[IC] Torment on the Valiant (me and Irisa)

[Magic223]

Past Posts

Magic
The Master was grinning insanely. He had the Doctor finally. After everything. He finally had the Doctor, he was seeming overly happy about it. This time he was going to make sure that the Doctor suffered as much as possible.
He knew he could cause the Doctor a lot of pain. The Master refused to believe he had any amount of concern for his former friend left.

He knew Martha had escaped hoping to find a way to save the Doctor, The Master though knew he had idea’s for perfect lies to tell the Doctor. He wanted to break the Doctor, it pleased him when the Doctor was suffering.
“What are you going to do now Doctor? Martha is dead.” He chuckled. It seemed like a good lie. He is sure that thinking his companion is dead will upset the Doctor.

“You know its never easy to escape me.” The Master chuckled a bit. He was enjoying tormenting the Doctor, they were on the Valiant and the Master considered himself to be wining. He played the music loud and danced around singing. He hadn’t noticed anything wrong with the Doctor yet. He was enjoying tormenting him every moment of the day.
He was looking around. He smirked insanely and kicked the Doctor , he didn’t care if he was hurting him.

The Master growled and pointed his laser screwdriver at the Doctor, he injured him with it, He knew it was so easy to hurt the Doctor when he was unable to do anything, Though even if the Doctor could do anything it was still fun for him. He knew the Doctor tried to avoid violence as well.
“Giving up yet Doctor,” He smirked and leaned forward looking at him. “Can you hear the drums.” He seemed bothered by the drums, no matter how much he tormented the Doctor. But he wasn’t going to look for help from the Doctor. He never did and never wanted it.

Irisa
To think it all came to this. What was he to do? The Master had taken his sonic screwdriver, it wasn't like it was any match for the Master's sonic laser, that much the Doctor knew. Sitting there upon the floor his wrists bound by restraints, looking to the Master with a narrow of his dark brown eyes the Doctor listened to his words but refused to believe it "You lie!" he hissed to the other Time Lord through clenched teeth. He knew the Master would do anything to be able to hurt him emotionally.

The Doctor had to hold onto hope that Martha was still alive, that she was safe, he had no proof that she was alive he didn't have any means of verifying it. So it was either believe what the Master was telling him or just hope for the best. So far the latter was weighed, the Doctor was already down for the count. Having been beaten and tortured his body hurting, aching from it all. The Doctor wasn't breaking he still held onto his strength he wasn't about to let the Master win.

"She's a smart girl, granted not as street witty as Rose or Donna but she's up there." upon receiving a kick the Doctor winced and glared to the Master "You haven't killed her, you'd be far more joyous than you are now if you had" the man was blunt with his words which resulted with a zap from the Master's sonic laser. When the Master finished with his assault the Doctor had fallen to the side and laid there upon the ground for several moments his eyes closed tightly as he panted trying his best to push aside the pain his body was responding to.

It took the Doctor a bit to finally manage to push away that pain and when he did, he forced himself to sit back up, resting upon his knees as he brought his gaze directly to the Master's. "No that would be too easy for you, Master. Far too easy." a smirk formed upon the Doctor's own lips as he stared up to the blonde haired man "You can try all you want, but I'm not breaking, not even close"

Magic
The Master smirked, seeing the Doctor in pain was amusing to him. He was sure the Doctor would probably see through the lie when he still had hope.
"Are you sure? Because how do you know I haven't." He smirked evilly. "Wonder how much more your body can take mm, before you pass out or need to regenerate."
He chuckled evilly. This was far too much fun for him.

"Or I can make you listen to Jack's pleas for help when you cant do anything, he cant die, So I can torture him over and over." He knew the Doctor didn't like seeing his friends tortured and in pain. " Even if he can;t die dying a million times must be horrible for him," he smirked evilly. He knew that Jack couldn't run so easily to the Doctor's aid either. He smirked darkly.
He knew the Doctor's friends were quite important to him "You care about Jack do you not.?" there was something about the look in his eyes that said he was crazy.

The Master kicked the Doctor in the stomach "Or I can just keep hurting you till your in too much pain to even have anything to say back." He knew that there would be a point the Doctor would be in too much pain. Though he was sure that the Doctor would try fight it and carry on. He remembered back on Gallifrey the Doctor wouldn't give up so easily even if he was in pain.

"You may have regenerated since we last met, but you don't change that much and you will never be able to help me, if you are still under that delusion that you can ," He spat "Our friendship is long since gone." He was a bit tired but he didn't seem to want to give up. The Master wanted to keep talking and hurting the Doctor. He wasn't really one to sleep all that often.
He wondered if their was anybody else that would try help the Doctor.

The Master then grabbed the Doctor by his shirt collar. "Ohh if Rose could see her precious Doctor now." He laughed darkly, he could tell it was something that was still hurting the Doctor. " Your hearts break that you can't see her again." tries to get into his mind to torture the other time lord that way as well. He is being very cruel , he can tell the Doctor is already in pain physically.

Irisa
The Master's words were the only things keeping the Doctor alert, his voice, his evil laugh, his very presence in the room all factored into the Time Lord keeping awake and not succumbing to the comforts of darkness that had been calling to him for nearly an hour. "I know you haven't" he stared directly into the Master's eyes "I can see it in your eyes, Master" hearing the Master's question the Doctor wasn't about to answer, he knew the answer all too well. It wouldn't be long until his body would force a regeneration upon him, he'd already endured far too much.

Upon hearing Jack's name brought up, those dark chocolate brown eyes widened as he looked to Master. 'Jack…' before the Doctor could even answer he felt it, the hard slamming of the Master's attack causing the air to be knocked out of him as the Doctor himself doubled over in pain. At that point as he laid there no longer speaking, barely even breathing he could taste metal in his mouth. That only meant one thing, his body was close to the end of its run but no. He couldn't give up, he couldn't let the Master win.

The Time Lord's mind was beginning to haze over with fog as his body laid there upon the ground. He could barely focus on what the Master's words being spoken were. That was until the mention of Rose. Hearing her name brought back memories. He could remember saying goodbye to her on Bad Wolf Bay, his beautiful Rose in tears her voice so gently shaken 'I.. I love you' But with this current situation his mind wandered to a few different scenarios of the past 'Doctor!' he could see her worried face, her tears 'My Doctor…' if there was anything that could bring the Doctor back full swing and ready to fight, it was his Darling Rose. Yes he couldn't see her again, or be with her again but she was safe and away from this mad man. That was all he could ever ask for.

The Doctor's eyes snapped open as he brought himself to rise, his chocolate brown eyes staring up to the Master "You won't win" as he spoke blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as those eyes of his narrowed into a glare "As long as my hearts are beating and there is life in this body. I will never let you win"
The Doctor was strong, The Master knew that, it was why he enjoyed trying to break him so much. He was looking at him.
"Ohh well you will never know. But I will kill all of your precious friends." The Master growled. He knew he couldn't get to Rose. "Well Aside from Jack, But I will make him suffer in other ways," He didn't care about the man in front of him anymore it seemed.

Magic
The Master smirked evilly "Well we will have to fix that won't we." When the Doctor said he wouldn't give up so long as his hearts were beating. Though he wasn't sure he wanted to kill him yet, He just wanted to make him suffer.Though he may kill him later. There was insanity in his eyes, He could see the Doctor was losing focus.
It was boring for him when the Doctor was unconscious, but he did like breaking him. The Master laughed and left the room, But not before making sure he kicked him.

The Master went to where he had Jack chained up. He could see the man had been trying to escape. He knew the man would do anything to try and escape. "You'll never win," Jack hissed. The Master growled and hurt Jack causing him to yell in pain.
The Master held Jack by his collar "You'll never get free to save him.!!" He growled. "Your precious Doctor can't handle much more."

Jack glared at him "Just let him go, do what ever you want to me, I can't die" He wouldn't give up. He wouldn't let the Master hurt his friend. He struggled and tried to pull free from his chains again, He hadn't stopped trying.
"The universe needs the Doctor, your going to kill him if you carry on." he knew the Doctor was in pain. He had heard the Master say Martha was dead. He hoped it wasn't true.

The Master glared and looked at him "Maybe I want to kill him, He cant help me, and he left me out there alone, he thinks hes my friend, That is a lie." He knew the Doctor would hear him. He never thought the Doctor had helped him when it counted. He also couldn't help what had happened to him. He had gone mad after staring into the time vortex.

Irisa
The final kick from the Master before he left the room caused the Doctor to gasp for air. Staring down at the binds around his wrists he tugged at them but nothing. He tugged even harder the metal beginning to dig into his sensitive flesh to the point it cut into him causing blood to trickle down his wrist. That seemed to help give a bit of sliding factor where the Doctor managed to work hard at sliding his wrist against the metal with the help of the blood until one wrist was free. His breathing was shaken and deep at this point he was near panting.

Having heard Jack's cry of pain only fueled the Doctor to continue until his other wrist was free, sitting there upon his knees his body at this point shaking due to the pain he was feeling the Doctor clenched his teeth and tried his best to push away the pain but in the end his body collapsed onto the floor the Doctor blacking out from the pain but still very much alive and breathing. Silence took over the Doctor's mind for several moments. Until… he heard a familiar voice, very familiar. 'I am the Bad Wolf' were his memories from his ninth incarnation coming back to him now? Why? Just then he felt a warmth a familiar warmth that enveloped him and pulled him away from the darkness he had been slipping into since passing out.

Something the Doctor always kept with him, a bracelet Rose had left him with. Something that had stayed in her room after everything. He had taken it from her room in the TARDIS and always kept it in his suit jacket pocket, close to his hearts. It seemed residual healing energy from Bad Wolf had been left over from the bracelet during that night at the Game Station. The bracelet took on a golden glow the glow formed into streams of gold escaping the material and racing for the Doctor's form 'I want you safe, My Doctor' Rose's voice sounded again.

The healing energy coursed through the Doctor's body sweeping through and healing what it could, slowly those deep dark brown eyes opened as he looked to his wrists. His skin healed, he felt better, the pain was no more, the energy healed him for the most part but he was still tired but he wasn't dying, not anymore. With some heavy push the Doctor was on his feet as he looked toward the door, making his way to it he walked out. He could either save Jack or attempt to flee. But no he couldn't do that, not to Jack, he couldn't just leave the man there.

All he had to do was follow the voices and he found the right door. Opening it as quietly as possible he slipped in and stared to the Master "Leave him alone. I'm the one you want, Master. Let's go for round two." the Doctor looked to the other Time Lord with seriousness in his eyes.

CURRENT POST

Magic
The Master smirked looking around "Still alive are we?" he stepped closer to the Doctor, his eyes were focused intensely on him. He pointed his laser screwdriver at the Doctor, he knew the Doctor couldn't do much with his own screwdriver.
Jack looked at the Doctor "Don't worry about me Doc," gives a sad smile "Look after your self, I can't die..., I don;t want you to die Doctor."
He didn't care if he had to be traumatized or beaten and killed constantly. He just wanted the Doctor to be safe. He had been wanting the Doctor to get away safe.

The Master was looking at him "Shut up Jack," he growled. He pointed his screwdriver at the Doctor and hurt him with it. He knew that he could keep hurting the Doctor for a long time yet. He wondered if the Doctor hated him at all yet.
The Master chuckled and danced around him, he laughed evilly.

He was having a good time tormenting the Doctor. He was looking at him "I will do what I like Doctor," he glared at him. The Master was sure that the Doctor couldn't go on forever. He grabbed him and pulled him closer, He was smirking evilly.
"Your mine Doctor." He held onto his tie and smirked. There was so many thoughts going through his mind. he knew that he could carry on for awhile.

The Master looked at him "How did you get healed." he growled, He looked at the bracelet. He seemed to be wondering.
He wanted to weaken him down as far as he could. To make the Doctor miserable was what he wanted. Though it seemed he would have to start again.

"Master... just leave the Doctor alone." Jack begged. He wanted to keep his friend safe. The Master growled and killed Jack, knowing the man would come back a few minutes later. Jack gasped when he came back, he was getting tired of being killed so much.

[Irisa]

The Doctor stood before the Master, he listened to the other Time Lord's voice and soon a smirk curled upon his own lips "Surprised?" the smirk widened as he stepped near the other Time Lord "That I could be dying one minute and just fine the next" when the sonic laser was pointed at him and its rays hitting him the Doctor winced and did his best to block out the pain which actually was quite successful this time around. Deciding to play along the Doctor gave a groan and buckled at his knees purposely. Which he knew all too well it would really annoy the Master after the man would realize the truth.

Hearing the Master laugh, seeing him dance around before looking at him straight in the eyes. The feeling of the Master grasping his tie and pulling him close seeing the evil smirk followed by the man's words. A few thoughts warmed through the Doctor's mind as the smirk was returned in gesture "Mm am I really?" there was a spark of curiosity within the Doctor's eyes as he kept the stern gaze upon the Master.

Seeing the reaction hearing his growl to the Master realizing how healed the Doctor was he gave a semi-chuckle "It just bothers you doesn't it?" it seemed their moment was of 'one upping' each other in glances and comments was interrupted upon hearing Jack's voice. Only then did the Doctor turned to his friend, hearing the immortal beg then seeing him get killed the Doctor's hearts weighed heavy in his chest "You really need to stop killing him, Master" his voice was stern.

The Doctor knew what he had to do, he had to disable the Master and free Jack. He knew the immortal would find a way to his vortex manipulator and could escape. The Doctor used the closeness between himself and the Master to his advantage as he without warning gave a rather firm headbutt to the Master's head enough to catch the man off guard and knock the sonic laser out of his hand. Hearing the weapon skid across the floor the Doctor released the Master and rushed for it. Taking a hold of it he freed Jack and rushed him out of the room "Find your vortex manipulator and go" he firmly shoved the Immortal out of the room.

Slamming the door shut he turned around the face the Master the sonic laser firmly in his grasp as he pointed it toward the Master. "Looks like it's just you and me" the Doctor neared the suited man and reached out to take a hold of the man's tie and pull him close "My my … You're been quite the naughty one, Master" brown eyes stared into hazel brown hues. The Doctor knew he needed to buy time for Jack to escape so the longer he held the Master engaged in conversation or something of the sort the better. "Tsk tsk tsk. What will you do now?"

The Doctor tauntingly waved the Master's sonic laser before the man's face as the Time Lord smirked then tucked the other Time Lord's sonic laser into his own jacket pocket beside his sonic screwdriver but didn't release the man's tie "Without your weapon we're equally matched, yeah?" the Doctor smirked and gave the Master a wink before releasing him all together as he stepped back. "Have at me, Master"

[Magic223]

The Master growled when he realized the Doctor wasn't really in pain, He had been getting ready to strike him until he lost his screwdriver, He noticed the Doctor had freed Jack as well. Jack fell to his knees and was panting, He was shaking "Doctor please don't," he was begging, he didn't want The Master to kill the Doctor, Jack couldn't die but he knew that the Doctor could if killed before he could regenerate. Jack saw that the Doctor wasn't giving him a choice when he was rushed out of the room, he sighed and went to find his vortex manipulator and left, hoping the Doctor would be ok.

"Give it up Doctor," The Master sneered "You will never win." He knew that he needed to hurt the Doctor till he had broken him. He smirked when a message came through confirming Martha Jones dead. "Told you," he said smugly. He was hoping either that would anger or break the Doctor, he knew it would have been easy to break the Doctor if it had been somebody like Rose, but the Master couldn't get his hands on her "Your friend is dead, mind you losing her won't break you as much as if it was Rose, " he laughed darkly "But I am sure it will still get to you in some way." He wanted to make sure that the Doctor suffered in many ways as he possibly could. It was all a very entertaining game for the Master.

The Master smirked and when the Doctor told him to come at him he laughed "With pleasure." he attempted to push the Doctor up against a wall and he punched him. He knew he could wear the Doctor down eventually. "For letting go one of my prisons I was going to use to break you, You will suffer," He continued to fight him and he looked crazy and rather annoyed.
"Well suppose It has always come down to you and me in the end, Though difference is , You won't stop me, and I will break you," He wanted the Doctor to loose hope. He knew that the Doctor often had a lot of that.

The Master started singing I can't Decide and danced around him, before being rather rough and slapping his face. "What gives you so much hope mmm,? How can you have so much hope when I bet you down." He laughed "We were never evenly matched, I was always better than you Doctor," he spat, He refused to even believe they had been friends once.
"Things will never go back to the way they were at the Academy, Once I am done, I will leave you broken and hurt, You think I will stop and tend to you, like when we were young and had gotten into a little argument that went too far!! I Have changed, I can't believe I ever did care about you." He missed those days but he wouldn't admit it, He then kneed the Doctor right in the stomach.

The Master laughed evilly and made sure that he was going to make sure the Doctor suffer, he lunged at him attempting to grab his laser screwdriver from the Doctor's pocket, there was a crazed look in his eyes.
"Give it to me," he hissed, he knew that the Doctor knew that he could do a lot of damage with it, He was determined that he was going to break the Doctor, He chuckled darkly. "So whats it going to be Doctor, because you know one day I will get bored and kill you."

He knew that one day might happen, though right now, he didn't want to, he was looking rather displeased that he didn't have his laser screwdriver and he sighed. He was laughing more, he sounded crazy as he laughed, he though stopped and held his head as the drumming in his head got louder and more annoying, he clutched his head in pain and this time yelled out in pain, He was unable to to focus for awhile, he closed his eyes tightly and he didn't know if he would ever be free of the drumbeat in his head, he panted a bit. "See it, will never end."

[Irisa]

Jack was gone so it was just the two of them. The Doctor was going retort to the Master's statement when the other time Lord did confirm Martha's death. Hearing the news got the Doctor's eyes to widen, a stinging feeling slowly enveloping his hearts 'Martha.... dead? ...' it hurt, it truly did hurt. But what his enemy said next caused the Doctor's hurt filled eyes to narrow into a glare "Don't you dare bring her name into this again, Rose is safe. Out of your grasp. That is all I can truly ask for. I know even if you were to attempt to get a hold of her, you'd have the other form 'me' to deal with as well" hearing the Master's laugh the Doctor took a step back making sure he had both weapons firmly tucked away in his suit jacket before making a taunt toward the Master.

With the Master attempting to shove him the Doctor managed to hold his ground and use his arms to block any coming attacks from the Master "I suppose I am similar to you, Master. I don't break easily. But as long as my other friends are out of your grasp I know I won't ever fall emotionally to your treacherous ways" the Time Lord didn't attack back he remained in a defensive position to block and evade the punches and other attacks thrown at him. But he didn't strike, he didn't want to hurt the Master, he'd never wanted to hurt the Master only help him. It was just how he was, who he was. He chose his title for a reason and had thus far proven to uphold it.

Hearing the Master question him about his hope the Doctor could only smirk "It just boils your blood that I hold such hope in my friends, doesn't it? Well here is a secret, Master" he blocked another attack "I've felt what love is, I know what it feels like and its that same feeling that keeps me going" he placed his hand on the Master's shoulders keeping the man from attacking him for a moment "I don't expect things to go back to the way they were, those drums in your head have only gotten worse. There is no fixing it" with that he hadn't been able to block the attack when the Master kneed him in the stomach.

A slight wince showed in the Doctor's face due to the impact of the kneeing to his gut, that had caught him off guard enough for the Master to take him to the ground. With a wince the Doctor clenched his teeth and fought to keep the Master away from the weapons "Not a chance, Master!" what happened next caused the Doctor to freeze in his moments as he saw the Master grab his own head and yell in what seemed to be agony. The Doctor managed to get up and away from the Master "Master.." the Doctor was no longer angry but he was cautious. Even if he didn't admit it to himself. The Doctor still cared about the Time Lord that was in pain.

"There has to be a way to get the drumming to stop..." the Doctor's eyes moved to the Master's neck, taking this moment to his advantage as he neared and prepared himself. Within seconds he struck the muscles in the Master's neck with his index and middle finger which would disable and in a sense knock the Master out into a semi-gentle slumber. The Doctor catching the Master's falling body into his arms. To his shock he heard the wheeze and huff of the TARDIS before his very eyes his beautiful blue police box materialized before the two Time Lords.

The door opening and the handsome face of Captain Jack Harkness peeked out, he looked to the Doctor as a smirk formed upon his lips "I came to help but ... wow Doc. I wasn't expecting that." moving over Jack took the Master and was about to toss him aside but the Doctor shook his head.

"No, he's coming with us"

"... you've got to be kidding me Doc"

"bring him along" with that all three were taken into the TARDIS the police box disappearing.

[Magic223]

The Master was smirking, He loved seeing the pained look in the Doctor’s eyes. Oh how he loved making the Doctor suffer, he knew that the Doctor cared about others more than Martha. Oh how he would have loved to have Rose to threaten him with, he knew if he could have tortured her , and it would have made the Doctor suffer for now. He now just had the fact he had killed Martha, and Jack if he could get him back here. Though at this point that was unlikely. He had no idea where Jack would be.

“Ohhh two Doctors, “ He smirked “That’s new.” This was the first he was hearing of that, it seemed like it would be a rather interesting situation for him, if he had two Doctors to torment. Though it seemed like that wasn’t going to happen. He knew the Doctor wasn’t giving up so easily. That was the fun part really.
He knew the Doctor would carry on until he had stopped him. He wasn’t ready to give up or give in either. He was enjoying all of this.

He was getting frustrated that the Doctor kept blocking most of his attacks. He wanted to make sure that he got him, he wanted the Doctor to be in more pain. He didn’t stop trying to fight him. Never give in, he knew he wouldn’t anyways. He was the Master and he always carried on. The Doctor was fun to torment, even if h couldn’t break him so easily. He still wanted to damn well try. It was not going to end today until he was bored.

Though seeing the Doctor gasp and fall after been kneed in the stomach he smirked, He knew he could hurt him. He didn’t care at the Doctor’s change of tone when he noticed him in pain. The drums were too loud and painful. He just didn’t care. He didn’t need the Doctor’s sympathy or care, he was shaking a bit as he held his head.
“ I don’t need your sympathy!!” He spat “You can not stop the drums, They will never go away.” He growled a bit.
Before the Master could shove him, or try fight back he was knocked out. He fell into the other time lords arms. When he awoke he was in the TARDIS, the last place he wanted to be. He would have rather died then spend forever traveling with the Doctor. He glared and looked around seeing Jack was there as well.

He groaned and tried to stand up. He didn't care about the Doctor, he had a headache and was rather cranky. "DOCTOR!!!" he snarled. He was more than a little ticked off really. He held his head as the drums were still bad, How dare the Doctor kidnap him like this. That was what he should be doing.
He had his arms crossed "Why don't you just kill me? Instead of making he suffer in here," he hoped the Doctor didn't expect him to like being in the TARDIS. There was no way that he was going to behave either, Why should he after what the Doctor had done. He wanted to lay back down till the drums weren't as bad.

"Doctor...did you really have to bring him," Jack sighed. He was hoping that they could just drop him off on some empty planet and hope that the Master would stay there. "Martha is dead because of him," A few tears were falling down his face, He might not have known Martha that long, but he grown to care about her.

The Master ignored Jack, he didn't want to be here with any of them. He was glad he had made Jack suffer mentally as well. He liked it when he made the Doctor and his friends suffer.
"Don't expect me to even enjoy being here, " he was rather hungry as well, he didn't want to tell the Doctor that. His stomach was growling though, he just sat holding his head.

[Irisa]

A few hours had passed, The Doctor traveling with Jack and knocked out Master. With a heavy sigh the man leaned against his console, his legs crossed at the ankles, his arms over his chest as he stood there his eyes moving about the main room of the TARDIS. They'd been traveling for awhile and the Doctor had put Jack to keep a watch on the Master until he awoke. Which after several moments wasn't too long after hearing the Master's voicing booming his name from the lower levels. With a heavy sigh the Time Lord reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose "Time to get this carnival started" shaking his head the Doctor ventured down to the room that the Master was in.

As soon as he opened the door and entered he looked to the Master, quirking a brow at his sudden words but he answered immediately with "Killing you would be a pleasure to you at this point, Master. This is actually your punishment. I know you loathe me and I know you can't stand being here with me in the TARDIS. So what better way than to keep you here?" a semi-taunting smirk curling upon his lips

The Doctor's brown eyes moved to the Immortal "I know he is… and it hurts but this is his punishment for everything he's done. I will not kill him. He may be evil but he's a Time Lord.. he and I are the last of the Time Lords. I refuse to let him die. At this point it would be an easy way out of his suffering at this point. Can't have that happen." The Master spoke again bringing the Doctor's attention to him. The Time Lord listened to his words a chuckle escaping his lips "Well.." he spoke in his usual exaggerated tone "I don't plan on having you enjoy your stay here, Master." an amused look played upon the Doctor's face. "Every second you're with me here, is pain for you due to how much you despise me."

Stepping closer to the Master he leaned in and stared into those hazel brown eyes of the Master "You've caused so much pain and destruction. So many lives have been lost due to your hands. Some of them very good friends of mine. Everyone on earth wants you dead, Master. I am not going to allow that to happen. So in a sense. I'm keeping you alive, just out of their grasp" a Cheshire cat type grin formed upon the Doctor's lips "Because even if anger and malice burn in your hearts, You're still a son of Gallifrey and I will not let you fall " he reached out and ruffled the Master's hair "there is a vial for pain, from the planet of Mystrilla. Take it. you'll need it with those Drums of yours"

Turning the Doctor headed out of the room with Jack following. The Doctor pulled out his sonic and locked the door to keep the Master locked in so he wouldn't be able t oroam around the TARDIS. "You can't be serious Doc!" Jack was angered at this point as he followed the Doctor into the kitchen.

"I am" was all the Doctor replied with as he began to brew a pot of tea.

[Magic223]

The Master was sitting there, his arms were crossed, He didn’t look at all that impressed, he never was, he didn’t seem impressed till he was winning or getting his way. He smirked knowing at least he could make the Doctor miserable while he was here. He didn’t feel like being nice to him anytime soon. He wasn’t even sure why he should anyway. He was determined to annoy the Doctor and make his life miserable. He knew Jack wasn’t pleased that he was here either. He was determined to annoy Jack if he had to as well.

“Ohhh so I am sentenced to living for eternity with you?” The Master laughed darkly “and your supposed to be the noble , kind one, never knew you could be so cruel.” He had no idea the Doctor was determined to make him unhappy too as punishment. He really did hate the Doctor and he glared at him with a death like glare. “Well then I will make sure you suffer!! I Don’t care if I keep you awake by yelling all night,” He was furious. He didn’t even have his laser screwdriver. He wanted so badly to attack the Doctor.

The Master was glaring at him still. The drum beat increasing. He couldn’t seem to ignore it, He whimpered slightly. “Well if your going to make sure I am miserable, Then I will make your life miserable as well,” He knew if the Doctor was as miserable as him or even more , that he could find some amusement in it all. Really he was going to find a way to make sure that he didn’t end up miserable in the end. Whether he still cared about his former friend, he didn’t show it. He felt like hating him was easier.

The Master had been alone so long, the Doctor had people to love him and the Master hadn’t. “Easy for you, You always had people to care, always had friends and lovers, !! and you say you care you stopped being there a long time ago, But you know what I never needed you!!! I lost my TARDISES,” He throws a book at the wall, He seemed furious with him really. He growled when the Doctor walked off locking the door. He throws a shoe at the door.

Jack sighed a bit, “Hes going to make sure we are as miserable as him.” He was angry, but he failed to see how the Doctor knew what he was doing. The Master hadn’t like that the Doctor touched his hair he takes the vial and drinks from it.

[Irisa]

The Master was going to be quite the handful the Doctor knew it and didn't engage the other Time Lord any further with taunting. Instead the Doctor spoke his say and stood there letting the Master speak. hearing the man's laugh yet the Doctor knew all too well that Master wasn't feeling joy in this, that his laugh was merely some kind of barrier to let others in. That was definitely something the man had to break through. There had to be a way, right? Hearing the Master's slight whimper the Doctor's Cheshire cat like grin faded as a look of concern formed in his eyes.

The Doctor's face showed no emotion but it could be seen in his dark chocolate brown eyes that he truly did care about the Master regardless of their centuries of battling each other. The last two sons of Gallifrey, they were alive but always at each other's throats but this time the Doctor had the upper hand in things. As the Master continued speak the Doctor listened to his words, a slight look of pain within the Doctor's eyes as he looked to the Master. Not moving, not flinching as the Master screamed in his face, just stood there listening.

In a sense that was true, he always had his friends, he had his lover (Rose) but now even if he lost her, she was safe but he still had his friends. Jack was proof of that as the Immortal stood by the door watching the two Time Lords converse. "I left because you … you were changing Master and not for the better." the Doctor said sternly to the Master before walking out, Jack following him. After pouring two cups of tea the Doctor handed one to Jack as they sat at the table.

"What now? " they both heard the thud of the shoe against the Master's bedroom door. Which caused the immortal to shake his head "I don't know how much longer you'll be able to stand him. But I'm here for you, Doctor"

The Time Lord gave a nod as he sat back and sipped his tea his eyes closing as his mind whirled rapidly through his thoughts. Typical hyper Time Lord manner of course. What was today? Then his mind raced to the past:

-*-
A young raven black haired Koschei sat beneath a tree in his Time Lord Academy robes with a book in his hands reading when all of a sudden leaves from above rained down onto him causing the boy to blinked and lifted his gaze to see a blonde haired Theta hanging from a branch right in front of him "There are you, Koschei, I've been looking for you" a younger but taller Theta was beaming to him.

A sigh left Koschei's lips "I told you I wanted to be left alone, Theta" he looked annoyed which caused Theta to frown. The blonde haired Time Lord allowed himself to drop down and landed beside his friend and began to dig into his robe pockets which got Koschei to blink his blue eyes as he averted his gaze to what his friend was doing "What are you doing?" his tone still that of annoyance.

"Looking for your present, silly" was Theta's response as he dug his head into his own robes and began to furiously search "I know it was in here.. AHA!" moments later Theta's head popped out from the fabric as he gasped for air and slowly pulled out a wrapped up present and held it out to his friend.

Koschei's eyes widened as he slowly closed his book "F-for me?" he took the box and began to pull at the ribbon which then fell as he then opened the box and found a pair of cufflinks in white gold and Koschei's name in Gallifreyan script as the button in glowing red metal. "Th… Theta this is .. very nice but.. cufflinks? and what's this for?"

Theta's cheek flushed with red "Well… you … you always spoke of how … you fancied .. suits and.. well.. I figured I'd give you these.. for .. your present. For your Birthday.. if you don't like them i--" but before he could even finish his statement Koschei had placed the box down and moved in close to embrace his best friend.

"They're fanastic, Theta, Thank you" he gave his friend a smile.

-*-

Slowly the Doctor's eyes opened "… His birthday…. HIS BIRTHDAY!!!" shooting to his feet the Doctor raced out of the kitchen and straight up the TARDIS console where he immediately put in coordinates for the snazziest partying planet in the galaxy.

"come again, Doctor?" Jack was at a loss for words as he had followed the Doctor.

"Koschei's Birthday! It's today! How could I forget?!" he smacked himself in the head rather hard "Always alone.. always alone ever since I left him…"

Jack had the most puzzled look on his face "Koschei? … you mean… The Master? you're going to celebrate his birthday?... Doctor what was in that tea of yours?"

The TARDIS thrashed harshly which grounded the Doctor on his back upon landing "He always complains about being alone, about never having anyone. What better way than to lighten the mood with a bit of partying, yeah?" the Doctor hopped to his feet and raced for the lower levels "Master, get ready because it's time to Samba!" the door of the bedroom flew open "Come on, get your shoes on we have to go!" he grinned and waited for the Master to get his shoes before taking his hand and racing for the exit doors of the TARDIS.

[Magic223]

The Master lay back on his bed after the Doctor left. He was in a foul mood. He didn’t think anything would make him happier. He was really angry, he closed his eyes, he waited for the drumming to ease down a bit, he didn’t think it really would. At least not for long. He still blamed the Doctor for not helping him the times he had wanted it. He was thinking of some times when he was younger as well, including the same memory the Doctor had been thinking. He doubted the Doctor remembered his birthday.

He didn’t see why the Doctor would. He smirked after the shoe hit the door, he knew they would have noticed that. He was still quite upset and noticed their was indeed tears falling down his face. He didn’t know why he was crying, was it the old memories. Did he really miss the old times.? He really hoped that he wasn’t softening. He growled when he noticed the tears in his eyes. He really did feel miserable to the point of tears sometimes.

The Master knew the Doctor would never stop caring, even when he got annoyed by him, The Master didn’t think he cared anymore. He felt so broken sometimes. He was sure the drums would really be there forever. He had somewhat gotten used to that fact. He knew he didn’t really have much of a choice but to expect it. He remembered every time he had been in pain, the Doctor would ask if he was alright and he would just reply that he wanted to be alone. He never wanted help when it was to do with the drums, he liked to just suffer quietly.

He hadn’t realized the Doctor remembered his birthday and had something planned, he lay bored on his bed, He growled when he noticed the TARDIS jolt a bit , he wondered what the Doctor was even doing. He was convinced the Doctor didn’t know how to fly his ship properly “What the hell are you doing!!?” he shouted, he groaned when he was tossed onto the floor “Don’t know how to bloody fly,” he shook his head a bit. He slowly gets to his feet once the TARDIS lands. He wasn’t impressed that he had been knocked off his feet.

Jack was looking at the Doctor “He’s always moody and miserable, you even think he would appreciate all this.” He didn’t think the Master would even appreciate his birthday been celebrated. He did hope it would ease some of the Master’s foul mood. But he wasn’t sure. “How old is he anyways?” he assumed the Master was somewhat older. It seemed to appear that way. He knew they had been friends as kids so he doubted the Master was too much older.

Hearing his door unlock the Master looked shocked, He had thought that the Doctor was going to make him suffer, Why was he letting him out. “Wha?” he mumbled. He knew the Doctor would notice the fact that he had been crying. He hoped the Doctor didn’t ask about it. He didn’t really want to talk about it.
“Somba why?” He looked at him with a cold look. “Thought you are trying to make my life a living nightmare.” He rolled his eyes, he though goes and gets his shoes. He didn’t seem to approve of the Doctors hyper active mood either.
He knew that he would need to annoy him all over again. It was no fun for him when the Doctor was happy.

The Master was still in a really sour mood, it seemed like hardly anything would cheer him up. Not knowing what the Doctor wanted to Somba for . He doubted the Doctor was going to celebrate his birthday like when they were kids. He didn't deserve it either, he walked out with him and was looking around. He also didn't think the Doctor would have anything planned for his birthday, he also was sure the Doctor wouldn't have got him a gift either.

[Irisa]

Jack was beginning to question him, the Doctor quirked a brow “I don’t care if he appreciates it or not.. centuries upon centuries of birthdays… he spent alone” the Doctor knew at times what it felt like to be alone. That unsettling feeling. It was truly horrid. The Time Lord could feel his heart being tugged at the thought. So much his mind wandered to that emptiness until Jack spoke to him once more questioning about the Master’s birthday. Without even having to ponder on their ages within a heart beat answered the question thrown at him “Nine hundred and eight years old” The Doctor always knew, he’d always remember the Master‘s age. “He always has been five years older than me” with that he raced down toward the bedroom to fetch the Master.

Opening the door the Doctor looked to the Master, he could see a light redness in the man’s eyes ‘Was he crying? … why?‘ but he wasn’t about to ask and make the Master upset more than he was. Hearing the man’s words the Doctor arched a brow “What? .. Oh don’t be daft, Master” with that he rushed over and took a hold of the man’s hand and raced out of the bedroom. Once the two time lords were out of the TARDIS, Jack leaning against the closed door, keeping his distance. The Doctor looked down to the planet below. It was an extraterrestrial version of New Orleans during mardi gras, laughing, dancing, drinking in the streets. It was actually quite crazy. “It’s been so long since I’ve been here…” he chuckled at a few memories because shaking his head.

He didn’t let the Master’s hand go just yet. “I know you’ve been a bad mood since you’ve awakened. You have every right to be” the Doctor’s mood was calm as he spoke. His eyes lowering to the action below. The outside life was probably too much for the Master to deal with. So the Doctor had something else in store for the grumpy Time Lord. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a handkerchief and immediately covered the Master’s “Stop fussing” he spoke and once the Master’s eyes were shielded his took his ‘enemy’s ‘ hand and led the way through the riot and chaos below “I’ve got you, trust me” he spoke calmly and led the way through the rambunctious crowd.

Once the two (well three once Jack stopped flirting with some of the men and women on the strip) headed passed the crowd the Doctor released the Master’s hand “stay here, don’t move” he waited for Jack to finally enter before moving to do a bit of talking about a party being thrown. Sure enough within moments of handing payment the room behind the large curtains sprang to life, music was playing, decorations had appeared and people were cheering and having fun. Thankfully it wasn’t as loud as it was outside, it was a calmer but still fun atmosphere and that’s exactly what the Doctor wanted.

Making his way back, he reached over and took a hold of the Master’s hand and leaned in close “I know that you’re going to hate me for this, then again you hate me for everything BUT” he slowly led the Master behind the curtain and pulled off the blind fold “Tonight is to celebrate you, Master” the room came into view. Had over fifty some beings. Some on the dance floor, others seated and enjoying drinks, up above was a large banner that read ‘Happy Birthday, Master’ in strobe lights. The Doctor wasn’t sure what the man’s reaction would be and in that moment he didn’t want to see the sigh or roll of the master’s eyes so instead he flagged down a passing risqué waitress with a tray of drinks.

Taking up to two drinks, as Jack had disappeared into the crowd the moment the room was revealed and mingled. The Doctor held out a glass to the Master “Magae Noir, always the best here in Belene, not to mention the strongest” the Doctor gave a smile and ’clinked’ their glasses before downing his own glass. “Let’s Dance! Arrrrriba!” he rolled his tongue upon the pronunciation and headed for the dance floor.

[Magic223]

The Master always had that lonely feeling deep down, he always pushed it away or tried to hide that it ever bothered him, he wasn't sure if the Doctor ever saw through that. He was always alone a lot more than the Doctor was. He didn't really have people there for him like the Doctor, he sometimes had people as a part of his plan. He never seemed to care about any of them and his hearts did always ache with loneliness.
He was tired of living sometimes and tired of nobody caring that it was his damn birthday, He was crying a bit more when he walked out with the Doctor, at this point he was sure the Doctor would eventually say something.

“You've been here before?,” The Master was sure he hadn't. He didn't have the luxury of travelling where he wanted any more. Not since losing his own TARDIS’s. He had partly stolen the Doctors when he did because he was jealous, well other than trying to get off that hell hole at the end of the universe. He was looking around a bit. He wasn't sure why here to dance. He was sure that there was plenty of places that they could dance that weren't on another planet.

Really it just seemed like it was going to be hell from him with the Doctor. He soon noticed the Doctor had blocked his eyes. Great now he couldn't bloody see. Did the Doctor wish for him to trip over. He frowned. “What choice do I have, I can’t bloody see.” He mumbled. He ended up having to let the Doctor guide him, it had been a long time since he had let the Doctor do that. The drumming was threatening to get louder and louder. If he was lucky maybe he could get drunk enough to forget all that. He knew the drums would never stop. At least he was sure of that.

When the Doctor let him see where they were, he was quiet and he had been about to say of course he was in a bad mood, Why wouldn't he be. But those words didn't come from his mouth. He saw that the Doctor had done this for his birthday. He felt more tears fall. “Don’t you dare make me cry again Doctor!!” He didn't want to seem emotional in front of him. “But why do you care if its my birthday or not, nobody does and did you forget I tortured you.” It was confusing to him, why the Doctor would even do this for him.

When the Doctor handed him a drink, the Master downed it before he was pulled into dancing. He was sure he would end up drunk before the end of the night. He was sure it may be quicker than normal with how strong the alcohol was.
“Doctor… I ,” he trailed off, it had been awhile since he had danced this way. He wasn't sure how well that would go.
In between dancing the Master would keep getting drinks, he was starting to get drunk, he didn't seem to care though, nothing else went his way, so he was sure he was entitled to drink as much as he damn well wanted to. When he went to get his fourth drink he wasn't sure the Doctor could hear “I’m so lonely…. I don’t want to be tired of living, but sometimes I am.” He wiped away his tears, He was quietly saying that to himself. He downed his drink and decided to carry on dancing. Least the party wasn't turning out to be too horrible, so far Jack was staying out of his way and drinking and flirting with people that were there.

He could still barely tolerate the Doctor's cheerful attitude, he wasn't sure how the Doctor could be happy after going through so many bad things and now been stuck with him. He was thinking and hoped the Doctor hadn't heard what he said to himself. He was seeming to get into the dancing the more drunk he was though, he closed his eyes lost in it.

[Irisa]

With the big unveiling, the Doctor was actually quite surprised to see that the Master was crying. He hadn't expected that. But he knew deep down that he should have. A look of sorrow came over the Doctor's face as he looked to his old friend. Before he took the drinks he neared the man and placed a hand on his shoulder. But right now wasn't the time to console the man, he knew the Master was struggling internally on what to feel and so forth so he figured drinks would be best. Plucking the drinks and handing one over. The two finally heading to the dance floor.

Women crowded around the two time lords which the Doctor didn't mind too much, though he knew he'd never be interested in them for his heart was still set on Rose. (even though he knew he'd never see her again) Not that his mind could even wander far due to the man before him, he cared very much still for the Master, as a friend of course (just that, right?) His mind would often remember encounters in the past where they'd be sitting beneath a silver leaved tree on Gallifrey, the Doctor as a young man in his early twenties, holding onto the Master the two having had an argument and the Doctor trying to cheer him up. A few tickles here and there, a few laughs and the two would get awfully close, their faces at times would be inches apart until the Doctor would pull away and scoot back. It was always that way. Then he met Rose and his thoughts of the Master simply enough melted from his mind.

Did he love the Master at one point? So many puzzling questions. Ones he'd pushed to the far crevices of his cranium. That in the end simply got piled over that he'd forgotten them. Well … most of them:

-*-

"Why are you crying?" a concerned eighteen year old Theta sat upon the windowsill of his friend's bedroom window.

"I'm not crying!" an angry Koschei rubbed his face as he wiped his tears in the process. "I'm the Master I don't cry!"

Theta was on his feet and moving over to sit beside his best friend "You are, I can see it in your eyes" Theta cupped his friend's cheek "Look at me"

But an angered Koschei shoved him away "Leave me alone! It's not like you care! You're off with Melody, Niken and Patience!"

Hearing the sadness in Koschei's voice, that caused Theta's hearts to sting with pain "… Koschei…" in that moment he felt the pain his best friend was feeling.

"Don't call me that! I have my title now! I go by the Master! Have you forgotten already, Theta?!" Koshei glared up to him.

At that point Theta didn't speak a word, not a single word. Moving closer he wrapped his arms around Koschei who began to struggle and try to push Theta away. But the more he struggled with the younger time lord the more Theta's grip tightened which eventually caused Koschei to stop struggling and embrace Theta closely. 'I'm sorry….' Theta's voice was heard within Koschei's mind 'I'm so sorry, Koschei, for neglecting you'

In silence the two held one another, for nearly twenty minutes it’s a comfortable silence. At last for Theta, for he knew his best friend held those drums. Theta pulled back and cupped Koschei's face in his palms as he gazed into his friend's blue eyes with a smile. It seemed in that moment there was a undeniable connection between the two as they stared into one another's eyes. Theta's lips moving closer to Koschei's , the two about to kiss when something in Theta's mind caused him to pull back and away from his best friend. "I'm sorry" he whispered.

-*-

Why there? Why now? It was nearly three dances in, and five glasses of Magae Noir within his body but he wasn't feeling drunk, no, instead his mind was plaguing him with memories. 'Gallifrey..' the Doctor had ALMOST missed the Master's words but had definitely heard them. 'Always alone … ever since I let him..' It seemed the songs had slowed down for it was now a slow dance. The Doctor stepped close "May I have this dance?" he smirked and pulled the Master close, holding the man in his arms as he led them both in the slow song for lovers. His deep chocolate brown eyes focusing on the Master's "you know… I know a lot has happened, between us. but… I'm here now and granted I know that nothing can make up for lost time but… I'd like to try" he gave a chuckle at his words but he really did mean them.

Slowly even with the closeness of their bodies, the Doctor reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a pendant "I've been holding onto this … ever since that … day I left you… I had .. wanted to give it to you but .. I was too afraid of what would happen if I did" he was being honest. Shockingly even with all the alcohol in his system, the Doctor could be sober enough to hold an intelligent and semi-emotional conversation which caused him to open up which was what he was doing now. "This is …. very special to me because it’s a stone from the very same caverns we used to play in as children, remember? and if you focus enough you… can hear the tune of Gallifrey" he gave a smile to the Master. "I've always cared about you, Master. I just .. never knew how to express it" he whispered slowly the Doctor leaned in, the gap between the two Time Lords closing as his lips pressed to the Master's in a tender and fragile kiss.

It seemed he let his emotions get the better of him for the Doctor's arms slid around the Master's form, pulling the man closer as the kiss was deepened. From across the room, Captain Jack Harkness had been in mid sentence to a sassy beautiful woman to his left when someone within his 'radar' told him to lift his head. When he did, the sight before him caused his eyes to widen and a rather amused smirk to form upon his lips "Well I'll be damned, I didn't see that coming but … woo wee" he gave himself a fanning "that is some delicious candy" The Doctor's fingers at this point were combing through the Master's hair as he held the man close to him, their lips molding into one another. The kiss was held for quite some time, that was until the clapping from the song finish caused the Doctor to pull from the Master's lips and take a gasp for air.

At that moments, his mind was in quite the haze he was literally trying to piece what had come over him, but in the end he knew what had just happened were his feelings for the Master finally coming to the surface, after all these centuries. "…" The Doctor couldn't think, he in a sense was still surprised by his own actions he looked to the Master in his arms and slowly released the man, taking a step back unsure of how the Master would react.

[Magic223]

The Master was sure that he would regret drinking as much as he did later. But for now he really didn't care. It let him push aside his pain easier. He didn't want it to show. It would mean he would have to talk about his feelings with the Doctor. He knew the Doctor had caught him cry a few times when he was younger and wanted answers. He had been so sure the Doctor didn't truly care any more.
He was truly unsure how to react with all of this. The drums were louder and he held his head. It would never leave him alone. Never allow him true happiness. He had more tears falling down his face. It had been a very long time since he had a party like this.

He still did know why the Doctor was doing this for him. He knew he didn't deserve it. He had been rather cruel to the Doctor lately. He had nearly killed him, and still the Doctor showed him kindness in return. He wondered what the other time lord hoped to achieve by that. Did he hope to soften him. He didn't really expect a gift, he wasn't even sure the Doctor had one for him. He had loved the Doctor when he was younger, he had been so hurt and angry when he left him, It had made his anger towards the Doctor much deeper, even if they had never been together it had felt as horrible as a break up. Then the Doctor had other people that were important to him, it had made him jealous and angry. He had always wondered if the Doctor was rejected him. He knew he had started to change when he got older, the Doctor had always said it hadn't been for the good. The Master's feelings had then faded. He had gotten over it.

He carried on dancing with the Doctor, he was lost in his thoughts. Though being this close with him and been able to forget about what was hurting the more drunk he got. "Oh?" He noticed the Doctor was holding out a gift to him, He was shocked, He didn't expect that, He was unsure what to say. "You haven't got me a gift since we were younger..., didn't think you would." He had tears in his eyes. He just didn't seem to know what to say, It meant a lot to him the Doctor would even give him a gift, even if it had been from long ago. He was surprised the Doctor had even kept it for him.

"I remember....It seems almost like a dream now, I do often dream about when we were younger, It seems almost like it never happened now." He sounded sad and lost. He takes the pendant and is crying more, he was about to slip it on, But he was kissed by the Doctor, he kissed him back, hearing the Doctor, the Master realized the Doctor did always care, He held him closer for a moment. Though after when the Doctor pulled away, it was like the Master realized what had just happened. He looked shocked and he was actually red in the face. He knew he did seem to have enjoyed that, Was he falling for the Doctor again, or had he never stopped loving him. He didn't seem to think he had feelings like this.

The Master was unsure what to say, he realized JAck had been watching. He figured that would have been like Christmas for Jack. Really the time lord was too lost for words. He hadn't eaten a thing and was drunk, He was surprised he had been able to speak clearly. He slipped the pendant over his neck. He started to wobble and went to grab a glass of water. He wasn't sure that would do much good right now. He knew he would be so hungover later.

"A drunk Master never thought I'd see the day." Jack said smirking. He still hated the guy. But watching them kiss was still quite exciting. Though there was deep twinge of pain that the Doctor was never interested in him like that. But he knew he couldn't control the time lords feelings, he went to grab another drink. The Master fell over and groaned, he had landed on his face , He was rather drunk, he was surprised he had kept dancing as long as he had.

[Irisa]

The Doctor looked to the Time Lord before him and to the man's surprise the Master's cheeks were redder than a tomato. Slowly a smirk curled upon the Doctor's lips as he looked to the Master in silence. Watching the Master's gaze, the Doctor slowly followed that gaze and soon his eyes fell upon Jack seeing the Immortal with a 'thirsty' gaze. A chuckle escaped the Doctor's lips as he shook his head. In the corner of his eyes, the Doctor noticed that the Master was moving. How was the Time Lord even able to move about?

Sure enough, his own mental question was answered when the Master fell to the floor, flat on his face in fact which got the Doctor to wince. "Welp… you're down for the count, literally" he moved over and knelt down beside the other Time Lord "C'mon, Master" he slipped his arms around the other Time Lord and pulled the man to his feet. His arms slid around the Master, holding him close and steady "Let's get you to a table and have you sit, get you some food in that stomach of yours" helping the man to an empty table the Doctor flagged down a waitress and ordered them a round of party food. Chips, dip, and fried foods. plus a plate a sugared treats, the Doctor loved his pastries.

Once the food was delivered, the Doctor sat there eyeing the food. "… this will not be the most .. appetizing when.. it does come back up… let's get you to the TARDIS and I'll make you some soup, yeah?" the Doctor, was actually thinking quite clearly which was something miraculous considering he'd had more to drink than the Master. Perhaps it was his concern for the Time Lord's well-being is what kept him focused. "C'mon… no more partying" taking the food and pastries for later in a to-go container the Doctor helped the Master up and out of the building. "you need rest"

Jack reluctantly didn't want to leave and hesitantly followed but was stopped by the Doctor once they reached the TARDIS "If you want to stay and party, by all means, go right ahead"

Jack eyed the Doctor "Yeah and you're going to leave me here. I'm not stupid, Doc, you've done it before"

A smirk formed upon the Time Lord's lips "True… " he took in a breath and sighed "I'll stay parked here and look after the Master, if you're not back by sun up, then I'll leave you, but I'm giving you until sun up"

After the agreement was made the Doctor closed the TARDIS door and headed across the main room of the TARDIS and helped the Master up from the chair near the control panel "Let's get you to bed, then I'll go make you some soup. It'll be easier on your stomach" helping the Master down to his room he laid the man down upon the bed then headed off to the kitchen for some ginger ale in the mean time which he left on the Master's night stand before disappearing into the kitchen a bit later returning with some soup. "Here we go, a nice bowla soup"

[Magic223]

The Master wasn't sure food would be a good idea. He wanted to avoid it knowing he would be sick later, But he knew he hadn't eaten yet and probably should.
"Yeah I guess, That was strong stuff." he gasped. He let the Tenth Doctor help him up. He was very drunk. He was looking at the Doctor and closed his eyes for a moment. He was feeling rather dizzy. He knew that he would be feeling terrible later, He could barely even focus now and was rather wobbly even with the Doctor's help.
"Food... Yeah I suppose, Not that will make a difference later," The Master was not speaking that clearly. He seemed rather slurred. He though at least wasn't in a foul mood any more. It seemed the party had calmed him down a bit. He lets the Doctor sit him down. He noticed the party food come. He though nodded when the Doctor said to get him soup and back to the TARDIS, He looked at him with a serious look in his eyes. "And no making fun of me later." He was sure the Doctor also would end up rather hungover later too. He noticed Jack wanted to stay behind to party.

"Yeah aright." Jack didn't want to be left behind, so he was going to make sure that he was back before that time. He looked at the Doctor as he headed into the TARDIS. He had been drinking a bit as well, but knew he wasn't drunk quite yet, He had been busy flirting with people at the party.

The Master sighed laying back on his bed once the Doctor took him back to the TARDIS. He was so dizzy that laying down did feel better right now. He was closing his eyes and waiting for the Doctor. He sits up when the Doctor brings him soup. He sits up and eats his soup. He had actually had a good time during the party, yet he didn't want to admit it. "MMm yeah I suppose." He wondered how the Doctor was still focused though he was willing to bet the Doctor would still feel awful later. He drinks his ginger ale as well and closed his eyes again.

As soon as he was done with his soup, he fell asleep curled up in his blankets. He moaned and twitched in his sleep as he was having bad dreams, He seemed to be sweating and he had tears in his eyes. He though just carried on sleeping where he was. Jack returned before sun up to make sure the Doctor wouldn't leave without him. He was quiet so not to bother them if they were sleeping. He seemed a bit tired, but he had a good time. The Master awoke the next morning and cursed holding his aching head. He blushed when he remembered he had kissed the Doctor.

He was soon having to rush to the bathroom as he felt sick to his stomach and he threw up in the toilet. He was groaning as he continued to retch. He was almost cursing drinking as much as he had, He looked a bit pale and his head was pounding. He wasn't sure what the Doctor was doing or if he was even awake . He didn't want to be a bother to him. Which was strange for once as normally he didn't care if he was waking or bothering the Doctor, He wasn't sure if the Doctor had anything for hangovers. He didn't even think that was possible. He threw up more and groaned leaning against the wall after.

He didn't seem to call out for help. He just sat where he was holding his stomach. He had heard Jack return earlier and hoped Jack would leave him alone, he didn't want to be made fun of. He sat on the floor of the bathroom holding his head. His headache seemed to make the drums worse and he gritted his teeth in pain, willing his misery to go away. He went and splashed water to his face and sighed.
"Dammit," He muttered. He panted a bit and closed his eyes as his head wouldn't stop pounding. He just held his stomach. He knew maybe more ginger ale would help, but his head hurt so badly he didn't want to move.

He thought back to kissing the Doctor and blushed even deeper. Had he liked it? He was sure he had. He also was reminded of how he had felt about the Doctor when they were younger, He had pushed that aside and almost forgotten in his mission to make the Doctor suffer, Had some of that been because he was hurt that the Doctor left and had never returned those feelings when he was younger. He grunted a bit and mumbled to himself. He looked kind of like he was crazy at that moment. The drums did make him feel crazy a lot of the time. He was sure the hangover would wear off soon enough. He knew he would be stuck in bed for a bit. He didn't seem to want to move until the Doctor came and found them.

[Irisa]

After the Master was asleep the Doctor headed out of the room to his own bedroom. Normally the Doctor didn't need to sleep much but with all of the alcohol swimming through his body the Time Lord was feeling rather tired. Removing his trench coat he tossed it aside as well as his suit jacket, his sonic screwdriver falling out of the pocket as well as a few other items and scattered onto the carpeted floor. Loosening his tie and sliding out of his oxford shirt the Doctor kicked off his shoes and collapsed on the bed. In that instant sleep came to the man, his body reverting back to allowing the effects of the alcohol to finally take place.

Sure enough, by morning the Doctor was soaked in cold sweat, his mouth felt pasty and in an instant the man was on his feet and bolting to his bathroom where hugged the toilet for nearly twenty minutes just regurgitating everything he'd had the day before. With a groan, wiping his mouth with a hanging towel the Time Lord collapsed back onto the floor as he laid there, his entire world at that moment spinning as he groaned and held his head.

There was a flash of light as the door to the Doctor's bathroom opened "Doctor without a shirt on, laying on the floor… oh that's delicious.." Jack chuckled as he neared "It's a shame you look pale though, Doc" he joked and helped the Time Lord to his feet "So… do you have anything alien to give you relief from a hang over?" he questioned helping the man to the sweat soaked but instead sat the doctor down on a chair and getting the case of vials from the Time Lord's closet.

The Doctor searched through the case and pulled out two vials of identical liquid and downed one. Sitting there in the chair in silence, the other vial resting in his hand as he waited for the medicine to do its work. Maybe ten minutes of silence, Jack leaving to get a light breakfast started for the two Time Lords. The Doctor's hearts had picked up, sliding in sync with each other finally, color returning his to face and strength building. After a shower, a change of clothes, the Time Lord slid on his brown pinstriped suit jacket and tucked the vial and his sonic screwdriver into the pocket and headed out toward the Master's bedroom.

Not to his surprise the Master was in the bathroom "You look horrible" the Time Lord now feeling seventy percent better moved close to the hungover Master and knelt down "I've got this that should help" depends on how well it'll help.. for each being its different. not sure how well it'll work but it will take away the sick feeling" uncapping the vial he moved close and helped the Master with the liquid before sliding his arms around the man helping him up and into the bedroom. "Last night was definitely something, eh?" he smiled to the Master and reached out brushing his fingers comfortingly through the man's brown hair. "Oh Master…" the Doctor's brown eyes lowered to the man as he gave him a smile

[Magic223]

The Master groaned , he heard the Doctor walked in "I'm sure it would be kinder to kill me at this point, I feel like I am dying." He was being a bit dramatic really "Feel like I was kicked in the head by a horse and then trampled on by Judoon." He moaned rubbing his stomach. "That was foul, I've not thrown up in awhile..., Not even when I was last drunk. Last time was when I was younger and you thought It be ok for me to eat when I said I was feeling horrible." He narrowed his eyes at him for a moment before he laughed a bit "Though I did consider it pay back you got sick after," He smirked a bit more. He was holding his head and hoped the drums would stop, he gritted his teeth and mumbled to himself. It made him feel crazier than he was when he was talking to himself.

"And you actually look horrible still as well Doctor, " He was smirking, He lets the Doctor help him up. He really did hate having a headache the most. He looked at him when he gave him some medicine to take. He raised an eyebrow. "Didn't think you had such a thing." he wished he had almost known sooner. He gasped from his headache and just took the medicine and looked at the Doctor. He was glad to be back on his bed, He hoped the medicine would do its thing. He knew even at least if the sick feeling went away and he still had a headache, that he would be at least able to not have to worry about rushing to the bathroom. He heard Jack in the kitchen, wondering what the man was doing, He wondered if Jack hadn't got drunk or was more used to hangovers than what they were.

He closed his eyes as the Doctor ran a hand through his hair, He liked it and it was hard to not show that he was enjoying it. He couldn't believe he was even letting anybody know that. He was the Master and he didn't want the Doctor to see he could so easily relax once his hair was messed with. He knew it was too late though. He moaned with delight as the Doctor touched his hair. Was the Doctor weakening him. He closed his eyes still and thought back to when they were younger for a few moments "Yeah..... I suppose I shouldn't lie or hide it, was first night in a long time that I had fun, Not so sure about the falling on floor part from being so drunk." He laughed a bit. His bitterness seemed to be fading away slowly. He was still very much conflicted though.

"Doctor......... I....," The Master went red in the face, He wrapped his arms around him and just kissed him again. "I think I have loved you a long time, when we were younger, I was hurt you never indicated that you felt the same, and when you left that truly felt like you had rejected me, But as I got more angry and insane those feelings were forgotten or buried." He looked into his eyes , it was like the Doctor had awoken him in ways, He lay a head on his chest after and waited to see what the Doctor would say. He was still conflicted and his hate for the Doctor as well as his love were fighting with each other. He didn't really know what to do.

The drums got louder and more intense , he began sobbing and punched him in the shoulder "I hate you for leaving me!!! And because I am so full of anger... I'm never happy," He seemed to snap as he was struggling with all of this. He didn't know how the Doctor would react upon been punched like that. But The Master knew that he wasn't stable and the drums seemed to get worse when he tried to be softer, He dug his nails into a pillow. "You bloody idoit." He growled. He was sobbing more and he lay back panting a bit. He wasn't sure if he was going to have more outbursts like this.

[Irisa]

"Yep" his lips popped at the letter 'p' at the end of the word "I was feeling that as well. Glad Jack got here when he did because I would've been as bad as you" the Doctor joked with a grin. Hearing the Master the Doctor chuckled "Quite right, I do remember that time" as the Master commented on how he looked the Doctor returned the smirk "Well it's a shame I won't be winning Mr. Universe" he joked with a chuckle. The Doctor helped the Master into the room after giving him the medicine and was surprised to see the Master enjoying having his hair messed with but seeing the Master's reaction a smile touched the Time Lord's lips. "Always allowing your true nature to shine through… Oh Master" the Doctor leaned in and placed a kiss upon the Time Lord's forehead. As he did however a memory returned to him.

-*-
The two were celebrating Theta's graduation from the academy, He chose that night (since it would be his last there) to spend it with Koschei. He's been spending so much of his time with Patience and Melody that he never made time for Koschei but this night? This very important night the Doctor chose to spend it with his best friend.

The two had gone through four six-packs of ginger beer and were feeling pretty darn good right about then. Theta being red in the cheeks and giggling as the two Time Lords joked around with stories from their past.

"The Doctor, quite the title there Theta" commented Koschei as he took a drink of his last bottle of ginger beer "But you have a good natured soul, so I know you'll live up to that title"

Theta was smiling as he leaned against Koschei, rested his head against the elder young man's chest "The Doctor and The Master, I like that" lifting his gaze to meet Koschei's blue orbs Theta grinned "I'm glad you agreed to spend this night with me"

The closeness of their faces were too close for Koschei as he backed his head away which couldn't go far considering it was against the wall within millimeters. There was definitely red in the black haired Time Lord's face and at that moment it wasn't due to the alcohol it was due to the Time Lord inches from his own face. "Theta…" whether it was the haze of the alcohol or just the moment between them. Koschei leaned in to close the gap between their lips with a kiss. At first Theta's eyes went wide as his hearts skipped a bit but in that moment he lowered his guard and returned the affectionate gesture.

Their first kiss and at that moment it was a rather passion filled kiss, true feelings had been released in the kiss. Yet as it continued the drums in Koschei's head were pulsating loudly, causing the older Time Lord's skull to ache, so much he shoved Theta with full force away from him as he reached up holding his head.

The Force of the shove was so strong it caused Theta to crash against the wooden floor as he flew off the bed with a thud. Laying there holding his shoulder Theta winced "I-I'm sorry Koschei" wincing the young man slowly sat up as he looked to his friend in pain "…. Koschei…" concern took over Theta's features as he neared the other Time Lord and reached out to touch his shoulder only to get his hand smacked away.

"Don't touch me, Theta!"

But Theta moved closer and wrapped his arms around Koschei holding the struggling Time Lord firmly in his arms not letting go. "No, you're suffering from… those drums I'm not letting you go" Koschei grew violent and began to punch and hit Theta who even though they hurt managed to take the hits, his eyes shut tight as he tried to block the pain and continued to hold Koschei "I’m not letting go…" he spoke firmly and to his relief the punches stopped as arms from the older Time Lord wrapped around him, followed by sobbing.

"Theta…"

Tears trickled down Theta's eyes as he opened them looking down to Koschei "I'm here, Koschei… I'm here" placing a kiss on Koschei's forehead a young Theta held him close. "I'm not going anywhere, not tonight" he whispered and scooted close, moving to lay them both as he held Koschei through the remainder of the night.

-*-

As the memory faded the Doctor looked to his fellow Time Lord and gulped down a knot that had formed in his throat. To his surprise the Master had embraced him but what surprised him most of all feeling the Time Lord's lips against his own, in that moment the Doctor returned the kiss whole heartedly . When the Master parted and spoke the Doctor looked to him "I … I did momentarily but… I then later blamed it on the alcohol.." the unexpected punch caused the Doctor to wince but he allowed the Master to let it all out.

Before the Doctor could even embrace the Master, the Time Lord had cluched a pillow and laid back and began with the name calling. The Doctor's eyes shone with sadness as he looked to his long time friend, the Doctor didn't speak, not a word, moving over he crawled onto the bed and hovered over the Master staring down to him "I know I've wrong you the past, Master" with a hand the Time Lord cupped the other's cheek as he gazed into the man's hazel-brown eyes "and I know nothing I say can make up for it" slowly he lowered his body down to lay on top of the Master 'somewhat' not wanting to put much weight on the other Time Lord "But… I learned a long time ago and have accepted that.. I've loved you since we were young" leaning in the Doctor pressed his lips to Master, kissing the Time Lord passionately.

It seemed however that the moment was ruined as the door to the Master's bedroom opened and there stood, at first a surprised Immortal but then a grin formed upon his lip "Oh please say I can get in on that action…" he gave a momentary fan "Because baby that is hot"

The Doctor pulled from the Master's lips upon the interruption and gave a semi-glare before a sigh "Stop it" was all he replied with which caused Jack to laugh.

"Breakfast is ready you two, something light but will help regain your stomach tolerance for food later." with that he walked out leaving the Time Lords alone.

[Magic223]

"Yeah..... well of course I knew that you couldn't handle it," The Master huffed. He lay there and sighed. They had so much memories together. He tried to act like he didn't miss it half of the time, or that he didn't remember. But it was hard to do such things now. He did miss those days, back on gallifrey when they were together and when he wasn't trying to destroy the Doctor, He noticed the Doctor seemed to have spaced out a bit. He was suffering badly from the drums. He knew they had started to get bad not long after he was a young adults.

He lay there whimpering from pain, He knew that the pain would never go away, It made it hard not to snap at the Doctor, "Ugh damn drums." He knew the Doctor hated seeing him in pain. It had always been that way, even when he was younger. He was looking into the Doctor's eyes. Damn why couldn't he stop looking at him. "Theta," He hadn't called the Doctor that in a long time, He was still a angry. He was shaking "Wronged me!!! You hurt me, You kissed me that night and then you acted like it was nothing and then just left!!! How did you expect me to feel," he growled. He looked at The Doctor. He raised his hand and smacked him in the cheek, he was unstable and part of him wanted to hurt the Doctor still.

He didn't have time to rant again as the Doctor kissed him, The Master just kissed him back. He was glad that Doctor had admitted his feelings, He was in love with him and there was no denying that any more, he put his arms around him. He kissed him more, He was enjoying it, though hearing Jack's voice, he blushed pulling back. He really didn't like been interrupted. after all these years he finally had the Doctor and he wasn't going to give that up. He glared at Jack. "Can't you knock!!!" He rolled his eyes. He didn't think Jack understood the meaning of private. He was not going to tolerate too many interruptions. He was blushing and noticed Jack had finished making them breakfast. He was hoping that he could eat something now.

He wanted to kiss the Doctor more, but he felt like Jack had ruined the moment. He realised he was sobbing more since he had kissed the Doctor. He realized Jack would have seen him in tears.
"Well he knows how to ruin a moment," He wasn't impressed with that. He wished Jack would have knocked. He goes and gets up and sighed holding his head, The drums were bad and he felt almost dizzy from it.
He was breathing deeply and he leaned on the wall closing his eyes. He wished the drums would go away. "Don't touch me." He growled, He just provided his normal reaction before the Doctor had even got close. The drums were hurting his head.

He was breathing deeply "Stupid drums," He winced and tried to just remain strong and fight it. He walked out going to get his food. He looked almost pale from the pain of the drums, he hoped that it wouldn't make him pass out. He knew there had been one time when he was younger that he had lost conciousness too it. "Theta...," He whispered . "Its really bad this time." He knew that had been the exact words he had said last time it was so bad, He still had tears in his eyes and was holding his head, the drums never seemed to leave him alone.

He though suddenly just fell to the ground and passed out, He was unable to take the pain. He was looking pale. He had hit his head on the wall as he passed out. He knew that he wasn't able to take it this time. Jack had noticed the Master had passed out, he wondered what had caused that. He had never known the drums would be that bad to make the master pass out.

"Uhh Doctor." Jack said. He walked over to the Master. He was standing over him as he waited for the Doctor. He was sure that he would need to get the Master back to his bed. "He passed out."
He knew the Doctor would be rather worried about the Master.

[Irisa]

Having heard his name, his actual name being spoken from the Master. The Doctor held a stunned look upon his face then the anger and the smack hard across his face from the Master. The Time Lord winced at the stinging feeling that was left over from the strike but still, went with his feelings and silenced the Master's outburst with a kiss. A kiss that definitely held emotion and yet was sadly interrupted by Jack's voice. A groan of disappointment escaped the Doctor. Once Jack was gone, the Doctor looked down to the Master "Yes, I'm afraid so, he's good at that"

As the Master moved from beneath the Doctor, the Time Lord arose to his feet. The Doctor took note of the Master's discomfort and moved close, per habit and reached out to comfort him yet immediately retracted his hand upon the Master's words. 'Still the same Master' Realizing the man's breathing had elevated the Doctor grew even more concerned as he neared and soon followed closely behind the Master. Yet he stopped upon hearing the weaker voice call his name 'Theta' the Doctor's eyes widened 'it's really bad this time' and sure enough within moments before his very eyes, the Master had collapsed to the floor.

It took the Doctor a few moments to regain his train of thought as he neared the Master's unconscious body quite quickly "Koschei!!!" reaching out he took the Master into his arms and did a scan of his head, no real damage just a bump. "I’m here, Koschei… I'm here…" the Doctor took the Master's body into his arms as he slowly arose to his feet "Jack bring my case of vial's to the Master's bedroom. With that he walked out of the room 'Don't worry Koschei, I've got you'

-*-
The two Time Lords had been arguing for what seemed to be an eternity, all because it was one of those trips Theta had been gone for awhile with Niken, Melody and Patience on a trip over the week during school break. "I came to visit you and here you are not even enjoying my time with you… why do I even bother?!" Theta was enraged and in a sense quite hurt. He'd been missing Koschei and wanting to see him, yet when he returned all the 'Master' as he was called now after graduation could do was be foul and angry.

"I don't know! You tell me, Theta!" hissed a blue eyed Koschei with a glare as tears stung his eyes "You never remember me! You're always away from home, I try to visit you and find out from your mother or father that you're not there that you're out with Niken or Melody or even Patience!" jealousy at the last name spoken was quite apparent in his tone. He saw the way that Patience would look at Theta and that just burned Koschei up inside when Theta would return that 'interested' gaze right back at her.

"Th-that's not true!" the younger Time Lord retorted in denial "I could never forget you, Koschei! Never!"

"Oh yeah?" a somewhat 'crazed' look in Koschei's eyes, the drums were louder than ever before "Then tell me this Theta, do you even think of me at all" his head tilted to the side as he made eye contact with Theta. "When you're with, Patience?" the whole moment in itself was a chiller to the bone. Theta felt his body shiver, was it fear? Possibly.

Theta could see madness in Koschei's eyes, something he hadn't seen there before or maybe he just wasn't paying attention at the time. "I-I …. Don't bring her into this Koschei!"

"Ooh~" a smirk formed upon the blue-eyed male's lips "I've struck a nerve, haven't I?" the dark, twisted, madness in the Koschei's eyes, just his entire demeanor was giving Theta the chills to where the younger Time Lord was actually getting scared.

"Koschei… this isn't like you…" Theta stepped closer to the Time Lord "Koschei… let me help you…" closing the space between them slowly Theta wrapped his arms around Koschei.

"What's the matter, Theta?" those crazed blue eyes stared up at him, a grin had formed upon the older Time Lord's lips "am I too much for you now?"

Theta closed his eyes after making momentary eye contact just the whole demeanor of Koschei, that look in his eyes, that …. grin. "Stop it!! This isn't you, Koschei! and it's scaring me!" Theta gulped down the sobs that were traveling up his throat. Through closed eyes tears escaped out of corners of Theta's eyes and trickled down his face.

"Oh Poor Theta" a somewhat sarcastic tone came from Koschei "Is little Theta… scared?"

"I said STOP!" with a shaky hand Theta slapped Koschei hard against the face.

That was enough of a hit to cause the crazed Koschei to collide with the floor as he laid there holding his head, his eyes closed tight as he clenched his teeth and groaned before a scream escaped his lips. That was enough of a scream to get Theta's fear to melt away instantly "K-Koschei?" another scream escaped the fallen Time Lord's lips. Not even a second later, Theta was at the young man's side and reached out to grab him.

Koschei pulled away "Don't touch me, Theta!" Koschei got to his feet as he leaned against the wall, his body trembling from the pain as he reached up and held his head within his hands, his breathing labored through grit teeth. Then it happened, like a shock, a jolt, a stab of pain all focused on one area of Koschei's brain. His worlds was spinning, his mind was spinning and the pain was far more intense than it had ever been before "Th-Theta…" the man's voice, frail and weak ""it's…. really bad…. this time" before another word could even leave his lips Koschei's knees buckled as the Time Lord fell toward the ground.

Theta had kept his gaze upon Koschei during it all and was able to see what was going to happen. Rushing forward, Theta caught the blacked out Koschei in his arms "Koschei…" whispered Theta as he brushed a few black strands from the young Master's face "I'm here…. I've got you" though he was younger, he was still strong. Taking the young Master into his arms, Theta carried him over to bed and laid him down "Rest now …. let those drums fade away…" Theta's mother was good at making medicine, she'd brewed a powerful pain reliever which Theta had in his coat pocket and gave the unconscious Time Lord for the pain his skull. 'Those drums are menace…. I hope they don't last much longer… Oh Koschei…' scooting close to the unconscious Time Lord, Theta held onto the young Master as he slept, not leaving his side.

-*-

The Doctor held the unconscious Master in his arms as he walked memories of that time in the past entered his mind with each step he took. 'Oh Master….' he stepped through the doorway and moved to lay the brown haired man upon the bed. Once Jack entered with the case of vials he left the Doctor alone with the Master. The Doctor sat there with the case in his lap, going through the array of vials and finally found the one he was looking for. A lime green color, the exact same recipe, one he'd learned from his mother more than eight hundred years ago specifically that would aide with the pain in Koschei's head. So in a sense this medicine was specifically for him, the Doctor had perfected it by now.

Taking the vial he uncapped it and inhaled the aroma "Perfect" whispered the Doctor as he moved near the unconscious Master and dripped a few drops into the man's mouth, massaging his throat to get him to swallow the medicine. After capping the vial and putting it back the Doctor moved closer to the Master, pulling the cover over them both he wrapped his arms around the man as he laid there holding him close, long slender fingers combing through the Master's hair as the Doctor laid there in silence just trying his best to be there and comfort the unconscious Time Lord. 'I may not be able to take away the drumming, but I will do all I can to keep that pain away' was his vow to the Master at that moment.