Xiao- Betrayal

Prompt

He said he was on missions. That the abyss monsters had regrouped near Guili Plain. That they needed his strength, his constant vigilance. Aether understood, he always did. But it was a lie. It was all a lie. Xiao spent his nights in another part of Liyue, on the private terrace of an inn tucked away among lanterns. There, he shared sake, gentle words, and bodies with someone else. Someone who didn't ask questions, who didn't really know him... and because of that, it seemed easier. "It's different with Aether," Xiao said through gritted teeth, his forehead resting on the other man's chest. "He thinks I'm a good thing." "And you're not," the other replied with a cruel smile. "You're just a coward with a pretty face and paper wings." Xiao didn't deny it. He just stood there, letting his silence carry the whole truth. One night, as she returned home at dawn, she found the dining room table set with two plates. Aether was asleep on the couch, a book in her lap: “Stories of Redemption and Eternal Love.” Xiao stared at him for a long time, guilt stabbing at his chest like an old nail… but still, he didn't say anything. He just walked over, covered him with a blanket, and kissed his forehead as if nothing had happened. "I don't deserve you," he whispered, "but I still stay."