Mad World

[adsevel]

Independent Urahara Kisuke from Tite Kubo's Bleach. Written by Ramona.

"If I prepare a thousand options, all I need is for one of them to work. So I make a habit of preparing anything and everything that shows any kind of promise. That's just how I work. What’s so outrageous? This is a real battle. If you lose, you die. Taking every possible precaution to avoid death...isn't that what everyone does?" [ ch. 666 ]. [ Carrd ] ☆

blogroll:      [ za-baransu ] - [ lichtreich ] - [ adsevel ] - [ trehontin ]

[adsevel]

@humificates omg bestie <3

Aw, hi my bestest friend in the whole world 🫶

[adsevel]

@chernozemic shut up.

R00D. And that's where some things never change.

[adsevel]

[quirofiliac]

Ever since first acquiring Killer Queen, Kira's sought after nothing but finesse and proficiency above all else. He could still recall "meeting" it for the very first time... how it didn't speak, how it barely moved, how it didn't even seem to be alive. As soon as he had opened his eyes on that fateful day, there was a sharp, debilitating pain within his chest (close to his heart. he thought that, maybe, he somehow suffered a palpitation and immediately cursed his father's genetics.) that caused him to jerk upright only to wonder, seconds later, why he was clawing at his chest like a wild animal.

It was a pain that was fleeting-- that sort of "pain" that's better suited with big, red, and bold quotation marks hovering at both its front and its backside. Sweat stained his sheets, his mattress, and his clothes that morning; he didn't speak a word of it to either of his parents, merely dropping the soiled fabrics in the basket and sitting down at his designated spot -- reserved for him, involuntarily, by his loving parents each and every day -- at the table for breakfast.

Kimiko made a simple meal that day: an omelet with some scallions and a side of toast. Nothing to write home about but, nonetheless, it wasn't worth any sort of complaint, either.

Everything quickly went back to normal that day, except for one thing-- Yoshihiro wouldn't stop looking at him, wouldn't stop asking him dumb (are you feeling alright?) questions, wouldn't stop following him everywhere.

"It's... my stand," Kira answered, correcting without any of the unnecessary emphasis. One hand's folded around a cup, clenching tighter in a squeeze upon the realization (too much like a cat. did it have to be so on the nose?) of its manifestation yet not bothering to "rectify" the situation. "It doesn't have a preference in..."

Turning his head over his shoulders, he and Killer Queen locked eyes for what was, quite literally, only a second before it's snapped in half. When he returned to face Kisuke once more, he gave a shrug with slack shoulders and a slow, aimless motion with his one free hand.

"...pronouns, I suppose is what the saying is."

For how long it's actually been sitting there, perched near Kira's turned back, he wasn't quite sure. That was a thing he's never bothered to fully keep track of because, admittedly, it's never been a problem... not until now, anyway. He wondered if that had something to do with his subconscious, somehow, but didn't deign to remark about such a potential.

Besides, Kisuke was already moving onto the next topic, and it's one that's answer was a bit of an oxymoron. It proposed both familiarity yet distance-- anything Kira's learned of his stand came with experience, but that did not mean he did so on the regular.

An eyebrow came up in an inquisitive raise (it's... not a stupid question, per say, but that didn't mean kira felt it imperative to answer.) as silence, initially, was the only answer Kira could muster. His fingers gave another squeeze to the cup (tea. black. it's the only thing he knows he can stomach right now.) in his grasp, knuckles on the verge of turning white only to relinquish at the very last second.

A low hum's proceeded with next, and it's accompanied with his free hand from before raising to scratch its index finger under the stand's chin. It's a gesture that does its job quite well, encouraging the catlike thing being to inch forward and screw its eyes shut in order to properly indulge.

"It doesn't need to eat... nor drink. However, in spite of that, I'd prefer that if you insisted on... trying, anyway..."

He stopped, in both his words and actions (killer queen blinks its eyes open instantly, sights immediately back on the other blond without fail.) to push a stray tuft of hair behind own ear. After ward, a sigh's pushed out from betwixt lips and he has to physically restrain himself from rolling his eyes.

"...that you pick something that isn't strong in flavor."

[adsevel]

For some reason, the saying - 'curiosity killed the cat' - seemed like a perfect metaphor for this unexpected meeting that had been planned nonetheless for the last few weeks, as to Kira's liking. The unexpectedness truthfully came with the addition of a third in their little one-on-one, now contentedly basking in the attention of the two of them for however long they would desire and decide to give it. Something, at the very least, told him that it was not for himself to actually choose the duration of this stay - and he was, truthfully enough, also perfectly willing to indulge for however many minutes [ hours even? ] he might want to while away the time. 

As much as he was aware of the intricacies of existence, a 'stand' didn't quite tell him a lot of what he was supposed to glean from the entity now making itself at home so freely and willingly. Perhaps there may have been a chance to set in towards the small bits of information presented, maybe he should have waited for what was there to bestow [ he had, hadn't he? momentary flicks of the mind successfully quenched? ], all but drawn to reacting in the actions fulfilled in what he could only assume was a usual, a common occurrence. If one were to call a presence out of nowhere such at all, but who was he to question?

In existential back and forth of different worlds at fingertips. Dreadful---

--- wasn't it? " So I see! " Nevertheless, there was no reason not to resume and show that he had indeed listened, despite the attention caught and meandering to and fro in the near picture-perfect suitability of lending itself out to being similar to a 'pet' if nothing else. 'Stand' was already enough of an indication that this being was surely alive and not only puppeteered, just as much ground out as a reality with the way it would enjoy and indulge in the ministrations given from beloved master - ah, yes, he would go with that. Why not? It was most fitting to the situation when he finally joined him at the table, having finished the tea preferably to his liking. Something sweeter, sugar added to the simplicity of the whole situation. 

" My, you could just say that I'm allowed to try! " For nothing else, the roundabout way of finishing a sentence had been. 'If you insisted' - nothing of the sort had been brought forth in seconds prior within the mere question uttered to be a better host than most, easy as that just inquiry dropped like he would do with any other - human [ mortal? ] or not. Something about living in this world for too long and seeing the passing by and the passing of countless souls wandering in and out of his life. Something about the knowledge of the fleeting nature of life itself, when one's own was barely to be scratched on the surface of having hundreds of century to drown the mind in never-ending ennui. Maybe, it was because of that, that Kisuke had learned to be just accepting to the circumstances around as much as the world would accept him. 

Alas, it wouldn't mean that when it was so freely and openly presented, he would not grasp for and turn it into an experiment no matter how small to file away. Already had been bestowed with an answer that should be suitable to most, yet had also been offered to indulge utilizing roundabout way of explanation. " I was only asking, you know~ " Smile enough to make it known that there was nothing else but mirth behind this whole scene unfolding and before he could act, the Stand had already chosen for itself. If only for the thought process of mayhap the little bag of sweets being a nice little thing to touch or look at. Taiyaki it was, usually kept in his private quarters for friends and children alike that would come by. 

" That should be fine, no? " He would help open up the glittering cover to unveil the baked fine waver in the form of a fish. " The inside does have a strawberry flavour to it, very popular at the moment! "

[kuraikyu]

'' Oh, yeah about that it ea-. '' But Geto relinquished his answer in the twinkling of an eye. Wait a minute ... what did he just say?

.

.

.

!!! '' You -- , '' ashen 'brows slightly creased thanks to deeper inhale and internalized perplexion, Ramune bottle in his clutch now pointing its front accusingly right at the tip of merchant's nose, '' --can see. '' It? This guy had quite an interesting ways to handle the prospect of imminent unknown beyond reason. Rummaging thoughts moored to the pier, wakefulness demands to stomp on one, un-CHOKE on narrative, part lips, and speak. With a pinch of nose-bridge that went very seldom a disbelieving bark of laughter thundered. But of course ... his gut proved to be right once again! He knew there was something peculiar about him. It was pointless to play pretense, the man stretched the piece exactly to where the being in considerable need of refinement resided. " It's a curse, '' it wasn't for the sake of interesting trade but he sure poked the chain of what could be rewarding future knowledge to be expanded, '' cursed spirit. Considering how calm you are I don't believe this is the first being you see. "

'' In fact, I'm not quite sure what happens if it eats normal food. '' Come what may - he allowed the inventory curse to lean lower on his shoulder; moreso it captured the piece of waffle from him and happily nomed on it as if nothing. Another Sorcerer? No, this guy makes no sense, if he was he wouldn't ask. Secondly, there was no cursed energy or feeling of any energy at all like if he spoke to ... [...] Still, he waited to read through his other reaction while trying to maintain his calm.

[adsevel]

" Well---! " He does blink fittingly when the item was pointed right at his face, cross-eyed fashion only lasting for a moment of time he deigned for amusement to settle in before continuing to speak, taking up the thought was presented. " I do have two working eyes, so I should be able to! "      See it! Whatever there was to be found in the way he behaved and retorted, surely as much it dislodged something in his guest's demeanour to find it in himself to laugh about the apparent absurdity of the situation. Alas! 

That was done with, now to the next part. Watching what the little - 'curse' - as it was called, would do now, being quite taken with the snack offered and having - no change at all. Curious, but given the other's behaviour, there may or may not be the background of really anything happening. 

If it was like that, this was a mere test. And the result itself just proclaimed that it was easy to feed where there was no food needed [ was this a former mortal, human being? ]! Or something along those lines, head tilting to watch his guest's curiosity more thoroughly. Something was off about the creature and the man in particular, something that was perpetually mirrored by his deliberate manners put forth to remain in the picture-perfect craft of normalcy. At least for as long as they both deigned to play this game. " Nothing it seems. " Better than straight up convulsing or imploding, nought a pleasant sight that might have been, given that this little someone seemed rather attached to its 'master'. 

" So~ " With that bit of momentum halted, why not drive it a bit further? 'Cursed spirit' distracted as good as possible, he leaned closer to his 'customer' to find out just who had strolled into his humble abode. " As much as I can see your confusion about how I can do what I do - I have to admit, now it is your turn to tell me who and what you are~ "

[humificates]

Outside guests were a rarity few within the Maggot's Nest were afforded, let alone those condemned to solidarity confinement due to being labeled as 'high-risk' and 'a danger to others'. It always made Noboru laugh (akin to a bark, sharp and piercing to the ears.) whenever he happened to overhear the guards discussing him. They chattered away, their fear and terror coating every word they uttered in hushed whispers, thinking he was out of earshot. It was as if they thought the big, bad man would come after them for daring to gossip about him--as if he'd reach his way through the bars, wrap his strong hands around their delicate throats and choke the life out of them. An amusing thought--not one he's had for the first time, no--but it lacked the necessary satisfaction required to sate his boredom.

(he was an untamable beast, a monster beyond control; he's lived with a noose around his throat from the moment he was born, a roar tearing its way straight out of his unaccustomed lungs. he was born to destroy, a reckoning waiting to happen. he's grown so tired of killing pawns--he'd much rather set his sights on the kings, queens, and knights of this world, instead.)

His senses captured all his environment offered him, from their boring babbling ("why does urahara visit that monster so often? why does he get such special treatment? he's a fucking... freak of a beast."), to the steady drip-drip-drip of water a few hallways over. Eyes shut as he filters through, ears perking once he catches the sound of approaching foot steps. A grin weasels its way upon his lips, growing widen the moment his dearest friend steps into view.

"Eyy, Kisuke!"

"It's been a hot fuckin' minute since I last saw ya--y'know, who knew solidarity confinement could be soooo lonely and boring. C'mon, sit down and tell me everything."

[adsevel]

Why, indeed, does he do what he always does - what a particularly simple way to summarize the thoughts of those around that he had passed by with a telltale smile ever present on his lips. Even if there had been regard towards the feeling of 'special treatment', it was brushed away and aside with the mere flick of his wrist. After all, if the Captain Commander didn't care; why should anybody else for that matter? 

Perhaps it was the sheer size and suffocating aura of his dear friend that would put the fear of God in those that had been assigned to merely 'watch over him', perhaps it was his own near lackadaisical, nonchalant ways of greeting him, of coming too close with that bag of his slung over his shoulder that had indeed contained a few goods set up soon enough. If he said they would have tea, of course, Kisuke had brought everything to make said tea, anything else would be nought but lie otherwise. They could not have that! 

" Ah! My apologies, I was quite extremely busy. "

With this and that and maybe some more things, not that it mattered [ but would it not in a moment? ], and after contents for tea, some snacks would be placed between them, one after the other, little trinkets brought from his latest excursion towards the human world, now to be shared with one of his dearest companions. Murmurs outside the cell had been halted for a while now, nothing to be brought forth to sway the Commander of the Detention Unit to give up this 'dangerous place' - it was not and would never be for him. " What do say, hm~? " An invitation to utter if Noboru had an interest in this or that. " Have you heard any whispered rumours yet? Maybe I can tell you a story about what I was up to now~? It just so happens that I'm not quite in the same position anymore as I was before. Or! Maybe some tales from the second division, some of our latest catches should have come through here screaming and shouting my name in anger~ "

[adsevel]

Among statures of mortal customers, a snake-like entity plunged in undetected and unheard. Wrapping itself around the shopkeeper's ankle on four loops; gently like a silken thread, flapping miniatures of virescent wings like on Hermes' sandal. Imitating speech and intonation of its master and his familiar: ' You forgot something on the rooftop. ~ ' || @kuraikyu ❤️

It was one of those particularly busy days. One where he had, for better or for worse, not a moment to himself for a few hours already while watching his companions flit to and fro in attempts to alleviate workload that the shopkeeper truly did not mind. In a sense, he enjoyed the bustle of human souls filtering themselves in and out of the Shōten, so that, already by noon most of his new arrivals had been snatched up and were gone, leaving patrons arriving 'too late', to have him note and jot down more and more orders. Alas, that was just how it was, some of the imports of specialities from all over the world would ring in the ears of potential buyers all over the city before he could even announce that he had any of these delicacies for purchase. 

These minutes turning to hours spent wiling away, were enough for him to be that slightest bit distracted to not quite catch the little 'intruder' making its way through customers and soon enough finding him standing amidst them all. 

" What do we have here~? " A whispered intonation past so that not even the most attentive and nosy of 'guests' would be able to hear. Not a moment's notice to waste when he looks down, watching the small creature with particular interest, the softness of it, the gentleness of it. If he were any other or would not have the acquaintances he had, perhaps the sheer sight of this little snake could startle him, put him on edge, into the defensive - but so? 

Urges turned and churned, driving him to excuse his presence with words of unimportance, turning attention towards a little someone far more important for heartbeats spared.

He finds a place to be for a moment. Just reaches down for the little curse that sits tamely and willingly, having uttered just that bit of teasing amongst the crowd, now repeating it like a parrot would in the seclusion of the two together. It's quite a beautiful little creature, even-tempered, just as all of Suguru's pets had turned out to be, delighting not only him but Jinta and Ururu as well should they come across them with show after show presented voluntarily [ sometimes near too freely? ] whenever the Sorcerer had been close by. Just as much as now, when the snake curls around the merchant's wrist in a fashion similar to how it had sat just moments prior, tongue flicking in mild and decided attempt to, perchance, figure out what Kisuke would now do---

--- " So I see. " Waiting, waiting, just letting it hang in the air for a bit. Free hand is used to carefully stroke along the miniature scales, reaching for those small wings to feel the texture beneath a benign touch. Nothing for the little creature to flinch away from, careful and near reverent he was with the softness of this gesture before a low chuckle follows and he would tilt his head in contemplation. To allow a message to be brought back towards point of mutual play and interest, what should he say? - Now that there was awareness spun of the ease with which it could all travel?

" Go back and tell who I forgot.--- " Of course, he was aware of the implications of the something residing upon the top of the store in hidden veils and away from prying eyes, keeping shrouded a presence that could be overwhelming when it came into contact with those that could not see or perceive the unknown. " That I will come up in an hour. If he deems it too long of a time to wait, can always come and join me a bit earlier. " Wings slowly move, stretching in all its pretty nuances of shining glimmers in the indication of understanding being granted, before the merchant would lift his arm towards the ceiling and allow the small creature to find and wind a way back to where its master would reside and expect an answer for the time being. 

' You forgot something on the rooftop. ~ ' - how curious of a mocking intonation even that the Curse User was very obviously aware of the hustle and bustle around this time of the day drawing to a certain close, time halting for the night to arrive, ticking slower and slower the more concentration would be placed on ticking clocks slowing down and down - and yet he chose to remain and wait and want? 

Alas, an hour is what he had aimed to let pass till joining someone so 'forgotten' in a place of mutual secrecy. Mayhap, if the cultist was willing and not let himself be guided back down in sheer throes of curiosity and restlessness, he could arrange for an array of sweets and drinks to be brought up as well. After all? If such a discardable spell had truly passed, the night-time ringing in and shining through at the edge of the horizon may just underline whatever treasured mystery they sure do hold for each other. 

[nekurooma]

they hadn't , had they ? for what was there to say - shigure understands, can even see the advantage of having such a highly technological marvel replace what was lost. they just hate that it came from the clown - that he was the one to dig around in kisuke's skull. that he let him. the former shinigami doesn't trust the other scientist that way. not with kisuke, not after almost losing him like that. is it irrational ? perhaps. but what does it matter now. what's done was done - and the two men were friends after all ; in some way at the very least.

❝ you know what i think about it. ❞ as you always do. they gently place down the little mechanical animal down they've been working on with a sigh ; turn around so they can reach out to kisuke's hand and entwine their fingers. his warmth pulses against her cold, against the raised skin of her own scars from the war the both of them had returned alive ; which in the end, is all that mattered. shigure steps into the empty space between his legs, raises their other hand to brush against his cheek as they do - letting the touch linger. ❝ is across the room too much of a distance for you ? ❞ a smile curls along their lips. endeared. ❝ you make it sound like i've been neglecting you, love. ❞

[adsevel]

He does know. All these little thoughts and rummaging ideas, the distaste and the appreciation for it, all because of different reasons, Kisuke does know - but it didn't change that he wanted to hear about it. Mild curiosity, maybe even only the desire to hear words flutter in benign explanations the same way as touch would intertwine their hands and he could feel them draw closer, see it as well in more ways than only one. There was an urge to, maybe once Shigure would resume their little built, to sit down next to them with pen and paper, to let them easier perceive also what was a constant, a beautiful daydream for him.

" Alright, alright~ " Letting off from his little tease when he brings their hand towards his lips, carefully caressing the back of it with a mild hum to tingle along scars still left behind. " Maybe it is. When you are so drawn in thought I truly do feel like it sometimes~ " With all that they had gone through, Kisuke's words fell as easily as smooth waves of water - he couldn't help it, couldn't help the smile that would light up his features when he tilts his head just into his partner's touch. With how they sat now, the view upon his eye was as open as his thoughts would lay bare. Small movements could be perceived inside of it, whenever he turned to look at this or that, would make it possible for them to see that he was not following their gaze at times, but the fine whisps that would enshroud them.

[hintons-a]

DRIVE — 2011 DIR. NICHOLAS WINDING REFN

[missgoldnweek]

wife~

[kuraikyu]

@adsevel : " Don't tell me 'stop'. You know you want it. That you need it. " [ geto <3 :) ]

ㅤ𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐔𝐃𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐘 ill-timed and warned of approaching crisis. These two ... they mattered to him. Suddenly a retrospective image flashed through his mind-scape; Mimiko and Nanako clinging happily to him and calling his name. Where first instinctively tightened expression distortedly soured ... no. ' Hey you two, the air is getting bad here. You should go back inside and keep your eyes peeled as you go. ' Jinta and Ururu looked at him in confusion first, then at one another, but without second ados, they would listen in the end and haste safely within the walls of the shop.

---

Second.

Second special grade and 57 other semi-grades ranked 2 and bellow ... all in one day. That was it for him, limit trespassed. To ease dreadfulness of the situation and summarize it humorously - he felt like sh*t. Geto knew very well one more exorcism over his limit will leave a mark, that's why this whole time he profoundly ignored another curse tailing after him across the city until its new target was supposed to become Jinta and Ururu. He shouldn't have been here at all and certainly should not have done that, especially, when he knows what it does to him but -- [ ... ] Tendrils of discomfort shot through his throat and scalp in order to obey necessary contumacy charged down the slope and pause. A fit of tremble, like delirium tremens, upsets the composure of confidence and throws off balance a blissful wish for feigned distress. His throat muscles tightened in compulsive terror, aware of what should / has to happen next.

Bit by bit ... with back pressed against the outdoor wall he slouched down behind the shop. Focused diligence failed to redress genuine grievances where the very walls of psyche have been damaged by some otherwordly mighty force. A minute. He needs just one full minute to re-collect his scattered sentience ... In spasm-like convulsions, orb pressed against quivering lip-line debilitating his continual imaginary all tiresome and hollow. There was another presence, but at this point, Geto was hardly perceptive enough to pay heed 'ward adamant bravado of benevolent wisdom coming nearer in distance of time.

Just when lips reluctantly parted between elapsing seconds to take in and absorb, something else replaced cold, glassy surface, something softer, sweeter ... a whiff of fresh air with resonance of strange energy ... plucking him from the suffocating embrace of nothingness. The cultist's hand was stopped by another. Rot waned away, and his senses were re-filled with taste of spring. Reassurances laid upon Hades' pedestal enkindled bewilderment behind disciplined cages of facial expressions. Someone did not let him swallow the shimmering black-gold. There was no space for grandiloquence or to be surprised but be he in better shape, he definitely would be. Black pearls now full of abyssal void bared in no anticipation, yet in a fluttering blink.

? '' ... '' Mutter falls lightly in mutual orbit. In accordion responding to what beckoned him with weak yet, firm low voiced semi-growl, " stop. " How dare you be soft to me like that. The ridge fell sheer, in steep crags and a distraction of the day couldn't dilute vastness of kaleidoscopic strobe.

" Don't tell me 'stop'. You know you want it. That you need it. "

He felt shiver whispering through him, jovial voice heavy in his mind. But these words did not stop hovering restlessly inches away from his face, so the manipulator's breathing grew shallow. Kisuke's contributory to silken purple of virulent vices left no demand to linger, instead lengths of low timbre's subtlety tried to soothe heft of his state.

ㅤ

'' You don't understand ... , '' he finally utters after a short pause until a self-derisive chuckle sails mistly from his lips, '' you should not be near me when I am in a state like that. ''

ㅤ

This wasn't even a matter of pride or wounded ego anymore but dangers of what he could do while unhinged. Locked for hours indulging in grandeur of destructive enormities until the feeling passes away - that's what should happen, not this. The merchant had no idea what is he fueling right now ... but it seemed like it did not matter to any of them anymore. He was just trying to help; with anything anyhow, but it was nearly impossible. No one could help him, except for himself and time. Still, it was a gesture of utmost kindness ... Mindless nebula taking over him once again. A drop of invisible scarcely latent, crimson thread carefully woven in a trice of giggles and controlled by feminine hands that unleashed anchor into dark waters not to embed stay but puncture sternum and pull closer one coronary artery to another; until grand collision happens in all its foul magnificence but till full reparation. Stirring astounding unreasoning and adrenaline surging through rattling bones and loose heart shaking feverishly in ribcage, such promising resolve hankers after electrifying intimacy as if it is the only salvation but alas! by the skin of one's teeth - solely a grinder for naked knife.

Digits intertwin in an acrimonious gesture of incomprehensible language with black haori clothing the Shinigami's shoulder. Instantaneously trying at first to maintain their separation at bay, but the hardness of his unrelenting grip gradually lost its dexterity and softened.

Lava rooted to the spot without binding nor fighting.

When adequate time occurs he will proceed with greed; for he still planned to swallow the special grade cocooned in his palm. Geto just needed a minute, but at the same time he understood the other would not let him have it, not yet, not now. Not until he's ready for it.

In the wake of resounding enormity of his own desire and faltering momentum of self-perception, masonry to provide continuity between new and old remembrance no longer firmed spinal support and produced space for bad decisions or best. A decision with slight possibility he won't remember a thing if his mind falls victim to blackout. In the loops of perpetual incapacitation, Kisuke reminded him how to breathe again. Perhaps, he might listen to him today ...

He inspires drawing in a full and deliberate inhale. It would give the Sorcerer but one grain of the mountain but he dives back as if in fierce competitiveness with his lungs, pursuing this new catharsis with breathless haste. Joys that were so trifling for one would terminate continual fainting for another.

But until again he is out of oxygen Geto decided to give in to the trickery just as endless. Until the hand holding orb lowered and was no longer a priority within his scope of attention.

[hitsugaya-toushirou]

Urahara Kisuke from Animation Director Komatsubara Sei

[adsevel]

" You haven't even said anything about it yet, darling. " It's half a jest and half in earnest, how he would talk about it, following Shigure's path around with the new prosthetic eye in place, taking in all that had changed for him now that he had the time to just get a bit more used to it. An interesting creation to work with. On one hand, he could use it like a regular eye, on the other hand, if desired, Kisuke could use it to trace and track any bits of spiritual pressure floating through the air, all now becoming a split-second visible when following his beloved around the room with gaze alone, seeing the fine whirls and waves that they would leave behind. 

He could, kind of, get lost in that visual alone. 

But alas, that was not what he wanted to do right now when reaching out towards them from the place on the couch the scientist had made to acquire, the arm used subconsciously the one still littered with fine, hair-thin scars. Not quite sure yet, if he would leave it that way or not, but smile he would nonetheless. " Don't be so busy, there is no need to fix up everything. Come, keep me some company~ " @nekurooma 💕

[6petals]

What a strange few months it had been. Between finding out about these powers, to training for battle, to being taken. Her world had totally changed. It was shocking how much could change in such a short time. Her time in Hueco Mundo seemed to be at the front of her mind lately. Having only been back home for a few weeks, she noticed her friends had done everything in their power to keep from leaving her alone too long. Between Ichigo, Sado and Uryu spending nights sleeping on the couch in her apartment to Kisuke having her spend time with him around his shop, she hadn't been given much time to stop and think about everything that happened. Perhaps that was a good thing. Maybe even the best thing that could be happening to her in this moment.

"Hmm?" Her smile is soft as she takes a gentle sip from the steaming cup of tea before her, watching him from across the table. A part of her knew the questions would come. Either from her friends, or from the head captain himself. Orihime couldn't help but to wonder if they worried she was no longer of sound mind after what had happened to her. "Hmm. Nothing really." Her answer vague, she swallowed around the lump growing in her throat.

In her mind, she saw Sora. The face that Aizen had shown her to stay on her good side. Or to perhaps draw her over to his side. The girl did her best to keep the smile on her face gentle, and even as she considered how to best answer his questions. Surely the kind shopkeeper would think she was insane if she told him about speaking to her dead brother?

"Truthfully? He was quite nice to me. It feels wrong to say that, if I'm being honest. He had me taken from my home, from everything I know. But once I was there, in that place, he was never unkind. Never hurt me. In fact, he seemed to make it a point to make sure I was protected." All of that was true. The only instance her protection had come up short was with those two women...Orihime felt a shiver run through her at the memory.

But to pick and choose what she told Kisuke felt dishonest, and so she continued. "We discussed what he thought my powers could do. If they could bring back the dead. And he. He showed me." Her throat suddenly dry as she speaks. "Sora. It wasn't real but. It certainly felt like it."

[adsevel]

' Nothing really. ' - followed up, nevertheless, by her explanations. Of her wanting to still have him know, but even that little bit of a start was enough for Kisuke to breathe out a sigh. Of course, he knew how Aizen could be, what he could do, easy enough it was to fall under a 'spell', no matter how much those around would try and wiggle themselves out from it. It had little to do with his Zanpakutō at times, but he supposes a reason for his question was to figure out if Orihime had, somehow, gotten under the influence of his Hypnosis. And sure enough---

" He showed you Sora? " There was a simple sound of near dismay in the back of his throat he could not hide, no matter how much an attempt would be made at that. Momentarily ignoring the fact that there had been a conversation about breaking limits, where walls and bulwarks should have kept it in check, to know that an illusion had been placed before her? To know that he had gone out of his way to bestow what she thought to be kindness? No, a crack of composure was as easy to elicit out of him with this newfound knowledge as it was to exhale, to shake it all off with blinking in surprise and regain what second-worth he had lost like this. 

" Inoue-san. " What to say about that? About all that she had just brought forth, undeniably he was one of the first [ the only one? ] to ever hear about that disturbing little detail of the man's 'blessing' in a way that she likely could not help but feel grateful for. 

Alas, even with all of that, quickly would he calm down from that little 'shock' to the system. After all, he needed to parse through these bits and pieces, needed to see what should be done - what could be done [ if the worst came to pass? ] - with all the more the girl would be willing to provide. Thus he smiles, just the same as always before getting up from his place to fetch her some sweets he knew she had been eyeing for the last few days. " You know what his powers are if you know that what he showed you isn't real. " But why had he done so? As much as they were all aware, it was not like it would strain the former Lord of the Damned, no, he could perform such a feat easily. So why? To get her to follow him? Believe him? Trust him? Maybe, to have a better understanding if she was caught under this wicked power [ complete hypnosis? ], he might inquire a bit more. 

" Why do you think he showed you? It doesn't seem entirely necessary to me. Did he think you could bring him back? "

[adsevel]

It was, perhaps, a sudden request made towards the 12th Division's Captain, but one that - likely - would prove to be interesting enough to indulge a mutual bout of acceptance in each other's presence. For now, he had chosen to come to the Seireitei, as unlikely as it usually was if not for the Captain Commander's wishes or his partner's want to travel around. Alas, the old barrack building and well-known squad grounds would turn out to be the right 'breeding ground' for a new experiment he had yet to truly figure out where to lead. 

He knew that everybody in the science department would be just as eager to be a bystander to an abstruse little mental back and forth, as he was eager to finally get some insight on something he would want to change again as soon as he left. Alas, a pointer here or there would be all what he just needed, just wanted [ just desired? ]. 

Thus Kisuke stands there. In an open, empty space, the slight sounds of mechanical noise [ beeping? humming? buzzing? ] playing somewhere in the back of his mind. Whatever catatonic state of self-reflection he could have flung himself into, deeper and deeper, crawling up inside himself, inside his soul, to tear out what should have never come to light in the first place, it was brushed off with the mere shake of his head. " Kurotsuchi-taichou~ " Ever disregarding the picture he might have presented and given to those assistants and squad members lingering around in the area till their captain had arrived to 'aid' their former one. What a weird little happenstance--- " Let's not stall time, shall we? " --- and truly there was something so off about the usual jovial nature Kisuke would present himself with.

Something so truly, utterly [ broken? ] skewed in the ways he had approached this topic. - ' I would like to request that you give me your input on how to reshape my--- ' - Times and times and times again. Subverting expectations, it was enough for him to curl his lips into a smile. " I know how precious your minutes truly are. " @chernozemic ❤️

[kuraikyu]

Half-fraction later the Merchant managed to arrange a happy medium for his customers, acceding to their demands and cater when prompted; no exception with his newest client whose waning indecisiveness flipped with scening bargain spirit.

'' Precisely, and since you noticed, it's rightfully coming with me. '' The price was very acceptable so he snatches the bottle along. '' Hmm, let's see, '' he mildly looks upon new revelations, capturing details of favorable perceptions and what's of interest, " let's add the waffles — but how much for a pack? " Then something alarming to anyone's sentience follows, shattering measures to observe what lingers beyond the impending unknown. Haltingly illusive creature awfully reminding purple caterpillar with child's face peaked from behind numinous Guru's shoulder, who oddly enough seemed entirely unphased in debonair act and manner as if nothing was there. No need to heed collective panic since it was something Monkeys can't see.

[adsevel]

And he would have been a perfect merchant, a seller like none other, if not for that tiny little - someone? he would go with that - now creeping over his esteemed client's shoulder, looking at him almost too interested. The man in his vicinity had little to no regard towards the sudden 'intruder', making it almost instantly obvious that, by elimination, he either is or is not aware [ should he go with 'is'? ]. A moment passed to blink in surprise, eyes following the pointer towards the newest interest to purchase, collecting himself just for as long as he deemed it necessary. 

" Hm~ Price? Oh! Let's make a trade. " Sudden was that little switch, perhaps. Nonetheless fitting for just - how - he was. Thus, when only those words had been announced, he would reach for the aforementioned Matcha waffles, and open them up in just a few well-practised tugs and tears. 

And as if on cue, the little - caterpillar? - would slowly creep a bit closer, as if being awfully smitten by what the shopkeeper now had to offer, knowing that it was to be offered to them of all people. So he does, slowly moving to hold a tinted green bit of baked good out towards something that would reach for it with small 'paws'. Adorable, truly, but now was the question: " You tell me what this is and I will give you an assortment of treats for free~ "