Note: The Doctor got invited to Amy's surprise birthday party. Rory, of course, doesn't know that Noah and the Master are traveling with him now. So, rather than let Noah and the Master roam on their own, he brings them along.

Apologies

I froze. Something was wrong. And for a moment, I didn't know what.

But then You stepped from the TARDIS and I knew.

Your smiled was like His. You were smiling the smile that haunted my nightmares. And I was afraid of You.

The Doctor froze mid-sentence, leaving his explanation about me and You unfinished. He turned, looking over his shoulder at You as I backed away.

"Master?"

You're grin widened as You walked toward us.

The Doctor stepped between me and You, pushing Rory farther back.

Your smiled became a mocking frown.

"That's not very nice, Doctor. Keeping me from my Noah."

You reached out and adjusted his bowtie. And then hit him in the chest.

He fell back into us and You threw him away. Rory started forward. And You grinned again as You hit him.

I tried to stop You. But You slapped me, knocking me aside. Completely uncaring. You went for the Doctor again, even as Rory tried to rise and help him. I grabbed at Your ankles. And You fell to the ground, turning to lash out at me.

"Get off me!"

I scrambled atop You and pinned Your arms to the ground.

"Please…"

I spoke to You in Gallifrean. I whispered to You.

Blood ran down my chin from the cuts on my lips. I could feel the bruise forming on my cheek.

You struggled. Tried to throw me off.

"My Master…"

You hesitated. I saw the confusion in Your eyes.

"Master, please…"

You struggled some more. But it was half-hearted. I could see the sanity coming back to You. Could see the tears beginning to form in Your eyes as You realized what You'd done. I saw You come to terms with the fact that You'd hurt me and the Doctor and his companion.

"Please stop, Master."

You closed Your eyes and started breathing hard. You were fighting against Your pain and sorrow.

"Noah… Let go…"

I loosened my grip, suddenly very tired. We both collapsed, me atop You.

You were quaking with sobs and fear. I could feel it in Your mind.

The Doctor got up and went over to Rory. And when he'd made sure the human was okay, he bent over me.

"Noah?"

"I'm fine, Doctor."

I raised my head and nodded to him. And noticed he was deliberately not looking at You. I caught his sleeve as he tried to move away.

"Doctor… Don't be angry with him. It wasn't his fault."

I was pleading for You.

But You wouldn't hear of it. You pushed me away and got up. And went into the TARDIS without a word.

A/N: Sorry it took me so long to update. Life has been getting in my way lately. So sorry. But now you've got a new chapter to read. Please review!