The Master chases, the Doctor runs. That's how it has always been, that's how it will always end.
Deep inside his hearts the Master knows it.
It is one reason why the death of his human gnaws so much on him. With her it was the other way around.
But...
A/N: One last chapter of pure fluff, then we'll get back to plot. ;D
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
With a start I awoke from a dream that vanished as soon as my eyes blinked open. All that stayed was a bitter taste. And the darkness. I had a hard time telling if I felt rested now or if it was only the small adrenalin shot from waking so abruptly. Maybe both.
No, I didn't feel like getting up yet, so I stayed how I was and tried to relax myself back into sleep. Soft rain fell outside, soothing, steady, but not enough to wash the too many thoughts away that rushed into my head to stay there.
Sighing, I turned to the side and stopped all movement abruptly when I realised that I wasn't alone. The Master still lay there and his outline in the dark showed no indication of being awake. After I gave my eyes some time to adjust, I could also make out his face. Vague hints of darker and lighter parts, not moving inside the shadows.
Asleep.
Somehow the fact made me feel strange. A being as superior in every regard as him and yet he still needed rest, still needed to allow himself a few moments of vulnerability.
"Staring's rude."
I winced at his sudden voice.
"Told y'already, didn't I?" he slurred, not moving much, but just enough to confirm that I didn't imagine him talking.
"Uh, sorry." Good thing he couldn't see my face blushing in the dark. Why did I even react like this?
"You're still here," I noted.
"Real detective you." The Master yawned. Somehow I couldn't get the comparison to a cat out of my mind.
"You said you only need an hour or so."
"And it's been only five since we came up. Go back to sleep. Or you'll be all nagging again."
I snorted. But yes, I didn't feel as rested as after a full night. And if he really needed that little, but was still here, then... "Couldn't sleep?" I concluded. There was only a low grumble, so I prodded, "What kept you up?"
I didn't actually expect an answer, but I was still curious. What was important or threatening enough to put a man like him so much at unease that he would be unable to fall asleep?
"The Doctor."
His voice was quiet, barely a whisper above the rain outside.
"Hm, right. You two were a thing, weren't you?"
A snort, then a sigh. "Not really. Maybe..." He paused, then groaned into his pillow. "Fuck him. I don't care."
"Uh-huh."
He lightly boxed me in the ribs and I giggled at the petty gesture. The Master looked up from his pillow and, although I couldn't see his face, I just knew he was watching mine.
