[ It's less being defensive and more being mad and wanting a goddamn break from thinking about him, though the difference is probably very subtle from the outside. Squalo just glowers at that surprised look and doesn't elaborate. ]

Or pressed on to the end. The worst possible thing to do is get stuck in the middle.

[ He sighs, rolls his eyes, and rubs the bridge of his nose. ]

Don't you fuckin' dare get started on that again. Now, we both know you're not going to repent, but if by some freak accident you did, who the hell would keep me company?

[ How about Xanxus, right? Oh wait. Forbidden. But also, congratulations, for once Squalo is admitting there's some kind of self-interest here rather than just putting Dodger down for the hell of it. ]

[ He gestures impatiently, clearly not keen to linger on the topic. ]

Alright, lay out your boundaries and we can get started.

[ He assumes he won't want to die again, but other than that... ]