would that I could

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

"I'd like to see you try." Remi retorts with perhaps a bit more heat than he'd intended. Whatever the line was between genuinely enjoying a bit of pain with his pleasure, and having it be an unhealthy coping mechanism, was not at all clear to Remi. It probably never would be again, truth be told. 'I can do that.' He agrees with a delighted smile.

As her hands roam lower, Remi sips in a breath, the muscles of his ribcage and upper back tensing. "You do know I can feel that." He says with a hesitant laugh, unsure if Isla had genuinely forgotten that she could no longer touch him in a way that was purely clinic anymore, or if outside of the room, it didn't occur to her just what that sort of touch might feel like for someone currently at the hand-holding stage with his husband.

Her words have him blinking with feigned ignorance, and it's probably for the best that her cheek was against his chest just then. Letting his eyes slip closed, out of tension and relief both, he holds her against him, simply enjoying the closeness of her. "I love you too." He mumbles against the top of her head as he presses his lips into her golden hair.