Criston just picked the wrong bratty Targaryen tbh because Aegon dropped everything and escaped with the first weirdo that asked him to run away with him
Warnings: Aegon needs a hug, loss of a child, the death of Jaehaerys, hurt/comfort, drunkenness, first kisses, cheating/infidelity.
Summary: Aegon knew that he was growing increasingly difficult to keep up with these days. Criston looked more tired than he ever had, but Aegon didn't know what else to do with himself now.
Words: 784
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Aegon's chest was tight enough it nearly hurt. Most other things had been eased with too much wine, but this loss hadn't diminished in any way. He didn't understand how he was meant to just go on without his son. Time passed and everyone seemed to insist he should be healing from it, yet the wounds were still fresh.
He knew it was making him increasingly difficult to keep up with. Criston looked tired when helped him back into his chambers, urging him away from heading to a tavern.
"You've had enough for the night, Your Grace. Let me help you to bed," Criston kept his voice even, but it still enraged Aegon.
"I want another drink," Aegon insisted, stumbling into his chambers.
"You can have one here," He tried to compromise.
Aegon wanted to scream at him. He'd been too busy to protect his child, but not too busy for this? He had hated Criston for some time. It had faded, though. He sought out anything to blame, anything to direct his anger at. Killing the ones responsible hadn't managed to bring him peace.
Aegon moved to pour himself another cup. His hands shook, emptying the rest of the wine out. Criston stayed close, hovering over him like he was helpless. He could feel his eyes watching him the entire time. He ignored him in favor of downing the wine, hoping it might provide even some relief.
"There," Criston took the cup from him, placing it back down on the table and taking Aegon by the arm. "Now, let's get you to bed."
Aegon wanted to argue again, but his mind was becoming too muddled. He felt more than he thought, the wine doing nothing to settle his pain. His body hit the bed before he could understand what was happening. Criston's hands were firm but gentle as they found his shoes first. He removed them for him and then continued moving up his body, helping him out of his clothes to make sure he was more comfortable in bed.
Aegon was surprised by it. This was far from part of Criston's responsibilities, he had plenty of people that were meant to do things like this. Though, Criston did it without being asked. He finished and gathered every piece that he'd taken off, intent to put them somewhere safe and out of the way.
"Cole," Aegon murmured, his own voice seeming so far away.
His head snapped up immediately, those bright eyes focused on him. He seemed worried he might have done something wrong. At times, he could be so terribly endearing. Aegon leaned down far too quickly, nearly toppling out of his bed completely. Hands found either side of Criston's face, connecting their lips rougher than intended. He only kissed him for a moment before Criston forced him to sit back a bit.
"Your Grace…" Criston's voice was unsure. "You have your wife."
"And you have my mother," Aegon told him as though it was simple.
Before Criston could answer him, Aegon closed the gap again. This time, Criston didn't push him away. His hands hesitated for only a second. They found Aegon's arms and eased him back, breaking the kiss only occasionally as he helped him lay fully on the bed. Criston slipped into bed alongside him, though he didn't settle on top of him like he had hoped.
Instead, he rested next to Aegon. Aegon pressed to his front the best he could, hoping to encourage Criston, but arms wrapped around him and just held him still.
"Fuck me," Aegon urged once the kiss was broken again and his eyebrows tightened when Criston shook his head. "Fuck me," His words were more demanding now, giving less room to argue.
"I will not," Criston murmured. "Not when you're like this. If you still desire it tomorrow when you're sober and feeling a bit better then I'll give it to you."
Aegon let out a pathetic noise, a whine that caught in his throat halfway. He would deny making any kind of sound similar to it if it was brought up again. Criston said it so definitively, certain and assertive about it. With the alcohol settling heavily in his system, Aegon found it too difficult to argue about it.
Instead, he squirmed until he could wrap his arms fully around Criston. He was warm against him, solid and comforting. He supposed this would be good enough for now. Come tomorrow, he would hold Criston to his promise. Criston's hands curled around him in return, strong and comforting as he touched him. A soft kiss was pressed to Aegon's throat and Aegon exhaled. Perhaps this was enough for tonight, the rest could wait.