[ He isn't expecting the hug but he's so, so glad for it. There's a pause on his end as his shoulders freeze, but only for a second before he returns it in earnest. He feels like a royal ass. The things he'd said...exaggerated, yes, but not...not entirely off point. ]

No, I'm...--a little sore, but hell, I deserved it.

[ He's probably got a few bruises, but he's not complaining. Not at all. ]

I do have a lot to apologize for. That was still me, even if that's not how I would've wanted to say any of it.