[This is a hard subject for both of them. There are a lot of hard subjects to cover between the two of them, too many years to cross the bridge of to find each other again. Nie Mingjue is nothing but grateful though, grateful that he has this opportunity and he can be better this time. He wants to leave nothing unsaid, no stone unturned, nothing hidden anymore because they are both different men but they will never stop being each other's only real family.

When Huaisang looks away, he feels that his brother's eyes are no longer on him, and frowns, the well-worn furrow in his brow the same as ever. He sets the tea down and reaches over to pat his cheek, urging him to look up.] There is nothing to forgive. My temper got the better of me often, and I was too harsh. I remember burning your things - I will make up for that. [It hurts to think about, but it feels good to admit his wrongs, it feels good to be able to tell his brother everything that has gone through his mind since he woke up here, clear and alive.

He should have done this sooner, while he had the chance. How different could things have been if he'd only trusted his younger brother with more of his burdens and admitted his wrongs more readily?]

Jin Guangyao fooled us both. [Mingjue releases a breath, along with it the spark of anger that always comes up when he thinks about that little man. Now is not the time (though the fact that he can do that again is a relief).] You have grown, Huaisang. From what I hear, you are certainly no fool now.

[Despite his admittedly mixed feelings on Huaisang's revenge, the smile that touches his lips, while small, is wistful, for all the years he's missed. Even though Jin Guangyao is a whole other can of worms (snakes) to open. For just a moment, he wants to look at his brother and take in what has changed.]