Szayel's expression turned hard, and he slammed his hand down next to Luppi's head (at least that was still thankfully connected to his neck). He leaned over him, the light casting unsettling shadows over his face.

"Perhaps then next time you seek to humiliate me, you'll reconsider," he hissed, his voice deadly soft. He reached up, gently threading his fingers through Luppi's hair, though the gesture was anything but comforting. "I used to be the Cero Espada for a reason, Luppi. Do not continue to invite my wrath."

He pulled away then, moving over to his detached limbs and setting up to put him back together.