One Last Chance |6| The Ascension

Chapter Fourteen: The Mother of All Cyber-Hangovers

When McKenzie woke later that evening, it was with the dread of being controlled fresh in her mind. She had been aware of her actions, unable to stop them but cursed to watch the fear in her loved ones' eyes as they came face to face with the Devil. Though she knew nobody had been hurt as a result of the Devil's work, it gave her little comfort. She had had no part in that—it had all been Wanda's quick thinking and bravery.

So it was a surprise when she opened her eyes to see Wanda at her bedside—the very person who she had come closest to killing. When she saw her daughter's face, guilt surged in her. "I'm so sorry."

Wanda shook her head. "It wasn't your fault."

"It could have been your blood on my hands."

"It could just as easily have been the Doctor in your place," Wanda pointed out. "The actions would have been the same. You weren't the warrior, you were the weapon. It's not your fault."

McKenzie sighed. "That's not how it feels." She sat up, groaning at the thumping in her head. "Where is he?"

Wanda looked up pointedly as they heard the TARDIS' engines. "Dropping Clara and the kids off. He asked me to stay with you."

"He asked you to make sure it was only me knocking around in here," McKenzie corrected, and Wanda shrugged, not denying it. "Is it?"

"Just you," Wanda confirmed. She stood up, hesitating. "What were you dreaming about?"

McKenzie blushed. "... why?"

"You were really happy. Calm happy," Wanda explained, flashing a smirk. "If it's what I think it is, I will kill you if you tell me."

"No! Nothing like that," McKenzie assured her, eyes wide. "Do you promise not to laugh?"

Wanda crossed her heart, leaning forwards.

***

"Hey!"

The Doctor raised his eyebrows as he heard shouting from inside their bedroom. As he drew closer, the door opened and Wanda stumbled out, laughing hysterically. "Wands?"

She looked up, holding her ribs. "You have to ask her what she was dreaming about. You have to!" She glanced back in, ducking as a pillow flew over her head.

"That's a can of worms," the Doctor joked. He leaned in the doorway, smiling when he saw his wife upright and looking more alive than she had done for hours. "A good one?"

McKenzie bit her lip, looking reluctant, and Wanda pointed at her. "Tell him! Or I'll tell Piet!"

"Oh God, no," McKenzie sighed, blushing furiously. "Fine, fine... Look, I've had a day, alright? I can't be held responsible with what my brain throws back at me."

The Doctor adopted an innocent expression. "Of course not."

"Exactly!"

"So what did you dream about?"

She closed her eyes. "I dreamed I was a dancing sock." There was a long pause, and she opened her eyes, bracing herself. Eventually though, the Doctor could hold it in no longer, and burst out laughing. "Oi!"

He ducked away from the other pillow, sharing a wheezing high-five with Wanda as McKenzie pouted on the bed.

Sometimes laughter really was the best medicine.

~~~

Vaccinate ya kids :)