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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[The man straightens again, hands behind his back as if accepting the challenge of the beast. As dangerous as Childe is, the man firmly believes that he's the one who has the upper hand here.]

If I don't come back... Well, there will be no secrets anymore. Everybody will know and the poor prince will have to watch the chaos unfold, unable to do anything. Is that what you want?

[His voice sounds almost innocent, as if the man really did not want that to happen. He's playing a dangerous game here, he knows.]

And sadly, I will not say more unless you agree to help. But saying "no" is a fair answer, too. [He assures.] If you don't interfere, then the king will die and you'll get what you want either way. However, if you try to stop us... again, you will have to deal with everybody knowing about your affair. Hm, I really can't imagine the king or the father of the poor bride to be happy about this, just before the wedding, too... But you enjoy chaos, don't you?

[He knows a dig at his character when he sees it, keeping a sneer off his face when the man is so bold to insult him so. Instead, Childe keeps his demeanor still dangerous, as if he could change his mind at any moment and take him out on a whim, as he is apt to do at times- and everyone knows it.

The knight's fingers twinge, aching to place the hilt of a blade in them, but wondering if the man could fight as well as he could threaten.]

It's no secret that causing a stir tends to be more than enjoyable for me. And maybe, this is the kind of chaos I'd like to incite. After all, what could be more grand than shaking up the entire kingdom with this secret? Do you think that any knight outclasses me so that I couldn't cut them all down when they come for my head?

[He hums thoughtfully to himself, eyes still wild.]

You've missed one important ingredient however. Where is your proof? Words are nothing without anything to back them up, whether here or in battle. Try and say that we've spoken or that anything you've mentioned has transpired, and we'll simply deny it. Do you really think the king will take the word of someone else over his son, the prince?

[The man smiles behind the mask.]

That chaos you're painting... I'm sure your prince would enjoy it. Watching you slay knights that he's known whole his life, shaking the kingdom that he wished to protect, making him stand there helplessly as the entire world is falling apart... [The man crosses his arms and nods.] Yes, I'm sure your prince would be thrilled about such future.

[As the proof is mentioned, the man chuckles softly.]

But of course. I have a proof... That's the prince. [He gestures with his hands as if stating the obvious.] He's not good at lying, isn't he? Just a small whisper into his ear about the things he has done with you was enough to shaken him. Do you think that he would be able to deny any of that in front of his father and make his story believable?

[The man shakes his head as if he was actually pitying the prince.]

Poor thing, the future could've been so bright for him... The king is already suspecting something, too. A few words are enough to make him ask questions... that his son will likely not be able to answer.

[Childe can hear the smile in the tone of his voice, and it pisses him off. So much so that his fingernails begin to cut into the palm of his hand, though he don't notice that it's happening, keeping the same demeanor as before. He hates so much that when it comes down to it, they're both such terrible liars, and he'd argue that he's even worse than Aether is.

But to use that against them, to get Aether himself to provide the evidence needed to take him down sets a fire ablaze inside of him that's hard to control. Wanting to kill the king, threatening Childe's own life and making Aether completely miserable in the process...it's akin to threatening his own family.

He won't let them get away with this. Whoever it is that wants the king dead. Because where does it stop? There's more questions than answers.]

...Fine. [Is the answer he finally spits out, not hiding the venom or anger any longer.]

I'll agree to help, but only under one condition. The prince is left out of this. I don't want him involved in any way.

[The man doesn't hide the joy in his voice.]

Of course, the prince will have nothing to do with this.

[He's already involved though, whether he likes it or not, but the man doesn't bother saying that. There will be no more threats send the prince's way... at least until the king is dead. Afterwords? Many things may happen. The man is thrilled for the future events.]

I shall contact you with details later. Go on, assure your prince that he's safe now and that soon you'll be able to forever stay by his side.

[With that said the man bows and leaves.]

[Childe watches him go, wanting to put his sword through him, but it's not a good idea. Not when Aether and the king are involved, so he stands there and glares a hole in the man's back. It's not until he's disappeared that Childe turns, walking back to the main ballroom where everyone's gathered.

He keeps as cheerful as an expression as he can muster on his face, and Luke notices that it's a facade, but doesn't call attention to it. He can't imagine what kind of bad mood Childe is in, and he'll discuss things with Elise later...]

Sorry to have kept you all waiting. You weren't waiting on account of me, were you?

[He can't tell Luke and Elise now. He has to talk to Aether about it personally, and even then. What can they do?]

[Elise also notices the bad mood that Childe is in, but he quickly imagines that it must be because of that other man's inappropriate behaviour. Aether clearly was shaken for a moment, too and Elise hopes in the depths of her heart that it was just that, nothing more.

And so she tries to put a smile on her face.]

Well, yes... actually yes, we were. [She says, then reaches to pat Aether on the shoulder.]

I'm sure you gave that rude man a lesson, Sir Childe. [She says in a lighter mood, hoping for the best.] Why don't we forget about him and continue on with the ball? Prince Aether, would you like to get something to drink?

[Some drink and good food should be enough to cheer someone up. Maybe. Aether doesn't think so, but he understands that Elise means well. There's little she can do now and he absolutely can't tell her what the man had whispered into his ear. The prince looks to his knight and there's worry all over his face. He has a feeling that the matter was not resolved and this is why Childe is in exceptionally bad mood.]

...A drink may be nice. [He agrees with a wavering smile.] But I think... I need some fresh air first. I'll go just for a moment. Childe, can you accompany me?

[He needs to know.]

We'll be back soon, I promise. [He assures.]

[Childe wishes that he could tell Elise with a sincere, straight face that he had given the man a lesson. But, what he can say is that he will give that man a lesson one day. The clockwork is already turning in his head.

Turning to Aether, he nods silently, still doing his best to keep some semblance of a smile on his face. He's sure they can see right through it, but he's used to having to put on such theater.]

I too, may need a moment. I don't enjoy having to deal with such impertinence. It tends to spoil the mood and ruin our fun, but I won't let it bother me for too much longer. We'll return shortly.

[Childe jerks his head, making eye contact with the prince. He'll lead him out of the ballroom, towards a door that he knows leads to a more private corridor that isn't traveled often.]

[Without another word said, Aether follows the knight into the corridor until the voices of the guests disappear in the distance and quietness settles in. The prince then stops and hesitantly catches the hand of his knight. His fingers tremble ever so slightly.]

Be honest with me... how did it go?

[He fears for the future and for the life of his lover. The man that danced with the prince tonight seemed like a manipulative sort.]

[Childe lets his fingers intertwine and lace themselves in between Aether's own, tugging him a little closer for privacy, and for himself. He tries not to display too much worry, because he's slowly coming up with a plan to deal with this situation- but it's tricky and he has to be careful. Not a single part of this will be easy.]

Whatever worry we had about the garden was nothing in comparison to what they know about us, and the other two.

[He gives the most straight answer he can, voice low and serious. The usual lilt to his tone is gone, replaced with a level of seriousness that Childe doesn't normally show.]

If things don't go their way, they are planning on using you to admit your father of the things we've done together. He didn't say so much, but that would will most likely include Elise and Luke as well.

[Childe is purposely stalling, trying to slowly give the information to Aether...he hates what he has to tell him next.]

[Aether needs the closeness too, so he easily presses into Childe, fingers laced, hand squeezing the knight's wanting to reassure as well as seeking reassurance in the other. The prince doesn't say a word, only listens.

He doesn't like what he's hearing.

His entire body tenses, thoughts rushing through his mind as he frantically tries to think of a solution. He had no doubts that they would be blackmailed, but it never would have crossed his mind that he could be used to doom them all.

If he only knew how to lie better...]

...And what do they even want? [He hisses, eyes narrowing. Whoever is behind this is simply a coward in his eyes.]

[Childe can feel Aether's anxiety, wishing he could do something in this moment to relieve him of it. But the knight won't hide what had transpired in the hallway with the masked man, his shoulders falling as he steels himself to give him the even worse news.]

I'm afraid they're plotting to kill your father. And they forced me to agree to help them. I don't know why, since they seemed rather adamant that you'd become the king, but I'm sure their plans don't stop there.

[But at least with that, he can display a look of determination. He may of agreed, but he's no stranger to deception if he has to employ it.

Making sure they are still alone, Childe's hand comes down to tilt Aether's chin upwards, the blue of his eyes reflecting his own mischievousness along with that same determination.]

There's no need to worry. You know I won't let them have their way.

[It feels like his entire being freezes when those words are spoken. Someone is plotting to kill his father, use his beloved knight for that and then... Aether can only imagine that the reason why the schemers want him as a king is to make him their puppet.]

He told me that if I do as he says then nobody would found out about us... [He recalls.

What to do though? How to stop whoever is behind this?

Just as the prince is about to spiral into uncertainty, his knight gently tilts his chip upwards and Aether can see that the other is ready to brew chaos.]

Childe... [He breathes, then smiles softly, relieved.] Of course... Of course you won't let them. I know you will get them for all of this.

[His brows curve upwards.]

But if there's anything I can do, let me know. They want to harm my father and I won't allow them to get away with that.

[Childe wishes this moment wasn't brought on by such a serious situation, or else it would be sweet.

He gazes back into Aether's eyes, glad that the prince has found comfort in them. He swears that this mysterious villain behind the scenes is taken care of. There's nothing more that makes him angry, this clandestine operation that they're running against themselves and the king. And to put this kind of pressure on Aether as well...he'll make them pay.]

For now, I want you to keep your distance from this situation. If you get involved in any way, they'll suspect something, and I need them to think you have no idea. And when they least expect it, is when I'll face them myself and end this little plan.

[Childe's thumb brushes across Aether's cheek, admiring the prince, his confidence running as deep as the ocean itself.]

I promise you this.

[Everything in him screams that he needs to take action as well, that he needs to investigate and find whoever is threatening those he cares for so much. Childe is right, though. It's best if the prince feigns ignorance and remains quietly watchful of the siltation.

Eventually, Aether's shoulders relax and he nods softly, before grabbing his knight's hand and pressing it close to his cheek.]

I understand... [He brushes a small kiss to the other's fingers.] But if they hurt you or if they go too far I will look for them myself. They won't do as they please.

[He trusts Childe and yet, he can't stand the thought of his knight getting hurt because of some villains hiding in the shadows.]

[Childe lets out a soft sigh, the corners of his mouth tugging upward as the prince's light brush across his fingers. He imagines that this plot will eventually endanger Aether too...and he could never forgive himself if something were to happen to him. It's not only his duty to keep him safe, but he's the most important person in the world to Childe.]

Alright.

[He'll agree to that much, but he'll make sure that nothing happens to himself. The prince jumping in because of something going wrong isn't something Childe can afford right now, not until he really understands this entire situation.]

Let us rejoin the others, now. They'll become worried if we tarry here any longer.

[After doing a quick sweep with his eyes of the area, he leans over to plant a soft kiss to the prince's forehead, keeping his expression soft.]

I know it'll be next to impossible to enjoy the rest of the night, given what we've learned tonight...but we must make it seem like nothing is amiss. At least, we can take comfort that killing one of us isn't in their plans for the time being, so the remainder of the night can be celebrated safely.

[Not that he wants to do that, he'd rather confront the one plotting all this immediately. But that's not how things work.]

[There's a soft sigh from him, when he feels that tiny kiss. Calm washes over him, if only for this single moment. Everything will be okay, because his knight promised and because he knows that the prince will endanger himself if harm befalls Childe.

But then again, his knight always keeps promises.]

It'll be difficult to enjoy anything, but... you're right. I also believe that they won't do anything more tonight.

[He moves away, reluctant and painfully aware that it may be for the best to keep some distance from the knight for the time being. They're being watched and it's hard to guess where exactly the spies are hiding. Once everything is over he'll make it up to Childe, but now... now it's best to be extra careful.]

Let's go.

[He turns to head back to the ballroom. They need to assure Elise and Luke that everything is well.]

[It's a terrible feeling to have to part from Aether this way, turning himself to walk back with the prince to the ballroom. Elise and Luke, having sensed that something was wrong, haven't done any dancing of their own, only standing and waiting for the two of them to return. Childe smiles brightly at them, though he's perfectly aware that the other two are suspicious of the man that had made Aether so uncomfortable. He has to put on a facade anyway, because the less they know the better. It's not as if there's anything more that they could do to make the situation worse.]

Sorry for taking so long, [he begins,] that small moment out was nice to clear my head. You two didn't happen to grab the two of us some drinks, did you?

[Luke nods, handing a glass to each of them filled with champagne, to which Childe happily accepts his and downs the entire glass in one gulp with a satisfied sigh after.]

Sir Childe, we were hoping to have a toast to a bright future but...

Then I'll just have to get another glass, [he replies,] this isn't very strong anyhow. The night certainly would be far more interesting if we had some good vodka, wouldn't you say?

Edited (omg my html) 2022-10-16 19:46 (UTC)

[Aether just nods, trying to smile everything away just as much as Childe does.]

Fresh air really helps a lot.

[But obviously nobody is fooled among them. The smiles are only for those around them to make them think that everything is okay. Elise understands that much, so she doesn't say anything either, only gives Aether a glass as well and tries to put a cheerful expression on her own face.

They're all struggling.]

A toast sounds nice... but Childe...

[There's a bit of worry showing again in his eyes. He hopes his knight isn't trying to get drunk to dull the emotions and stress of the evening.]

Hm?

[Childe raises his eyebrows, but he sees that look in Aether's eyes. He's worried that he's going to get drunk, probably. It wasn't something he planned on, but being a little loose sounded like a good idea either way.]

You're worried I'm going to drink myself silly, right?

[It might upset the prince if he does though. Childe sighs, eyes softening for a moment. He won't; the last thing he wants to do is make any of the three around him upset at this point.]

Allow me two more, Prince Aether. I won't have any more than that. I promise.

[Childe understands his worries well and Aether is grateful for it just as much as he's grateful the knight does everything to alleviate those worries.]

...That's fine. [He nods firmly, before he goes to get a drink for Childe himself. After handing it to his knight, Aether sighs to clear his head, then raises up his glass for a cheer.]

Let's have a toast to a bright future.

[May all their wishes come true and the dark clouds disappear.]

[Aether's knight takes the drink, holding it up to toast. A bright future...he'd fight for that, certainly. It would be more than bright, it would shine like the sun that was his prince. If he's got anything to say about it, at least.]

------

[It's a week or two later when there's a light knock at the prince's chamber door, and Childe doesn't wait for Aether to answer it before he slips inside. He's dressed very casually for the night, very much like the first time he'd ended up in the prince's bed.

It's been a stressful last few weeks. Getting missives from their enemies has been bad enough, let alone the things they'd been asking him to do in preparation for their plan against the king. Childe had done as they'd asked, even if it tore at him to think he was doing something in betrayal of the king. But it was necessary, and he knew it- he just needed to figure out a way to stop it.

But tonight is a night he wants to use to unwind, and there's nothing better than bothering his favorite person in the world to do so. Childe is very unapologetic for letting himself in, but he's sure ultimately, the prince won't mind.]

Don't mind me, I thought I'd stop by for a bit. Certainly you can make some time for your knight?

[The next weeks were difficult, with Aether remembering about the looming threat but unable to do anything about it. He promised not to get involved and trusted Childe with handling everything, yet worry was still gnawing at him.

But tonight, perhaps he'll get to forget about his worries. Maybe.

His eyes open wide when he sees Childe slipping inside to his chamber. Aether himself is dressed light, ready to fall asleep in his neatly made bed. He didn't even consider that his knight could come visit... even though he missed him terribly.]

Childe, b-but...

[Aether rushes to the door, opening them to peek outside. The corridor is completely empty with no traces of anyone nearby. Once that is checked, the prince locks the door, before turning to Childe again. His brows curve up with worry.]

What are you doing here? Shouldn't we be careful... because of you-know-what.

[He's not even sure if he should talk about this. Still, even without an enemy on the horizon, they would still need to be more careful.]

[Childe watches Aether check the hall, knowing that he would find no one. The knight had been careful slipping in, making sure he'd been alone. He expected this worry from the prince, so the knight only smiles in return, stepping forward to pull Aether into him in a warm embrace.]

It's hardly worth worrying about this point. If they already know, hiding it does nothing.

[He'd missed this closeness, it's felt like ages since he was last able to hold Aether in his arms. Childe doesn't let go for several moments, soaking in the prince's presence and closing his eyes as his head falls to touch Aether's own.]

Besides, I couldn't stay away any longer. Another moment more would be too torturous than I was willing to suffer.

[Aether blinks in surprise when he's pulled close, but truth to be told - he missed this. He missed how warm and welcoming Childe's embrace is, so he's quick to relax and wrap his arms around the other. He does have a point anyway.]

Well... I can't argue with that.

[He nuzzles his head against the other, holding tighter.]

I've missed this, too.

[He breathes in and out, eyes closed as they both stay like this for another moment. It almost makes him wonder how he managed to survive without feeling his knight so close.]

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