would that I could

i found cynicism, i found criticism
i've been zero to hero & i have been the villain

Her hug is so surprising that he doesn't know what to do for a moment. Everyone who has heard the story thus far has responded with horror and unfettered disapproval. Even Vai, who didn't know the full story was still hesitant in her understanding. Even though the worst of it was gone and the wound wasn't still quite as raw, it's with wordless appreciation that Remi bows his head against Isla's shoulder, his arms wrapping around her. It is perhaps the type of physical encounter with her he'd needed during LongNight, but even so, the alchemist can't say that he didn't get most of what he'd needed from Isla during their night together just the same.

"No." Remi agrees softly, his throat suddenly tight, though not because of the bruising left by Nate. Though it certainly isn't the same passionate need for her that the alchemist feels now, but even so he's reluctant to let her go.

'Apparently not.' He agrees with a humourless laugh. 'I'm not sure if Nate thought I owed him an explanation or apology, but..' Remi shrugs, licking at his bloodied lip. "I think in the end he was probably more angry that he couldn't hurt me." Which, was understandable. The alchemist was fully prepared to let the ascended have his way with him if it would help—same as he'd offered to Sunjata—but certainly it must take a bit of wind from their sails, knowing how very little they could actually do to him.