insurmountable | everybody's challenge turning into mine / and overcame adversity

[The touch against his back makes his body tremble as a shiver runs down his spine. The hand then slips to his waist and he's pulled close to Childe. Aether does nothing to stop any of this, breath catching in his throat. He even forgets about the princess's presence for the time being.

He tries to focus on the knight's words, but that makes him frown. He is very much aware that many kings and queens have their secret lovers, but is that even okay? In perfect world maybe he would be able to show his love without any restrains, he wouldn't want to hide anything.

But this is not a prefect world, neither for him nor for Elise.]

...You seem to awfully like this idea.

[He's not quite sure why Childe finds it so appealing.]

A fake marriage... That sounds so wrong. [He breathes those words out, almost like a sigh. On the other hand, he can see the merit in it. He can see that if Elise would agree to this, if she'd find love in arms of someone else, then perhaps everybody would be happy in the end. Even if they all would have to hide it for the rest of their lives and pretend that they're happy with each other.]

You were the one who insisted that this had to happen and that nothing could possibly change it, [he reminds the prince, still smirking.

Childe is drinking in the fact that he can be so close, that Aether doesn't push him away even in front of the princess. He doesn't even know what she's doing, but a part of him hopes she's turned to see the two men being so close with each other. Wouldn't that be a sight, he thinks, laughing inwardly at the idea of the look on her face once she spots them.

But, he continues on:]

Now, perhaps when you are king someday, you won't force your own children into marriages simply for power. But, as of right now, the fact still remains that your father expects you to marry her. So, why not entertain this? Besides.

[His smug smile gets even wider.]

Of course I like this idea. It was, after all, my idea.

[Childe is right about that part. If Aether becomes the king, then he could change the law and maybe even free them all from this fate, allowing everyone to marry whoever they wish. Maybe there would be some who opposed him, but with Childe by his side, he isn't concerned about that part at all.

Instead, he gives his knight a very critical look, noticing how smug he seems about all of this.]

And knowing you, you won't keep this a secret. [Pointing that out makes Aether finally acknowledge the closeness they share and the fact that the princess can turn any moment now to see them together like this.

...And just as if on cue, a muffled sequel rings behind their back. The prince quickly steps away, his eyes terrified when he faces Elise. The princess' face is bright red and she has hands over her mouth, but her eyes don't show any distaste or anger for what she has witnessed. In fact, there seem to be something akin to sparkles in her gaze.

Aether stares at her completed confused.]

Er... I-I can explain...? [He offers, but before he manages to collect himself the princess steps close to him grabbing his hand, then grabbing Childe's and linking their hands together.]

Ah, I was suspecting something...! [A shy smile spreads on her face and again, she seems to brim with almost childish excitement.] Two souls longing for one another, yet unable to give in to their feelings! Oh, forbidden love! How very tragic and how very beautiful!

[At this point Aether is completely unsure what is even happening here. He can only stare at his future bride as she seems very enthusiastic about the prince and knight's relationship.]

Please, don't worry! If there is anything I can do to help you, I will do my best! [Her eyes sparkle while face still burns bright.]

[Childe is just about to give Aether some real guff for taking so long in accepting the fact that he too, is in love with him. That part of why this was all so terrible was because they couldn't be together, not with Aether denying his own feelings. But his tongue is silenced by a squeal behind them, Aether suddenly decoupling from his side to turn sharply towards the sound.

Elise, just standing there and being their number one fan. Wow. He can hardly believe it. He knew he liked her for a reason. He supposes that he didn't exactly hide his feelings for Aether, as he's never been one to hold back about how he's feeling in any moment unless it's absolutely necessary. And, well, it didn't feel necessary during dinner.

But it's so unbelievably hard to keep himself from bursting out laughing, linking his fingers with Aether's as Elise makes them hold each other's hands. Incredible. Astounding. Childe could not of asked for better.]

Your support is beyond appreciated. I'm humbled that you would deem this acceptable.

[Elise, you are the best.]

Really, you should allow us to help you, Princess. [What perfect timing.] If you'll allow, there's actually someone I'd like you to meet. He's a very sweet person, dedicated and true. I really think the two of you will hit it off quite well. How does a lunch date tomorrow sound? It would be a great excuse to get together while still keeping this veil of secrecy around us. I'll set it up, and we can all enjoy a nice day out.

[Childe hopes to appeal to Elise's adventurous, wild side- girls like her always have their own little eccentricities.]

[As their fingers are laced together, Aether blushes bright. He's never thought that something like this would be actually possible and the princess's joy over the entire affair adds up to his embarrassment. Meanwhile, Childe seems pleased, as everything is going just how he wanted. He offers Elise a date with Luke and the girl seems completely lost at first. She takes a step back, hands now over her mouth again.]

Oh, goodness, I-I... [It clearly is very sudden to her and she looks away for a moment, swaying lightly in her place as if carried away with her emotions. She's obviously very eager, but she takes a moment to think about it. Eventually her hands move to her cheeks, but she's smiling.]

Sir Childe, you're not only charming but also so considerate. I see the prince is in good hands. [She giggles softly and Aether's face burns bright this time. It seems he's the only one in here that still has some doubts left, while the other two have fun.]

You... you're really okay with this? [He suddenly speaks up.] We'll still have to marry...

[There's a deep frown on his face, his voice is showing worry. The princess looks at him surprised, then, still embarrassed herself, she smiles kindly, her brows softly raised up.]

It's really okay. I'm happy I can help. And I... I knew you wouldn't love me.

[The last part is spoken quietly, but it still crushes his heart.]

Now, now...

[He can understand the uncertainty between the two royals. It's kind of sudden, isn't it? For Elise to find out the prince was in love with him and to know that she was always destined to marry to someone who could never truly love her back. Whether it be Aether or another prince in some other far off land.]

Let's look to the bright future, alright? Princess Elise. I can say with confidence that after tonight, having your presence here with us at the castle is going to brighten the lives of many. And even if the arrangement is less than ideal, don't we have fate to thank that it brought us all together anyhow?

[He holds his and Aether's interlocked hands up, smiling to the prince now.]

And you will bring a bright future to the land as well. Think of this as more of a partnership, working together to make the lives of your subjects far better than the day previous. And, in turn, all of us will be able to live our lives with those who care for us, whether we've met them yet or not.

[He winks at Elise. It'll work out, he promises.]

[As always Childe's charm is irresistible and it's difficult to disagree with him. Neither Aether nor Elise have much choice when it comes to the eventual marriage, but perhaps seeing it as partnership will really help them deal with the situation. Especially, if they both find love eventually.

When Aether looks to the princess, she's smiling, nodding to him with that very same sparkling excitement that she's shown so many times before. Childe obviously convinced her without a slightest issue. Seeing that, Aether sighs softly to himself, before giving a nod and smiling as well.]

Let's give it a try. [Gently, he squeezes his knight's hand.] Maybe this way we'll all be able to find happiness.

[If only the days would be peaceful... but can they really be any of that, when Childe is around? Aether won't say that out loud, laughing in his mind. At the same time, he feels some sort of relief. The path ahead may not be easy, but at least there is a chance now. A chance to love and be loved.]

Then... it's decided. I'll be looking forward to tomorrow! [The princess says, hands again reaching her cheeks. Her smile is only brighter.

Suddenly, she looks away.] Ah, but... perhaps you'd like to have some time alone? [She offers shyly.] I won't be too far away, so please call me when we will be heading back...

[Without even waiting for an answer, she runs off, disappearing in the garden's many paths of flowers. Aether could've sworn he's heard her sequel lightly again.]

Hahahaha...!

[Finally, after she's left, Childe can finally let that laugh out he's been holding in for so long. He lets his head fall into his free hand, closing his eyes as he reimagines the look on her face again. Really, how did it end up working out so well. He swears he heard her squeal one last time too, making him grin from ear to ear.]

She really is something, isn't she. Can't say I'm not looking forward to all of this, especially when she gets to meet Luke tomorrow. What a girl.

[But, since Elise has given them some privacy, he tugs Aether into him, letting his arm wrap around the prince's middle.]

And, as for you, I was wondering when you'd finally admit to your own feelings about me. Telling me there's nothing between us. How naive, prince.

[The looks on his face is so smug, and though the despair he'd felt in his stomach the night he'd gone to Prince Aether's bedroom to be treated has long since evaporated, that doesn't mean he's not going to chide him a little for it. It brings him a little joy, that he's able to have this conversation now, when a week prior it seemed he'd been doomed to always watch from the sidelines. But now, it seems he's getting what he wants.]

[Aether would like to take a moment to comprehend what even happened here, but he doesn't get such luxury as Childe pulls him close. The prince blushes bright once more but tries to shoot his knight an indignant look.]

I really can't escape you, can I? [He sighs as if lamenting the situation, but he makes no effort to free himself. If anything he leans closer, soaking in the other's presence. Even though he's still worrying if things will go well between Elise and Luke, at the same time it feels like a great weight was lifted off his shoulders, like he's finally free.

Aether reaches up, his fingers trembling lightly from the emotions as he strokes his knight's face gently. His heart flutters in his chest and his body presses only firmer against the other's, as if starved for contact. He wished for this for so long and now...

He leans up to bestow a chaste kiss to Childe's lips and even when he pulls away his eyes are still closed, his breath shaky.

If he can walk through life with Childe always by his side, if he can spend time with him like this, unafraid of his own feelings towards his knight, then it's worth every bit of chaos that this arrangement will likely bring.]

[It's obvious to see how Aether is accepting this new reality, one where he doesn't have to hide his feelings anymore towards him. Childe stands perfectly still, calm and unwavering as his fingers brush his cheeks, allowing his eyes to close with the contact, accepting the kiss placed to his lips as he kisses back.

Aether may still have his eyes closed, but Childe opens his to look down upon his lover. It's adorable, how relieved the prince seems to be now, now being able to express his love to him openly than shove him away. No longer will they have nights where Childe leaves the room, both suffering feelings of loneliness when the other isn't around, that longing now satiated. The only longing now that would happen was when one had to travel, leaving the other behind for a brief period of time, rather than suffering even when one sat next to the other.

Childe's hand comes up to cup Aether's cheek, tiling his head in amusement. He chuckles softly, letting his thumb brush over his skin gently.]

I don't think you mind, though. I know I certainly don't.

[Feeling the touch against his cheek makes him snap his eyes open. It's still such a new feeling, like everything, but he relaxes fast into it. He has so much to learn now and he's excited for it all. His cheeks burn bright.]

...I expected nothing else from you.

[He smiles softly, teasingly.]

I can't escape you, but... you can't get rid of me now either.

[He puts a hand over Childe's and presses is close to his cheek, eyes closing yet again as he's enjoying the touch, the warmth. Suddenly, it doesn't matter to him that they're a prince and a knight. Suddenly, the world doesn't exist, there are no duties, there is nothing they need to attend to. The world is just the two of them, together, stuck in a moment of peaceful bliss with chaos looming over their heads.

Aether presses a kiss to Childe's palm, soft and tender.]

[His kiss is soft on his palm, and Childe's eyes narrow affectionately as Aether does so, the warmth from his hand and the tingle on his palm making him breathe out with content. The knight's eyes quickly flash upwards to check where Elise is, but she seems to have gone to look at some more flowers around the bend- perfect. Childe never misses an opportunity when it presents itself, and he'll be doing that right now.

He act mock offended by the statement, if only to throw Aether off for an even better surprise.]

Get rid of you? Your highness, what kind of person do you think I am?

[His hand snakes up into the prince's hair, leaning in to press his lips to the other's with a longing that had manifested over too many years now, caressing them with the soft touch of a lover who's been starved of their beloved. He can taste the faint traces of the wine on his lips, low tones murmuring out of Childe's throat as he enjoys the interlocking of their lips.

No short time later, he finally breaks their kiss, eyes cloudy and filled with bliss. A smug smirk emerges on his features, looking at Aether to gauge how much he may have stunned the prince with his affections.

Oh, he hopes he did.]

[He's known Childe far too long to not realize that the other isn't serious, so Aether is about to laugh and think of some comeback. Instead, a kiss silences him and the prince can only let a surprised sound, before he melts into the affection. His response is brimming with just as much longing; he's always wanted this, but denied it even in his own mind. Now there's no need for that anymore. He wraps his arms tightly around Childe as their kiss continues and when they finally part, Aether lets a long, content sigh.

It doesn't feel like enough.]

Childe...

[He leans close again, lips against lips, careful, lingering. He wants to drag this into forever, enjoy every second. With every touch, every moment he's only more and more in love, wondering how on earth did he manage to live without Childe's affection in his life. Then his heart begins to hurt for every time he pushed his knight away, for every moment he openly denied feeling anything towards him. He wants to make up for it now. What he did was awful, cruel, heartless--

A noise rings through the area and Aether abruptly turns his head to the source of it. Elise's words then quickly come from the same direction "I-I'm fine, don't worry!" and the prince feels relived before embarrassment takes hold of him.]

M-maybe we should... you know... continue later...? [His voice is hushed and he barely can say it. Suddenly offering his knight to meet later in the prince's chambers feels highly inappropriate, but considering the things they might be doing... Aether's face reaches the redness of a ripe tomato.]

[The noise startles him, their kiss broken for the moment. But Elise quickly owns up to it, wherever she is in the garden. Given how far away her voice was, she must not be terribly close, so Childe turns his attention once again to his prince.]

Oho~ Are you inviting me in, Prince Aether? How will anyone receive the fact that your dear knight came out of your quarters at an inappropriate time, or worse...in the morning?

[More teasing of course, both his arms wrapping around Aether's middle. But despite that, his eyes soften, because he wouldn't miss that for the world. The only thing more alluring to the knight is the thought of a full out war he could participate in, slaying as many foes as he could.

He leans in, to whisper into his lover's ear:]

Don't worry prince, I'll make it all worth your while.

[Before letting his lips graze Aether's cheek, pulling back and giving him a wide grin.]

But, perhaps we should make sure Elise is taken care of for the night before we do so. I think she's owed at least that much.

[He knows that Childe is teasing and maybe this is why he's almost too ready to push him away and tell him to not come if he so desires. Aether's face is bright red at this point and he's starting to realize that he is actually weak in front of his knight.

...Especially when the said knight looks at him with those soft eyes. Aether never tries to free himself, sighing softly when Childe whispers into his ear. Despite himself, he's trembling at the thought of spending the night with the love of his life. If just a few words and soft kisses are enough to make him weak in the knees, he can only imagine how much of a mush he'll become once they become lost in their passion.

He can't allow that. He has to pull himself together and make sure his knights gets just what he deserves and--

He blinks when he realizes that Childe moved away, then, still blushing to an extreme degree, he tries to clear his throat and look away.]

Of course. She's our guest here, too. She needs to feel comfortable and welcomed.

[With that said, Aether marches towards the princess, step a little too wobbly and head kind of dizzy. This was sure an eventful day.]

[Childe gives Aether some room to distance himself as he goes to look for Elise, admiring the wobbly step he's inflicted on the prince. It takes everything not to laugh out loud at the sight, instead choosing to keep a devilishly proud grin on his face as he starts to follow several steps behind. He has to wipe it off quickly though, when Elise finally comes into view, replacing it with a friendly smile.]

Have you enjoyed the gardens, princess?

[He calls out to her, as she's bending over admiring one of the floral arrangements of the garden, a watering can that had been left behind on accident by one of the gardeners near her. It sits right side up, but with water spilled everywhere onto the path- guess that's what that noise was.]

You know, there's no need to water the flowers yourself. We do have people for that, haha.

[At the voice, Elise quickly stands up and presses her hands over her cheeks in embarrassment.]

I-I'm really so sorry, I didn't notice the watering can at first!

[She looks to Childe, before her gaze moves to Aether and upon seeing the mad red hue on his cheeks, she blushes even more and turns away.]

Ah, I didn't mean to interrupt you and make you worry! Please, don't mind me!

[Her face keeps on reaching new levels of blush and she promptly hides her entire face in her hands.

Aether can't help but feel embarrassment blooming on his own cheeks, considering the things they were doing or implying that they would do. He tries to clear his throat (and hopefully also his mind) and speak as natural as possible.]

Y-you didn't interrupt anything, we were just thinking of going back. You're out guest... we would like you to feel comfortable here.

[That... did not sound very natural and Aether has to pause to wonder who he exactly means by "we" and when exactly did that "we" even appear.]

[Childe has to stifle a laugh. Look at both of them, Aether's face as red as a tomato and Elise's gaining momentum to match. He silently wonders if the two of them are exactly alike in some aspects- to which he concludes that this all makes sense. Opposites attract, as they say, and Childe could not be more different than Aether.

He's positive this will work out beautifully. They're going to be best friends, he's sure of it.]

Yes, that's true, [he interjects, to try to save Aether some face here, no pun intended.] It would be rather rude of us to not ensure your quarters here, and we couldn't possibly just leave you to wander the gardens by yourself.

[He gives her a polite bow, eyes flashing in that same mischievous way they always do.]

It's my duty to make sure the both of you are well taken care of. Princess, unless you'd like to stay longer, we can show you to your quarters for the night. You'll want to get your beauty rest, we have a big day in front of us tomorrow.

[Truth to be told, Aether is glad that Childe takes over. That man knows how to charm everyone and Elise quickly falls for that as well, peeking through her fingers before lowering her hands. A shy smile is on her face.]

Sir Childe, you're as kind as always. And so dutiful! [She giggles lightly, noting the mischief in his eyes.]

I am looking forward to tomorrow. [She admits, but her voice wavers a little with some sort of nervousness. Trying to snap out of that, the princess takes a step ahead.] Let us be on our way then!

[And she turns around, before almost tripping on something again. Her hands quickly cover her mouth.]

Oh goodness, I am so sorry! I promise I'll be more careful!

[As she walks ahead towards the entrance to the gardens she takes careful steps, her gaze fixed on the ground.

Aether can't help but smile a little.]

She really is something else... [It's obvious he's glad that his future wife turned out to be such a kind and optimistic person. From the depths of his heart he wishes that everything works out and she'll find her happiness here.]

She sure is, [he agrees, laughing to himself quietly. They might have to Elise-proof the castle, he can't imagine all the stuff she's going to run into and knock over eventually.

He claps a hand on Aether's shoulder, giving him a shake before he uses that momentum to bring the prince into his side as he starts walking forward, following Elise.]

All's well that ends well, as the old saying goes. Now, there's the matter of lunch tomorrow. Shall we take her and Luke out riding afterwards as well? That'll give them time to get to know each other without the prying eyes of your father and hers. Though, I am a bit worried about her riding skills...if she has any at all.

[Will she run the horse into a tree? Or will it just take off on its own, and her without a clue as to how to control it?]

Or better yet, maybe she can ride on Luke's horse with him. Oh, I can see the look on his face now...

[What a great idea, he thinks. It'll be chaos and he'll revel in it.]

[As much as Aether would love to press close to his knight, he tries to distance himself from the other.]

...Childe, we'll be leaving the gardens. [He throws quietly, hoping that the other would at least try to keep this relationship a secret. Obviously, Childe cares very little about keeping quiet about it and Aether knows it. Which doesn't matter he will accept it.

As for the lunch tomorrow, the prince frowns at first, before grinning lightly.]

Actually... If Elise agrees, you could ask Luke if she can ride with him. [It's a kind of chaos he could get along with.] But we have to make sure nobody sees them like that. [Even if they explain that this is only to ensure that the princess is safe, people will probably ask why she can't ride with Aether instead.]

Even if they do, I'm sure I can convince them that it's because I'm going to be assigning Luke to be her protection when I'm not around. Who else can I trust to take care of such important matters?

[He shrugs, grinning as he does, mind already in the process of thinking of ways to improve this plan further, and how he can be close to the prince in public without giving too much of the game away. It won't bode well for him if his head is separated from his body.]

But that is a problem best confronted tomorrow- for now, we should concentrate on getting some rest. Unless you'd like me to stop by this evening, of course.

[Childe gives him a sly look. Just give the word, he'd be in the prince's bedroom the moment he can sneak in the door.]

[It's kind of amazing how dedicated Childe is to this plan. The chaos that will ensue from this is one that Aether can't even begin to imagine and also one that his knight will no doubt enjoy. If only it all goes well until the prince becomes the king and finds the way to free everyone from this madness.

Aether's face goes a few degrees red again when that sly tone reaches his ears. He averts his gaze.]

Let's just focus on tomorrow. And... [He hesitates, still not looking at the other.] If everything goes well, then tomorrow I... I'll be happy to spend the evening with you. [His voice goes uncharacteristically quiet at the end.

Without giving his knight time to answer, the prince quickens his pace to join Elise and show her the way to the guest chambers. The girl blinks at the boy's reddened face, before stealing a glance at Childe and smiling shyly, a soft sort of amusement and joy playing in her eyes.]

[Childe in turn, sends her the same playful look back- ah, this truly couldn't of worked out better. It makes him laugh inwardly when Aether broke away from him to join her, and he knows from the look in Elise's eyes that the prince was probably blushing to the nines. How this ended up like this, he'll never know. Was it fate? Perhaps. But now he feels as if it's time to take that fate and turn it into the destiny he sees fit.

He's glad that everyone else who's been along for the ride so far seems to be willing to go along with this plan.

The next morning, Childe rouses his squire early, telling him that there's something special going on today, and that he needs him with. The ever loyal squire, Luke gets ready and joins him for the lunch with the princess and prince, much to his surprise. This isn't like Childe to invite him to things like this, but he knows that the knight is always full of surprises, and today is no exception.

Luke is introduced to Elise, the squire having been asked to wear something nice for the occasion, which surprised him even more. His blonde hair had been styled to Childe's liking, even having helped him with it since the squire has hardly had a reason to dress up for anything at all. Luke's green eyes glitter when he sees Elise, breath taken away at how beautiful he found her, and nervously chats her up during lunch.

Meanwhile, Childe sits next to Aether, smiling the day away, shooting winks and looks to Aether whenever he gets the chance. Perfect.

But lunch ends, and with it comes another activity. The king and Elise's father stride up to them at the end of their meal. Elise's father gently checks up on his daughter, smiling to see her in high spirits.

So, we heard that you were all going to go riding for a while. I've heard that the grounds here are beautiful to ride though. Have a good time, and be safe.

Childe nods, his hand coming up over his chest.]

Of course! Anything we can do to make the princess feel right at home. We thank you for your blessing. We should be back in a few hours or so, if it pleases you.

Edited 2022-06-07 16:06 (UTC)

[The night has been somewhat uneasy for Aether, since he can't stop thinking about the crazy events that unfolded. Exhausted, he passes out in his bed at some point and when he finally awakes, he's sure that everything from the day before was just a dream. Reality can't be this perfect, after all.

And yet none of that was a dream.

Even the lunch is going smoothly. Elise seems excited to speak with Luke, her smile is bright and charming even if she also looks a little tired. Perhaps she too had trouble sleeping, considering the plan that they all take part in.

As for Aether, he is doing his best to ignore the winks from his knight, too aware how much Childe is enjoying all of this. Will it really work out? Can they all get what they want and find happiness in this madness?

The prince tenses slightly when the king and Elise's father arrive. They don't seem to notice anything strange, in fact they're both in good mood, especially seeing the brilliant smile of the princess. Once they leave, Elise approaches Childe, voice hushed, a bit embarrassed and worried.]

Sir Childe, I must admit I am not that good at riding, but I don't... want to become a nuisance to you and the prince.

[Ah

Even this is going according to the plan. Aether can't believe this. It must be a dream or is the reality bending itself to Childe's will? He shakes his head, then smiles to the princess.]

Don't worry, you're never a nuisance. Plus, he's prepared for that.

[Elise's eyes grow wide and she looks to Childe with even more admiration than before.]

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