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Chapter Text

Day 0: Sheffield (5th March)

Yaz stopped stirring her dinner as her phone rang and she pulled it out of her back pocket. She clicked accept and put the phone to her ear, poking her stir fry with the spatula in her other hand. “Martha! Hey! All ready for tomorrow?”

“Yaz, hi. Um..” Martha said. “About that…”

“What’s up?”

“How good are you at cycling?”

“Martha,” Yaz said in a warning tone, letting go of the spatula. “Don’t say what I think you’re gonna say.”

Martha took a deep breath and then sighed. “I’m sorry, Yaz. Can you go in my place?”

“Martha, you’ve been training for this for like two months! I use the bike at the gym sometimes but never for two hours at a time!”

“I know, I’m sorry, Yaz. But you’re the only one who could do it. You’re the fittest one in the practice and we’ve discussed the treatment plan before. Plus I trust your judgement! Donna is sorting out your schedule so your regulars can see someone else and you had a quiet week anyway. Come on, please.”

Yaz sighed and dragged a hand down her face. She had been looking forward to the fact she had a quiet week for once, a rarity for her. She hadn’t had a week off since the Christmas break and this was the next best thing. It would give her some time to catch up on her mountain of paperwork and actually chat to their receptionist, Donna, and catch up on the latest gossip. Instead, Martha wanted her to spend the next week on the road with a team that she didn’t even know.

“Why are you pulling out now?”

“Oh! Did I forget to mention? I’m in hospital.”

Yaz nearly dropped her phone. “Wait, what?!”

“Yeah and I’ve only got two minutes before I’m going up for surgery. So what do you say?”

“Martha, oh my god! Well, I guess I can’t say no, can I?” Yaz was pacing her kitchen, her dinner long since forgotten. “Donna will sort everything?”

“Yeah, I’ll get her to call you. You need to get yourself up to London for 8am so I’m really sorry to do this so late, you probably need to go jump on a train now.”

“Ok, ok, um I’ll grab some stuff together and call Donna on the train. Can you ask her to - no, you know what, I can sort this. Good luck for your surgery? Let me know how it goes.”

“Thanks, Yaz. I’ll see you soon?”

“Yeah. Look after yourself.”

“Thanks so much, Yaz. I can’t say that enough.”

“You just focus on you, Martha. Bye.”

“Bye!”

Yaz clicked the red button and dropped her phone on the bed, having moved through to her bedroom while they’d been talking. She ran her hands through her hair and looked around. She was very glad she’d just done a whole pile of washing yesterday and quickly pulled out a few sets of clothes. Her phone buzzed again and she pulled it out. Donna had sent her the kit list and Yaz grabbed a holdall to throw her clothes into.

She then walked back into the kitchen to pack her laptop into her work rucksack and swore as she saw the remains of her stir fry smoking in the pan. She rushed to turn it off and then sighed again. She picked up her coat and keys and with one final look around the flat, she set off for the train station.

She felt woefully underprepared as she bought a ticket to London, and then hoped that they’d be paying her expenses. If something is to raise money for charity, is it wrong to want your expenses paid? But travel is expensive these days and she wasn’t going to be working with her usual clients this week. Was she even going to be paid? God, this was stressful.

As she climbed on the train, she hoped she had all the right things with her. A week away with a team cycling across the country, spending time on the bike herself and treating the rest of the team, it seemed a lot to wrap her head around. She pulled up Donna’s contact and pressed the call button, letting Donna’s efficiency calm her nerves, and then her attitude and knowledge of all the local gossip kept her entertained the rest of the journey.

Day 1: London to Reading (6th March)

When Yaz woke up, she had about five seconds of being confused at where she was before she remembered she was in a Premier Inn in central London. She rolled over and turned off her alarm, running a hand over her face as she braced herself for the day ahead.

While they weren’t travelling that far in the grand scheme of things, travelling at cycling speed on bike safe roads meant that it would take a long time to get anywhere this week. She’d be on the road for 5 days before she got back to Sheffield and all of that time would be spent with a team who knew each other very well, but didn’t know her. She had at least heard Trixie on the radio a couple of times, so she knew she was bubbly and fun in her public personality, but how would eight hours a day affect her? And Yaz would have to work with her twice a day to keep her body working well enough to complete the challenge. She hoped she was nice in reality.

Yaz jumped into the shower and quickly packed the few bits she had taken out of her bag before checking out and heading to the Tube. When she emerged, she had received a text from Martha wishing her good luck and telling her her appendix had been removed successfully but she was going to be out for a few weeks recovering. Yaz quickly fired off a response telling her to feel better soon and that she’d call at some point. She thought it was rather unfair that she couldn’t even visit her best friend in hospital, but somebody had to do the job.

She checked Google Maps again, crossing the road to head right. She looked up and saw the building up ahead, lots of windows curving around the inner space, the letters BBC in square cut outs above the doors. But between her and the doors stood a thick metal barrier and a host of cameras. She swallowed nervously and hoisted her bag more comfortably on her shoulder, walking up to one of the security guards.

“Hi, Yasmin Khan. I’m here for the challenge?”

“If you want photos, you’ll have to wait til they start at 8 love. But you won’t get any with Trixie, she’s got a long way to cycle.”

Yaz blushed as she realised he thought she was a fan. “No, I mean I’m on the team. Physiotherapist, swapping out for Martha Jones.”

The security guard looked surprised and a tad embarrassed. “Sorry ma’am. I’ll need to see some sort of proof, obviously, and some ID.”

“Oh yeah, sorry. Only got switched out last night but - um, right - there’s my drivers licence and, uh, hold on one second… here’s the email.”

The guy nodded and let her through. “Head inside, they’ll get you a proper pass made, and then head on up to the first floor to find the rest of the team.”

Yaz smiled and thanked him. As she walked towards the building, wondering how her life had come to this, he called out after her.

“Oh, and good luck!”

She thought she might need it.

Half an hour later, she’d met everyone on the team. A lovely man called Graham had introduced her to everyone, mostly a group of presenters that would be dipping in and out and a team that would be staying here at Broadcasting House. She’d seen Ryan go past with some headphones on, clearly talking to someone on the other end of a line and Graham had explained he was Logistics Coordinator, organising people, accommodation and food. Graham had looked most excited about the food. There was also Rory, a shy camera operator, who would be joining them to get clips of the challenge for social media and news items, as well as for the website. She was also introduced to Bill, who was apparently in charge of their social media content for the week as well as leading any presenting on the road, so she’d be with them the whole time too. Yaz felt a little overwhelmed but Bill just gave her a hug and told her she’d fit right in. And then given her a stack of paperwork to sign, including permission for footage of Yaz to be used on television and social media.

Somehow she’d forgotten that that could happen and she hoped desperately that she wouldn’t embarrass herself too much this week. Who knows what Bill would want out of the team? Hopefully the focus would be on Trixie and Yaz could just hide in the car most days. Apparently there’d always be one person on a bike alongside Trixie and the rest would be in the car while Graham drove. Yaz wondered how well they’d all still get on by Friday.

She still hadn’t seen the woman of the hour though. Trixie was the face of the challenge, the person to complete the whole thing. The rest of them were there to support her and help with the fundraising effort. Their goal was a million pounds but they didn’t think they’d get it, what with the cost of living crisis going on. Comic Relief was a great cause and Yaz looked forward to watching the show next week. They always had lots of funny sketches and tv references. She’d always wondered what it was like to be part of all of that and now here she was, in Broadcasting House, ready to embark on six days of non-stop radio and tv content with people she’d been listening to on the radio for years. She supposed she had an unfair advantage: she knew something about nearly all of them, but they knew nothing about her. Time to put on her best front then.

It was ten to eight when a cheer went up around the room and Yaz looked up from signing her forms to see blonde hair and a flash of rainbow bounce into the room. That must be Trixie. She looked down and finished off the last few pages, then stood and handed them to Pip, one of the team helping from this end.

Then she turned and saw the blonde properly, in a deep conversation with, hmm, Clara? Yaz still hadn’t quite worked out which presenter was which, used to only hearing them on the radio. She threw her gaze over Trixie’s outfit, dark leggings with a rainbow stripe down the side, a dark blue jumper with rainbow stripe to match and a grey puffy gilet on top.

She was stunning.

Yaz had seen pictures of her, of course she had, and she’d always been pretty. But here, in person, a grin on her face so big Yaz wondered how her cheeks weren’t aching, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet slightly, Yaz was entranced. She seemed to fill the room with light and lit a hope somewhere deep inside Yaz that she’d thought long dead. She was beautiful.

This didn’t bode well for Yaz. You’re not supposed to think that the person you’re treating is hot. And you definitely can’t do anything about it if you do. She’d have to make sure she focused well this week.

Ryan clapped his hands together. “Okay team! Are we ready?”

There were various nods and cheers from around the room.

“Trixie, you are going to go out there and smash it. This is gonna be a difficult week, but we’ve all got your back and we know how much this means to you. So get out there and get on that bike!”

They all filed out of the room and Yaz noted that Trixie was looking nervous. She also realised, as Ryan stepped in to hug the blonde, that she was shorter than she’d initially thought. Only an inch or two taller than her. She wasn’t sure why that was important but it would help her job if there was less person to work on. Longer legs took longer treatments.

They filed out into the courtyard to the sound of cheers from the crowd. Trixie beamed at them all and waved, as did Rose who was first to ride with them. Yaz threw her bag in the roof box and jumped into the backseat of the car. Bill and Rory took up seats in the back row, Bill picking up a microphone and fiddling with some dials, Rory checking his camera was ready to go, both of them facing out of the open boot and looking towards Trixie and Rose. Graham slid into the front seat and Yaz felt the excitement build. The car was ahead of the cyclists so Rory could get some good shots of them setting off, and Yaz figured Bill must be doing the radio side.

Ryan did some final checks with Trixie and Rose and it hit Yaz that she hadn’t seen them doing any warm ups. Was she supposed to have done that? This was all very overwhelming and happening so fast. She didn’t even know fully what was expected of her or which city was next and it went against her desire to control, to be in charge. Maybe this week she would finally let that urge go, let herself relax for once. After all, she’d mostly be sitting in a car, chatting to these four strangers.

Dan then hopped in beside her and it jumped to five strangers. Yaz wondered why they didn’t have two cars, one in front and one behind, but there must be a reason. Cost was probably a pretty big one. Rose and Dan would swap after about two hours and then they’d change again at lunchtime. Yaz wasn’t sure how the cycling schedule worked or when she’d have to go on the bike, but she figured she had plenty of time this morning to go through it all with Ryan and Graham.

Ryan slid into the front seat, his eyes on his watch. “Silence in the car please. And Bill… you’re on.”

Bill grinned. “Hello! Thanks Damien. Well hello good morning everyone, thank you for joining us on Radio 1 this morning for the start of Trixie’s cycling challenge for Comic Relief! Trixie is on her bike, next to Rose Tyler this morning, our usual evening host. There’s a crowd here waiting to watch us set off from Broadcasting House and we are very nearly ready to go. I think this calls for a countdown. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. And they’re off!”

Yaz grinned as the crowd chanted down with them and then Trixie and Rose pushed off, waving to the crowd as they started their journey. Graham started moving too, just ahead of them, and Yaz felt her heart jolt just a little. This journey felt like it was going to be quite something.

Chapter Text

Yaz didn’t really get to see Trixie until they got to their hotel in Reading that evening. They’d stopped in Windsor at lunchtime and Trixie had waved Yaz off when she asked if she needed anything. She’d been in good spirits all day and since it had been fairly flat, they’d made good time. She’d spent the last stint on a standing bike with Clara in the gym of their hotel so Yaz hadn’t seen how that had gone.

Throughout the day, Trixie had been on and off the radio. Bill had done the third stint with her so they’d had a few games during those two hours, trying to rally up some funds. Rory had filmed clips on and off but mostly sat relaxing in the back. Ryan and Graham were easy to talk to but Dan was her favourite so far. They’d really hit it off and she’d been sad when he’d left to go cycle for a while, instead getting a sweaty and tired Rose who just curled up for a nap. Apparently she was categorically not a morning person and usually did the late night shows, but somehow Trixie had convinced her that she needed her there at the start, to get her going.

Rose had then got on a train somewhere from Windsor, saying she’d see them soon. Yaz wasn’t sure when she’d be back but she hoped for her sake it wasn’t a morning stint.

Ryan and Graham had been brilliant and they’d been able to talk through everything while Rose was asleep. Bill had laid out the social media plans and convinced Yaz to do a video about herself given “the whole team is doing them” and she did not want to exclude herself over something so silly. Ryan had walked her through where they were staying and how the cycling would work. Apparently she was on the bike tomorrow afternoon to make sure Trixie was coping with day two. She couldn’t remember the rest of the schedule and had been worrying about her own stint tomorrow but Bill had laughed and put a hand on her knee.

“Yaz, babes, if me and Rory can do it? So can you. You look like you go to the gym plenty enough,” she had said, her eyes roaming over Yaz’s arms where they were exposed below her t-shirt, her trusty leather jacket discarded in the warmth of the car.

Yaz had blushed and tried not to wonder if Bill was hitting on her. The last thing she needed this week was an awkward failed fling.

Now, she was sitting in her room, wondering what to do with herself. Trixie and Clara still had half an hour left, having to make up their 8 hours a day in order to ‘pass’ the challenge. 40 hours total over the week. That didn’t really give Yaz enough time to do anything but she didn’t want to just sit there so she pulled her hair up and shrugged on her leather jacket, scooping up her treatment kit so she’d be ready.

She wandered downstairs and bumped into Bill, who gave her a big grin. “Yaz! Just the person I was hoping to see.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, wanted to go film your ‘meet the team’ section. Ready?”

“Uh,” Yaz said, sliding a hand over her hair. “Sure?”

She followed Bill down the corridor and into a small lounge room where Rory was already set up on one side and Ryan was having a conversation with Graham. They all grinned in greeting and Yaz felt her nerves increase. This was a lot of people. She had no idea what she’d need to expose about herself and to the wider internet no less. Graham nodded and left, leaving her with just three people. That somehow felt infinitely more manageable, despite having nothing against Graham himself.

Bill motioned to the sofa and grinned. “Come on, Yaz. Promise we won’t bite.”

Yaz breathed out a laugh.

Bill took her over some simple questions about herself, what she did, why she was on the challenge team. Yaz grinned her way through it, it felt easy. Bill made her forget the camera and helped her relax. She smiled and told some anecdotes, joked about a bit. Then Bill grinned at her.

“Thanks, Yaz. That was awesome.” She looked at her watch. “Oh balls, the others are finishing in one minute. We’d better run.” She nodded to Rory, who clipped the camera off and they ran out. Yaz stood up to follow at a more sedate pace and Ryan fell into step next to her.

“Yasmin Khan from Sheffield. Ryan Sinclair?”

She looked at him in confusion for a moment, cogs whirring in her head. She recognised that name and he was looking at her expectantly. Then she remembered with a gasp. “Oh my gosh, Redlands Primary? No way!“

They grinned at each other as they walked. “What a coincidence! You’ve done well for yourself.”

“So’ve you, Yaz! Imagine, lil Yazzie Khan all grown up and in a proper job,” he ribbed.

“Get off! I never went by Yazzie!”

He laughed and she grinned back. “Had those cute little pigtails.”

“Oh my god, don’t you dare tell anyone else about that!”

“Not even show them photos?”

“Definitely not. Or I’ll tell them about the time you wet yourself playing a sheep in the Nativity.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Ryan Sinclair and his big grown up job, what would they say?”

Ryan lightly shoved her with his shoulder then pulled the door open.

In the middle of the gym, Trixie and Clara were both panting and sweaty, in matching sports bras and cycling shorts. They grinned at each other as everyone counted down the last 13 seconds. Yaz yelled along with the rest. There was a big cheer and they both stepped off the bikes, high fiving. Yaz was surprised to see them both pulling on headphones until they sat off to the side, pulling open a laptop and turning on a couple of microphones. She realised a second later as a light went red and Ryan put his finger to his lips, slowly ushering everyone out. Of course, they were on the radio, discussing the day they’d just finished. It was 6pm, the middle of Trixie’s usual show and despite having spent 8 hours on a bike today, she was still grinning.

Still glowing.

Yaz blinked that thought away and walked out into the lobby with the others. Ryan was getting up on a chair.

“So, folks! Day one complete.” A small cheer and Ryan grinned. “Smashing it so far. They’re about to tell Trixie how much she’s raised so far so I figured it was only fair I tell you all too. We have raised so far… £273,875!”

There were gasps from around the room and a quiet celebration, people high fiving. Yaz grinned. If they kept up that rate, they’d hit a million easy.

Ryan quieted the room by waving his hands. “Now, plan for tonight. Trixie is going off to spend some time with the wonderful Yaz now, then there will be food in the dining room. If anyone else wants to see Yaz, please do so after dinner. Although I think it’s only Clara and Bill who have been on the bikes? Dan you saw her at lunch, right? Fab. So that was a pointless announcement. So, in conclusion, dinner at 7 in the dining room, breakfast 6.30, again in the dining room. On the road again by 8 tomorrow but there are some interviews beforehand, you should know if you’re needed. Okay, I think that’s everything. Well done everyone on a great first day, let’s hit tomorrow with the same energy and smash this! Yeah? Oh, I think we’ve got company!”

Everyone turned back towards the gym doors and Yaz looked around. A cheer went up from the small group as Trixie and Clara emerged, Trixie grinning sheepishly. Ryan started clapping and then they all were, causing Trixie to blush even more. It was adorable.

Ryan headed over to the two women and relayed the instructions, then headed into the gym to talk to Bill and Rory. Trixie made her way towards Yaz and smiled.

“Hiya! You must be Yaz? Physio?”

“Yeah, nice to meet you! Ready to head on through?”

“Yup!” grinned the blonde, bouncing on her toes again. How she still had energy after coming straight off two hours of cycling after 6 hours earlier, Yaz had no idea.

She led them towards the lift and they headed up to Trixie’s room. It would have been nice to have a proper treatment space but they had to make do in the hotel space they had. The hotel had already been kind enough to give them the gym and a separate space in the dining room. So bedrooms it was. Trixie hadn’t been in yet, so the bed was still made and there was simply a suitcase waiting on the side.

“Hop on up. How are you feeling? Hot shower or ice bath?”

“Definitely not an ice bath! Brrr no!”

Yaz grinned. “Okay, not today. Hot shower will help you relax after we’re done. Now how are your legs? Hips? Give me pain out of 10.”

She took Trixie through a quick routine to work out the lactic acid built up in her legs and massage the sore muscles, although Trixie was insisting it was fine. Yaz knew better and made sure to get Trixie prepared for the next few days. This wasn’t the challenge over, just day one.

As she worked, Trixie chatted. She was talking about her favourite moments of today and asking Yaz how she was getting on with the team, telling her all sorts about her friends. Yaz kept grinning and had to make sure she focused on the muscles under her fingers. The muscles that flexed in toned legs, soft skin sweaty.

She smiled as she pulled away. “Right, all done. Now, when you turn on the shower I want you to keep it cold for two minutes and then you can turn up the heat. Okay?”

“Really?”

The blonde had a very adorable pout and Yaz clung to her professionalism both hands as the thought of kissing those lips flitted across her mind. “Really. It’ll help, trust me.”

The blonde made a disgruntled noise, sounding like a grumpy teenager, but moved off the bed and headed for the en suite bathroom. The door closed and Yaz found herself very suddenly at a loose end. She picked up her cream and put it back in the pocket of her bag, picked up her leather jacket and left the room quietly.

She headed down to the dining room and found Graham and Bill chatting animatedly. She slid into the seat next to Bill. “Hey guys.”

“All done with the Trickster?”

Yaz cocked her head at the nickname. “Yeah?”

Bill grinned. “Hope she wasn’t the worst patient for you. Drove Martha up the walls.”

Yaz laughed. “I had been warned that she’s hard to get to sit still but clearly eight hours on a bike will do it. Chattiest patient I’ve ever had though.”

Graham and Bill laughed.

“Is it time for dinner yet?” Yaz asked.

Graham grinned at her. “A woman after my own heart. Let’s go find out.”

When Yaz fell into bed later that night, she was smiling. She’d had a great evening with the team, Clara and Bill waving her off from needing anything, and she’d let herself indulge in a beer with Dan at the bar. He really was awesome and she could see potential for a good friendship there. The other presenters had kept a little more to themselves but Ryan and Graham had joined them. Apparently Yaz was one of the lads and she’d grinned at that. Bill and Rory had disappeared to go edit together what they’d got.

This week was going to be great. The people were good, the travel was fun, Trixie was great. All she had to do was not think about how gorgeous her client was and she’d be fine. Oh, and that tricky little thing of spending two hours cycling through the Chilterns tomorrow afternoon.

She could do this. She was Yasmin Khan.

Chapter Text

Day 2: Reading to Milton Keynes (7th March)

Trixie had looked a bit dishevelled and grumpy when Yaz saw her at breakfast, clearly not a morning person as she downed her coffee. Yaz had grinned into her tea and then focused very hard on the story Rory was telling and absolutely not wondering what Trixie was like when she first woke up.

By the next time she’d seen her, she looked more alive and more cheerful, the caffeine doing its job to prepare her for the day. Yaz hoped that she wouldn’t therefore have an energy crash shortly as that would make cycling harder. They had a lot of hills to tackle today and Trixie would have to push on through. Yaz wanted to keep a closer eye on her today as she was likely to be feeling the effects of yesterday without having got used to it yet.

Dan was by her side for the first part of the morning, followed by Clara. Trixie started out strong, Dan trying hard to keep up, the oldest on the cycling team. But he’d only done two hours the night before and soon was pulling ahead of Trixie. The weather really wasn’t helping, the temperatures taking a plunge and cold drizzle getting in their eyes and soaking them to the skin. When Clara swapped in, she tried to be quirky and upbeat, but Trixie remained grumpy and quiet. Ryan did some coordinating and they soon had some callers. Yaz was given a pair of headphones to listen in and she smiled.

First up there was a Craig Owens who wished Trixie all the best and told her she was an inspiration. Luke and Rani told her that they were getting on their bikes today in support and hoped the weather would improve for her. A third call from Bella told her that she was doing an amazing thing for Comic Relief and described how that helped fund her support group for kids with absentee parents. Trixie had definitely perked up a bit then, not necessarily happier but definitely more determined, her jaw set and her strokes against the pedals stronger.

Soon enough they had completed four hours and stopped for lunch, wrapping Trixie in a towel and getting her into the warmth of the car. A second car had come to meet them to pick up Clara and Dan as well as bringing food and that allowed Yaz the space to work on Trixie a bit, digging her thumbs into sore muscles and trying to push the lactic acid out of her legs. Trixie lay back in the reclined chair with her hands over her face, letting out little whimpers and Yaz really felt for her. This was only day two and she knew that knowledge must be swirling around the blonde’s head.

She gave one last motion against the blonde’s legs and then held out her hand. “Come on then. The food is in the other car, gotta get there before Ryan eats all the good sandwiches.”

Trixie just moaned again and threw her arms over her face. “I am not moving unless I have to.”

“Okay. I’ll go grab us something then. Any preference?”

Trixie groaned again instead of responding so Yaz pulled on her jacket and sped across to the other car where the others were sat eating, Rory in the footwell. “Thanks guys, we’re done but she’s not happy so I’m gonna take some food over.”

“Think we’ll stay here, give her some space. Plus I’m really hoping if we stay in here another 10 minutes the rain’ll ease off before I have to get out again,” Ryan replied and the others nodded. “Here,” he added, handing Yaz some food boxes.

“Thanks!”

When she closed the door behind herself in the other car, Trixie still didn’t shift from her previous position, arms over her face. “Come on, can’t fall asleep. Gotta eat or this afternoon will be a whole lot worse.”

At that, the blonde finally looked up. “Is that possible?”

Yaz threw her a warm smile. “Nah, not when you’ve got me for the next leg.”

Trixie smiled back and finally sat up, looking through the food on offer. “Aw man! Graham always nicks the cheese and pickle sarnies.”

“You happy with that one?”

“Well I am not eating the egg one. Egg and cress is the worst.”

Yaz pulled open her egg and cress sandwich and laughed. “It’s me favourite.”

Trixie scrunched up her face in disgust. “There’s something wrong with you then. The texture of egg in a sandwich is just… no!”

Yaz laughed. “So what’s your favourite then?”

“Well, I normally like a PB&J - I know, very American of me - but in a meal deal I’d go for a cheese ploughman’s. All them flavours together. Chuck in some crisps for extra crunch and boom. Brilliant.”

“Oh there’s some here if you want?”

“Ace! Thanks Yaz.”

Yaz watched as Trixie peeled open her ham and cheese sandwich, carefully adding a layer of cheese and onion crisps before putting the bread back on top. She took a bite and grinned.

“Reminds me of primary school packed lunches that,” Yaz said.

Trixie nodded. “Yeah, although you’d never be so lucky to get ham and cheese. One or the other.”

“Ryan used to take the cheese out of his and just have the crisps in between buttered bread.”

“Wait, Ryan? Our Ryan?”

“Yeah! Turns out we went to primary school together.”

“No way! Small world. So you’re from Sheffield too?”

“Yep. Couldn’t you tell by my accent?”

“I weren’t sure. A little bit Leeds-ish.”

“Nope, Sheffield born and bred. Lived in London for a bit while I were training and practised out in Bristol for a while but then I came home again and now work in a clinic in Sheffield. With Martha, obviously.”

“Oh yeah! I forgot you know Martha. Small world.”

“Don’t think knowing Martha makes it a small world given she gave me this job!”

“Oh yeah… how is she?”

“Yeah, said she’s doing better, hoping to be discharged today and her boyfriend Mickey is gonna look after her.”

“Oh that’s good. Nice to have a partner who cares about you.”

“Do you? Have a partner I mean?”

“Oh not me,” Trixie said, waving her hand about. “Not really got the best luck with women, despite being on the radio, maybe because of that. Somehow I always mess it up.”

“Nah I’m sure that’s not true,” Yaz said, trying to murder the butterflies that had erupted in her stomach at the word ‘women’.

“Bill has taken me to so many gay bars and tried to set me up with so many of her friends but it just doesn’t work. Clara deemed me a ‘hopeless case’. Although that may be because I said no when she asked me out.”

Yaz laughed. “Nice to have friends who care.”

“Yeah… What about you? Do you have anyone?”

“Don’t have tonnes of friends but I’ve got Martha and Donna at my practice and me and my sister are close.”

“Oh nice! I meant like romantically but I like you’re close with your sister. I wish I had a sister.”

Yaz was about to ask further about Trixie’s family when there was a knock. Ryan stood outside the car window and Yaz pushed open the sliding door. “Hey.”

“Hey guys, you done eating? I think we should be thinking about setting off again, sun has finally come out.”

“Sure! Come on Trixie. I want you to do some stretches before we get moving and I need to warm up.”

While the others faffed about with equipment and sorting leftover food, Yaz pulled her jacket off again, leaving her in just an orange sweatshirt with a big white star on. She’d dressed in her sporty clothes today, knowing this was coming, but it still felt odd to be out in leggings in 6°C weather. She showed Trixie some stretches to do then jogged a quick lap of the car park, running herself through a quick warm up too.

Then it was finally time. She clicked on a helmet, adjusted the bike seat and climbed on the bike. They’d decided to film a bit more while the sun was out and she felt nervous at being potentially on television for the first time. Still, she threw a glance at Trixie, who grinned at her, and she softened, grinning back. “We’ve got this, yeah?”

“Yeah,” Trixie replied.

They fist bumped and then they were off. They quickly settled into a good pace and Yaz felt good. Trixie surprised her by continuing their conversation from lunch. “So tell me more about your sister?”

“Well,” Yaz started, and then suddenly two hours were flying by, both of them sharing stories from their lives, laughing their way along, pausing when they hit particularly difficult hills. The time just disappeared and Yaz was almost disappointed when they stopped and Rory took her place.

The car felt quiet in comparison when she climbed back in, only three other people in there this afternoon. “You looked like you were having fun,” commented Bill.

Yaz grinned. “Yeah, time just flew by. Trixie’s a great character.”

Bill briefly pulled a face and then smiled back. “That she is.”

Yaz settled back into the seat, stretching out her legs and watching the world go by. Being in Trixie’s company felt so easy, like nothing else really mattered. She was interesting and funny and kind and had actually listened to Yaz telling silly stories about her sister, Sonya. She could see why everyone adored her and she was glad she could help brighten her day.

By the time they got to Milton Keynes, Trixie was looking very tired. They only had a few minutes to make up today so they spent a little while looping around a few blocks. The weird grid structure with all its roundabouts was actually quite handy and Yaz thought that if they didn’t have the support car there were some lovely looking parks Trixie could have cycled through. When she eventually stumbled off her bike, the team congratulated her and Yaz told her she’d meet her in her bedroom in five minutes. They all checked in and Yaz dumped her stuff in her room before making her way down the corridor to Trixie’s.

She knocked on the door. “Only me! Ready for some leg work?”

Trixie opened the door beaming. “Only if you mean you’re gonna work those magic fingers on my legs, not if you’re gonna make me walk anywhere.”

Yaz laughed and entered the room, wiggling her fingers at her. “Yeah, don’t worry, only the usual.”

Trixie hopped up on the bed and stretched out, letting Yaz start digging her thumbs into sore muscles with only a slight flinch.

“I missed you, you know?”

“When?”

“This afternoon. Rory has got none of your pizazz.”

“Pizazz?” Yaz questioned with a laugh.

“Yeah,” Trixie grinned. “You’ve got this, like, spark, this energy. Barely noticed the time going by because I were having so much fun. Rory is boring. Felt more like I had to motivate him! Especially that last bit round here, dunno how he’d have coped with the hills we had earlier!”

Yaz laughed again. “I don’t think sport is his strong point.”

“No,” Trixie agreed. “What about you? You seemed fine and you haven’t had any training time.”

“Flip over? Thanks. Um, yeah, I go to the gym a lot. Mostly lift or run but I go on the bike sometimes too. Not really sporty but I was on the netball team at school and did trampolining at uni.”

Trixie gasped under her hands. “Trampolining?! That’s so cool. I wish I’d done that. But I think I would’ve fallen off and hurt myself.”

Yaz laughed again. She could see that happening. “To be fair, I did break my wrist once. Started running instead after that.”

She could almost hear the way Trixie’s face scrunched up in displeasure, despite the blonde being on her front. “I don’t like running. I do it sometimes but I don’t like it. I much prefer the fun machines like rowing.”

“Oh I do love a rowing machine. I actually saw the rowing at the 2012 Olympics? That was pretty cool.”

“No way!”

“Yeah, were pretty awesome, quite an easy sport to understand too.”

“Yeah. That’s cool. I’d love to go to the Olympics.”

“Just gotta convince BBC to send you then. Paris next year isn’t it?”

Trixie sighed underneath her. “I doubt they’d send me, not the sportiest of the bunch.”

“Trixie, you’re currently doing a 40 hour cycling challenge. I feel like that’s pretty sporty.”

“Oh yeah! Good point.”

“I’m just gonna move up to your glutes, okay? Tell me if anything makes you uncomfortable.”

“Nah, you’re alright. Quite like that actually. Ah, um, because I’m sore, you know. Yeah.”

Yaz grinned. “Of course. Shame you didn’t get to cycle past the concrete cows when y’were going roundabout to roundabout.”

“No, have you seen them, Yaz? They’re like the most cursed thing ever. Plus I don’t mind roundabouts. Did you know there’s over 130 of them here?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Milton Keynes is fascinating, I read about it before we came. Apparently you’re never more than half a mile from a park.”

“Really? What other facts do you know?”

“Well, did you know WD40 is produced here and only six people know the recipe?”

“No I didn’t.”

“Now you do! Ooh that feels nice. What else… oh Milton Keynes has more bridges than Venice!”

Yaz grinned as she continued the massage while Trixie spouted facts at her. She then took her through a series of stretches while they discussed lakes and various types of fish and Yaz marvelled a little at how much the other woman knew. She eventually went silent as they got to the last stretch and Yaz told her to start her shower cold again. Yaz was just on her way out of her room when she spoke up again.

“You didn’t answer earlier, by the way.”

“Answer what?”

“Do you have a partner?”

“Oh… no. Had a girlfriend at uni but there hasn’t been anyone since, just felt like I’d never found the right person.”

“Oh…” Trixie said, looking perplexed.

Yaz paused for a second, her hand still on the door handle. “We’ll get there. I believe there’s a right person for everyone, should they want that. Now go shower and I’ll see you at dinner.”

She pulled open the door and resisted the idea of leaning her head against the other side as she tried to work out what on earth that meant. Had she done so, she might have heard Trixie, just the other side of the door, hand outstretched towards the wood.

“I do want.”

Chapter Text

Day 3: Milton Keynes to Peterborough (8th March)

The next morning, Yaz warned Trixie off the coffee. She scrunched up her face in a very disgruntled expression and Yaz had just laughed.

“Trust me babes, it will not help your morning. Now go get some protein in you.”

Trixie had blushed and turned away, piling her plate with sausages and scrambled eggs. Yaz had grinned and headed back to her seat next to Bill, chewing on her piece of toast.

The first stint didn’t go brilliantly, Trixie again slowing down quite quickly, despite the fresh enthusiasm that Amy brought. Yaz hadn’t talked to her yet but the tall redhead seemed excited about the challenge, trying to draw the tired blonde into conversation. At one point Trixie looked up at the car, Yaz riding in the backseat next to Rory, facing the cyclists. She made eye contact with Yaz, who gave her a thumbs up and winked. Trixie blushed and grinned, then dropped her head down and pedalled harder. Yaz grinned in response.

“Hey Bill?”

“Yeah, wassup?”

“Can I swap to do the next slot?”

Bill shrugged. “Sure if you wanna. Supposed to snow soon though, save me from that.”

When they stopped, she hopped out, handing a snack to Trixie. “You good?”

“Yeah, tired. Don’t like these morning stints. Thanks.”

“What if I said I was gonna join you for the next one?”

Trixie’s eyes lit up. “Really? Awesome! I thought it was Bill?”

“I swapped. Thought you needed a pick-me-up and I have a brilliant story about the time Sonya hit me in the head with a frying pan.”

Trixie grinned in response to Yaz’s smile. “Amazin’.”

“Now, before I tell you that, I want you to drink some water, eat that and then join me for some stretches, okay? I’m gonna go talk to Amy.”

Trixie nodded and Yaz went to talk Amy through the cool down stretches, telling her to find her at lunch or after dinner if she needed more help. Then she ran around the car a couple of times, trying to get her muscles moving. She found Trixie and led her through some stretches, the blonde groaning at her but smiling and laughing anyway.

Just as they were about to get on their bikes, the first flakes started falling. Trixie gasped and turned to Yaz with the purest, childlike joy. Yaz couldn’t help grinning back, watching her look around in wonder, holding out first her hand to catch some flakes and then her tongue.

“Come on, Yaz! Stick your tongue out!”

Yaz laughed but did as she was told, both of them scrunching their faces up as they tried to catch the frozen drops on their tongues. When Yaz tipped her chin back down and opened her eyes, Trixie was grinning at her. She grinned right back. Trixie looked beautiful, snowflakes caught in her hair, her skin rosy.

“Alright people, let’s move out!” Ryan called and the moment was broken.

Had it been a moment? It wasn’t supposed to be a moment. But Yaz found herself thinking just how beautiful Trixie had looked as the snow fell softly around them.

They got on the bikes and headed off, the snow falling in thicker clumps. The wind bit against Yaz’s cheeks as they sped up and when she looked at Trixie, she didn’t look happy.

“Second time we’ve had snow this winter!” Yaz called.

“Yeah,” Trixie said. “I love snow, just wish it wasn’t this week!”

Yaz let out a bark of laughter. “Yeah, it’s a bit rude really, isn’t it!”

“Very rude! Did nobody tell the weather that we were cycling today? The audacity!”

Yaz laughed again, pressing on, the cold biting through her leggings. “We’ll have to make a snowman if there’s any left tonight.”

“I love snowmen!”

“What’s the biggest one you’ve ever built?”

“Well, when I were 10…”

The next two hours didn’t fly by like the day before, the snow nearly constant, getting in their eyes and soaking through their skin, but it was definitely fun despite all that. Yaz kept grinning over at Trixie as they fought through the snow and over the hills, a near constant stream of chatter between the two of them. They were, however, very grateful when they could stop for lunch. The snow had started to thin and they had pushed on for an extra 15 minutes to be able to stop in a cafe with heating on. Yaz and Trixie stumbled in and got wrapped in towels. Rory appeared a couple of minutes later with some blankets, wrapped around them as they cuddled mugs of hot chocolate.

“I’m sure glad you swapped with me, Yaz. Snow is supposed to stop in about 20 minutes. How are you both faring?” Bill asked.

“I’ve been warmer, if I’m honest.”

“Trickster?”

“Yeah I’m good, I’m good. I just um, need a minute. Gotta do another four hours of this.”

Yaz reached out and squeezed her arm. “You’re smashing this, Trixie. And look! We’re halfway through now!”

Trixie lit up as the realisation hit her. “Oh yeah! I am!”

“See! Now every minute more out there is a minute closer to your goal and we are over the hump now. Just counting down to the end.”

“Yeah. Thanks Yaz!”

“No worries. Want a quick massage before you eat?”

“Yep!” Trixie said, popping the p with enthusiasm. She wiggled around until she could pop her feet back out of her cocoon and then stood, looking like an adorably lost child with the blanket wrapped around her, trailing on the floor. “Where do you want me?”

God, that question shouldn’t make Yaz warm like that. Especially not when Trixie looked so adorable. “Do you wanna head to the car again? Or do it in here?”

“Let’s do it in the car,” Trixie said.

“Enjoy, girls, see you in a minute for food.”

They went out to the car. Trixie plonked into a seat and reclined it, relaxing into the seat.

“Right, what hurts most?”

“My calves but also my shoulders?”

“Ok let’s start on calves.”

Yaz methodically worked her cold fingers into Trixie’s legs, gently manipulating them. Trixie sighed and let her eyes close, head lolling back against the seat, a small contented smile on her face. Yaz smiled at her as she worked. She wasn’t entirely sure Trixie hadn’t fallen asleep wrapped in the blanket until she let out a small contented moan.

“Right, legs done. If you want me to do your shoulders, I need you the other way on the seat, ok?”

Trixie blinked her eyes open sleepily. “Yeah, sure Yaz. ‘Nythin’ you want.”

She shifted around and Yaz wrapped her hands over cold wet shoulders. “Um, I’m gonna need you to take off this jumper. Can you get down to your sports bra for me?”

Why was she blushing and awkward? This was a normal request. If only she didn’t want to just wrap the blonde up in her arms forever more. Trixie stripped off her wet clothes with a blush and then settled back down. Yaz blushed again as she straddled her, standing above the seat. Trixie moaned when the brunette dug her thumbs into the knots in her shoulders and Yaz had to try very hard to keep her focus on her professionalism and the job she was here to do.

A few minutes later, she tapped Trixie’s shoulder. “Right, you’re done. We can work on more later. But right now I want you out of those clothes.”

Trixie had turned over and was staring up at her, blushing. “Huh?”

“You’re cold and wet, you need to be in dry clothes before you start the next leg. Dunno why I didn’t make you change immediately to be fair, probably my own brain being frozen. Get something dry on and then let’s get some food.”

Yaz blew out a breath as Trixie left the car, taking a moment to get herself together before following, stopping to grab a change of clothes for herself too. She got dressed in the toilets and then slumped down in a seat next to Amy.

“Impressive, newbie!”

“Hi,” Yaz said to Amy. “You’re the one joining in day three, newbie.”

Amy grinned back at her. “Oh I like her. Feisty.”

Yaz’s smile grew, only increased further by Bill sliding some food in front of her. She loved this team.

“No, Yaz. You can’t do that to me! I’m not doing it. This is actually torture. This definitely breaks the Geneva Convention.”

Yaz laughed. “While that is an impressive pout, this does not actually qualify as torture. You know loads of athletes do this?”

“Yeah but not meee! Yaz, I’ve been cycling outside in the freezing cold all day. You cycled with me through two hours of snow! This is unnecessary.”

“The cold helps, trust me. You’ve been all nice and warm through the interviews and phone ins. That Jenny and Vastra were nice, weren’t they?”

“Yaz, you’re not subtle. Just because you try and talk to me about the lesbians on the phone doesn’t mean I’m just gonna follow you OH JESUS THAT’S COLD!”

“You were saying? Go on, get fully in. The cold makes your blood vessels constrict and that pushes the lactic acid out. Lactic acid equals pain. This will help, I promise.”

“Yaz no no no no! But this is pain! Ah! Oh! Why is this ice bath so cold!”

“I think the clue is in the name babes. It’s got ice in it.”

“How much longer?” Trixie whimpered.

“Five more seconds.”

Trixie gasped and pulled herself out. “That was five seconds, I promise.”

Yaz just laughed. “If you insist. Right, quick little session to warm you back up slowly and then you can have a warm shower. Pull the plug.”

“I can’t believe you’re actually torturing me, Yaz. Like just say you don’t like me and move on.”

“Ah! I am trying to make your life easier! You’ll thank me tomorrow when you can still ride the bike.”

“Don’t think I want to if you’re gonna pull things like that.”

“Look, two days left. And the weather is maybe hopefully improving. Don’t you have your mate joining you tomorrow?”

“Yeah! Ollie. He’s awesome, I think you’ll like him. He um - ow - went through a dark patch - ah that bit hurts - but he’s doing a lot better. That really hurts!”

“I promise it’ll help. You’ll thank me tomorrow.”

“You keep saying that but I don’t know if I will if it means I have to ride another eight hours.”

“Just remember it’s for charity! And there was that really sweet girl - what was her name?”

“Oh! Merry Gejelh or something. She was very cute.”

“So, just think of her.”

“Hmmm okay fine. I’ll try.”

“Good girl.”

Yaz tried not to notice the way Trixie blushed, for both their sakes. Instead, she stepped back. “All good. Go hop in a warm shower and I’ll see you at dinner.”

“Finally! Thanks Yaz!”

This woman may actually be the death of her, Yaz thought as she left Trixie’s room. She would have to be very careful from here on out.

Day 4: Peterborough to Nottingham (9th March)

Trixie was definitely not a morning person but she definitely perked up when Yaz wrapped her in a hug the morning of day 4 and whispered in her ear. “For Merry.”

Trixie had nodded. “Yep. And the lesbians.”

Yaz laughed and pulled back. “And the lesbians.”

“What about me?”

“God, Bill, not every conversation about lesbians is about you!”

“Yeah, Bill, what about me?” Yaz asked, one eyebrow raised.

“Yeah, exactly, Bill. What about us?” Trixie said, matching Yaz’s stance, still close from the hug.

“I give up. Trix, Amy is waiting for you.”

“Yup! See you later, gang!”

Bill followed Yaz into the car and gave her a look.

“What?”

“Mmm nothing, nothing. Just never seen someone turn her mood around so quick like that.”

Yaz blushed. “Just a pep talk from yesterday.”

“Ah, yes. I heard about your ‘torture session’.”

Yaz laughed. “She is such a drama queen.”

“I’m glad I don’t have to do any more cycling, I would not let you put me in an ice bath.”

Bill and Yaz both laughed that time. “Rory, you were hopeless on the bike! No way we were putting you on again. You’re much better off behind the camera,” Bill said.

“Yeah, yeah,” Rory replied.

“Was he worse than me?” Dan asked.

“Oh way worse, made you look like Chris Hoy.”

“Hey! I wasn’t that bad. Dan is way older than me!”

“Oi, I’m only forty ssstwo,” Dan replied, to sceptical looks.

“Mhmm yeah, you believe that, you’ll believe anything.”

Yaz smiled as the banter continued on around her. She realised that she’d found a good group of people in these random presenters off the radio and she’d miss them when they finished this. They only had two days on the road and then a few interviews on Saturday and then the challenge would be over and she’d be home in her own flat by Saturday afternoon. This unexpected break from her real life was just that, a blip. It would be nice to stay in contact but realistically with most of them in London, she probably wouldn’t get to see them. She supposed at least having friends on the radio meant she could listen to them and pretend that she was there. God, that was a sad thought. Maybe she needed more friends.

She tuned back into the conversation around her and let herself relax back into the present, while she still had it.

Trixie’s friend had joined them at lunchtime, signing up to the full four hours of cycling that afternoon. Trixie had been super excited to see him, babbling on over lunchtime. He gave Yaz the creeps. Something about him just seemed… off. Maybe it was the way Trixie’s shoulders tensed when he put his arm around her, despite her easy smile. Maybe it was the way Trixie shrugged everyone off at the break and just said they should get on with it, O never letting her out of his sight. Something just felt wrong.

So when they finally got to the hotel and had finished all the faff that went with the challenge - some time on the radio with callers and talking about only one more day - and Trixie was starting to look really peaky, Yaz felt her concern rise through the roof.

“I’ll follow you up to your room, okay?”

“Yaz, I’m fine. Leave it.”

“Trixie? What do you mean?”

“Nothing, Yaz. I’m fine, just leave me alone,” Trixie said crossly as Yaz followed her into the lift.

“Trixie, you need a session. You’re not gonna get through tomorrow if we don’t work out some of the cramp from today’s ride. You pushed yourself too hard this afternoon and went too fast, I can literally see you limping.”

“Yaz, I’m fine.”

They stepped out of the lift onto their corridor and walked past Bill failing to get into her own room.

“Trixie, you look like you’re about to collapse! This is important. Please.”

Trixie stopped and turned to her, looking enormously fed up. “Yaz, honestly, I’m fi-”

And then her face drained of colour, her eyes rolled into her head and Yaz could only watch in slow motion as Trixie’s legs fell out from beneath her and she crumpled to the floor.

Chapter Text

Day 4: Nottingham (9th March) - cont.

Yaz rushed forward, blood pounding against her skull, on her knees before she knew what she was doing. “Trixie? Trixie? TRIX? Oh my god, Bill, BILL! Help me!”

She scooped Trixie up, enormously grateful for the way the blonde whimpered and blinked slowly. She hadn’t passed out for long. “I’ve got you, babe, just hold onto me, okay? I’ve got you. Bill?”

“Yep, right here. Trickster, I’m grabbing your key, okay? Bring her on through.”

Trixie buried her face in Yaz’s neck as she stood and carefully manoeuvred her into the room, gently laying her down on the bed, making sure her head was supported. “Okay, Trix, I’m gonna raise your legs up on some pillows, okay? Get some blood flow back to your head.”

Bill gave her a hand, placing a stack of pillows under Trixie’s knees, then stood back.

“Right, I’m gonna do some checks, okay Trix?”

But the blonde was batting her off blearily. “‘m fine.”

“No you’re not. Now stay still and let me check you’ve not injured yourself, okay?”

Yaz started feeling over Trixie’s limbs, checking nothing seemed broken. “Bill, can you go get some water?” she said, just to stop the other woman dithering anxiously behind her.

“Yep. Sure. On it,” Bill said.

Yaz finished her assessment of Trixie’s body and then peered into her eyes. “Can you squeeze my fingers, babe? Both hands. Okay, good. Can you feel that? Great. Okay, good, good. How are you feeling?”

“You’re amazin’ Yaz.”

“Yeah, I know. What about you?”

Trixie shrugged. “I don’t matter.”

Yaz pinched her eyes together in confusion, her hand moving to stroke a lock of hair out of the other woman’s face. “Trix, what do you mean? Of course you matter.”

The blonde shrugged again and Yaz’s stomach twisted but they were interrupted by the door banging open, Bill following a tall angry redhead in. Yaz quickly stepped back, not wanting to be between Amy and her prey. Why Amy was so furious was made obvious rather quickly as she shook a full water bottle in Trixie’s face.

“You moron! You absolute dipshit! What is this? Huh? You wanna explain why after four hours on a bike your water bottle is still full?”

Trixie did at least have the grace to look sheepish but didn’t say anything.

“Did you eat anything when we stopped? Or did you just push us all away?”

Trixie turned her face away and then kicked out the pillows from under her legs, curling up away from her friends. Yaz wondered if she should leave but Trixie needed to recover from today if she had any hope of cycling tomorrow.

“Huh, real mature, T. You always act weird when O is around! He’s such a dick, I don’t know why you’re still friends with him.”

“Piss off, Amy,” came the muffled grumble.

“With pleasure,” the redhead said, flouncing out. “Good luck with her, don’t let her do anything else dumb!”

Bill looked between them. “I’ll go order some food and, um, check on Ames. You got this, Yaz?”

Yaz nodded and Bill left. She wasn’t sure how to help but she could at least help Trixie start to relax.

“You gonna talk to me?”

“No,” Trixie said, like a grumpy teenager.

“Okay fine. But I’m gonna start working on your legs even if you’re being a petulant toddler because you still have another day of this challenge and people relying on you.”

“Fine. Whatever,” Trixie mumbled.

Yaz sighed and pulled stubborn legs towards her, starting her usual process. Eventually, under the smooth repetitive motions, Trixie started to relax and calm down.

“Sit up, drink up, okay?”

Trixie nodded, pulling the bottle to her lips. She drank slowly as she watched Yaz’s motions up and down her legs. Yaz felt the gaze on her fingers as they made their way up Trixie’s thigh and back down, up and back down. What if she kept going up?

The moment was broken by Yaz’s phone ringing. She looked down and pulled it out of her pocket, Martha’s face on the screen. She clicked reject and put it away.

“Time for you to have a shower. Go wash the grime off, okay? I’ll see you in a minute.”

Trixie got up and moved into the bathroom. Yaz picked up the water bottle and moved out into the corridor to fill it up, texting Martha as she went, asking if she could call later. She agreed a minute later and Yaz wandered back to Trixie’s room as she got the quick update on Martha’s recovery. She clicked open the door and walked in, still looking at her phone. She put down the water bottle and then looked up when there was a sudden squeak.

Trixie was standing just outside the en-suite in just a towel, her hair matted to her head in a wet tangle, her cheeks rosy. Yaz accidentally let her eyes sweep over exposed pale skin on display above the towel and then forced her gaze back on her friend's face, which had got decidedly redder. She gulped and Yaz’s eyes were drawn to the bob of her throat.

“Um, uh, sorry, I was um, just - water bottle. I’ll come back in a minute, go chase that food Bill went to get.”

Yaz slunk out of the room, holding her breath as she squeezed past the blonde. Outside, she let her head rest against the door, eyes closed as she tried to get a grip on herself. Way to go, Yaz, great professionalism.

She heard a sound down the corridor and looked around to see the lift doors open to reveal a Bill holding two trays of food.

“Good, you’re still here. Going okay?”

“Yeah, she’s just getting dressed,” Yaz said, fighting away her blush.

“Awesome. Brought some dinner for her. And… you? Can you stay with her? You seem to cheer her up in a special way.”

Yaz gave up on fighting the blush then. “Well, yeah I’m happy to stay. Um, thanks. Want me to take one?”

“Cheers,” Bill said, handing her a tray. She knocked on the door. “Oi Trickster! You decent?”

The door opened to reveal a sheepish Trixie. “Hi guys.”

Bill pushed past her into the room and lay the tray down on the bed. “Right, you. Sit. You still have another day of this challenge to go and you are not ruining it now by being a stubborn idiot. So you are going to sit here with Yaz and eat all this food and drink all this water and then get a good night’s sleep and we will see you bright and early for breakfast. Okay?”

“Okay,” Trixie said sheepishly, climbing into the bed and balancing the tray on her lap.

“Okay. Goodnight. Good luck Yaz.”

Then she left and Yaz perched herself on the end of the bed. Trixie patted the space next to her on the double bed.

“Come on up here, I won’t bite. Probably.”

Yaz did so and took the cover off her food. Pasta and veggie meatballs, covered in cheese. Amazing.

“Do you wanna watch a movie?”

“Only if you eat your dinner,” Yaz nodded at the untouched tray.

Trixie pouted but pulled off the cover anyway, flicking the tv on. She stuffed some food into her face as she scrolled through the options.

“Ooh, Potch Porfect,” Trixie said around a meatball.

Yaz laughed. “What was that?”

Trixie swallowed and grinned at her. “I think it came out Potch Porfect but I mean Pitch Perfect. I love Anna Kendrick.”

“Oh awesome,” Yaz said.

“I’ve got such a crush on her,” they both said at the same time.

“Jinx!” called Trixie. “Now you can’t speak until I say your name three times. So, Yaz, I think we should watch Pitch Perfect. What do you think?” She paused, tapping her chin. “Excellent insights, yes I do think the shower scene is very gay. Thanks, Yaz, for that.”

Trixie grinned, far too pleased with herself. “I also think I should get to call you something fun. Something like ummmm Yaz the-”

“Ha! You said Yaz!”

“No, that’s not fair! That was a nickname!”

Trixie really did have an incredible pout and Yaz couldn’t stop laughing. She watched hazel eyes cross as she booped Trixie on the nose. Trixie’s mouth dropped open in indignation, staring at Yaz. So Yaz just put a Babybel in Trixie’s open mouth and laughed even harder.

“That was so mean but I do love a Babybel. I can always smash about seven.”

“Well eat up then. Then I won’t boop you.”

Trixie tucked into her food enthusiastically, laughing at the film. Yaz kept glancing at her, enthralled by the way those hazel eyes sparkled. Trixie looked so beautiful, her hair softly curling as it dried, her eyes full of warmth and joy, a bit of pasta sauce on the tip of her nose.

Soon enough they’d finished their food and Yaz left Trixie with her water, scooping the plates onto one tray and picking them up. As she moved away from the bed, she felt a soft hand grip her elbow. She looked back and saw Trixie looking up at her with a soft pleading expression.

“Stay?” she asked in a small voice that didn’t seem like her, that didn’t fit with her larger than life character. Yaz, of course, melted instantly.

“Always.”

She put the trays on the cabinet under the television and then sat back on the bed. Trixie lifted the cover and gave her puppy dog eyes and how was Yaz meant to resist that? She knew it was a bad idea and yet she let herself slip under the covers.

A little while later Trixie was clearly wilting and against her better judgement, Yaz lifted her arm and let Trixie lean against her.

“Okay?”

“Yeah. Thanks Yaz.”

“Trix… what did you mean earlier? When you said you didn’t matter?”

Trixie was quiet and tense and Yaz wished she hadn’t asked. Until -

“O is my oldest friend but he just, he gets in my head sometimes. Messes with my self esteem. But I don’t notice him doing it until someone else says something. He just… he made some comments today. Challenged me to the wrong thing. Triggered the wrong memories. And I just like, forgot to take care of myself. Forgot what this is all for. And then there were all those phone calls, that MP? Harriet Jones? She sounded so kind and so proud of me. And it just made me so mad. I’d lost sight of what this was about and then y’were being too nice and I just… I’m sorry.”

Yaz realised the woman in her arms was crying and pulled her closer. “It’s okay babe. It’s okay. Sh, sh. It’s okay. You are important and you do matter and you are loved, okay? And you’re doing something incredible and brilliant, just like you. Don’t you doubt that.”

Trixie turned in her embrace and buried her face in Yaz’s shoulder. “Thanks Yaz.”

“I’m proud of you, Trix.”

Trixie let out another little sob against her and Yaz held her close, dropping a kiss to her forehead. They stayed like that for a bit, before Trixie shuffled a bit to still watch the screen. Yaz stroked her fingers through soft blonde locks, making Trixie’s eyes droop adorably and soon she was snoozing on Yaz.

Yaz sat there wondering what to do next. This had been a phenomenally bad idea. She just wanted to stay here and hold Trixie through the night and forever and protect her from anything bad ever happening to her. But she couldn’t do that, so she just stroked her hair until the film ended.

She couldn’t reasonably stay any longer than that, this was already pushing it. She didn’t have Trixie’s permission to stay so she wouldn’t. Instead, she climbed out of bed and gently rearranged the sleeping woman, unable to stop herself dropping another kiss to the blonde’s hairline. She tucked a pillow closer and Trixie smiled, curling her arm around the remains of Yaz’s warmth and pulling it closer.

Yaz left the room, trying not to think how desperately she wanted to be that pillow.

Chapter Text

Day 5: Nottingham to Sheffield (10th March)

The last day was finally here. The weather was worsening again as they got further north, annoyingly having cleared and warmed up where they’d come from. There was more snow forecast and plenty settled already in Sheffield. There were a lot of hills to contend with too, and there’d been discussions of delaying but Trixie was determined to keep going. She’d had quite a few pep talks and some stern words from Bill and Amy, who were both doing morning stints. Clara and Rose were meeting them at lunchtime with DryRobes and would do the last two legs with them, Trixie closing the journey with Rose the way she started.

Yaz would be on standby the whole day to make sure that the team were well enough, warm enough and safe, and had the ability to call a halt or cancel if she deemed fit. It seemed like a lot of responsibility but there were already a few inches of snow and the presenters’ safety was more important than the challenge. Since it was so bright with all the white surrounding them, Yaz had dug out a pair of sunglasses from the bottom of her backpack that luckily always lived there to prevent her getting headaches. She cursed herself for not remembering then when she was on the bike herself the other day. Sunglasses in the snow in March seemed odd but she didn’t look as odd as the other two.

It was difficult to work out a balance between being warm enough and not overheating from exercise and, since their extremities would suffer the most, Bill and Trixie were now kitted out in thick gloves and leg warmers. Yaz grinned when she saw Trixie, rainbow wrist warmers bunched up as she swiped her hair back under her helmet. “Sexy look,” she said without thinking.

Trixie blushed and averted her gaze, pulling rainbows back over her hands.

Bill was oblivious to the impact of Yaz’s words. “Nah, I reckon it could be sexier. Add in the DryRobes we should get at lunchtime and it’ll be peak sexiness with these 80s leg warmers.”

“Good point, Bill. Now, follow me to warm up those muscles.”

The first part of the morning had gone okay, the snow slowing and Bill muttering her thanks to Yaz again for swapping the other day. They had a few radio call-ins to motivate them. There was an archaeologist called Lin who sounded very lovely and some kind words from someone called Laura, but Yaz’s favourite was a chaotic osteopath called Effie, who had stumbled over her words in her excitement about getting on the radio, gushing about what a great week this was, how she’d been donating every day.

When they’d changed over, Yaz had made sure Trixie ate and drank something, got Amy warmed up and on the bike and then climbed back in the car with a shivering Bill, working her magic until Bill felt relaxed, having warmed up under a towel and two blankets.

“I know Trickster has to cycle all day every day but that’s real nice, Yaz, and I’m getting a bit jealous of her getting to have you in her bed every evening.”

Yaz had choked and blushed, busying herself with something until she looked over and saw Bill smirking at her, smacking her on the arm. “Hey, stop it.”

“Sorry Yaz, too easy! You know what I meant.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Now Trixie was on the last half a mile before their lunch break with Amy and the rest of them were leaning out of the car, cheering them on. They were both knackered and cold but the promise of food and warmth drove them on and Bill blasted out Eye of the Tiger to motivate them.

Everyone was singing along and the smiles returned to frozen faces, the last push until a break. Amy was shouting encouragements at Trixie, knowing she herself would be done once this was over. Ryan was leaving them after lunch only to meet them in Sheffield later, taking the bags and making sure everything was set up so that when the interviews and social media content was done, Trixie could collapse into bed and not have to worry about anything. That meant the car would be mostly the presenter team cheering each other on to the finish line.

There was one last uphill section to the cafe where they were stopping and the car drove up ahead, parking outside the front. Ryan jumped out to go meet Clara and Rose and get set up inside, Rory setting his camera up and Bill sorting towels. Yaz stood on the side cheering them on. Clara came and stood next to her, grinning, and holding up some DryRobes. Amy appeared over the top of the hill first and Clara helped her into the green robe. But Trixie didn’t appear shortly after. Yaz and Clara exchanged a look and then Yaz was off, running down the road to find Trixie.

“Trix? Come on babe, you can do it! Where are you?”

Then she spotted her.

“Yaz, help!”

Trixie had clearly slipped in the snow and gone sideways and was now lying in a snowbank, looking like a beetle stuck on its back. True, the snowbank was only about 10cm deep but it must be cold on top of already cold for Trixie so Yaz did her best not to laugh.

“I’m coming,” Yaz said, trying to carefully pick her way down the road. She turned to Clara who was just behind. “Be careful, it’s slippery.”

No sooner had she said the words than she herself slipped, sliding into a cold wet heap at the bottom of the dip in the road. She sat up groaning.

“Yaz?” Trixie called.

“I’m fine! Just a bit cold and wet,” she replied, her ego bruised more than anything. “Coming your way.”

She managed to make her way back up, most of the road clear of ice from passing traffic, she’d just been an idiot that had stepped in the pile of mush that had formed in the middle. She and Clara reached Trixie at the same time and helped her up. Clara held up the blue robe for Trixie to slip into while Yaz picked up the bike, looking it over for any damage. The chain had come off but that seemed to be it. Ryan would be able to sort that. She turned and saw Clara holding up a spare red robe while Trixie clicked her helmet off.

“Good thing I brought a spare, isn’t it!” she quipped and Yaz laughed, gratefully slipping her arms into the warmth of the coat.

Then, together, they made their way up the hill, Clara and Yaz supporting Trixie. When they reached the top, the others, who had been standing nervously, all cheered, making Trixie smile.

“Right team, let’s get inside,” Clara said. “Ryan, can you have a look at this bike? Okay, T?”

At Trixie’s nod, Clara slid her hand away from the blonde and left her with Yaz, wheeling the bike over to the car with Ryan. Everyone else headed inside and Yaz set off but Trixie stopped her with a tug on her arm. She looked back at her to see warm hazel eyes filled with concern.

“Hey, you okay?”

“Trix, I should be asking you that.”

“I wasn’t the one who slid down a hill.”

“Only fell off a bike.”

“Tomato, tomato. You good?”

Yaz grinned. “Yeah. You?”

“Yeah. But um…”

“What?”

“Can I have a hug?”

“Of course.”

Yaz opened her arms and Trixie grabbed onto her, leaning herself at a weird angle so her head rested against Yaz’s shoulder and Yaz grinned. Trixie closed her eyes and held on tightly. Yaz wondered how she’d ever let this woman go. Still, she had to, both now and after the challenge.

“Come on, before you fall asleep on me.”

“Fine,” Trixie grumbled, straightening up. “But only because I’m hungry.”

As they walked towards the cafe entrance she shot a sheepish glance at Yaz. “I enjoyed cuddles last night.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Kinda wish you’d still been there this morning though.”

Yaz’s breath caught in her chest and she was about to say ‘me too’ and ruin all attempts at maintaining the professional relationship she was clinging to by her fingertips when the door swung open and Dan stepped out.

“Dan!” yelled Trixie and sped off, colliding with him in an overenthusiastic hug. “Didn’t know you were coming!”

“Thought I’d surprise you as a bit of extra motivation.”

“Brilliant!”

Trixie went into the cafe and Yaz smiled at Dan. “Hiya Scouse.”

“Hiya, uh, Sheffield. Doesn’t really work when three of you are from there.”

Yaz laughed. “Y’can call me Sheffield if you want, think I’m the only one who still lives there.”

“Trixie still has a flat there, switches between sometimes. But yeah, sure Sheffield.”

They made their way inside. “Can’t believe I’m going to Sheffield today an’ all, it’s a bit much.”

“What’s wrong with Sheffield?”

Dan shrugged. “Too close to Leeds.”

Yaz laughed and made her way inside, ready for some food and some dry clothes. Hot food was a priority before they could get Trixie under her hands and then back on the road.

The final slog into Sheffield should have been the worst bit. There was a fair amount of snow, it was very cold and Trixie had been on a bike for five days. But between the phone calls Clara was taking for them (Ella gushed about how much she’d missed Trixie’s show, Max had tried to flirt with Clara while Sally had been just enormously encouraging) and the people that had come out onto the frozen streets to cheer them on, the mood remained buoyant. They’d decided on a route that would ensure Trixie would hit her 40 hour goal and posted it on social media with a live tracker, drawing people out all over Sheffield despite the snow and cold temperatures.

For the last half a mile, the car sped ahead after a nod from the other two and Amy remained on the line with them, keeping up the encouragements into their headphones. Everyone piled out of the car, Rory setting up his camera alongside the ones already waiting, Clara meeting Dan and Ryan to sort out the microphones and Bill setting herself up for the Instagram Live feed.

Yaz hovered, waiting. She had had the DryRobes for both cyclists and had been told as soon as these initial interviews were over, she could get Trixie upstairs to try and work through today. She’d also have a bit of time to help Rose off the bike and into a recovery room while they waited for Trixie to chat online, but Rose would also be answering some questions before she could be properly busy. She didn’t really like the waiting but she knew all of this was more important.

Then the two presenters appeared around the last bend and Bill started talking to the phone she’d set up and Rory’s camera was following them. 100 metres, 50 metres, 20, 10, 5…

Everyone erupted in cheers as they crossed the finish line and pulled to a stop, throwing their hands up. Both women pulled themselves off their bikes and hugged. Rose turned to Yaz for her robe while Trixie threw her arms up towards the crowds who cheered. Trixie turned to Yaz in turn for her robe and the smile on her face was the most dazzling and beautiful thing Yaz had ever seen. She quickly fumbled with the coat and shrugged it onto Trixie’s shoulders.

“Good job babe.”

“Thanks Yaz. See you in a bit.”

Then Trixie turned towards the cameras and the microphones and did what she did best. She was larger than life, enthusiastic and ecstatic, making everyone laugh. Yaz wondered how on earth she’d not run out of energy yet but assumed she must be on an adrenaline high. Rose hung around for a few questions before limping over to Yaz who took her inside, easing some of the cramps from her legs.

“Brilliant job,” Yaz told her.

“Thanks. But I didn’t really do much, feel a bit bad closing it when I disappeared for four days of the challenge.”

“Yeah but you’ve been chatting to listeners and raising money. That side of things is every bit as important as the actual ride. Not to mention you’ve just ridden a bike through the snow for two hours. That’s not easy.”

Rose laughed and relaxed into a thoughtful smile. “You know, you’re every bit as lovely as Tricky said you are.”

Yaz blushed. Trix had been talking about her?

“I hope you stay in contact with us after this is over. Become one of the family now, after five days of barely being alone. The others all love you too.”

Yaz was really blushing now. She’d never worked out how to respond to compliments and didn’t fully understand why these people would like her when they were smarter and funnier than her, as well as famous. “Yeah, hopefully. Thanks.”

“I mean it, Tricky went on about you for ages. She’s not gonna just disappear out your life, trust me.”

Yaz laughed gently. “Yeah, I don’t wanna let her.”

Rose smiled back. She looked thoughtful again for a moment but before she could open her mouth to speak those thoughts, someone knocked on the door.

“Yaz? Trixie’s done with interviews if you’re done here?”

“Yeah, Rose?“

“Yeah, fine. I’ll let Tricky have your ‘magic fingers’ back.”

“See you later!”

Yaz followed Ryan out and along the corridor. Graham appeared with a tray and then they reached Trixie slumped against the wall by the lift.

“Oh, hey, come on,” Ryan said, sliding an arm around Trixie’s shoulders.

Yaz took her other side and they helped her move into the lift then along to her room and inside. Ryan got her up on the bed and Graham lay down the tray of food.

“Didn’t know what you fancied, cockle, so there’s a bit of everything there. Don’t worry if you don’t eat all of it, there’s more than you can probably manage but wanted to be safe. Okay? Night love.”

“I need you downstairs for breakfast briefing at 6.30, okay? Lots of radio time and a spot on BBC Breakfast. For this evening, you’ve got food and Yaz and bed. Don’t want you collapsing on us again and you look half asleep already.”

“Noidont,” Trixie slurred out.

“Proves my point. Goodnight Trixie. See you bright and early!”

Graham and Ryan left, leaving Yaz alone with Trixie. She nudged the tray. “Y’probably wanna eat that before it gets cold.”

“Okay. Share?”

“I’m fine, I can go grab dinner after.”

“Don’t want you just standing there watching me eat.”

Yaz smiled and gave in. “Oh go on then.”

Trixie flicked on the TV and grinned when she found Pitch Perfect 2, pressing play as she nibbled on a slice of pizza.

They ate in comfortable silence, appreciating the mix of foods Graham had brought. After a short while, Yaz started to get tired herself and shifted off the bed. “Right, better get started. You okay like that?”

She started working on Trixie’s legs while the film continued, but she felt hazel eyes on her, watching her hands. As she moved up skinny legs to Trixie’s thighs, there was an intake of breath she decided to ignore. Probably something in the film. She worked through methodically but quickly, wanting to let Trixie get to sleep soon.

“Are you up to showering?”

“Yeah. ‘M wide awake, me.”

“Okay, but I’ll hang around to make sure you don’t slip over and die.”

As Yaz went to move away and let Trixie get up, a hand caught hers. “Will you stay for a bit, after? Like last night? I don’t wanna be on my own just yet and I’m really not that close to sleeping.”

Yaz thought about it. It was a bad idea. She wasn’t sure if she’d be able to drag herself away a second night in a row. She just wanted to hold the blonde in her arms all night. That was very much not in her job description and she’d already pushed things so far. But… the job was over in the morning. They were only a few miles from her flat. It couldn’t hurt, could it?

“Sure,” she said, smile growing at Trixie’s resultant beaming grin.

“Go get your PJs so we can be proper comfy,” Trixie said, pausing the film and sliding her legs out of bed.

Yaz rolled her eyes. “Okay then.”

It was a bad idea and she knew it and she really shouldn’t be leaving in case something went wrong while Trix was in the shower but… she wanted this.

20 minutes later, she knocked gently. She’d given Trixie plenty of time to get dressed this time. The door opened a few seconds later and Trixie beamed at her. “Thought you weren’t coming back for a mo’ there.”

“Sorry, didn’t wanna barge in on you naked again.”

Trixie blushed. “That’s alright. Okay, hop up. I’ve been waiting for you to finish.”

She let Yaz climb into the bed next to her, flicked on the film and dropped the remote on the bedside table and then immediately wiggled back into Yaz. Yaz grinned and dropped her arm around the blonde and pulled her close. Trixie sighed contentedly.

She was breathing softly again when the film ended, Yaz herself fighting desperately to stay awake. She blinked sleepily a few times and tried to remember the ending. Maybe she had fallen asleep. She carefully pulled out from underneath Trixie and started to scoot out of bed before a warm hand on her arm stopped her.

“Stay?” said a soft sleepy voice.

“Are you sure?”

“Please.”

How could she resist that? She shuffled back over and sunk down next to Trixie, her head hitting the pillow as the blonde blinked sleepily at her. She reached up to brush a strand of hair out of Trixie’s face.

“Always.”

Trixie smiled with a hum and burrowed further into her pillow. “G’night Yaz.”

“Goodnight Trixie.”

They were both asleep quickly after that, facing each other, a desperate hope that this wouldn’t be the last time they slept in a bed together hovering somewhere in the middle. Dreams were filled with laughter and smiles and promises of the future.

Chapter Text

Day 6: Sheffield (11th March)

Yaz woke up in that dozy, not quite awake yet way where she wasn’t sure where she was or why she was so warm and heavy. It felt like she was lying on a heated blanket that was rocking her slightly. Maybe she was on a boat in the middle of the ocean. Maybe she had finally taken that time off to go on that holiday. She sighed happily and burrowed her face into the soft thing underneath her. The soft thing moved and an arm pulled her closer.

Just as her brain was trying to work out what was going on and who could be cuddling her, the door banged open and she jumped. She opened her eyes wearily and blinked. Oh, yeah. She’d ended up sleeping in Trixie’s bed. Not only that, she’d been asleep on Trixie, hand wrapped around a slim waist. A pale arm was wrapped around her shoulder and a chest rose up and down below her cheek.

“Oh! Uh… sorry to barge in on you… both.”

She looked around and sat up, prompting Trixie to moan quietly and tug gently, trying to bring her back down into the cuddle but Yaz held.

“Oh, um, hi Bill.”

“Sorry Yaz, I didn’t know you were… well I’m not surprised really, but… sorry for interrupting… this.” She waved her hand around and Yaz blushed.

“Oh, uh, nothing’s going on or anything. Trix just didn’t want to be alone so she asked me to stay for a bit and we fell asleep during the film.”

“Mhmm well if you could wake up your film buddy then we would appreciate you both downstairs asap. I came up to wake her because you’re both late for breakfast. I guess this means I don’t have to go to your room too, good thing I came here first.”

“Oh! Right. Sorry. Didn’t set any alarms. We’ll be right there.”

“Good. No… delays.”

Yaz blushed deeply again as Bill’s eyes slid between the two of them and the shape of their legs tangled together under the duvet. As she turned to go, Yaz called out.

“Bill? Don’t tell anyone? I don’t want this to start any rumours or anything. It really was just sleeping.”

Bill softened. “Okay Yaz. See you downstairs.”

Yaz rubbed her hand over her face as Bill left and then turned back towards Trixie. She looked so peaceful and calm in her sleep and she didn’t want to disturb that, but they were already 15 minutes late.

“Trixie? Trix?” She gently shook her shoulder. “Wake up, we’ve got work to do.”

Trixie’s face scrunched up. “Mmf. Yaz? Hiya Yaz. No, let’s go back to sleep.”

Yaz laughed gently. “Come on, Trix. We’re already late for breakfast.”

“Don’t care, just want cuddles,” Trixie said, trying to pull Yaz back in.

“Babe. You’ve got a job to do. Bill just came in and told us to be downstairs asap.”

That made Trixie’s eyes slam open. “Bill? Oh shit. Oh I am never gonna hear the end of this. Oh.” She screwed up her face and then sat up.

“Yeah. Now go on, get dressed. I’m gonna go to my own room and get ready. I’ll meet you downstairs.”

Trixie was hiding her face in the pillow, out of tiredness or embarrassment or both, Yaz wasn’t sure. “Promise me you’ll get up?”

“I promise.”

“Okay. See you in a few minutes.”

Then before her brain could catch up to what she was doing, Yaz dropped a kiss on the side of Trixie’s head and shuffled out of bed, returning to her own room with her head in her hands.

When she appeared downstairs a few minutes later, people wished her good morning but no one except Bill batted an eyelid at her alarms excuse, so clearly she’d kept her promise not to tell. Yaz had made it through half a piece of toast and a sip of tea before Trixie appeared and everyone started cheering. The blonde looked adorably embarrassed and Yaz just wanted to ruffle her hair and kiss the redness from her cheeks.

Hmm, maybe not. That was not what this was. She was getting far too ahead of herself for two friends who had a sleepover. Despite what Bill may have thought, nothing had happened except sleep. Some cuddles maybe. Yaz waking up with her head on Trixie’s chest and feeling safe. But that didn’t mean anything, Yaz couldn’t assume. She wouldn’t. After today, Trixie would pack up and head back to London and Yaz would return to the normal life she’d forgotten about for the last five days. Just Martha and Donna and Sam and their normal regular clients who didn’t make Yaz want to push them up against the wall and kiss them senseless.

She had to have some boundaries somewhere. No more thoughts of Trixie in anything other than a professional setting.

Trixie smiled at her before going to get her breakfast and the rule Yaz had just made for herself had already vanished in a puff of smoke. She smiled down at her plate and tried not to think how Trix had just wanted to pull her back into her embrace, insistent she was more important than work.

“What are you grinning about this morning?” Dan asked and Yaz looked up, feeling a bit caught out.

“Oh, just proud of Trix and the team. And I get to go home today.”

“Oh yeah, forgot you lived here. Sorry about that, what a shame.”

“Mate, you’re from Liverpool, you can hardly talk.”

“Yeah so I come from the best place, dunno what you’re on about.”

“Well, best place certainly ain’t the estate where I grew up,” Rose threw in. “Always graffiti everywhere.”

“Don’t the place you live in now have graffiti everywhere too?” Bill asked.

“Yeah, didn’t say I’d upgraded, did I?”

Yaz smiled around at the team as they made their way through their food, casually trading insults about where the others all lived. Yaz learnt that Rory and Amy had grown up together in the same sleepy town in Gloucestershire and reconnected recently when the challenge team were brought together. They’d all been training for a couple of months before they went, mostly to encourage Trixie, and Rory had been brought in to get clips of that part of the challenge too.

It reminded Yaz that she’d only been on the team for a few days and she’d be heading back to reality now. She really needed to call Martha, having forgotten to the other night after the feel of Trixie sleeping in her embrace had left her thoughts in a flurry. Hopefully she might even manage to visit Martha soon.

Ryan interrupted both the conversations and the clamour of Yaz’s thoughts by standing on a chair and tapping a glass. “Alright, alright. Well team, we did it!” A cheer went up from the group. “Sorry for still dragging you up at this hour, some of us have a busy schedule today so a few quick points. Firstly, there’s still a week to go until Red Nose Day itself and Rory and Bill need to make sure they’ve sent all their content over to Ana in the office to sort out the promo stuff for TV and social media. Secondly, if you are not one of our usual Radio 1 team, you are not technically needed but I’d love to get a final clip from each of you on your thoughts so if, Rory, you could do that, that would be fab. Thirdly, since that means some of you will be leaving I want to make sure we get our team photo before anyone goes anywhere so everyone take one of the red noses Graham is handing out. Finally, after the photo, if all the presenters could come on over to me and I’ll make sure you know your schedule for today and tomorrow. Okay, great. Noses on and come stand over this side everyone!”

There was a chaotic flurry of chairs scraping back as everyone stood and collected under a large Red Nose Day sign. Yaz smiled widely for the photo, proud to have been part of the fundraising efforts. Hopefully the money they’d raised would go out to charities all over the country and make a great impact. She’d always wanted to help people and this was far bigger than her usual sessions could manage.

There was then a bit of faffing around as Rory set up his camera and filmed Graham’s bit about the fact he’d miss his fancy car. Yaz stepped up to the spot and found herself uncertain what to say. Rory gave her an encouraging smile and nod. Yaz smiled.

“I have had the most brilliant week working with Trixie and the rest of the team. They’ve all been so welcoming and funny and I’m gonna miss them. My funniest moment was definitely when I made Trixie have an ice bath and she told me it was a violation of the Geneva Convention and classed as torture. Might have been a bit mean after the snow.”

Rory gave her a thumbs up and Yaz grinned back, stepping away. She looked around at everyone working away busily, the presenters group focusing on Ryan’s “sexy spreadsheet”. He’d been quite proud of it. She sighed and turned to Graham.

“Ready to go?”

“Come on then cockle. I’m sure you’ll see them again soon, they’re all gonna be missing your massages.”

Yaz laughed and they started to head out to pack up and check out. She stopped in her tracks, exchanging a confused look with Graham as someone whooped and then started clapping and then everyone was clapping. But weirdest of all, everyone was looking at them.

“Thanks guys! Miss you already!” Trixie called, making a heart with her hands and then enthusiastically clapping again. The rest of the team all called out a chorus of cheers and thank yous and Yaz felt a tear come into her eye. She’d never felt so appreciated as she did in that moment.

“Come on then,” Graham beamed at her again and they made their way out, waving behind them again. They didn’t see how Trixie watched them until after the last corner of Graham’s elbow had made it out of the door, a forlorn look on her face.

When Yaz got back to her flat, she groaned. She had left it in an absolute state the other night when she’d left in a rush. She flicked the kettle on to make tea and then realised her milk had gone off. She texted Martha telling her she’d come over for lunch and a catch up and flicked on some music, starting on the chaos. She dumped all of her laundry in the machine and tidied up, finishing well before lunchtime so she decided to flick on the tv.

She’d managed to catch the end of Trixie’s section on ITV’s Saturday morning show. She realised she should have got a copy of the schedule off Ryan to follow along with the team’s appearances today. The blonde was smiling broadly, cracking jokes about things that had happened over the week, like falling over in a snowbank and Yaz falling over trying to save her. Yaz grinned and watched as they flicked through some clips. Her breath caught as they went past a shot of her and Trixie in that first snow, sticking their tongues out together, Trixie opening her eyes and looking at Yaz like she was the most amazing thing in the world.

She blinked and the shot was gone, replaced by one of Clara and Trix on the standing bikes from the first day. Yaz blinked again. Surely she’d imagined that. There was no way that Trixie was looking at her like that. That’s how she wanted to look at Trixie all the time, the most beautiful, witty and intelligent person Yaz had ever met. She clicked the television off and closed her eyes. Time to go see Martha.

Chapter Text

Day 6 (cont.)

Mickey opened the door to the flat and pulled Yaz into a hug. “Hiya. She’s in the living room, I’ll go make us tea.”

Yaz thanked him and headed into the living room where Martha was lying across the sofa. “Hi babes! How are you feeling?”

Martha’s eyes lit up. “Yazzy! You’re back! Hi darling.”

Yaz laughed. “Hiya. Scooch.”

Martha lifted her legs out of the way slightly and Yaz sat on the end of the sofa, rearranging Martha’s feet on her lap and tucking the blanket over herself. “How’s the pain?”

Martha screwed up her face. “Codeine is weird. Convinced myself Mark Ruffalo was my best friend the other day and was very confused when I found out he wasn’t. I’m so bored of it, Yaz. Just wanna be back to work now.”

Yaz laughed and rubbed her leg. “Yeah, well, gotta let someone take care of you for once. Mickey seems to be doing a good job.”

The man in question appeared at that moment with a tray of tea for them all and grinned. “She doesn’t make it easy.”

“He’s a star, honestly. Very patient with me being super grumpy about not being able to be out there this week.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry,” Yaz said sympathetically.

“Looked like you had a great time though! We’ve been watching along and listening in.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah! You like Trixie then?”

Yaz laughed, a warm feeling settling in her chest. “Yeah, she’s great. Brilliantly funny and so sweet and kind.”

“And a nightmare to treat because she never sits still?”

“No, I actually didn’t really have any issues! Except for when she was being a stubborn mule on Thursday. We got there in the end though.”

“Oh, weird. She was always aching to move onto the next thing with me.”

“But I suppose that was in real life. Next thing for us was either more cycling or dinner and bed. Followed by more cycling.”

“Mmm true,” Martha hummed. “But I think she likes you.” She poked Yaz in the thigh with her toe, grinning mischievously at her.

Yaz laughed and felt that warmth grow again. “Yeah, we’ve developed a good friendship. I’m gonna miss her.”

“At least you can listen in to her show,” Mickey pointed out, settled in the armchair with his cuppa.

“Yeah, true,” Yaz sighed. “And I won’t have to worry about her falling into a snowbank that way.”

Martha’s eyes gleamed. “Right, tell me everything. I want all of the stories and all of the gossip please.”

Yaz laughed and indulged her, continuing their laughter over a lunch Mickey regretfully left the room to prepare. He disappeared again after they ate to do the washing up.

As things went quiet and Yaz was thinking of leaving, Martha poked her with her toe again. “What?”

“Is it just friendship?”

“What do you mean?”

“You seem, I dunno. Calmer. More relaxed. And yet so sad. Seems like she did you some good and you don’t wanna leave the bubble yet.”

“Yeah, it felt nice to just let go a bit. Let someone else be in charge of everything so I could just do my job and have fun.”

“It seems more than that. Like someone has finally cracked out that heart you keep locked away.”

Yaz ducked her head. “It’s not… well it’s not not like that.”

“I knew it,” Martha grinned. “What haven’t you told me?”

Yaz blushed. “I might have slept over in her room last night.”

“Yaz! You sneaky devil! You weren’t gonna tell me?”

“Well it was literally just sleeping and I don’t want people thinking anything of it. Bill already found us this morning and I don’t want there to be rumours.”

“As if I’d be spreading rumours! Oh, but being caught by Bill must have been a moment, I can just imagine.” Martha laughed and it made Yaz smile.

“She was quite apologetic for disturbing us both and told us no more delays getting to breakfast.”

Martha laughed again and then winced. “Ow. Not supposed to laugh.”

“Sorry.”

“Not your fault. But Yaz, babes, how do you feel about it?”

“Nothing, it didn’t mean anything.”

“Did you want it to mean anything?”

Yaz’s breath caught. Yeah, she did. But it didn’t mean anything, nothing would come of it. She was just uselessly pining. She’d let her heart break out of its cage without her noticing and now she held it in her hand uselessly, nowhere to put it but right back behind the lock she’d built after being dumped at uni, vowing she wouldn’t waste time on relationships.

Martha noticed the change in her mood immediately. “Oi, hey. Stop it. You’re allowed to feel your emotions, Khan. You’ve finally let yourself feel something, don’t beat yourself up for it.”

Yaz threw a wobbly smile at her. “But she’ll be heading back to London tonight or tomorrow. I don’t have any excuse to see her again.”

Martha wriggled to be closer, wincing as she did, and Yaz put out a hand to stop her which Martha took. “Yaz, I may not have been out there with you but from what you’ve told me and from what I’ve seen on tv, this isn’t it. She’ll reach out to you. You’ll see.”

Yaz hummed noncommittally. Trix had no logical reason to see her again.

“Just promise me, babes, that if she does, you’ll think about what that means.”

“Martha, it won’t mean anything.”

“Mhmm. You’ll see. You like her and she likes you back.”

Yaz sighed. “Alright. IF she wants to see me again and hang out without it being for a massage, then I’ll consider asking her out.”

Martha whooped. “Excellent, my job here is done.”

Yaz smiled at her. “Thanks Martha, you’re the best best friend.”

“Yeah, I am,” Martha said smugly. “But you’re a very close second.”

Mickey walked back in as Yaz awkwardly leant down to hug Martha carefully. “Ah, you’re not getting sappy are you?”

Yaz laughed and stood up. “Don’t worry, I’m off. Thanks, Mick. See you both soon!” She headed out of the flat and walked home, head swirling with what Martha had said.

When she got home, her mind just kept on swirling and she couldn’t focus on any one thing. She decided to head out to the gym and work out some of her energy. After all, she’d only actually done four hours of exercise this week. She usually did more than that. She’d been too distracted by Trixie to go for a run or the hotel gym or anything in the second half of the week.

She headed over to the treadmills to start off after her warm up, putting in her headphones and running to the beat of the pounding music. It quietened the chaos in her head as she focused on her breathing and the repetitive thump of her feet. She only did 5km, telling herself she’d do a proper 10k around Sheffield in the morning. She slowed down and walked for a minute as her heart rate came back down before clicking it off and making her way to the weights part of the room.

She spent a while alternating lifting weights with doing pull ups, chin ups, sit ups and push ups. She found herself thinking how Trixie would pull a face and say that was a lot of ups and laughed softly to herself. Trixie would probably last about 5 minutes of her work out before complaining that it was boring and she was tired. Yaz dragged in a breath as Martha’s words popped into her head and she pushed them away, instead focusing on the next set of reps.

She was definitely avoiding the bike today.

Deciding that her mind and body were both tired enough for today, she did some cool down stretches and then headed for the locker rooms for a shower and some clean clothes.

The radio was playing in the lobby and as she walked through, pulling her earbuds out, she heard a familiar laugh and looked around excitedly before realising Trixie was on the radio, not in the room. She slowly sank into a chair by the water fountain to listen.

“An absolute mess,” Trixie was joking. “Protested my way through the ice bath a couple of days before and then there I was, lying in the snow like a flipped beetle. Best part was, though, that people came to help me and Yaz just decked it and ended up even wetter than me! Slid right down the hill. I was lying there like, so much for a rescue party.”

The other presenter, not one of the team who’d been on the road, laughed. “Which one is Yaz?”

Yaz could practically hear Trixie perk up, knowing she’d just bounced up in her seat from the sound of her voice. “My physio!” She tried not to think about how just the thought of her had made the blonde react like that, instead trying to focus on the words gushing out of Trixie’s mouth.

“She’s absolutely brilliant, would not have got through the week without her, saved me on multiple occasions. Always managed to put a smile on my face, even when it were snowing and I was freezing cold and soaked to the skin.”

Yaz sat there blushing, a smile growing on her face. If only she could see Trixie, or let her know that she was listening. But somehow she’d managed to leave with only Ryan, Bill and Dan’s numbers, completely forgetting to get Trixie’s since she’d got the others on day one, when she’d barely seen Trix let alone been her friend.

“Good to have people on your team you get on with,” the other presenter continued, completely unaware of Yaz’s turmoil.

“Yeah, but I nearly fell out with her when she made me have an ice bath! Proper torture, never doing that again!”

There was a laugh and Yaz’s grin grew as she remembered Trixie’s protestations. For half a second she wondered why she had only done one, then blushed as she remembered the next two evenings were spent cuddled up in bed together.

“Nah, but she saved me, really. Thursday evening was… a bit of a low point for me. But Yaz scooped me right up and put me right. Gonna miss her after all this. One of the best people I’ve ever known.”

“That’s sweet. Almost a million pounds raised for charity and a new friend.”

“And legs made of jelly,” Trixie joked back.

Before all of this had started, Yaz had wondered why Trixie was doing this for Comic Relief but now she knew. She was brilliantly funny, always cracking jokes and a brilliant radio presence. She couldn’t think of a better advocate for this challenge.

“But yeah, we’d love to hit our goal of one million pounds and we are so close. To donate £5, text give to 70205 or to donate £10, text give to 70210. It’d mean so much to me and the whole team if we could hit that target!”

“Absolutely amazing. Well, thanks for joining us, Trixie.”

“My pleasure, always great seeing you, Harry.”

“Alright, thanks Trixie! Just to reiterate, to donate text give to…”

Yaz stood up and made her way to the changing rooms, realising she’d just been sitting in the lobby grinning like an idiot. Trixie thought she was one of the best people she’d ever met. She’d met all sorts of celebrities and musicians and Yaz was one of the best. Maybe there would be hope for them to stay friends after this. Yaz could only keep her fingers crossed for that and maybe more.

Chapter Text

Day 7: Sheffield (12th March)

Yaz woke up at about half past nine on Sunday morning and stretched, enjoying the feeling of a lie-in in her own bed. She stayed there for a bit, scrolling through her phone and catching up on things she’d missed in the last week. She grinned as Trixie’s face came up on her social media. She’d been part of the TK Maxx Red Nose Day promotional campaign and was pictured in a grey jumper, the character Mr Messy on the front with the words “marvellously messy”. Trixie’s hair had been all teased out into a birds nest and she was smiling over a matching Mr Messy mug. Yaz laughed out loud. The make up department had probably spent an hour making her hair look like that but it wasn’t far off how Trixie woke up. Then her breath caught as she realised how privileged she was to know that.

She wondered briefly if she was a messy person in real life and what her bedroom at home was like, before shaking the thought from her brain and ripping herself out of bed for a run.

Thoughts like that didn’t help.

Just over an hour later, she was towel drying her hair after her post-10k shower when her phone buzzed. It was an unknown number but she smiled. It was Trixie, saying she’d got her number off Bill and that she hoped that was ok. Then the phone buzzed again in her hand with a second message asking if she wanted to hang out. Her heart leapt into her throat. Trixie wanted to hang out, just them, just for fun.

Yaz quickly tapped out a response asking if Trixie fancied brunch, to which she received a very enthusiastic “I LOVE BRUNCH!!!!”. She grinned and started getting ready, pausing by her chest of drawers and the makeup that was spread on top. She quickly started throwing on some eyeliner and mascara while she waited for Trixie to reply about where. Trix said she couldn’t walk far still and sent Yaz a pin, who smiled. She loved that place. She texted confirmation, added a purple lipstick and some large gold and pearl ring earrings and then she was ready to go, pulling the sleeves of her large white jumper over her hands to keep warm under her leather jacket.

Luckily it wasn’t too far and she was soon stepping into the warmth of the cafe. Trixie was already sitting at a table and waved her over with a big grin that made Yaz’s stomach flip and warmth spread through her chest.

“Hi Yaz!”

“Hiya Trix. How are you feeling?”

Trixie’s face scrunched up. “Not great, it’s almost like I’ve spent 40 hours on a bike this week!”

They both laughed and Yaz flicked her eyes over the menu. “Do you come here often?”

“Yeah, I have a flat right round the corner and their pancakes are the best. You?”

“Yeah,” Yaz smiled. “I meet my sister here a lot, I love their milkshakes.”

Trixie gasped. “They do milkshakes? Oh I’m all over that.”

Yaz grinned at the ridiculous woman in front of her. “You’re like a child sometimes.”

“What, only sometimes?”

Oh she was done for. Her heart was building a shrine to this woman and Yaz was unable to stop it, even if she had wanted to. Trixie had found the key that fit the lock Yaz had placed on her heart and now was working to get it pounding again, trickling butterflies down to erupt in her stomach and stealing the breath from her lungs. It was too soon to be feeling so much, Yaz had no idea if Trix even liked her back, but Martha’s words rang in her head and she tried to focus on the fact Trix had messaged her first.

She was interrupted from her open admiration of the blonde in front of her by a waiter. Yaz ordered the Big Vegan Breakfast and white chocolate milkshake. Trixie asked for the bacon American pancakes - with extra syrup - and the Biscoff milkshake. Yaz grinned.

“Can eat what you want now, don’t need to be trying to fuel and fix 8 hours on a bike.”

“Yeah,” Trixie said with a grin. “I’ve got a massive sweet tooth. I’ve already had two Mars bars and a Twix earlier.”

“I can see that,” Yaz chuckled. How this woman stayed slim with a diet like that, Yaz wasn’t sure.

“Important question for you, Yaz, make or break.”

“Okay,” Yaz said nervously.

“What’s your favourite in a Celebrations box?“

Yaz let out a relieved laugh. “Probably a Twix or Galaxy Caramel.”

Trixie nodded. “Okay good, good. I like Milky Way and Mars. What about Bounty’s?”

“Oh obviously you never pick them as a first choice but when you get to the end of the box and they’ve all been left? Jackpot.”

Trixie smiled widely. “A woman after my own heart.”

If only she knew.

Their milkshakes arrived and they thanked the waiter, taking a long sip each and smiling as the flavours erupted on their tongues.

“Mmmmm that’s so good,” Trixie moaned. Yaz felt her ears turn pink. “How’s yours?”

“It’s, yeah, it’s great. Wanna try?”

“Yeah, here, try mine. Mmm that’s so good!”

“Mm yous is a bit sweet. It’s nice but I couldn’t drink the whole thing.”

“Nah, it’s great. Your one is well good. I’ll definitely get it next time I come.”

Yaz smiled at Trixie as she sucked on her straw. She quickly cleared her throat to distract herself from her brain running away with that image. “So, Celebrations, Heroes or Roses?”

“Oh! That’s a tricky one. Hmmm. You missed out Quality Streets!”

“Oh yeah,” Yaz said with a laugh.

They kept discussing which chocolates were best until their food came, Trixie’s eyes going wide at the steaming pile of pancakes. They were already drizzled in syrup but she was given an extra jug, which she poured over with glee. Yaz pulled a face and tucked into her hash browns and beans.

“Did you know they call pancakes flapjacks in America sometimes?” Trixie supplied, popping a forkful of the goopy mess into her mouth.

“Really? So what do they call flapjacks?”

“Dunno, don’t think they’ve got them.”

“Have you ever been to America?”

“Went to the US a couple times a few years back to visit me mate Jack, but haven’t been in a while.”

“That’s cool, I’ve not left Europe.”

“I love Europe though. It’s so brilliant, we’ve got all this culture and diversity right on our doorstep and being able to just travel round different countries easily and cheaply is at our fingertips.”

Yaz smiled at Trixie’s enthusiasm. “Oh yeah? What’s your favourite place you’ve been in Europe then?”

Trixie launched into a story about the time she saw a random article on the internet and ended up staying five days in a random town in Czechia, despite only booking two nights initially. She was expressive and bright, using her hands to explain how the river flowed through the old city, flinging bits of maple syrup everywhere. Her eyes were full of wonder as she told Yaz about the best ice cream she’d ever had and then crinkled with mirth as she told the story of the castle bear. All through it, Yaz listened with rapt attention, feeling herself falling further for this ridiculous woman. She wished she could have been there, bobbing down the river on inflatable doughnuts and splashing their way down the weir. She sighed as she finished her food and rested her cutlery, just as Trixie launched into a story about beer being cheaper than water and smoked cheeses.

She was gorgeous, funny, brilliant, kind, clever and had travelled a lot. Maybe one day she’d take Yaz with her and they could explore together. For now, Trixie got to the end of her story and blushed as she noticed Yaz was smiling softly at her.

“Sorry, that were a bit longer than I meant it to be, sometimes forget to let other people talk. Why I went into radio, then I can chat for a living. What about you? Where’s your favourite place?”

Yaz grinned. “Well, my family used to go to Crete in Greece when I were a kid. My grandparents went too but stayed in a different house in the same village. Me and Sonya used to run down the roads barefoot then stuff our shoes back on when we got to their gate, claiming we’d worn them the whole way while leaving little black footprints all over the tiles.”

They both laughed and Yaz thought she’d never seen Trix so openly relaxed.

“Went a few times to the same village to the point the local taverna owner recognised us. They had amazing food.”

“I love Greek food!”

“Me too. Great for veggies too.”

“Oh yeah! How was your veggie breakfast?”

“It was good! I can tell you enjoyed your pancakes, you’ve got syrup smeared all over your face,” Yaz said with a laugh.

Trixie started rubbing it away with a napkin then looked up at Yaz. “Got it?”

“No, still some on your cheek.”

Trix rubbed again but still missed. “Here, let me,” Yaz said. Leaning over the table, she picked up her own napkin, took Trix’s chin between two fingers and gently wiped at her cheek.

Trix’s breath caught and her eyes were looking only at Yaz. Yaz noticed how close she’d let herself get, one hand still holding Trix’s chin, the napkin in her other hand forgotten. She stared into gold flecked hazel eyes and felt their breaths mingle. Trix looked between her eyes and then down and it was Yaz’s turn to feel her breath hitch.

There was the clang of a dropped tray and the moment shattered, Yaz dropping back into her seat. Trix looked a bit dazed and muttered “I’m just going to the bathroom.”

What was that? Had that been the moment? If uninterrupted, would one of them have closed the distance and confirmed what they each hoped was happening? Who would have been the one to do so?

Yaz realised she was clutching the napkin to her chest and pulled out her phone. She texted Martha, telling her she was out at brunch with Trixie and there’d been a Moment. Martha replied almost immediately with “seeeeee!!!! Told you so. Have fun xxxx”. Yaz smiled and put her phone down as she noticed Trix returning.

Then she frowned at Trix’s obvious limp. Trix sat down with a wince. “What’s up?”

“You’re limping a lot.”

“Yeah, I just spent five days on a bike.”

“Let me help?”

Trix grinned. “You sure? I didn’t wanna ask you out to lunch and then it seem like I only wanted to see you so I could get a massage, but I’d absolutely love one. My place is right around the corner, so we can go there?”

Yaz’s heart fluttered. Trix just wanted her company for her, not for what she could do. “Of course. Let’s go pay.”

“Oh I already paid!”

“What?” Yaz paused halfway through shrugging her leather jacket on.

Trixie picked up her own coat, looking at it closely and then clumsily putting her arms in the sleeves. “Um, well, I wanted to spend time and I asked you and uh, yeah, well, I just wanted to say thank you. For this week. For being awesome. And helping me get by.”

They were both blushing. “You’re welcome,” Yaz said softly. “But you didn’t need to do that.”

“It’s okay. Come on, let’s go,” Trix said, hopping up and reaching a hand out for Yaz’s. She led them out of the cafe and stopped at a building literally just around the corner.

Yaz laughed. “You really weren’t joking.”

Trix grinned. “Nope! Now just gotta find my keys…”

Her hands plunged into the pockets of the long grey coat she was wearing. She pulled out a Babybel wrapper, a squashed rainbow pompom, a screwdriver, a frog key ring and then finally a key with a fob. She tapped the fob on the sensor by the door as she stuffed the rest back in and then held the door open for Yaz.

“After you!”

As they climbed the stairs Yaz wondered out loud. “Why don’t you put the key ring on the key? Or the pompom. Would make it easier to find.”

“Yaz! You’re a genius. Why didn’t I think of that?”

Yaz laughed. “I dunno.”

They reached the first floor and moved down the corridor to flat 13. Trix opened the door with a flourish. “Welcome to my humble abode.”

Yaz stepped inside. She was in a comfortable open plan kitchen/living room, a big purple sofa under a big window on one side facing a television surrounded by bookcases, counters along the back and two doors by the bookcases. There was stuff everywhere. Trinkets from Trixie’s travels, books with bookmarks randomly scattered through them, potted plants along the windowsill. It was tidy though and Yaz wondered if that was for her sake. For someone who supposedly lived and worked in London, Trixie had made quite the cosy home here.

She looked round and realised Trix was waiting nervously and she smiled. “I love it.”

“Really?”

“Really. Now, bed or sofa?”

“Sofa!” Trixie said immediately and Yaz grinned. She had a suspicion the bedroom might not have been tidied. She looked Trixie up and down. She was in loose blue culottes that cut off at mid-calf before they met the odd socks below, yellow braces and a blue jumper with a rainbow stripe across it above.

“Do you wanna get into something easier to work with?”

“Oh yeah! Sure.” Trixie hobbled into her room and Yaz perched on the sofa while she waited, looking around at the pictures and smiling at how happy Trix looked in all of them, marvelling at how many friends she had. Not that it really surprised her, bundle of joy as Trix was. There were none from when she was little but Yaz figured that was fair enough, she only had two because they were family photos.

Trixie dashed out of her room with a gasp that set Yaz on edge. “I haven’t offered you tea yet! I’m a bad host.”

Yaz relaxed with a smile. “It’s okay, no rush. But yes, tea would be lovely.”

“Okay!” Trixie chirped and Yaz smiled at the way she dashed around her kitchen. She was still in her culottes but on her top half she just wore a black sports bra covered in tiny suns and moons. As she walked over to Yaz, tongue sticking out as she concentrated on not dropping anything, Yaz noticed there were little constellations of stars on it too. Then she decidedly unnoticed. She wouldn’t be weird and stare at Trix’s bra.

She smiled a thanks at Trix for the tea, who stood back nervously while Yaz poured in some milk and took a sip.

“Sorry the milk is just in the bottle, I don’t have a milk jug.”

“That’s ok, Trix. Now go get some other trousers on.”

Trix looked down at herself and squeaked. Yaz grinned into her tea and then stood up to put away the milk. There wasn’t much in the fridge except the milk and some Babybels, but she’d been on the road same as Yaz.Trix really did love Babybels.

Trixie reappeared with rainbow patterned cycling shorts on. “Ok, I’m ready!”

Yaz stayed out of the way for Trix to lie down, but the blonde woman just threw her entire body at the sofa in the most chaotic manner possible, making the piece of furniture rock on its feet. She had at least got her aim right and was lying face down along the length of the sofa. Yaz grinned and went to work.

Normally they chatted while she worked but today there was just a comfortable silence. As she worked up Trix’s legs and around her hips and bum, Yaz noticed Trix’s breathing pick up a bit. Her skin felt cool against nimble hands as Yaz massaged Trix’s pale back and shoulders. Eventually, she asked Trix to flip over to work on the front of her thighs and hips.

The sofa was at a bit of an awkward height and with just hips and thighs to go, Yaz told Trix to sit up and lean back, then knelt up between her spread legs. She felt the heat of hazel eyes on her as she worked. She tried desperately hard not to think of what would happen if she just surged forwards and kissed Trix, or what was right there and could maybe be hers in a different context one day. By the time she was nearly done, she’d worked herself up a little bit, despite her best efforts. She looked up and saw Trix watching her with a desperate look on her face, her chest flushed and heaving.

That concerned her. She leant up, cupping Trix’s cheek. “Trix?”

Trix’s eyes went wide. “Wanna go bowling?” she said in a rush.

Yaz was taken aback. That’s not what she’d been expecting. She didn’t have to think about her answer. More time with Trix? Always. “Yeah,” she said.

Trix nodded and jumped up. “I’m, uh, gonna go get changed then. Yep. See you in a minute.”

She disappeared into her room and shut the door. Yaz was left wondering what on earth that was about. Trixie didn’t appear very quickly so Yaz scrolled through her phone for a bit.

Eventually Trixie reappeared in what she’d been wearing earlier, a big smile on her face. “Sorry I was a bit slow, got a bit tangled and the braces wouldn’t do up, fingers are a bit flappy. Let’s go!”

Yaz followed her out and the door was a few centimetres from closing when Trix gasped and banged back in. “Nearly forgot my key again,” she said sheepishly as she re-emerged a moment later, holding up the offending item. “Swear this thing has legs.”

Yaz laughed and set off for the stairs.

Chapter Text

Day 7 (cont.)

They pushed out into the cold wintry air as they set off for the bowling.

“Brr, so much for spring!”

“It’s supposed to be 11° tomorrow! Why wasn’t it 11° last week?” grumbled Trix.

Yaz started slightly as cold fingers slipped into her hand, but she intertwined their fingers and let Trix swing their joined hands between them while they walked.

“I’m worried all the daffodils are gonna die. It would be sad, I love daffodils. Do you like daffodils?”

“Yeah, and sunflowers. Bright, yellow. Happy.”

Trixie squeezed her hand. “I like that. Daffodils bring promise of warmth and sunshine. Not that I see that sitting in my box of a studio, but I don’t like the darkness of winter.”

“Only a few weeks til the clocks change.”

“True!” Trix said, bouncing along the pavement. “So much nicer leaving work in the light.”

“What time are you usually on?”

“Weekdays 3 til 7. Drive time. But I gotta be in work for meetings and stuff from 11. And I get a kinda break this week, only need to be for the shows in the Sheffield studio.”

Yaz made a mental note that maybe she could see Trix again before she went home. “Quite a late working day, I do 8.30-5.”

Trix shrugged. “It suits me, I’m a bit of a night owl. Not usually good at sleeping. Last week was an anomaly.”

“I guess you finish late but you also get a lie in.”

“Yeah, suits me. You probably noticed I’m not a morning person.”

Yaz laughed. “You can say that again.”

“You probably noticed I’m not a morning person.”

Yaz laughed at that and Trix’s smug grin only made her laugh harder. “That was terrible.”

“Still made you laugh though.”

“Yeah. Come on, we’re here.”

Yaz pulled Trix inside and they each paid for two games. Trix scrunched up her nose. “I didn’t like wearing smelly shoes that have touched a thousand feet but it does kinda feel like it’s missing something when you don’t have to put on clown shoes, doesn’t it?”

Yaz laughed and led them to their lane, noticing the way Trix eyed the slushie machines with a sad sigh. She vowed to get her one later. “Dunno why we ever needed them.”

Trixie shrugged as she put their names in the machine. “Probably so it was cleaner and to stop people wearing heels. Bumpers? I’m having them on.”

“Sure,” Yaz said with a grin.

“I know it’s supposedly not cool as an adult, but neither is getting a total score of four.”

Yaz laughed. “Ah, I think I’d beat you then. I reckon I could get 13.”

“Oh yeah? I could take them off if you want. Make it a challenge?”

“Maybe for the second game. Give us a chance to get warmed up.”

“Ah I see, you’re a big fan of getting warmed up.”

“I’m a physio, wanna make sure you’re being careful, not hurting yourself. Lots of fun in the warm up if you do it right.”

Was that flirting? That definitely felt like it should be flirting. The way Trixie’s eyes slid over Yaz’s body definitely made her feel like she had indeed been flirting.

“Better get started then. Show me what you’re made of.”

Yaz blushed and moved forward to bowl her first ball. Even with the barriers, she only knocked over four and she hid her face as she went to grab a second ball. That one managed to nick two more, giving her a score of 6. She walked back over to Trixie.

“That was awesome!”

“Really?”

“Yeah! Oh. This is gonna be hard.”

Yaz laughed as Trixie bounced up to the rack, humming as she looked over the choice of balls. She picked one up and looked like she was going to keel over, her eyes going wide in panic and it only made Yaz giggle more. Trix shot her a grin and then picked a green ball, moving up to send it down the lane. Yaz watched as it curved away right at the end and knocked over 2 pins.

Trixie jumped up and down in excitement and turned to Yaz with a massive smile on her face, who had been ready to placate. Yaz’s heart swelled at the sight of the excited blonde, bouncing on her toes as she waited for the same ball to come back, telling Yaz it must be a lucky ball. Her second shot knocked over two more pins and she skipped, literally skipped, back over to Yaz.

“That ball is definitely lucky. You’re not allowed to use it!”

Yaz laughed lightly. “Okay.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Trixie beamed at her. “Your turn then.”

Yaz bowled an eight pin split next, managing to knock down one more pin with her second ball. When she turned around, Trixie was looking at her in awe. “That was amazing!”

Yaz just shrugged the compliment off and let Trixie take her turn. She managed to knock down four pins and bounced back to her ball again, the second time sending it straight through the gap she’d already made.

Yaz then bowled a seven that she turned into a spare followed by Trixie’s five. Yaz hit a strike and Trixie stared dumbfounded, only knocking down two on her next go. When Yaz scored eight in her next go, Trixie huffed.

“Y’didnt tell me y’were an expert!”

Yaz laughed softly and took Trix’s hand. “I’m really not, I’m very average and I’d be a lot worse without the bumpers.”

Trix pulled out that impressive pout of hers and Yaz pulled her into a hug. When they broke apart, Yaz kept her arms loosely around the other woman. “Would y’like me to show you how I do it?”

Trixie nodded. “I don’t even know how people know how to bowl, did someone teach you?”

Yaz shrugged. “Dunno? Don’t really remember, I just kinda throw it and hope for the best.”

“But that’s what I do!”

“Come on then. Watch me.”

Yaz let go of Trix and picked up a ball, swinging it towards the lane as though she would throw it. “See?”

“Um,” Trixie gulped, her eyes jumping back up from gazing at Yaz’s backside. “Can you do it again?”

Yaz turned back around grinning to herself. Those squats were paying off. She swung the ball again and then one more time to be safe. “Does that help?”

Trixie looked a bit spaced out and Yaz bit her lip. “Trix?”

Trix shook her head and blinked. “Yeah. Yep.”

She picked up a ball and came and stood next to Yaz, trying to copy her stance. “This right?”

“Your wrist and how you hold the ball is wrong, hold on.”

She stepped forward to be behind Trixie and heard an intake of breath. She herself was breathing out slowly as she reached down and held a bony wrist. She guided Trixie’s arm back and then gently forward. “Let go about there.”

Trixie breathed out slowly. “Okay, I think I’m ready.”

Their hands drew back and then Trix threw the ball. They both held their breaths as it rolled towards the pins and knocked down a strike. Trixie gasped and turned to Yaz with a massive grin on her face, just bursting with joy. Yaz smiled back, still close after her instruction, leaning into Trixie. They both realised their closeness a moment later after gazing into each other’s eyes and Yaz stepped back, clearing her throat. She tried not to notice the flash of disappointment in Trix’s eyes.

“Well. That was brilliant, Trix.”

“Thanks Yaz.”

Yaz cleared her throat again. “Well, my turn next.”

Trixie blinked and unfroze. “Yep.” Then she grinned. “Gonna be much more of a challenge to beat me now.”

She turned out to be right. The game went quickly as they both improved. Yaz ended up winning by only three points and she grinned.

“No bumpers next game?”

“No bumpers,” grinned Trix.

“Great. You set that up, I’m gonna nip to the loo.”

On her way back, Yaz’s eye caught on the slushie machine again and ordered two mixed ones, red and blue swirling together. When she presented the drink to Trix, her eyes lit up with joy and she gasped. “You got me a slushie?”

“Yep,” Yaz said with a smile. “Need something to keep that energy up.”

They started the second game with a lot of laughter and gutter balls. They both cheered when they got to 13 points, having beaten Yaz’s original goal, but they didn’t get much further than that. After the last round, they finished 23-25 to Trixie.

She grinned and stuck out her tongue at Yaz. The effect was ruined by her tongue being bright blue and Yaz doubled over in laughter. That made her pout again and tell Yaz that she was ruining her win, which of course made Yaz laugh harder.

They made their way out of the building and Yaz paused outside. “I’m the other way, so um…”

Trixie dithered too. “Well, uh. Yeah.”

“Do you wanna come for tea at mine?” Yaz asked suddenly.

“Definitely! Yes I would, thanks. I love tea. Tea at Yaz’s? Amazing!”

Yaz grinned and held out her hand, pulling Trix in the right direction. But as they passed a Tescos she stopped. “Ah.”

“What?“

“I just realised I don’t have any food in.”

“We could go back to mine? Oh wait, no I don’t have any either. Bit busy.”

“Oh really? With what?”

“Dunno, sitting around a bit, doing a bit of travelling, you know.”

“Lazy bum. Come on then, Tescos trip it is.”

Yaz always thought it was interesting to go to a supermarket with other people, it somehow exposed something new about their character. Having only known Trix for a week and mostly staying in hotels all that time, it was fascinating to see her bouncing about in the aisles and what she bought. It turned out that Trix mostly bought food based on “vibes” and Yaz had to encourage her to buy vegetables and not just custard creams and yet more Babybels.

She picked out her own selection of fruit and veg along with some eggs, tempeh and tofu. Trix scrunched up her nose and added a chocolate bar to Yaz’s basket, making her smile. At that, Trix added a second.

Eventually they made their way to the checkout and Yaz smiled at Trixie and the difference in their baskets. Clearly she needed to get some vegetables in the other woman. After all, she’d only eaten sugary food today, not helped along by Yaz’s slushie.

They headed out with their bags, hands finding each other between them without either looking, too busy discussing which Easter eggs are the best. Yaz was adamant it was mini eggs while Trix argued for the Malteaster bunnies.

Yaz decided to make them a simple curry, packed full of veg. She looked at the spices, looked at Trixie’s pale skin, and put half of them back. While she cooked, they talked about meals they’d liked in their childhoods. Yaz was appalled to hear Trix describe a sandwich she’d enjoyed as a kid: butter, nutella and sugar. She had been repulsed, despite Trixie’s protestations that the combination tasted like cake mix with a crunch.

She’d thought it would be weird to invite someone into her space but Trixie just felt like she belonged, sitting at the small table and sipping her tea. She’d offered to help but Yaz was comfortable, she enjoyed cooking and this was a familiar recipe.

She served up and Trixie eyed up the steaming bowls. “I can see you salivating already. Hope you’re hungry,” Yaz said.

“Well I don’t need to eat as much as I have been all week but yeah now you mention it, I’m starving.”

“Go find a film for us to watch,” Yaz said, nodding towards the tv as she poured the sauce over the rice. She brought the bowls over and joined Trix on the sofa, the other woman scrolling through Netflix.

“Oh! Pitch Perfect 3?”

Yaz grinned. “Well, can’t not, can we?”

Trixie cocked her head. “That sentence makes more sense than it should.” But she clicked play and sat back with a satisfied hum as she picked up her bowl. A second later she was coughing and fanning her mouth. “Ha hot ha hot.”

Yaz laughed. “Blow on it, you dingbat.”

“I did! It’s spicy.”

“Babe I didn’t put any chilli in there at all.”

Trixie looked grumpy for a second. “Maybe I just need to blow on it,” she muttered and did so for so long, her next bite was cold and she pulled another face.

Yaz smiled at her adorable goofball and settled back to find out why Anna Kendrick had just jumped off an exploding boat.

After the food was gone and Yaz had put the bowls in the sink, Trixie started getting fidgety. Yaz lifted her arm, offering for the other woman to snuggle closer. But she continued fidgeting with her fingers, seemingly full of nervous energy. Yaz eventually caved and put her own hand over Trixie’s, pulling back from the embrace.

“What’s wrong, babe?”

“Nothing,” said the other woman, entirely too quickly.

Yaz nudged her around to see her better and Trixie looked down at her still fidgeting hands.

“Yaz? I just wanted to say, well that is, I mean…”

Yaz reached out and paused the film as Trixie tried to get the words out and gave her an encouraging smile.

Trixie took a deep breath and started again. “Yaz, I’ve had the best week with you this week. I don’t think I would have been able to complete the challenge without you and I don’t just mean those amazing massages you give. Your smile motivates me and your laugh pushes my feet faster and everything about you makes me want to impress you. Please just tell me to shut up if I’m wrong about where this is going but… would you go out with me? On like an actual date?”

She held her breath while Yaz’s mind had exploded into a million miles an hour. Trixie had just asked her out, on an actual date, right here on her sofa. She was imagining this surely.

She was quiet for too long and Trixie started backpedalling. “It’s fine, don’t worry about it, we can just be friends.”

“I don’t wanna be friends.”

“Oh. Okay, well, um, I’ll just -”

Yaz tugged on Trixie’s hand and she sat back down where she’d been standing up from. “No, I mean… I want more. More time with you. You’re like the best person I’ve ever met. I’d love to go on a date with you.”

She could see Trixie’s brain buffering, it sinking in that she’d actually said yes, and then a broad smile erupted on Trixie’s face.

“Aw brilliant!”

Chapter Text

Day 8: Sheffield (13th March)

Yaz had had to eventually kick Trix out last night before either of them fell asleep. It was Monday morning now and she had work and normality to return to.

“Here she is, woman of the hour,” Donna said with a grin when she walked in.

“Hiya, I missed your snark.”

“Aww I’m glad. I want to hear all the gossip.”

Yaz grinned. “I wouldn’t expect anything else. Jae in first this morning?”

“Yep, then Emily. Should be all ready for you on the system. Now will you tell me what’s going on with you and that presenter?”

“Only if you bring me a cuppa,” Yaz said with a wink.

Two minutes later, a cup of tea was placed under her nose as she scrolled through her schedule for the morning.

“So?”

“Whaddya wanna know?” she asked nonchalantly.

“Is something going on between you two?“

“We might have shared a bed Friday night,” Yaz said over a smirk as she picked up her tea and took a sip.

“You sly thing. Go on girl. Wait, there’s more.”

Yaz smirked again. “Maybe.”

“I will wallop you with your own shoe.”

She laughed. “Okay, well we went out for brunch yesterday and that turned into bowling and that turned into dinner at mine and cuddling on the sofa.”

“And?”

This woman was like a dog with a bone and a sixth sense for gossip. “And then she asked me out.”

Donna whooped. “Finally! And you said yes?”

Yaz nodded and Donna cheered again. “I’m so glad someone has finally got through to you! I want all the details. How long did it take you to realise you liked her? I bet you were an idiot about it.”

“Hey! Not fair.”

Donna opened her mouth to say something that was probably rude when the bell over their front door went and she turned to head into the reception area. “Saved by the bell, Yaz, but you can trust this will get picked up at lunchtime!”

By the time lunchtime rolled around, Yaz was feeling the effects of an unexpected week off and her paperwork was piling up. Combined with Martha’s absence, there was a lot to do. She told Donna that unfortunately she didn’t have time for chatting and promised she would tell her everything. Donna just mhmmed and brought her a meal deal from the shop round the corner.

As Yaz pulled open her Monster Munch, her phone buzzed and she grinned.

Trixie: hey! How are you? Hope work is ok
Trixie: is this too soon to text you? I don’t remember the rules
Trixie: do you wanna go out tonight? I miss you already
Trixie: sorry that’s probably a bit much
Trixie: oh no I’ve quadruple texted you

Yaz laughed and started typing.

Yaz: definitely not too soon to text and I don’t mind multiples
Trixie: ok good good
Yaz: unfortunately work is really boring and I spent none of last week doing anything related to my normal job so now I’m up to my eyeballs in paperwork
Trixie: oh no!
Trixie: I should get you a snorkelling mask
Yaz: also means I’ll probably work late so I can’t do tonight
Trixie: :(
Trixie: tomorrow?
Yaz: Sure. Motivation to get this done
Trixie: :D
Yaz: how’s your work?
Trixie: it’s weird being in the Sheffield studio again but I like Zoom meetings, I can fiddle more
Yaz: I bet your leg’s bouncing the whole way through
Trixie: yep, and less annoying when they can’t see it
Yaz: I’ll be listening in tonight
Trixie: oh no, better make it extra good
Yaz: I look forward to it. Gotta go now. Enjoy!
Trixie: thanks! enjoy your paperwork I guess

Yaz had never hated paperwork more than she did that day. But her last client finished at 5 and she immediately clicked on the radio and waited to hear Trixie’s voice. She was bright and funny and Yaz sighed, wishing she could see her tonight. Still, this paperwork wouldn’t finish itself and she’d see her tomorrow. For now, she got “Shout out to Yaz and her unending piles of paperwork. This one is for you.” followed by Titanium. Yaz laughed at the Pitch Perfect reference and cracked on.

Day 9: Sheffield (14th March)

Yaz was excited to get home from work the next day. She had a couple of hours and then she was meeting Trixie. Because of the presenter’s work schedule they were going to eat quite late so after a shower, she sat down to eat something quick. As she did so, her phone lit up with her sister’s face. She grinned and picked up the video call.

“Hiya moron.”

“Hi idiot.”

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I’m waiting for my Deliveroo driver and I wanted to know why you haven’t told me about Trixie yet.”

Yaz laughed. “It’s not that deep, Sonya, I just don’t wanna go spreading around something that is so new.”

“Ah so there is something happening! I knew it.”

Yaz blushed. “Yeah, we’re actually going on a date tonight.”

“A DATE? YAZ?! Why is this the first I’m hearing of it?”

“Like I said! Don’t wanna talk about it before it’s real.”

“But you like her?”

“Yeah.”

“And she likes you?”

Yaz blushed again. “Yeah.”

“Then it’s real! Oh my god, what a revelation. Not only does Yasmin Khan like someone, they actually like her back. Crazy concept.”

“Shove off.”

“Well there’s not been anyone since Missy.”

“I know, shut up.”

Sonya softened. “I’m happy for you, sis. This is brilliant news. I just want you to be happy.”

Yaz smiled. “I think I am.” Then her face dropped. “Except, she lives and works in London. How am I meant to keep that up?”

Sonya smiled sympathetically. “Long distance is hard, but if it’s the right person, it’s worth it. Plus surely she’s in Sheffield if you’re going on a date?”

Yaz sighed. “Yeah, because of the challenge she’s working from Sheffield this week and heading back to London on Friday.”

Sonya pulled an apologetic face. “That sucks. You’ll just have to make the most of it tonight then.”

Yaz smiled. “Yeah.”

“What are you up to?”

“Um, dunno actually, she said she’d organise it.”

“Oh cute, an organiser. Very helpful to know someone willing to do that.”

Yaz smiled. “Yeah. She’s a good egg.”

Sonya looked around suddenly. “Uh sorry Yaz, he’s been super speedy. Hold on, I’ll take you with me. Delivery driver arrived like 10 minutes early. Normally I’d be over the moon but I’m enjoying this.”

Yaz laughed lightly. “It’s okay, Son. Go enjoy your food and I’ll see you soon.”

“Okay, bye Yaz! Love you. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

“Love you, bye!”

Yaz hung up and headed to her bedroom to get ready. A minute later, her phone buzzed.

Sonya: I want to see outfit choices

Yaz laughed and pulled open the wardrobe.

Yaz met Trixie just outside the BBC studio not long after she came off the air, wearing a very similar outfit to Sunday but with a burgundy t-shirt version of the jumper. It was very her. Yaz had gone for her trusty leather jacket and black skinny jeans, choosing a black and pink pattered shirt that hung half open around the necklace that plunged towards her cleavage, a vest top underneath protecting both her warmth and her modesty.

“Hi!”

“Hiya. How was today?”

“Good! Just wish I finished earlier so we could have gone out sooner.”

Yaz smiled. “I didn’t mind waiting. Talked to Sonya actually.”

“Awesome!”

“So what are we up to today?” Yaz asked as they walked along. At least, she was walking. The more accurate term for Trixie’s movements was skipping, their joined hands swinging along with her little jumping hops.

“I thought we should go to an escape room!”

“Oh, amazing! I love escape rooms.”

“Get in! I was hoping you’d say that.”

They arrived fairly quickly and got talked through the rules by the redhead behind the counter. They had one hour to solve the puzzles and escape but they were firmly instructed not to break anything. Their phones got locked away and then they were shown into the room.

The premise was that they only had until midnight to escape from the killer robots and had to find the items within the storage unit they needed to escape. The room was small, filled with shelves of items. There were games and random items on the left and stacks of tins of “Beef N Beans”. Yaz picked one up.

“Urgh. Who eats beans and then thinks ‘these could just do with being a bit beefy?’”

Trixie picked one up too. “Nobody by the looks of things, these are three years out of date. Wait, they’ve all got the same date on. Remember that.”

Yaz moved through the room, looking at a bunch of holiday items and dressing up items. In the back corner there was a stuffed badger and she recoiled. The other side seemed safer with a game of Monopoly and some books.

They felt their way around the room, working through the puzzles. The date from the cans opened the lock on a chest. That gave them some puzzle pieces that Trixie immediately started slotting together.

“We’re missing some pieces but I think it’s an equation.”

Yaz opened a copy of The Wind in the Willows and a key slid out. She held it up and looked around, wondering what it could unlock. She and Trixie made eye contact and said “Mr Badger!” in sync. Yaz grabbed the stuffed animal and flipped it over, finding a hidden compartment in its belly. The click of the lock revealed another puzzle piece and some sort of code.

Yaz looked around the room for more puzzle pieces, finding one in the Monopoly set. She went through the set for any other clues and Trix came and picked up the instructions, skimming through, grabbing Yaz’s arm in excitement when she found a riddle. The board had already been laid out and Trixie had a series of houses and hotels laid out in no time. An announcement crackled over the speaker, telling them they only had 32 reels until the robots got through.

That stumped them briefly until Yaz found a camera and Trixie pulled out the film reel, another puzzle piece hidden underneath. She yelped and pulled out a device from the bottom shelf that Yaz had never seen and loaded up the film reel. She then switched on a light and Yaz gasped as it projected an image onto the wall. Trixie put it carefully back where it had been and they realised it lit up an empty box on the other side with three empty slots.

Yaz found the final puzzle piece there and Trixie finished assembling the puzzle. It was a series of symbols and Trixie muttered for a moment. “498 I think. See? Every symbol represents a number and the code is the answer to each one.”

“And that’s the only solution for all the numbers to be under 10,” Yaz said, nodding.

“Exactly! So we just need to find some numbered items.”

After a minute or two, Yaz pulled the lid off a game with 10 shaped crystals inside, Roman numerals etched into their base. “Here!”

They got them arranged in the box and heard a click but couldn’t see what they’d achieved. Yaz looked around. “We’ve still got the number 32 and this secret code.”

She stood up and realised the wall had shifted. “Hold on, secret room!”

They made their way through and found a picture of some fireworks, a sofa, an armchair and a large wooden chest. They looked around confused, Trixie touching everything, until Yaz remembered a clear plastic grid in the other room. She held it up over the fireworks and realised the code was grid references. It gave them a colour of each firework and they looked around for how to use that, Trixie noticing that the sofa had a bunch of coloured cushions on. There was a basket the size of three of the cushions on the floor and as Trixie dropped them in, they clunked.

“Oh! Gotta line up the magnets.”

That turned on a keypad on the chest, asking for a user number. Yaz shrugged and typed in 32 and enter and the chest opened. Inside were some wooden blocks. Trixie started fitting them together and laughed.

“What?”

Trixie slotted the final piece in and grinned up at Yaz. “Big red button.”

She hit the button and the door swung open. The two women cheered and high-fived. When they emerged, the redhead told them they’d managed to escape in 42 minutes and 18 seconds and they could therefore put a name up on the board. They debated over Yix or Traz and ended up going with ‘Potch Porfect’ after Yaz remembered Trixie’s excited mumble the other night.

They were laughing still as they spilled out into the cool night air. Yaz was marvelling at Trixie’s brain. She was so smart and seemed to be brilliant with her hands, it was a wonder she hadn’t gone into engineering instead.

“It’s late, come back to mine, I’ll cook?” Trix asked and Yaz agreed immediately.

They headed back and Trix let them in. “Make yourself comfortable, I’m just gonna get out of this vest before I boil,” Trixie said. Before Yaz had even finished unlacing her boots, Trixie was back in a green t-shirt, her boots having been kicked off somewhere near the door.

“Right! Dinner. I’m gonna make you my specialty,” Trixie grinned. “Do you want some tea?”

She pulled a tan apron over her head and wound the straps around her waist. Yaz grinned. “Yes please.”

Trixie clicked on some music as she made the tea and Yaz perched on a stool at the end of the counter. “Want my help?”

“Nope! All good. You just sit there and look pretty,” Trixie winked at her with a grin.

Yaz blushed and watched happily as Trixie danced around her kitchen. It was mesmerising to watch her in her own environment. She was comfortable and relaxed, humming along to the music and constantly moving. She tapped her feet, swung her hips, spun around. It was adorable and amazing and Yaz wished she could have this every day for the rest of her life.

Bit much for a first date.

As Trixie cooked and danced, she asked Yaz about work and Martha and told her some stories from the show today. Soon enough she was serving two steaming bowls of macaroni cheese with extra peas and broccoli, topped off with vegetarian Parmesan.

“Et voila,” she said, placing the bowls on the coffee table. Yaz followed her to the sofa and sniffed.

“That smells amazing.”

“I know! I usually put ham in it too but obviously not today. Maybe next time I’ll find some vegan ham, I’ve heard the Quorn one is good.”

Yaz smiled, both at the thoughtfulness and at the concept of a next time. Trixie let her choose a film and she settled on The Sound of Music. Trixie hummed happily and tucked in.

When they got to the nuns complaining about Maria, Trixie turned to Yaz. “I think they’re actually talking about me,” she whispered conspiratorially.

Yaz laughed. “Maybe.”

Trixie scrunched up her face. “I definitely think some of my teachers felt like that. Didn’t realise I had ADHD until my twenties.”

The fact did not surprise Yaz or change her perception of Trixie at all but she imagined a younger version of the blonde being told to sit in a classroom all day. “Bet you were quite the handful.”

“Oh yeah,” Trixie replied with a wicked grin.

Once they’d finished eating, Trixie pulled a blanket over them and snuggled up to Yaz again. Between the long day at work and the warmth of the blanket and despite Trixie humming along to all the songs adorably, Yaz drifted off somewhere after Lonely Goatherd, the yodelling making her way into her dreams as she and Trixie yodelled at a goat. She woke up a short while later and blinked her way back to reality.

She yawned and stretched, noting that the film had been switched off and the blanket drawn tighter over her, Trixie just moving away.

“Oh, sorry, didn’t mean to wake you.”

“Nah, it’s okay, I should probably go home. I’m sorry for falling asleep I’m just a bit -” She was interrupted by another yawn. “Tired,” she finished uselessly.

Trixie looked at her nervously. “Y’could stay? If y’wanted?”

It was definitely not the sensible option. She had work in the morning and she had nothing to wear but Trixie’s eyes were so full of nervous hope and really, she did desperately want to be cuddled to sleep again. So she said the only logical answer. “Always.”

Chapter Text

Day 10: Sheffield (15th March)

Yaz woke up to her normal alarm, warm skinny arms around her waist tightening as she moved to turn it off.

She grinned down at the blonde hair splayed out over her chest, bright against the dark blue constellation pyjamas Trixie had lent her. Trixie herself was wearing pyjamas covered in little yellow ducks. She was warm and heavy against Yaz and breathing softly. Yaz reached up and stroked her fingers through blonde locks.

Trixie stirred slightly and then settled again. Yaz kept stroking her hair, enjoying the warmth and the way Trixie held her tight. They’d fallen asleep spooning, Trixie’s arm around her then too. Yaz smiled as she realised that Trixie had held onto her all night. Her back up alarm went off and she groaned. As nice as this was, she had work to go to.

“Trixie? Trix? I’ve gotta get up babe.”

No response. She stroked the pale nose and tapped her shoulder. “Trix? Come on, wake up.”

Trixie roused a little then, turning her face more into Yaz’s chest. Yaz gasped as Trixie nudged her boob and her mind filled with thoughts wildly inappropriate for a morning before work. They hadn’t even kissed yet! She was definitely thinking ahead.

She tapped the sleeping woman again. “Trix, babe. Gotta wake up now.”

Trixie looked up, blinking slowly, her hair a golden halo around adorably confused features. Yaz really wished then that she had already kissed Trix so she could kiss her now, the sleepiness making her look extra soft.

Then Trix yawned in her face.

“Morning Yaz. Nice to wake up to cuddles.”

Yaz smiled. “Yeah, it is. But I’m afraid you gotta get off me, I have to go to work.”

Trix’s features dropped into her familiar pout and the urge to kiss her filled Yaz again. Instead, she brushed some hair out of Trix’s face and tucked it behind her ear.

“I know, it’s boring but I’ve gotta go. Need to go via my own place to get clean clothes.”

“Y’could borrow something? I don’t mind.”

Yaz hummed. “Is this just a ploy to keep me in bed?”

Trix smiled guiltily. “Maybe. Is it working?”

Yaz wrapped her arm snugly around her and squeezed gently. “Unfortunately.”

Trix beamed and dropped her head back on Yaz’s chest with a happy sigh. Yaz ran her fingers through blonde hair again and Trix sighed again.

“Mm gonna fall asleep if you keep doing that,” she mumbled and Yaz grinned.

“Can’t be having that, I gotta get up in a minute.”

“No you don’t,” Trix said.

“I do actually. Got clients to see.”

“But I’m your favourite, right?”

“No.”

Trixie’s gasp this time was offended and she pulled back from Yaz, staring down at her. “What? Who’s your favourite then?” she demanded.

Yaz just laughed and ran her hand through soft blonde locks again. “Babe, you’re not my client anymore. I couldn’t be here if y’were.”

Trixie narrowed her eyes at her. “But I’m your favourite that you’ve had?”

Yaz laughed. “Yeah. Definitely the best I’ve ever had.”

“Good,” Trixie said decisively, dropping her head back down into Yaz’s chest, this time twisting so she was also facing the ceiling. “And I’m glad you don’t cuddle all your clients in their beds. Only your favourite.”

Yaz blushed. “I probably shouldn’t have last week but you just gave me those eyes and I couldn’t say no. Especially when my heart was saying yes.”

Trix was quiet for a moment and just fiddled with Yaz’s fingers. “I’m glad y’did,” she said. “I’ve been lonely for a while, but I don’t feel lonely with you.”

Yaz dropped their hands and hugged Trix closer. “I don’t want you to be lonely.”

Trix pulled away and looked at her with those big eyes she couldn’t resist. “So don’t go to work?”

“Trix! I’ve got to,” Yaz laughed. She pushed Trix away and sat up. “Time to go.”

“Hmph, fine.”

Yaz half expected Trix to try and grab her back or at least stay in bed looking grumpy, but the blonde jumped up and started going through her wardrobe. She handed Yaz a t-shirt with yet another rainbow on and Yaz once again wanted to pull her into a kiss. But not here, not now. She could kiss her other mornings.

She got changed while Trix went and made them both a cup of tea, handing Yaz hers when she emerged.

“Can we do something again tomorrow? I head back to London on Friday and I don’t want to go without seeing you again.”

“Sure,” Yaz grinned. “I’ll plan it this time.”

“Okay!” Trixie said, bouncing on her toes. “Have fun at work. Oh! Here.”

She pressed a cereal bar into Yaz’s hand and the brunette felt her heart swell again. Trix was one of the most thoughtful people she’d ever met. One day, she’d be kissing the other woman goodbye on mornings like this. Just not today. She wanted their first kiss to be special.

Despite her best efforts, she ended up being five minutes late to work and as she walked in, she found Martha and Donna in the reception. They both regarded Yaz with raised eyebrows.

“What time do you call this?”

Yaz blushed. “Just lost track of things.”

Martha called her out. “You are never late.”

“And what are you wearing?” Donna asked.

Yaz blushed deeper. “Okay, fine. I may have ended up sleeping over at Trixie’s.”

The other two women reacted with excitement and Yaz was quick to quieten and placate them. “Nothing happened, I just fell asleep during a film and she told me to stay.”

“But the date went well?” Martha asked.

Yaz grinned. “Yeah.”

“When’s the next one?” Donna asked next.

“Tomorrow.”

“Noted, will expect you late on Friday then.”

Yaz blushed and face palmed. “No I very much will not be. Now can we please discuss why Martha is here even though she’s on sick leave for another few weeks?”

The other two women smirked at her but indulged her, letting the distraction of paperwork and clients take the focus instead.

Day 11: Sheffield (16th March)

Trixie had texted Yaz all through Wednesday and Thursday, apart from when she’d been on the radio. Yaz had spent far more time smiling at her phone than was really healthy but she didn’t really care. She’d sent Trixie a selfie from the gym last night of her and the exercise bike. She’d been worried when Trixie hadn’t responded for a minute, having been talking constantly up until that point. Trixie did eventually reply saying she’d fallen off her stool. Yaz had accidentally laughed out loud, called her a goon and then got on with cycling.

She only realised later than maybe Trix had had that reaction to her wearing only a sports bra and cycling shorts in the picture and not the tease about the bike, all her muscles on display. Then she tried not to think too hard what that meant.

On Thursday evening, however, she was wearing far more clothes. It had been raining all day and making her nervous about her plans but she’d managed to come up with a back up plan after inspiration struck at lunchtime. Yellow weather warnings of rain and stargazing did not exactly go hand in hand.

Luckily she’d been able to call in a couple of favours and she was now waiting just under the cover of a local school entrance waiting for Trixie to arrive. A taxi pulled up and Trix leapt out.

“Yaz? What are we doing at a school?”

“Well I wanted to take you stargazing but the weather had other ideas so I called in a few favours. Come on in.”

Yaz pushed open the door and they entered the school hall. A silver dome was humming in the middle. Trix looked at Yaz with a question in her eye.

“Come on in,” Yaz said, taking Trixie’s hand and pulling her under the flap. The blonde gasped at the darkness and then looked around. There was a crash mat and some blankets on the floor in the middle and the ceiling was lit up with stars. She turned toward Yaz.

“What?”

“Well, my Aunt Annie works at the school and my client Jae owns the WonderDome company so I called in some favours and here we are. It’s not the real thing but I can still take you stargazing.”

Trixie was looking at her in wonder so Yaz squeezed her hand and gently tugged her over to the mat. “Come on.”

Yaz wished she had kissed Trixie then. She wanted to but she wasn’t sure if that’s what Trixie wanted. There’d been a couple of almost moments and Yaz was burning with the desire to take them that next step. This was their second date and they’d seen each other nearly every day for the last week and a half. Surely Trixie would say yes?

She’d looked so beautiful just then, her eyes full of childlike wonder and awe, gazing around at the stars illuminated around them. But as they settled down amongst the blankets, Yaz remembered that they had a whole evening ahead of them. She’d surely manage to find a moment.

They lay back and Yaz pointed out a couple of constellations, having learnt a few for this. It then turned out that actually Trixie knew quite a lot, excitedly telling Yaz ancient stories of the characters that made up the night sky. Her hands moved around wildly, painting her words across the ceiling. At one point, Yaz stopped looking up and just watched her.

After a moment, Trix looked over at her. “You’re not listening.”

“I am. I’m just admiring the view while I do.”

Trixie’s face scrunched up in confusion. “But the stars are on the ceiling.”

“Yeah. And the prettiest thing in the room is right here next to me.”

Trixie blushed and gaped at Yaz, her mouth opening and closing wordlessly. She made a high pitched squeaking hum noise and turned back to the ceiling. She cleared her throat and continued. “So yeah, those stars connect to that set…”

Again, Yaz kicked herself for not reaching out and kissing Trix. Still, she was pleased by the effects her words had had and she snuggled down towards the blonde as she listened.

Eventually Trixie went quiet, her hands dropping back to her sides. Yaz wasted no time in interlinking their fingers and kissed Trix’s shoulder, resting her cheek on it afterwards. They watched the stars moving in a comfortable quiet. Trix slowly got more fidgety and Yaz wondered what was on her mind. Yaz tried to wait her out but after still no mention of what was bothering her, Yaz adjusted her approach, pulling back to lean on her elbow and look down at the blonde.

“So what’s the plans for tomorrow?”

Trix scrunched up her face. “A whole day of faff really. Heading to London in the morning, spend the afternoon in makeup and rehearsals. Sit around being bored waiting for the five minutes I’m on stage. Bill should be around at points but she’s also interviewing other people. The girls should be in the audience though.”

“What about Dan?”

“Hmm? He’ll be in the audience?”

“Oh, you just said the girls.”

“Dan is one of the girls.”

Yaz grinned and squeezed Trix’s hand. “So you’ll have the whole team with you.”

Trix looked up at her. “Not quite.”

Yaz sighed and flopped back. “All of your Radio 1 team, at least.”

Trix rolled over and curled herself into Yaz, hiding her face in her neck. “Yeah,” she said sadly.

Yaz wrapped her arm around the other woman, pulling a blanket closer around her. “Tell me something new. How did you get into the BBC?”

Trix hummed for a moment. “I was nearly a doctor, you know? Yeah. That’s what I worked towards, what everyone expected from me.”

“You do have the brains for it and the people skills.”

“It was what my mum wanted, there’d always been so much pressure. But I just couldn’t sit still long enough. So I switched to Journalism. Gave me loads of time for other stuff, took up cycling, hiking, climbing, painting. Worked for a bit. Joined the uni radio and then everything just kinda went from there.”

“That’s really cool. What did your mum think?”

Trix tensed up. “She wasn’t super happy. Thought I was wasting my life.”

“I’m sorry, babe.”

Trix sighed and nuzzled closer, her nose tickling Yaz’s neck. “It got a little bit easier after the ADHD diagnosis and I realised all these things weren’t moral failings but just my brain being wired different. Learnt better coping mechanisms. Got the job at the BBC. I don’t really see her anymore but I think she’s proud of me now.”

Yaz turned her head and kissed the top of Trix’s. “If she’s not then she’s an idiot. You’re incredible. Actually, no, even an idiot can see that. You’re so kind and clever and you care so much about so many people and so many things and everyone loves you. You are so loved and so valued and I’m sorry if she ever made you feel any other way.”

She was met with silence. Then, a sniffle.

She pulled back a little, trying to see the other woman’s face. “Trix?”

“Do you mean that?”

“Of course I mean it, babe.” Yaz pulled further back and gently cradled pale cheeks between her hands. “You are the best person I’ve ever met and you’ve got the biggest heart I’ve ever known.”

Three words butted up against the back of her teeth. It was too soon, far too soon. The moment for a kiss had gone too, the blonde a teary mess.

Instead, Yaz pulled Trix in closer again and held her, stroking her shoulder as she cried softly, gently shushing her and threading light fingers through her hair. Trix calmed and held on tightly.

They lay there for a little while longer even after Trix had calmed. The repetitive motions of Yaz’s hand in blonde hair was calming to her too and she felt herself starting to drop off.

She was startled back to the present by a knock outside the inflated dome.

“Miss Khan? It’s getting late and I’d like to turn this off and lock up, if that’s alright?”

Yaz dragged a hand over her face and nudged Trix awake. They weren’t safe in a bed at home, they were on a crash mat in a school hall. “Yep. Hold on one minute,” she called. Then gentler, “Trix? Time to go home babe.”

Trix stirred sleepily and did a full body stretch that reminded Yaz of a cat. She yawned and smacked her lips together. Yaz extricated herself from the blankets and pulled Trix up, scooping the blankets up and leading her out of the dome.

“Thanks so much for that,” she said to the caretaker. He was a grumpy old man with what could only be described as attack eyebrows, but he surprised Yaz by giving her a smile and a wink.

They headed outside and Yaz pulled up the Uber app on her phone. Trix did the same and then shivered closer to Yaz, who wrapped a blanket covered arm around her.

“Eight minutes,” Yaz said.

Trix looked at her. “Come back to mine?”

“Trix, I’ve got work. You need to pack.”

“I don’t care, I just want you,” Trixie mumbled, curling herself closer.

“I know. I want you too. But we can’t.”

“When am I gonna see you again?” Trix asked mournfully and Yaz felt her own heart clench. They hadn’t worked out how this would work, how it could work, her job and her life down in London while Yaz remained here in Sheffield.

“I don’t know babe. I’m due some time off, maybe I could come down for a long weekend next weekend? Then it’s Easter a few weeks after. Let’s spend that together.”

“Mmm okay,” Trix sighed. “I wish I didn’t have to leave.”

“Me too, babe. Wish I could come with you.”

Trixie pulled back, looking at Yaz with hope and excitement under a blanket of nerves. “Why don’t you?”

Yaz laughed. “Babes, you’ve got a big night of television tomorrow and then you’ll need to sleep it off, you’ve barely had a second’s rest to recover from last week.”

But Trixie was starting to look excited now. “But Yaz, I get a plus one. You can come hang out with me in my dressing room. Watch the show, meet the stars.”

“I’ve got work!”

“So come after? The train is only two hours. You could be at the studio just after 8 if you came straight from work. Please? You can see the whole team again too! Properly celebrate the end of the challenge?”

She looked at Yaz with those big round eyes that she couldn’t resist and she melted. She just wanted to pull Trix close and never let go and this was the closest she was going to get.

“You can stay with me?” Trix added, curling her fingers into Yaz’s jacket. Her breath caught as she thought about what could happen in an entire weekend with Trix. Maybe she’d finally find the confidence to kiss her. Maybe more.

“Okay,” she grinned.

“Okay?”

“I’ll be there. Just after eight.”

Trixie gasped and grinned, throwing herself at Yaz to wrap her in another hug.

“Thanks Yaz! You won’t regret it.”

Yaz’s Uber showed up at that moment and she pulled back, looking into shining hazel eyes. This was it, this was the moment. Her eyes slid to pink lips and back up and Trix copied the motion. Yaz opened her mouth to ask Trix if she could kiss her, and then her driver honked the horn. She pulled back and blushed.

“I’ll, um, see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” breathed Trix, her cheeks tinged pink. “I look forward to it.”

Yaz got into the car and as it drove away from Trixie, she hoped that she would never have to leave her like that again.

Chapter Text

Day 12: Sheffield to London (17th March)

Yaz fiddled with the strap of her dress. She’d not been quite sure what to wear and had just selected a tight fitting black thing from the part of her wardrobe she never wore, hoping it would be smart enough for tonight. It hugged her curves and showed off her cleavage and she felt a bit exposed. Not much she could do about it now. Hopefully Trix would like it though. She pulled a jumper back on and her jacket and left the train toilet cubicle.

She flopped back into her seat and stuffed her work clothes back into her backpack. They were very nearly pulling into London and she was getting nervous. She still needed to get across to Television Centre and then get inside. The show was being televised from 7pm and Yaz wouldn’t get there until some time after 8. Trix had apparently informed security and someone should meet Yaz at Stage Door for her to slip into Trix’s dressing room. It all felt a bit naughty and filled Yaz with a thrill alongside her nerves.

She made her way across London, the Tube crowded, warm and smelly on a Friday night. She nervously walked up to the building. This was a big moment; not only was she about to access backstage of a live national television show but she’d also come here for Trix. She was going home with Trix to her flat here in London. Most importantly, she was determined she’d kiss Trix tonight. Maybe more. She also desperately wanted to ask her to be her girlfriend even though logic told her that it was far too soon. It felt like the last 12 days had just been leading up to this.

She walked up outside the building, still lost in thought. She found the door she’d been told to enter through and pressed the buzzer.

“Yasmin Khan, here for Trixie Smith?”

The door swung open and someone checked her ID. “Hi Yasmin, follow me.”

Her nerves grew as they wove their way through a few corridors, past cameras and cables and racks of lights. It was all tidy and organised but Yaz was amazed by how much equipment was sitting around back here. Then the security guard knocked on a white door with a number 13 on it and Yaz held her breath.

The door opened a moment later and there was Trix, her smile melting away any nerves and the tension that had filled her body all day. “Yaz!”

She threw her arms around the brunette and Yaz relaxed into the embrace. “Hey babe.”

The security guard nodded and left as Trix pulled Yaz inside. “I like it when y’call me babe,” she said with a blush, her fingers intertwining with Yaz’s, fiddling.

Yaz laughed gently. “Good, because I like calling you it.”

Trixie’s nose scrunched up. “No, don't call me It. Not a weird creature on a beach.”

Yaz’s laugh this time was filled with amusement, relief and adoration. Normally she’d groan at that sort of pun but coming from Trix, it was brilliant and adorable. She pulled away and plonked her bag down by a sofa, removing her jacket. She paused for a second, then removed her jumper too, deciding it was warm enough and she had dressed up for a reason

When she turned around, she heard Trixie’s breath catch in her throat, her eyes sliding down Yaz’s body and back up, swallowing with an audible gulp. Yaz smirked.

Trixie was wearing a black shirt and red suit trousers, a red jacket over the back of a chair. Her lipstick was red to match and her hair had been teased to give it some volume. Yaz might have been nearly laughing at the blonde’s reaction to her, but as she let her own eyes rake over Trix’s body, leaning back against the counter that ran against one wall, her sleeves rolled up to expose pale forearms, she felt her own mouth go dry and her knees felt a little weak.

“You look…” She was lost for words.

Trix blushed down at herself. “This? Nothing compared to you in that dress.“

“Smooth,” grinned Yaz.

“What can I say, when a beautiful woman appears in my dressing room, I just have to tell her she looks beautiful. It would be criminal not to.”

Trixie had moved closer while she was talking and Yaz felt herself drawn towards her as though magnetised. She placed a hand on Trix’s waist.

“Mmm so it would. But so would be not telling you just how hot you look in a shirt.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.”

They’d got quite close now, both smirking. Hazel eyes dipped once again then snapped up to Yaz’s face and she smirked harder as Trix blushed at her lack of self control. Yaz pulled her closer, another arm sliding around a slim waist, prompting Trix to hold her arm, her other hand sneaking up to hold the back of her neck, leaning ever closer, a hopeful smile on her face. Their faces moved close enough for Yaz to count the golden flecks in Trix’s eyes and for their breaths to mingle.

A knock sounded against the door and they jumped apart, blushing heavily. “Miss Smith? This is your five minute call for mics.”

“Okay, thank you,” Trixie called out.

She turned away from Yaz and started fiddling with her sleeves, her foot tapping. She was trying to unroll her sleeves but kept failing, her fingers unable to work properly. Yaz gently came around in front of her and took hold of an arm, a question in her eyes. Trix sighed and dropped her other hand away, letting Yaz unroll her sleeve for her. Then Yaz held out her hand for the other arm, gently unrolling that sleeve. She turned and picked up the red suit jacket and held it out for Trix to slide her arms into. Yaz shrugged it over the other woman’s shoulders and then slipped around in front of her. She ran her hands over the black detailing and stepped back with a smile.

“Y’look phenomenal.”

“Thanks Yaz,” Trix breathed out. Her face screwed up, her foot tapping and her fingers tangling together repeatedly. Yaz scooped up her hand and kissed it, intertwining their fingers to stop the motions.

“What’s up?”

“I’m nervous.”

“Why?”

“What if I get it wrong? It’s live tv, what if I say something stupid or swear or something?”

“Trix, you’re on live radio every day. How is this different?”

“What if I sneeze and it’s really ugly?”

“I don’t think you’re capable of ugly.”

“Well, no offence but I think you’re a bit biased. What if I fall over?”

“Then you get back up and carry on.”

Trixie sighed. “I just can’t stop thinking about all the ways it could go wrong. Usually you make my head quieter but that stage call just destroyed the effect. Not that my mind was actually very quiet with that dress because I just want to -”

She cut herself off abruptly and blushed deeply. Yaz grinned. “Well, go and do this and maybe afterwards you could complete that thought.”

Trix breathed out shakily. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. But in the meantime, just know that I’m somewhere behind the camera. Don’t think about the viewers at home, just think about me, rooting for you. Or think about those lesbian callers y’liked and that kid, Merry. Think about all those people who have been behind you every step of the way. Find the girls in the crowd and remember Dan can say much dumber stuff than you do and regularly does on national radio. You’ve got this, babe. And I’m right here waiting for you to get back.”

Trix stared at her in awe. “That was amazing, Yaz. How can you make me feel so much better so easily?”

Yaz shrugged. “Sometimes you just need reminding how amazing and capable you are. Everyone needs encouragement sometimes.”

But Trix was still looking at her with her eyes large. “Yaz,” she said urgently. “Can I -”

They were interrupted by another knock on the door, this time swinging open a moment later with a stage hand behind wearing headphones and holding a clipboard. “Miss Smith, time for your mic and get on stage.”

Trix looked from him back to Yaz. “Yaz…”

But Yaz just squeezed her hand and let go. “After, babe. Go on now. And remember what I said.”

Trixie nodded and followed the stage hand out. Yaz turned to the sofa they’d been ignoring, turning on the sound. It was showing what was going on on stage. Currently, Lenny Henry was talking to an actor about him reprising his role in a sci fi show. She looked down at her phone as she waited for Trix to come on. Bill had texted her saying she’d come find them in a bit when she had a minute or else the girls were all heading to a pub after the show and she’d see them there. Yaz fired off a reply telling her she’d see her soon and then settled back.

There was another appeal for a band charity who provided an opportunity for people with disabilities to get involved in music with their adapted instruments and open door policy. Yaz smiled as they showed a clip of their band playing. She hadn’t played anything since school but she remembered the fun of playing in a big band. Maybe she should dust off her old clarinet and find a band to play in.

A minute later, she sat up and turned up the volume again as Lenny Henry introduced their challenge. She watched as clips of their challenge played and she smiled. Last week already felt so long ago and she realised that she was genuinely looking forward to seeing the other presenters later. They’d had such a fun week on the road and had bonded more than Yaz had realised.

Then Trix was on stage, joking around with Dermot O’Leary. She looked so natural and at ease, it was hard to remember the nervous fidgeting woman that had been in here only ten minutes ago. Yaz grinned as Trix dazzled everyone with anecdotes and she remembered all the fun they’d had, finding out new stories she’d not heard. Dermot was a great host and led them into the discussion about donating and how much it means and Trix nodded solemnly. Then he asked if Trixie wanted to know how much was raised and she nodded enthusiastically.

He swept his arm to the side. “Well, just from your challenge you have raised a whopping one million, two hundred and twenty three thousand, four hundred and sixty three pounds!”

Trixie’s mouth had dropped open and she was just gazing in awe at the screen, tears filling her eyes. She started grinning as Dermot congratulated her and she looked like she was about to faint from joy and surprise before he pulled her into a hug. Yaz watched her even when Dermot was introducing the next section, some skit about Gordon Ramsay cooking with Basil Brush.

The video tape rolled and Yaz flicked off the volume again, waiting for the door to open and Trix to walk back in. She didn’t have to wait long and then her blonde was back and Yaz was pulling her into her arms.

Trixie wiped a tear away as they released their grip on each other. “1.2 million, Yaz! We did it!”

Yaz laughed. “You did it, babe! I’m so proud of you!” She reached one hand up to cup Trix’s cheek, stroking the soft skin and tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “You’re amazing, babe.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you, Yaz.”

Yaz searched Trix’s hazel eyes and found her answer before she’d even opened her mouth but she still had to ask, breathy as it was. “Can I kiss you?”

“Please,” breathed Trix and then Yaz surged forwards.

Trix’s lips were soft and a little chapped, warm against her own. They fit together perfectly, moving in sync, Yaz’s hand sneaking under the jacket to pull Trix’s body closer, her other hand tangling in blonde hair. Trix moaned and pulled Yaz closer still, her hands running over Yaz’s back. Yaz felt her body ascend to another plane, butterflies erupting in her stomach, heat shooting to her core, happiness spreading through her chest.

She licked along Trix’s lip and the blonde immediately let her in, their tongues dancing together in a way that made Yaz forget that there was ever a time that this wasn’t how it had always been. Trix tasted of Earl Grey tea and sweetness and hope. She tasted like sunshine and lazy mornings and being cuddled to sleep. She tasted like love and never being alone again. Yaz never wanted it to end and she vaguely registered herself pushing Trix back towards the counter that wrapped itself along the left side of the room. Trix moaned as her backside hit the edge and she reached down to grope Yaz’s butt. Yaz felt like she was going to explode with joy and want and she moaned into Trix’s mouth.

There was a sound somewhere of a door opening and then a throat clearing and reality crashed back over Yaz, pulling back from Trix breathlessly. Trix’s eyes were still closed, her mouth open slightly, her hair messed up, her lips slightly swollen. She looked beautiful and Yaz wanted to dive right back in.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Bill said.

She didn’t look very sorry, smirking at the two of them. Yaz and Trixie both blushed deeply and stood up straighter, Yaz smoothing down her dress as Trix straightened her jacket out.

Yaz cleared her throat. “Hi Bill.”

The other woman grinned. “Hi Yaz. Glad you two have finally got out of your heads and admitted how smitten you are. So much for nothing going on, eh?”

Yaz’s ears burned. “There genuinely wasn’t.”

“Mhmm,” Bill hummed in disbelief.

“...that time,” Yaz added.

“Well, please try to keep your hands off each other for the next few hours. Trixie will be needed back on stage in half an hour for the finale and I am really hoping you both come to the pub and don’t just disappear. The rest of us want to see you for at least a bit, Yaz.”

Yaz ducked her head. “Yeah, sorry.”

Bill grinned. “Don’t worry, not your mum. I’m just glad you two have got past the pining stage, that was painful.”

Yaz looked at her curiously. “Was it that obvious?”

Bill laughed. “I told you you had some magic way of cheering Trickster up. Just hadn’t admitted to yourselves why but the flirting was unbearable. Now, I better crack on, job to do. Please remember not to ruin her makeup completely and I will be seeing you in the pub after. Okay? See you later.”

She walked out and Yaz and Trixie grinned at each other. Trix caught Yaz’s fingers in hers and fiddled with them. “Sooo, that just happened.”

“Yeah,” Yaz said with a grin.

Trix grinned back at her. “Wanna continue?”

Yaz sighed. “No, Bill is right. I can’t ruin your makeup and there’s other stuff to do.”

Trix pouted and Yaz gave into her week-long desire to kiss it away. She drew back quickly before they could get drawn back into the heat of passion. “And I promise we can repeat that later without a risk of interruption.”

“Oh yeah?” Trix asked coyly, running a finger down the side of Yaz’s dress. “And anything else?”

Yaz grinned and dropped another chaste kiss to Trix’s lips. “And everything else.”

Trix sighed with a smile on her face.

“Come on, better fix your hair,” Yaz said, pushing Trix towards the makeup chair.

There’d been a cheer from the girls when Yaz and Trixie made their way into the packed pub to join them. Amy eyed up their joined hands.

“So are you two together now?”

Yaz grinned at Trix. “Yep.”

Amy wolf whistled and Yaz laughed. “Come on, tell me all the gossip I’ve missed this week.”

“As if this isn’t the biggest thing that’s happened,” Clara said.

“Indulge me,” Yaz said.

“Well you missed Dan mixing up his hands and putting his tea in the fridge and taking the milk to his desk.”

Yaz laughed. “Brilliant. Better than mixing it up with his phone and throwing it across the room.”

“Oh I’ve done that,” groaned Amy.

Bill arrived and squeezed herself down next to Yaz. “Yaz! You managed to make it.”

Yaz blushed yet again. “Yep. I do have self control, you know?”

Bill grinned at her. “Good to hear. Glad Trickster got something bonus out of this challenge. Now tell me, do you think I’ve got a chance with Martha?”

“Bill, she lives in Sheffield. With her boyfriend.”

Bill just shrugged. “Eh. Small obstacles.”

Clara laughed. “Bill, I’ve told you before! You can’t go round stealing guys’ girlfriends.”

“Why not?” Bill whined with a pout.

Yaz laughed and settled into the atmosphere, sipping at the drink that had already been bought for her. She laughed along as Clara told her about the time Bill had kissed her in front of her boyfriend, Danny, who had not been happy. At some point, Rory showed up to say hi, Amy immediately making space for him to sit with her. Twenty minutes later, they both stood up ‘to get drinks’ and Yaz and Clara both raised an eyebrow at each other. Bill had just complained she was the only one not getting laid out of this challenge, to which Clara had slapped her lightly and told her not to even ask. Dan had piped up from the other side of Trix and told them nothing had happened for him either and everyone laughed. Yaz looked around at these people and realised how many friends she had, that they both had. She reached out and found Trix’s fingers under the table and gave them a squeeze, earning her a soft smile in return. She would never forget the impact this challenge and this group of people had had on her life.

Later that night, she lay tangled in the sheets with Trix, their breathing slowing, sweaty bodies pressed up against each other. Yaz fiddled with Trix’s hair, twirling it around her finger as she smiled at the blonde.

“Okay, that were worth the wait.”

Trixie smiled at her. “I just want to spend the whole weekend in bed with you.”

Yaz smirked. “Who says you can’t?”

Trix sighed and rolled away. “What happens on Monday?”

Yaz sighed too. “I don’t know. I guess lots of trips back and forth between.”

Trix looked at her again. “I, um, talked to my manager the other day. About the possibility of doing my show from Sheffield.”

Yaz pulled herself up on one elbow to look down at the blonde in surprise. “What? Really? What did she say?”

Trix smiled. “She said she’d look into it. I’ve always liked going back a lot and wanted to return there, hence the flat, as you know. Maybe this is best of both worlds.”

Yaz smiled and then leant down to kiss her. Then she pulled back, her eyebrows knitting together. “What about your friends? They’re all here.”

Trix shrugged. “Bill said she was down for a change and would come with. We’d swap with a couple of the team there, give some people the London opportunity. The others can come visit.”

Yaz looked down at her in awe. “Really? All of that for me?”

Trix put one hand on her jaw and stroked her cheek. “I’d do anything for you, Yaz. I’d move heaven and earth to be with you. I’ve been in a limbo the last few years since Mels left me. But you’ve made the sun shine through and I want to chase that sunshine forever.”

“Trix…”

“Will you be my girlfriend?”

Yaz’s smile was so big it hurt. “Of course.”

Then she dove down to kiss Trix again, tongues melding and hands roaming. This woman was truly the most amazing person she’d ever met and she never wanted to let her go again. She was making all these changes just for Yaz and she found a way to express her gratitude with hands and tongue and panting between sweaty sheets.

As they lay curled together falling asleep a short while later, Trix spoke up again.

“Yaz? You know last week, when you said you thought there was a right person for everyone?”

Yaz turned over to face Trix again. “Yeah?”

“How will you know you’ve found them?”

Yaz smiled, regarding the profile of her lover's face against the backdrop of city lights pouring gently through the blinds. “I just will.”

“But how do you know?”

“Because I already have.”