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- Go on, then. Do it - the Doctor gasped out, his eyes fixed on the gun in the Master's hand. The gun that was so very close to the stem of his brain...
He supposed it had to be this way. It was only appropriate the Master be the one to do this. He agreed to this. He asked him for this.
- You know, it's not like it's something a regeneration won't fix... - the Master drawled with a note of irritation in his voice, leaning against the chair the Doctor was strapped to, at his own insistence.
- I know, I know - the Doctor sent the Master a quick, reassuring smile, though who was he reassuring, he couldn't tell. - Just... a little scared, I suppose.
- Riiiight... - the Master answered, his expression unchanged.
The Doctor shifted his gaze to Donna and Rose, and smiled at them, too, nowhere more honestly than at the Master. Donna looked back at him, stone-faced. Rose sent a small smile back.
The Doctor took one last, shaking breath, closed his eyes, and squeezed the Master's hand.
- Alright, then. Allons-y...
He expected pain. He expected a sensation of his body getting ripped open. He expected... something to happen.
And nothing did.
- You're kidding now, right? - Donna broke the silence, her voice shaking with held back laughter. The Doctor opened his eyes slightly. - You're kidding and know full well he's done it some 20 seconds ago, please tell me you know that?
- Look, mom, this really can be a bit stressful...
- No, my dear miss Noble, I assure you the Doctor is just that much of a drama queen.
- Oi! - the Doctor exclaimed, trying to touch his earlobe and remembering the straps.
- I'm almost tempted to leave this dumbo like that.
- And I am more than tempted to let you.
- You guys are awful! - Rose hissed at her mother and the Master, unstrapping the Doctor and handing him a mirror.
The Master wasn't exactly known for truthfulness or just assessment of their skills, but apparently he really did now how to pierce an ear. The Doctor tilted his head this way and that (like a cockatoo with impaired sense of direction, both Donna and the Master later said), admiring the pearl Tiffany piece in his lobe.
- Looking good! - he said with a wide grin. - Thank you, Master!
- You're so very welcome - the other Time Lord answered, sounding anything but welcoming. And then waved the piercing gun in the Doctor's face. - But let's be clear, the only other part of you body I'm piercing will actually hurt!