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The following morning, the office was busy as usual but the only place strangely quiet was around the Brigadier's office. He ended up just sleeping at his desk instead of going home and word quickly caught on. His staff let him sleep, seeing that needed it. Liz wanted to check on the Brigadier. She was concerned about him after last night’s actions and she at least made sure he was alright. Except when she got to his office, she noticed a few of his coworkers were chatting quietly right as she got there. She heard one of them whisper the Brigadier’s name and as she got closer to his office, she could hear faint whispers of what they were saying. She kept a respectful distance from his office and continued listening in.
The two soldiers went on about how the Brigadier hadn’t looked quite right last night. One of them said “I swear, I thought I saw tears in his eyes.” The other voice responded with “He probably had a fight with his wife. I wouldn’t blame him if he couldn’t sleep. Can’t imagine what I would do if I lost my daughter.” That remark got Liz feeling down more than ever. The two soldiers then left the Brigadier’s office. Liz continued to stand there for a few seconds more, processing their words before heading to the lab, she needed to talk to anyone else and the Doctor was the only person she really knew.
As she stepped into the lab, there was an odd tension in the air, like something had happened that morning. In between some staff’s whispers and rumours, she went to find the Doctor. Eventually, she did and she tried her best to seem normal.
“Doctor, can I talk to you for a second?” The Doctor turned to face Liz and when he saw the look on her face, he immediately knew that something had happened. He walked over to her and took her hands, giving her a sympathetic look.
“What is it?” Liz didn’t bother to answer his question. There was so much she wanted to tell him but she didn’t even know where to begin. All she knew was that she needed to talk to him about something. “Can we please talk somewhere more private?”
The Doctor’s expression was worried and he nodded his acceptance.
“Of course. What’s going on?” Liz took a deep breath, preparing herself to tell someone close to her about what happened last night. She looked away from him and spoke softly.
“I like a boy... But I think I hurt him.”
The Doctor couldn’t help but feel shocked at what she said now. Not that he felt shocked by who she was interested in, but by the fact that she would think that she had hurt him.
“What do you mean you hurt him?” His words were very kind. Lifting her chin up slightly so she could look at him without being afraid. She looked back up to him, a little more sad than he expected.
“We did something last night, and now I’m afraid that after last night, he’s avoiding me. I- I’m worried he regrets it. Regrets even knowing me.” The Doctor was starting to feel worried as she told him. He knew of Liz and how she always kept her emotions under control. Whatever had happened last night must’ve been a big deal for her. She must really like him.
“Why would he regret it?” Liz looked down again to avoid looking at him. She wanted to say her next words in an exact way so that nothing would be misinterpreted or give him the wrong idea. He had a super power for that sort of thing.
“Even though we shared a moment, I’m afraid that it did more harm than good. I- I don’t know what to do.” She was defeated. Put her head on his shoulder, he simply patted her head gently. Putting the words together, thinking upon them but asked a question before his wild mind escaped him.
“A moment?”
She nods her head against him. “Last night, we- it was stupid... It was just a moment of weakness. I- I don’t know. It was just- stupid.” The doctor couldn't help but smile softly, taking her head off him. Looking at her with admiration. She was one of the most intelligent people he's met. The fact that something so human was bothering her, made him smile.
“You really like him don't you?” A faint smile appeared on her face as she saw that stupid expression on his face. He really did see right through her. Liz made the right choice coming to him.
“I think I’ve always liked him. But last night, our relationship changed in a big way. And I’m scared that I’ve made things worse between us.” She couldn’t help feeling sad about the change in her relationship with him, even if she understood it was inevitable.
“I just want everything to go back to how it was before last night.” Though she knew that was impossible now. The Doctor had a time machine, not a time eraser. Their relationship was changed in a way that could never go back to the way it was before she had let her feelings get the best of her. The doctor considered, taking in all the information and crossed his arms curiously.
“You rather not have engaged? Not having a relationship at all or…” His curiosity got the best of him. Humans were always so interesting with their feelings and relationships with one another. Liz couldn’t help herself. She started to tear up thinking about that possibility too.
“No! No, I want to be with him! But I don’t want my stupidity to get in the way. I should never have given into wanting him so quickly without getting to know more. I should’ve held myself back, but I... I, I couldn’t help but want more of that moment with him.” The Doctor cut her off before she spiraled further into her self made despair.
“My dear Liz, I'm absolutely positive he wouldn't have you any other way.” He placed a heavy hand on her shoulder. Saying the exact words she needed to hear. It helped that they were true and they both knew that. Her tearful expression suddenly turned to one of pure bliss the second she heard those words. Not being able to hold it in any longer, she immediately reached up and hugged him, pressing her face to his chest and allowing herself to let go of all those worries and fears she was having.
“Oh—” The Doctor was surprised by the embrace but rubbed her back with small circles. He knew very well who she was talking about but didn't press. It was sensitive and not his place to expose.
“He's a good man and you're an even better person. Hiccups happen. As a scientist you should know this.” For a good while she just continued to hold on to him, wanting nothing more than just to be in his embrace while he talked to her. Her whole body began to relax into his, the worries starting to slowly vanish from her mind. Until work showed it ugly face, The lab door opened abruptly. It was the Brigadier, wide awake now, going to talk to the doctor but he saw the embrace between the two scientists and stopped.
“Oh. I didn't mean to interrupt–” It was a slightly accusatory statement and stepped out just as fast but the Brigadier’s voice suddenly cut her off from her relaxed state and she looked up at him, slowly removing herself from the Doctor’s grip.
“Oh, no no. It’s alright. We weren’t doing anything!” She shouted at him, not wanting the Brigadier to get the wrong idea and she put on her usual, more professional persona. By the time the Brigadier had closed the door behind him, Liz and the Doctor were both staring at the spot that he was just in a few seconds ago. They remained silent, neither of them wanting to break the uncomfortable, awkward silence that was left behind.
Then Alistair entered once more remembering what he needed and expecting the scene to be over.
“Actually I need the Doctor. It's an emergency.” The Doctor snapped his attention away from Liz and looked back at the Brigadier, now very serious and curious.
“What is it?”
“The usual, grab your things. We're moving out. Miss. Shaw, I ask you to stay here.” A look of shock flashed over her face when she heard what the Brigadier had to say. She was offended by the concept.
“Stay here? But—”
“I need someone to run point here, the Doctor can't because he's with me. We will keep you updated as we learn more.” Liz started to protest in a way that the Brigadier was surprised by. Her tone was almost one of frustration. This was the first time he had ever seen her so adamant on being included in one of these missions. The army wasn't her scene but she wanted a part in it.
“It's not a request. Come on Doctor.” He promptly left without giving her a chance to ask another question or protest further about being left behind. After a few minutes of silence, the Doctor slowly approached her and took her hands.
“There is nothing we can do about that right now, Liz. There are reasons this situation is the way it is. You have to trust that the Brigadier has his reasons for leaving you here.” Liz sighed as her expression changed into one of frustration once again. She was starting to feel like her voice wasn't being heard. Even though she understood that Alistair had reasons, she at least wanted to know those reasons. The silence that followed only annoyed her further.
“Doctor!” The brigadier shouted, impatient from outside the door and the Doctor reluctantly let go of Liz’s hands and looked over to the door.
“Coming Brigadier!”
The day seemed to only get longer and longer for Liz. She felt so frustrated after how that morning had gone. Once the Brigadier had come in and interrupted them, it felt like all of the feelings had come rushing back. With the Brigadier and the Doctor gone, she had little to do but think and she got trapped inside her own head. Stuck with technology she barely knew, building a machine she didn't know how to work. She was frustrated. Messages and updates were flown through the radio bay, the field team seemed to have a hard time finding ground. They weren't getting far with the attacks and The Doctor was having a hard time figuring out a solution. The radio was just full of arguments and explosions.
Every time she heard reports of explosions come through, her body would tense up slightly. She worried about the other members of UNIT as well as Alistair. It didn’t make the day any easier for her, as the thoughts and worries in her head constantly had her on edge. The doctor was trying to tell her what he needed from his side but it was mostly static, it would cause Liz to get even more anxious. She would listen as hard as she could for any sound that might actually come through, so she wouldn’t miss any crucial pieces of information.
After a minute, a technician ran into the lab to inform her of the latest update.
“Greyhound one and the Doctor have lost radio contact, we don't know where they are. Are you finished?” That sudden statement caught her off guard for the moment, but the mention of the Brigadier caused her to worry even more. Her nerves were starting to run high and she quickly responded, not wanting to waste any more time.
“Yes! I’m finished! I’m finished! What do we do now?! We can’t just- where are they?”
“No time, we will have a jeep ready to load your equipment.”
Liz could only nod her head. “Okay. I’m ready. I’m- I just worry where the Brigadier and the Doctor are. What’s happening with them?”
“Sounded like a cave in, sorry Miss that's all I know.” Liz nodded again but her concerns continued to grow within her mind. If the Brigadier and the Doctor were trapped under a ton of rubble, would they make it out? Were they even alive? She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn’t realize the jeep was already outside. Soldiers loaded the equipment on, and they all quickly went to the sight.
The explosions could be heard from kilometers away, and when they arrived, the new kid, Captain Yates had taken point in the Brigadier's absence. Liz was stunned to see Yates was the one that had taken the Brigadier’s place. It was strange to see but she had no time to worry about that as she stepped out of the jeep and walked to join the others
“The Brigadier and the Doctor still aren’t answering radio calls?”
“Err, no, radio silent for an hour. Just get your thing ready, do you know what it does?” Another explosion only a few klicks away, Yates didn't flinch. Liz was shocked to see how calm Yates was, especially since all these explosions were going off nearby. Was he even slightly nervous?
“No, I don’t. I’ve been waiting on word from the Doctor to get an explanation but…” Another explosion went off but this time it was a bit closer. Liz could feel it in her whole body. Her nerves were shot and she was finding it harder and harder to remain calm.
“Just turn it on!” Yates didn't mean to snap so sharply but he also had a job and responsibility as did she. Liz nodded her head and got to work. She focused entirely with the task at hand, completely ignoring the continued explosions going off a few kilometres from her. She worked as fast as she could, doing anything to keep her mind off the Brigadier and the Doctor.
Eventually the earth stopped shaking, though part of the earth gave out in the field. Like tunnels started to fall in on themselves but the attack seemed to be over for now. Liz could hardly believe that the attack had stopped and all she could hear was the sound of her heavy breathing. She was relieved, but she still felt anxious after what had just happened. She kept on focusing on the equipment she was handling, doing her best to focus entirely on what was in front of her.
People scattered and prepared a search party. She was so concentrated on her equipment, she didn’t notice that Yates had taken a look at her and started to approach her. He watched her as she worked and when he got close enough he finally spoke.
“You okay?” Liz snapped out of her focus so quickly and almost looked startled by his sudden voice near her. She looked up at him from the equipment, finding herself at a loss for words.
“It’s just... so much is happening.” Yates sighed as he took a look around. The search party was doing what they could to dig out any of his soldiers that were trapped. It made him feel worried, but he kept it to himself. He didn’t want to make the situation even worse.
“I know. The Brigadier and The Doctor haven’t returned yet either. They disappeared from radar much earlier, the Doctor said the tunnels were long... Didn't say how long. It's going to take a while. Why don't you sit down?” Liz thought about it for a moment and came to the realization that this was probably the only time that she was going to get to rest. She was exhausted and after what had happened earlier, she was ready to collapse. Without even responding to Yates, she went over to one of the boxes that were laying around and sat down with a sigh.
Hours passed, it was getting dark and people were losing hope until someone shouted something. The Doctor was keeping a very unconscious Brigadier upright. They both looked worse for ware. The Brigadier more so than the Doctor. Liz’s face lit up as soon as she heard that the Brigadier and the Doctor had been found. But it dropped just as quickly for concern when she saw the damage that they had sustained. The Brigadier was practically out of it while the Doctor was mildly injured. She quickly got up to her feet and ran over to support the Doctor despite longing for Alistair, she had to be with her science partner.
Soldiers seemed to help them both out, the Doctor sat down and the Brigadier was put on an emergency stretcher, taken away for the time being so that left the Doctor to answer the most pressing inquiry.
“We were investigating the base when one of your explosions blew the roof off, it crumbled. I was lucky enough to be alive because this idiot used his body to shield us. He got pinned… Forgetting I would heal faster than him. Very brave of him regardless.” Liz just watched Alistair leave again, feeling concern for him. She couldn’t even imagine how bad he must feel right now. Her eyes then turned back to the Doctor, feeling just as worried for him. But she was still so glad to have both of them back safe and sound. Despite the circumstances.
“Is he going to be okay?”
“I... I'm not sure. He's been like this since we hit the surface.” Alistair's left arm was absolutely shredded. As if he forcefully wrenched it out from underneath something. Obviously the Doctor did what he could, but it was still bleeding, as was his head. The Doctor had minor scratches and bruises, Alistair looked like he got in a fight with a bear and lost. Very brave indeed. She had noticed the Doctor’s injuries, but she had almost completely missed just how bad the Brigadier had it. She could see how worried the Doctor was now and all of her concerns became amplified. She watched as the Brigadier was loaded onto a truck and it didn’t take long for her to start feeling guilt as if she caused this.
“Liz?” The Doctor, coughing up dust, placed a hand on her shoulder. “You did well.” Her head snapped back to look at the Doctor. Even with all of his injuries, he was still trying to comfort her. When she saw his hand on her shoulder, she tried to force a smile.
“Did I?”
“Yes. You saved the day.” At first her response was simple and short, but her expression immediately changed when the guilt started to overwhelm her.
“What if I hadn’t figured the equipment out? What if none of it worked? I… I-” She was on the verge of tears again, the guilt consuming her.
“But It did work. You did wonderfully. Don't think about the ifs and buts, it's over. We can go home.” The doctor lifted her chin to meet his eyes once again. Liz could feel the tears start rolling down her cheeks. All of the feelings she had been trying to block out had started to pour back out again. Despite what the Doctor said, she couldn’t shake the guilt. In the end, the Brigadier would have most likely been caught under all of that rubble if it hadn’t been for the Doctor. And that was something that she couldn’t forgive herself for.
“You're okay, Liz.” He wiped her tears away and brought her in a hug despite being covered head to toe in dust. She just broke down. Despite not wanting to, her tears began flooding out. She hugged the Doctor back tightly and just buried her head into his chest. He held her close and kissed the top of her head.
“You did well.” She stayed like this, not wanting to let go. In that moment, the Brigadier and everything else that happened that day seemed so distant. The only thing she could feel was the warmth of the Doctor and the comfort he provided. She found herself starting to relax again. If only but for a moment.
In the days following, everyone was recovering but everything seemed to be business as usual except the absence of the Brigadier who was still tucked away in the med bay. It didn’t take long for the entire base to notice the Brigadier’s absence. Liz heard rumors about his injuries and recovery and she would get updates every day on his condition. The time away from his usual presence began to make her realize just how essential he was to the base. It didn’t feel right without him there to keep the peace.
One day Alistair found himself in the lab, arm in a sling, bandaged tightly up to his shoulder and stitches across his forehead. His uniform coat over his shoulders, he wasn't allowed to wear it. He held a yellow folder in his free hand.
“Liz?” His voice was unnaturally soft. She was working at the lab counter with a file of her own when she heard the Brigadier’s voice. She looked back and saw him approaching her. She tried to keep a neutral expression.
“Yes?”
“You doing okay?” He asked despite being the one who escaped the medbay. Conveniently the Doctor found a reason to leave, letting them have the space alone. Her expression immediately faltered, she couldn’t fake that everything was fine when he was right in front of her. She didn't even notice the Doctor leave.
“Can I be honest with you?”
“Aren't you always?” He laughed lightly, sucking in air slightly but paid no mind to the pain. She laughed lightly as well. Her mood lightened for the moment.
“Yeah, but this time it’s different. I can’t shake this feeling of guilt.”
“You have nothing to be guilty for.” He walked further into the lab and found a stool. “Unless you stole my last jello, I was sure it was Stevens but now you have me second guessing.”
Liz couldn’t help but actually laugh out loud at his comment, the levity in his voice actually helped her feel better. The guilt was still there but it felt easier to talk to him like this.
“No, it couldn’t have been me. I would never steal someone else’s jello.”
“Ah. Great, now I need to start a whole investigation.” He put the file on the table, ignoring it entirely, paying attention to her. He could tell something was wrong despite his comically bad jokes. She smiled and made a face, amused at his willingness to joke about the most trivial and unlikely of things. But the humor didn’t last long, she was starting to feel like it would be better to just be honest. The guilt was still eating her. They sat in silence. They both seemed to be guilty about the same thing, but he started first.
“I can't help but think if it was you and the Doctor instead of me. I don't think I could live with myself if that was the case. That morning, I just had a dreadful feeling... I had you stay, and things could have gone much worse. For once, I'm glad you listened to my orders.” Alistair shared a shy smile and Liz took a moment to think about it. She had never even considered what would have happened if it had been her and the Doctor instead of him. The feeling that the Brigadier had that morning was something she experienced everyday but she didn’t say anything about it. She was so busy worrying over the Brigadier and his condition that she didn’t realize that the Brigadier was going through the exact same emotions that she was. The guilt was eating them both.
“I can see you thinking.”
“You know me too well.” She laughed softly and shook her head. “I haven’t had even a minute to really process everything that happened. I keep on replaying everything in my head and I just- I’m worried.”
“That's my life but I've had nothing but time to think about it. Stuck in a hospital for god knows how long.” Her jaw dropped as his words sunk in. She couldn’t believe that he too was going through the same process she was. But at the same time, she felt bad that he had to sit there and wait all alone.
“I’m sorry. I- I had no idea that you—”
“Don't be sorry. It is literally my job, not yours. So stop worrying about things you can't control. Worry isn't a good look on you.”She was about to argue but when Alistair pointed out that it was his job and not hers, she realized that he did have a point. Even so, she still felt bad. If they couldn’t control it, if they couldn’t make it better, why not worry? Alistair was right though, it wasn’t good on her. She couldn’t be stressed in such a small space of time.
“You’re right…”
“Like I could ever tell Liz Shaw what to do. That would be the day.” She smiled, her mood lifted by his comment. She loved their back and forth. It was lonely without him.
“I guess if anyone did try to tell me what to do, they'd have a tough time.”
“I've noticed.” Alistair seemed at her, a sly dig with no ill intent.
Liz laughed slightly. “You're telling me.” Just hearing his voice had made her feel much better. She couldn't deny it. It was his voice and personality that always made her feel so comfortable, like everything was going to be alright. His smile turned sideways while looking down at the file. Liz’s eyes quickly followed and turned to the file when she realized that he had one in his hand. She couldn’t help thinking that maybe it was the reason that he had come to the lab.
“Is that why you’re here?”
“Yes and no.” Vague as always.
You’re full of mysteries today, Brigadier.” Liz’s tone was light but her curiosity was definitely piqued.
“I thought you liked my mysteries?”
She laughed again, her mood was improving with every second. “I do. You’ve always been so unpredictable.”
“Well,” Alistair didn't match her mood. “This is very much related to our last mystery.”
“Oh?” Her tone suddenly changed and she paid more attention to his face. This clearly was serious. It was that fact that this was something serious that really got her attention, since she knew Alastair would never be joking about something like this.
“Divorce papers.”
The statement hit Liz with the force of a truck, leaving her more stunned than she had ever been before. She suddenly froze, the humor completely gone from her face and her mood instantly plummeted.
“Divorce papers?” Liz couldn't believe the words that she heard.
“Yes. Fiona decided to finalize them while I was hospitalized. Which is rather dirty on her part but I'm not surprised.” Alistair and his wife had always had a rocky relationship, or at least, that's what Liz had gathered from what he had chosen to share. But the idea of them officially getting divorced was shocking. Liz sat there, processing what she had heard.
“That's... why now?”
“Because I hadn't come home I'm assuming. She knew I was injured. Took the opportunity while I couldn't defend myself. Proving her point further but alas. She's made her choice, and so have I.”
“Does that mean that- I mean- you guys... you’re done? For good?”
“Yes.”
Liz couldn’t believe this news. It all happened so fast. She couldn’t help but wonder how Alistair felt about all of this. He had said that he wasn’t surprised but it still affected her.
“I’m sorry…”
“Why are you sorry?” Alistair turned to face her, she's been nothing but supportive. She had no reason to feel bad about any of this. It wasn't her fault either. He didn't need her being bad for something out of her control.
“Because- Because I know how much this must be hurting you.”
“It did, but I'm here with you.” Her face lit up and she tried for a smile but it was hard hiding the concern she felt. She wished she was able to take his pain away but she knew it was something that couldn’t be easily done. Alistair's suffering was something she knew would linger.
“I just wish I could do more.”
“I could use a pen.” He gave a sad smile. Still trying to be funny in the face of life altering actions and Liz, thankfully, chuckled softly at his comment. It took her mind off of everything just for a moment. She then realized that she did in fact have a pen on her and quickly reached over to hand it to him.
“Here you go.”
“I am. When I sign it that is.” He looked at the papers with dread, not sure he could bring himself to do it. She sat back in her chair, unable to take her eyes off of Alistair as he struggled to make a decision. She couldn’t deny that the idea of an available Brigadier did sound quite appealing but she had already put that to the side. Even if he was single, she would never make a move as long as he was so hurt.
“We could wait for another day, Alistair. It doesn’t have to be today.”
“No. No it does. Out of principle. Before the nurses find out I'm missing.” She tried to keep her tone serious but it was hard not to smile. The Brigadier always had ways of making her laugh even when trying to be serious.
“And what principle would that be?”
“Im... Not sure. Stick it to the man I guess.” He offered. Not entirely sure of a response. He couldn't even get petty with Fiona at this point. He stopped blaming her a long time ago. Liz laughed again at his comment and shook her head.
“You’re impossible.” But that wasn’t a bad thing. She liked Alistair's sense of humor and even now, when things were very serious, he still managed to lift her spirits up.
“I could... Use support.” Liz didn’t need to be told twice to get up from her chair. She stood up and walked over to the Brigadier, getting as close to him as she possibly could. She wanted him to know just how much she cared.
“If you’re going through with this, you’re not going to do it alone. I’ll be here with you, every step of the way.” Combining her hand through his perfect hair. He didn't move away.
“Thanks.” Alistair offered a smile but it fell flat and he simply stared at the papers for a long minute. Liz stayed standing there next to him, watching as Alistair stared down at the papers. She could tell just how difficult this was for him. The more time that passed, the more she wanted to make everything better for him.
“Um,” Alistair's voice broke, finally saying something for a long time. “Can you hold the paper, I don't want it sliding.” She was quick to respond, both of them remembering he couldn't use his left arm to do it himself. She knew he was nervous and it was the least she could do to help. She took the paper and held it steady to keep it in place. He carefully signed them, his signature perfect as always, but he didn't really feel better. She continued to hold the papers as he signed but when he was done, she moved back, shifting away from him. She had never been a part of a divorce but she knew that this was no easy process. She tried to smile but she couldn’t even fake happiness right now.
“It’s official…”
“It's official.” Alistair agreed and sighed. He couldn't be quippy. Liz stayed silent. She didn’t know what to say. His words brought up so many different emotions. He was now officially a single man, which meant that she technically had a chance to maybe someday- she wouldn’t let her mind go there. She refused to think about that right now.
“Do you feel any different?”
“No.” As the silence grew he picked up on her wanting a little more than that. “We've been separated so long…” He just stared at the papers. Liz just stayed close to him, watching as he seemed to be in his own world. The Brigadier, being as strong and independent as he usually was, seemed lost in his thoughts.
“What are you thinking about right now?” She hoped that her attempt to keep him focused on her instead of the papers would work.
“I… I hope she's happy with herself.” Alistair turned and offered that very bland response. Liz thought about his response for a little while. She wasn’t sure what she had expected to hear but what he did answer with caught her by surprise. It wasn’t an angry or sarcastic response like she had predicted, it was a simple but honest one.
“I hope she is too. But what about you? How do you feel about it?” Alistair's silence was making her more and more anxious. She could tell that there was more going on than she had seen so far.
“Is there something else on your mind, Alistair?” Liz used his name very carefully and acknowledged that fact. Taking a deep breath.
“I'm thinking that I should ask you on a proper date but…” He looked down at himself, still injured, he should even be out of bed but he was. For her. She felt her heart almost skip a beat. The Brigadier was thinking to ask her out on a proper date, just like that? She had hoped for it so many times before but now, hearing Alistair himself say it, made the thought and emotion more real than ever. She couldn’t help but take a deep breath and smile softly.
“Really?”
“I can't at the moment. As soon as possible.” He was still technically hospitalized so they had no real time to do anything else so they'd have to wait. This made Liz happier than she wanted to admit. Her heart was fluttering and her mind was racing. She couldn’t stop smiling, Alistair's request brought her so much joy and hope. Although, deep down inside, she knew that they should wait. He was obviously still recovering and he wasn’t in the right state now, but she leaned down and placed a soft kiss against his lips.
“I accept.” Her own words surprised her a little. It was so bold, so sudden but she had said it without missing a beat. The feeling of his lips against hers made her feel so relieved that her answer was what he was looking for. His eyes twinkled.
“Can't wait. I'll remind you when, not a second later.” He stole his own kiss from her lips and seemed satisfied. Both of them ecstatic of this growing relationship between them. When the Doctor came back in, they went back to business as usual.