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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[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.]

[It's unfortunate that he can't stay this way with him forever, his head moving to hang over Aether's shoulder as he presses the side of it against the prince's head. It's as if he can feel some of the stresses of the last few weeks or so flood out of him, exhaling heavily as he reluctantly breaks from the embrace. It's alright, he's got the rest of the night yet.]

Come. I'd like to sit for a while, if you don't mind.

[Childe's hand slides into Aether's, tugging him along towards the bed, already thinking about changing his mind if he wants to lie down or sit. He only lets go of Aether once they get to the bed to remove his boots- but he looks like he's ready to relax, his mind feeling as if its wound far too tightly for his liking.]

Have you been well? I know we haven't had much time for each other since the ball. I'll admit, I've been far busier than I anticipated.

[Aether can almost feel the stress emanating from his knight. Whatever was happening, it's been taking a toll on Childe. Worried, the prince starts running his hands up and down the other's back to relieve some of that stress.]

Of course. We can sit for as long as you like.

[He lets Childe lead him towards the bed and he's quick to take a seat beside him, still close, once the other settles. His hands find Childe's as Aether listens to his knight.]

I've been well. Everything... has bee very quiet recently. But I'm guessing the same can't be said for you.

[He doesn't hide concern from his face.]

[Though it's not as if he's been trying to hide it, he knows even if he had that Aether would see right through him and know that he was stressed. That the preparations asked of him went against every principle and moral he stood for, as strange and sometimes twisted as they could be. The knight's shoulders sag for a moment, hating the position he's been put in, but glad also for having someone to be able to vent his frustrations out with.

One that understands him better than anyone else, and one that he doesn't have to hide himself from.]

Haha, yes, it's been quite the opposite for me. The strings I've had to pull as part of the requests to set up the attempt on your father's life...it burns me deeper than I could ever describe. Every word I utter feels like treason.

[Childe's face scrunches up, trying to tell himself that all he does now will be undone by his own hand. That it's all for the safety of the king, and for Aether. He squeezes the prince's hand, letting a little more stress go with the action.]

[Aether understands that it must feel horrible to do these things and he feels anger arising inside him that the conspirators dare to play with his knight like this. He hopes they will be punished accordingly once they are caught.

The prince squeezes Childe's hands back, trying to reassure him.]

I know it must be very difficult for you... But I trust you. I know that you will teach them a lesson.

[He leans close, brushing a small kiss to his knight's cheek.]

And I'll be always by your side. If I can do anything to make you feel better and take that stress away, just tell me.

[A soft smile spreads across his face. It's not often that Childe is ever pushed to this point, where his confidence is tested to its limit and worry creeps in like it is now. But when it comes to scheming like this that he has no control over...it angers him. He can't face this kind of challenge head on, and he swears when this is over he'll make them pay for this.

Childe sighs, leaning into Aether, thankful for the comfort.]

Just be with me, for a while. That alone means more than you know.

[The knight buries his face into the crook of the prince's neck, planting soft kisses while he rests there. The solidness of his presence helps soothe Childe further. He is trying to forget about the current predicament they're in, at least for the moment, so anger doesn't overtake him when he thinks about it too much.

This little bit helps, and he's thankful for it.]

[The helplessness is weighting on both of them and the prince sighs softly wishing that he could find the culprits and bring them to justice this instant. They threaten his father's life, they try to manipulate him and now they make his dear knight feel so awful. It's truly unforgivable.

This moment, now that they're together is much needed for both of them. Aether wraps his arms around Childe and runs his hands in circles over his back, trying to comfort him. At the same time, he relaxes when he feels those soft kisses against his skin.]

I'll be with you for as long as you need it, not just for a while.

[He shifts to brush another kiss to his knight's cheek, before he relaxes against him again, head resting on Childe's shoulder.]

I'll always be here for you, anytime you need me.

[He needs a few minutes more resting like this.

Childe nuzzles his face into Aether's neck, taking deep breaths and breathing in his scent, the faint smell of lavender filling his nostrils. He finds it far easier to let his mind wander from thoughts of the tasks he had to complete, and Aether's words seem to have an ever more relaxing effect on him. The knight's shoulders relax, the kiss on his cheek leaving a tingling sensation that remains even after his head rests on his shoulder.]

Anytime?

[Because that time is definitely now, as Childe lifts his head from Aether's neck and greedily pushes his face into the prince's, nuzzling it up to capture his lips in a deep, needy kiss. He wants to forget about the day and drown himself in his lover, his mouth opening to let his tongue dance with Aether's, pressing his weight against him.

Maybe he was a little touch-starved too, but what does that matter now that he has Aether right here with him.]

[He lets a soft surprised sound when his mouth is captured so suddenly, but his lips part easily, allowing their tongues to meet. They both missed each other's presence and warmth, and Childe is not the only one who may be touch-staved here. Under the weight that is pressed against him, Aether lays down on the soft mattress and pulls his knight on top of him, holding him tight and close. To relax, to forget about the struggles. They both need this.

Aether gasps when the kiss ends, taking a few deep breathes before he finally looks up at the other and smiles.]

That's right... anytime. [He laughs, softly. A blush is bright on his cheeks and his loose, golden hair are splayed all around his head.

It doesn't take him long to lean up and pull his knight into another kiss as his hands move down to the other's hips and caress his sides with delicate fingertips.

Relax. I'm here for you, for as long as you need it.]

[Childe easily falls atop Aether, being pulled onto him as he deepens their kiss, melting as he lets go of the remaining stress and worry that plagues him. This is what he wanted this meeting to be, something that he could lose himself in, albeit brief in the span of things.

It makes him beyond happy to be able to gaze down at Aether this way, returning the gesture with a soft smile before he's brought back down into another kiss, hands soothing his nerves as they dance on his hips and sides. Childe can feel his body relax under Aether's soft touch, his own hands both cupping Aether's face as he kisses him slowly, each caress more mesmerizing and sweet.

It's hard to pull away, but he finally does, sighing as he catches his breath.]

If only you could stop time for me, among all the power you have as prince of this nation.

[Then he could spend as much time as he wanted with him without having to worry about obligation and duty.]

[There's a soft sound forming in the back of his throat, as he's enjoying every moment of their connection, every sweet affection. He sighs, content, when they part from the kiss, but it really is so difficult to stop. His hands continue to trail patterns into the other's sides, fingers sneaking softly under the fabric of his knight's shirt.]

I wish I could... I really am not that powerful.

[If he was, he would make the night last forever as they melt into one another, soaking in warmth and love.]

Sometimes I feel like I don't have much power at all...

[His words come quiet, but there's still a soft smile on his face. As long as he has enough of power to protect those he cares about, then he doesn't mind. As long as he can make his knight smile, then it's also enough.

...Right now, he can't achieve either of these things as long as the schemers are around, but at least he still has enough power to sooth Childe's nerves.]

[As he gazes down into Aether's eyes, he understands that his prince must feel so powerless right now in this situation, despite the smile he wears. He wishes it didn't have to be this way. So he leans down, pressing a soft kiss to Aether's lips, before rolling off of the prince to lie down at his side. Childe presses himself into Aether's side, letting an arm drape over his lover as he sighs with content.]

Well, you have enough to keep me here. Surely that should be enough for now.

[He nuzzles his head into him, much happier now in this position than he was before he'd come to see Aether.]

You know, [he muses,] now would be the perfect time to slip out of the castle. We could travel to the nearest village, and enjoy our night without the watchful eye of the knights.

[Having Childe so close is working wonders on Aether himself. The knight makes him feel calm and content, and his every little kiss and act of affection is bringing a smile to the prince's lips. Aether nuzzles right back into him, grasping the knight's hand and holding it close to his heart.]

You want us to run away together? [He asks, laughing softly.] That's a tempting idea.

[He wants to do it. He wants to be with Childe, he wants no one to disturb them.

Sneaking away into the night sounds like something they both really need now.]

Edited 2022-11-14 20:40 (UTC)

[The knight ponders on it for a few moments. He's so relaxed and comfortable right here in bed with Aether, but at the same time the idea of having a small adventure together into the night sounds like a lot of fun too. They wouldn't have to be their official selves, just two people enjoying themselves. That seems like an even rarer commodity than being able to sneak in and pour love and affection all over the prince.

Childe sits up, planting his hands behind him as he grins back to Aether. He's into this idea now. This would be fun.]

Why don't we? There's nothing stopping us.

[There's a mischievous glint in Childe's eyes; whatever they do, it'll be filled with something unknowable.]

Let's get dressed and go. Being cooped up here all the time just to enjoy each other's company isn't a life I want to lead.

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