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

[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.]

It's true, haha.

[Oh, he'll take that admiration and soak in it, Childe's smile wide. His eyes flash over to Aether, as almost to say 'called it', before calling Luke to his side.]

Luke, I've got a very important quest for you for the day. It seems our dearest Elise may need some assistance with her riding skills. I want you to show her everything you know, teach her all the tricks I've taught you, and stay close to keep her safe. That should be easily done if you both share a horse, yes?

[Up close and personal training, right? That's totally Childe's aim here. Absolutely. There should be no doubt.

Luke only nods, and Childe notices the faintest shade of pink on the squire's face.]

Good! Elise, will this be to your liking?

[The princess blushes when she hears that, but the smile on her face doesn't fade even for one moment. She quickly nods.]

Y-yes!

[And she shyly peeks at Luke, offering her hand to him.

Once they leave to prepare for the ride, Aether steps closer to his knight, giving him a look.]

You didn't beat up some gods out there to make sure everything goes your way?

[He still can't believe how well this is going. Aether motions for Childe to follow as they too need to get their horses and prepare.]

Well, let's go. It's been a while since the last time we could go horse riding.

[To Aether's question, Childe only smiles and laughs in that weirdly meek, quiet way he does when he's not going to answer a question or dodge something he doesn't want to deal with. Though this time, it's only because he likes this air of mystery to how everything seems to be falling into place, lets Aether ponder on it, while he wonders himself.

When the coast is clear as they arrive in front of the two stables where their horses reside, he quickly presses a kiss to Aether's lips before leading his horse out to saddle it. He will just do that without giving Aether much time to react, and when he does, Childe is sure it'll be cute.]

I can't say I don't miss the feeling of the breeze whipping past me on a good ride, [he says with nostalgia, securing the saddle before he steps up onto his horse.]

This time seems more special now, doesn't it? I must say, I feel a little light just considering it.

[The moment those lips touch his, Aether freezes, blush blooming fast on his cheeks. But then Childe leaves him like this, proceeding to saddle the horse as if nothing happened.

...You just wait. The prince will get you back for all of this.

Aether pouts for a moment, but his expression changes eventually, when he hears the sentimental tone of his knight's voice. He's right. It's very special... and he hopes they'll be able to share many more special moments like this.]

I'm not surprised. We're... [He gets closer, giving Childe's horse a gentle pat.] We're finally free to be with one another.

[And Aether doesn't have a reason to lie to himself anymore. It's truly relieving.]

[Childe's smile is warm as he gazes down at Aether, considering his words. It's true, they finally have some semblance of freedom now, something that they'd never had before. It had always had this line, this barrier that he could never cross, no matter how often he teased the prince or tried to edge his way in.

To think how upset he had been when he first heard that Elise was coming to meet her husband to be, only now for the entire situation to be completely reversed. The woman really was a blessing in disguise, Childe realizes now, and he'll make sure that he doesn't take a single moment for granted.]

Let's meet up with the other two. I'm sure they think we're being inappropriate in here by now, haha.

[And to make sure the people who couldn't know don't find out. He looks out the doors to the stable, not seeing anyone until he sees the faint flash of brown as Luke and Elise come into view.]

Aether, [he says fondly, as the prince takes care of his horse,] for the first time, I feel truly happy.

[Outside of a fierce battle, that is.]

[The fondness in Childe's gaze melts his heart and Aether finds himself smiling right back. The comment makes him blush again, but he tries to ignore it, waving his hands in a dismissive motion. He knows, he knows they need to hurry up. They can't raise any suspicions.

Once he readies his horse he hears the knight speak again. Aether turns to him, eyes shining a little, softening as his heart swells in his chest.]

...Me too. [He answers softly. His gaze is warm and loving.] But this is only the beginning. I'll make sure... to make you even happier.

[There's a grin forming on his face and Aether swiftly gets on his horse.]

And... I think this is the first time you called me just by my name. [It's a new, but nice feeling. He hopes that one day they can both forget their place in the world, stop being the prince and the knight and be just two people in love with one another.

With that thought Aether urges his horse to leave the stable and join with Elise and Luke who wait for them outside.]

[There's a warmth that spreads across his chest as Aether says those words and rides out to meet the other two. Childe lingers in the stable for a moment, a smile still on his face as he gazes out to observe the three of them meeting up, hearing a hesitant laugh from Elise which he can only assume is because she's sharing a horse with Luke.

He's glad. He really is.

Childe rides out shortly to meet them, his face now plastered with that same cheery look he always wears, but creases around his mouth give away that he's feeling even better than usual.]

What a beautiful day! Shall be on our way then? The trail that leads into the deeper ends of the forest have some wonderful foliage in the spring. Prince, should we take them to see the gigantic willow tree that hides deep within? It's always a sight to behold.

[He turns his horse in that direction, ready to set out.]

[Childe is not the only one who looks much happier today. Aether smiles bright like the sun itself, a stark contrast to the way he has been in the past days, maybe even weeks. Even Elise notices the change and she can't hide the joy from her own expression.]

Of course! We have to make the best of this beautiful day!

[And he gently motions for Luke and the princess to follow, as Aether joins Childe for the way ahead.

Elise seems a little uncertain when the horse begins to move, but she's quick to give Luke an encouraging smile. It then turns shy, they're so close, after all. What would her father say if he saw this? Ah, how exciting!

Meanwhile, Aether is taking a glance at them to check if everything is going well, before speeding ahead. The wind feels so good and they get further and further away from the castle walls. It's a rare moment when he can actually taste the freedom itself.]

Hah!

[He spurs his horse on to catch up with the prince as they gallop away from the castle, the wind whipping his long ginger hair back as they go. The wind feels good on his face, and he can tell that Aether is having a great time as well. At first, Childe is checking that Luke and Elise are keeping with them, but after a while, he stops. He trusts his squire, and he doesn't want Aether to leave him in the dust.]

Prince! A race to the willow tree sounds like the competition we need to really make this a grand day, haha!!!

[He manages to ride alongside Aether, grinning like the devil himself.]

You won't back down from this challenge, will you? I'll understand if you don't feel that you're up to it!

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