The drums thundered in the Master's head as watched the Doctor and tried to listen to what he was saying. He'd never actually been as good at that as he'd thought he was - just like he'd never been good at seeing the Doctor from any angle than how the Doctor could benefit him - and right now it was impossible, what with his pulse pounding in his ears and the drums right along with it.
Which actually helped him reach a decision. Even if it didn't change anything between them, even if he never would have a Doctor who felt for him and looked after him like the other one did his Master... if removing the drums would let him think, think clearly at last...
He sat down abruptly in one of the pair of easy chairs near the window and looked up at the Doctor, jaw tight and eyes bright with apprehension. "All right. Do it."