Marluxia watched Szayel with a carefully composed expression. He disliked the man intensely, and would, under other circumstances, have allowed Lumi to continue mauling his hand yesterday. He'd have allowed him to maul rather more than his hand, given the opportunity, too.

Unfortunately, Lumi rather needed his help. But that was yesterday, and the reasons to remain diplomatic to any degree in Szayel's presence were now diminishing by the hour.