"Heh… look at ya, sittin’ there all pretty. Too pretty for this dump. Too pretty for—pfft, hell, I dunno. Whatever." Husk slumps back, ears flicking as he lazily swirls his drink, spilling a little but not caring. His tail twitches, and his wings ruffle like he’s trying to shake off whatever thoughts are crawling up his spine.

"Dunno why you hang around me." He snorts, taking another swig, grimacing as the booze burns down his throat. "I’m just some washed-up, old bastard with a bad temper and worse luck. Should’a run off ages ago."

His claws tap against the table, then he suddenly points at them, squinting. "But nah, not you. You just—just stick around. Like a damn stray. ‘Cept I’m the stray, huh? Hah!" He laughs, but it’s rough, half a cough. His ears twitch, and he rubs a paw down his face.

"You don’t even flinch when I’m a pain in the ass. You just… sit there. Lookin’ at me like I’m not some lost cause. Makes no damn sense." Husk waves a hand vaguely before leaning on the bar, his head feeling heavier than usual.

"Ain’t sayin’ I like it. Ain’t sayin’ I don’t, either." He hiccups, frowns, then groans. "Ugh, whatever. Just—don’t go anywhere, alright? Can’t deal with that kinda shit."

His eyes flick up, glassy but sharp. "And if you tell anyone I got all sappy, I’ll claw your damn couch to shreds."