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

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everybody's challenge turning into mine / and overcame adversity

[He knows he's going to get scolded by Prince Aether. He knows and he doesn't really care, that other knight really had it coming.

He'd had a little spat with one of the other knights in the keep, a little disagreement over dinner, at least that's what Childe would have called it. In reality, he'd started the fight, running his mouth and delighting at the visceral anger he'd caused the other knight. A few words were exchanged, a bone from a finished chicken wing was flung at the other, and that's all it took before he was showing off his martial prowess in front of the rest of the keep. The guy got one good blow in before he'd beaten him unconscious, having to be pulled off of him before he went too far. No alcohol needed for that mess of course, since he reveled in making scenes like that.

And he never regretted it, at least when it came to his reputation. Which, of course, wasn't great. He'd always had a chaotic side and people steered clear of him because of it. But those people really aren't the kind he'd hang out with anyhow. He had his own agenda, and if he's being honest, no one could keep up with him.

He's trying to get back to his own quarters now, a nasty cut right across his eyebrow where he'd gotten punched. He swears the other must of had a ring on or something, a knuckle shouldn't of made a cut that big. But it hurt, and he has to constantly wipe the blood away or else it would trickle down into his eye. He's a bit preoccupied with making sure he can see that he doesn't see Prince Aether round the corner and begin to walk towards him.

When he removes his hand from his face, there's blood all over it, and still some that bubbles up and pools in his eyebrow again.

That's when he spots the other. Drat, he's in for it now...]

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[That's not a look that the knight really wants to get from the king but at least teasing isn't illegal. Childe inwardly pouts when Aether is taken from sitting next to him, and Luke finds himself in a somewhat similar position, a little surprised at himself for being so attached to Elise already. The knight pokes at his food as the two of them relocate, ever the petulant baby when he doesn't get what he wants. Though Childe calms himself quick enough, looking towards them as the king makes the announcement.

The knighting of Luke brings a smile to his face, quickly shooting his squire an excited grin, but he wasn't expecting the second half of that announcement. Not that it matters much to him, the marriage was going to happen anyway and he knew it. But why move it up?]

Your Majesty, I don't mean to intrude, [he begins, his mind jumping to what would be the worst and best outcome all at the same time.]

Is there a reason for this? Usually, a wedding of this magnitude holds more than one special significance. [He lowers his voice a little, so those who do not need to hear don't.] Our kingdom...is not in peril, is it?

[Because this wedding would unite their two nations- and give them reason to have more military power too. Which means a war, which means Childe is about to have the time of his life.]

[Aether isn't sure why the rush either, but the king doesn't seem to be nervous at their suspicious. He actually smiles and waves it all away.]

Not at all, but it surely would be good to show our neighbours how powerful our union is before they start plotting anything. [He laughs a little. With how strong their countries would get due to this alliance, there's no doubt only fools would want to war with them.]

I was planning to wait with any plans until princess Elise feels at home here, but it seems she has already settled in... I see no reason to make our two lovebirds wait too long. [When he says "lovebirds" there's something off about his tone, like he doesn't mean it.]

Do you have any objections, Childe?

[The entire room falls silent, Aether staring at his father with widened eyes. Maybe he knows everything... maybe this proposal to hurry up with the wedding is because the king wants to see their reaction. Aether wouldn't be surprised if it was the case.]

[If there's anything Childe is, it's perceptive. He catches how the king says lovebirds, as if he's throwing that word around like it means nothing. Outwardly, the knight maintains his concerned expression about going to war, but inwardly, he screams. It's very possible that the king has come to suspect their secret relationship, but ever confident, he will find a way around this.

The question posed to him only confirms the suspicion he'd formed in that second. But thankfully, with an ego as large as his and the wit to get him through tough situations like this, he answers as thus:]

I do have an objection, Your Majesty.

[He folds his arms over his chest, the look on his face cocky. The silence is palpable, with no one knowing how the knight will answer the question now that he's raised an objection. Childe lets that statement of his hang in the air for a moment, before continuing, knowing that everyone is holding their breath.]

My only objection is that our enemies won't get to taste the end of my blade. But, I have no issues with peace either as long as I'm given plenty of other ways to do battle. I have to keep my blade sharp, or else someone will take advantage of that and slay me on the battlefield.

[And that's the end of that, letting his arms unfold to take a bite of the carp that they'd caught earlier. He immediately regrets it, it tastes awful.]

[Aether tenses when Childe announces he has an objection, but then when he states his reason for it, the silence continues and everyone gathered casts the knight a dumbfounded look. Meanwhile, the prince relaxes. Childe loves keeping him on the edge.]

...Right. You really can't live without a fight.

[Aether lets himself comment, shaking his head with a small lopsided smile. The king also looks like he should've seen this coming. He rests his head on his fist and waves dismissively with the other hand.]

Fear not, I will give you as many chances to fight as possible, but remember that rather than going to war, your first and foremost duty is to protect my son.

[He takes a sip of his wine, before continuing.]

If anyone else does not have any objections, then I will issue an order to start preparations for two very important ceremonies. Hm... I think a wedding next month would not be impossible.

[Childe's hand goes over his heart as the king reminds him of his primary duty, confidence radiating from him. Of course he'd protect the prince, whether he be home or on the battlefield alongside him. There was nothing that would keep him from fulfilling his duty.

The knight lifts his wine glass to the king's decision for a wedding, looking quite content. After all, the date of the wedding doesn't matter to Childe. It would make things more complicated but, that means Elise's trip here would become a permanent one as they prepared, and not only would that make Luke incredibly happy, it means Childe's new chaos friend doesn't need to leave anytime soon.

He looks forward to the days that the four of them would have together, and even moreso to the times that he will get to have with Aether. Had it not been for all of this, if Aether had not become engaged to Elise this way, he may have stood on the sidelines for even longer. So he won't look at this in any negative light.

He gets to be with Aether now, and that's all that matters.]

To a happy marriage between our prince and princess.

[There's no grandiose speech this time, just a simple statement from the knight, waiting for the chamber to echo his sentiment before drinking from his glass.]

Haha! We can really enjoy this feast with such wonderful news, no? [He turns toward Aether and Elise, smile bright.] Aren't you two excited? The wedding will surely be beautiful. Just make sure you don't leave me out of the ceremony, now.

[Even though the date of the marriage won't change much, some sort of nervousness still settles inside Aether's stomach. There's so much they'll have to consider to continue on with their plan and to make sure everybody is happy in his situation. As if sensing his worries, Elise grabs his hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze. He blinks, but smiles to her slightly. He's forever grateful that she's the one he's engaged to. Hopefully, they'll be always able to stay good friends no matter what fate decides to throw their way.

As Childe seems completely unbothered by this sudden turn of events, Aether relaxes completely while the king raises a brow as he watches the knight. Then everybody raises their wine and drinks for the future, following Childe's lead.]

It's wonderful news indeed... I'll do my best to make Elise happy... and to ensure a bright future for our nations.

[Elise blushes bright, then smiles, turning to the king.]

We'll work together and look after one another.

[With that assurance, the king seems to finally look pleased, his shoulders relax. The atmosphere in the room becomes much lighter, cheerful even. The king and Elise's father chat with the prince and princess about the wedding plans as well as their future. Although Aether is doing his best to engage in the conversation, he can't help but steal glances at his knight, sitting so far away from him now.

Thankfully, the dinner doesn't last forever. Still in good mood, the king wishes them all a good night, before he leaves and everybody else is free to head to their own chambers. Aether is tempted to wait for his knight, but instead he only nods to him to announce that he'll be leaving and heads to his room alone. It's better if they're not seen together and Childe will find a way to sneak in anyway.

Aether feels exhaustion overtake him once he gets back and he collapses onto his bed, eyes closing with a long sigh. Hopefully, even with the wedding looming ahead, their future will remain bright.]

[Childe chats with Luke most of the dinner, now that the king has moved the other two away, but he comes to peace with it pretty quickly. It's exciting to hear that Luke will be knighted, and they talk about that and other...plans, that Childe has thought of during the dinner. Luke only rolls his eyes back, and that makes the knight laugh- oh, how splendid it will all be. His squire doesn't fully understand his enthusiasm, but then, he's always looked up to him in a way despite how strange and chaotic the man was.

Luke steals a glance up to Elise, when no one else seems to be looking, giving her a soft smile. Maybe he too, will steal away with her tonight. Childe gets away with it, somehow...

As everyone is dismissed, he catches that nod, and walks in the opposite direction towards his own chambers to change into something more...fitting for the activity he's about to engage in. It's about an hour later when Childe is sneaking around the halls of the castle, taking the long way to the prince's chambers as to not arouse any suspicion as to where he's going. Thankfully, he's got his own reputation for doing whatever he wants whenever he wants, with no understanding as to why. The servants know he has his own agenda, and have learned not to question it anymore.

Childe sneaks into Aether's chambers quickly, before anyone can see him. He sees the prince lying on his bed, and he quickly tiptoes over to the bedside. He idly wonders if Aether would hit him if he scares him, so he chooses to be nice for a change, planting a kiss to his lips and pulling back before the prince can hit him or run right into his head on accident.

Childe looks down with an amused smile on his face. Not sorry.]

[Aether never changed out of his official clothing. For the entire hour he continues to lie down, eyes closed, mind in a state where he's unaware of what is happening around him, yet he's not exactly asleep either.

Suddenly, something soft brushes against his lips and the prince's eyes shoot open as he flinches at the contact. Then he's staring wide at the person above him, before relaxing with a small groan.]

...You startled me.

[Pouting, Aether reaches out with both his arms, grabbing onto his lover and urging him to join him on the bed.]

As always, you never stop having fun on my expense. [His voice sounds more playful now, even if he still keeps his eyes narrowed.] You do realize you have to make it up to me?

Isn't that what I'm here to do?

[He replies back, the grin on his face widening as Aether grabs a hold of him, easily coaxing him onto the bed. His boots are slipped of before crawling up onto it, laying down next to him on his side as he props his head up with his hand.]

You all should have seen the looks on your faces when I objected to your father. Oh, the only regret I have is that I'll never be able to do that again anytime soon. He was clearly testing me, but I think I handled it quite well, don't you think?

[Childe brushes some of Aether's hair from his face, gazing at him longingly, looking at all the places where his lips will graze as the night goes on. What a great night this will be indeed.]

[Aether's eye narrow further and he rolls to lay on his side, before reaching out again and grabbing both of Childe's cheek. He pinches them just enough to voice his annoyance, but not enough so it would actually hurt.]

Ah, of course. I really don't get why you enjoy playing with fire so much... What if it gets you killed one day?

[Oh, he definitely would not like if Childe's ego brought his demise. He can't help being worried. The king is obviously suspecting them now and Aether would never forgive himself if his knight died because of this affair.

His hands move away, falling onto the bed lifelessly.]

...Not too mention that the marriage will complicate everything even more. I would really rather if you'd be more careful around my father.

[His eyes close with the pinches, still grinning through it. Though his grin fades to a soft smile, not interested in teasing Aether more about that. He can see the worry in his prince's face, and Childe knows that he's only scolding him because he's truly worried.]

Hey, don't worry. I won't get myself killed. If your father really took issue with me at the moment, he would have thrown me into the dungeons already. I know he suspects something, but I've always been very...transparent, you could say, about my feelings.

[It almost seems like the castle has always known, but short of any confirmation since Childe had never been able to be openly romantic with the prince before, no one could confirm if he truly looked at the prince that way or not.]

He probably thinks I'm trying to throw a wrench in this wedding, and that couldn't be farther from the truth. Everything will go smoothly, I promise.

[A small kiss is planted to the forehead of the prince, soft, loving and reassuring. His plans usually work out, don't they? Even if they don't always go as planned.]

[Childe always finds a way to comfort him and now it's no different. Aether listens to him, then nods slightly when his knight promises that things will be okay. The prince then shifts closer, arms wrapping around the other as he sinks into his warmth.]

...If you promise... then I will believe it.

[He presses a soft kiss to Childe's neck, then another closer to the ear. A careful sort of affection, that is meant to show that he understands. If his knight promises something, Aether knows he'll do whatever it takes to keep that promise. Knowing that is enough to alleviate the worry, even if he still whispers:]

But still... be careful, okay?

[He doesn't want to lose him.]

[As Aether presses kisses to his body, Childe wraps his own arms around him as he rolls onto his back, letting the prince lay on top of him to give him more access to the rest of his body. The knight's eyes close, enjoying the feel of his weight on top of him, and it allows him to relax. The tension that had built up throughout the day finally seems to dissipate, breathing out a sigh of content as he opens his eyes once more to meet the golden hues of the prince's own.]

I'll be as careful as I usually am, [he says with a smile,] it doesn't seem to have led me astray yet. Look, I'll even help with the wedding plans to make sure it's as gorgeous as it can possibly be. Perhaps then, your father won't be so suspicious of me.

[Childe runs his hand through the top of Aether's hair, letting the strands flow between his fingers, soft and smooth to the touch. He won't die, it's important he stays alive at all costs. And it matters a lot to him that the prince is comfortable too with everything, even if sometimes Childe has a tendency to make situations tense. But at the end of the day, he wants the prince to have faith in him.]

[When Childe changes position, Aether shifts a bit to make sure they're both comfortable, before resuming with tiny kisses. This time he trails a path down to the shoulder, moving the shirt of his knight ever so slightly to have better access to his skin. He can feel Childe's muscles relax under the affection and the prince smile softly to himself.

Then he moves again, to look his knight in the eye, gold meeting endless blue. Aether's hand rests on his lover's cheek, fingers carefully caressing the skin.]

I wonder if it'll make him more suspicious that you're plotting something... but then again, you looked genuinely excited about the wedding.

[He laughs weakly, then lets his head rest against Childe's shoulder.]

To me... I think it'll be a little awkward. After all, I'll have to... kiss Elise at the ceremony and we'll be sharing the room afterwards.

[There's so much he's just not sure how to handle and if he doesn't makes it convincing their future may be in danger.]

Hahaha...

[He can see how that would make it strange between Aether and Elise, since they will have to show some affection towards each other to make the illusion stay up. But that fact doesn't seem to bother the knight, if only helped by the trail of kisses that run and leave a fuzzy line of warmth against his skin down to his shoulder.]

Think of it this way. Actors in theater need to do that all the time, and that is what you are essentially doing, correct? Besides, the two of you are friends, it'll be an opportunity to spend time together in that capacity. You will be running this nation yourself one day, and what better way of doing it than with a good friend that you can trust?

[Childe cranes his neck upward to plant small kisses to Aether's own neck now, letting his lips glide across his skin between each one. Now, he'll work on getting Aether's mind off of the wedding, because tonight he wants him all to himself. He's sure it won't be hard to distract him from it, a smile parting his lips through each kiss.]

Besides, you'll still have me to return to when it's all said and done anyhow...

[He breathes that sentence, breath hot on the shell of the prince's ear, seductive tones laced in it.]

[Aether isn't sure if he's a good actor, but it seems he'll have to learn how to be one for the sake of everyone. The kisses dragged along his neck do a good job at distracting him, as he breathes a soft sigh against Childe. Then he shudders when his lover breathes in words into his ear, hot blush spreading on his face like wildfire and reaching the tips of his ears as well.]

Haha, and how am I supposed to argue with you? [He murmurs.

And the truth is: he can't. Because Childe is right and because he's just irresistible. The prince is all heads over heels in love.

Grateful for his presence, Aether returns more kisses to his knight's shoulder. His hands also start to wander, softly tracing the other's sides. This night belongs to them, there's no need to worry about the future.]

No matter what happens... I want you to know that I'm glad for this chance.

[If he is allowed to experience true love even for a moment of his live, then he doesn't have anything to regret.]

[Tiny moans bubble up out of his throat, Aether's touch allowing his mind to wander towards other things, but now given the time to indulge in such thoughts. His hands idly begin to untuck the shirt the prince has on, as he sighs with content at the kisses trailed down his shoulder.]

Then why don't we treat every chance we get as if it may be our only chance?

[It's true, that he's not sure what the future will bring, but Childe doesn't speak as if something bad will happen. But rather, he'd treat it every moment he has like this like it was air he needed to breathe, sustenance to keep him going, these intimate exchanges shared with the prince.

Everything else can melt away as far as he's concerned, as he continues with his ministrations.]

[He can feel those hands messing with his shirt and Aether breathes out a small puff of hot air right against his lover's skin. Then he nods. He wants to enjoy every moment to the fullest, as if tomorrow was never to come.

He pushes himself up, basically straddling the knight's lap and slowly he removes his own jacket, revealing the light shirt beneath that Childe tried to untack. It'll be much easier now. The official jacket is then tosses aside, carelessly, because it right now it's nothing more than a nuisance to the prince.

Aether takes his knight's hand as he lays back down on his lover. Gently, he starts pressing kisses all over that hand, then carefully brushing his lips against the calloused palm. Tonight, there will be no patch of skin on Childe that will be spared from affections.]

[There's a wicked grin on his face when Aether discards the jacket, know that now he has much more access to get him in the mood for the rest of the night. The free hand begins to finish the job of untucking and removing the shirt, but Aether certainly isn't making it easy for him.

His lips on his hand sends tiny shivers through him, leaving his skin tingling behind every kiss. It causes him to smile softly, his hand finding itself faulty as he continues to attempt getting rid of Aether's shirt. How criminally unfair is it that the prince already has this kind of effect on him, but Childe can come to peace with it quickly.

He's got to have some kind of defense against the knight's ever-wandering hands and barely restrained impulses.]

I need that hand, you know.

[He comments playfully, slowly pulling it away just to see if Aether lets go of it or not.]

[He isn't blind to those attempts, heart rate picking up as Childe's free hand wanders. As for the other one, the prince stubbornly keeps it in his grasp, but he'll make up for it. A grin brightens his face as he decides to help his knight. Carefully, he shrugs the shirt away from his shoulders, letting go of Childe's hand just for the moment that is necessary to discard that piece of clothing. A new rush of heat hits his face, as he lays top completely bare on his lover. It's almost... liberating.

A playful smile quickly overtakes his expression and the prince grabs both of his knight's hands, then pins them to the soft bed, fingers laced together.]

And what if I don't want to let go?

[His grip isn't strong. If Childe wanted to free himself it would be easy to do, but Aether makes sure to complicate it a bit. His lips brush more kisses to the other's neck, tender and lingering. The prince can't help but smile against the skin, his mouth moving up to the ear and he very carefully nibbles on the earlobe. He doesn't want it to hurt and he's doing his best to mimic what Childe has done to him before.]

Edited 2022-07-11 22:27 (UTC)

[Shirt, gone. Mission accomplished. Childe loves the feel of Aether against the soft fabric of his own tunic, warmth radiating through it. It distracts him enough that Aether easily pins him to the bed, finding his fingers intertwining with the prince's as he lays there, a cheeky grin on his face.]

Well then I-

[Aether's brush of his lips on his neck gets Childe to elicit a soft moan, feeling himself sink into the bed further as his whole body betrays him and relaxes, letting the prince have full control over him. His breath hitches in his throat as Aether reaches his earlobe, moving his head to the side to give the other better access to it.]

Now you're playing unfairly. How...ah...could I possibly fight back when you have me like this...

[But he makes no moves, no effort to remove himself from underneath Aether's sweet ministrations, sighing into the other's touch.]

[A small laugh bubbles inside of him, happy and proud at the same time. All the little moans and sounds drive him to do so much more, as he's excited to see what else he can do to please his knight. At this very moment all his worries are long forgotten and his thoughts are focused on Childe, the way he relaxes, the way he reacts. Aether's heart swells with love and affection.]

Hm, does that mean that I win again? [He mutters cheekily right into his lovers ear, then grins as he moves back down. His lips bestow more loving kisses along the sensitive neck, reaching the collarbone eventually. And here is where the problem arises - the tunic is blocking Aether from drowning his knight with affections.

Slowly, his hands move down, fingers carefully tracing along Childe's arms, then all the way lower until they reach his hips. Never stopping with kisses, he blindly finds the rim of the tunic and slowly pushes the fabric up. It's not exactly fair that only Aether is shirtless here so he's more than eager to even the ground and feel the other close, skin on skin.]

I never said I was done trying to fight...

[Childe chuckles quietly, soothing ripples of love washing through him as Aether pushes his tunic up towards his head. He'll make sure every kiss is reciprocated, lines of heat running down his neck where Aether's lips meet the skin. He keeps eliciting content sighs and moans from his knight, leaving him wanting more and more as the prince continues to shower him with affection.

Even though he feels nearly helpless underneath Aether, his body responding to him with every touch he makes, the knight begins to think of ways he can reverse the situation. He can't let the prince have all the fun, and Childe now with a hand free move to push himself further up the bed towards the headrest, dragging the prince with him.

He manages to sit up, and the tunic he has on is now taken off and discarded to the floor. He grins back at Aether, happy with this position now- and leans in to capture the knight in a deep, affectionate kiss, his lips sweeping over and over again across the other's. Fog builds up in his mind, as if the haze itself were Aether enveloping him, and he enjoys that feeling immensely.

He hopes that he can put the prince in a similar state of mind, so that the night may seem to last forever.]

[He can't help but grin slightly when Childe declares his will to fight back. Aether expected nothing less from him.

And yet the knight still lets the prince shower him with affection, responding with soft moans and content sounds, his body leaning into touches. Aether feels like he's in daze and there's so much more he wants to give his lover. There's still so many places left to caress and to kiss.

Once Childe's hands are free, the prince doesn't resist when he's dragged along towards the headrest. The tunic is then quickly gone and they're locked in a kiss, sweet, warm and deep. The prince melts into it, hands wrapping around the other, fingers brushing his now bare back.

When they part, Aether sighs, eyes closed, head pressing to his lover's shoulder. Waves of warmth rush through his entire body and he smiles. He feels so drunk... drunk on love, drunk on happiness. He tightens the embrace around the knight, then lets go and lays down on his back, head resting on the many soft pillows.

His eyes are slightly dazed when he reaches out to tug Childe into his arms, to make the knight lay on top of him now. The smile on his face is bright and loving.

And this is only the beginning. This moment, this night... is only the start of happiness that awaits them.]

[For the moment that Aether leans into his shoulder, he holds the prince in his arms, his hand coming to run through the other's hair. The strands easily slip through his fingers, Childe looking down lovingly at the prince. It doesn't seem as if they were of two different social standings here, the closeness of their relationship sweeping that away in this moment in time.

The knight willingly gets tugged downward onto the prince, laughing at the drunkenness in his eyes, so easy for him to see as he looks down upon him. Childe feels very much the same, having been able to taste Aether's love on his tongue, wanting more.

And he's all too willing to indulge, dipping down to kiss Aether again, greedy and needy as usual. He feels a great satisfaction knowing that the prince was his and no one else's, and that he could drink him in freely like this- may that never end.]

You know, [he says, mischievously as his hand starts to wander down the prince's side,] I'd like to pick up where we left off earlier, if you don't mind.

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