Szayel watched Lumi and Marluxia share some... exchange. Whispered words and significant looks. It was hard to miss the way Marluxia's chest moved as if Lumi had said something he found amusing. Not the sort of amusing you laughed at, but the sort of dark amusement that drew a noise anyway.

And then there was Ulquiorra, acting the bodyguard even though he was in the Palace, and had no bodyguarding duties to perform.

So many private little secrets on display, it really was quite fun.

"Save me some samples," he said, smirking at Nnoitra.

The monster they were facing was interesting, too, of course. He wouldn't object to the chance to study it.