[ Squalo's pointedly not acknowledging that questioning look and just relaxing into the sweet, sweet warmth. Actually, he also hurts all over, but he's managing not to hiss, and he's accepting the other's arm around him like it's no big deal. ]

[ He does, however, fall silent for a moment at the question. It's harder to excuse it when he has to say it aloud, but... ]

[ Because this was more important to me right now. ]

[ He takes a long sip from the bottle. ]

I don't particularly care about Nekane and Garrett in general.

[ He moves his free shoulder in a shrug. Not as much as I care about you. He does care about Hector, however, and it's more difficult to explain. He's not sure he wants to. He frowns and drinks again. Even so... ]

...Hector should really know what he's in for at this point. [ So clearly, whatever happened had to be as much his own fault as Dodger's. Friend of the year, everyone. But, more importantly, he vaguely gestures at them and, in particular, to his face, half of which is probably blooming lovely blue and red by now. ] And he wouldn't be able to give me this kind of comfort.

[ Because clearly, being pummelled within an inch of his life is what he needs right now. ]