Captain of the Twelfth Division

[tvvojstary]

Funny, haha, did you laugh? I laughed.

[medicineforthebrain]

poisonousreverie​:

Halloween with Nemu

@medicineforthebrain

With one last look in the mirror, Nemu made sure her makeup was just right. She adores her father dearly, she really does, however this doesn’t stop her from trying to give him a small fright. She wasn’t a stranger to her likeness to a certain woman and she’s sure her father can see it too. These factors combined created a rather devious plan in her mind. She didn’t hide herself, in fact she approached him quietly like she normally does in hopes to lure him into a false sense of security. She just has to wait to see if he notices her in her Shutara outfit.

She catches him in his usual place before his great computer, fingers dancing over the keys and eyes roving rapidly over scrawling text on the screen. He senses her presence as she nears and huffs. 

“Where have you been, Nemu?” He asks, without a glance. 

[medicineforthebrain]

poisonousreverie​:

Nemuri’s eyes widen as it clicks for her that she never told Mayuri about the reoccurring nightmare she has. She awkwardly shifts on her feet, wondering if he’ll get upset if she explains it now. But honesty is good and he’s being so direct. She doesn’t want to push him away.

“Uh huh. It’s a nightmare where we’re fighting a giant hand with an eye and I get  hurt while trying to protect you and it always ends before I can see if you’re okay or not. I’ve been having it for awhile now, Papa, for about a year. I have it at least… 2 or 3 times a week or sometimes even 4 if it’s a really bad week. It always upsets me too because I never get to see if you’re okay and not hurt.”

She tells him, doing her best to answer each question the best she can. Should she tell him about the other nightmare too with the pink haired thing? Maybe she should start writing down her dreams and such and give it to him to read every week! That way they can have discussions about these things more often.

Mayuri’s gaze turns inward as he takes it all in. He releases Nemuri and sits back on his heels as he processes. 

He’s in the full grips of his passion now and he can feel it, the overwhelming desire to gather more information. Already his thoughts turn to testing and a method to consistently induce the nightmares. But through all of it, the swell of excitement and marvel at the brain behind her big eyes, at the uncharted territory they’ve been traversing hand in hand.

It’s only a moment and then his focus sharpens and he’s demanding her attention all over again with wide, unblinking eyes. "Then until the nightmares stop, we’ll sleep in the same room. You’ll record what you can remember when it’s still fresh in your mind.” 

[medicineforthebrain]

20, 22, 36

WEIRDLY SPECIFIC BUT HELPFUL CHARACTER BUILDING QUESTIONS

Who do they like as a person but hate their work? Vice versa, whose work do they like but don’t like the person?

Since I’ve already answered this one I’ll do you a bonus round: Who do they hate as a person and hate their work? 

Easy. Unohana Retsu. There’s some overlap in their jurisdictions, but a lot of it is Mayuri overreaching and stepping on toes. He sees Unohana’s method to healing as rote and uninspired. It gets the job done, sure but it’s not enough to simply heal the injured and the sick, you have to “cure” and “improve” them too. So these are just two people whose methodology and ethics do not align whatsoever. Mayuri is constantly trying to siphon patients away from her care to test and “improve upon”. Unohana is constantly devising new antidotes to his poisons and is always going to be the option people choose. They have the most icy and unfriendly workplace interactions. Mayuri hates her because he always walks away from her feeling like he’s been had in some way.

What simple activity that most people do / can do scares your character?

Anything that involves mindfulness and meditation. Gardening, calligraphy, flower arranging or simple meditation. He's fundamentally against these activities because of his upbringing and because of who he is as a person. There's far too much chatter in his brain and there are far better uses of his time. In the past, bottomless silence could make him anxious, but now at best, it only sets his teeth on edge. He’s not so much scared as he is disturbed that people might actually find enjoyment out of that. 

Who do they keep in their life for professional gain? Is it for malicious intent?

The entire Seireitei as an institution and as its individual parts is something Mayuri keeps in his life for professional gain and his intentions could be read as malicious, but they’re more pragmatic. It’s a very good working arrangement he has with the Gotei 13. They don’t throw him in jail for the heinous crimes he’s committed since leaving the Maggot’s Nest and he continues to innovate and create.

On a surface level, the scientists of the SRDI from Nemu and Akon down to Rin are all kept in his circle to advance his career. They all have their functions and Mayuri would say that their usefulness is the only thing that makes them worth keeping around, and there is a lot of truth to that. But they all work together as a cohesive whole and have become invaluable in their own way to him. If they stick together under Mayuri’s protection then they are that much stronger against internal and external threats.

[medicineforthebrain]

mirokusaki​:

And that is what Megumi most appreciates about Mayuri. His work comes before all else, and he will protect it. She understands that she is his means to an end, and she will not disappoint.

She nods, “I’m simply practicing my manners for when I will have to call you Kurotsuchi-taicho. Follow me, we require space.” She turns without further prompting, directing him towards the 12th training grounds reserved exclusively for experimental practices only, and keys in her access code. Further privacy will not be required, as the vice-head (now head) of the SRDI holds the key to lock out all unwanted spectators until they are finished.

Her equipment had already been set up ahead of time in preparation. Much like she has no interest in having her time wasted, she will extend the same courtesy to him.

A small portion of the grounds have been sectioned off with wiring and dowels in each of the corners, creating a square training space, soon to be surrounded by a kidō barrier.

“Lab coat off, please.” She gestures to a rack set up near the corner of a desk and computer set-up she’s requested be moved in here. Most of the proceedings won’t require their use, however she will not likely have this opportunity again, and she’d like to take the time to gather what data she can while she can. “Shirt too. I have some electrodes I’d like to place.”

Mayuri snorts, but offers no further complaint or commentary as he follows Megumi to the training space. He notes the prepared instruments laid out with care, the sectioned off area, and data gathering equipment. And though his face remains a passive mask, he feels the proverbial hackles relaxing. Her efficiency at least bodes a smooth process, any tedium or contrivance better overlooked. The mind wanders to thoughts of the past, of a blonde oaf and that sing-song tone as he chides and ushers another attempt. No, this is much more preferable. Who knows? He might even enjoy it. Mayuri does make a face then, a slight grimace as the memory surfaces then fades. His eyes flick to Megumi, he heaves a small sigh, acknowledging her request. The lab coat goes first to the rack, then the black kosode, and finally the white underclothes all neatly hung together. And as simple as, he stands in only his hakama and shoes. Bare chested. The white of his face paint extending down in a ‘v’ shape to his breastbone, and crawling up his arms to his biceps. The white ends in a harsh line where his tanned skin begins--looking as if he were a drawing the artist abandoned in the middle of coloring. White teeth and hooded eyes behind a black bar.

A small chill runs through his body, but he suppresses it. Whether a chill born of unwanted, elicited memories or of exposed skin he doesn’t care to acknowledge either, his mind set to the task at hand. He is a scientist, and no stranger to the necropsy table. He would not be where he was if shied away from self-experimentation or from others pokes and prods.

Mayuri offers a simple nod and a terse look to proceed as he faces his fellow scientist. 

“Do what you must.” 

[moonpiehelps]

Send me a scene that happened in canon and I’ll write in detail how my muse felt in it!

[horrificmemes]

Psychological Manipulation Starters

Starters for subjects including mind control, hypnosis, and brainwashing, requested by anonymous. The placement of my muse/your muse can be discussed by the muns, as well as the length of effect!

😴- your muse is trying to lull mine to sleep using hypnotism. 😇- your muse is attempting to brainwash mine into trusting them wholeheartedly. 😍- your muse has manipulated mine into feeling false romantic love for them (or anyone of their choosing). 👥- while in a trance, my muse feels another presence in the room. 👄- your muse has hypnotized mine into telling yours a secret (sender: specify). 🤕- your muse will hypnotize mine into feeling no pain, even when injured. ⛓ - your muse hypnotizes mine into swearing loyalty and servitude. 👀- under hypnotism, my muse becomes paranoid and suspicious. 🔪- my muse will use mind control to convince your muse to kill. 🔫-your muse manipulates mine to help them commit a robbery. 🤒-your muse hypnotizes mine and convinces them to believe they have a deadly illness. 😢-your muse erases all of my muse’s memories of a particular person, place, or event of their choosing. 🤡-your muse gets to command my muse to do one embarrassing thing in public OR in front of a specific person. 👻- my muse has been brainwashed into believing they are a ghost and/or invisible. 🕧- hypnotize my muse and convince them they are in another time period. 😡- while under mind control, my muse attacks yours with intent to kill. 👹- put my muse under mind control and convince them they are a beast or monster of your muse’s choosing. 😱- hypnotize my muse into being deathly afraid of something (sender: specify). 💔- convince my muse through hypnotism that someone they love has betrayed them. 😤 - use mind control to make my muse lash out or insult someone of your muse’s choosing. 💭 - brainwash my muse into forgetting something, replacing it with a false memory.

[medicineforthebrain]

Highschool AU: Hiyori had been absolutely horrified to find out that she would be working with Mayuri-fucking-Kurotsuchi in science class. Every 16 year old had to submit a major science project by the end of the winter term and it made up for a huge chunk of their grade. She was the type to roll her tracksuit under her skirt and kick people’s asses for bullying her friends after school. She wasn’t here to read Mayuri’s cramped handwriting and to hear his stupid remarks regarding herself.

“I can’t believe someone as hardcore as me is working with a loser like you.”

@snugglytooth

@snugglytooth

From his seat at their shared table Mayuri picked at a finger nail and rolled his eyes. "I see your tits still haven't grown in." He said, making an unattractive sound of disgust at the back of his throat. "What are you doing here anyway? Don't you have graffiti to write or--" He fanned his hand as if to come up with something. "Or old people to terrorize--whatever it is you do."

Inwardly he groused and cursed his bad luck. Loud mouth Hiyori with her shit attitude and obnoxious personality. Loud mouth Hiyori who didn't even have the decency to look good in a skirt or to shut up and let him do all the work. He could hear snickering from somewhere behind and fought to keep his temper at a low simmer before it showed on his face, but he flexed his hands all the same.

[medicineforthebrain]

When do they fake a smile? How often?

Never. It's not in Mayuri to hide what he is feeling at all. The act of faking to please someone else or for someone else's benefit is repulsive to him. He won't fake a smile even if it’s to his own detriment because since when has he ever gone out of his way to make others feel comfortable? A smile to Mayuri is a weapon he can use to poke holes in people’s confidence and comfort. He’ll smile when he feels joy or particular delight in something, but he’d never wear a smile to reassure, to glad-hand, or to get his way. He’s got other tactics for that.

[medicineforthebrain]

16

What kinds of people do they have arguments with in their head?

Well we've seen Szayel lives rent free in his brain and will occasionally come out to taunt him. Dude really got under his skin despite it all. I’d like to think that’s an isolated incident though. Mayuri isn’t really the type to have arguments in his head. If he’s got a problem with a person he’ll usually state that outright and instigate an argument. 

But if he’s ruminating on a past interaction or is just annoyed in general then stupid people. He’ll argue with stupid people in his head. There’s a rotating list. Kenpachi is one of them.

[medicineforthebrain]

2, 20, 57

WEIRDLY SPECIFIC BUT HELPFUL CHARACTER BUILDING QUESTIONS

How loosely or strictly do they use the word ‘friend’?

So strict that there's not a soul alive he'd actually use that word for. By conventional standards the closest would have to be Akon, but even that’s a stretch. Their relationship is purely work related even though they’ve known each other since the Maggot’s Nest. They don’t actually hang out outside of work, and I don’t think Mayuri would necessarily confide in Akon either. But as far as someone intellectually on his level, someone he knows he can trust to have the SRDI’s best interest at heart, there’s no one Mayuri would pick over Akon. That’s as good as it gets.

What would it take for Mayuri to call someone a friend? Mutual respect with someone he considered his peer. Someone that could challenge him intellectually and even inspire him. And the closest to that would have to be Urahara hilariously enough which gets to the root of my answer. Mayuri, as he is, has no room for friendship. Might as well discard the word from his dictionary.

Who do they like as a person but hate their work? Vice versa, whose work do they like but don’t like the person?

There’s something to be said about a soul’s ability to survive despite its circumstances, to continue on even when the simple act of existing is a curse that causes them suffering. Such is Ukitake Jushiro’s life, a life Mayuri has studied intently. But to say he likes Ukitake would be a significant stretch--Ukitake is too soft and giving to be liked, but there is a thin cord of respect there. 

A respect born of shared experience and the endurance that comes from dealing with chronic pain. It helps that Ukitake is naturally very respectful and easy to get along with, Mayuri is only receptive to it because he has a vested interest in Ukitake’s health as a scientist who dabbles in “healing”. Their existences do cross in interesting ways, though. In his youth, Mayuri studied both the right and left hands of the Soul King in passing which eventually lent him insight in his battle with Pernida. And then becoming aware of Ukitake’s connection with Mimihagi, Mayuri would find it abhorrent to be bonded at such a young age to a fallen deity that governs stillness. Stillness being the antithesis to Mayuri’s very way of being.

So while it can’t be said that Mimihagi is Ukitake’s “work” and is more the unfair hand life dealt him, Ukitake is a rather respectable man who was doomed to make a sacrifice for the greater good--one that would end up being for nothing. And that is an existence Mayuri would find detestable.

Likewise there is a begrudging respect for Urahara Kisuke’s work. For so many years they’ve orbited each other, becoming familiar with how the other operated, what made both tick, and what drove each to learn, create, and innovate. So when Mayuri considers Urahara there is no denying how brilliant the idiot’s mind is. His whole body of work is something to be admired. But it’s that closeness that tarnishes the whole thing. 

Urahara being his jailer in the Maggot’s Nest is surface level, Mayuri’s hatred runs deep. I think all down the line it’s bad. On a personality level they’re both opposites. Urahara is irresponsible and manipulative, lazy and unbothered. All traits that drive Mayuri up the wall when it comes to working together on projects or interacting in any way. He just finds Urahara supremely annoying and insufferable. 

But the biggest example I have that summarizes Mayuri’s hate is their interaction in the Maggot’s Nest when Urahara asks Mayuri to join him. They’ve had this discussion before, Urahara has given Mayuri time to think on it. He brings Hiyori to bear witness, to show that he’s not just dangling a carrot. He has the means and the pull to take Mayuri out of here, he just has to agree. 

Mayuri says he’s grown quite comfortable in his cell but this is a lie. Mayuri knows as does Urahara that he’s languishing in this hole and wants nothing more than freedom. But freedom at the expense of being under Urahara? Of being dependent on him and his good graces? He’d rather waste away behind bars. So what does Urahara do? He sweetens the deal. You’ll be the deputy chief of the SRDI but if I am removed from my position in anyway guess who takes that spot? This is unprecedented, Hiyori is rightfully taken aback. 

Mayuri smiles. He sees through it, Urahara isn’t even being all that subtle. Come with me and I’ll give you station and a way to put your mind to good use. Should I step down (unlikely) then you get a good promotion. Should I disappear you’re the first suspect. It’s good insurance. It’s too tantalizing a prospect. Mayuri’s been backed into a corner he’s never had a chance to escape from. 

“You’re truly despicable.” 

Now fast forward 10 or so years and the unthinkable has happened. Urahara’s gone and the vacuum created from his absence is immense. It threatens the dissolution of the SRDI and everything Mayuri’s built up. Urahara’s promises of Mayuri being promoted are sand sifted through parted fingers, rotted away like Urahara’s reputation and social standing. Mayuri’s always been Maggot’s Nest scum in their eyes, but now that familiar cell is staring back at him, waiting to see if he sinks or swims. And in Mayuri’s mind it’s all Urahara’s fault.

Currently a lot of Mayuri’s resentment is focused on securing his legacy in comparison to Urahara’s. It’s not enough that the Seiretei recognizes him as a brilliant mind and an indispensable resource, he has to make sure he’s not overshadowed by Urahara’s own achievements.

What’s a simple daily activity / motion that they mess up often?

It’s remarkable to watch Mayuri successfully type fast with that long nail he has. But even to this day he will snag it on clothing, catch it on the edge of a hard surface, or rip it off completely by mistake. Yes, he knows it’s inconvenient and a hindrance. But it’s for the aesthetic you see. 

[nolhann]

I wanted to draw Mayuri so I drew Mayuri.

[judasrpc]

WEIRDLY SPECIFIC BUT HELPFUL CHARACTER BUILDING QUESTIONS

What’s the lie your character says most often?

How loosely or strictly do they use the word ‘friend’?

How often do they show their genuine emotions to others versus just the audience knowing?

What’s a hobby they used to have that they miss?

Can they cry on command? If so, what do they think about to make it happen?

What’s their favorite [insert anything] that they’ve never recommended to anyone before?

What would you (mun) yell in the middle of a crowd to find them? What would their best friend and/or romantic partner yell?

How loose is their use of the phrase ‘I love you’?

Do they give tough love or gentle love most often? Which do they prefer to receive?

What fact do they excitedly tell everyone about at every opportunity?

If someone was impersonating them, what would friends / family ask or do to tell the difference?

What’s something that makes them laugh every single time? Be specific!

When do they fake a smile? How often?

How do they put out a candle?

What’s the most obvious difference between their behavior at home, at work, at school, with friends, and when they’re alone?

What kinds of people do they have arguments with in their head?

What do they notice first in the mirror versus what most people first notice looking at them?

Who do they love truly, 100% unconditionally (if anyone)?

What would they do if stuck in a room with the person they’ve been avoiding?

Who do they like as a person but hate their work? Vice versa, whose work do they like but don’t like the person?

What common etiquette do they disagree with? Do they still follow it?

What simple activity that most people do / can do scares your character?

What do they feel guilty for that the other person(s) doesn’t / don’t even remember?

Did they take a cookie from the cookie jar? What kind of cookie was it?

What subject / topic do they know a lot about that’s completely useless to the direct plot?

How would they respond to being fired by a good boss?

What’s the worst gift they ever received? How did they respond?

What do they tell people they want? What do they actually want?

How do they respond when someone doesn’t believe them?

When they make a mistake and feel bad, does the guilt differ when it’s personal versus when it’s professional?

When do they feel the most guilt? How do they respond to it?

If they committed one petty crime / misdemeanor, what would it be? Why?

How do they greet someone they dislike / hate?

How do they greet someone they like / love?

What is the smallest, morally questionable choice they’ve made?

Who do they keep in their life for professional gain? Is it for malicious intent?

What’s a secret they haven’t told serious romantic partners and don’t plan to tell?

What hobby are they good at in private, but bad at in front of others? Why?

Would they rather be invited to an event to feel included or be excluded from an event if they were not genuinely wanted there?

How do they respond to a loose handshake? What goes through their head?

What phrases, pronunciations, or mannerisms did they pick up from someone / somewhere else?

If invited to a TED Talk, what topic would they present on? What would the title of their presentation be?

What do they commonly misinterpret because of their own upbringing / environment / biases? How do they respond when realizing the misunderstanding?

What language would be easiest for them to learn? Why?

What’s something unimportant / frivolous that they hate passionately?

Are they a listener or a talker? If they’re a listener, what makes them talk? If they’re a talker, what makes them listen?

Who have they forgotten about that remembers them very well?

Who would they say ‘yes’ to if invited to do something they abhorred / strongly didn’t want to do?

Would they eat something they find gross to be polite?

What belief / moral / personality trait do they stand by that you (mun) personally don’t agree with?

What’s a phrase they say a lot?

Do they act on their immediate emotions, or do they wait for the facts before acting?

Who would / do they believe without question?

What’s their instinct in a fight / flight / freeze / fawn situation?

What’s something they’re expected to enjoy based on their hobbies / profession that they actually dislike / hate?

If they’re scared, who do they want comfort from? Does this answer change depending on the type of fear?

What’s a simple daily activity / motion that they mess up often?

How many hobbies have they attempted to have over their lifetime? Is there a common theme?

[medicineforthebrain]

mirokusaki​:

“Excellent.” She lets him escape to the back of the room, his attention, as always, fixed more on his ongoing work than on any new distraction that might present itself.

She has outlined her pitch as though it were a proposal, one which she intends to carry through as a research project. As something with other potential use down the line, but such is not the case. If her research is correct – and it is – then the last thing she will be doing is running it through the ‘proper’ channels.

No. This is to be kept off the books, out of the records, and away from the greedy eyes of the Gotei’s governing body. Nobles would kill for such knowledge on how to expedite their access to power. She will not be enabling it. But if Mayuri of all people believes this to be something she would seek higher approval of before she proceeds… she needed mention the many experiments he himself knows would never receive approval, though he continues anyway.

“Unfortunately, I can’t claim credit for the concept. Urahara-san –” no longer captain “– pioneered a much cruder version of this very experiment several decades ago. Higher risk, lower reward. I have had to abandon his process and rework it almost entirely from the ground up. The consequence of failing to achieve bankai is quite high, as I’m sure you have already concluded.” They will operate on his timeline and begin when he is at his peak – assuming that no one else is offered the promotion first. “Inform me when you are prepared to proceed. I have no patience for wasted moments.”

“How lucky we all are that you’ve seen fit to improve on his shoddy work then,” Mayuri sighs as he mutes the alarm and checks the machine’s contents. 

His tone is clipped and deadly even as he addresses her, back turned. “As you know patience is a finite resource, constantly in low supply here. Yours is not the only important work being done as I’m sure you already know. So lets dispense with the tacked on pleasantries, they’re ill-fitting on you, Kouyasaki-san.” He says and waves his hand in the air, turns to face her once again. 

“And shouldn’t we be so lucky, I’ve just gained a moment to spare. We’ll get started right this minute. I do appreciate time well used, after all.” And at this Mayuri regards her behind cold eyes and a slow grin. 

There’s an unspoken agreement in the air as he approaches and gestures for Megumi to proceed. Strings of taint surround her like miasmic reiryoku--elusive, dark, and cloying. Mayuri can’t put his finger on it, but he doesn’t need to. It’s the same taint that clings to Urahara and it offends him in ways he can’t describe, but he knows he hates it and that is enough for now. They, all of them, are snakes in the same pit. Kindred spirits keen to drag each other down should one reach for greater heights. 

Mayuri hopes she does not disappoint. 

[medicineforthebrain]

poisonousreverie​:

Nemuri can’t help a little disappointed at him slipping his hand away from hers, but she doesn’t complain. She has many words she wants to say to him that quietly pile up in her mouth. She isn’t sure if it’s the right time to say them to her father. She’d hate to upset him again while they’re calming down and taking a walk. But… With her feelings still raw and bare, her curiosity burns bright inside her. After a bit she finally mumbles, trying her best to keep her voice hushed and soft. 

“Papa, if I have the giant hand nightmare again later tonight, can I sleep in your room?”

The question isn’t the first one she wanted to ask him by any means, but she feels it’s the most important to her. In her eyes, the action is less about comforting herself and more about making sure Mayuri is safe. 

Nemuri delivers her question with all the presence of a raindrop on soft earth, but it lands on Mayuri’s ears like a thunder clap. He slows to a stop and turns on a heel to look at her with his full attention.

“The giant hand nightmare?” 

He drops to his knees and holds her shoulders in a firm but forgiving grip. “How long have you been having these nightmares? Is it the same recurring nightmare? How frequent? What happens in them?” 

The string of questions leave his lips in a harried rush. He doesn’t scream them or attempt to wring them from her with his hands, but he jostles her gently and draws her close, eyes flicking back and forth--searching.

[medicineforthebrain]

labcoatsandcigarettes​:

The experiments had, for some reason, not delivered the desired result. Normally this would not perturb Akon in any way, as such is the way of science and advancement. After all, if everything went perfectly the first time then the challenge of advancement would fail to be fulfilling.

At least, that’s what he told himself as he made his way through his fifth cigarette that evening. Or was it morning? He couldn’t remember, his mind occupied by the infuriatingly incorrect numbers that stared back at him from his computer screen. The captains voice in his ear only added to the mental strain.

“Of course, sir. It is ridiculous that Nemuri act in such a juvenile manor,” he deadpanned, his eyes still on the screen in front of him.

“I’d even go so far as to call it childish.”

“Yes, childish. Exactly. It’s as if she does it just to spite me--” Mayuri’s eyes slid from the ceiling to the screen Akon stared at, had been staring at since before their conversation began. Mayuri frowned, rolled his eyes. 

Where before the screen’s contents paled in importance to his most pressing need, now it contained a distraction. 

“Are the barometers calibrated? The pressure shouldn’t be such a low number for the range you set. Double check those buffoons calculated the subject’s bone density correctly too. That would interfere with your numbers,” He flicked his wrist in annoyance, attention swapping like flicking a switch. “Anyway, as I was saying, it’s as if she knows just what to do to drive me mad. Is she deliberately disobeying my orders? Or is it unintentional? I can’t decide which is worse, negligence or an act of spite. But she’s not stupid so it must be intentional.”

[medicineforthebrain]

@labcoatsandcigarettes​

“And then she started crying--you’ve heard her cry. It’s the most horrid sound on earth. I would have driven a pike through my ears but she was already clinging to me.” Mayuri throws his hands up, flexes his fingers as he recounts the memory. 

“And she was screaming ‘sorry’ over and over again when I was right there,” He continues, voice rising in pitch. “I heard her the first time! You know how I much I hate loud things, but there she goes, screaming it like I’m deaf. I’m a saint for showing so much restraint don’t you think? Akon?” Mayuri freezes, head tilting to look at his lieutenant.