The Master prowled towards John in a slow spiral, circling in until he stopped in front of John, reaching down to tilt John's head up with two fingers under his chin. "I see." He paused, meeting John's gaze with a slightly distant expression.
"I didn't intend the headaches, my apologies." That, at least, was as sincere as the Master got. A moment of irritation with himself and the drums, an honest desire not to inflict them on John, at least. "Nor shall that particular incident happen again."
He leaned down slightly, lowering his voice. "And though I may permit mutuality, do not think you can dictate its terms, pet."