[(No. He would not have. But there had been a moment where he'd certainly considered it and that, to him, was just as bad.)
The forced smile coupled with the trembling hand is more than enough evidence that trying to offer comfort or consolation will only make things worse. He certainly wants to argue that whatever A-Yao did, what happened in that temple was neither just nor right, not to Jin Guangyao, not to Nie Mingjue -- but those words would ring hollow in the moment.
Instead, he nods, reluctant but understanding. He'll wait.
He'd gotten rather good at that in the four months he spent in seclusion.
---
When his husband returns, the house is spotless. Cleaning has always helped quell his anxiety, but he an A-Yao are already rather tidy people, and so there wasn't much to do.
He's instead by the tree where he normally does his evening meditation. Alas, he found no peace and is, instead, wearing a path through the flagstones with his pacing while Well. What right do I have to feel any way about any of this? I brought my fate upon myself, didn't I? still ringing in his ears.
It's not a surprise his husband is upset - perhaps even moreso at the fact that Xichen chose to take Huaisang's word over his. And really, he cannot blame him. He has no excuse for his betrayal of Jin Guangyao's trust, but at least the whole truth is finally out in the open.
Now, where they go from here is... well. He's not sure.]
no subject
The forced smile coupled with the trembling hand is more than enough evidence that trying to offer comfort or consolation will only make things worse. He certainly wants to argue that whatever A-Yao did, what happened in that temple was neither just nor right, not to Jin Guangyao, not to Nie Mingjue -- but those words would ring hollow in the moment.
Instead, he nods, reluctant but understanding. He'll wait.
He'd gotten rather good at that in the four months he spent in seclusion.
---
When his husband returns, the house is spotless. Cleaning has always helped quell his anxiety, but he an A-Yao are already rather tidy people, and so there wasn't much to do.
He's instead by the tree where he normally does his evening meditation. Alas, he found no peace and is, instead, wearing a path through the flagstones with his pacing while Well. What right do I have to feel any way about any of this? I brought my fate upon myself, didn't I? still ringing in his ears.
It's not a surprise his husband is upset - perhaps even moreso at the fact that Xichen chose to take Huaisang's word over his. And really, he cannot blame him. He has no excuse for his betrayal of Jin Guangyao's trust, but at least the whole truth is finally out in the open.
Now, where they go from here is... well. He's not sure.]