Doesn't change what I said. [He keeps his tone even and casual, trying to combat that standoff, biting response, like a cornered cat. It reminds him of Asch, in a way.] If you plan on staying to yourself, then you can. There's a lot of space and ways to waste your time if that's all you care to do. But we're not going to get out of here by individual merit. And I'm not about to stop treating you with dignity, whether you believe you need it or not. I'd be kind of pathetic otherwise.

[He'll lean back against the stacked boxes he's tucked himself against, toying with the faux cup in his hands.]

Huaisang, I have three lives on my hands in exchange for the life someone I care about from the temple, because I considered it the best choice. I refused to tell anyone until I was forced, because I wanted to keep the fire on myself. It wasn't anyone's business but my own.

[His voice detaches a bit, exhaling. It's little more than loose words, and he doesn't know if any will hit. But he has a feeling if he doesn't say anything, then this man may close off for good.]

You do what you have to, even if it turns you into little more than a hypocrite in the eyes of those around you. That doesn't always deserve a rational explaination, or someone telling you it's right or wrong. It just is. Some people would call it desperation. I just think of it more like faith.

I don't know if that's anywhere close to why you made the choice you did. I'm not here to force it out of you. I'm just not about to let others here push you around for something they refuse to understand.