[Black Hat still won't move; instead, as Flug starts shifting around to get up, he sort of... slides down Flug's chest an inch, his back arching slightly. Perhaps a small part of his mind is registering this as a chance for petty payback for the time he had to ever so gently work his way out from below Flug.

The whole bit about Flug being in that state because Black Hat ate his soul is unimportant.]

No, I insist. [Flug is not taking away a chance for Black Hat to improve his wardrobe and gaining an upperhand in that ongoing stalemate!]

I was forced to act against my very nature for a week. This backlash isn't surprising. I just need- [He coughs.] -to balance the scales, tip myself back in the wrong direction.

[He smirks up at Flug and drops his voice.] You've already gotten a start on that.