Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, or any of the Bleach characters used in this fic. They all belong to Tite Kubo: the genius behind the captivating manga that started it all. I only own any of my original characters that I choose to include, as well as any of my own original plot ideas.

The Loveliest Of Crimes

Prompt: Stretch and strain...

A/N: For LJ.

"Traitor."

That's what she'd say when she found him working in the dead of night. It was a solid enough statement, given his habit of keeping her waiting, but it was something that came with the profession, with his territory. Truth be told, she didn't even pretend to be displeased. She couldn't lie worth hell, and that made her easy to read. Her eyes would shine, even as the word left her lips, easily betraying her emotion.

Retsu wouldn't come to find him, but the thrill he had to offer. There was a light that shone from her, fingers leaving eager trails through the mask. So many times she'd insisted that she hated it, that it only served to hide him from her. But those words were devoid of truth and meaning. She enjoyed pulling it away from his skin, smearing it wherever her hands would reach.

Everyone else was fooled by the masquerade, but it only served as a means to heighten her euphoria.

"You're the devil," she said through pursed lips. "I still don't know how it is you talked me into this."

It was a game she played often. Making false accusations, only for that lilt in her voice to give it all away. "Don't put this on me. It's your fault."

Thinking about what had been said, Mayuri was well aware that he sounded like a fool, easily leaving that sour taste in his mouth. Even so, she'd just smile and endure every remark. It was like she had some kind of hold on him, not at all in the literal sense.

"Sadist," came the whisper, a smile to match.

If that were meant to be an insult, he'd have to laugh. From the moment Urahara had vanished, she'd taken some kind of special interest in him, lingering around the division as if she were on patrol. Retsu either enjoyed walking in circles, or she'd always been inexplicably drawn to cold bastards. Seeing how she hadn't kept herself away, Mayuri was betting on the latter.

She'd always deny it, but, unless he was irreversably damaged, she was nothing but a tease. On several occasions, he'd seriously debated teaching her a thing or two.

Now, if she kept on with this charade, playing all these worthless games, the temptation would get the better of him.