Author's Note: As always, this was written at the behest of my muse. This collection of stories is meant to be towards the end of the Doctor's and Master's time at the Academy. In my mind, it's the equivalent of third/fourth year in university.
Disclaimer: Anything you recognize is not mine. Sadly. My information concerning the Academy was compiled from a book released by the BBC and a couple reputable DW sites.
Negativity
Koschei rested his chin on his palm. He idly tapped out a rhythm on the table with his free hand. Across from him, Theta shot him a withering glare. While the noise wasn't enough to bother anyone else in the library, the tapping was driving Theta spare.
One two three, four.
One two three, four.
One.
Two.
Three.
FOUR.
"Koschei," Theta said sweetly, through clenched teeth, "if you don't stop that infernal tapping, I am going to murder you. Then put you in your own stasis cube art so that no one will find your body."
"Hm?" Koschei looked up from the book he had been reading intently. "I'm sorry, did you say something?"
If nothing else, he rapped the table louder.
Theta stared at the offending hand as though to burn it. "You're doing it again."
Koschei followed Theta's gaze. Then he smiled. "Well well, so I am. Does it bother you?"
"I suppose you didn't hear my threat a moment ago?"
Koschei's smile widened impossibly. "No, I did. I just don't believe you've got the nerve." The smile faded and he stopped making the repetitive noise. "But I don't feel like doing it anymore."
"Good. I cannot afford to let my marks fall any lower."
Koschei studied him a moment, then deadpanned, "I wasn't aware that was possible. Do they have negative marks now?"
Wordlessly, Theta collected his study materials and left. Koschei stared at the place his friend had been sitting a moment ago, then shrugged. And resumed the tapping.
"Was it something I said?"