we can't make any promises now

Relief was sometimes like a tidal wave, crashing down with chilly delight and washing away ones's anxiety. What Remi felt as Loren agreed (conceeded? gave up?) was perhaps a close cousin to relief, but not as potent. A strange hybrid of hope and unsettled anxiety at what the future might bright, Remi felt his toes curling in his shoes wanting desperately for the outcome to simply be. Too long he'd lived a life of hurry up and wait, too long had anticipation nearly killed him. Despite the fact that asking for time was perhaps one of the most reasonable things Loren had said their entire conversation, still Remi's optimism pushed. It was why Loren's clarification hit him all the harder. He understood the difference between need and want...but he also understood that in a very objective way, Remi was no longer allowed to need anything from Loren. Not in any way that treated the Launceleyn as anything but a tool, which because of personality and magic, he'd rarely need to do. That was it then. The ball in Loren's court, and despite what seemed like some small victory or path forward, the alchemist wondered if he'd ever see the ball again. "Understood." Remi agreed softly, the barest whisper of the submissive man he used to be shining through as he nodded slowly. "You know where to find me." He added as the Launceleyn moved to leave in earnest now; the circle of their conversation finally closing in on itself for good. ~FIN REMI Loving you was sunshine, but then it poured & I lost so much more than my senses 'Cause loving you had consequences