Perfect Imperfection (Mayuri Kurotsuchi)

Zanpakto Experiment

I stood in front of the Research Facilities for some time. When I had gotten done with my lesson, I rushed over. The memory of my zanpakto through my chest flashed when I went to enter and I'd stopped.

Mayuri wasn't likely to do that again, right? I tried to convince myself that I was beyond that. He'd apologized about it and admitted he loved me. He wouldn't stab the woman he loved, right?

The guards gave me side-eyes as I stood in the entryway. If I stood there any longer, I would look suspicious.

"Shihōin-hime, are you okay?" A voice behind me, startled me out of my daze.

I whipped around and saw Akon standing with several large books weighing on his arms." Yes, I'm fine Akon. Let me help you."

"No, Hime. I appreciate it, but I am fine." He assured me as he stepped up next to me. "Taicho asked me to go get these, so I did."

"Well I'm headed to see him now. Let me carry some for you." I insisted as I took two books off. It will help distract me.

Akon looked uncomfortable, but proceeded to walk in with me. Akon had grown up to be a fine man and had clearly been the center of Mayuri's bullying before he'd made Nemu. If Mayuri ever stepped down from the Institute, Akon would make a great facility leader.

We made small talk along the way to Mayuri's office and though it helped to distract me, my heartbeat was increasing with every step to his office.

My thoughts spun around my head at the speed of a roadrunner as we stopped in front of his open door. Mayuri was directly ahead, focused at his lab island making something. He seemed relaxed, which was unusual for me but last night was probably what caused it.

Akon cleared his throat, but Mayuri didn't bother to look up. "Put them on my desk, I'll get to them."

Akon gestured me in first, but I shook my head.

He sighed and walked in with the books." Taicho, Shihōin-hime is here to see you."

The empty beaker he held slipped as he looked up. It clattered onto the island as our eyes met. My heart jumped hard as I looked into the painted face.

"Hey." He muttered, casting a glance at Akon who'd put the book down. "Take those books from her and get out."

Akon simply nods, an annoyed look on his face, and does what he says, leaving Mayuri and I alone. My zanpakto rested in my obi as I fidgeted with the hilt.

Mayuri wiped his hands cleaned with a towel as he moved around the island towards." Close the door?"

I turned around and slid the door close before turning around. I gasped in surprise, finding Mayuri in front of me.

"Did you get in trouble?" Mayuri's voice rumbled as he pulled me to his chest. "If Byakuya gave you a hard time, I can-"

"No, he didn't." I squeaked as Mayuri's lips found my neck.

"Good," Mayuri's arms tightened around my waist. "I was worried."

Hearing the word worried fall from Mayuri's lips was odd, but heartwarming. I grabbed the sides of his robe tightly, trying to find the words to tell him about my sword.

"I'm okay, May-kun." I whispered into his ear as I gave his sides a tight squeeze. "I have to tell you something."

He pulled away, keeping me in his arms as he stared into my eyes. "What is it?"

"I... uh." I let go of his robe and put my right hand to the hilt.

He glanced down at my sword and gave me an inquisitive look. "When did you get your sword?"

"About that..." I bit my lip. "Its changed."

The ridge where eyebrows would have rested rose on his face as he took a step back. I slowly drew my sword and took a deep breath, anxious as the memory flashed of that night.

"Lead them, Ka Sennyo (Fire Nymph)!" I called out, holding my zanpakto between my hands.

The plain sword came to life as flames and water burst at the tip. They swirled around each other as they danced down to my hands, changing the plain sword into the beautiful two-part lance.

The red hilts lined with the iridescent blue shined in the bright lights of the Institute. The shine from my zanpakto was alluring as I stared at it. I could hear whispers from the blade, familiar voices. I tried to concentrate to hear what they were trying to say to me.

"Fascinating!" Mayuri's voice brought me out of the haze. I blinked at him.

The look on his face was one of awe as he inched closer to look at the new form. I twisted the lance and it became two, earning an excited gasp.

He jumped forward." How did it change? Your cheeks aren't red. What's going on?"

"I don't know. My hands were burning, I called for it and it appeared. It said I had changed and it changed." Mayuri carefully took one from my hands and inspected it carefully.

"Such a significant change." He mused quietly as he held it to the lighting. "Could it be because of last night?"

My body temperature warmed at the thought, but shook my head. "Byakuya wanted me to go to Unohana to make sure I was fine, but I thought..." I trailed off.

Mayuri looked at me as the silence filled the room." You thought?"

"I thought, that you could... run some tests on me and my zanpakto to make sure that it was safe for me to use now."

I expected to see a big grin, but his brow knitted as he walked towards me. He weaved his left hand through my hair as he brought our foreheads together. "Are you certain you don't want to go to Unohana or your father?"

My father hadn't crossed my mind as the memories of the painful testing that was my childhood caused my eyes to sting.

I attempted to blink them away as I looked at the painted captain who showed concern. "I only trust you." I smiled softly.

Mayuri's golden eyes swirled as he looked at me, making a decision. I could see our memory playing through his mind, playing in mine.

"I love you." He gave me a peck on the lips. "I'll make it as painless as possible."

"Thank you, I love you too." I smiled as tears brimmed in my eyes, mixed with fear and happiness.

I never imagine I would become a willing experiment in my life, but if my zanpakto and I had become stable it could mean a new quality of life.

Dalia-Taicho and not just Hime.

Sorry this was kind of late! I took a spontaneous trip out of my state and didn't have time to write! Thank you for your patience! Comment and tell me your thoughts! Like if you enjoyed it! Add to your Library as I do weekly updates! I appreciate everything and one! :)