"Don't you know to knock?" Kurotsuichi grumbled, turning to glare at the visitor. His expression softened upon seeing Ichigo's familiar face.
He didn't know when, but ever since that coincidental meeting. The boy have been visiting him in his lab sometimes and weirdly enough, He seemed to have grown attached with the male.
The boy wore an apologetic look as he spoke "Sorry about that I just got back and on a break now...So I thought I should stop by and visit."
Mayuri only grinned from where he sat while Ichigo leane against the doorway, arms crossed while staring intently into Kurotsuichi's eyes. His brown eyes twinkled with more mirth, than usual, which made his heart pound faster than before.
The taller male tried to maintain a stoic expression but the heat in his cheeks couldn't hide the fact. "Oh yes, you must be so eager for my company." Mayuri drawled out mockingly before turning around and focusing on his research.
'Why am I feeling nervous all of the sudden?' Mayuri thought. He had no idea why this was happening, and if anything, it seemed worse than normal. He didn't know why but everytime he was around the soul reaper his heart was always pounding faster. It wasn't like him to feel anxious like this. This was weakness!
There was just so much a man could do to hold back his desires, and Mayuri never wanted to drown in them but the thought of experimenting on Ichigo, even if only with some basic tests, excited him beyond belief. The younger male always seemed oblivious by this fact too, which further aroused Mayuri's curiosity.
What Is wrong with me? That kid sure is a rare specimen but.. Kurotsuchi took a moment to think. This really is a bad idea..
"Mayuri.. I need your help" Ichigo murmured quietly. There was a hint of desperation in his voice that made Mayuri's heart skip a beat. He had never heard Ichigo sound so desperate to ask something from him.
The older male looked up from his work and sighed. "Fine, you owe me but what Is it?"
"I need you to test my powers" Kurosaki asked, his gaze faltering. He looked scared and a little hesitant. Mayuri was taken aback for a moment. His lips parted slightly and he stared at him incredulously.
He blinked several times and then scoffed. This kid had to be joking. Well if he was being honest, the offer was very tempting to accept. There were so many fascinating things to learn and see about Ichigo! However... He had no doubt that it was possible to get his hand on some sort of powerful bloodline that he could research but he couldn't risk taking advantage of someone without any real reason. If he experimented on Ichigo, no doubt he would lose all his restraint and possible even go further than that.
"Well.." Mayuri hummed thoughtfully. He really is curious now, what could have possibly motivated Ichigo to request such a thing?
Maybe his first research would be why he was feeling like this around Ichigo. Maybe there was something else behind it all. Mayuri wondered what it might be. A strange sense of foreboding hung over him as he gazed down at the redhead speaking shyly, and He suddenly felt the urge to lock up the man in his basement.
He had never felt so possessive or possessive before even with his passion in experimenting, and it was almost like he wanted to make Ichigo his own...but.. That would be foolish. He needed proof, and Ichigo's reaction would certainly provide that evidence.
"... Are you certain?" Are you aware of the risks involved, Ichigo? There's no turning back once I decided to participate, I don't know what we'll happen to you once i loose my remaining sanity. Was what he meant to ask. He knew the consequences of this experiment already. Insanity? Murder, maybe.. But Ichigo didn't seem to notice this. Instead, a determined look appeared on his features. How naive.
"I'm positive," He answered, determination glinting in his Hazel eyes.
Mayuri took note of the small smile that formed on Ichigo's lips after. Mayuri wondered briefly how that tiny gesture affected him and if he should take note of it. He decided to not dwell on it and returned to the current topic.
"Alright, what kind of experiment will you require of me?" He questioned, trying to mask his disappointment.It's not like Mayuri was opposed to the idea at all, he was just simply mad, that it's not him who controls the examination himself.
"Well.. I actually don't know anything about this.. So I guess you decide, you're the expert," Ichigo admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. Mayuri stared down at his notes, looking back up at Ichigo. He sighed again before standing up abruptly, startling the red head. "Follow me, The first step is usually testing some limits and then comparing notes. I've never done this to a Soul reaper, so I may have some questions regarding your abilities."
"Yeah, I could do that!" Ichigo smiled brightly. Mayuri found it oddly endearing, that he seemed genuinely interested in the process.
Has he truly fallen for Ichigo?
"I have a question. How good are you at combat with your Zanpaku-to?" Mayuri asked while examining his newest subjecy closely, noting the subtle signs that showed the other had improved since last time. The stance, body language and the way he held his weapon were nearly perfect and held more confidence, making Mayuri wonder who exactly he had trained under.
"Pretty good, why you wanna fight?" Ichigo asked while grinning, he hadn't noticed any changes during his first training session with Mayuri. He also hadn't noticed the dark aura radiating around the scientist, the way he kept staring intently at him, studying his every move.
"Only to test your abilities. But if you insist.. I'd love to see your power." Mayuri answered calmly.
He walked towards his work table and pulled out a strange looking device. Ichigo watched him carefully with curious yet wary eye.
"What is that thing?" Ichigo asked cautiously, trying hard to suppress a shiver from the strange sensation that was coursing through him. Mayuri merely gave a mysterious grin and turned the contraption upside down.
"You'll see" With these words, The reaper pressed another button on the machine. Suddenly, all lights on the room dimmed completely before Mayuri vanished, and soon he did too.