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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[It catches him off guard to be pulled so close and the dance that follows is nothing like what he expected either. He should've known - it's Childe, after all. Chaos is his second name and seeing as they're in a secluded part of the garden, it would be unthinkable for the knight to not take a chance.

Aether blushes bright, but follows the dance, gasping slightly when he's dipped low, then pulled right into his lover. His eyes are wide and his mind is a mess. It's good to be close, but there's a part of him that still feels embarrassed. He's so very unused to showing affection in front of others.]

Childe... [He manages to say when he finally finds his voice.] It's not something that can be danced in a ballroom. [His tone is slightly scolding, brows narrowed, but the deep red of his face is ruining any seriousness of his expression.

Meanwhile, the princess looks absolutely over the moon. Her face is just as red as Aether's and she has her hands pressed to both of her cheeks, but there's an unmistakable smile wide on her lips as she looks at the pair.]

Ah... No, don't worry about it! [She says, as if suddenly brought back to reality.] I'd love to try this dance! Ah, how exciting!

[She spins around, then skips closer to Luke, taking his hands in her own. Then suddenly, she notices the other's embarrassment and gives him a worried look.]

O-oh... but if you don't want to do it, Luke, it's fine. We can try something different.

[Luke's hands meet with Elise's, looking down at her with a mixed expression of surprise and mild embarrassment. He doesn't know how to tell her how weird it was for him to watch his own knight dance with the prince so intimately, how he's supposed to do the same with Elise, and that she too! She too!!!! Is royalty, with him being able to call her his partner in some shape and fashion. Plus she's so enthralled by it...though he's pretty sure it's because she loves the idea of boys being in love with each other, which is just another whole thing.

It's a lot for him, and he feels so overwhelmed by the entire affair.

But he's supposed to be her knight! He stands up a little straighter, pushing down the redness in his face, determination set on his features.]

N-no, I want to try. Let's try once.

[Luke begins to lead her slowly through it, as best as his memory can serve him, and Childe holds onto Aether still despite the fact that they've stopped dancing. He glances down to the prince, a smile on his face, nudging him slightly, speaking softly.]

Haha, I didn't mean to embarrass you too much, but you enjoyed it, didn't you? Now look. Look how happy they are. This is just a glimpse of what our future will be one day.

[Even though she's excited and loves the chaos that Childe introduces at every step, Elise still understands that all of this is overwhelming. She smiles kindly at her future knight, giving him more reassuring squeezes of the hand, happy that he wants to give the dance a try. She follows his lead just as slowly, blushing bright at their closeness, but happy for it as well.

Aether watches them for a moment, before his gaze shifts to Childe. The prince pinches the other's cheek gently, shaking his head. Yet, a smile is ever present on his face.]

I can't believe you keep on getting away with everything... What kind of magic is this?

[It must be Childe's irresistible charm. He chuckles, staying close.]

[It makes Childe happy, to see Luke and Elise dancing together. It's a mixed set of reasons why, one being that he's happy that they're happy, another being that this is the future he'd envisioned when he suggested this to them. It's nice. And the best part is, the opportunity to be with Aether, something he never thought he'd ever have, is a reality.

He laughs as his cheek gets pinched, smile bright as he looks down at the prince.]

You could say that I have a knack for this kind of thing.

[Childe leans down, to press his lips to the prince's, even though he knows that Aether will probably get very embarrassed. But the moment takes him, his whims winning out, not caring if the other two see. After all, it's not like they hadn't spied on them kissing already, albeit accidental.]

[Aether is happy too. He's happy that both Elise and Luke could find love, he's happy that Elise smiles bright and feels at home in here. He's happy... that he can finally hold Childe close, feel his affections, enjoy imagining their future together.

Everything is going so well, as if pieces of puzzle put into the right place. Hopefully, it'll stay like this.

When Childe leans for the kiss, Aether's face burns with red. The prince is too conscious that they're not alone, so he responds with a shy press back. He tries to tell himself that it's okay, that he doesn't have to worry about anything, but it's not so simple. He needs some time to get used to it.

A soft sigh escapes him when they part, his face is still flushed. At the same time he feels like someone is watching him, but he doesn't dare to check who it is.

Unbeknownst to the prince, the person who spies on them is neither Elise nor Luke, but a servant who wandered into the garden. Said servant is now trying to make a haste retreat, scandalized by what he has just witnessed.]

[The minute he presses his lips to Aether's, he swears that they are being watched. When he pulls away, his head turns in the exact direction of where the servant had just been, and he swears he hears rapid footfalls as if someone were running away. Childe considers it for a second- let's say someone saw it. But it would be a hard sell, to convince anyone of what they saw.

They could just deny it, and it would be fine. After all, Aether's word has far more weight than anyone else in the castle save the king and queen.]

Not to frighten you, but our cover has been blown.

[But the knight doesn't seem worried about it, the concern he had already falling to the wayside.]

Don't worry about it though. Who's word stands up against the prince?

[The moment Childe says that, Aether feels all the blood draining from his face, cold fear settling in his gut. He steps away from his knight, staring with wide eyes at him. How can the other be so calm about this?

It takes a moment for the prince to say anything. He tries to keep his vice low, to not cause panic.]

But if any of this reaches my father... You know that he's already suspecting something.

[It may be easy for the prince to disprove the rumours around the castle, but the king himself will be a problem. Aether is more than sure his father will believe the servant's words and look into it, maybe even keep a closer eye on his son. They've already been so careless and the upcoming ball is meant to give them an opportunity to be together in the open.

They need to do something about this... fast.]

We... we should go after the person who saw us. Maybe we can convince them to stay quiet about it.

[He doesn't like this, but what other choice does he have?]

[He understands Aether's concern, and he too is trying to push down a cold fear of death. Luke would be in danger too, and though he knows this has suddenly become a possibly tight spot for them, he's sure he can think of a way through it. It won't be the first tight spot he's landed himself in, nor will it be the last.]

I didn't see who it was, so finding them will prove a little more than difficult.

[Because they'd have to find the person without revealing any truths to anyone else. That's a bit hard when the garden is big and they have many servants.]

I don't see a lot of reason to fret at the moment, Aether. Even though your father does suspect something, it's not as if he saw it with his own eyes. Do you think he'd treat his son so unfairly?

[It's true that it's too late. Aether stands still, trying to listen in, but all he can here are the dance steps of Luke and Elise, and wind playing in the leaves of trees. He lets the air out of his lungs, before looking to Childe again.]

I... [He hesitates.] ...No, you're right. I don't think he would believe it without some sort of proof.

[But the rumours won't do them any favours. They need to be so much more careful...]

Did something happen?

[Elise's voice startles him and Aether quickly turns around to face her. He's silent at first, before shaking his head.]

No, not at all!

[There's a moment where he's unsure if they should tell Elise and Luke. Childe definitely doesn't want to scare them, but at the same time, they do need to be cautious. Even this secluded garden didn't end up being as secretive as he thought it was going to be.]

Have the two of you gotten the hang of the dance, Elise?

[Childe quickly changes the subject, asking as earnestly as he can muster while keeping himself steady. There's a lot to consider, and he just needs some time to think about it.

Luke wanders over too, his eyebrow raised, but decides to drop the question for now.

The two of you look like you've seen a ghost.

He glances at Childe, trying to read the man's expression. But he should know better, his face is unreadable when he wants it to be.]

Haha, it's nothing, really.

[He's not sure if he sounds convincing or not. Why can't he be better at lying...]

[Elise is not buying it either, her brows curving upwards as she holds her hands closer together. Aether doesn't want to cause these two worry, so he forces a smile on his face and then steps forward to grab her hands.]

Don't worry... It's going to be okay.

[Elise is surprised at first, but then she nods. Even though they've known each other for a short time, she still trusts the prince. Seeing that, Aether then reaches out to Luke, trying to take his hand as well.]

We should focus on good things... and the approaching ball.

[He wants them to feels safe and happy. Childe and Aether can deal with all the problems that arise.]

[Luke instinctively knows that something is definitely amiss, but it seems that the prince and Childe have it covered. He nods as Aether takes his hand, putting his full trust in him. There's no reason not to, he's the prince, and if anything it's his duty to do so anyway.]

Since it's getting a bit late, I think it might be time to retire to our chambers.

[Childe doesn't want them to practice any more out in the open, for fear of getting more servants to become witnesses to their little secret. He yawns, stretching his arms above his head as he shakes his head once as his hands fall to his hips.]

That feast was grand indeed. I'm already getting tired, how about the rest of you?

[He shoots Aether a subtle glance. Just go with it.]

[Aether really hopes that he'll never betray the trust that is put in him. He swears to himself that he'll do anything he can to ensure that both Elise and Luke are safe. For now though, all he can do is give them reassurance through warm smile and a gentle squeeze of the hand.]

Ah, yes. It's best if we get rest.

[He lets got of the other two hands, then covers his mouth, pretending to stifle a yawn.]

We'll find an empty chamber tomorrow to continue with dancing lessons.

[The princess nods.]

That sounds like a good idea. Let's rest.

[As they all agree to it, slowly they leave the garden and head to their chambers for the night. Another eventful day ended. As Aether collapses onto his bed he can't help but think back on everything that has happened so far: the approaching ball, them getting caught in the garden, his night with Childe.

...It's funny how he misses his knight already, misses his warmth right next to him in the bed, but they have to be careful from now on. As careful as possible. They can't let anyone catch them ever again.]

[Childe is glad that was easy to have them all agree to return to their chambers. He has a lot to think about tonight, and a lot to be careful about in the days coming. He sets out towards his own chambers, lying down in bed once he returns to close his eyes and try to relax his mind. For now, all he can do is try to roll with the punches as much as he can, and try to find out who it was that saw them.

A task that proves much easier said than done, because the masked ball comes and he never does find out who it was.

It's a splendid affair, the decorations sporting a white and gold theme with nothing spared. A giant spread of food with every kind of roast in the kingdom presented, everyone in their best with all sorts of different kinds of masks, and a dance floor in the middle for all to enjoy. Childe finds Aether easily enough, sliding in next to him as he's entertaining a few guests.

His mask is red, covering the entirety of his face, though it's still easy to figure out it's him- his ginger hair sticks out like a sore thumb.]

Good evening, prince. You haven't been having fun without me, have you?

[The guests pull a face. Great, it's Childe...]

[Many people have been working on the decorations and the food, to make sure that the event will be absolutely perfect. The entire room is bustling with voices, nobles excited with the idea of hiding oneself behind a mask. It's like they're given a bit of freedom that they normally can't have and even though some people may be easily recognized, it doesn't matter than much. Everyone is enjoying the occasion.

Aether has a black half-mask on his face, his golden hair is neatly pinned at the base of his neck as opposed to his usual braid. The prince is happily entraining some guests, but at the same time he is waiting for a certain someone.

...And that someone shows up soon.

Aether smiles.]

Hm... I think I'm having quite a bit of fun, actually. [He laughs, then bows to the guests.] I must go now and check on other guests. I hope you will enjoy the ball.

[And with that he excuses himself to go with Childe.]

[Childe nods to the guests as Aether turns to leave them to accompany him instead, feeling relaxed. It's been quite a bit of time since the incident in the garden, and nothing's come of it so far. Not that he's heard anyway, he hadn't been summoned to see the king to be scolded before being condemned to the dungeon or had his head cut off or anything. It seems eerily quiet, when he thinks on it.

But now isn't the time to dwell on that. Tonight is for having fun, and he happily accompanies Aether to get some refreshments for now, pouring a cup of cider for the prince and handing it to him before getting one for himself.]

Ah, it's lovely, isn't it? I'm looking forward to the castle being like this more often.

[They have Elise to thank for it, and she's going to be around forever now.]

I must say, you're looking rather dashing tonight, prince.

[After the incident, Aether was looking out for any signs that the secret is out, yet he didn't notice anything suspicious. The servants acted the same as always, his father didn't seem to behave in a different way either. Maybe whoever saw the prince and the knight on that day decided to keep it to themselves.

But now it doesn't matter. They are enjoying the night, just like all who gathered here.]

I do, too. [Aether agrees, accepting the cider. It's warm in his hands.] I'm sure Elise will happily think of more events like this.

[She seemed to really enjoy it. Just like she enjoyed plotting with Childe.

Aether blinks at his knight's comment.]

...You do realize that flattery won't get you anything? [He answers jokingly, blushing softly behind the mask. He made sure to look great for this occasion, if only for his lover.] A charmer as always, aren't you?

[It's almost as if he can see the blush behind the mask, grinning from behind his own. But for now, his mask can be set to the side- he's not hiding himself from the world from behind it, sliding it to the left side of his head to let it rest there as he pours his own glass of cider.]

I get the feeling that you're accusing me of something, [Childe teases, drinking deeply from his cup. The warm cider is soothing on the back of his throat, savoring the taste.]

Being charming has certainly not kept me from the things that I want. Wouldn't you say that's true, Prince Aether?

[His smile is bright, a playful cockiness dancing on the edges of it. Though for however long he had to wait, he knew he'd always had the prince's attention and eye. Childe wears that badge proudly, even more so now that he can call him his lover even in if it's in secret.

He downs the rest of his glass, glancing out to the dance floor- he sure would love to dance with Aether out there.]

Me? Accusing you? How could I? [The prince responds with fake innocence, smile playing on his lips with no shame at all.

Childe definitely gets what he wants and that is both scary and admirable. Aether looks at his lover for a longer moment, as if admiring him with a quiet smile, before he takes another sip of cider, enjoying the taste and its warmth.

He never misses the way his knight looks towards the dance floor, though.]

...Do you want to dance with me?

[The offer comes almost naturally, even if his voice is a bit quieter. On the other hand, they probably don't have to worry much. All the guests dance freely tonight, not caring if they're seen with an inappropriate partner, as if the masks were giving them anonymity, no matter how fake it actually was. In a crowd such as this, surely nobody would pay attention to a prince dancing with a knight.]

[Childe only shoots Aether a sly grin, setting the glass down and instantly forgetting about it. Someone will take care of it, because he's far more interested in dancing with the prince now. His mask is put back on his face, living in the pseudo-anonymity of it as he holds his hand out for Aether to take.]

It's almost as if you read my mind.

[This is what they'd practiced their dancing for after all, and Childe is more than happy to tango and make a show of their dance. He doesn't get the chance to do this often, and he's not even sure if many people even know he can dance.

Luke finally shows to the party as well, looking around for Elise first. He'd barely made it in, and after some arguments and finally getting someone to recognize that he was the princess's soon-to-be knight, he was finally let in. Just in time to see Childe take the prince out to the dance floor, attracting the attention of all...why is he like this?]

[The prince's glass is likewise forgotten and he easily lets the other lead him to the dance floor... Only to gasp in surprised when he's pulled into a tango, close and warm, but so very inappropriate considering their situation. He can tell that there are eyes on them and he can't help but make a face.

Thankfully, the mask hides the blush and the look in his eyes. No one can tell how fast Aether's heart is beating either. All they can notice is the disgruntled grimace on the prince's face, so maybe most of them will assume that this is the knight teasing Aether again.

Elise is watching them from affair, giggling softly to herself, before he spots her future knight. She joins him happy and asks if they too, could dance - maybe not a tango, but she definitely doesn't want to miss a chance and enjoy the night.]

[Luke offers a hand to Elise- of course they can dance, and it won't be as suspicious as the knight and the prince on the dance floor. Childe's ginger hair is very unique, where Luke's blonde is not. He'll lead her in a nice, slow dance, very contrary to the intimate tango that Childe leads Aether in.

The knight spins his prince, before pulling him in tightly to him to continue the tango, the grin on his face wide and easily peeking out from behind his mask.]

You're keeping up quite well, did you practice more when I wasn't around?

[There's no hiding the amusement in his tone, stepping quickly across the dance floor, seeing if Aether can really match him step by step. How much did the prince practice, he wants to know.]

[Elise smiles bright and as they dance slowly into the night, her heart thumps loudly in her chest. What a wonderful ball.

Meanwhile, Aether hopes that nobody can see how hard he's blushing right now, as Childe holds him so close with a grin all over his face. Why is he always like this! The dance continues and the prince barely keeps up, mainly because of his embarrassment. They are making a huge show right now and that was not what Aether planned!]

...I can't believe you're challenging me even now.

[As those words leave his mouths, the prince's eyes narrow and he changes his hold on Childe, in an attempt to take over the lead and turn the dance into something slower. Obviously, this way they still stand out because Aether is shorter - if he leads, the dance may look a little silly.

...But it's still better than getting attention due to his knight wanting to make a show.]

[He's not surprised that he's basically issued Aether a challenge. He's eating it up that he knows intrinsically that he's embarrassing the prince a little, even though he knows that the other man is enjoying this little dance they're having. Aether's steps push Childe to swap, leading the knight in a slower dance that's hardly as flashy as what they were just doing.

But since this is what the prince wants, he'll concede for the time being, slowing his own steps to match and looking down at his prince in adoration.]

An impressive turn, prince. I suppose for now, we can have this dance instead...

[Childe lets Aether lead him, reveling in the closeness between the two in front of everyone. They can speculate all they want, but it is in his nature to be like this- so they'll never truly know what's going on. But as the dance goes on, the music finally dies, and it's hard for him to tear himself from the Aether's arms. Though, it's best not to seem suspicious, and he sighs as he spots Elise and Luke.]

Wait one moment for me, and let me go grab the other two so we can dance together.

[Aether doesn't say anything, just leads for as long as the music lasts. In a calm step like this, he can't deny he's enjoying his knight's closeness and that they can be together in plain sight. But all good things must come to an end.

Reluctant, he pulls away and nods when Childe offers to go get Elise and Luke. He's planning to wait patiently, not moving a step but someone approaches him. The man has a mask that completely hides his face and nothing about him seems familiar either. Aether hesitates a moment, but he remembers that despite the fake anonymity of the guests, no one suspicious would be allowed here. The guards had to make sure of it.]

Sir Childe seems to be giving you trouble as always. [The man jokes, as if knowing the knight well.] Prince, perhaps you would be willing to agree to a dance with me, too?

[Aether's eyes widen, but then he agrees, realizing that if he refuses it may come off as suspicious.

And so the man takes a lead, but thankfully maintains some distance from him. The prince hardly feels comfortable in this new situation, still trying to guess who the other is. The man seems to notice and a quiet chuckle escapes him, before he leans in, disturbingly close, lips right next to the prince's ear, shielded only thanks to the mask.]

It's not as fun as dancing with your lover, isn't it? [The man says and Aether tenses.]

I don't know what you mean. [He hisses.] And please, don't get so close.

[The man doesn't listen. Instead he continues on:] Oh, you know exactly what I mean. And I know of your time with your knight hidden in the garden, of the time you went riding horses and hid away in the willows... I know so much more, too. Wouldn't it be a shame if everybody found out? But don't worry, I won't say a word... for as long as you do as I say.

[The man then pulls away, bows and leaves in the middle of the dance. Aether looks after him, unsure what to do and how to react. There's too many people around. If the secret comes out here, then... they would be all doomed. Him, his beloved knight, Luke and Elise.]

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