#𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐄 𝟒:ㅤturn back the [ pendulum ]

[tenshusuto]

⅋⅋ㅤ𝐔𝐍𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐃 ; ㅤ( always accepting ) @kakimushire : "Can you stop wasting time drinking with Hirako-Taichou? It's interfering with our work." [turn back the pendulum.]

The personified ardor of unspoken merriment chose to valiantly not flinch away from his daring task to creep back into the barracks. Stealthily -- head leans in first and sneak-peeks further into the door frame of his quarters trying to avoid any unnecessary motion or sound to awaken the ever-so-overworked collective. He could pinpoint the absurdity of every situation with a snappy wisecrack but he had no words for a twist of latest ongoing. Alas, the President was already waiting for him in the corridor with gaze scorching as never. Even with the question mark present, it was hardly a question but rather a demand; Mayuri hated when he engaged in obscurities as trivial as sitting on the grass enjoying sunlight or going to visit another Division in affairs other than undertaking. But then -- isn't the working hypothesis tested and refined through discussion? Ah, well then.

Those demanding crimson sparks in the backdrop as part of the scenery in charcoal irises flashed gone with a camouflage of his typical, puppy-eyed demure, giving space to an expression of surprise and more than minutely long stare pretty much akin to the phase of hypnosis provoked by the surface of smallest things.

The flow of his breath thickly shifts with a sense of edginess. Prying question hanging upon tip of tongue : jeez, how'd ya know? But he would swallow the sentence back along with the lump that suddenly manifested among walls of his throat. Of course, he would know, somehow he always would. In Kisuke's absence, Mayuri was always in charge, he trusted him and Hiyori enough to sometimes stroll out without announcing be within hour of day or night. The last resort obtained via willpower pushed him to speak and not run away from the question as he typically does.

'' Now, now, Mayuri-san ... I'm sure I wasn't gone for that long to call it a waste of time, '' shoulders slump, who knows if partly in defeat or just unreasonably so, '' my absence had a beneficial purpose that could contribute to my new study. '' The Captain once again ponders the issue 'of waisting time' at tangible length yet he inconspicuously glides old-fashioned style to the topic of unsolicited visit, mayhaps thinking of unveiling whether it was the reason for his sudden visit in case he wasn't ready to divulge any other motives for his presence. The former Onmitsukidō member somewhat suspected Hirako-Taicho wasn't a part of his fond eye but he would not voice that for time being.

By all odds, he veiled the unspecified mystery with a slight tease, '' -- maybe you can consider joining us next time if you'd like.~ ''

[tenshusuto]

ㅤPupils laminating aureate panorama were always so constricted, by comparison with other individuals but the shifty trick seem to work even if slightly underhand. His focus was distracted enough to switch onward progress from dilation to half-way minimalization. The Captain wished there was more he could do to be helpful and ease the condition, but not even Urahara held such power as time in his grasp that was the only cure. Mayuri had to gradually accustom his route and let survival instincts kick in, until then, Kisuke would shoulder his burden this time around, after all, it was his deliberate decision to leave the prison with him. ㅤWhen they worked together each operated with perfect synchronization, but other times when it came to private affairs out of the system ... the other was mad feral, to prove his stubbornness that even Kisuke sometimes questioned whether it was on purpose or just out of spite. One could entertain Kurotsuchi's theatrical talent, but there was no way fooling his Captain. He watched, watched closely and soundlessly, weighing with caution each clarification by the time he argued, and he could tell even now those watering eyes were far from being alright. ㅤAs soon as Mayuri mentioned something about his smell being funny, that definitely plucked him from the course of thoughts. Perplexion crossfaded and evoked an internal poker face with a mild frown, he was sure he wasn't bearing anything else than jojoba oil which was foremost bland. Perhaps he was allergic to apples and limes?Because aside from that, it was his usual fragrance of choice he was quite fond of. He muttered something inaudible with a childish pout like: ' pff, no I don't' , but let it slide because of minimal relevance.

ㅤ'' It's not because I question your capabilities, '' he sighs, keeping a close eye on the blue-haired sheltering his face from being seen in a way he hadn't anticipated - against his chest, and gave him a gentle pat across shoulders, '' I wouldn't bring you here entitled with such position if I had a fraction of doubt but don't underestimate it. By neglecting the overloads, you're putting at risk not only yourself but the people in your vicinity along with the entire Division would you have manipulated explosive prototypes or biohazards - that could cause catastrophes not only for us but our neighboring Divisions. So take as much time as you need, alright? If you're worried about stand-up -- with Hiyori, we are always on alert to get the situation under control and supervise if shift is needed and not to mention that I need my representative in top condition, '' with restoring separation he adjusts the collar of Mayuri's lab coat, fairly but faintly ruffled from their short-living embrace.

ㅤ'' No, " he reacts with demure so sublime even after the other exaggerates the whole pet situation and nearly whacks him with an embarrassing statement more than is justified, '' that wasn't what I was implying; please, you misinterpret me, Mayuri-san. '' That little rise in the corner of his mouth he was oblivious to combined with the cool detachment when tone carries an announcement of sorts that ticks every box in a typical standard of creative genius. ㅤ'' What I was trying to suggest was a lunch break. '' Moments like this served as a good reminder to himself that in order to properly function it required some nourishment.

ㅤ'' If you do not wish to dine outside, that's completely fine! There's always an option to grab your food and stay indoors, the upper part of S.R.D.I I succeeded to scheme for stargazing should be less audacious and eye-popping with radiant colors, if you may. Now, that sounds like a plan, let's go, '' he grabs Mayuri's wrist, dragging the protesting President out of the Captain's room. Singing along : Bento break, bento break 🎶.

[tenshusuto]

ㅤFor such average noon, when the rhythmic passing and hollering of lively spirits was common practice, there was no sight of a soul in one of Seireitei's streets. Except for one. Despite resolutely detectable physical aspects, the Captain of the 12th Division was close to be nearly hidden beneath four big pliable corrugated hoses, conforming flexibly along the slouched body that carried the objects somewhere. Somone called his name ... ㅤHalting from continuing his next step - shoulders rose, securely firming the objects from falling and the skull tilted for a view from below one of the stainless objects. The voice rings familiarly.

ㅤ'' Is that you, Unohana-san? '' But of course, it was. By now, his peripherals encountered finally the clear image of a gentle-tempered medic.

ㅤMimics arched idly for a steady, yet, dunning smile as he couldn't greet her properly, '' Good day, to you too. A bit preoccupied as you can see, the carousel of duties rarely slows down, but aside from that I am as well as I can be. Good mood is a hovercraft that stays a foot above neutral. Thanks for asking. And what about you? Everything good with your patients; the barracks, the staff? ''

⅋⅋ㅤ𝐔𝐍𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐃 ; ㅤ( always accepting ). @compassionatekiller : "Hello, Urahara-san. It has been some time, hasn't it? Have you been well?"

[tenshusuto]

Akon was the only child present in the Nest of Maggots, back then. His talent also did not go unnoticed, unfortunately, he couldn't bring him out immediately. He still had to wait for how would acknowledgment of the 1st Division go with his decision to bring one prisoner to assist him. Mayuri was zealous to remind him constantly and recommend bringing him along. Their opinions matched in this. As soon as the 1st and 2nd Division's opinions reconciled, he was next to leave the place.

ㅤHalting from subtile deconstructing piece by piece the unnecessarily complex contraption that irked even his unprovoked caprice, Kisuke remembers fondly, '' I'm proud to say he's a very talented kid. Akon exceeded my expectation many times and contributed greatly to grand projects. I'm really glad we brought him along in the end. I'm looking forward seeing his accomplishments in the future when he grows up. '' ㅤWhen things got steep and narrow, he was the pacifist of the group; a tranquilizing part of the team who precisely managed to handle the situations where his Lieutenant and 3rd seat would scream their lungs out from annoyance. The only thing he was worried about was that whatever traumas this child brought along from the prison, he could only aid maximally to minimize psychological damage and built them as comfortable environment as possible to live in.

⅋⅋ㅤ𝐔𝐍𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐃 ; ㅤ( always accepting ) anonymous : This one is for Captain Kisuke like what is his opinion about baby Akon?

[tenshusuto]

Those occurrences were a sensitive matter the majority had no idea about. Sleep-deprived brain still fixated on the latest horde of bureaucracy Hiyori brought from earlier in need for his approval and signature, and Reiō - focusing on one train of thought at a time was enough of a punishment for him.

ㅤThe pull on his sleeve tore him from previous processing. Startled mercurial eyes couldn't properly see the Vice-President aside from catching a glimpse of blue along, with a painted hand clawing upon his Shihakusho.

'' !! ''

... and the shaking frame pressing against him from behind. Oh, no. It happened again. Chasing away the chill in the air, Jūnibantai's Captain immediately dropped what he tried to not scatter around the place for hours. ㅤ '' Shhhhhh ... it's ok, '' he murmured. Unfreezing from standing stiff as a board and placing a tentative hand against the former Nest's prisoner. Giving him those few more seconds of newly discovered shelter in form of a lighthouse amid the stormed sea. Mayuri likely won't be happy about Kisuke being thoughtless with his painting but pacifying him at the moment was of chief importance and a priority. He turns around in a heartbeat before the other could notice and cups each side of his face in his palms; preventing Mayuri from looking away anywhere else than at him. ㅤ'' Look at me, '' temper of manipulative honey tone urged and soothed both at once. Searching first for eye contact and bestowing observant gaze whether apertures reacted to external stimuli. In a quick check a thumb lifted slightly, the top of the eyebrows on each side for sclera exposure. A wince in fluttering eyelashes; sufficient signal that Kurotsuchi is paying partly attention albeit pupils were dilated.

ㅤ'' Mayuri-san, can you hear me? Concentrate. '' Sometimes he ended up irresponsive because of muffled hearing. ㅤㅤ𝐘𝐨𝐮 are 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 to 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 ... 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬ㅤ/𝐈/ㅤ𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰ㅤ𝐢𝐭. ㅤ'' Ignore everything you see and hear around and ... perceive me only. '' He needed to guide his thoughts away from the environment in order to evade more of those dangerous, spasmodic cycles and ease his shackled nerves from further tension.

ㅤ'' You're safe; nothing and no one will harm you here, no lights, no noises, nor isolation. '' In your new home. He tried to make his words sound as warm and heartfelt as possible while getting to the core of his subconsciousness. ㅤ'' Looks like you inhaled more fumes downstairs than necessary, '' he joked stupidly, '' why won't we go somewhere else ... what do you say? This place can get too shiny and noisy for anyone's taste. Come on, let's get out of here. ''

⅋⅋ㅤ𝐔𝐍𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐃 ; ㅤ( always accepting ) @gleefulhe : Since being removed from the maggots nest these incidents have become a near daily thing, progressing to sometimes three times in a day. The damned humming of the machines sounds like it's rattling in his skull, crawling under his skin. He can feel it in his teeth, no matter if he turns his hears off or not. The lights are too bright making him feel the need to shield his eyes at times. His usual methods of calming down are doing nothing. Usually Akon has to alert Kisuke that something is off, but this time Mayuri gives no warning. Thin shaking fingers latch onto Kisuke's sleeve, as his other arm wraps around, fingers clutching the fabric over the other man's chest. Forehead presses to his back, breaths coming in short strained rasps sucked between clenched teeth. It's too much, even the fabric against his skin feels coarse suddenly, smushing his face further between those shoulders like it's the only thing holding him together. Shaking hands shift to raise in front of the other man signing Too much. Help.