A pause as Marco rapidly thought that over. Granted Espio was sensible to the point of making Marco look rash, but it wasn't just that he was keeping him from doing something reckless. He wanted Espio to know he was with him every step of the way. If Espio said to attack and kill, Marco would without thinking twice. And emotionally, Marco knew that if Blackbeard was anywhere near him and he wasn't allowed or able to instantly attack and kill him, he'd want his entire family tackling him in hugs to hold him calm.

Wording all that however was the harder part.

"I know. That's not why I'm still hugging you, yoi." It was vague, but maybe Espio would figure it out.

Besides, with the realization that they were in fucking outer space without a planet's gravity holding them "down" and instead a fake gravity that Marco didn't know how to deal with yet, and unknown pilots and the vacuumous lack of air outside the ship, he wanted the reminder that Espio knew this kind of thing and was familiar with it.

"But if it's bothering you that much I might let go." A sly grin, "Maybe."