[ Xiao Xingchen has always impressed him - the grace, the skill, just how well he's adapted to life without sight...Kindness. Generosity.

Xue Yang loves his smile and laughter. He's missed it. He'd almost gone mad when Xingchen vanished, only Song Lan had managed to calm him down. And again, when Wen Qing had vanished - they'd wasted no more time to get married, then to start building a house. Marks of permanence to cling to.

The question has him smile giddily, giving the write a gentle squeeze. ]

I have a job here - so does Daozhang Song, but I'm probably going to find a new one soon. [ Only because it upsets his poor Zichen so much when he comes home wounded.

He fusses a little, making sure Xingchen is comfortable before plopping down near him, smile fading as he braces himself. ]

...I have. Daozhang...I...what I'm about to tell you will upset you, and I'm sorry. I'm...sorry for a lot of things.

[ It's going to come out anyway. Best do it himself, right? For once, he can tell Xingchen who he is, himself. ]

My name...is Xue Yang. I've done a lot of horrible things. I don't do that anymore. Daozhang Song...helps me in doing better.