[ Honestly, Squalo's about to have some doubts whether his relatively normal frame even can harm Dodger at this point. He clenches his artificial hand experimentally, weighs it for a moment, then throws a hefty punch from the side. He'd better fuckin' feel this. ]

[ Of course, that won't stop him from continuing a casual conversation. ]

Hold it right there. You've got to stop pulling the Hector card. Why would anyone give a shit that you're helping someone else by fucking 'em up? I mean, we care about him, but that's not some universal constant. [ He's aiming a kick at the other man's knee, all play-like. ] Claiming you're doing it for him doesn't make the heinous shit you do any more good, or more righteous, or more deserving of forgiveness or whatever points you think you're winning by bringing it up.

[ He considers for a moment, decides it's time for some goddamn pain both ways, and reaches out to grip the front of Dodger's clothes, pulling him closer in an almost sensual manner. ]

It's just an excuse that lets you feel better and keep hiding from yourself. Ooh, look at me, I'm doing a good. [ He fucking boops him on the nose with his free index finger, gives him a Look, then lovingly headbutts him in the face hard enough that even Squalo himself sees green for a moment. ]

[ Damn, yeah, that's the stuff. He fuckin laughs as he stumbles before regaining balance. Then he looks at Dodger with a certain amount of curiosity. ]

You mean to tell me you've gamed the system from the bottom rung before?