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[best_served_hot]

[There is a man in a plain back, two button suit and tie, with well polished shoes who is currently pacing in front of the statue in the town square. His close cropped brown hair is left slightly mussed as he absently runs a hand through it, muttering softly under his breath.]

This is too elaborate for him. I stopped him. So this is something else

Comments

[bit_impossible]

[for the second time that day, his background music completely comes to a stop due to his extreme surprise. he doesn't need to see that man's face to know who he's looking at (and besides, he saw it on the CAT's town directory earlier and thought it was an error). his expression turns serious and his thoughts quickly turn to the friends in town who could get harmed if they get caught in the crossfire. as he starts to walk towards the Master, knowing that he has to face his old frenemy, a different song begins to play.]

[best_served_hot]

[The Master's music doesn't change, but grows louder for a moment before settling at a less extreme level. His body is tense and he's livid. In one fluid motion, he has his laser screwdriver out and ready to use, but not pointed at him. And two syllables usually would not hold as much disdain:]

Doctor. Who is trying to help you this time, hm? [Which can also be taken as, who else does he have to kill to win?]

[bit_impossible]

[in a casual, yet defiant manner, he tucks his hands into his pockets. underneath, though, he too is tense and wary of that screwdriver. that screwdriver and him don't have a good history together.]

Help? You don't really think someone is helping me by bringing both of us here, do you? Goodness, you've become surprisingly naive since I saw you last.

[best_served_hot]

[He is resisting every urge to pace at the moment. He doesn't like this--whatever it is.]

Well, the last time it was your blessed Saint Martha, and I don't quite know enough of what this is to make a very educated guess. [He loses the battle not to pace and does so a few steps, then back before stopping in front of the Doctor.] Why don't you tell me, because the last time I saw you? You were in your little cage.

So, humor me, when was the last time you saw me?

[bit_impossible]

[that casual attitude is gone, even though he knows that really is one of the only possible times the Master could be from.]

[softly] In an all-consuming fire on a lone, quiet beach. [he still remembers that funeral pyre]

[best_served_hot]

[For a moment, if only the one, he is stunned enough to not say anything. It takes him a bit to recover his voice. It is worrisome, this knowledge.]

You don't sound very pleased by the fact that you seem to have won.

[bit_impossible]

["I didn't win," is what he wants to say, but he knows better than that.]

I've never relished any outcome in any of our encounters over the years. This isn't any different. [a lie]

[best_served_hot]

[He chuckles softly.] Liar. Though I can't say I've made any of this particular meeting very easy for you. [But he's still fishing for information on where exactly, the Doctor is from in the timeline.]

A shame dear Martha and her family were not there to celebrate your victory with you.

[bit_impossible]

[he so knows that's what you're doing, Master] I didn't want them with me. Not right then.

[best_served_hot]

[Can't blame him for trying. :p Too bad it still gives him something. He smiles.]

Oh, of course.

[bit_impossible]

[arches an eyebrow, not liking that smile. cautiously:] "Of course," what?

[best_served_hot]

Nothing I feel a pressing need to share.

[bit_impossible]

[rolls his eyes] Ohhh, of course not! Fancy you sharing anything.

[best_served_hot]

You know what, we can go back to you ignoring me at any time. I forgot what it was like to allow you to speak.

[bit_impossible]

[gives him a look] You'd enjoy that, wouldn't you? And if I'm remembering correctly, I didn't speak on purpose, not because you didn't allow me to.

[best_served_hot]

I would, immensely. [Which is such a lie.]

I did get something out of you eventually that wasn't forgiveness, and it is so moving how you pull off despair.