The Forgotten

Chapter 16

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They were staring at her again.

It was bizarre to think it but Osgood was certain the twins had already committed her face to memory. Perhaps it was from those few short hours together whilst escaping the space station and then on The Doctor's Tardis, or perhaps she was finally giving into paranoia?

They definitely knew she wasn't Missy or The Doctor of that Osgood was certain; the way their little faces kept turning to the door as if waiting for one or the other to return was confirmation enough in her eyes. Still she should thank the heavens they seemed content enough to wait. Osgood wasn't sure she could handle one crying baby on her own let alone two.

Both twins had started crying after The Doctor left and had it taken patience Osgood hadn't realised Missy had to soothe them. That they had clearly bonded with their father seemed to bother Missy for some reason and after a few of her questions had received rather curt responses Osgood had decided to drop the subject...well for now at least.

When both had fallen asleep Osgood had produced the clothes she had picked up from home to loan Missy and Missy had only been too delighted to slip into the bathroom and take a shower, pressing a grateful kiss to Osgood's cheek before she vanished. The Doctor's magic glowy mojo might have healed her wound but Missy was still sticky with the remains of her own blood and only a good hot shower would sort that out.


Trying not to think about Missy in the small hospital shower Osgood couldn't help but feel all rather awkward all of a sudden and overwhelmed.  Osgood had left earth to help her time lady sort of friend sort of tormentor and it seemed like she had returned with a human girlfriend. She had already undergone more than a grilling from Kate who had this time insisted on knowing just how close her and Missy had gotten. Osgood wouldn't have minded if there had been anything of significance to tell.

So they had kissed...more than once now...So Missy had teased and tormented her with the knowledge of Osgood's attraction to her...that was it really.

Kate had looked into her much the way the time tots were doing now, studying and scrutinising, yet finally she seemed to believe her and it had surprised Osgood how much that still meant to her. She still craved her first mentor's approval and Osgood doubted she would ever completely move past that. Still Kate had more than a little wary about allowing Osgood to come to the hospital at all, had assured her that just because had concocted a story in her own head about them being involved Osgood didn't have to play along. Kate also commented that if it didn't work out with Missy her friend had a daughter who would be perfect for her.

"Oh that is so much better." Missy's drawling voice jarred Osgood from her introspection and both her and the twin's heads turned to watch as Missy re-entered the room rubbing her wet dark curls vigorously with a towel.

Swallowing Osgood could only watch as Missy stalked across the room wearing the Bowie T-shirt and little else Osgood could only marvel how they have come full circle. Yet even as she aesthetically admired the long bare legs Osgood was surprised she didn't feel the same churn in her stomach as she did the last time.

"Although that bathroom is even smaller than yours Skip which I honestly didn't think was possible." Missy snarked moving to plop herself down on the bed beside Osgood. "Still at least I won't have to put up with for long. When am I being sprung?"

"Just as soon as Kate can secure some suitable accommodation." Osgood replied shifting a little uncomfortably as Missy curled up against her side, wet curls teasingly brushing against her shoulder.

"Hmmm suitable accommodation sounds so very delightful." Missy tutted tilting her head to study her tense companion. "Still as long as I have a cute roommate." She added teasingly reaching out and running her hand over Osgood's jean clad thigh, surprised when the younger woman practically jumped out of her skin.

"Hmmm too fast?" Missy questioned blue eyes narrowing as Osgood literally seemed to be turning bright red before her eyes. "Honestly Skip I was joking I know we are nowhere near ready to live together."

"Missy..." Osgood began, nervously pushing her thick glasses back up her nose, as she actually avoiding looking anywhere but at Missy. "Look about that...about us we need to talk..."

"Yes because nothing good starts with that opener. Are you trying to break up with me Skip?" Missy questioned. "Because to be honest I have already had a day of shit being dumped on me...

"Missy why didn't you leave with the doctor? Why are you staying on earth at all?" Osgood cut in, surprising the former Time Lady who actually stared at her blankly before looking away.

"You would have to ask him that." Missy replied coolly. "Besides why would I even want to go anywhere with him?"

"That is not answering my question." Osgood corrected her. "He must have offered...he must have..." Osgood repeated as if trying to convince herself.

"Must he?"

"They and you." She added looking between Missy and twins. "I saw what he was like when had thought he had lost you, I saw how gentle he was with them. He practically threatened me to take care of you all or else!"

"Yes well that is The Doctor for you." Missy sniffed as though she smelt something foul. "So very good in a crisis, so very bad at sticking around to sort out his mess. Besides even if he did hint in the vaguest sense about going with him I couldn't trust him, not again, he keeps breaking my heart, why should this time be any different?"

"So instead you'll stay here with me? What am I a consolation prize?" Osgood asked softly unable to hide the sadness in her voice. Was that to be the story of her life, dependable Osgood there when she was needed but never anyone's first choice?

"It's not like that. I really do care about you Skip." Missy snapped reaching out for Osgood as if her touch would have magical properties that would stop this pointless argument before things were said that couldn't be taken back.

Yet Osgood pulled back before Missy could touch her. "Care not love." Osgood couldn't help but pick apart Missy's words. "Don't you think I deserves better than to be someone's safe choice?"

"Love might come in time. Are you saying you don't want me?"

"I don't know what I really want Missy. I know I want to be your friend. I am just not sure I want to be your girlfriend."

"So you are breaking up with me." Missy muttered unable to hide how she was offended by that thought. "So I suppose this is goodbye from you as well, you're going to swan off and leave me as well?"

"No I still want to be your friend Missy. I'm just not sure I'm ready to be anyone's girlfriend. I am not even certain it's a girlfriend I want and if I was looking for one it certainly wouldn't be someone who is still totally not over their ex."

"I'm not..." Missy began only for a knowing Osgood to retort.

"You so are."

Osgood paused watching Missy carefully for any sign she might explode before reaching out and touching her hand lightly. "You forget that when you're together, when you're unable to take your eyes off each other I am able to watch both of you. There is still something there...more than something I think on both sides; if just one of you would find the courage to say something."

"It doesn't matter." Missy muttered biting her lip as she accepted Osgood's comfort but avoided the younger woman's all too knowing gaze.

"It doesn't. Even I was to believe you, even if I was to take that risk it's too late he's gone. You know The Doctor when he has made his mind up to do the 'right' thing he never stops and listens to other people. That man was born to be a bloody martyr, by the time he comes back he'll have worked himself up into such a state that he won't listen to a word I say. He won't even give me a chance."

"Yes and no?" Osgood retorted cryptically, her enjoyment growing as Missy actually frowned, pulling her eyebrows together in such a gesture that practically screamed Doctor that Osgood had to stifle her laughter.

"Meaning?" Missy questioned her confusion growing as Osgood actually had the nerve to smile at her.

"Meaning it might not be too late if you really are serious about changing his mind. I happen to know where he will be at 2.30pm this afternoon. Now what do you say to that?" Osgood asked pulling out a crumpled wedding invitation and holding it up, the gilt edge catching the light and setting off a familiar refraction in Missy's eyes.

Answering Skip's smile with a grin that was positively dangerous Missy couldn't help but pounce on the idea. "I would say Ms Osgood let's go crash us a wedding."

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