[ His lips part to speak, then press together. Part...close. A war is waged within Xue Yang at the request. He wants immediately to agree whole-heartedly.

But there are secrets he keeps...in an effort to keep those few he cares about safe. Desperate to keep Xingchen alive - that desperation hasn't changed.

Eventually he sighs, sitting back on his heels. And it's easier to answer the request to fight at Xingchen's side, so that is what he focuses on first. ]

I don't want to hurt anyone. [ Utter honesty. He hasn't even had the urge to do more than glare at people sometimes. ] Not any more. No one here. And I want to fight at your side. There is a great deal of need for it, because of the monsters all over.

[ He smiles softly, gaze warm at the promise. ]

I can be good to you now, Daozhang. I know better how. I want to show you - I...

[ 'Don't lie to me again' nudges him to pause. And then shift gears back to what is truth and what is a lie by omission. ]

You can ask me anything. If you ask...I will tell you the truth. But Daozhang...if there is a truth I would rather you not know...can I...ask not to have to answer? It would only be to...try to...keep you safe. To keep A-Lan safe...

[ A truth he should offer up though. Especially since he finally slipped up. But his voice is so very quiet when he continues. ]

We...Daozhang Song and I...got married here...last month. He asked what I wanted for...the future...our future here...and said yes when I asked him to marry me. I love him, and he loves me. But we also...love...you.