Chapter Text
It had taken longer for Yaz to recover than she anticipated. According to the Doctor the venom, combined with Yaz’s wound getting infected caused her to become ‘very ill indeed’. Whilst recovering the Doctor had barely left her side. Just for a short trip to Mexico 400 years ago to pick up the other hibernation cubes and a quick jaunt to their new homeworld to drop them off. True to her earlier promise, the Doctor had opened up to Yaz. She told her of the Time Lords and the Time War, the terrible decisions she’d been faced with and the terrible losses she’d suffered. Yaz had held her hand as she recalled Master’s revelations about her true origins and why they’d been chasing after Karvanista. It wasn’t everything, and clearly there was a big chat about feelings brewing. But it was a start.
Once Yaz was up and about she and the Doctor finally piloted them back to Mexico. Dan hung back, claiming he was still traumatised by the pulley system and he didn’t want to look like a fool again. Yaz knew what he was doing. She’s sure the Doctor did too. But when the Doctor held her hand and led her out of the Tardis, she couldn’t bring herself to be annoyed at him.
Yaz showed the Doctor around the Mayan temple, explaining the journey they went on to find it. It was such a thrill to have their roles reversed. Yaz had taken the lead whilst in the past. Even had companions of her own with Jericho and Dan, but having the Doctor hang on her every word, guiding her past the poisonous plants and ancient traps was a real thrill.
Eventually they made their way to the secret chamber where Yaz had found the pot all those years before. She grinned broadly as the doctor had made light work of the pulley system and complemented Yaz on its construction. Yaz pulled the pot out of her bag and reverently placed it back where she’d found it. She let out a deep sigh of contentment.
“I admire you, you know.”
Yaz frowned in confusion. The Doctor continued.
“You always want to do the right thing. Even when there’s no recognition, no reward. Like putting an ancient pot back even though no one knows it's missing.”
“Are you really doing the right thing if you’re doing it for recognition? I wanted to put this back as it was never mine to take. It’s not right to keep it out of convenience or sentimentality. This should stay in Mexico.”
The Doctor smiled at Yaz, who blushed under the Time Lords intense gaze. Yaz looked towards her feet embarrassed.
“What?” Yaz asked, her foot moving sand around on the floor.
The Doctor gently titled Yaz’s chin up. Yaz was surprised to see tears glistening, unshed in the Doctor’s eyes.
“I thought,” the Doctor stammered, “I thought I was going to lose you for a moment back there. I were so scared. I told you before, we can’t have a universe with no Yaz.”
Yaz felt herself choking up. She wiped her eyes.
“And I mean it. I’ve seen how lives, planets - the whole universe actually - have pivoted on small acts of kindness. The only reason we’re all still here is because of brilliant people like you. The universe is so lucky to you. Oh Yaz, I’m so lucky to have you. Don’t you ever think otherwise okay?”
“I’m lucky too.”
“Oh yeah? Why?” The Doctor playfully nudged Yaz with her elbow.
Yaz bent down and picked a coin off the floor.
“Because I found a penny!” She laughed, holding the Edwarian penny aloft. “Dan or Jericho must have dropped it when they misjudged the pulleys.”
The Doctor laughed. It was music to Yaz’s ears and made her heart full.
“I mean it though.” Yaz said earnestly. “I’m so lucky you fell into my life.”
The Doctor nodded her head and turned to leave the chamber. Yaz noticed the Doctor surreptitiously wipe tears from her cheeks.
“So, where to next?” Yaz asked.
“I believe I owe you a beach.”