[ He nods. Dodger's a better liar than him, but it's very believable that he's once again at the bottom of his self-pity spiral, especially given the evidence that Hawke clapped his ass earlier. ]
[ He gives a wry smile at the last part and moves to walk in, assuming Dodger will let him pass. ]
Well that's a little boring.
[ If allowed, he'll borrow Dodger's whiskey along with his entire hand to take a swig, then let go to let him have it. ]
[ Maybe he'll tell him about how convinced Hector was that he said the truth about not going to the cult later. Maybe not at all. He swans in, drops his booze bag on a couch/table/windowpane/whatever is nearby, pulls one out -- ]
[ and fucking flinches like he'd just gotten a brick dropped over the top of his head. ]
He's not my husband.
[ is the answer he manages to muster, but he's totally looking in the opposite direction at the moment. ]
[ Part of him, of course, believes that they will be back together before long. How else could it possibly go? There was nobody else good enough for either of them. And yet that cold dread won't let go of him. That maybe this is it, and he'll be forced to live the rest of his life as half a man. ]
[ There's maybe a middle ground there somewhere, and he manages to toss a nonchalant reply a few moments later, ]
Few weeks, maybe. So yeah, nobody's gonna be looking for my body. [ He shrugs with a wry grin. Changed your mind yet? ] Since when do you care, anyway?
[Although... he's surprised the answer is that long. He hasn't really been keeping up with Squalo's life, but he'd just assumed the two of them were holed up somewhere enjoying their fucked-up, atrophied idea of domestic bliss. As if he can judge.
He leans on the door as he closes it, and pauses to light a cigarette.]
You're my friend. Currently, the only one I have. Why shouldn't I care?
[ He just huffs at that. Look, he hasn't ditched work for a month to fuck before, so there's no reason to believe that's what happened now. Also fuck you Brett, you're atrophied. Their domestic bliss is the best and most valid, thanks. ]
I assume you'd like to keep it that way, so let's not talk about him right now.
[ Yeah, he's bitchy. But also still totally devoted, because he's loyal and stupid like that. ]
[ That answer sort of explains a lot, though. Squalo's perfectly aware that Hector and Garrett must be higher on the friends list than him, which means... ]
Fucked up with the Order, huh?
[ He's... actually not feeling murderous despite the implications, though. This is different from last time. And, honestly, he doesn't quite have the mental capacity to care about other people being tortured right now. ]
[Dodger raises his brows, making no attempt to mask his surprise. He knows Squalo is defensive of Xanxus, but not to the point of snapping at him for an off-hand comment.
He's silent for a few seconds, before he finally answers.]
Yeah. I couldn't finish what I was doing. Honestly, I... should have stopped sooner, but I didn't.
[Should have, should have. All he ever worries about is what should have happened.]
I want you to hurt me because I deserve it. Because the others didn't deserve what I did to them. Probably won't change anything, but... I'm starting to like the idea of serving my penance.
[ 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... ]
[He bites his lip, and almost argues against Squalo's assertion. Because he doesn't want to leave he just... well. What does he want to get out of this, other than feeling marginally better?]
Don't kill me. Don't cut my face. Punching it is fine. If I really can't handle something, ah... my safeword is Songbird.
[He scratches his head with a hint of awkwardness.]
And leave my wrists alone. You're gonna start leaving an indent soon.
[ Is he making some kind of a point? Maybe. There's definitely things Dodger could have done that would make Squalo swear him off forever, of course, so he's not going to keep tugging on the lion's tail there. ]
'Nd if you don't want to lose people, why the fuck did you even go for it?
[ You could have still had all your friends, Brett ]
[ Anyway, Squalo nods along, making note to absolutely ignore any mentions of songbirds because safe words were for pussies and Dodger should have known what he's signing up for by putting himself in his hands. ]
[ And he'll just start off with a nice, hard backhand across Dodger's face because he just feels like it, and then stares at his hand for a moment, clenching and unclenching his fingers as if fascinated by their movement. Wow, it's almost like his hand moved by itself. ]
So? You should have more marks from me. Hell, I'm like, ten percent burns at this point.
[That's... a fair point. All of it is a fair point. And that slap makes him flinch, but he doesn't back down. He just straightens back up, and waits for the next hit.]
I thought I could game the system. I thought if I could get the Order's favor I could find out more about how this dimension works. I could find a way to get Hector out.
[He bites his lip.]
It's the sort of thing that worked back home. I've done it before.
[ 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?
[Fuck, okay, that punch actually hurts. He reels from it, and has to shake himself off before he can focus on what Squalo's saying again. At least this way, he really does listen to what he's told. Even though the kick hurts, and... the headbutt doesn't do as much damage to him as it does to Squalo, but it definitely doesn't feel great.
If nothing else, it is calming. There's something intoxicating about the feeling of being hit.]
If no one cares why I'm doing it, then why the fuck should I explain anything?
[He shakes himself off again, and bends his knee experimentally. He might end up with some bruises, but this feels like foreplay.]
I never said what I was doing was good or righteous, I knew it was stupid going in. But it was something, and I missed my shot for every other plan I had.
[That question makes him pause, though, and he cocks his head.]
Yeah. It's been a while, but I know what I'm doing. [Pause.] I think.
[ There really is. Squalo's still grinning like a maniac as he rubs his forehead. There may be some blood? Whatever. ]
I haven't asked you to.
[ Not yet, anyway. It was tempting, but in Squalo's case it's more pure curiosity of what happened, rather than any sort of righteous want to have Dodger explain his actions. ]
[ Another punch to the face, though with his normal hand this time. ]
You sure about that? Whatever their conflict with Lucifer, they clearly lost. The only thing you could learn from them is what not to do.
[He sets his jaw, and that puts him in prime position for that punch to really hurt. He lets out a quiet, frustrated noise and whips a hand out to grab Squalo's wrist, yanking him closer, until it's weirdly intimate.]
You don't learn from victories. Whatever the conflict is, Lucifer is scared of them. If he wasn't, they wouldn't get close enough to bother us.
[His grip tightens, and his gaze wanders over Squalo's face.]
It doesn't matter. I'm not going after them again, not when Hector isn't speaking to me.
[ Squalo says it with his usual grin which seems to grow wider as Dodger grips his wrist harder, apparently not quite bothered by it. There's always a certain thrill when someone can just... handle him, even if in a small way like this. He tilts his head slightly, eyes on the other man. ]
If he was, he would have eradicated them a long time ago. He's had the chances. The fact that they still whimper around the underbelly of Hell just proves they're not considered a proper threat.
[ He raises an eyebrow when Dodger mentions Hector's not talking to him; it's hardly surprising and also long overdue, but at the same time despite his constant encouragement to that end, he's well aware that something had to happen for Hector to finally pull the plug. ]
[ He's curious. He's also seeing a glaring plothole right there, considering the sacrifice of good terms has already been made. ]
So you're letting it go to waste.
[ Squalo it's almost like you want to be tortured... ]
[Dodger hesitates. He can't argue with the point about Lucifer - it's a valid one, and one he'd already considered. But it had been worth the risk when all of his more stable plans fell apart.
As for Squalo's apparent demand to be tortured, though.]
I can't finish the list. [He mutters.] I can't hurt Hawke, and that's not because I'm not willing. He... won.
[Even with Squalo, his best friend in Hell, he can't bring himself to admit exactly what Hawke did. But there's fear in his eyes, before he tries to move on.]
Anyway, they said not to talk about it. So it probably doesn't matter.
[ Honestly, Squalo can sort of understand the restlessness of none of the usual ideas being applicable. He's sick of sitting around and playing along, too. But he still has to have some standard for his plans. He intends to get out of this in one piece, if possible, and so far antagonizing Satan seens to be counteractive to it. ]
[ This new tidbit is interesting, however. He perks up a little, and looks at Dodger with a raised eyebrow, shifting a bit within his grip. ]
...he doesn't look that strong.
[ He's not just saying that. He's fought him -- or, well, sparred, he supposes, and it hadn't been exactly to the death, and Squalo's only the best swordsman in the history of ever -- but unlike Dodger, Hawke hadn't beaten him. So this is news. ]
[ Looks like someone's been holding out on him. ]
[ The interest shifts into something almost akin to concern for a moment as he cants his head and frowns slightly, catching that momentary glimpse of unease in the other man's face. ]
[ He decides that he wouldn't like to be asked about it, and clearly they were the same kind of person, so he doesn't. ]
Well, if you already failed, I don't see why their conversation guidelines would still apply. [ Feel free to talk about it. If you want. ]
Trust me, he's killed me before. [A pause.] I'm surprised he didn't this time.
[He really doesn't want to linger on that, though. It brings the mood down, when they could just be kicking the shit out of each other.
His hand idly slides up, holding Squalo's hand for a brief moment before he actually lets go.]
I mean, I probably failed by talking. [He wavers, studying Squalo's face, and his tone changes to be a little more serious.] I can still torture you, if that's what you're after.
[ This is... actually a lot like praise, coming from him. Look, Dodger, he has faith in your strength. Somewhat. Just not your decisions, clearly. ]
[ He half-smirks, and stares right back at the other man, examining the subtle changes in his expression. ]
Think I'll pass this time, but thanks. [ Because with Hawke's warning, he's pretty damn sure the torture Dodger has in mind is not the kind he might want. ] You can definitely hit me though, assuming you can manage that without cracking my goddamn skull open.
[ It's been a while since he's been properly abused. Xanxus had (correctly) deduced that he liked it too much and abstained from using it as punishment for whatever crime he thought Squalo committed against him. ]
[Honestly, he appreciates this. The way he and Squalo always seem to be having a deeper conversation in the silence between their words. And he does have a point - Dodger had gotten reckless, and it had gotten him killed. Maybe he would have died anyway if Garrett had gotten blood magic involved, but... there was no real reason to lose in a fistfight.
He shrugs.] Suit yourself.
[And he's shifting his weight to aim a kick at Squalo's head. Be proud, he's gentle enough to only give him a minor concussion if that hits.]
[ It's definitely nice. Squalo chalks it up to their undoubtedly ~~deeper understanding~~. That and even if he knew about the blood magic, he'd have no doubts that it can't be used if someone fucking teleported into your chest cavity before you could even spot them. Dodger got burned because he played with his food and for no other reason, but Squalo's not so much of a hypocrite as to point that out again. ]
[ He's not really making any effort to avoid or block it, considering he'd just told him to do it. So yeah, the kick hits, and he sees fucking stars and stumbles backward. Mercifully, the couch happens to be right behind him, so he lands into it heavily rather than splaying across the floor. ]
[ And he stays there, head thrown back, looking fucking dead to the world for an entire second before his shoulders start shaking. ]
[ He laughs. Loud and animalistic and uncontrolled, genuine to the point of bordering on hysterical. He doesn't remember when he's last laughed like this. Had to be a while. ]
[ He sits back up in one swift motion, grinning, even as his good hand reflexively rises to hold the painful spot on his head. ]
Voi! What the fuck happened to "I'm not gonna fight back"?!
[ He's not mad, he's just loud. Also refreshing bout of normalcy nowadays, not that Dodger would know; he hadn't been keeping up after all. ]
[There's a second where he freezes, and thinks he might have actually fucking killed him again.
But then Squalo starts laughing, and it's such a fucking wonderful sound to hear after the week he's had. It even manages to put an awkward, lopsided smile on his face.
And when Squalo looks up, he manages to turn it into a full grin, raising his arms to shrug in an open, provoking stance.]
Guess I lied.
[It does feel refreshingly normal. Just like his friends at home.]
[ Squalo's honestly sturdier than most people, though there's certainly limits to it. He's also got a penchant for dramatics, though. ]
[ There's another, shorter bout of ugly snortlaughing at that response, though. Of fucking course. ]
Well, fuck you.
[ It's almost a little bit affectionate. Likewise, for a tiny little moment, Squalo felt like he was back home and everything was fine. That alone was worth whatever ill consequences could possibly come from this. ]
[ Rather than bothering to properly get up, he braces against the back of the couch and aims a nasty kick at one of Dodger's knees, no doubt wanting to bring him down to his level. Literally speaking. ]
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[ He lifts his good hand in greeting along with a wry smirk. ]
Hey. Lookin' better than last time.
[ Though he has a pretty good idea about what happened. He's gone after others, possibly others besides Garrett that were more successful. ]
[ He leans against the doorframe at arm's length, examining Dodger's face, head slightly tilted to the side. ]
I'll just get it out of the way now. Are you planning to kill me?
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He looks Squalo over with a mild expression, and lets out a quiet sigh. He's so tired.]
No. I want you to hurt me. I'm not going to fight back.
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[ He gives a wry smile at the last part and moves to walk in, assuming Dodger will let him pass. ]
Well that's a little boring.
[ If allowed, he'll borrow Dodger's whiskey along with his entire hand to take a swig, then let go to let him have it. ]
Should I start with your feelings, or?
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No, it really doesn't matter what I'm feeling.
[Although... Squalo is getting a leveled look from Dodger, gaze moving up and down to take the man in properly.]
How long have we got before your husband comes knocking?
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[ Maybe he'll tell him about how convinced Hector was that he said the truth about not going to the cult later. Maybe not at all. He swans in, drops his booze bag on a couch/table/windowpane/whatever is nearby, pulls one out -- ]
[ and fucking flinches like he'd just gotten a brick dropped over the top of his head. ]
He's not my husband.
[ is the answer he manages to muster, but he's totally looking in the opposite direction at the moment. ]
[ Part of him, of course, believes that they will be back together before long. How else could it possibly go? There was nobody else good enough for either of them. And yet that cold dread won't let go of him. That maybe this is it, and he'll be forced to live the rest of his life as half a man. ]
[ There's maybe a middle ground there somewhere, and he manages to toss a nonchalant reply a few moments later, ]
Few weeks, maybe. So yeah, nobody's gonna be looking for my body. [ He shrugs with a wry grin. Changed your mind yet? ] Since when do you care, anyway?
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[Although... he's surprised the answer is that long. He hasn't really been keeping up with Squalo's life, but he'd just assumed the two of them were holed up somewhere enjoying their fucked-up, atrophied idea of domestic bliss.
As if he can judge.He leans on the door as he closes it, and pauses to light a cigarette.]
You're my friend. Currently, the only one I have. Why shouldn't I care?
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I assume you'd like to keep it that way, so let's not talk about him right now.
[ Yeah, he's bitchy. But also still totally devoted, because he's loyal and stupid like that. ]
[ That answer sort of explains a lot, though. Squalo's perfectly aware that Hector and Garrett must be higher on the friends list than him, which means... ]
Fucked up with the Order, huh?
[ He's... actually not feeling murderous despite the implications, though. This is different from last time. And, honestly, he doesn't quite have the mental capacity to care about other people being tortured right now. ]
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He's silent for a few seconds, before he finally answers.]
Yeah. I couldn't finish what I was doing. Honestly, I... should have stopped sooner, but I didn't.
[Should have, should have. All he ever worries about is what should have happened.]
I want you to hurt me because I deserve it. Because the others didn't deserve what I did to them. Probably won't change anything, but... I'm starting to like the idea of serving my penance.
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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... ]
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[He bites his lip, and almost argues against Squalo's assertion. Because he doesn't want to leave he just... well. What does he want to get out of this, other than feeling marginally better?]
Don't kill me. Don't cut my face. Punching it is fine. If I really can't handle something, ah... my safeword is Songbird.
[He scratches his head with a hint of awkwardness.]
And leave my wrists alone. You're gonna start leaving an indent soon.
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[ Is he making some kind of a point? Maybe. There's definitely things Dodger could have done that would make Squalo swear him off forever, of course, so he's not going to keep tugging on the lion's tail there. ]
'Nd if you don't want to lose people, why the fuck did you even go for it?
[ You could have still had all your friends, Brett ]
[ Anyway, Squalo nods along, making note to absolutely ignore any mentions of songbirds because safe words were for pussies and Dodger should have known what he's signing up for by putting himself in his hands. ]
[ And he'll just start off with a nice, hard backhand across Dodger's face because he just feels like it, and then stares at his hand for a moment, clenching and unclenching his fingers as if fascinated by their movement. Wow, it's almost like his hand moved by itself. ]
So? You should have more marks from me. Hell, I'm like, ten percent burns at this point.
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I thought I could game the system. I thought if I could get the Order's favor I could find out more about how this dimension works. I could find a way to get Hector out.
[He bites his lip.]
It's the sort of thing that worked back home. I've done it before.
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[ 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?
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If nothing else, it is calming. There's something intoxicating about the feeling of being hit.]
If no one cares why I'm doing it, then why the fuck should I explain anything?
[He shakes himself off again, and bends his knee experimentally. He might end up with some bruises, but this feels like foreplay.]
I never said what I was doing was good or righteous, I knew it was stupid going in. But it was something, and I missed my shot for every other plan I had.
[That question makes him pause, though, and he cocks his head.]
Yeah. It's been a while, but I know what I'm doing. [Pause.] I think.
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I haven't asked you to.
[ Not yet, anyway. It was tempting, but in Squalo's case it's more pure curiosity of what happened, rather than any sort of righteous want to have Dodger explain his actions. ]
[ Another punch to the face, though with his normal hand this time. ]
You sure about that? Whatever their conflict with Lucifer, they clearly lost. The only thing you could learn from them is what not to do.
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You don't learn from victories. Whatever the conflict is, Lucifer is scared of them. If he wasn't, they wouldn't get close enough to bother us.
[His grip tightens, and his gaze wanders over Squalo's face.]
It doesn't matter. I'm not going after them again, not when Hector isn't speaking to me.
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[ Squalo says it with his usual grin which seems to grow wider as Dodger grips his wrist harder, apparently not quite bothered by it. There's always a certain thrill when someone can just... handle him, even if in a small way like this. He tilts his head slightly, eyes on the other man. ]
If he was, he would have eradicated them a long time ago. He's had the chances. The fact that they still whimper around the underbelly of Hell just proves they're not considered a proper threat.
[ He raises an eyebrow when Dodger mentions Hector's not talking to him; it's hardly surprising and also long overdue, but at the same time despite his constant encouragement to that end, he's well aware that something had to happen for Hector to finally pull the plug. ]
[ He's curious. He's also seeing a glaring plothole right there, considering the sacrifice of good terms has already been made. ]
So you're letting it go to waste.
[ Squalo it's almost like you want to be tortured... ]
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As for Squalo's apparent demand to be tortured, though.]
I can't finish the list. [He mutters.] I can't hurt Hawke, and that's not because I'm not willing. He... won.
[Even with Squalo, his best friend in Hell, he can't bring himself to admit exactly what Hawke did. But there's fear in his eyes, before he tries to move on.]
Anyway, they said not to talk about it. So it probably doesn't matter.
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[ This new tidbit is interesting, however. He perks up a little, and looks at Dodger with a raised eyebrow, shifting a bit within his grip. ]
...he doesn't look that strong.
[ He's not just saying that. He's fought him -- or, well, sparred, he supposes, and it hadn't been exactly to the death, and Squalo's only the best swordsman in the history of ever -- but unlike Dodger, Hawke hadn't beaten him. So this is news. ]
[ Looks like someone's been holding out on him. ]
[ The interest shifts into something almost akin to concern for a moment as he cants his head and frowns slightly, catching that momentary glimpse of unease in the other man's face. ]
[ He decides that he wouldn't like to be asked about it, and clearly they were the same kind of person, so he doesn't. ]
Well, if you already failed, I don't see why their conversation guidelines would still apply. [ Feel free to talk about it. If you want. ]
[ As an aside; ] Can I have my hand back?
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[He really doesn't want to linger on that, though. It brings the mood down, when they could just be kicking the shit out of each other.
His hand idly slides up, holding Squalo's hand for a brief moment before he actually lets go.]
I mean, I probably failed by talking. [He wavers, studying Squalo's face, and his tone changes to be a little more serious.] I can still torture you, if that's what you're after.
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Maybe you let him kill you before.
[ This is... actually a lot like praise, coming from him. Look, Dodger, he has faith in your strength. Somewhat. Just not your decisions, clearly. ]
[ He half-smirks, and stares right back at the other man, examining the subtle changes in his expression. ]
Think I'll pass this time, but thanks. [ Because with Hawke's warning, he's pretty damn sure the torture Dodger has in mind is not the kind he might want. ] You can definitely hit me though, assuming you can manage that without cracking my goddamn skull open.
[ It's been a while since he's been properly abused. Xanxus had (correctly) deduced that he liked it too much and abstained from using it as punishment for whatever crime he thought Squalo committed against him. ]
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He shrugs.] Suit yourself.
[And he's shifting his weight to aim a kick at Squalo's head. Be proud, he's gentle enough to only give him a minor concussion if that hits.]
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[ He's not really making any effort to avoid or block it, considering he'd just told him to do it. So yeah, the kick hits, and he sees fucking stars and stumbles backward. Mercifully, the couch happens to be right behind him, so he lands into it heavily rather than splaying across the floor. ]
[ And he stays there, head thrown back, looking fucking dead to the world for an entire second before his shoulders start shaking. ]
[ He laughs. Loud and animalistic and uncontrolled, genuine to the point of bordering on hysterical. He doesn't remember when he's last laughed like this. Had to be a while. ]
[ He sits back up in one swift motion, grinning, even as his good hand reflexively rises to hold the painful spot on his head. ]
Voi! What the fuck happened to "I'm not gonna fight back"?!
[ He's not mad, he's just loud. Also refreshing bout of normalcy nowadays, not that Dodger would know; he hadn't been keeping up after all. ]
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But then Squalo starts laughing, and it's such a fucking wonderful sound to hear after the week he's had. It even manages to put an awkward, lopsided smile on his face.
And when Squalo looks up, he manages to turn it into a full grin, raising his arms to shrug in an open, provoking stance.]
Guess I lied.
[It does feel refreshingly normal. Just like his friends at home.]
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[ There's another, shorter bout of ugly snortlaughing at that response, though. Of fucking course. ]
Well, fuck you.
[ It's almost a little bit affectionate. Likewise, for a tiny little moment, Squalo felt like he was back home and everything was fine. That alone was worth whatever ill consequences could possibly come from this. ]
[ Rather than bothering to properly get up, he braces against the back of the couch and aims a nasty kick at one of Dodger's knees, no doubt wanting to bring him down to his level. Literally speaking. ]
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/glances at ur icon he's getting turned on by this isnt he
maybe a little bit (maybe a lot)
oh no
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