Hugh stares down at the worm in his hand - wrapped around his thumb like those silly little rings he used to wear when he was younger, less tasteful in his flashiness. When he still wore silver, not realizing how hard it clashed with his undertones. (Always gold, now. The warm fleshy tones of the maggot don't clash either.) He does not move it just yet. It seems comfortable. Cassius too, hovering in place. Hugh is comforted by both of their presences.
It's those words that has him looking back up, mouth pulling with - with something. Something aching and sharp and badly hidden by his smile, the straightening of his back.
"Honestly, you worry entirely too much. If I've managed to stay alive this long, I'm sure I'll manage it a little longer as well, you know. Although I appreciate the concern. Get so little of it these days."
Hugh cranes his neck, raises his voice at the onlookers. Some of them have left in the wake of Cassius' pointed glare.
"I'm talking to you, you ungrateful fucks. Oh yes, I'm talking to - that's right, start walking." Another couple are leaving now. Little bastards. Hugh glances back, raising an impeccably plucked brow. "See? I can manage myself. For the most part, anyhow."
A beat. The mirth eases.
"Now, your Hunter... this Caelan of yours. I'm not so certain." Gentler, now. "If they're attacking the crew, Cassius, that could cause... issues. For all of us. Are you certain this will work?"
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Hugh stares down at the worm in his hand - wrapped around his thumb like those silly little rings he used to wear when he was younger, less tasteful in his flashiness. When he still wore silver, not realizing how hard it clashed with his undertones. (Always gold, now. The warm fleshy tones of the maggot don't clash either.) He does not move it just yet. It seems comfortable. Cassius too, hovering in place. Hugh is comforted by both of their presences.
It's those words that has him looking back up, mouth pulling with - with something. Something aching and sharp and badly hidden by his smile, the straightening of his back.
"Honestly, you worry entirely too much. If I've managed to stay alive this long, I'm sure I'll manage it a little longer as well, you know. Although I appreciate the concern. Get so little of it these days."
Hugh cranes his neck, raises his voice at the onlookers. Some of them have left in the wake of Cassius' pointed glare.
"I'm talking to you, you ungrateful fucks. Oh yes, I'm talking to - that's right, start walking." Another couple are leaving now. Little bastards. Hugh glances back, raising an impeccably plucked brow. "See? I can manage myself. For the most part, anyhow."
A beat. The mirth eases.
"Now, your Hunter... this Caelan of yours. I'm not so certain." Gentler, now. "If they're attacking the crew, Cassius, that could cause... issues. For all of us. Are you certain this will work?"