' If you're told to do something, you do it or you say the word. End of discussion."

"What if I—"

Missy's hand shot up, cutting her off mid-sentence. "Don't worry your pretty little head about the what-ifs. Let's make it simple for you, with rule three: obedience or punishment."

Hally's mouth opened, a protest forming on her tongue, but it faltered before she could find the words. Her brain stumbled, tripping over the implication.

Missy tilted her head, watching her with the kind of amused patience that only made Hally's nerves worse. "Oh, don't look so scandalised," she purred lightly. "I'm not going to do anything you can't handle. A bit of discomfort here, a touch of humiliation there—it's all part of the fun, my dear."

Hally's breath stuttered, but she said nothing.

"Now, a few final notes," Missy continued, her pacing resuming, heels clicking sharply against the floor. "You will address me respectfully at all times—'Missy,' or 'Mistress' if you're feeling particularly devoted. None of that satirical sniping I know you're so fond of."

Hally couldn't stop the soft snort that escaped her, though she regretted it immediately when Missy's pointed look pinned her in place.

"You'll eat what I give you, wear what I choose for you, and follow every instruction to the letter," Missy went on, her voice calm but unyielding. "And don't worry—I've left room for surprises." Her grin widened, sharp and gleeful, like a predator toying with its prey. "Trust me, darling, and you can't go far wrong."

Hally's throat tightened under the suffocating weight of Missy's gaze. "And if I get it wrong?" she asked, her voice quieter than she intended.

Missy stepped closer, her movements fluid and deliberate, until there was barely a breath of space between them. Her voice dropped to a low, intimate purr, each word meticulously punctuated.

"Then I'll correct you. Firmly, but fairly."

Hally's hearts thudded against her ribcage, the line between anticipation and apprehension blurring with every beat. The air felt heavy, charged, it was suffocating.

Missy broke it in a moment. "Now," She said brightly, clapping her hands. "Upstairs, darling. Second door on the left. Your first task is waiting. Don't dawdle."

"What is it?" Hally asked, a hint of her usual wariness creeping back into her voice.

Missy smirked, stepping aside to let her pass. "Oh, Hally. That's for me to know and you to discover."

With a resigned sigh, Hally started up the grand staircase, her feet padding quietly against the marble. Behind her, Missy's voice called out, light and teasing but undeniably commanding.

"And remember, darling: no back-chatting."

Hally ascended the grand staircase, turning onto the hallway. Missy's instructions had been specific—second door on the left. As she approached, her fingers hovered over the doorknob, a momentary hesitation flickering through her. With a steadying breath, she pushed the door open.

The room was immaculate, every surface pristine and gleaming. It was clearly a spare bedroom, but no less opulent than the rest of the townhouse. The walls were painted a warm, creamy white, and the polished wooden floors shone in the dim light filtering through the tall, draped windows. A large bed with crisp white linens sat against one wall, and an ornate wardrobe stood on the opposite side.

Hally's attention was immediately drawn to the wardrobe mirror. Hanging against the glass was a dress—a long, black satin creation that shimmered faintly in the soft light. A small note was tied delicately to the hanger with a black ribbon.

She stepped closer, her fingers brushing the paper as she untied it and read the recognisably flourished scrawl of her wife:

Get changed.
Underwear is optional.

Take your time, but know when you come downstairs, you're mine.
X

The words had her exhaling softly, her breath catching somewhere between anticipation and nervous energy. There was a strange, familiar curling sensation in her chest.

She let the note dangle loosely in her hand as her eyes flicked back to the dress. It was beautiful, sleek, and undeniably bold. Her reflection stared back at her from the mirror, wide-eyed and thoughtful. Part of her wanted to move quickly, to change and return to Missy, but another part stalled.

That hesitant part acknowledged the uncomfortable feeling tightening in her chest. A deep-seated fear of completely giving in whispered at the edges of her mind.

Why was this feeling so uncomfortable?

Hally took a slow, deliberate breath, grounding herself. She didn't want to listen to that voice today. She wanted to trust Missy. She wanted to let herself fall.

Her hands moved to the buttons of her shirt, slipping them open one by one. She removed her clothes methodically, folding them and placing them neatly on a nearby chair. For a moment, she hesitated again, her hands brushing the fabric of her underwear. In the end, she decided to keep them on—at least for now.

Sliding into the satin dress felt like a quiet transformation. The fabric hugged her skin, cool and smooth, moulding to her frame in a way that was both flattering and intimate. She turned to the mirror, taking a moment to refresh herself—adjusting her hair, smoothing the dress, and forcing her shoulders to relax.

I want this.

She repeated the thought like a mantra, breathing deeply.

I trust her.

It's okay.

She's got me.

With a slow, deep breath, Hally stepped out of the room, her bare feet silent on the stairs as she made her way back down. The scent of something rich and savoury drifted through the air, leading her to the kitchen.

Missy stood by the stove, a picture of composed elegance. She glanced over her shoulder as Hally entered, a slow, pleased smile spreading across her face.

"Are you alright?" Missy asked, her tone almost casual, but her eyes sharp and watchful.

Hally nodded. "Yes."

Missy turned fully, resting a hand on the counter. She tilted her head, her gaze scrutinizing. "Hmm… do a little better, darling. How exactly are you feeling?"

Hally's throat tightened. She swallowed. "A little uncomfortable. Tense. Like… I don't know… like I should be doing something. Thinking about something. I'm not sure. Perhaps a little awkward."

Missy hummed thoughtfully, her expression neither surprised nor impatient. "Mmhmm."

Hally hesitated, the words sticking in her throat before tumbling out. "I think I'm a little bit turned on..."

Missy's smile widened, her eyes twinkling. She crossed the kitchen slowly, stopping just short of invading Hally's personal space. "Oh, darling. That's a good start."

Her fingers brushed Hally's cheek, a soft, fleeting touch. "Let's see if I can make you a little less tense, shall we?"

Missy's hand slipped away from Hally's cheek, but her presence lingered, tangible and magnetic, as if the air itself carried the imprint of her touch. Her gaze, sharp yet faintly amused, flicked toward the sleek dining table in the centre of the kitchen. "Come now, love. Sit," she instructed.

The table was set immaculately—polished silverware, gleaming crystal glasses, and a single taper candle casting a soft, flickering glow.

Hally hesitated, the sudden formality of the scene leaving her unsettled. "Do you need help with anything?"

Missy turned her head slowly, fixing Hally with a look that was equal parts indulgent and sharp, her lips curving into a faint smirk. "What did we just discuss?" she said, arching an elegant brow. Her tone dripped with mockery, the words curling in the air like smoke. "Unless I've suddenly developed a penchant for disobedient pets—sit. Now."

The heat crept up Hally's neck, and with a soft huff of reluctance, she lowered herself into one of the plush chairs. "Fine, but this feels weird."

"Weird is relative," Missy replied, her voice light but cutting as she turned back to the stove. She moved with an almost unnerving grace, her precise motions more suited to a performance than mundane cooking. "But you'll adjust. I'll make sure of it." Her words, though ostensibly reassuring, were tinged with an edge that had Hally's stomach flipping.

The quiet rhythm of cooking filled the room—soft sizzling, the steady chop of a knife, the faint clink of utensils against a pan. Hally's eyes wandered, drawn to the way Missy moved, each gesture deliberate and commanding. Even something as ordinary as cooking seemed to become an art form under her hands, the intensity of her focus drawing Hally in despite herself.

Minutes ticked by, and the oppressive quiet began to gnaw at Hally. She shifted in her seat, her fingers tapping an erratic rhythm against the edge of the table. The silence wrapped around her, heavy and expectant, until she could bear it no longer.

"Mistress—"

The word had barely left her lips when Missy turned, her motion swift and deliberate, a wooden spoon now pointed in her hand like a teacher reprimanding a disobedient student. Her eyes locked onto Hally, cool and sharp as steel.

"If I were you," Missy interrupted, her voice calm and measured, "I would seriously consider if what is about to come out of your mouth is worth the spanking."

Hally froze. She bit the inside of her cheek, her earlier bravado dissolving under the intensity of Missy's gaze.

"What I want," Missy began, her voice smooth but edged with steel, "is for us to enjoy a nice dinner together. I want you to relax and understand that if I want something from you, I will ask. What I don't necessarily want is to have to put you in your place so early on, but I will if I have to. I would much prefer you find your own way there. Understood?"

Hally's cheeks flushed, a warm heat spreading across her skin. She nodded quickly. "Understood, Missy."

"Good girl." The praise was light, almost casual.

Missy returned to her task at the stove, humming softly as she worked. Before long, she carried two plates to the table, setting one in front of Hally and the other across from her.

Hally couldn't help but smile as she looked down at the food. "Thank you."

Missy slid gracefully into her seat, her every movement deliberate. Her signature smirk was firmly in place, the corner of her mouth curled upward in that infuriatingly smug yet undeniably magnetic way. She reached out, fingertips brushing Hally's hand, and leaned forward.

"You are welcome, my love," Missy murmured, her voice a rich blend of affection and mischief. The words were punctuated with a featherlight kiss, pressed to Hally's lips. It wasn't demanding, just a soft, fleeting touch.

Hally blinked, Missy straightened, her smirk deepening as she picked up her wine glass and took a measured sip.

The atmosphere shifted, easing a little as they ate. The flicker of the candlelight bathed them in a warmer cocoon.

Two whole days—what exactly did Missy have planned? It wasn't that she was worried, not exactly. She trusted Missy, even if she didn't always admit it aloud. But the uncertainty, the sheer unpredictability of what the next forty-eight hours might hold, gnawed at her curiosity.

Missy's chuckle cut through the quiet, a low, knowing sound that immediately had Hally's gaze snapping to her face.

"Are you worried about being bored, pet?" Missy asked, her tone dripping with amusement.

Hally flushed, heat rising to her cheeks. She fumbled for a response, words catching in her throat, but Missy's amused gaze remained fixed on her, pinning her in place like a butterfly under glass.

Missy leaned back in her chair, her glass of wine in hand, her expression gleaming with amusement. "Oh, darling, where's the fun in spoiling the surprise?" Her tone was coy, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Let's just say you'll be thoroughly entertained, and thoroughly occupied."

Hally arched a sceptical eyebrow. "That's ominous."

Missy chuckled, setting her glass down with a soft clink. "Only if you misbehave."

Despite herself, Hally couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips. As much as she hated to admit it, there was a comfort in letting go, in surrendering control and trusting Missy to lead. She let herself exhale softly.

Missy's sharp eyes didn't miss the shift in her posture. "There we go," she said softly, her voice laced with satisfaction. "That's better."

And for once, Hally didn't argue.

As they finished dinner, Missy rose from her seat. She crossed the room to a vintage turntable tucked neatly behind a vase of fresh roses. With a deft flick of her wrist, the needle dropped onto the spinning record. A low, sultry melody filled the room, soft and inviting.

Hally watched as Missy turned back toward her, extending a hand with a warm, inviting. "Come here, darling."

Hally rose from her chair, her hand slipping into Missy's, their fingers fitting together with an almost instinctive ease. Missy tugged her forward gently, leading her to the open space. The flickering candlelight cast a warm glow over the polished floor.

"Dance with me," Missy murmured. It wasn't a request, but Hally found she didn't need to question it.

Missy's arm encircled her waist, drawing her close until their bodies aligned. Her palm pressed against the small of Hally's back, firm yet tender, anchoring her in place, while her other hand guided Hally's to rest on her shoulder. As they began to sway, Hally became acutely aware of every point of contact—the gentle yet assured pull of Missy's hold, the warmth radiating between them, the rhythmic cadence of Missy's breaths against her own.

Hally inhaled deeply, catching the faint, familiar scent that lingered on Missy's skin—a mix of something sharp and metallic, softened by an almost floral undertone that was entirely hers. It filled her senses. She could feel the steady thrum of the beating of Missy's hearts against her chest.

The music wove through the space, slow and rich, setting a rhythm that Missy followed effortlessly. Missy's eyes locked onto hers, sparkling with amusement and something deeper. "That's it," Missy purred, her voice a low, intimate melody that blended seamlessly with the music. "Relax, love. Give in to me."

Hally exhaled, her shoulders softening as the tension that usually gripped her began to ebb. There was no need to resist, no urge to question. The warmth of Missy's touch and the gentle sway of their bodies were enough to quiet her restless thoughts.

"You're doing so well," Missy whispered, her lips grazing the curve of Hally's temple as she spoke. The words, soft and deliberate, sent a ripple of warmth coursing through her, settling into her chest and spreading outward.

Hally closed her eyes, letting herself sink into her. The faintest vibration of Missy's warmth beneath her hand, the soothing flow of their movements, and the lingering scent of her skin filled her senses completely. For once, the rest of the world melted away, leaving only the two of them suspended in the soft glow of the dining room.

As the final notes of the melody faded into silence, Missy slowed, her hand lingering against Hally's waist. She leaned back slightly, just enough to meet Hally's gaze, her lips twitched upwards.

"How's the uncomfortable awkwardness?" Missy teased.

Hally let out a soft laugh, her cheeks tinged with warmth. "A little better," she admitted.

"Good." Missy's hand trailed down the length of Hally's arm, her fingers brushing lightly against her skin before she stepped back. Her gaze held steady, her command as firm as it was inviting.

"Come with me," Missy said, her tone warm but brooking no argument. She extended her hand again, the silent promise of more lingering in her eyes.

Hally didn't hesitate. She slipped her fingers into Missy's, her trust implicit. Hally followed, the pad of her feet quiet in comparison to the faint click of Missy's heels as they ascended the stairs. Missy led along the corridor, pushing one of the doors open to ease her inside.

The clawfoot bathtub, gleaming marble, and golden candlelight immediately set the mood.

Missy moved, turning the taps and testing the water with a delicate flick of her wrist. "Perfect," she declared, glancing over her shoulder. "Undress."

The command, so matter-of-fact, sent a flush of warmth through Hally. She obeyed without hesitation, peeling away her dress and stepping out of her underwear. Missy's eyes roved over her with open appreciation. A flutter of pride buzzed in her abdomen at the approval in her wife's gaze.

Missy shed her own clothes, an act that had Hally's full, rapt attention. She stepped into the steaming bath first, her pale skin glistening in the low light. Then she reached out a hand. "In you come."

Hally sank into the water, her back resting against Missy's chest. Strong, confident arms encircled her, pulling her close. The warmth of the bath combined with Missy's steady presence.

It was…

Safe.

Missy ran her hands across Hally's shoulders, her thumbs pressing gently but firmly into the muscle. "Hmm. So much tension, my love. You've been carrying this for far too long."

Hally exhaled, the sigh unbidden. The sensation of Missy's hands working into her muscles was blissful. "Thank you, Mistress," she murmured, the words spilling from her mouth.

"Ah," Missy said softly, her tone teasing but affectionate. "So, this is what happens when you stop backchatting for five minutes."

Hally couldn't help but smile.

It was perhaps the truth, she realised. If there were no questions, no pushing or teasing remarks, there wasn't much left to say except, "Yes, Mistress."

Missy hummed in appreciation. Her eyes sparkled, a triumphant gleam behind them, though her hands remained steady, focused on working the muscles along the top of her back. "You're learning, darling," she murmured. "And I must say, you wear obedience beautifully."

The gentle rhythm of Missy's hands, the warm water, and the low hum of Missy's voice were lulling her into a state she rarely allowed herself.

"You're always so busy, thinking, planning, fretting," Missy continued, her lips brushing against the shell of Hally's ear as she spoke. "But this weekend? That's all mine. You've handed it over to me, and I won't let you take it back."

"Yes, Mistress," Hally whispered, letting her eyes drift closed.

Missy's hands slid down her arms and back to her shoulders, the movement becoming more languid. "Good girl," she murmured, her voice low and soothing. "You're mine, Hally. And I take care of what's mine."

Hally let out a soft breath, sinking deeper into Missy's touch.

Missy's hands continued their slow, deliberate work on Hally's shoulders, her thumbs pressing into tight knots. The warm water rippled gently around them, the room cocooned in a stillness that wrapped around Hally like a balm.

"You've done so well, you know…" Missy breathed softly.

Hally's eyes fluttered open, her head tilting slightly as she tried to turn and look at Missy. But Missy stopped her with a gentle press of her fingers. "Shh. Just listen, darling."

Hally nodded, her lips parting to whisper, "Yes, Mistress."

A faint smile played on Missy's lips. "That's my girl." Her hands moved to Hally's neck, tracing gentle circles that coaxed her further into relaxation. "You've been carrying so much—more than you should have to. And yet, here you are. Strong. Brilliant. Mine."

Hally felt a lump rise in her throat at the sincerity in Missy's voice, but she stayed silent.

"I know it hasn't been easy," Missy continued, her tone quieter now, almost reverent. "But you've done it. You've built something strong, something safe. For you, for me, for Lily." Her lips brushed against Hally's temple. "Our daughter is safe because of you, Hally. You've done so well. And I'm so, so proud of you."

Hally's breath hitched. "Missy..."

"Let me finish," Missy murmured, her hands sliding down Hally's arms, wrapping her in a protective embrace. "You're always so ready to fight, to push, to take everything on yourself. But tonight, you don't have to. You've got me. You can let go. You can rest, darling. I've got you."

Tears pricked at Hally's eyes, and she blinked rapidly, unwilling to let them fall. But Missy noticed. She always noticed.

"Oh, my love," Missy whispered, her hands gently cupping Hally's face as she turned her around to meet her gaze. "You don't have to hold it all in. Not with me. You're safe. We're safe." Her eyes softened, a rare vulnerability shining through. "I love you, Hally. All of you. Every single part of you. Even when you're an insufferable brat."

That earned a soft laugh from Hally, the tension in her chest loosening. "I love you too, Mistress."

"Good girl," Missy said, leaning forward to press a tender kiss to Hally's lips. "And don't you forget it."

They stayed like that for a moment, in the quiet and the warm. Missy's hands returned to their slow, soothing motion across her shoulders and with a soft breath, Hally let her head drop back onto her shoulder.

"You've got me," Missy whispered, her lips brushing against Hally's ear. "And I've got you. Always."

Missy pulled on a soft, dark robe, the fabric clinging elegantly to her frame as she secured the sash at her waist. The glow from the dimly lit room cast faint shadows across her features, sharpening the cut of her cheekbones. She glanced at Hally, who stood motionless, her bare skin prickling under the weight of Missy's attention.

Missy's lips curved into a small, knowing smile as she raised an eyebrow. "I could dress you, my darling," she said, her voice velvet-soft yet teasing, "but you see, you'll only be taking it off."

Without waiting for a response, she reached for Hally's hand and guided her gently out of the room, their steps light against the polished floors of the corridor. Missy led her to another doorway, pushing it open with a deliberate grace.

Her bedroom.

The space was striking, a perfect reflection of Missy. Dark, rich tones dominated the room—deep purples and blacks blending with the luxurious textures of velvet and satin. A grand, intricately carved bed stood at its centre, its imposing presence matched only by the woman now standing in front of it.

Missy turned to face Hally, her smile soft yet firm, her gaze an unspoken command.

Hally hesitated, her breath catching as she stood exposed under Missy's eyes. She resisted the reflex to shield herself, though her hearts pounded fiercely in her chest. The air was heavy, charged, as Missy's gaze roamed over her with unhurried intensity, taking her in inch by inch.

Missy stepped closer, her movements long and deliberate. She began to circle Hally slowly, the soft rustle of her robe the only sound breaking the silence. Her eyes lingered, sharp and appreciative, drinking in every detail.

"Perfect," Missy murmured, her voice low and reverent. The single word hung in the air, carrying with it a deeper hum of admiration.

Missy stopped just behind her, leaning in close enough for Hally to feel her breath ghost against her ear. "Now," she whispered, "kneel."

Hally hesitated for only a second before lowering herself onto her knees, heat spreading across her skin as she obeyed. Her hands rested lightly on her thighs, her breathing uneven as she tried to calm the storm of impatient anticipation swirling inside her.

Behind her, the faint rustle of fabric reached her ears, followed by the subtle sound of Missy picking something up. When Missy stepped back into her line of sight, Hally's breath hitched. In her hand was a riding crop, its sleek leather glinting faintly in the room's low light.

"Knees apart," Missy instructed, her voice a velvet caress.

Hally shifted, parting her knees slowly as she tried to maintain her composure.

"Cross your arms behind you."

The instruction sent a wave coursing through her, and she hesitated again, a small vibration of a growl catching in her throat before she could stop it.

Missy's sharp eyes caught the sound immediately. She paused her circling, tilting Hally's chin up with a single, deliberate finger. Their eyes met, Missy's gaze piercing.

"Something to say?" she asked, her tone deceptively soft but laced with challenge.

Hally's breath caught in her throat, her cheeks burning as she swallowed hard. "No…" she managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Missy tilted her head slightly, studying her with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "Are you uncomfortable?"

"I just feel… naked," Hally admitted, her words trembling.

A soft caress brushed over her cheek, Missy's fingers cool and gentle, though her eyes glimmered with a sharp edge. "And that," Missy murmured, her lips curving into a wicked smile, "is just how I want you."

Hally exhaled shakily, her shoulders easing slightly as Missy's words settled over her.

"Good girl," Missy purred, her voice dripping with approval. She moved closer, the riding crop in her hand brushing lightly against Hally's flushed skin. Slowly, she ran the flat end of the leather between Hally's breasts, the cool surface a sharp distinction to the heat radiating from her body.

Hally shivered, her lips parting involuntarily as a jolt of arousal shot through her. Every nerve in her body seemed to hum in response, her senses entirely consumed by the woman standing before her.

Missy smirked, her eyes glittering with amusement as she tapped the riding crop against her palm with a measured rhythm. "Now, I know it's not supposed to be all sex," she teased, her tone light and playful. "But you're so much more pliable after a few orgasms."

A soft gasp escaped Hally's lips before she bit down on her bottom lip, the faintest tremor running through her as she fought the urge to squirm under Missy's gaze. Every word, every look seemed designed to unravel her.

Missy moved with a predator's grace, circling Hally slowly, her presence as commanding as ever. Hally remained on her knees at the foot of the bed, her skin prickling with anticipation as her wife circled her. Naked, exposed, entirely at Missy's mercy. It had her hearts thumping in her chest, but it also had an uncertainty flickering within her. The feeling was unwelcome and insistent, coiling tightly in her chest.

Is there something wrong with me?

Missy's steps slowed, and she crouched down in front of Hally. She tilted Hally's face upward with a gentle hand, her touch firm yet careful. Their eyes met, Missy's gaze piercing.

"No," Missy said firmly, her voice steady, plucking the thought straight from Hally's mind. "There's nothing wrong with you. You're a powerful, magnificent creature, Hally."

The words struck something deep within her, sending a jolt of emotion through her.

Missy smiled faintly, her thumb brushing over Hally's bottom lip, soft but with purpose. "You kneel at my feet because you choose to." Her voice dipped lower, velvet-smooth yet unyielding.

Hally swallowed hard, her throat dry. "I—"

"Shh," Missy interrupted, running the flat edge of the crop down the curve of Hally's shoulder. The touch was deceptively soft, the cool leather skimming her heated skin. "Take what you need from me. Always." She smirked, her voice softening slightly. "It's my honour to give it to you."

The honesty in Missy's words unravelled something inside Hally, an ache blooming in her chest. It was almost too much, the flood of emotion threatening to spill over.

"It's just…" Hally's voice broke the silence, trembling slightly. "We didn't do this. Not like this. Before."

Missy sighed, the corner of her lips curling into a smirk that carried a glint of nostalgia. "I like to think I'm developing patience with age. Call it restraint. Flare. An inclination to explore."

Hally's lips twitched despite herself, a flicker cutting through the tension. "Oh, so now that you're not a man, you're not just thinking with your di—"

The sharp crack of the crop against her thigh cut her off, the sudden sting making her yelp. "Ow! Fucking hell!" Her hand moved instinctively to cover the red welt. She glared up at Missy, her cheeks flushed.

Missy raised an eyebrow, her expression wicked, the corner of her mouth curving upward. "Do you want to finish that sentence?"

Hally gritted her teeth, the sting still radiating from her skin. "I don't know," she shot back, her tone half-challenging. "Are you going to hit me with a stick again?"

Missy laughed low, the sound dangerous and utterly captivating, her amusement glittering in her sharp eyes. "Are you being obnoxious because you're scared," she asked, her voice dropping, "or because you want this to hurt?"

The question hung in the air, heavy and undeniable. Missy's gaze bored into her, unrelenting, the riding crop twitching faintly in warning.

Hally's tongue flicked out to wet her bottom lip. "Can it be both?"

Missy leaned in close, her lips brushing against the shell of Hally's ear, her breath warm and steady. "That's alright, darling," she murmured, her tone a mixture of promise and command. "Either way, I'm going to give you what you need. And you're going to thank me for it."

Hally let out a breathy moan as Missy pulled back, taking in her wife. Dark hair, angled just so, beautifully poised. The dark black robe draped effortlessly over Missy's shoulders, open just enough to tease Hally with the hint of cleavage. Holding the riding crop like it was an extension of herself, Missy tapped it lightly across the outside of her thigh, dragging it up her torso until it hit the side of Hally's breast. The strike wasn't painful, not hard enough to sting, but it was the anticipation that hung in the air—the knowledge that she could.

"Is there something you'd like to ask me for?" Missy's voice was a teasing lilt.

Hally scrunched her face slightly, shifting under the weight of Missy's gaze. "Well… if you're going to hit me anyway."

The crop came down sharply against the outside of Hally's other thigh. A hiss of pain escaped her lips, her eyes squeezing shut against the sting. She let out a groan, the fire in her skin flaring up.

"Ow."

Missy straightened, letting the crop rest casually against her shoulder as she studied Hally, her expression a blend of amusement and something darker. "You know," she began, her tone light and conversational, "I could make this much easier for you."

Hally narrowed her eyes warily. "Oh?"

Missy's lips curled into a wicked smile as she took a step closer. The flat end of the crop brushed against the inside of Hally's thigh, hovering just shy of the spot where Hally ached for touch, teasing her relentlessly. "I could gag you," Missy murmured, her voice silky and tempting. "Save you all the trouble your clever little mouth is about to get you into."

Hally's breath caught, a sharp, hot jolt of desire pulsing through her at the suggestion. For a moment, she semi-glared at Missy, lips pursed in defiance, but Missy simply tilted her head, her patience unwavering, maddening.

Hally's tongue flicked out to wet her lips. After a beat of tension, she sighed in defeat. "Fine."

"Fine?" Missy arched a brow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

Hally rolled her eyes, and Missy responded immediately with a sharp smack to the side of her ass. The sudden sting made Hally shriek and jerk in surprise.

Missy cocked an eyebrow, the dangerous glitter in her eyes clear.

Hally knew what she wanted.

"Please, Mistress, will you gag me?"

"Why?" Missy prompted, the crop now tapping lightly against Hally's knee, setting her nerves on edge.

Hally huffed, cheeks flushed. "Because… I'm finding it difficult to not 'get smart' with you."

The words barely left her mouth before the crop came down sharply on her outer thigh again. She yelped, the sting making her pulse throb.

"Ow! You asked why!"

Missy's laugh was soft but laced with danger. "The answer wasn't the problem, darling," she said with a teasing edge. "It was the tone."

Hally groaned weakly, the burn of the strikes lingering across her skin. Missy had disappeared behind her, her presence still a palpable force even when unseen. The sound of something being retrieved had her ears pricking.

Missy returned, her voice a deep, velvety whisper. "Open wide, darling."

Hally's hearts pounded in her chest, each beat echoing like a drum in the thick silence between them. The cool air against her skin prickled, and the weight of Missy's presence behind her seemed to draw every nerve in her body to attention. Despite her better judgement, she obeyed.

The silicone bit slid across Hally's tongue, soft yet firm. It was unmistakably commanding, and Hally's throat instinctively tightened, her breath caught as she adjusted to the foreign feeling.

Missy fastened the straps behind Hally's head. She didn't rush, allowing each movement to feel deliberate, calculated—each tug of the strap just tight enough to ensure the bit would stay, but not so tight it caused discomfort. Missy's fingers brushed along the edges of the gag, her touch light and delicate, almost reverent, ensuring the fit was snug but not constricting. "There. Perfect," she purred, the satisfaction in her voice clear as she stepped back to take in her work.

Hally could feel the weight of Missy's gaze as she admired the sight before her. She couldn't speak, couldn't argue, couldn't claw back any of the higher ground. She was utterly hers.

Missy's grin widened, her expression radiant with that unshakable assurance that Hally couldn't help but be drawn to. It was intoxicating, as always, this blend of power and affection that flowed from Missy with such ease. "See, darling?" she cooed, her voice rich with satisfaction. "You just needed a bit of help." As she spoke, Missy took a step forward, her crop trailing lightly down Hally's chest, between her breasts, and lower still, the delicate touch sending shivers across Hally's skin. The crop seemed to dance over her body, a reminder of just how much control Missy had, how much she could dictate. The sting of the earlier strikes still burned, the heat pulsing between her legs, aching for release, even as the gag kept her silent.

Missy's eyes darkened as she spoke again, her voice now thick with intent. "It's always okay to ask for help, sweet thing," she whispered, the words lingering in the air between them. Hally's body reacted before her mind could catch up, a mix of relief, desire, and anticipation flooding her senses.

Missy's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she took in the sight before her. The crop lingered against Hally's stomach, light as a whisper, as Missy's voice softened. "You have no idea how beautiful you look right now, do you?" she murmured, tilting her head as if admiring a priceless masterpiece.

Hally's gaze flicked up to her, wide and questioning, and Missy's smile deepened, the edges of it tender. "On your knees for me, letting me see you like this… You don't know how happy it makes me." The crop moved lower, following the gentle curve of Hally's hip before travelling back up to tap lightly against her collarbone.

"This isn't just for you, you know," Missy continued, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "This is for us. The most powerful, magnificent creature I've ever known, and yet here you are." She crouched, bringing herself level with Hally's gaze, her dark eyes blazing with emotion. "You kneel for me. For me. Do you know what that means?"

Hally made a soft, muffled sound behind the gag, her cheeks flushing an even deeper shade of pink.

Missy reached out, cupping Hally's jaw in one hand, her thumb brushing gently along her cheek. "It means everything, darling. It completes me. To see you like this, to know you trust me enough to give me your strength, your vulnerability…" Her voice wavered, just slightly, with genuine feeling. "It's the most exquisite gift. And I'll never take it for granted."

She stood again, letting her hand slip away, her composure sliding seamlessly back into the commanding persona that made Hally's stomach twist in the most delicious way.

"So strong," Missy murmured, circling her slowly. "You carry the weight of worlds on those pretty little shoulders, and yet you're here, letting me take it for you. Letting me remind you that even the strongest need someone to catch them when they fall."

The crop ran down Hally's spine, light and teasing, as Missy's words sank in. "It's my honour to give you what you need, love. Whether you need me to protect you, hold you, tie you up, or—" She paused, smirking wickedly, "—fuck you until you can't think straight, I'll do it. Always. You just have to let me."

She came to a stop in front of Hally, her hand brushing over the gag as if to adjust it, though her touch lingered. "And right now," she added with a playful glint in her eye, "you're doing so well."

Hally couldn't suppress the shiver that ran through her, the weight of Missy's words grounding her in a way she hadn't anticipated.

Missy extended her hand, her movements deliberate, her palm steady and inviting. "Come on, love," she said softly, her tone warm but still carrying that note of authority. "On your feet."

Hally took the offered hand, her knees slightly unsteady as she rose. Missy's grip was firm, grounding, and she gave her a small, encouraging smile as she guided her toward the bed.

When they reached the edge, Missy paused, letting go of her hand to stand behind her. She placed her hands on Hally's shoulders, her thumbs kneading gently for a moment before sliding down to her hips. "Bend over for me," Missy instructed, her voice low and smooth.

Hally obeyed, leaning forward until her torso rested against the bed, her arms stretched out before her. She felt Missy's hands linger on her hips, positioning her just so.

"Perfect," Missy murmured, her tone dripping with approval. She let her hand trail up Hally's back before stepping back.

Missy ran the flat end of the crop along Hally's back and down over the curve of her bottom, her touch light but firm enough to send a shiver through Hally. "I'm going to hit you with this," Missy said, her voice calm but brimming with anticipation. "But it's not a punishment, darling. So, you're free to enjoy it, if you can."

Hally's breath hitched slightly, her body tingling.

Leaning in close, Missy's breath brushed against Hally's ear. "I won't bind you just yet," she whispered, her voice teasing with an edge of promise. "Not unless it becomes necessary." Her words lingered in the air, sharp with the implication of what might come.

Missy straightened up, tapping the crop lightly against the inside of Hally's thigh. The sharp contact made Hally gasp softly through the gag, her body reacting instinctively. "Do you think you can stay still for me?" Missy's voice was playful, yet there was a trace of challenge in it.

Hally nodded quickly, the muffled response escaping as a breathless "Mmhmm."

Missy chuckled, a warm, satisfied sound. "Good girl," she praised softly, brushing her free hand lightly over Hally's back. "Let's see how well you can do."

She took a step back, the crop in her hand tracing slow, deliberate patterns over Hally's skin. "Remember, love," Missy added, her tone playful but with a hint of warning, "Try not to squirm too much… unless, of course, you want me to make it harder for you."

Missy stepped back, the room seeming to still as she let the moment hang in the air. Then, without warning, the first strike landed—a firm but measured strike of the crop across the curve of Hally's ass. The sound was sharp, echoing faintly, and Hally's body jolted slightly against the bed.

"There we are," Missy purred, her voice soothing as she trailed her fingers over the faint mark the crop left behind. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

Hally gave a muffled whimper of acknowledgement through the gag, her hands gripping the bedding tightly.

Missy leaned down, placing a light kiss between Hally's shoulder blades before standing straight again. "One down. Let's see if we can make it to ten, shall we?"

The second strike came, slightly firmer than the first, eliciting a muffled gasp from Hally. Missy smirked, running her free hand along the small of Hally's back, grounding her. "That's my girl. You're doing so well, darling."

The third and fourth strikes followed in quick succession, each met with a mixture of muffled sounds. Between each, she alternated between gentle touches and soft murmurs of praise. Her fingers alternated between trailing down Hally's spine or soothing over the increasingly warm skin.

"You look beautiful like this," Missy murmured, her voice low after the fifth strike. She let the crop rest for a moment, using both hands to touch her—one smoothing up her back, the other squeezing gently at her hips.

The sixth and seventh strikes landed with a bit more force, and Hally's body shuddered with each one. But she didn't move, her resolve steady despite the flush rising across her skin.

Missy smiled, pleased, and leaned down again to press a kiss to the nape of Hally's neck. "You have no idea… just how strong you are."

The eighth strike earned a muffled moan, and Missy chuckled softly, the sound warm and indulgent. "There it is," she teased, running the crop down Hally's thigh before delivering the ninth. "I knew you'd start enjoying this eventually."

Finally, the tenth strike landed, sharp and decisive. Hally gasped, her body tensing momentarily before relaxing into the bed. Missy set the crop aside, her hands immediately soothing over the tender skin she had just marked.

"You did it," Missy murmured, her hands warm and gentle as they traced over Hally's back and hips. "So good for me, darling. You took it all so wonderfully."

She leaned down, her lips brushing against Hally's ear as she whispered, "I think you deserve a reward, don't you?"

Missy gestured for Hally to climb onto the bed, her voice soft but commanding. "Up you get, sweetheart. On your back." Hally obeyed without hesitation, her movements rushed despite the lingering warmth from the crop's attention.

Missy disappeared briefly, leaving her line of sight in a swish of her robe. She set the crop down on the dresser with deliberate care, the sound of it meeting the surface soft but noticeable. Hally remained in place, her breathing steady as she waited. She took in a slow, deep breath, letting herself melt into the soft sheets beneath her.

When Missy returned, she carried something in her hand that made Hally's eyes widen slightly. Her body tensed briefly, a muffled sound of curiosity escaping her as she tilted her head to look at Missy.

Missy smirked, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, don't play coy now, darling. I'm quite sure you'll enjoy this."

She climbed onto the bed, her movements graceful and deliberate as she positioned herself between Hally's thighs. "Now, let's get you properly ready, shall we?"

Missy reached down, her touch gentle but firm as she spread Hally's thighs apart. The cool press of the thicker, shorter end of the toy against her entrance had Hally moaning, but Missy took her time, sliding it inside with a slow, steady push.

"Perfect," Missy murmured, her voice thick with satisfaction as she watched Hally's body respond. "Aren't you just the prettiest picture."

Then Missy shifted, lifting herself to straddle Hally's hips, the longer end of the toy pressing against her. Hally's muffled gasp was unmistakable as realisation dawned.

Missy slid onto the toy with a low, throaty moan, her head tipping back as she shamelessly took what she wanted. She rocked her hips slowly at first, her movements precise and controlled. Hally could only watch, her own arousal spiking as she felt every shift and press.

Hally's hands twitched, her instinct to reach out almost overwhelming. Missy noticed immediately, her sharp gaze flicking down. "Ah, ah, ah," she tutted gently, her tone firm but teasing. "Keep those hands to yourself, little one."

Hally huffed softly behind the gag, the frustration clear in her muffled response. But then, with an air of determination, she shifted, arching her back briefly to slide her arms behind her. She crossed them neatly, resting her weight on her wrists as she lay back down.

Missy paused, her brows arching in surprise before a wide grin spread across her face. "Well, well, aren't you clever?" she purred, her voice dripping with approval. "Making your own restraints. I have to say, darling, I'm impressed."

She resumed her movements, rolling her hips against the toy with deliberate precision. The sounds of her pleasure filled the room, mingling with Hally's soft, muffled whimpers as Missy set a rhythm that left them both trembling.

"Such a good girl," Missy murmured between breaths, her praise a low hum that made Hally's skin flush. "You're mine, aren't you? Every inch of you, every thought, every sound… all mine."

Missy reached for the belt of her robe, untying it with an almost maddening slowness. The fabric slid off her shoulders and down her body, pooling around her knees in a fluid motion. Hally's gaze raked over her wife, drinking in the perfection of her form.

The way Missy moved was a study in contrasts—lean, taut muscle framed by the soft curve of her waist and hips. Her pale skin seemed to glow in the low light, every detail striking against the shadowed backdrop of the room. Hally's breath hitched as her eyes inevitably dropped to where the silicone joined them, the sight of it sending a wave of heat through her. She let out a low, helpless moan and squeezed her eyes shut, overwhelmed.

"Ah-ah, darling," Missy's voice was a silky admonition, her fingers brushing Hally's cheek to coax her attention back. "Open those pretty eyes for me. I want you to see this."

Hally obeyed, her gaze locking onto Missy's as the other woman shifted forward. The movement caused the toy to press deeper, Hally whimpered at the exquisite pressure. Missy smirked as she cupped Hally's breast in one hand, her fingers teasing the sensitive flesh while her thumb grazed a peaked nipple.

Missy began to move again, her hips rolling in a slow, sinuous rhythm. Every movement tugged within Hally, providing just enough friction to keep her on the edge—thick and shallow, maddeningly perfect but not enough to bring her release.

Missy hummed, her voice low and sultry as she leaned down, her lips brushing against Hally's ear. "Mine to touch, mine to tease, mine to ruin."

Hally's fingers flexed behind her back, her body taut. Each shift of Missy's hips sent another jolt of sensation through her. She let out a muffled moan behind the gag, her body trembling as she fought the urge to move.

Missy's hand trailed from Hally's breast, skimming down her torso to rest against her hip. "Oh, darling," she cooed, her tone dripping with amusement and affection. "You're trying so hard, aren't you?"

She moved with purpose now, riding her with an intensity that had Hally gasping for each breath. Missy's rhythm became more deliberate, her hips rolling with a languid control. She shifted her weight slightly, planting her hands on either side of Hally, her sharp grin gleaming in the low light.

"You're doing so well, my darling," Missy purred, her breath hitching as she shifted again, driving herself deeper. Her gaze locked onto her wife's, her sharp blue eyes brimming. "Just lie there, my sweet, while your Mistress takes exactly what she wants from you."

The sound of Hally's muffled whimper behind the gag only encouraged her, her hips grinding in a way that sent jolts of pleasure radiating through both of let out a low, throaty moan, her head tilting back, eyes fluttering shut in bliss. Her hands gripped the bedding on either side of Hally's head, her nails biting into the fabric as she lost herself in the rhythm.

"You feel so perfect beneath me," she murmured, her voice breaking slightly. Her movements grew more erratic, her pace quickening. "So beautiful, so obedient… just… mine."

Hally's chest rose and fell in uneven breaths, her muffled sounds of frustration and desire mingling with the slick, intimate rhythm of Missy taking her pleasure. The sight of Missy above her—completely unravelled yet utterly in control—was intoxicating, and Hally couldn't tear her eyes away.

Missy's moans grew louder, her body tightening with a sharp breath. She shifted above her, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps as she chased her release. "Yes," she gasped, her voice trembling with need. "Yes, just like that… perfect, my darling. Perfect."

Missy's body arched, a shuddering cry spilling from her lips as she unravelled, her pleasure crashing over her like a tidal wave. She stilled above Hally, her breath hot and uneven, a satisfied smirk tugging at her lips as she looked down at her wife.

"Magnificent," Missy breathed, her voice still thick with the remnants of her climax. "You're utterly magnificent, my love."

She leaned down, pressing a lingering kiss to Hally's temple, her fingers gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. Missy whispered, her tone full of pride and affection. "Such a good girl."

Missy's lips were warm and soft as she pressed lingering kisses along Hally's jawline, trailing down her neck with deliberate slowness. Each touch of her mouth had her skin burning, her body taut, every muscle trembling beneath the form of her wife.

Hally let out a muffled whine against the gag, her desperation bleeding into the sound. Missy smiled against her skin, her tone teasing. "Oh, you poor thing. So desperate for me, aren't you?" She kissed lower, her tongue flicking over the sensitive dip of Hally's collarbone before moving down further.

Missy shifted off the toy, her kisses continuing down Hally's body, pausing to lavish attention on her breasts. Her mouth worked over each peak, her tongue swirling and teeth grazing just enough to have Hally whining for mercy. Missy chuckled softly against her skin.

She finally trailed lower, her kisses light and teasing as she moved between Hally's legs. She nudged Hally's thighs apart with gentle hands, smirking at the needy sounds spilling from her gagged mouth.

Missy wrapped her hand around the base of the toy, gently sliding the shorter, thicker end in and out of Hally's slick heat. The motion was slow, almost torturously so, drawing a needy whine from her wife. "Patience, darling," Missy murmured, her voice like silk. "We're just getting started."

After a few deliberate thrusts, Missy pulled the toy out, slow and deliberate, watching the way Hally's body shuddered at the loss. She wasted no time replacing it with her fingers, slipping two inside easily and curling them against that perfect spot. Her tongue found Hally's clit, circling it with unhurried precision.

Her toes curled, whining as Missy wasted no time before adding a third finger, her movements still careful but insistent. She glanced up, her blue eyes sharp and attentive. "You're taking me so well, sweetheart," she praised, her tone low and full of pride. "Let's see if you can take a little more for me."

She pressed a fourth finger inside, deliberate but slow, her mouth never leaving Hally's clit as she worked her fingers deeper. "You're doing so well," Missy murmured against her, her voice soothing. "Such a good girl for me. Tell me if it's too much."

Hally could feel the stretch, her body trembling with the intensity of it. She was so close, the pleasure and discomfort blending into something overwhelming. Missy edged her thumb inside, testing her limits. Around the gag, Hally's muffled voice strained with one clear word: "Orange."

Missy stopped immediately, withdrawing her thumb and slowing her movements. She placed a gentle hand on Hally's thigh, rubbing soothing circles into her skin. "Shh, it's okay, my love," Missy whispered, her voice full of warmth. "You've been so good for me. Such a good girl."

She kept up the gentle movement of her hand, her mouth returning to Hally's clit with renewed focus. "You're going to come for me, darling," Missy murmured, her tone full of certainty. "Let go for me. I've got you."

The tension in Hally's body finally snapped, her orgasm rushing through her in a powerful wave. Wetness spilled between her thighs as she cried out behind the gag, her body arching beneath Missy's touch. Missy didn't stop, drawing out every ounce of her release, her soothing words grounding Hally as she trembled in her arms.

"That's it," Missy cooed, pressing soft kisses to Hally's inner thighs. "So perfect. So mine."

---

Hally stirred awake to the soft, deliberate touch of Missy's fingertips tracing lazy patterns over her skin. The room was warm, the early sunlight filtering through the curtains casting a gentle glow across the bed. Before her eyes could fully open, Missy leaned down and pressed a kiss to her temple, lingering just long enough for Hally to sigh and stretch beneath the blankets.

"Good morning, darling," Missy purred, her voice low and soft.

Hally blinked up at her, still groggy but already smiling. "Morning," she murmured, her voice heavy with sleep.

Missy, perched on the edge of the bed, gave her a mischievous grin. "I've brought you breakfast. Sit up, love."

Hally sat up, and before she could reach for the tray Missy had balanced beside her, a sharp look from Missy stopped her. Missy arched an elegant brow and folded her arms. "Ah, ah. None of that. You're not in charge of everything, you know. Sit. Eat. Let me fuss over you for once."

Hally hesitated for a moment before settling back against the headboard, her hands retreating. "You fussing over me?"

Missy smirked, leaning in to place the tray on Hally's lap. "You act as if I don't spoil you every chance I get. Now eat before I decide you need to be spoon-fed."

Hally rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the grin tugging at her lips. She picked up a piece of toast, bringing it to her mouth. There was an unspoken warmth between them this morning, a softness that balanced the intensity of the previous night.

Between bites of breakfast, they spoke. The conversation drifting easily.

"What do you see for Lily?" Hally asked, her voice thoughtful as she set her empty tea cup back on the tray.

Missy tilted her head, considering. "Chaos," she replied with a wicked grin. "But the good kind. The kind that makes her clever and sharp. She's already brilliant, darling. I cannot wait to share the universe with her."

Hally smiled faintly, staring down at the remnants of her breakfast. "Please define what you mean by 'good chaos'." Her lips quirked with a knowing smirk, her eyes softening as she met Missy's gaze. "I want her to see the universe too. I just think, maybe we wait until she's a little older. I want her to have stability, too. A childhood where she feels safe."

Missy's gaze softened, a rare tenderness in her eyes as she leaned back, propping herself against the headboard. "You want to give her both," she said quietly.

Hally nodded, her gaze lifting to meet Missy's. "Eventually. Not yet. She's still so young, and she needs a foundation. But when she's older... I…" She hesitated, her thoughts forming into something she hadn't fully put into words before. "I want her to know Gallifreyan things too, but…" She trailed off quickly, realizing the weight of the words. "Not Gallifrey itself."

Missy scoffed, her lips curling with a touch of disdain. She leaned back further against the pillows, her arms folded across her chest. "Oh, perish the thought. I've no intention of ever going back there."

Hally chuckled softly, the sound light and relieved. "Good. Me neither." Her voice softened again, a deep affection in her words. "I just... I want Lily to know the good things. The things that matter. I want her to know who she is… who we are."

"That's quite a story…" Missy murmured, the amusement in her voice not masking the deep, thoughtful tone beneath.

"I know," Hally replied. Her smile faded into something more serious. "And I know it's complicated, but we shouldn't pretend. She deserves to know who her parents are. What we've done…"

Missy didn't answer at once, her eyes darkening slightly as if she were weighing something deeply personal. "I don't disagree… but she isn't going to like it, sweetheart."

"I know," Hally whispered. "It's for when she's older. But… well… she'd find out one way or another, Missy."

Missy's lips curved, but there was something bittersweet in the gesture.

"I want to be a family. I want to travel, with you and her."

"We will. One day." When it came from Missy's mouth, it sounded like a promise.

When she'd finished eating, Missy declared it time for a shower. Hally glanced at her with an eyebrow raised, but Missy was already up, stretching with a lazy grace before disappearing into the bathroom. After a moment, Hally followed her, stepping into the warmth of the steamy room.

Missy took her time washing Hally's hair, her hands gentle but deliberate as she massaged the shampoo into Hally's scalp. The steam filled the bathroom, cocooning them in warmth. Hally let herself relax under Missy's touch.

After the shower, Missy insisted on drying and braiding Hally's hair. She worked with maddening slowness, her fingers weaving the strands with care. Hally sat on the edge of the bed, her hands fidgeting in her lap. She wanted to say something, anything, but the quiet demand for patience in Missy's touch held her in place.

When Hally started to shift, Missy clicked her tongue and gave her a sharp look. "Sit still," she instructed. "You can't rush perfection, my dear."

Hally huffed but stayed still, biting back a comment. There was a part of her that wanted to resist, wanted to speak, but she forced herself to stay quiet, to listen. Missy's touch was gentle, and there was something undeniably comforting in the way she was tending to her.

"There," Missy said after a long moment, stepping back to admire her work. She tilted her head, her lips quirking into a satisfied smile. "Perfect. Though I think it's more about my handiwork than the canvas, don't you think?"

Hally rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her amusement. "Charming."

"Well, we can't have you thinking I've gone soft." Missy replied smoothly, bending down to place a soft kiss on the top of Hally's head.

They ended up back on the bed, Hally's head in Missy's lap. There was no rush here, no urgency. Just them. Just Missy's fingertips grazing up her arm.

"You're stronger than you think, you know," Missy said softly, breaking the silence. Her tone was unusually serious. Her voice was a steady balm against the noise of Hally's racing thoughts.

Hally looked up, meeting Missy's gaze. "I don't always feel it." She murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Missy arched a brow, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. "Oh, don't play coy with me. You're ferocious, Hally. Protective over everything you love. Only an idiot would ever cross you."

Hally smirked faintly, the corners of her mouth curling into something almost teasing. "Are you calling yourself an idiot?"

Missy chuckled, the sound low and rich, echoing softly in the quiet room. "I'm no fool. There are many things I've done under the grace of you letting me."

Hally shook her head, her voice soft and almost hesitant. "It's not like that. I would never hold that kind of power over you. I'd never use it to force you to see things my way."

Missy's lips quirked into a smirk, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Have I not done just that to you?"

Hally narrowed her eyes playfully, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Well…" she drawled, pretending to consider it. "You've tried. It didn't really work."

Missy gave a light tug on Hally's hair, the gesture affectionate rather than admonishing, as if the intimacy of the moment wasn't quite done yet. "I love you, you know," she said, her tone sincere, almost soft.

Hally's smile softened, her heart catching at the honesty in Missy's voice. "I love you too."

Missy's fingers continued their dance across her skin, the rhythmic motion a comfort, almost as if she were weaving something much deeper than just a simple gesture of care. "I trust you," Hally continued, her voice quiet but steady, lifting her eyes to meet Missy's. "I want us to be a team. A partnership. A push and pull. A balance. I want to find where that balance is. Where I can trust you, and you can trust me. Sometimes you'll take the lead, and sometimes I will."

Missy exhaled softly, the words lingering in the air between them, heavy with meaning. "Is there something more you need from me? Something I'm not giving you?"

Hally shook her head quickly, almost too quickly, as if the answer was already clear in her heart. "No," she said softly. "No… not really. It's not you. It's me. I'm just…" She paused, her voice catching as she struggled to put her feelings into words. "I'm so scared of losing her, Koschei. All the time."

Missy's expression softened, the teasing edge in her demeanour fading into something more vulnerable. Something quieter, more understanding. She leaned in slightly, her gaze searching Hally's face. "Does it help?"

Hally let out a short, self-deprecating laugh, her eyes not quite meeting Missy's. "No. Of course, it doesn't help."

"Then let it go," Missy said gently, leaning closer, her voice a soothing balm. "There are some things you can control, my love—you, more than most—but in this vast universe, there are so many things you cannot. Don't spend all your time and energy fretting over the things you can't change."

Hally hummed softly, a frown knitting her brow as her mind spun. She considered Missy's words, but the weight of it all still lingered in her chest.

"Is this helping?" The bright blue of her eyes captured her.

"I think so," Hally murmured at last, though the uncertainty in her voice betrayed the discomfort that was still tangled in her thoughts. "It's… uncomfortable. Vulnerable." She hesitated, a small, amused smile tugging at her lips as if the confession was almost too personal to bear. "Although… the orgasms are certainly helping."

Missy's laughter rang out, warm and delighted, the sound wrapping around Hally like a comforting blanket. "I thought they might," she said, brushing her fingers gently down Hally's cheek. "It's a balance, my love. It doesn't have to always be you or always be me. You can rely on me. You can let me take the reins."

Hally looked up at her then, her eyes glittering. Trust that Missy would carry the weight of their partnership as much as she could. "I'll try," she whispered, her voice barely audible but carrying the sincerity of her intent.

"That's all I ask," Missy replied, pressing a soft kiss to Hally's forehead, her lips lingering there for a moment longer than usual. "We'll find that balance together. Always."

---

The room was quiet, broken only by the faint rustle of pages as Missy read. Hally knelt by her side, on the floor, at her feet, her posture straight but tense, hands resting idly on her thighs. The stillness felt oppressive, her body too aware of every passing moment, every small sound. It had been hours. She shifted slightly, feeling the strain in her legs and the slow, simmering heat curling low in her stomach. Her wife's insistence on her lack of underwear was not helping at all.

"This is ridiculous," Hally muttered under her breath, unable to hold back her discomfort any longer.

Missy didn't lift her eyes from her book, though the faintest smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "It's not ridiculous," she replied evenly, her voice calm but firm, like an unyielding tether keeping Hally in place. "You kneeling here completes me in a way nothing else can."

The words struck something deep in Hally, and for a moment, her frustration wavered. She exhaled softly, leaning forward to rest her cheek against Missy's thigh, seeking comfort, seeking more. Missy's hand moved to her head, fingers threading through her hair with deliberate care, a touch that was gentle yet full of direction.

The soothing motion wasn't enough. Not when Hally's pulse was thrumming in her ears, her skin prickling with anticipation. She pressed a kiss to Missy's palm when it passed her face, lingering long enough for it to feel like a challenge.

When Missy barely reacted, she shifted, wrapping her jaw around the edge of her hand and she bit down.

It wasn't hard.

But it was certainly noticeable.

Missy froze, stilling. Slowly, her gaze dropped to her wife, and a pointed, barking laugh left her lips. She pulled her hand away, her book forgotten, and tilted her head, surveying her. Her pupils constricted the edge of her smile sharp enough to cut.

"Hm," Missy murmured, a single eyebrow arched in amused challenge. "That's a bold choice, darling."

Hally's hearts raced as her wife's eyes burned into her, the weight of her gaze enough to make her feel small, vulnerable. A thrill ran through her, sharp and electric, mingling with a healthy lick of fear. Missy was magnificent like this—fierce, terrifying, utterly untouchable.

Hally swallowed, the thought that this was probably how everyone else saw her wife all the time flickered through her mind.

The idea sent a giddy laugh bubbling up her throat before she could stop it.

Missy's eyes narrowed, her imperious demeanour hardening. "Something funny?"

Hally smiled, a mixture of nerves and mischief. "I'm sorry, Mistress," she said, her voice softer now, but still tinged with defiance.

"Not yet you aren't," Missy replied, her tone like silk wrapped around steel. "But we'll soon fix that."

Without warning, Missy's hand shot out, delivering a measured slap to Hally's cheek. It wasn't hard enough to hurt, but the sting bloomed hot against her skin, sending a jolt straight through her. Hally's breath hitched.

Missy leaned in, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous murmur. "You see," she began, her fingers brushing Hally's jaw before gripping her chin firmly, "you think you have this all figured out. Be a brat, and your beautiful wife will put you in your place. You'll get what you want, won't you?" She smirked, tilting Hally's face up to meet her gaze. "Well, darling, unfortunately for you, you are not in control."

The words tipped ice down along her spine. Her breath came faster, her body aching, but she forced herself to hold still, to stay quiet. She wasn't going to beg.

And yet, the waiting was unbearable. Her skin felt too tight, her body restless. The heat pooling in her stomach was becoming harder to ignore, and Missy's cool, detached composure was driving her insane.

Hally shifted slightly, her lips finding Missy's hand once more as it was released from her chin. She pressed a tender kiss to the bitten skin, her lips brushing softly over the mark, savouring the taste of her. Then, possibly in a moment of madness, she bit down again. Harder.

Missy's laugh came sharper, cutting, her hand tangling in the back of Hally's hair to hold her still. "Oh, my darling," she said, her voice dripping with mock pity. "You're trying so hard, aren't you? You want me to lose my patience, to give you exactly what you're after." She tugged Hally's head back, forcing her to look up. "But I'm afraid, what you haven't accounted for my love, is that I am endlessly patient."

Hally bit her lip, her thighs pressing together as the tension built unbearably. "I need to—" she started, her voice breaking.

Missy shook her head, her smile widening. "No, no," she chided, her tone teasing. "It's time you learned to wait."

The words were a command, final and unyielding. Hally let out a small, frustrated whimper, her body trembling as she fought the urge to push back.

"Ah, ah," Missy said, her voice softening just enough to feel like a caress. She leaned closer, her lips brushing against Hally's ear. "Bad girls don't get what they want."

The promise, or lack thereof, had Hally's breath stuttering. Her eyes fluttered closed, her body caught between surrender and rebellion as she waited, aching, for whatever Missy decided to do next.

Missy's lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes glinting with amusement. Without a word, she released Hally from her hold. The movement was slow, deliberate. She picked up the book from the side table, flipping it open without a single glance in Hally's direction. The simple action felt entirely insulting.

Hally could scream. She wanted to shout, to huff in frustration, to release the tension herself in any way she could. But she didn't. Instead, she stayed silent, sitting there on the floor beside Missy's chair, seething, her body aching from the effort of staying still.

The seconds dragged on, stretching into what felt like an eternity. Missy's calm demeanour was maddening—her serene expression, her focus on the book, the way she turned each page with deliberate slowness. Each flutter of paper had Hally's insides tightening, her frustration growing, her need for something—anything—to break the tension was becoming unbearable. Her gaze darted between Missy's unruffled face and her fingers curled so delicately around the edges of the paper. She wanted those fingers elsewhere. On her. Pulling her close. Entangling themselves in her hair, her skin, her breath.

The ache in Hally's body intensified as she sat there, restless. Her thoughts were wild, unfocused, consumed by the hunger that grew within her. She didn't care where they were—bed, kitchen, sofa—anywhere would do, as long as Missy would stop torturing her with this calculated indifference. The soft, dismissive touches to her hair, the light caress along her temple—it wasn't enough.

Hally couldn't take it anymore. She leaned forward, her body trembling with need, and rested her chin on Missy's thigh, her lips brushing against the cool fabric of her skirt. She was so close now, just a breath away. "Missy," she murmured, her voice low, tinged with desperate pleading.

"Not now," Missy replied, her voice cool and unbothered, her eyes never leaving the pages of her book. The calm disinterest in her tone sent a shiver of both irritation and arousal down Hally's spine. She was maddening.

Time stretched again, it wasn't a peaceful stretch. It was the taut, unbearable silence that hung in the air before something finally broke.

Missy closed her book with a soft thud, the sound like the snap of a tight rope snapping. It was final. There was an air of closure to it, but there was still no sign of what would come next. Missy stretched leisurely, her movements slow, as though she had all the time in the world, while Hally sat frozen on the floor, her body tight. Her breathing uneven, the flush on her cheeks betraying her. Not that she was under any impression that Missy was not fully aware of her predicament.

Hally swallowed, trying to compose herself. "Are we done now?" she asked, her voice dripping with exaggerated politeness, though the tremble in her words gave her away. She couldn't hide the desperation any longer.

Missy tilted her head, a glimmer of amusement dancing in her eyes as she regarded Hally. "Done with what, darling?" she asked innocently, her voice a perfect blend of mock sweetness and knowing.

Hally could barely stop herself from rolling her eyes in frustration. "With the whole 'making me sit here and suffer' thing," she replied, her voice tinged with irritation. She leaned into Missy's light touch when her wife brushed her knuckles against Hally's cheek, hoping to make her hold firmer, but instead, Missy withdrew. She was being left in the most delicious kind of agony.

Missy sighed, her lips curving into a smug, condescending smile as she looked down at her. "Oh, sweetheart," she drawled, the words dripping with fond mockery. "You're being purposefully difficult. Why would I reward that?"

By lunchtime, Hally had shifted into unapologetic seduction mode. Missy had gone into the kitchen to make tea. Hally trailed behind her, biting her lip as she watched her wife move around the space. She stepped in behind her, sliding her arms around Missy's waist. She pressed her lips to the back of Missy's neck, just beneath her hairline, tasting her skin. "You know," Hally murmured, her voice low and smoky, "I think you might be my favourite." She let her hands wander, tracing the curve of Missy's stomach before grazing the edge of her hip. The touch was light, teasing.

Missy's body stiffened ever so slightly, but she didn't react the way Hally hoped. Instead, she set the teapot down and turned in Hally's arms, her expression unreadable. "You're determined to be a nuisance today, aren't you?" she asked, her tone deceptively sweet.

Hally's smile widened, her pupils blown wide with anticipation. "Maybe."

Missy leaned in close, her lips brushing against Hally's ear. "Careful, darling," she whispered, her voice a low purr. "You're playing a dangerous game."

Hally shivered but didn't back down. "If I couldn't handle a little danger, I wouldn't have married you."

Missy chuckled, pulling away and patting Hally's cheek with enough force to elicit a wince.

"Nice try, pet."

By the time the evening rolled around, Hally was practically vibrating with frustration. Missy had spent the day toying with her, brushing her off, and maintaining an infuriatingly calm exterior.

Hally watched her wife move through the house, her usual grace and poise heightened by Hally's desperation. Every glance, every movement, every fleeting smile seemed calculated to drive her insane.

Finally, Hally snapped. As Missy stood in the hallway, Hally cornered her, pressing her back against the wall. "Missy," she said, her voice low and desperate. "Please."

Missy raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a smirk. "Please what?"

Hally groaned, leaning in to kiss her, but Missy turned her head at the last second. The gesture was maddening, and Hally growled in frustration, her hands tightening on the wall.

"Are you really this worked up?" Missy asked, her tone dripping with mock concern.

"Yes," Hally snapped, her eyes dark with need. "Please… please… I need you." Her mouth lay desperate kisses along her jaw to her neck.

Missy chuckled, her hand reaching up to cup Hally's cheek, removing her lips from her neck and forcing her gaze back to meet hers. "Oh, darling," she said softly, her thumb brushing over Hally's lips. "You're adorable when you're desperate."

Before Hally could respond, Missy's grip tightened. "But I'm hardly about to reward terrible behaviour."

Hally groaned, baring her teeth with a snarl. "Just fuck me already. We both know you want to."

For a brief moment, Missy's cool composure flickered. Her gaze darkened, and the silence between them seemed to crackle with intensity. "You're testing my patience," she said, the words edged with a sharper tone than before.

Hally's breath hitched, her pupils dilated. "That's the idea." She breathed.

Missy's hand moved with precision, her grip tightening around Hally's jaw. The sudden pressure drew a startled gasp from her lips, her breath catching in her throat. Slowly, deliberately, Missy's fingers shifted, slipping past Hally's parted lips. Her touch was firm, unyielding, as two fingers pressed down against her tongue.

"See how useful you can be when just shut up."

Hally's eyes widened, her hearts hammering in her chest as her body responded instinctively. Her back arched slightly into the touch. Despite the rush of adrenaline, a spark of rebellion flickered in her expression, and she raised an eyebrow in defiance.

Missy's jaw tightened, her expression hardening into something sharp and unrelenting. Her grip on Hally's hair tightened, eliciting a gasp as she yanked her head back with deliberate force. "You just don't know when to quit, do you?" she hissed, her voice low and razor-edged.

Without giving Hally a chance to respond, Missy's hand withdrew from her mouth to press firmly against her shoulder, guiding her down with calculated strength. The cold, unforgiving marble floor met Hally's knees, the chill biting against her skin. Missy's hand remained tangled in her hair, holding her in place, while the other deftly hitched up her skirt.

Her voice dropped into a low, demanding growl. "Make me come. Now."

Missy shifted, her movements precise as she pushed her underwear out of the way, baring herself with an air of deliberate provocation as she threw her thigh over Hally's shoulder, pulling her forward with a sharp dig of her heel against her back.

Hally didn't need further instruction. Her hands braced against Missy's thighs, her mouth finding the heat of her wife's flesh. The tension between them melted into something raw, desperate. Missy's hips bucked against her, movements uncoordinated, every muscle in her body taut.

Hally worked obediently, her lips and tongue coaxing Missy to the edge with feverish attention. The taste of her wife, the feel of her trembling against her mouth, sent a thrill through her. Missy's head fell back, her flushed neck exposed as a trembling moan escaped her lips. The hand at the back of her head held her steady, leaving no room for anything but Hally's tongue worshipping her wife.

It didn't take long before Missy's breathing hitched, her hips rolling against her mouth as she selfishly chased her release.

When the shuddering aftershocks began to subside, Hally stayed in place, her mouth pressing soft, reverent kisses to the sensitive skin.

"Careful," Missy warned, her voice softer than usual, the familiar venom absent.

Hally smirked, her lips curling upward in amusement as she met Missy's gaze, a glint of mischief shining in her eyes. She pressed a series of feather-light kisses between her wife's legs, her touch deliberately teasing. A sensitive jolt made Missy flinch ever so slightly, her glare flickering to life even as it lacked its usual severity. Undeterred, Hally continued, her movements slow and reverent, lapping softly in a way that seemed almost dutiful.

The sly smile that graced her lips didn't escape Missy's notice. From her vantage point, she looked down at Hally with a narrowed gaze, her expression sharp, though the faintest twitch at the corner of her mouth betrayed her amusement. "You think you're so clever, don't you?"

"No," Hally replied, feigning innocence. Her wide, guileless eyes sparkled with deliberate playfulness, as though daring Missy to believe her.

Missy exhaled a low, huffed laugh, her fingers slipping back into Hally's hair. This time, her touch carried a gentler weight, a softness that hinted at unspoken affection. She stroked through the strands with a practised familiarity, though her tone remained deceptively even as she murmured, "You've been trying my patience all day."

Hally's hearts skipped a beat. There was danger in her wife's narrowed eyes, a flicker of something wild and unyielding.

"Why don't you do something about it?" Hally shot back, her voice light but her challenge clear.

Missy's expression shifted instantly, her sharp eyes gleaming with intent as something dangerous and unrelenting clicked into place. A slow, predatory smile curled her lips, and Hally's breath hitched. She knew she was in trouble. Before she could even blink, Missy's hand in her hair tightened, and in one swift motion, Hally was being pulled to her feet with a purposeful, almost effortless strength.

"Careful what you wish for, darling," Missy purred, her tone dripping with menace. Without hesitation, she began leading Hally through into the dining room, the motion purposeful yet unhurried. Hally stumbled slightly, her mind spinning, until she felt the solid edge of the dining table press against her lower back.

Missy's hand landed firmly on her chest, pushing her down onto the polished surface with a controlled force. Her breath came in quick, uneven bursts as she lay back, her body alight with satisfied anticipation.

Missy moved, her hands sliding up Hally's thighs, pushing up the silk of her dress. There was no urgency in her actions—no frantic rush—just slow, deliberate movements that left Hally trembling, her hearts pounding out a desperate rhythm in her chest.

When Missy grabbed a chair, the sound of its legs scraping against the floor sent a shiver down Hally's spine. Missy sank into it gracefully, her presence as composed as ever, and pulled herself closer with a languid confidence. Her hands settled on Hally's thighs, spreading them apart with ease.

And then, finally—finally—Missy's mouth was exactly where Hally had been aching for it to be all day. The first touch sent a shockwave of pleasure coursing through her, her body arching instinctively in response. Sharp gasps and breathless moans left her lips as Missy's tongue teased her, light and deliberate. The contrast between the cool air and Missy's warm, wet mouth was enough to have her writhing in seconds, her moans spilling freely as her wife worked her over.

But just as Hally thought she might finally get what she'd been craving all day, Missy's pace faltered, her movements slowing into something infuriatingly deliberate. The pressure that had been steadily building threatened to snap, but Missy refused to let it happen. Instead, her touch turned maddeningly soft, every graze of her lips and fingertips teasing, coaxing, and keeping Hally suspended on the brink of ecstasy without letting her fall over the edge.

The build-up was unbearable. It was a careful, cruel game that only Missy could play so well, her every action perfectly calculated to keep Hally spiralling higher and higher. Every nerve in her body felt alive, stretched taut, trembling under the weight of anticipation that never seemed to end. It was dizzying, intoxicating, and absolutely torturous.

Hally whimpered, her head tilting back against the hard surface beneath her as a low, needy sound escaped her throat. Her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides, nails digging into her palms as she fought the urge to grab hold of Missy and demand more. Her breathing was erratic now, each shallow gasp catching in her chest as her body quaked under the strain of restraint.

"Missy," she gasped, the single word breaking free from her lips, her voice raw and uneven. It was a plea, a desperate surrender as if her very sanity hinged on what came next. Her eyes fluttered open, locking onto her wife's with a mixture of frustration and yearning. The intensity in her gaze spoke volumes, a silent cry for relief, for release.

Missy's eyes glittered with a dangerous kind of amusement, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. She tilted her head slightly, as though considering whether or not to grant Hally the mercy she so clearly craved.

Missy pulled back abruptly, her sharp eyes glinting. The sudden absence of her touch left Hally's body aching, every nerve raw and hypersensitive. Before she could protest, Missy's hand shot out, delivering a firm, stinging slap to the inside of her thigh. The sound echoed sharply in the room, and Hally gasped, jolting.

"Nice try, sweetheart," Missy said, her voice low and dripping with condescension, the words practically purring from her lips. "But the more you try to manipulate me into giving you what you want, the longer I will make you wait."

Hally groaned, the sound a wild, desperate cry, her head falling back against the table as her fists clenched.

Missy didn't spare her even a glance as she stood, her movements composed and deliberate, smoothing the creases of her skirt like nothing had happened.

"Dinner's in an hour," Missy called over her shoulder, her tone suddenly light and cheerful, as though she hadn't just unravelled Hally and left her trembling. Without a backward glance, she sauntered out of the room, her heels clicking against the floor with infuriating finality.

Hally lay sprawled on the table, her chest rising and falling as she tried to regain some semblance of composure. Her skin buzzed, the unbearable ache burning low in her stomach refused to abate. She was utterly wrecked, unbearably frustrated, and completely at her mercy.

By the time they sat down for dinner, Hally was in a foul mood. She pushed her food around her plate, her jaw tight and her eyes glowering at the table as Missy chatted idly about nothing in particular.

Missy, of course, seemed completely unaffected. She sipped her wine and smiled like she hadn't just spent the entire day driving her wife to the brink of madness. Every glance she threw Hally's way was laced with subtle amusement, her calm demeanour only adding to Hally's frustration.

"You're awfully quiet," Missy said after a moment, her voice tinged with feigned concern. "Is something wrong, darling?"

Hally shot her a glare, her lips pressed into a thin line. "You know exactly what's wrong."

Missy's smile widened, her eyes glinting with wicked delight. "Do I?"

Hally huffed, stabbing at her food with a little more force than necessary. "You're impossible."

Missy leaned forward slightly, her gaze locked onto Hally's. "And you," she said, her voice low and dangerous, "hate it when I'm right."

Hally growled, shooting her a half-hearted glare. Missy held her gaze for a moment longer, then leaned back, returning to her meal as if nothing had happened.

Hally sat through the rest of dinner in a silent storm, frustration and desire coiling tightly within her.

This wasn't fair.

She was insufferable.

She took a long deep breath.

As Missy set her wineglass down with deliberate ease, Hally pushed her chair back, her movements tentative. "Missy," she said softly, her voice stripped of the earlier defiance.

Her wife's eyes flicked up, a perfectly arched brow raised in silent question.

Hally hesitated, swallowing hard before continuing. "I… I'm sorry."

Missy tilted her head, her expression unreadable. "Oh?" she asked, her tone light but laced with challenge. "And what exactly are you apologising for?"

Hally's cheeks flushed, her pride warring with her sincerity.

"For trying to force you into giving me what I wanted," Hally admitted, her voice quieter now. "For trying to take control..." She met Missy's gaze. "I just… I just wanted you, and I thought I could push you into—"

"Into giving in," Missy finished for her, a smirk tugging at her lips. "You thought you could fight your way to getting what you wanted."

Hally nodded, her throat tight. "Well… yes."

"Do you understand the lesson?" Missy's sharp eyes studied her, the silence between them stretching.

Hally's lips pressed together as she let out a reluctant hum. "Yes."

"And what is it that we've leant today?" Missy's tone ever the headmistress she's pretending to be.

Hally sighed, her pride clearly bruised. "That I can't cheat control back," she admitted, her voice low but steady.

Missy arched an eyebrow, waiting for more.

Hally exhaled sharply, her cheeks flushed as she continued, "That I can't fight my way into it, can't manipulate or force things to go my way. I can't… control everything. And… well… I definitely can't top from the bottom."

A slow, predatory smile spread across Missy's lips, satisfaction practically radiating from her. "Now that," she purred, "is the kind of clarity I've been waiting for."

Hally's gaze flicked downward, her lips curving into a slight pout.

Missy tilted her head, her sharp eyes softening just enough to tease. "Trust me, sweetheart—it's so much more fun when you just… let go."

Hally exhaled, her voice quieter now. "That's easy for you to say…"

Missy laughed, the sound rich and indulgent. "Oh, I don't just mean letting go to me, darling. I mean letting go to everything." Her fingers traced Hally's jawline lightly. "Let go, my love, and the universe becomes infinitely more exciting."

The tension in Hally's shoulders seemed to ease, though her expression remained caught between reluctance and curiosity.

Missy's gaze softened further, her thumb brushing delicately over Hally's bottom lip. "Good girl," she murmured, her voice low and warm. "Apology accepted."

Relief coursed through Hally, her shoulders sagging as she exhaled a shaky breath, the weight of Missy's approval sifting through her.

But just as the comfort began to settle, the sharpness returned to her wife's gaze, a wicked gleam sparking back to life. "Now," she hummed, "go to our bedroom. Kneel in the middle of the bed and wait for me."

Hally blinked up at her. "Wait for you?"

Missy's smile spread slow and dangerous, a promise in every curve. "Yes, darling. Wait. And don't you dare touch yourself while you do."

A thrill shot through Hally, her body responding to Missy's command even as she nodded obediently. "Yes, Mistress," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Missy stepped back, her hand trailing down Hally's arm before letting go entirely. "Good. Now go."

Hally didn't need to be told twice. She rose from her chair and headed toward their bedroom. Following Missy's instructions and she moved into the centre of the bed.

She didn't have to wait too long for her wife, as she entered the room a few minutes later, the soft click of the door sharp in the air. Finally, Missy's gaze swept over her, dark and appreciative. She didn't speak as she stepped forward. Her fingers ghosted over Hally's hair, brushing it back before trailing down her shoulder.

She shifted the hem of Hally's dress up, her touch slow and teasing. Inch by inch, she peeled it up and over her head, leaving her bare. Missy's lips quirked into a smirk as she stood back, admiring her handiwork.

Then, she moved to the bedside drawer, the sight of her pulling out the pair of black leather restraints had Hally's thighs clenching involuntarily. She bit back the soft noise that rose in her throat, but Missy caught the way her breath hitched.

"Something wrong, darling?" Missy asked, her tone innocent as she turned back, restraints in hand.

Hally shook her head quickly. "No, Mistress."

"Mm. That's what I thought."

Missy climbed onto the bed, taking Hally's left leg and positioning it just how she wanted, sliding the restraint under her ankle and securing it snugly against her shin before fastening it around her thigh. She repeated the motion on her right leg, her thighs held against her ankles, bound in her kneeling position.

Missy moved to her wrists, taking both in one hand as she cuffed them together before stretching them upward. Hally's gaze followed the motion to the metal ring above the bed, something she had not noticed last night. Missy tied her wrists to it, giving just enough slack for her to shift slightly but no more.

Once Hally was secured, Missy leaned in, her lips brushing over hers in a kiss that was languid, messy, and entirely for Missy's pleasure. Hally melted into it, her body straining against the restraints as she tried to press closer.

Missy's fingers trailed between her legs, brushing against her, and Hally gasped against her wife's mouth. The soft chuckle that followed sent a shiver down her spine.

"Such a desperate little thing, aren't you?" Missy teased, her voice dripping with amusement.

"Yes…" Hally breathed, her head tipping back as Missy's fingers teased her further.

Missy hummed in approval, her chuckle low and dark. "Would you like your Mistress to let you come?"

"Yes… please… please," Hally whimpered, her body trembling with need.

Missy's laughter was a quiet hum of satisfaction. "This is what you've wanted all day, isn't it?"

"Yesss…" Hally groaned, her voice breaking with desperation.

Missy's hand disappeared, leaving Hally panting and straining against the restraints. She felt the bed shift as Missy moved behind her, and she tried to look over her shoulder, but the way she was tied made it impossible to see.

The sensation of Missy's breath at her neck sent a fresh wave of heat through her, the whisper of it both soothing and electrifying. Missy's hand lingered on her waist, her fingers dancing there before something cool pressed between Hally's legs, startling her.

The sudden vibration made her gasp, her head snapping forward as a moan tore from her throat, unbidden and raw. Her body arched instinctively, the sensation overwhelming and impossible to resist.

Missy's voice was a warm breath against her ear, low and teasing, every word laced with wicked amusement. "Be careful what you wish for, sweetheart."

Hally barely had time to process the words before her orgasm hit, crashing over her with a punishing force. Her moan broke into a sharp gasp, her head falling back onto Missy's shoulder, her entire body writhing.

But Missy didn't stop.

The vibrations pressed against her core only increased and Hally let out a shriek, her body trying to escape the overwhelming sensation, but the restraints held her firm. Missy's arms wrapped around her, keeping her in place, her touch unyielding as she guided her through another orgasm.

"Please—" Hally gasped, but Missy wasn't finished.

"You wanted this, didn't you?" Missy purred, her tone almost sweet but layered with mockery. She kissed the side of Hally's neck, her hands keeping her steady as the vibrator worked mercilessly against her. Hally's hips bucked, trying and failing to move away from the intense sensation but Missy only followed her, pressing, unrelenting even as she writhed, gasped and begged.

Hally came again, her cries turning into desperate whimpers as her body quaked. Missy turned the vibrator down but didn't remove it. Over and over and over again, Missy built her back up, there was no teasing, no mercy. She lost count. Tremors seized her hands, her breath coming in shallow, desperate gasps.

Her body shook, each convulsion consumed her. She arched back, her body pressing closer to Missy's, the touch, the warmth.

"Please," Hally whispered, her voice breaking, barely a sound as it slipped from her trembling lips. "I can't... I need..."

Missy's arms tightened around her, pulling her impossibly closer, a quiet reassurance in the way she held her, the cool calmness of her torturous presence.

"Shh," Missy murmured her clothed chest pressed against Hally's flushed, trembling back, the contrast almost too much. She idly combed her fingers through the damp hair at Hally's temple, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

"Do you have another one for me?" Missy asked, her voice deceptively sweet.

Hally whimpered softly, her legs trembled, her body quivering from the overstimulation. She let out a shaky breath, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't know… Missy… it… it hurts…"

Missy's lips quirked at the corners, a sly smile pulling at her mouth. "I'm sure it does," she cooed, her voice honeyed and saccharine. "Shall we find out together?"

The renewed press of the vibrator against her twitching centre elicited a breathless whine.

Hally could feel it, the certainty of it. This was her power. Her wife. The power she had over her. It was in the way she played her. How she grazed her fingers down her body as she slowed the vibrations. How she leant in to lick her bottom lip, to peck her mouth but deny her when she leaned in for more. The look in her eyes was prideful, high on power, so cruel but somehow filled with adoration.

It drove her to complete insanity.

Between her legs, the torturous vibration intensified.

Hally jerked, her oversensitised nerves sparking to life in protest. "Missy… I can't—"

"Shh, darling," Missy crooned, pressing the vibrator more firmly against Hally's swollen clit. "You can, and you will. For me." Her mouth pressed a warm kiss to the back of her neck. "Smart little brats have to learn how to behave."

The force was immediate, sharp waves of pleasure bordering on pain ripped through Hally's body. Her head thrashed back, her back arching in a weak attempt to free herself from her wife's grip.

"Look at you," Missy murmured, her tone sweet and almost affectionate as she watched Hally writhe. "So beautiful when you're breaking."

The orgasm tore through Hally like a storm, too sharp, too strong, the strain against her nerves more agony than release. It left her gasping, her body trembling as tears welled in her eyes.

"Pleeease… I can't…" Hally whimpered, her voice cracking.

"I know, love," Missy whispered, brushing her lips against Hally's temple as if in comfort, though her hand never wavered. "But you're doing so well for me. Just one more. You can give me that, can't you?"

Hally let out a broken sob, her body already shuddering under the relentless vibration. "Missy…"

"Shh," Missy murmured again, her voice a soothing contrast to the cruelty she inflicted. "It's alright. Let me have you. All of you."

The wave hit.

It was less like breaking and more like being broken. Torment was an art Missy had perfected lifetimes ago. Her fondness for her wife only meant that she'd put her back together again once she was done.

When Hally finally collapsed, trembling and utterly spent, Missy turned off the vibrator and moved it away from her twitching core. "There now," she whispered, her voice dripping with sweetness as she untied the bindings, freeing her limbs. "You were perfect, darling. Absolutely perfect."

Hally whimpered softly, her body shaking as Missy pulled her from her kneeling position into an embrace, the shift from saccharine cruelty to tender affection as seamless as ever. Missy stroked her hair, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Missy shifted, her movements deliberate and gentle as she pulled Hally further into her arms. She carefully guided Hally's body to rest against her chest, Hally's head instinctively found the crook of her neck, and Missy's arms wrapped securely around her, as though she were cradling something precious.

Missy adjusted her position slightly, leaning back against the headboard of the bed, pulling Hally with her. Hally's body moulded against Missy's, the curve of her back fitting perfectly into the curve of Missy's chest, and Missy let out a soft breath, her hold never loosening, her arms creating a secure, unwavering shelter around her.

Hally's skin tingled with an electric sensitivity, her breath evening out with each pass of Missy's fingers through her hair.

"Shh, darling," Missy whispered, her voice thick and rich with affection. "Just breathe. I've got you."

Hally's eyes fluttered shut as each stroke of her hand against Hally's skin coaxed her back into herself. There was no rush, no demand.

Missy's lips brushed Hally's temple, leaving a soft kiss behind before her voice returned, gentle and steady. "You're incredible, you know that?" She traced the line of Hally's jaw with the tip of her finger, barely grazing the sensitive skin.

Hally whimpered softly, as she pressed closer into Missy's embrace.

"Are you alright, my love?" Missy asked softly, easing her fingers through her hair.

Hally took a deep, shaky breath, letting herself sink further into Missy's embrace. Her hands, still trembling slightly, reached out instinctively to touch Missy's face, tracing the curve of her jaw, the warmth of her skin. "Mmhmm." She managed, her voice soft, sleepy.

Missy smiled, her lips quirking upwards, the tenderness in her eyes softening the usual sharp edge of her gaze. She gave Hally a soft squeeze, wrapping her arms tighter, pulling her closer, pressing her lips against the top of Hally's head.

"Good," Missy whispered, her voice low and steady, a promise in the way she said it. "Rest now. I'm here. Take all the time you need."

Hally let out a heavy breath. Everything around her was simply, Missy. The weight of her body around her, her pulse, her warmth, her scent. Holding her together in a way that no one else ever could.

---

They hadn't actually gotten out of bed on the Sunday. Well, not until they'd had to because they'd needed to go home.

---

Domestic life carried on, it was very easy to slip into.

Missy made it easy, weirdly.

Somehow Missy made everything easier. Well, most of the time.

She supposed when they worked together, it was easier.

Alina had managed to coerce them into agreeing to monthly sessions together. Which did seem to be helping. Hally was, relaxing into it. The change. The new territory. Although she was still rather tightly holding onto the reigns most of the time. Missy seemed to know when she needed to hold all the control and when she needed a hand. Missy adapted to her and Hally was very much appreciative.

Strangely, Hally's favourite part of Missy living with them was just the quiet moments of complete normalcy. Moments when she was reminded that this incredible woman, this fierce, burning supernova comfortably showed Hally all sides of her. The sleepy mornings. Her hair tied back, no makeup. Mooching around the kitchen in search for the sugariest kind of cereal. Defences completely down. Coming out of the bathroom in just a towel, and smiling at her with that smile. Pressing her lips to hers in a kiss that wasn't meant for seduction. It was just a kiss. Just a wordless reminder that she loved her.

Like this, Koschei was the most beautiful creature she'd ever seen.

Plus, life had become a lot easier now that her washing machine seemed to wash, dry and iron clothes, her hoover cleaned the floor without her having to lift a finger and her bins compressed her rubbish, so she barely had to take the bins out anymore.

Ah, yes. The benefits of being married to a tinkering genius.

It was sort of adorable.

And kind of hot.

June brought with it the summer sun, warm evening walks, paddling pool escapades and water fights. Which… usually ended with Missy and Lily forming an uneasy alliance to 'take down' Hally. Who was almost always cheating.

And sports day, it also brought sports day…

The school field was alive with the hum of excited chatter and the shuffle of sneakers over grass. Rows of parents and children milled about, clustered near the playing field that had been hastily marked with chalk lines. A bright banner reading Sports Day! flapped in the gentle breeze. Hally adjusted her sunglasses, her posture relaxed, while Missy stood beside her, practically vibrating with an energy that could only be described as dangerous.

"Must you loom like that?" Hally asked, smirking as she sipped from her water bottle. "It's supposed to be fun. Friendly. Social. It isn't the Hunger Games."

Missy shot her an incredulous look, her arms crossed over her impeccably tailored suit—because of course, Missy would wear a suit to a sports day. Her 'Headmistress', was showing. "Friendly? Please. This is war. Look at them." She gestured toward the other parents who stood chatting casually by the sidelines. "Do you think they're here to socialize? No. They're sizing each other up. Competitors in the great arena of parenthood."

"I'm pretty sure they're just here to watch their kids," Hally replied, her smile growing as she spotted Lily waving from her place in line for the sack race. "You might want to dial it down a notch before you scare the other parents."

"Scare them? Oh, darling," Missy said, her grin taking on a wicked edge, "I'm not here to scare them. I'm here to destroy them. By proxy, of course."

The sun beat down, its relentless rays making the air shimmer with heat. Jack and Ianto were lounging lazily on a picnic blanket a few meters away, their relaxed postures suggesting they'd long since succumbed to the warmth. She felt Missy's gaze on her, her face scrunched. "Darling, you're burning," she remarked.

Hally waved a dismissive hand, her lips curling into a wry smile. "It'll fade the second I step out of the sun," she said, her tone light.

Without saying another word, Missy reached for the sun hat Hally had already discarded twice. She placed it wordlessly on Hally's head, adjusting it with a slight tilt. The brim was wide, curving gently downward, casting a soft shadow over her face and shoulders. Missy pulled back slightly, a pout on her lips as she grazed her eyes down over her form with a glimmer that was entirely inappropriate for the setting.

Hally smirked, rolling her eyes, deciding it was best to simply concede. After all, she'd witnessed the extreme amount of suncream Missy had insisted on coating their daughter in.

The sharp sound of a whistle pierced the air, followed by a cheer from the onlookers. The first race had begun, and children in brightly coloured sacks hopped toward the finish line, their legs flailing as they struggled to maintain any semblance of grace.

Lily, her face scrunched with concentration, surged forward, hopping as fast as her legs would move.

"Woo! Go, Lily!" Hally cheered, her hands coming together in enthusiastic applause.

Missy's encouragement was… of an alternative flavour. She cupped her hands around her mouth. "Annihilate them!" The shout rang out, drawing more than a few confused glances from the other parents. Missy didn't seem to mind; if anything, she looked entirely pleased with herself.

The day unfolded in a series of light-hearted yet somehow fiercely competitive events… although, that might have simply been Missy's doing.

Hally found herself in the parent-and-child egg-and-spoon race, and of course, together, they crossed the finish line in first place, Lily's victorious grin lighting up her face.

Ianto hummed as Hally returned to their picnic blanket, he raised an eyebrow as she plonked herself down. "You know," he began with a teasing smirk, "it's truly remarkable how many of those eggs seemed to 'jump' right off the other kids' spoons."

Hally's lips quirked as she sucked the inside of her mouth in a feigned display of innocence. "I have no idea what you're insinuating, Jones."

School broke up with the start of the summer holiday, which brought with it a small emergency when both Hally and Lily caught the flu for the first time in both of their lives. UNIT had performed a battery of tests, none of which really helped when it turned out it was just some strain of human flu that wasn't being detected by their Time Lord immune systems. Whatever. It was rubbish. Neither of them were very happy about it.

Both mother and daughter were huddled under blankets on the sofa, a pile of tissues and empty cups of tea scattered around them. They were dressed in their comfiest pyjamas, each wearing the sour expression of someone who had been knocked flat by a fever and was far from amused by the situation. Lily, all sniffling and congested, shot her mother a glare, her voice muffled by the block in her nose. "This is all your fault."

Hally sighed, the weight of her own illness making her voice rougher than usual. "No… actually…" She paused, thinking for a moment. "Actually, it's your Grandmother's fault."

Lily made a face, thinking it through. "Well… she's not here, so it's your fault."

Hally clicked her tongue against her teeth. "What if I wasn't here?"

Lily looked up at the ceiling as if considering it seriously. "Then it'd be Mamaidh's fault for marrying you."

"Sounds fair…" Hally hummed half a laugh, but it was quickly interrupted by a cough that rattled her chest. She winced, settling back into the sofa. "I think I'm dying." Hally whined, her voice thick with misery as she let her head fall dramatically onto the arm of the sofa.

Missy, still standing in the doorway, looked at Hally with an expression that was a mix of concern and something else—something like the mild distaste one might feel when confronted with a particularly unpleasant smell. It wasn't a new look. It was the same look Missy always wore when faced with the peculiar, fragile realities of humanity. The sniffles, the coughs, the general fuss—things Hally, as a Time Lord, should have been above. Yet here she was, curled up on the sofa like a child, groaning with the discomfort of a simple flu. It was amusing, but it was also oddly endearing in its absurdity.

Missy rolled her eyes, but there was a softness to her tone when she replied, "You're not dying. You're just being melodramatic."

"I'm serious! I'm dying," Hally insisted, her voice cracking on the last word. She looked up at Missy through half-closed eyes, trying for dramatic effect, but the results were undercut by her wheezing coughs.

"Mmhm. Sure, you are." Missy raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. She stepped into the room, the faint sound of her heels clicking on the floor betraying her calm, almost amused composure. "If you were truly dying, half the universe would be here to watch."

Hally groaned, flopping back against the cushions in frustration. "I'm dying, and you're making jokes about it?"

Missy shrugged nonchalantly, though there was an almost affectionate glint in her eyes. "I'm just trying to stop you from whining about it. It's truly a chore, darling."

Hally burrowing deeper in her own blanket cocoon, shot Missy a glare. "You are not nice," she muttered in her stuffy voice, the indignation clear despite her congestion.

Missy shot her a sidelong glance. "I'm a delight, sweetheart. You just can't appreciate it in your weakened human state."

"Hey!" Lily protested, puffing out her cheeks in defiance, but it was a weak protest at best.

Missy raised an eyebrow but didn't respond to the challenge. "Now, now, both of you stop whining and rest." Her tone was clipped, and neither of them could argue with it. There was something final in the way she spoke, even if it was tempered with just a hint of affection.

Hally groaned, the sound deep and dramatic. "How do humans live like this?" she muttered, curling deeper into the blanket, her voice thick.

Missy pulled a face, her eyes flicking between Hally and Lily. "I honestly have no idea."

---

Lily shuffled into the lounge, her small feet padding quietly across the floor, the soft thud of each step barely audible. Hally, sitting on the couch with her book open but her attention elsewhere, she waiting for Missy to finish tinkering in the TARDIS. She glanced up as Lily's presence registered, and her face softened immediately, warmth flooding her features.

Lily stood in the doorway, her figure framed by the dim light of the hallway. Her wide, curious eyes fixed on Hally, the question clearly on her mind.

"Mum?" Lily's voice was small, but steady, with the quiet insistence of a child who had something important to ask.

Hally smiled, setting her book aside and patting the spot next to her on the couch. "Hey, sweetheart," she said gently, her voice laced with the comfort of familiarity. "What's on your mind?"

Lily hesitated for just a moment, as if working out how to ask what was bothering her. Then, with a soft sigh, she made her way over, climbing up beside Hally to face her. "Mamaidh and Grandad... they don't get on, do they?"

Hally paused, letting the question sit between them for a few moments. She hadn't necessarily expected her daughter to bring it up, although she knew it was certainly something she must have picked up on. Her wife and her father were not subtle. She nodded slowly, her voice quieter than usual. "No, sweetie. Mamaidh and Grandad had a bit of a falling out, a long time ago. And they haven't quite worked it out yet."

Lily furrowed her brow. "Do they hate each other?" she asked, the question coming out as a quiet but sincere worry.

Hally's fingers gently brushed through Lily's hair, slow and tender as she considered how to explain the complicated emotions between her father and Missy. She didn't want to oversimplify it, but she also wanted Lily to understand. "No, love," Hally replied softly, her voice carrying the weight of years of experience. "It's not hate. Hate is a very big word." She paused for a moment, choosing her next words carefully. "It's just… they're very different. Grandad and Mamaidh don't agree on a lot of things. They like to do things their own way, like…"

Hally's gaze softened as she searched for an example. "Do you remember when you fell out with Olivia? Because she wanted to build a den… and you wanted to make up a dance routine?"

Lily frowned, her small mind clearly trying to make the connection. After a beat, she nodded. "Yeah…"

"Well…" Hally smiled gently, "it's kind of like that. But all the time. Grandad always wants to build a den… and Mamaidh always wants to learn a dance… so… they don't get on."

Lily's expression shifted into a thoughtful pout. She was quiet for a moment, before she spoke with a surprising amount of wisdom for her age. "They should probably talk about it. Or just find something else they both like."

Hally chuckled softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from Lily's face. "I know. But adults are silly, and sometimes they wait too long to talk about it."

Lily scrunched up her nose and made a face of playful distaste. "I don't think I want to be an adult."

Hally let out a snort of laughter, the sound warm and genuine. "Me neither, Lils. Me neither."

---

Hally sat at the kitchen table, tapping her pen against a blank sheet of paper as she stared at it, deep in thought. She had been meaning to do this for a while now—plan something for Missy.

A surprise.

Or a gift.

Or something.

A gesture.

Preferably a grand gesture.

It was about time. Koschei seemed to do grand gestures as second nature and Hally wanted to plan her own. Something perfect, something just for them. So Hally could say thank you, so Hally could show her just how much she loved and appreciated her.

But so far, her ideas page was rather blank.

Gifts just felt… obsolete. When Missy wanted something, she took it.

So, her mind had turned to 'experiences'. Google had been of no help. It was just all so… pedestrian.

It didn't feel big enough.

Flowers, a weekend away in an adorable cottage, cuddling Llamas.

It was adorable… but it wasn't Missy.

She wanted something Missy would enjoy.

But, she also didn't have any spare planets lying around for her wife to dominate.

Lily wandered into the kitchen, her eyes lighting up as she noticed Hally staring at the paper. "What's that, Mummy?"

Hally smiled at her daughter. "I'm trying to plan something nice for Mamaidh. A surprise."

Lily's face lit up with an eager expression. "A surprise? For Mamaidh? What kind of surprise?"

Hally paused, a little unsure how to explain what she was envisioning. "Something special. Something just for her. But I'm not sure what it should be…"

Lily's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I can help! I'm really good at planning surprises." She climbed onto the chair next to Hally, leaning over the table. "What if you go away for the weekend? Like a trip. An adventure."

Hally smiled and nodded. "I think a trip is a really good idea… I just don't know where to take her. She's already been to a lot of places."

Lily scrunched up her face, her little brows furrowing in thought. "Well… she likes fancy things…"

"Quite…"

"And she likes scary things.." Lily continued.

"Mmhmm…"

"And breaking things." Her daughter added, matter of fact.

"Yep."

"And sometimes putting them back together." Lily added with a tilt of her head.

"Yuhuh."

"And she quite likes taking things that aren't hers." Lily pouted, thinking.

Hally opened her mouth to ask before shaking her head, deciding it was probably better not to.

Lily smiled, unfazed "So… somewhere like that."

Hally's eyes widened, and she let out a small laugh. "So… somewhere fancy... dangerous... where she can break and/or steal things?"

Lily nodded solemnly. "Yep. Exactly."

A smile tugged at the corners of Hally's mouth. "Anywhere in mind?"

Lily's face scrunched up, her hand resting on her chin as if deep in thought. "I'm only nine… I can't do all the work here, Mum."

Hally chuckled, shaking her head. "Fair enough. But what are we supposed to do with you while we're off stealing things from scary places?"

Lily tapped her finger to her temple, thinking for a moment. "I'll stay with Uncle Jack."

Hally raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Lily nodded firmly. "Mmhmm. If I'm there, then you can't go anywhere too scary. So, I'll stay at home."

"That's very selfless of you sweetheart."

Lily hummed in agreement, before she paused. "But, I expect presents."

"Sounds reasonable."