Rebuilding What Was Lost

Remi cleared his throat apologetically as he watched the way Sam's hands had begun to tremble. The man's eyes trained down on his cup, the alchemist took a moment to study his neighbour's face; the copper and gold beard, the shockingly pale lashes over bright blue eyes, the constellations of freckles, and the lips that were now pulled into a tight line. "I am sorry Samuel, I did not mean for that to —" He began to say, glancing at Sam's shoulder and hand, wondering if he should reach across and touch? hold? squeeze? but his thoughts were interrupted by a rather blunt and abrupt suggestion that he leave. "Oh." Remi said, feeling the surprise want to bristle at this quick dismissal. But of course the alchemist's congenial nature took over, and he merely nodded with a small smile. "I will just...see myself out then. Thank you for the tea." Remi said, standing and swallowing awkwardly as he looked down at Sam. Doing just as he said, Remi descended the stairs and gently opened and closed the door behind him. Walking to his shop Remi felt a strange sort of absence in his stomach. He felt as though he ought to feel bad about what just occurred, but of course the emotions weren't there to support it. Still, for the rest of the afternoon he'd replay the conversation which had taken place, wondering if he should have done or said something different. ~FIN REMI So come on, get higher, loosen my lips, faith and desire and the swing of your hips Just pull me down hard and drown me in love