Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/
works/2153799.
  Rating:
      Explicit
  Archive Warning:
      Underage
  Category:
      F/M
  Fandom:
      Game_of_Thrones_(TV), A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire_-_George_R._R._Martin
  Relationship:
      Sandor_Clegane/Sansa_Stark, Sandor_Clegane_&_Sansa_Stark, Arya_Stark/
      Gendry_Waters, Arya_Stark_&_Gendry_Waters, Khal_Drogo/Daenerys_Targaryen,
      Jon_Snow/Ygritte, Grey_Worm/Missandei, Shireen_Baratheon/Bran_Stark
  Character:
      Sansa_Stark, Sandor_Clegane, Gendry_Waters, Arya_Stark, Khal_Drogo, Jon
      Snow, Daenerys_Targaryen, Ygritte, Shireen_Baratheon, Margaery_Tyrell,
      Grey_Worm, Missandei_(ASoIaF), Podrick_Payne, Bran_Stark, Myrcella
      Baratheon, Robb_Stark
  Additional Tags:
      Alternate_Universe_-_High_School, Age_Regression/De-Aging, Teen_Romance,
      High_School
  Stats:
      Published: 2014-08-17 Updated: 2015-11-30 Chapters: 119/? Words: 415860
****** Song of Southron County ******
by cherubicwindigo
Summary
     Sheltered home-schoolers, sophomore Sansa and freshman Arya enroll in
     Kings High after moving to Kings Landing with their father. First
     crushes, burly jocks, muscly nerds, creepy teachers, skinny dipping,
     underage drinking, and even some DnD! What's not to love?!
     {Teen!Sandor}
Notes
See the end of the work for notes
***** First Day, First Meetings *****
Chapter Notes
     This fic contains explicit sexual descriptions about underage minors.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
                          [First Day, First Meetings]
SANSA
She arrived early on her first day and had already walked into two different,
completely wrong, offices. The gymnasium halls remained empty of students, so
there were no helpful sources to ask for directions. Sansa turned the map,
printed on the back of her schedule, and tried to make sense of the tiny boxes
labeled with letters and numbers. The map key was illegible, printed with
exasperating tiny font. A light glowing at the end of the darkened hall
beckoned and she balled the map into a fist of determination.
"Ms. Tarth?" Sansa stood in the doorway, stuffed the schedule into her bag, and
smoothed her vibrant cerulean vest. First impressions are everything so she
dressed to impress! The vest highlighted her eyes while the bright yellow top
beneath enhanced her red tresses. An impossibly tall and athletic woman sat
behind a desk inside the volleyball coach's office. Her cropped platinum blonde
hair curled around her ears, not feminine in a traditional way but still
pretty. The coach glanced up to reveal stunning cheerful sapphire eyes and an
uncertain perky smile.
"Yes?" Ms. Tarth seemed caught off-guard at her arrival as she gestured towards
the seat in front of the desk. "Come in, have a seat." She shuffled a few
papers and set them aside before look of understanding dawned on her kind face.
"Oh, you must be Sansa Stark, the principal spoke with me about you." It felt a
little embarrassing that anyone made a fuss because her father worked for
Robert Baratheon, but it proved useful.
"Thank you so much," she hung her cream backpack on the back of the chair
before sitting. "You have no idea how much it means to me that you would give
me a personal tryout for the team." The move to Kings Landing was exciting but
it meant having to leave her old team and friends behind. The year would be
ruined if she did not get to play volleyball, it was her one escape. Volleyball
was also the one reason to value being freakishly tall for a teenage girl. She
tried to hide the desperation likely showing on her face by returning the
coach's lively smile.
"No trouble at all," coach folded her hands on the desk, "you only missed
official tryouts by a week. First practice is today, come play with the team
and we'll consider that your tryout." That was extremely generous and she was
once again thankful for her father's connections. Principal Varys already
greeted her and Arya personally when they arrived for their first day. The
Baratheon name held a lot of weight in Kings Landing. Sansa grew ever more
curious about Joffrey Baratheon, the oldest son of father's boss.
"That is very kind, Ms. Tarth, I will try my best," she promised. Sansa would
work even harder this year, never too early to make an impression on college
scouts. It would mean the world if she could manage to pay for at least some of
her future university costs. There was a sizable fund her set aside by her
grandparents, but it would feel good to do something on her own. Her secret
dream was to get a full scholarship and convince nana and papa to let her spend
the money on a fairytale wedding. She had it all planned, the dress, cake,
flowers, four-week Cancun honeymoon. Eve-ry-thing.
Sansa even had some vague notion of what her prince charming looked like,
handsome of course. And brave, and gentle, and strong... like daddy. Maybe it
would sound gross to some other people but she really wanted the kind of love
her parents had. Less kids though, maybe two or three, not five. Being the
'middle child' is that much worse when you have to share the position. This
year... would be different! This year, she would find a boyfriend. Her
fingernails bit into her palms as she clenched her fist, alerting her back to
reality.
"You best get going before the bell rings." Coach Tarth interrupted her dreamy
space-out time and Sansa flushed with embarrassment. "I will see you later on
today at four." Collecting her bag, she flung it over one shoulder and started
backing away and stammering her goodbye.
"Thank you again, see you then-" At first she thought she backed into the wall,
except it wasn't quite that hard and it was... warm?! "Oh!" Sansa turned around
quickly, nearly losing her balance as the man she bumped into grabbed her elbow
to steady her. "I'm sorry, sir!" She realized she was addressing his chest so
she looked up and could not hold back her gasp of horror. His face was scarred
on one side, a horrible burn covering his right cheek and trailing up his
forehead onto his scalp.
He appeared young, overlooking his disfigurement, despite being the tallest
person she'd ever seen! And the biggest! Sansa averted her rude stare from his
scarring to his red jersey, obscured beneath his black sleeveless shirt. His
arms were huge and heavily muscled, and it seemed to take forever to scan the
breadth of his shoulders and chest. Sansa fleetingly wondered if his baggy
clothes hid an equally sculpted form. He looked like a life-size statue of
David come to life... only slightly damaged.
"I ain't no 'sir'," his rough voice growled low, sending a tremor up her spine
and she felt her jaw gaping so she snapped it shut. "Do I frighten you so much,
girl?" Sansa noticed he still held her elbow and they stood so close that their
bodies nearly touched. Her breathing and heart raced and her face burned with
shame that she let her eyes devour the broad expanse of his chest and thick
arms. Unable to stop herself she looked back up at his pitiful face to see his
previous irritation replaced with mocking. He was making fun of her!
"Mr. Clegane! Unhand Miss Stark and tell me why you're darkening my door."
Coach's voice pulled Sansa out of her trance-like state. She took a step back
from this overwhelming 'Clegane' person. It was almost disappointing when he
let her arm go, a momentary thought flashed of him pulling her closer instead
of pushing. Shocked by her shameless imaginings, she never regretted being
home-schooled more. Clearly her brain was damaged from lack of interaction with
boys not related.
"Miss Brianne." His gaze lingered on Sansa before he lazily let his eyes slide
to coach Tarth, a mocking smirk scrunching the unburnt side of his face. Freed
by his distraction, she gave into the urge to examine him further. Standing on
his uninjured side, he was attractive despite a few blemishes. He probably did
not even notice the few red dots on his face, the thought made her sad for him.
Although, from her first impression on him, she doubted Mr. not-a-sir Clegane
wanted her pity. His dark coarse hair was shorn short, doing nothing to hide
his damaged face and scalp.
"That's 'Ms. or coach Tarth' to you, Clegane." The way coach Tarth addressed
the young man made it obvious he was a student, albeit a massive one. He
towered over her, a difficult feat considering she was taller than most boys
her age. She actually enjoyed being on eye-level with most grown men, until it
attracted too much attention. Sansa fiddled with her bag as she stepped back
from the tall boy, pretending not to be listening to their conversation.
"Why you gotta be like that to me, Miss Brienne?" Sansa almost laughed at the
whining tone Clegane adopted, totally at odds with his size and arrogant
attitude. "I'm only here because coach Selmy wants to know when you need the
field next week for cheer tryouts." He spoke as if he was explaining something
obvious to a child, totally exasperated.
"Nice try, young man," coach Tarth rose from her chair to her impressive full
height and crossed her arms. For once in her teenaged life, Sansa felt somewhat
short! "I don't need the entire basketball team distracting the students who
try out." Ms. Tarth was even less used to looking up to someone than Sansa,
irritation written all over her face. "They are fellow athletes, your
classmates, and deserve common courtesy."
"Sure," Clegane rolled his eyes, something catching his attention. "Athletes,
right." Distracted, he took a step towards the door to study a golden flyer
taped to it. He suddenly ripped the page from the door and smiled at coach
Tarth. "I think I have everything I need." Then he fixed his dark grey eyes on
Sansa, raking them up and down her body, paying her back for her gawking. He
met her gaze again and nodded a goodbye before stalking out the door, hands
shoved in his pockets.
The bell rung, startling Sansa, so she tossed a quick smile and wave at Ms.
Tarth. She darted out the office and nearly ran into Clegane again, for the
second time she was surprisingly disappointed. To avoid her crashing into him,
he stepped back and leaned against the wall. He somehow managed to look
dangerous with his hands stuffed his worn jean pockets. His snorted scoff made
her realize she was scrutinizing his impressive height and bulk again.
"Not exactly top secret material." He smirked and held up the yellow sheet in
victory, it had a pom-pom clip-art in the middle and 'Cheer Squad Tryouts'
printed in bold on top. Poor Ms. Tarth, she did not stand a chance against a
determined teenage boy. Sansa lived with a few teenage boys; they are the most
relentless creatures alive. Arya pretty much counted as a boy too. She could
not wait to live in a dorm room with all women. "Will I be seeing you at the
tryouts, Miss Stark?"
"Oh," Sansa didn't know what to say, caught off guard by his question. "I'm
new," which really had nothing to do with what he'd asked her, "and I've never
cheered before." She felt totally awkward and mumbled her answer, getting
quieter with each word. He pushed off the wall and stepped toward her to lean
closer to hear. A most curious sensation of being magnetized towards him pulled
on her body and moved her feet to step nearer as well.
"It's not hard," he smiled, twisting his face and drawing attention to his
scars. He seemed to observe her fighting to control her staring with amusement.
"You just have to be pretty - which you are already doing right now." It
surprised her how much his 'compliment' pleased her. Case closed; she had
unquestionably cracked from lack of male interaction. Or maybe it had something
to do with how small and feminine she felt next to him. Whatever it was, it
made her stomach flutter and her face redden furiously.
"Oh. Th-thank you," gods, please help her stop stuttering like an idiot. She
didn't know how to respond to his intimidating form of... flirting? Was he
flirting with her? Usually boys acted nice when they liked her but he made her
nervous and seemed to like doing it. Instead of being annoyed, she thought his
odd method strangely endearing.
"You should try it - I'd like to see you in the uniform." His brows waggled as
he observed at her embarrassed expression. "Red obviously looks good on you."
Sansa hoped he was talking about her hair but from the way he grinned at her
fresh blush, it was unlikely. They stood there, a breath's distance apart and
faces tilted toward each other. The second bell rang, making them both jump
apart, and at that moment coach Tarth stuck her head out of her office to scold
them.
"That's the bell ringing," she admonished, "get to class." Sansa froze, not
wanting to look back and see the disapproval on coach's face. She needed to
make a good impression if she was going to join the team! She scampered around
Clegane as he smiled at coach, the way he did it made it seem like he was
trying to look scary instead of nice.
"Bye, Miss Brienne!" He called a sing-song farewell to the coach before he
caught up to her in a few strides of his long legs. His thumbs hooked in his
pockets as his heavy booted footfalls fell in step with her quick pace easily.
"What's your next class - I can show you where it is?" Sansa appreciated any
help she could get; she never learned how to navigate a giant campus like Kings
High as a home-schooled kid.
"Thanks, I have..." Sansa pulled her printed schedule out of her pocket and
unfolded it before finding the answer. "Mr. Pycelle for Physics," she read off
of her schedule, squinting to read the impossibly small text. She replaced the
paper in her pocket, relieved to see him nodding in understanding. The enormous
campus of Kings High proved more challenging than she anticipated.
"Damned lucky - I'm on my way to the science building for Anatomy." His giant
shoulders drooped and he kicked his heel against the ground as he ambled next
to her. "I have to pass this time to have enough Science credits." He sounded
annoyed, like attending school was not a privilege, instead treating it like a
chore. She bristled, hating the stereotypical jocks who blew off academics like
they were irrelevant.
"It is practical for an athlete to learn human physiology," she informed him.
"I know from first-hand experience that my serve is better for it." She blushed
when she realized she was lecturing again, it was a bad habit of hers. 'Mother
Hen' is what her tutor, Ms. Mordane, called her whenever she felt Sansa was
sitting too far up on her high horse. Too embarrassed to look at him, she
stared down at her adorable tan boots with lace detail. A good buy... perfect
for her outfit, which took hours to put together last night.
"Volleyball?" He sounded distracted instead of irritated and Sansa let out the
breath she was holding. "Does this school even have a team?" That annoyed her
even further; she let out an aggravated groan and snapped her head in his
direction to catch his eye. Who did he think coach Tarth coached...? Oh gods,
he thought she was 'just' the cheer-leading coach and his lack of appreciation
bothered her.
"Gods," she sighed and shook her head. "Basketball players are always clueless
about their school's other sports." At his surprised expression, she made
another frustrated sound. "Except the cheerleaders, of course." It had to be
said; he obviously shared that common interest of his species. All the boys
loved a curvy cheerleader, not an awkwardly lanky volleyballer. Most guys' eyes
never went high enough to even look her in the eye, but Clegane's unbreakable
stare pierced her.
"I'll come watch - if you're going to play," his serious expression broke into
a grin. "I meant what I said about you joining the squad - you're the type to
fit right in with those girls." He looked down at his feet when she smiled
back, something she finally recognized as a sure sign of flirting. Sansa
decided to try flirting right back at him, doubting she was capable of
flustering the incorrigible giant.
"Why?" Her voice dripped with sweetness as she tossed her loose hair over her
shoulder and peeked up through her lashes. "Because all girls you think are
pretty should get along?" She actually considered what it would be like to be a
cheerleader before admitting it was impossible. "Honestly, between volleyball
and chorus I doubt I'll find the time."
"You sing, too?" He was amused by her again, inciting that fluttery feeling
once more, and she wondered if this guy might actually be a player. "Like a
real-life fucking Disney princess, do little birds help you get dressed in the
morning?" He really liked making fun of her, and if she was honest, she kind of
liked his teasing too.
"I'm going to take that as a compliment," Sansa held her chin higher, as if she
was above it all. He still saw the smile threatening to break her indifferent
expression.
"You would," he scoffed playfully as he stopped in front of a door. Before she
knew it, they arrived and she was yet again disappointed. "This is Pycelle's
class - see you around, little bird." He turned around to leave, seemingly not
as reluctant to part as she was.
"Goodbye," she called out to him, wanting to see if he would turn around, "nice
to meet you!" He did not look back, just took one hand out of his pocket, and
gave her a lazy wave. "Wait!" He turned at her call, a curious look on his
face, probably due to the strange urgency in her voice. "Um... I don't know
your name?" Sansa was curious and wanted to stretch their time together a
moment longer.
"They call me the hound," he rewarded her with his one-sided grin, even if it
was on the wry side. "Ask around about me and you'll rethink how nice it was to
meet me." The... hound? What kind of name was that?! The hound winked at her
then, still smirking, and it sent another shiver up her spine. She really had
gone boy crazy, she mused as she watched him strut away, an air of confidence
hanging over him. Maybe just the regular kind of crazy.
Chapter End Notes
     Hey-o! I'm taking a much-deserved break from my 'More Than a Number'
     series after losing some of my mojo. I needed something light(er) to
     take the edge off, so here's a High School AU! You're welcome. I also
     aged down Sandor... You're welcome again. For me it's a bit difficult
     to picture Sandor as a teenager. So, as far as this story is
     concerned I imagine a young Blake Griffin (why wouldn't I?).
     Basketball is pretty much the only sport that doesn't bore me to
     death.
     Blake Griffin:
     [http://th06.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2014/022/5/1/
     blake_griffin_game_of_thrones_wallpaper_by_michaelherradura-
     d738baq.jpg][http://37.media.tumblr.com/
     tumblr_m80i323rwe1rn5alno1_500.gif]
     That little sexy smirk! Somebody stop me!!!
***** You're Speakin' My Language *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                         [You're_Speakin'_My_Language]
                                    SANDOR
Leaning back in the tiny desk, he stretched his legs out as far as they could
go, taking up a shitload of room. Good, it kept his classmates and their
chatter away. He'd thought about sniffing out some more details about the Stark
girl when she breezed into the classroom like a mirage. Her bright blue eyes
swept over the room and landed on him, lighting with recognition. She smiled
and gave him a little wave before walking towards him - in his direction!
Sandor could watch her striped skirt swaying around her hips for the rest of
his life.
"Are the seats assigned," her voice was breathy as if she ran to the classroom,
"or can I sit here?" I got a seat for you right here, princess. No, seriously,
she was trying to sit next to him - on purpose?! That didn't make any fucking
sense. Hadn't he just harassed and mocked this girl, was she one of those types
that liked being treated like shit? Nah, 'Miss Stark' looked way too hot for
him to be that lucky. Sandor cleared his throat, realizing he was staring at
her expectant beaming smile.
"Sit, if you want," he gestured to the seat in front of him.
"Thank you so much!" The little bird let out a relived sigh, plopped down in
the chair, and turned around to face him. Her elbows braced on his desk and she
rested her chin on her hands. Sandor sat up a fraction straighter, trying to
catch a glimpse down her yellow blouse. "I was hesitant to sign up for this
class; my Spanish is already fairly good." She bit her lip and assumed a guilty
sheepish expression. "I thought I might need an easy class in case my honors
classes got to be too much."
"This is actually a good class, Mr. Forel is alright." High praise coming from
him, he called teachers out on their bullshit, same as the students. "He
doesn't care if you already know Spanish - nobody is as good enough for him.
He's one of those who never gives 100% on principle." Sandor snorted at the
very idea of even trying to get a perfect grade in a class. He eyed Little Miss
Perfect and thought she must be one of those dumb-ass suckers.
"I'm just glad I know someone, I haven't had much luck making friends." She
genuinely sounded distressed and Sandor almost - but not really - felt bad for
his snort of derision. The girl's pouty face was too much of a reward, her pink
lower lip stood out and her lashes narrowed. If she didn't want him to tease
her then she wouldn't look so pretty - pure logic right there. He might have
felt a little bit bad so he threw in a compliment - somewhat backhanded - to
soften his growls.
"That's because you're in advanced honors classes," he scoffed, "nothing but
nerds in those. That's why I suggested you join the squad - they're your type
of people." He smiled at the confused look on her face, she really couldn't be
that smart if she didn't know how fucking gorgeous she was. A natural beauty,
that's what she was, he couldn't see any makeup but her skin was flawless.
Obviously, her fiery hair was natural, like a fucking Disney princess. Why was
she sitting next to him? Always a possibility she was straight loony tunes, in
which case - bring on the crazy.
"And what exactly does that mean; my 'type' of people?" She had the nerve to
even sound offended, he laughed at her lip jutting out even further. Shouldn't
tempt a hound, girl - he might bite. Sandor was quick, they never saw him
coming on the court, as he leaned forward until their faces almost touched. The
girl gasped but did not pull away and it was almost too much of a temptation to
capture those parted lips.
"I mean, little bird, beautiful people." His voice was low but she heard every
word, to her credit, she kept eye contact with him. A pretty blush spread over
her cheeks and she quickly lost the battle of wills, lowering her eyes to study
the book on the desk. Sandor caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger
to pull her focus back up. He held her gaze a moment longer, trying to see
something in her eyes that resembled interest. The hum and bustle of the room
disappeared into a blurred haze, creating an atmosphere just around them.
"Would you like to..." She was whispering but held Sandor's rapt attention, he
even held his breath as he waited for her to finish speaking. Stuttering for a
moment, the little bird closed her eyes and inhaled through her nose as a look
of determination set on her face. Blue eye popping open along with her mouth,
"would you like to-"
"Alright class, settle down." Whatever spell had overcome the girl was broken -
she spun away from him and focused on the teacher. Naturally, she was a model
student. "Ah, I see our new student has joined us. Welcome, Senorita Stark."
Forel smiled at the pretty little bird and Sandor pictured her giving their
teacher one of her bright smiles. He curled his lip in disgust at her goody-
two-shoes act and slunk down in his chair. His leg sprawled out into the aisle
between the desks, one large boot serving as a fire hazard.
"Gracias, Senor Forel." Chirp-chirp. The little bird was such a little brown-
nosing nerd. Sandor watched her eagerly sit up straight, her tapered waist
arched. If he sat forward, he would have a nice view of slim calves crossed
beneath her chair. Hot little nerd, he amended, contemplating trying to scoot
his desk for a better angle. He hated her loose-fitting clothes for concealing
her curves, but a few secrets made her even more appealing.
"Excellent pronunciation! Your friend, Senor Clegane could use some help with
his." Mr. Forel gave Sandor a look that told him to cool the eye-fucking of
Miss Stark. Sorry - I'm not sorry - she's the one who sat in front of the
hound. Forel addressed the class again, "I say it all the time: practice is the
only way to master Spanish fluently. Let's pair up and practice giving
directions." Sandor held his breath and tapped her on the shoulder, letting his
fingers brush her bare skin.
"Partner?" She turned around, asking the question he planned to ask, with a
sheepish smile but not quite able to meet his gaze. Averted eyes were something
he never experienced - except all the fucking time. Sandor was used to it, but
it felt like shit to have her avoid his face.
"You don't have to," he growled - hating himself for falling into his grouchy
fucking ways. "I'm sure any guy in here would probably kill to be your
partner." Sandor nodded to the hungry wolves staring at the new girl but too
afraid to approach because the hound would bite their heads off. "Hell,
probably a nice chunk of the girls too."
"Oh, you really take your teasing too far." She smiled and rolled her eyes -
like she 'got' him or something. As if she understood his personality and liked
it - liked him. The girl pulled a book out of her backpack - he guessed it was
this class's book because it had Spanish in it. Setting it on his desk, she
used her sparkly teal fingernail to scan the table of contents. Sandor wondered
if her toes were painted too... and what color her panties would be. "Found the
chapter," she proclaimed proudly.
"Yo sé cómo pedir direcciones." 'I know how to ask for directions'. Sandor
slipped a finger under the font of the book and closed it, leaning close to her
again. "Bella princesa, creo que sabes cómo también." 'Beautiful Princess, I
think you know how too'. She frowned at his words, surprising him - that wasn't
the reaction he wanted. Fuck, it's not like the hound knows how to chat up
pretty girls!
"Beautiful princess?" She sniffed and tossed her hair over her shoulder with
annoyance. He smirked at her adorable indignation at being compared to a
princess, because that's exactly what she was. Born in the wrong era... except
real princess were living bargaining chips and the fairy tales were bullshit.
She looked over her shoulder before nodding - a mischievous expression came
over her pretty face. "You're right, I know how to ask for directions. ¿Por qué
'princesa'?"
"¿Qué tal pajarito?" He liked the way 'little bird' sounded in Spanish - it fit
her perfectly in any language. "Better than 'bella princesa'?" Though it was
just as fitting to call her a beautiful princess, she was totally a little
bird. Innocent, sweet, fragile.
"Mi nombre es Sansa Stark," she insisted, tilting her head to one side. 'Sansa'
was the perfect name for her - it sounded like a rare flower. "¿Por qué es
'pajarito' mejor que 'princesa'?" Princesa is a good name for a little girl and
he did not see her as a 'little girl'. He'd been fighting some primal instinct
to grab her and steal her away for himself, like some kind of wildling. It was
more than just wanting her, he wanted to fuck any pretty girl, but she was
different - untouchable.
"Let some other guy call you 'princesa', mi pajarito." Sandor let his eyes roam
over every inch of her flawless beauty, seeing her blush again from his
attention. "I want to call you something no one else will." Damn it to all
hells, he damn well knew he wasn't teasing her or trying to make her
uncomfortable. He was flirting - the hound doesn't flirt! Her blue eyes
suckered him in, making him pretend he knew how to talk to stunning princess-
type girls.
"What about you? ¿Cuál es su nombre?" She smiled and rolled her spectacular
eyes, "El Sabueso?" 'The hound' in Spanish did sound badass - he might actually
like it if she called him that. Sandor returned her annoyed stare with a wide
grin and shook his head while crossing his arms in a position of defiance.
"Come on," she whined in such an appealing way, "tell me! Te lo suplico!" When
she asked a question, Sansa's head tilted and her long fiery hair spilled
around her bare shoulders.
"I like hearing you beg, little bird," his voice rumbled low, sounding more
scary than seductive. She lifted a hand to cover her mouth, trying to look
shocked, but he saw the smile dimples in her cheeks. "Pajarito hermoso, quiero
escucharte cantar." Her hand fell as her lips parted and eyes widened, a rosy
flush covered her face. She seemed like the innocent type but she understood
perfectly what he meant by wanting to hear her 'sing'. The words were innocent
enough, but there could be no mistaking his tone.
"¿Qué canción debería cantar?" She was playing coy, asking 'what song' he
wanted her to sing. Her voice was low and quiet as she watched him through
hooded eyes - 'come fuck me' eyes. She leaned over her arms propped on his desk
- Sandor noticed how her tits rested on top of them. "Canciones princesas de
Disney?" She arched an eyebrow at him, touché little bird.
"I bet you know every fucking Disney song by heart," he taunted. She narrowed
her eyes and sat back with her arms still crossed under her chest, matching his
pose. It was getting increasingly difficult not to rip her clothes off and fuck
perfect Miss Sansa Stark right in the middle of class. Sandor couldn't remember
the last - any - time a girl had this kind of effect on him. A slow smile
curled on her perfect lips, finally nodding her head in agreement.
"You're right," she bowed her head with alluring shyness. "I'll sing you any
one you want, no charge." The little bird smiled and batted her long eyelashes
at him. Sandor had to resist the urge to look behind him to punch whoever she
must've been flirting with. He grinned, not caring how it twisted his face, and
gave her a decisive nod.
"I'll take you up on that, little bird." Sandor didn't want a fucking Disney
song, and she knew it, he could tell by the way she smiled and looked away.
Right? Damn this girl was hard to read. For his part, he didn't try to hide the
huskiness in his voice or even the fact that he was still trying to catch a
peek down her shirt. Short of telling her he'd like to fuck - thank you very
much - she'd have to be dense not to see it. Damn her straight-laced fashion
sense, she looked sexy even without showing off. He still wished she would lean
forward and let her blouse slip just a bit.
"I look forward to it..." She spoke shyly and he almost bluntly asked if she
was agreeing to fuck. "You really won't tell me your name?" If she called his
name... That would make it hard to pretend he just thought she was hot, to
ignore the pull she had on him.
"Nobody here even knows my real name," he sneered, annoyed she was making him
'feel' shit. "I'm just the hound." The hound doesn't 'feel', he acts. If they
weren't surrounded by other people he would already have the girl on her desk
with her long legs wrapped around his waist. The visual made him go hard and he
shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Damn her still smiling face, she knew
exactly what she was doing to him.
"It's like you said," she murmured, peeking through her lashes. "I want to call
you something no one else will." Damn, this girl knew how to knock the wind out
of a guy. Sandor knew he was staring like an idiot with his mouth hanging open
while she waited expectantly. Why was she so interested? Why was she acting so
nice? So that she can pretend they don't know each other once she meets people
on her level? He wasn't running a fucking charity for new kids who were lonely.
"Atención estudiantes!" Senor Forel just saved him from snapping at Sansa for
literally no good godsdamn reason other than his own insecurity. Shit, he was
jealous of people who didn't have to admit their own bullshit to themselves.
Sansa turned away reluctantly, making him feel even more like an ass. "Friday
there will be a quiz. Greyjoy, put your hand down. Yes, spelling will count,
stop asking."
The bell rang and Sandor ran like the coward he was, not pausing to say goodbye
or even looking back. The hounds of hell couldn't chase off Sandor Clegane, but
one leggy little bird was scaring the shit out of him. He broke into a full run
once he rounded the corner and pushed open the door to the campus grounds. The
locker room showers were always icy cold, that's just what he needed. His body
reflexively sprinted to the gym, those early morning sideline sprints paid off.
The gym was still empty since the second bell hadn't rung, so he headed
straight for the showers. He stripped his clothes, casting them on the ground
wherever and grabbed a towel. The shower stall was dark and smelled of chlorine
but it was comforting in its familiar discomfort. Cold water rained down over
his head - the dead patch on his scalp felt nothing and reminded him that he
was a monster. There was no way in any of the seven hells he could manage
getting a girl like Sansa Stark to go out with him on even one date.
And where would he take her? Some burger joint or some shitty movie he didn't
give a fuck about? Just so he could attempt to get her padlocked panties off?
Most girls ignore him, some wanted to fuck him - never 'date' him. Girls like
Sansa Stark... they normally couldn't even look at him. He ran his hand over
his face, the water rushed over his cooling body. Yeah he wanted her, but not
just for a fuck, he wanted to hold her hand and buy shit for her. This was
shaping up to be a nice relaxing year before perfect little Miss Sansa Stark
backed into him.
"Who's in here?" Coach Selmy called out, his voice echoing off every tiled
surface. Nothing like good old Selmy's monotone voice to kill a boner.
Finished, Sandor turned off the shower and grabbed the towel off the curtain
rod to wrap it around his waist.
"It's me, coach," he answered as he stepped out of the three square foot stall.
It always felt like he was packed in - good thing he wasn't claustrophobic -
Sandor only had one fear.
"Clegane," coach sounded surprised to see him, "don't you have a class?"
"I needed a shower," he squatted in front of his locker to pull out some fresh
clothes. "A little bird took a shit on my head." Not exactly the truth, but it
didn't feel like a lie either. Coach grunted, not looking up from scribbling in
his notebook, always trying to come up with a better play. Sandor dressed and
gathered up his discarded clothes to stuff them in the locker and close it up
with the heel of his shoe.
"Listen Clegane," coach looked up from his mastermind plans and eyed Sandor. "I
know things haven't been easy for you." The man cleared his throat, looking
about as uncomfortable as possible. "I want you to know, if you ever need to
talk-"
"The hound," he grinned at Selmy, "doesn't need to talk about his feelings."
Sandor picked up his books with one hand and waved goodbye with the other. "See
you around, coach!"
"Get to Class!" Selmy had to have the last word. Sandor contemplated skipping
the last few classes, both dreading and wondering if she might... Thinking
about that girl was a flat waste of time - she's one of 'them', not for him.
Sansa Stark... if a good little girl like that hears even half the shit he's
done - the fights, the drinking, suspensions. Hells! The only reason he hadn't
been expelled in the last four years was because he fucking carried the
basketball team! People only tolerated him for one reason - he moved the rock
and put it in the net.
If he could just finish this year and get a scholarship, that talent would get
him out of this shit city. Letting some pretty little girl mess up his mind -
he wasn't about to let that happen.
Chapter End Notes
     Sandor is so moody ^_^ and Sansa is dying to learn his name... What
     do you think she wanted to ask him before Senor Forel interrupted?
     The trouble's just begun! Next up! ARYA STARK! *And the crowd goes
     wild!*
     And this is a serious question now... Am I updating too often?
***** These Are My People *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                             [These_Are_My_People]
                                     ARYA
Arya Stark, model student - already skipping on her first day of school -
spotted a teacher heading her way and ducked into the nearest room. It was
empty and dark, except for a few desks piled on one side and a row of filing
cabinets on the other side. She was about to peek out to see if the coast was
clear when she noticed a light coming from a door across the room.
"Lightning!" A voice shouted from behind the door, drawing her attention. She
tiptoed nearer to the sound. A sliver of light poured into the dark entryway
through the cracked door open.
"Your spell hits," a quieter voice replied, "causing nine damage." Arya leaned
closer to the door to hear better, wondering what in the seven hells was going
on.
"Pod, stay back!" Another voice boomed from inside the room, startling her into
jumping - calm as still waters. "Let my hammer crush this fucker!" Arya was on
pins and needles! The suspense was killing her so she repositioned just a tiny
bit, straining not to move the door.
"Your warhammer smashes into the Brain Mole," the calm voice responded, "its
skull is split open."
"I eat the mole's brains," an extremely deep - and foreign voice - reached
Arya's ears. Something about that voice sent chills down her spine.
"Ugh, that's so gross," a new voice piped up, echoing Arya's thoughts.
"Tastes good," the deep voice rumbled with a dark chuckle. Engrossed in the
crazy conversation, Arya pressed her ear against it the door and it screeched
L-O-U-D. It got real quiet then - whoosh! Suddenly the door yanked open she
fell into the burly arms of a handsome young man with the bluest - sort of
totally pissed - eyes she'd ever seen. Shoving herself out of his grip, she
peeked around to see a group of five boys sitting around a table but the blue-
eyed boy quickly blocked her view. His big hand closed on her shoulder to turn
her around but she slipped under his arm and walked up to the table with
interest.
"What'cha guys doin'?" Five pairs of surprised eyes stared at her - one bright
blue pair glared. She couldn't help it - she was dying to know what they were
all up to.
"We're playing D&D," one shy boy answered. He had a friendly smile, which Arya
returned. She walked over to the helpful boy's side and looked down at the
sheet of paper he had in front of him.
"How's it played?" Arya picked up the paper, trying to make sense of the words
written down but it was all Greek to her. That same interfering blue-eyed boy
snatched the paper and slammed it down on the table, making the friendly boy
jump in his seat. She narrowed her eyes at the angry boy and was again startled
by how good-looking he was. Since when did she find boys attractive to
distraction?
"Look it up online," he huffed at her. Why was he such a grouch?!
"Gendry, that's not very nice at'all, she's jus' curious," the other round boy
stuck up for her. She crossed her arms defiantly at this 'Gendry' person but he
turned to look past his portly friends. "Drogo, you mind if she joins in?"
"No," the deep voice said. Arya jumped back when she noticed the huge man
sitting in the shadow, unsure how she missed His Giantness from across the
room. His answer sounded like a refusal but the two boys smiled at each other
like they won something.
"There, it's settled." A handsome boy with a dusky skin tone grabbed a chair
and walked it over to Arya while the boys who spoke up for her scooted to make
room. Gendry gave her one more glare before rolling his eyes and taking his
position at the other end of the table. Feeling badass, Arya audibly dragged
the chair over to Gendry's side and sat down right next to him with a wry
smirk.
"Teach me your ways, Obi Wan." Arya grinned at Gendry - who grumbled and handed
her a sheet of paper with a pen. "Thank you, kindly, milord," she sang. He
furrowed his brow and shook his head.
"No, I'm no lord," he scowled and pointed a finger at his chest. "Level 5 Human
Blacksmith: wielder of the Hammer of Ancients." Arya nodded - a bit dazed by
the authority he was speaking with. "Rather than explaining the game to you,
create a character and play with us." It surprised that he was suddenly so
inclusive. "Everyone, introduce your characters so she can get the idea.
Drogo?"
"Level 4, Half-orc Barbarian." Apparently, giant dude Drogo was clearly a
chatterbox. Gendry waved his hand at Drogo, as if telling him to go on and give
a few more details. Arya didn't personally go for the whole 'tall, dark, and
handsome' thing - this guy made it downright creepy. "The Undefeated," he added
after an awkwardly long pause. Okeydokey.
"I'm Torgo," The young man with a dark complexion gave Arya a shy pretty smile.
"My character is 'Grey Worm, the Unsullied'. Level 5, Psychic Warrior... oh,
and High Elf."
"Rick Payne, nice to meet you." Rick was a bit nondescript after a colossus
like Drogo and a beauty like Torgo - they should totally start a band. "Around
this table I'm called Pod Pipkins: Half-Elf Cleric of the Deity Sehanine. Level
5, Drinker of Ale, and Glutton of Hot Pie's cuisine." He clapped a hand on
shoulder of the portly boy next to him who had a mop of brown curls on his
cherubic face.
"Hot Pie." The second boy who stood up for Arya introduced himself. Was that
his character's name? "Level 4 Dwarf Fighter and Master of Cooking. I make a
stew out of giant spider haunches like you wouldn't believe." He's right, she
didn't believe it. Arya still hadn't made up her mind if this was the best use
of her time but it was rare that anything held her attention this long.
"And what about you, smiles?" She directed her question to the first one of the
group who accepted her. "What's your name and who is your character."
"I am Sam," he answered with a slight blush, "and would be a wizard if I wasn't
already the Dungeon Master. My job is to present the story to the adventurers
and act as a moderator of sorts," he explained. "Everyone reacts to the
situations I create, and the effectiveness of their actions are based on
rolling one or more dice. It's a fair bit more complicated than that but it's
more fun to pick it up as you play."
"Aright, I'm game, deal me in." Arya was willing to give it a shot, besides
these were the first people she actually talked to since she started school.
Unless yelling counted as talking, which she didn't think it did. "Wait! Just
checking - we're all skipping and breaking the rules right?" Everyone around
the table nodded again, some a little wary of her bluntness.
"Not me," Sam smiled sheepishly. "I only have one credit left before
graduating. I'm currently taking three separate art classes, trying to stretch
out the year." Arya threw her head back and cackled with laughter, she really
liked Sam a lot. He was going to be her best friend, she decided. "So, back to
the game. The first thing you have to do is create a character, if you could be
anyone who would you be?"
"Well, I'm already incredibly awesome," she made a show of brushing her
shoulders off. "I want to be sneaky like a cat - like an assassin!" Sam nodded,
writing down something on her piece of paper. "Also! I want a wolf that will
fight with me and follow my commands." This was getting pretty fun, she always
dreamed of growing up to be an assassin beastmaster. Sansa would call her
stupid for wasting time playing this game, which made it even better.
"Alright," Sam finished scribbling on the page. "How does this sound? You would
be an adventurous Halfling, small in stature but very quick. You wear a dark
tunic, breeches, and a cloak so that you can fade into the shadows, and your
hiding skills are exceptional. You'll be a Ranger, I think you'd be partial to
the bow and arrow, and when you make it to level 4 you can have your very own
wolf companion."
"Great," she grinned around the table at her new friends, "just call me 'Arry
Wolfborn'."
"You are alone in a small bare chamber," Sam's voice lulled her into the story.
"You see nothing but a large ironbound chest. It is big enough for a man to fit
inside and bears an iron lock. The floor has a layer of undisturbed dust upon
it..." Arry glanced around the dark room, tightening her fingers around her
dirk's hilt.
Not knowing how she came to be in the narrow space, escape did not seem an
option as there was no door. The chest itself appeared non-descript, she
approached it and inspected a blurred inscription. Unable to read it, she
tugged on the lock and the lid flew open! A swirling cloud of black fog gusted
around her head, whipping her short hair into her eyes. Laughter, dark and
mocking, filled her ears... or was it inside her mind?! Then the storm ended as
quickly as it began, just in time for the wall opposite the chest to burst
open.
"You fool!" Gendry roared, stepping over the rubble he created with his
warhammer. It hung heavy and menacing from his powerful hands. He removed his
polished steel helmet, shaped like a bull, to reveal a snorting red face
beneath it. "We've been chasin' that bloody bastard for a fortnight!" He
pointed his weapon, lifting its bulk without effort, with threatening intent
straight at her head. "And you go and free him!"
"I didn’t know," she shouted back, trying to brush past the rude human and his
companions but he held out his hammer to block her way.
"How do we know you're not in cahoots with that dark wizard?" He narrowed his
bright blue eyes at her, glittering with murderous spite. Arry scoffed at his
accusation - she didn't have time for this. Quick as a shadowcat she drew her
bow and aimed it at his unprotected temple.
"Get - out - of my way," she threatened. Gendry smirked, looking her tiny frame
up and down with a snort of derision.
"Anybody ever tell you to pick on people your own size?" Gendry look a step
towards her, aiming the arrow directly at center of his steel breastplate. His
armor appeared in immaculate condition and expertly crafted, too strong for her
arrows to pierce.
"Then I'd never get to pick on anyone," she taunted, pulling the arrow back
another fraction of an inch - Arry refused to back down. The High Elf stepped
forward to put a gloved hand on Gendry's shoulder. His lightweight leather
armor was all black and draped in an open black hooded robe that billowed
around him.
"Please," Grey Worm's calm voice appeared to cool Gendry's temper, "I can sense
her uncertainty and fear-"
"I'm not afraid," she cut him off, unwilling to let herself be painted as some
helpless little girl. Other races always saw Halflings as children - made going
to get a pint at the tavern mighty troublesome!
"She did not know the contents of the chest," Grey Worm continued, "I can sense
no dishonesty from her."
"I could've told you that," Arry relaxed her bow. "I have no idea how I even
got here - or even where 'here' is."
"We're in the Lightstone Stronghold." Pod explained as he approached, garbed in
a simple robe concealing light armor. "We chased Warlock Brawlis the Wrathful
here, after he stole the Ordovician Staff." Arry raised an eyebrow at the
Cleric's meaningless words and he blushed before stammering. "It allows the
owner to breathe underwater, but causes great pain when used."
"Sounds like a real treasure," she quipped, earning another scowl from the
blacksmith.
"It is: if you need to breathe underwater," a little red vein was popping out
of his forehead and Arry had to fight the urge to poke it. Gendry opened his
mouth to probably berate her some more when they were interrupted.
"We waste time," the giant shadow looming in the background was not even
noticed by Arry - who prided herself on being sneaky! The barbarian clad his
muscled body in heavy furred iron armor but kept his arms bare.
"Hot Pie," Gendry groaned, "was kidnapped by a bunch of mermaids who fell in
love... with his cooking." He swung his hammer over his shoulder and scowled at
her. "We needed the bloody staff to get him back!"
"Ah," she rubbed a hand through her hair, "and I mucked it up, didn't I?" Arry
squared her shoulders and made eye contact with each of them - including the
creepy guy in the back. "I will make it right, on my honor as a Wolfborn. I
will go with you to retrieve the staff and help you save your friend."
"That's mighty generous, milady," Gendry sarcastically sneered, "we can handle
it on our own."
"Actually..." Pod looked like he'd rather do anything else besides contradict
Gendry - the clear leader of the group. "If Brawlis went back to the Tower of
Shadows, a little Halfling could sneak in and take the staff from under his
nose."
"Oh, just that easy," she wasn't so convinced. "What's the catch?"
"She can't do it-" Gendry never got to finish his sentence and Arry had nothing
to do with it.
"Hot Pie is our COMRADE!" Drogo's face flushed with terrifying anger. "We go
save him now - she comes." He turned his massive body around and ducked under
the crumbled wall and into a hallway. Arry realized her earlier mistake -
Gendry wasn't the leader of this group after all. The hall opened into a
massive cavern with pale stalactites, like icicles dripping diamonds. The rock
formations glittered with ribbons of some kind of reflective metallic sediment.
"How are we going to get to this 'dark tower' place?" Arry marveled as the
beautiful cave opened into a marble fortress built into the face of The White
Mountain of Lightstone. It formed a massive shimmering structure from base to
spire. Pod laid a hand on her shoulder and pointed up at the inky dark tip of
the mountain.
"Brawlis is proud of his magic tricks," the Cleric's finger traced down the
side of the mountain to the winding staircase carved into the side. "He just
took the easy way up." Arry gaped at the insurmountable trek ahead.
"Even better," Gendry smirked and jerked his head up at the peak. "The steps
don't go all the way: you'll have to climb the last of it."
"Then that's exactly what I'm going to do." Arry pushed past Gendry and caught
up to Drogo, already taking the steps three at a time.
"We cannot go with you, Wolfborn." His deep voice rumbled and echoed off the
white stone of the fortress. "Get out if the danger is too great."
"It's a slice of elderberry pie," she waved a hand in dismissal of the giant's
worries. "I'm as quiet as a cat - no one will even notice I stopped by." They
hoofed it up the steps, which abruptly ended in a steep drop and climbing
became the only way to continue. She peered up at the black spire, surrounded
by clouds tossing out purple bolts of lightning. Then she looked down over the
edge of the endless precipice. "Maybe not so easy..."
"Show us how sneaky you can be, milady," Gendry gave her a lazy grin and a nod
of encouragement. She quirked her eyebrows at him with a smirk and he actually
blushed and looked away.
"I'm no lady," she declared, setting her foot in the first foothold up the
mountain peak. As she climbed, the smooth rock beneath her hands and feet
became rougher and jagged. A few times, she almost slipped but Arry finally
made it to the swirling black clouds surrounding the mountain peak. It turned
out to be neither a peak nor a mountain at all - it was a dormant volcano! The
very tip was open, creating a perfectly Halfling-sized opening into a
bottomless darkness below.
"Fear cuts deeper than swords," she muttered to herself before shifting her
body over the edge to hang by her hands. There was no way to descend the smooth
inside of the volcano - so only one way down. "Old Gods, protect me," Arry
never found much cause to pray but this seemed as good a time as any to start.
She let go... and landed on solid rock, tucking and rolling to soften the
landing. With no permanent damage done, she jumped to her feet and hugged her
body to the wall in the shadows.
The whole cavity was in shadow, only lighting up with eerie purple light with
every lightning flash, revealing a hatch in the center of the floor. She crept
towards the door, avoiding a pressure plate in her path and bent to slowly open
it. A loud creak from the hinges made her freeze, straining her ears to listen
beyond the endless storm above. A ladder led further down into a narrow cave
lit by only a few torches, and looked the opposite of the beautiful cavern
below.
Jagged onyx stalagmites covered the floor and poked the soles of her boots if
she did not focus on each and every step. Rocks and gravel beneath her made the
ground unsteady and each footfall announced her approach. Arry followed the
wizard's tracks deeper into the cave, straight to a hollowed out portion
arranged like a ritual burial chamber. As she peered into the eerily silent
cavernous chamber, a sense of foreboding tingled up her spine. She crept into
the room, toward a large altar that contained only two items.
The skull featured intricate symbols and runes she could not begin to decipher,
beside it lay the staff she sought. Carved from white driftwood, with a slight
bluish tint in the grain and a deep cobalt gemstone embedded in the center.
Arry reached out to grab the staff and dash away but could not shake the
feeling... those empty sockets were watching her. For some reason, her hand
diverted towards the grinning skull.
On gut instinct, she walked around the room and gulped as the fleshless head
slowly turned to watch her. Worth a shot, she stripped off her dark brown cloak
and draped it over the depthless sockets watching her. Victory within grasp,
Arry grinned as she curled her fingers around the staff. Mocking laughter
filled the chamber, echoing off the walls and stopping her heart cold. Her
cloak rose up over the altar, a black cloud of smoke curling out from under it
and taking shape - she didn't stick around to find out what.
Arry flew out of the room as fast as her little feet could carry her, not
bothering to avoid the jagged rocks beneath her soft leather boots. She
clutched the staff tightly in both hands and stumbled as the ground shifted
under her feet. The sharp stalagmites pierced through the ground and rose
toward the ceiling. With no plan whatsoever, she leapt over a rising spire just
as it pierced a wooden rung on the rope ladder just in time. She rode the
growing rock to the top and slammed the door shut. A whistle from above caught
her attention - a flash of lightning lit up Gendry's cocky grin.
"Need a hand, milady?" He shook the rope lowered down and she quickly tied the
staff to it and then held on tight. "Ready?!" The door burst open and a black
fog spilled up into the cavern, the harsh laughter seemed to come from
everywhere at once.
"Pull me up, godsdammit!" She yanked hard on the rope as she barked the
command.
"Alright boys: together, heave!" Gendry and the others pulled her up just a
fraction faster than the rising fog followed her.
"Incite Agricola quam elegant isomer deicer!" The wizard's voice rasped a
whisper into her ear, lulling her to sleep. Arry never felt the ground after
she fell and darkness surrounded her. She awoke inside a cramped container,
knowing she could only be in one place - the ironbound chest! She shrieked and
screamed but no one came to help her... The first bell rung.
"Wulp, that's it!" Hot Pie jumped out of his seat, happy as a clam even though
he never even got to play his role.
"Wait a minute!" Arya stood and held her hands up to stop everyone from
collecting their belongings. "It was just getting good!"
"That's how Sam works it," Pod shrugged with a smile, "he always leaves us
hanging." He walked around the table to pat her on the back. "You did good.
We'll be back next week, don't you worry."
"Next 'week'?!" Arya slumped back into her chair in defeat. "I can't wait a
whole week in that damned chest." Gendry chuckled next to her, shoving his D&D
books into his backpack. "You guys are horrible," she sulked, "going off to
save Hot Pie and leaving me."
"Hey, now!" Hot Pie sniffed, "I've been wiff those merfolk for a lot longer 'an
you've been in that chest." Arya nodded, still sulking from her embarrassing
capture. "You comin' ta class, Gendry?"
"Nah," he answered, "I'll ditch today and head over to the forge." Gendry
pulled out a red baseball cap and slicked back his unruly black hair to put it
on and twist it backwards.
"Ooooh," she leaned into his vision, "what's 'the forge'?"
"What's it sound like?" Gendry rolled his eyes, "it's a forge: you know,
smithing weapons and whatnot."
"That - is - amazing." Arya latched onto his arm and noticed for the first time
he wore a metal linked bracelet. "Like this?" She held onto his wrist to
inspect the chainmail accessory with rapt interest. Gendry yanked his arm away
and stood to finish zipping his bag while ignoring her. "Please, take me to see
it!" She rubbed her hands together in a begging pose and he glared down at her
for a moment before reluctantly nodding his consent. "YES!" She jumped up from
her chair and slung her back over her shoulder.
"Pain in my ass," he muttered as he passed her on the way to the door but Arya
ignored his bad attitude. She was way too excited at the prospect of seeing a
real gods-to-honest forge - and maybe even play with some weapons! This move to
Kings Landing seemed like complete bullshit before but now that she found her
kind of people, it might not be so bad.
Chapter End Notes
     Got a little bit carried away there, didn't I? Thanks for the
     commenters who helped with my Spanish in the last chapter - BIG help.
     With DnD, I upfront confess I've only ever played one game and am
     much more interested in the high-fantasy lore and drama of
     storytelling. Ergo... fanfic.
     Next up: Gendry POV! Chillin' in the forge ;3 I love me a nerdy
     hottie with a body. I think I should have them go to a Renaissance
     fair date later on...
     Why can't I write meet-cutes where the femlead doesn't clumsily run
     into the malelead? Gotta remedy that nonsense!
***** The Forge *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                  [The_Forge]
                                    GENDRY
Even though she dressed like a boy, talked like a boy, and acted like a boy:
Arya was definitely not a boy. Gendry unintentionally felt more than enough to
know for sure, under her baggy clothes she was full-on female. That too-close-
for-comfort mishap was plenty of reason not to spend any time more with her,
but the annoying girl was resolute to a fault. She followed on his heels,
keeping up even though he was taking longer strides to shake her. Nothing he
did deterred her from following and asking endless questions about nothing and
everything.
Gendry struggled to ignore Arry's chatter, wondering for the hundredth time why
he agreed to let her tag along. His distraction caused him not to notice a
teacher walking right towards them until too late. In a shit attempt to play it
cool, he just kept walking and hoped they looked like they were on their way to
class. Sweat trickled down the back of his neck as they moved ever nearer to
the authority figure.
"Do you have a hall pass?" The unremarkable middle-aged woman pushed her thick
glasses over her weary eyes. She knew they didn't have passes but still gave
them a chance to explain themselves. That's a quality educator right there:
willing to help students perfect the fine art of lying through their teeth.
"Uh..." Gendry scrambled to invent some brilliant excuse and came up with
squat. "Ah!" Arya suddenly latched onto his hand and yanked him down another
hallway. The teacher called after them but he couldn't hear over the sound of
raucous laughter and quick footfalls. This girl was made of pure energy: it
traveled from her fingers grasping his hand, and straight into his thundering
heart. Her devil-may-care role-playing impressed him and it seemed she lived
her life the same way.
He stumbled behind as she dragged him down the hall, cutting sharply down
several turns until they burst though the main doors. Gendry, still shocked
they were holding hands, led her to the side lot where he parked his car. They
were in no danger of being caught but Arya slid across the hood of his beat-up
Lincoln like they were in a buddy cop movie. She performed the action as if she
was born to do it: laughing the whole time until she yanked open the door
bigger than her and hopped in.
"Drive," she ordered loudly, pointing a slender finger forward.
"Yes, milady," he answered with a grin: and away they went. They chatted about
music, since the radio didn't work and his car only had a tape player. Most of
the bands she mentioned he never heard of but she said she liked it that way.
Gendry felt embarrassed to admit he liked classic rock because his mom did and
Arya told him she thought that was 'really cool'. He never met a girl like her
before, one he could actually talk to without breaking out into hives. It was a
short drive to Kings Forest National Park and since it was the middle of the
day, he got a great spot to park.
"Curiouser and curiouser," she grinned at him as she took off her seatbelt.
Gendry watched her use her full body to heave open the heavy door. Usually even
guys his size had a hard time opening that stuck door! Arya leapt out of the
car with nimble grace and bumped the door closed with her hip: don't think
about her hips. He shook his head to break the spell she was casting over him
and vacated the car with a quickness. "Lead the way, Mr. White Rabbit - where's
your Wonderland?"
"This way," he marched ahead to the secret path only he and his friends knew,
briefly considering blindfolding her. Nah, then he'd have to hold her hand
again and it was still tingly and warm from their sprint through the hallways.
"You're a freshman, right?"
"Yeah, what of it?" Arya walked quickly to match his strides and eyed him
sideways. A few times, Arya's hand or arm brushed against his as they walked
alongside each other. For him, the contact sent bolts of lightning shooting up
his arm: she didn't seem to notice at all.
"I'm thinking it might be kinda dumb," Gendry laughed and shook his head for
being so bloody stupid. "To help you skip school and leave campus."
"Pish!" She waved her hand in dismissal and jumped lightly over a large stone
jutting up from the ground. It reminded him of how Arry rode that spire to run
away from Brawlis: damn impressive role-playing, had him on the edge of his
seat. He admired people who played their characters with their whole heart.
"You worry too much," she huffed, "I cause enough trouble without your help -
thank you very much."
"I'm throwing you under the bus if we get caught," he warned, only half-
teasing. "I'll say you held a gun to my head." Arry guffawed at his threat and
left goose-bumps where she slapped his arm with the back of her hand.
"They'll probably believe you," she quipped. Sure, she might say that now but
this is exactly the kind of situation he liked to avoid: being alone with a
girl. Anything could happen, or nothing, Gendry didn't know which option he
disliked more. His neck was getting itchy and he had to focus on squeezing the
straps of his backpack so he wouldn't scratch. She never complained about the
hike or the heat, just babbled on about the forests back in her hometown.
"This is it," he announced, sweeping a hand in a flourish as the trail opened
up to the clearing.
"Wow!" Arya's big grey eyes somehow grew even larger and Gendry felt pretty
damn pleased she was so fascinated. "This is brilliant!" She ran into the
clearing, dropping her bag on the ground, up to the mostly historically
accurate medieval forge.
"You should be impressed: it took the last three years to get it looking this
good." Gendry walked up behind her, keeping careful watch as she poked and
stroked over every inch of the forge. Arry didn't care a whit if she got her
hands dirty, wiping them on her faded and worn clothes. She whirled around, the
motion ruffling her short hair, astonishment all over her elfin features.
"You did this all yourself?" She waggled her head like she couldn't believe it
and then spun on her heel again to pace around the forge. Arya walked, leaning
forward with her hands clasped behind her back: all she needed was a pair of
Groucho Marx glasses and a cigar.
"All of the guys have helped in one way or another," he set his backpack down
by the forge and crouched to unzip it. "I based the design on old medieval
forges and it's been mostly trial and error." Gendry grabbed his lunch and his
water bottle and waved to get her attention. Once her grey eyes trained on him,
he cocked his head toward the shady oak tree. "Come on, let's eat first: I'm
starved."
"Ah!" Her startled cry made him to turn around to see a look of pure dismay on
her usually cocky features. "Ugh - I brought lunch money, not actual food."
Arry shrugged and made her scowl-smirk expression, scrunching her nose: he
never saw that look on anybody else. "It's cool - I can just eat a lot at
dinner." She caught up to him and they both sat in the shade while he cracked
open his lunch bag.
"Here," he held out half of his ham and cheese and she eyed the triangle with
predatory focus. "Go on," he encouraged like she was an untamed animal, "take
it." Arry snatched the food out of his hand and Gendry watched her devour the
half sandwich in three bites and lick every one of her fingers.
"Not that this isn't amazingly badass," she wiped her mouth on the front of her
shirt, revealing just a flash of her stomach. Gendry grabbed his water bottle
and gulped the cool liquid as she continued oblivious to his sudden discomfort.
"But it must have been a lot of work and you'll be leaving it when you
graduate." He recapped the bottle with a sigh and forced himself to answer her
never-ending questions.
"That's still more than another year from now." In truth, he thought of little
else since the school year started: next year he would be too busy looking for
colleges to keep up the forge. "I hoped someone would want to take over after I
graduate."
"I'm a freshman," she reiterated the irksome fact, "I could be your
apprentice."
"You have to be strong to be a blacksmith, milady." Gendry knew she was strong,
but it wasn't just arm strength that a blacksmith needed. Patience remained the
true skill of the trade, smithing could be tedious with a lot waiting and even
more failure.
"I'm stronger than I look," she insisted, pounding her fist on her knee. On
both of her jean legs, the knees were completely ripped out and he could see
scrapes and scars on her pale skin. "Kimosabe, teach me your ways." Arya folded
her fingers together and tucked them under her chin, making her eyes open so
wide they sparkled. They should change the expression from 'puppy-dog eyes' to
'Arry-wolf eyes'. That's what she looked like: a wide-eyed innocent wolf pup...
just waiting for her fangs to grown in.
"On three conditions: you can't cry..." he paused while she sorted at the
mention of crying. "And you can't fall in love with me-" Arry burst into
laughter, doubling over to flop on the ground and shaking with the force of her
amusement.
"Oh," she panted to catch her breath, "I think I can promise those two things
will never happen!" Gendry gritted his teeth at her overreaction and pretended
it didn't completely deflate him.
"Last: the forge is and always will be a secret." Gendry narrowed his eyes on
her in all seriousness, held out his hand, and extended his pinky finger.
"Promise?" She quirked a thin dark brow at his stretched little finger and
raised her mischievous eyes to smirk at him.
"Pinky promise?" Arry did a cocky little head jiggle as she questioned his
methods: her first mistake after asking to become his apprentice.
"You think I won't break it because you're a girl?" Gendry waiting for her to
rise to his challenge, something he noticed she liked to do.
"Let's do this," she bumped her tiny fist against his and locked her itty-bitty
pinky with his. Seriously, how did she do anything with such impossibly small
and dainty hands? Then she crooked her linked finger and Gendry winced in pain,
remembering how freakishly strong she was. He yanked his hand away as soon as
the deal was made, surprised he wasn't getting used to the 'shock' of touching
her. If anything, the sensation just got stronger every time their skin made
contact! Arry acted utterly unaware: she had to notice how on-edge he was.
"Alright," he stood, pulling off his t-shirt to make the day's heat a bit more
bearable. "The first thing you gotta know about smithing is-"
"Whoa!" Her exclamation drew his attention back to her, catching her gaping at
his revealed arms before she put up her own arm in a muscle pose. "Maybe I'm
not strong enough." Arry poked her small but defined bicep with a glum
expression.
"No backing out now, you pinky promised." Gendry smoothed a palm down the front
of his undershirt, feeling self-conscious.
"Damn - the unbreakable pinky promise," she rolled her eyes. "That shit is a
binding legal contract." Arya put her hands to her hips and looked him over
head-to-toe. "You might look big, but I've got the heart of a warrior," she
pounded a fist over her heart with gusto. "Give me the biggest hammer you got!"
Gendry grinned and squatted in front of the forge to pull out a pair of pliers
and wave them at her. "That's not a hammer," she pouted.
"I'm gonna teach you a little something about patience, Arry." Gendry gathered
the supplies he needed and walked over to the oak tree to set them in the
shade. "A little caution might've helped if you'd taken the time to realize
Brawlis set a trap for you."
"Please," she made a disgusted sound in the back of her throat, "I got the
staff, didn't I?"
"Yeah," he chuckled, "now we can go save Hot Pie, and then figure out how to
save you."
"Are you really coming back for me?" Her thick lashes lowered, revealing a
softer side to the wild rebellious girl, as she stared at his feet. "Or did I
end up trapped so I wouldn't want to come back?" Arya pushed her narrow
shoulders forward and pursed her lips in contemplation before meeting his eyes.
"I know most people find me a 'nuisance'."
"We're coming for you Arry," he assured her, feeling guilty about how abrasive
he was after she first stumbled in. "As long as you sit around the table with
us, we'll always come for you." Then Arya smiled and he remembered exactly why
he tried to chase her out: his heart can't take all this racing and stuttering!
From the second she tripped into him, he knew she could only cause trouble and
so far that was turning out to be truer than he could've guessed.
"Wild horses couldn't drag me away," she replied with a beaming smile. Arry's
expressions and body language were nothing like he'd seen from other girls, or
boys for that matter. She truly was 'one of a kind' and if he wasn't careful...
she could take over his life with a snap of her petite fingers.
"You wanted to know how I made this?" Gendry held up his wrist and jingled the
chainmail cuff, changing the subject. She nodded eagerly and followed him down
to the ground as he took a seat and opened the box of chainmail supplies. "Use
the scissors to cut and the pliers to bend the rings, linking them together
like this." He provided a demonstration, starting the first link in the chain
that would become her first step into Blacksmithing: Level 1.
"This is going to take forever," she stared into the box of supplies like she
hoped there was fire hidden somewhere inside.
"Do this first: then you get to use the forge." Gendry had his doubts about her
showing up to either the game or this forge ever again. She might find
something more interesting to fill her time tomorrow and he'd never see her
again. "Unless you don't think you can do it..."
"I can do it!" Arry took the bait and snatched the pliers out of his hand to
get to work. "I'll make a bracelet just like yours," she promised, "and then
you teach me the good stuff."
"As you command, milady." Gendry left her, struggling with the first few links,
to set up the forge and continue with his latest protect.
"Stop calling me that!" Arry growled in frustration, putting him in a good mood
for some reason as he set to work. Gendry heated the forge, set out his tools,
put on his apron: all the while feeling watched. As subtle as he could, he
peeked at her to catch her obviously glancing away, looking up into the trees,
and putting a hand to her chin. Sure, he just caught her deep in thought about
something... What a bizarre girl: plays D&D with a bunch of strange guys, then
hops into the car of someone she just met to hang out with him while he forges!
Everyone always told him his standards were too high but there she was, Arya:
the girl of his dreams. And Gendry had no bloody clue what to do with her! If
he somehow managed to convince her to go on a date with him, what if he messed
it up after? He'd be crushed and never date again in his whole life. Say it
went well: he'd have to go to local college because a long distance might break
them up. And then they'd get married when she turns eighteen, after a few years
have maybe two... three kids tops.
Gendry dragged in a ragged breath as he started cleaning out the cast with a
wire brush. He snuck another peek at her and watched her lick her lips in
concentration. Yep, he was in it deep: 'trouble' with a capital 'A'.
Chapter End Notes
     I had to keep him a blacksmith - I HAD to. Poor Gendry is straight-up
     smitten as a kitten and completely terrified. Honestly, can you blame
     him? Arya is pretty freaking awesome.
     Ready for more Sansa POV? Wanna meet the Kings High Vollyball team?!
***** Practice Makes Perfect *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [Practice_Makes_Perfect]
                                     SANSA
She made it just in time for volleyball practice, having to jog a bit around
the gym to find the girl's changing room. Inside, the team was already getting
ready and Sansa thought it awkward just walking in and announcing herself. Her
eyes searched to find a quiet corner to set down her bag and start changing. Of
course, the girls all noticed her right away and one of them walked over to her
with a toothy grin.
"Hiya, you must be Sansa?" The girl was wearing white panties and a grey sports
bra and Sansa was unused to seeing strangers so undressed. Her old team always
showed up to practice already dressed. The nearly naked girl was thin but wiry,
athletic and defined with wild flaming red hair and a dusting of freckles all
over her body. "I'm Ygritte Freefolk," she pointed a finger with black chipped
polish on the nail at herself, "senior and team captain. Coach told me to
expect you."
"Yeah, I am Sansa Stark," she held out her hand and received a firm handshake,
"nice to meet you." Introduction over, she began undressing to change, fighting
the instinct to hide her body. None of the other girls seemed ashamed of their
various states of undress and she did not want to seem like a prude. Another
dark-haired girl with and a sweet crooked smile walked up to stand beside
Ygritte. She waved hello shyly as the captain hooked an arm around the girl's
shoulders.
"This here is my cousin and best friend, Gilly Freefolk," the captain
introduced. She pointed at another girl pulling on her clothes "Over there is
the co-captain, Yara Greyjoy." The co-captain looked up to scowl at Ygritte and
pulled a jersey over her head with a growl. "She's always testy the practice
before a game - it's her 'thing'." The tough-looking Yara emphasized Ygritte's
point by punching the metal locker and storming out.
"I'm Irri Khal," a lovely dark-haired girl approached as Sansa was pulling on
her own gym shorts she brought from home. She discreetly admired and envied the
way Irri filled out her red uniform. "Over there is Jeyne Poole," a willowy
girl lacing up her shoe looked up to offer a shy smile and a wave. A tanned
gorgeous young woman ran into the locker room, ripping off her shirt and
running past Ygritte who rolled her eyes.
"And Talisa," Ygritte scowled at the beauty. "The best on the team but is so
focused on getting into a good medical school she misses every other practice!"
The captain threw her hands up in mock disgust and left Sansa to finish
dressing. Confident she was getting along with everyone, she started to feel
excited about this tryout. Honestly, she was already starting to feel like part
of the team! She grabbed her pink parka and water bottle and followed the team
to the gym.
Walking out to the court, Sansa saw coach Tarth set up the net and had a whole
mesh buggy cart full of volleyballs just waiting to be served. A sense of
overwhelming 'belonging' washed over her and calmed her nerves. Everywhere else
in the world, Sansa is just a meek, gangly, teenaged girl with no real power or
sense of self. With a volleyball in her hands... she can make magic happen.
Coach blew her whistle to start practice and held up a coin.
"HEADS!" Yara cracked her neck and stretched out one arm across her chest, a
fierce scowl of determination curled her upper lip.
"Alright," coach Tarth flipped the coin and nodded at Ygritte, "Gritt, split
'em up." The captain gave back a mock salute and ran to pick up a bundle of
colored practice jerseys off the top of the buggy of volleyballs. The team took
their positions as they received their designations, six players on each side
of the net. Sansa received the second to last yellow jersey, and the captain
winked at her before pulling the very one last over her head.
"We redheads have to stick together," Ygritte grinned and grabbed a ball as she
jogged over to the other side of the net. "Think fast, Stark!" Sansa caught the
volleyball and moved into position to serve first. Bouncing the ball once, she
sucked in a breath and balanced on the balls of her toes. Bounce, breath,
balance... serve. She threw the ball up. POW! The ball sailed over the net to
be passed from Irri to Talisa, who spiked the ball back over. Jeyne leapt
forward, landing hard on her knee-pads and saved the spike but passed it back
to no one!
Sansa went for the dig, diving behind Ygritte and Jeyne, and bumped her fist
against the bottom of the spinning volleyball. It bounced off her hand and went
sailing towards the net, just in time for Gilly to bump the ball over the net.
The captain, in a breathtaking display of athleticism, attained an Olympic-
worthy vertical jump. She leapt just in time to punch the ball straight down,
counterattacking Yara's defensive block. First Point!
As Jeyne helped her off the ground, Sansa realized this team was much better
than the one she left and planned to stop at nothing to join it. An athlete can
only improve their skills if they train with those who are better! Practice
continued at a whirlwind pace; their team made it to 15 points first, only
three ahead. Coach Tarth blew her whistle and the team walked to the side of
the court to huddle up.
"Most of you know, I don't like to tire the team out in the practice before a
game," she held a clipboard in one hand and crossed her arms. "This is the
first of the year, so I expect my starting players to be well rested and ready
to..."
"CRUSH THEM!" The team all cried in unison, making Sansa jump.
"That includes you," coach looked at her with a half-smile, "Ms. Stark."
"Me?!" Sansa resisted the urge to do her point victory dance as the information
processed through her brain. She made the team!
"I need someone who can fill Talisa's position this week." Coach Tarth nodded
at Talisa, who gave an awkward wave. "Are you up to it?"
"Yes, coach!" Sansa beamed with happiness and pride that she played well enough
to serve as a starting replacement for one of the best players! Whoo-hooo! She
saved the victory dance for when she was alone in her bedroom. The first day
passed in a delightful whirlwind... meeting Clegane and making volleyball the
team!
"Alright, ladies!" Ygritte winked at Sansa as she tossed her jacket and water
bottle to her. "Let's hit the showers!" A tittering chatter rose from the team
as they broke apart into their sub-cliques. The nameless freshmen bench-warmers
scampered to clean the gym and Talisa sprinted to the locker room. Everyone
else strolled at a leisurely pace into the hall and chatted about classes and
boys. One rather large boy still loomed in the back of her mind. Pinpricks of
irritated fascination compelled her to uncover his name.
It would be far too awkward if word got back to him that she had been asking
questions... the last thing the 'the hound' needed was an ego boost. Sansa felt
a moment of brilliant inspiration when she thought of looking him up online;
'Clegane' is not a common last name. If he was one of those weird people who
have no online identity then she could always find the yearbook in the library!
She felt like a regular Sherlock Holmes, without all the addiction problems,
and vowed to solve this mystery by week's end!
"Yo, hound!" The captain's voice jerked Sansa out of her thoughts and she
scanned the hall for a particular towering figure. "You lost?"
"Sup, Gritty?" He leaned against the wall in jersey shorts and sleeveless tank,
a basketball pinned between his forearm and hip. Most of the volleyball team,
especially the freshmen, scampered past him as he grinned horribly at them.
"How's it hanging?"
"Longer than you!" Ygritte skipped ahead to stand in front of him, her duffel
bag slung over her shoulder. The captain held her own against the hound and
Sansa felt an unfamiliar twinge of jealousy rising in her stomach.
"Doubtful," he sneered. The familiar way the pair spoke to each other had Sansa
squeezing her water bottle as she watched the horrifying scene. Did he have a
thing for redheads?!
"Don't be a tease, now," Ygritte quirked her brows at him and raked his long
length with a lingering leer, which he rolled his eyes at. "You'll be on the
court later?"
"Nah," shook his head, "I got things to do." His eyes flickered to Sansa and
she felt her cheeks starting to burn.
"I'll take you down," the captain spun on her heel and walked away with a wave,
"anytime baby!"
"Sure," he called after her, "when I got time to waste." The hound's dark eyes
traveled slowly back to Sansa and alighted on her. "Pajarito," he shoved off
the wall, causing the ball to fall and bounce back up into his waiting hand. He
caught the basketball palm-down with just the strength of his fingers and
turned it over to hold it in both hands. Those were some mighty strong fingers,
attached to powerful hands and arms and shoulders... All the way up to stormy
eyes that pierced right through her.
"El sabueso," she finally managed to reply. "You are looking for... me?" He
snorted as if she asked a stupid question but she did not think it was at all.
"Why else would I still be at school?" He sauntered a little closer, taking in
the sight of her volleyball getup. Sansa pulled her jacket tighter and sifted
on her feet, feeling naked in the revealing shorts and sports bra. "I should've
left hours ago, but I thought about my poor little bird - lying awake all
night... thinking about me."
"I will not!" Sansa meant to shout in indignation but it came out a squeak as
she studied his basketball shoes.
"You aren't still curious about my name?" He frowned, shrugged, and started
bouncing the ball as he turned to walk away. "Alright, see ya!"
"No, wait!" She scuttled into his path and hung her head. "The suspense is
killing me, but I really need to get changed because my dad is coming to pick
me up." Her last words were barely audible and she wondered where all of her
confidence went. Sansa had to admit, off the court she really was a helpless
little bird. He moved even closer to smirk down at her with a predatory glare
in his eye.
"What you have on now looks fine to me." His eyes seemed to see right through
her cover-up and Sansa felt her blush spreading down her neck.
"Give me two minutes," she begged, glancing up to see his amused expression.
"I'll wait forever for you, little bird." He smirked as she reacted to his
words with a gaping stare before snapping her out of her brain fog. Sansa
whirled around, clutching her bottle to her chest and dashed into the changing
room.
"What is going on-" The captain waggled her red brows as Sansa breezed into the
locker room.
"No time to talk!" Sansa attacked her bag on the bench and tugged the jacket
off to stuff it inside. "Sorry!" The fabric of her blouse muffled her apology
as she pulled it on, followed by her striped skirt. She did not bother to strip
her sports bra or shorts. Still wearing her sneakers, they clashed horribly
with her outfit; she threw a wave over her shoulder at the team. They all
stared at her with varying expressions of shock and some looked positively
worried. She pulled her mussed hair into a tight bun and took a deep breath
before calmly walking out of the locker room.
"That was fast," he commented, still dribbling his ball with effortless deft
skill. Sansa stalked right up to Clegane to stare up into his piercing eyes
with her best imitation of her mother.
"Either you tell me your name... or I'm never going to talk to you again."
Sansa gave the ultimatum with butterflies flapping up a storm in her stomach
but she stood firm.
"I'm hurt - really," he placed one giant hand over his massive chest and pouted
like an overlarge child. "I'm wounded for life that you would make such a cruel
threat toward me."
"That's just the kind of girl I am," she could not fight the smile tugging on
her lips. "Walk with me?" He nodded to her question and without an invitation,
he tugged at the strap of her bag until she released it and he slung it over
his shoulder. Sansa led the way to the front of the campus, wishing she could
linger at school just a little longer. He lazily dribbled the ball as he
walked, sometimes catching it in his hand before letting it fall again.
"How about this..." He tossed the ball up in the air to catch it one handed and
toss it behind his back into his other hand. "I give you my name and you give
me a song?"
"I... uh..." Sansa was not so naive that she did not know he was using 'song'
as a euphemism for... intimate relations. Panicked, she wondered if she gave
him the wrong idea about what kind of girl she was.
"Kidding," he scoffed, "I really have got shit to do." Clegane ran a lazy
raking gaze over her disheveled appearance with appreciation. "I just wanted to
see you again - in case I dreamed you up."
"You really are a player!" Her half-hearted complaint caused him to throw back
his head and howl with laughter. Still snickering, he stopped in front of the
giant weirwood tree planted in front of the school and set down her bag and his
ball on the roots.
"What gave you that idea?" Clegane crossed his arms and grinned down at her,
obviously amused by her accusation.
"You're so..." She waved a hand, trying to think of the right word, "forceful."
He raised an eyebrow and Sansa blushed and looked away. "I like it," she
confessed.
"Huh," he grunted a laugh, "you're the only one." Not exactly true, Ygritte
seemed to like the hound's blunt brashness and she had some of her own to
match. They would make a much better couple...
"I wish I could be more like you..." Sansa cut herself off as his eyes widened
and he raised his one intact brow. "My game would certainly improve," she
explained the half-truth. In reality, every facet of her life could be improved
if she would just show more initiative and take more chances. The very notion
of speaking whatever came to mind without censoring herself made her cringe.
"I like you the way you are," his intense eyes never left hers, "mi pajarito."
"Could you..." Sansa poked one of the raised gnarled roots with her toe and
clasped her hands behind her back. "I don't really mind the nickname, I
just..." With more bravery than she felt, she met his eye. "Call my real name,
every once in a while, please."
"I can do that, Sansa." The way he growled her name, soft and almost awed, sent
chills down her spine. "Do you still want to know my name?" She nodded eagerly
and strained forward as he leaned down to whisper. His calloused fingers
scraped the soft shell of her ear as he tucked a stray hair in place and her
breath caught in her chest. Her heart thundered as his hot breath tickled her
ear and his lips almost touched her... HONK-HONK! Sansa jerked away from
Clegane, taking several steps back, and whirled her head around.
"Oh!" She spotted the blue sedan pulled up in front of the school. "That's my
dad!" Sansa glanced back to the hound to see he had already begun walking away.
"Bye!"
"See ya!" His indifferent wave killed her enthusiasm at discovering him waiting
for her after practice. She always dreamed of having a boyfriend who waited for
her and carried her books... It seemed the hound was not exactly 100%
'boyfriend material'. Sansa gathered up her bag and rushed to the car to meet
her father, who eyed her unkempt state with disbelief. "I made the team," she
announced.
"Good for you, honey." His eyes darted into the distance, in the direction the
hound headed. "Was that a student?"
"Yes," she answered, "he's on the basketball team."
"Ah, I see." There was a tightness to his expression that made Sansa smile and
pat his hand. "I'm glad you are making friends, lemoncake. Just be careful."
She had not realized the hound's eye color was just a shade darker grey than
her father's eyes. Grey-eyed men were the most handsome, she decided.
"Don't worry, daddy," she beamed, "I am always careful." They both jumped as
Arya, breathless and dripping with sweat, yanked open the car door and slid
into the back. She seemed to melt down onto the seat, panting and groaning.
"What happened to you?!" Sansa stared at her ridiculous sister, wondering how
she always managed to look like she just survived a year in the desert.
"I fought a warlock and became a blacksmith's apprentice," she heaved a heavy
breath, "it was a good first day." Father chuckled as he put the car into drive
while Sansa groaned at her little sister's wild tales.
"I'm a lucky father," he told them, "to have been blessed with such wonderful
daughters."
"It is hard to take that as a complement," Sansa sulked, "considering the
company."
"Right back at'cha, sis!" Arya stuck her tongue out at her sister's reflection
in the rearview mirror.
"Can you not speak like a normal person?" She turned around to glower at her
younger sister.
"Can you not talk like an automated customer service voice?" Arya sneered and
slicked back her dampened short hair. "Seriously, grow a personality."
"Girls!" Father abruptly applied the brakes, sending his youngest daughter
flying forward. He waited for her to put on her seat-belt and inhaled deeply.
"Are we getting Thai or Italian tonight?"
"Thai!" Arya blurted out first.
"Italian!" Sansa quickly shouted her vote.
"Steakhouse it is!" He chuckled as he started driving out of the parking lot
and onto the street.
"Aww!" Both girls whined in protest but Father grinned and headed towards his
favorite restaurant in Kings Landing.
Chapter End Notes
     As per tradition - I know next to nothing about volleyball... I'm not
     'athletic' per se. So, you know the drill, tell me what I messed up
     and I'll try to fix it!
     The First Day of School is officially OVER <3 We're cooking with fire
     now! I think I'll go straight for another Arya chapter... she has a
     certain blue-eyed blacksmith to annoy :D
***** Camping *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                   [Camping]
                                     ARYA
The woods at sundown were cast in a heavy orange glow with a hint of blue
perched on the treetops. Arya spotted him crouched on the ground a little ways
from the forge, appearing to be starting a fire. Gendry heard her approaching
and gaped at her in shock before throwing down whatever was in his hand and
marching up to her. Hands on his hips, he took in the sight of her sleeping bag
and other camping gear and shook his head.
"When I said 'I' was camping out here this weekend: it wasn't an invitation!"
Gendry never actually said that she couldn't come, which was as good as an
invite to her. In truth, Arya knew she wasn't welcome but the week dragged on
without any more D&D or forging. The second day, she waited for him on the hood
of his car only to find out he'd be working every day after school that week.
That was when he told her of his plan to camp out and forge all weekend and it
starting the wheels turning in her head.
"Then why even bring it up, huh?" She cocked her head to the side and stuck out
her lower lip. "You gonna have more fun alone?" Gendry frowned at her before
closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his note. Arya almost felt bad -
except it was far too amusing to get a rise out of him.
"Without a doubt I'd get more done," he muttered before throwing up his hands
in defeat and returned to building the campfire. Arya followed, dropping her
stuff near the forge, and walked over to kneel by his side and watch as he
coaxed the small fire to life. The pit was circled with large grey stones and
in the center stood a teepee of small logs. Gendry leaned towards the firewood,
pursing his lips to blow softly toward the base. The flame grew and he sat back
on a section of a felled tree trunk near the campfire and heaved a sigh at her.
"What am I going to do with you?"
"Master," she shuffled her kneeling position in front of him and curled her
fingers together under her chin. "I am but your humble servant." Gendry shifted
uncomfortably, Arya moved closer and pressed her hands against his knee. "I do
not deserve your guidance... but I will cherish it."
"Go to the seven hells," he spun around to face the other way and Arya hopped
up on the log to sit beside him facing the fire.
"Went there once - they kicked me out." Arya leaned back to see a hint of a
smile on his attractive lips. Why did she keep thinking about his lips? At
least she stopped thinking about his gorgeous blue eyes - oh dammit!
"I don't doubt it," he chuckled before giving her another serious look, "what
about your parents?"
"My dad knows I'm sleeping over with a friend," she answered honestly. "He just
didn't ask that friend's gender or if I was going to be inside a house." Arya
shrugged her shoulders, refusing to take the blame for her father's lax
parenting. "I think he was just happy that I even made a friend."
"Well," he scoffed and tilted his head back to shake his head at the heavens,
"then that makes it all right then." Gendry turned those fabulous eyes in her
direction and Arya fought the urge to sigh at the way they shined in the
firelight. Great - she's become one of those girls who gets all dreamy over a
pretty boy's eyes. "Fine, you can stay, but only-"
"I know," she raised a hand to cut him off, "I know - no tears, love, or loose
tongues." Arya smirked at him and his stupid rules, raising a brow. "I miss
anything?"
"I was going to say," he grinned at her, "you gotta shit in the woods." Arya
rolled her eyes at the insinuation that she never relieved herself out-of-doors
before. She doubted anyone in all of Westeros had marked more trees. Her
stomach growled, reminding her of the contents of her satchel so she leapt up
off the log to hunt for provisions.
"I was born to shit in the woods," she called over her shoulder as she jogged
to her bag, rifling through it until she found what she wanted. "And I raided
the fridge before I came." Arya pulled a grocery bag stuffed full of takeout
leftovers and held it up to with a game-show flourishing gesture.
"Well done, young grasshopper." Gendry actually looked impressed and for some
reason that made her feel... good. Arya reasoned that she should want to please
her master - any good apprentice would. It had nothing to do with the way his
crooked grin made her want to bite his lips. Was that even 'normal'? Meh, she
gave up trying to be that a million years ago.
"Gendry," she called his name but he seemed lost in thought about something
before she interrupted him. What had that mussed head of his all twisted? Not
her - that's for sure - unless he was dreaming up ways to get rid of her.
"Huh?" He jerked towards her with the strangest expression and ran a hand over
his face. "Sorry, Arry, what?" No matter how much he protested, she could tell
he liked hanging out with her. He obviously had some deep-seated 'girl issues'
that Arya had every intention of overcoming. Sure, she might never get to kiss
him - or bite him for that matter - but being his friend was entertaining.
Every other aspect of Kings Landing is total shit compared to Winterfell.
"I also raided the liquor cabinet," she presented the bottle with a wide grin.
Wolfhound Irish whiskey was cheap and delicious straight, both good reasons to
filch it from her dad's office. He was just lucky she didn't touch the
Uigeadail - not that a soft-gut like Gendry could handle taking a bite out of
Scotland.
"Uhh..." He appeared positively terrified as she walked towards him with a
grocery bag of cold takeout and a bottle of whiskey.
"Don't be a wimp," she shoved the bag into his hand and plopped down on the log
next to him. "What's a night under the stars without a nip of the good stuff?"
Arya held up the bottle as he frowned at it.
"What are you... seven years too young for that?" Gendry attempted to snatch
the bottle but she jerked it away. He held out his hand and gave her one of
those looks, like he was somehow in charge of her. "Give it here." Tough luck,
blue-eyes - nobody gets to tell her what to do.
"Those laws are fascist," she scowled, staring him down. "It's not like it
would be my first drink." Gendry turned to his other side to rummage through a
small cooler and produced a metal camping coffee cup.
"Pour," he ordered - now that's more like it! Gendry thrust the cup into her
hand and snatched the bottle in one quick movement. She tried to grab it back
but did not want to risk spilling her double shot. "That's all you're getting
and don't argue."
"Thank you, master." Arya beamed at Gendry as she took an appreciative sip of
the smooth brown liquor.
"You don't have to call me that," he mumbled, staring at the bottle as if
contemplating a life decision.
"I like the way it makes you blush," she teased, taking another long sip of the
warming liquid.
"I don't blush," he protested, pulling out another cup and dropping a few
splashes for himself. Good for him - he needs to lighten up something fierce -
she never met anyone so damn tense before.
"Fine," she smiled over the rim of her cup. "Whatever you say... master." He
sniffed the cup and made a surprised but appreciative expression before taking
a gulp. His face scrunched up as he swallowed and wheezed a cough away from
her, pounding on his chest.
"Bloody hells," he sputtered a bit and wiped his mouth, "this is strong."
Gendry took a more hesitant sip and smacked his lips as if trying to decide if
he liked it. If she didn't stop thinking about his lips, she might need more
than a double shot. "You're parents aren't going to miss this?" Arya did not
want to talk about her parents and the way they forced her away from her home,
brothers, and everything she loved. They said she 'needed a change' - more like
they didn't know how to deal with her. Why couldn't they just appreciate the
wild spirit she was instead of always trying to break her?
"They don't notice much of anything these days." Arya tried not to sulk, taking
a nice mouthful of the Wolfhound and rolling it over her tongue. "Let's not
talk about that - pick something else."
"I'm a fairly boring fellow, milady." He swirled the remaining whiskey in his
cup, shrugging his shoulders. "I forge, I play D&D, and that's about it."
"How did you start blacksmithing?" The whiskey warmed her up so she shrugged
off the flannel she stole from Robb and basked in the cool night air. When she
glanced up to see why Gendry wasn't answering her question, she caught him
staring at her. Arya looked down at her cropped top to make sure there was no
giant bug or something.
"My mom," he coughed and took another sip of his drink, "is a real history
buff, loves making costumes and whatnot." When Gendry spoke of his mother, his
eyes lit up and a smile tugged at his lips. "We go to the Renaissance Fair
every year since I can remember: I always was fascinated with blacksmithing."
"I've never been to one of those fairs," she admitted, envious of everyone who
had cooler parents than her. All mother ever wanted to do was go to the sept to
pray and dad worked all the time. "It seems like it would be fun."
"It's the best," he assured her, "I'll take you if you want."
"Cool." Arya needed something to look forward to - everything after the first
day at Kings High had been a major disappointment. "It's a date."
"No," he narrowed his brows at her. "Not a date: a 'friend outing'." Arya
grinned at his objection to her casual use of a common expression.
"Methinks milord doth protest too much," she teased as he stared into his cup.
"Admit it - you like me, don't you?" She poked him in the shoulder, noticing
how firm and solid it felt, and he shrugged her off to scoot away. "Com'on!"
Arya scooted closer, still poking him in the arm. "You think I'm charming and
whimsical and lovely, don't you - don't you?!" He suddenly stood up, causing
her to roll forward onto the ground, luckily after she finished her drink.
"I think you've had enough," he stared down at her with his hands on his hips
and a genuine expression of concern.
"I've only just begun to drink." Arya pumped her fist straight up into the air
and grinned at Gendry. "You just have to catch up." He reached down to curl his
strong fingers around her wrist and hauled her to her feet. Woozy from the
sudden motion, her feet stumbled and he caught her around the waist before she
could pitch over the log and into the fire. They stood frozen, his hot
calloused hand wrapped around her waist and her leaning back against his
pounding chest. The moment seemed to last forever - then abruptly ended when he
yanked his hand and moved away.
"Be more careful," he cleared his throat and went to poke the perfectly good
fire.
"You're the one who pulled me up too quick," she accused, sitting astride on
the log and leaning forward on her hands.
"You're so tiny," he retorted, "not my fault you weight nothing." And they were
back - banter and barbs were how they communicated. It was comfortable hanging
out with Gendry, like spending time with her brothers - but not exactly the
same.
"Nobody likes a braggart, Gendry!" She grabbed the grocery bag full of
refrigerator loot and dug to the bottom for the Chinese boxes. How did they fit
so many noodles into such a compact space - some kind of ancient restaurateur
secret?
"That's rich," he retorted, "coming from you." Arya opened a box, grabbed a
pair of chopsticks, and shoved in a mouthful of noodles - too hungry to keep
bantering. She watched as he tended the fire, obviously keeping his distance
and trying to avoid her. Damn, Gendry was really cute - and fit too from the
look of his arms - far too good-looking for the likes of her. Besides, he
already made it perfectly clear that he had no interest in her, which was fine.
Just fine and dandy, nothing she wasn’t used to.
If a guy wanted to go camping, hiking, backyard wrestling, they called Arya.
Nobody ever asked her out on a date or even for a kiss. Never once had she even
been kissed by anyone! She knew her weirdness made her undateable but there
wasn't a thing she could do about her personality or looks. Why bother painting
the barn after it's on fire? Hanging out with Gendry was fun and she got to
admire at how nice he looked as he did all sorts of interesting things. Two
whole days, she grinned to herself, she'd get to watch him blacksmithing and
might even get to swing the hammer herself!
"Get over here before I eat all of this," she grew tired of his behaving like
she had cooties or something. Gendry practically jumped every time she touched
him, which was funny at first but after a while, it started to sting her pride.
"We've got pretty much any kind of takeout you can imagine."
"Italian?" He perked up and took an interest in the bag of grub.
"Does pizza count?" She lifted a freezer bag full of sausage and peppers pizza.
"Pizza always counts," he grinned and rose from the ground, dusting his hands
on his jeans. Gendry sat as far away from Arya as he could but she ignored his
distance and leaned forward to hand him the food. "Arry, about earlier-"
"Chill, dude," she gulped a mouthful of noodles, "a guy touching my stomach is
not a big deal." Arya scuffed the heel of her boot against the ground. "Look -
whatever it is you have against girls - I don't care. Just think of me as 'one
of the guys'... if that helps." Gendry didn't say anything for a long time,
just munched on some pizza and stared off into the forest.
"Why did you come here?" He wiped his hand on his knee and peeked at her
sideways.
"I like hanging out with you," she shrugged, "and I don't have anything else to
do."
"You're not just 'one of the guys'," he started, "you're my apprentice." Gendry
gave her a decisive nod before grabbing the bag of leftovers and depositing it
inside the cooler. "And I'm not letting you off easy tomorrow, so you better
get to sleep."
"Yes, master!" Arya saluted Gendry and tossed her empty takeout box into the
styrofoam container they used for trash. Food left out might attract shadowcats
while they slept unprotected under the stars. Real camping - no fancy
polyurethane 'tent'. She unrolled her sleeping bag next to his and starting
unzipping her jeans.
"Whoa!" Gendry's panicked voice sounded from behind as she toed off her boots
to step inside the sleeping bag and let her pants fall from her hips. "What are
you doing?!"
"I can't sleep with jeans on, stupid." Arya collapsed, snuggled into the soft
bedding, and zipped herself inside with a relaxed sigh. "Don't worry, I won't
peep on you," she lied. He snorted and stalked off behind the forge, which
completely obscured anything worth watching. "Stupid," she grumbled. Why'd he
have to be so selfish - would a little peek kill him? Gendry walked back,
dressed in an even looser shirt and some gym shorts, and still managed to make
it look good.
After putting out the fire, he sat on his sleeping bag, pulled off his boots,
and spun around to tuck himself in. Arya squeezed her eyes shut, waiting a safe
amount of time before opening them to find him looking at her. Neither said
anything for a moment and somehow it didn't feel awkward at all.
"Goodnight, Arya," he whispered.
"Goodnight, Gendry." She watched his eyelashes flutter closed and took the
moment to stare at him as much as she wanted. Cute guys - even if they were
oddballs themselves - never go for the weird girl. Arya wished she knew who
made that rule up so she could hunt them down and kill them. Unrequited crushes
weren't really her 'style' so she made up her mind to stop drooling over Gendry
and take her own advice. Be 'just one of the guys', even if it really sucked
sometimes.
Chapter End Notes
     I refused to capitalize 'styrofoam' dammit! I won't do it! I'll
     Capitalize whatever I want - When I Want - and the spellchecker can
     Just Shut Up About It!
     Ahem. So that's what I'm dealing with. I'll be okay.
     The next chapter is going to be a multi-POV: Sandor and somebody
     completely new... I wonder who? Stay tuned!
***** Look Who's Here *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                               [Look_Who's_Here]
                                      JON
After a week away, he was actually glad to be back in Kings Landing: something
he never thought would happen when he first moved to the city. He was always a
country boy, loved to hunt and ride horses with Uncle Ned and his cousins.
Little Arya always begged to tag along and showed up her brothers and him with
her skills. When he found out she moved close by and would even be attending
the same school he kept an eye out for her all day. As a freshman, she wouldn't
be in his classes but every dark-haired girl in the hall looked like her.
Short of going to the administration office to have her called in, he looked
everywhere and asked everyone he knew if they heard of her. He made a mental
note to call Uncle Ned after school to get her number so they could catch up.
Jon rushed to the empty room to meet the guys, shocked to discover the one
person he hunted for. Arya sat in his spot next to Gendry, their heads tilted
together as he explained something out of a D&D book.
"Arya?!" Even from behind, he recognized her immediately and she whipped around
with a grin.
"Jon?!" She leapt up from her seat, knocking the chair back onto the ground.
"What are you-" Jon's words cut off as she barreled into him and smashed him
against the door. "Ugh!" He chuckled through the pain and ruffled her short
hair. "Good to see you too, Arya." They hadn't seen each other in over a year
since he moved to King's Landing but they were always close growing up.
"This is why we can't let girls into the group," Gendry grumbled, setting the
chair to rights.
"What girls?" Jon made a show of peering around the room and Arya released her
hold to double-tap his arm. "Hey!" He rubbed the tender injured area,
disbelieving she got somehow stronger in their time apart.
"I can't believe," she retook the seat next to Gendry, "you're jealous of me
hugging my cousin."
"Who's jealous?" Gendry scowled down at her before the expression completely
melted. "Cousin?" His eyes flicked between Arya and Jon, a small smile
stretched his lips as he nodded his head. "Oh..." Jon eyed them with disbelief:
wondering when the most girl-phobic guy he knew got possessive about his
cousin.
"Did you have a good trip, Jon?" Sam was always ready with a friendly smile.
"I'm happy to be back," he answered, "what did I miss while away?" Arya heaved
a frustrated sigh and scowled at everyone around the table.
"They're going off to save Hot Pie," she whined, "and leaving me at the mercy
of that 'braless' dude."
"Brawlis: 'brah-liss'!" Gendry scolded her with that half-smile still curling
the corners his mouth. "He's a warlock and our sworn enemy, show some respect."
"Yes, master." Arya bowed her head in a show of deference.
"Stop calling me that," Gendry moaned as his face flushed red.
"Never," she vowed. Jon watched the scene with a growing suspicion in his gut
that something was going on between them.
"It is good you come back, Snow." Drogo actually spoke more than three words:
an honor coming from him. "Our group is weak without you."
"Thanks, Drogo." Jon settled in his seat, clearing his mind of his misgivings
about Gendry and Arya. "Sam?"
"You awaken in a cabin on a ship after a fragmented nightmare you do not
remember," his soft voice set the scene. "The vessel has just pulled into the
dock in the early morning hours..." Snow pulled on his grey cloak and rubbed
the sleep from his eyes: he never felt rested after a voyage. He packed light,
knowing the dock was a hike away from where he agreed to meet his comrades
after he settled his business overseas. Unseen by passing sailors, he slipped
out of the cabin and onto the deck. Though he had no reason to sneak,
practicing his skills could only improve them.
The weather warmed as the sun rose high in the sky so he removed his cloak and
stuffed it inside his sack. Snow knew he was getting close when a splash drew
his attention to the shoreline, just in time to see a large fin disappear under
the surface. He followed the rocky shoreline, making sure to keep a safe
distance from the water in case the merfolk were restless. Half a day passed,
he only rested once for a meager meal of bread and cheese before he spotted his
group's camp.
"Snow," Gendry clapped him on the back as he approached the group, "you're a
sight for sore eyes!"
"I can't let a bunch of mermaids kidnap my comrade and get away with it," Snow
grinned at his friends. "Pod, did we get it?"
"Right here," he held up the staff, "you should've seen the action that day:
she was amazing."
"She?" Snow glanced to Gendry's flushed face for an explanation.
"A Halfling Rouge," he fiddled with his bull helmet as he spoke. "She was
tricked into releasing Brawlis from that chest you trapped him in, and then
helped us get the staff to make up for it."
"But then," Pod continued, "she was taken prisoner by that warlock fiend."
"Then, it seems we have two people to rescue." Snow held out his hand to take
the staff, ready to face the pain and go negotiate with the merfolk.
"No," Drogo approached and took the staff out of Pod's hand. "I will go."
"Drogo," Snow protested, "I have a better chance of convincing them-"
"I will go," he reiterated, already stepping towards the water. As soon as one
foot stepped into the water, the giant warrior grunted in pain and shook from
head to toe. Snow had witnessed Drogo stabbed, burned, and even run over by a
runaway turnip cart but never saw him even flinch in pain. "FOR HOT PIE!" He
gave a powerful battle cry as he dove into the water, not resurfacing for some
time.
"Don't worry," Grey Worm sat on the shore, calmly meditating. "He has prepared
himself for this."
"I wish we could go with him," Pod sulked. And they waited for what seemed like
hours before a head surface, gulping in air. "Drogo!" They raced into the
water, heedless of any danger that might be on the half-Orc's heels. Instead of
danger, they found Hot Pie! His curly hair was matted against his smiling face
and he appeared completely unharmed.
"Wulp," he let Snow help him onto the shore while Pod dragged a shivering
Drogo. Grey Worm tended to their leader while the rest of them caught up on
what Hot Pie got up to with all those merfolk. "It weren't so bad," he told
them, "they told me lots of stories and sang songs all the time. But they sure
can eat a lot!"
"I'm sorry, Hot Pie," Snow hung his head, "it was my fault you got taken. If I
hadn't offered to trade your spider haunch soup for that ballad-"
"Not at'all," he interrupted, "we needed that song to find the secret to
locking up Brawlis. At least that bastard is where he should be..." Hot Pie
looked between their gloomy faces with growing puzzlement. "What?"
"We'll explain on the way," Gendry told him. "Grey Worm," he called, "can he
travel?"
"Yes," Drogo answered for himself, pushing off the sandy soil to stand on shaky
feet. "We go now," he set his determined eyes in the direction of the
Lightstone Stronghold. Not waiting for an answer, he trudged away from the
shore with single-minded determination. Just like their leader: when one of
their group needed help, he was ready to bring down the world to save them.
Looks like this interesting Halfling made quite an impression on everyone while
he was away. Snow couldn't wait to meet her... The bell rung.
"Ugh!" Arya pounded a fist on the table and glared at everyone but Drogo. "All
of you better get moving to save me or I'll just join up with Braless. At least
he gets shit done!"
"You're welcome to him, milady." Gendry talking to a girl without stuttering,
under any other circumstances would be a welcome miracle. But it was Arya he
was grinning at, his little baby cousin and that didn't sit right with Jon at
all.
"Arya," he interrupted them, "let me walk you to your next class so you can
tell me about your character." She beamed at him and nodded in agreement before
turning back to Gendry.
"Should I meet you at your car, after school?" She was already going places
with him in his car?! Jon let his backpack fall heavily onto the desk and
glared at the guy he used to consider one of his best friends.
"Nah," Gendry gathered his things together, "I have to work today."
"Aww," she whined, "you work every day."
"And that's why I have a car," he pointed out. They bantered: like an old
married couple! Was something actually going on between them? Isn't she way too
young to even be dating at all?! She should at least wait until she got out of
high school to even start dating. Jon couldn't watch them grinning at each
other and glancing away, it made him literally ill.
"Let's go, underfoot!" Jon headed to the door without even a polite goodbye to
his friends.
"Wait!" Arya chased after him, throwing her goodbyes over her shoulder. "Bye,
guys - same time next week! You better come save me!" She spun around and
grabbed onto the doorway, "or I'll hunt you all down one-by-one and slit your
throats in your sleep." Jon grabbed the strap of her bag and pulled her along,
away from Gendry. "What's the rush, buddy?" Her arm wound around his as they
walked and she put her head on his shoulder like she used to.
"I just wanted to catch up," he answered in half-truth. "How has the move been
so far?"
"At first it was shit," she answered, "then some more shit."
"I hear that: I was miserable when I first came here." Jon remembered those
days like it was last week: alone, friendless, and ignored by everyone...
"Until I met the guys," she finished his thought. "They are so cool - it makes
perfect sense you chill with them." Arya continued excitedly. "My character is
Arry Wolfborn, Halfling Ranger and all-around badass."
"Until you got captured," he teased and she stuck her tongue out. "I'm a little
surprised they accepted you so quickly without being introduced."
"Why? Because I'm a girl?" Arya's question was hard to answer: the group never
decreed 'no girls' but there had to be a reason there weren't any. "Gendry
tried that bullshit, but I set him straight."
"So... you and Gendry?" Jon glanced down to her puzzled expression. "Is there
something between you?"
"What?" She wrinkled up her nose and rolled her eyes. "You and Hot Pie - is
there something between you?" Arya snorted and bobbed her head from side to
side. "Yeah - friendship."
"Good," Jon sighed in relief before catching her annoyed expression. "I mean:
Gendry is a good friend to have." His baby cousin was nowhere near ready to
start dating and especially not a guy about to turn eighteen. That kind of
relationship is illegal for a reason...
"All right," she stopped in front of a classroom door and waved at it, "this is
me." Arya gave him one more, much gentler, hug before releasing him and giving
him a beaming smile. "It was good seeing you, Snow."
"And I'm looking forward to meeting you, Arry." Jon tweaked her nose before
spinning away to head to his class before the second bell rung. As he hustled,
he considered warning Gendry off in no uncertain terms. He shook his head,
wondering if he was reading too much into their interaction. Arya wasn't just
any ordinary girl so maybe Gendry just didn't see her in that way. Either way,
he intended to keep a close eye on them both.
                                    SANDOR
Against better judgment, he joined most of the basketball team to watch the
cheer tryouts. Though it no longer held the same appeal. The boys arranged
themselves on the bleachers with Joff in the middle, flanked by Viserys and
Ramsay. Lancel and Theon gossiped about which girls were the hottest while
Loras played with his phone. Sandor stretched out on the top bleacher, arms
hooked on the metal bars behind him, taking slow sips from his flask.
"Show's about to start," Theon announced."Whooooooop!" Sandor rolled his eyes
as a gaggle of hopeful girls giggled and waved - fucking idiots. The cheer
squad formed a procession behind coach Tarth in their little red uniforms.
Yeah, they looked good, but none of them... Mmm... Sparkled? Yeah, that worked
- the little bird sparkled like some magical fairy creature. Unattainable,
unequaled, and completely and totally untouchable.
"Ow, looking good Margaery!" Viserys catcalled before turning to the girl's
brother with a mocking sneer. "I hope you don't mind my saying so, Loras."
Margaery performed a well-practiced wave to her adoring public before taking a
seat next to her coach to start the tryouts.
"Margaery knows she looks good," Loras never looked up from his phone, "nothing
you say can affect that."
"This is the life," Joff tilted his head back and twisted around to face
Sandor, "eh, hound?" Just then, a flash of flame-colored hair caught his
attention. No fucking way! It was her - the little bird - trying out for the
cheer-leading squad! She said she wasn't going to do it! That was a week ago
and girls were such fickle creatures. He'd avoided Spanish class for the rest
of that week, fighting the urge to go look for Sansa every time he set foot on
campus. Of course, the princess was picked up in a car worth more than his
father's house! He should've known...
"Huh?" Sandor realized he never answered Joff, who sat scowling at him. "Sure,
whatever."
"Oh!" Lancel stood up and covered his eyes to stare onto the field and there
was no doubt who he spotted. "Fresh meat! A redhead!" Sandor clenched the flask
in his hands and gritted his teeth together as he tried to contain his rage.
Count to ten - take a breath - exhale.
"I like me some ginger minge!" Theon leapt to his feet to get a better look and
Sandor had to fight the urge to throw his flask at the dipshit's head. "Damn
she is fine."
"That right there is a classic, my friends." The tone in Joff's voice sent a
chill straight through Sandor's heart, even with the drink in his flask making
him too warm. "Hands off, I'm calling dibs." He never should have mentioned
joining the squad to Sansa... Joffrey Baratheon - King of Shits - was bound to
notice her.
"Aww, man," Theon slumped back down on the bench, "Joff, you always call dibs
on the fresh ones!" The boy sulked like he just had something taken away from
him when he really never had a chance with a girl like Sansa Stark. "You had
Margaery and then you up and dumped her for no reason."
"Do I have to explain myself to you?" There was no mistaking the edge in Joff's
voice - everybody knew he could not be crossed because of who his father was.
"Didn't think so. Beside, she's much hotter than Margaery. What say you hound?"
Why was that kid so obsessed with his opinion? "Care to wager how long it will
take me to get between those long legs?"
"I don’t have enough money to go around pissing it away," he sneered the reply
before draining the rest of the flask. Sandor slammed the emptied flask on the
metal bench, causing a thundering boom that made everyone jump. They all
pretended they didn't shit themselves, resuming their conversation without him.
"Come on, boys!" Joff continued undeterred by Sandor's disinterest. "Any
takers? I got a hundred that says I can get her at the party."
"Easy money," Theon laughed, "you got yourself a deal." Ignoring them all,
Sandor closed his eyes and leaned his head back on the metal bar to cool his
thoughts. Meditation for anger control helped most of the time but the little
bird made every emotion grow tenfold. On the upside, just seeing her shy smile
make him happier than he could ever remember being. Downside - that she existed
in a world just out of his reach made him want to break everything in sight.
They all moved to the front row to get a good view of the tryouts but Sandor
kept to the back and pretended not to give a fuck. His drink gone, he stuffed
the flask into his pocket and gave into his impatience to watch the tryouts.
Most of the girls were freshmen and pitiful - he had no idea how people could
get up in front of a group and humiliate themselves. Did they not know they
sucked? See - this is why the world needs honest assholes like him. At least he
would tell them to their face before they got booed and jeered by the
basketball team.
Sansa looked nervous and gorgeous as usual as she performed a short cheer
routine that rang loud and clear. Then she skipped into a starting run,
performed a perfect graceful cartwheel, and landed on her feet. He sat too far
away to see clearly but Sandor felt sure she beamed like a happy little kid as
she did it. All of the spectators - girls and boys - clapped and cheered for
her. Must be nice, he sulked like a fucking child, to have a rich daddy and be
loved and adored by everyone.
The Little Princess probably never failed at anything in her whole life and by
all seven bloody hells, he wanted to hate her for it. But he couldn't - could
he? Good and beautiful people deserve happy lives and ugly hated people deserve
to be shit on. And never the twain shall meet, that's just the way it is. She
belongs in her world, full of castles and unicorns, and he needed another
fucking drink.
Chapter End Notes
     Boys, boys! Drink some green tea and chiiiiiilllllll, buddy. Ok!
     Don't hate the over-protective brother routine too much - I think it
     fits Jon's character because he's so damn serious. And I assume he
     would see Arya as a little sister since they grew up together. Big,
     BIG things are going down at Joff's party so stick with me through
     these moments of teenage doubt and we will get to the kissy stuff
     soon enough! Love you all for supporting my recuperation from my
     other series, I will be getting back to it soon: promise.
***** Invited to a Par-tay! *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [Invited_to_a_Par-tay!]
                                     SANSA
The decision to attend cheer tryouts was not made lightly, Sansa knew that it
would be difficult to fit chorus into her schedule. Her goal to gain an sports
scholarship would benefit from another athletic extracurricular activity. Also,
her heart seemed to be pining away for the person who first suggested the idea.
The hound disappeared from Spanish class and never darkened any hallways
waiting for her. It stung, and with most things concerning Mr. I-couldn't-care-
less Clegane... it disappointed her too.
He almost seemed a hallucination, she neither could find him on campus nor
online. Only a single search result came from his surname and the arrest record
she found belonged to someone several years older. Not deterred in the least,
Sansa scoured the last three years of yearbooks. Ultimately realizing he was
not the type of guy to show up on picture day. Spanish class turned into the
worst part of her day, fresh disappointment rose daily from seeing his empty
desk. Tryouts seemed to be the last resort to seeing him again...
"You must be Sansa," a petite and pretty girl cocked her head to the side,
interrupting Sansa's brooding. "I'm Myrcella Baratheon," her wide smile
revealed a mouthful of perfect even teeth.
"Oh!" Sansa returned the girl's smile and nodded her head with enthusiasm.
"It's so nice to finally meet you." She recognized Myrcella from her adorable
cheer routine, which put all the other freshmen to shame. "I think you were the
best one at the tryout, you'll definitely make the team."
"That's so nice of you to say," her cheeks pinked prettily against her golden
curls. "I would like it if we both made the team together." Sansa immediately
liked the sweet girl, musing the radical difference between Myrcella and Arya.
Both were petite freshman and that is where all comparison stopped. It made her
wonder what it would be like to have a sister more like herself. Often she felt
'left out' because she never shared her siblings' interests.
"Sansa, Myrcella," the captain of the cheer squad called to them with a wave of
her manicured fingers. "Please see me for a moment." Margaery already
introduced herself before the tryouts started, shining with majestic
confidence. She stood flanked by two of the most beautiful girls Sansa had ever
seen. "I want to be the first to say," she murmured as the girls approached,
"congratulations to you both."
"Oh!" Sansa covered her mouth in surprise and looked to Myrcella's equally
shocked expression. "Did I make the squad?"
"You both did," she confirmed with a beaming smile, "unofficially." The good
news floored Sansa, she could scarcely believe it!
"Really?" Myrcella squeaked with happiness and looked almost ready to cry. "Oh,
thank you, I won't let you down."
"Introductions are in order," a fair beauty with violet eyes placed a hand over
her chest, "I am Dany, co-captain of the team."
"I already know Missandei from class," Sansa aimed a shy smile at the beautiful
girl with dark skin and serious golden eyes. "I'm sure you remember my first
day," she groaned at the memory.
"Mr. Davos is so old-fashioned," Missandei sympathized with Sansa. "He made her
stand in front of the class and introduce herself."
"Oh, gods," Myrcella shook her headful of blond curls as her green eyes widened
with horror. "He didn't! I would just die!"
"I think he's kind of hot," Margaery commented with a shrug, "in an old-timey
pirate kind of way." She started to walk and everyone else followed without
being told, pulled like planets orbiting around the sun.
"You think all of the male staff members are hot," Dany razzed her friend with
a toss of her silvery blond curls. "And some of the female ones too."
"Hey," Margaery pursed her lips into a pretty pout. "I dare anyone to say
counselor Melisandre isn't totally hot."
"Hot, yes," Missandei agreed, "creepy: definitely." They all shared a laugh on
the joke Sansa was not in on, as she never met the apparently 'hot but creepy'
counselor.
"Anyway," the team captain frowned, "I don't think Mr. Lannister is hot at
all."
"Here it comes," Myrcella muttered under her breath. Sansa wondered how anyone
could say Mr. Jaime Lannister wasn't incredibly gorgeous. She had only seen him
in passing yet thought he might be the most handsome man she had ever seen in
real life. He looked like a movie star!
"He looks like," Margaery sniffed and made a face like she smelled something
foul, "an old version of Joff-"
"Ah-ah-ah!" Dany swatted her friend on the shoulder and scowled. "No Marge,
you've already used your complaining quota for he-who-will-not-be-named
yesterday. We all agreed it has to stop for your own good."
"I know," Margaery sighed before clenching a fist in determination. "I won't
think, or talk about a certain someone anymore!" She suddenly stopped in her
tracks as her hand fell limply to her side. "Oh gods... speak of the devil."
Sansa looked up to see a group of boys ambling in their direction; most
conspicuous was the hound trailing in the back. Her heart started thundering in
her chest as the sudden urge to run away overwhelmed her. "Oh, there's Loras!
Yoo-hoo, I'm over here my darling handsome brother!"
"My lovely sister!" An attractive curly-haired young man jogged up to Margaery
to kiss her on the cheek. "How do you grow even more beautiful every time I see
you?" Sansa found herself a bit dazed by the boy's open smile and unabashed
affection for his sister. Her brothers behaved so guarded with their affection
in public, even Rickon picked up the bad habit! He used to be the most
affectionate baby and toddler, and then one day decided to be a 'big boy' and
broke her heart. No more tickle fights or wildflowers pinched between tiny
chubby fingers...
"I've been blessed with fabulous genetics." The captain looped her arm through
her brother's and they continued on their original path. Sansa's heart still
pounded in her chest as she neared the one person she both desperately wanted
to see and dreaded seeing again. The outfit she packed for tryouts looked
girlish next to the sophisticated beauties in their uniforms.
"Ugh, I'm revolted," Dany commented dryly with a wry smile curling on her full
lips.
"I'm jealous," Missandei sighed, "I wish I had a brother." Sansa thought Missa
could borrow one of hers anytime but changed her mind, realizing how much
missed the boys and home. Even if they all had more in common with each other,
they made an effort to be good to her in their own ways. Robb always brought
her back some interesting rock or other small souvenir from hunting with dad.
Bran always knew how to distract Arya when their sister fights blew up into
all-out war. And Arya... well at least she never stole clothes and makeup from
her like other little sisters.
"I'm jealous too," Myrcella giggled and whispered conspiratorially, "but for
completely different reasons." Sansa smiled down at the girl and nodded her
agreement, also wishing a sweet boy like Loras would kiss her on the cheek.
"Loras," Margaery waved a hand in Sansa's direction. "These are our newest
squad members, Sansa and Myrcella."
"Enchanté, mademoiselles," he awarded a breathtaking smile with his greeting
and Sansa blushed furiously.
"It's very nice to meet you," she politely replied, concentrating on not
stammering like an idiot. Poor Myrcella just made a squeaking noise and nodded
her head so Sansa put an arm around the girl for support.
"I'm sure you'll both make excellent additions to the team," Loras seemed like
such a nice and polite person. Completely different from a certain someone who
did not even bother to say a proper hello or goodbye! Sansa peeked at Clegane
as his group neared theirs and he looked everywhere but at her. The cold
treatment prickled the corners of her eyes just a little bit. Fine! If he did
not want to acknowledge her in front of all his friends then she would just
ignore him as well!
"Aren't you going to introduce us, Marge?" A handsome boy with straight golden
hair let his eyes roam Sansa's height and she blushed under his scrutiny. "No?"
He scoffed at Magarey's scowl and held out his hand. "I'm Joffrey Baratheon -
my friends call me Joff." How ironic, she had been dying to meet this boy but
could no longer care less about him.
"Nice to meet you, Joff." Her eyes darted past the attractive boy's haughty
smile to the hound starring daggers into the back of Joffrey's head. They never
even went on one date, she never even learned his name... but she felt
'dumped'. Clegane amused himself flirting with her, then he realized she wasn't
more of a 'free spirit'; like Ygritte. Players like him only want one thing and
Sansa wanted true love and happily ever after.
Events like prom were important to her and she wanted a boyfriend who would be
proud to be her date. Regular outings, holding hands, and being a public couple
were all dreams she had since she first started to like boys. Sansa did not
intend to settle for anything less! As much as it pained her to admit, she
concocted a fantasy relationship between herself and the hound in her own head.
Meanwhile, he never once expressed anything more than casual interest in her.
"I'm having a party this weekend," Joff informed her, "everyone will be there.
Be sure to come." His 'request' sounded like an order but at least he cared
enough to ask her someplace...
"That sounds like fun," she agreed, "thank you for inviting me." Sansa
immediately wondered if the hound would attend the party. 'Everyone' must
include the basketball team's star player, she concluded.
"Enough chit-chat," Margaery interrupted, "Loras, can we squeeze Sansa in for a
ride home?"
"I don't want to be a bother," Sansa waved her hands at the generous offer.
"No trouble at all," Loras granted her another winning smile, "it's the least
we can do to welcome the newest squad mate." A sweet boy, that was the kind of
guy she wanted to date, someone who would say nice things to her to make her
feel good. As much as Sansa enjoyed the hound's teasing, part of her always
wondered if he really looked down on her, and not just literally. Did he really
find her vapid and shallow... an empty-headed 'little bird'?
"Th-thank you," she stammered, "I accept." The delight over being accepted and
making new friends sharply declined at the sound of the hound's scornful snort.
Sansa glanced up to see him turning to walk away, a familiar sight, only this
time he did not even grant his signature apathetic wave... Once again, she felt
massively disappointed and conceded that maybe Clegane was not the guy for her.
He had one more chance; that was all she could give, before she gave up on him.
                                     DANY
Dany, Missa, and Marge went out for retail therapy to unwind after tryouts,
looking for new outfits for the party. Somehow, the topic of conversation
turned from what they should wear to their newest squad members. They sat in
the mall's food court, sipping on their drinks, and discussing their thoughts
about the new girls. Mostly, they gossiped about the one new member in
particular, Sansa Stark.
"She is beautiful," Dany commented as she swirled her purple berry smoothie
with the straw. "Not just her sweet face or graceful ballerina's body, she
looks like a virgin saint." Ah, she remembered being that young and naive. Had
it really been two years since she first attended Kings High? Time really flies
when one has the time of their life. The two girls beside her made those years
the best and her gratitude could never truly be expressed in words.
"I bet she is a virgin," Marge smirked, "I wonder if Joff will attempt to
remedy her condition." Dany gave her friend a warning look to cut the ex-
boyfriend talk. Margaery pretended she was not still hung up on Joffrey
Baratheon but it was painfully obvious how much she still cared. The guy was a
grade-A asshole, everyone knew it, yet that did nothing to dampen Margery's
fixation.
"She does not seem quite that stupid." Missandei's barb was clearly directed at
Marge, who held her hands up in defeat under the double-teamed glares.
"Seriously though, I've seen her in a couple of my advanced classes and she's a
grade below me." Missa's brains were no joke: if Sansa could be in the same
class then she had to be smart. Good, the world needs more women who are not
afraid to be smart.
"Intelligence and sense are two different things." Margaery sighed before
loudly sucking up the rest of her bright red smoothie. "That girl doesn't have
a bad bone in her body." Sansa Stark seemed genuine and sweet but certainly
could use some guidance. Especially in regard to Joffrey and his cronies, they
were all a bunch of puffed up pre-frat boys. Honestly, if the dipshit didn't
throw the best parties, she would rather never see his leering smirk again.
"Innocent as a newborn babe," Dany agreed. She finished her own beverage more
slowly to avoid brain-freeze. Being protective of those weaker than herself had
always been her particular weakness. She never could stand to see anyone taken
advantage of or bullied.
"I like her," Missandei declared over the cap of her hot mocha, not a lover of
iced treats.
"I like her too," Dany pumped her fist against the table for emphasis and
looked to their leader to make the final call.
"That makes three of us," Margaery grinned. "Shall we take little Sansa under
our protective wings and help her learn to spread her own?"
"Oh, Marge," Dany scoffed, "you do have a flair for the dramatic."
"So says The Mother of Dragons," Missandei teased. The title unintentionally
brought up a swelling depression that Dany had been fighting for weeks.
"Oh, don't even remind me," she groaned, "my D&D group broke up." The fallout
was inevitable after the DM found out she was pregnant, she had been the glue
holding them all together. That's life, she mused, priorities and people change
all the time. At least their time together was fun while it lasted and that's
all anyone can really ask.
"Oh gods," Margaery deadpanned, "no, how terribly tragic." There had never
really been much support from Marge for Dany's unusual hobby but it never fazed
her, what other people said. Even her best friends could never convince her
that role-playing was a waste of time. It provided the very confidence that
other's admired. Playing a fantastic version of herself made her a better
person in real life! She knew non-players had a hard time understanding that so
she let her friend's dismissal pass.
"Stop, Marge," Missandei scolded, "you know how much she loves playing. It's no
different than your obsession with fashion." Dany wrinkled her nose at the
comparison and insulation that both hobbies were frivolous.
"Fashion is a life skill, Missa," Margaery protested. Dany agreed but still
felt the need to bemoan the loss of her group and amazing character.
"Please you two, I'm in mourning here," Dany whimpered, "my dragon!"
"I'm sure you can find another group," Missandei patted her hand for
reassurance. Although her friend was often far too serious for her own good she
remained the kindest person Dany knew. Unfortunately, finding a mature, gender-
equal tabletop gaming group was nothing short of miraculous.
"You know how hard it is," Dany griped, "to maintain a reputation at Kings if
it comes out I am a D&D geek."
"Your secret double life is safe with us." Margaery stuck her raspberry red
tongue out and Dany had to smile with such good friends by her side.
"We best get a move on," Missa checked her watch, "if we want to get new shoes
for the party." Dany rolled her eyes at her friend's predicable punctuality and
gathered up everyone's trash to throw it away. She might be the 'mother of
dragons' but she always felt the need to mother everyone around her. Maybe
that's why she never had much luck with guys, because she always smothered them
with too much... mothering. All she ever wanted to do was keep everyone around
her safe and healthy. What was that such a bad thing?
Maybe college will be better if she met someone who could appreciate her
helpfulness rather than accusing her of being. What was that word her last
boyfriend used? Ah, 'clingy'. Dany had no time for games, if she likes someone
she goes for it without holding back and hides nothing of herself.
Attractiveness has its drawbacks, every guy she liked readily agreed to date
her. None of them actually liked her for more than her looks. Every time she
talked about playing D&D or being passionate about animal rights, their eyes
glazed over.
What was the phrase her second to last boyfriend used? Ah 'that's just crazy,
babe'. Over and over she would fall for some dashing guy and it would be
beautiful for a few months until they just got tired of her. Dany never let it
show that every single one of them broke her heart, she shrugged it off and let
out her aggression whole role-playing. This year she decided to not even bother
with 'boys' and planned to hold out until she found a 'real man'. Did such a
thing actually exist?
Chapter End Notes
     The party... it cometh. But not yet... I think I need up the creep
     factor by about 1000%.
     More 'forceful' flirtations to come: Sandor's POV is up next!
***** Saving the Damn Damsel *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [Saving_the_Damn_Damsel]
                                    SANDOR
Out of desperate impatience, he went on the hunt for the one person who might
be able to help him work out his aggression. Khal was the only guy in school
that could properly spot him in the gym and he needed to lift heavy-heavy on
the heavy. They weren't 'friends' but the guy was someone he respected - also
he didn't talk much which suited Sandor just fine. He always forgot where that
back storage room was until he found it and booted the door open. Skipping
school to play a godsdamned board game - he'd never understand Khal for it.
"Sup, nerds?" Sandor greeted the two kids sitting with Khal, discussing
something in a book, and did a double take at the new addition. A girl? That's
a new one, he'd never seen any of these dorks with even a single female -
teachers don't count. How about that? One of the geeks finally realized a whole
other half of the human population existed. And what'd he do? Sat her down to
play their stupid fucking game. Somebody needed to give that girl a dress and
that boy some balls.
"Whoa," her high-pitched voice confirmed her gender. "Where do all these giant
dudes keep coming from? Isn't this a fucking high school?" Sandor grinned and
decided he liked the runt and her foul little mouth.
"It's not that I'm so huge," he scoffed, "you're just tiny." Sandor jerked his
chin at the quiet guy in the back. "Khal, I need to lift heavy today, can you
spot me?"
"Yes." Drogo was a man of few words, which made him the perfect workout partner
since Sandor didn't like talkers. "In one half-hour."
"Alright," he turned to leave, "see ya."
"Bye, giant guy!" The pipsqueak called after him, apparently unbothered by his
rude attitude. "Try not to run into any doorways!"
"Bye, tiny girl," he waved as he left, "try not to get swept into a storm
drain." Not bothering to shut the door, Sandor strolled out of the room and
down the empty halls. While class was in session, the school turned into a
ghost town, it freed him to wander the campus. In case a teacher ever did pass
by, they never questioned him since they were too afraid. Because of his size
and especially his face, most couldn't even look him in the eye and that was
fine with him. He attended class when he wanted, maintained a passing average,
and played basketball. Everything else can just fuck off-
"No, please," a voice protested politely, "no thank you." It was her, quiet but
strained coming from... Shit, Littlefucker's room, Mr. Baelish was infamous for
getting touchy with the female students. Nobody ever did anything to stop the
little pervert - till now. Sandor burst open the door with a kick of his booted
foot, hands still in his pockets, and took in the sight. Sansa sat trapped in a
desk and Littlefucker loomed over her. She could have easily pushed him out of
the way and walked out of the room, but of course, she didn't do that. Too
fucking polite for her own good.
"Mr. Baelish," he whined loudly, "I have a question about literature."
Littlefucker turned his beady eyes on Sandor and scowled. Fuck you buddy - the
little bird was his alone to harass!
"Well, I'm a history teacher," the arrogant man balked, "and not your history
teacher." Sandor snorted at the man's lack of pride as an educator - to turn
down a student actually seeking knowledge. A real winner, Littlefucker was,
probably became a teacher just to hit on pretty girls under his thumb.
"It's about 'historical' literature." Sandor grinned at the man who attempted
not to seem intimidated but clearly wanted to shit himself. Baelish rose to his
stunted full height and crossed his arms, trying to look like the authority in
the room. "Oh yeah, Sansa, there's some girl out in the hall complaining loudly
on the phone about waiting forever for you." Her eyes widened, probably
thinking he was telling the truth, and nodded her head vigorously.
"I better get going then," she collected her bag and scampered away, "thank
you, Mr. Baelish." She was actually thanking that pervert? The girl really was
an idiot, how did she manage all these honors classes? Sansa practically ran
out of the room and he followed her as she looked up and down the hallway.
"Nobody was looking for you," he strode past her as he walked, "I just said
that." Sansa hurried to keep up with his long strides and he considered just
sprinting away from her. She looked like a total knock-out - dressed up like
she was going on a date or something... He'd kill him - whoever he was - he was
dead! D-E-A-D! Breathe, count, stop being a fucking asshole.
"Thank you for saving me!" The little bird's chirping annoyed him after seeing
her so small and frightened by someone as weak as Baelish. She might not weigh
much at all but she was tall and played sports - she should be able to defend
herself!
"I'm not some fucking hero," he sneered, "I just don't like Littlefucker or any
bully." He slowed his stride just a bit because she started panting from the
effort since she toted all of her classes' books - like an idiot. Sandor fought
the urge to take the heavy backpack from her, unwilling to keep letting himself
get sucked into her problems.
"I really am thankful for your help." She actually managed to sound annoyed
while expressing her gratitude and he turned his head away to hide a grin. "I
don't know what I would have done if you had not shown up."
"Next time help yourself," he frowned down at her, "and don't wait around to be
rescued." Sansa suddenly stopped and for some reason his feet stopped moving
too. Her hair was all done up in a twisty pretty style, showing off her
graceful neck. The skirt of her dress stopped higher over the knee and lower in
the neck than he'd seen from her before. It really did seem like she was trying
to impress some guy and he wanted to kick his own ass for wishing she dolled
herself up for him.
"You're right," she whispered in a voice on the edge of crying. "I never dealt
with a situation like that... I kept thinking I was misreading him until it was
too late." Tears collected in Sansa's eyes, clearly horrified that a teacher
would take advantage of his power. What a naive little bird, somebody needed to
keep an eye out for her. And what - that'd be him? Sandor shook his head at
that stupid fucking idea.
"If you feel even slightly scared of a man, or woman, you should leave." Sandor
crossed his arms and tried to act like he wasn't giving her well-meaning
advice. The last thing he needed was for the little princess to get a hero-
complex about him. "Fuck being polite, your instincts are there for a reason
and some people get off on hurting others... I know that well."
"Thank you," she murmured, turning her bright blue eyes up at him with
something akin to hope shining in them. Girls never looked at him like that -
if they bothered to look period. Sandor knew whatever fondness she had for him
couldn't last. Eventually, Sansa would hear all about what a 'bad boy' he'd
been and being 'good girl', she would lose interest. Besides, they wanted
different things - she wanted a 'boyfriend' - he wanted to take all of her
clothes off. It would save them both some pain to avoid all of that and end
things before they began.
"Stop thanking me," he snarled. Sandor cursed himself for being so harsh, why
did she have to be so damned - everything? Why'd her welfare mean so much to
him when he barely knew her? He didn't even really like her personality and
thought she was naive and senseless and... Perfect in every possible way from
her flawless looks to her childlike cheerfulness. Maybe he was just so sick of
being a sullen asshole he wanted a bit of sunshine to peek through his storm
clouds... Man that sounded so fucking stupid.
"Sorry," her voice lowered to an almost inaudible whisper. Sansa's lashes
blocked her teary gaze, sending searing guilt through his gut. It wasn't her
fault that she was so godsdamned beautiful and perfect and came from money. His
horrendous face and bad attitude existed long before he ever met the little
bird. Gods - he really was a fucking asshole, wasn't he?
"Stop apologizing too," he softened his voice to a dull growl, tucking a finger
under her chin and raise her pretty eyes back to him. "Give me your phone." She
cocked her head to the side and looked confused by his demand. Sansa rummaged
through her bag and blushed as she produced a - of course it's sparkly pink -
phone. "This is my number," he punched it in, "if anyone ever fucks with you,
call me and I'll come save you with some more bad-ass hero shit."
"Thank-" She looked down at the phone with a puzzled expression before turning
it off with a click and looking back up at Sandor. "What's your name?" Sansa
blushed and looked away, lifting a hand to twirl a loose lock of fiery hair
that hung over her collarbone. "It's absurd that I don't know it yet." Her
innocent virgin routine seemed genuine but she had to know how hard those
twirling fingers made him.
"Sandor," he replied gruffly, shrugging his shoulders and stuffing his hands in
his pockets. He stalked off without warning and half-hoped she wouldn't follow
and keep making him feel so fucking awkward. Sansa hurried to catch up with
him, taking long strides with her - very long - legs. Fuck, didn't this random
boner thing stop in middle school? Mmm, he peeked out of the corner of his
eye... Yeah, nothing random about it - she's been the beginning and end of
every hard-on he'd had in two weeks.
"Is that a name?" Sansa grinned like a little kid as she teased him - far too
pleased with herself for learning his name. How in the fucking seven hells did
being cute come off so damn sexy? Only the little bird could make it work.
"Not much of one but the only one I got," he shrugged and slowed his pace,
realizing she was not going to give up so easily. "Just call me the hound like
everyone else." He tugged on her backpack's handle and she gave up the bag with
a pleased smile and slight blush. Of course, she liked that kind of shit - he
just couldn't bear to see her so burdened when the weight was nothing to him.
"Sandor," she held up one finger as she sounded out his name. "Clegane," she
held up a second and then third finger, "the hound." Sansa cocked an eyebrow at
him and held up her index finger. "I think, of all three options, I like
'Sandor' the best."
"Damn," he snapped his fingers, "I should've recorded that to make it my
ringtone. 'I like Sandor the best'." She rolled his eyes and groaned at his
poor imitation of her falsetto voice.
"Sandor," she sweetly called his name with a smile that made him bunch his fist
in his pockets. "Do you really mind if I call you by your first name?"
"Not if I can still call you 'little bird'," he countered and cleared his
throat to clear the huskiness.
"I do prefer my name," she laughed, "I think 'little bird' kind of makes me
sound like an idiot."
"You said it," he chuckled, "not me." The pouty face she made his throat go dry
and he swallowed hard.
"You said you hate bullies but you're always teasing me." Sansa's playful scowl
combined with those fingers playing with her hair made him sweat like he was on
the court. They made it to the front of the school and stood in the shade of
the weirwood tree.
"Teasing you is really fun," he shrugged and tried to play it cool. "Now I can
understand all those bullies I put down over the years." Aw fuck, that reminded
him he had to warn her about Joff. She was too trusting and would buy into his
bullshit hook, line, and sinker. "Speaking of bullies-"
"Sandor!" Sansa put a hand on his arm and he completely forgot what he planned
to say. "Oh, sorry I did not mean to interrupt you but are you going to
Joffrey's party?" Was Joff the asshole she got all dressed-up for? She didn't
seem that interested when he saw them together. He should've stuck around to be
sure - even if he didn't belong with that crowd.
"I might be there," he sniffed, "why - want me to put in a good word to the
golden prince for you?" Sansa's happy expression fell at his annoyed tone but
he couldn't feel any worse than he already did.
"That's not what I meant," she pulled her hand back and fiddled with the loose
strand of hair again. "Um, I wanted to know, um, if I might see you there?" It
hit him like a ton on bricks - the 'asshole' she got dressed up for... was him.
"Oh." Now he was starting to sound like her. "Why?" Sandor needed to hear her
say it - that she liked for some stupid fucking reason - and stop torturing
him.
"Um," her voice lowered quiet as a whisper and her blue eyes flashed up to meet
his. "Because I want to see you." Her father's car beeped at them and he
honestly couldn't care less if that old man waited forever. Sansa continued to
keep eye contact with him, never wavering for an instant as she waited for his
answer.
"Fuck," he looked away from her mesmerizing gaze, "I'll go if you're going."
He'd been rude and rough and openly lustful but she still wanted to see him
anyway. Sandor knew her crush on him couldn't last and he'd never likely get to
do anything more than... She possibly would let him kiss her - that... might
be... could be... a small chance. He'd be the biggest fucking fool at Kings
High if he passed up that opportunity. He shrugged off her bag and held it out
for her to put it over her narrow shoulders.
"Alright," she flushed as she beamed a smile at him, "I'll see you then." Sansa
laid her fingers on his arms, as if to stop him from leaving, unaware he stood
frozen to the ground. "Goodbye, Sandor." The way she said his name almost had
him melting into a puddle around her feet.
"See ya, little bird." His rasped farewell seemed enough to satisfy her and she
walked away into the other direction. Well fuck - did he just get a date with a
Disney Princess? Something ain't right in the universe. Or maybe he was having
one of those 'lucky days' he kept hearing about. Luck never came easy to Sandor
- he made his own luck. He was lucky to be born tall but it was pure driven
determination that made him a warrior on the court. He ate, breathed, and slept
basketball. Before Sansa, nothing ever distracted him.
Still, even knowing that he should stay away from Sansa Stark... he had a smile
on his face all the way to the gym. Grinning, Sandor broke into a run, too
pumped to walk. It was fitting - today would be the last day he ever rode the
public bus - because he was getting - a fucking car! And about godsdamned time!
Maybe - if this luck kept up - he could give the little bird a ride to the
party...
                                     SANSA
She did not even try to hide her happy grin as practically skipped to daddy's
car and hoped Sandor was not watching her. Sandor was a nice boy after all; a
real honest hero and rescuer of damsels! She knew Sandor would turn out the be
the perfect guy for her. Sandor-Sandor-Sandor! It had to be fate that their
names were so similar and complementary. Hers sounded soft and pretty while his
carried a strong masculine sound. Sansa could not wait to get home and doodle
their names all over the hidden insides of her school folders! She slid into
the car feeling like she walked on air.
"Did you have a good day, honey?" Daddy's eyes darted from her face to Sandor's
retreating form with increasing worry. Sansa tilted her head into his vision
and gave him her happiest smile, which he could not help but return.
"The b-e-s-t ever!" She did the arm wiggling part of her point victory dance
and he chuckled at her childish antics. Even if Sandor was a tough nut to
crack, she knew the way into daddy's heart like the back of her hand.
"Is that the same boy from before?" He seemed more relaxed but still followed
through with his fatherly duties.
"It is," she answered with a confident nod, "his name is Sandor." Sansa
resisted the urge to keep saying his name three times, smiling at the thought
of him appearing like a genie. Who else besides magical fairy tale characters
hid their names? Now that she knew his name, she had power over him! Like
Rumpelstiltskin... no that was not a romantic story. Like Doctor Who and River
song! Oh... that's not a fairy tale... It came to her like an epiphany! They
are like Cupid and Psyche! Perhaps that comparison was a bit dramatic, yet she
liked the idea the more she pondered it.
"I know your birthday is coming up," daddy broke the silence as they waited for
slow-poke underfoot Arya. "However, my rule has to stand for all of you
equally."
"Oh, daddy, I know." Sansa rolled her eyes and tried not to look guilty over
her white lie. "I have not been asked on any dates." Yet, she amended in her
mind but planned to accept if he ever did manage to ask her somewhere. She
could not let a few silly months stand in the way of what could be the
beginning to the greatest romance of her lifetime! A dark thought cut through
her happy fantasies. "Even if he is a senior, it will be alright once I turn
sixteen?"
"I trust you, lemoncake." Daddy patted her arm, leaving unnamed the daughter he
could not trust. "Unlike Robb, I know you are the type to want to date one
person. Liking someone is a good thing, Sansa, but I don't want to see your
heart broken. Just take it slow and listen to your own conscious. You're my
good girl: I know you will act with respect for yourself and your parents."
"I will," she promised while holding up three fingers, "scout's honor." The
back door wrenched open and Arya jumped into the car with a wide grin on her
face and dressed in different clothes than this morning. Sansa puzzled at the
wardrobe change but daddy did not seem to notice as he pulled the car around
the parking lot.
"San-sa!" Arya called her name in a sing-song voice, bouncing in her seat.
Sansa felt amused rather than annoyed with her sister's playfulness. "We should
go get Italian today - I had a great day." This truly was turning into a day of
miracles, even her irritating sister was in a generous mood!
"I also had a great day," she likewise felt generous towards her unusually
behaved sister. "We can go get Thai if you want."
"Steak it is!" Daddy laughed in victory and turned the car towards the
Steakhouse.
"DAD!!!" They both shouted their protest, sick of his rule that either they had
to agree immediately or he got to choose where they ate. "No fair!"
"Rules are rules!" He grinned and turned up the oldies radio station to drown
the sound of their complaints.
"Noooooo," Arya wailed from the backseat, covering her ears. "Stranger, take me
now!"
Chapter End Notes
     There's a spider in my bathroom: The Bathroom Spider. It lives in the
     corner between the trash and the wall and is the closest thing to a
     pet I can handle. I almost killed it accidentally with the toilet
     paper springy thing. This is a public apology to The Bathroom Spider,
     please keep eating the little flies that annoy me. That is all.
     Next Up: Arya's POV (Title: "Party Plans")
***** Party Plans *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [Whoa!_I_mean..._'Hi'.]
                                     ARYA
The last day of the school week turned out to be one of the best days of her
life, spending all morning with Gendry at the forge. When it got too hot, he
told her they might as well skip the whole day and offered to give her a D&D
crash course with Drogo. Arya never asked him to do any of it, did not even
have to beg once, he offered all of it himself. A complete change came over him
since the camping trip - he behaved more comfortable around her. They still
bickered and sniped at each other but more often it was with wide grins on
their faces.
"Bye, daddy," Sansa followed dad to the door and handed a small bag to him.
"Have fun on your business retreat and don't work the whole time!" He pulled a
luggage bag behind him and searched his pockets for his keys and pulled them
out. Robert Baratheon organized company retreats more often than board
meetings. Arya knew her father hated every minute.
"I'll be the only one," he sighed before kissing Sansa on the forehead and
walking over to Arya to kiss her too. "Listen to your sister and don't set
anything on fire." The keys jangled as he emphasized his words with them in his
fist.
"I will try," she offered and he patted her on the head before rushing out the
door. As soon as the door closed behind dad, Sansa broke into a run straight to
their room. "What's got you moving so fast?" Arya called after her sister, not
really caring but sort of bored and wondering what to do with herself.
"Joffrey Baratheon is having a party," she called down the hall, "and I was
invited!" Arya rolled her eyes but then an idea struck her. There would
probably be tons of booze and food at the party and so many kids that a couple
extra wouldn't be noticed... She jumped up from her seat and jogged to the
living room where her phone was plugged in next to her bag.
'Hey', she texted Gendry, 'be on standby to come pick me up'. Arya dove onto
the couch chest first and kicked her feet in the air behind her as she
waited... and waited... 'HEY'! That asshole better not be ignoring her or else
he was going to get it at school next week.
'For what'? So he wasn't exactly jumping at the chance to hang out, she hoped
he was looking for a little excitement to fill his boredom as well.
'We're crashing a party', she asserted - not really asking. Gendry took his
sweet time to reply and she rolled over onto her back, groaning in aggravation.
The minutes ticked by like hours, filled with visions of him doing something
more interesting. And not inviting her.
'Hot Pie and Drogo are with me', his eventual text confirmed that he was in
fact hanging out without her. Arya hoped they could spend some time together,
just the two of them... She shrugged, not really minding if a few more people
tagged along, the more the merrier!
'Bring them', she replied, 'I'll text you when I'm ready'. Arya crawled over
the arm of the couch and stretched her neck to peer down the hall at their
bedroom. The door remained firmly closed and she wondered what the hell could
be taking her sister so long to get ready. To pass the time, she read the
entire Wikipedia on blacksmithing and found it truly fascinating. Finally,
after about one million years, the door opened.
The vision that appeared into the hallway really shouldn't be a teenager. Arya
played it casual as Sansa glided into the room, dressed to the nine. The sting
of being the ugly one burned out long ago as beauty was nothing if it meant
being as shallow and silly as her older sister.
"Sis," she scoffed, "are you going to a party or a ball?" Sansa really did look
like she was going to a wedding - scratch that, she looked like she was the
bride! Arya snorted a laugh at her overdone look and lifted her phone to take a
picture of her pretty sister's ugly anger face.
"That's rude, Arya." Sansa scowled and shook her headful of red curls - snap.
"How shocking that you were not invited."
"Like I want to go to some shitty party with a bunch of jocks and
cheerleaders." Arya inwardly gloated - that was exactly what she planned to do.
"What do you people even talk about?" She zoomed in on the new picture and
snickered at Sansa's mouth open in mid-rant.
"Mostly how glad we are not to be friendless losers," Sansa put her hands on
her hips and narrowed her mascaraed eyelashes. Snap!
"I have friends!" Arya felt stupid for rising to her sister's piss poor
comebacks.
"Invisible ones don't count!" Sansa countered with her nostrils flared - snap,
oh that's a beauty right there.
"I hope you get your period!" Arya used the worst curse she could think of,
smirking at her older sister's horrified expression. Snap-snap-snap!
"Arya!" Sansa put a hand over her mouth and hissed her reply - snap. "Don't
risk Mother Nature's wrath, take it back!" They both knew their periods were
next week and no amount of razzing from Arya could make it happen any faster.
Gods, her sister was such a dumbass sometimes.
"I hope it starts just as you walk out onto the dance floor - with everyone
watching you." Arya watched with growing satisfaction as her sister's hand fell
limp to her side, revealing her top lip curled in fury. Snap - aw, just barely
missed the perfect shot.
"This is why you will never get a boyfriend," she scorned and stormed away to
grab her bag and headed to the door to wait for her ride outside. Oh shit, Arya
should've gotten a shot of her sister stopping away like a bridezilla. Sansa
was just so damn photogenic and had no clue that there were thousands of photos
of her looking like a complete idiot. Someday the collection would serve as the
ultimate blackmail tool. Only to be used for cases of extreme emergencies or
ultimate revenge.
"Who needs one?!" Arya called after her, just before Sansa slammed the door
behind her. She sprung into action, running to their room to tear through her
still unpacked suitcases. In desperation, she turned to the pile of clean-ish
clothes. Everything she owned looked ridiculous when compared to what her
sister wore and she would be too conspicuous. Ah! She raced to her sister's
side of the room and rifled through the neatly hung dresses in her closet. One
deep in the back was not completely offensive. She stripped what she wore and
pulled the dress on and went to check her reflection.
Wow, she actually looked like a girl - not the prettiest but still not a boy.
Arya definitely didn't wonder what Gendry would think. She added on a few
'accessories' from her own collection so she still looked like herself and put
on her cleanest shoes. For a half a second she considered trying to wear a pair
of heels but decided she didn't want to die just to attend a party. Anyway, no
way would any of Sansa's boat-sized shoes fit her tiny feet, so she made do
with her nicest sandals. As ready as she'd ever be, she grabbed her phone to
touch base with her ride to the party.
'It's on', she texted impatiently waiting a half a second for a response. 'And
step on it', she added after another minute of no reply. 'Be here in 20 - or
else'. Arya grew more nervous with every second that went by - he might decide
he'd rather not hang out with her tonight...
'On my way, milady', Gendry's reply had her biting her tongue and grinning like
an idiot. Arya ran to the window to catch Sansa getting into a flashy SUV and a
handsome, well-dressed young man holding the door for her. She snorted at how
predictable her sister's date was, exactly the type of fussy guy she fawned all
over.
                                    GENDRY
He knew he was driving too fast but he started to get nervous when Arya gave
him her address in the city. For one thing, it was on the nicer side: not the
richest part of Kings Landing but certainly nowhere near Flea Bottom. She did
say her dad worked a lot, which explained why they lived in an executive
apartment building in the heart of the city. Gendry refused to be intimidated
by her family's higher class or feel ashamed. It made him proud to be the son
of a single mother who worked harder than anyone did.
'I'm here', he texted her and pocketed the phone without waiting for the reply
he knew wouldn't come. In the short time they knew each other: they really got
to know each other - finishing each other's sentences even. Once he stopped
trying to run away from her, Arya somehow became his best friend and he never
got to spend enough time with her. Gendry knew he was pushing it with how many
classes he missed lately but was worth it. He stayed up late to get all his
work done and crammed for make-up tests.
Gendry didn't even notice her until she was walking straight at his car with
quick little strides. Well, he noticed 'the pretty girl in the black dress' but
overlooked her to keep staring at the entrance for Arya. It was her though, she
hauled the front door open and jerked her thumb at Hot Pie.
"Scram," she told him, and he scurried to get the hells out of her way. This
was the girl he planned to marry: Gendry knew, without a doubt, they were meant
to be.
"Whoa!" Hot Pie took the words right out of Gendry's mouth and hurried to get
into the backseat with the usually silent Drogo. His palms started sweating on
the wheel and he quickly wiped them on his jeans. Arya slid into the car, not
paying any attention to her skirt riding up as she closed the door with a sigh.
"Hey," she greeted him with a distracted wave as she handed him her phone.
"Here hold this for me, the fashion corporations conspire to sell purses," she
informed him. "By refusing to put pockets in women's clothing." He nodded along
as he had plenty of pocket space for her phone. Her face scrunched up into an
expression of pure fury that scared the shit out of him. "I'm not carrying a
fucking purse." Gendry slowly nodded, assuring her he would never ask her to do
such an apparently burdensome thing.
"It's fine," he coughed to clear his croaked words, "I'll carry whatever you
want, Arry." She nodded like he gave the right answer to a pop quiz. "You
look..." Gendry's brain deflated as he looked her over from head to toe,
"different." Arya frowned down at her little black dress and roughly pulled the
skirt down with an annoyed sigh.
"I needed a disguise," she waved a hand over her outfit, "so I stole some
clothes from my sister's closet." Arya grimaced and held up a hand, putting up
fingers like she was counting in her head. "I think she only wore this once -
to a funeral - two years ago." Her wide grey eyes turned up at him with an
almost shy expression that caught his breath. "Why - is it too weird?"
"No," he managed at least one syllable and shook his head for far too long.
"It's not weird at all, just... different." Arya shrugged like she didn't care
either way about this opinion and put her feet up on the dash, never bothered
to put on her seat-belt. Gendry knew lecturing her was a waste of time and
hoped he didn't have to watch her body sail through his windshield. Time to
drive like he was in driving class with an instructor in the passenger seat.
"So, where's the party, Arry?!" He pulled out his phone and opened the GPS app
then handed it to her. She punched in the address and returned the phone and he
couldn't believe what party she planned to crash.
"Damn," Gendry let out a low whistle as he put the car into drive, "we're going
to the fancy part of town, boys." He studied Arya out of the corner of his eye
with growing concern for his ever-stylish tee shirt and jeans combo. "Maybe we
should've dressed up too." Somehow, he didn't think putting a button-up over
his shirt counted but it was more than Hot Pie or Drogo had done.
"Nobody gives a fuck what guys wear, stupid." Arya pointed her finger forward,
as per tradition, and gave the order to drive. His Lincoln coasted out of the
city and in the opposite direction of Flea Bottom to the Red Keep, the richest
district in Kings Landing. The houses had gates, the streets had gates, hells:
the bloody doghouses had gates.
"I assume you have a plan to get into this ritzy party?" It almost scared him
how much he'd changed since he met Arya... but it was damn fun too. She had him
doing things he never dreamed of and taking chances he would've rather avoided.
Gendry was the type to keep his head down and not concern himself much with the
world outside his small group.
"I thought you'd never ask," she quirked her brows and waved her hands like a
stage magician. "Get ready for a real adventure, boys." Hot Pie giggled from
the back seat and the grunt Drogo gave sounded mostly positive. "I looked up
breaches in the fence perimeter on Google maps." Arya explained her plan with
all the seriousness of a top-secret mission leader. "Most of them don't even go
all around, half are purely for show."
"And the other half?" Gendry admitted to himself her cloak and dagger skills
were impressive but couldn't let Arry get a bit head over it.
"Oh that's the best part," she did her little scowl-smirk expression. "We'll
have to climb those." Arya rolled her eyes at his doubtful grimace. "Where's
your sense of adventure? Besides, don't tell me it doesn't feel good to get one
over on these assholes?"
"It feels good," he agreed and accelerated a little faster. Arya directed him
to the backstreets that led to the forest behind the Baratheon Manor. Her route
completely avoided the security checks. All four of them crept through the
woods until the ten-foot metal fence came into view. "Arry! We can't climb
that." In the distance, beyond the grounds that looked to be shaped into a golf
course, the mansion buzzed with the party in full swing.
"You don't have to, stupid," she grabbed onto his wrist and pulled him towards
the fence. "Just give me a boost and I'll walk around to the gate on the side."
Arya placed him the in the position she wanted and put her hands on his
shoulders. Gendry's heart pounded at their closeness but she totally focused on
the fence. He laced his fingers together and prayed that he wouldn't drop her
and she placed one sandaled foot into his hands. She weighed nothing at all and
was plenty strong enough to pull herself up and swing her leg over the top.
Gendry told himself the reason he couldn't tear his eyes away was because he
worried about her safety. Then he noticed Hot Pie gaping at Arya and he covered
the boy's eyes. She nimbly crawled over the fence and slid down the other side
to land safely on the ground.
"See, I told you," she clapped her hands together and straightened her dress.
Hot Pit burst into applause but awkwardly trailed off when no one else joined
in. "Come on," she waved a hand and jogged toward the manor until she found the
section of fence she sought. They caught up to her just in time to have the
gate swing open. "Welcome to the party, boys." Arya grinned like a Cheshire cat
and skipped ahead toward the manner. Nobody noted their approach or really paid
any attention at all, it was almost too easy to get into the party.
Hundreds of kids were scattered around the manor, in various states of
inebriation and undress. Gendry recognized faces that had already graduated and
realized this was not just a high school party. They made their way past the
pool, narrowly missing being beamed by a beach ball and then cut off by a
gaggle of topless girls. Hot Pit wandered off in the direction after the girls
and Drogo had somehow already disappeared. Arya grabbed his arm and led him
into the manor but suddenly stopped as they entered the main room.
"What are you staring at?" He followed her line of sight to a person that
couldn't be missed. "Oh, the hound?"
"He's eye-fucking my sister," she grumbled.
"Your sister is here? Hey!" Gendry grabbed onto her wrist after her hand
slipped from his arm to start walking in the hound's direction. "Don't go near
him, he's a dangerous guy."
"I'm not afraid of him," she scoffed.
"I am, so just do me a favor and steer clear." Gendry let his hand slide down
to hold hers tightly. "I don't want to have to worry about you so stick by my
side." Arya glanced at their hands before turning a raised eyebrow up at him.
He held his breath as he waited for her to pull her hand away and yell at him
for telling her what to do.
"Ok," she smiled and tugged him towards the conspicuous giant keg, "let's get
some drinks!"
"I'm driving!" Gendry always got sleepy after he drank and he couldn't keep an
eye on Arya if he fell asleep.
"Then I'll drink," she compromised, "and you make sure I don't fall over."
Chapter End Notes
     The party has just begun! Arya will get another POV before she leaves
     the manor but first...
     Sandor is up next in: "Thirsty Dog"
***** Thirsty Dog *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [Thirsty_Dog]
                                    SANDOR
He never worked up the nerve to ask the little bird if he could drive her to
the party, it was a stupid idea anyway. Sandor never regretted his cowardice
more than when she made her appearance. His eyes were drawn to her the moment
she arrived, materializing like a dream come true in her long white gown. She
stood out like a lighthouse in a sea of asinine self-absorbed teenagers. Sansa
looked like she should be on the red carpet, not at some stupid party.
His stomach clenched with anger when he saw who walked in with her, Loras
Tyrell, and his entourage of cheerleaders. Her eyes shined with excitement as
her hand clung tightly to Tyrell's arm. Like a king and queen, they led the
procession of well-dressed beautiful people. The crowd parted for their group
as they moved to the center of the room to sit with Joff and his clique. There
was no reason to be jealous of Loras but then she smiled at his handsome face
and the hound saw red. Redder than the pile of curls atop her pretty head -
damn the gods, he was already pissed drunk.
The beautiful people sat in the center of the party, laughing and
congratulating each other for being perfect. Fuck them all - he pulled out the
small bottle of scotch from his jacket pocket and drained a few gulps. Sansa
leaned across Loras to whisper something in his sister's ear and Margery burst
into laughter. The little bird covered her mouth, hiding her own giggling
behind her hand. Sandor toasted himself on being right, as usual, about her
fitting in with that crowd. Just fucking awesome, he drained the rest of the
bottle.
It wasn't long before Joff chatted up Sansa with a false smile and offered her
a drink, which she tried to refuse politely. Come on, little bird, show some
backbone! His eyes darted to Tyrell, who was yucking it up with his sister, not
paying any attention to Joff's suspicious behavior. The shit shook his head in
denial, clearly refuting the drink's alcoholic content. Sandor quickly crossed
the room, snatched the cup out of her hand, and downed the damned drink in one
long shot.
It was sweet but burned his throat, confirming the concoction consisted of
nearly straight booze. Gin and fruit punch, if he had to guess, damn tasty way
to get wasted. Oh yeah... room was spinning mighty fierce - like that ride,
that carnival ride... the one that spins a fuck-load. Gonna throw up! Nope,
it's all good. Sandor was already feeling perfectly drunk from the bottle of
scotch he'd swiped for himself earlier. Nobody ever argued with the scary bad-
tempered hound - except for Joffrey Baratheon.
"What the fuck's the matter with you, hound?" The whiney little shit sneered up
at Sandor like he could actually do something about it. Want it back,
motherfucker? Give me a bucket - I'll give your back your drink! His stomach
turned at the thought and he started - fucking giggling - about his own asshole
inner monologue.
"I was thirsty," he slurred almost incoherently. Damn, was he that drunk?
Shiiiiiittttttt... He rubbed his hand over face to try an sober up and focused
on not swaying - it's a long fall to the floor from his height. Sansa suddenly
burst out laughing, at him or the situation he didn't know. Joffrey scoffed and
stalked off, sulking that his plan didn't work. Sandor's head was swimming -
like full of fishes and other sea life - and he shook it. The motion did
nothing to clear his thoughts, just made a weird buzzing sound in his ears.
"Joff sure knows how to make a drink," he joked, trying to focus his blurred
vision on the little bird. A halo of red glowed around her pretty face, which
was drawn with concern - possibly, it was hard to tell. She did look hot as all
hells though up close, the dress fit her like a second skin, nearly the same
shade as her fair complexion. "I need to get some air," he stumbled back, "it's
too hot in here." Sansa stood up and moved towards him, freezing his feet in
place.
"I'll go with you," she wrapped her arm around his and held it with both her
small hands. Fuck his dumbass decision to wear a jacket, and not only because
he couldn't feel how soft her palms were. He must look like a train-hopping
hobo standing next to a porcelain bride from atop a wedding cake. Sandor never
bothered to change out of his t-shirt and gym shorts after working out. Then
just covered the outfit with the rumpled coat from his backseat. It made no
fucking sense to try and impress anybody with his 'fashion sense' when his face
looked like ground beef.
"Sansa, dear, where are you going?" Loras Tyrell finally decided to pull his
head out of his ass and pay attention to the girl he came with. The prick
looked at both of them like he couldn't believe his eyes. The whole group
stared at Sansa with growing concern - probably for her mental health.
"I'll just be outside with Sandor," she pulled Sandor toward the door, "don't
worry." He craned his neck back to look back to see Margaery and her brother's
shocked expressions and gave them a twisted smile. Sansa ignored them all,
leading him to the front door and as they walked outside... her hand slipped
into his. It was so soft and warm - he used every bit of his remaining focus to
hold onto her gently. She led the way down some steps, around the side of the
mansion to a small paved area with a vine-covered pergola over it.
"I noticed this earlier and thought it was pretty." She sat on the bench and
reached out to stroke a small purple flower growing on the vine. Sandor sat
down next to her, trying not to flop down like a drunk. "You've been watching
me since I came in, why didn't you come talk to me?" Busted - so now he's the
creepy guy who just stares across the room at her... great.
"You saw me, huh?" Sandor shrugged out of his jacket and draped it around her
bare shoulders. Girls expect that kind of shit, right? "It looked like you were
having a good time," he braced his forearms on his knees and linked his fingers
together. "I didn't want to interrupt." She stayed quiet so he tilted his head
- on his good side - toward her. The little bird pulled her arms through his
huge jacked and struggled to roll up the sleeves. He turned towards her and
grabbed one sleeve to do it himself but she curled her fingers around his hand.
"Sandor," Sansa bit her lip and glanced away when he looked up at her. "I
shouldn't say anything but I'm pretty sure Loras is gay." She shook her head,
refocusing on Sandor. "I mean, I did not come here to see him..." Even in the
dim, he could see the rosy blush rising on her cheeks. "He's not the one who
saved me, twice now." There could be no mistaking the stars in her eyes, he
gave the girl the wrong idea about him because he treated her too nice.
"That's me," he scoffed, "a knight in shining armor." Sarcasm and mockery -
that's how the hound wins his fair ladies. Already filling with regret, he
turned his head away to look up at the pergola. "I was thirsty," he mumbled,
knowing it was a fucking lie. Sandor gripped his twitching fingers on the stone
bench and leaned away from Sansa. For some fool reason his hands wanted to
reach out and stroke the soft curls of hair fluttering in the light breeze. She
leaned in close into his vision with a knowing smirk.
"Sure, I believe you," she did not sound like she believed him at all. Sandor
turned his full face towards her, no longer trying to hide his bad side, and
scowled at the girl.
"Calling me a liar, girl?" He growled at her, tilting his head so close to hers
that their noses almost touched. Sansa only gasped in response and did not pull
away, mouth falling slightly open before she licked her lips temptingly.
"No," she murmured in a low voice, "I'm calling you sweet." Sansa's bright eyes
darkened as she peeked up at him through her lowered eyelashes. The thundering
in his chest was so loud he was sure she could hear it.
"Sweet?" The word rasped out of his tight, dry throat. "Me?" This was it - now
or never - after tonight there would be no way her friends wouldn't tell her
all the nasty details.
"Yes, Sandor, you," her voice hitched on his name, making his cock jump to
attention. Sansa was looking down at his lips as little puffed breaths came
through hers. Blue eyes flashing up towards his, she tilted her head back
invitingly. "Are you going to kiss me now?"
"Damn straight," his hands were faster than his mouth, already reaching for
her. His fingers crushed the fragile fiery curls as he pulled her face close to
his. Her eyes squeezed shut and her lips were slightly pursed in an
inexperienced way that made him smirk. He ran the pad of his thumb under her
lower lip, causing just the response he hoped for - a gasp. Sandor curled his
fingers around her head to tilt her face up and descended on her mouth.
His hand found her waist - hidden in his damnable jacket - and pulled her
closer. Sansa tasted tangy and sweet, like lemonade, which must've been what
she drank while he got wasted. Good miss little perfect, not even a bit drunk
at a party, and letting the hound paw all over her. This proves it - nice guys
do finish last. She found the nerve to release the jacket and place her hands
on his shoulders. That was enough encouragement for Sandor to haul her into his
lap.
"Ah!" Her cry was muffled by his tongue so he broke the kiss, panting heavily.
He braced himself for the inevitable cheek-slap and storm-off. Instead, she
smiled sheepishly and tugged the jacket's front. "I'm... not cold... anymore."
The grin that broke over his face must have been wolfish and damned lustful,
but she flushed like he was prince fucking charming. Sandor loosed his hold on
her as she let the jacket fall from her pale shoulders and he tossed it the
fuck out of his way. Just admiring her ivory skin in the moonlight should be
enough for a lowly dog like him.
Sansa ran her hands along his arms to curl them behind his neck and tilted her
head to one side, waiting for him to kiss her. She could wait forever for all
he cared - he needed to memorize everything about this impossible moment.
Before it slipped away. The girl of his dreams literally sat in his lap,
waiting for him to kiss her. Sandor could probably fall off a cliff and still
die happy after this. Her bright eyes popped open and a concerned expression
crossed her pretty face, spurring him into action.
He slid his hands along the soft lace of her dress, over her warm shoulders,
one locked behind her neck and the other cupped her delicate jaw. Those pretty
eyes fluttered shut again, waiting like a good girl to be kissed. Happy to
oblige, Sandor captured her sweet mouth again. When she pressed one small hand
against his hammering heart he damn near passed out. Too fucking drunk to care,
he plundered her lemony sweetness while Sansa mostly sat still and accepted it.
His hands roamed of their own volition, pulling the little bird even closer.
Sansa came alive when his mouth left hers to explore the graceful length of her
neck - writhing and arching against him. Her hands grasped, first his shirt
then his shoulders, panting and whimpering unladylike sounds. His cock was rock
hard beneath her as she squirmed in his lap but she didn't seem to notice. Some
rational part of him brain kept reminding him to stay out of the danger zone.
Good girls don't appreciate hands up their dress or on their chest... but his
mouth was trailing nearer and she didn't seem to mind.
"Sandor..." She whispered his name and he felt like she punched him in the gut.
Here it comes - she's going to tell him they have to stop and he should
probably not mention this little make-out session to anyone. "What if someone
sees us?" Sansa sounded so nervous at the prospect of being seen sitting on the
hound's lap that he nearly shoved her off. Sandor followed her sight to a group
of boys smoking on the side of the mansion. "Should we go somewhere... more
private?" That had his eyes snapping back to her blushing face.
"Little bird," he sighed as he gently set her down on the bench next to her.
"You don't want to be seen going upstairs with the likes of me." Sandor grinned
down at her innocent expression and rolled his eyes at her naivety. "They'll
think we went up to fuck... unless that's what you're getting at? In which
case-" He started to get up but she grabbed onto his shirt, her face a mask of
pure panic.
"I didn't mean that!" Sansa hissed, looking around like somebody around could
hear his 'scandalous' talk. She narrowed her eyes on his smirking face and her
flustered expression broke into a knowing smile. "Oh," she lightly tapped his
arm, "you're teasing me again!" She grasped his wrist and pulled his arm around
her shoulders and leaned against his chest with a sigh. "This is the best party
I've ever been to." He wrapped his other hand around her waist and tilted his
good cheek to feel the tickling curls on her head that smelled like flowers.
"Same here," he tried to keep his growling to a minimum and tamped down his
regret for not taking her up on her offer to go upstairs. Her naivety wasn't
his problem - he'd probably have her on her back tonight if he played his cards
right. Nah, Sandor had to admit, the little bird playing with his fingers and
snuggled up to his side was better than a monstrous asshole like him should
expect. How could he ever think a single kiss from Sansa could ever be enough?
After one, he wanted a thousand more... for starters.
                                     LORAS
He got away from his sister, distracted by some argument with Joffrey over
Sansa, and slipped down the hall he watch Renly walk down a few moments
earlier. Loras had been waiting for Renly to get away from his college buddies
playing some war game on the giant TV. The hall stood in shadow on the way to
the butler's pantry. As he turned the corner, they both nearly collided and
Loras saved the sleeve of Oreos that spilled from Renly's hands.
"You lost, Loras?" Renly chuckled as Loras handed back the cookies and tried to
brush past.
"Nope," he braced a hand against the wall, blocking Renly's path. "I'm looking
for you."
"Tyrell," he sighed and tried to move around Loras again. "This crush you have
on me is sweet-" No, cookies are sweet, what Loras wanted was far from 'sweet'.
"Don't act like you consider me a kid," he blocked Renly's path again, pushing
him against the wall. "I know you want me." Loras braced a hand on either side
of his shoulders and Renly made no move to escape. "Why are you avoiding me?"
"I'm not interested in breaking someone's heart," Renly bowed his head and with
a heavy sigh. "Especially not yours." He gripped Loras' wrist and ducked under
to escape, turning back with a wistful half-smile. "I can't give you what you
want."
"What I want," Loras licked his lips and raked his eyes over Renly, "is to suck
the white off your dick."
"Loras," he chuckled, "I can't believe you are that same shy scrawny freshman
who used to follow me around." But those days were long dead and gone and that
scrawny kid no longer existed.
"It's hard not to get a little star-struck," he sauntered closer to Renly,
pleased when he did not back away. "When the captain of the basketball team is
your first serious crush."
"And that's why this is a bad idea, kid." Renly's mouth might protest, but his
body stood still and taunt as Loras moved so close they were almost pressed up
against each other.
"That's your mistake right there..." He slipped his fingers under the hem of
Renly's shirt and traced the line above the waist of his briefs. "I was a
scrawny love-struck kid," he laughed at himself as he let his hand slip higher.
"I wrote poems about you and hoped every day you would talk to me." In one
quick motion, Loras had Renly up against the wall. "Then I grew up," he
whispered in his ear, "now I want to fuck you." Renly dropped his fucking
cookies, grabbed Loras' hair, and reversed their positions across the hall.
Their mouths met in a searing and too brief kiss.
"There's a back service elevator," Renly whispered the words over Loras' lips.
"Meet me there in five." He tore his mouth away with a groan to stare at Loras
with an unreadable expression before turning to walk away. Loras heaved a heavy
sigh and tilted his head back against the wall and gazed up at the dim light
sconces lighting the hall. A slow smile spread over his face as the true weight
of his victory sunk in. Finally... after years of unrequested love and lust,
tonight be would have Renly Baratheon.
Don't live for the memory, he reminded himself as he pushed off the wall in
search of the service elevator. Live for the moment... after this night he
would be free of the hold Renly had over him.
Chapter End Notes
     Loras/Renly won't be one of the major pairings in this fic but their
     scene just came to me and could not resist just adding a pinch.
     Next up is a Dany/Arya double POV and the party wraps up. I feel like
     super ridiculously bad about the cleaning crew who have to clean up
     after these spoiled brats. I mean, I don't even take the time to
     invent the characters and I still feel bad for them. I've got issues.
     I'm thinking of slowing down and forcing my focus back on my other
     series... I told myself after this chapter I would do it... I think I
     might be completely full of shit. Just a few more chapters...
***** No *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                     [No]
                                     DANY
The bedroom door closed with a click before she locked it, resting her forehead
on it for a moment before turning around. It was too dark to see but she was so
tired she just wanted to pass out anyway. Obviously, a day of shopping and a
night of hard partying make Dany a dull girl, the party was still going strong.
Stumbling to the bed, she kicked off her shoes and crawled onto the soft
mattress. She started to unzip her dress, to get more comfortable, when she
heard a noise from the shadows.
"No," an impossibly deep voice rasped from the darkness. Dany gasped, rising to
her knees on the bed and frantically looking around the room, seeing no one.
"Who's there?" Dany used her most authoritative voice. "Answer me." Fear
prickled the small hairs on the base of her neck.
"No one," the voice in the dark was apparently shy and it made Dany smile with
relief. She felt a kinship with whoever else would attend a party and then
escape it at the first opportunity.
"Tell me your name," she coaxed gently. For a time the deep voice in the
shadows remained silent and Dany wondered if she might have upset him by
encroaching on his sanctuary. She could take only take so much socializing,
even with her best friends around, before she just needed some time alone.
"Drogo." A large shape emerged from a chair shadowed under the window: the
faint light behind him did nothing to reveal his identity. He turned and
started to walk towards the door and Dany immediately felt guilty for chasing
him out.
"Wait, I did not mean to kick you out," she reached out to hand in a gesture to
stop him from leaving. "We're both trying to escape and you were here first."
Diplomacy was one of her many skills. "You can stay in your corner and I'll use
the bed. Agreed?" The giant nodded at her and resumed his place in the shadow
under the window. "Hopefully I'll dream of dragons," she murmured, turning to
collapse into the pillow.
"Dragons?" His low voice rumbled with the barest hint of interest. "Immune to
magic sleep effects and paralysis effects." That got her attention: the guy had
barely spoken a few words and was apparently a walking D&D guide. She launched
to a sitting position to stare at her mysterious companion. Dany's eyes
adjusted to the dark, she could make out Drogo's face, handsome and stoic but
still not familiar.
"You play D&D?" She watched with growing excitement as Drogo nodded his head in
answer to her question. Dany fought to contain her enthusiasm: she could ask to
join his group! "What class is your character?"
"Level 4 Half-Orc Barbarian," his harsh accent almost made him sound like an
Orc. That probably really lent some realism to his role-playing!
"So you have a group?" Dany could not contain her delight at the prospect of
finding a new group, anticipation overtook her drowsiness. "Mine just broke
up," she explained. "Do you think your group would accept someone new?"
"Just added a new player," he answered and she held her breath for the
verdict... "DM will say yes."
"Great!" She clapped her hands together and realized she never gave her own
name after demanding to know his. "I'm Dany, by the way." A sigh of relief
escaped her throat, feeling as though a great burden was lifted from her
shoulders. "I can't wait to get started on a new character, though I did love
my old character and it took a long time to build her up."
"Level, Race, Class?" In the hint of emotional inflection in Drogo's voice,
Dany sensed a simmering passion beneath his stoicism. Intuition was another of
her many, many talents.
"Level 13 Aasimar Paladin," she stated proudly, "with a Silver Dragon mount
that I raised from a wyrmling." It was unbelievably hard work to raise a
dragon. "I've raised three, the first two were killed before they became adults
but Silver was strong."
"You miss it." There might have been just a tiny hint of sympathy in his tone,
or perhaps that was just wishful thinking on Dany's part. Since her group broke
up, the only people who could understand her plight were other tabletop gamers.
"I do," she sighed and balled up the covers in her fist with determination.
"But I'm willing to start from the beginning again. It will be fun to finally
start a new character." Dany preferred to have an optimistic outlook on life.
"Level, Race, Class?" He asked the question like a broken record but Dany
imagined: within the broad chest of the shy giant likely beat a warrior's
heart. The poor boy was born in the wrong era, something else she felt they had
in common.
"Come over here and help me think up a good one." She patted the other side of
the bed, surprised when he complied right away. "I was thinking of playing a
wizard, with a focus on the school of Conjuration." The mattress sunk under his
heavy weight and Dany had to brace a hand to keep from rolling towards him.
"I'm still the Mother of Dragons," she smiled at his emotionless features. "As
a wizard I could summon a Dragon Strike, Ten adult red dragons would be mine to
command." The thought alone was enough to make her palms feel tingly with
anticipation.
"Hard to cast arcane spells," he commented as he folded his massive arms across
his chest. Dany chided herself for ogling a stranger and focused on pulling the
coverlet over her bare legs.
"You really know your D&D rules," she scooted up against the headboard, "do you
like anything else?"
"No." His monosyllabic answer to her 'get to know you' question had Dany
groaning and shaking her head.
"Oh, no, you're back to just saying 'no'." She tugged on his shoulder to get
him to sit back so she could look at him. "You must drive your group crazy: let
me guess, you never hang out with them without a table between you." Drogo
kicked off his boots and still managed to look stiff when relaxing against the
headboard.
"I have one other friend," he answered.
"And do you talk to that friend?" Dany counted down to his expected answer: 3-
2-1...
"No," he predictably replied before adding, "we lift."
"I can tell," at her appreciative tone, his intense black eyes snapped to hers
and she raised an eyebrow in challenge. He remained silent, as per tradition,
and Dany smiled as she lifted the covers to tuck in the overlarge teenager. All
the while, he stared at her with no expression on his handsome face. Dany
flopped back on her side and pulled the covers over her chest, clasping her
hands together over the blanket.
"I always wanted to have a slumber party where I fell asleep talking about D&D,
but my friends are a little more grounded in reality." She stifled a yawn as
her exhaustion came back in full force. "How did you get started playing?"
"To learn the common tongue," his reply surprised her and she could think of at
least a dozen better ways to learn a language.
"No wonder you're so talkative," she teased.
"Most people fear me, think I'm stupid, they avoid me." For a man of few words,
when he did speak, Drogo expressed himself with a certain eloquence. "My D&D
group do not care how I talk."
"I can understand," she could relate to his need for acceptance. "I like the
way your voice sounds, perhaps you could teach me Dothraki. I have a talent for
language and I already know High Valyrian, 'as every good Targaryen should'."
"Dothraki is not like High Valyrian," the deep rumbling sound coming from his
chest might have been chuckling. "Your Westerosi tongue is too soft for
Dothraki."
"And what do you know about my tongue?" Dany propped up on her elbow to meet
his fathomless gaze once more. "Quiet again?" She sighed as she sank back down
into the fluffy pillow, still facing towards him. "I'm fading fast..." Another
yawn interrupted her words so she decided to stop fighting her fatigue and
aimed a bleary-eyed smile at her new friend. "Goodnight, Drogo."
"Me layafat anna jin tihat meyer zheana eme."
                                     ARYA
It proved effortless to avoid Sansa, she disappeared early in the night and
probably got sleepy past her bedtime. Arya rolled her eyes at what a dork her
sister was and crept around the eerily silent house to wake Gendry and Hot Pie.
Despite her master's protests, after some razzing from her, he got completely
wasted. The boys eventually passed out on the sectional in one of the many
living rooms. She stepped over unconscious teenage bodies on the floor on her
way to the couch.
She found Gendry and Hot Pie, each taking up a branch of the sectional couch
and their heads tilted together. Sure that the flash and sound were off, Arya
admired Gendry's cute sleeping face and took a quick picture. As the party is
wound down, everyone paired up and disappeared. It gave her the idea to sneak
around to all the closed bedroom doors - to gather evidence of which couples
hooked up! One never knows when they might need blackmail material, and being
sneaky was her favorite thing to do.
Arya crept upstairs and into the first bedroom, and snapped a picture of Drogo
cuddled with... OMG Dany Targaryen, cheerleader and all-around beauty queen of
the school! Way to go, Drogo! She slipped out of the room and tiptoed down the
hall to the next bedroom. Inside she found Joffrey Lannister and his apparently
not-so-ex Margaery Tyrell. They were sprawled naked on an obnoxious Cali-king
bed with golden satin sheets. It took some work to angle the phone just right
to avoid any nudity in the shot and still showed both of their faces. Snap -
got it!
The next room was the best yet - Arya had to restrain herself from shouting for
everyone to 'come look'! There on the bed was Ramsay Bolton, Myranda Snow...
and Theon Greyjoy, in that order - snap. She covered her mouth to stifle her
laughter as she got a few more shots. Snap-snap-snap. Someday she hoped to
become a private detective and studying - spying on - her classmates was great
practice. This was way more fun than school and learning a bunch of useless
junk that would never help her catch bad guys and cheating spouses.
The room at the end of the hall was the only other door unlocked. She snapped a
quick picture of Loras Tyrell snuggling some guy with a smile on his face.
Arya's work finally done - she descended the stairs and decided they best make
an exit before people starting waking up. She leaned over Gendry and
momentarily wondered how he would react if she woke him up with a kiss. His
breathing was steady as she leaned in close... and blew on his face until he
sputtered awake. Gendry's eyes went wide to see her hovering above him as he
focused on her pursed lips.
"Wake up, sunshine," she grinned at him and stood up to offer her hand. "We
best make our move now while everyone is sleeping." Gendry nodded and rubbed
his eyes with one hand and took hers with his other. Arya hauled him to his
feet, causing him to stumble into her and he had to put his arms around her for
balance.
"Bloody hells," he quickly disentangled his limbs and stumbled back but almost
tripped over his own feet. Arya grabbed his other arm and held him steady as he
stared at her like a frightened cow.
"Sorry," she mocked, "it's not my fault you weigh nothing." She pushed him out
of her way to slap Hot Pie awake before turning back to Gendry. "Let's leave
Drogo to his own devices since he hooked up with someone last night and is
still in bed with her." They both stared at her in shock and she grinned as she
held back the best part. "I have pics," she held up her phone while biting her
tongue at their twin gaping expressions.
Leaving the party proved much easier than entering, they still used the back
way, but at least there were no fences to climb. Arya did enjoy being hoisted
up by Gendry the first time, remembering how firm and strong his shoulders
felt... Holy shit - was she blushing?! She raced ahead to the gate while the
two boys lagged behind, still worn out from the party. Sleep is for the dead,
that's always been her mentality about life.
"Wulp!" Hot Pie grinned at her as he passed through the gate. "That was the
best party ever!" Gendry reached out to ruffle her hair and she swatted his
hand away even though she liked it. When he was disgusted by touching her, at
least it was because he saw her as a girl. It seemed as though he really had
accepted her as 'just one of the guys'. Even in a dress - he didn't see her as
a girl at all. Arya shrugged at her thoughts as she closed the gate behind her.
This is what she wanted after all, to be accepted as his friend.
"I have to hand it to you, Arry," Gendry slung his arm over her shoulders as
she approached and granted her a lazy grin. "You really pulled this one off. I
don't think I've eaten so much expensive food in my life. Did you notice there
were chunks of fucking lobster in the mac and cheese?!" He shook his head in
wonder and a low chuckle rumbled in his chest. "I'll never understand rich
people." Arya thought about informing him that she would end up a neighbor to
the Baratheons once the rest of her family moved to Kings Landing.
"People are people," she answered quietly, "most are assholes, and a few are
worth knowing." Gendry looked down at her unusual lack of energy with a puzzled
expression. "Hey," she picked at her fingernails as she spoke. "Buy me some
breakfast... just us." Arya's eyes darted to Hot Pie ambling happily ahead and
then met Gendry's worried gaze. "Please?"
"Sure," he bobbed his head with his brows knitted together in concern. "We'll
drop Hot Pie off and go to my favorite place. You like Eggs Benedict?" She
agreed vigorously and he laughed at her enthusiasm. "Oh, then you're in for a
treat." Once they were in the car, the motion lulled her to sleep and Arya did
not wake until they dropped off Hot Pie. "Still hungry, sleepy-head?" Her
loudly growling stomach answered for her. "Yeah, me too," he chuckled and
launched into an explanation of the menu options at the restaurant he was
taking her to.
Arya mostly listened but her mind felt fuzzy from all the doubts bouncing
around inside her head. Once she felt confident in Gendry's friendship, her
worries turned from gaining his trust to losing it. In truth, she never told
him anything personal about herself or her family because she... To put it
bluntly - she was afraid. The less he knew about 'Arya Stark', the more freedom
she had to just be 'Arry' - blacksmith's apprentice and 'just one of the guys'.
They walked into the diner in the early morning hours to see only a few patrons
drinking coffee.
The restaurant appeared unpretentious with mismatched chairs and coffee cups.
She appreciated the casual sense of comfortable hominess. The wait staff all
greeted Gendry with waves and smiles as he led her to a booth in the back. A
middle aged waitress with frizzy blonde hair piled on top of her head
approached the table with a genuinely happy smile.
"Our boy is all grown up and bringing along a girl." The woman gushed over
Gendry and even bent over to pinch his cheeks. "I never thought I'd see the
day! How's your mum?"
"She's fine." He blushed over the attention and lowered his bright blue eyes to
the tabletop to fiddle with his silverware wrapped in a napkin.
"You take care of her - you're a good son - not like my good-for-nothing boys."
The waitress complained good-naturedly with an indulgent smile on her face.
"Ah! Listen to me, jabbering on! What'll ya have?" She whipped out a pad and
pen from her apron and looked at Arya with expectation.
"What you described on the ride over sounded good." Arya looked up to Gendry
with a shrug of her shoulders.
"Arry," he scoffed and held up the laminated menu, "I described everything they
serve."
"It all sounded good," she grinned at him before turning to the waitress.
"Just..." she waved her fingers over the table top, "make food appear on the
table and I'll eat it."
"We'll have two of my usual," Gendry told the woman as he handed the menus back
to her. The waitress beamed down at him first and then at Arya.
"I like a little girl who can eat a lot." The woman ran and appraising look up
and down Arya's petite form and clicked her tongue. "We'll put some meat on
those bones, sweetie." Then she turned to go put in their orders with the short
cook.
"It doesn't matter how much I eat," she grumbled, "I always stay this skinny."
"Most girls would kill for that," he laughed.
"Haven't we established," she raised an eyebrow, "that I'm not like most
girls?"
"You got that right." The easy smile fell from his face as his expression
turned serious. "So...?" His words trailed off but Arya knew what he was
getting at.
"Right, I didn't just ask you to take me here for the hash browns." Arya
inhaled deeply and folded her hands on the table to look Gendry straight in the
eye. "I think I have to be honest with you. Before I moved here... I got into
some trouble, big trouble, which is why my parents decided I should move with
my dad to Kings Landing."
"What'd you do?" He appeared to have no trouble whatsoever believing that she
got in enough trouble to be sent halfway across the continent.
"I broke into a power plant." She held up her hand, refusing to answer any
questions about the situation. "I had my reasons. Anyway, I got caught and that
was right around the time my father got an offer from Robert Baratheon." She
fiddled with her fingers, more nervous than she could ever remember feeling.
"But... you see... my father did not come here for a job exactly. He came to
negotiate a merger with his company. Have you ever heard of Stark North Corp.?"
"The tech company?" His eyes widened in recognition and something akin to
horror. "Arya... 'Stark'?"
"You got it," she snapped her finger into a gun and fired at Gendry but let her
hand fall to the table at his dumbfounded expression. "I didn't mean to keep it
from you, I just wanted... I wanted you to meet me first, without my family
name getting in the way." Arya floundered, struggling to find the words to
explain without sounding like she was making excuses. "I don't want to wonder
if my friends like me because I'm - my family is rich."
"Wow," he blew out a long breath as he absorbed the information. The waitress
came back with their coffees but apparently picked up on the tension between
them and left without a word. "That's some shit, Arry." He poured a drop of
milk from a saucer into his coffee as Arya dumped three sugars into hers. "I
guess I can understand..."
"I'm still the same person I was when we walked into this diner." She hoped he
could not detect the note of desperation in her voice.
"So..." a hint of a smile tugged at his lips, "I was right?"
"What?" Arya narrowed her brows at him in confusion.
"You are 'milady': you're a highborn!" A wide grin broke over his face - Gendry
was far too pleased with his stupid joke.
"Stop!" She wadded up her napkin and threw in in his face. "Ya ass!"
"Yep," he tossed the napkin aside, "still Arry Wolfborn, I see." He ran his
hand through his tussled black hair and gave her a lopsided grin that made her
heart skip a beat. "I don't care who your father is: I like you for who you
are... As a friend."
"Me too," she blew out a long breath in relief. "For just a little while, let's
keep this between us."
"As you command, milady." He gave her a mock bow with a waving flourish of his
hand.
"And stop calling me that!" Arya complained but she secretly didn't mind his
teasing at all - no way she was ever going to let him know that.
"Never," he threatened, slouching in the booth and crossing his arms. His
clothes were rumpled from sleeping in them and his short hair stuck out in
every direction. Somehow, his untidiness only highlighted the way his eyes
shimmered with happiness. The thump-thump in her chest was so loud she felt
worried that he could hear it...
"Here it is, kids!" The waitress stopped by the table, balancing a giant tray
full of food on one hand. "Dig in, and just holler if you need some more
coffee." She breezed away to take care of the customers coming in for the start
of the morning rush. The feast before them had Arya's mouth watering as she
pulled up the sleeves on her dress.
"How is it?" His fork hovered above his plate as Arya took her first bite.
"Oh my gods," she closed her eyes as she savored the explosion of deliciousness
in her mouth. "I'm having a foodgasm right now." He choked on his own food and
gulped half his glass of ice water before refocusing on her. "It's really
fucking good, thanks for bringing me here."
"Let's make this a regular thing," he used his fork to cut up his egg and let
the yolk run over the hash browns. "We'll need a hearty breakfast to keep up
our energy at the forge."
"You'll get no arguments here," she happily chewed a giant mouthful of food.
She tried to remember the last time she felt so... hopeful. Arya peeked at
Gendry over her fork to catch him watching her as well. They both just smiled
at each other and continued feasting in companionable silence.
Chapter End Notes
     So... I had lots of fluffy feels all through writing this chapter. I
     hope it's not *too* cheesy!
     Sansa's POV is next... She will make an attempt to: 'dun-dun-dun!'...
     DTR. I wonder how Sandor will react? ^_^
     Also, more of Gendry being freaking adorkable...
     I'm having too much fun, ya'll! Somebody stop me before this fic
     takes over my life! Oh, wait.
***** The Ride Home *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                [The_Ride_Home]
                                     SANSA
She knew she should feel embarrassed for sleeping on Sandor's shoulder all
night but it was so romantic! He stayed up all night and watched her sleep;
like the lyrics from every great love song ever! Sansa walked on air, after he
gently woke her and offered her a ride home, wishing the party had never
ended... It was all so magical! As he maneuvered his car around the other kids'
terrible parking jobs, he stifled a loud yawn behind his hand. Guilt prickled
her conscious over his lack of rest.
"You must be tired..." She pulled the pins out of her hair and let the tightly
coiled tresses loose with a sigh. It felt good to let her hair down after
having it pinned up all night, even though she must look like a gorgon. "Sorry-
"
"It's better to not sleep after getting that fucked up." His voice sounded
harsh but she assumed excessive drinking and over-exhaustion were the cause.
Despite his growling tone, Sansa felt glad he did not mind staying up while she
snoozed in his arms. "Besides," his voice softened and she noticed him peeking
at her, "I was comfortable." Her stomach fluttered with fuzzy warm feelings
that made her want to do her victory dance.
"Me too," she turned to look out the window to smile to herself, biting her lip
to try to control her beaming. "Um... Sandor?" She inhaled deeply to gather her
courage, bunching the lace of her dress in her fist. "I would like it very
much," she peeked shyly at him, "if I could call you my boyfriend." After
everything that happened between them, the question was merely a formality. He
snorted and shook his head, aiming a nasty sneer at her that jerked Sansa out
of her rosy thoughts.
"You don't want me for your boyfriend." He said it like it was a well-known
fact and she was stupid for even thinking otherwise. His dismissiveness stunned
Sansa into silence, though her mind screamed for a justification. "Whatever
reputation you've already built will be destroyed - you'll be ridiculed." That
was the most unreasonable excuse she ever heard in her life. Even 'it's not
you, it's me' would be better! Sandor took it upon himself to worry about her
reputation when he cared nothing for his own and that made him a hypocrite.
"You're exaggerating," she snapped in indignation, pulling her seat-belt to
turn towards him. "If you don't want to date me then you should just be
honest." He barked a disrespectful laugh and eyed her sideways with a twisted
scowl. The car suddenly felt stifling but opening the windows would tousle her
already mangled hair. Sansa could not bear to make her appearance even more
ridiculous.
"I'm being honest and realistic," his implication that she was not rang loud
and clear. "Trust me - the hound is not boyfriend material." Sandor scratched
the scruff growing on his cheek and snorted an exasperated huff. "Just show up
at school tomorrow and open your fucking ears, girl!" He gripped the steering
wheel so hard she could see his knuckles turning white. "See if you still want
me at the end of the day."
"Believe me, Sandor," she hated herself for sounding so pitiful, "I do want you
as my boyfriend." His hand ran over the scarred bald patch on his head as he
grumbled something to himself. Sansa was not sure but it sounded like a denial
punctured with expletives. "Of course I do! I don't..." She felt her face
burning with embarrassment. "I'm not the type of person who just kisses
anybody." To compare her few chaste kissing experiences with the night before
was laughable and pitiful.
"Yeah, I could tell," he mocked without mercy. She turned her head slowly
towards him, jaw hanging with disbelief that he would deride her kissing
ability. To tease her about such a sensitive thing went much further than his
usual jokes. Sansa could not believe this was the same boy who flattered her,
rescued her twice, and even held her all night while she slept!
"What is that supposed to mean?" The high pitch of her voice was grating into
her own ears but the anger rising in her overtook any embarrassment. She might
not have ever kissed the way the Sandor did it but she didn't think she was
that awful!
"Nothing!" He slapped his open palm against the wheel, his face flushed with
anger. "Gods-fuck-it, quit your chirping," he growled and rubbed his fingers
over his forehead and down the side of his face. "I've got a bloody headache."
"Because you drank too much," she lectured, knowing full well that it would
only exacerbate the situation. "You know, as an athlete you should treat your
body better-"
"Enough!" He roared, cutting off her words. "Who are you, my mother?" Sandor
inhaled deeply through his nose and out through his mouth before lowering his
voice to a low growl. "Lay off it... Just, shut it, would you?" His hand held
onto his forehead, blocking her view of his face.
"Why are you ruining everything?" Tears collected on her eyelids and threatened
to spill over but she used every bit of her willpower to fight them. "I don't
understand!"
"That's what I do, little bird," his soft gruff words were almost sad, "I ruin
shit."
"I don't believe that..." Sansa swallowed down the bile rising in her throat as
her mind scrambled to fix whatever caused their argument. "I'm sor-"
"Believe what you want," annoyance crept back into his voice as he returned his
hand to the wheel. They rode in silence for the rest of the trip and Sandor
remained mute even as he pulled up in front of her building. So, they were back
to not even saying goodbye? What an utterly and tragically disappointing end to
her fairytale night.
"Thank you for the ride, Sandor." Even if they were on the outs, it was still
right to be polite. Sansa opened the car door and turned back, trying and
failing to meet his eyes. "I had a nice time... for most of the time." Just a
few hours earlier, she had never been happier. With demanding lips and gentle
hands, Sandor fashioned her wings to fly. Then used his foul temper to gust a
storm into her blue morning skies. Was she so easy to toss aside?
"Yeah," he muttered, "see ya around." Sandor would not even look at her and
that was the worst part of the whole awful situation. He rubbed the burned side
of his face again and turned away to look out the driver side window in
dismissal. Sansa lingered a moment longer, knowing if he apologized she would
accept without hesitation. No longer willing to throw away her pride, she
exited the car with as much grace as she could muster.
"Bye," she murmured and shut the car door to watch him drive away, feeling
lower than she ever had. Sansa turned, pulled her shoulders back, and held her
head up as she strode into the entrance of the apartment building. What had she
done to make him so upset? The mystery plagued her mind as she shuffled inside
the elevator to ride up to her floor. Arya left the door unlocked but Sansa was
too tired to care, yet not too tired to turn a stupid lock!
She unzipped her dress to let it fall to the floor in the hallway and stepped
into the bathroom to finish undressing. Before the water even got hot she
stepped inside, hissing as the cold pellets hit her skin. Part of her wanted to
cry, releasing all of her pent-up frustration and disappointment, in the
sanctuary of the shower. No one would see her shameful weakness or hear her
self-pity... But Sansa was not sad, at least not nearly as much as she felt
angry. Pure fiery rage coiled in her stomach and continued to grow with every
passing moment.
He thought he could just lead her on and then dump her of like yesterday's
trash?! She deserved an apology first, followed quickly by a very good
explanation! She would not keep being the meek little bird he compared her to!
But first, Sansa needed some trusted advice and wished there was anybody else
she could ask...
                                    GENDRY
He pulled the Lincoln into the parking lot in front of her apartment building.
The engine idled as she looked up at the structure with reluctance. Gendry
hoped she felt reluctant to leave because she wanted to stay with him: he
certainly wanted her to stay. Just when he thought he couldn't be any more
enamored of Arya, she went and did something else amazing and brilliant. Every
time she opened her tempting smart mouth, he fell just a little bit more for
her. Even when she was quiet, a much rarer event, she looked so... loveable.
Like the tuft of hair that sticks up in the center of her head like an antenna,
it made her resemble a cute little alien. Or the way her dimples kinda looked
like quotations so, everything she says 'reads' as sarcastic. Also, she has
this subtle derisive way of praising people so he can't take offense without
seeming sensitive. Actually, that last one was kinda annoying... but still
adorable in a quirky way.
"So..." He searched for the words to prolong their time together for just a few
more minutes. "Did you like the food?" The trip to the diner wasn't exactly a
'test' but she passed with flying colors, as expected. She fit right in with
the place he felt most comfortable, the restaurant his mother used to waitress
in. He grew up in those booths while mom tirelessly smiled at everyone who
walked in, even when she was tired and sore. Even after finding out Arry was a
gods-honest 'heiress', she was still more down to earth than anyone he knew.
"It was awesome!" Her lips turned up, crinkling the corners of her lively gray
eyes. She leaned towards him ever so slightly and for the span of a breath,
Gendry thought 'this is it: we're going to have our first kiss now'. The first
kiss of one-hundred-thousand kisses to come... But all she did was remove her
seat-belt and he almost died from disappointment.
"And you," she slanted her head with a raised knowing eyebrow, "did you have
fun at the party?" Gendry stared at her unintentionally sexy expression, afraid
he'd start babbling if he answered.
"Yeah," he nodded, "I did." It might have been the best day of his life, with
two exceptions: one being the night Arry showed up to intrude on his camping
trip. That night he found out she talked nonsense in her sleep and snored if
her head tilted to far back. Every discovery he made about her proved more
interesting than the last.
"I told ya!" She grinned and bobbed her head back-and-forth with a haughty
expression. "Stick with me, kid," she jerked a thumb at her chest, "we'll have
all kinds of adventures." He believed her too, life would never be dull with
her around. And he planned to keep Arya around him till death parted them and
then forever in the afterlife, if one existed. Before all that happened... he
had to find some way to get her to fall in love with him. For once in his life,
searching something on the internet turned up not a pinch of useful
information.
"Can I see you tomorrow?" The too-desperate question rushed out of his mouth
and Gendry quickly corrected himself. "I mean: do you want to come to the forge
with me?" The distance between them was less than an arm's length and they
leaned towards each other over the center console. All he had to do was lean
forward and press his lips against hers but he just couldn't draw up enough
courage.
"Of course!" She perked up, fresh excitement over her face. "I'm always down
for a bit of smithing." Arya searched herself and glanced around his car to be
sure she had everything before aiming another grin at him. "Alrighty, see ya
then!" He grabbed her wrist to stop her from leaving and held his breath as she
turned back with a curious expression. "What?"
"Arya... I..." he swallowed hard as his eye flickered to her parted lips and
then back up to meet her gaze. Her eyes were wide and unblinking, shining in
the morning sun and looking at him with some kind of expectation. Now or never!
And then Gendry chickened out: story of his life. "I still have your phone," he
released her to dig around in his pocket for her cell.
"Oh!" Arya smacked her forehead for being so forgetful and held out her hand to
accept the phone. "Thanks, Gendry," she sang. "Call me when you wake up and
I'll sleep with my phone." He never felt so jealous of a bloody cell phone in
his entire life. Of course she had to leave him wondering what she slept in,
maybe some adorable pajamas, or maybe just a big shirt and nothing else. Maybe
just nothing...
"Okay, bye..." She left with a wave and he watched her walk to the entrance.
That might've been his chance to kiss her and he completely missed it, or she
might've punched him in the face for trying. Better to err on the side of
caution: if Arry wanted him to kiss her, she would just do it herself. She
wasn't the type of girl to sit back and wait to be kissed. Patience: all good
things come to those who wait. Someday Arya would see their love was written in
the stars and they were fated to be together. Until then, he would wait for
her... always.
Chapter End Notes
     You're mad too, aren't you?! I'm flippin' mad and I wrote the damn
     chapter! Not at Gendry or Arya, they are progressing just fine...
     *Sigh* It's that damned Sandor Clegane! What's his deal?! Well...
     you'll get to know tomorrow. I really slugged through this chapter
     because every other sentence of Sansa's POV I kept jumping ahead to
     the next Sandor POV!
     Who do you think Sansa is going to for advice? :P
     Next chapter is going to be a long one.
***** The Hound Doesn't 'Date' *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                          [The_Hound_Doesn't_'Date']
                                      JON
The next Monday morning Jon discovered Sansa waiting at his locker.
"Hey," she greeted him with a shy smile. They never really got along so he
wondered why she would seek him out.
"Hey," he nodded a greeting and unloaded his backpack into the locker. "What's
up?"
"I know it's weird, my coming to you like this..." She sighed and leaned
against the locker. "I need some advice and you are pretty much the only
teenaged guy I know. I need a fresh perspective from an unbiased male source."
"Still," he hesitated as he searched for the right words, "we're not exactly
'close'."
"That's my fault," the sad expression on her face almost made him argue, though
she spoke the truth. "I think it might be good to 'clear the air' between us."
"Walk with me," the empty room should be vacant and it was the perfect spot to
have a heart-to-heart. Somehow, it seemed people always came to him with their
problems and he never minded though often doubted he deserved the role. "Tell
me what's troubling you," he used his serious voice as he shut the door behind
them and noticed one corner of her mouth to lift.
"I have a confession to make." Sansa walked around the room looking around and
avoiding his eyes. "There was this one time..." she sat at the table and held
her face in one hand, "I feel so guilty about this. You are going to hate me
when I tell you, it's so stupid."
"Sansa, if I won't judge you," he assured, joining her at the table. She nodded
and inhaled a heartening breath, holding it for a few seconds before slowly
blowing out.
"Years ago, daddy came home excited about tickets he bought to a basketball
game." Sansa smiled at the memory but it did not quite reach her eyes. "He told
me about the team and where the game would take place and then... he invited
you to use the other ticket." Jon remembered that day: he was twelve and
totally pumped to go to his first professional sporting event. "I know I should
have expected it and I never expressed a big interest in sports at that
point..." She paused, her voice breaking with restrained emotion.
"I wanted to go with him," she whispered, studying the fake wood grain on the
table. "I wanted him to want me there." Sansa inhaled and wiped her eyes before
turning them on him. "From that day, I went out of my way to ignore you, even
though I knew it was wrong to be envious. Daddy loves me, I know that, but
sometimes it seems like he doesn't know me or even care to. He has his sons,
and Arya, and you... You aren't even his kid, so I guess I picked you to vent
my jealousy." She dashed away a few more tears. "I'm sorry, Jon, more than I
can say."
"I never would have imagined you were jealous of me." The idea was so absurd he
laughed, though he didn't feel particularly happy. "I was jealous of you." Jon
expected his confession came as much less of a surprise than hers. "All of you,
for being Uncle Ned's kids. I wished he was my dad more times than I could
count."
"That's normal, I think..." Sansa nodded in understanding before glancing away
with shame. "How I behaved towards you was awful and you did not deserve it."
"I feel lucky that your father allowed us to live with your family while I grew
up." He put a hand on her drooped shoulder and she gave him a watery smile.
"I'm an only child but I got to grow up with four siblings."
"You count me as one of your siblings?" She raised a thin red eyebrow in
disbelief and he gave her a reassuring smile.
"We might not be the closest but I would do anything for you, Sansa." He bumped
his fist against her shoulder. "I mean that."
"Me too, Jon." She returned his smile and breathed a sigh of relief. "Let's try
to be closer from now on."
"Deal," he agreed. "Let's start with the advice you seek from my 'unbiased
male' insight." He slipped back into his deep somber voice and she giggled in
response. "I'm honored you would come to me, but if this is a dating question.
I am literally the last person you should ask."
"It's more general than that," she assured him. "There's this guy," Sansa's
smile turned shy as a blush glowed in her cheeks. "He flirts with me, he kissed
me, and he even saved me from Mr. Baelish."
"Creepy Pete?" Jon shuddered at the thought of his cousin, or any girl, being
harassed by that pervert. "I hate that guy. Sorry, go on."
"This boy..." she frowned with a wrinkled brow, "I think he likes me but when I
asked him to be my boyfriend he rejected me. I can't figure out what I did
wrong. I hoped you would be happy to tell me exactly what my 'problem' is."
"Did he say why?" With himself being the most notable exception, Sansa was nice
to everyone and one of the prettiest girls he knew. Jon could hardly guess why
any guy would turn her down.
"He said my reputation would be tarnished." She groaned and rolled her eyes,
clearly displeased with the guy's reason. "But I don't care about that; my
friends are not judgmental people. Everyone else can just mind their own
business."
"Sounds like he's intimidated by you," Jon spoke from experience.
"Me?" She blinked in surprise. "That's highly unlikely."
"You're beautiful," he reminded her, "also a model student, you play
volleyball, and made the cheer squad. If you weren't my cousin, I would
probably pass out if you tried to talk to me."
"He's not the sort of boy to be intimidated by anyone." She fidgeted with her
fingers and looked away, probably having no idea how truly unapproachable she
really was. All girls are intimidating to guys to some extent, and the prettier
they were only intensified the problem.
"Maybe you're putting a lot of pressure on him," he suggested, "thinking he's
above you. That's a mighty high pedestal."
"Wow," she nodded with understanding. "I'm coming to you will all of my life's
problems from now on."
"Hey, now!" He held up his hands in protest. "I could be completely wrong. If I
am, this guy sounds like a dumbass and you should move on."
"I think it might already be too late for that," she sighed but didn't really
sound too upset, "I really like him."
"You should tell him that," he advised and then lowered his tone seriously in
imitation of Uncle Ned. "Liking someone is a good thing: if they don't like you
back, it shouldn't ruin your feelings."
"How did you," she struggled to control her giggling at his solemn voice, "get
so wise?"
"Mom is like you, she gives her whole heart away," he sighed at the memories,
"and it's led to a few bad breakups. I have extensive experience comforting the
heartbroken. Just promise me you won't let some guy become the center of your
universe."
"Um..." Sansa hung her head forward and twirled a strand of hair. "That is
particularly good advice."
"I know," he rolled his eyes at her sheepish expression. "You were born to be
lovesick: the most hopeless romantic I know." Every movie he could remember
seeing with Sansa as kids, she cried happy tears whenever two characters fell
in love. "I hope this guy is worth it."
"I hope so too," she murmured before shrugging and waving goodbye. "Thanks,
Jon."
"Bye, Sansa." The bell rings and they head to class, Jon started to wish he
were brave enough to confess his own crush. He spotted her wild mane of bright
red tendrils as soon as he entered the class. She usually tied it back but for
the moment, it was free and untamed as the girl to which they belonged. Ygritte
was the prettiest girl in the school, as far as Jon could tell. For the
millionth time, he wondered if she was freckled everywhere or if some parts
were white as snow. A girl without freckles was like the night sky without
stars.
She looked up and caught him staring, returning his gaze with a lusty quirk of
her brows, which was the problem. It's not that Ygritte did not have any
interest in him: she was too interested. Jon was a junior, seventeen and still
a virgin. That might be fine for a girl, but it was unheard of amongst his
peers. It was probably the reason why he did not have many friends, some
thought he was closeted gay and others just thought he was unhinged.
They didn't understand what it was like to be raised by a teenaged single
mother. All seven hells would freeze over before he would ever risk getting a
girl pregnant. No matter how many pills and condoms were used, there was always
a risk that he couldn't afford to take. Jon knew he might make an exception for
Ygritte... if she wasn't so damn intimidating.
                                    SANDOR
He knew he was in trouble by the confident way she strode towards him. The
little bird made the hallway into her own personal runway. His eyes slowly
trailed up her long legs, over her perfect body... all the way to the pretty
scowl on her face. Damn, she looked so hot when angry. Whatever reason he had
for avoiding her slipped his mind, replaced by the memory of soft lemonade
flavored lips.
"Sandor Clegane, come with me." He never had a dominatrix fantasy until just
that moment. The little bird would look good in shiny black latex... "Right
now, mister!"
"Lead the way," he motioned for her to march ahead. He surveyed her swaying
hips while she strutted ahead, paying no attention to their destination. From
his position, he could let his eyes wander as much as he liked and thought he
just might follow the little bird anywhere. Sandor regretted the way he left
things between them but didn't know shit about getting a girl's forgiveness.
His real talent was driving people away - never had a need to do the opposite
before. She whirled around, hands on her hips, with an inpatient unflinching
scowl.
"You owe me an apology," she demanded, "and an explanation." Sandor noticed
they stood on the side of the administration building. An apology was flat out
of the question, she should've known better than to annoy someone hung over.
Although, she didn't deserve to have his temper unleashed on her. He flew too
high that night - started to think he might give 'dating' his little bird a
chance. His offer to drive her home spilled from his lips without thought. Or
else he would've remembered why he didn't ask to drive her to the party in the
first place.
"I don't apologize or explain shit to anybody," he crossed his arms and stared
down at her. "You're not stupid, little bird, I'm sure that comes as no fucking
surprise." How could he explain his chicken-shit behavior to someone who had no
concept of what it's like...? When they walked beside each other, he could keep
her on his good side and almost forget the other side existed. But in the car,
there was no escaping her eyes on him. That morning he felt like the sun was
beaming straight on his face and the only thing worse than her looking was the
way she kept glancing away.
His scars felt nothing unless someone stared at them - or avoided them - and
then they pricked and tingled. 'She's just shy because she had a crush on him',
that's what he tried to tell himself. No amount of rationalization relaxed the
irritation at feeling exposed and put on display. That's why they could never
work between them - Sansa couldn't live on his good side. And her sitting
there, looking like a goddess first thing in the morning didn't help. Neither
did the pounding headache from drinking too much, also partially her fault.
"I demand it!" She stamped her little foot on the ground like an angry child.
"You've been horrible to me and I don't deserve to have my feelings so
completely disregarded." Sansa stepped forward and jabbed her finger in the air
at him. "I like you and I will keep on liking you even if you don't like me
back, that is not my problem."
"What do you really want from me?" He ran his hand over his face in
frustration, too fucking drained to keep having this pointless conversation.
There was no way he would 'talk about his feelings' with her, though an apology
sounded less and less like a terrible idea.
"Hand holding, kissing, terms of endearment, and dates." She held up a finger
with each item she listed and then crossed her arms with her haughty chin
tilted up towards him. "It's rather standard, I believe."
"The hound - doesn't - date." Did he have to sky-write it for her to
understand? Sandor could not believe she still wanted to date him after the
shitty way he treated her.
"Oh! 'The hound doesn't date'!?" Her voice lowered into a growling imitation of
him before she huffed in indignation. "Well that explains a lot," she threw her
hands up with an exasperating laugh. "Apparently being together at Joffrey
Baratheon's party wasn't a date."
"That wasn't a date - that was me saving your ass - again." He rolled his eyes
and snorted while smirking at her. "You fell asleep on my shoulder - a drunk
guy on the bus did that last week, am I dating him too?!"
"Sandor Clegane," her voice screeched and unpleasant way, "you are a hateful
and mean boy! You claim to dislike bullies but if you didn't like me, you could
let me down gently!"
"Oh course I like you!" He didn't mean to roar his confession, not stopping
even as her jaw dropped open. "What fool wouldn't like you?!" Sandor waved his
hand at her from head to toe. "Beautiful, smart, and funny 'good girls' don't
like the hound - they can't even look at me."
"I'm looking at you, right now," she whispered, "I like you." Sansa turned her
blue eyes up at him with such an expression of hopefulness he almost promised
her anything she asked. "So, will you be my boyfriend now?" He didn't deserve
her and she definitely didn't deserve a grouch like him. Who else, then, if not
him? At least, he'd never let her waste her life on him and he'd kill any
asshole who thought to turn her into a trophy. She was no prize to be won, nor
a little bird to be kept in a cage.
Would it be so bad if they had a bit of fun and found some happiness with each
other? Didn't he deserve at least one happy memory from high school? For
whatever fool reason, she liked him and somehow managed to mostly ignore his
face. No other girl even came close to accepting him so completely... And how'd
he thank her? By biting her head off like he was kicking off shark week. He was
done being the shark and the dog and all the other animals they labeled him.
Sandor wanted to be just a normal guy who liked a girl - couldn't he do that
just once?
"Don't ignore me," she scowled, "it's rude!"
"I was just thinking..." At his words, she released an unladylike snort and he
raised an eyebrow in response. "Now who's being rude?" The little bird blushed
and had the grace to look away ashamed. "No, you're not wrong - I'm not much of
a thinker. Not much of a talker either..." Sandor took in a deep breath and
slowly exhaled out of his nose. "I'm sorry." The words were unfamiliar on his
tongue and she looked stunned. "I'm an asshole, that's not going to change..."
He shoved his twitchy hands in his pockets and stared down at the toe of his
boot. "But I'll try, for you."
"Really?" Her eyes widened in disbelief as she clasped her hands together to
her chest. "You want to try to..." Sansa furrowed her brow as she paused, "be
'with' me?"
"I just said I would, didn't I?" He sniffed and shrugged his shoulders. "The
hound is nobody's 'boyfriend' but, yeah, I'm yours."
"And I am yours," she stepped closer and tipped her head back to look up at
him. "So... not 'boyfriend'?" Sansa put one slim finger to her chin and glanced
at the ceiling. "Then... Beau? Paramour? Suitor? Gentleman caller? Lover?" Her
eyes flashed to his with a mischievous grin, clearly pleased with herself for
nabbing the hound. Whatever the fuck they called it, she had him twisted around
her little finger.
"I like that last one," he moved even closer, keeping his voice low and their
eyes locked together. "Say it again."
"No!" She covered her blushing face with her hands and shook her head. "Now I'm
all embarrassed!" He tugged on her wrist to uncover her face and cupped her
chin to tilt her eyes up towards him.
"Why should you be shy," he dipped his face closer to hers and smiled as her
breath caught, "in front of your man?" Sansa was as sexier than Aphrodite and
more innocent than the little mermaid. Wait... Didn't she die for the human she
loved? Good thing fairy tales are bullshit. The Disney one was even worse, the
mermaid becomes a boring human and gets married. At least the original had some
fucking guts. Good thing Disney movies were bullshit.
"My man?" Her eyelashes lowered and she glanced away a soft blush blooming in
her cheeks and a smile curling on her perfect lips. "I like that, that's what
I'll call you to others, unless we're alone..." Sansa peeked back up at him and
licked her lips. "Lover," the way she murmured that word had his cock straining
against his jeans.
"You can call me whatever you like," he groaned and closed his eyes, "if you
say it like that."
"Like what?" She tugged at the front of his shirt to regain his attention and
peered up through her lashes at him.
"I'm so fucked," he hadn't mean to admit it out loud but that didn't make it
any less true. Sandor Clegane was totally and completely fucked.
"From you," she pouted, "I'll take that as an expression of affection."
"Take it how you like, little bird." He shrugged as if he couldn't care less
though he hardly cared about anything more then what she thought about him.
"You're so mean to me," her lower lip stuck out even more. The temptation to
taste her made him wrap a hand around her waist and draw her nearer.
"You're the genius who wants me for her boyfriend..." He tucked her hair behind
her ear. "Sometimes I worry about you."
"Don't you always worry about me?" She tilted her head to the side, exposing
the length of her neck as she peeped up at him.
"I'm so fucked..." Sandor had nothing to complain about, fully aware life as he
knew it would never be the same.
"I'm beginning to see that," she grinned. "Don't worry! I won't abuse the
apparent power I have over you..." she narrowed her eyes in a mock scowl,
"much." Sandor couldn't take her sparkling eyes and perfect lips any more -
though he knew he should've asked first. She gasped against his mouth as it
crashed onto hers, savoring her sweet taste until she slumped against him in
surrender. He broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers, leaving them
both breathless.
"Sansa," he kept his eyes closed as he pleaded without shame, "let me give you
a ride home." He knew that second chances were few and far between, this time
he had to get it right.
"Okay, I'll just text daddy." She beamed happily and turned away to find her
phone and text her father. "Ready!" Sansa clung to his arm, on his good side,
and chirped about date nonsense all the way to the parking lot. A feeling of
impending doom crushed down on him at the prospect of having her stuck on his
bad side.
"On second thought - you drive." He fished his keys out of his pocket and
tossed them to her, impressed when she caught them.
"Me?!" Sansa stared at him in wide-eyed confusion with more than just a hint of
fear.
"You have your permit, right? I'm eighteen." He pointed out the obvious and
waited for understanding to dawn over her features.
"Oh, I don't know..." she eyed his prime-condition 1972 Buick Skylark warily.
"Your car is sort of intimidating."
"A car is a car, little bird." Sandor walked over to the driver side door and
opened it for her. "Come on," he coaxed, "don't tell me you've already mastered
driving."
"No," she made no move to get in, "I signed up for driving class."
"Fuck that, drop that shitty class." Sandor moved around the door to pull her
backpack off and toss it in the backseat. "I'll teach you everything you need
to know." Though he hadn't meant any lustful intent behind his words, a fresh
pink blush rose on her cheeks. So, the little bird had her mind in the gutter?
That's suited him just fine.
"Okay..." She relented and climbed into the car and he jogged around to get
into the passenger side. "How do I adjust-" Sandor reached between her knees
and pulled on the bar to fix the seat to her height. "Oh!" Her wide blue eyes
gazed at him as her pink lips parted in surprise, panting quick little gasps
that had him grinning. "Thanks," she breathed before turning her attention back
to driving. "Buckle up! Adjust mirrors, turn over the engine, put in
reverse..." She smiled as she carefully made her way to the exit of the lot.
"It feels like this car has life inside it, I know that sounds stupid."
"No, you're right." He braced a hand behind her headrest and relaxed. "The
Skylark wants to fly..." Sandor eyed her sideways, "we can go on the highway if
you want."
"Oh!" Pure panic overtook her pretty face. "I don't know..."
"The first time is scary but exciting - but I'll let you go as fast as you
want." His words dripped with innuendo and she turned beet red from her
hairline to her neck in response.
"Alright!" She nodded her head with excited determination as she switched into
the lane towards the highway. "I'm going to see what this baby can do!" Sandor
chuckled at her eagerness, wondering if she'd be so enthusiastic when he kissed
her goodbye. He knew the clock was already ticking down to the next time he
fucked everything up. In the meantime, he'd try his best not to be his usual
asshole self. 'Try' - being the key word.
Chapter End Notes
     *_* Whenever I love my chapter titles I hate the entire chapter...
     Eventually I was just like: 'good enough!' Apologies.
     Thanks to mygiantoflannister I started writing Sandor's first year of
     college. I'm not a 'time gap' kinda writer... This is going to be a
     long one, folks.
***** Gathered Round the Table *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                          [Gathered_Round_the_Table]
                                    GENDRY
He arrived at the room before anyone else: at least that's what he thought.
When Arry said she was 'going to get changed', for some stupid reason he
thought she must mean in the girl's room. Nope, she meant the empty room and
Gendry walked in to see her naked from the waist up... But, of course, facing
away from the door. Worst possible way for the situation could go down, totally
awkward and not worth the embarrassment. She shrugged on her shirt and stuffed
her clothes inside her bag before turning around.
"Hey," she greeted casually, as he tried to stop obsessing over the fact that
she wasn't wearing a bra. It wasn't a big deal she probably did it all the time
and he never even noticed, but it was all he could think about. "Dude?" Arya
waved a hand at him to get his attention.
"Next time lock the door," the words tumbled out without his permission, "what
if I was Hot Pie?" He knew lecturing her was a complete waste of his time, only
earned him a scowl and a roll of her pretty eyes. Gendry threw his bag on the
table and took a seat, avoiding her annoyed stare.
"What's the difference?" She plopped down in her seat and kicked her feet up on
the table, her shoulders curving back over the top of the chair... Gendry
turned his focus towards rifling through his bag and swallowed his excessive
salivation.
"I guess there isn't any," even to his own ears, it sounded like grumbling.
There was no taunting in her tone, but her comment pierced straight through his
heart like a thin blade. Arry swung her legs down and leaned forward to grab
onto his arm and Gendry froze. She tilted her head into his vision, scowling
with her lips pursed and so... close. If he just leaned forward little bit,
they'd be kissing, and the only reason he didn't was the fear she might not
kiss him back.
"Come on," she whined, "don't be mad. You didn't see anything... yet." Gendry
stared in shock at her gleeful expression as she launched into an excited
explanation. "Someday I'm going to have a sick back-piece - a wolf howling."
She tugged his arm in and the soft fabric of her tee shirt grazed his arm.
"It's gonna be so totally bad-ass!" Gendry rocketed to his feet and took a step
away from her.
"Arry," he wheezed, "just cut it out." His heart thundered in his chest as he
tried to get ahold of himself.
"We're back to this?!" She groaned and kicked his chair over. "Gendry, fucking
grow up man! You can't 'catch' estrogen, bro."
"What?" Her words confused the bloody hells out of him so he turned around to
face her. She was angrier then he'd ever seen her before and part of him was
terrified that he'd blown it before 'it' had ever begun. He opened his mouth to
start making as many apologies as we needed to calm her temper but she spoke
first.
"I get that you don't like me touching you because I'm a girl," she huffed,
"sorry, I'm not sorry." Arya stood up and stalked the few steps between them.
"I have a shit-ton of brothers and I touch them all the time, I'm not used to
being careful about that." She sniffed and looked away with her arms crossed,
pulling the thin shirt down tight over her chest. "So get over your shit
because it's unnatural and unhealthy. I'm only saying it as your friend and it
needs to be said."
"Arya..." Gendry had no idea how to respond to her accusations. "I don't..." He
could lie and apologize for what she thought he was doing or he could actually
'grow up' and tell her how he felt! "It's not because I think you're 'gross'.
It is because you're a girl, but..." The words were stuck in his swelling
throat and he coughed once. "It's because-" The door opened and Rick walked in
with a friendly wave. "Hey, Pod, how's it going?" He ran away from her like a
coward to greet his friend. "It's been a while."
"I saw you on Friday," Pod gave him a curious look as he set his bag down.
"Days ago," Gendry sat next to Rick, his back facing away from Arry. "We should
catch up. How's life?"
"You really want to know?" Pod seemed surprised by his sudden interest. He
didn't really, Gendry liked Rick a lot, but the guy was sort of boring in the
best kind of way. "Because I did get a new car..."
"Great," Gendry forced a smile, "let's talk about cars." The one topic that
completely bored him to death. He had no idea how the Lincoln would keep moving
if mom didn't constantly remind him to keep up with the... Fluids and other...
mechanical stuff. Whatever, that's what mechanics are for.
"What'd ya get?!" Arry raced to Pod's side and hung around his shoulders.
"Let's hear details!" Gendry clenched his fist and swallowed the bile rising in
his throat that the sight of her hanging all over some other guy. The worst
part: she made no differentiation between them. Gendry was just one of her
friends… Bloody hells, she compared touching him to touching her brothers! He
was worse off than he'd thought, before he hoped she liked him better than the
rest of the group. More like, she liked the forge and he just happened to take
her there.
Even if the conversation about cars bored him, at least he wouldn't be thinking
about the way her chest touched his arm. Or really just any thoughts about her
chest at all would be best left un-thought, unless he enjoyed torturing
himself. He thought he learned how to control his reaction to her touch,
clearly not the case concerning certain parts of her body. How is he ever going
to stop pissing her off long enough to win her heart? The pair chatted about
the car while he sulked as the ignorant third wheel until everyone showed up.
"In case the entire school doesn't already know," Arry stood to gain everyone's
attention. "Our own resident giant scored with the hottest girl in school at
Joffrey Baratheon's party." She paused for dramatic effect. "And I have pics,"
she smirked and held up her phone. Everyone besides Drogo exploded into demands
for proof but Arry silenced them all by holding up her hand. "Honestly," she
tortured them by delaying the big reveal. "What's the big deal about hooking up
with a cheerleader?"
"You wouldn't get it, milady." Gendry waved a dismissive hand at her excessive
showboating. "It's a guy thing." The chuckle that emitted from her throat might
have been the most evil sound he'd ever heard in his entire life. A slow
curling of her lips into a wicked smirk made all the blood in his body rush to
his head.
"Oh...?" She walked over to his chair and braced a hand on the back to lean
over him: lowering her voice so only he could hear. "So," she waggled her phone
with a grin, "I guess you didn't want to see the pictures?" His pulse pounded
in his ears so loud he could barely hear her over it. Keep it cool, don't freak
out, this was his chance to prove he wasn't a spaz or a coward. Her devious
smile turned into a more genuine one and she nodded approvingly when he didn't
flinch away.
"Arry," he crossed his arms to falsely demonstrate her nearness didn't affect
him at all, "don't be cruel."
"You know the rules," she insisted quietly. Aw, bloody hells, not this nonsense
again. He was wrong just one time and she would never ever let him live it
down. Why did he even bother arguing with her? It was always better to just let
Arry be right, even when she wasn't. Gendry looked around as the entire group
watched them with growing interest. Jon's expression was especially unfriendly:
and unexpected and potentially serious problem.
"I was wrong," he quickly hissed, "you were right: you're always right." Gendry
couldn't help but return her adorable grin of victory. "Now pay up," he held
out his hand to receive the phone. "Oh my bloody gods!" He laughed, taking in
the image of Drogo cuddled like a giant teddy bear with a tiny beautiful
blonde. "I almost didn't believe it without the picture. Drogo, you look so
cute when you sleep."
"Let me see," Drogo demanded, and Arry snatched the phone to hand it to him. He
looked at it with the same stoic interest he showed everything that wasn't DnD
related. But then Gendry noticed the corner of Drogo's mouth turn up ever so
slightly. "Send me this."
"You got it, buddy!" She complied with Drogo's request and then passed the
phone around the room to the rest of the group. "So, tell us all of the awesome
details." Arry grabbed an extra chair and sat backwards in it, propping her
clasped hands under her chin. "Leave nothing out!"
"She's coming here," Drogo commented unemotionally.
"Who?" Arry leaned forward with interest, tucking her boots around the legs of
the chair. Gendry's love for her was just pure and true is any of the great
loves that've ever gone down throughout history. But his thoughts... they
weren't so pure and the way she was sitting in the chair was literally killing
him.
"Dany," if possible, Drogo's voice rumbled even deeper as he said the girl's
name.
"Oh, really?" Arry turned her wide eyes toward Gendry and mouthed 'oh my god'
before continuing. "Did you all hear that, guys?"
"She's coming here?" Torgo looked just as confused as the rest of them. "To do
what?"
"Join our group," Drogo replied.
"Oh," Sam suddenly looked up from the book he was studying, all eyes turned to
him. "Did I forget to tell you all?" A soft knock on the door saved him from
the group's wrath and a beautiful head poked through the door.
"Oh good," she smiled, "I was worried I wouldn't be able to find it." The co-
captain of the cheer squad walked into the room with all the grace of a queen.
"I am Dany Targaryen," she introduced herself, "and I would be honored to join
your group."

                                     DANY
She felt every eye in the room on her but she only had eyes for Drogo, he sat
at the head of the table with a familiar serious expression on his face. It was
lucky that he did not smile, she would probably faint dead away if he did. A
petite girl with a fresh rebellious fashion sense skipped up to Dany with a
welcoming grin.
"Finally," she huffed as she glared back at the group, "now this place won't be
such a sausage fest." The girl jerked her head towards Drogo and walked over to
pull out an empty chair. "I got a seat all ready for you, right here next to
our fearless leader." As Dany took the seat, the girl stuck out her hand. "I'm
Arya by the way, nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Dany replied, she liked the feisty girl very much. "Thank you all,"
she made eye-contact with each member of the group, "for allowing me to join."
They took their turns to introduce themselves, obviously impatient to get the
game started. She took a deep breath and folded her hands on the table. "Before
we get started, I have to make a request. I know that it's vain but aside from
my closest friends, everyone I know would look down on me for tabletop gaming.
It is hard to maintain a position of popularity and I have worked hard to be
looked up to."
"Why would you waste your time," Arya shrugged in perfect representation of a
'rebel without a cause'. "Who gives a fuck what other people think?"
"I agree with the sentiment," Dany smiled, "but that is not a practical way to
live. My family is from a long line of politicians. I'm on the school council,
as well as the cheer squad, the yearbook club, and the prom committee. I'm
making an impression, building my reputation." She widened her smile, even
though she could feel the stress building. "It is expected of me."
"Wow," a sweet-looking boy with a round face appeared amazed. "You seem so much
older than you are, already talking like a diplomat." He smiled and pointed at
himself. "I'm Sam, by the way."
"Thank you, Sam," she returned his smile. "I'm counting on your vote." Dany
felt a more confident as everyone around the table chuckled at her joke... Even
the ever-indifferent Drogo. "Honestly, that's why I started playing DnD... I
could be Daenerys Stormborn, Mother of Dragons instead of Dany Targaryen." She
tossed her hair back and sat up straighter in her chair. "Future Governor of
Crownlands Province then Prime Minister of Westeros, then leader of the UN."
"Damn," Arya whistled low, "I still don't know what I want to be when I grow
up."
“Did you have a new character in mind?” Sam directed their attention back to
the game, taking his Dungeon Master duties seriously but with grace.
"Yes," she fished a the paper from her bag and passed it to him, "here is the
character sheet. I have chosen the name 'Khaleesi the Unburnt', a Dragonborn
Wizard."
"Let me see," he studied the sheet. "Aha!" He jotted down some words on another
sheet and passed it to Dany. "What do you think?" She quickly read the scenario
and nodded her head with an enthusiastic smile.
"I love it," she confirmed.
"You arrive in front of a great marble structure," Sam's hushed voice grabbed
Dany's full attention. "The Lightstone Stronghold is home to Brawlis the
Wrathful. You are waiting for the Half-Orc Drogo..." Khaleesi eyed the group
approaching from the forest: they stopped to face her in the clearing in front
of the mountain.
"I seek the one they call 'Drogo',” she called. The whole group stepped aside
and pointed their fingers at the Half-Orc standing in the back.
"You stand in our way, Dragonborn." The Barbarian stepped out in front of his
group protectively.
"The Scared Ordovician Staff of Boccob," she pointed to the staff he held, "was
stolen from our clan by the evil warlock, Brawlis. The Elders sent me to
retrieve it." Her clan had suffered much in the absence of their sacred staff.
"You?" His hard eyes took in her appearance with a complete lack of confidence.
"You are weak."
"Excuse me?" Khaleesi bristled at his matter-of-fact tone.
"Drogo," the Elf beside him put a hand on the Half-Orc's shoulder, "we do not
need the staff any longer."
"We save her first," the Barbarian snarled.
"Her?" Khaleesi knew nothing of this group yet believed in the honorable
intention of saving anyone.
"Our comrade was taken," the group's Cleric explained the situation. "When she
retrieved the staff from Brawlis."
"G'a'ahm 'ovah m k'ykah pg'a g'a 'ahb," she bowed her head in deference to
Drogo, hoping her pronunciation was right. 'Then I have no choice but to help'
was what she said. More literally, 'you are holding a dirk to my jugular',
however not considered a complaint.
"Zah zahknah ar ozzyzg'aomkah," he growled. 'We welcome your assistance' seemed
the best interpretation of his words. Actually, though Khaleesi's Orcish was a
bit rusty, she hoped he did not mean the literal translation of the phrase.
'Come on the hunt with us' sounded a bit ominous.
"BRAWLIS!!!" The Barbarian roared at the top of his lungs.
"What are you doing?!" She approached the Half-Orc, pulling on his arm to stop
his rash behavior but releasing it when he turned a murderous stare on her. "We
need to formulate a plan."
"This is my plan," he shrugged her off, "BRAWLIS, YOU COWARD!" Drogo raised the
staff high over his head. "SHOW YOURSELF!"
"You seek death, Half-Orc," a cold voice whispered inside of her head.
"I seek your death!" The Barbarian's fearsome threat only earned a breathy
chuckle. "You want it?! Come take it from me!"
"Your leader is insane," she commented to be unusually serene High Elf.
"He's... exuberant," he answered.
"If you want to return my property so badly..." The cold voice slithered
through her mind once more, making Khaleesi want to jump into a hot spring and
scrub herself clean. "I invite you inside."
"Drogo, we shouldn't..." A rather angry looking Human in magnificent armor
finally unclenched his jaw to speak. "It's clearly a trap."
"You want this?" The Half-Orc addressed her as he held up the sacred staff with
irreverence. "Find our comrade. You are immune to sleep, no?" Confused, she
turned to the friendlier Cleric for further explanation.
"Brawlis is like a cat," the man explained. "He likes to play with his prey
before he kills. Arry has been his prisoner for some time." The Cleric's wry
smile wavered as fear crossed over his eyes. "If we go in there, we're all
going to sleep for a long time."
"He's expecting us, now that you've alerted him!" Khaleesi was only a low-level
wizard: desperation drove her hermetic clan to send her on this mission. "I
won't last, even if I am immune to his sleep spell."
"Grey Worm - take Hot Pie, go with the Dragonborn." The Orc completely ignored
her objections, barking orders to his group. "If Brawlis comes to you, get me.
Gendry, Snow, Pod - with me." Khaleesi tried to keep up with all the names
being tossed around, noticing the High Elf and a stout cheerful Dwarf stayed
with her.
"Wait!" She cried out to stop their march towards the glittering structure.
"Our leader is not fond of explaining himself," Grey Worm informed her. "Yet he
has never steered us wrong."
"You have faith in him?" Khaleesi doubted the Half-Orc known as Drogo was
little more than a mindless beast.
"I do," he answered, backed up by the Dwarf's cherry nod. "Come, I fear we
might have already arrived too late... the air is wrong." The entrance to the
castle was shone bright and glittering, yet felt cold in the absence of any
people to fill the halls. Their footsteps echoed loudly, announcing their
presence though it was already well known. "I sense something. No... it can't
be."
"What is it?" Khaleesi's question went unanswered as Grey Worm led them further
into the cavern. They continued down a path that opened into an enormous
glittering white cavern. She could have spent her life examining the rock
formations to discover their magical properties. However, her time to study was
over, all that she knew and loved would end unless she could get the staff back
to her people.
"I can sense the Halfling's fear," the High Elf whispered, "but that should not
be possible..."
"You never were quite as stupid as your leader." A chill ran down Khaleesi's
spine and she whipped around to find the source of the ghostly voice. A
chanting spell swirled around them and caused Grey Worm's eyes to roll back as
he collapsed to the ground.
"RELEASE HIM!" Suddenly the group came charging down the hall, led by none
other than the fearless Orc.
"I think you will find..." The disembodied voice laughed evilly. "You are in no
position to make demands."
"Told you - I am quiet as a cat." A small form materialized from the shadows
behind Drogo. Her long thin knife was already well-placed at his back and aimed
at his liver. One stab and his body would be too toxic to heal.
"Halfling," Drogo greeted the small female with a growl and Khaleesi realized
this was whom they came to save.
"Brawlis makes a good deal - my freedom in exchange for helping catch you." She
dug the tip of the knife into the Barbarian's back and a small rivet to blood
trickled down the back of his leg and onto the white floor.
"Arry, you disloyal-" The human in the glittering armor glared at the Halfling.
"ME?!" She screeched in protest. "You know how long I was stuck in that chest,
Gendry? I started to sympathize with my captor, after all - you put him in
there first."
"Actually, I did." The quiet man, who looked to be a Rogue in his dark clothing
and light armor, took a step forward to take responsibility. A swirling
collection of fog seeped into the room and took shape into a tall bloodless man
in a black robe. "You're out of tricks now, Brawlis: I will put you back in
that chest this day."
"Can I gag him?" Arry glared at the Rogue, assumedly asking permission from the
Warlock.
"Do as you like, my sweet." A sickening smile curled over the Brawlis' thin
lips.
"My 'sweet'?" Gendry made a disgusted sound as the Halfling gagged the Rogue.
"Problem with that?" The Halfling sneered up at the Human, not intimidated by
his larger size or impressive armory and weapon.
"Gag him as well," the warlock smugly suggested.
"Gladly." Arry pulled out another rag and stuffed it into the human's mouth
before tying it tight around his head.
"Dearest," Arry turned towards Brawlis with a coy expression, "they are all
yours, exactly as I planed." She moved to stand in front of the warlock,
staring up at him with adoration. "Now, release me as promised."
"You will leave me," the Warlock reached out to stroke Arry's cheek and she
leaned into his touch.
"Of course I won't," she placed a small hand over his chest and clung to the
front of his robe. "Without the free will to leave, I can never prove my
devotion to you by staying." The Halfling stood on her tiptoes to wrap her arms
around the stooping Warlock's shoulders.
"I release you, Arry Wolfborn." All of a sudden, the warlock collapsed as his
robe began to evaporate into a black mist. "Ah-" The same small knife she held
on Drogo now stuck out the crown of Brawlis' skull.
"Oh darling..." Arry crooned, holding Brawlis' face as his body melted into
nothingness. "Shh... you really should've kept the pillow talk lighter." The
Halfling laughed maliciously as the warlock whimpered in pain, reduced to
little more than a skeleton. "Seriously, who tells their lover exactly how to
kill them?" A skull covered with runes fell to the ground with a clatter and
the Halfling smashed it with a stomp of her boot. "Well," she shrugged her
shoulders and moved to untie Drogo first, "let's get the fuck out of here."
"Well done, Arry." The Cleric grinned at the Halfling as she brushed past a
sheepish-looking Gendry.
"I thought you weren't coming back," she grumbled, "I had to do what I had to
do." A slow rumbling sounded in the back of the cave and Arry hurried. "Oh,
shit, we got to get out of here." A stalagmite crashed down from the ceiling,
directly onto the spot when Brawlis' skull lay in pieces. They all made a run
for it as Drogo grabbed the still-unconscious Grey Worm. Cracks in the cavern
chased them as they escaped into the stronghold. The marble structure crumbled
as the foundation shifted beneath their feet.
None of them stopped as they reached the exit, a deafening explosion urging
them to run past the clearing. They made it to the forest's edge before turning
around, each of them bent and panting from the effort. They all gaped in wonder
at the erupting volcano, shimmering white lava exploded from the top and poured
down the sides.
"You have beaten our strongest foe," Drogo praised Arry.
"Him?" She scoffed and jerked her chin at the erupting volcano. "Honestly, I've
had worse breakups," she grinned at the Barbarian and he almost appeared
amused. "Let's go find us a real adversary."
"If you are looking for a worthy enemy..." Khaleesi stepped in front of the
group, her head hung with the weight of her fervent hope. "My entire clan is in
peril from a danger unlike any we've ever known."
"Sounds like fun," the Halfling grinned, earning her a smack on the head from
Gendry.
"Zah oyd ar kom mz oz rog'ayg'adah vr ar 'ahb," Drogo spoke for the group. 'We
aid your clan now as gratitude for your help'. Technically, 'gratitude' in
Orcish roughly translates to 'you deserve the juiciest boneless innards'. What
a truly beautiful language. Khaleesi truly appreciated his offer, although she
did very little to help regain their comrade, Arry did it all on her own.
"You have my gratitude," she answered, feeling a renewed sense of optimism that
her people could be saved. The bell rang. The group grumbled at the end of the
game, curious about this new fearsome opponent they will battle.
"Drogo," She looked up at his usual stoic expression and clenched her hidden
fist in determination. "Would you walk with me to my next class?"
"Yes," he resumed his tradition of giving one-word answers.
"Alright," she beamed at him, refusing to let herself be deterred. They
gathered their belongings, said their goodbyes, and started walking towards her
next class. "I had fun today with the group."
"Good," he answered.
"They seem like a really nice bunch." Dany hoped he would open up after they
played a game together: he seemed to have no problem talking while playing DnD.
"They are," he graciously offered two words instead of just one.
"Sam is excellent as a Dungeon Master," she tried to hold up a light-hearted
conversation by herself. "I felt completely gripped by the story."
"Yes," he agreed.
"I suppose that is better than 'no'," she teased. He raised one dark eyebrow at
him, almost an emotional outburst from him. "Fine, I will consider you a
challenge. I have yet to meet a challenge I cannot overcome. Teach me
Dothraki," she commanded.
"Your tongue is still too soft," he argued. Ah, at least she had his attention!
"I assure you, Khal Drogo," she rounded on him and stood in his path. "Nothing
about me is 'too soft'." Dany stared defiantly up at the giant teenager with
indomitable resolution. "Teach me."
"Meet me at the tree after school." There was only one tree he could mean, the
massive weirwood out in front of the school.
"I'll be there," she grinned in victory until the second bell rang. "Until
later," she nodded at him, "Khal Drogo."
"Dany," he returned her nod in farewell. The way he said her name sent shivers
down her spine, in a good way. Dany waved a quick goodbye and turned to dash
towards her classroom, beaming with happiness. Though she had no practical
reason to learn Dothraki, Drogo's relentless silence made her want to talk to
him. She wanted to learn his hopes and dreams and share her own... Was she
getting too ahead of herself?
Typical Dany, always falling for perfect strangers, only to wind up
disappointed by them in the end. Yet, Drogo was not a complete stranger: at
least she knew one thing about him. Khal loved DnD as much as she did. That had
to count for something! This time, she would not make all the same mistakes she
did before. No more mothering or smothering and she flat-out refused to be the
first one to make a move. Above all, she wanted a normal high-school
relationship. No silly dreaming of love, marriage, and a future together.
A casual non-dramatic romance would be the perfect way to wrap up her high
school experience.
Chapter End Notes
     :) I don't know what the hell I'm doing. Enjoy.
     Next up is going to be my favorite chapter I've ever written.
     I think I might have to up my rating to the big E.
     I can't help it. No, I don't want to help it. It's gonna get real
     smutty real soon. Be ready.
***** It's Too Bloody Hot *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                             [It's_Too_Bloody_Hot]
                                    GENDRY
"I'm bored," she complained, bracing her leg against the tree as they lay
beneath its shade. Gendry watched a single drop of sweat roll down the back of
her leg into the frayed hem of her shorts. He couldn't even curse her lack of
clothing since it was hotter than all seven hells, unseasonably so. The last
heat wave of the year, he guessed, after the weather should cool off for a nice
temperate winter. Another bead dripped down the side of her face and he could
not take it anymore!
"It's too bloody hot," he groaned and sat up in frustration, not just
commenting on the weather.
"Whoever said 'winter is coming' obviously never heard of global warming," she
joked half-heartedly.
"What should we do?" Gendry leaned against the trunk of the tree to try to find
a more comfortable position.
"We need to cool off," she stated the obvious. "A pool would work." Arya bolted
up with her eyes wide and excited. "There's a huge indoor pool on campus!"
"And the school is locked down for the weekend," he reminded her.
"Then we'll have to unlock it," she quipped as she got to her feet and held out
a hand to him. "Come on, don't be a wimp."
"As you command, milady." Gendry learned within the first five minutes of
meeting Arya that arguing with her was pointless. Also, most times, her ideas
turned out to be the best.
"None of that," she jerked on his hand too roughly, "or I'll knock your teeth
out!"
"That's not very ladylike of you," he laughed until he stepped out into the
harsh sun. "Ugh, we'd have to go back to our houses to get our suits." There
goes that plan, no way he was driving all over Kings Landing in weekend traffic
for their swimsuits. Just so they could try to break into the school.
"Psh," she rolled her eyes at him, "don't be such a baby." Arry walked ahead to
where the Lincoln was parked. "It's not like I haven't seen plenty of naked
boys before." She tossed a smile over her shoulder at his likely horrified
expression. "I have all those brothers," she reminded him
"Fine," he tried to play it cool, "I don't care if you don't."
"Race ya!" Arry took off running and he chased her, even though it would only
make him feel even hotter. The thought of diving into a pool full of cold water
had him plenty eager... The thought of seeing Arya stripped to her undies
might've also had something to do with it. The whole drive over she talked
endlessly about how good the water would feel and Gendry drove just a bit
faster than he should. They walked onto the emptied campus easily enough and
made it to the gym to find it locked up tight.
"It's locked," he sighed in disappointment, "as I knew it would be."
"Oh ye of little faith," she grabbed onto his arm and led him around the side
of the building. "Come on - let's walk around to check the side door." Arry
stopped and looked up excitedly. "Look, a window is open! Can you give me a
boost?"
"I'm starting to think you see me as a ladder," he complained with a grin.
"You can be useful at times," she acknowledged, grinning back. He lifted her up
to the window easily, resisting the urge to warn her to be careful. Gendry
jogged back to the front of the gym, a few seconds went by before he heard the
lock turn over. The door swung open to reveal a smug look on Arya's face.
"Admit it, you're impressed."
"You are stubborn and crazy as all seven hells." Gendry pushed past her to walk
inside the dark, cool gym and sighed. "And yes," he rubbed a hand over her
head, "it impresses me." Arya didn't push his hand away like she usually did,
just turned to race down the hall towards the pool. The water looked inviting
and glorious as she stood in front of it, turning around with a daring
expression. She knelt on the ground to remove her shoes and kicked them to the
side. Now or never, he told himself, and followed her example by removing his
own boots and retuning his eyes on her.

                                     ARYA
Happy he decided to play her game, she raised an eyebrow in challenge and
whipped her shirt over her head to throw it behind her. He narrowed his
eyebrows and mirrored her motion by stripping off his undershirt. Arya's mouth
went dry when she finally saw the body she knew was hiding under those stupid
undershirts. Godsdamn! Gendry was cut-up like he got in a fight with a boxful
of knives. Basically - they boy was ripped, built, muscular, and very nicely
put together. Why would he selfishly hide such a ripped bodacious bod?!
Keep it cool, she reminded herself - probably a good idea to avoid attacking
her best friend even if she really, really wanted to. When her eyes finally
snapped back to his, Gendry was smirking at her likely lust-filled expression.
Not willing to be outdone, she unsnapped the button on her shorts and yanked
them down to step out of them. Then he took his turn to stare slack-jawed like
an idiot but Arya had no idea what he was looking at, she wasn't the type of
girl guys looked at. She cleared her throat impatiently and waved her
forefinger up and down.
He gave a frantic nod and unclasped his pants button and zipper in one motion,
the baggy jeans fell off his hips. Underneath he wore loose cotton boxers,
tenting around one impressive bulge. Not that Arya had much - or any experience
- it certainly seemed adequate. They both stood there, staring at each other
for a long time, the pool forgotten. From head to toe, Gendry was the most
beautiful man she had ever seen and she never even knew men could be
'beautiful'. She felt plenty brave enough to strip down all the way but what
would happen after?
Gendry took a step towards her, then another, walking slowly in her direction
as she held her breath. His muscled shoulders pulled taunt with every swing of
his loose arms by his sides until he stood before her. He reached out both
hands to grab her shoulders, lifting her body - and threw her into the pool.
The cold water rushed around her as she spun and kicked, screaming soundlessly
when he cannon-balled right next to her. Kicking her feet, she surfaced and
looked around but she could not see him anywhere.
A tug on her ankle pulled her under the water and she kicked as hard as she
could, missing his face only because the water slowed her down. Rising to the
surface, Arya gasped and sputtered as Gendry cackled a safe distance away. She
did the only logical thing she could think to do - she whipped off her bra. It
seemed like a good idea and it certainly worked at shutting his mouth. His
laughter died in his throat and she grinned at his shocked expression, twirling
the bra around her finger.
Arya tossed the soaked undergarment onto the side of the pool and copied his
trick of walking all sexy and slow. Cutting through the water, she kept her
gaze locked on his unblinking eyes that darted up and down. Gendry was shaking
- the water definitely wasn't that cold - and seemed to be trying to say
something. His tempting mouth flapped open and closed, but she did not care to
wait for him to get it out. She wasn't playing any trick, she wanted to kiss
him - and so she did.
His chest felt hot against hers when she curled her arms around his neck and
slanted her lips over his. He stood still as a statue, it took a moment for
Gendry to get with the program, but then he returned her kiss with surprising
enthusiasm. Arya had no clue what she was doing, but he responded anyway, his
mouth was wet and tasted faintly like chlorine. The cool water lapped around
her overheated skin, set afire by his hands as they reached for her.
Strong hands gripped around her waist and she eagerly allowed him to lift her
off the pool floor to his height. They both nipped and sucked at each other's
lips, careless, sloppy, and hot. His calloused fingers trailed down over her
hip to circle under one thigh. With no trace of fear, her pulse raced from the
anticipation and rightness of it all. Her entire body experienced a sort of
intense animalistic response, controlling her movements.
Arya had no willpower to stop her legs from wrapping around his waist or her
tongue thrusting into his mouth. His lips parted in surrender to her ravenous
and inexperienced invasion. She was barely aware of them turning around in the
water since the whole room was spinning, until her back felt cold tile behind
it. Their kiss briefly stopped as he braced her against the side of the pool,
pinning her in place. Locked against the wall, he pressed the hard length of
his body along hers and propped his thigh between hers.
Immediately she resumed her attack on his mouth, coaxing his shy tongue into
battle with hers. Gendry barely kept up with her domination of their kiss, his
fingers digging into her waist as hers clutched his shoulders. Her hands
couldn't stay still, roaming over every inch of hot slick skin she could touch,
trailing down to grip his arms. Arya's mind maintained just enough
consciousness to be thankful that he chose not to deny her for whatever reason.
The water sloshed around their frantic motion as her fingers tangled in his
thick hair.
He started to give back as good as she gave, and soon they were more than
kissing - they were fucking each other's mouths. And it still wasn't nearly
enough for her and she could practically taste the desperation in his kiss. Any
doubt lingering faded to the back of her mind as she arched against the tile to
press herself against his hard chest. When he moved away, she moaned in protest
and tried to pull him back to her. Their broken kiss left her unsatisfied as
fierce longing coursed through her shivering body.
His blazing eyes left her face, leaving a trail of fire as they lowered down
her chest to stare hungrily. Arya whimpered as his gaze darted back up, Gendry
kept their eyes locked as he pressed one slow kiss to her mouth. Soft lips
trailed down her neck and past her collarbone and she melted in his grasp. His
hands were the only thing keeping her from drowning. She slapped a hand over
her mouth to catch her scream as he bowed his head and closed his lips around
the tip of her breast. The pleasure shot through her so strong it almost felt
like pain, her whole body trembled in response.
Arya gave up watching Gendry as he sucked and laved her chest, the visual left
her panting and breathless. He suckled the tip between his teeth, swirling his
tongue around it and sending waves of incredible desire though her. Her head
lolled back onto the side of the pool and she bit her lip to keep from crying
out. She heard her voice begging 'yes' repetitively, part of her felt terrified
he would realize who he was with and stop.
Her arms clung tight around his shoulders and she whimpered at the loss of his
lips on hers. She curled her body around his and kissed along his neck, her
hands clutching him with what little strength she had left. His calloused hand
cupped the underside of the breast his mouth teased, and she sobbed in pleasure
against his neck. Intoxicated by the taste and texture of his skin, she bit and
sucked his neck, her hands still clutching his head.
His other hand caressed over the front of her body from hip to shoulder. The
overwhelming sensation of his fingers brushing over her other breast tore a
scream from her throat. Gendry immediately wrenched away from her but she dug
her fingers into his shoulders. All along, she'd been aware of his erection
wedged between their bodies but he drew back his hips and looked to her with
hesitation. Arya tightened her limbs around him, drawing his hardness against
her hip.
All the while she kept her eyes on his, moaning aloud as she rocked her hips
against him. He resumed pressing his warm body against her, slower and gentler,
pushing her into the wall. Before long her breath panted ragged against his
chest. The friction made lights dance in front of her vision as one word
sounded over in her head - 'more'. Because she was greedy for him, and
everything he gave, she would always want more. She didn't want to speak to ask
for anything, in case this was all just another dream.
Her mouth met his once more, suddenly so familiar as if they'd been kissing
each other all their lives. Arya locked one arm around his neck as her other
hand inched down his stomach until she reached the band of his boxers. Gendry
stilled as she pulled at the waistline of his shorts, a low hum released from
his throat as she tentatively stroked the tip of him. Too determined to be
nervous, she ventured inside his shorts to stroke her palm along the length of
him. She circled her fingers around the shaft, causing him to whisper something
like her name in her ear.
With a growl, he grabbed her wrist away and held onto it as he fought to catch
his breath, his other hand tugged at the hem of her panties. She wasted no time
on thinking or considering anything past that moment and yanked loose from his
hold. Arya stripped her last shred of clothing, then shoved his shorts down
past his hips to free his hardness. His expression seemed somewhere caught
between confusion and fear but she could not let him back out now. Not when
they were so close!
One arm braced around his shoulders as she slid her legs high up on his hips
until the very tip of him poked her... 'there'. Their eyes locked as her mind
consumed with the gravity of what they were about to do - there was no going
back to 'just friends' after this. If she asked herself before this - she'd say
'either way would be fine' with her. For her, nothing would ever be the same,
no matter what they did. Arya needed Gendry like the earth needs the sun to
rotate around. She needed to be his and for him to be hers... in every way.
"Arya..." The way he called her name could have meant a thousand different
things - she only cared about denial or acceptance. She bit her tongue, to stem
the overwhelming urge to beg, and waited for him to decide their fate. Their
fate was canceled when the gym door opened with a bang and both of them turned.
A huffing and red-faced Principal Varys was staring at them in shock. "Oh...
fuck," Gendry muttered, and then hurriedly let her go and pulled up his shorts.
"For the love of the gods!" The principal turned away in embarrassment to look
at the wall. "Congratulations kids, I've been an educator for fifteen years and
this is a new low point. Well, I'm giving you both five minutes to walk through
these doors." Varys stalked out of the gym, letting the door slam behind him as
he left. She dove down to find her underpants and by the time she surfaced
Gendry was already dressed and heading out.
Arya scrambled into her clothes and rung out her wet underthings to shove them
into her pocket, bursting through the door. Both Gendry and the principal were
busy avoiding eye-contact as they waited for her and hurried ahead. They all
walked single-file in silence to the office where they spent more time silently
waiting. Varys called their parents from another room. Several times, she
opened her mouth to crack some joke but the look on his face made her hold her
tongue. She used the quiet to wonder if she knew this would happen, would she
still have done it all the same?
Principal Varys walked in a short time later, followed by her father and a
beautiful blonde. The woman's worried eyes went straight to Gendry.
"I demand an explanation," her father approached the desk as Varys took a seat.
"And I don't need one," the beauty interrupted. "I can deal with my son without
the school's interference."
"Mom..." Gendry sounded as embarrassed as Arya felt.
"You're his mother?" Her father's question was uncharacteristically rude but
Arya was thinking the exact same thing. She looked more like his older sister
than his mother. "I see."
"What exactly do you 'see'?" Gendry's mom bristled and Arya couldn't really
blame her.
"Dad..." Arya pulled on his arm to try and redirect his attention on her.
"Please, have a seat." Varys looked even less thrilled than everyone else to be
there as he waved a hand at the two empty seats between herself and Gendry.
"Your children took it upon themselves to beat the heat by breaking into the
school's pool." The Principal sighed and folded his hands on the desk.
"Obviously, this kind of behavior is unacceptable and the rules would call for
suspension." Arya knew he was going easy on them by omitting the whole 'naked'
part.
"Please!" Gendry's mom leaned forward with panic on her pretty face. "That's a
bit hasty, don't you think? My son is an excellent student."
"We're here to talk this through," Varys conceded. "I haven't made any
decisions yet. Arya," his eyes turned to her, "you're new here, but I've seen
you more in this office than Gendry in the last three years." She nodded her
head in acknowledgement of the statement but her father sat up straight and
stiff in his seat.
"Aw, Principal Varys..." Arya smirked at the frowning round-faced man. "You
don't like hanging out with me? I like hanging out with you." The tiniest of
smiles pulled at the man's lips as he shook his head at her lovable rascal
ways.
"How old are you?" Her father turned his head towards Gendry and Arya leaned
forward to look past dad's shoulder.
"Dad," she tried to interrupt but Gendry beat her to it.
"Seventeen, sir." His bright blue eyes wavered to her face for just an instant
before snapping back to her father.
"Seventeen?" His displeasure with the answer couldn't have been clearer if he
reached out and smacked Gendry in the face.
"Mr. Stark-" Principal Varys tried to diffuse the situation.
"I'm just trying to understand the exactly what happened." Dad turned back to
eye Varys with mistrust. "You say they were swimming... In what? Their hair is
wet: but their clothes are not."
"I think," the principal explained carefully. "These conversations are best
left between parent and child."
"As you can see," dad nodded at her, "my child cannot be trusted. I need to
know," he grimaced as if he really did not want to know, "were they just
swimming?"
"I only walked in for a brief moment," Varys started to sweat under her
father's steely gaze.
"Dad," she hissed, "you're making a big deal of nothing."
"And what exactly is 'nothing'?" He turned those dark eyes onto her and she
felt herself shrink back in her chair.
"We never planned to come here today," Gendry drew his attention, "it just
happened..."
"I planned it," she leaned forward, pointing at herself.
"What?" Gendry's brow furrowed in confusion and his jaw unhinged.
"Yesterday," she explained, "I got one of those weather alerts on my phone. It
said it was going to be ridiculous hot so I hit you up to meet at the forge."
Arya shrugged as if she didn't feel the weight of every eye in the room on her.
"I waited for you to complain about the heat and brought up going to the
school's pool," she scoffed a laugh. "Whom do you think left the window open?
It was I - of course - I'm the guilty party!" She turned towards Varys and held
out her hands, as if to be cuffed. "Lock me up officer, I'm a bad kid."
"That's enough," her father's patience was reaching its breaking point but at
least his anger was focused on her.
"Sor-ry," she grinned at Gendry even though she wanted to die.
"It's never a dull moment, Arry." He rubbed his hand over his face and slumped
in his chair.
"Arya," Varys gave her a sympathetic smile. "And Gendry are both bright
students with unlimited potential. It's up to your parents to see if your
actions warrant punishment but all I ask is for you to follow school rules."
"Sorry, Mr. Varys." Gendry bowed his head in shame that made Arya feel even
worse. "I swear it won't happen again."
"No," her father echoed, "it won't."
"Come on honey," Gendry's mom patted her son on the shoulder, "let's get you
home." Arya would kill for a parent to love her that much - instead she gets
Mr. and Mrs. Self-Righteous-Judgment-Pants.
"I really am sorry," she murmured as he passed, unable to meet his eyes. Gendry
pretended she didn’t even exist and walked out with his mother. "Well, I guess
we can go now that my life is officially ruined." Arya pushed herself out of
the chair and trudged to the door to hold it open for dad. When she saw Gendry
waiting in the hall, it almost made her happy until he approached her father.
"Arry's bag is in my car," he handed over the keys, shoved his hands in his
pockets, and stepped lightly to catch up with his mother. Gendry never once
even glanced at her and she briefly considered the merit of just lying down on
the floor. To wait to die of embarrassment.
"Why do you do this to me, Arya?" Dad passed her the keys and she started
walking in the direction of the Lincoln. "Is this some kind of rebellion for
forcing you to move here with me?" How could her own father think she would do
anything purposefully to annoy him? Especially considering what he believed of
her and Gendry's actions - and he'd be right - his suspicion hurt.
"Just stop, dad." Arya cleared the high teary pitch out of her voice.
"Everything I say is going to sound ridiculous to you and everything you say is
going to sound stupid to me." He started to argue but she could not take any
more this day. "Let's just let it go." They used to be able to talk about
everything and anything. But in the last few years her adorable 'tomboy' ways
suddenly became a problem once she grew tits. Dad didn't look at her the same
way anymore and now she doubted he would ever look at her again.
Chapter End Notes
     Ok, I'm not trying to make excuses for any grammatical or spelling
     problems but it is damn hard to proof-read smut. I get the vapors and
     develop a Georgian accent (the state, not the country). *Oh my! Why,
     I do declare!* If I read this chapter one more time trying to find
     grammar errors, I might start powdering my nose and awaiting my
     gentlemen callers. I know it's not logical, I worry about myself, I
     really do.
***** I Need to Get Out *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                              [I_Need_to_Get_Out]
                                     SANSA
In the week that Sandor had been her 'boyfriend', nothing at all changed. They
flirted in Spanish class and that about summed up the whole of their
relationship. He never waited for her outside of class or after practice and he
never invited her to go anywhere or do anything. All in all, Sansa began to get
used to the feeling of being disappointed but the more she thought about it...
She had to take at least part of the blame, for neither had she asked him out
on a date. In her mind, that would be breaking her parents' rule too far.
Even she knew that distinction was splitting hairs, either way she was
disobeying her parents. Sansa was new to this whole 'rebellion' thing. Before
she met Sandor, she never had a reason to disobey her mother or father. Still,
it was unreasonable for them to let a measly five weeks stand in the way of her
blossoming romance! It seemed her boyfriend was plenty capable of doing that
all on his own, she had to take his snide comments and sudden temper in stride.
Even so, those moments of sweetness were always worth it.
The eerie quiet of the house had her nerves on edge, made even worse by the
fact that she had no idea what Arya and daddy were fighting about. Those two
were usually like two peas in a pod; suddenly they could not even look at each
other! Sansa cast aside her hesitation and picked up her phone to push the
number one and then hit the call button. As the phone rang, she grew more and
more nervous, not really sure what she planned to say to Sandor once he
answered. And then he did.
"Little bird," the radio played in the background of his voice, some rock song
she didn't know. Sansa stepped out of the apartment and into the empty hall.
She used to believe the perfect boyfriend would constantly beg to spend time
with her. It would take time to get used to the idea that Sandor would never be
the 'perfect boyfriend'.
"Hey," she greeted him and scrambled to think of a good reason for him to come
get her.
"Sup?" Sandor never claimed to be patient.
"I know this is..." Sansa cut off her words, aware her habit of apologizing
annoyed him. "I just need..." She held the phone down away from her mouth and
heaved a sigh at her pitiable dating skills.
"Spit it out, girl," his growling voice came from the phone and she quickly put
it up by her ear again.
"I need to get out of here," the words rushed out before she could stop them.
"My sister and dad are acting all bizarre and nobody is talking. It's like the
house of the dead around here. I need out."
"I can be there in ten," his unhesitant answer had her grinning like a ninny.
Sansa pulled open the apartment door to let daddy know she was leaving.
"Perfect," she heaved a sigh of relief and leaned against the wall. "Thanks,
Sandor." He hung up without saying goodbye and Sansa wished she could be
surprised. She realized Sandor's dismissiveness was not intended personally...
On the bright side, she was developing a thicker skin thanks to his callous
attitude and general rudeness. The hope that she was having an equal effect on
him, perhaps softening him a bit, made its home within her heart.
Daddy gave permission for her to 'go out', thankfully not asking any details,
and she rode the elevator down to wait out front. Sansa briefly considered
changing but decided her casual clothes were more practical. First of all, she
forgot to ask where they where they would go in her eagerness to leave. Also,
picking out the perfect outfit and changing in less than ten minutes should be
an Olympic sport. A short time later, Sandor's car pulled into the lot and up
in front of her. He stretched one long arm to open the door for her, his own
way of being a gentleman.
"Hi," she slipped in with a smile and closed to door, buckling up first thing.
"Sorry to..." Sansa shook her head and peek at him from the corner of her eye.
"Actually, I'm not sorry," she confessed, "I wanted to see you."
"Where do you want to go?" Sandor always got straight to the point, for better
or worse, but she saw a smile tugging at his lips.
"Anywhere," she sighed and relaxed into the seat. Her house was stifling, the
air thick with tension, and the worst part was not knowing why.
"Careful what you wish for," he teased, "mi pajarito." The way his voice
deepened made her hands feel all tingly from wanting to hold onto his strong
shoulders. That thought alone was enough to get her blushing already and she
cursed her pale skin again for the millionth time. It wasn't fair that her
emotions got written all over her face while she could never tell what he was
thinking.
"I only wish for you," she turned her head towards him, "lover." Sansa smiled
at the low rumbling sound he made, she was beginning to understand what all of
his little growls meant. That particular noise meant her teasing was working
exactly as she intended it to.
"I'm going to take you to my backseat if you don't shut it," he warned. Sansa
knew she should not play with him but flirting with Sandor was like flirting
with danger itself. Also, he was threatening with her with their exact scenario
she hoped for when he said he was coming to pick her up.
"Sounds good to me," a thrill ran through her as she wondered if he would
follow through on his amorous threat.
"Don't test the hound, girl." Sandor's voice was quiet and almost dangerous
somehow. It filled her stomach with butterflies and set her pulse racing. "I
already have a place in mind to take you and you're going to fuck it all up if
you don't cut it out."
"So, you have somewhere better than your backseat to take me?" Sansa forced her
newfound shameless flirt persona back and put a finger to her chin to ponder
their destination. "I wonder where?" Visions of every kind of dating scenario
flitted through her mind from riding a Ferris wheel to going to see romantic
movie. She was practically bouncing in her seat, already way too excited to
find out where they were going.
"It won't be better," he scoffed, "but it should be fun."
"I love surprises!" She clapped her hands and sat up straight, paying attention
to their route to help guess their destination.
"I'll remember that." For all of Sandor's protests about not wanting to be a
'boyfriend', he was really good at it when he made even the slightest effort.
The pulled onto the old Main Street on the edge of the city before Flea Bottom
and he parallel parked like a god. Sansa tamped down her envy, making a mental
note to have him teach her since both her parents lacked in that area.
"Come on," he got out and waited for her on the sidewalk, "we gotta walk the
rest of the way." Sansa followed him, looking at the old buildings packed
together like sardines with interest. Some stores were rundown while others
looked well-kept. They stopped in front of one store that could be nothing
other than a pet shop by the exterior decorations.
"Where are we?" She tried to peer through the dingy window into the dark store
but her eyes could make nothing out.
"This is where I work," he explained as he approached the door.
"It's closed," she commented just before he pulled out keys and jangled them at
her, "oh." Sandor flipped on the light as soon as they entered and an explosion
of noise, mostly barking, rang out around them
"Alright," he yelled, "calm the fuck down." The store went completely silent
except one small fuzz ball of a dog released a single bark. "Buster," he
warned, "no one is going to adopt you until you learn to keep your bloody trap
shut." Buster replied with another quieter yap and Sandor rolled his eyes.
"He reminds me of someone," she teased, thinking of the way he always had to
have the last word.
"That's enough out of both of you," he groaned as he walked behind the counter
to heft a giant bag of dog food. "Can't a man get some work done without being
yapped at?" Sansa held her hands up with a smile and went over to pet Buster,
whose pen was right in front of the window.
"You like working here?" She heard Sandor moving around and feeding the
animals, somehow this job suited him perfectly.
"It's alright," he tried to act nonchalant but she could tell he like working
with the animals. Sansa could hear him talking quietly to them as he went about
his work.
"Strong words," she chuckled at his veil-thin attempt to act cool in front of
her.
"Told you I'm not a talker," he approached her from behind and Sansa gave
Buster one more pat before turning around to face Sandor.
"I think you like it a lot," she alleged. "Thank you for taking me here."
"Work's done," he grabbed her hand and led her towards the back of the shop,
"time to play."
"Play?" She followed him through the back door and felt a rush of joy when she
saw what awaited her. "Oh, PUPPIES!" Sansa squealed with happiness and knelt in
front of the pen where at least a dozen puppies rambled excitedly. "Oh," she
let one lick her hand, "I love you." Another charged and butted up against her
other hand. "And I love you," one chubby pup curled up and slept while the
others all played, "and I love you."
"There's only one way to do this," he moved to a closet and pulled out a clean
linen to lay it on the floor. "Lie down," he commanded. Sansa raised her
eyebrow questioningly but complied without argument. She finally understood
when he opened the pen's gate and she was stampeded by puppies.
"Yay!" She laughed so hard she starting crying as the pups attacked her with
puppy ferocity. They struggled to crawl over her with their tiny legs and
chewed on her clothes. "I'm so happy," Sansa pulled one little fellow off of
her hair and rested him on her stomach. "This seems like an eighth heaven."
"You're right," Sandor knelt beside her, scooped up a pup, and held to his face
to receive a tiny lick on his nose. "I like this job a lot," he grinned at her,
"the perks are pretty good."
"You are incredibly sweet, Sandor." Sansa sat up slowly so as not to startle
the pups and ignored his eye-roll. "I will keep saying it until you believe
me." He set the puppy down and reached out to stroke a strand of her loose hair
between his fingers. She leaned forward and pressed a quick kiss to his lips,
smiling the whole time. It was the first kiss she gave him and she decided she
liked it so she did it again. The second time he pulled her closer to give her
a proper kiss that left her breathless.
"You make me like this," his voice was low and growling but in the good way.
"No," she argued, staring straight into his eyes. "I'm just lucky you like me
so you show me your sweet side that you hide from everyone else."
"They can all go fuck themselves," he chuckled as a pup tried to climb onto her
lap.
"Though not the words I would use," she tugged at the front of his shirt to
regain his attention. "I completely agree."
"I'm a bad influence on you, little bird." His fingers curled around her neck
and his thumb stroked cheek, which set her heart was racing a mile a minute.
"Maybe I could stand to be bad from time to time," she smiled as if she was
joking but there was plenty of truth in her words. "I'll be bad and you be
sweet, and neither of us will tell on the other."
"Sounds good to me," he leaned in for another slow kiss. Sansa thought, no
matter how many times she imagined it, this first 'date' overshadowed every
single one of her dreams. It was silly to wait for the boy to ask for dates or
a kiss, if she wanted something, she should just tell him. He was the type that
appreciated directness and it was something she could improve upon herself. The
more time they spent together, she realized that they were absolutely perfect
for each other.

                                    GENDRY
"I want you to stay away from that girl." Mom collapsed at the table, placing
her elbows on it and tilting her forehead to rest against her clasped hands.
Long blonde hair fell like a curtain in front of her face and he quickly took a
seat beside her, worried that she would start crying.
"Mom-" He tried to put a hand on her shoulder to console her but she
interrupted him, turning in smacking his hand. Gendry tried to meet her gaze
but she only frowned at him and furrowed her brow.
"No," she sighed and looked back to the table. "You won't turn those baby blues
on me and get away with this." Mom pulled her hair back and tied it with a
scrunchie then closed her eyes and shook her head. She held up her hands in
defeat and turned her eyes towards him again. "This is a big deal, Gendry," she
held his eyes. "What did you think you were doing?" Then it was his turn to
look away, too humiliated to open his mouth. "I want an answer, young man."
"We just wanted to cool off," he waved his hand around right trying to find the
words, "and things just happened."
"I don't want to know what 'things'," she grimaced. "But it was her idea, like
she said?"
"Why is that important?" Honestly, Gendry didn't know what to think about
Arya's admission of guilt. If it was true, it kinda made him happy she went to
such trouble to plan his seduction. A simple 'kiss me now' would've sufficed.
Also, it kinda made him pissed that she was able to set him up so easily.
"Gendry Waters." The way mom said his name did not bode well for him.
"I don't remember whose idea it was: both of ours," he couldn't let Arry take
the heat for something they both did. Even more, the last thing he wanted was
for his mom to think that he didn't care about Arya. "I like her a lot, mom,"
he confessed, "she's not like any other girl I've ever known."
"I always thought you didn't bring girls home because your standards were too
high," she scoffed. "That girl, she looked like trouble..." Gendry couldn't
help the smirk tugging at his lips as he agreed with his mother's assessment of
Arya. 'Trouble' was exactly the way he would describe her, the best kind.
"There - I saw that smile," mom gave him a worried look, "she's a bad influence
on you."
"What did I do that was so wrong?" He threw up his arms and shook his head and
protest. "Most guys my age have already done more." It made it all the more
embarrassing that his first... everything was interrupted by the principal. Of
course, he felt glad Arya was the first girl he kissed and saw naked and saw
him... Fucking bloody hells! What were they thinking?! Clearly, they weren't.
"I was your age when I had you," She grew quiet and stared down at the table
again, making guilt prickle at his conscience. "Because I didn't think," her
unspoken accusation hit home, "because your father didn't think." Gendry's hand
clenched when she said 'father', a word neither of them said often. "You say
you like this girl but you care so little about her that you would risk getting
her pregnant? That doesn't sound like my son."
"We didn't have sex," he grumbled, feeling both relief and regret. Again, he
cursed himself for his lack of forethought but he never would've guessed that
things would go that far that fast. He should've known, since Arya did
everything passionately. What a girl...
"So," she interrupted his soppy thoughts, "even if she asked you would have
said 'no thanks'?" He couldn't reply to that question because he knew the truth
would be the wrong answer. "Maybe she's a sweet girl and I've just had a bad
first impression." She gripped a hand on his shoulder and forced his eyes to
meet hers. "Or maybe she's going to be the downfall of my precious baby boy. I
can't tell you what to do but let me give you some advice: if you fall fast and
hard, it's going to burn out quick." Mom patted his shoulder and looked away
again rubbing her forehead with her fingers. "And buy some condoms - carry them
with you at all times. I'm so young, Gendry, far too young and beautiful to be
a grandmother. Do you have any idea how hard it is to meet a decent man at my
age?"
"Mom!" Gendry didn't want to hear any of that. "I surrender, you win, I'll do
whatever you say!" Although, he supposed mom would rather have not heard about
his love life either.
"I'm still a woman!" She crossed her arms and scowled prettily at him,
wrinkling up her nose. "And I'm your mother and I want to protect you," she
laid her hand over his and exhaled slowly. "Please, be careful... and I'm
begging you - for your own good - stay away from that girl." Never in his life
had he disagreed with anything mom told him to do, she always had his best
interest at heart. Suddenly he felt like he had to make a choice, and
impossible one, between his mother and the girl who he loved. "It's not the
just the girl," she murmured, "I don't like the way her father looked at you."
Just bloody great, somehow he'd forgotten all about Mr. Stark's death-stare.
Chapter End Notes
     So fluffy! And then... poor Gendry. At least his mom is fairly cool.
     As with most things, it has to get worse before it can get better.
     I am doing a short Jon POV next for sure but I'm a little torn about
     who needs a POV next. I'm stuck between Arya and Sandor because I
     love to write them and they both have a lot of thoughts about their
     weekend. Perhaps a triple POV chapter is in order...
***** Out of the Group *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                              [Out_of_the_Group]
                                      JON
He was running late, rushing to meet up with the group, on the way to the empty
room. Jon spotted Arya in the hall hesitating outside the door and fiddling
with some keys. When he caught up to her, she was so distracted she did not
even hear his approach and only stared at the door with grim determination.
"Hey kiddo," he seemed to startle her out of deep thought but she soon grinned
at him and visibly shook off whatever was bothering her.
"Hi," she greeted him and turned to open the door for him, "after you."
"Ladies first," he jokingly insisted, receiving a snort from her.
"Not a lady," she jerked a thumb at herself but her joking grin didn't quite
meet her eyes. Jon was about to break down and ask her what was wrong when she
darted into the empty room. He followed her and immediately felt the gloom
settled over the group. They were all there early, sitting around the table in
bowed silence. It was like somebody died or something! Sam stood up and
approached Arya with his hands wringing in front of him.
"I'm sorry, Arya, I really am." Sam glanced away sheepishly, his face red with
embarrassment and shame. "We, that is to say the group, decided... It might be
best if..." He sighed, straightened his shoulders, and looked Arya straight in
the eye. "You're out of the group." She stood still and did not make a sound or
even blink as her eyes darted straight to Gendry. An expression of pure fury
passed over her stunned features, mirroring exactly the way he felt.
"That's horseshit!" Jon exploded, reacting way faster and stronger than she
did. He could not believe that the group made such a serious decision without
him. He looked around the room to see everyone avoiding his eyes, the newcomer
Dany looked like she had something to say. She stood up to open her mouth when
Arya beat her to it.
"No - it's fine," she waved her hand like she couldn't give a single shit. "I
was getting bored of this game anyway." Arya walked up to stand in front of
Gendry and dropped the keys on the table. Jon knew something was going on with
them and he intended to get some answers! "I'm sure I can find a better way to
spend my time." Gendry never even looked up once at her and she snorted a laugh
before she turned away. Jon knew her well enough to see that the nonchalant
attitude was all just an act. Once she walked out the door, she took off
running down the hall.
"Arya!" Jon chased after her but lost her as she ran too fast, feet flying
underneath her. He walked up and down the halls, peeking into an empty
classroom window to see if she hid inside. A sound, pitiful in its softness,
called him toward a custodians' closet at the end of the hall standing slightly
ajar. Part of him never wanted to approach that wretched muffled sniffling. But
his feet kept moving until he peered through the crack.
Arya knelt on the ground with her back to the door, her head lolled forward
with her hands twisting and pulling on her short hair. He felt paralyzed,
unable to move forward and comfort her or run away from the heartbreaking
scene. Jon almost went back to find Gendry and the other guys to tell them
exactly what their rejection did to 'tough' Arya. But then he might say and do
some things that would lose him the only friends he had. Maybe they weren't
worth keeping, if they thought this was somehow the right thing to do.
He stayed, not helping her in any way but stood watch to make sure no one else
saw her moment of weakness. Jon loved Arya and the way her feisty jagged shell
covered a gooey loveable center if anyone cared to look deep enough. The
problem was, most people only see what lies on the surface and never look
deeper. Everyone viewed her as this unshakably confident girl who laughs in the
face of authority and danger. That was only part of her, one little piece of
the puzzle that fit together into something beautiful. Those bloody blind
fools!
Jon quietly set his backpack on the ground and slid against the wall to sit
outside the door and wait for it to get quiet. To call the sound she made
'crying' could not describe it: more like she was fighting with everything she
had not to cry. It did not take long for her to get ahold of herself. He
scrambled to make himself scarce before she emerged and realized her shame was
witnessed. His next class didn't start for a while since the bell had not even
rung but he hustled there anyway, hoping to get caught up on some work.
When he walked in the classroom, it seemed he was not the only one with that
idea. A certain redhead was bent over a book and furiously scratching on a
piece of paper. Ygritte looked up to give him a wide grin as she slapped her
book closed and leaned back in her desk. Jon ignored her, as best he could
since his desk was right next to hers, and sat down to start rifling through
his backpack. Unfortunately, she had no intention of letting him pay no
attention to her.
"Oi," she tapped her sneaker against his shoe, "what's got your pretty face
frowning?" Jon glanced up to see her lusty eyes raking over him and licked her
top lip as their eyes met. "I bet I can put a smile on your face..."
"Not now, Ygritte," he groaned and hung his head. "I just watched my younger
cousin get her heart broken for the first time." Usually, though he didn't
encourage it, Ygritte's flirting was sort of an ego-boost. After what he'd just
seen, he didn't want to feel good about himself because he felt bad for Arya.
"Aw, that's proper shitty situation right there." She sucked in a breath
through her teeth and shook her head with sympathy. "Sorry for your cousin, but
she'll bounce back. I remember the first boy who broke my heart. Older boy,
fucked me and then broke up with me like I was nothin' - asshole." Just hearing
about the shit-head that would use and throw away a goddess like Ygritte made
him want to hunt the guy down. "But that's the way it goes. I learned not to
get so hung up on the emotional side of things and just have fun."
"I guess," he shrugged, not really knowing much personally about sex,
relationships, or heartbreak.
"Sex is fun," she gave him a little smirk and winked at him, "in case you don't
know."
"Thanks for the tip," he turned away to try and hide the redness rising in his
face.
"Anytime, Jon." She leaned close to murmur in his ear, sending a tingling
shiver up his spine. "I'll teach you anything you wanna know." Ygritte sent
back with the satisfied smile and resumed working on her homework. Jon finally
could feel the blood starting to return to his brain.
                                    SANDOR
The hound doesn't daydream - that's not what he was doing. Sandor sat at a
table by himself at lunch, just having demolished a third helping of lasagna.
He had no idea why other kids complained about school food. It was fucking
delicious and the closest thing he could imagine home-cooking tasted like. The
memories of his mother were fuzzy, like the way she smelled or the sound of her
laugh, and he never recalled her cooking anything. For sure, he wasn't
'daydreaming' as he ate his food.
He was just remembering the way Sansa laughed as she cuddled all of the pups
and the way her eyes shone with happiness. It was a gamble to take her to his
work, he worried she might expect something fancy like a nice restaurant. Or
something difficult like 'talking' about their dreams and other junk. The
little bird had really done a number on him in the short time they'd been
'dating'. When was the last time he sat somewhere by himself and just smiled at
nothing? Probably never - if he had to guess - but she made him smile all the
time...
"Excuse me," a female voice interrupted his thoughts. He turned around to find
himself unexpectedly flanked by flock of cheerleaders. The three of them had
their arms crossed all of them giving him the evil eye. Oh shit, he knew them
all, including the blonde with purple eyes - there was no way he couldn't know
who she was. When his eyes settled on her, she looked away. The disgust he saw
flash in her eyes confirmed that she knew exactly who he was as well. Fuck her,
they didn't have to be friends, he'd done nothing to her personally.
"Me?" He raised his one eyebrow, pointed at himself, and looked around. Usually
the cheerleaders acted like he didn't exist.
"Yes," Margery Tyrell gave him a sharp nod, "you." She was the bravest of the
three, standing in the center and chin bucked up like she wasn't afraid. He
admired her bravery, but didn't appreciated being bothered. Before the twit
interrupted, he was - fuck it, he was daydreaming about his little bird and it
made him fucking happy. He rose from his seated position, feeling gratified
when her brave expression slipped and her eyes followed him up.
"What do you want?" Sandor glared down at all three of them in turn, and the
two on the side stared at the floor in defeat. He could think of only one
reason why they'd come to see him and he'd rather get it over with as quickly
as possible.
"I think," she inhaled a deep breath and fixed her determined stare on him. "It
would be for the best if you would stay away from Sansa Stark." Bingo! There we
go - it was almost a relief now that the barriers started setting themselves
up. Things had been going far too good for him and it made him uncomfortable
waiting for the shit to hit the fan. He'd rather just get covered in shit
already so he could go shower it off.
"Oh," he snorted a laugh, "do you?" He expected a 'friend warning' was coming
but he never imagined they'd come directly to him. These cheerleaders were a
lot braver than he ever gave them credit for - or maybe just a lot fucking
stupider.
"She's a good girl," she insisted, "and doesn't deserve to be played with."
Nothing Margery said was news to him, but it didn't feel very fucking nice to
have someone point it out to your face. Even someone as ugly as him still had
feelings - as much as he hated to admit it.
"Too 'good' for me, you mean." Sandor stepped closer to glare down at her and
to her credit, she did not step back. "Yeah, I picked up on that." He chuckled
at her widened eyes, even though he felt like total shit. "What'd she say when
you told her about me?" His breath caught in his chest as he waited to hear
that Sansa sent them to chase him away for her.
"We came to you first." She stood her ground but he noticed the way her hands
clenched on her sleeves and her eyes flickered away from his face. Sandor
struggled not to heave a sigh of relief that at least the little bird hadn't
had her ears filled about him... yet. He knew it was only a matter of time
before she learned everything about him and his family - the lies and the
truth.
"Well," he scoffed, "thanks for the fucking advice." This time she did move
back as he approached another step, a slow grin spreading over his face. He
knew how ugly he look when he smiled, and all three of the girls reacted
exactly as they should. "Now you can go put that mouth to good use, I think I
saw Joff around here somewhere."
"You're disgusting," Margery hissed, her face flushed with embarrassment. She
should be embarrassed - Joff was the biggest asshole in all seven provinces.
He'd never understand how the shithead bagged such hot girls... then again, the
same could be said of him and the little bird. Fuck his godsdamned relentless
honesty!
"I'm not the one who sucks his dick," he mocked and they all gaped at him with
appropriate horror. They'd soon scamper back to the little bird to tell her
what a scary rabid dog he was. "Go ahead - tell the little bird all about me."
He lowered his face just inches from Margery's. His bad side was prickling and
tingling as her eyes rolled over it seemingly against her will. "She'll come
running to me so I can tell her it's all lies." Of course, he wouldn't actually
do that. "Good girls always taste sweetest after they've cried a bit, so don't
anything hold back."
"You really are a monster!" Her face turned beet red and she shook with anger
as both of her friends tried to pull her away. Sandor laughed as he brushed
past the strong-willed girl and her slightly more timid friends.
"Guilty as charged." Sandor didn't bother to turn around, just tossed a wave
over his shoulder and kept strutting forward. Not having any idea where he was
going, he just needed to find somewhere to be alone. Well, it was good while it
lasted - made a few pretty memories to hold him over for the rest of his
miserable lonely life. Fuck, he needed a drink.
                                     ARYA
She wandered around the school in a daze, not really sure what to do with
herself and found that her feet carried her to Gendry's Lincoln. It was always
unlocked, who would break into such a shitty car to steal his shitty cassette
tapes? Arya slipped into the passenger side, cracked the window for some fresh
air, and looked around the interior to memorize it. Never again would she ride
in this car, studying his handsome profile as he concentrated on driving. They
spent more time talking while riding in his car than anywhere else. Who knew a
lack of radio could be a good thing?
It never occurred to her before, too obsessed with how good Gendry looked, but
his voice was beautiful too. Whenever he said her name, he said it wrong but it
always made her heart squeeze in her chest. The same way her throat squeezed
when she realized he'd never call her again. It was all gone, even though he
was right where he always was. She could go see him anytime, but they would
just be strangers to each other. Arya would never want anyone else as much as
she wanted him, even if everyone laughed at her for believing that. How could
she not realize it until she lost him - that she loved him?
Of course she did! He was perfect in every way - interesting, obedient, and
glorious hot - what's not to love? Just like with everything else, she pushed
too hard too fast and ruined everything... The choked sob that escaped her
throat made her punch the dash before she could reconsider how much it would
hurt. Ow. Her mind would not stop torturing her with visions of Gendry's smile
and his laughter. Most of all, she could perfectly envision the cold way he
ignored her after she got him into trouble. Fuck him! If he couldn't handle a
little trouble then he wasn't worth it.
Break her heart - that wimp? Arya scoffed a laugh and looked around the shitty
car again - working hard to convince herself, she was better than him. Then she
saw him, standing in the lot a few feet away and looking at her with a
terrified expression. She rolled her eyes at his panic over confronting her and
wrenched open the door to get out. Her bag swung over her shoulder as marched
off in the opposite direction. Humiliation over being caught made her face burn
and tears prickled behind her eyelids.
"Arya!" He did it - called her name - just like she knew he never would again.
His voice made her feet freeze mid-step and Arya waged war inside her mind to
resist the urge to turn around. She forced herself to keep walking, knowing if
she turned around... If she looked at the pity in his gorgeous eyes as he tried
to explain how he just didn't like her 'that way', she start crying. "Wait!"
Gendry's footsteps sounded behind her, signaling he decided to chase after her.
Part of her screamed to turn around and hear him out but her feet were already
running away.
Arya didn't want to hear his apologies or his disingenuous request to 'stay
friends'. Not after she just fucked up the best friendship she ever had and
ruined her first love in one go. And just like always - Gendry gave up - and
stopped chasing her. Just when anything gets too hard or scary, that coward
always backed out. Fuck him then, she didn't need him. The tears streaming down
her face begged to differ.
Chapter End Notes
     I know, I know... it hurts, I'm sorry. But life can't always be
     puppies and rainbows! I need angst to offset my fluff, that's just
     how the muse wants it.
     Love without pain isn't love - it's friendship.
     You can fucking quote me on that.
     Next up: Sansa POV, entitled "OMG, This is Amazing"
***** OMG, This is Amazing *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [OMG,_This_is_Amazing]
                                     SANSA
Cheer practice could have gone better, for some reason all the girls were
polite yet avoided her like the plague. They appeared to get along well enough
with each other. One exception being Myranda, who would be beautiful if not for
the constant sneer on her face. Sometimes she would see a few of them huddled
together and whispering to each other. Then they would stop and smile at her
with some strange expressions of confused pity. Sansa had plenty of suspicions
about their topic of gossip but possessed neither the desire nor enough courage
to ask.
She let it go, they could whisper and pity her if they liked, because after
school she had a standing promise to meet Sandor. He swore he would wait for
her after practice out front of the school at their usual place. Sansa rushed
to get dressed and when she noticed Margery approaching her with a smile she
tossed a quick wave goodbye and bolted. Sandor did not like to be kept waiting
and she did not want to wait any longer either. He stood leaning against the
weirwood tree as the red leaves fell around him and one landed right on his
head.
Sandor snatched the offending leaf off of his head and glared at it as if it
chose to land on him and annoy him. She really must like him to think his
grouchiness was cute... Sansa smiled as he crumpled up the leaf and tossed it
on the ground. Then she laughed aloud as he crushed it beneath the heel of his
boot, drawing his attention. He pushed off the tree and shoved his hands in his
pockets, watching his feet as he approached her.
"Hey," she skipped the rest of the way to meet him and pulled one hand out of
his pocket to wrap his arm around her shoulders. Sandor tucked her into his
side as she curled her arm around his waist and sighed with contentment.
Whatever else was wrong disappeared when they were together, nothing else
mattered. "I missed you."
"I can see that," he grinned down at her with something like surprise in his
expression. Why would he be surprised that she missed him? After her talk with
Jon, Sansa started to worry about Sandor's self-esteem and wondered if his
roughness was all just an act. "You asked to meet, so you get to pick where we
go." He pulled her towards the parking lot where the Skylark was waiting to
take them anywhere they wanted.
"Anywhere," she snuggled into his side and reached up to lace her fingers with
his hand draped over her shoulder. "Just the two of us." It felt so amazing to
walk around as somebody's girlfriend. He smirked down at her and she turned her
face into his chest to hide the beaming blush on her face. She couldn't help
it, Sansa was so happy! She always wanted a boyfriend, and the fact that he was
so much taller than her and an athlete were just bonuses.
"Uh..." Sandor groaned and pinched her chin to unhide her face. "If you want a
date just say so - otherwise I'll think you just want to make out."
"Either is fine with me," her cheeks burned even hotter but she kept her eyes
on his. The steely color darkened as he stopped in the middle of the parking
lot and frowned at her. Sansa was about to apologize on instinct when he
removed his arm and grabbed her wrist to pick up the pace. "Oh! Where are we
going?"
"To make out," the way he growled the three words set her pulse racing in
anticipation. Who would have thought that being direct about what she wanted
could be so rewarding?! Oh... probably everyone in the world knew that 'secret'
before she discovered it. He opened the passenger door and practically stuffed
her inside. She decided to forgive him eagerness because she felt the same.
They hadn't kissed much since the night of Joffrey Baratheon's party and the
memory still made her lips tingle.
"I'm going to assume," she narrowed her eyes playfully as he got in the car.
"We are not going parking where you bring all the girls you make out with." In
truth, Sansa worried quite a bit about her general lack of experience. Even
after she forgave him for his barb about her lack of technique, the memory
still stung.
"Yeah fucking right," he scoffed as he pulled out of his parking spot like he
was staring in an action movie. Sandor always drove too fast for her taste but
he was so good at it she could hardly lecture him. "You're one of a kind,
princess." The sneer on his face made her worried she made him mad again and
wished she could stop doing that. "Most girls pick the prince over the beast."
"So..." She paused as his words sunk in and she stared at him in shock. "Are
you saying I'm your first girlfriend?!"
"I guess," he shrugged as he relaxed in his seat. "Technically."
"Oh," she wondered what he meant by that last part but knew he would bring it
up if he wanted. "Me too," she confessed, "I mean, you're my first boyfriend."
"How is that possible?" Sandor was not an easy person to shock and his surprise
was somewhat gratifying.
"Home-schooling," she guessed, never quite knowing the answer herself. "And
being freakishly tall," she grinned at him, "you might know a little something
about that." Sandor chuckled at her joke, seemingly past his little temper
flare-up. Curiosity got the better of Sansa, driving her to suck it up and just
ask already. "So, have you ever...? I mean, I never..." She faltered,
embarrassment overtaking her bravery as she stared down at her hands.
"No," he sneered "I never fucked anyone if that's what you're asking." Sandor's
temper came back with a vengeance but his words still surprised her. He was
older and more experienced; she never would have guessed he was a virgin.
"I see," she murmured, unsure what to say. His answer only brought up more
questions, but Sansa felt too afraid to push him further and risk ruining their
day.
"There was a girl," he kept his eyes on the road and his voice low, "when I was
a sophomore." Sandor scoffed a laugh and rubbed the side of his face. "She was
the first person who showed any interest in me but I had to keep it a secret,
she said..." His upper lip curled and his hands tightened on the steering
wheel. "Because she didn't want to get a 'bad reputation'. One day she just
pretended like she didn't know me - started seeing some pretty guy." He laughed
without humor and shook his head. "I should've known I was fooling myself,
thinking it was more than it was."
"That's awful," she whispered, "I would never do something like that."
"I know," he nodded but still wouldn't look at her. "I just thought you should
know why I don't do this whole 'dating' thing - girls ignore me and I ignore
them..." Sandor eyed her sideways and his tense shoulders seemed to relax.
"Except you." He heaved a ragged sigh and turned his eyes back on the road.
"I've gone and ruined things haven't I?"
"No!" She touched a hand to his shoulder to emphasize her sympathy for him. "Of
course not, I just... I don't want to make a fool of myself."
"I might be an ass and laugh at you sometimes," he pulled her hand down from
his shoulder and held it in his own. "But I won't hurt you, Sansa. You set the
limits and I'll abide by them - I wouldn't give that kind of promise to just
anyone."
"I understand," she squeezed his fingers. "You know, I think the only way to
master a skill is to practice as often as possible." Sandor laughed as he
pulled into a emptied lot belonging to a vacant supermarket and drove around
the building into the shade. Not the most romantic spot in the world, but at
least it was quiet and private.
"Beauty and brains - how'd I get so lucky?" He grinned at her as he turned off
the ignition and dropped his keys on the dash. Sansa suddenly felt nervous on
top of anxious, which was surely doing terrible things to her blood pressure.
Sandor tugged on her hand, looking expectantly at her so she sucked in a breath
for bravery and crawled between the front seats. She settled in the middle of
the backseat and peeked at him while biting her lip.
Sandor opened his door and pulled his seat up to move it all the way forward,
leaning it against the wheel, and he climbed in next to her. She scooted to the
other side to make room, as he took up a lot of space, and waited with her
hands in her lap. He leaned forward to shut the door and turned back to her,
holding out one hand in invitation. With every shred of bravery she possessed,
she tucked herself up by his side and prayed he couldn't feel her heart
pounding. His arm curled around her and his other hand cupped her face.
"You sure you wouldn't rather go on some stupid fucking 'date'?" Sandor's words
rasped low and Sansa shook her head in denial; she was exactly where she wanted
to be. He kissed her slow at first, soft and gentle as his fingers trailed down
the front of her neck and trace her collarbone. She followed as he pulled away
to break the kiss, opening her eyes to see him smirking. "Tell me how far I can
go."
"Um..." Sansa panicked, thinking she gave him the wrong idea by bringing up the
current condition of her virginity. "I am not ready to go... all the way...
yet." He chuckled at her and held up his hand, wiggling his fingers.
"I meant - where can I touch you?" Sandor's eyes hungrily roamed over her body
before returning to meet hers.
"Oh," she blushed under his inspection, "um, anywhere over my clothes is fine?"
"Really?!" Sandor made a face like a kid who just walked into a candy shop and
Sansa worried she might have been too hasty with her permission. "Anywhere?"
His forehead furrowed as he gave her one last chance to rescind her consent but
she only nodded in agreement. "Here?" He wrapped his hand around her waist and
slid downward over her hip. She gave one nod to answer his question and his
large hand slid up over her ribs, his thumb curving under her breast. "And this
is ok?"
"It's okay," she wheezed her reply, embarrassed that he must feel her heart
trying to escape her ribcage. Sandor closed his eyes as his fingers slowly
moved over the front of her chiffon blouse to lightly stroke over her breast.
"And here?" He peeked at her, looking like he expected to be rebuffed. Her
heart pounded wildly and her skin tingled all over.
"Please," she begged, "kiss me at the same time." It was too embarrassing to
have him watching her face as he touched her.
"As you wish," he smirked like he won something, tugged her closer, and kissed
her senseless. His hands took full advantage of her permission, touching her
everywhere fabric covered. Sansa curled her arms around his broad shoulders as
her mind lost all sense of time and self. She was no longer herself, but a
wholly new person whose sole purpose was to kiss Sandor. Somehow, she wound up
in his lap, cradled in his arms where she fit perfectly. Her lips felt swollen
by the time he broke away from her and she noticed a dim orange haze peeking
through windows.
"Oh no!" Her eyes found the sun sinking beneath the trees. "Look how much time
has passed."
"Not nearly enough," his hand behind her head pulled her up for another
lingering kiss.
"I have to get home," she felt reluctant to leave as well. "Daddy is probably
worried."
"He should be," Sandor chucked evilly and she lightly punched him in the chest.
"Stop," she chided, "he would like you... if you came to meet him."
"Doubtful," he rolled his eyes.
"You'll see," she insisted, "he will like you. My father is an excellent judge
of character."
"Let's hope that's not the case," his hands still held onto her and she had not
let go of him either despite her insistence they leave. "Or I'm shit out of
luck."
"If you can rein in that foul tongue of yours," she frowned at his
dismissiveness. "Daddy would love your honest nature."
"You're the only one who has any power over my tongue, little bird." Sandor
grinned down at her before capturing her mouth with one final and earth-
shattering kiss. Then he lifted her off his lap like she weighed nothing and
opened the car door to step out. He held his hand out to help her, a rare act
of chivalry, and she walked around the car to get into the passenger side. They
chatted about their plans for the weekend, both of them looking forward to the
big upcoming home game. Before long the Skylark pulled up in front of her
building.
"I'll miss you," she did not want to leave yet, although she had homework and
would be expected by Daddy. "Call me."
"Sure," he agreed and leaned across the distance between them to kiss her
goodbye far too briefly. "See ya." Sandor smirked at her likely dazed
expression and she smiled back before exiting the car. As Sansa watched him
drive away, her head felt like a balloon full of helium and her heart was even
lighter than that. It did not matter what anyone else said, gods help her...
she was already falling in love with him.
                                    SANDOR
The day after his little backseat date with Sansa, he felt on top of the world.
Didn't even feel like mocking his 'friends' for the stupid shit they said. The
guys walked with him toward the gym, gossiping like girls about girls, before
they split off to grab some lunch. He already ate - in private because it was
bloody embarrassing. The little bird waited for him in the morning, holding up
a little sack lunch she made for him. Damn, it was fucking good - some
delicious pasta with white sauce - she said she made it herself.
"Hey!" Joff's call went ignored by Sandor as he walked away from the group to
head to the gym to sink a few baskets before he met up with... "Sansa!" That
stopped his feet in their tracks and whipped around to see the little bird
hurrying past Joff and the rest of the guys. She was distracted, busy rummaging
around in her backpack which she wore backwards over her chest. His poor little
bird always seemed to be running late for everything.
"Joff's talking to you," Lancel stepped into her path and Sansa nearly barreled
into him.
"What do you want?" She tried to walk around the asshole but he stepped in her
way again. "I need to go..." Sandor wanted to run ahead and kick the guy's ass
for harassing Sansa until she beamed brightly at Joff approaching her.
"I want to take you out, honey." Joff swaggered up to her side and Lancel moved
out of the way. Sandor held his breath as he waited for his answer - knowing
his newborn happiness hung in the balance.
"Sorry," she smiled cheerfully, "I have a man." Sandor felt a slow grin spread
over his face as she used their little code word for 'boyfriend'.
"Come on," the little shit stepped too close, "you're too new to have a
boyfriend already."
"I met him on my first day," she started to explain herself when an angry
expression crossed her face, "not that it's your business. You even know him,
it's Sandor."
"Who the fuck is Sandor?" Theon piped up and Sandor rolled his eyes that his
clique didn't even know his real name. But Joff did...
"You think you're funny, bitch?" He took a menacing step towards her and Sansa
scuttled backwards in fear, tripping over her own feet. She hit the ground -
hard - making a loud cracking sound as her head hit the paved sidewalk. Time
seemed to stop, nobody even moved to help her or run away, but his feet reacted
faster than his mind. Sandor sprinted to the little bird's unmoving form,
surrounded by scattered books from her bag. His hand shoved Joff out of his
fucking way.
"Sansa," he fell to his knees beside her, "are you alright?" Sandor patted the
side of her pale face and actually prayed for her eyes to open. Her eyelashes
fluttered for a moment but her eyes wouldn't focus on him. "Can you tell me if
you're ok?" Panic gripped him as he removed her bag as carefully and as he
could and tried to check her head for a wound. "Please, little bird, say
anything." He tested her for a concussion, following each step to the letter,
Selmy's safety drills finally paid off.
"I'm..." Her eyes peered up at him, pupils dilated and unfocused. "Okay."
"No you're fucking not," he felt like his whole world was shattering right in
front of him. Sansa meant everything - the whole fucking world could blow up
and he'd still be happy if he had her. Sandor pulled her arm around his neck
and gently scooped her up in his arms. "I'm taking you to the nurse."
"Sandor..." She whimpered as she turned her face into his chest. "My bag..."
Even concussed, the little bird still managed to worry about her schoolwork.
"Hush," he murmured, "I'm gonna take care of you." Sandor stood and set his
eyes on Theon, standing there gaping at them like an idiot. "Pick up her shit
and follow me." The threat 'or else' always went unspoken but was never
misunderstood. The idiot scrambled to follow the hound's orders and he forced
himself not to rush to the health office. He asked her simple questions to keep
her awake but her answers were short, quiet, and a bit slurred.
Sandor had never been more afraid in his entire life... and there wasn't a
single flame in sight.
Chapter End Notes
     Cliffhanger! Is Sansa going to die?! Uh, this ain't "Skins"... it's
     more like "Some Girls" meets "Awkward", without getting all preachy
     about pot like MTV is wont to do. Now that I think about it, it's
     kind of weird that none of my characters are getting high. I pretty
     much did nothing else all throughout high school. I guess the two
     characters I imagine would smoke have nobody to get high with... Oh.
     my. gods.
     I have to go write now.
***** I'm Fine *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                  [I'm_Fine]
                                     ARYA
She sprinted full-speed through the halls in complete panic, totally bypassing
the health office. Arya skidded to a stop and backtracked on-the-double to
burst through the door. The nurse stared in wide-eyed shock as she ran right
past the desk, straight to the beds in the back where she spotted her sister.
"Sansa!" Arya quickly moved to her sister's bedside and looked her over, head-
to-toe for signs of damage. Sansa was holding an ice pack to her head and wore
a crooked smile that looked more like a grimacing pout.
"Gods, Sansa I was so worried." Arya slumped forward, bracing her fists against
the bed to catch her breath. "I heard you got into a fight with the whole
basketball team!" Then she looked up and finally noticed that the giant dude
with the badass facial scar sat next to her sister's bedside.
"Arya, relax, I'm fine." Sansa nodded towards the giant dude that was friends
with Drogo. "Thanks to Sandor… my boyfriend."
"Wait!" Arya waived her hand at the giant dude. "You're dating the giant
dude?!" She stared at her sister in shock - unable to believe this agreement to
date took place before the head injury.
"You're her younger sister?" The giant dude's eyes glanced from her sister back
to Arya in disbelief.
"You two know each other?" Sansa waved a finger from Arya to the giant dude
with a look of total confusion on her face.
"You're actually 'dating' him?" Arya pointed at the giant dude, who sneered at
her. "This guy, right here." Sansa narrowed her brows and nodded sharply,
clearly annoyed with her sister's incredulity. "Have you told dad?"
"Not yet," Sansa gave Arya a warning look - unnecessary since she was no
tattletale.
"Please," Arya gently took her sister's hand between both of hers and stared
into her blue eyes. "Can I be there when you do?"
"Arya!" Sansa yanked her hand away and pouted with annoyance. "Stop being a
pest when I'm hurt."
"So, giant dude, your name is 'San-door'?" Arya sounded out the guy's awkward
name. "I think I like 'giant dude' better."
"Have it your way," he crossed his massive arms and smirked at her, "tiny
girl." Sandor stood up, still amazing Arya with his massive height.
"Hey!" Arya mirrored his stance and glared up at him. "That's Arry Wolfborn to
you!" Though she wasn't in the group anymore, the name she picked was way too
cool to let it go to waste.
"Gods," he scoffed, "I don't know why Drogo hangs with you nerds." Arya bit
back the sudden urge to spill the whole sad story and wail on her sister's
shoulder. Instead, she sucked it up and smirked at her sister's randomly fierce
boyfriend. She's no wimpy girl who gets all weepy over some boy... at least not
in public.
"Cause you're such a conversationalist," she quipped.
"Drogo and I understand each other on a level you couldn't get, little girl."
Sandor seemed to enjoy their back-and-forth while Sansa looked plain confused.
That might've been due to the recent head-trauma.
"Then why don't you dump Sansa and date him?" Arya found herself grinning for
the first time in days, almost able to forget... Who was she kidding? Gendry
was never far from her mind, sometimes she could swear she even heard him
calling her name. Then she would look up and nobody would even be around.
"Nah," he gave her a twisted smirk back, "he's not quite as pretty."
"Dany might disagree with that." Arya sighed - wondering how the group was
getting along and if Drogo ever made it official with the blonde beauty. Did
they ever find out what malicious fiend was terrorizing the Dragonborn clan? It
was so brutal of Gendry to have her thrown out, effectively breaking every
friendship she made since she came to Kings High. He was not worth one minute
of heartache! Still… it is not like they were ever dating. She promised never
to fall in love with him, he specifically told her to avoid it. Everything was
her fault and being mad at him was asinine.
"Dany Targaryen?" Her sister rejoined the conversation, interrupting her
thoughts and reminding Arya shut her mouth.
"Oops," she slapped a hand over her mouth. Letting secrets slip was a nasty
habit of hers, sometimes her tongue worked faster than her head. Like the day
she crammed it down her best friend's throat and ruined everything.
"Telling tales out of school?" Sandor chuckled, a deep rumbling sound in his
chest. "Not good, Wolfgirl."
"It's Wolf-'born'," Arya huffed, "and I didn't say anything about Dany and
Drogo." She made a motion like she zipped her lips closed and looked pointedly
at both of them.
"Huh," he smiled in his twisted way and nodded his head in approval, "way to
go, Drogo."
"That's what I said," Arya nodded along.
"Oh-my-gods!" A look of horror covered Sansa's face as she looked back and
forth between her boyfriend and her little sister. "Oh no, I just realized who
you remind me of." She covered her mouth with her hand and squeezed her eyes
shut.
"Fuck that!" They both protested simultaneously, making Sansa groan again. Then
she burst into laughter as they scowled at each other. Arya gave in and joined
her nitwit sister's giggling, sort-of seeing the resemblance now that she
mentioned it. The giant dude - Sandor - rolled his eyes and snorted something
like a laugh.
"We're not letting you rest," his voice gentled when he spoke to Sansa, "come
on, kid - before the nurse kicks us out." Arya had a hard time imagining anyone
kicking Sandor out of any place.
"You don't have to go," Sansa murmured as she reached out to grab his hand,
blushing and looking away. Arya recognized that look on her sister's face. The
girl was completely smitten - with the most brutal-looking guy she'd ever seen!
Sandor seemed alright, little rough around the edged, but what in the seven
hells happened to Sansa's taste in guys?!
"Quit your chirping and get some rest." He tucked his finger under Sansa's chin
and pulled her gaze up. Arya felt a curious mixture of jealousy and disgust at
their sappy lovey-dovey bullshit. Guess public school changes a girl - it
certainly hadn't left Arya unscathed. Who knew she'd fall in love with some
weak-hearted dumbass and then get dumped by him? She should've never left
Winterfell, even if she had to chain herself to her bed. At least then, she
could get some sleep...
                                    GENDRY
He got a text from Sam to meet him in the empty room and it sounded pretty
urgent, good thing he didn't skip like he planned. It's not like he could go to
the forge anyway. Arry's ghost haunted him wherever he went: staring at him
with grey eyes filled with accusations of betrayal. Even as he rushed to meet
up with Sam, Arya floated alongside him dressed in the same outfit she wore
when he had her kicked out. No matter how many times he told the apparition his
actions were for both of their sakes, she just scowled at him.
There was nothing he could do: what's done is done and it was for the best, no
matter how much it felt like a gunshot to the heart. Mom was right, she was no
good for him, and Arya's father obviously shared his mother's disapproval. If
both parents disapproved, there was no hope for them. It would be a constant
uphill battle to hide their relationship and inevitably, it would blow up in
their faces. Better to cut their losses and run than die a pointless and
valiant death on the battlefield of love.
Arry's ghost snorted a laugh at his dramatic analogy. Gendry ignored his
heartbreak-induced delusion as he entered the empty room. She gave him one last
forlorn look before melting away. He shut the door behind him, pausing a moment
to fix the permanent frown on his face. Sam waited for him alone, sitting at
the table with his head in his hands. Ordinarily he was the most cheerful and
upbeat person, something bad must've happened to make him so upset.
"What's up?" He took the seat next to Sam, sinking into it with a weary sigh
and dropping his backpack on the floor.
"Jon came to see me this morning," Sam looked up with a drained expression on
his usually cheery face. "He asked me what exactly happened to make us kick
Arya out. I told him I didn't know, that you asked for a favor from the group
and we granted it. Then he told me that he would not be joining us so long as
she is out of the group." His friend narrowed his eyes on Gendry. "That was
after he called me a coward and you a bunch of words I would rather not
repeat."
"I've been with the group for over two years," he argued, ready for this
confrontation. “I brought in Hot Pie and Rick.” He knew Jon would have a
problem but Gendry couldn't think of what else to do. "My word should be good
enough."
"It was," Sam nodded, "until Jon told me he suspected there was something going
on between you and Arry. I think I deserve to know, since I had to kick her
out." Gendry couldn't explain why he had to get away from Arya, at least not
without breaking down and sobbing like a baby. Complete avoidance was the only
way he could be sure neither of them could get each other into more trouble.
They were like fire and ice, just like mom said: they would burn hot and burn
out. It was better to just... Oh, bloody hells! Even he didn't believe his own
bullshit anymore!
"We got caught sneaking into the school's swimming pool," he slumped down on
the table and buried his face in his arms.
"That's it?" Sam did not sound convicted by his half-story.
"We were naked and making out," he grumbled.
"Took long enough," Sam quipped knowingly and Gendry snapped his head up to
glare at his friend.
"I said we got caught, didn't I?" He pushed off the table and raked his hands
through his hair. "Her father came down and so did my mom: it was a mess."
Gendry let his head roll forward and shrugged his shoulders. "We can't be
together and it's too hard to be 'just friends'."
"And what did Arya say?" Sam asked the million-dollar-question. Gendry could
not face his friend as he admitted he didn't know what she would say because he
never asked.
"We didn't get a chance to talk-"
"You haven't talked to her since?!" Sam's eyes widened with furious shock.
"Then you... used me to break up with her?!" Gendry wouldn't put it like that
exactly: they were never technically 'together', right? "Even I know that's
messed up! You're the bloody coward, Jon was right!"
"I know..." Gendry stared down at his hands when Sam suddenly hauled up his bag
and threw at him. "Ah!"
"Get out of here," he ordered as he pointed at the door. "Go and find her, and
don't come back until you've made up or broken up without any help from me!
Either way, I’m inviting her back." Then he stood up and stormed out in a huff,
leaving Gendry staring open-mouthed. He couldn't do what Sam told him, if he
even looked at Arya he'd beg her forgiveness and for another chance. When he
saw her waiting in his car he lost all of his nerve, she did the right thing by
running away.
'What about me?' The vision floated in front of his eyes, ghost-Arya stood in
front of him with her arms crossed. 'Why would I wait in your car if I didn't
like you? Why would I try to fuck you if I didn't like you? So, if we assume
that I like you, what gives you the right to decide what's best for me? At
least, don't I deserve to hear your reasons for avoiding me?' She was right as
usual, even the hallucination in his head of Arry could never be wrong.
"I can't face you," he whispered to the mirage. Like a dying man in the desert,
catching a glimpse of a crystal clear pool of water, Arya's phantom tortured
him. How could he possibly deal with seeing her real self?
'If you leave it like this,' she knelt in front of him, like she did that first
night they spent together at the forge. 'Won't you regret it?' Gendry knew it
was wrong when he stood up and walked to the door. He'd never been more wrong
as he swung his backpack over his shoulders and walked purposefully up the
hall. The heavy wrongness of his actions nearly crushed him as he waited
outside the classroom Arya should be inside. If she attended, not exactly a
habit of hers.
The bell rung and the classroom door swung open as kids filed out, chatting
happily as they spread out to find their next classes. Gendry was about to give
up when a petite form trudged out of the room with her head bowed so she didn't
even see him. All the wrongness melted away as he took in the sight of his
tough-as-nails girl hunched over like someone whose dog died. Guilt swallowed
him as he realized he did this to her and he followed behind, trying to gather
the courage to speak.
"Arry," he called. She stopped but did not turn around, just shook her head and
kept trudging forward. "Milady," he tried again and this time her head whipped
around and wide eyes focused on him. There were dark shadows under Arya's eyes
and Gendry's stomach turned at the thought of her lying awake because of him.
Even haggard and unkempt, she was still the most beautiful person he'd ever
laid eyes on. The days away from her had been pure agony: he could fall asleep
easily enough. It was the 'getting out of bed' part he had trouble with.
"What?" Her upper lips curled into a sneer before she turned around
dismissively and kept walking, her head held high. He jogged to catch up to
Arya's side but she ignored him and picked up her pace.
"Can we talk?" Gendry knew he didn't deserve even a second of her time but Sam
and ghost-Arya were right: he needed to make things right between them.
Otherwise, he would always regret ruining his first love and that's a burden no
one should bear.
"You're talking to me right now," she grumbled.
"We need to talk," he insisted, "about what happened-"
"Gods," she interrupted, "you overreact about everything!" People in the
hallway stared as they passed and Gendry felt his face burning from the
attention. Arya rolled her eyes and grabbed onto his wrist to drag him towards
the empty room and he followed silently. She marched through the door, yanked
him inside, and slammed it shut. "It wasn't a big deal," she crossed her arms
and scowled at him. "I'm fine - just fine." No, he'd gotten to know her over
the weeks since she barreled into his life: Arry was anything but fine and
neither was he.
"I'm not fine," his voice sounded horse so he cleared his throat. "It was a big
deal to me," he took a step towards her as she regarded him with suspicion. "I
really, really like you, Arya. Right up until we got caught: that was the best
day of my life. Every day with you has been like...” Gendry searched his mind
for the perfect analogy. “Being with you is like going to a theme park for the
first time: overwhelming, amazing, and impossibly fun."
"So," she whispered, "what are you saying?"
"Your father doesn't like me," he started but then stopped himself, "but it
shouldn't be up to him.” Gendry faltered, unsure of the right thing to say
because all he wanted to do was grab her and never let her go again. “Arry," he
stepped closer and held onto her narrow shoulders. "I know what I should do: I
should tell you we can't be together because it would be too hard.” He let his
head hang forward in defeat. “But all I want to do is be with you."
"Now," she poked him in the forehead to lift his head and raised an eyebrow,
"I'm even more confused."
"I'm saying: fuck it." Gendry was fooling himself, thinking he could ever let
Arya go. "I'm yours, milady, if you'll have me."
"You really like me?" She asked the question like she just couldn't believe it.
Her disbelief seemed so ridiculous to Gendry, considering how much he really
cared about her.
"That's putting it mildly,” he admitted. “I'm crazy about you, I think about
you all the time, and I'd regret it for the rest of my life if I let you go
like this.” Gendry held his breath as Arya stared at him, open-mouthed with her
top lip slightly curled and her brow furrowed.
"Why all this 'out of the group' bullshit?" She waved her hand at the table and
he wished she had a better answer to give her.
"I just wanted to do..." He let his words trail off, it sounded even more
ridiculous out loud than inside his own head. Gendry’s hands slid from her
shoulders, knowing his defeat was at hand and waiting for the killing blow. He
messed up too bad and Arya wasn’t the forgiving type…
"The right thing?" She put her hands on her hips and turned her eyes up at the
ceiling to shake her head in disbelief. "Gods, you are stupid - you really do
need me." Her eyes flickered over him before meeting his again. "Make it up to
me."
"Anything," he’d go get her the moon if she asked it of him.
"Kiss me..." She put up one finger over his mouth as he was already complying
with her order. "Like your life depends on it."
"It does," he smiled against her finger, "I need you, Arya." She removed her
hand and he cupped the sides of her face, stepped even closer, and bowed his
head to meet her lips. Gendry tried to give her a gentle kiss that conveyed the
tenderness of his feelings for her. Arry attacked him like this was the last
day they were ever going to be alive. For all he knew she was right, the world
could end tomorrow and then what would be the point? They wasted too much this
time circling around each other, fighting their mutual feelings.
"Say you're mine," she ordered raggedly against his lips. Before he could
answer, Arry shoved him hard backwards until his legs hit the top of the table.
She pushed him once more so that he fell back on top of it.
"I'm yours," he swore.
"Don't forget it." She grabbed two fistfuls of his shirt and pulled herself up
on top of him, straddling his lap and rising up on her knees over him. Her
hands plunged into his hair to yank his head back before she continued to
devour his mouth. If he thought she was passionate and wild before, that was
when she was in a good mood, when she was angry her kiss turned vicious.
"Oh!" A high-pitched gasp behind them caused Arya to tear away from his mouth,
releasing his hair as she groaned in frustration. She hopped down off his lap
and they both turned their eyes towards whoever invaded their making up making
out. Dany stood beside Drogo just inside the door. She elbowed him in the ribs
with a big smile on her face. "See, I told you they would patch things up! I’m
always right about these things."
"We've really got to learn how to lock a bloody door," Gendry groaned.
"Sorry we interrupted,” Dany beamed at them and held out a hand, “please
resume." She tucked held onto Drogo’s arm and started to lead him out of the
room.
"No, that's alright," Arya held up a hand to stop them from leaving, "I've got
to go anyway." She turned back to Gendry and tugged on his wrist for him to
follow. Dany and Drogo moved to the table and he couldn’t help but wonder what
they were doing in the empty room. "I have to get to class," she told him as
they walked out into the hall. "I've skipped way too much already and now I'm
on Varys' radar."
"Me too," he sighed as her hand slipped into his. "After school-"
"I'm so grounded," she cut him off. "It's not even funny."
"This is going to be hard," he inhaled deep, trying to build some fortitude.
"I can do it," she squeezed his fingers, "if you can."
"I won't mess up again, Arya." Gendry doubted his ability to keep that promise,
though he intended to try his best. No matter how devoted he was to Arya, going
behind his mother's back made him feel like a horrible asshole. Mom sacrificed
everything to raise him and he owed it to her to obey the few requests she made
of him. But giving up Arry felt even worse than he could have imagined.
"You better not," she warned, "or I'll destroy you."
"That's milady," he pulled her hand up to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
"I am yours," she stopped in the middle of the hall to look up at him.
Sometimes she looked so vulnerable, eyes wide and shining, it just about broke
his heart.
"Don't forget it," he pulled her hand to his heart and just let his eyes drink
her in. A few days without Arya reaffirmed what he’d known all along: he loved
her. It wasn’t just some crush, they were meant to be. Somehow he would find a
way to convince their parents to overlook their rocky start.
“I have to go,” she pouted. “But I will call you later - you'd better answer.”
“As you command, milady,” he grinned like the lovesick idiot he was. She looked
both ways up the emptied hallway and launched herself at him for one last
fierce kiss. Then she took off running down the hall to her class and he let
himself watch her disappear before hauling ass to his class. He ran the whole
way with a smile still on his face. They might both be totally insane, but then
again: isn't love always a little crazy?
Chapter End Notes
     Officially, today was the worst day of 2014. Bright side, it can't
     really get worse. Of course, it can, but I never claimed to be a
     realist.
     Today's Theme Song:
     System Of A Down - Lonely Day
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnGdoEa1tPg
     "Such a lonely day, and it's mine. It's a day I'm glad I survived..."
     Hope everyone else is doing better. Here's to tomorrow.
***** NAKED?! *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                   [NAKED?!]
                                     ARYA
Sansa lay on her bed, reading a book and humming to herself and Arya peeked
down the hall to be sure dad's office door was closed tight. She closed the
bedroom door and walked across the room.
"Alright," she stood in front of her sister, hands on her hips. "I let you off
easy yesterday because you were hurt." Sansa sat up, crossing her legs and
setting her book aside, to face Arya. "Who are you and what have you done with
my sister?"
"You're being dramatic," she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.
"Especially considering you and daddy can barely say two words to each other."
"Fine," Arya sighed and plopped down on the bed, "you tell me how you started
dating Lurch and I'll tell you why dad hates me now."
"I met him in the gym on our first day, he walked me to class, we both started
to like each other." Sansa shrugged and uncrossed her arms to lay back on the
bed. "It's a completely normal relationship." Arya lay beside her sister and
both their legs danged off the side. "Now, tell me, what actually happened? I
overheard dad whispering on the phone so loud it could wake the dead. Something
about you and a boy?!"
"Nothing really 'happened'," Arya turned away from her sister's wide-eyed
stare. "I mean, stuff happened - but it was no big deal."
"What 'stuff' happened?" Inpatient annoyance crept into Sansa's voice.
"We kissed," Arya fiddled with her fingers, "and other stuff."
"Gods save me," Sansa groaned. "If you don't start talking, I am going to kill
you."
"Fine," Arya relented, "my friend Gendry and I broke into the pool on campus -
we got caught kissing naked."
"On campus?" Sansa geared up for a lecture. "Arya, you know it's highly against
the rules to go on school grounds-"
"3-2-1..." Arya counted down the seconds until Sansa's brain started working
again.
"NAKED?!" She bolted straight up, her eyes as wide as dinner plates.
"Shh!" Arya sat up and covered her sister's big mouth. "Are you trying to get
me grounded for eternity?" She pointed towards the office. "Dad is still fuzzy
on the details."
"Oh-my-gods-Arya," her words were muffled until Sansa yanked Arya's hand away.
"Then what happened?"
"I don't know-" Arya heaved a sigh, thinking back on how that whole day went so
very wrong. "We we're naked - and kissing - and, you know."
"Oh... my... gods." This time Sansa covered her own mouth. "Did you…?"
"No," Arya's shoulders slumped forward in disappointment, "we didn't. But, I
think we might have if Varys didn't come in."
"Principal Varys?!" Sansa's high-pitched squeak made Arya laugh.
"Yeah," she chuckled, "honestly he was pretty cool about it. Way better than
dad or Gendry's mom anyway."
"So," Sansa blew out a long breath, "is Gendry your boyfriend now?"
"I'm not really sure I get the whole 'boyfriend' thing." Arya waved a
dismissive hand, not really caring about labels. As long as Gendry was 'hers',
nothing else mattered.
"Do you want him to be?" Sansa, on the other hand, cared desperately about
labels.
"I don't know," Arya pursed her lips to think about what Gendry would want. He
said he was 'crazy' about her, so he'd probably just go along with whatever she
decided - as it should be.
"Arya," Sansa rolled her eyes, "a boyfriend is just a friend that you like and
want to make out with exclusively."
"Well," she put a finger to her chin and thought about it, "I do want to make
out with him all the time and I like him most of the time."
"Then he's your boyfriend." Sansa nodded her head decisively, narrowing her
eyes and crossing her arms. "Even if he's being difficult about it." Arya
rolled her eyes at her sister's sulking, not surprised in the least that the
giant dude was a handful.
"I doubt I'll have as much trouble with Gendry as you did with giant dude." She
smirked at her sister's annoyed expression.
"Please, Arya, he has a name." Sansa got this stupid dreamy look in her eyes.
"Sandor."
"Yeah," Arya snorted a laugh, "I'd keep that to myself too, if I was him."
"Hah, as if 'Gendry' is a better name." Sansa had a point there.
"I agree," Arya held up her hands in surrender. "They're both terrible names -
no real options for nicknames either."
"A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet." Sansa giggled and
flopped back on the bad, clasping her hands over her heart. Ew.
"That hulking man-beast you call your boyfriend is no rose." Arya flopped back
down beside her sister, chuckling at the comparison.
"Hey now," Sansa protested. "Just because you started liking 'boys' doesn't
make my 'man' any less ruggedly handsome."
"Oh, he's rugged alright," Arya snickered, "like a tire."
"At least I get to go out on dates with my boyfriend." Sansa arched one thin
red eyebrow at her sister. "How many years are you grounded for?"
"Go fuck yourself," she retorted.
"I do enjoy your witty comebacks." Sansa shook her head and stared up at the
ceiling.
"I've never seen dad this mad before." Arya played with the front of her hair
and she confessed her worries. "What if he does something drastic to keep me
apart from Gendry?"
"Then dad has gone off the deep end." Sansa clenched her fist and
determination. "You should date whomever you want."
"You, Sansa Stark, are telling me to disobey our parents?" Arya could scarcely
believe it. "Gasp."
"I guess Sandor is rubbing off on me," Sansa mused with a half-smile.
"Ew!" Arya pulled the coverlet over her head. "Mental images!"
"Arya!" Sansa grabbed a pillow and thwacked Arya's face with it, only to have
it ripped from her grasp for a counterattack. Her sister surrendered
immediately like a coward and peaked between her hands covering her face.
"Don't worry," she giggled, "Dad will cool off. Gendry will take you on all the
paintball and horror flick dates you dreamed of, and soon we'll be moving
out... into a house." She sat up and put her arm around Arya in a rare gesture
of sisterly affection. "And our family will all be together again."
"And we'll get our own rooms again." Arya grinned at the idea and looked over
to see the same expression on her sister's face. "I'll miss you."
"No, you won't." Sansa laughed and ruffled Arya's hair.
"You're right," she tugged on Sansa's loose hair and scowled at her, "I hate
you."
"I hate you too, baby sister." Sansa pushed Arya out of the bed. "Now, get out,
I need to get ready."
"I've seen you naked a million times," Arya grumbled as she left the room.
"You interrupt my thought process," Sansa called as the door closed. Arya
didn't get it, her 'process' included picking up various items from the
'cleanish' pile and smelling them. It took Sansa at least ten times longer to
get ready and most of that time was spent just choosing the shoes. The living
room couch felt especially comfortable as she stretched out and checked her
phone for texts.
'I am going insane with boredom!' She texted Gendry for the hundredth time and
really worried that she was bothering him. But she was so BORED - and she
missed him a little bit too.
'My heart is in an ocean of loneliness without you, milady.' Gendry started
saying all this flowery nonsense after they made up and Arya hated that she
loved it.
'Ew', she couldn't let him know she liked it, 'gross'. 'I miss you too', she
added after a minute of him not replying.
'Can you call me?' Hearing Gendry's voice would be lovely but she didn't want
to risk it since she was booted from the privacy of her bedroom. Dad holed
himself up in his office and barely came out all day... Arya wondered if he was
avoiding her intentionally and the mere thought made her want to march in
there. Actually, she was getting sick and tired of his cold treatment - maybe
she should let go of her pride and beg a little.
'I should chat with dad to see if I can cut this grounding sentence down for
good behavior.' Arya knew she was being stubborn, only hurting herself by not
pacifying dad's worries. Even though they were well-founded. Honestly, she
didn't think it was any of his business who she dated or kissed. He didn't have
to kiss Gendry - he didn't even have to like him - she liked him and that's all
that should matter.
'Godspeed, Wolfborn.' Gendry's texts always made her smile and she looked
around to be totally sure she was alone before pressing a kiss to the screen.
Arya plugged in her phone by the TV and walked to the end of the hallway to
dad's study.
"Dad?" Arya did not bother to knock, poking her head in to see her father
hunched over his desk, piled high with paperwork. "We need to talk." Dad nodded
his head before he took off his reading glasses and rubbed his tired eyes. She
took a seat on the opposite side and sat up straight with her hands in her lap.
"About your punishment, I assume?" He did not look to be in a negotiable mood.
"Six months is more than fair for breaking into school grounds."
"That's not why I'm uber grounded and we both know it," she argued, "it's
because of Gendry." Her father sat back in his chair and nodded once in
acknowledgment.
"That is part of it," he readily admitted. "How can I not think the worst when
you won't explain yourself?"
"Dad," she sighed and hung her head, "he's the first boy that I've ever liked -
ever." Arya peeked up to see her father squirm a bit in his chair, obviously
uncomfortable. "I didn't know how to talk to you about it, mom isn't here," she
laid it on thick. "Sansa and I are not the kind of sisters to gab about boys."
She could see her arguments were softening him but continued to tread lightly.
"So, I got a little... carried away."
"That is a tad vague," he narrowed his eyes, well aware of her tactics.
"Gendry liked me as a friend," she explained in half-truth, "he told me that
over and over, but I didn't listen." Arya covered her eyes with her hand and
hoped it look like she was about to cry. "After we got caught, he and all of
his friends kicked me out of their group."
"I'm sorry, kiddo," he didn't sound very sorry - one peek through her fingers
and Arya could see the corner of his mouth lifting. It made her feel a little
less guilty about her little white lies of omission.
"Honestly," she raked her fingers though her hair and met her father's solemn
gaze, "I think I'm done chasing boys for the time being." Arya clasped her
hands together and leaned forward on the edge of her seat to beg shamelessly.
"I messed up, but I never did any of it to 'rebel' against you. I got a little
crazy over a boy... and he crushed my feelings into tiny little pieces. Now I
have to find a whole new group of friends, which isn't easy being grounded on
weekdays and weekends. Haven't I been punished enough? I learned my lesson,
trust me."
"Arya..." Dad leaned forward to brace his forearms on the desk and gave her a
serious look. "Your mother always tells me I'm too soft on you," he rubbed his
eyes again, "she says I encouraged you to spy on the power plant's manager-"
"I got the proof," Arya protested. "He was stealing petty cash to buy
prostitutes-"
"Arya!" He slammed his fist on his desk in frustration. "You're a little girl!
What you did was dangerous, don't you see that?!" Dad dropped his face into one
hand, his voice sounded exhausted. "And the 'proof' you got was obtained
illegally, therefore-"
"I know, the cops told me." Arya bowed her head in a show of submission and
shame. "It is 'inadmissible in court', but dad I-"
"No buts!" His dark brows knitted together as his steely gaze pierced through
her. "I brought you with me to give you a fresh start. Your behavior has been
unacceptable."
"This past week, I've attended every class and turned in all of my homework -
you can call my teachers." Arya passionately argued her case. "I'm going to
keep it up, not just to get out of trouble. I need to focus on school so I can
get into a good college. That way I will know how to bust bad guys within the
law." She knew dad liked when she talked about her plans for the future in a
responsible way.
"If your attendance is perfect," Dad held up one finger, "and you obey me in
all things." He held up a second finger and Arya leaned forward in her chair.
"I will ease the sentence of your grounding-" His eyes glanced up at the
ceiling as he held up a third finger. "And no fighting with your sister at
all." Arya's shoulders slumped at that tricky addition. "I can shave off a few
months."
"I think it will take about two months to fully learn my lesson." Arya hoped
there was still room for negotiation.
"Three," he remained firm.
"Two and a half," she bargained. "And! I'll throw in the one-time bargain of
voting for steak every time we go out. You would have to relax your 'no
fighting with Sansa' rule a bit."
"Done," the corner of his stern frown lifted into a smile. "You really should
consider studying law to become a lawyer."
"Pish," she waved a hand in dismissal, "there's no action in the courtroom."
"You might be surprised," he smiled indulgently. "Now, run along, I have miles
to go before I sleep."
"Need some help?" Arya eyed the many stacks of folders and stapled papers.
"It's boring account stuff," he warned.
"I don't mind," she shrugged and sat back down as he explained how she could
help. Arya came into her father's office to pull the wool over his eyes but she
had to admit she missed hanging out with him. Even though she had to disobey
him and go behind his back to see Gendry, she vowed to herself to be a better
daughter.
                                     SANSA
She tried on at least a dozen outfits before she found something perfect, not
too dressy but still impressive. After the entire cheer squad's stand-offish
behavior, Sansa considered quitting. Then Margaery invited her along for a day
if shopping with some of the girls and she hoped it was their way of welcoming
her. She appraised her appearance one last time before calling goodbye to Daddy
and Arya and going downstairs to wait.
Margaery pulled up in a shiny pearl-white sports car with the hood down and
Sansa internally thanked the gods she braided her long hair. Dany and Missa
were both in the car and all three greeted her cheerfully as she got into the
backseat. The sun shone bright and high in the clear blue sky and the weather
was absolutely perfect. The mall turned out to be a bit crowded on the weekend.
However, the crowds of people parted ways as the girls walked alongside each
other.
Sansa felt in awe of the way they all walked and looked like professional
fashion models. They all shone with unique strengths and confidence. Being part
of their group made her feel confident as well and she opened up, casting aside
any timid worries about fitting in. Marge and Dany shopped like they were on a
warpath while Missa relented to any of her friends' suggestions. Finally, after
they combed the whole mall twice, they dropped at a table in the food court to
eat.
"Thank you so much for inviting me," Sansa took a sip of her lemon-lime soda.
"I've never had so much fun shopping."
"We wanted to welcome you more formally to the team." Margaery smiled warmly.
"Also, we want to help you fit in at school better since you are new. Tell me,"
she leaned forward, still smiling. "Would you like to be set up on a date? I
know a lot of really cute and nice boys."
"Oh," she twirled the end of her braid around her finger, "no thank you. I'm
seeing someone."
"I see," the smile stayed on Marge's face but her brows narrowed. "Anyone we
know?"
"He's on the basketball team, Sandor Clegane." Sansa sat up a little straighter
in her chair, suddenly nervous this trip was more of an intervention than a
welcome.
"Ah," Dany and Margaery exchanged worried looks. The beautiful blonde wore the
exact expression mother made whenever Arya did something dangerous. "Well,
that's... That's what we were afraid of. I should have said something sooner,
Sansa. There are some things about the hound that you should know."
"Stop!" Sansa held her hands up, resisting the urge to cover her ears. "Wait,
just... hold on. I don't care what's happened before." She lowered her voice to
a more reasonable level and tried to smile through her nervousness. "I like
Sandor and he likes me. Whatever he did in the past is not important to me."
"We have nothing against him personally," Dany's voice softened to almost a
murmur. "We only want to look out for your safety. I could tell you a hundred
things about him that would make your hair curl, but I don't want to be unkind.
However, you need to know that the way he acts around you just that - an act.
He's not a good person-"
"How dare you?!" Sansa hissed through her teeth, struggling to keep her voice
down. Dany sat back, stunned by Sansa's vehemence. "Sandor most certainly is a
good person! He even saved me when I was in trouble."
"Oh sweetie, you are so innocent…" Margaery continued to look at her with pity.
Throughout the conversation, Missa kept silent, staring down with a slightly
disapproving expression. "He wants to get you into bed."
"MARGE!" Dany smacked her friend on the shoulder.
"Of course he does!" Sansa could feel her face burning from embarrassment.
"That's normal, when a boy likes a girl! I would be offended if he didn't want
to..."
"Listen, honey-"
"Don't 'honey' me!" Sansa interrupted Margaery, unwilling to listen anymore.
"You are trying to say terrible things about my boyfriend when you've never
even talked to him."
"Oh, I've had the displeasure of talking to him." Margaery snorted a laugh.
"The hound and I are in the same grade, I know more about the things he's done
than anyone. Every year he finds some way to top the last," she clucked her
tongue disapprovingly. "I guess seducing a virgin heiress is his last hurrah."
"You're being harsh, Marge." Dany admonished her friend before looking at
Sansa. "I'm sure the hound has... some good qualities, but his family is
dangerous."
"Dangerous? That's ridiculous," Sansa could barely speak above a whisper. "His
father works for Mr. Baratheon." Margaery grabbed Dany's arm and shook her head
sharply.
"Did he tell you what his father does?" Margaery asked the question more gently
while Dany got a faraway pained look in her eyes.
"Security..." In truth, Sandor rarely ever spoke about his family.
"That's one way to put it." Margaery smiled at Dany, patting her shoulder
apologetically before looking pointedly at Sansa. "He's their goon-squad
leader. Anyone who threatens Robert Baratheon's business or family gets a visit
from the hound's father."
"You're exaggerating." Sansa thought Sandor's father's action should not affect
their relationship. Yet she did not want to believe what the girls were telling
her. They made Mr. Baratheon and Mr. Clegane sound like gangsters or something!
"I wish I was," Margaery sighed, directing her sympathetic expression at Sansa.
"The Tyrells have done business with the Baratheons for more than a decade. I
know exactly what they are capable of."
"You hate them because Joffrey is your ex-boyfriend." Sansa knew making counter
accusations was pointless but she felt cornered.
"The hound is one of Joff's friends," she insisted, "they're all the same."
"NO!" Sansa jumped up out of her seat, not caring people were looking at her.
"You don't know what you're talking about, none of you!"
"Please, Sansa, just listen." Dany stood up, trying to coax Sansa back into her
seat. "We will tell you everything. You deserve to know the truth-"
"I've heard enough!" Sansa glared at both of them for their intrusion and then
at Missa for her complicit silence. "Sandor is... sweet and good to me. That's
all that matters, don't try to break us up." Unable to hold back her tears
anymore, Sansa ran away despite all three girls calling her back.
She hurried to the front entrance, digging her phone out of her purse and
instantly hitting the number one. Her thumb hovered over the call button with
hesitation as she stepped outside. It seemed she was always calling Sandor when
she needed help and she wondered if that made him feel used. Unable to deny
herself, Sansa punched the call button and waited for him to answer.
"Hey, little bird," he answered.
"Sandor..." Sansa fought against the tears in her voice. "Can you please come
get me?"
"Where are you?" He sounded worried and that already made her heart feel
lighter.
"The mall," she inhaled and exhaled to calm her nerves, "front entrance."
"Stay there," he ordered, "I'm coming now."
"Thanks," she heard the phone click and put her cell back inside her purse.
Sansa took a seat on the bench outside and prayed the girls did not come
looking for her. The whole situation was so embarrassing, she should have kept
her emotions in check. That way she could have explained how sweet Sandor
really was. They just didn't know him like she did... she quickly swiped away
the tears rolling down her face. 'He's coming for me', she repeated in her head
until the Skylark whipped up in front of the mall.
"Sorry I bothered you," the apology slipped out as she opened the car door and
climbed in. "I just did not want to explain to daddy..." Sansa held it in until
she clicked the seatbelt into place and Sandor pulled away from the mall. More
tears collected on her eyelids and she hung her head to hide behind her curtain
of hair. They don't know anything... How many boys would drop everything to
pick their girlfriend up from the mall?
"Wanna tell me?" He asked the question so reluctantly she had to smile through
her sadness.
"No," she assured him, "I don't want to talk about it."
"Fine with me," he drove in silence for a few minutes before pulling over into
a gas station and parking. "Where do you want me to take you?"
"Can you just..." Sansa needed to be alone to cry out all of her feelings and
she refused to let Sandor see her lose her mind. "Please take me home?"
"Sure thing," he sounded a bit disappointed and she felt terrible.
"Sorry-"
"Stop fucking apologizing," he growled before he rubbed a hand over his face
and put the Skylark into reverse. "Look - I'll take you home, but first I have
some place to show you." Sandor whipped out of the parking long and back onto
the interstate. "Don't argue." Sansa nodded, not caring to debate, and tilted
her head against the window to watch the lines on the pavement. They pulled
into a parking lot for the Blackwater Bay, empty at that hour so close to
winter.
"The beach?" Sansa stepped out of the car to look out over the rocky shore and
the sun dipping into the sea. "My shoes-" She started to protest, not noticing
Sandor coming up behind her "Oh!" He laughed as he scooped her up effortlessly
to carry her like a princess out over the beach. "This is beautiful," she put
her arms around his neck, "thank you for taking me here." He walked out onto a
collection of rocks jutting out into the water. "I feel a bit better already."
"Beautiful," he snorted a laugh, "look around - nobody is here." Sandor set her
down on and grinned at her. "No one can hear you scream..." He looked out at
the ocean and cupped his hands around his mouth. "FUCK YOU, KINGS LANDING! YOU
ROTTING PILE OF SHIT! I hope the sea swallows you up like a giant toilet!" He
turned to her and gestured at the water. "Now you try."
"I couldn't!" Her protest earned her a sideways scowl and Sansa sighed before
she lifted her hands to amplify her voice. "Everyone can just keep their well-
meaning advice to themselves!"
"You're being too polite," he scoffed, "nobody's here but me."
"You can all go to the seven hells!" Sansa started to feel lighter as she
yelled out her true thoughts. "I like Sandor Clegane!" He snorted at her
confession but she glanced over to see him smiling. "I'm afraid I like him more
than he likes me!" His grey eyes turned serious as he reached out to grab her
shoulder and spun her to face him.
"That's not possible," his voice was gruff as his hand slid up to cup the side
of her face. "Girl, don't you know? I've never been happier than when I'm with
you."
"Really?" Sansa gaped at his sudden romantic nature, too stunned to truly
appreciate his sweet words.
"Don't make me fucking say it twice." He frowned down at her, looking more like
the sour-faced boy who stole her heart.
"Sandor, I..." Sansa closed her eyes and breathed deep through her nose before
meeting his gaze once more. "I was supposed to sleep over with my friends
tonight..." She peeked at him, feeling her cheeks grow warm. "We could stay
together, if you want."
"You're behaving badly, little bird." A wide wolfish grin broke over Sandor's
face. "I should just take you home..." He grabbed her quick and spun her around
to lift her into his arms again, surprising Sansa into making an embarrassing
squeak. "To bad - I don't often do what I should."
"I don't mind," she nuzzled her face into his neck. He walked slowly as he
carried her back over the beach and she memorized the sound of his strong
heartbeat. In the backseat of the Skylark, Sansa spent her second night wrapped
in Sandor's embrace.
Chapter End Notes
     I thank everyone for their encouragement yesterday.
     There's a big home game next chapter, Sansa's POV is first, entitled:
     "I Scream"
     More Joff being a shit-stain!
     More flirting!
     More kissy time in the Skylark's backseat!
     Stay tuned <3
***** I Scream *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                  [I_Scream]
                                    SANDOR
He laid awake in bed all morning, thinking about Sansa, of course. How did
those cheerleaders put it? Oh, that's right, he had the same idea the first
time he saw her too. She's a good girl, not just her behavior but she's a good
person - the epitome of what girlhood represents. She's pretty, soft, and
sweet. Plenty of people look down on her for it and even more of them think
it's just an act, as if the girl had a bad bone in her body. She's good, in
every way that's bad about him. She looked at him like... Like she understood
him.
She saw past the hound and to him, Sandor. She looked at him like he was a real
person - not some circus sideshow freak that gets put on display to perform for
the applause of the crowd. No one even liked him, no one except for her. Sansa
didn't have to tell him what happened at the mall, he knew she went there with
her friends and left crying to call him. He told those interfering cheerleaders
what would happen if they tried to say anything against him. The little bird
had her head in the clouds when it came to him - she wanted to see the best in
him so she did.
He couldn't remember the last time somebody saw the best in him. It's an
uncomfortable feeling, like wearing a jacket a size too small, he done that
plenty of times. Dad never managed to find the time to take him school shopping
and he grew about four times faster than all the other kids in his class. The
only other option was wearing Greg's clothes, his castoffs, but Sandor always
had too much pride to do that. When he was old enough, he got a job with his
uncle and bought his own fucking clothes.
"If I have to tell you to get your ass out of bed." His dad opened the door
without knocking, "you really must be tired." He hung onto the door frame while
Sandor fixed a murderous stare at his intrusion. "That better not affect the
game tonight." Ignoring his father, he got out of bed and started throwing shit
into his gym bag to leave. "What, no smart response?"
"We haven't lost a single game since I joined the team." Sandor was tired of
pretended he cared to live up to his father's impossible standards. "High
school basketball is a fucking joke."
"Oh, you think it's funny?" Dad's voice hitched up in that way that let Sandor
know he'd already been hitting the bottle. A little 151 in his morning coffee
is a great way to start the day. "I feed you, clothe you, and keep a roof over
your head all these years and you want to fucking sleep the day away and risk
your future? That's the thanks I get?"
"Are you done?" Sandor walked to the doorway where his father blocked the only
exit.
"Don't fucking start with me," his words slurred a bit. "Your brother never
talked back to me like that. He knew how to take the game seriously, even in
high school."
"It's you who never fucking talk to him like you're talking to me." Sandor took
another step closer and looked down on his father literally. "Because you're
scared of him, and that's about the smartest thing you've ever done."
"You think you're a big man now," Dad lived to fight, it made Sandor sick how
he let himself turn into the same fucking thing. "You think I can't still put
you down? You think you're better than your family?"
"I think you're pathetic." Sandor didn't say what he really wanted to say, that
it was dad's fault mom and his sister were dead - that he drove her to do what
she did. That he should've done something about Greg, mom did the only thing
she thought she could. Sometimes he still hated her for leaving, but he always
understood why she did it. Who could accept that they gave birth to a monster?
How could she still look at her child who had half his face destroyed by his
own brother?
"Get out of my house," Dad stumbled back out of Sandor's way and pointed toward
the front door.
"Gladly," he sneered, brushing past his father and not looking back.
"If you lose tonight," dad called after him, "don't come back." That was just
fine with him, he could dip a little bit into his 'get out of Kings Landing'
fund, and he could sleep in the Skylark if he had to. Maybe his uncle would let
him bunk down in the office of the pet shop, only he might be sleeping there
himself if he still at odds with the wife. Sandor was a grown man - he didn't
need to stay in his father's house if he wasn't welcome. Just like the rest of
his life before this moment, he'd figure it out on his own.
The little bird didn't need her sweet innocent head filled with his sad
stories, she would be beside herself. Really, none of it was that big a deal.
Being kicked out of his father's house is practically family tradition by this
point - the first time he was what, thirteen? That was a hell of a night, in
the middle of winter too. Who the fuck cares? Nobody, that's why nobody ever
said anything or did anything about all the obvious fucked up shit going on in
his family.
Sansa would care though, because she's a good person. If there were more people
in the world like her, maybe he wouldn't be so fucking broken. Maybe somebody
would've done something along time ago and saved him a lot of pain. Its fine,
he didn't need her to know all of the fucked up shit. Sandor liked her the way
she was, all sunshine and rainbows - it was like taking a vacation away from
his usual shitty life. Why ruin a good thing just to see her eyes glaze over
with pity?
No, it was better that she looked at him like he was some kind of big fucking
hero. That felt good, it washed away all of the other people who called him a
dog, said that he's no good, and that he was not good enough for her. He knew
all of that - they didn't need to tell him shit that he already clearly knew.
Why did everyone think that he didn't know how fucking ugly and nasty he was?
Of course, he knew. Not good enough for her, that's the truth.
Good thing he didn't give a flying fuck what other people wanted. They could
all go bury their heads in the sand, living their little perfect lives. Fuck
those idiots crying over not getting the cell phone they wanted for their
birthday. Everyone else living in the real world won't apologize for trying to
take just a little bit of happiness for themselves. The little bird was his
now, nobody was going to take her away from him, and if he had to - he would
fight for her.
Sandor arrived early at the school, teachers and students were milling around,
setting things up for the big game. He grabbed his bag out of the back of the
Skylark and jogged to the gym, noticing a few more stares than usual. So, word
was getting around about him and the little bird? Good, everyone should know
who she belonged to. When he walked into the locker room, the only person there
was Loras, messing with this phone with a giant grin on his face.
"Hey hound," he looked up still smiling, "how's it going buddy?" Sandor scoffed
at his cheery attitude, doubting Tyrell didn't know about his recent falling
out with Joff.
"I assumed King Joffrey would have decreed to the rest of the team not to talk
to me." Sandor sat down in front of his locker to change into his uniform.
"Oh, he did," Loras laughed. "I seem to remember him swearing revenge on you."
Tyrell stood up and moved to stand in front of his locker to get ready. "I also
remember you had my back last year when that one guy thought he should teach
the 'faggot' to stay out of the locker room."
"No big deal," Sandor pulled his shirt over his head to stuff it into his bag.
"And besides," Loras sat down to take off his shoes. "That little shit somehow
managed to break my beautiful sister's heart." He snorted in disgust. "King
Joffrey can go fuck himself with his royal scepter, I don't care who his daddy
is."
"You know," Sandor grinned at Loras, "I've always liked you Tyrell."
"Sorry," he chuckled as he pulled his curly hair back, "I'm seeing someone."
"Yeah, me too." Sandor let his head roll back and stared at the ceiling. "Maybe
you've heard?"
"Of course I have, and may I say 'well done'." Loras stood up to pull on his
jersey. "She is magnificent. If I was straight, I would've given you a run for
your money."
"You never stood a chance," Sandor kicked his bag into his locker and pulled on
his shoes, "good girls always want the bad boy."
"Oh, is she a 'good girl'?" Joff interrupted their conversation, the rest of
the team filing in after him. They all stood behind the asshole but none of
them had the guts to look Sandor in the eye as he stood up. "Or is it that she
just can't stand to be fucked while looking at your ugly face?" He clenched his
fist and took a step towards Joffrey. "Just turn her around and fuck her like
the bi-"
"That's enough," Tyrell moved between them and stared Joff down, "we have a
game tonight." He looked up at the rest of the team. "I don't care who is
getting fucked and who isn't." Loras looked back to Joff's smirking face. "It
stays off the court. I am not losing a home game."
"I don't have any problems, captain." Joff looked past Loras to smile at
Sandor. Tyrell ignored him and turned around.
"I need your head on straight tonight," he kept his voice low as he put a hand
on Sandor's shoulder.
"My girl is going to be out there," Sandor looked straight at Joffrey, letting
him know he wasn't intimidated by him. "She'll be watching and cheering for
me," he let his eyes roam over his teammates and they quickly averted their
eyes. "The rest of you just stay out of my way so I can look good in front of
her."
"Alright, Romeo." Loras laughed and patted his shoulder before turning back to
the team. "The rest of you, I am the captain of this team." He poked a finger
in the center of his chest. "I don't care what anyone else has told you to do.
My instructions are the same as always, give the ball to Sandor, and make sure
no one takes it away from him. That's our strategy and it works. Don't forget
who got us the championship last year."
"Coach is coming!" Theon scampered away from the door and everyone took their
places in front of their lockers like everything was cool. Coach got all bent
out of shape whenever he sensed drama amongst the team and it was better just
to keep him in the dark.
"Alright boys," Selmy walked into the locker room, "you know I'm not one for
speeches." He held his notebook rolled up in one hand and slapped it against
the other to emphasize his words. "We have the advantage because it's a home
game, those stands are filled with people cheering for you. We've done the
drills and we played this team before and beat them. Now, get out there and
show me what I know you can do."
"YES, COACH!" The entire team barked the reply and the latecomers scrambled to
get ready while Loras and Sandor followed Selmy out to the court.
"Great speech, coach," Loras praised, "you always know how to inspire the
team." Selmy patted Tyrell on the back and walked ahead to the court as they
waited for the rest of the team. "Let's kill them," he smirked at Sandor.
"The other team or our own?" He jerked his head behind them as Joff and his
followers approached on their heels.
"Whoever gets in our fucking way," Tyrell sneered back at their teammates.
"Oh," his expression lightened, "there's your girl." Sandor's followed Loras'
gaze to the group of cheerleaders, who were already pumping up the crowd. Sansa
stood out, being the tallest, with her long red ponytail bouncing. "Don't let
Joffrey make you look bad now."
"As if he could," Sandor turned one more glare behind him before he jogged out
onto the court to the adoring cheers of the crowd. Oh sure, they adored him
now. Fuck them - he wasn't playing for them tonight - and not even for himself.
He caught Sansa's eye and she smiled brightly just for him, making him want to
show off for her. The referee blew the whistle to start the game as both teams
walked out onto the court.
He sized up the player who would face him in the tip-off and held back the urge
to laugh as he looked down at the kid. The ref threw the ball up into the air
and Sandor did not even have to jump to slap it over the kid's head. In one
smooth motion, he spun around the other player and grabbed the ball to shoot it
right from the three-point line. Swish! Points on the board for the home team!
Try as he might, Joff could not convince the team to sacrifice a victory, they
were way too used to a winning.
Before the first quarter of the game was over, even Lancel was passing the ball
to Sandor. The opposing team had a great offense but their defense was for
shit. None of the guys even came close to his size and it almost made him feel
bad to run over them like a monster truck over a toy car. He got them a solid
ten points ahead and then relaxed to let the other team lose with grace. In the
final quarter, he decided to show off a little bit. He sprinted across the
court, dodging everyone who tried to block his path.
Sandor launched up in the air to slam-dunk the final two points before the
buzzer went off. He could hear the little bird screaming her pretty little head
off, cheering for him. It was the only sound he heard despite the roaring din
of the crowd inside the gymnasium. The team rushed him, forgetting the earlier
locker room tension, hooting like idiots. Over the crowd, he could see the
little bird waving at him and he lifted a hand over his head to return the
gesture.
She pulled on her uniform's collar and then made a motion to the door and he
understood she meant. Sansa was saying she would wait for him outside after she
changed, and he gave her a thumbs-up to show he understood. He pushed through
the team to hurry to the showers to wash off his sweat - because he was taking
the little bird on a proper date tonight!
                                     SANSA
As amazing as Sandor and the team's victory was it did nothing to ease the
awkward silent tension in the girls' locker room. Sansa went inside to change
but decided to just stay in her uniform and grab her bag to wait outside. No
one even looked at her as she started to leave and she stopped in the middle of
the room to clear her throat, gaining the squad's attention.
"I thought everyone should know." Sansa felt grateful that at least her voice
sounded strong, even when she felt her insides turned to jelly. "Sandor
Clegane, also known as 'the hound' is my boyfriend. Anyone has a problem with
it... they can keep it to themselves." Having said her piece, she turned on her
heel and marched out of the locker room without waiting for anyone to reply.
She wanted to get away from the crowd pouring out of the gym, so she walked
around the side to stand in the shadow of a pine tree. Sansa only stood there a
moment before someone approached her, wearing a basketball uniform but too
small to be Sandor. As he came closer, she recognized who it was and got a
heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"Hey," Joffrey smiled at her, standing in front of her and blocking her view of
the gym. "I wanted to tell you how sorry I am that you got hurt."
"That's alright," she peeked around him, "it was an accident, I tripped." Sansa
looked up to his smiling face. "But you did scare me, and what you said was not
very nice."
"I know," he took another step closer, "I'm sorry, it's only because I thought
you were making fun of me. Now I know you were telling the truth about dating
the hound. And I feel really bad about that."
"Like I said," she looked around him again, "it was an accident so I forgive
you."
"I mean," he chuckled and shook his head, "I feel bad about him dating you
because I think it's my fault."
"What does that mean?" Sansa held onto the strap of her gym bag tightly as she
suddenly felt the urge to run away.
"At the cheer tryouts, he pointed you out and said he bet a thousand dollars
that he could fuck you." Joffrey shrugged and pouted his lip in a mock innocent
expression. "I thought he was joking, or else I never would've accepted the
bet." Sansa wanted to run so badly but her feet felt frozen in place as he
continued to step closer to her. "Before the game today, he told me and the
rest of the team that he succeeded and I owe him a grand. But I don't believe a
'good girl' like you would actually fuck a monster like him. So?" He held up a
hand to reach out to touch her loose hair. "Did I lose the bet?"
"I don't believe anything you're saying," she hissed and knocked his hand away,
"and I want you to leave me alone right now. If you don't then I'll start
screaming and I don't care if everyone thinks that I'm crazy. They're already
talking about me anyway."
"Fine," he sneered, "it seems like you don't know a friendly warning when you
hear it. Let me give you another, since I'm such a nice guy. Nobody fucks with
me here - I rule this place - and you don't fit in. Before it starts to get
ugly, you should go back to whatever hill town you come from."
"Sandor!" She looked past Joffrey and waved a hand. "I'm over here!"
"I'll be seeing you around." He took off towards the parking lot, thankfully
without checking to see if Sandor really was behind him. Sansa slumped against
the tree and slid down the trunk, pressing a hand to her pounding heart.
Something about that boy really scared her and she wondered if she should tell
daddy about it. Was she overreacting? Joffrey was just trying to hurt her
feelings; he couldn't seriously mean to threaten her. She wrapped her arms
around her knees and hid her face until footsteps approached a while later.
"Hey," Sandor sounded annoyed, "I was looking for you."
"Sorry, I was just-"
"You're always sorry," he crouched down in front of her, "what is it this time,
princess. Being the hound's girl getting to be too hard?"
"Why can't you just be nice to me when I'm sad?" She shoved off the ground and
dusted off her butt before grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder.
"You're always sad," he rolled his eyes. "Always something wrong, you can't
just ignore what other people say, you have to care about it." Sandor grabbed
her wrist as she started to walk away from him. "I told you it was going to be
like this. It's not even started yet - giving up already?"
"Part of me is dying to know," she yanked her arm away, "why is everyone
against our relationship? It doesn't make any sense." Sansa met his gaze,
caught halfway between shouting at him and burying her face into his chest to
wail out her frustration. "It should be simple! I'm a girl and you are a boy
and we like each other. But then, I don't want to know because it might ruin
everything." She dropped her bag on the ground and sat down again, not caring
she was getting dirty. "I don't want everything to be ruined." Sandor heaved a
heavy sigh and sat down on the grass next to her.
"I don't have to tell you that I've got a temper." He sounded apologetic but
she still refused to face him, picking at the grass instead. "You don't know
how hard I work to control my anger when I'm around you." Sandor gently wrapped
his fingers around her wrist to pull her attention to him. "I would never, ever
hurt you but that doesn't mean that I haven't hurt other people. I've always
been the biggest and strongest so if I don't like somebody then I just put them
down."
"But, you're not a bully," she protested, "I know that!"
"It doesn't matter," he laughed without humor. "I made my own reputation for
being violent - that's nobody's fault but my own. And then..."
"Tell me," she slipped her fingers between his but he only looked at her and
shook his head.
"Let's just say," he looked down at their linked hands, "I know what it's like
to live in someone else's shadow. When you look like a monster, act like a
monster, and spend your time with monsters - people start to form a pretty
solid opinion. Look at you," he waved his other hand at her. "The whole fucking
world can see that you don't belong with me - except you. No matter how many
times you kiss me, I'm not going to turn into a prince."
"I don't know," she teased, "you do seem to become a bit more handsome every
time I kiss you." Sansa smiled at his exasperated expression. "Perhaps, we are
not employing the right technique."
"Did you not hear anything I just told you?" Sandor rubbed his free hand over
his face with a groan.
"I did," she tugged on his hand, "you're working hard to change the bad things
that you can admit about yourself. It sounds like no one else in the world is
giving you a fair shot at being a better person." Sansa rubbed her cheek
against the back of his hand and gave him her most encouraging smile. "I
believe in you, I think you're good person, and it's not because I'm silly or
believe in fairy tales. I might not know much about the world, but I know my
own feelings. I couldn't like you as much as I do if you were truly bad. That's
all the proof and truth that I need."
"Little bird," he stared into her eyes for a moment before Sandor stood up,
pulling her along with him. "Come on, we got to go before it closes." He let go
of her hand to grab her bag and started towards the parking lot.
"What?" Sansa stood there staring at his back, dazed by his sudden departure.
"Wait for me!" She rushed to catch up to his side. "Where we going?" He only
snorted a laugh and hurried to the Skylark to open the trunk and throw their
bags in and... Miracle of miracles! Sandor Clegane opened the passenger side
door! Dreams really do come true! She bit her cheek to keep from grinning like
a ninny as she slid into the car and he jogged around to get in.
"I'm going to have to drive a little bit faster to make it on time." Sandor
looked at his watch before he turned over the engine.
"Faster?" Sansa snapped out of her happy haze. "As in 'faster than usual'? Oh,
no, I don't think that's a good idea." He chuckled as he put the car into
reverse and eyed her sideways.
"Less chirping," he ordered, "more buckling." She barely had time to click the
buckle in place before he whipped out of the parking spot and sped through the
lot.
"Remember how I said I like surprises?" She looked out the window nervously as
he wove through the traffic leaving the game. "I think I'm changing my mind
about that."
"Too bad," he smirked as he accelerated even more, "I enjoy surprising you."
"I only like 'good' surprises," she insisted as she pushed her foot against an
imaginary brake pedal on the floor. "I forgot to specify that before."
"I swear," he held up a hand to silence her arguments, "you will like this
surprise." Sansa sat back to sulk, still somewhat upset by Joffrey Baratheon's
petty bullying. She noticed they were driving pretty far outside the city and
her curiosity got the better of her. "We're almost there," he laughed when she
turned a pout on him. A short while later they pulled up in front of a tiny
road-side al fresco restaurant with rows of trees growing behind it.
"Oh," she noticed the neon road sign, "ice cream! I love ice cream!"
"Of course you do," he mocked, "but this is extra special ice cream. See all
the groves in the back? They grow every kind of citrus you can imagine here and
then they make some of it into ice cream."
"So," she gasped, "do they have lemon ice cream?"
"Not just lemon ice cream, little bird." Sandor grinned and quirked his brows
at her. "Chocolate swirl lemon ice cream - if that's something you'd be
interested in."
"Are you sure we haven't died and gone to one of the seven heavens?" Sansa
bounced eagerly in her seat as he pulled into the nearly empty lot.
"Come on," he opened his door, "they close in like 20 minutes."
"What are we waiting for?" Sansa jumped out of the car and raced to catch up
with Sandor as he walked up to the order window. She ordered the chocolate and
lemon swirl, in a medium sized waffle cone, topped with lemon sprinkles. He got
an extra-large chocolate and lime swirl with every topping they had, all in a
giant bowl. It was almost comical how piled high his sweet treat was and he
stared at it as greedily as he usually looked at her. They walked back to sit
on the hood of the Skylark and eat their ice cream.
The employees closed up the shop while they ate and thankfully, no one asked
them to leave. With all the lights off, including the neon sign, all the stars
in the sky seemed to twinkle a little brighter. Sandor happily devoured his
treat like a little kid and even licked some melted ice cream that dropped on
his hand. A sudden naughty thought made Sansa blush and look away, smiling to
herself until she noticed him watching her.
"What are you thinking about," he narrowed his eyes, "my little bird?" She
opened her mouth to answer but ended up biting her lip and staring down at her
ice cream with a shy smile. "Oh, shit - I think I can guess what you're
dreaming about." Her blush deepened and she covered her face with her hand.
"You taste better than this," he teased. Her jaw dropped and her head snapped
to stare at him.
"Don't say things like that," she held her hand up to hiss the words in super-
secrecy. Then she realized there was no one even around them when Sandor rolled
his eyes at her. "Fine, you guessed right what I was thinking."
"Fuck," he pointed at her melting lemon-chocolate swirl. "Finish your damn ice
cream, girl - we've got somewhere to be."
"Where's that?" She licked up the sides of her cone, smiling when she heard him
growling.
"My backseat," his voice was rough and low, making her shiver.
"Ah," she nodded casually, "a very important appointment." Sansa laughed as he
growled again, this time with impatience. "If I go to fast it will make a
mess."
"I'll just have to clean you up." He got up to throw his paper bowl away in the
trashcan.
"How?" She played innocent, still licking at the last bit of her ice cream as
he sauntered to stand in front of her.
"I already said I wanted to taste you." He stood over her, arms crossed,
staring down at her with a familiar hungry expression.
"Enough talk," she wagged her finger at him, "let me finish my ice cream or
you'll get no dessert."
"You're killing me." He slunk down onto the roof of the car and sprawled out
spread-eagle on top of it. "Literally, I might die."
"It would be a good death," she commented.
"That's true." He sat up and ran his eyes over from head to toe. "Have I said
'I told you so' already? That uniform, I mean." He growled again and scooted a
little closer to her but she continued to ignore him in favor of finishing her
ice cream. "You look real good."
"You looked good yourself, out on the court." Sansa continued taking little
licks of her ice cream, making it last as long as she could. "My heart was
racing while I watched you."
"You're just going to keep on chirping until I shut you up, aren't you?" Sandor
turned her face towards him and moved so close that their noses almost touched.
"I thought you wanted to hear me sing?" Her voice was breathy and low as his
fingers trailed down her throat.
"Little bird, I can make you sing." His other hand slipped between her knees
and curled around the inside of her thigh. She gasped and dropped her ice cream
cone in surprise.
"Sor-"
"Don't," he quickly pulled both his hands away and held them up by his head,
"it's up to you completely." He stood up off of the hood of the car and turned
around to face her, stuffing his hands in his pocket. "You don't always have to
just do what I want - we can do whatever you want to do."
"I didn't mean..." She regretted her overreaction and felt her face burning
with embarrassment. Instead of answering, she stood up and walked to the driver
side of the Skylark to open the door. Sansa pushed the front seat forward to
climb into the back and waited. He stared at her through the windshield for a
moment before joining her and closing the door.
"Tell me," he waited for her to make the first move, "anything you want."
"Would you take off your shirt?" It was the first thing that came to mind and
he grinned as he shrugged his shirt off.
"What else?" He sounded a bit smug as she admired his broad chest; reminding
her how she wished to see him like this the first time they met.
"Can I kiss you?" She moved closer to him, tearing her eyes away from his
impressive physique to meet his gaze. He laughed at her question and waved a
hand over himself.
"You can do pretty much whatever the fuck you want." With his permission, she
moved even closer and placed both of her hands on his shoulders. His skin felt
warm and soft under her fingers as she leaned forward.
"Thank you," she kissed where his neck met his shoulder, "for agreeing to be my
boyfriend even though it is hard." He opened his mouth, likely to argue, but
she pressed another kiss to his lips to quiet him. "Thank you," she looked into
his eyes, "for knowing exactly what I need." Sansa brushed another light kiss
onto his bare shoulder. "Thank you for working so hard for my sake." Her lips
kissed the center of his chest, where his heart pounded. His arms wrapped
around her and pulled her against his chest to bury his face in her hair.
"That's enough," he rasped, "don't say any more."
"Don't you believe me?" Her words were muffled against his chest and he stayed
quiet for a while so she worried he might not of heard her question.
"I do," his voice was tight when he finally answered.
"Does it makes you feel pressured when I say those kinds of things?" She tried
to pull loose of his embrace to look at his face but he held her tighter.
"Yeah," he rasped, "but not in the way you think." He buried his face into her
hair, barely speaking above a whisper. "Nothing ever goes this right for me -
nothing - ever. It scares me. It scares me that I can even admit to you that
I'm scared."
"Nothing anyone tells me will change anything between us,” she promised, “not
if you still want to be together."
"I won't lie little bird," he held onto her shoulders and pulled her away from
his chest to look into her eyes. "I will always want us to be together."
"Really?" She stared at him and wide-eyed wonder.
"You hard of hearing, girl?" He growled in annoyance but it only made her
smile. She pulled his hands down from her shoulders and sat back to slip her
uniform top over her head and set it on the seat behind her. His jaw unhinged
and it was his turn to gape at her in shock. "Shit."
"Is that a complement?" She crossed her arms and raised a brow at him.
"What-?" He reached up to scratch his chin as he has his gaze flickered up-and-
down from her chest to her eyes. "What are you-?" His hands slowly moved from
his chin to cross the distance between them but stopped before touching her.
"Can I...?" She took a hold of his hand and placed it over the center of her
chest, over her heart.
"I want us to be together always, too." She smiled at Sandor's still stunned
expression.
"I swear,” he suddenly grinned, “I didn't say that to get your top off. But I
would've said it sooner if I'd known-" She pinched his arm to stop him from
teasing her. "Ow."
"Sometimes," she moved close to him again and put her arms around his neck. "I
really don't know how I put up with you, Sandor Clegane." He curled his hands
around her waist and they felt warm against her skin, sending tingling shivers
all over her body. Her eyelids fluttered closed as Sansa raised her mouth to
his, timidly attempting to mimic his way of kissing. She moved her lips against
his, gently sucking and nipping. Just the tip of her tongue darted out to taste
the ice cream still lingering on his lips.
"You are so beautiful," he murmured against her mouth, "I can hardly fucking
believe it." He wrapped one arm around her waist as his other hand moved up
over her ribs to cup her breast. The contact sent a bolt of electricity through
her chest and she cried out in surprise at the force of the sensation. He
released her with a reluctant groan as she panted to catch her breath.
"Alright?"
"Yeah, it's just... intense." Sansa put her hand to her chest and smiled
sheepishly at him. "My heart is going crazy." His fingers closed around her
wrist as he gently tried to pull her back towards him. "We should stop now,"
she whispered.
"Fine..." He released her hand and she scooted back to put a bit of distance
between them.
"It's not that I don't want to keep going..." Sansa fiddled with her fingers in
her lap. "I just don't want to get carried away and waste my precious first
time in the backseat of a car. I want it to be special."
"Feels plenty fucking special to me." He slumped down in the seat and crossed
his arms for a proper sulk.
"That's because you are not a romantic,” she admonished, “I have it all planned
out in my head. It's going to be perfect, you’ll see."
"I’m invited?" He perked up, turning his face towards her.
"I don't have anyone else in mind," she blushed and looked around for her top.
"Tell me," he put a hand on her shoulder and turned her around as he closed the
distance between them.
"It's embarrassing," her face burned even hotter as he cupped her chin and
tilted her eyes up to meet his.
"You're being selfish, little bird,” he teased. “My 'precious first time' hangs
in the balance too. I always hoped I'd get laid in the back of my car."
"You have no imagination," she tried to scowl but ended up smiling. "I thought,
well, I know it is some time away...” Sansa wrapped her arms around his waist
and put her face against his warm chest. “The Winter Formal is coming up and
you haven't asked but I hope..." She bit her lip, fighting her shyness. "That
night would be special to me, my first high school dance with my first
boyfriend. A good night for 'firsts'."
"A dance?” A chuckle rumbled in his chest. “You don't ask for much, do you?" He
leaned back into the seat and rested his cheek on the top of her head. "What
else? Expensive hotel room, flower petals, candles?"
"Ah, so you do have a romantic side." Sansa pressed a kiss against his soft
skin as he lightly brushed his fingers through her hair. "So?"
"Are you asking me to the dance?" Sandor snorted a laugh and she smiled against
his chest.
"I am," she answered.
"Then I accept on one condition - let me plan and pay for everything." Sandor’s
request surprised her into silence for a moment before she brushed another
light kiss over his skin.
"That's not very modern of you," she scolded.
"Tough,” he grumbled, “or else I'm hanging on to my virginity, I'll save it for
a girl who appreciates an old-fashioned guy like me."
"I'll have to make do," she let out an over exaggerated sigh, "since I like you
so much."
"Can I keep you a little longer?" His reluctance to let her go was obvious and
touched her more deeply than any sweet expressions of affection.
"Breaking curfew on a school night?" Despite her protest, she squeezed him a
little tighter. "What kind of girl do you think I am?"
"My girl," he growled.
"You're right about that." Sansa nuzzled as close as she could, enjoying the
warmth of his skin touching hers. "Just a few more minutes."
Chapter End Notes
     This chapter ended up being pretty different from my original
     intention but I hope it turned out alright. It's kinda long but when
     I considered splitting it up into two chapters it just felt *wrong*.
     I didn't take as much time as I should to proofread it because I'm
     still kinda in a bad mood but at least I didn't get writer's block
     this time! That's something, right?! Baby steps.
***** Planning the Rendezvous *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [Planning_the_Rendezvous]
                                    GENDRY
He arrived first in the empty room and took a seat at the table to get caught
up on some homework. After school, he had to head straight to the restaurant
for his shift and by the end, he'd be too tired to solve equations. It
astounded him how willfully ignorant some teachers were. Many of their students
had to work upwards of twenty hours a week, no time for hours of homework every
night. Just to live in the Kings Landing school district, mom paid twice as
much for an apartment half the size.
As soon as he was old enough, he started working, at least pay his own way. Mom
never let him help pay with the bills, even when she was down to her last
coins. She was too proud of being a good mother sometimes, but he knew that
made him a lucky person. There were plenty of rich kids and plenty of poor
kids, some of them had parents who love them, and some of them didn't. At the
end of the day, he wouldn't trade his mother for all the money in the world.
"Hey," Arya walked in and ruffled her fingers through his hair as she passed by
to take a seat beside him. "I had a great idea the other night." She pulled out
a piece of paper and put it in front of him. "Write me down your work
schedule."
"Why?" He wondered what she was up to now.
"Just do it already, gods." She groaned and did her little scowl-pout
expression. "Don't argue with me - who do you think I am?"
"Sorry, milady, just curious." Gendry quickly wrote down his work schedule from
memory.
"Damn, you work so much." Arya frowned at him before she folded up the piece of
paper and stuffed in her bag. "When I'm done being grounded you have to cut
back your hours."
"Oh, okay," He rolled his eyes, "I'll do that. Whatever you say, Arry."
"That's right," she crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at him, choosing to
take his sarcasm literally. "In the meantime - I'm going to come visit you at
work."
"I only get one fifteen minute break." Gendry knew whatever he said was not
going to dissuade her when she got that look in her eye.
"We are only going to see each other on Monday and that's with the whole group
around." Arya held onto his arm and stuck her lower lip out, her eyelashes
spreading apart wide. "I miss you too much - I need to see you more."
"Aw," he looked away from her adorable pleading expression, "I miss you too,
Arry." She stood up over him and pulled his face towards her. "Alright, come
visit me, but I can't get distracted while I'm working."
"I'll text you when I come in with my family, you text me when you go on
break." She grinned at her victory. "I'll act like I'm going to the bathroom or
something."
"For fifteen minutes?" He laughed at her optimism.
"Dad's the one who keeps taking us out for steak - he'll have no problem
believing it took fifteen minutes." Arya smirked smugly, confident as ever.
"You've got it all figured out, don't you milady?" Gendry took ahold of her
fingers and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. She smacked his hand away and
plopped down on his lap.
"I am ridiculously smart." Arya tilted her head and looked up at him through
heavy lidded eyes, an uncommon coy expression. Usually, when she wanted to
kiss, she just went ahead and took it. He lowered his lips to briefly brush
over hers, watching her the whole time as she watched him. When she made no
move to attack, he repeated the motion, lingering a bit longer.
"Ah," they turned to see Rick, Torgo, and Hot Pie all hesitating in the
doorway, "looks like the gang's all back together." Arya sighed as she removed
herself from his lap and sat in her own seat. "You called it Torgo."
"I think Hot Pie said it first," Torgo tilted his head towards their cherubic
companion.
"Did everyone know we liked each other?" Gendry smiled at the group until he
noticed Jon lingering in the back with a scowl on his face.
"Wulp, pretty much yeah," Hot Pie laughed, "it's sorta obvious." They all came
in and took their seats and soon they were joined by Sam, followed by Dany and
Drogo.
"I just wanted to tell everyone: I'm sorry." Gendry stood up out of his seat
and swept his eyes over the room. "I didn't mean to get you all caught up in my
own personal shit."
"We forgive you, right everyone?" Sam gave him his usual cheery smile and the
rest of the table followed suit, except Drogo who nodded once. "But as Dungeon
Master, I am setting a new rule that dating drama stays out of this room."
"What about making out?" Arya raised her hand like she was in class, leaning
forward on the table. "This room is kinda convenient."
"I'm also interested in that answer," Dany smiled at Sam, who blushed
furiously. Gendry had to admit, he was totally wrong to be wary about girls
being in the group. Oh, they were a distraction alright, but it certainly made
things more interesting.
"Well... um... I suppose," he stammered, "as long as we are not gathered for a
game..." Then Sam looked shyly down at the table with a little smile on his
lips. "This room is most suitable for a romantic rendezvous."
"Sam..." Arya sang his name. "I think you have someone you like."
"What?" He looked up with the startled expression and shook his head. "No!
Well... yeah. Sort of, there's a girl," he cleared his throat, "but we should
focus on the game." He lowered his voice to set the scene. "You stand on the
shore of Lake Neliwed, which surrounds the base of the Suinha Mountain, home of
the Dafaura Dragonborn Clan."
"I must be the one who goes," Khaleesi crossed her arms and glared at their
leader.
"I will go," Drogo argued, "I have used the staff once. Not that hard."
"I'm sure it caused you great pain and I admire your endurance." Khaleesi tried
to pacify the Barbarian with flattery, "but I must insist."
"No," he refused the budge.
"We can stand here and argue all day," she stamped her foot. "It won't make a
difference. The legends say the entrance to Boccob's temple can only be found
by one of the clan who possesses the Scared Ordovician Staff." Khaleesi stepped
closer to Drogo and looked up to him with a glimmer of affection. "I must go."
He relented and handed her the staff and she did not hesitate to step into the
water, shivering with pain. She disappeared under the surface and the rest of
them waited impatiently.
"I wish I could go," Arry whined, drawing strange looks from the rest of the
group. "I mean, I don't like pain or anything. But I wonder what's down there."
Grey Worm sat alone on the shoreline, calmly meditating, but broke his silence
to answer her question.
"The Clan Elders say their god can only open this temple once in a generation,
when the clan is in dire need." Grey Worm lowered his hood and looked up to the
sky in deference to the god he worshiped. "Khaleesi will face a test only she
can witness. If she passes, her god will deem her worthy and 'reveal The Path
to The Way'."
"What does that mean?" Pod snorted in disbelief. "Bunch of superstitious
mountain folk, there is only one god... Oh my god." Gendry followed his line of
sight to the water. "Would you look at that?" The water parted, creating a wide
opening as if being cut with a knife and pulled apart by giant invisible hands.
Khaleesi, soaked and shivering, trudged through the muddy lake floor back up to
the shore.
"I have passed," she coughed and dropped the staff as she fell to the ground.
Drogo ran to her side as did Grey Worm. "The Way... is open!" Their leader
strapped the staff to his back and lifted Khaleesi into his arms to carry her.
"Let's go," Arry jumped up excitedly and grinned at Gendry.
"After you," he returned the grin, "milady." They walked down the muddy land to
a massive underwater temple, guarded by a stone door.
"The first test is passed," Grey Worm commented as they approached the door,
"but there are still more."
"Yes," Khaleesi patted Drogo's shoulder and he let her down, "I do not know if
I have the strength to pass the next four." She reached out to stroke the giant
door. "Our clan would not have sent me to seek our Protector's help if we were
not desperate. No matter what we try," she tilted her head against the stone.
"The dark power draining my people's life-force cannot be stopped."
"Four Tests?! That seems excessive," Arya echoed Gendry's thoughts, "your god
is kinda tough."
"And for that, I am forever grateful." Khaleesi stood in front of the stone
door, still soaked and weakened from her ordeal but standing tall. "Long ago,
in a time of madness and desperation, the Clan Elders made a pact with a
creature they believed was a god. This demon tricked them into selling the
souls of their children. They agreed, unknowing the pact would passed down
through the generations. Our clan was forced into bondage and made to amass
magical power. To be sacrificed so the Trickster could gain our abilities. Then
our Protector, Boccob, sent a Savior: born of our clan. He opened this temple
and freed the god my people once worshiped before they were enslaved. Since
then, we have devoted ourselves to worshiping only Boccob. We are duty-bound to
gather knowledge so that we can never be enslaved for our ignorance again."
"Wow, great story," Arya and Hot Pie applauded. "You should write that down."
"The second test, Earth," Khaleesi waved at the stone, "it is not meant to be
moved by strength or power, but by faith."
"Then," Grey Worm moved next to Khaleesi and bowed his head, "I offer a prayer
to the Protector, to grant us the faith we need." Khaleesi smiled at him before
moving towards the stone to kneel before it.
"Faith can move mountains," she murmured. Khaleesi struck her hands out to
brace against the stone with her fingers splayed and began to murmur a prayer
in Draconic. "Boccob, kiwieg sia eluithol. Soves ve ekess wer donoap, letoclo
sia xiekivi." Grey Worm followed her example, kneeling and touching the stone
while remaining silent. Arry grabbed Gendry's arm and pulled him towards the
stone door: he wasn't a religious man but it was worth a shot. Soon the whole
group knelt beside each other as Khaleesi's prayer grew more fervent.
The ground shook beneath Gendry's knees as the giant stone door shifted. It
opened to reveal a stream of flame rushing behind the massive opening. A wave
of heat flowed out onto his face and he rocked back as bright orange light
filled the room. The room beyond the door was completely engulfed in an inferno
burning without fuel. He couldn't help but think his forge back in his home
village could benefit from this magic.
"The test of Fire," Khaleesi gasped, her eyes filled with wonder at the sight
and reached out to touch it. Drogo quickly grabbed her arm to stop her but she
only smiled. "I cannot be burned." He released her arm and she reached into the
flame, rising to her feet to walk inside the room. Her robe burned away,
leaving her scaled skin bare and Gendry turned away to protect her modesty.
"Faith should burn... but cannot destroy!" She reached the other side of the
room and the fire died down.
Gendry and the group moved into the room, filled with thousand reflections of
their group looking back. Giant reflective crystals covered the walls set at
different angles, filling the room with light. The pale bluish light shifted
and moved, giving the impression of being underwater. Which, technically, they
were. Grey Worm rushed to Khaleesi's side to give her his robe, leaving him in
simple black armor. A wide crevasse separated the room in half and they all
approached it cautiously.
"Wind," Khaleesi breathed, "we are almost through." She stepped close to the
edge and the hem of Grey Worm's robe lifted in the breeze that came from the
depthless crevasse. "Faith," she stepped out onto nothingness, "can give us
wings."
"No!" Drogo reached out for her but she was already floating forward. Her hands
were outstretched like wings as the robe ruffled around her legs. "T'rek ek
kod'dmach," he cursed in Orcish. As Khaleesi touched down on the other side,
she smiled as a crystal bridge appeared for them to cross. The group crossed
the bridge quickly, none of them brave enough to look down. The path that lie
ahead lead to another smaller chamber, the crystals on the wall were carved.
The shapes formed patterns which looked to be symbols or even a language Gendry
didn't know.
In the center of the chamber, a statue of a male figure with Dragonborn
features knelt on the floor as though fallen to that posture. Both its arms
reach upward in supplication, and its face was overcome with grief. Two great
scaled wings drooped from its back, both sculpted to look broken. Gendry
admired the statues' skillful craftsmanship, being something of an artist
himself.
"I know what needs to be done," Khaleesi stood before the statue with a grave
expression. "This is the last test: the test of Spirit."
"This is your 'Savior'?!" Drogo walked to her side. "He is dead - you will
die." He grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her roughly to face him. "We
find another way."
"There is no other way," she whispered. "I will not die: I live forever,"
Khaleesi waved her hand around the chamber, "surrounded by this beauty. Drogo,"
she cupped his cheek, "I thank you for your worry and your help. Now I must do
what I was born to do." She suddenly launched herself at Drogo, wrapping her
arms around him. Gendry gaped at the pair in shock until she quickly ducked out
of his embrace. In one motion, she pulled the staff off his back and quickly
set it in the Savior's outstretched hands.
"No," Drogo sounded stunned, they all were: the statue's wings crumbled as
Khaleesi's limp body lifted into the air. "NO!" Their leader's roar could do
nothing to bring her back, a bright light flashed as wings sprouted from her
back. She lowered slowly to the ground, falling into a kneeling position before
Drogo.
"Live well," Khaleesi murmured, stretching up her arms to Drogo as tears rolled
down her face. Then her body shuddered once and turned to solid stone, frozen
in that pitiful position. The Barbarian stared at her before being distracted
by the only movement in the room: the statue stood up. The Savior came to life
only to be accosted by an angry Half-Orc.
"Bring her back!" Drogo shouted in the Savior's face.
"I cannot," he bowed his head sadly, "I'm sorry."
"Who are you?" Arry asked the question on all their minds.
"I am..." He seemed more surprised than anyone by the answer. "The Protector."
"I thought you were supposed to be the 'Savior'." Gendry didn't trust this guy,
not with all the mad things he'd seen that day.
"I was..." The Protector's eyes turned to Khaleesi's frozen body... The bell
rung. Everyone blew out a collective breath and started packing up to leave.
Arya put a hand on Gendry's arm to hold him back and jerked her chin at Jon,
grabbing her cousin as he stood up but he ignored her and followed the rest of
the group to leave.
"Jon, can we see you a minute?" Arya called to her cousin, who cast a
disgruntled look at Gendry before relenting with a nod. The room emptied,
leaving just them three and she jerked a thumb in his direction. "This dumbass
right here seems to think you have a problem with us seeing each other." They
both stared at her in shock before Jon's head slowly nodded.
"I agree he's a dumbass, but this time he's right." Jon crossed his arms and
glared at Gendry. "I do have a problem."
"What?" She's scoffed and mimicked Jon's stance. "Are you joking?"
"You're too young-"
"I can't fucking believe what I'm hearing." Arya bobbled her head back-and-
forth angrily. "You sound just like dad." Gendry wished he could just slowly
back away from the argument without either of them noticing.
"Uncle Ned is right," Jon insisted.
"Wow," she made a disgusted throaty sound.
"Look, Jon," Gendry tried to defuse the situation by holding his hands out and
keeping his voice low. "I don't have any sisters so I can't really know what
it's like. My mom doesn't date often but when she does, all I can hope for is
the guy won't hurt her-"
"You already hurt her." Jon dropped his fists by his side and took a step
towards him. "You think she skipped merrily to class after you had her thrown
out?" He looked at Arya, thrusting a hand in Gendry's direction. "What's to
stop him from trying that again?"
"I appreciate the concern," she didn't sound very appreciative. "But it's
really not your business." She put her hand to her forehead, closed her eyes,
and exhaled slowly. "Please don't make this harder than it already is. Do I
really have to ask you not to tell dad?"
"No, I'm not going to get you busted," he clenched his jaw. "Though I should.
I'm gonna regret this, Arya."
"Even if Gendry rips my heart up into a million little pieces and I have to cry
for a year to get over it." She was always so passionate when she argued,
that's when she was the most beautiful. "It should still be my choices that get
me to that point." Gendry vowed to himself, to prove to her that she could
trust him and that he would never break her heart or hurt her again. "You and
dad have no right to ask me to lose the person I like just because it you're
uncomfortable with the idea of me having sex."
"Whoa!" Jon covered his ears with his hands and shook his head. "Don't say
that!" He looked up to glare at Gendry, even though he never said anything!
"It's not his fault either, it's my choice." Arya stepped in between Jon and
him. "Nobody can ever make me do something I don't want."
"Do not mistake my silence for approval." Jon shot one more disapproving look
over her head at Gendry before turning on his heel and marching out of the
room.
"He can be a real tight-ass sometimes." She made a short hissing sound between
your teeth. "Takes after my dad."
"I see the resemblance now." Gendry pointed two fingers at his eyes. "Death-
stare."
"Trust me," she shuddered, "I know, cree-py." With a heavy sigh, Arya wrapped
her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest. "I gotta
go..." She groaned reluctantly as she released him to trudge out of the empty
room with her shoulders drooped. Then she perked up, straightened her spine,
and spun around to smile at him. "But I'll text you when I get to the
restaurant, see ya!" She turned around and rushed away down the hall. Gendry
followed her example in the opposite direction, managing to make it to class
only a few minutes late.
The day passed by same as any other day: class was boring and the drive to work
was uneventful. The restaurant was bustling by the time he pulled into the back
lot for employee parking. He changed into a work shirt inside the Lincoln,
rushed to punch his time card, and headed to the sink. There isn't much glamor
in being a dishwasher but without him, the restaurant would cease to run. Most
everyone in the kitchen appreciated that he took his job seriously. His mind
wandered to Arya, of course, about how cute her little schemes to spend time
together were.
"Dude, she's back!" Rast burst through the kitchen doors to distract Lommy who
was busy sweeping the floors like he was supposed to be doing.
"The hot redhead? Shit, get outta my way!" Lommy set his broom down and both of
them peeked through the windows, blocking the kitchen door. "Daaaaaamn, she is
so fine." Gendry was about to tell them off when they quickly scurried out of
the way to let a server through. He shrugged and let it go since they weren't
causing too big of a problem. If they didn't watch themselves, Chef was going
to have a problem whether or not they caused any real trouble.
"Holy fuck, dude, you know how I told you her brother is a funny little smart-
ass?" Rast snickered and waved Lommy closer to lower his voice. "Well, 'it' is
actually a girl!" Gendry's heart dropped into his stomach as he remembered
Arya's sister was a redhead. "She bent over and I saw her little tits."
"I can't tell from here," Lommy looked out the window again, "looks like a boy
to me."
"Fucking dykes-" Rast's words cut off as Gendry grabbed him by the shoulder,
turning the asshole to face him. "Hey, man, what's your problem?" He shoved
Rast out of the way and looked through the window himself. A quick glance
confirmed they were in fact talking about his girlfriend and her sister.
"That's my girlfriend," he informed them coldly.
"You're full of shit," Rast sneered as he brushed his shoulder off where Gendry
grabbed him, "you couldn't go near a girl that hot."
"I'm not talking about the redhead," he snarled, "I'm with the 'dyke'. She's
not gay, but if she was, she'd still be my best friend because she's the most
interesting person I know. And I think she is the most beautiful girl I've ever
seen."
"You're fucking with us," Rast gulped under Gendry's hard stare.
"You aren't good enough to lick the dirt off her little combat boot." Gendry
stepped towards Rast and the coward backed up so he took another step closer
and leaned forward. "If I hear you talking like that about anyone, especially
my girl, I won't let it go."
"What're you gonna do?" Rast looked around the kitchen, hoping someone would
notice and come to his defense. Though the idiot was new, he already made
plenty of enemies. "Beat me up?"
"Nah," Gendry laughed, "I'll just get you fired. You think the manager wants
some uppity busboy who hurls bigoted slurs around the kitchen? This is
workplace, not your living room. Show some self-control and act like a
professional, or find another job." His phone buzzed in his pocked, distracting
him.
'I need to make out with you', her text made him smile and he looked out the
window to see her getting up from her seat.
"You can thank my girlfriend for saving your ass," Gendry quickly sent a
response and put his phone back in his pocket to glared at Rast once more, "I'm
going on break." He untied and threw his apron at Lommy. "Take over for me." He
rushed to punch out and set his watch for fifteen minutes, feeling the tension
melting from his shoulders with every step he moved closer to seeing Arya.
Chapter End Notes
     How about a nice long Gendry/D&D chapter? Was it fun? I hope so.
     Don't you hate Rast? I'm so glad I could include him. Ayra's POV is
     up next: "Executing the Rendezvous" (Alt Title: 'How Much Can You
     Really Do in Fifteen Minutes?')
     The Last Friendly Warning: Anyone who decides to *tell* me they skip
     EVEN A SENTENCE OF MY FIC (for "reasons") can just go away and read
     something else. Keep that information safely tucked away in your own
     heart and leave mine still beating. Thanks! :D
     I didn't even tell you all the shit icing on the shit-cake weekend...
     The Bathroom Spider left me. Why does everything I love leave me?!
     T_T
     Song of the Day: Christina Perri - Human
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5yaoMjaAmE
     "Your words in my head, knives in my heart. You build me up and then
     I fall apart... 'Cause I'm only human."
***** Executing the Rendezvous *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                          [Executing_the_Rendezvous]
                                     ARYA
'Meet me on the side opposite the road', he replied to her text and Arya
quickly excused herself, forcing feet to walk at a normal pace. Dad and Sansa
did not even notice her leaving and she could hardly believe her luck. They
were too busy discussing Robert Baratheon's business practices. Suddenly her
sister was very interested for some reason. She walked out of the restaurant
and around the side to see Gendry waiting for her on the sidewalk curb. Though
they saw each other just earlier that day, it would be different being
completely alone with no one to disturb them.
"This worked out pretty good," she skipped toward him as he stood up, "I'm so
smart." Gendry smiled at her before his eyes flickered over her shoulder before
returning to her - as if she would let someone follow her. This time, no one
was going to interrupt them or that intrusive someone was going pay dearly.
Arya couldn't wait any longer so she wrapped her arms around his waist and
tilted her head back to wait for him to kiss her. She discovered that she liked
the way Gendry kissed her, all soft and careful, like she was something
precious to him. Not that she'd ever say that to him.
"And beautiful," he swept his fingers across her forehead to tidy her messy
bangs. Arya raised an eyebrow at him, thinking he was the only boy who would
ever call her 'beautiful'. "I mean it, I thought so the first time I saw you."
"You copped a feel, you mean." Arya snorted a laugh at the memory of the day
she fell for him literally. It was no big deal at the time but later she
dreamed about his arm around her waist and his hand sliding across her chest.
Those nights she would wake up panting with a fine sheen of sweat on her brow.
She wondered if he ever thought about that day and if that random mishap
started the spark between them.
"I didn't mean to!" He chuckled while protesting. "You fell into me!"
"You opened the door too quick," she argued, grinning up at him. Gendry frowned
at her and trailed his rough fingers lightly down the side of her face.
"I was being serious," he tapped her on the nose, "why don't you ever let me
give you a bloody compliment?"
"It's fine if you don't," she rolled her eyes, "I don't need to hear stuff like
that."
"I don't say it because you need to hear it: I say it 'cause it's true." Gendry
put his hands on both sides of her face, curling his fingers around her head,
and just looked at her. Arya could barely stand to be watched with such...
adoration? How could she have been so blind to it before? It made her want to
kiss him to death - his death or hers, whatever came first.
"We're wasting time..." She stood on her tip-toes to try and kiss him but
Gendry pulled his head up and smirked, using his superior height unfairly. Arya
growled low in her throat and tugged on his shirt with impatience.
"I don't think it's a waste of time," he chided. "Your eyes are the prettiest
I've ever seen: they're so big and expressive." Arya narrowed her eyes at his
flowery bullshit and wished he just get to the kissing already. "The way you
scowl is cute too, the way your little nose gets all scrunched up." Gendry
sighed contentedly as he smiled at her like a besotted idiot - which he
apparently was. The knowledge made her even more impatient to feel him and have
him feel her. Why was he being so difficult?!
"You're so weird," she groaned, "but thanks, I guess, for thinking I'm pretty."
Arya grabbed his wrist wearing a watch and gave it a pointed look before
turning another glare at Gendry. "Now shut your mouth and feel me up, we've
running out of time." He smirked at her impatience and grabbed her hand to lead
her further behind the restaurant. They stood next to a catering truck parked
out back. The truck provided a bit of privacy and she didn't wait a moment
longer to grab the front of his shirt and pull him down to capture his lips.
The way he smiled as they kissed caused a curious sensation in her heart - like
she was so happy, it would burst.
Both of her hands wandered under his shirt to trace the tensing muscles of his
stomach. Arya could feel his body trembling under her hands and his heart
thundering just for her. Both humbled her and made her feel powerful at once.
What remained of her conscious mind was torn between focusing on touching him
and kissing him. His hands gripped her waist to pull her close but remained
infuriatingly still. She pushed away from him, breaking their kiss, pressing
him back against the wall of the truck.
Arya grabbed his wrist and shoved his hand under her shirt as she launched
herself at him, curling an arm around his neck. Her other hand resumed its
exploration of his muscled chest, erratically trying to feel everything at
once. His rough fingertips scraped upwards over her breast. An explosion
electrical currents ripped through her body, tearing a loud cry from her
throat. It was slightly muffled by his mouth, but still loud enough to draw
attention if anyone stood nearby. Gendry tore his lips away from hers as she
tried to remember how to breath.
"Admit it," he teased in an incredibly sexy husky voice, "you like getting
caught don't you?" He cruelly removed his hand from under her shirt and ruffled
her hair. Arya reluctantly removed her own hand from his sculpted torso. She
could still feel the warmth of his skin through his soft shirt as she wrapped
her arms around him.
"I can't help it," she whined and pressed herself against the length of his
body. Gendry bowed his head and tucked her hair to press his lips softly to her
ear.
"When you're grounding is over," he murmured, as he brushed soft kisses down
her neck. "I'm going to take you somewhere you can be as loud as you want." The
light contact on her sensitive skin sent a hot tingling sensation spreading out
from each point of contact. Lost to her instinct again, she moved her hands up
to pull Gendry’s head down for another mind-melting kiss. Arya's fingers dug
into his scalp, clutching the shoulder seam of his shirt with the other hand to
crush her chest against his.
"Then," she ripped her mouth away from his, somehow still able to form words
despite being unable to think clearly. Arya inhaled sharply as she saw naked
lust glazed over his stunning eyes. "We can finish what we started in the
pool," she meant it to be a promise but even to her own ears it sounded
somewhat like a threat. Gendry didn't answer at first, putting one hand to the
side of her face and somehow she knew he needed to kiss her in his soft way.
Though it physically pained her, she closed her eyes and let him press his lips
tenderly against hers.
"If that's what you want," he stopped his torturously gentle kissing, pulling
back to meet her eyes once more.
"Oh, I want it," she insisted, keeping their eyes locked together so he could
see how serious she was. Arya had never been more certain of anything in her
entire life - she needed him like air and food, only a lot more.
"So," he put his hand over his chest and bowed his head, "I have no choice."
Gendry peeked up at her through his thick dark eyelashes with a grin. "I am
yours to command."
"As it should be," she guided his hand back under her shirt. "I'll try really
hard to be quieter." Arya claimed his mouth again, her lips pressing hard
against his parted ones - claiming him as hers. There was something primitive
about tasting him and knowing he was tasting her. Skin and heat and slick
mouths chaotically devouring each other - that's what they were born to do.
Everything else faded into the background as both desperately sought to take
and give pleasure.
It felt right, like they belonged together - body, mind, and soul. She caught
his swollen lower lip between her teeth and bit down. Gendry flinched before
thrusting a hand into her hair and returning her ferocity with enthusiasm. He
liked to pretend he wanted to be soft and gentle, treating her like some
precious doll, until she pulled the beast out of him. In apology for being too
rough, Arya ran her tongue over his tender lip before slipping it back inside
his mouth. It could have been a minute or an hour before the broke apart again,
time lost all meaning.
"I wish," his broken voice whispered against her mouth, "I could see you."
Gendry rested his forehead against Arya's as she clung onto his neck. One of
his hands ran down her spine to splay on her lower back while the other still
slowly explored her. The rough prickling of his calloused fingers roamed over
her skin, leaving a trail of burning heat in their wake. Though all the
sensations were new, they felt somehow familiar - like coming home but to a
place only they knew.
"What's there to see?" She tangled his fingers in Gendry’s hair and tried to
resume the kiss but he insisted on wasting precious time talking.
"Everything," he turned his serious beautiful eyes on her, "I could ever want."
"You say a lot of pretty words," she chucked, "but this is more believable."
Gendry gasped, turning into a low moan, as her hand slid over the bulge in the
front of him pants.
"Bloody hells!" He struggled to catch his breath, trying to say something
through his panting, his mouth hanging open. "I have to go back to work soon,"
he wheezed. Ignoring his weak protest, her mind was consumed with a single
purpose - to get Gendry naked and touch him everywhere. She fumbled with the
button on his jeans but he wrapped his fingers around her wrist to stop her.
"You don't know what you're doing to me." Arya knew exactly what she was doing
to him because he was doing it to her, making her legs shake with wanting him
so bad.
"Later on, tonight." She leaned forward to press her body against his hardness,
causing him to drop her wrist and wrap his arms around her tight. "Will you
think of me?" Arya curled her arms around his shoulders and pulled herself up
on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear. "I'll be thinking of you."
"Call me." Gendry slid his hands up over her shoulders and pulled her away to
give her a hard look that made her want him even more - if that were possible.
"You mean..." Arya was surprised the idea hadn't occurred to her first -
desperate times call for desperate measures.
"That's exactly what I mean." His words were determined, with almost covetous
expression on his face. The combination squeezed her heart with possessiveness,
almost frightening in its power. Arya couldn't tell which one of them moved
first. They were back on each other in an instant, pushing their mouths and
bodies in a careless rhythm that made her ache for more. Then Gendry's stupid
watch beeped and he broke their kiss to tilt his head back against the side of
the truck.
"I've gotta go," he caught his breath before looking down at her, "but I'll
call you tonight after work."
"Hey, I just wanted to ask..." She held onto the front of the shirt and avoided
his eyes. "So, you're - like - my boyfriend now, right?"
"I'm whatever you want me to be," he answered cheerfully, "I call you my
girlfriend."
"To who?" Arya narrowed his eyes at him but he didn't notice because he was
glancing towards the restaurant anxiously.
"Everyone who will listen," he answered distractedly.
"Well, cut it out," she gave him a quick punch to the chest, "we've got to stay
on the down-low."
"Right," he grimaced and rubbed over the spot she hit, "got it."
"Get out of here," she pulled him away from the truck and shoved him towards
the restaurant. Gendry paused to fix her hair and pressed one last kiss on the
forehead. He gave her another lop-sided smile before hurrying back to work.
After watching him leave, she sprinted to the entrance to rejoin her family. As
Arya walked inside, she smoothed her hair and clothes but realized she always
looked messy so they wouldn't even notice.
"What took you so long?" Sansa watched Arya with suspicion as she slid into the
booth. Their food had arrived and it looked like dad and her sister were
already well into theirs.
"That's personal," she quipped and took a few gulps of her unsweetened iced
tea. Kissing sure was thirsty work, but well worth it! If that's what they
could do in fifteen minutes - she couldn't wait for them to spend the night
together. Arya regretting not jumping him sooner, like on that first camping
trip...
"You're food is getting cold," her sister scolded, pulling Arya out of her
lustful daydreams.
"You didn't get the steak?" Dad eyed her plate in surprise. "You're missing
out, kiddo." He took a bite of his porterhouse and smiled as he chewed. "It's
delicious." The slab of meat on his plate did look rather tempting but the
chicken cordon bleu on her own plate smelled divine.
"I don't want to get sick of steak too soon," she grinned conspiratorially at
him, "I'm really starting to like this place." Poor dad, he had no idea that
his favorite restaurant was also the workplace of the boy his daughter wanted
to get naked with. Someday, she would make it up to him. After she had Gendry
enough times to satisfy the yearning hunger that consumed her every thought.
Can't blame a teen for being a slave to their hormones - blame evolution or the
gods.
"You two think I'm stupid, but I'm not." Sansa's nasally whining voice broke
through Arya's dreaming again. Her sister crossed her arms and glared at them
both. "I know exactly what you are doing. This isn't right! I'm part of the
family too, and you both always gang up on me."
"Oh, lemon cake..." A guilty expression settled on dad's features as he set
down his fork and wiped his face with his napkin to stall.
"I got this one, dad." Arya held up a hand to stop him before turning to her
sister. "My dear sister, you are as clever as you are beautiful." Sansa
narrowed her eyes in distrust. "I am humbled by your astute wit and dazzling
beauty. On the bond of our sisterhood, I swear to you, once my grounding is
over..." This was the hard part - it will all be worth it - just say it
already! "I will let you choose where to eat for the following two months."
"Seriously?" Sansa gaped at her in shock at Arya's generosity. "No take-backs!"
"I serve as a witness," dad held up his hand as if he were taking a solemn
oath.
"The agreement is witnessed," she stuck out her hand to her sister for a
handshake. "All that's left to do is seal it, baby."
"Alright, little sister," Sansa took her hand and gave it two firm shakes.
"You've got yourself a deal." It pained Arya to put up with so much appeasing
her family members just to get a steal a few minutes with her... boyfriend. It
felt so weird - she had a boyfriend! And he's super ridiculous hot! VICTORY!
She struggled to keep her expression neutral as she carved a generous bite of
her chicken. Her eyes grew wide, watching hungrily as the melted cheese
stretched.
"It makes me so proud to see you two getting along," dad smiled at them both.
Arya felt a little guilty about playing him, but she was glad everything seemed
to be turning out for the best. "I think this move has made us all closer."
"I'm just glad you brought us with you," she talked with her mouth full and
could see the desire to lecture in Sansa's eyes. "I never thought I'd say that,
but it's true - so you didn't have to come alone, I mean." Arya returned her
focus to her food in a valiant attempt to catch up with her dad and her sister.
"Me too," Sansa nodded her agreement, "I miss mom and the boys, but I'm truly
glad we three are together."
"I don't miss Robb playing his drum set all Saturday," dad chuckled as he cut
another piece from his steak.
"Or mom cleaning out the oven once a month..." Arya chimed in with a mouthful
of food. "Who does that?"
"Or Rickon's tendency to walk around naked..." Sansa giggled as the three of
them looked at each other.
"All the time," they all said together. They shared a laugh before Arya's
thoughts turned somber.
"I miss Bran," Arya pushed her food around on her plate, suddenly all sorts of
homesick. She knew the merger would take several months - even up to a year -
before her family joined them. Back then, she thought about how wrong it was to
split up their family, especially so soon after Bran's accident. A hit-and-run
- who does that to a little kid?! She stabbed her knife into her food and
carved the chicken with renewed ferocity. Someday, no matter how long it took -
she would find out who took away her brother's ability to walk.
"Me too," Sansa frowned and looked down at her own plate.
"I talked to him yesterday," dad tried to assure them, "he's in good spirits
and doing well in his studies."
"Oh good 'studies'," Arya scoffed, "I'm sure he's having a ball."
"We'll all be together soon enough," he promised, looking at both of them in
turn.
"Ah!" Sansa clapped her hands together. "We should invite Jon next time, to
come with us... here, to dinner." She twisted her hair around her finger - the
way she always did when embarrassed or lying. "Why are you both staring at me
like I've lost my mind?" The fact that her sister disliked their cousin always
did confuse Arya, maybe they both really were changing a lot.
"I think it's a great idea," Arya responded happily, her good mood returning.
"I second that motion," dad added, a slightly confused smile spreading over his
face.
"Motion passed," Arya thumped her spoon on the table like a judge's gavel.
"Jon's coming with us - tomorrow?" She looked up to dad, hoping she didn't
appear too eager and raise his suspicions.
"You girls don't mind coming back again?" Dad looked to them both, a boyish
hopeful expression on his face. He was going to give himself a heart-attack if
he didn't cut back on the steak.
"We can come every day," Sansa took the words right out of her mouth, "if it
makes you happy."
"There was never a father more blessed," Dad reached across the table to hold
out his hands. They both quickly slipped their hands into his and he squeezed
to emphasize his words. "Thank you girls, I mean it. You're both still growing
up, and I know it wasn't easy to leave home. I'm glad you are here with me. I
love you girls."
"We love you daddy," Sansa got all weepy and launched herself at dad to hug
him.
"Love you dad," Arya grinned at him and squeezed his hand before letting it go.
He really was the best father... His only fault was his stupid 'no dating until
sixteen rule'. Well, what he doesn't know can't hurt him.
Chapter End Notes
     Like, here's how wrapped up in writing I get: I KNOW what's going to
     happen and I'm still worried about Gendrya getting caught. I'm the
     good kind of 'crazy' right? I think, if I have to ask - I already
     know the answer.
     I have the next-next chapter solidly planned and outlined but I'm
     considering throwing in something in between. Dany and Jon are strong
     contenders but I'm open to suggestions. I'm terrified to write Drogo
     but the challenge calls to me... then I run away from my computer in
     wretched failure.
     9_9 I kinda just want to write Sansan making out and being cute to
     each other some more. Eventually that's just going to get boring...
     to other people. San<3San
***** Did that really just happen? *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                        [Did_that_really_just_happen?]
                                     DANY
Dothraki lessons with Drogo simultaneously became Dany's most and least
favorite activity. Alone together in the empty room, her progress with both the
boy and the language were moving slower than a glacier during an ice age.
"Wait, wait." She held up her hand to stop him. "You're going too fast. Jal-an
zhe-ana-lat." Even to her own ears, the word sounded stunted and broken.
"No, 'jalan zheanalat'." Drogo corrected her again with absolute patience. "The
moon is beautiful."
"No," Dany tore through her notebook, scouring her notes until she found what
she was looking for. "I know the word for 'to be beautiful': lain-at."
"Lainat is for..." He struggled to come up with the right phrasing to describe
why she was wrong and this is what made their lessons difficult. The rising
sexual tension between them, or at least on her part, didn't make things any
easier. "Things - with no life."
"The moon is not alive." She didn't understand the difference at all, and she
was starting to get frustrated. Learning another language was always a good
thing. But that wasn't exactly why she arranged these little lessons. He was
taking his tutoring duties far more seriously than she anticipated or hoped
for.
"It... has the..." He stopped, and she could almost see his brain working to
translate the Dothraki in his head into common tongue. "It moves and - it has
life."
"I suppose you would know best." Dany thought learning Dothraki would be easy
compared to High Valyrian but it proved rather difficult. "Wait," something
clicked in her brain, "you said that word the first night we met." She smirked
as his impassive expression slipped. "Did you call me beautiful?" She watched
his jaw tense up as his dark eyes lowered to the table. Once again, his silence
spoke volumes, lending credence to all of her doubts. He never made a move on
her, he never flirted back with her, and when she flirted with him... nothing
happened.
"What am I supposed to do when you just stop talking? I feel like an idiot,"
she braced her elbows on the table and dropped her forehead into her hands.
"Really, I do. We come here and you give me terrible Dothraki lessons. I try to
flirt with you and you shut up like a giant handsome clam." His continued
silence was deafening and she rose to gather her things and leave, mortified
and just the tiniest bit angry. "If you just want to be friends, I'm fine with
that," she lied. He reached out to hold onto her arm to stop her from leaving.
"You're right - I called you 'zheana'." Drogo's feature softened as he looked
up at her and Dany sat back down, surprised, but highly pleased. He still held
onto her arm so she covered his hand with her own and smiled at him.
"Thank you," she leaned closer to him, "I also thought you were 'zheana'."
"No," he chuckled and shook his head. "A man is 'haj' - not 'zheana'."
"I think you are both beautiful and strong." Dany scooted to the edge of her
chair, even closer to him, hoping he would take the hint and kiss her. If what
she truly hoped for from him was a just kiss then her expectations were far
exceeded. He wrapped a hand around her waist and stood up, pulling her with him
as if she weighed nothing. Drogo set her on the table and buried his other hand
in her hair to tilt her head back. His eyes pierced her as she slowly lowered
his face to hers but he was moving far too slow to her opinion. Dany wound her
arms around his neck and pulled herself up to his height, crashing their lips
together.
There was no awkward need for Dany to instruct him how to kiss her or touch
her: Drogo took control immediately. All of her senses took leave their leave
without a farewell, and good riddance. Intoxicated on his dominating kiss, her
mind fell into a hazy state of frantic urgency. Her knees parted of their own
accord when he slid her towards him, raw passion controlling her motions. She
was dimly aware of her hand pulling at his belt and his fishing around under
her skirt.
She lifted her hips as his fingers curled around the hem of her panties and
pulled them off. In a desperate version of teamwork, their hands aided one
another and managed to free his hardness. Not once having broken their kiss, or
pausing to remove any more clothing then necessary, she guided him inside her.
And that was it, or rather, that was the beginning of it. Dany's head lolled
back when Drogo removed his hand supporting her to grasp both of her hips.
Dany wanted nothing more than to pull herself as close to Drogo as possible.
Unfortunately, she doubted her body possessed the strength to hold herself up.
As she sank down to lie back, his hand moved down behind her thigh as he braced
one knee on the table. Then he just took her, the way warrior should take a
woman. Sometimes slow and hard other times just fucking her senseless, causing
the whole world to shake beneath her.
She almost didn't recognize the sensation when it started building and rising
within her. It never happened with anyone else: ever. Drogo leaned forward,
bracing a hand next to her head, staring down at her with such intensity. It
snapped the coiling pleasure tightening every muscle in her body. When she came
around him, it was the most satisfying orgasm of her life: she might have lost
consciousness for a second. Eyes closed and basking in the post-orgasmic high,
Dany barely felt him pull away.
Her joy and relief was sharply cut through by twinge of anger that she had put
up with so much terrible sex when this... Heaven existed out there in the
world. Otherwise, Dany was calm, without a care or worry in the world until she
opened her eyes to see her unmentionables laying on the table. Her hand reached
out to grab the discarded scrap of fabric, as if hoping it were not tangible.
She stared down at her underwear in her hand and reality came crashing back.
"What's wrong?" His question brought up a tidal wave of panic that rose over
her head. Dany sat up to see Drogo sitting in the chair before her, still
staring his soul-piercing stare.
"Nothing." Except that, her brain just kicked in. The ramifications of
unprotected sex started listing themselves in her mind. "I'm fine." A trip to
the pharmacy seemed in order, and then a call to her gynecologist couldn't
hurt. "Or... I will be fine."
"I love you," Drogo stated. He 'stated' it, not at all like a confession of
love but more like an obligated greeting one might give distant relatives.
"What?!" Dany couldn't believe her ears, or her eyes: none of this seemed real.
"What did you say?" The wall started closing in around her and one thought
repeated in her mind over and over, 'escape'! "I have to go," she mumbled as
she grabbed her bag and scooted off the table to make her flight. Drogo did not
try to stop her this time, which only made her more confused, but her brain
kept repeating it: 'escape'! The hallways turned into a fun house as the walls
melted and twisted while the floor wobbled. Dany searched for the one place she
knew she find sanctuary.
Not now, she begged the gods as her heart threatened to beat right out of her
chest. The darkness started closing on her eyes as she launched into the
bathroom and lurched against the wall. Her breath was wheezing in her chest,
hardly getting any air and she knew it she knew she was dying this time. Dany
thought she had this under control, that's how she convinced the doctor to stop
the medication. She didn't need it, she had everything under control: just keep
repeating that and it will become true. Everything... was out of her control.
Her hands gripped the filthy bathroom wall and it made her feel even sicker to
think of all the germs getting on her. Dany thanked the gods the bathroom was
empty as she braced her body against the stall and fell inside, shutting and
locking the door. Her stomach heaved and she held back her hair and squeezed
her eyes shut as she fought to control her breathing. This panic attack would
give her a real heart attack, she would die, and they would find her body in a
high school bathroom! She dug around in her bag, groping blindly until she
found her phone.
"Please, pick up." Dany punched in the number one and her life flash before her
eyes as it rang once and then twice. "Please pick up!"
"Hey, babe," Marge finally answered.
"I need to see you right now!" The word wheezed out of her dry throat as she
clung to the stall door to stay on her feet.
"What's wrong - wait," her lighthearted tone disappeared. "Where are you?"
"Hiding in the girl's bathroom," she whimpered.
"I'll be there in two minutes," Marge promised before she hung up. All she had
to do was hang on for two minutes, and then everything would be okay. Margaery
would know what to do: she always knows what to do. Time passed, enough for her
to contemplate her miserable existence before she heard the door open. "Dany?"
Dany left her hiding place and faced her friend with tear-streaked shame. "I
thought you were past this, honey." Marge opened her arms with the sympathetic
expression. "Tell me what's wrong."
"I thought so too," she blubbered as she put her arms around Margaery and let
her friend sooth her as Dany sniffled on her shoulder. "I messed up," she
whispered, "I just had sex with Drogo."
"The big foreign muscly guy who plays that silly game?" Marge pulled Dany by
her shoulders back to look at her with brows raised in interest. "Was it good?"
Margaery did not seem to be taking her seriously at all.
"Yes, but that's not the problem." Dany covered her face, feeling a fresh
welling of tears in her eyes. "He told me... he loves me."
"Still not hearing a problem." Margaery pulled Dany's hands away from her face.
"I think you might just be freaking out for no reason."
"It's not supposed to be like this! I don't want..." She could never explain
what it was like to someone as self-assured as Margaery. Dany didn't have the
confidence to love or be loved by someone. "I just want a 'normal' high school
relationship. I don't want to be the girl who moves too fast and gets her heart
broken anymore. Why do I do this?!"
"I hate to break it to you, muffin." Margaery geared up for some tough love,
though hard to hear, usually exactly what Dany needed. "There's no such fucking
thing as a 'normal high school relationship'. Because - and this is fairly
obvious - we're teenagers. None of us know what the hells we're doing!"
"I couldn't even tell if he liked me and now he says he loves me!" As if Dany
needed any more bad feelings on top of how terrible she already felt, guilt
started to weigh heavy on her shoulders. "And then I ran away... What am I
going to do?!"
"You like him?" Margaery gave her shoulders a little shake.
"Yeah, I really like him," Dany groaned, shaking her head. "But, I'm not ready
to be 'in love' again." Margaery walked her to the sink, holding her by her
upper arm, and turned on the water faucet. The cold water felt good on her face
it helped her to calm down.
"I think you're over-thinking it." Her friend used her most soothing tone.
"When you've cooled down - go find him." Dany opened her mouth but Marge held
up her hand to stop her. "Ah, don't argue. Go get as much good sex as he's
capable of providing and have some fun." Margaery smiled and took hold of her
shoulders again. "If he breaks your heart, I'll be here to pick up the pieces
as usual."
"How are you so confident all the time?" Dany wished there was some secret,
that she could just learn and study. It was true: no matter how bad she fell
apart, her best friend could always put all her pieces back together again. She
told Marge she should become a therapist but she had her heart set on fashion
design.
"It's a curse, really." Margaery wiggled her head with a smug smile. "Now,
Missa is meeting me for lunch in our usual spot. Are you up for it?" Dany
nodded weakly, not trusting herself to answer an affirmative. They walked arm-
in-arm to the outdoor lunch room and sat down at the table with Missa, who
greeted them with a halfhearted wave. "I need you both to hear me out. I think
I kind of admire Sansa for being so brave. I know," she sighed, "I was the one
who wanted to help her the most. I've thought about it and she should follow
her heart, no matter what anyone says."
"That's romantic of you, Marge," Dany was suspicious of her friend's sudden
change of heart. "But we agreed that she is too innocent to realize what she is
getting into. I wish someone had taken me aside when I that naive and helped
me."
"Well," she shrugged, "then she won't be so innocent anymore." Margaery crossed
her arms and then waived her hand in a dismissive gesture. "That's life - it
happens to us all."
"I shouldn't have to point out," Missa looked at both of them with narrowed
eyes. "I have not agreed with either of you this entire time."
"Missa, considering you've never had a boyfriend," Dany rubbed her hand over
her face in frustration. "I think we know just a little bit better."
"You two always know better! Fine, I have homework." Missa gathered up her
stuff and abruptly turned to walk away.
"Missa!" Dany called after her friend but was ignored. "Come back! I'm
sorry!!!" Missa continued to walk away like she couldn't hear her and Dany
dropped her face into her hands, feeling more wretched than ever. "Nooooooooo!
What is happening in my life?!"
"I wasn't finished." Margaery fiddled with her perfectly manicured fingernails.
"I know this is the last thing you want to hear, but I don't want to lie to
you."
"What?" A sense of foreboding made the hairs on the back of her neck stand
straight up.
"I wanted to say that..." Marge smiled sheepishly. "I'm back with Joff." At the
familiar starry look in Margaery's eyes, a sick feeling clenched Dany's
stomach. "He came to me after the game and he was so sweet." She immediately
rushed into an explanation with her hands outstretched. "He really can be good
sometimes."
"Sometimes," Dany repeated the word with emphasis. "The rest of the time: he's
a monster."
"He's just immature," her friend insisted. "He'll grow out of his need to
control everything-" Margaery's words cut off as her phone made a little
tinkling sound. "Ah," she checked the text with a frown. "Oh, it's him. He
wants to know who I'm with."
"It begins." Dany lost all hope in that moment. Her most confident and smartest
friend, at least as far as street-smart goes, just became the biggest fool she
knew.
"No," she argued cheerfully and she replied to the text. "It ends with me
standing up for myself and him dealing the new and improved Margaery. 'I am
with a friend and I will call you when I'm free'," she narrated as she typed.
"See? I'm on top of it."
"This is a nightmare." Dany slumped down onto the table, burying her head in
her arms. Might as well just give up and die right here... In the lunch room,
at least it's better than the bathroom. "This is my nightmare."
"You're being dramatic," Margaery scoffed and petted Dany's hair. "I love you
and I love him, I can't help it. The heart wants what it wants. Me and you
honey - we're forever best friends and I will love you until I die - I can't be
without you." Her friend tugged her elbow, coaxing her into sitting up. "Now,
promise you'll call Missa and smooth things over with her and I'll patch things
up with Sansa. Deal?"
"You are going to be the death of me, Marge." Dany grasped her friend's hands
and stared into her beautiful eyes. "Please, please be careful. If anything
happened to you... You were there when I needed you most, when... the attacks
started."
"Don't mention it, that's what friends are for." Margaery squeezed her hands
before letting go. "The hard times are over - we're almost free of this hellish
high school. The world won't know what hit them when we finally step out on
center stage." Dany always got annoyed whenever Marge started acting all
dramatic and unrealistic. "Don't roll those beautiful eyes at me. I know what
I'm talking about... There's something in the air, something good is coming."
"You're nose always knows," Dany relented with a sigh. "Call me later, tell me
how it goes with Sansa."
"And I will expect to hear all about Jo-Jo," she rolled her eyes when Dany
started to correct her. "Or whatever his name is, and please talk to Missa.
Find out what's been bothering her lately." Marge kissed her on the cheek
goodbye. "Love you, babe."
"Love you!" Dany called after her friend, who was already digging her phone out
of her purse. Probably to call that wormy-lipped asshole! She laid her head
back down on the table and wished she could just start the day over.
                                      JON
He knew Arya was acting too nice, after he made his opinion about her and
Gendry perfectly clear. When they pulled up in front of the steakhouse,
everything clicked. Jon knew that this is where that asshole worked. She
thought she was so clever but as soon as she got up, he moved to follow her. It
wasn't right for her to trick Uncle Ned like this, for them to break his rules
and sneak around right under his nose.
She walked around the side of the restaurant quickly and he peaked around the
corner. Arya ran and jumped into Gendry's waiting arms. They hurried to stand
behind a large white truck and Jon followed as they disappeared behind it. The
scene that he found once he caught up with them wasn't exactly unexpected but
it was still horrible to witness.
"Arya!" They both quickly broke apart as he called her name.
"Jon, what the fuck?" Arya blew out a breath and put a hand to her chest.
"I need to talk to Gendry," he jerked his chin at the asshole. "Alone."
"No," she glared at him and flipped him off. "Go away."
"I'm serious." Jon took a step towards them, returning her fierce expression
with one of his own.
"As am I!" Arya voice lifted and octave as she moved close to Gendry and took a
hold of the shirt. "Go away or watch us - doesn't really matter to me."
"Arry," Gendry sighed and disentangled her hand from his shirt to push her away
gently. "Just let him say what he clearly needs to say."
"This is bullshit!" Arya shoved Gendry back against the truck and marched up to
Jon to buck her chin up at him like she wanted to fight. "It's starting to feel
straight-up sexist."
"Arya..." He couldn't help that he wanted to protect her, that's not sexist.
That's what a good older cousin-brother was supposed to do.
"No, I'm not buying it!" She snorted a laugh. "If Bran was making out with a
super-hot sixteen year old girl, you'd act exactly the same?"
"I don't know," he answered honestly, "maybe."
"No, you'd hand him a box of condoms and get out of the way." Arya pushed on
his chest and Jon took a step back, in case she got the idea to hit him. "This
- is - bullshit," she looked back to Gendry like she expected him to back her
up but he just shrugged and looked down at the ground. "Fine, have your little
'boy talk' but don't expect me to meekly bow my head so the menfolk can 'handle
things'. Fuck you." She backed away from them, holding up a double middle
finger combo and spun around to march back towards the restaurant.
"I don't think she's happy, man." Gendry leaned against the truck and tilted
his head back to heave a heavy exhale. Jon walked up to stand in front of him,
arms crossed and eyes narrowed.
"What they fuck is your problem?" Jon's question made Gendry's head snap down
with a confused expression.
"I think that's my line," he was making a joke out of the whole thing. Well, it
wasn't a joke to him!
"You grew up without a father, like me." Jon thumped his palm against his
chest, admitting to himself that he actually felt betrayed. "I always thought
we were cut from the same cloth, both 'freaks' who never had a girlfriend. Now
I feel like I don't know you at all!" He tossed his hand in the direction Arya
stalked off into. "You're trying to fuck my little fourteen-year-old cousin!
How am I supposed to deal with that? How am I supposed call you my friend? How
am I supposed to just stand by?"
"Arya's fourteen: I get that." Gendry nodded slowly, with his jaw clenched. "I
don't forget it or ignore it," he banged his fist against the side of the
truck, "I worry about it all the time. But she's not a little kid, and she's
not just any girl to me... She's the most amazing girl I've ever met," he
squeezed his eyes shut. "I love her."
"If you loved her," Jon laughed, though he didn't find anything about the
situation funny at all. "You would never even consider risking doing to her
what was done to our mothers."
"I took sex-ed, man." He crossed his arms, leaning back onto the truck with an
irritated expression. "I think I can handle it."
"Wrong answer," Jon clinched his fist and took a step towards his former
friend. Gendry's eyes widened and he held up his hands and surrender.
"Then how about this: Arya is my life." Gendry put her hand over his heart.
"I'd die and kill for her if I had to. What happened to my mom would never
happen to Arya." His expression tightened like he was in physical pain. "I
would never abandon the girl I love! Because I can't let her go, somehow I
would find a way... But that's not going to happen, I won't let it."
"Her future is too important to be wasted on the likes of you." Jon couldn't
believe a word Gendry said, he'd only known Arya for a few weeks. How could he
possibly be in love with her already? "If you keep filling her ears with pretty
words, she's going to let her own dreams fade away and blindly follow you." Jon
had seen it happen too many times to the women and girls in his life.
"Man, listen to me," Gendry's head rolled forward and his voice got quiet, "I'm
the one following her. You don't know what it's like to be in love until it
happens. Having another person leading you around by the nose... is the best
feeling in the world. I have one dream, Arya: nothing else is more important to
me." The dramatic confession alone would've been enough to stun Jon really
shocked him was the way Gendry's voice broke. "It's already hard enough with
her father hating me," he lifted his hand to quickly swipe at his eyes and then
looked up. "I don't want to lose you as a friend."
"Her father is the man I respect most... but I won't rat you two out. I will be
watching very closely." Jon did not want to admit it, but Gendry's devotion to
Arya seemed real. That didn't mean he trusted him not to hurt her again. "Don't
fuck up."
"I won't, but not for you." Gendry met Jon's eyes and some an unspoken
understanding passed between them. They both cared about Arya, and it would
have to be enough. Gendry's watch beeped and he groaned as he pushed away from
the truck. "Gotta go, it's been real great chatting with you."
"Hey," Jon caught his arm, "if it was anyone else... I would've already beat
him bloody."
"Good to know." Gendry's expression lightened as he put a hand on Jon's
shoulder. "Don't worry, everything will work out. Someday, at mine and Arry's
wedding, you and I are going to share a laugh over this." Jon watched Gendry
sprint back inside the restaurant before heading towards the entrance. A quiet
sniffling sound caught his attention and he turned around. Arya sat crouched
down behind the front of the truck, holding her face her in her hands.
"Arya..." Jon quickly moved to her side and crouched down to put a hand on her
shoulder. "What's wrong?"
"He... is..." She gulped in a deep shuddering breath. "So... fucking...
perfect!" Arya's voice cracked and a high pitched whine escaped before she
clapped a hand over her mouth. Jon gathered her tiny form in his arms and let
her cry even though he didn't understand. "I don't deserve a guy like him," she
hiccuped, "I'm ugly and weird! Why does he like - 'love' me so much?!" She
gripped his shirt tightly and turned her wide teary eyes up at him. "Please,
Jon, I can't lose him. Please don't try to drive him away, please help me
convince dad. Please," she begged, "please, please."
"Arya..." Jon couldn't stand to see her like this but blaming Gendry wasn't
going to solve anything. "I promise I won't interfere anymore."
"Thanks," she sniffed and wiped her nose on her hand. Jon couldn't help but
smile at her crying over such grown-up stuff like 'love' like a little kid. He
wiped away the tear tracks and stood to help her to her feet.
"Go to the bathroom and wash your face," he ordered. "I'll go make some excuse
with your dad. Okay?"
"Thanks, Jon." Arya launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his
waist, and burying her face in his chest. "I'm sorry if I disappoint you..."
"Not at all," he held her tight, "I'm sorry I made things harder for you."
"It feels good to be cared about," she whispered. Arya pulled away and scowled
at him again. "Even if you are dead wrong for interfering in the first place."
She pushed him back and punched his arm. "I love you, cuz."
"Love you, kiddo." Jon slung his arm around her shoulder as they walked back to
the entrance together. He still lacked any faith that the decision to keep her
secret from Uncle Ned was a good idea. But, he had to admit, Arya had the right
to make her own decisions: no matter how stupid they might seem. All he could
do was let her know he'd always be there for her.
Chapter End Notes
     I seriously don't know how I am still writing, I keep expecting to
     run out of... I don't know - whatever is inside my brain that comes
     up with this.
     Next chapter, Sansan are going on a date - a REAL date. To a sit-down
     restaurant!!! OMG!!!
***** Pasta, Please *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                [Pasta,_Please]
                                    SANDOR
In Spanish class, he just couldn't keep his hands off his little bird and
unlike usual she didn't scold him or swat his hands away. Her hair was tied up
into a high ponytail and Sandor pushed the long red tresses aside to stroke the
graceful slope of her neck. Sansa shivered under his touch but leaned back in
her seat in encouragement. She squirmed in her chair and he could hear her
making soft gasps and hums, turning his tormenting her into a kind of self-
torture. Every time the teacher turned away from the board to address the
class, she would sit up straight in her seat like a good little student.
As soon as Mr. Forel turned back around, she relaxed back into his touch. It
made him want to throw her over his shoulder and find someplace quiet. Ever
since she walked into class she'd been eye-fucking him, though at first he
accused himself of imagining it. His hand reached further to trace the soft
shell of her ear and she turned her face into his fingers. Suddenly, Sansa sat
forward and scribbled something furiously in her notebook. Then she tore out
the page out and discreetly passed a it back to him. Sandor rolled his eyes at
her silly behavior while he unfolded the note to read it.
The page only had two words 'date tonight' and then a question mark with a
bunch of exclamation points with hearts in place of the dots. He snorted a
laugh at the thought of actually replying and passing a fucking note as he
crumpled it up and stuffed it into his pocket. Sandor bent forward to whisper
in her ear when a knock at the door distracted the teacher. As Forel walked
outside the classroom, the students erupted into conversation. Sansa turned
around with a rosy blush on her cheeks and bashful smile curling her lips.
"Lover..." Her eyelashes flattered as she reached forward and took his hand in
both of hers.
"What'd ya want?" He relaxed back in his seat to chuckle at her obvious
attempts to seduce him into getting a date. "Don't just bat those pretty eyes
at me, use fucking words."
"I'm sick of steak," she whined, "I want Italian." Sansa told him all about her
father and sister uniting to control their dinners. Personally, Sandor loved
beef and admired the little runt for her cunning ways. But he wisely kept
silent as the little bird complained.
"On a school night?" He didn't know what had gotten into her but whatever it
was - he liked it. Sansa's lack of shyness, letting him touch her and flirting
openly in class, had him ready to agree with whatever she wanted. She stuck her
lower lip out and leaned closer to him, propping her arms on the desk.
"I really do want some pasta... but I also want to spend some time alone
together." The bashful flushing of her cheeks did not match up with the
flirtatious way she looked at him through heavy-lidded eyes. "Neither of us
have anything going on after school. Daddy and Arya can spend some quality time
together." Her lips pursed again, making it difficult to suppress the urge to
drag her out of class. "Do I have to keep listing reasons?"
"Can't we just skip the date?" He shifted towards her, brushing his fingertips
along her jaw line to play with the wispy lose hairs curling around her ear.
Sandor nearly groaned aloud as she put a finger to her chin and glanced up to
the ceiling - like she was actually considering it. Sansa's silence tortured
him for a few seconds before she turned another wicked smile on him.
"Tempting... so very tempting..." The tip of her pink tongue darted out to lick
her lips. "But, what if I pass out mid-kiss because I don't have the stamina?
That would be embarrassing." In an expression of exaggerated disappointment,
she lowered her head to peek at him through her lashes. "We don't have to-"
"Fuck it, let's go if you want." He laughed as her expression completely
changed into one of pure delight. "I assume you need to go home to get changed
for some fucking reason?" Sansa always looked gorgeous but he knew she would
want to look even more beautiful - which shouldn't even be possible.
"I do," she was starting to realize that he couldn't refuse her anything, "as
do you." Sandor growled at her insistence he change as well - nothing he wore
would fix his nasty face.
"What I'm wearing now is fine." He leaned back again, sulking and wishing he
hadn't already agreed. Sansa removed her hands from his and sat back to cross
her arms in annoyance.
"Do I have to repeat that whole process of wheedling what I want out of you?"
She narrowed her pretty eyes at him, getting all huffy for no reason. "Can't
you just do what I ask and not argue?" Sandor couldn't help but grin at her
irritation - she always looked hottest when angry.
"You're feisty today," he teased. Whatever put his little bird into this odd
mood - he had to find out what it was and make sure she got it every day.
"I'm hungry!" She groaned and put a hand to her stomach. "There's nothing on
that steakhouse menu I can eat but a tasteless chef's salad." Sansa's head
rolled back as she whimpered pitifully, pounding her little fists on his desk.
"I need noodles and tomato sauce and garlic bread!!!" Actually, that did sound
really fucking good.
"I didn't realize it was like that, my poor little bird." Sandor reach across
the desk to grab ahold of both of her arms and pull her close, keeping his
voice low so only they could hear. "I'll take care of you."
"I knew you would." A pretty blush spread over her cheeks as the meaning of his
words reached her, causing a slow smile to curl on her lips. "Will you wear
something nice?"
"Gods fuck it, yes," he relented with annoyance. "I'll wear a godsdamned button
up." Sandor never thought he'd be dressing up to go on a sit-down date at a
fancy Italian restaurant. Since he met Sansa, everything he thought would
'never' happen became everyday occurrences.
"With the sleeves attached, please," she insisted. Sansa how no idea how
difficult she was being - it wasn't his fault the shitty shirts he bought never
had big enough sleeves for his arms.
"Picky," he accused with a sneer as Mr. Forel reentered and the class settled
down. Sansa turned away with victorious beaming smile on her face and Sandor
couldn't wait. He could take or leave the date - that's not what he was looking
forward to most. Afterward, he was going to kiss those smiling lips until she
was panting and making those sexy little whining sounds. Just the thought was
making him hard so he decided to keep his hands to himself for the rest of the
class. Before long, the bell rang and the little bird twisted around in her
seat again.
"I'll miss you," she furrowed her brow and pouted prettily, "until tonight."
Sandor thought about pressing his luck and asking her to skip and go parking.
Fat change of 'Straight-A Sansa' agreeing to that - he doubted she ever skipped
a day in her life.
"I'll pick you up at five?" He stood up and grabbed her bag off the back of her
seat to help her sling it over her shoulders. Sansa faced him to hold of one of
his hands, bowing her head shyly.
"It can't come soon enough." When she glanced up to meet his eyes, the look she
gave him could only be described as 'lustful' and it nearly made him fall back
into his seat.
"Offer to skip this whole 'date' thing is still on the table," he proposed
hopefully.
"Not a chance, lover," her coy smile turned into a triumphant grin. Sansa
tugged him towards the door of the classroom and squeezed his fingers before
letting go. She walked off towards her next class, her ponytail swinging behind
her. With nothing better to pass the time, Sandor attended all of his classes
and the day passed by in a fairly boring fashion. He headed straight home after
school, glad to find the house empty and hurried to his room to find his nicest
set of clothes.
He came up with nothing. Not a thing in his closet was near good enough to make
him look even slightly worthy of her - especially when she was all gussied up.
With no time to run to the store that carried sizes large enough for him, long
enough and wide enough, he settled for the best he had. His newest pair jeans
were clean and had no rips in them yet and there was one button up that had yet
to lose its sleeves. Sandor didn't bother to check his appearance in the
mirror, there was no point before he headed out to go pick up the little bird.
When he pulled into the lot of her apartment Sandor texted her and she came
down a few minutes later. It took his breath away with how pretty she looked.
Her hair was piled up on her head, swept around in a twisted bun on the crown
of her head. The only thing that made him okay with how bad he would look
standing next to Sansa was the knowledge that she looked this good just for
him. Feeling grateful and a bunch of other flowery feelings he'd rather not
ponder, he quickly got out of the driver side. He walked around the car to open
the passenger door for her - she loved shit like that.
Sansa gave him directions to the restaurant and then proceeded to tell him
about every delicious food item that they had on the menu. Most of the things
she talked about he had no idea she was even saying but her descriptions made
his mouth water. Sandor didn't exactly go out to eat much, not unless it was
fast food. If his father ever took their family out to eat, he didn't remember
it. Why waste good money on food when there's booze to be bought? They pulled
up at the restaurant and walked inside, getting seated right away because it
was still early.
"Thanks for dressing up," she beamed at him, "you look nice."
"You're the only one who thinks so," he scoffed. Sandor knew she meant it
though - there wasn't a dishonest or mean bone in her body. Somehow, Sansa
found a way to look past his hideous face and brutish size. Though, his bulk
actually seemed to work in his favor, he smirked at the memory of her face when
he took off his shirt. He hoped he didn't look that thunderstruck when she
removed her own top.
"I doubt that," she frowned playfully and crossed her arms, "I see women giving
you the eye."
"Which ones?" He turned around to look and felt her cruel little nails pinching
his arm. "Ow! Little bird, you're becoming violent." Sandor wouldn't mind those
nails digging into his skin, but not because he made her annoyed.
"Whose fault is that?" She raised her chin the haughty expression and wiggled
her head. "I was never a violent person before I met you." Sansa poked her
finger in the air at him. "You bring out the worst in me."
"I do, don't I?" Sandor hung his head in shame, knowing he was taking his
teasing too far.
"Aw, no I just joking-" Her protest cut off as he lifted his head with a smirk.
"Ah! Sandor!" Sansa covered her laughing mouth as she tried to scold him.
"You're so mean!"
"I'll make it up to you later," he promised in a low voice. Sansa stopped
laughing and the tell-tale gleam in her eyes returned. She glanced at his mouth
before returning to meet his gaze.
"Oh?" She smiled and bent over the table. "How?" Sandor was about to tell her
exactly 'how' - and in great detail - when the fucking waitress came to take
their drink orders. The woman somehow managed to keep her glancing away from
his face to a tolerable minimum. He wished he was a few years older so we could
order a drink, help calm the nervousness he was trying to hide. But the little
bird got this unbearable disappointed look on her face whenever he was drinking
so he didn't do it around her.
"You still want me to tell you," he smirked as she leaned over the table
towards him, "surrounded by all these people?" Sandor didn't know how much more
teasing and torment he could take from the little bird.
"If you say it quiet," she whispered, "so only I can hear." The mischievous
look in her eyes sent his cock from semi-hard to ram-rod and Sandor closed his
eyes in an attempt to calm down. Sansa waited patiently, still wearing that
tantalizing expression when he regained control.
"First," he murmured, "I'm going to tell you how beautiful you are - that could
take some time." He chuckled at Sansa's pleased expression. "Next, I'm going to
enjoy messing up your pretty hairdo." That earned him a little scowl but Sandor
could tell she was trying to fight a smile. "No pouting, it makes me want to
skip to the next step."
"No more," she looked away and lifted her hand to fan her face, "please."
"Making you embarrassed?" It always was an ego boost whenever he flustered
Sansa.
"No..." She looked down at the table before peeking up at him. "Eager." Sandor
grabbed her hand and started getting up from the table.
"Fuck the pasta then," he growled too loud. Her eyes widened and looked around,
clearly worried that someone heard his 'foul language'.
"Shh!" She put her finger over her lips. "I'm still hungry!" Her disapproving
expression slipped, turning playful once more. "We need our strength up... it
sounds like we have a lot to accomplish after we eat." Sandor slumped back down
from his half-risen position. Other parts of him were still fully raised up and
standing at attention.
"You can just relax," he assured her, "I'll do all the hard work." Sansa gave
him a weak smile before turning her eyes down to study the menu, even though he
knew she had it memorized. He was about to ask her what was wrong when the
waitress came back with their drinks. She ordered for both of them, and he
would pretty much eat whatever so he trusted her. After the waitress left, her
worried expression returned and he just couldn't take it anymore. "What's is it
now?"
"Oh, nothing." A hurt looked passed over her eyes and Sandor regretted his
grouchy tone. "I just... I wish I was not affected so strongly when we kiss."
She braced her elbow on the table and rested her cheek and her hand. "You are
always so in control of yourself while I float away into dreamland. It must be
like kissing a ragdoll." He immediately regretted his bark of laughter because
her expression fell even more. His hand quickly reached across the table to
take her chin and tilted her eyes up at him.
"I have to be in control - else I'd end up fucking you." Sometimes being blunt
is just the best option, it was better than her thinking that she was somehow
more affected by him that he was by her. That was just fucking ridiculous.
Apparently, it wasn't the right bloody thing to say though because she still
wore that sad expression on her pretty face.
"Oh." Sansa closed her eyes and sighed as she took ahold of his hand, setting
it on the table to trace the lines of his palm. "I know it is hard for you to
wait for me..."
"I've been waiting for you this whole time," he shrugged. "What's a few more
months?" Sandor never dared dream he would ever get to be with someone that
actually cared about him. There had been a handful of girls who made it clear
they'd like the hound to fuck them but he couldn't let go of the hope...
Someday, someone would look at him - and want him for something other than a
big dick and quick fuck.
"It's hard for me to wait too," she confessed, still looking down at his hand.
"When you kiss me, I forget all about my dreams for having the 'perfect' first
time." Sansa glanced up with a worried expression. "Maybe I should not tell you
this."
"You can trust me," he promised, "even if you don't trust yourself." Sandor
pulled his hand away from her fingers - even that innocent contact was making
him crazy. "Now stop talking about kissing and fucking before I drag you out of
this restaurant."
"Fine," she agreed. "After dinner, though... Oh, I suppose you want to stop
talking about it." He scowled at her teasing him, about to pay her back when
the waitress showed up with their food. Sandor turned his angry look at the
server and she's scuttled out of the way quickly.
"You're gonna pay for your naughty teasing, little bird," he warned. "I won't
let you off easy this time."
"I certainly hope so," Sansa tortured him some more with that flirty eyelash
batting thing that drove him wild.
"Godsdammit, girl." He groaned and gestured towards his giant plate of
delicious smelling food. "Let a man eat!" Sansa giggled and held her hands in
surrender before turning her greedy eyes down at her plateful of noodles.
Sandor could only hope she did not transform back into the timid jumpy version
of herself once he got her all alone.
Chapter End Notes
     My A/C has been busted since all day yesterday and still not fixed!!!
     I wanted to write Sansa POV but it's too bloody hot. The repair
     person is already an hour behind schedule. I just want you all to
     know - if I die from this, I did it all for you...
     Remember me... <3
     OMG! The doorbell just rang and I ran to answer... just FedEx.
     AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I need to leave the deep south. Dear gods,
     why do I live here?! Oh right, Disney World. Frack.
***** Lights Like Shooting Stars *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                         [Lights_Like_Shooting_Stars]
                                     SANSA
The day before she got a call from Margaery, apologizing and wanting to patch
things up, and part of her wanted not to answer. They chatted for a while Sansa
realized that though misguided, the girls really did have good intentions at
heart. Afterward, they agreed to meet up and talk some more in person later and
she felt like a burden was lifted off of her heart. She hated being at odds
with other people and her first impression of the cheer-leading squad was good.
Despite their interference, she still wanted to be friends with them.
On the heels of her good mood, came and overwhelming urge to just be with
Sandor. She wanted to touch him, talk to him, and hear his voice whispering
sweet things in her ear. The knowledge that the relationship would no longer be
challenged made Sansa realize how nervous she was. That anxiety translated into
being reserved around him. A new uplifting sense of freedom encouraged her to
throw caution into the wind. He gave in easily to her demand for a date to her
favorite restaurant, even on a school night.
Sandor even agreed to dress up and she could hardly believe how good he looked.
She always thought him attractive but in a tight dress shirt, he was downright
dangerous. Sansa ordered fettuccine alfredo for Sandor and classic spaghetti
with chicken meatballs for herself. Even though she ordered her favorite meal
at her favorite restaurant, eating with him made it taste even better. The meal
was over too quickly but she was eager for what would come after. He patted his
stomach with a satisfied growl and tucked his arm around her waist as they
walked towards his car.
Sandor opened the door for her again and she nearly fell over from shock. That
was the third time he ever did that and that made twice in one day. If it
continued, she might start to suspect that some alien invasion was taking over
the people in her life. Not that she minded him treating her a little more
nicely; it was just a bit strange. Her sister and dad were also acting out of
character lately. But she had too much to worry about without involving herself
in their problems. Arya was oddly silent at dinner last night and daddy worried
even more than usual, presumably about the merger.
"Do you like cinnamon or mint?" She rifled in her purse until she found the two
packages and offered him a choice. Sandor looked over at the gum with a puzzled
expression but Sansa only grinned at him before explaining. "For the garlic
breath, I thought of everything."
"Cinnamon," he answered with an approving grin. Sansa handed the package over
for him to pull out a stick, unwrap it and pop it into his mouth. She replaced
the gum in her purse after taking a piece of spearmint for herself. Sandor
pulled the Skylark out of the restaurants' parking lot and in the opposite
direction of the city.
"I knew you would like spicy gum." She looked out the window but did not
recognize the route they were taking. "Where are we going?"
"The abandoned supermarket is for emergency making out," he informed her. Sansa
laughed at his serious usage of the word 'emergency'. "I've somewhere better in
mind."
"Oh, but..." She scolded herself for hesitating and turned to face him. "Can we
stay in the Skylark? It's my favorite place to kiss you."
"And that's why you're my girl - fucking brilliant." He grinned wide and
punched the gas, instead of feeling scared by how fast they were driving, Sansa
found it thrilling. They pulled off an exit just by the Kings Landing Bridge
into the parking lot of a small of a nature preserve set up for hiking. The
view was spectacular, all of the lights on the bridge were lit up. Stars were
just beginning to shine as sun sunk down and dissipated behind them. Headlights
and taillights of cars driving over the bridge created a steady stream of
twinkling lights.
"Oh, Sandor, this is so beautiful." Her sister would love to hike this trail
and she made a mental note to tell her about it. "Can we get out and look?"
Sandor nodded and they got out of the car to walk to the front and sit on the
still warm hood. "This is perfect..." Without even realizing it, tears welled
in her eyes to spill over onto her face and she quickly wiped them away before
he saw. "It's just... perfect."
"Why're you crying?!" He turned her towards him with a confused and worried
expression on his face.
"I'm so... happy," she inhaled a shuttering breath, "sorry."
"Silly little bird." He gathered her in his arms as he laughed softly at her.
He was trying to comfort her but the closeness reignited the sense of urgency
that had been tugging at her all day. She wrapped her hands around his neck and
pulled herself up to the press a kiss to his neck, feeling his pulse quicken
beneath her lips. "I'm gonna take you to that fucking restaurant every day," he
growled. "They must put something in that sauce."
"No, it's you," she pressed another kiss to his jaw. "I want to kiss you... so
badly." Without warning, he tugged her into his arms and stood up to carry her
to the side of the car before setting her down. Sandor opened the door and
crouched to move the seat before holding his hand out for her to get in first.
Sansa slid into the backseat and scooted over as he followed and shut the door.
At this point, her stomach should have been fluttering but she did not feel
nervous at all. "Maybe we shouldn't wait," the words rushed out of her mouth,
"this feels special enough."
"No," it sounded physically painful for him to deny her and Sansa admonished
herself for pushing him. "I know that's not what you really want." Sandor gave
her a determined look that was far more touching than any look of longing. He
was right that she still wanted the dream... But she also wanted to be with him
more than she ever though she could want someone. "I'm gonna give you that
'perfect first time', you deserve it."
"So do you," she moved to his side to hold onto his arm. "I think no matter
where we are... being with you is what will make it right for me." It was not
right for her to be selfish and dictate when, where, and how. Sandor squeezed
his eyes shut and gulped before shaking his head as if to clear his thoughts.
Sansa worried she might have made him angry or he thought she was still teasing
him. He slowly let out a breath and turned to face her with a hungry expression
as he took ahold of her wrist to place her palm over his racing heart.
"Same rules as before," he growled, "do whatever you want." Sansa nodded,
unable to speak, and lifted her hand to the top of his shirt. He stopped her,
still staring at her hard, as she unfastened the first button. "I can't say no
again - so don't ask."
"I won't," she promised to both him and herself. If Sandor was determined to
make her first time perfect, then perhaps that was his way of having his own
'perfect first time'. With impatient shaky fingers, she unbuttoned his shirt as
he sunk against into the seat. His head tilted back to rest on the top of the
seat as Sansa slid her hands under his shirt to part the two sides and reveal
his broad chest. A quiet gasp escaped her throat and he chuckled at her
reaction, still relaxed and otherwise unmoving.
Sansa doubted he would believe her if she told him how beautiful he was. Her
fingertips skimmed along his collarbone, finding his skin soft and warm. She
moved her hand lower to the patch of dark curly hair in the center of his
chest. Despite his calm demeanor, his heart pounded in his chest giving her a
heady sense of control. She followed the springy hair down to his stomach,
which tensed under her hand. Her breath was coming out in short pants as her
pulse raced and her thoughts became fuzzy.
She lightly scraped her fingernails over his taunt stomach and Sandor growled
low in his chest in response. Her own chest tingled and ached due to the
overwhelming impulse to press her skin against his. A mischievous voice in her
mind whispered temptations, urging her to let go of her remaining reservations.
His eyes flew open wide in surprise as she braced against his shoulders and
shifted her position, rising up to kneel over him.
His hands moved up to her hips, the heat from them seeping through the fabric
of her dress. Her tight grip on his shoulders relaxed to curl her fingers
behind his neck before she dipped her lips to meet his. Sandor tasted like
cinnamon and her knees grew weak as she moved her mouth against his. Sansa sank
down onto his lap and he tugged on hips to pull her flush against the hard
bulge in his lap. She broke away from the kiss with a sharp intake of breath
and he made a frustrated groan as he removed his hands.
"Your hands..." Sansa panted to catch her breath, fighting the instinct to pull
away and the urge to squirm in his lap. "Are fine where they were." Sandor
moved his hands over her dress to return to her hips, just the tip of his
fingers grazed over her bare skin. "Wait," she laughed softly at his impatient
growl but he halted his movement. "If you want," she wished it was not so hard
to say what she wanted. That she craved his touch on her bare skin did not
embarrass her but for some reason saying it out loud made her self-conscious.
"Underneath the fabric is fine, too."
"I won't argue," he growled as his hands moved impossibly slow to the hem of
her skirt. "I'll just... go ahead then." Sandor gave her an unsure look, to
which she gave a nod of approval. Sansa nearly felt mortified at the sound she
made as his hand slid up her thigh, under the skirt of her dress. "Sansa," he
whispered her name it send a hot flush through her body.
"Again," she ordered in a voice she did not know, "say my name." Sansa moved
her hands under his open shirt to hold onto his bare shoulders.
"Sansa," he growled, digging his fingertips into her hips and pulling her
against his hardness again. She cried out again, uninhibited as overwhelming
desire imprisoned her consciousness. Sandor sat up to brush his lips up her
neck, continuing to hold her in place. "You're like a dream," his hold breath
whispered over her skin, "my Sansa." Her fingertips dug into the hard muscles
of his shoulders. "So perfect," he kissed under her ear, "you can't know how
much I want you."
"Tell me," she whimpered, "you'll want me always." That was close enough 'I
love you', it was fine if Sandor did not want to say those words, Sansa knew
she loved him but it still scared her to say so.
"You're all I want," his voice was low and tight, "always and all the time."
Sansa pushed on his shoulder to urge him back against the seat, pressing her
lips against his without hesitation. She arched her back to flatten her chest
against his, the friction between her legs made her gasp against his mouth.
This time, Sandor did not let her go but held her tighter and tugged on her
hips to repeat the motion. Her hands tugged zipper on the back on her dress and
she pulled away to remove her shrug and pushed down the bodice. "You're not
making it easy," he choked.
"Good," she collapsed against his chest, her face buried against his neck. Her
body shivered despite the heat radiating from his body. "You don't make it easy
for me either." Sansa had never been so close and intimate with another person
but it was not nearly enough. "Sandor," her lips moved over his heated skin as
she spoke. "Kiss me before I start asking again." His hands left her hips and
flew to her arms to pull them behind her back.
"Cruel, little bird," he accused. Sandor captured her mouth, holding her back
from the skin contact she desperately craved. His kiss was harsh and demanding
while his fingers locked around her forearms but Sansa wanted him to lose
control. She did not know where her newfound wildness came from but it
dominated her mind and body without any resistance. Her knees bumped into the
leather seat as her hips rocked against him. As soon as his hands loosened
their hold, she threw her arms around his shoulders and repeated the swaying
motion.
The friction sent a thousand shooting stars flying across her eyelids and made
her dizzy like she was spinning around too fast. His arms wrapped around her,
one hand curling around her shoulder and the other braced against her lower
back. He pulled and she pushed, moving their bodies together as their lips
moved in rhythm. The warmth from his chest and arms enveloped her trembling
body as another surge of heat rose within her. Every inch of her skin felt
oversensitive, the intense sensation building and growing...
"Fuck, stop," he tucked his hands under her arms and removed her from his lap
then pulled his hands away like she burned him. "Fuck," he rubbed a palm over
his face and clenched his other hand in a tight fist.
"What's wrong?" Sansa put a hand to her chest to catch her breath, watching
Sandor with a mixture of worry and longing. "Did I-"
"I'm too close," he grumbled, still rubbing his face. Sansa wanted to argue,
they were not nearly close enough! But then... his meaning sunk in.
"Oh," she sighed a laugh, "me too." Sandor turned his face sharply towards her
toward her. "We can stop now." Sansa rested her head back against the seat and
closed her eyes, attempting to relax her restless body.
"If you want," his voice was quiet but closer and his fingertips skimmed over
her knee. Sansa opened her eyes when he did not finish speaking and looked down
to his hand tracing small circles on her skin. She probably should have felt
embarrassed but her body still hummed with yearning. "Sansa," he growled her
name softly and her head fell back against the seat as a whimper escaped her
throat. "Let me touch you."
"Hold me," she pleaded, nearly sobbing with relief when he complied right away
and pulled her to his side. His fingers hooked behind her knee and drew her leg
up over his before slowly sliding up the inside of her thigh. "Please," she
wheezed, "please touch me." Sansa hardly recognized the person controlling her
body and voice. A tiny prudent voice in her head demanded she snap her legs
shut. That voice was lost to the deafening roar of desperation screaming its
demand for satisfaction... So her knees shifted further apart.
"Sansa," he rasped her name again and she turned her face against his neck. "My
girl," he murmured as the back of his fingers grazed over her damp panties. Her
hands fisted the front of his open shirt as he teased the sensitive pulsing
flesh between her legs. "My beautiful girl," his deep voice vibrated his throat
beneath her lips and she whimpered against his skin. "So perfect," he nuzzled
his face into her hair as she shook from the force of the rising tide of
sensation threatening to tear her apart. "Sing for me... Sansa."
So she did, crying out loud and wanton as indescribable pleasure racked her
body and flooded her with ecstasy. Her hands lost all strength and fell from
his shirt and her ability to breath returned as the intensity died down. Sandor
loosened his tight hold around her waist and slumped back against the seat, as
if the experience was just as intense for him. They both sat motionless,
tangled together but loose-limbed until he started to pull away.
"Don't go," she weakly resumed her hold on his shirt, "just a bit longer."
Sansa sighed in contentment as he nodded and laid his cheek against the top of
her head. She started to drift off to sleep against his shoulder when his
movement jostled her awake. Sandor shushed her sleepy protest and opened the
door to step outside the car for a few moments before returning. "I'm sorry,"
she yawned as he resumed holding her.
"What for," he gently tugged at the band holding her hair up and Sansa knew her
hair must be completely mussed. "That was the best thing that ever happened to
me."
"You gave me the most wonderful feeling," she gushed, still basking in the
afterglow. "Then I forgot about you."
"Told you I'd do the hard work," he chuckled as he ran his fingers through her
loosened hair. "So, I did alright? It was easier than I thought."
"It was... amazing," she sighed, "I never imagined it would be like that."
"That wasn't..." Sandor held onto her shoulder to pull her back and gave her a
disbelieving look. "Sansa, was that - your first orgasm?" His incredulity made
her feel self-conscious and Sansa's eyes avoided his to look out the window.
"Yes," she whispered. Sandor made a soft 'ha' sound and pulled her back against
his warm chest.
"My poor, sweet little bird," he chuckled against her hair, "no wonder you're
so eager." Sandor's hand ran along her back in a soothing motion.
"I tried it before but I stopped when it got too intense." Sansa never thought
it was unusual not to touch herself since her parents never discussed it with
her. Outside of her siblings there were few people her own age she was close to
in Winterfell so the topic never came up. "I guess it is silly that it kind of
scared me." She tilted her head back to look up at Sandor. "I'm not scared when
I'm with you."
"I should get you home," he loosed his hold and swept her hair forward as Sansa
zipped her dress. "It won't be good if you father wises up."
"Daddy is very wise," she insisted, "he's just a bit of a stickler for the
rules." Sansa sighed as she did her best to fix her mussed appearance. "I feel
guilty about not telling him I'm seeing someone."
"How much longer until your birthday?" Sandor quickly rephrased the question
when she turned a pout on him. "I know it's December seventh," he rolled his
eyes, "I just don't remember what today is."
"Three weeks and two days before I'm officially sweet and sixteen!" She
informed him with a grin, happy he remembered her birthday. "I can't wait!
Dates, driver's license, and soon... The Winter Formal!" Sansa flung her arms
around Sandor's neck and nuzzled her face against his. "It feels almost wrong
to be so happy."
"Thanks," he squeezed her back, "for letting me make you happy." Sandor
released her, holding onto her upper arms and regarding her with an unreadable
expression.
"We can have another date this weekend," she gazed up at him with wide-eyed
hope.
"We can go on a date every fucking day if it's gonna end like this." Sandor
laughed as he started buttoning his shirt. "I'll quit basketball and school and
get a real job to pay for all the dates."
"That's not even funny, Sandor." Sansa slapped his giant clumsy hands out of
the way to fix his shirt herself. "You are too glorious on the court to quit
basketball."
"But school," he chucked, "you think I should just give up now, huh?"
"No!" Sansa tapped his arm and scowled at him. "I think you should study harder
so you can get into a good school."
"I can get into any school I want," he scoffed dismissively, "if they have a
basketball team."
"I'll miss you terribly," she confessed quietly, hating to even think about
what would happen once he left for college. Sansa already knew she would be
willing to keep up their relationship long-distance but feared he did not.
"I'm not going anywhere yet," he turned her face up for one more kiss before
opening the door and offering a hand to help her out. Sansa stepped out of the
Skylark and held onto his hand, drawing his eyes down to her.
"Wherever you go," she placed her hand over his heart, "I'll always be with
you." Sandor did not answer, only lifted her hand to his lips, and kissed it
before leading her to the passenger side. When he opened the door for her,
again it cemented in her mind that though he did not express it in words... She
felt loved.
Chapter End Notes
     I wish I had a million more years to make this chapter perfect but
     that's how I get fizzed out. It makes me insanely happy to write
     every day, to be honest I've never been so... confident? Is this what
     confidence feels like? Whoa. So, if you'll keep putting up with my
     sub-par editing, I'll keep trying my best to publish every day. Okay?
     <3333
     So, are we more interested to see how Arya is dealing with Gendry's
     love confession or Dany's post-freakout apology? There's a revelation
     about Gendry's relationship with his mom I've been holding onto but I
     feel so bad for Drogo and Dany... But Arya's feels are wicked
     important!
***** A Place Only We Know *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [A_Place_Only_We_Know]
                                    GENDRY
He watched the burrito spin around and around inside the microwave. It taunted
him with its bean and cheese goodness that he couldn't wait for. Mom ran past
in a blur of blond hair but he paid no attention, his full focus on that
humming beautiful machine making his dinner. In two minutes, seventeen seconds
he was going to sink his teeth into that tortilla package of deliciousness. His
mouth watered in anticipation as he was sorta getting dizzy from watching or
maybe just from hunger.
"I forgot to tell you," mom threw over shoulder as she passed by again. "I have
to go out of town and we won't make it to the fair this year." She stopped at
the fridge to pull out her lunch. "I'm really sorry, and I'll explain it all
later."
"What?!" Gendry turned away from the microwave to stare dumbfounded as she
dashed back towards her bedroom. "What you're saying doesn't even make sense,"
he called after her. "You can't just say something like that and then rush
off!"
"I'm sorry honey I have to go," she was too busy running around like a madwoman
for the night shift at her second job to argue with him. Mom stopped rushing
around to face him while pulling her hair back into a bun. "I'm doing a favor
for friend and I had to make miracles happen just to get the time off from both
jobs." Her face was a mask of apology as she explained. "I'll only be gone for
a week, I promise."
"A week?!" Gendry could not believe it, this news just kept getting better and
better. "It's tradition," he protested. "It's my 18th birthday!" The microwave
beeped, usually his favorite sound but at that moment it was just annoying.
"I'll only turn into an adult once in my life: and you're gonna miss it?!" He
opened the microwave door to retrieve his burrito and walked over to the table
to try and enjoy his meal. The first bite was too hot, burning his tongue and
not nearly as satisfying as he hoped it would be.
"I know, and I promise I will make it up to you." Mom hurried to the front
door, back and forth across the kitchen until Gendry grabbed her by the wrist.
He picked up the keys from the table to hold them up with a jingle and she
snatched them without a thank-you. "The woman I am filling in for is a good
person," she stuffed the keys in her pocket, "she needs time to figure things
out. What do I always say?"
"There's an eighth hell," he recited, "reserved for women who don't help other
women." The second bite of the burrito was better, but it did nothing to
improve his worsening mood.
"That's right," she turned to look at him, stopping her frantic rush. "When I
found out I was pregnant with you, most people told me you would be too big a
burden." Mom sat down at the table and took his hand. "Then you turned out to
be my hero."
"Mom, you don't have to keep bringing that up." Gendry shrugged and took
another bite out of him burrito, talking with his mouth full. "I did what any
son would do."
"I would have died if not for your marrow," she insisted for the millionth
time, "that's a fact." Mom's face scrunched up into a familiar guilty
expression. "You were even held back that year in school and you never
complained." Gendry opened his mouth to argue that it was no sacrifice to be
able to help save his mother. "You were never a burden..." Her eyes welled up
with tears that she quickly wiped away. "Now my baby is grown and I have to
help others like me."
"I know," he bowed his head, regretting whining like a little kid when his
mother was being selfless. "I'll miss you," he stood up and held out his arms,
"love you, mom." She smiled and rose to wrap her arms around him squeezing
hard.
"I love you, baby," she held onto him. "You're still my baby, no matter how big
you get." Mom suddenly released him. "Darn it," she frowned at her watch, "I'll
be late!" She walked backward to the door, blowing kisses at him. "Bye, honey-
baby-sweetie-pie! I'll make up to you, promise!"
"Bye," he waved, laughing at her as she grabbed her purse and dashed out the
door. Gendry fell back into his seat, staring at his half-eaten burrito because
he hated always eating alone. His phone buzzed in his pocket and he fished it
out with a smile, knowing who it must be.
'I need to see you tonight,' she sure liked to get straight to the point. Arya
had been giving him the cold shoulder since they were interrupted by Jon.
Gendry figured she'd come around again once she cooled off: or at least that's
what he prayed for fervently every night. He must've started a hundred
different apology texts but in the end he just let her be, not wanting to seem
too desperate.
'That seems risky,' he doubted Mr. Stark had any patience left for Arya to wear
out. 'Still grounded right?' Gendry knew arguing with her was pointless and
potentially just going to piss her off again. But, if they got caught again,
she wouldn't be able to talk her way out of it or take the blame all on herself
again.
'Totally,' she replied instantly. 'But, I could sneak out if you come pick me
up!' Gendry set the phone down and scarfed the rest of the burrito to give
himself time to think. 'I promise it will be worth it,' she added: Arya's final
text didn't leave much room for misinterpretation. He gulped the chunk of
burrito, nearly choking.
'You're gonna get in more trouble,' he countered, wishing just this once she
would listen to him. Arya did not reply to his text so he stood up to get a
glass of water, still filling the cup from the tap when his phone buzzed. In
his haste back to the table, he spilled some water on the floor and nearly
slipped on it.
'Don't make me beg,' she finally responded. 'Please, Gendry, just this once.'
He could just picture her face, pouting at the phone with her little nose all
scrunched. 'I'm begging and it hurts my pride,'
'What time?' He knew arguing only delayed the inevitable, he was going to give
in to her eventually. At least, he just had to make an effort to appear as if
he had some self-control. They won't get caught, he told himself. They'll only
do this once, he assured himself. They were probably going to do this a lot and
eventually get caught, he admitted to himself.
                                     ARYA
She found her sister on her bed, hunched over her pink laptop looking at prom
dresses. Arya quickly shut the door and mentally rehearsed what she planned to
say.
"Sansa," Arya wasted no time and immediately got on her knees and assumed a
begging position. "I need your help."
"Arya," Sansa sighed as she shut the laptop. "I can't get caught up in your
schemes right now."
"I know," Arya set her clasped hands on the edge of the bed. "I don't deserve
your help - I 'need' it."
"I can't-"
"Gendry said he loves me," she cut her sister off - whispering in case dad
might pass in the hallway. "That I'm his 'life' and a bunch of other ridiculous
romantic things."
"Wow," Sansa patted the bed beside her. "What did you say?"
"He said it to Jon and I overheard." Arya braced against the bed to rise from
her kneeling position and plopped down beside her sister. "I haven't spoken to
him since and I'm going crazy," she whimpered. "Please, honored elder sister, I
will owe you so big." Arya linked her fingers once more and put her hands under
her chin to give her sister another pleading look. "Anything!"
"You are really good at getting what you want." Sansa finally relented, a real
softy for love confessions.
"Thank you," Arya reached out to grab her sister's hand. "Thank you so much - I
love you." Sansa rolled her eyes and pulled her hand away. "I owe you B-I-G -
big."
"I intend to collect," she warned.
"Okay, if I'm not back before dad wakes up," Arya hoped off the bed to pace as
she explained her plan. "Tell him I went out early for coffee and doughnuts...
Oh right, San-sa?" Her sister scoffed a laugh as she reached over to her
bedside table to pick up her purse and rummage through it.
"Here's twenty," Sansa held out the bill, "and I want the change."
"I love you more than shrimp friend rice," Arya accepted the money gratefully
and crammed it in her pocket.
"Now you're just flat-out lying." Sansa stood up from the bed as Arya started
to leave to get ready to meet Gendry. "Arya, wait... I won't waste any breath
telling you what to do." Her sister's face wore a concerned expression that
reminded Arya of their mother. "Be careful and if you get caught," she held up
one finger and wagged it in the air, "I am not accepting any responsibilities."
"Understood," Arya saluted before turning around and walking out of the bedroom
to take a shower. Inside the bathroom, she turned the water on all the way hot
and placed the twenty on the counter top to keep it safe. Her clothes were
discarded on the floor and she stepped inside to let the near-scalding water
pour over her. She adjusted the temperature and smoothed her hair back to let
the water rush over her face. Inside her mind, thoughts were flying faster than
she could keep up with. One thought remained constant - she would have Gendry
this night.
She was tired of waiting, sick and tired of everyone trying to tell her what
she should want or should do. Gendry loved her - apparently a fuck-load - and
she loved him too. They already said they belonged to each other, having sex
was just the logical next step. Also, gods damn - his body was rockin' hot!
Arya washed every inch of herself thoroughly twice. When she finished
showering, she opened the shower curtain to confront her foggy reflection. Her
eyes tried to see why a devastatingly sexy guy like him would ever want a
scrawny weirdo like her...
The reason didn't matter! He wasn't a liar and the things he said were too
dramatic to not be real, Gendry truly loved her - that was enough. She wrapped
a towel around herself and crept back into the bedroom so as not to wake her
sleeping sister. Arya grabbed whatever clean clothes were sitting on top of her
basket of laundry that would never get folded. Once dressed, she made up her
bed to look like someone slept there and snuck to her father's bedroom door to
listen for his snores. Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out
with a shaky hand.
'Here,' was all he said and she inhaled and exhaled slowly before making sure
she had the twenty and her phone. She apologized to her father inside her head
and made her great escape out of the apartment. Her heart beat wildly as she
rode the elevator and walked out of the apartment entrance to see Gendry's
Lincoln sitting out front. Arya jogged up to the car and wrenched the door open
to slid inside.
"Hey," he greeted her with his signature lop-sided smile and Arya forced
herself to act cool.
"Yo," she kicked her feet up on the dash. "So, where are we going?"
"The forge," he put the car into drive and pulled out of the parking lot. "If
that's fine with you?"
"If this was a horror movie," she raised an eyebrow at him, "you realize we
would die first, right?"
"Shit," he laughed, "didn't think about that."
"That's why you need me," she shrugged, "good thing I know the twist ending."
"What's that?" Gendry directed the car towards the Kings Forest National Park
and Arya struggled to hide the sweat collecting on her brow.
"I was the killer all along," she kept her tone light, "and nobody suspected a
thing because I'm so cute."
"So," he chucked, "do I get to live?"
"Depends," she shrugged, "you'll have to work hard to convince me to spare
you."
"A blacksmith is no stranger to hard work, milady." Gendry's voice got all low
and husky - like it did when he wanted her - and it made her squirm in her
seat. To distract herself, she looked around the car as he drove and noticed
his sleeping bag rolled up in the backseat with a grocery bag next to it. Arya
reached for the plastic bag, moving faster when Gendry started stuttering a
protest. She laughed her ass off when she saw what was inside - a giant box of
condoms. The box had '100 count' written on the side.
"You were optimistic," she chuckled at his blushing face.
"It's more cost-effective to buy in bulk," he protested her teasing, "that's
just economics." Gendry pulled the Lincoln into the parking lot of the park and
pulled into his usual spot. "But yeah," he ran a hand through his hair, "I was
kinda hoping we'd get to use the whole box."
"Let's get to it then," she carried the bag as she hauled open the car door to
get out and head into the dark woods.
"A-are you sure?" Gendry scrambled out of the car and jogged to catch up to
her. "Tonight?" She pulled her phone out to light the trail as they walked to
the forge.
"You don't want to?" Arya held up the box, raising an eyebrow at him. "I'm
getting mixed messages here."
"No, I do!" Gendry waved his hands, shook his head first in denial, and then
nodded an affirmative. "Trust me, I do. I just... don't want to pressure you-
" Arya's cackle of laughter cut off his words.
"As if you could," she scoffed, acting a lot cooler than she actually was.
Doubts crept into her mind as they approached the clearing. "Do you feel
pressured?"
"Nope," he shook his head again. They walked in silence the rest of the way,
the air between them getting tense. Arya thought about cracking some jokes but
worried her voice might sound as trembly as her legs felt. Gendry laid out the
sleeping bag and she tossed the giant box of condoms on the ground next to it.
She stared at the place where she would shortly lose her virginity with a sense
of disbelief it was actually going to happen.
"Let's do this," she whipped her shirt over her head and stepped towards the
sleeping bag. Gendry caught her arm and Arya turned to face his serious
expression.
"I think the correct phrase is: 'I want you'." His lips pulled into a tense
smile and it actually put her at ease to see he was clearly nervous too.
"I love you, Gendry." There - she finally said it. Gendry's jaw came unhinged
as his bright blue eyes opened up wide before he blinked at her a few times.
"I love you, too," he whispered. "You mean it?" Gendry took ahold of her
shoulders, brow scrunching up with worry. "Say it again."
"Gladly," she laughed at his dramatic behavior. "I love you - now, take your
pants off." Arya's hands attacked the button on his jeans, tugging at it with
impatience.
"Always the romantic," he halted her attempt to undress him by pulling her
close against his chest and kissing the top of her head.
"That's why you love me..." Arya mumbled into his chest, a bit embarrassed but
extremely happy to hear him confess his love to her personally.
"And why do you love me?" Gendry pulled her back to give her another serious
and disbelieving look.
"Mostly for your body," she teased, earning a scowl from him. "Then your eyes,"
she answered more seriously and his expression softened. "You're pretty cool, I
guess." Arya jerked her head towards the forge with a grin. "I think a medieval
forge would soak any girl's panties." Gendry laughed, shaking his head.
"Nah, you're one of a kind, Arya." Gendry gazed down at her with his
overwhelming adoring look and she couldn't take it so she pushed him hard. He
fell onto the sleeping bag with a grunt and she came down on top of him to
straddle his lap.
"You talk too much," she murmured before grabbing both sides of his face and
pressing her lips to his. Arya tugged his shirt, breaking their kiss for only
an instant as she removed the fabric in her way. Gendry was useless, not making
any moves to help remove her clothes or his, so she pushed away from him to
strip to her underwear. She turned back to see him watching her with a half-
smile and dazed glassy eyes so she smacked his chest with a scowl. "Pants - off
- now!"
"Gods," he laughed as he moved to obey, "I'm just the luckiest fellow who ever
lived." Arya crawled down to remove his boots and then helped tug off his
pants. Underwear seemed the most difficult barrier to cross, even though they'd
both been basically naked in the pool. It was one thing to get swept away and
almost have sex - planning to have sex was terrifying... "Arry," he pulled her
out of her thoughts, "you okay?" She couldn't reply because she didn't even
know the answer to that question so she kissed him instead.
He laid her back on the sleeping bag and covered her body with his, moving down
to kiss her neck and collarbone. Arya wanted to focus on the sweet tenderness
of his light kisses. But the rough rasping of his calloused fingers on her
thigh stole all of her attention. A light push on his shoulders was all it took
for Gendry to jerk backwards as if he was hooked around the neck like in a
classic cartoon. She snorted a laugh at his overreaction as she crossed her
arms to pull her bra over her head and then wiggled out of her panties.
"Naked!" Arya felt the need to announce it, acting more of a ham whenever she
felt nervous. "Now you," she commanded and Gendry just laughed at her, rolling
his eyes as he complied. She didn't get a good look at his - it - that day in
the pool and cursed the lack of light to see better. He did not give her much
of a chance to look anyway before reaching out to dig around in the condom box.
"It's not easy," he grumbled, "to do this in the dark."
"Where are my pants," she propped up on her elbows to look around, "my phone is
in there..."
"Got it," he assured her and Arya shrugged before laying back, pulling at her
fingers as she waited. Gendry moved over her again, the dark obscuring his
expression until he was only a breath's distance away. He looked tense, every
muscle in his face was pulled taunt as she slid her knees up around his sides.
"Ready?" His question was a little ridiculous - considering he was naked,
sheathed in latex, and poised between her legs. She reached between their
bodies to curl her fingers around his hardness and positioned it at her
entrance.
"All systems are go," she hated how wobbly her voice suddenly was. Gendry sank
down, pressing the very tip against her before looking down for encouragement.
"I'm not going to break," she rolled her eyes and tugged on his hip. Then he
really started to press himself inside her and it felt - fucking HORRIBLE! Oh
fucking gods, what is that terrible dreadful excruciating torture?!!! "Ow," she
tried to hold it back but it hurt a lot more - way extremely more - than she
thought it would. "Ow-ow-ow, stop!"
"Sorry," his voice was strained and breathless, "it hurts?" Arya swallowed
hard, afraid if she opened her mouth then she might be sick. Gendry was
perfectly still - not even breathing - for way too long to be healthy.
"Of course it hurts - that's what 'ow' means!" Arya clung to his shoulders to
keep her face buried against his neck so he wouldn't see the tears welling in
her eyes. "Just be still and quiet," she commanded, focusing on breathing in
and out to give the pain some time to dull. "Okay," she whispered "a little
more - stop!" It was like torture to want something so badly and then have it
feel so awful! "Ugh," she groaned, "this is so annoying."
"We can stop-" Gendry started to pull away but she locked her legs around his
and held him tighter.
"No way - we are doing this tonight even if it kills me." Arya whimpered as he
relaxed on top of her and she closed her eyes to think of relaxing thoughts
like snow slowly falling in a clearing. "It's hurting less," she told him,
"keep going." The piercing unpleasantness gave way to a sudden rush of
pressure. She felt him slip further in, less painful than before but the odd
sensation was surprising. "Ah!"
"That's it," he ground out, "I'm in." Gendry trembled all over, slowly lowering
himself to brace on his forearms.
"Oh my god." Arya could hardly believe it - nothing at all had changed - except
for everything. "Virginity vanquished," she joked and his laughter sent
skittering jolts of sensation everywhere. "Don't laugh - just be still."
"It still hurts?" He started holding his breath again and she smiled against
his neck.
"It's not that bad," she assured him as she experimentally shifted her hips,
causing Gendry to suck in a breath. "Feels weird though," she moved again and
his body shook even harder but stayed still. "I think it's okay to move now."
He thrust into her as soon as the words left her mouth and it was... "Oh gods!"
"What?!" Gendry froze again.
"It feels... good." Arya grinned - finally things were going her way - and
bucked against him again. Oh gods in all the seven heaves... Yes! The pain
dulled to a tolerable level and she felt every other sensation heighten in its
absence. Gendry moved in rhythm with her as she lifted up to meet him. The
synchronized effort sent waves of impossible pleasure washing over her.
"I love you," he whispered it over and over with each push and pull. "Arya,"
Gendry nearly sobbed her name as he halted his movements, trembling from head
to toe.
"Don't stop," she pleaded, writhing against him.
"I can't..." He rose up to brace himself on his hands while his head lolled
forward.
"Look at me," she demanded, he immediately obeyed. "I love you." Arya lifted
her knees higher to a better position and he hissed and bit his lip. "Don't
look away from me," she held onto his hips and moved against him. He let go of
his restraint, pulsing within her, making her tortuously close to her own
climax. Gendry panted as he slumped down on top of her before he started to
pull away. "Stay," she tightened her limbs around him.
"As you command, milady." Gendry's voice wheezed weakly as he caught his
breath. For him, it was over - for Arya it had only just begun.
"Gendry..."
"Hmm?"
"Can we do it again?" In answer, he thrust once inside her, making her gasp.
"Seems like it," he sounded as happy about it as she felt. "Does it still
hurt?"
"Not at all," she rocked her hips up to him and he countered with a pushing
deeper inside her. Their motions found no rhythm, moving together faster and
more erratically than before. Arya dug her fingers into the muscles of his back
and shoulders, flexing with every thrust. It grew harder to breathe as he moved
one hand to her breast. His fingertips brushed over the peak, causing her to
shudder and writhe beneath him. An inferno of intense pleasure ripped through
her body and she screamed from the intensity until it subsided.
"Don't ask for a third time," he rolled over onto his back, "I don't have it in
me." Gendry panted, making little wheezing sounds with each breath.
"No, I'm good." Arya patted his chest before she curled into his side for
warmth. "Gendry," she groaned, "we can't fall asleep - I have to go home."
Gendry sat up and started to put on his clothes so she crawled away to do the
same. "I want to stay longer but if my dad catches me... Personally, I'd prefer
a psycho killer out there watching us lose our virginities." When he didn't
laugh she tugged on her pants and turned around to see him staring at her.
"It's all going to work out," he assured her with resolute determination, "I
promise."
"You really love me, don't you?" Arya tugged her shirt on before returning to
his side. "I love you too, I mean it." She pulled his face close to see him
more clearly in the dark. "I don't care who believes it, as long as you do."
"I believe you," he pulled her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to it. And
just like that, to add to the growing list of impossible things happening that
night - she fell more in love with him.
Chapter End Notes
     Ugh, I messed up. I ended up writing a Dany chapter and then
     realizing I didn't like the timeline so I ended up burning the
     midnight oil to pound this out. Upside, tomorrow I can waste all my
     time on making collages. Like a BOSS!
***** Sorry's and Secrets *****
Chapter Notes
     WARNING: discussion about sexual assault in last POV
See the end of the chapter for more notes
                             [Sorry's_and_Secrets]
                                     DANY
She waited nervously outside the empty room, greeting the group members with a
forced smile as they entered. Drogo stopped when he saw her, keeping his eyes
locked on hers as he approached at a steady controlled pace. Everything about
him was calm, like a predator considering the worth of its prey. Her
nervousness subsided, replaced with the rising tug of yearning he always
inspired. He did not greet her as he stood before her, just stared and waited.
"Can we talk?" Dany held her breath as he maintained his silence for a few more
moments and then nodded his head once in affirmative. Conscious of their lack
of privacy, she glanced up and down the hall, seeing Rick and Hot Pie strolling
towards them with smiles. She open the door for them, waiting for them to step
inside before she shut the door and rushed into an apology. "The other day, it
was wrong of me to run away. I'm really sorry!" Her eyes refused to meet his no
matter how much she tried to force them up. "It was just... all very sudden.
When you said... What you said, did you mean it?"
"I only say things I mean," he replied stoically. Dany's stomach dropped,
unsure if she would be less disappointed if he claimed he didn't mean it.
"I'm honored, really," she whispered, "it just surprised me." Dany realized she
had never been in a situation when the other person said 'I love you' first.
That thought made her feel worse because she hated empathizing with her exes.
"I really like you, Khal." Then she did look up at him, attempting to see some
emotion lingering in his unreadable expression.
"Like..." Drogo repeated the one word, his eyes shifting to the door as if he
wanted to walk past her. She shifted from one foot to the other, clenching her
fists to keep herself from trying to stop him if he suddenly left. Everyone
leaves, there's no point in trying to force them to stay if they didn't want
to.
"I think you're handsome and good and fun..." Dany's traitorous hand reached
out to touch him but stopped halfway and she let it drop to her side. "Really,
I do. After the way I treated you," she swallowed the lump in her throat, "I
would understand if you didn't want to see me anymore. But I hope you can
forgive me and stay my friend."
"Friend..." If he kept repeating what she said then Dany was just going to fall
on the ground and throw proper tantrum like a toddler. She could not tell what
he was thinking at all and he refused to say anything! It was driving her mad!
"Or more," she offered hopefully. "If you want." Dany's heart thundered in her
chest as she told herself: whatever he answered wouldn't make her fall apart.
She wasn't already attached to him: only liked him and thought him handsome...
no more and no less.
"More..." His cryptic one word replies were worse than any accusations of
leading him on could be. Drogo could demonstrate a little more emotion if he
actually 'loved' her. Would showing a little anger or sadness kill him?! Or was
he intentionally torturing her so she would abandon her attempt to make up?
"Is that an answer or a question?" Dany expected her voice to sound irritated
but it just sounded defeated. "You are killing me! I know," she hung her head,
"I deserve it... I hurt your feelings and I'm a terrible person." She turned
her eyes up at his to give him a pleading look. "At least, Drogo, let's stay
friends."
"No." That one word hurt more than she thought it could. But it didn't surprise
her, of course he didn't want to have anything to do with her anymore... "Let's
be 'more'."
"Really?!" Dany stared at him in shock as he nodded again. "Oh, you won't
regret it," she promised, "I'm an excellent girlfriend! Or I think so, at
least. So," she put her hand on his arm, "that means you are not upset with
me?"
"No," he clenched his jaw, "I said too much."
"Not at all!" Dany argued immediately, unwilling to let the injured party take
responsibility. "I reacted badly. You said a nice thing, I just... Those words
scare me." She sighed a sad laugh and patted her forehead. "I think we just
went a bit out of order. We forgot to go on a date! Usually that comes first,
then confessions of love, then amazing sex."
"Amazing?" Just the very corner of his lip curled up, breaking his usual stoic
expression. Dany fought the urge to do a victory dance at that miniscule show
of emotion.
"You didn't think so?" She let about an exaggerated sigh and put her hand over
her heart. "I'll just have to make more of an effort next time. I promise," she
teased, "I can do better." The other side of his mouth move just a fraction of
the centimeter. That she got any reaction at all felt like a reason to
celebrate. "But first, we should go on a date, like a normal couple."
"Where?" Drogo's one-word question threw her off, not having considered their
conversation going this well. If only Missa would answer her calls so they
could make up as well!
"You pick the first one." Dany had no idea what he like to do for fun besides
play DnD. Also, it was a bad habit of hers to take over dates and plan
everything: which is fun at first but then quickly goes unappreciated. The tiny
smile on his lips disappeared, causing her nervousness to return in full force.
"Khal? I really like you," she tried to reassure him. "I'll be so good to you
if you let me."
"Dany..." The way Drogo said her name should be illegal, or at least extremely
fattening. "You still want to speak Dothraki?"
"Why," she teased, "you think I should give up?" When he did not answer, Dany
tapped him on the shoulder in mock offense. "I'm not that bad! Of course," she
stepped closer to him, "I still want to learn. Will you still teach me?"
"Yes," he agreed. "And I will take you on a date."
"Thank you, Khal." Dany did not wait for an invitation and wrapped her arms
around him. "I promise, everything will be great from here on out." His hand
trailed through her loose hair as he returned her embrace. A bit of a rocky
start, her own fault, but she would not mess up again. There was no reason to
fear his feelings for her: love was a wonderful thing to receive... Until it
goes away.
                                    YGRITTE
She stormed into the room, making everyone jump in their seats but she ignored
them all - intent on kicking Sam's ass! Ygritte walked right up to him and
grabbed him by the collar of his shirt to yank him out of his seat.
"You tubby fuck!" She shook the fucking idiot as hard as she could, his head
bobbing back-and-forth like... well like a bobble head.
"Ygritte!" Jon stood up and tried to protect his friend but she just shoved him
out of her way.
"Don't interfere Jon," she warned, "he has it coming!" This fat rich boy
thought he could just fuck her cousin and not care at all about the
consequences!
"Gritt!" Gill's voice came from behind her and froze Ygritte mid-shake. "Stop,
please!" For her cousin sake alone, she released Sam and stepped back from him.
"Gilly?" Sam stared at Gill with wide-eyed confusion and Ygritte stepped in
between them to glare of the stupid asshole.
"My cousin?!" Ygritte was practically frothing at the mouth stared his dopey
face. "My sixteen-year-old cousin!" He needed an ass whipping and she intended
to provide it once he wasn't surrounded by all these people trying to protect
him. "I SHOULD KILL YOU!" She was going to put his face in the dirt!
"Ygritte, I came to you for help!" Gill was whispering and taking shuddering
breaths between her words. Her cousin pulled on Ygritte's arm trying to move
her out of the room. "You're doing the opposite! I don't know what to do..."
Then she just started sobbing in earnest and turned around to flee out of the
room.
"Gill!" Ygritte called after her before turning around to point a finger at
Sam. "I'm not finished with you." She took off down the hall after her cousin,
wishing her mind could work half as fast as her body. "Gill, don't run - it's
dangerous!"
                                      JON
"What...?" Sam fell back in the seat, shaking his head and staring at the door
with the dazed expression.
"Sam..." Jon felt sick, knowing his own worst nightmare was coming true for his
best friend. "You should go after her."
"But..." Sam just gazed at the doorway. "Why...? Oh, no," he whispered in
horror. "Nonononono..."
"Saying that won't fix anything," Gendry snapped. Sam blinked and turn around
in his seat to start shuffling his stuff together. "Forget your shit, man. Go!"
Jon stepped forward and held out a hand to help his shocked friend rise from
his seat.
"I'll handle Ygritte," he assured Sam as he helped him up. They raced towards
the nearest exit, hoping that that's where the girls headed. His friend moved
faster than Jon had ever seen. Gilly sat on the ground just outside the door
and Ygritte was trying to comfort her with the stricken expression.
"Gilly," Sam called softly. Ygritte was the one who looked up, rising to her
feet and clenching her fists as she stared at Sam. Jon approach her with his
hands held up and tilted his head into her focus.
"I can guess what's going on," he jerked his head towards the pitiful couple,
"this is between them." She relented with the nod and stalked off, brushing
past him and she walked around the side of the building. Jon caught up to her
just as she stumbled against the wall and called her and she say to the ground.
"You know nothing..." Ygritte was breathing hard and unblinking as she stared
off past him. "Oh, fuck! How could this happen? How could I not...?"
"Ygritte," he pulled on her shoulders to gain her attention. "You can't feel
responsible for something you have no control over."
"You don't understand - Gill depends on me." Her voice was tight and her eyes
glassy but she refused to cry. "I'm supposed to protect her."
"I understand that, I have younger cousins too." Jon thought of Bran, how he
hadn't been to visit him since the accident. A fresh wave of guilt washed over
him. "If anything ever happened to any of them, I would be devastated."
"I can't..." She made a pitiful high pitched sound and gripped her legs so hard
that her knuckles turned white. "Oh gods! I just have to fucking kill
something!"
"Why don't you try letting those tears fall?" Jon rubbed his hands over her
shoulders, brushing her wild hair back. "I enjoy a good cry when the occasion
calls for it."
"You're so different from other boys, Jon." Ygritte turned her sorrowful eyes
up at him, shining with unshed tears. "Why don't you ever...? Never mind." Then
she moved her hands to his head and pulled his lips down against hers. Tears
fell from her eyes as she moved her mouth over his, kissing him with raw
desperation. For a moment, he couldn't believe he was actually kissing her, or
that it was better than anything he ever dreamed.
Her face was wet with tears but her lips were soft and warm against his as her
hands wrapped around his shoulders. She pulled herself closer and he lightly
held onto her waist, almost afraid to touch her. Ygritte broke away as quickly
as she pulled him in and nearly knocked him over in her haste to get up. Jon
pushed off the ground and stood up as she turned away from him.
"Ygritte..." He didn't know what to say, he imagined their first kiss more
times than he could count, this scenario had never once entered his mind.
"I gotta go," she murmured, taking a few halted steps away from him before she
broke into a run.
"Wait," he called after her, "Ygritte!" Jon felt paralyzed by indecision, if he
chased after her he didn't know if it would actually make her feel better. So
he just stood there and watched her get smaller and smaller until she rounded a
corner and disappeared.
                                      SAM
He finally got her up off of the cold cement and helped her to take a seat on a
nearby bench. Then he waited for a good long while she still cried and he
might've shed a few tears too. So far, no one had specifically said anything
yet, it was pretty clear what was wrong. There are only so many things that can
go wrong in a teenager's life. This was the wrongest one of them all.
Parenthood. That night, when she called him... Sam never dreamed they would end
up making love but now his lack of preparation seemed horribly stupid.
"Gilly," Sam waited until she was not crying before he had to ask. "What
happened?" Gilly was quiet for a time and he couldn't press her, even if he
needed to hear it said out loud so he could start to cope.
"I'm having a baby," she stared at her hands. "I went to the clinic and found
out for sure yesterday."
"Oh, Gilly." Sam knew what she was going to say but it was still hard to hear.
"I'm sorry-"
"Don't be." Gilly leaned forward and wrapped her arms around herself, squeezing
her eyes shut. "I don't know... if it's your baby."
"Oh." If he thought the news couldn't get any worse, clearly it could. It
would've been better if she took a knife and stabbed him straight in the heart.
"I only ever had sex with you, Sam." Gilly's voice was so quiet he could barely
hear her. "I swear."
"Then..." He was confused, that was putting it mildly. "How could you not
know?"
"Before we were together..." Gilly looked up but not at him, staring off into
the distance with a pained expression. "Something bad happened to me." Her
whole body shuddered as she clenched her fingers around her arms. "I don't want
to talk about it." The memory of their night together came flooding back, her
sudden call and request to meet. That night, he thought she seemed desperate...
"Oh my gods." Sam's hands gripped the bench and felt like he might be sick and
pass out. She meant... somebody hurt her. How could that happen to such a sweet
girl? He looked back at Gilly, wishing this was all a nightmare so we can wake
up and call to hear her laughing again. How could he have not known she was
hurting on the inside just because she smiled? Part of him wanted to demand to
know exactly what happened and then drive her to the police station. But those
weren't his choices to make so he held it in.
"For a long time, I thought about asking you out and having my first time with
you..." Her eyes just gazed out into the distance as she whispered softly. "You
know, after dating proper for a few months. But I was too scared 'cause you're
so much smarter than me and..." Gilly shivered and hugged her arms tighter
around herself. "After what happened... I thought if we were together, it would
erase what happened. I know it was selfish, but I just couldn't face it."
"No-"
"I just needed," she kept going, not even hearing him. "To feel wanted in a
normal way, by someone I loved and trusted. Then I found out about the baby
and... I told Ygritte everything but she just wanted to blame you." Gilly's
face screwed up and more tears spilled over her cheeks. "She says I should end
the pregnancy right away but I just already feel like... I love this baby and I
think of it as yours. I know that is stupid-"
"It's not," Sam lifted his shirt to wipe his eyes before he moved closer and
placed his hand over hers. "I would never call you stupid, Gilly. You're the
bravest person I've ever known," his voice broke as a fresh wave of tears
streamed down his face as well. "I don't know how you've survived something so
horrible."
"People are always surprised by how much they can take..." Gilly unwrapped her
arms and braced her hands against the bench. She closed her eyes as she inhaled
and exhaled slowly before turning to face him. "If they have something to look
forward to."
"I love you, Gilly." Sam gently placed his hand over hers. "No matter what
anyone says, it's my baby."
"Little Sam," she put her other hand over her stomach and smiled for the first
time.
"Perfect!" He smiled through his sadness and fear. "Even good for a girl's
name."
"I love you, Sam." Another tear rolled down her pale cheek as she gazed at him.
"You're the only one for me."
"Then let's get married," the words rushed out of his mouth but he meant it.
His family would argue but they had no right to interfere. He was eighteen now
and the law allowed pregnant teens marry without parental permission. Sam would
go to the courtroom right now if she'd have him.
"Okay," she whispered as her smile widened. Sam vowed then and there he would
only let Gilly smile and he would protect her and little Sam. All of a sudden,
he finally knew exactly what it meant to be a man... Responsibility wasn't a
burden but a choice he had to make for himself to be strong for his family.
Chapter End Notes
     DRAMA! OMG! Quad-POV! I totally went crazy yesterday and I might have
     broken my brain. What if I used up all of my creativity?!
***** I'd Love You to Love Me *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [I'd_Love_You_to_Love_Me]
                                     SANSA
"So, Sansa." Jeyne approached her with a shy smile and sat on the same bench.
"What's the hound like as a boyfriend?" Sansa looked around the locker room to
see more than a few members of the team perked up at the question.
"You really want to know?" Sansa still felt wary of talking about Sandor
because it seemed the whole school loved to gossip about him. "He's sweet,
kind, thoughtful," she answered honestly. "Everything a boyfriend should be.
Also, very tall," she smiled, "that's important."
"We know he's tall, you're holding out on us." Irri sat down next to Jeyne and
put her head on the other girl's shoulder with an exaggerated forlorn
expression. "Some of us don't have boyfriends so we need to live through those
that do."
"He likes to surprise me," Sansa pulled on her shoes as she reminisced. "Our
first date we went to play with a bunch of puppies. Are those the kind of
details you wanted?" Irri's pout turned into a mischievous smile and shrugged.
"Puppies?" Jeyne covered her mouth with both hands as she giggled. "Really?! I
can't imagine the hound playing with puppies." Sansa smiled at the memory of
his big hands holding the tiny baby animals with such carefulness.
"Everything cute he does is made that much more adorable because he's so..." A
sudden shiver of longing ran through her and Sansa turned away to hide her
blush. "Intimidating."
"More please!" Jeyne sat forward eagerly before she blushed and looked away
sheepishly. "I've never had a boyfriend."
"Our second date was the best," she recounted. "He took me to get ice cream. I
don't remember the name of the shop but it had groves of citrus behind it."
"Oh, I love that place to death," Talisa chimed in, "it's called 'Peel and
Scoop'."
"I've never been there," Jeyne commented.
"We should go together sometime," Sansa suggested, "as a team!" Irri nodded
enthusiastically as did Jeyne.
"Alright, girls!" Ygritte scowled at them all sitting around gossiping. "Enough
chitchat, we've got a game coming up." She stormed out of the locker room and a
few of the girls murmured about her acting strangely. Sansa felt a tightening
in her gut as she remembered the familiar way Ygritte behaved around Sandor.
Was she jealous or hurt by their idle talk? Coach waited for them in the gym
and the team gathered around.
"Gilly?" Coach gave Gilly a questioning look as she approached, not dressed out
for practice.
"Coach," Gilly smiled brightly, "I have something to say to the team, if I
could."
"Go ahead," coach Tarth nodded he permission.
"Girls," Gilly faced the team, "playing with you has been some of the most fun
of my life." Her happy expression slipped a bit but her smile stayed firmly in
place. "I have to quit now because I'm having a baby." Murmurs rose from the
team but Sansa was too stunned to say anything. "Don't worry about me or feel
sad for me, because I don't. This Saturday, my boyfriend and I are getting
married and I hope you can join us if you are free."
"Gilly," coach's voice sounded thick with emotion, "I'm sorry to see you go."
"I'll come visit you coach," Gilly promised, still smiling her happy toothy
grin. "And I'll be cheering from the stands every game, you best believe." Then
she moved to sit on the sidelines, watching the team practice. Gilly's
announcement that she was getting married and having a baby seemed to distract
everyone. Instead of pitying the girl, Sansa felt almost jealous of her for the
happy way Gilly smiled when she announced her wedding. None of the girls seemed
to be able to put their hearts into playing and coach called it a day earlier
than usual.
After practice was over, Sansa approached Gilly and asked for the details to
attend the wedding. She promised to come and congratulated the other girl
before hurrying to get changed so she could meet Sandor. Her mind was still in
a fog when she found him waiting outside the changing room for her. When she
saw him, her heart fluttered as usual but it also squeezed a bit, it grew
harder every day to keep her feelings bottled up.
"Hey," she attempted a smile but it felt forced.
"What's wrong?" Sandor grabbed her bag and slung it over his shoulder as they
walked beside each other to the parking lot.
"A girl on the team quit today," she explained, "because she is pregnant."
"Shit," he made a sympathetic grunt, "rotten luck."
"Actually," Sansa shook her head, "she seemed happy. I don't know whether to
pity her or envy her." She looked up to see the most terrified expression on
Sandor's face and she quickly rephrased. "I don't want any babies for at least
ten years!" He exhaled a relieved sigh and his whole body visibly relaxed. "She
is getting married this weekend, I could see she is really in love and that's
enviable... I guess that's what I meant."
"You wanna go?" Sandor's question stopped Sansa dead in her tracks and she
actually thought for a moment she might pass out.
"You're offering..." She stared at him as he stopped and turned around to face
her with a confused expression. "To take me... to a wedding?" That did it, if
nothing else confirmed that he loved her, Sandor asking her to a wedding proved
everything she needed to know.
"Sure," he shrugged, "never been to a wedding before - might be fun." Sansa
could not help it; the situation was too miraculous to hold it in any longer...
She did her point victory dance in all its gangly-limbed awkward glory! As soon
as she stepped up on her toes to do the twirl, he doubled over in laughter that
boomed loud across the parking lot. "You look fucking ridiculous, little bird."
"I don't care," she sang, "and neither do you!" Sansa ran up to his side to
hang onto his arm. "I can act as ridiculous as I want and you will still like
me!" She felt unburdened, any lingering doubts about his feelings completely
washed away. "Sandor! Let's have a Disney movie marathon!" All the things she
was too afraid to ask for suddenly seemed possible! "And then, sit with me
while I pick out my dress for the Winter Formal. And then... oh what else? OH!
Let's... go shopping for new clothes for you!"
"You've lost it, girl," he chuckled at her as she tugged him towards his usual
parking space.
"Nope!" Sansa hugged his arm and rested her head against his shoulder. "I've
got you all figured out, Sandor Clegane." He loved her, or else he would never
do so many things he disliked just to make her happy. If only he was not too
shy to say it out loud! Those words from his lips would make her happy for
eternity.
"I'll watch every shitty movie you want," he relented as he opened the
Skylark's trunk and tossed her bag inside. "You can buy me a few new shirts..."
They got in the car and Sandor eyed her sideways with a sulking sneer. "I'm not
fucking helping you pick prom dresses."
"Lover," she leaned close to him and kept her voice low, "that dress..." Sansa
peeked up at him; he always swallowed hard when she did that. "You will be the
one taking it off." She smiled as his eyes darkened and glanced down at her
mouth. "Shouldn't you help me decide?" Her eyes begged him what her mouth was
too afraid to ask, 'say you love me, please'.
"Fuck," he growled then crossed the short distance between them and captured
her lips for a passionate, yet all too brief kiss. "You win." Close enough, her
mind compromised; someday he would say it and she could wait for him until
then.
"How did I know?" Sansa could tell by the look in his eyes that she was going
to pay later for her teasing... Which suited her just fine.
                                      POD
After school, he used the empty room to finish all of his homework before
heading over to the gym to help coach Tarth. Being the coaches' assistant
looked good on his college resumes but he never tried to kid himself that's why
he did it. He walked down the hall to her office and heard the distinct sound
of someone crying. Her office door was slightly cracked open and Pod could see
her sitting at her desk with her face in her hands.
"Coach?" Pod pushed the door open without thinking, only wanting to comfort
her.
"Oh, Rick." Her beautiful blue eyes turned up to look at him before she wiped
her face and starting sorting through some paperwork on her desk. "Sorry you
have to see me all a mess... hard day." Coach sighed and forced a bright smile
to her pretty face. "But there's work to be done."
"Can you tell me about it?" He set his bag down and sat down on the other side
of the desk.
"I suppose it's no secret," she dropped the papers and sat back in her chair
with a sad expression. "One of my volleyball team members quit today because
she's pregnant." Coach squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed a hand over her
forehead. "I wish there was something I could do to help her." She always cared
so much about her students, one of the many reasons he loved her.
"Gilly, right?" Pod nodded his head in commiseration. "Her boyfriend is my good
friend, he's a stand-up guy." He gave her a reassuring smile. "For what it's
worth, I think they will be okay."
"It actually makes me feel better to hear that from you." Coach gave him a
genuine smile that made his heart race. "Thank you, Rick."
"No problem, coach." He caught himself staring at her and quickly turned his
eyes down to the desk at the mess of paperwork she had piled up. Coach was a
genius when it came to sports, a natural athlete, but her filing skills were
dismal to say the least. Even though he knew she would never look at him the
way he looked at her, it made him feel good to help her when he could.
"Let's get to work," she clapped her hands together with a grimace on her face
as she stared down at the mess on her desk.
"How about a game of one-on-one first?" He jerked his head towards the court,
grinning as he made the challenge.
"You feel like being humiliated today, Payne?" She rose to her impressive
height, looking like a great woman warrior of days long past. Except wearing
gym shorts, a baggy tee shirt, and a shiny whistle. Coach still looked like a
goddess, no matter what she wore.
"I'm feeling lucky," he stood up and walked toward the office door, "today is
the day I finally beat you." Coach laughed as she followed him out, clapping a
hand on his shoulder and setting his heart racing.
"We'll see about that," she teased. Pod would give anything for time to stop
right then, it would take an eternity for him to fully appreciate the warm
weight of her hand on him. All these years he'd pined after her and she never
saw him as anything more than her student. He tried to stop, he really did, but
he just couldn't help but be in love with her... beautiful blue-eyed Brienne.
                                    SANDOR
The little bird didn't ask for a date so he drove straight to the abandoned
supermarket and chased her into the backseat. She crawled eagerly into his lap
and kissed him like her life depended on it, smiling the whole time. Who knew
offering to take her to a wedding would get her so hot? Part of Sansa's appeal,
when he first met her, was how demure and shy she acted but seeing her all
fired up was so much sexier. Sandor forgot to ask permission, forgot to take it
slow, and just shoved his hands everywhere.
She didn't seem to mind at all, just pulled away to remove her top and
continued kissing him, definitely less shy than she had been. Her eyes were
bluer than he'd ever seen them, glassy and filled with desire. Sansa wanted
him, that much was clear, and it making his ability to keep control of himself
fucking difficult - in the best way. He kissed her until her lips were swollen
and red, which only made him want to kiss her some more. Some roaring voice in
his head demanded he pin her down against the seat and drive into her until she
screamed him name.
Sansa hands cupped both sides of his face as his arms slid around her body to
pull her closer. It was so fucking good - too good since she was arching
against him and writhing around in his lap. His arms tightened around her slim
and soft body as she made these little noises against his mouth that drove him
crazy. All the blood in his body was rushing to his cock as she pulled on his
shirt impatiently like she wanted him as much as he wanted her. That was
impossible, nobody ever wanted anything as much as he wanted her.
Her long red hair tumbled around her face and shoulders as her skirt bunched
around her knees but she made no move to tug it back down. Sandor broke their
kiss to reach behind him and tug off his shirt and she smiled like he just gave
her a present. Gods, it fucking did indescribable things to have her looking at
him like that. It was easy to keep himself in check when she was gasping and
flinching every time he touched her. Her eagerness turned every time they
touched into a test of wills. She melted against him, her soft hands sliding up
over his chest and shoulders as she made a happy humming sound.
His hand found her chin and turned her face up to take her mouth again, delving
into the hot sweetness without hesitation. Her fingers flexed and kneaded his
chest while her other hand gripped his arm. Her lips accepted his greedy kiss
with equal eagerness. Sansa let her tongue slide along his and he locked his
arms tighter around her, trying to remember not to crush her. She didn't seem
to mind being crushed, just pushed her body closer to his as her hands explored
him.
He was so stiff he could cut a fucking diamond and her weight on him only made
him harder. Sandor shifted just to get a little more comfortable but she made
this heart-stopping sound... Like a whimper caught in a moan - as she ground
down against him. That motion almost make him lose control so he pulled her
back by her shoulders to catch his breath. His pulse rushed in his ears as he
took in the sight of her panting, pink-cheeked, and looking back at him with
heavy-lidded eyes. Sansa had no idea how gorgeous she looked with her hair all
mussed.
Sandor trailed a hand down her arm to rest it on her leg, pushing the hem of
her skirt a little higher. The soft skin of her thigh was warm and smooth, just
touching her made his thoughts sluggish. Maybe that's why he didn't want to
drink much anymore - because he was so fucking wasted on his little bird. She
had no idea how much he really wanted to fuck her senseless, or else she would
run away and never let him touch her again.
"I don't want to let you go yet," she pouted and moved her hands over him again
to pull him closer.
"It's not really up to me," he ground out. "You feel too fucking good." He
brushed his hand higher along her thigh under her skirt, watching her lips part
as she gazed at him. Sansa leaned forward to kiss him softly as his hand slid a
little bit further up her smooth leg. Her breath hitched as his fingers grazed
over her panties.
"Wait," she panted, pressing a hand to his chest. "I want..." She glanced down
and then back up to him. "I want..." Sansa lowered her hand to the waist of his
jeans, her face turned redder than her hair. "To make you..." Oh, shit! Sandor
grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand away from his painfully hard erection.
"You first," his voice was too rough and he forced himself to speak more
gently. "If you still want to help me out after, fine." He uncurled his fingers
from around her wrist and wrapped his hand around her waist to shift her
position so she laid back on the seat. Sandor sat between her bent legs and
braced a hand on the seat to lean over her. She didn't even seem like 'Sansa'
when he touched her - not the sweet innocent girl who lived her life in the
clouds. This Sansa was a goddess, sexier than any porn he'd seen and more
beautiful than any model or actress.
As his fingers stroked her through the panties, Sandor listened to the sounds
she made while watching her face. The best sign he was doing his job was her
sharp little nails biting into his arm and making him throb with wanting her.
He would and should have been intimidated by her incredible transformation.
Except Sandor just felt so fucking grateful that she showed this side of
herself to him. That he was the only one who ever got to see her or touch her
like this. It was the only reason he could turn her down when she lost her
pretty little head - over him - and basically begged him to fuck her.
Oh, he was going to give it to her - that's just a fact - but it was going down
exactly like she wanted. Fucking flower petals and all, because a no-good piece
of shit like him could do that for her at least. He didn't deserve her but now
that she was his, he'd do anything to keep her. Part of him felt like the
universe owed him one good thing, like all the shit he took up to this point in
his life was what 'earned' Sansa. Then the rest of him wanted to kick that
part's ass for being so fucking ungrateful.
The universe owed nobody shit, she was the one who came along and turned his
life into something worth living. The thin fabric soaked through as she twisted
and writhed under his touch. Her panting moans grew louder and he focused on
making her come. That was a sight to behold - like a sunrise framed by a double
rainbow, only really fucking sexy. Sansa sang one high note, throwing her head
back and twisting it from side-to-side as she gripped his arm. Then she slumped
back, breathing hard and weakly thanking him - such a polite little bird
"Please," she whimpered, holding out her arms and he smirked as he pulled her
up into his arms. Sansa was warm but still trembling as she turned her face up
against his and put her arms around his neck. After a moment he realized she
was nuzzling his face - his bad side - like she didn't even notice. And the
most mind-blowing part about it was that he didn't notice. At some point, he
stopped directing her touch away from his bad side. Because she didn't seem to
notice, it somehow made him forget too.
One shaky hand slipped down over his chest and stomach to tug at the button of
his jeans and he thought - fuck it. He opened his jeans, hooked his thumb under
the waistband of his briefs, and stretched them down to free his erection.
Sansa gasped prettily and she likely blushed but he couldn't see. She was still
tucked against his side and looking down at him. Her hand moved so slowly he
almost started begging her to touch him already. When her fingers curled
timidly around him, it was too much to take.
He wrapped his hand around hers and guided her motions, stroking the length of
his cock as his other arm pulled her tight to his side. Her soft hand around
him felt better than he could have imagined and he'd been close since she took
her shirt off. Sandor let go of her hand to fumble around for his shirt, nearly
coming undone as she continued pumping without his guidance. The second his
fingers found his shirt and he covered his cock. His restraint snapped and
intense pleasure ripped through his body.
"Fuck!" Every muscle in his body tensed and twitched as his release pulsed in
her hand. "Sansa," he groaned her name against her hair that smelled like
flowers, crushing her to his side. As his heart slowed its racing pace, he
unclenched his hand and unlocked his arm to release her. She didn't move away
from his side, only pulled her hand up to his chest over his heart.
"I have to go home early today..." Sansa hummed against his chest. "Or I would
stay with you." He didn't tell her that he'd stay like this forever if she'd
let him.
"One of these days," he warned, "I'm just gonna to just steal you away."
"I look forward to it," she murmured sleepily and he could feel her lips
smiling against his skin.
Chapter End Notes
     So... My A/C died again, after just spending $100 for a repair.
     Apparently my ducts are all fucked up - like held together by
     cobwebs. So I need a whole new system. I guess it had to happen
     sometime but DAMN its been muggy! I debated posting this chapter but
     my pride won't let me stop at the 'big 30'. Even Mother Nature can't
     stop me now! MWAAAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I think the heat's getting to me...
     I feel so alone sometimes with my Podenne OTP. They are so perfect
     for each other!!!! I will go down with this ship...
***** Wishes Do Come True *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                             [Wishes_Do_Come_True]
                                     ARYA
"Girls," dad gave them an apologetic smile, "I can't tell you how sorry I am to
spring this on you." She and her sister stood next to each other as dad packed
up some paperwork in his office. Arya was almost certain that she was dreaming
- things like this just don't happen, at least not her. "I will be back Sunday
night, only six days." He walked past them out of his office to his bedroom and
she and Sansa hung off his door frame as he packed up a suitcase of clothing
for his trip. The wheels were already turned in her mind as she plotted and
schemed.
"Robert suddenly had a 'feeling' that visiting your mother and brothers would
help the merger..." Dad rubbed a hand over his eyes as he groaned a pained
sigh. "Synergize." Arya never felt more grateful in her life that Robert
Baratheon was a brainless buffoon. Though personally, she thought the merger
was a ridiculously bad idea. "In truth, I'm worried about how things are
getting along with me." He sighed as he zipped the suitcase closed and then
walked up to Sansa. "Sansa, I am counting on you to be the responsible one."
"Don't worry, daddy." Sansa smiled brightly at him, always 'daddy's little
princess'. "It's only a week and I'm glad you will get to visit home."
"Arya," He turned to her with a stern expression. "Your punishment is still in
effect and I expect you to obey your sister in my absence." Arya did her best
to keep her expression respectful, fighting the urge to sneer at Sansa. Her
stupid sister always made her look bad in comparison. If Little Miss Perfect
wasn't so damned well-behaved it wouldn't make her seem so troublesome.
"Of course, dad." Arya must not have been hiding her true feelings well enough
because his eyes narrowed at her suspiciously. "I'm only thinking..." Her mind
scrambled to think of a way to bolster his faith in her. "Maybe I could go with
you." Oh, crap! Why did she say that?! Please say no! Thankfully, dad shook his
head to deny her and she bit the inside of her cheek to hold in her sigh of
relief.
"I don't want to leave either of you," he sighed, "but I would feel better if
you were together." His grey eyes turned serious. "No need to miss school at
the end of the quarter when exams are right around the corner." Dad crossed his
arms, keeping the suspicious expression on his face. "Call me: every day at
exactly 4 o'clock, I want to hear the sound of you setting our alarm." His
brows knitted together as he eyed her carefully. "Even if I don't answer, leave
me a message."
"Dad," she whined, "can't you trust me?" She knew the answer to that question
was a resounding 'no' but a guilt trip sometimes did the trick.
"I am trusting you here, kiddo." His expression softened as he put a hand on
her shoulder.
"You worry too much, old man." She gave him her most reassuring and trustworthy
smile. "I won't let you down again." Arya moved in for the hug, his biggest
weakness. "Love you, dad."
"Love you too," he squeezed Arya before letting her go and leaned over to kiss
Sansa on the forehead. "I have to turn in early to catch my flight, goodnight
girls." He smiled at them both as he reached out to close his bedroom door on
them. As soon as his door was closed... the 'Mission Impossible' theme song
started playing in her head. She ambled down the hallway as her brain worked
and turned. She thought of all the possible scenarios for how to pull off this
grift - without getting caught. Like the pieces of a puzzle, everything came
together in her mind and she grinned to herself.
Arya flew into action, getting together everything she would need to pull off
her plan. First, she found her old tape recorder in the bottom drawer of her
dresser. It was quickly tossed in her school bag along with several changes of
clothing. What else? She quickly and quietly hurried to the bathroom to gather
the toiletries she would need an added them to her satchel. Even though she was
buzzing with anticipation, she fell asleep the second her head hit the pillow.
Her dream was about him, pounding away at the forge.
A tinkling sound from her phone under her pillow announce morning too soon. In
her dream, she was still watching him fashion some weapon - a small rapier. As
she crawled out of bed, her sleepy mind completely blanked out as she trudged
to the coffee machine. Only when she found it unused she realized dad must have
grabbed coffee on the way to the airport... Arya's eyes flew open wide as
everything came flooding back - she was wasting time! She turned brewing coffee
into an Olympic sport, racing to her bedroom to get ready as the coffee
trickled into the pot.
"Arya!" Sansa's sleepy voice hissed from her bed. "School isn't for another
three hours! What are you doing?!"
"I'm not going to school," she informed her sister. "And you know I'm not
staying here right?"
"Arya," she groaned, "is there anything I can say to stop you?"
"Nope." She stripped off her nightshirt and pulled on a T-shirt and jeans.
"Then, be safe." Sansa propped up on her elbows to give Arya a worried look.
"Like, really-really-really safe. You know what I mean right?"
"Condoms?" Arya laughed at her sister's shocked expression. "He got like a
thousand, don't worry." Sansa flopped back on the bed with a groan.
"Oh, now I definitely not worried," she grumbled and turned over to pull a
pillow over her head. Everything ready to make her great escape, Arya retrieved
her phone to text Gendry. She moved to the coffee maker to pour some in a mug,
adding three heaping tablespoons of sugar.
'Let's skip school,' she texted him, 'and spend the next five days and nights
in bed.' Gendry did not reply for a time so Arya sat down on the couch to sip
her cooling coffee. As more time passed, she grew impatient and just decided to
wake his ass up. The phone rang twice before it picked up, sounding like he was
fumbling and whispering curses.
"Arya, what's wrong?" His sleepy voice was so incredibly sexy.
"Check your texts, dumbass." Arya waited a few minutes before she heard him
laughing.
"Did you get a fairy godmother last night?" His throaty morning voice made her
inpatient to wake up beside him and hear him like that in person - and then
make him naked. Lots and lots of nakedness.
"Dad went out of town for the week," she grinned she said it, still
disbelieving her own good luck. "He left early this morning and won't be back
until Sunday night."
"No way," Gendry sounded wide awake then. "Six days..." He sounded in awe,
clearly imagining the same possibilities she was.
"I know!!!" Arya struggled to keep her voice down. "It's a sign from the gods,"
she insisted.
"Should I come right now?" He really could be really smart when he wanted to
be.
"I'll be waiting downstairs," she told him. "Love ya!"
"Love ya, see you in a few." Gendry hung up and Arya quickly finished her
coffee and grabbed her bag to set it by the door. She dug out her tape recorder
and quickly set the alarm while recording the sound. With that essential step
accomplished, she disabled the alarm and strode out the door to victory. All
her life, nothing this good ever happened, she was never the lucky one to be
born attractive or charming. Nobody liked a pushy, loud, troublesome,
opinionated, bossy girl - nobody except for Gendry.
She rode the elevator down, hugging her bag to her chest and her heart started
racing at the thought of spending a whole week with Gendry. They would eat
together, sleep together, and get naked together... Six days and five nights
would not nearly be enough for her but it would be so much better than lying in
bed pining for him. It was still dark outside but she did not have to wait long
before his clunky old Lincoln pulled up in front of her building. She yanked
open the door and slid inside, throwing her bag in the back.
"Are you totally sure," Gendry glanced past her to the building, "that he is
definitely gone?" Arya snorted a laugh, thinking about acting like she saw he
dad coming to freak him out. She held it in though because he looked so damned
nervous.
"Trust me," she snapped her fingers to gain his attention, "we've been handed
the opportunity of a lifetime." Arya leaned across the distance between them
and smirked at his furrowed brow. "Don't question it." She grabbed his shirt in
her fist and pulled him down for a kiss hello before pushing him away so she
could take her somewhere they could do more. "Dive," she pointed forward.
"As milady commands," he put the car into dive, pulled around out of the
parking lot, and headed towards Flea Bottom. The bright and shining city faded
into a sea of rundown and crumbling buildings. Arya paid close attention to the
route in case she ever had to find her way back to his place again. He prattled
on about all the precautions they should take to avoid being caught, but
nothing she hadn't already thought of.
Gendry pulled the Lincoln into the parking lot of an apartment complex just
inside the city limits. He led her up three flights of stairs, because there
was no elevator, and into a small but clean apartment. Arya looked around as
she stepped inside - nothing matched but everything still seemed to go
together. It looked like a real home, where people actually lived, instead of
the magazine-perfect house her mother kept.
"Welcome," he waved a hand at the space before he closed the door behind them.
"Make yourself at home." She set her bag down by the door and took a seat on
the small brown sofa in the middle of the room.
"It's cozy," she slumped down with a sigh.
"What do you want to do first?" He sat down beside her and stretched out his
legs as he covered a yawn with his hand. Arya went a little overboard waking
him up so early and making him drive all around the city. Gendry really did
love her...
"I was thinking about getting you naked," she quirked her eyebrows at him.
"Great minds..." Gendry started leaning towards her but that's when Arya
noticed there were pictures hanging on the wall. She jumped up just as he was
closing in on kissing her and ran over to look at them.
"Aw!" The biggest picture in the middle was of Gendry's mom, younger and even
more beautiful. Ms. Waters was beaming with happiness while holding a tiny
bundle in her arms. "Dude, you were so cute." She knew his mom had to be at
least a decade younger than her parents. But seeing the picture of her, a
teenager and already a single parent, drove home what it must've been like.
"Your mom... so young. Poor Sam and Gilly." Arya shuddered and turned away from
the picture. "Makes me glad I've got a whole boxful of condoms."
"Ah, sorry," he was still sitting on the couch, giving her a lopsided smile. "I
used the rest of them with my other girlfriend."
"Gendry..." She strode to stand in front of him, placing one leg on either side
of his. "You have offended my honor this day." Arya glared down at his smirking
face. "Now you must pay," she moved forward to brace a hand on his chest and
straddled his lap. "With your life."
"Milady, spare me." He tried to assume a pleading expression, fighting not to
smile. "I'm only a poor stupid blacksmith who knows nothing of your highborn
ways."
"You are rather attractive," she paused as if considering sparing him. "It
would be a waste to kill you," but his insolence could not go unpunished. "How
should I punish you?"
"Displeasing milady is a grievous offense." His hands raised to grasp her hips.
"How can I please you once more, milady? Give me your commands."
"Take this off," she tugged on his shirt and he obeyed immediately. Gendry
reached to hold onto her again but she caught his wrists and forced them back
down by his sides. "Be still - don't move an inch." Arya pulled her top off and
smiled when he made a hungry sound as he saw she wore nothing underneath. His
hand moved back up to touch her but she snatched his wrist and pinned it
against the couch. "Ah! No moving," she insisted, "no touching, just watch me."
He gulped and nodded slowly as she let his hand fall down.
Her hands cupped the sides of his face and tilted his head back over the couch
as she rose up on her knees over him. Arya's heart raced as he watched her
slowly lower her face to his, stopping to hover over his mouth and waited. His
shallow breath whispered over her lips, tempting her as she tempted him and she
waited. Gendry was so good - he listened to even her most challenging demands
and followed her lead. She dipped her head a bit lower to traced his upper lip
with the tip of her tongue then pulled away as he lifted his head slightly.
"Arya..." The sound of his voice begging made it too difficult to tease him.
"Be quiet," she ordered, enjoying tormenting him a little too much. Then -
finally - he snapped and dug his fingers into her thighs as he stood up,
carrying her with him. He strode across the apartment with single-minded
determination and kicked open a door to drop her on his bed. "Please Gendry!"
Arya couldn't wait a second longer but he didn't fall down on top of her for
some stupid reason. He lunged at his dresser, ripping the top drawer open and
digging around until he pulled out - oh right, condom. "Please hurry, please,"
she begged as she kicked off her shoes and pants, "gods, Gendry, please!"
"Bloody hells!" Gendry's fingers fumbled with the small package until he put it
up to his mouth and ripped it open with his teeth. Arya ripped off her already
soaked panties and bunched them up to throw them at him for being so fucking
slow! He dared to waste a precious second to glare at her but it made her even
hotter for him so she slumped back on the bed with a loud whine. He was on her
in an instant, naked and in between her legs and then - after a bit of a fumble
- slipped inside her. This time there was no pain, only intense urgency.
"Don't stop!" She jerked her hips up because he wasn't moving, spurring him
into thrusting deeper inside her. They had all the time in the world but didn't
bother to kiss or touch. Their hands were busy clinging to each as they fucked
like the apocalypse was drawing near. The first time they had sex was like the
first time driving a car, stop-and-go and terrifying the whole time. The second
time was like driving a race car, going around and around - speeding towards
the finish line. Faster and faster - feeling like you're about to crash but
having too much fun to stop or even slow down.
Pressure built up into a pinpoint that she latched onto and sought with driven
determination. Arya wanted to start screaming, it was so intense, but she
couldn't really even breathe so she had only the one method of release. She was
just on the verge of a precipice of pleasure when Gendry's hips shook
erratically and his motions slowed.
"Don't - fucking - stop!" Arya locked her legs around him and dug her fingers
into his hips to urge him on... just a little more. Her whole body turned into
rigid steel, every muscle in her body locked up, and then she shattered like
overheated glass. As if from a great distance, she could the scream that came
from her own throat - it didn't even sound human. As she came down from the
high peak she loosened her death grip on him. They were still entwined together
- their only movement and sound were ragged panting breaths. She pushed him off
so she could get more air and he rolled over with a groan.
"Gods..." Gendry rubbed his face and exhaled a slow shaky breath. "Well, that's
out of the way," he chuckled and turned his head to face her. "You hungry?"
"Starved," she patted her hand on his chest and then turned over to grab the
blankets. "Go make me something to eat while I nap." He groaned but started to
get up to obey her but she caught a shoulder and pushed him back down on the
matress. "Stay for a minute first." Arya snuggled up by Gendry side and covered
him with the blanket. "Love you," she turned her head up to smile at him.
"Love you," he lifted his head to kiss her forehead. Then Gendry turned his
body to face her and slid an arm under her body to pull her into his embrace.
This was what she missed out on after her first time and she cursed her stupid
grounding for always forcing them apart. Not for the next six day, she pulled
him tighter - he was all hers until then.
Chapter End Notes
     The gods were kind today, it was rainy so even though the humidity
     turned my hair into a lion's mane - it wasn't too bad. My hair is
     really long and thick so I wear it up in a Janeway (where my Trekkies
     at whoop-whoop) you know, before she cut her hair into the bob. Mm-
     mm... Chakotay... What was I talking about? Oh yeah, so everyone who
     comes to the door sees me looking like a sweaty mushroom with a giant
     ball of hair on my head. I've gotten some weird looks... DON'T JUDGE
     ME FEDEX MAN - DELIVER MY PACKAGE AND AVOID EYE-CONTACT!
     My man Gendry gets the next POV <3
***** Kinda Like Newlyweds *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [Kinda_Like_Newlyweds]
                                    GENDRY
He finally tore himself out of bed to get some food into Arya, before she
decided they needed another round. Before the sun was up, she had him three
times and was still trying to wheedle a fourth as she fell fast asleep. Gendry
let himself watch her sleeping face and listened her to cute snores before he
disentangled himself. She needed breakfast after being so worn-out, as did he,
so he started scrambling up a batch of eggs and threw some bread in the
toaster.
"I missed you," she came up behind him to wrap her arms around his waist as he
stood over the stove. He pushed the eggs around in the pan as they started to
scramble.
"I've been gone five minutes," he patted her hand for her to let go. It was
dangerous for her little hands to be so close to the burner and hot pan. But
Arry just squeezed him tighter and rested her face against his back. It felt
nice so he gave up trying to stop her and just focused on keeping her hands a
safe distance from the heat.
"It's cold in the bed without you," she complained. "I'm not hungry anymore...
for food."
"Arry," he was incredulous, "we've been at it for hours!" Gendry shook his
head, should've known she'd be insatiable. "You need to rest and eat or we'll
both die." That last time nearly killed him!
"Psh," she lightly traced her fingers down his stomach. "You mean you need to
rest." That wasn't strictly true: though most of his body was bone tired, his
cock was waking up again. Just then, the toast popped up and he couldn't help
but feel like the appliance was mocking him.
"That's exactly what I mean," he ground out as the tips of her fingers slid
inside the waistband of his shorts. "Arry, I'm trying to feed you, let me
focus." Gendry stretched to pull the hot toast out of the toaster and dropped
the slices on a plate.
"But I can't focus," she whined as she released him. "How did I not know how
sexy your back is?" Arya ran her hands down from his shoulders to his waist.
"Look at all these muscles! It's ridiculous!"
"That tickles!" Gendry tried to shrug her off but she just wrapped her arms
around him again and rested her warm cheek against his skin.
"This is fine, right?" She was warm and her arms were soft around him as her
hair tickled his back. It was more than 'fine', Gendry doubted he ever felt
more comfortable than when she was holding onto him.
"Feels good," he admitted. Having her all to himself and her having him as many
times as he could stand, was like an unbelievable dream. Gendry couldn't help
but think this week was like a preview of what their married life would be
like. "Arya?"
"Hmm?" She pressed little soft kisses against his skin as the eggs firmed up,
almost ready to eat.
"Do you really want to stay here the whole time?" He wanted nothing more but he
knew, if they got caught, it would make everything go from really-really hard
to impossible.
"Is that okay?" Her voice sounded small and unsure and it made Gendry smile
every time Arry let her tough act slip around him.
"It's a dream come true," he admitted without shame. "But we have to go to
school." Gendry braced himself for her argument.
"Gendry," she groaned his name. "This is a sign from the gods! We were meant to
have this week." He doubted the gods used their godly power to arrange time for
star-crossed teenage lovers to fuck each other. Although, he couldn't tell if
they were doing anything else.
"If we're both absent, that's going to raise all kinds of flags." Gendry knew
she was already well aware of what he was saying: she hoped he wouldn't figure
it out. "Even taking today off is a big risk, though I've been forging mom's
signature for close to a decade now."
"You're too smart sometimes," she grumbled. Arya always did know how to give a
compliment. "And I know how to forge a sick note too, buddy."
"You're too troublesome," he countered, "all the time."
"You like it," her fingers slipped under his waistband. Arya released a smug
chuckle as her hand wrapped around his full erection. No rest for the weary...
"I do," he relented and turned around to find Arya already expectantly awaiting
his kiss. "I love everything about you." She moved up on her tip-toes to reach
his mouth and curled her arms around his neck to slide her body against his.
"Shit," he remembered, "the burner..." He twisted and reached back to flip the
burner knob to off and moved the pan off the hot coil. Gendry returned his
attention to her, lifting her off the ground to whisper in her ear. "I love
you, Arya." The way she trembled when he professed his love was addicting.
"I can't wait anymore," she begged pitifully, "please Gendry." His eyes darted
to the bedroom as he tried to calculate how fast he could run and grab a condom
when she produced one from thin air. Where was she even keeping it?! Arya was
only wearing one of his t-shirts and nothing else! The little minx came out of
the bedroom intending to seduce him! Well, can't turn down a request from his
lady, can he? He started to worry that he couldn't keep up with her demand but
so far, he'd risen to the occasion without a problem.
The table was conveniently located just ahead so he lifted her up and she
wrapped her legs around him. He could hear the package tear open and when he
set her down, Arya impatiently shoved the ripped packet at him. Her predatory
stare, and murmuring 'hurry' repeatedly, made him nervous as he rolled the
latex in place. As soon as he was covered, she braced a hand behind her and
used the other to position his cock. They were both getting pretty good at
fitting together but she was better.
Every time they had sex was less fumbly and awkward, but no less frantic or
overwhelming. He wanted to treat Arya gently, touch her everywhere and make her
feel beautiful... but she and his cock outvoted him every time. She whipped off
her shirt and clutched his hips. Whimpered commands poured from her mouth:
'harder, faster, now, more, stupid'. Hard and fast it is then, gotta give the
lady what she wants, not that he was suffering any.
Gendry tried to focus on anything other than the love of his life growing ever
louder from how much she enjoyed being fucked by him. Shit! The neighbors must
be getting an earful, these cheap apartments had thin walls. She was
practically screaming, begging him and writhing against him... Bloody hells!
She wasn't there yet, he knew: they whole neighborhood would know when she
came. The thought struck him that in this position: he could just slip a hand
between their bodies...
"Oh, fuck - YES!" Arya slumped back on the table. "Keep doing that!" Gendry
lightly swiped his fingers over her slick flesh and couldn't tear his eyes away
from the sight of her spread over the table. Arya braced her hands on the table
and arched her back, sobbing one piercing scream as she clenched around his
cock. It felt amazing and there was no reason to hold back anymore, he slumped
forward as he released with a whimper drowned out by her screams.
"Now that's out of the way..." She panted as she turned his earlier joke back
on him, since then one of them said it after each time they had sex. Gendry was
starting to think they could stay locked together all day and still not get
enough. That 100-count box wasn't going to last nearly as long as he thought it
would: not the worst thing that could happen. The world was filled with
prophylactics and they were sold on every street corner. Arya had a tendency to
get a bit carried away and impatient but he was never-ever going to 'forget' to
use protection.
"Eventually," he tugged on her legs around his waist, "we have to eat." Arya
smirked as she sat up and leaned forward to hold onto his shoulders and press
her lips to his chest.
"I think I can sustain myself this way," she raised her head to brush her lips
over his neck and then nipped the skin. He didn't know what to expect after
having sex with Arya, he worried about his inexperience and hers. Gendry never
once considered she would turn into a ravenous demon temptress of lust. Sure,
he liked it: just surprised him is all.
"I can't," he had to stand up for himself at some point. "I have all these
muscles you like so much." He tugged on her arms but she did not release him.
"Takes food to maintain."
"Mmm... muscles," she looked down at his torso and licked her lips. "Let's do
it just one more time, real quick!" Did she not realize it took longer every
time? And that it was irresponsible to use the same condom twice: a mistake he
wouldn't make again. Well, no, clearly, she didn't understand and he'd have to
explain it to her... after they ate.
"Food first," he narrowed his eyes at her seriously, "I mean it." Arya pouted
as she unlocked her limbs and pulled his shirt back on. He tossed out the
condom, pulled up his pants, and started to fix them some plates. "You better
eat every last scrap I put on your plate, even if it's cold!"
"Yes, master," she replied, sweet and obedient, as she hopped off the table and
it made his shoulders tense. "Oh," she chuckled, "you like that, don't you?"
Arya walked up behind him as he dished the two platefuls of eggs and topped the
piles with toast. Her hand trailed up his spine, ticking his skin. "We can eat
in just a little bit..."
"Sit down!" He pointed at the seat and her shoulders slumped as she turned
around and sunk into the seat. Gendry dropped the plate of food in front of her
and pointed at it. "Eat!" Arya grumbled something as she took her first bite,
then her eyes widened and she scarfed down a few more bites. With a weary sigh
he joined her and was pleasantly surprised to find the eggs still warm, they
really needed to slow down. "Good?"
"Yeah," she gulped her food down and grinned at him. "Guess I was hungry." Arya
looked down at her plate and stared at the food without taking another bite.
"Hey, Gendry?" Her eyes turned up to him with a soft expression. "Someday... if
we ever, you know..." She shrugged and pushed her food around with her fork.
"If we ever live together..." His heart skipped a beat. How could she be
thinking the exact same thing as him? Well, she said 'live together' and he
thought 'get married': same difference. "You think your mom would give us this
table?"
"I think that can be arranged," he laughed as he scooped up another bite of
food. "Where do you wanna live?"
"Not in Kings Landing," she answered immediately.
"That's a good start." Gendry had no thoughts in particular about where he
wanted to live: he would follow Arya wherever she wanted to go. "What do you
want to do after breakfast?"
"I like to shower in the morning if I can..." Arya's eyes popped open as a
smile tugged at her parted lips. "You could come with."
"It's a small shower," he warned. "Like: tiny."
"Even better," she grinned. "It would be all slippery and wet and hot and
steamy..."
"You talked me into it," he started eating faster and she followed suit.
"Come along then." She threw her fork down like she won, having already cleared
her plate and got up to strip off her shirt again. Gendry scooped the rest of
his eggs into his toast, folded it over to cram it all into his mouth, and
followed her to the bathroom. "You were not kidding - this is the smallest
shower I've ever seen." Arya stared at the shower stall with her hands on her
hips and her nose scrunched up.
"If you changed your mind-"
"Hardly," she reached forward to turn on the hot water, "get naked." Gendry let
his shorts fall on the ground and she turned around to face him but got
distracted by the mirror. She stared at his reflection as she stepped closer to
him with an odd expression.
"What?" Gendry waved a hand in front of her face to get her attention and she
snapped back out of her daze.
"Nothing," she turned away, stepped into the shower, and held open the curtain
for him to follow. He stepped inside and closed the curtain before seeing Arya
still wore that odd look on her face. "Gendry, tell me." The hot water poured
over her, flatting her slicked-back hair and turning her fair skin pink.
"I love you," he reached for her as he said it but stopped when she shook her
head and looked away.
"Tell me I'm..." Arya never had a problem telling him what she wanted so it was
a little unnerving to see her so flustered. "Tell me you think I'm..." Her
words trailed off as she hung her head in defeat and Gendry had no idea what
was wrong. "You're so..." She waved a hand at him but didn't raise her head.
And that's when it sunk in: she though he wasn't as attracted to her as she was
to him.
"Arya," he cupped her face with both hands and pulled her eyes up, "you're so
beautiful." Gendry nodded down to his hard cock poking her in the stomach. "I
want you so much, can't you tell?"
"But - why?" Arya shook her head and tilted her head back further. "No, don't
answer, just kiss me." He slid his hands down over her warm shoulders and
stepped closer to that the hot water rushing over her spilled onto him.
"You're gonna hate me for this..." Gendry looked up at the ceiling and braced
himself for the inevitable backlash. "You look like an elfin fairy princess."
"What?" Arya did not sound amused.
"You're only missing the little wings," he smiled sheepishly as he looked back
down to see her scowling. "Even that little expression you make, you look like
you're about to use pixy magic on me." Gendry couldn't help it: he just started
laughing as she looked even more disgusted by his comparison. She's the one
that asked!
"You're right," she glared at him so prettily, "I hate you." Arya gave him a
disbelieving look, and groaned. "So, you really think I look like a little
fairy - that you wanna fuck?"
"Basically," he shrugged, "yeah." Other guys can have their preferences for
tall girls or curvy girls. He liked cute girls with heart-shaped faces and
stormy grey eyes. Or at least, he did after he met Arya: before that, he spent
most of his time avoiding girls.
"I can live with that." Arya licked her lips and ran her hands over his arms.
"You look like a really hot guy with big muscles - that I want to fuck."
"Good to know," he loved how easy it was to solve whatever issues rose between
them. All they had to do was talk it out and everything would be okay. After
the worry eased, his stomach unknotted and he started to notice how nice her
skin felt, all warm and wet. Her hands were sliding over him and making him
shiver though the water was hot, too hot for his taste but she liked everything
too hot. He pulled her flush against him, groaning as her overheated skin
slipped against his.
"Gendry," she murmured against his chest, "go get a condom."
"No," he turned his face into her wet hair and grinned.
"What did you just say to me?" Arya broke out of his embrace to glower at him
once more. "You're getting brave," she scoffed. "Do I have to sprinkle some
magic sparkly dust all over your fabulous ass?" She tilted her head to the side
as if trying to catch a peek.
"Let me get you clean..." Gendry picked up a bar of soap, feeling pretty
pleased with himself for coming up with a way to slow Arya down. "Before I make
you dirty again." Her annoyed expression turned eager as she watched him lather
the soap in his hands. She grabbed it from him and stole his idea with a
delighted expression, predictably moving to wash his chest and stomach. It was
kind of her to mention she liked his ass: he was starting to think she only
loved him for his torso. They made each other soapy without really cleaning,
stealing the bar from each other.
Gendry touched her everywhere, fascinated by the smoothness of her skin and the
soft curves of her body. His fingers traced the sloped of her shoulders and
over her collarbone. He flattened his hands to slide down over her breasts as
she arched into his palms. Ever impatient, Arya quickly turned her attention to
making his cock cleaner than it'd ever been. To stop the sudsy torture, he
grabbed her wrists but she easily broke his hold and reversed it.
"Take me to bed," she demanded, "now." Unwilling to argue, Gendry shut off the
water and hoisted her up. He gripped her tightly because she was slippery and
didn't want to drop her, for once thankful the apartment was tiny. The bathroom
door was only a few steps to his bed and they fell onto the mattress, soaking
the sheets with their wet bodies. The chill of his damp skin and the sheets
contrasted with the warmth radiating from her. Time before last, Arya moved the
box into bed and he had to admit it was convenient. He was getting pretty good
at putting on condoms due to her impatience.
She was so untamed, like a wildfire that thawed his frozen life: that's what he
was before he met her. He built up a wall of ice around himself that nobody
could climb. He lived his life in fear of being proven a 'mistake', but she
just melted that ice wall. After meeting Arya, it was clear he was supposed to
be born so he could meet her and fall in love with her. Gendry thought he would
look his whole life for a girl like her but she fell into his arms that day and
their fates were sealed.
They fit together perfectly: mind, body, and soul. It proved to him that
everyone who said they didn't belong together were just wrong. Gendry tried to
live without Arya for a few days, it literally drove him insane, and she didn't
look to be in much better shape. For better or worse, she was his and he was
hers to the end of days and maybe even longer. Too soon, it was over because he
couldn't hold back when he started thinking about being together with her
forever. Even though it hurt to stay inside her, he used propped up on one arm
and used his hand to make he come.
He rolled off her to collapse on the soaked bed and decided he never worked
this hard in his life. Gendry thought about asking her to be on top and do all
the work but figured Arya would tell him if that's what she wanted. Somehow,
completely against his will, the visual image of Arya riding his cock made it
revive once more. Inwardly cursing his body's betrayal he decided to put some
distance between them before they went at it again.
"We're just going to end up here again," she held onto his arm as he sat up.
"There's no point in leaving."
"Your cold and dehydrated." Gendry leaned over to brush her wet hair out of her
eyes and kissed her forehead before covering her with a mostly dry blanket.
"Stay, I'll be back in two seconds."
"I hate to see you leave," she called after him, "but I love watching you walk
away!" The air chilled his skin as he hurried to the tiny linen cupboard to
grab a few of towels. Gendry tossed two towels at Arya and wrapped the third
around his waist as he walked into the kitchen. He filled two glasses of water
and carried them back to the bedroom to hand one to Arya. "Oh my gods," she
gulped down half the glass, "I was dying of thirst."
"See?" Gendry leaned back on the bed and raised his cup to her. "I'm not
completely useless."
"Thank you, Gendry." Arya twisted to set her cup on his dresser. "However can I
repay you?"
"Again?" He wanted to cry, but first he wanted to have sex with her again and
then possibly another time. It was like she was draining his life-force, every
time they fucked she got a bit stronger and he grew ever weaker. "We have all
week."
"But then," she leaned back on her elbow, "who knows how long." Arya sulked and
lowered her thick lashes to veil her eyes. "It could be weeks before we can be
together again after this."
"Don't think about that now," he chided before he drained his cup. In truth, he
was the one who didn't want to think about it.
"It's all I ever think about," she whispered. Gendry set his empty cup next to
hers and laid down beside her to pull her against his chest. The sheets were
cold and wet but she was warm and comfortable to hold.
"Trust me," he rubbed his hand over her back, "after you are done being
grounded, I'll think of a way to convince your father to let us be together."
"No," she sat up in a panic, "we need to hide it from him for at least the next
two years and then beg his permission." Arya gripped him by his shoulders and
stared into his eyes, unblinking and stone-cold serious. "You don't know what
my family is like."
"I'll follow you, Arry," he eased her back down against his chest, using his
most soothing voice. "No matter what it takes, as long as we stay together."
Soon she would start wriggling around and making demands but for the moment,
she was still and let him hold her. Someday, they would spent every night for
the rest of their lives like this... Gendry could wait for that day with as
much patience as he could muster, as long as he could steal a few moments like
in the meantime.
Chapter End Notes
     Here's a life tip everyone should know: if you have to start a
     comment with 'don't take this the wrong way' or something similar,
     you should just stop.
     "Oh pardon, I don't mean to offend - but you don't seem to realize
     that you're a disgusting pervert - bless your heart."
     I write porn about teenagers, I'm not trying to pretty that up and
     neither am I ashamed. Arya is 14 and Gendry turns 18 in a few days:
     their ages are intrinsically entwined with the plot and 100%
     intentional. I beg and plead, do not throw off my *groove* with
     pointless discouraging comments! I know I make look easy... But it's
     reeeeeeeally fucking hard. That is all.
***** L-E-M-O-N-S *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [L-E-M-O-N-S]
                                     DANY
She was on her way to see Drogo after school, they promised to meet at the
weight lifting room inside the gym. After opening the door, she smiled at Khal
and but then her eyes slid to his 'friend', her mouth fell open in shock. Her
heart, once flying so high, fell into the pit of her stomach as it always did
whenever she saw... him. The hulking walking reminder of the worst day of her
life glared at her from across the room. Against her will her feet walked up to
him, eyes locked on his hideous face wearing an even uglier expression.
"This," she gaped in disbelief at Drogo, "is your weight lifting friend?" Khal
nodded impassively, shifting his dark eyes between them. The hound snorted and
even had the nerve to laugh at her as he dismissed her.
"Do I know you?" His sneer made her want to be sick, she hated him, wished his
whole family burned and dead!
"You know who I am," she refused to let him forget what happened to her family
just because the world moved on! Her world stopped spinning that day and never
restarted! Dany only pretended like she moved on so everyone would stop asking
'are you okay?' No one ever meant it! Everyone wanted her to answer 'yes' or
they started to resent her if she disappointed them...
"What the fuck," he scowled at her, "you want from me?" All the Cleganes only
knew how to threaten and use violence to get what they wanted: they were all
rabid mad dogs. Dany forgot her response when Sansa stepped in between them.
She did not even see the girl standing off to the side... How could such a
sweet and quiet girl be so unafraid of that brute? Her knees were literally
shaking in fear, she wanted to run away, but she could not move.
"Sandor," Sansa looked confused as she glanced back at Dany "what...?"
"You didn't even tell her?" Dany assumed at some point he couldn't keep Sansa
ignorant of the truth.
"Why the FUCK would I do that?!" The hound looked like he wanted to strike her
and Dany stumbled backward in fear. "What?" He had the nerve to look annoyed by
her reaction. "Think I'll do something?" Sansa tried to murmur something to him
but he shrugged her off to walk past them both. "Don't follow me." As soon as
the door closed behind him all the strength in her body seeped away as she sunk
onto a bench.
"I don't even understand..." Sansa stared at the door in complete shock before
rounding on Dany. "Why did Sandor get so angry? What were you two talking
about?"
"No," Dany covered her face with one hand, "I tried to tell you, but you
wouldn't listen. I can't now..." She waved her other hand at the door, no
longer capable of pitying Sansa's naivety when she envied and despised her for
it. "Ask him, if he's capable of telling the truth."
"Dany Targaryen," Sansa's sharp voice made Dany look up to see the other girl
frowning down at her. "I'm not entirely sure, but I think you just bullied my
boyfriend." She crossed her arms and tilted her chin up. "If that's the case,
I'm not going to forgive you. Good day!" Then she spun on her heel and rushed
out of the room, presumably to chase that horrible boyfriend of hers. What was
wrong with all the girls she knew?! Why were they all dating these monsters?!
"How am I the bad one?" Dany couldn't help the tears that spilled from her
eyes. "He's the one..." She looked up to see Khal's usual impassive expression.
He just stood there and observed everything and had no reaction at all. "Go
away," she buried her face in her hands as her voice cracked, not wanting him
to witness her weakness. He would hate her for being so weak: everyone needed
her to be strong all the time. "Go away."
"No," he sat down next to her and put his arm around her shoulder. "I'll stay."
"I hate him!" The memories of the trial came flooding back, how... Gregor
Clegane, her stomach turned to think his name, stared at her the whole time as
she testified. With a sick grin on his face, proud that he destroyed her
family. "Why can't he just go to some other school?!" The hound had to know how
his very presence offended her and yet he did not have the compassion to leave
quietly. "Why should I leave?" She and her family were the victims while his
family were the perpetrators, but they always get away with everything! "I
shouldn't have to see him!"
"Tell me," Drogo's hand slid over her shoulder in a soothing motion and Dany
twisted her body to wrap her arms around his waist. It did not shock her he
didn't know: he didn't seem like the type to keep up with long-past scandals.
"I can't," Dany had told her story too many times to lawyers, doctors, and
psychiatrists. "Today was supposed to be a good day, a 'normal' day." Her date
with Drogo was clearly ruined: she didn't feel like doing anything but sleeping
for a week. "Everything gets ruined when I see him." Usually she could handle
catching a glimpse of the hound. But after she overheard her mother talking and
crying on the phone last night... Just seeing him made her want to react with
violence at the news she heard. It just couldn't be true!
                                     SANSA
"Sandor!" Sansa ran as fast as she could to catch up with him as he was ambling
away from the gym towards the parking lot with his hands in his pockets. "Wait,
please!"
"Didn't I say not to follow me?" Sandor didn't even turn to look at her, just
keep walking until she jogged ahead and stood in his path.
"You're upset, you might not mean it." Sansa knew she was babbling but could
not stop the words pouring from her mouth. "I say things I don't mean all the
time when I'm upset. I mean, I try not to..."
"Decided to shut up?" He sneered down at her, such a cold expression on his
face that she barely recognized him. "Good - about time."
"That's mean," she whispered, shocked by his clear attempt to drive her away.
It made her want to latch onto him and beg him to stay with her. Sandor even
forgot he was supposed to give her a ride home and her bag was already in his
car... "I don't have to know, if you don't want to tell me." He ignored her
once more and turned to walk away but Sansa grabbed onto his arm, turning
desperate. "I'll hate Dany if you want! Just don't be like this to me... I can
pretend it didn't happen if you can."
"It's just that easy for you, isn't it?" He laughed at her but it wasn't
anything like his usual teasing, it was harsh and cruel.
"No, it's not easy." She hated how her voice trembled but felt encouraged when
his expression softened slightly. "I'm trying really hard to be strong." Sansa
knew that Sandor used anger to hide his real feelings but she thought they were
long past that. He used to do it quite often, although less and less frequently
with her. It scared her to see him that furious, not of him obviously. She
feared whatever secrets he carried that made him so upset. "You've helped me so
much and I never did anything for you. Tell me, how can I make you feel
better?"
"When you say it like that..." The tension in his shoulders relaxed, as did his
angry expression. He glanced down at her with a disbelieving eyebrow raised.
"If I tell you what I'm thinking - you'll slap me."
"Try me." Sansa felt relieved that her teasing flirtatious boyfriend was still
just under the surface.
"Put on your cheer uniform." The corner of his lips turned up into a half
smile.
"For what?" She regarded him warily, all sorts of lascivious visions popping up
in her mind, some of which she would not mind...
"Cheer something - just for me." He crossed his arms as he made his demand,
wearing the barest hint of a smile on his lips.
"Really?" A number of things he might ask of her passed through Sansa's head
without even considering that simple request. The naughtiest part of her mind
was somewhat disappointed. "That's what you want?"
"Knew that offer was full of shit." He stalked off without another word and
Sansa ran to catch up with him, grabbing onto his arm.
"I'll do it!" She quickly agreed when his attention turned back to her and she
pointed at the gym. "My uniform is in my locker."
"Ponytail too," he demanded as his half-smile returned. Just that small
expression eased her heart considerably.
"You just like making embarrassed," she accused as she tugged on his arm to
lead him towards the girl's changing room. "That's what this is," Sansa
narrowed her eyes at his smug expression, "you don't actually even care about
the uniform." He shrugged and just smiled even wider and it lifted about a
million tons off her shoulders. "I'll do anything to make you happy, Sandor."
"Don't say that, little bird." Sandor stopped to put both hands on her
shoulders and turning her to face him. "Don't put anyone before yourself - not
me or anyone."
"You say things like that and then expect me not to want to treat you even
better..." Sansa leaned forward and rock her arms around him, resting her face
against his warm chest. "It makes me happy to make you happy."
"Chirp-chirp-chirp," he mocked.
"I'm being serious," she insisted.
"You need to get cheering." He pulled her back by her shoulders, turned her
towards the changing room, and gave her a light push.
"Okay," she sighed and pointed towards the indoor court. "Go sit and I'll be
right there."
"Ponytail!" He called after her as she hurried into the changing room. Sansa
moved quickly to her locker to retrieve her uniform and changed in a flash. A
nervous fluttery feeling settled in her stomach as she grabbed a set of pom-
poms and walked into the gym. She moved in front of where Sandor sat and waited
awkwardly for him to make a request. "Go on," he waved a hand
"This is so embarrassing," she protested quietly. He crossed his arms and
looked at her expectantly in response. "What kind of cheer do you want?"
"Anything you like." His answer was a relief because she could only think of
one cheer at the moment. She took her position and inhaled deeply to calm her
nervousness.
"Ok, don't laugh..." Sansa turned all of her focus onto the cheer, if she was
going to embarrass herself and she might as will do it correctly. "I LOVE L!"
All those years of vocal lessons paid off because her projection was really
good. "I LOVE L-E-M!" After each chant, she ruffled her pom-poms together and
lifted one arm into the air. "I LOVE L-E-M-O-N-S... I LOVE LEMONS!" For the big
finish, she spun the pom-poms around each other. "Sour, makes me pucker up!
LEMONS, LA-LA-LEMONS!" She raised the pom-poms in the air and took a knee...
and that was it!
Sandor threw his head back and roared with laughter, stomping a foot on the
ground. His shoe colliding with the floor made an echoing booming sound
throughout the gym. Sansa rushed to sit beside him and threw down the pom-poms,
shaking his shoulder to make him stop.
"You said you wouldn't laugh," she protested as he continued to shake with
laughter.
"No, I didn't." He snorted as he tried to hold back his amusement and she
realized that he was right, he never did agree to not laugh at her. Well, at
least he was laughing instead of scowling. Sandor suddenly pulled her against
his chest and held her tight in his embrace. They stayed like that for a while
neither of them saying anything. "About earlier... I'm sorry, okay?"
"I thought..." It was stupid of her to think all opposition to the relationship
disappeared because of one phone call with Margaery. "It's okay." She was dying
to know what exactly happened between Sandor and Dany but he didn't seem in the
right mood for her to press the subject. "You want to go get some hot chocolate
this weekend at the mall?" Sansa felt that a change in topic was in order and
steamy cups of hot sweet goodness always made everything seem brighter. "It is
starting to feel cold enough... And we could get you some new shirts."
"Sounds good," he released as he responded and they stood up to leave the gym.
"I'll take you anywhere you want to go, little bird." Her Sandor was back and
as relieved as she felt, it was scary to know he could suddenly turn so cold
towards her. In an attempt to bridge the gap that settled between them, Sansa
took ahold of his hand and laced her fingers with his.
"Winter has finally come to the south," she commented as they walked, trying to
ease the lingering tension. "In Winterfell, the snow is falling down in
sheets."
"I'd like to see that." He held her hand tightly as they started walking
towards the parking lot. She decided not to change her uniform, since it seemed
to be helping improve Sandor's mood.
"We could build a snowman together," she sighed dreamily, imaging them playing
in the snow. Sansa always thought winter was so romantic and never realized how
much she would miss it in the south.
"Or have a snowball fight," he sounded almost wistful.
"I'll leave that to Arya and the boys," Sansa laughed as she imagined her
siblings going to war with Sandor. No doubt, he would still win against all of
them, even Arya. "It doesn't feel like 'winter' without snow."
"I just got a fucking awesome idea," he grinned. "Aw, this is too good!"
"What?" Sansa looked up as they approached the Skylark and Sandor let go of her
to walk to the driver's side. "What?!"
"It's a surprise," he winked at her.
"I already took back my affection for surprises!" Sansa opened the car door to
get in as she protested. "I changed my mind! I clearly do not like them
anymore." Sandor's grin only widened as he turned over the engine. "Tell me,"
Sansa begged, "tell me, please, tell me!"
"Nope," he waited for her to put on her seatbelt before putting the car in
reverse. "It's gonna be perfect - you'll love it." Sandor enjoyed torturing her
far too much!
"Sandor!" She pouted even more when he laughed at her impatience. "When?!
Now?!"
"Eager as always," he shook his head in response to her question. "I'm gonna
take you to where it feels like winter - for your birthday."
"Is that a hint?!" Sansa racked her brain thinking... thinking... "Ice cream
again?" He just chuckled at her as he pulled out of the parking lot. "Sandor!"
"You'll just have to wait and see." Sandor relaxed in his seat and there was no
trace left of the anger caused by his strange conversation with Dany. "I guess
you want me to take you straight home." His words were somewhere between a
question and an accusal, revealing he was not quiet as pacified as he acted.
"Yes," she sighed with reluctance. Sandor nodded as his jaw tensed up but he
shrugged like he didn't care. In these weeks together, Sansa learned to read
him well enough to know he was hurt by her 'rejection'. "Not because of
earlier... I told you, daddy went out of town."
"Usually," he scoffed, "that's a good thing."
"Arya ruined it!" Sansa swore eternal revenge against her selfish little brat
sister. "She thinks because she has a boyfriend now she can just do whatever
she wants and leave me holding the bag!"
"I think your sister is alright," he commented before turning to see the look
she was giving him. "But I totally fucking hate her if she's the reason we
can't go make out right now."
"I'm worried about her," Sansa groaned and rubbed a palm against her forehead.
"She practically moved out yesterday, I'm responsible for her and don't even
know where she is." Just saying it out loud was making her feel even guiltier.
Daddy trusted her to watch Arya and she didn't even try to stop her... Oh, but
there was no point in even trying! "I haven't even met the boy yet but I can
only imagine what kind of guy she would choose."
"Isn't she dating one of the nerds?" Sandor knew Arya's boyfriend?!
"Nerds?" Sansa twisted her whole body to face him, desperate for details.
"From that stupid game," he waved his hand like she was supposed to know what
he was talking about.
"Game?" Sansa was totally clueless.
"Do you and your sister even talk?" Sandor never said a word about his family
but she didn't dare bring up that fact.
"Not really," she fought the urge to be defensive, "we get along well enough I
suppose, but we are not close."
"Look," he always started that way, just before he said something he truly
believed. "I've only met your sister a few times but she seems like a tough
kid." Anyone might say that about Arya but coming from Sandor made it sound
like a real compliment. It was surprising how happy it made her that he liked
the only family member he met so far. One down, five to go.
"You're right," she felt a tiny bit better, "I just feel so bad for daddy..."
Sansa sank back down under the waves of guilt. "We're both betraying him."
"Hey, 'betray' is a fuck of a strong word," he objected. "All kids sneak around
behind their parent's back - that's normal." When he spoke in that assured
tone, everything he said just made perfect sense.
"I'll make it up to you when daddy gets back," she promised. "By taking you on
a really special date."
"Oh good," he deadpanned, "a date."
"It can be a backseat date," she offered casually, "if that's what you want."
"Shut up," he eyed her sideways, "before I turn this car around and never take
you home."
"You keep threatening to steal me..." Sansa sighed with exaggerated
disappointment. "But so far, you're all talk."
"Girl," he growled, "don't test the hound."
"Oh him?" Sansa made a disgusted sound. "That guy is so not my type." She
tilted her head back against the seat and smiled at him. "I like sweet guys,
like you Sandor."
"Not thinking such 'sweet' thoughts right now, little bird." Sandor was having
a hard time keeping his eyes on the road so she had to point out to turn to her
apartment when he almost missed it.
"How about this," she sat up straight in her seat and kept her seductive smiles
to herself. "If today daddy doesn't call me to check up on Arya..." The mere
thought of having to decide between protecting her sister or obeying her father
turned her stomach in knots. "Then we'll spend time together tomorrow... and
all night if you want." If her younger sister was brave enough to break a few
rules then so could she. Sansa rationalized that she was only breaking daddy's
no-dating rule by a matter of weeks.
"I'll clear my fucking schedule," he pulled up and parked in front of the
building. Sandor turned to face her but did not lean in for a kiss and she
worried that he was still upset. "Call me tonight or I'll be up all night
wondering if I can see you tomorrow."
"Aw," she put her hand over her racing heart, "you would stay awake thinking
about me?" Sansa loved the way he said the dreamiest things in such a casual
way. Like he didn't even know he was being romantic, just thought he was saying
the simple truth. That made it sound that much more stunning and authentic,
instead of some cheesy line.
"Little bird," he lifted a hand to trace his fingers gently along her jaw as
his eyes locked with hers. "You're my favorite reason to lose sleep." Sansa's
heart stopped beating for a few seconds before she launched herself at him. Her
arms flew around his neck as their lips collided and he caught her, curling his
arms around her. Sandor accepted and returned her kiss but let her take the
lead. She used her lips to express what she could not say; 'I love you, stay by
my side always'.
Chapter End Notes
     So much foreshadowing! I hope I'm not laying it on too thick. I am
     like FREAKING out about the next chapter... Like, whoa! Things are
     about to get super dramatic! I'm probably building it up to much.
     MEH!
     Sansa's lover gets the next POV!!!
***** He's Back *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                  [He's_Back]
                                    SANDOR
He should've known something was wrong by the heavy way the air stifled the
little house his father was so proud of. The day he turned eighteen, he
should've left and never come back, but he was so obsessed with saving every
last penny. There were times when he even felt grateful that his father let him
stay after he legally became an adult. The moment Sandor stepped inside and saw
his brother's grinning face, it felt like someone punched him in the gut. Greg
should still be locked up behind bars, away from innocent people he could hurt.
Sandor froze in the doorway, staring into the living room where his nightmare
lay sprawled on the couch watching a game with dad. It did feel like a
nightmare - one that he had many times - but then it made perfect sense. Dad
must've done something for Robert Baratheon, who then greased some palms to get
Greg paroled. Money can buy anything - even people. The old man didn't even
have the guts to look up away from the TV while Greg just grinned in that scary
fucking way. Then the phone rang and he knew by the ringtone who it was -
exactly who he needed.
"Hey, lover," she purred, "I have good news." Sansa was the light in the
darkness, the one good and pure thing in this world tainted by greed and
corruption.
"I need to see you," he was already walking - stumbling back out the door.
Later he'd come back for his shit, when that fucker was off torturing little
animals or whatever he did for fun. Sandor's heart thundered erratically and
the sun nearly blinded him even though it was sinking into the horizon. His
feet somehow kept walking at a normal pace to the Skylark. He wondered for a
minute if he could drive, it didn't even feel like he could breathe. Two more
years, he was supposed to have plenty of time to finish high school and leave
this city before Greg's sentence was up.
"Right now?" Worry crept into Sansa's voice and it filled him with guilt - but
he didn't have anywhere else to go... Just this once he would lean on her, just
this one time.
"Right now," he pulled open the car door and fell inside. His hand was shaking
as he pulled out the keys to put them in the ignition.
"I'll wait downstairs," she answered hurriedly. "Bye-" He hung up and put the
car in drive to race his own demons to the only heaven he's ever known. How
could Dad let him back? It was one thing to cover up what Greg did to him - he
was still young then. Though, fucking counseling might not have been the worst
idea. But, oh no, we can't have a 'crazy person' tarnishing the good Clegane
name! Apparently, the brutal rape and attempted murder of an innocent woman
didn't shame the family name too badly.
It was almost two years ago, a national scandal that everyone obsessed about.
Then everyone forgot as new scandals stole the spotlight. Robert Baratheon -
Sandor tightened his hands on the wheel - got Greg the best lawyer money could
buy and already owned the papers. The hot-shot lawyer spun the whole thing into
some kind of affair gone wrong. A tawdry 'lover's quarrel', the news called it
- between a politician's wife and a star basketball player. He was young and
dumb enough to believe his brother was out of their lives but everything just
got worse.
People couldn't seem to understand he wasn't his brother. They were terrified
of him, especially girls. Eventually the dumbass sheep couldn't even remember
why they were so scared of him. But the reputation for being violent persisted
and he encouraged it. By that point, he had already become what they expected,
he fought and drank and barely kept his grades up. The only people who would
even come around him were the basketball team. They obviously loved being
considered 'brave' for hanging with him. He never considered them 'friends' -
but who needs them?
Sansa came along and pulled him into her fantasy world where everything was
made up of fucking rainbows. All along, he thought she needed someone to look
out for her, because she was such a naive little bird and knew nothing of the
world. Then he realized that she didn't live in a dream world, she tried to
make it real by making the people she cared about happy. Other people stepped
back in fear when he got mad but she held onto him and asked to help make him
feel better. Sandor almost smiled at the memory of her little cheer-up cheer.
The drive to her apartment took forever but his heart felt lighter as soon as
he saw her, standing outside the building. Sansa's hair was wet and she hugged
her arms, making him realize it had gotten colder since it was getting later.
He reached across the seat to open her door and she quickly jumped in a closed
the door against the chilled air. The nights really cooled off now that winter
had finally come.
"Is everything alright?" Sansa rubbed her hands over her arms as she looked
expectantly at him. He tried to open his mouth to speak but no words came out
so he pulled the Skylark into a parking space and turned off the car. "What's
wrong?" Sandor thought about that question - how to answer it without lying or
shocking her too badly. Oh, fuck... what if she just couldn't handle it?
"Sandor!" At her shocked tone, he turned to see her covering her mouth with her
hand and he realized his face felt cold. Was he... crying?
"Shit," he wiped his face with the back of his hand and stared at the wetness
in disbelief.
"Oh no," she reached a shaky hand to his face where he felt more tears falling
down. Sandor wanted to make it stop but he didn't know how. "It's alright."
Sansa scooted across the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his
shoulders. "It's okay." It was strange to have her holding him in comfort,
running a hand over his hair. "Tell me what I can do."
"Sansa," he turned his face into her hair and smelled that flowery sent she
always smelled like. "I can't go home."
"Something happened at home?" Sansa pulled back but held onto his shoulders as
she gazed at his face in worry. "You can't tell me?" He wanted to but the words
just wouldn't come out. She nodded her head decisively as she gripped his shirt
in her fists. "Then come home with me," she pleaded, "I'll be too worried if
you leave like this."
"If you'll have me." He understood Sansa well enough to know her offer wasn't
made easily but he came to her expecting she would ask him to stay. Her father
wasn't like his dad - hers earned his daughter's respect and protected her.
Sandor knew he should just handle his shit and go work out or have a drink and
scream at the sea... None of that actually made him feel better the way being
with her did.
"Gladly," she tried to smile brightly - for his benefit - through her obvious
worry. "You'll see... it will be fun." It was lightly raining when they got out
of the car and hurried into the apartment building. The elevator ride was
awkwardly quiet - Sansa looked about a million miles away as she stared at the
numbered buttons. She jumped when the doors slid open and then smiled tightly
at him again before leading him to her apartment. Inside was really nice,
everything high-end and brand new, reminding him just how much higher up she
was.
"I'll find something of daddy's for you to wear," she led him up the hallway
and opened the bathroom door to flick on the light. "You'll feel better after a
shower, I always do." Sansa tried to smile again but it fell flat before she
opened a cupboard to hand him two towels. "Um, shampoo and soap are all in
there and I'm sure I can find you a razor if you want to shave, but you don't
have to-"
"Little bird, I don't need your help to shower - but you're more than welcome."
Sandor didn't always know how to make her smile but turning her cheeks red was
easy.
"I'll go find you something to wear," she murmured at the ground as she brushed
past him. Sandor watched her retreat, wondering what she was thinking but too
afraid to ask. The shower was quick and painless, probably the biggest shower
he'd ever been in, but it still felt small. Sansa had snuck in quietly and
placed the change of clothes on the countertop. The fit was a bit snug but
nothing uncomfortable - the shirt would be better without sleeves though. A
cloth sack was set next to the change of clothes and he put his stuff into it
and set it by the door.
"I'm in here!" Her voice called from the kitchen, wearing the most ridiculous
pink flannel pajamas and fixing something up to eat. She seemed jumpy as he
approached so he kept his distance and leaned against the countertop.
"I'll sleep on the couch," it seemed like he should say it out loud to assure
her he wasn't trying to take advantage of her pity.
"You don't have to..." Sansa spun away from the sandwiches she was fixing. "I
mean, I would like it if we slept together." Sandor stared at her, waiting for
her to clarify. "Just sleeping," she added in a high pitch, "if that's aright
with you."
"I never slept with anyone before," he told her honestly, "I probably snore and
move around a lot."
"Arya says I sleep like the dead," she smiled sheepishly - but genuine this
time. "Completely still and barely breathing."
"It's your house," he shrugged, "I'll sleep wherever you tell me to." Sansa
nodded her head then spun around to focus on the sandwiches. "I'm kidding,
little bird." Sandor moved to her side and turned her to face him. "I'd kill to
sleep with you - even just sleeping."
"Okay," she blushed and smiled. "Um... I made something to eat; sorry I don't
have much to work with-"
"You are literally the first person in over a decade who's made me a sandwich
without my having to pay for it." Sandor thought it was kinda funny but her
eyes suddenly turned glassy and she launched herself at him to in a tight hug.
"Tell me anything you want and I'll make it for you," she sounded so damn
heartbroken over a stupid sandwich. Sometimes she cared about the weirdest
shit. "I wish I didn't miss your birthday so I could make you a cake. Next year
I'll make the best cake ever, I promise." Sandor didn't say it out loud but he
wouldn't count on them still be together in a year. He wasn't staying here any
longer than it took to graduate and she needed to finish school. Damn, he sure
wished he could taste the cake she would make him...
"I don't want to wait that long," he complained. "Make me a cake for... what's
that day with all the fucking hearts and chocolates?" Sansa pulled back with
the silliest happy expression on her face.
"Maiden's Day?" Her eyes - at last free of tears - shone with uncontrolled
eagerness. "I am going to make you the most amazing Maiden's Day cake!"
"Good - can we eat those now?" Sandor stared at the plate of sandwiches
longingly.
"Oh sorry," she laughed as she picked up the plate and he followed her to the
couch. They ate in silence for a few moments - it was nothing special but
actually tasted really good. "So... You still cannot tell me what happened?"
"If I tell you," he paused to take another bite and chew it, "you'll have
nightmares tonight."
"If you don't tell me..." Sansa stared at her sandwich with a frown before
turning her eyes up at him. "Will you have nightmares?"
"Maybe," he finished off the last few bites and sat back to stare up at the
ceiling. "My brother got out of prison. Dad just let him come back into the
house without even telling me." Sandor waved at his face, not even knowing if
she was looking at him. "He's the one who gave me this."
"On purpose?!" Sansa made a few sputtering sounds like she couldn't get any
words out and he just nodded in reply. "Oh my gods," she whispered. "Is that
why he was in prison? For hurting you?"
"No," it surprised him how much he still cared when he should've gotten over it
long ago. "He never got in trouble for that - my father covered it up." Sansa
was quiet for a long time so he forced his focus on her and then he wished he
didn't. Pity - that was the one thing he never wanted to see from her but it
was streaming down her face like a fucking river.
"That's so horrible..." Sansa was trembling - he scared her so bad that she
actually was shaking. "I'm so sorry, Sandor."
"See?" Sandor wished he could take it all back. "I knew you would be too
upset."
"I'm only upset because," she quickly wiped her face on her sleeve and scooted
closer to him. "I can't do anything for you. I can't go back and protect you
and I don't know how to comfort you now." Sansa groaned and tapped her forehead
while squeezing her eyes shut. "I'm sorry, I'm being so selfish."
"You are helping," he reached out to take the hand punishing her forehead,
"right now - just being with me."
"I would do anything for you, Sandor." The more she said that the more it
scared him but he didn't have the heart to say so when she looked so upset.
"Don't tell me I'm wrong for saying that." Her face scrunched up with
confusion. "So, the reason Dany doesn't like you has to do with your...
brother?"
"You don't want to know." Sandor wished he could keep everything hidden from
her. Just hide himself inside her dream world where everything happened for a
reason. "Greg beat and raped Dany's aunt then left her for dead - he served
just under eighteen months." Now that he thought about it, the cheerleader
must've found out about the parole and that's why she tweaked on him. Like she
fucking hated Greg more than him...
"Oh my gods," she looked like she wanted to start crying again but was too
shocked. "That's so horrible, I feel sorry for Dany and her family." Sansa
wrapped both of her hands around his and peered into his eyes. "But that has
nothing to do with you..." He just shook his head - she couldn't understand
what it was like even if he explained it. "How could he get sentenced so little
time?"
"Robert Baratheon," he spit the name out like it tasted like shit. Sansa just
stared at him with a blank expression. "You just don't get it, little bird -
Greg was ordered to do it."
"Ordered?" She was so innocent - had no fucking clue how corrupt everyone in
this city was.
"Paid," he waved a hand. "Whatever you want to call it."
"Why would Mr. Baratheon," she shook her head in disbelief, "want such a
horrific thing to happen?"
"Money," he snorted the obvious answer. "Who knows exactly what he told Greg to
do - but I know it was him who gave the order." Sandor pulled his hands from
hers and stood up - he needed to move around because he was getting twitchy.
"Back then the Targaryens were in competition with the Baratheons for some big
development deal." He paced the small room as she watched him. "Then everything
happened at once, it was like a media shit-storm and turned what should've been
an open-and-shut case into a circus."
"How did I not hear about this?" Sansa looked away like she was trying to
remember. To someone unrelated it probably just seemed like commonplace
sensationalist gossip news. There were stories like that every day - everyone
forgets that there are actual people whose lives are affected.
"There's always some new scandal." Those TV personalities sit on their high
horses judging everyone else for 'entertainment'. "The newly elected mayor's
wife was rushed to the hospital. On the same day her father-in-law set his own
office on fire and supposedly killed himself. With the competition out of the
way - big fucking surprise - Robert Baratheon got what he wanted." It was all
anyone could talk about at the time but he still went to school like it was
nothing and so did the Targaryen girl. Guess she had more grit than he gave her
credit for. "That girl can hate me, it doesn't hurt me any."
"I don't believe that," she got up and moved to stand in front of him. "Nobody
has the right to hate you."
"I might not be as bad as some say," he shook his head and looked away. "But
I'm an asshole - even you can't argue with that." Sandor could understand why
Dany and everyone feared and hated him. That's exactly the kind of reputation
he carefully cultivated for himself. Then nobody would try to 'talk' to him
about his 'feelings'... It was easier just to pretend he didn't have any,
that's what everyone expected anyway.
"Sometimes you can be... grumpy." Sansa always liked to pretty things up to fit
into her neat little understanding of the world. "But I like you the way you
are," she took his hand again. "Don't tell me I never get on your nerves."
"You only ever made me happy," it was the plain truth. "If I ever made you feel
like I was annoyed by you..." Sandor let his head hang forward, thinking of all
the times he acted like an asshole to her just because she was getting under
his skin. Sansa saw something in him that he wished he saw in himself but deep
down he knew he couldn't live up to her idealization. "I didn't mean it, it was
all on me."
"Come to bed with me," she didn't wait for an answer, just tugged his hand as
she led him down the hall. Half of her bedroom was exactly as he thought it
would be - pretty, pink, and tidy. The other half... looked like his room but
with smaller clothes. Sansa let go of his hand to crawl into the bed to lay
down and pat the space beside her. The mattress dipped under his weight as he
lay beside her and she rolled against him. "I'll never sleep well in this bed
again," she snuggled up to his side as he put an arm under her head, "knowing
how comfortable it is with you."
"Sansa," he rubbed a hand over her face, "you can't just fucking see things the
way you want them to be. You should be scared of the shit I told you!" Sandor
didn't want to 'pretend' everything was going to be okay because they cuddled a
bit! "I can't protect you - not from Greg and not from the Baratheons... Your
father would do well to take you back to wherever you came from."
"You are protecting me," she propped up on her elbow to look down at him. "By
telling me the truth now I won't be so ignorant." Sansa just didn't get it -
she didn't understand anything!
"I helped you out with Littlefucker and Joff because I wanted to fuck you," he
regretted how harsh that sounded but it was true. "You like me because you see
me as some kind of hero but that's not me at all."
"I see you as the boy I like," she whispered, "nothing more and nothing less."
Sansa pulled away and sat up to wrap her arms around her knees. "It was sweet
that you helped me and it was thrilling when you flirted with me, so I started
to like you more every time we met." She shook her head, making her loose hair
shimmer in the low lamplight. "I never had to courage to ask a boy out but I
liked you so much that I discovered my own bravery. You have taught me a lot
about being my own person and trying things I'm scared to do."
"None of that actually explained why you like me." It killed him that no matter
how much he tried to figure it out - her attraction to him didn't make any
fucking sense. From the first time they met, she even talked to him when no one
else did. "You backed into me - looked scared shitless - then you let me walk
you to class... Why?"
"We are well-suited, I think." Sansa got the smug little smile on her face -
like she knew some secret that he would never guess. "Is that not rather
obvious," she raised an eyebrow. "I'm attracted to you, like every other girl
who ever liked a boy." He turned his eyes up at the ceiling but could feel her
looking at his face.
"Why?" Sandor felt frustrated by her replies, they only confused him more.
"I like you for your..." Sansa rested her chin on her knees as she peered at
nothing. "Charisma."
"Charisma? That's bullshit," he laughed at her vague answer. "Just say what you
really mean."
"I really mean that I find you charismatic," she insisted. "You're fascinating
and I feel... pulled by you. I want to follow you when you walk away." Sansa
crawled up the bed to sit beside his head and leaned over into his vision. "I
like everything about you."
"I don't know how you ignore it," he kept his eyes on hers, trying to see any
trace of dishonesty. Sansa didn't lie but she also needed to be polite - it was
almost a sickness.
"I don't," she kept her eyes locked with his. "When you smile, it makes my
heart race. When you frown then all I want is to make you happy." Sansa dipped
her lips to brush them briefly against his. "Yours are the only lips I want to
kiss," she smiled in that dazzling way that made his heart stop. "Maybe I do
build you up in my mind but you do the exact same thing to me."
"No, you are exactly as pretty, good, and smart as I think you are." Sandor
lifted his hand to run his fingers along her perfect jaw, feeling her
impossibly soft skin. "I don't have to build you up."
"Right there," she narrowed her eyes, "that's too much to live up to. Wait till
you see me in the morning, all puffy and bedraggled." Sansa rolled her stunning
eyes at him. "Then we will see how 'pretty' you find me." She always was a
little dense about how gorgeous she really was. Sandor was always grateful for
that - though he knew it was a shit thing to appreciate. He wouldn't stand a
chance of ever coming close to her if she knew...
"I should go sleep on the couch," he groaned as he sat up. "Neither of us will
get any sleep like this."
"Please," she held onto his arm, "stay." She used those blue eyes on him -
knowing exactly what she was doing to him. Sansa could be downright cruel
sometimes! There was no way he would get any sleep next to her - no matter how
ridiculous and childish her sleepwear was.
"Fine," he relented - it would be torture to stay beside her all night but it
would also be the best night of his life. He pulled her into his arms and they
lay facing each other as he tried to prevent his cock from poking her. Sansa
propped up on her elbow and looked down at him with a strange expression he
couldn't puzzle out. "What?"
"I'm sorry today was so hard for you," she lowered her eyes, "but I'm really
happy that you are here with me." Sansa peeked back up at him with a worried
grimace. "Is that terrible?" He gripped the collar of her top and pulled her
close to kiss her goodnight before pushing her away - before he couldn't.
"Quit your chirping and go to sleep." Sandor turned her over so she lay on her
side away from him and pulled her back against his chest. "Don't ever change,
little bird."
"Goodnight, Sandor." Sansa covered a yawn with her hand before lowering it to
link her fingers with his.
"Dream sweet," he suddenly remembered that was what his mother used to tell him
and it felt right to say it to Sansa.
"I hope I dream of you," she mumbled, already drifting off without a worry in
her pretty head. Sandor felt like every moment with Sansa was some long coma
dream. Seriously, he considered the possibility once. He was drained from
everything that happened that day, in both good ways and bad, but he couldn't
give up this rare chance. She really was perfect, even her sleeping face looked
so innocent. The guilt about keeping her for himself was eating away at him a
little more each day but he wanted to keep her too much. Sandor meant it every
time when he threatened to steal her away.
He tucked his hand around her narrow waist and felt like a dog guarding its
most precious bone. Before today, his biggest worry was keeping that shit-stain
Joff away from Sansa. So far, the ass-hat was too chicken-shit to do anything.
Greg... was a different story - nobody around him was safe anymore. Sandor knew
he should just get up, leave a shitty note breaking up with her, and walk out
the door never to bother her again. That's what a good guy would do... but he
never claimed to be any fucking kind of 'good guy'.
She was his - she belonged to him now - anybody who tried to take or hurt her
would die by his hand.
Chapter End Notes
     I wish I spent a lot more time on this chapter today but I... I'm not
     going to lie - I spent all day watching the new season of "New Girl"
     on Netflix. *_* My Xbox was like: "seriously, are you STILL watching
     'New Girl'? GET A LIFE!" And I'm like: "all of my ships are sinking!
     But it's still really funny! DON'T JUDGE ME XBOX - I'll wear pajamas
     and watch sitcoms all day if I want!"
***** The Gods are Cruel *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                             [The_Gods_are_Cruel]
                                     SANSA
After her alarm went off, she quickly reached out to silence it before allowing
herself to stay in bed for a few moments longer. He held her tightly against
his body with his hand curled around her waist and face buried in her hair. To
wake in Sandor's arms was like a glorious dream but then reality set in and she
had to wriggle out of his strong hold. He didn't even budge, just scrunched up
his face a bit before continuing to snore softly.
"Hey," she gently coaxed Sandor awake, "do you feel up to going to school
today?"
"No," he groaned but started to sit up anyway.
"Then stay," she pushed him back down and pressed a kiss to his forehead, "we
can skip today."
"You - skipping?" Sandor snorted in disbelief. "I'm dreaming - and if that's
the case." He tugged her into his arms and pulled her to his side to bury his
face in her messy hair.
"Sandor, I have to use the bathroom," she patted his arm and he released her.
"Rest a bit more." Sansa crept out of the room and closed the door quietly
behind her to hurry into the bathroom with a change of clothes. It was like a
sign from the gods when she got her monthly yesterday, they were clearly
watching out for her precious first time. Last night, having Sandor in her bed
would have been too much of a temptation otherwise.
If she pushed him into going too fast, she would never have forgiven herself.
Besides, he was in such a vulnerable state last night; he probably did not feel
much like doing anything anyway. The things he said... Sansa could not process
it this early in the morning. So she turned her attention to showering and
getting dressed in comfy lounge-wear. Afterward she set about making breakfast
for him as quietly as she could. Time passed as she hummed happily, cooking up
a storm, and feeling pretty good despite some mild cramping.
"Holy fuck," he shuffled into the room, rubbing his eyes as he stared in
surprise at the spread of food she cooked up. Sansa turned her back on him and
blushed as she realized she might have gotten a bit carried away. "I didn't go
back to sleep for that long."
"You were tired, it's totally understandable." Sansa moved the last of the
bacon she just finished frying up onto a plate with a few paper towels to catch
the grease. "You didn't sleep well last night."
"I kept you up," he sounded guilty as he moved beside her to lean against the
counter.
"I... liked watching you sleep," it felt embarrassing to admit but Sandor
smiled at her. "Sit, sit!" She waved a hand at the table and he moved to follow
her order. "I made every breakfast thing that I am capable of making." Sansa
pointed at each plate as she listed the options available. "Pancakes, French
toast, regular toast, bacon, eggs, and coffee." His disbelieving stare made her
face feel hot again. "I didn't know what you liked."
"I like it all," he grinned as he started piling some food on his plate before
he looked around the kitchen. "Where's the coffee pot?"
"I'll get it!" Sansa rushed to the cabinet to get a mug for him. "How do you
take it?"
"How like my girls - hot and sweet," Sandor teased and she turned around to
roll her eyes at his childish flirting. "Three huge spoonfuls of sugar."
"In one cup?" Sansa hesitated to add that much sugar to his beverage first
thing in the morning... The urge to lecture was tugging so strongly!
"You always say I'm sweet," he chuckled. "I like sweet things."
"I guess I should have known from that mountain of ice cream you ate." Sansa
complied with his request and stirred the coffee as she walked over to hand it
to him. "So I assume you'll need syrup?" She moved the bottle into his reach
and sat down beside him to watch him eat.
"Oh nice," he looked at the bottle, "this is the good stuff." Sandor drizzled
the sticky amber liquid all over his pile of pancakes and then over his bacon!
He forked a slice of bacon into a pancake and rolled it up like a taco before
shoving the whole thing in his mouth. "Oh my fucking gods..." His eyes closed
as he chewed and swallowed a gulp of his coffee. "I mean it this time, I'm
stealing you."
"I'll cook for you whenever you want," she offered shyly, more than pleased by
his reaction. At the same time, Sansa was deeply disturbed by his table
manners... but it was sort of cute.
"You aren't eating?" Sandor shoved another mouthful of food into his mouth and
hummed with pleasure. "It's so good!"
"No... I, um," Sansa did not want to discuss her monthly at the breakfast
table... or ever. "I don't have much of an appetite right now."
"Cause I kept you up," he dropped his fork, "fuck."
"No!" Sansa held her hands up, scrambling for a reply to assure him it wasn't
his fault. "It's... just... I'm not feeling well."
"Should you go to the doctor," he looked suddenly worried. "Is that why you
wanted to take the day off?"
"Sandor," she rubbed a hand over her burning cheek, "it's that time... of the
month." Sandor just stared at her blankly. "For me."
"Oh," understanding finally dawned on his face but it only made her more
embarrassed. "And you can't even eat?"
"I get queasy in the morning," she took an anxious sip of her creamy coffee.
"Every time?" Sandor did not seem to get that she was not comfortable
discussing such a personal thing.
"I feel weird talking about this," she just said it directly... while staring
into her mug.
"Oh, sorry." Sandor resumed eating like he did not care one way or the other.
"I guess I just don't know much about it." He gave her another worried look
before washing down his mouthful of food with the rest of his coffee. "Let me
know if there's anything I can do."
"Sandor, never change," she turned his sweet words from last night back on him
as she picked up his mug to refill it. "Will you watch movies you will
definitely hate," she called from the kitchen. "While cuddling with me on the
couch?" Sansa returned to the table and set his mug beside him once more.
"Sure thing, little bird." Sandor lifted the cup to his lips but stopped to
stare at it with an oddly serious expression. "Nobody ever did things like this
for me before," he did not look up at her as he spoke, "thanks."
"Thank you, for letting me do this for you." Sansa never felt happier than when
she was with Sandor and prayed that someday they could spend every morning
together. "I wish..." She cast off her fear of rejection, reminding herself
that she was the person he came to for help. "We could do this every day."
"If I woke up in bed with you every morning," he narrowed his eyes at her, "and
didn't get to have you, I'd go fucking insane."
"I keep counting down the days to the Winter Formal," she ran her hand over his
forearm, "but it still seems forever away." Though it was hard to wait, looking
forward to the occasion made her smile every day. It was going to be most
special and memorable night of her life! In the meantime, everything they did
was like practice so they would be ready.
"I'm looking forward to it," he smirked as he leaned on the table towards her.
"Sandor," she moved closer as well, "I never realized you were a lover of
formal dances."
"I'm dying to see you all pretty in your dress," his voice lowered as he tilted
his head down, "and I'd love to see you out of it too."
"And so you shall," she closed the small gap between their lips. Sandor was
sweet and a little sticky from the syrup, he pulled her up as he stood and led
her to the couch. He forgot all about breakfast and she could not care less if
they watched a movie.
                                     ARYA
"Oh shit," Gendry bounded out of bed, "Arry, wake up." She just groaned and
rolled over to pull the blanket over her shoulder. "What the fuck happened to
the alarm?!"
"I turned it off," she grumbled, "I was tired."
"Arry!" Gendry sure was acting brave - yelling at her so early in the morning.
"You don't get to decide everything for me as well." He tore through his
drawers to find some clothes to pull on. "I actually wanted to go to school
today."
"Then go," she groaned and covered her head with the blanket, feeling sore all
over. "Ugh, I feel like shit." She lowered her hand to her stomach and felt the
familiar tight sensation... "Oh no," Arya jumped up to run to the bathroom to
discover in fact, she had started her period - fucking lovely. "NO!
Godsdammit!"
"What's wrong?" Gendry knocked on the door, Arya quickly took care of the
situation as best she could, and opened the door to his worried expression.
"I forgot... my period." Arya leaned against the doorframe, more irritated than
she'd ever been before. "The gods are cruel."
"Sounds like good news to me." Gendry's easy smile slipped as she glared at him
- seriously considering beating the shit out of him. "I'm sorry, is there
anything you need?"
"Yeah," she sighed heavily as she brushed past him, "we have to go to my house
to get it."
"Can't I just buy you something at the store?" Was he seriously questioning
her?
"Stupid," she sneered at his ignorance. "The tampon and sanitary napkin
industries are slowly poisoning women and the planet." Gendry gaped at her,
clearly not knowing how to respond to that much truth laid on him. "I use
reusable organic cotton ones, is basically what I'm saying." Arya ripped a hand
through her hair in frustration. "I can't believe I forgot!"
"It's no big deal," he walked up to her and put his arms around her shoulders.
"I didn't just bring you here to have sex." Gendry kissed the top of her hair
while she scowled into his chest. "We can still spend all our time together:
that's all that matters."
"Whatever," she pulled away - pissed to be the only one even slightly upset
their week was ruined!
"Arry," he followed after her, "please don't be mad."
"Just get ready to go," she grumbled, already regretting her bad attitude. Arya
pulled on something half-way decent and walked up to Gendry with her head hung.
"Sorry, I was half-asleep when I turned off the alarm." She put her arms around
his waist and hid her face against his chest. "I didn't mean to."
"Sorry I yelled at you when you don't feel well," he stroked her hair and
heaved a sigh. "Let's go get what you need and we'll take the day off." Arya
couldn't believe he gave in just like that and didn't argue - even though she
knew he'd beat himself up about it later... All day yesterday was torture,
sitting through school and then waiting around for Gendry to get off work. He
passed out early last night and then this mess happened! Just this one more day
and then she'd go to school again like he wanted.
"Okay," she nodded against his chest before letting go and heading for the
door. She didn't feel much like talking on the ride to her father's apartment -
it's weird how it didn't feel like 'home' anymore. If Arya had to say where she
felt at home, it would be 'with Gendry' every time. Even when he annoyed the
daylights out of her, she still wanted to be with him. Because fighting with
him was better than the best thing without him. "Stay in the car," she ordered
as he pulled up in front of the building.
All the way up the elevator she wished, hoped, and prayed she could keep her
temper in check for the rest of the day. It wasn't Gendry's fault that she felt
like shit and their gods-given sex week was put on hold due to Mother Nature's
jealous wrath. As soon as she walked into the apartment, she knew Sansa was
home but wondered why she made so much breakfast... Oh my gods!!!
"Oh good-ness gra-cious!" Arya laughed her ass off at the scene she found - her
sister all tangled up with her beastly boyfriend in the living room. "Big
sister, I didn't think you had it in you." She applauded as her sister leapt up
off the couch faster than a speeding bullet. "Well done!"
"Great timing, kid." The beast sulked like Arya just took away his favorite
candy - she probably did! Good, if she was getting any... Oh, right.
"So," she grinned at her sister, "I'm guessing Mother Nature wrecked your week
too?"
"That's none of your business!" Sansa's face turned beet red and she pointed at
the door. "Hurry and get what need and get out if you're leaving!"
"I'm not staying," she held up her hands, still grinning as she turned towards
their bedroom to get what she needed. "Gendry is waiting downstairs." Arya
hurried into the bathroom to take the fastest shower ever and grab what she
needed to not keep him waiting too long.
                                    GENDRY
When the door opened, he didn't look up because he was digging through his
wallet. He couldn't find the number for the guy who traded shifts with him
sometimes. The feminine throat clearing clued him in pretty quick and Gendry
whipped his head to see an attractive girl with bright red hair.
"You're Arya's sister, right?" He started to sweat under her cool gaze as Sansa
nodded once to confirm her identity. "I'm Gendry," he held out his hand, "the
boyfriend... ah, her boyfriend... your sister's-"
"Do you love my sister?" She flicked her eyes to his hand and pointedly crossed
her arms.
"Yes," he answered immediately. "More than anything." Sansa nodded again, her
eyes never wavering. Though they were blue, she still had the Stark-family
death stare down.
"Most people say I'm a nice girl." She narrowed her eyes and uncrossed her arms
to straighten her shoulders and look down her nose at him. "If you ever hurt my
little sister, you'll see exactly how nice I can be."
"I would never-"
"Furthermore," Sansa sighed, "she has the tendency to get people into trouble."
Her cool expression tightened with worry and Gendry actually thought it was
sweet that she cared so much. "She lives for trouble," she turned a pleading
look at him. "Arya needs someone who can bring her back down."
"I try my best," he promised. Today he fucked up by letting them miss school
again but tomorrow he would set every alarm in the house and drag her out if he
had to. They could not get caught this time or there would be hells to pay.
"That's all I can ask," the frostiness melted completely as a warm smile
stretched her lips. "Nice to meet you, Gendry." Sansa finally stretched out her
hand and gave him a soft handshake.
"Same here," he felt like he passed a test that he was sure he'd fail. Abruptly
the car door wrenched open and Arya scowled at her sister.
"Beat it!" Arya jerked a thumb and stood to the side as Sansa rolled her eyes
and gave him a quick wave goodbye. "Bye, San-sa!"
"Nice talking to you," he called after her.
"What did she want?" Arya narrowed her eyes at him as she slid into the car and
slammed the door shut.
"Big sister stuff, I guess." Gendry shrugged before he pulled the car around to
head back to Flea Bottom.
"From her?" Arya laughed like it was ridiculous that her sister cared about
her. For such a smart girl she really could be clueless sometimes. "She's so
weird."
"Wish I had an older sister," he admitted: possibly sulking a bit. By this
point, every family member he met of Arya's made it clear she was precious to
them. His mom didn't even know he was dating Arya because he didn't want to
disappoint her that he didn't listen to her warnings.
"Your mom is basically like an older sister but a lot cooler," she was busy
envying him while he was jealous of her. The grass is always greener... "My
mother is more like a warden, I thought dad would ease up once we lived without
her but it's only made him even tenser."
"Being a single parent is really hard," he asserted, "cut your dad some slack."
"You're right," she spoke the words he never thought to hear pass through her
lips. "I just hate having to sneak around."
"It's kinda fun," he teased but she only gave him a tight smile and turned her
head to rest against the window. Gendry was starting to worry when she pressed
her hand against her stomach and pulled her legs up to curl into a little ball.
He kept quiet to let her rest until they pulled up in front of his apartment
building and made the slow climb up. "Now," he shut the door behind him, "this
time I'm serious... What do you want to do?"
"Ugh..." Arya collapsed onto the couch and curled up into that little ball
position. "Wanna pig out on the couch, watch old shitty movies, and make pithy
arrogant criticisms?"
"I thought you'd never ask," he walked to the kitchen to get some snacks going:
popcorn seemed appropriate. As the food popped in the microwave Gendry put in a
MST3K DVD and handed Arya the remote to choose what she wanted to watch. He got
together the popcorn and some drinks to bring them out for her. She curled up
by his side and munched on the popcorn while they watched one of his favorites:
'Cave Dwellers'.
"It was worth getting grounded," she said out of the blue. "You totally fell in
love with me that day in the pool."
"It was way before that," he laughed. "Why?" Gendry tilted his head to look at
her. "Is that when you fell for me?"
"No," she munched a big handful of popcorn, "after that - well, when you dumped
me I realized I loved you." Gendry looked back to the movie, avoiding her eyes
at the mention of his pathetic attempt to drive her away. "I guess it happened
so slowly that I just didn't notice, but I always wanted you, since I first saw
you." Arya put the mostly emptied bowl of popcorn aside and leaned into his
vision. "So?"
"That first day," he smiled at how bent-out-of-shape she made him since the
first second their worlds collided. "I never met anyone like you." Falling for
Arya was the best thing he ever did completely against his will. "You stole my
heart like it was nothing."
"Wasn't even trying," her teasing smile slipped as her eyes glanced away. Arya
settled down on the couch, laying her head in his lap and pulling his arm
around her. "If you already loved me... how could you dump me like that?"
Gendry had been waiting for her to question that day: he deserved whatever she
said. "It really sucked." That's it, where were the accurate accusations of
cowardice?
"I didn't think I was brave enough to do this," he knew it was a weak reason
but it was the truth. The thought of disappointing his mother and getting lost
in some ill-fated teen romance terrified him. "I'm not the type who disobeys
their parent or gets in trouble at school." Arya rolled over on her back to
turn her big grey eyes up at him and he smiled at her sullen expression. "At
least, I wasn't before I met you." Gendry sighed as he admitted the last part,
knowing it was the stupidest reason of them all. "Also, I didn't think you
liked me that much."
"I threw myself at you," she scoffed, raising both eyebrows at him in
disbelief. What did he know? Gendry still could hardly believe how that day
went down: a blur of chlorinated water and unrestrained lust.
"But you were so cool about it!" For all he knew then, she seduced guys all the
time and was just lucky enough to be in her path. "I was freaking out the whole
time."
"I wasn't even thinking straight that day," she grinned like it was a happy
memory instead of the most embarrassing day of his life. "Varys' face..." Arya
chuckled evilly and he had to admit the situation was a bit humorous if he
forgot it happened to him. "What was he even doing there?"
"Maybe he wanted to take a swim," he shrugged before he raised a hand over
Arry's face and tapped her on the nose. "Guess you didn't figure the principal
into your little plan."
"Did you really believe I planned that?" She moved his hand out of the way and
gave him a 'you're a dumbass' look.
"You didn't?" Gendry clearly remembered her whole speech about leaving the
window open and everything. "But you said-"
"Hells no," she held onto her stomach as she snorted with laughter, "I was just
trying to take the heat off you." Arya put a hand to her chest and beamed with
pride. "I'm an excellent liar."
"Huh," he didn't know how to feel about that. Gendry couldn't tell at all when
she was lying and it would kill him if she didn't mean the things she said.
"I'll never lie to you," her expression grew serious, "never." Arya sat up to
stare hard at him, her hair falling over her darkened eyes. "Let's only have
the truth between us from now on - even if it's hard to say."
"I promise," he agreed immediately and bent forward to kiss the tip of her
nose. Arya tilted her chin up to kiss him with such softness he had to pull
back to see it was really her. "Gods," he breathed, "I love you so much, Arya."
"You can't ever dump me again," she ordered. "I'll never love anyone else so
neither can you."
"Never," he swore, "even if the whole world turns against us: I'll never let
you go." She stared at him for a few seconds before returning to rest her head
on his lap and watched the movie. Every so often, she would add a witty comment
until she drifted off to sleep and he turned off the TV to watch her. Sometimes
she said things in her sleep, usually it was just nonsense, but lately he heard
her calling him.
"Stupid," she murmured. Gendry shrugged and figured that counted as her calling
to him. He wondered what dreams were going on inside her head and figured she
was on some great adventure: probably busy saving his ass.
Chapter End Notes
     So... I'm freaking crazy tired, so just pretend I wrote something
     personal and witty that stole your heart and made your day a little
     brighter.
***** Good Morning *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                [Good_Morning]
                                     ARYA
She woke up before the alarm and resisted the overwhelming temptation to turn
everything off and go back to sleep. Gendry's sleeping face had to be the
cutest thing Arya had ever seen. She grabbed her phone and tilted her head
beside his to take a few pictures and then after that she started getting bored
as all hells. Sitting up beside him, with her legs crossed, her fingers pinched
the top of the sheet covering his chest. Slowly, to avoid waking him, she slid
it downward to reveal his gloriously sculpted body. Not for the first time, she
wondered if she saved the kingdom in a past life.
Arya pondered where a citizen might file a petition to have it made into law
that Gendry could not wear a shirt of any kind - ever. This kind of beauty
should never be covered! His abs could lead to world peace... okay maybe that
was a bit much. He didn't wake up as she moved the sheet lower with a
victorious grin to uncover the bulge hidden in his shorts. She loathed that he
was always awake before her so she never got a chance to wake him up. Her
fingers lightly traced over his hardness as she watched to see if his eyes
stayed closed.
She slid her hand under the waistband to wrap her fingers around him,
suppressing a whine as she felt how hard he was was. Arya had big plans for how
to make up for the time lost due to her period, Gendry didn't stand a chance.
It wasn't like her to pray but she prayed like crazy that she would be off her
period for his birthday. He suddenly grasped her wrist to stop her from
absentmindedly stroking him awake.
"We're going to school today, Arry," his husky morning voice was so torturous.
"Even if you keep-" She cut his words off with a firm tug and he relaxed his
hold on her wrist. "Fuck... Okay, but after this," he groaned as she moved her
other hand over his chest. "I'm getting up, I swear."
"I just wanted to make you happy before school." She smirked as he made a low
whining sound in his throat - Gendry made the cutest noises. Arya never got a
chance to enjoy the sounds he made because she was always screaming her head
off. "We'll go today," she promised. "Does it feel good?"
"So good," he nodded with his eyes squeezed shut as he curled a hand over her
thigh to hold it tightly. It was strange to Arya - how she could enjoy
something so much while feeling tortured. But it was nice to be able to focus
on him and see his body reacting to her touch. Usually she was so obsessed with
getting the good stuff that she forgot to enjoy the experience. There was so
much she never noticed before, like the adorable way his face scrunched up.
"I've been thinking..." Arya continued to stroke him in a slow steady rhythm.
"We shouldn't be in such a hurry all the time - next time, I want to try being
on top."
"Sounds great," he groaned in the sexiest voice that she ever heard. Arya
shivered from overwhelming - almost unbearable - longing and tried maintain her
to focus on him.
"Tell me what it's like," she wanted to hear his voice even though it drove her
crazy.
"Really-really good," he wheezed as his hips flexed and his stomach tightened.
Every part of her body ached with desperate yearning that she tried to channel
into pleasing him.
"Am I doing it right?" She tugged down his waistband to see better and stroked
more firmly. "Like this?" He just nodded and panted for breath. "Should I shut
up?"
"No," he gasped, "keep telling me-" Gendry's fingers tightened around her
thigh. "What you want to do."
"I want you to lie back just like this while I have you." Arya swept her free
hand over his chest to feel his heart thundering within. "I want to watch you
and I want you to watch me." He opened his eyes to focus on her and she smiled
at him. "We can take it slow, just like this." Her hand continued to pump his
cock - slow and steady - until he squeezed his eyes shut again and released one
soft cry. His release rushed through her fingers and erupted onto his stomach.
"No way," she never actually saw it happen before since it was always inside
her, "that's amazing."
"It's not so amazing," he laughed breathlessly. "I've been doing it without any
help for years." Gendry pointed to his cast-off shirt and she handed it to him
so he could clean up. He balled the shirt up and tossed it into the laundry
basket by his door before collapsing back on the bed. "Can you wake me up that
way every morning?"
"I will," she laughed at the ridiculously happy expression he made, "on the
days we can't have sex - if..."
"If?" Gendry's smile fell.
"You return the favor," she grinned, "every morning I'm not perioding."
"I don't think that's very fair," he grumbled.
"Tough," she grabbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head and
grinned at his hungry gaze. The boy had stamina for days, every girl should get
a blacksmith of their own.
"Ah," he sighed, "you make a good argument." Gendry sat up as he reached out
for her, curling a hand around her waist. The rasp of his calloused fingertips
against her skin was the single most wonderful feeling she'd ever known. "I
think we have an agreement," he lowered his lips to murmur in her ear - really
low and sexy... "Let's go to school now."
"Aw," she moaned, "I don't wanna!"
"You're going," he tightened his hand around her waist, "and that's that."
"I love when you try to order me around," she wrapped her arms around his
shoulders and pressed her chest against his.
"Really?" Gendry sounded like he didn't believe her.
"No," she admitted, "it makes me want to kick your ass." Arya groaned as he
dipped his head to brush his lips down her neck. "Then have sex with you."
"I'll gladly take the beating," he murmured against her skin, "if I can have
you after."
"Stop torturing me!" Arya groaned and pushed him back on the bed to hop up to
make some stupid coffee and find some stupid clothes. "Let's go to stupid
school!" His mocking laughter chased her out of the room and though she was
seven hells of sexually frustrated - she felt happy.
                                     SANSA
"There you are!" Margaery waved to get her attention as Sansa was walking to
sit down with Jayne for lunch. "I looked for you yesterday," she smiled
brightly, "have lunch with me." Her invitation sounded like a very polite
command but Sansa saw the opportunity to get some answers.
"Okay." Sansa nodded and waved apologetically at Jayne before following
Margaery to a table to sit by themselves.
"Dany told me about her little blow-up," Margaery held both hands up in a sign
of surrender. "This is not interfering - I just want to offer myself as a
wellspring of information." She beamed cheerfully as she opened her bento box
to reveal a beautiful array of sushi. "Ask me anything." Well, that did not
require much convincing.
"Sandor told me about his brother," Sansa ignored her lunchbox, not having much
of an appetite. "The only thing I cannot understand is..." All along, she
wanted Sandor to tell her the truth but now that she heard it, part of her
wished she was still ignorant. Knowing the truth only made her want to ask more
questions but she was afraid that would push him away. Margaery enjoyed her
lunch while she waited for Sansa to get her question out. "Why would you all
hate him for something his brother did?"
"Oh..." Margaery covered her mouth as she chewed, her brow furrowed in
concentration. "Honey, 'hate' is such a strong word." She set her chopsticks
down and looked Sansa straight in the eye. "We're 'cautious' about him, if you
can see the difference."
"I heard you are dating Joffrey Baratheon again." Sansa thought that boy was
much scarier than Sandor ever could be. "Why are you not equally 'cautious' of
him?" Margaery's brows knitted together at the comparison and Sansa quickly
continued. "Sandor thinks that Mr. Baratheon is the one who ordered the attack
on Dany's aunt. I don't think you should hold Joffrey responsible for his
father's actions but Sandor is in the same position."
"Mr. Baratheon is an idiot who surrounds himself with dangerous people to feel
important." Margaery sneered as she spoke of her boyfriend's father. "Gregor
Clegane is actually a dangerous person."
"But Sandor is not!" Sansa thought it was ridiculous that she even had to point
that out. How can they hold someone responsible for something he was completely
uninvolved in?
"Have you ever seen the hound beat someone unconscious?" Margaery crossed her
arms and raised her eyebrows. Sansa just shook her head no, having a hard time
believing he would do something like that. "I have, last year and on campus.
You know what the consequences were? Nothing, he didn't even get suspended.
Nobody deserves that kind of impunity." Sandor admitted that he had a past but
even her brothers got into fights from time to time. It had to be an
exaggeration, he was not that violent!
"That was last year," Sansa argued, "he's changed..."
"For your sake, I hope you're right." Margaery uncrossed her arms and shrugged
with the heavy side. "I don't know, maybe to you he is the nicest person but to
everyone else he's crude, rude, and arrogant. He solves his problems with
threats, intimidation, and finally violence. If that is alright with you -
there's nothing I can say."
"I want to give Sandor the chance that no one else gives him." Sansa wished
that other people could see him the way she did.
"That's noble, I understand better than you think." Margaery turned to put her
half-eaten lunch away and leaned against the table, staring down at her hands.
"It's not my place to tell Dany's story to anyone but I will make this one
exception if you swear on your life not to say anything to anyone."
"I swear," Sansa whispered the promise. She was both impatient and terrified to
better understand what really happened two years ago to affect so many lives.
"Dany's uncle ran for mayor of King's Landing and her entire family moved here
to support his campaign." Margaery spoke about any emotional inflection at all,
as if she were reading off a grocery list. But her eyes were haunted as if she
were looking directly into the past. "Her uncle ran against the incumbent, Mr.
Baratheon's father-in-law, and won." She turned to face Sansa. "Do you
understand what that meant for his business?"
"I can imagine it was not good." Sansa knew enough about her father's business
to understand that connections where everything.
"When I first met Dany, she was exactly like you - sweet and innocent."
Margaery smiled as she reminisced. "I befriended her immediately because I
wanted to help her." She smirked wryly at Sansa. "Sound familiar? I have a bad
habit of trying to fix everyone else before myself. Admitting the problem is
the first step." Her teasing expression slipped as she looked back at her
hands.
"Mere weeks after the election Dany went home from school early because she
wasn't feeling well..." Margaery squeezed her eyes closed and shook her head.
"She found her aunt in a condition you cannot possibly imagine. She was fifteen
and every scrap of innocence was torn away that day."
"Oh..." Sansa could not think of a word to describe how horribly sorry she felt
for Dany.
"If Dany had stuck it out at school, she would have arrived home to find her
aunt dead. But she sees it the other way - she thinks she should have gone home
earlier." Margaery's face was mask of anguish and Sansa could tell it was
difficult for her to continue. "I've watched the guilt eat away at her for
years now. She thinks she has to take care of everyone but never herself..."
She stopped and quickly swiped her eyes and sniffled before turning back with a
well-practiced smile. "I'm sorry - I know you must have questions."
"Is it true that her father killed himself?" The more Sansa heard of the sad
tale the more horrible it became.
"Her family had been hiding his mental illness for years." Margaery shrugged as
if she didn't know what to believe. "Dany blames Gregor Clegane and Robert
Baratheon for his death." She turned her sad gaze to Sansa with a weary smile.
"I'm not stupid, Sansa, I know the hound had nothing to do with what happened.
Dany knows that as well but she still has to see him getting away with his
violent behavior, just like his brother." Her face tightened with anger and
Sansa struggled with the urge to argue. "I assume you know he's out of prison?"
"I heard." Sansa resisted the urge to shudder, thinking about a monster like
that on the loose. "I can understand Dany's feelings." She didn't say that
though she understood, she still thought no one had the right to judge Sandor
based on another's actions. "It's almost funny... if it weren't so sad. Dany
and Sandor both hate the same people but they can't lean on each other."
Margaery blinked in shock at her comment, clearly never even considered what
was obvious to Sansa.
A tragedy happened that should have given them common ground; instead, they
both hide in their anger and pain. Sansa did not know how but somehow, some
way, she would find a way to make peace between Dany and Sandor.
                                   MISSANDEI
"What are we doing here?" Missa slipped hand underneath Torgo's textbook and
closed it with a thump.
"To study... literature." His dark eyes looked at her with a confused and
slightly alarmed expression.
"You already know this." Missa waved to hand over the tabletop full of notes
and gave him a pointed look, daring him to tell her she was wrong. She wasn't
wrong; he was pretending not to understand. Did he think she was stupid? Did he
like her or not?!
"Missa..." Torgo trailed off after he said her name, apparently unable to argue
or explain himself.
"Why am I wasting my time?" Missa gave him a hard look, crossing her arms and
waiting.
"I'm sorry." Those two words were easy for anyone to say, and certainly didn't
satisfy her in any way.
"That's it?" She stood up to gather her belongings. "As your tutor, I feel it's
vital to point out this is the part when you stop me from leaving."
"Missa, please don't leave." He stood up to block her path, ringing his hands
and glancing way. "Whatever I did to make you upset-"
"You did nothing!" She wanted to shout at him but they were in the library so
she was keeping her voice to a high-pitched hiss. "Nothing, not once! Why don't
you ask me out?!"
"Oh." His mouth hung open surprise.
"How embarrassing... you don't like me." Missa sank back down into her seat and
braced an elbow against the table to hold her face, burning with shame. "I'll
text you some numbers of a few good tutors I know. I'm very sorry, I thought-"
"I do like you." He quickly took the seat beside her and leaned forward on the
table.
"I've been tutoring you so long you could practically teach a literature
class." Missa felt happy about his confession but also annoyed and confused
that she had to drag it out of him. "Why have you never asked me out?"
"You're really... intimidating." Torgo gulped and looked down at the table.
"Interesting," she sat back and crossed her arms, "please elaborate."
"You're a junior, I'm a sophomore." He waved a hand back-and-forth between them
as if needing to emphasize that a distance existed. "You are a genius and
stunningly beautiful. I'm just... Torgo." His hand rested on his chest as he
frowned down at the table.
"I like you." These sorts of things need to be said out loud so that further
miscommunication could be avoided. They wasted all this time already studying
something they both already knew when they could have been dating! Missa
realized he was just staring at her; he didn't even look like he was breathing.
"Torgo?" She waved her hand in front of his unblinking eyes. "You okay?"
"Go-out-with-me!" The run-on sentence came out in a strangled high pitch. Torgo
cleared his throat and lowered his tone. "Please, go out on a date with me."
"Finally," she breathed, raising her eyes to the ceiling. "I will go out with
you, Torgo." Missa felt like this burden was lifted off of her. She spent an
embarrassing amount of time wondering if her crush was one-sided. "Where should
we go?"
"Uh..." He looked somewhat panicked by her question. "Can I get back to you on
that?"
"This weekend is free for me," she offered hopefully.
"Great," he smiled and Missa's heart melted. Was there ever a more beautiful
smile? "Oh wait... Would you like to go to a wedding tomorrow?"
"A wedding?" She thought that was a strange setting for a first date.
"Sorry," he waved his hands, "forget I asked-"
"A wedding could be fun," she smiled encouragingly. At this point Missa was so
desperate for a date she would pretty much go anywhere and do anything. "I
guess, technically," she tried for a lighthearted tone. "I'll be the one
driving so call me tonight to let me know when to pick you up."
"Right," he laughed nervously, "I will."
"Great," she returned his anxious smile. "I have to meet the girls now... it's
important." Torgo nodded understandingly. "You will call me later?"
"Of course," he promised, "so we can go on a date... to a wedding." He laughed
again, like he could not believe it.
"Bye, Torgo." Missa's face was nearly splitting as she waved goodbye, happy and
shocked that everything turned out so well. Her first date!
"Bye," he waved back as she started backing away towards the door. "Uh..." He
pointed behind her. "You-" Missa turned around to see she was about to back
into a bookshelf.
"Right," she laughed at herself, "okay bye." Missa turned to face the right
direction and headed out the door to meet up with Dany and Margaery. They were
both dealing with such heavy stuff all the time. Which made it impossible to
complain about normal difficulties. How could she express her fear of never
having a boyfriend when Marge was dating the devil himself? How could she
complain about her shyness when Dany had PTSD-induced panic attacks?
"Missa!" Margery called, sitting in front of the weirwood with Dany. Missa ran
up to them with a huge smile, just happy to have some good news to share. "What
in the world has gotten into you?"
"I'm sorry," she looked to both of them as she knelt on the ground, "for
blowing you off for a few days. Lately, I've been really frustrated... But
something really good happened today!"
"We noticed," Marge gave her a curious look. "Why are you grinning like a
fool?"
"You got asked out!" Dany's mouth hung open as Missa nodded in affirmation. "Oh
my gods! Who?!"
"Torgo, the boy I'm tutoring." Missa looked down to pick up a fallen leaf and
spun the stem between her fingers. "Is it too weird?"
"No! It's great!" Dany clapped her hands and looked upward as if thanking the
gods before grinning at Missa. "I'm sorry too. I can be patronizing at times,
and I don't even realize it. Just slap me whenever I start doing it."
"Then I'll never stop slapping you," Missa teased.
"Hey!" Dany narrowed her brows and fought not to smile. Just then, Marge's
phone buzzed and ruined the good mood.
"Oh, um," she checked her phone as she stood up. "I'll just go... and I'll be
right back!" Margaery dashed away without a backward glance.
"Marge!" Dany called after their friend with a completely defeated expression.
It's not like they hadn't been in this situation dozens of times before. Joff
calls and Margery goes running like a good little girlfriend. "What are we
going to do about her?"
"There's nothing we can do, you need to stop trying to fix people." Missa gave
Dany a hard look, unwilling to keep silent just to spare her friend's feelings.
"Both of you need to focus on yourselves."
"That's why we need you, Missa." Dany crawled to her side to rest her blonde
head on Missa's shoulder. "You are the brains of this whole operation. Please,
no matter what, don't go this long not talking to me again. I'm so sorry for
the way I've been behaving, it's just..."
"Want to talk about it?" Missa shared her good news; she felt good enough to
bear some of her friend's burdens.
"What's to tell?" Dany laughed without humor and put her arms around Missa.
"Marge is back with that shit-stain. I had a really weird 'fight' with the
hound and Sansa. I cried in front of Drogo: that was fun. Oh, and the man who
destroyed my family is out of prison."
"So," Missa returned Dany's hug with a sigh, "a typical week then?"
"Basically," Dany laughed again but wiped away a few tears. "I'm so glad you
aren't mad at me anymore."
"I can't afford to stay mad at you two..." Missa broke out of Dany's hug and
took ahold of her shoulders. "I'm going on a date!" She shook her friend in
exaggerated desperation. "I need a whole new outfit."
"What are we waiting around here for?" Dany pushed off the ground to stand and
offered a hand to Missa. "Let's go drag Marge away from her phone and get to
the mall."
"We should figure out a way to block Joff's number." Missa took Dany's hand to
stand up and grabbed her backpack off the ground.
"You are brilliant!" Dany grabbed her own bag and whipped around in excitement
to start walking in the direction Margaery took off in.
"I know," Missa smirked but then grimaced when she thought about getting
caught. "She would kill us though. Literally, death for us both."
"Oh," Dany's eyes grew wide, "right."
"But..." Missa shrugged and pursed her lips. "There's a chance he might dump
her before she realizes what we did."
"That's an exceptional point," Dany grinned once more, "I'm in if you are."
"Operation: Bleach Shit-stain is underway." Missa stood up straight and saluted
Dany who laughed and mirrored the gesture.
"I love it when we team up," she giggled, "I always feel like such a badass.
Oh, there she is," she hissed. "Marge, darling!" Dany lifted both hands up in
the air. "We're going shopping!"
"Oh, thank the gods." Margaery did not look happy as she approached them, even
though she was smiling. Missa knew her forced smile better than anyone
excepting Dany. "Let's make you so damn gorgeous, poor Toto won't be able to
breathe."
"It's 'Torgo'." Missa scowled at her friend, who never remembered any boy's
name except Joffrey's.
"Whatever!" Marge sang as she stepped between them so all three could link
arms. "He's going to lose his damn mind!"
"This sounds less appealing with every passing minute." Missa did not think she
could stand it if Torgo got even more nervous around her.
"Trust us!" Margery beamed, never happier than when she was dressing someone
up. Missa would play along, of course, to make her friends happy. These
carefree moments were so few and far between it seemed. There was always some
disaster waiting around the corner but for the moment, they were just a trio of
girlfriends going to the mall.
Chapter End Notes
     This chapter Gendry had a 'good morning'.
     Next up: Sandor POV chapter entitled: "Good Night".
     It's gonna be pretty steamy. I don't know if you can handle it. :P
***** Good Night *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [Good_Night]
                                    SANDOR
They lay in the dark under her sheets, pulling and tugging at one another.
Their mouths melded together until they were forced to come up for air. Sandor
never considered what it would be like when Sansa finally let go of any
remaining shyness - it was an eighth hell. She wore only a little pair of
shorts and a tank top and he could swear she was wearing the outfit to torture
him.
"Tonight," it physically pained him to pull his hands away from her body. "I
have to sleep on the couch."
"Is it really too hard," she panted, "for you to stay here with me?" Her
breathless voice was making it was difficult to form an answer. Sansa's arms
still clung to his neck and his well-placed knee was the only thing keeping his
cock from pressing against her.
"Really," he ground out, "really fucking hard." Sandor lowered his knee and
shifted his hips forward as she wriggled closer.
"Oh I see," she pulled back, slipping and hand between their bodies to brush
the tips of her fingers over the length of his cock. "If it's okay, can I touch
you... with all of your clothes off?" Sandor didn't even hear the request
before he started nodding but then it sunk in. Naked - she wanted him to be
naked in her bed - and she wanted to make him come. He didn't see any reason to
argue with that request so he sat up to follow through and she leaned on her
arm to watch him.
"Okay," he exhaled slowly. Sandor tried not to let on how nervous he was as he
rose to stand in the middle of the room and quickly stripped off his clothes.
He paused when he got to the briefs to look up at her - she was biting her
knuckle and running her eyes over him. "Everything?" Her eyes snapped to his
and she nodded her head quickly, her whole face turning red but her expression
was eager. After shedding every scrap of cloth, he stood naked as his nameday
and awkwardly waited for her to invite him back into bed.
"Wow," she murmured, holding her hand just under her mouth. Sansa was staring
at his erection so hard it was actually making him weak in the knees. "Sit next
to me please," she flushed even more, looking away as she patted the bed. He
avoided her eyes as he sat down on the bed - fucking bare-assed naked - and
tried to act cool about it.
The dark helped, Sandor thought it was silly of her to leave the light off
while they made out but it did make things less overwhelming. A small reading
lap on her bedside table was the only light in the room. She kept glancing
away, flushing with embarrassment. After a moment she focused on him with a
determined unwavering gaze. Sansa's expression held no trace of embarrassment,
seeming to forget - he was fucking naked.
"Lay back," she softly ordered and he stretched out beside her. Her hand
hovered over his chest as she asked for permission. "Is it okay if I..."
"Little bird," he didn't know how to make it any clearer. "I have no fucking
doubt that my sexual limits far surpass your. Do - whatever - you want." If he
had to lie there any longer, with her just looking at him, he would have to
take matters into his own hand.
"You might be surprised," she gave him a naughty look that made his mouth go
dry. "Oh my gods, your expression..." She broke into a fit of giggles and
covered her mouth. "I'm kidding!" Sandor rolled his eyes and moved his arms
back to link his hands behind his head. "Then," she looked distracted by his
new position, "I'll just help myself..." He closed his eyes as her hands
smoothed over his chest and stomach, moving lower slowly before trailing back
up. "I think I might just be torturing myself." Sansa thought she was the one
being tortured?!
"You really are cruel," he groaned as his cock throbbed, "at least-" His words
cut off when her hand wrapped around him.
"You were saying?" She leaned down to press a kiss to his chest as her hand
gently stroked him - it was still torture but the best kind. "Can I confess
something to you, lover?" Sandor nodded his head, not really listening since
all of his focus was on her hand. "I never thought I would do something like
this..." Her voice was low and wicked. "A naked boy in my bed and my hands all
over him. I almost wish that I felt ashamed because all I feel is... wanting
you." Sansa leaned closer to whisper in his ear. "You won't think less of me,
will you?"
Sandor removed his hands from behind his head and pulled her down to him,
cutting off her surprised gasp with a kiss. He rolled her back, pressing her
into the mattress, indulging in the feel of her skin against his. Before he
moved fully on top of her he stopped himself, groaning as he forced himself to
pull back. She surprised him by locking an arm around his neck and returning
the other to his wrap firmly around his cock. Her bare legs were unbelievably
soft as he slipped his knee between hers.
"You have no idea," she panted against his mouth, "how much I want you." Sandor
tightened his arm around her waist to pull her closer, tucking Sansa’s head
under his chin. Her lips pressed to the bare skin above his collarbone and her
clean sent overwhelmed his senses, surrounding him.
"I think I have some fucking clue," he growled, thrusting into her hand as his
body curved against hers. Sansa's soft and warm fingers curled tighter, tensing
and contracting every muscle in his body. He trapped her between himself and
the mattress, his body trembling from the sensation of her bare arms and legs
against his. Sandor couldn't imagine how he would do this with her fully
unclothed - he'd probably just pass out. Her short whining pants were breaking
his control so he captured her mouth to silence her.
Sandor braced up on his arm and tugged her hand out from between their bodies
to wrap it around his neck before sinking back down. He held her eyes, glazed
with lust that made him throb from wanting her, as his cock pressed against
Sansa’s stomach. She writhed beneath him, running her free hand down his back.
Her nails scraped lightly down his ribs. Fucking gods, he wasn't even moving
but if she didn’t stop squirming, he was going to come too soon.
"You're distracting me again," she whined. "Last time... I didn't get to see."
Damn, her curiosity was sexy as fuck! He wasn't nearly ready to be done yet but
just the thought of watching her - watching him - was making it hard to hold
back. Sandor's whole body tried to fight him as he pushed away from her to roll
onto his back. She swept her mussed hair out of her face as she sat up, facing
his cock with a resolute expression. Her hesitation disappeared as she reached
out to curl her fingers around his shaft and then looked to him.
He lifted a hand to guide her like last time but she smacked it away and
focused with studious concentration as she slowly stroked him. It was soft and
gentle but since it was her hand, the sensation was more intense than anything
he felt. The last time she touched him was so rushed he barely had time to
enjoy it. His control faded with every tug of her small hand, urging his hips
to move in rhythm with her inexperienced pumping. Sansa tightened her grip - it
drove him over the edge and he fisted the sheets as he came with a low groan.
"Wow," she let out a breathy chuckle as he struggled to catch his breath. Her
hair fell into his face when she leaned over him to grab a box of tissues next
to her bed. Sandor seized the box out of her hand to cleaned up and Sansa fell
back on the bed beside him. She turned on her side to face him, pressing kisses
to his shoulder. "Thank you," she whispered, her soft breath cooling his skin.
"I think I'm supposed to say that," he chuckled as he wiped up the mess tossed
the tissues into the little pink wastebasket. Somehow, he felt he corrupted the
innocence of her trash and felt pretty satisfied about that.
"No, I mean..." Sansa ran her fingers through the hair on his chest and it was
so soothing it nearly put him to sleep. "You could have had me by now and I
know you want me. But taking it slow like this has been like... an adventure."
"You can romanticize anything," he teased.
"It is romantic," she grumbled, surprising him with her sudden sullen mood.
"What?" Sandor lightened his tone turned to face her, only to find her eyes
closed tightly. "Suddenly you can't take a little teasing?"
"You know, don't you?" Sansa opened her wide eyes at him with an expression he
couldn't begin to understand. "That I..." Her fingers curled into a fist
against his chest and he wished she'd just blink and stop staring at him like
that. "I..." She squeezed her eyes shut just as he saw them start to shimmer
with tears. "I-love-you," she blurted out. Sandor expected her to start saying
something like that pretty soon but it didn't make it easier to hear. He sat
up, got out of bed - pulled on some fucking shorts - and then stretched out
beside her again.
"Isn't it obvious," he stared up at the ceiling, "how much I care about you?"
He wasn't naked anymore but that didn't make him feel any less exposed. Sandor
wished he had the courage to tell her how much those words meant to him.
"You don't have to say it back," she couldn't keep the hurt out of her voice
and it stabbed him straight though the heart. Obviously, she expected him to
say it - Sansa wouldn't go this far with some random guy she didn't love.
Everybody in love wants the other person to love them back. "I could not keep
it in anymore." From what he knew of love, as far as his comprehension of the
word - Sandor felt no doubt he loved her. Saying it out loud would change
things, make the happy times a little better and the inevitable hard times
unbearable.
"Fine," he scratched his chin as he shrugged. "If you need to hear the fucking
words, then I'll say it, but only this once." There was no fooling her with his
casual attitude because her hand was resting over his pounding heart. "I love
you, Sansa." There, he said it, and there was no taking it back. To him, this
meant more than it did to her. These words made him one of possibly dozens of
people who loved her - the last person who said they loved him killed herself
right after.
"Is it alright if I still say it?" Sansa didn't sound happy at all with his
gruff confession but she could just stuck it up - no. He couldn't be mean to
her anymore, not after he said he loved her, because it would make his
nastiness that much meaner. Fuck fucking fucker. Sandor unclenched his jaw and
turned on his side to face her. "I won't say it if you are uncomfortable," she
murmured sadly.
"Honestly," he frowned, "it does make me uncomfortable."
"Oh..." The expression on her face should've made his feel bad for teasing her
- but it was her own fault for being so damned gullible.
"It makes me hard," he smirked as her eyes opened wide before narrowing to
glare at him.
"Sandor Clegane!" She rapped a fist against his arm, trying - and failing to
hold back her smile. "You are so awful!"
"You just said you love me so you must like it," he wrapped a hand around her
waist and tugged her close. "You pretend to be a good girl-"
"It's not pretend!" Sansa's pout curled into a slow smile as her smooth leg
slid over his. "I only turn bad when I'm with you."
"See?" He shifted his hips forward and she gasped as his cock pressed into her
stomach. "You enjoy making me uncomfortable." Sandor pushed her away and moved
like he was getting up. "I'm going to the couch-"
"No!" Sansa grabbed his arm and pulled him back, scooting away to make some
distance between then. "Please, how can I convince you to stay?"
"Got any more fucking ugly pajamas?" Sandor laughed at her narrowed eyes and
pouting lips at the insult to her sleepwear. Then she smiled and nodded before
turning to crawl off the bed - she had to know what those little shorts and her
perfect ass were doing to him. She rummaged through a drawer to pull out
something and turned to him.
"Turn away," she switched off the small lamp and waved a hand at him. Sandor
grumbled under his breath about it being unfair and she quickly changed and
jumped back into bed. Sansa looked more like herself in ugly flannel pajamas,
silly, sweet, and innocent. He worried more every day that he was chipping away
those qualities he loved most about her. She snuggled by his side and fell
asleep in no time at all and he waited a while to make sure she was sleeping
deeply.
"I love you," he whispered.
                                    GENDRY
This had been the best day in his life: it was starting to be every day was
topped by the last but he knew that couldn't go on. They were living in a dream
world and soon they would have to wake up and go back to living apart. He and
Arya lay awake in his bed, struggling not to fall asleep as they talked the
night away, awaiting his birthday.
"And then we dressed up Rickon to look like a garden gnome..." She covered her
yawn with her hand. "And we told him to hide in Sansa's closet..." Another yawn
interrupted her story and Gendry pulled the blanket higher over her arms to
tuck her in.
"You're too tired," he watched her eyelashes fluttering as she battled sleep.
"We can talk more tomorrow."
"We'll be too busy," she shook her head and slapped her cheeks. "With the
wedding and the fair."
"Even more reason to get a good night's sleep," he swept aside the hair falling
into her eyes and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"I'll miss you too much," she wriggled loose of the blanket and pushed against
the mattress to sit up. Arya leaned against the wall and crossed her arms in
determination not to sleep so Gendry moved to sit beside her.
"Don't you dream about me most of the time?" He pulled her crossed arms lose
and took one of her hands into his. She linked their fingers and leaned her
head against his shoulder.
"Allegedly," she mumbled, "I might have dreamt about you at some point in
time."
"You talk in your sleep," he countered.
"Oh right," she chuckled, "it drives Sansa crazy." She stifled another yawn
with her hand. "Sorry about that."
"I don't mind one bit," he rested his cheek on the top of her head, "it's
adorable."
"Officially," she pointed at the clock on the wall opposite his bed, "it's your
birthday right now." He just legally became an adult: surprise, he didn't feel
any different. Or maybe nothing impressed him after how much he changed after
meeting Arya.
"I'm eighteen," he spun a finger around in mock celebration, "I feel so free! I
can vote in the next election. Do you know anything about our government?" She
remained oddly quiet and he gently shrugged his shoulder. "Arry," he whispered,
"fall asleep?"
"Three years, six months, and twelve days..." Arya's voice was quiet but wide
awake. "My age doesn't bother you at all?" She lifted her head to face him, her
brow scrunched up with worry and biting the inside of her lip.
"Why?" Gendry squeezed her hand still linked with his. "Does mine?"
"Why would it?" Arya shrugged but that worried expression stayed on her face.
"Same thoughts here," he assured her.
"People are going to look down on you," she insisted. "I'm not one of those
lucky girls who look twenty-five from the neck down. Most people think I'm
thirteen at most... and a boy."
"That's just because you have short hair," he waved his free hand in dismissal:
only a fucking idiot would think she was a boy. "When mom had a pixie cut
people mistook her for a boy sometimes." She didn't look convinced at all by
his little anecdote so he tried harder to take her worries seriously. "Arya, I
think about it this way: if the situations were reversed."
"Like," she waved a finger between them, "if you were fourteen, and I was
eighteen?"
"Fourteen wasn't that long ago for me," he smiled, "if I had even a chance with
eighteen-year-old you I would take it. Those few years won't make a difference
before you know it." In just over three years, Arya would turn eighteen and he
hoped they would marry that day. He thought about trying to convince her it
would be more convenient to have her birthday and their anniversary on the same
day.
"You'll be leaving to college in a year and I'll still have two more years of
high school." Arya was clearly more upset about all these future plans than he
was. It was good enough for him if they managed to make it through this year
without her father finding out. "You'll be twenty-one by then... Your life is
moving faster than mine."
"How can it?" Gendry glanced at the clock: eighteen for twenty minutes and
caught in the most adult conversation of his life. He turned to face her and
lifted his free hand to run his thumb over the space where her eyebrows
scrunched together. "I'm following you, remember? I won't go anywhere without
you. I'll go to some community college for a couple of years." He smiled as her
anxious expression eased. "That way I can keep up the forge."
"Oh, the forge," she smacked his hand aside and scowled. "Well, thank the gods
I was so worried about the forge."
"You don't have to worry about anything," he smiled at her sulking. "When I say
I love you: I mean for always." Gendry found her other hand clenched and held
both of her hands in his. "Nothing," he shook his head to emphasize his words.
"Especially not a few years gap in our ages will make any difference."
"How could you love me so much?" Brave, rebellious, fearless Arya: looking up
at him with that vulnerable expression. That was why he loved her, because she
was everything to him. Because she was everything.
"How could I not?" Gendry leaned forward to tilt his forehead against hers.
"You're perfect for me in every way." He released her hands to hold the sides
of her face. "I'm cautious and you're rebellious." His lips dipped to meet hers
before pressing kisses to every part of her face: eyes, cheeks, brow, and
finally her mouth again. "You need me to tame you and I need you to free me."
The expected scoffing at his dramatics never came as Arya squeezed her eyes
shut and swallowed hard.
"I never had something so important before," Arya's voice shook and her eyes
stayed closed. "Sometimes I feel paralyzed by the thought of," she shuddered,
"losing you."
"There's nothing I can promise you to make that fear go away," he wrapped his
arms around her and pulled her tight against his chest. "I feel it too." Gendry
wished he'd known she felt this insecure. He reminded himself not to mistake
her boldness for invincibility. "All I can say is we just can't give up, even
if it gets hard."
"Never give up," she laughed as she nodded in approval of his words. "Just when
I think I can't love you anymore."
"I love you more every day," he admitted without embarrassment.
"Then let's get to sleep so you can love me more tomorrow." Arya pushed his
back on the bed and snuggled by his side, pulling the covers up over them.
"Happy Birthday, Gendry."
"I love you, Arya." He hugged both arms around her and she slipped a leg
between his. "See you tomorrow."
"Unless I see you tonight," she mumbled, the last word trailing off. A few
minutes went by before her soft snoring started and Gendry was soon lulled to
sleep by the familiar sound.
Chapter End Notes
     The time has come... I am picking out shower tile and paint colors.
     May the gods prevent me from getting anything too sparkly or bright.
     I'm thinking cool tones, lots of blue-whites and soft greys with
     touches of *silver* as the accent color! <3 It's going to be so
     tranquil!!! I could live in Home Depot, I really could. In case any
     of you ever felt frisky to do some DIY, setting tile is much easier
     than you think. And cutting it SO MUCH FUN. Wet-saws are like the
     water parks of power tools.
***** The Faire *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                  [The_Faire]
                                    GENDRY
"WAKE UP!!!" Arya cackled as Gendry jolted awake with a start to see her
standing beside the bed: hands still cupped around her grinning mouth. Her hair
was damp and recently fluffed with a towel and she wore one of his shirts.
"Bloody hells, Arry." Gendry glanced at the clock to see it was only five in
the morning! He rubbed a hand over his face as he collapsed back on the bed
with a groan.
"Happy coming out of your mom's vagina day!" She bounded it onto the bed
excitedly, and crawled over him to sit astride his legs.
"Can we not talk about my mother's vagina?" Gendry grabbed a pillow and covered
his face, muffling his words. "Don't most people sing 'happy birthday'?"
"I'm not 'most people'," she reminded him as she ripped the pillow away from
his face and tossed it over her shoulder across the room. Arya crossed her arms
and grinned down at him. "Don't you know why I'm so happy?"
"Because it's my birthday?" His answer earned him a mocking scoff and she
leaned forward, bracing a hand on either side of his waist.
"As if!" She moved back and tug the waistband of his shorts down to free his
hard cock. Arya wrapped her fingers around him with the beaming smile on her
face. "Happy birthday to you my old friend," she greeted his cock warmly, "we
meet again."
"So," his groggy mind finally put it together, "we can do it now?"
"Right now," she bit her tongue and quirked to brows in a greedy expression.
"I should shower-" He started to sit up but she roughly shoved him back onto
the mattress.
"You should shut up." Arya whipped off her shirt and waved a metallic condom
packet at him. "Stay put," she commanded. She concentrated like she was
defusing a bomb as she ripped open the package and rolled the condom in place.
He moved his hands to grab her thighs as she knelt over him and shifted to find
the right position. Her eyes squinted, like she was thinking hard about
something as she sank down to sheath him inside her. His hips moved of their
own accord, thrusting to meet her, but she pushed against his chest.
"Be still," she scolded, "I want to stay just like this while you tell me
everything you want today." He wanted to look at her and run his hands all over
her body but that would make it too hard to stay still like she wanted. So he
squeezed his eyes shut and raised his hands over his head to tuck them
underneath his pillow.
"This is a good start," he twitched involuntarily and bunched the pillow in his
hands. "We could hit the diner for breakfast." Somehow thinking of breakfast
foods didn't distract him one bit. Maybe he liked breakfast too much: nah, it's
impossible to like breakfast too much. His mind went blank as her hands slid
forward over his chest, shifting her hips as she leaned forward.
"That sounds good," she braced her hands on his shoulders and rocked her hips
once slowly, drawing a deep groan from him. "Keep going," she ordered, "and
watch me." Gendry opened his eyes to see her staring down at him. Her lashes
were barely open and quick panting breaths were puffing through her parted
lips. The best thing about being able to see her face was the soft blush that
made her cheeks pink. Arya wasn't usually the blushing type and he knew she
wasn't embarrassed.
She sat up straight and proud, not covering an inch of her body, though he knew
she was not confident about her appearance. It was trust: she trusted in his
love for her and believed him when he told her she was beautiful to him. Gendry
would tell her as often as she let him until she saw what he did. He reached
out to brush aside her dark falling over her eyes and let his hand trail down
of her soft breasts and flat stomach to rest on her hip.
"Please," she panted, "don't stop talking - say anything."
"The fair is an hour drive so..." His words trailed off as she repeated the
rocking motion, building up an unbearably slow rhythm. "We should get going
after that. The wedding is at five-" Arya suddenly cried out and stilled her
hips.
"Oh sorry," she panted a laugh, "didn't mean to interrupt you." He forced
himself to concentrate on anything else as her hips resumed rolling and
grinding. "Go on," she encouraged him in a strained voice.
"We should be back in time," he ground out, "if we change in the car." Gendry
heaved a sigh when she stopped moving to pout down at him.
"That doesn't leave us any time," she puffed breathless and annoyed. "I need a
lot more sex today."
"You can't complain about not having sex," he reasoned, "while having sex."
"Says who?" She pushed off his chest and crossed her arms under her breasts:
her expression like a vengeful queen about to punish her subject.
"Says me," he launched up and wrapped his arms around her waist, dipping his
head to capture her mouth. Her arms were trapped between their bodies but not
for long, she wriggled loose of his hold and flung her arms around his neck.
Arya forgot all about her intention to take it slow, and buried her face into
his neck to muffle her screams as she writhed erratically. Gendry just held
onto her, pulling her close and shuddering from the intensity she created. His
whole body tensed as he felt her tightening and fluttering around his cock.
Arya threw her head back as she screamed, arching her back over his arms and
his release quickly followed: as it should. In everything, following Arya was
the best thing he could do. When her wailing quieting to a whimper and her
writhing turned to shivers, Gendry fell back and pulled her with him. They
stayed locked together until their breathing and racing hearts slowed and then
she rolled off him with a groan.
"We'll have to work on that," he chuckled breathlessly. Gendry pulled off the
condom and tossed it in the plastic bag hanging off his dresser knob, which he
used for trash. It wasn't fancy but it got the job done: kinda like him.
"I did it perfectly," she scoffed, "you're the one who messed it up."
"It's my birthday," he protested: it had to count for something. "And sex can't
be messed up." He thought it went pretty much amazing...
"Says the one who messed it up." Arya slid her naked body over his and smiled
mischievously. "Let's try it one more time - to get it right - before we go."
She slid her fingers into his hair and tugged sharply. "This time," she
smirked, "you - will - be still." Gendry sucked in a breath as his softening
cock rose back to life.
"I'll put more effort into not doing anything," he promised with a grin. Arya
reached behind his head to pull out another condom from the box wedged between
their pillows. Was it weird they slept with their condoms? Nah, as far as he
was concerned their attachment to the 100-count box was much healthier than not
using any at all. "Can't we take just five minutes to cuddle?"
"Quit your complaining," she ordered as she rose up on her knees and scooted
backward. "We have a schedule to keep."
"Of course, milady," he groaned as she grasped his cock. "Whatever you say,
Arry."
"That's right," she smirked down at him. "Tell me."
"I love you," he kept his eyes locked on hers, "I need you, you're so
beautiful." Arya didn't look satisfied yet, just raised her brow and waited.
"Forever and always," he added and a smile curled over her lips.
"Forever," she repeated. Her expression softened and her eyes gazed at him with
what only could be described as adoration. The next time, Gendry didn't need
her to tell him to watch her because he couldn't look away.
                                     ARYA
It was a glorious crisp November morning and the sun was just coming up as they
left the diner full and happy. The drive to the fair was filled with excited
chatter between them. He talked about all the things they could do and Arya was
bouncing in her seat by the time they pulled up. The parking lot was already
packed even though they got there early but Gendry found a good spot to park
the Lincoln. They jumped out of the car and raced to the entrance holding
hands. It was like entering another world, full of color and wonders to behold.
"What do you want to do first?" Gendry grinned like a little kid and it nearly
knocked her over how joyful his happiness made her. This whole 'love' thing was
still new and seemed to grow stronger every day.
"Today," she squeezed his hand, "and only today - I'm following you." Arya
smiled up at his beaming face before he tugged her in the direction of a nearby
booth.
"The trick," he told her, "is to hit the souvenir booth first before all the
good stuff is picked over. What do you want?" She was about to argue that it
was his birthday and he shouldn't be buying her a gift when something caught
her eye. He followed her sight and quickly moved forward to haggle with the
shopkeeper. "How much for the wolf ring?"
"You have an eye for fine jewelry my lad," the graying woman with ribbons woven
in her hair smiled at them both. They went back and forth on the price, both
flirting a bit even though the woman was twice his mother's age. It was clear
she wasn't the only person he charmed with those blue eyes and heart-melting
smile. Arya laughed at their banter until they finally came to an agreement and
Gendry immediately turned to put the ring on her finger.
"Like it?" He watched her admiring the ring and she smiled up at him. Arya
always thought she was the kind of girl who didn't care much for romantic stuff
but really she was just waiting for Gendry.
"I love it," she never liked a gift so much. "I can't believe it fits." It was
a unique item in a whole boxful of costume and vintage jewelry. Her fingers
were like her - short and thin - but the ring slipped on like it belonged on
her hand.
"I aim to please, milady," he lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her
knuckles before tugging her to their next destination. Nearby a trio of
bagpipers were playing a jaunty tune and some girls dressed up like sprites
were frolicking in front of them. They watched and laughed for a while before
he was pulling her along to the next activity. As they walked up the path Arya
saw plenty of interesting things but let him take the lead. After a short trek,
they ended up in front of a small bridge crossing a wide pond. "This is the
'Kissing Bridge'," he quirked his brows. "I've dreamed about kissing a girl
here for a painfully long time."
"Finally," she dragged him under the covered bridge, "this whole thing was
starting to bore me to death." Gendry laughed as he leaned against the rail and
pulled her into his arms to kiss her as she raised on her toes to meet him.
Neither could stop smiling as they kissed until a group walking by whispered
loudly in a disapproving tone. She knew what they saw - her in her tunic and
breeches with short hair. Even if she looked like a slightly older boy they
might just seem like a gay couple, instead she made him look like a pervert.
"Arry," he pushed her hair back but she pulled away - the moment ruined.
"What's the matter-"
"I have to do something," she interrupted and gave him her best reassuring
smile. "I'll meet you...?"
"Okay," he looked really disappointed but she stayed strong - there was
something she had to do - for him. "Do you remember where the archery contest
will take place?"
"Yep," she put more effort into her forced smile, "I'll meet you there in a
few." Then she turned on her heel and quickly walked to find a booth she saw
earlier. It was her own personal nightmare - covered in frilly colorful things.
A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. "I'm a girl," she informed the pretty
brunette running the stand.
"I can see that," she smiled.
"I want everyone to see it," she looked around at the dresses and ribbons
fluttering in the wind. "I want to be..." Arya clenched her fist in
determination. "A fairy princess." Fuck the gods for making her a girl so she
had to go through this. No wait, then she wouldn't get to have sex with Gendry
- she rescinded her blaspheming.
"You've come to the right place," the shopkeeper beamed. "What catches your
eye?" She waved a hand at her wares but Arya just shrugged shook her head
hopelessly. "Well then, I ask you to trust my judgment." The woman looked
really beautiful in her green and teal corset and frayed white shift
underneath.
"I trust you," Arya looked the woman straight in the eye. "Please, make me as
close to pretty as you can."
"One fairy princess coming up," the shopkeeper guaranteed her. "Let's see...
Ah!" She pulled a purple corset with flowers on it down off the rack and held
it up for Arya to see. "This would look great on you."
"I don't think I have the chest for that," she tilted her head to the side as
she tried not to cringe at the thought of how ridiculous she would look.
"You have a fundamental misunderstanding of how corsets work, my dear." The
shopkeeper grinned as she looked down at her own generous bosom on display.
"It's like magic, trust me." Arya shrugged and accepted the corset as the woman
gathered a gossamer skirt, a pair of wings, and some shoes. "Go try this on in
my wagon," she pointed at a round gypsy carriage behind her.
"How do I...?" Arya stared at the garments, feeling hopeless and helpless.
"I can help, if you want?" The shopkeeper was a lifesaver and Arya quickly
nodded. "Sara," she called to a nearby merchant painting faces. "Can you watch
my booth for a few minutes?" The other woman smiled and nodded. "Follow me,"
she beckoned. They squeezed into the cramped wagon and quickly changed her
outfit, which was hard work to get into. Once it was done, the shopkeeper
clapped her hands. "You look absolutely perfect!"
"Really?" Arya noticed a full-length mirror and was pleasantly surprised to see
she didn't look half bad. But her messy hair threw the whole thing off. "It's
pretty good." From that moment, she dubbed the shopkeeper her 'fairy
godmother'. It seemed appropriate despite the high cheese factor. Today she
could wear this stupid costume and later she would turn back into her normal
self.
"Oh, we're not done yet," the woman clasped her hands. "Please, let Sara paint
your face, it will finish the whole thing." Her godmother knew how to push a
sale and Arya respected that.
"Is the archery contest starting soon?" Arya didn't want Gendry to think she'd
abandoned him.
"You still have enough time," she promised as she opened the wagon door and
hopped down. "Sara! We need a fairy mask and we need it fast!" Sara waved Arya
over to sit on a bench in front of her and told her to close her eyes and stay
still. As she worked, the other shopkeeper wove ribbons into her hair. All in
all, it was the most torturous experience of her life but she would do anything
to make Gendry happy. She wanted him to be proud to have her stand beside him -
even just for one day.
"Thanks!" Arya jumped up as soon as the painting was finished, hearing the
sound of horns announcing the contest. She quickly paid for everything, and ran
as fast as she could and slowed her pace as she spotted him standing in the
back of the crowd. He actually saw her walking towards him but didn't seem to
recognize her at all as he looked around. Gendry's eyes fell back on her when
she drew nearer and his jaw came unhinged as he looked her over head-to-toe.
"Arry...?" He gaped like an idiot until she poked him in the chest with her
flower wand.
"Who else?" Arya raised an eyebrow at him and smirked, waving the wand casually
over her costume. "I just bought a few things."
"You look..." Gendry shook his head and blinked a few times, his mouth opening
and closing like he was trying to speak but couldn't. "You look-"
"Shut up, it's just some cloth and paint." Arya crossed her arms and scowled at
him. "I don't even get this kind of reaction when I'm naked."
"Don't say 'naked'," he wheezed. "Don't say anything remotely sexy or I'll
just... lose it."
"This is really working for you, huh?" Arya grinned as he nodded for way too
long. "Good..." Gendry just kept nodding like a dumbass so she grabbed his hand
and led him through the crowd to get a good spot. He wasn't paying any
attention to the contest, just staring at her but she hollered for her favorite
until she won. After the contest ended, they walked hand-in-hand to get some
giant turkey legs which were delicious. They sat on the ground beneath a tree
to relax and eat.
"I'm not complaining," he spoke with his mouth full, "but why did you get
dressed up?"
"I thought it would make you happy," she shrugged and ripped a small chunk of
meat with her teeth. Goddamn it was a pain in the ass to not mess up her dress
and makeup. Arya gave up and dug into the meat like the gods intended - being
pretty was hungry work.
"You look amazing," he wiped his mouth as he looked her over again. "But you
don't have to change a thing: I like you the way you are."
"I'm not doing this every day," she snorted, "just when I think you deserve
it." Arya held up her hand, wearing the ring he bought her. "You got me a
gift," she waved her hand over the corset pushing her breasts up, "and I got
you one - Happy Birthday."
"Best gift ever," he smiled like a contented idiot. "We still have a few hours
before we have to leave but I almost want to just take you home." His words
reminded her that tonight would be their last night together and she couldn't
help her frown. "We can stay if you want-"
"It's not that," she held up her free hand, "I'll just miss you..."
"We still have the game Monday," he scooted closer to her, "and you can visit
me at work." Arya nodded her head but couldn't fix her sad expression. "You're
the cleverest person I've ever known," he bumped her arm with his elbow. "I
know you'll think of some way for us to spend time together."
"You're right," she smile, "I am awfully clever. I need to channel this gloom
into something productive." Arya swiped a thumb over her mouth and leaned
forward to press a kiss on Gendry's cheek. "You always know what to say."
"With milady's permission," Gendry held out his hand for her turkey leg bone
and got up to throw their trash away. And old pro - he used a water bottle to
wet a few paper napkins so they could wipe the hands and faces. He grabbed her
napkin out of her hand, held her face to clean it properly, and kissed her when
he was done. Clean and full entirely on roasted protein, they both perked up
when horns blew in the distance. "It would be my honor to escort you to the
joust," he held out his arm.
"That depends," she crossed her arms. "Are you a lord?"
"Nah, milady," he gave her that smile that killed her and brought her back to
live every time. "I'm just a poor blacksmith."
"Oh good," she wrapped her hand around his arm. "Then I'll go anywhere you want
to take me."
Chapter End Notes
     Every time, every chapter, every word - my stomach knots up when I
     push that 'Publish' button. I worry that I haven't lived up to
     expectations or I've just written poorly. I just want to thank
     everyone for riding along with me as my mind unpacks this story. Even
     when I get discouraged I feel stronger every time, like I can face
     all the critics and still crawl back to my laptop to push that
     button. I hope I made someone smile today: then it's all worth it.
     Jon gets the next POV in a chapter simply entitled: 'The Wedding'
***** The Wedding *****
Chapter Notes
     WARNING: Mentions of sexual assault in second POV.
     Considerably less serious warning: I wrote a long personal angsty
     note at the end, feel free to skip it.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
                                 [The_Wedding]
                                      JON
The wedding was a disaster straight from the start: the worst day of his life
and there had been plenty of bad ones. This topped the day he left Winterfell
to move to Kings Landing, leaving behind his 'siblings' to live alone with his
mom. So far, basically everyone he knew was in attendance. 'Everyone' included
one particular redhead he just couldn't figure out. Jon hadn't talked to
Ygritte since their kiss: she traded seats in the class they shared. Thanks to
her, he gets moon-eyed the whole period by that Frey girl.
Nothing went right and as the best man, Jon took full responsibility. The small
sept was double-booked so everyone had to wait for one wedding to end before
Sam and Gilly's could start. The old blinded Master was a bit of a talker so it
was like sitting through two long weddings: because it was. No matter what went
wrong, the couple just grinned at each other blissfully. After the ceremony was
done, they all loaded up in their cars and headed to the park but it started to
drizzle. Their procession of cars turned to follow Ygritte.
She led them to her father's mechanic shop which had a big open floor and Jon
ordered pizzas and drinks for the group. Someone found a radio and turned on
some tunes and Jon collapsed in the corner, watching everyone else having a
good time. Why couldn't he just relax and enjoy it too? Because it felt like a
lie to be celebrating the beginning of something really hard for his best
friend. At least Sam stepped up to do the right thing. To top it all off,
standing together were the four reminders of why he couldn't sleep at night.
Jon assumed Sansa might make an appearance since she was on the team with
Gilly. He was prepared to give her boyfriend a chance because she was nearly
sixteen and more than mature enough to date if she wanted. He felt certain a
sweet girl like her wouldn't be easily sweet-talked into something she would
regret later. But it was the hound showed up to the wedding with on her on his
arm. Somehow, he managed to overlook the fact that his beautiful cousin was
bat-shit crazy! Losing out to his curiosity about what had them all laughing,
he got up to join them.
"It hurts that you didn't tell your sister anything about me," Gendry sulked
down at Arya's uncaring shrug.
"I can't get her to shut up about her giant boyfriend enough to get a word in."
Arya stuck her tongue out at Sansa and the hound grinned in that twisted
horrible way.
"I wouldn't have believed a word she said," Sansa smiled at Gendry. "I'm sure
you are aware that Arya is a horrible little liar."
"She's actually an excellent little liar," Gendry quipped and there were laughs
all around. Jon found the whole thing unreasonably unsettling and couldn't care
less they were all ignoring him...
"That's right," Arya popped Gendry in the stomach and then looked up at the
hound. "Giant dude," she jerked a thumb towards the parking lot, "is that your
Skylark out there?"
"Wouldn't drive anything else," he smirked and jerked his chin. "Wanna take a
look?"
"Fuck yeah!" Arya poked Gendry in the chest. "Don't disappear anywhere." As the
odd couple walked out together, their respective counterparts gazed after them
longingly.
"Sansa," he resisted the urge to roll his eyes as she turned to him with a
bright dreamy smile. "The 'boy' you asked me advice about... was the hound?" He
couldn't believe the guy she liked but wouldn't date her was the hound.
"Sandor is my boyfriend now, all thanks to you." She moved in for a hug and
squeezed him tightly. "If not for your advice, I might have given up."
"Glad I could help," he patted her back awkwardly.
"Oh," she released him and looked over his shoulder. "Gilly is waving me over.
Bye!" Sansa waved at them, leaving him and Gendry alone.
"Man," he reached out to put a hand on his shoulder, "you okay?" Jon didn't
know how to answer that question: he was pretty sure he was dreaming... or
having a stroke. "You look like you're about to pass out."
"I'm just realizing," Jon shook his head, "how much I like you."
"Huh," Gendry looked up at Sansa, clearly getting why Jon suddenly liked him
again. "I don't know how to feel about that... but I'll take it," he grinned.
"You know, I was kinda shocked too when Arya told me Sansa was seeing the
hound. But when you think about it, it makes sense."
"I don't even want to hear that fucked-up explanation," Jon shrugged off
Gendry's hand and glared at him. "I don't like you anymore again."
"Can't win," Gendry shrugged and started walking towards the work bench filled
up with food. "Hot Pie! Save me one of those!" Jon ran a hand over his face and
when he looked up again Ygritte was walking in his direction.
"You look about as fucking happy as me," she stood beside him, scowling at
nothing. "How's this a celebration?" She raised a cup in Gilly's direction.
"It's a funeral for my cousin's future." To see someone else sulking when
everyone was having a good time put his own foul mood into perspective. It
wasn't his place to feel sorry for Sam and Gilly when they were so damned
happy.
"Hey," he stepped beside her and took ahold of her shoulders to turn her to
face Gilly, "look at her: she's glowing with joy." Jon let his hands fall and
walked around to stand beside her and watch the happy couple laughing at
something Sansa said. "In the end, it's up to her what she wants. I hate how
hard it's going to be for them but I'm also happy for them. I can't wait to get
married someday."
"You saving it for that, then?" Her blunt question made this throat tighten and
he choked. "Come on, everyone knows you're so proud of your virginity." Ygritte
moved to stand right in front of him, so close that it starting to make him
sweat. "Isn't that why your friends call you 'Snow', because you are so pure?"
"No," he took a step back and gulped at the fierce expression in her pale blue-
grey eyes, "that's not why."
"You're faithful to the Maiden, then?" She stepped even closer, so close she
was almost touching him. "Plan to live a holy like and devote yourself to the
Seven as a Maester?"
"Why do you care so much?" Jon refused to back up anymore, he stood his ground
"Why don't you want to fuck me?" Ygritte asked the question directly, like she
was giving him a job interview. "Did you think I wasn't serious? I put myself
out over-and-over and you keep acting interested! Why are you playing these
games?" He could list a thousand reasons but all of them added up to one thing:
he was afraid.
"I like you," he admitted but it wasn't an answer. Ygritte tossed her mostly
emptied cup over her shoulder and grabbed his wrist.
"Then come with me," she led him to a back office area that contained only a
desk and a couch. As soon as she turned the lock behind them, Jon's mind
starting racing: outpaced only by his thundering heart. He didn't want to have
sex yet, that was part of his identity. Jon chose to wait until he was eighteen
to have sex, a conscious decision he made a long time ago. It was part of his
personal code of honor not to risk having a child unless he was capable of
raising it.
"Ygritte," he grabbed her upper arms and pulled her close. "I'm going to kiss
you now."
"So do it-" She never did know when to shut up so Jon cut her off with a kiss.
Ygritte didn't try to break out of the hold, just returned his kiss with
untamed ferocity that made him dizzy. Her tongue slipped into his mouth, hot
and smooth against his, as he slid his hands to hold her waist and pull her
closer. Jon was trying to buy time to think but she stole any thoughts he had
when she rolled her tongue over his. As she pulled back, she caught his bottom
lip between her teeth and moaned.
"Oh gods, Jon," her voice was thick with yearning. "Just kissing you makes me
so wet." She pushed her hips forward to press against his hardness. "I know you
want me. Why fight it?" Jon's mind raced, arguing back and forth with himself
about what he intended to do with Ygritte in this back office. He wanted her
for such a long time and more than ever at that moment. She was grieving about
Gilly and though she acted tough, he knew it was hard for her.
"Not like this," he managed to form words.
"But-"
"Let me kiss you," he begged.
"You're killing me, Snow," she groaned and closed her eyes to wait for him
could kiss her again. Jon slid his hand down over her hip to press his
fingertips between her thighs, feeling the damp warmth though the fabric of her
dress.
"Here," he clarified, watching her gasp in response and press against his hand.
"Okay," she whispered. Then Ygritte snapped into action, lifting both hands to
tangle her fingers in his hair and roughly pulled his lips to hers. His hands
found their way around her waist as they stumbled towards the couch until she
fell back onto it, pulling him on top of her. His hard cock was pressed against
the inside her hip, nestled between her sharp hipbone and taut stomach. She
bucked underneath him, panting as she broke their kiss. "Please Jon," she
begged in a tight voice. "Do whatever you want - just do something!"
Jon tore himself away from her tight body with a groan and sat back to see her
flushed and panting, hair even more wild than usual. To regain his focus, he
pulled one boot into his lap to unlace and pull it off while she whimpered
impatiently. After both boots clunked to the floor, he slid his hands up her
thighs and lifted the hem of her dress. He thanked the gods when he discover
she wore nothing underneath. His hand shook as he traced his fingers lightly
down the wet slick flesh between her legs, drawing a needy whine from her
throat.
He lifted his hand to admire the silky shining wetness on his fingers and gave
into the sudden urge to taste it. She whimpered again and he looked up to see
her staring at his mouth with desperate need. Jon wasted no time, hooking his
hand around her knee and pulling it over his shoulder as he curled his body
forward. The curls between her legs were darker red than her hair and felt soft
and springy against his fingertips. Her hips jumped just at the gentle
caressing of his fingertips so he braced one arm across her hips and pressed
one soft kiss to her slick flesh.
Ygritte instantly cried out as her hips bucked in response, shoving one hand
into his hair and grabbing the couch with the other. He held her more firmly
and kissed her again, this time parting his lips to savor her sweet and salty
taste. She squirmed and whimpered as his tongue explored her, trying to
discover what she liked. His cock was harder than it ever hand been, straining
against his pants and battling to override his personal vow of celibacy. Her
other leg slipped over his shoulder as she started to roll and rock against his
mouth.
He didn't have to do much after that, she was grinding against his mouth and
soaking his face with her wetness. His hands curled around her thighs and she
moaned something like his name and increased the tempo of her rocking hips. Jon
was overwhelmed by her scent, taste, and the feel of her soft skin under his
hands. Her muscles tensed and flexed as her movements became more erratic and
every breath moaned between her lips. Just when he thought he couldn't take any
more, she arched against the couch and gave one breathless cry.
Her hips and legs shook from the force of her climax before she slumped back
down and weakly pushed him away. Jon sat back to rest his head on the back of
the couch, panting along with her, and wiped his mouth on his sleeve. He turned
his head to look at her, his cock still throbbing with wanting her. She lay
boneless and whimpering, her legs still spread open, and it took every ounce of
his resolve to resist the temptation.
"You still won't fuck me?" Ygritte opened her eyes to focus on him as she
wriggled to straighten her skirt. Jon squeezed his eyes shut as he shook his
head in denial. "Fine, but only because... that was amazing." She sat up and
started tugging at the waist of his pants, making his eyes fly open in
surprise.
"What are you-?" His words cut off as she pressed a kiss to his mouth and freed
his cock while he was distracted. Ygritte pulled back and gave him a pleading
look.
"Jon," she murmured, "let me return the favor please." He couldn't think of any
reason to say no so he just nodded his head and watched a grin spread over her
lips.
                                    YGRITTE
She didn't particularly like sucking cock - it was a waste of time - but this
wasn't any cock she held in her hand. Jon was the source of her sexual
frustration for far too long, teasing her with his pretty smiles and serious
grey eyes. Of course, his cock was as handsome as the boy himself, long and
straight and everything proportional. Ygritte wanted to feel him in her mouth,
taste him while imagining him inside her. Her head dipped to take the tip
between her lips, rubbing her mouth over the slick moisture coming from him.
Ygritte moved her hand, jerking him firm and slow as she licked up, down, and
around his cock before taking it into her mouth. His hand stroked gently over
her hair and it reminded her of the one and only time she tried this before.
Jon touched her gently, unlike the asshole who pulled her hair so hard that she
accidentally bit him - at least he cried. No other guy could compare with the
one she really wanted.
"Ygritte," he moaned as his hand moved under her hair to stroke the back of her
neck, sending shivers down her spine. "I'm gonna come." Well, that was fast -
preferable because she still didn't think sucking a dick was all that
enjoyable. It just made her want to fuck him even more.
"Mm-mm," she replied - a mouthful of cock made forming words out of the
question. Her hum of agreement was followed quickly by a burst of bitterness
rushing into her mouth as he moaned her name again. Then she remembered why she
hated it so much - ugh, the taste! Ygritte leapt up as soon as she was sure he
was totally finished and ran to the wastebasket to spit into it.
"Bitter," she shuddered, smacking her mouth as she moved to the desk and rifled
through the drawers. "Where are the..." Then her hand found what she was
looking for. "Here we go - mints!" Ygritte opened the box, pulled out two
tablets, and popped them into her mouth - much, much better. Then she found a
stash of napkins, mopped up between her legs before she moved back to the
couch. She heaved a sigh as she collapsed next to him, exhausted and mostly
sated.
"Want one?" Ygritte held up the box of mints to hand to him but he shook his
head at her offer and stayed quiet, which made her nervous. "So, I would
totally do this again - a bed would work better." Jon set himself to rights and
zipped up his pants while ignoring her completely. "Any thoughts on that?"
"I need to think about it," he turned his serious eyes on her, seeming to be
trying to figure her out. What's to figure out? She liked him and he liked her
- but he always was fucking 'thinking' about shit. Ygritte wished he could just
live a little and not worry about every little thing.
"Of course you do," she sighed and patted his leg. "Don't think too long - I'm
not the type of girl who waits." It was a lie, she would wait if he gave her
any indication he would eventually be hers. But the one thing she knew about
all guys - they hated when a girl seemed desperate. They all wanted the 'cool
girl' who could play some hoops, fuck all night, and still be friends in the
morning. Damn it all, she was sick and tired of being the 'cool girl'. All she
wanted to be was Jon's girl... "We better get back out there," she stood and
tried to smooth her dress and hair.
"Ygritte," he rose and face her, still wearing his serious expression. "I want
you to be my girlfriend..." She held her breath as his eyes darted away,
seemingly making the most difficult decision of his life. "But I swore to
myself I would wait to have sex until I turned eighteen."
"How long until that happens?" Ygritte liked to get straight to the point,
internally praying she wouldn't have to wait long to get him inside her.
"Next September..." Jon's head hung forward and Ygritte felt like she just got
a volleyball spiked straight into her face. That was ten months away! She felt
a bit woozy, like she needed to sit down again. But she just turned her
attention to stepping into her boots and bending down to lace them. "I know
it's a long time but I really like you-"
"Fine," she interrupted him, "but you're gonna have to do that thing with your
tongue a lot." Ygritte pursed her lips as she relented. "And I'll suck you as
well but I'm not swallowing - it's too nasty."
"Really?" He looked like he couldn't believe her.
"Yeah - it tastes like battery acid-"
"No," he laughed, "you'll be my girlfriend and let me... um, do that again?"
"Go down on me?" Ygritte grinned at him. "You can do that as much as you want.
In fact, as my boyfriend I'm going to expect it several times a week." His
expression just got even happier and it made her heart throb to see his
beautiful face beaming at her. Gods, it was just unfair for a man to be so
pretty. "Think you can handle that?"
"I know I can," he moved closer to kiss her but she put her finger to his lips.
"You know nothing, Jon," she wrapped her hand around his head, crushed her lips
against his for one last kiss, and then shoved him away. "Come on," she brushed
past him to unlock the door, "I'm sure we've been missed already." Jon caught
up with her and tugged her hand into his, opening his mouth to say something
when a crash outside caught their attention. They ran towards the sound to find
the party disrupted by her uncle, the biggest asshole who ever lived.
"You have no right!" He roared as he moved towards a terrified looking Sam.
"You stole my daughter!"
"Dad," Gill tried to move between them but Sansa caught her arm to hold her
back. "Please don't do this."
"Sir," Sam was shaking but stood his ground. "I know how you must feel but I
truly love Gilly-"
"SHE'S MINE," uncle Craster grabbed Sam's collar and pulled back his fist as
the idiot just squeezed his eyes shut to take the hit. Jon sprung into action,
running forward to put himself between the two and push her uncle back. Bile
rose in Ygritte's throat as things started to make sense, starting with Gill's
reluctance to say who raped her. All those nights her cousin begged to sleep
over at her house... Oh gods, no...
"You," Ygritte didn't even recognize her own voice as she picked up the
screwdriver on a table next to her. Her feet moved without her permission and
her hand raised to plunge the tool into her uncle's neck. She wanted to feel
his hot blood rushing over her hand, to see the life fade from his eyes - but
Jon switch his position to grab her arm. "I'll kill you someday," she promised
her uncle, knowing she could've fought Jon off but she let him stop her - for
now. "Count on it."
"Stupid ungrateful whore," he spit in Gill's direction, ignoring Ygritte
completely. Of course, he didn't see her as a threat - the man prided himself
on being a misogynist. Still, she never considered he'd actually rape his own
daughter. "You'll come crawling back one day and I won't take you in." Uncle
Craster shoved Jon back and opened his mouth to start hurling more filth at his
crying daughter. The hound was just suddenly behind him, grabbing her uncle by
the back of his neck.
"I suggest you leave," he growled in a deadly voice. Ygritte watched with
satisfaction as the hound dragged her uncle to the door and literally tossed
him out. She dropped the screwdriver to the ground with a clatter and watched
as her cousin threw her arms around Sam to sob on his shoulder. Gill didn't
need her anymore, she had someone else to take care of her now - that thought
both hurt and relived her. Jon wrapped his arm around her and pulled her out of
her daze.
"You okay?" His serious grey eyes were so beautiful, like a storm rising in the
distance.
"I will be," she managed to croak. This day her uncle unwittingly signed his
own death warrant - she would never let him get away with what he did to Gill.
The woman-hating penal system didn't give a fuck about rape - he'd be out in a
few years if the case ever even went to trial. Even then, Gill would be the one
on trial, mercilessly grilled about her sex life by strange men - her sweet
cousin was too soft for that. No... A few years of jail wouldn't be enough for
him to pay for his perversion. Caster would die and she'd be the one who ended
him.
Chapter End Notes
     I wrote this long overly personal note about my 'zero days' but in
     the end it just sounded like a weak plea for pity and that's not me.
     If anyone pities me I'll fucking hate it - I could build a bridge to
     nowhere with all the false pity I've received over my lifetime. I
     just hated being all emo and vague like last time when I wrote the
     chapter "I'm Fine". A 'zero day' will happen again, it's the one
     thing in life I've always been able to count on. And I'll survive it
     - on my own - because that's what I fucking do. Only the last part of
     what I wrote seemed important to say:
     To my kindred with 'invisible disabilities' - I BELIEVE YOUR PAIN IS
     REAL! Don't let anyone make you feel like you're just being weak. You
     aren't weaker than everyone else - you're stronger for surviving the
     pain, judgement, and isolation. I tell myself that every day - I just
     wish someone would have said that to me a long time ago. I wasted
     years of my life just waiting... letting my will to live ebb away and
     giving up writing because I didn't dare hope I would live long enough
     to have any success. We all need to define our success by our own
     standards. When I get back on the horse, striving to make each day
     count so that I can live to fight another day, I feel successful.
     Life is always worth fighting for, even when it hurts too much
     (physical or emotional pain).
     Sorry if that got too personal. Carry on with your enjoyment of
     various smutty fanfics.
***** Layafat: 'To Be Happy' *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [To_Be_Happy]
                                     DANY
The rain drizzled down the window as Drogo's truck drew ever nearer to her
family's manor. The house was a mausoleum to her once happy family: her mother
cried all the time. Aunt Elia never left the house, just stayed at home, and
did everything she could to pretend it was normal not to go outside... ever.
Uncle Rhaegar behaved exactly the opposite. He was never home after he resigned
his position as mayor and left politics. She easily forgave his inability to
remain in the family business but would never forgive his abandonment of them.
She put on a pretty dress and a pretty smile and forced herself to forget all
about... Gregor Clegane haunting her dreams. There wasn't enough eye concealer
in the world for her to keep having those nightmares. In her sleep, she was the
one home instead of her aunt, waiting in the kitchen to be brutally attacked.
When she woke, crying in the early morning, she wanted someone to comfort her
but there was no one strong enough. Dany was the strong one in her family, they
came to her to cry. To be surprised with the hound's attendance to Sam's
wedding was too much.
"Sorry I asked you to leave early," she noticed Drogo was even quieter than
usual, if that was even possible. He did not even acknowledge her apology: just
keep driving forward... closer and closer to her tomb. "Fine!" Dany slunk down
in her seat and scowled at the dash until her head lolled forward, creating a
curtain of blonde hair between them. "I don't really want to go home," she
murmured. "And I don't want to go on a date. I don't want..." She looked over
to see his dark eyes watching her with intensity.
"Pull over," she pointed to the side of the road and he pulled the truck in
front of a private driveway. Dany leaned forward to look up at the darkening
sky, the storm only just beginning, before she turned her eyes back to Drogo.
Holding his gaze she unbuckled her seatbelt to pull off her shoes and let them
both clunk to the truck's floor. She broke their staring contest to lean
against the seat, reached under her skirt, and pulled off her underwear. The
lacy undergarment must not distract her this time so it was carefully stowed
away in her purse.
Dany returned her gaze to meet his and braced her hands against the seat to
slide beside him. He watched, like he always did, without emotion or reaction.
Oh, she would get plenty of reaction out of him before this was over. Her hand
slid up his leg to unlatch his seatbelt and splayed her fingers across his
chest as she slowly guided the buckle to its home. She never let her eyes leave
his, inwardly wishing to unclothe his assumedly stunning body. There was no
time: she needed him now, promising herself to get an eyeful later.
She rose over him, fitting a knee between his leg and the door to straddle his
lap. Her hands gently cupped the side of his face as his hard expression
softened. It was something one had to look closely for, the tenseness of his
upper lip relaxed and the height of his strong brow lifted slightly. Dany might
feel ashamed for the way she pushed him away but had to admit she was perfect
for him. Who else would be so patient, learning all of his impossibly subtle
expressions?
He was her friend and the person she wanted to have sex with: that made him her
boyfriend, nothing more and nothing less. The normal thing to do with one's
boyfriend is to kiss him so that's what Dany did. Through heavy-lidded eyes she
watched him watching her as she lowered her lips to his. Those black eyes
burned to into her, the heat of Drogo's gaze felt good even when almost
unbearably hot. His hand was in her hair at once, crushing their mouths
together.
Her hands tugged at the waist of his jeans until the button popped open, only
about ten percent of her actual focus on the task. The dominating way Drogo
kissed her set her mind spinning. Ironic really, the more she wanted him the
more difficult it became to remove their impeding clothing. Instead of using
his free hand to help like last time, he just grabbed a handful of her ass and
yet she absolutely agreed with his tactics. Last time he did most of the work
and this time it was her turn, even as she still wanted him to take control.
Finally, she managed to free his impressive erection from its denim prison and
wasted no time pulling her skirt out of the way. The way his hand squeezed her
ass and pulled her hair already made Dany wet but she still teased the tip of
his cock against her slick entrance. He thrust his hips up, pushing into her as
she sank down to envelope his full length. Drogo leaned forward, pushing her
back against the wheel and gripped her hips. His hands lifted and then pulled
her back down onto his hardness, over and over while she whimpered and panted
in ecstasy.
Drogo was perfect for her: he fucked like a man was supposed to fuck and it
made her feel alive. It was the most natural thing to be done and he did it
perfectly. She did not have to feel ashamed, or explain to him what she wanted,
he just somehow knew. The gods saw fit to provide coverage for their shameless
roadside fucking: sometime they really were going to have to try a bed. Rain
fell down in heavy sheets, curtaining the truck and obscuring their scandalous
activities.
The raindrops pounding on the metal roof banged with an erratic tempo, playing
to the rhythm of her writhing hips. All the while the controlled pace of his
hands remained impossibly steady, building up her pleasure. Dany braced her
palm against the roof as she tried to hold back finishing: a new challenge she
was not quite up to. Her climax crashed around her, tearing a whimpered
imitation of his name from her lips. His cock pumped within her as he released
a string of groaned Dothraki she could not understand.
She curled her arms around Drogo's neck and slumped against his overheated
body, resting her head on his shoulder. Neither of them made any attempt to
move, only his hand lightly stroked over her hair as their heart rates returned
to normal. The words he said were starting to make sense as her mind cleared of
its sex fog. He was saying terms of endearments, ones he never taught to her
but she researched on her own... To have a better understanding of the
language.
"I feel better," she murmured against his neck. At least this time she was on
the pill but they really should use more protection... Oh, who cares? Can life
really get worse? What's an STD or a baby in comparison to the shit turns her
life had taken in the last few years? A radical upset might just be the thing
she needed to start living again. Suddenly, she had this vision of a dark-
haired baby in Drogo's arms and it looked perfect. Too perfect, she admitted to
herself, nobody ever gets 'happily ever after' outside of the movies.
"Good," his voice was so quiet and deep she almost seemed to 'feel' the word
rather than hear it. Dany lifted her head to meet his eyes and wanted to tell
him he meant more to her than just fucking the sadness out of her. Instead, she
extracted herself from his hold and sat back in her seat to give herself time
to think. At least she did not feel like running away again: that would start
to get embarrassing. "I want you to be happy," his rare confession of emotion
brought a smile to her lips.
"You really do make me feel better," she offered as a compromise. Being happy
was something she had to force and fake with everyone else, if Drogo really
loved her he would understand. Dany wished she had room in her broken heart to
feel guiltier for using his love to satisfy her need to be cared for. She
fooled herself into believing that a parties, shopping, and sleepovers were
enough to heal her torment. As soon as that monster was released from prison,
she reverted to the same weak girl she was before. "Tell me something I can do
for you... Anything."
"Stay with me tonight," his request was simple enough and it surprised Dany how
much she wanted to agree instantly.
"Your parents won't mind?" Dany smiled as she imagined bringing Drogo home to
her mother's house and having him stay the night. Mother would be so shocked!
"They live in Bravos," there was never any emotion inflection in his voice.
Perhaps that was why Dany's mind raced to inject an accusatory tone, her own
self-berating over not knowing anything about him.
"I'll come home with you," she decided out loud, almost saying the statement as
a question. Drogo watched her face carefully and she gave him one determined
nod to back up what she said. She meant it, why shouldn't she want to spend the
night at her boyfriend's house: that was totally normal. The rain cleared by
the time they drove all the way outside the city to a small ranch beside the
interstate. "You drive all this way every day to school?" Technically the
property was within city limits but it was a winding route that took almost two
hours.
"Yes," Drogo casually answered her shocked question as he pulled up in front of
the ranch home. "Come," he got out of the truck and she followed him into the
house. They were greeted by a young man who appeared to be of an age with
Drogo. "He is Rakharo," he told her, "my cousin."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Dany, Drogo's girlfriend." She gave her most winning
smile to Rakharo and hoped he approved. Dany extended her hand in greeting as
Rakharo approached them. "He didn't tell you about me, I assume."
"Drogo doesn't tell anyone about anything," he smiled warmly and accepted her
handshake. His common tongue was perfect but the clipped way he spoke vowels
gave away his foreignness. Dany was not absolutely dying to know Drogo's entire
family history: not even a bit.
"I have noticed that," she smiled at Drogo, who pulled her along further inside
the house. "Bye," Dany waved goodbye to Rakharo as they walked past the living
room and into a hallway.
"Irri," he knocked on a closed door. When it opened, an annoyed dark-haired
beauty darted a curious glance between them. "Shafka azhat qemmosor ha maan
dothralat?" Drogo was asking 'Irri' to give Dany some riding clothes. Oh,
horses: how exciting!
"Everything sounds so rude in Dothraki," Irri complained but Drogo just gave
her his signature blank stare. "Fine, whatever," she scoffed before turning to
Dany with a half-smile. "He asked-"
"I understood," Dany interrupted, feeling good about understanding at least
basic conversational Dothraki.
"Oh," Irri's dark eyes widened in surprise, "okay then." She waved a hand and
turned back into the room. "Follow me." Dany smiled at Drogo as she let go of
his hand to follow his cousin into her room. "So... Drogo's never brought a
girl home." She rummaged through her dresser, pulling out items of clothing. "I
hate how they can bring girls home. But if I even dreamed about bringing a guy
here, they would draw straws to see who could slit his throat. Drogo is
especially obsessed with the 'old ways'. He didn't try to trade a horse for
you, did he?"
"I think his passion for Dothraki culture is charming," Dany answered
diplomatically. It was one thing for her to complain about Drogo's stoicism and
old-fashioned mindset. She didn't want to hear it from someone else... Also, it
was starting to chafe how little she really knew about him outside of DnD.
"Good," Irri laughed. "Because that boy is never going to enter the modern
era." She moved away from the dresser and handed Dany a change of clothes. "You
can get changed in here."
"Thanks," Dany called after Irri as she exited the room. She quickly changed
into the outfit, a simple long shirt, and a pair of comfortable jeans which fit
well. It was lucky that she and Irri were of a similar height and build, only
the boots were a bit too snug. When she left the room, she stepped into the
hallway, nearly running into a man as broad as Drogo by not as tall.
"Ki fin yeni!" The man's head whipped towards the living room, where Rakharo
sat on the couch with Irri. "Fini hazi ifak vikeesi?" He was speaking so fast
that Dany could not be sure but it sounded like an insult.
"Es havazhaan, Qotho!" Rakharo leapt off the couch, striding towards Dany and
'Qotho' with an annoyed expression. The man with the bad attitude pushed past
her to disappear into the next door. "Drogo already went out to the stable,"
Rakharo offered her a reassuring smile. "Do you want me to show you the way?"
"No, thank you," she was a bit shaken by the asshole who called her a
foreigner. Dany never used to let herself get this rattled. It made her realize
just how much of a comfort Gregor Clegane's imprisonment was before it ended.
"I can find my way." She forced a confident smile and waved as she headed
towards the front door. "Hajas, Rakharo!"
"Dothras chek, Dany." Rakharo's words could be interpreted as a respectful
farewell but it literally meant 'ride well'. Dany could feel the anticipation
building as she walked out to the stables she noticed behind the house. Motion
in the field drew her attention to a enormous black horse, flying across the
field with Drogo on its bare back. He and the animal were like one fused body:
gliding across the earth as if they might take flight at any moment. The beauty
stole her breath away as she moved closer.
Dany hooked her arms over a fence separating her from the field and leaned her
knee against a lower post to stare in amazement as he rode. Drogo was always in
command of everything, that's what made him so appealing. It was clear this was
his true fortitude: riding as though he were born to it, guiding the powerful
animal's movements. The horse suddenly pivoted to race in her direction and
came to a dramatic stop in front of her. She blushed at a sudden ridiculous
thought... she wanted him to fuck her on that horse.
"I'm ready," she called, waving a hand at her new outfit. Drogo slipped off the
horse onto the ground as if he'd been performing the action since birth. Gods
save her: she had never been so turned on her whole life! When did she suddenly
develop a thing for horseback riding? She could not even lie to herself this
time, everything about him was perfect.
"Now we ride," he put his hands on either side of hers.
"I was hoping you would say that." Dany pushed up on the fence to climb over it
and his hands moved to her waist to help. He pulled her into his arms and
carried her to where the horse stood and set her down on her feet.
"You only need to know one thing about horses," he patted the animal's flank as
he spoke low and gentle. Dany recognized his soothing tone and felt he was
calming them both. A smile tugged at her lips but strove to take his
uncharacteristic monologue seriously. "You ride them."
"I think I understand that much," Dany rolled her eyes at his serious
expression.
"No - you are..." Drogo took her hand and pushed her fingers into the horse's
mane. "You are not taking a ride," his dark eyes pierced hers. "Know you have
the control." Dany nodded her head and watched as he climbed onto the horse's
back effortlessly. His hand reached for her, pulling her up to sit in front of
him and guiding her hands to the mane.
"I am in control," and for the first time she believed those words from her own
lips. Though Drogo was behind her, one hand tucked around her waist, he let her
lead the horse. Dany struggled at first to learn how to steer their direction
but he let her learn on her own without interference. As always, he seemed to
know exactly what she needed: that she wanted to feel literally in control of
where she went.
"Oh Drogo," she leaned back against his chest, "this is so beautiful." Dany
sighed wistfully as she admired the sun sinking behind the trees as they slowly
moseyed towards the sunset. "I could just stay here forever."
"You could," he sounded serious about his offer to let her stay but there was
an unfamiliar tightness to his voice.
"What are you thinking?" Dany asked the question even as she dreaded the
answer.
"You don't want me to say," he wanted to tell her he loved her. As much as she
wanted to fight it, a tiny part of her would not totally hate it if he did say
it. It was nice to be loved, it felt warm and comfortable, even knowing the
cold would return someday.
"Maybe I just hate the common tongue," she guessed aloud. Every time a boy told
her 'I love you' was a lie, they never really meant it. But when Drogo gave
lost himself in passion and spoke sweet endearments in his native tongue, it
did not sound like a lie. "Everything you say in Dothraki sounds beautiful."
"Jalan Atthirari Anni," he murmured close to her ear and the words instantly
filled her with unexpected joy. Dany thought he might just say he loved her but
he said something so much more meaningful and honest.
"Shekh Ma Shieraki Anni," she imagined him wearing a shocked expression, though
she knew it unlikely. That phrase was very important in the Dothraki language:
a testament of singular devotion. It was true, Dany felt devoted to Drogo: at
least she gave him as much of herself as she could bear. "You are the only
light in my life. Otherwise, I live in darkness..." She untangled her fingers
from the horse's mane to hug his arm holding her. "Drogo, I am happy with you."
The admission cost her less than she feared and actually made her heart feel
lighter.
"Good, I am happy too." Drogo wrapped his other arm over hers and held her with
just the right amount of tightness. "Anha dothrak chek asshekh." Truer words
were never spoken, they both had ridden well this day.
Chapter End Notes
     YES! I did it! A full Dany POV chapter! I'm feeling froggy now... I
     think I might just write a Drogo POV - I don't know! It might
     possibly maybe happen at some point!!!
     Am I stretching this week out too much? I just don't ever want it to
     end! But, as with all wonderful things, it must end sometime. How
     will our teens survive the end of their stolen days of bliss? Parents
     are coming home... Let the angsting begin.
     Next Chapter is entitled:
     The Last Night I Sleep, starting with a Missa POV then pure Sansan
     FTW.
***** The Last Night I Sleep *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [The_Last_Night_I_Sleep]
                                   MISSANDEI
Well, that was the most uncomfortable situation she had ever been in. After the
bride's father was thrown out in a surprising show of heroism by the hound, the
party inevitably died down. Missa wondered how she ever managed to have such a
normal family. Sure, it was hard to be an only child and harder still that dad
was always deployed somewhere overseas. All-in-all life was fairly ordinary
until she somehow made friends with Margaery and Dany. She hoped they might
speak to each other at the reception but Dany disappeared right after the
ceremony.
Torgo brought her jacket and stared at his feet as he helped her pull it on as
everyone else was already leaving the shop. He had been painfully shy all
night, stuttering what small conversation he could make and even almost spilled
his drink on her. She managed to avoid the catastrophe but he apologized for
almost ten minutes before falling silent. That was before the father-of-the-
bride's tirade... it certainly was an unforgettable night. Sansa and the hound
were about to leave when she decided she had something to say them.
"Can you wait here for me?" Missa smiled at Torgo's obedient nod, somewhat
enjoying his nervousness. Underneath the layers of insecurity and shyness, she
recognized a calm strength. "Sansa," she called as she followed the couple,
"please wait!"
"Missa," Sansa looked tired but gave a small smile, "sorry we did not get a
chance to talk-"
"It was a crazy wedding," Missa waved a hand in Torgo's direction, "and I've
been a little preoccupied." She returned Sansa's smile with a sheepish one of
her own. "This is technically my first date... ever."
"You will always remember it," Sansa rolled her eyes as she laughed. Missa
thanked the gods she was not the only one who found this wedding absolutely
mad.
"That is for certain," Missa shook her head as she chuckled, her mood turning
somber as she resolved to say what she needed to say. "I really came over here
to say, to both of you," she glanced up to the hound's bored expression, "I'm
sorry. Marge and Dany are both really strong and sometimes it is near
impossible not to go along with them." She looked to them both in turn. "Please
say you will forgive my interference in your relationship."
"It didn't do much but send her running straight into my arms." The hound
sneered down at Missa and she tried her best not to flinch away. His eyes
seemed to bore straight though her and his face was so pitiful and frightening
at the same time. Sansa poked him in the arm and gave him a stern look so he
groaned before he relented. "So I guess I forgive you."
"Thank you," she breathed a sigh of relief and gave him a genuine smile. "What
you did back there was really brave."
"Brave?" He snorted and shoved his hands in his pockets. "It's not brave to
toss out a piece of trash."
"I think so," Missa insisted. "Gilly must think so, he clearly frightened her
terribly." She turned her chin up at him and found that she did not find him so
intimidating anymore. "You are the biggest person I've ever known but you chose
to use that advantage to help protect people. From now on, I won't let anyone
speak badly about you in front of me."
"You'll be wasting your time defending me." The hound never struck her as a
modest person before but now she could clearly see though his tough facade. How
sad for Dany, to be so afraid of someone who would never see harm done to her.
They had all woefully misjudged him and now it was her responsibility to set
things right.
"I don't spend my time doing anything not worthwhile." Missa stood up straight
and turned her eyes back to Sansa. "I hope you can forget how idiotically I've
behaved and I would honestly like us to be good friends."
"I would like that too, Missa." Sansa smiled brightly as she tucked a hand
around the hound's arm. "And I think you are wrong for what it's worth... I
think you are the strongest one of the three. Neither Margaery nor Dany have
even come close to apologizing sincerely. It was brave of you to do this."
"I only wish I had been brave earlier and stood up them." Missa furrowed her
brow in determination and clenched her fist by her side. "To be sure, they will
both be getting a full report on what happened here today," she promised
wholeheartedly. This time, she would not let those two act like the queen bees
and run roughshod over her. "I will not rest until the entire school is
gossiping about what a great guy Sandor Clegane is."
"When all seven hells freeze over," he scoffed.
"Best dress warmly then," she countered. The hound... Sandor raised an eyebrow
at her cheekiness. "Alright, I have the most awkward first date ever to
finish." Missa clapped her hands together once and glanced back at Torgo to see
him still standing patiently waiting for her. "Wish me luck," she waved as she
turned back to her date.
"Good luck!" Sansa called, actually giving Missa a bit more courage. She and
Torgo walked together, he did not try at all to take her hand as they headed
for her car. He did run around to the driver's side to open the door for her
and she smiled her thanks before getting in. Once he was safely seated and
buckled into the passenger side, she pulled the Mini Cooper out of the parking
lot. The drive to his house was excruciatingly quiet but when she pulled up in
the driveway, he did not get out.
"I guess," he ran a hand over his hair and peeked at her with a worried
expression. "I really blew it big time."
"What makes you say that?" Missa fought the urge to smile as she asked the
question seriously.
"Were you at the same wedding I attended?" He lowered the hand to his forehead
and bowed his head with shame. "It was a bloody nightmare."
"None of that was your fault," she put her hand on his shoulder to gain his
attention. "Besides, it will be a great story someday." Missa smiled at his
confused expression. "We can look back on it and laugh about how our first date
was a horrible wedding put on by teenagers."
"So... you want to go on another date with me?" His awed expression certainly
was an ego boost. Missa was perfectly aware that she was conventionally
attractive. Her face was symmetrical so it was no surprise he found her
beautiful. But having blossomed in the shadow of two beauty queens never left a
girl unscathed. She was never as confident as either of them, neither had she
been so free with her affections. High School boys were ridiculously moronic or
egotistical... Torgo was the only one who seemed intelligent but humble.
"I would settle for a kiss first," her own bravery even surprised Missa but it
seemed to give poor Torgo a stroke. He stared at her, unblinking and not
breathing. "Unless, you don't want to kiss me-"
"Of course I do!" Torgo pulled on his bow tie, clearly feeling a bit choked. "I
mean, I just... I never kissed anyone before."
"Me either," she shrugged. "I still understand the basic mechanics." Missa took
his dazed stare as a 'yes' and leaned towards him to pressed her mouth against
his. His lips were impossibly soft as she held the contact for a moment and
then pulled away. The kiss itself was not like fireworks or any other explosive
analogy... it was tender, warm, and soft like a beautiful memory.
"Missa," he murmured, "I think I sort of blacked out there for a moment...
Could we do that again?" She smiled at him, gently pulled off his glasses to
set them on the dash, and then held his face between her hands.
"Pay attention now," she teased before lowering her lips to his again. Her
heart raced as he lifted his hands to lightly hold her shoulders and Missa let
the chaste but wonderful kiss linger a bit longer. "There," she pulled away and
turned to hand his glasses back to him. "Was that better?"
"Brilliant," he pushed his glasses up over his dazed eyes and grinned at her.
"So... can I take you out again?"
"I think I better choose the next date." Missa crossed her arms and raised a
brow. "Aren't we forgetting something?"
"Uh..." Torgo looked completely lost and she rolled her eyes and sighed.
"This is the part where you ask me to be your girlfriend," she informed him.
Had he never seen a teen movie before? This was rather standard typical
relationship stuff.
"Really?" His beautiful eyes widened as he adjusted his glasses. "You want me?
As your boyfriend?" Missa ignored his ridiculous questions and just stared at
him until he sat up straight in his seat and gave her a determined look.
"Please, Missa, will you be my girlfriend?"
"Yes," she answered with a smile, "I will gladly fill the position."
"Could we... just once more-?" His words cut off as she pressed another quick
peck to his lips and straightened his glasses and bow tie.
"Call me tomorrow," she smiled, still leaning close to him.
"Sure-fine-good," he wheezed, "I will." His hand fumbled for the door handle
and then Torgo practically fell out of the car. He made a quick recovery and
waved goodbye before shutting the car door with a happy grin. Missa watched him
walk up to the front door and turn once more to wave before walking inside.
First date, check. First kiss, check. First boyfriend... big fat check. As odd
as it all was, nothing could dampen her high spirits.
                                     SANSA
She could not recognize herself anymore, the girl who snuggles with a naked boy
under the covers while her father was away. Oh, the guilt was heavy, no
doubting that, but there was this other person inside her... Another Sansa who
reveled in the power of being fully clothed, chin-to-toe while he was powerless
under her hands. Her fingers curled around his neck as she pulled his face
close to hers, his breaths were short and quick. His eyes squeezed shut and his
strained expression made her smile in satisfaction.
Sansa propped up on her arm and tilted her face down to capture his mouth. As
of late, she grew all too familiar with Sandor's struggle to keep control. All
those lectures from her mother were starting to make sense; it was good advice
to not 'get carried away'. Mother said her first time was 'precious' and should
be saved for her husband. But that was such an old-fashioned way of thinking,
marriages broke up every day because the couple did not love each other. Her
hand trailed down over his chest and curled around his waist to pull herself
closer. Love should be the only consideration when saving one's virginity.
Sandor finally said he loved her and though she wanted to hear it over and
over, once would be enough. He might have a hard time expressing his emotions
but in the dim table-side light, at least he could not hide anything from her.
Sansa loosed her hold on him to pull the sheet out of her way, admiring his
masculine beauty. She could stare at him for hours, but he always looked so
adorably uncomfortable under her scrutiny. His face was even more enjoyable to
watch, all of his toughness melted away under her touch.
Her hands roamed over his body as she lowered her mouth to his neck, feeling
his pulse rushing beneath her lips. Sansa never knew she could yearn this badly
for something she never had; it still seemed an eternity until the Winter
Formal. It would be simply heartbreaking to go back to sleeping without him
beside her, keeping her so warm she did not have to turn on the heat. Groans
and growls rumbled in his chest as she touched him everywhere but the one place
he really wanted. It was so embarrassing she could never admit it out loud...
she liked to hear him to ask.
"Sansa..." He quietly groaned her name, his signal that he could take no more
of her tormenting.
"Hmm?" Sansa continued pressing kisses along his collarbone as she stroked the
length of his arm. It was wrong of her to torture him but the reward was too
sweet.
"Please," he begged in a tight voice as her hand smoothed down his stomach. She
curled her hand around his hardness and smiled against this chest as his
stomach tightened in response. His arm curled around her and his hand tightly
squeezed her shoulder to pull her closer. Her accursed flannel pajamas
prevented her from enjoying the softness of his skin. She could still felt his
warmth seeping through the thick fabric.
She liked him to hold her close but she was torn with still wanting to see his
face, watching him come undone from her touch. A lifetime could not be long
enough to appreciate the wonder she felt to have this kind of power over him.
His heart thundered in his chest as she carefully maintained a steady rhythm,
stroking her hand over his hardness. Sansa tried to ignore the building ache
between her thighs and focus on him but one leg unconsciously slipped over his.
In an instant, she was pushed back into the mattress with his full length
pressed against her.
"Little bird," his voice was thick. "This is starting to feel a bit one-sided."
Sansa could not help the giggle that escaped her throat. Sandor narrowed his
eyes at her before his mouth descended on hers, thrusting his tongue into her
mouth. Her hips rocked against his thigh between her legs, drawing a moan from
both of them. He returned the motion, driving his hardness against her stomach
as his knee slid between her thighs. She could not take it anymore, pushing on
his chest to break their kiss to unbutton her top. "That's not a good idea," he
growled.
"Don't be mad," she pouted at him as paused on the middle button. "You did say
I could do whatever I wanted." Sansa resumed unbuttoning as she held his dark
gaze, knowing she was pushing both of them too far.
"I meant it," he grumbled with a sullen expression that made her smile.
"I want to feel you," she pulled him down by his shoulders against her,
shivering as his hot skin smoothed against hers. His heart pounded against her
chest as her own fluttered erratically as she nuzzled her face against his
neck. Both of them moved at once, pushing against each other to find relief to
the building ache and desire. His hand moved to her hip, his fingers digging
into her flesh as he tugged on hips to pull her flush against this hard thigh.
She gasped and whined against his neck and heard his smothered groan in reply
as she impatiently squirmed beneath him.
Sandor moved his hand over her hip to splay over the small of her back, guiding
her writhing into a coherent rhythm. Her senses were in tuned to everything,
even the texture of his skin beneath her lips as she panted encouragement. His
solid thigh between her legs slid back and forth, building up her pleasure. She
arched chest against his as the friction between her legs made her grip his
shoulders hard. He held her tighter, lowering his hand to grasp her thigh and
rolled his hips to repeat the motion.
Her legs locked around his as her hips bucked against him in a desperate
frenzy. The sensation overwhelmed her senses, driving her motions from some
deeper instinct. The heat from his chest enflamed her oversensitive skin the
intense feeling continued to build and grow... Until it snapped, pleasure
crashing over her in wave after wave.
"Sandor," she cried out his name, arching against his chest, her face buried
against his neck. Her body trembled and shook even with the warmth radiating
from his body. Too soon he was gone, turned onto his back to pump his release
onto his bare stomach. They lay unmoving except for their heavy breaths before
he reached back to grab the box of tissues to clean up. When he finished, she
pressed herself against his side. "Next time," she whispered in his ear, "I
want you to see all of me."
"Shut up," he growled, "or I'm sleeping on the couch." Sandor's threat was
empty, evident when he pulled up the covers and turned towards her to pull her
close.
"My lips are sealed," she promised.
"For once." Sandor always had to have the last word.
"What are you going to do tomorrow?" Sansa could not help but worry about him,
though she knew he was capable of taking care of himself. Sandor deserved
someone to take care of him, just like everyone did. "I wish you could stay-"
"No, I should get out of here first thing in the morning." Sandor sighed like
he would miss this as much as she did and that thought made her feel a bit
better and worse at the same time. "If you dad comes home early we're fucked,"
he chuckled at her worst fear. "He'd never believe I didn't try to talk myself
into your bed."
"So," she pushed the subject, "where will you go?"
"I'll sleep in the shop if I can." Sandor sounded completely relaxed, as if
being without a home was not a big deal. "If not, there's always the Skylark."
"You're too big to live in a car." Sansa squeezed him tightly. "I'll try to
help if I can."
"Don't worry," he squeezed her back. "I can take care of it."
"Sandor, about the Winter Formal..." It was hard for her to bring it up but she
did not want to put off the conversation. "You have to let me pay for-"
"We already agreed on that," he cut her off his 'not up for discussion' growl.
"Things changed," she insisted. "We have to adapt."
"No matter what happens - if I make a promise to you I'm gonna keep it." Sandor
was possibly the most stubborn person she knew, it was between him and Arya for
the title. "Don't argue."
"I have to do something..." Sansa felt frustrated at always being the one to
give in.
"What do you think this is?" His hand stroked through her hair. "You're the
first person who's taken care of me since I can remember - I don't take that
lightly."
"Hold me tighter," she never wanted to let him go. Sandor hated it when she
felt sorry for him but she could not help it. His life was so sad, it made her
want to do anything to make him feel loved. Except he didn't like her to say
she loved him, so she had to show him as best she could. "Don't go tomorrow
without saying goodbye... I hate when you don't say goodbye."
"I never want to say goodbye to you," he kissed the top of her head and held
her until she fell asleep. Sansa was caught between awake and asleep, surely
dreaming... She heard his voice whispering a profession of love.
Chapter End Notes
     I've always wanted Torgo to be wearing glasses but I didn't want to
     somehow create more confusion about who he was supposed to be.
     Anyway, I'm making him a glasses wearer now... so much hotness.
     Sansan are taking their separation fairly well but Gendry and Arya
     are coming up next, they tend to be a lot more dramatic about
     everything.
***** AGAIN?! *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                   [AGAIN?!]
                                     ARYA
She woke just as the sun was peeking through the curtains of the single small
window in his bedroom. It was a bit chilly so she pulled on the shirt he cast
aside last night and tucked her body close to his for warmth. His peaceful
sleeping face appeared more gorgeous every day. How would she survive not
waking up beside him? Arya decided to go back to sleep so she could enjoy being
woken up by him. Just as sleep started to claim her, a sound pulled her back
awake.
"Thin walls," she grumbled and buried her face against his arm. A soft gasp
caused her to launch into a sitting position and lock eyes with Gendry's
beautiful mother. They stared at each other for a moment before Arya started
shaking Gendry's shoulder.
"Oh," Ms. Waters leaned against the door frame, "just bloody wonderful."
"Dude," Arya shook him harder. "Gendry, wake up stupid - it's your mom," she
hissed loudly.
"Five more minutes," he ignored her attempts to wake him up and covered his
face with a pillow.
"You've got about five seconds young man!" His mother's shrill voice made to
Gendry fling the pillow off his face and sit up to stare at her in disbelief.
"Mom?!" He dropped his face in his hand, bemoaning their impossibly unlucky
fate. "Oh no."
"Oh yes, trust me, I'm just as thrilled about this." His mother put her hands
on her hips and looked at them both with a stern expression. "I was able to
move up my flight time and I wanted to surprise you." She laughed without
humor, throwing her hands up. "Guess I got the surprise! Great - just great -
this is my life. Both of you get dressed - family meeting time. And that
includes you." She pointed at Arya before turning on her heel and leaving them
to get dressed.
"Yes, ma'am, on the double!" Arya called after her before she shoved a still
shocked Gendry off the bed. "Move it, stupid!" They pulled on some clothes
before shuffling up to the kitchen with shamed faces, bowed heads, and hands
clasped in front of them. She waited for them sitting at the table nursing a
cup of coffee and looking about as miserable as they felt.
"Mom..." Gendry stopped whatever pleading he started when his mother turned her
bright eyes to sharply glare at him.
"Don't 'mom' me, take a seat." She pointed at the chair next to her. Gendry's
mom folded her hands on the table and looked at them both in turn. "Now... Are
you two going to keep telling me that you aren't having sex?"
"We weren't... before." Arya knew that she was using too many hands signals,
pointing, gesturing she couldn't seem to stop. "But we have already... at this
point in time. At present - yes. But!" She held up a finger as she made her
argument. "We used protection and love each other so that has to count for
something, right?" Gendry just groaned and sunk down in his chair to stare at
the table in a state of mild shock.
"Yes, it counts." Ms. Waters held her distressed face in her hands, making Arya
feel guiltier than she thought she was capable of being. "Kids, why do you do
this to me? I don't want to be the 'cool parent'." She looked up at Arya and
almost apologetic expression. "You know I have to call your parents - I take it
they don't know where you are?"
"No, please, no-no-no." Full-blown panic overwhelmed Arya as she struggled to
be explain herself without seeming crazy. "That cannot happen, my parents...
they are super old-school. Like - 'wait until marriage' traditional family
values." Her elbow braced on the table as she leaned forward. "One of two
possible outcomes - either they die from shock or they kill me. I need to ease
them into the idea of Gendry as my boyfriend and they will never accept him if
they knew..." She trailed off as she realized her babbling wasn't helping.
"How am I supposed to trust either of you after this? You're awfully quiet."
Ms. Waters eyed her son who hadn't stopped staring at the table the whole time.
"Don't you have anything to say for yourself?"
"No... I don't know what to say." He shook his head and didn't look up at that
either of them. "Everything in my head sounds pitiful."
"How about starting with an apology?" Ms. Waters made an excellent point and
Arya opened her mouth to start apologizing but Gendry spoke first.
"I can't do that." Gendry looked up and his mother with an apologetic
expression, at odds with his words. "I regret that I hurt you... but I can't be
sorry for this last week." He turned back to face Arya, taking one of her hands
into his. "Best week of my life: I've never been so happy."
"Me too." Arya swallowed hard against the lump in her throat, embarrassed by
the tightness in her voice. She turned back to see Gendry's mother observing
them with an unreadable expression. "Aw, Ms. Waters! We never meant any
disrespect - I swear. But it was hard for Gendry that you had to leave and miss
his birthday. He would've been here all alone..."
"What am I supposed to do with you two?" Ms. Waters looked completely lost as
to what to do, making her feel even guiltier.
"Love us... for all our faults?" Arya turned her most lovable rascal smile on
Gendry's mother.
"Kids, I don't want to have to say this..." Ms. Waters crossed her arms over
her chest and sat back in her chair, looking between them both with a worried
expression. Then she focused her eyes on Gendry waving a hand at him with a
tight smile. "Happy birthday, darling - you're a criminal."
"Mom!" Gendry's shocked protest was followed quickly by her own.
"Ms. W - I swear-"
"You just told me," she cut them both off of the stern look, "your parents were
uptight about you having sex. You're fourteen and he's eighteen." Ms. Waters
heaved a sigh and shook her head. "If your parents had a mind to use the law
they would have every right. Nothing you say would change the fact that what
Gendry is doing is illegal."
"Then we'll stop." Arya knew she couldn't keep that promise but it's spilled
from her lips anyway. "I can wait another..." She held up her fingers as she
calculated how long it would take for their relationship to not be 'illegal'.
"Oh... I can't do it." She smirked at Gendry despite the heavy mood. "We have
to break up so I can find a younger guy."
"Ha-ha, such a funny girl." He glowered at her, not appreciating her joking
attempt to ease the tension. "What we really need is your parents' approval."
"You'll never get it," she insisted. "But my father's approval is really all
you need, mom follows his lead."
"I wonder what that's like." Gendry crossed his arms and frowned down at her so
she rapped her knuckles against his bicep in retribution. "Ow, you're so cruel
to me." He rubbed the tender spot with an exaggerated pout. "We have to break
up so I can find a gentler girl."
"Please," she scoffed and rolled her eyes at him. "You'd die of boredom in a
week without me."
"I'm still here," Ms. Waters waved her hand at them, "in case you two forgot."
They both turned toward her and her tight expression fell completely as she
leaned against the table. "Who am I kidding? You win - I'll support your star-
crossed love. I won't say anything to your parents... I'll leave that up to
you." Her head lifted as her eyes narrowed at Gendry. "But this," she wagged a
finger between them, "isn't happening here again." She got up from the table
and slowly walked back to her bedroom. "I'm going to sleep for a few years,
wake me when she's of age."
They followed her example, rushing back to Gendry's room to throw her stuff
together. A quiet tension settled between them as they quickly dressed and made
their way down to the Lincoln. When they were settled into the car and ready to
go he didn't start driving, just sat there and stared at the steering wheel.
"Just so I know..." Arya gripped the seat tightly in her hand as she feigned
nonchalance. "Am I going to get dumped at the game tomorrow?"
"What?!" His wide eyes snapped to her. "No, of course not! Why...?" Gendry
exhaled slowly as he turned back to the wheel, nodding his head. "I guess I
deserved that."
"I didn't say it to make you feel bad," she mumbled, "I'm just a little
spooked." Last time they got caught, he turned into a stranger, cold - not even
looking at her. If that happened again, it would just destroy her.
"I'm so sorry, Arry." Gendry tilted his head forward to rest against the
steering wheel. "I fuck everything up somehow."
"No, that's not true." Arya slunk down in her seat and groaned. "We have some
kinda bad luck or something. I was born too late, for starters." She raked both
of her hands through her hair, tugging at it in frustration. "Really, this is
all my fault."
"Sitting around feeling sorry for ourselves isn't gonna fix anything." Gendry
straightened up and turned over the car ignition to pull out of the parking lot
and start driving into the city. "I really think if I could just talk with your
father-"
"Why don't you believe me?!" Arya could tell she was taking out her frustration
on the wrong person but that was a horrible habit of hers and very difficult to
break. "There is nothing we can say or do to convince my dad having some
eighteen year old 'man' bang his little girl. He's better off in the dark -
way, way in complete darkness."
"We're not 'banging'..." His quiet protest trailed off as Gendry kept his focus
on the road.
"No?" Arya barked a laugh and turned towards him. "What are we doing then?"
"Loving." His quiet but sincere answer pulled Arya out of her bad temper and
plunged her into a sea of guilt. She leaned back, tilting her head against the
seat and staring up at the ceiling of the car.
"Dad's not gonna see it that way - trust me, I know him." She turned her head
towards him when he didn't answer, seeing the tight expression on his face.
"Please, Gendry lets not waste this last bit of time together upset." Arya sat
up straighter as she began to worry he was taking her straight home already.
"We knew it had to end today and, honestly, you're mom handled that well."
"She's just putting on a tough act," he shook his head. "I know she's really
worried." Gendry glanced towards her, his strained face softened somewhat.
"Same as you."
"Fine, you got me," she threw her hands up in defeat. "I'm totally freaking out
on the inside." Arya kicked her feet up on the dash and sat back with her arms
crossed. "But that's just how I deal with things - I pretend it doesn't bother
me until it actually doesn't."
"I can't do that, I just feel how I feel." Gendry sounded apologetic, like it
was something to be ashamed of. "Can't help it." She loved that he was so easy
to read, that his adoration of her was obvious to anyone who looked for it.
"I love that about you." Arya leaned closer to him and placed a hand on his
thigh. "Don't take me back yet."
"I should take you home." He didn't sound like he actually meant his words.
"You should take me somewhere so we can 'love' for the few hours of freedom we
have left." She saw a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
"Listen up, Arry, and listen good." Gendry grabbed her hand, lacing his fingers
with hers. "I'm taking you to my forge and I'm gonna love you until neither of
us feel even a bit sad." She grinned in victory. "Then I'm taking you home," he
sighed. Her smile fell as reality punctured her moment of triumph.
"Sometimes it feels like," Arya wished there were anything she could do to just
magically be a few years older. "I do nothing but make trouble for you." He
lifted her hand to his lips before letting it go to focus on driving.
"Gods help me, I love it." He flashed his half-smile at her. "I've never once
been sorry I met you, I can only feel grateful." The silence that fell between
them comfortable once more. They arrived at the park before too long and held
hands as they trudged through the woods to the clearing where the forge stood.
Arya couldn't wait a moment longer after he spread the sleeping bag on the
ground. She stepped in front of him and started working at the button of his
jeans when he grabbed her wrists.
"Let me do everything," his bright blue eyes were wide and pleading yet she was
driven by urgent impatience.
"But-"
"This has to hold us over for who knows how long," he interrupted as he let her
hands go to cup the sides of her face. "Don't rush it." Gendry gazed down at
her, his blue eyes searched her face as if memorizing it. It make her whole
body feel weak to stand under such an adoring gaze when she felt so
undeserving.
"Okay," she murmured, admitting to herself she would agree to anything while he
looked at her like that. Arya stopped him as he leaned down for a kiss, holding
onto his arms to support her weakened knees and used her last bit of strength
to speak. "Tell me."
                                    GENDRY
"You're so beautiful." He kissed her soft and gentle, smiling against her lips
as she let him take the lead, and lowered his hands to slip under the hem of
her shirt. Arya being obedient was nothing short of miraculous and he wasn't
about to waste a moment of her rare calm mood. His knuckles skimmed over her
soft skin as he pulled her shirt over her head, breaking their kiss. "I'll
always need you."
"You're going too slow." She whined impatiently as he unfastened her pants and
pushed them down over her hips, crouching in front of her. Gendry smiled and
hurried to untie her boots as her whining turned to polite growls. "Gods, hurry
up... please." She quickly stepped out of her shoes and pants to hop onto the
sleeping back, sitting down to stare expectantly at him.
He peeled off his shirt and heard her hum of appreciation as his attention
turned to removing his pants. After kicking his shoes off, he moved to sit next
to her as she wiggled with impatience but still waited for him to make the
first move. Gendry watched her hungry eyes darting over his body and her hands
twitching against her legs. She was like a predator, ready to pounce if he even
looked at her wrong, but somehow he tamed her.
"I would keep you," he tucked her hair behind her ear, "forever if I could."
Gendry smiled as he caught her hand sliding up his leg and kissed her impatient
frown. "I want to wake up beside you every day and fall asleep with you every
night." He could see so many emotions swirling in her stormy eyes: lust of
course, but it went deeper than that. "Someday," he promised, "I'll make that
happen. Until then, will you wait for me?" Arya narrowed her brows in
confusion.
"You're the one waiting me for," she replied with a brow raised.
"That's a given," he smiled. "I'll always wait for you, Arya."
"Oh gods, Gendry," she whined. "If you don't fuck me now I'm going to die."
"Promise me," he insisted. "I know I'll mess up again and have to beg your
forgiveness. Swear you'll wait for me to get this right."
"I'll never give you up," she declared with sudden forcefulness. "You are
mine."
"Then never doubt me again," he pulled her close, "never get scared of me
letting go 'cause I never will." Arya nodded her head slowly in agreement and
he lowered his lips to hers. His hands traveled up her ribs and behind her back
to unhook her bra, pulling the straps down over her shoulders to toss the
garment aside. Gendry laid her back onto the sleeping bag, following her down
to stretch out beside her and admire her slim form. He leaned on one arm and
trailed his other hand lightly from her shoulder to her hip, watching as she
shivered in response.
Everything about Arya looked so fragile and breakable, so at odds with her
indomitable spirit. That spirit he admired even more than her delicate beauty.
As much as she would hate it, he wanted to always protect her and keep her
safe. Her skin was pale as snow and he could see trails of light bluish veins
underneath, which he traced with his fingertips. The tips of her breasts were
the same dusky pink color of her lips and he dipped his head to wrap his lips
around one peak. She cried out and clutched his head but he used his free hand
to pin her wrist against the ground.
Her hips twisted as he teased the hardening peak with his lips and tongue. His
head spun from the panting cries she released in response. He let go of her
hand to cup her other breast, expecting her ear-piercing scream. Gendry loved
that Arya had such a passionate response but he would hate to draw any unwanted
attention. They were in a public place and his forge wasn't exactly 'up to
code': and those were the least of their illegal activities.
He forced himself away from her, rising up on his knees to tug her panties off
as she helped by raising her hips. Perfect: that was the only word he could
think to describe her, naked and unashamed as the sunlight made her fair skin
glow. The gloom of his messy bedroom hardly served as a proper romantic spot.
She really did belong out here in nature, like a wayward nymph who came to
seduce him and would shimmer away when he blinked. His gaze moved up to her
veiled eyes as he moved over her to settle between her legs.
"I've waited more than long enough," she insisted. Her hands immediately went
to the waistband of his shorts to start pushing them off but he captured one of
her hands to pull it around his neck. "What - are - you doing?" Arya huffed and
puffed in her adorable angry way. "Trying to kill me?"
"I'm trying to kiss you, milady," he smiled as he dipped his lips to hers,
keeping his hips a safe distance from her writhing body. She latched onto his
head with both hands, her short nails piercing his scalp as she thrust her
tongue into his mouth. Arya devoured him like her favorite prey before bracing
her hands against both of his shoulders and pushing him away.
"There," she heaved breathlessly, "now you've kissed me." Arya's narrowed eyes
were so dark they were almost black. "Don't test me."
"I'm trying to make up for the first time," he admitted. He was a panicked mess
that night and it wasn't good for her, he promised himself to make the next
time they came here unforgettable. His hand slid between her legs to find Arya
more than ready for him but his exploration wasn't quite finished.
"Please, Gendry, I need you now." Arya was beyond reasoning with, she bucked
against his hand. "No more, please."
"You realize this is the only time you say 'please' to me?" Gendry chuckled as
her eyes squeezed tightly shut. "Open those pretty eyes, milady." She obeyed,
eyes opening up wide as she gave him a pleading look. "You're mine now and
always," he promised, "nothing can come between us." He reached over her head
to fish a condom out of his pants pocket and she helped by pushing down his
shorts. Once everything was in place, he wrapped one arm around her waist and
positioned his cock to push inside her with a groan. "I'll never let you go."
She lifted her hips to take him deeper, rocking against him as he tried to hold
her still. Arya whimpered incoherent protests at his lack of movement but he
stroked his hand along the side of her body. The soothing motion, along with
his quiet shushing, seemed to calm her somewhat but her body was taunt and
shaking.
"Don't rush," he murmured in her ear, "I want to remember everything." Arya
whimpered as she nodded and he thrust once deep inside her as a reward for her
rare patience. She muffled her cry against his shoulder and clung to him
tighter. Her legs lifted up to lock around his waist, testing his resolve to
take it slow. Gendry turned his head to find her lips, pulling away when she
tried to dominate the kiss only to press his lips to hers again.
He continued to push in and out, building a slow rhythm, holding himself back
driving into her at the furious pace he knew she wanted. Arya twisted and
wriggled beneath him, babbling through her rising cries. Sometimes she
encouraged him, other times she cursed him, and more than anything she
commanded him to go faster. No matter what she said, he maintained the slow and
steady pace: gratified when she tightened around his cock. Gendry recognized
the signs and quickly covered her mouth with his own to catch her scream.
The fluttering around his cock nearly drove him to finish: Newton's second law
of motion, F=ma. He squeezed his eyes shut and held her taunt body close until
her trembling ceased. Only then did he allow himself to pump his release deep
inside her, shuddering until he was spent. Now, that's how it's done, he
congratulated himself as he rolled over off of her. In the past week, he had
Arya more times than he could remember but that was the first time they 'made
love' and it was the best yet.
"That was," she panted and he beamed proudly as he waited for her praise.
"Torture," she groaned and he felt deflated. Gendry propped up on his elbow to
gape down at her in disbelief. "The best kind." Arya grinned up at his likely
dumbfounded expression. "Rest a bit," she pushed him back down and tucked up by
his side. "Next time we're doing it my way."
"As milady commands," Gendry sighed as he folded her into his embrace:
sometimes hard work just goes unappreciated. In just a few short hours, Arya
would be back where she belonged and he'd have to face the music with mom. But
holding her close as her finger traced little circles over his heart made him
forget they weren't the only two people in the world.
Chapter End Notes
     Am I being to cruel to Gendrya? They keep taking risks they are bound
     to get caught! Luckily, Gendry's mom doth protest too much about her
     'cool mom' status. I don't know if I've emphasized this enough: she's
     only 35 and painfully single. I need to hook her up with someone! But
     who? Hmm... Who is single and worthy of Gendry's mom? Maybe she's
     just cursed to be single... I'd have to name her if I hooked her up
     with someone, lol.
***** A Good Man Lost *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                               [A_Good_Man_Lost]
                                     SANSA
Daddy got in late Sunday night, greeting them both wearily before dropping his
luggage off in his room. He asked Sansa and Arya to join him in the living room
and they both sat on the couch while their father sat in his chair.
"First of all," he looked to them both, "I want to give you an update on how
everyone is. The family is looking well: you wouldn't believe how much little
Rickon has grown. Both Bran and Robb asked if they could come down to visit you
and I told him I would think about it. Your mother misses you terribly and told
me to make sure you to call her more often."
"We really missed you daddy," Sansa meant it honestly, even though she wouldn't
trade the last few days for anything. She felt even guiltier about how
blissfully happy she was while breaking so many of her father's rules.
"I missed you girls too," his smile turned serious as he focused his eyes on
Arya. "Can you explain why you were absent two days last week?" Her younger
sister open her mouth, presumably to let free a whole slew of lies but Sansa
spoke first.
"I stayed home a day too daddy..." She twirled the strand of hair around her
finger and tried to maintain eye contact. "You know," she gave him a pointed
look, "girl stuff."
"Ah, well." Daddy cleared his throat and nodded once and understanding. "That's
alright then." He looked between them once more. "Did anything happen, while I
was away?"
"It was a fairly boring week - wouldn't you say, big sister?" Arya turned a
puzzled look at Sansa and she couldn't hold back her nervous giggle.
"I agree... boring." She smiled even wider at daddy, trying to have to act
natural and worried she was failing miserably.
"Well," Arya slapped her knees before standing up. "I have some homework to
catch up on." She looked down at Sansa. "Help me out, would ya, sis?"
"Sure..." Sansa rose off the couch, throwing one more smile at daddy over her
shoulder as she followed her younger sister. Arya ushered her into the bedroom
and then shut the door behind them.
"What was that?" Arya gave her a suspicious look, crossing her arms and
narrowing her eyes. "Why did you cover my ass?"
"I just don't want things to get all weird between you two." Sansa avoided
Arya's hard stare as she sat down on her bed. She hugged a pillow and rested
her chin on it. "It makes it uncomfortable for me too. Besides, I was not
exactly the 'good daughter' while daddy was away. It is not fair for you to get
in trouble when we basically did the same thing."
"You've changed, Sansa." Arya put her hands on her hips and gave Sansa and
approving nod. "I like it."
"I guess I have changed a lot," Sansa murmured, not really knowing how to feel
about it.
"My debt to you is starting to pile up." Arya flopped down on her own bed,
turning on her side to face Sansa. "You plan on collecting anytime soon?"
"When I need a favor from you, it is going to be something huge." Sansa pointed
at her younger sister. "Be ready." Arya chuckled and turned on her back to pull
out her phone, probably to text with her boyfriend. Sansa laid back on her bed,
already missing Sandor's warmth, her mind swirling with uneasy thoughts. She
wished he was here to distract her and tell her to stop worrying her 'pretty
little head' about everything. It would be so easy if she did not constantly
care about everyone else first and put herself last. Only... that was becoming
less and less true with every day.
Had she really changed so much? Yes, the answer came to her immediately; she
had become a different person in the time since she met Sandor. Not only
because of him but the whole life changing process of moving to a new place and
starting a new life. She gained confidence to stand up to others and fight for
what she wanted. Sansa liked who she was becoming for the most part but worried
that she might lose who she was. It was just like when she gave up joining
choir to join the cheer squad.
Her old, timid self would have never done that but she did it without
hesitation because she hoped it would impress a boy. But she did not regret the
decision at all because it actually worked! If Sansa had never been invited to
Joffrey Baratheon's party, she might never have started dating Sandor. That
night seemed almost a lifetime ago, that was how changed she felt in the short
period they had been together. A small worried voice in the back of her head
wondered if she might be losing the 'sweet innocence' that attracted him in the
first place.
Sansa unplugged her phone from the charger on her bedside table and stared at
it, wondering if Sandor was sleeping in his car. It might annoy him if she kept
pestering him about his homeless state but her stomach twisted with worry for
him. It wasn't just that the nights were getting colder and he might get sick
from not sleeping properly. Everyone deserved a home to go to... a place where
they felt safe and loved. For a few days she hoped he found that 'homey
feeling' with her here.
'I miss you already,' she typed in the message and sent it with mounting
anxiety. After a few minutes came his reply.
'Dream sweet, little bird,' he wrote, 'I'll be seeing you soon enough.' Sansa
pulled the phone over her heart and felt tears prickling behind her eyes. She
never dreamed it would be this hard; they had only spent a handful of nights
together. Those few nights offered her a glimpse into what a future together
would be like and it made her impatient. In a little more than three weeks the
Winter Formal would finally arrive... Would she change even more in that time?
 
                                      JON
They all gathered in the empty room but there would be no game this day: it was
a day to say goodbye. Sam stood up as everyone around the table hushed to hear
him speak... for the last time.
"I want to thank everything for coming to my wedding." Sam beamed like a
besotted fool he was. "It meant a lot to Gilly and me." Jon smiled at his
friend's unfailing cheerfulness: to him the wedding was a success because he
got to marry the girl he loved. "As you can probably guess, I've decided to
graduate early." Collective groans rose from the table, even though they'd all
been expecting this. "This will be my last week. So, after much deliberation
and discussion I would like to present your new Dungeon Master." Dany stood up
and waved with a nervous smile.
"I know I'm fairly new to the group," she braced her hands on the table and
looked around at each of them. "But I promise I will take my duties seriously."
"Thank the gods," Pod smiled at Dany. "None of us was gonna do it." A mummer of
agreement came from everyone and Jon agreed. They'd depended on Sam to do all
the work and none of them had the patience or time to devote like he did.
"Bravo," Torgo chimed, "you really saved us Dany." Her fair skin blushed at the
attention as her smile grew even wider. Jon knew the backstory for her
character was mostly her scenario. He looked forward to continuing the
adventure with her at the helm.
"Don't all start crying at once now," Sam frowned at the group for ignoring
him. "I'm only leaving the group for the next eighteen years."
"Oh, Sam," Pod jumped up from his seat to run around the table and pull Sam in
for a hug. "We're gonna miss you so much, buddy."
"It won't be the same without you," Jon stood up to take the next hug and
barely got his arms around Sam before Arya was wedging her way in.
"You were the first person to accept me into the group," she put her arms
around Sam as far as they could go. "I'll really miss you." Just then, Jon
noticed Hot Pie starting to choke up and a smiling Pod trying to cheer him.
"Me too," Sam pulled back from Arya and looked at everyone around the table.
"Even though I won't be coming here anymore and I'm an old married man now... I
hope we can all stay in touch."
"Let us know if there is anything we can do for you and Gilly," Gendry came up
behind Sam and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Except babysitting," Arya added, "I definitely can't be trusted." There were
laughs all around at her stating the obvious.
"This group was the first place I ever felt acceptance," Sam sniffed a bit as
he addressed the group. "You are all my best friends and I'm honored to have
sat around this table with you."
"To Sam," Pod raised his can of soda, "the greatest storyteller who ever played
the game!"
"Here-here!" Arya lifted her hand as if holding an imaginary goblet. "To Sam!"
They all clapped while Sam reddened and waved his hands, not used to being the
center of attention.
"Have you and Gilly found a place yet?" Jon's mind always turned to more
practical matters and he was curious to find some way to help them get started
in the new life together.
"Yeah," Sam smiled happily, "actually there was an empty apartment in Gendry's
building for a good price."
"The building manager is an alright chap," Gendry told Sam. "Anything gets
broke and he'll have it fixed within a day."
"Thin walls though," Arya complained and Jon just gave her a disgusted look.
"What?" She shrugged before rolling her eyes at him. "They'll have a crying
baby - it's a valid concern."
"It's a small place," Sam continued with a happy grin, "but we are working hard
to make it feel like a home."
"If it is not too presumptuous," Dany interjected, "I would like to propose we
all pitch in to help put the nursery together. As our thanks for your service
as Dungeon Master."
"We'd love to do that," Jon backed her up, "wouldn't we?" Everyone around the
table agreed and looked to Sam for an answer.
"That would be brilliant," he choked with emotion, "thank you." Sam swiped his
eyes a bit and smiled around the room. "Everyone, I'm really gonna miss these
Mondays together." Before long the bell rung and the group all wished Sam good
luck as they left.
"Sam," Jon put a hand on his friend's shoulder to hold him back while everyone
else left. "I just want to say that I've never known a better man. If there is
anything I can do, don't hesitate to ask."
"There is something..." Sam sighed a laugh and Jon could see a new maturity in
his best friend. "Stop worrying about me. I know I should be scared out of my
wits but I just can't help being happy." He shrugged and only smiled wider. "I
never thought I would fall in love or get married and now I've done both before
graduating high school. I'm excited to become a dad... honestly, I can't wait."
"I'm happy for you, Sam." Jon pulled Sam in for one last hug before letting him
go. They walked together to the end of the hall before splitting off as Jon
headed to class. Most of the students were already there and he smiled as he
saw Ygritte sitting in her usual seat. Her loose fiery hair fell in wild
tendrils against her light-colored sweater. He thought she never looked more
beautiful.
"Hey, handsome." Ygritte leaned back in her seat and grinned at him. "What's
got you smiling?"
"Just happy..." Jon turned towards her, struck with a sudden brilliant idea.
"Ygritte, I think I'll take you on a proper date this weekend."
"Is that a request?" She laughed as she leaned closer to him.
"No, you have to go." Jon smirked as he lowered his voice so only she could
hear. "Or else I won't do that thing you like."
"Naughty boy, I suppose I have no choice then." Ygritte quirked her brows as
she ran a lustful look over him. "But I can't wait that long."
"After school?" Jon didn't want to wait that long either.
"I'll look forward to it," she agreed in a low and wicked voice. Class started,
breaking up their flirting, but he caught her shooting naughty looks in his
direction. Jon prayed for the day to pass quickly.
 
                                    YGRITTE
She took him back to her place, wasting no time getting him into her bedroom
and started to strip his clothes.
"Ygritte," he laughed, "slow down." There was no reason to slow down - in fact
- she would rather hurry up in case dad made it an early day at the shop. She
wrangled with the buttons on his shirt and tugged it off to reveal his flawless
body.
"I knew it," she murmured, admiring every inch of bared skin.
"What?" Jon flushed a bit, completing the look of the perfect virgin lover.
"You're fucking gorgeous!" She grinned as she stroked a hand over his chest and
stomach, feeling his muscles tighten under her touch.
"Ygritte, you're so beautiful-" His blathering cut off as she put a finger to
his mouth.
"Let's put that mouth to better use," she tugged him close and captured his
lips, pulling him back to fall onto her bed. They worked together to remove her
clothes and she sat up to pull off her sports bra to be left in just panties.
He gaped at her as if he'd never seen a naked girl before - she supposed he
actually hadn't. "You have some amazing self-control," she chuckled.
"It's failing me at the moment," he wheezed, "I don't know if I can hold out."
Ygritte felt a strong temptation to just seduce him right then and there. But
she couldn't take it if he got all mopey afterward and broke up with her. Jon
had only been hers for a matter of days and she wasn't nearly finished with him
yet.
"It's up to you," she shrugged. "Personally, I hope you lose every last shred
of honor and fuck me senseless." Ygritte grinned at his tight expression - Jon
didn't look relaxed by her joking she decided to take pity on the poor boy.
"But I do enjoy how good you are down there - licking and sucking on me like
you love it."
"I do love it," he licked his lips as his eyes darted to her panties. Ygritte
arched against the bed to take pull off her underwear and throw them aside.
"I'm all yours, Jon," she let her knees fall apart and gave him an inviting
look. Jon rose up on his knees, looking down at her with his dark eyes roaming
hungrily over her body. Ygritte raised a hand to slide it up over his torso but
he caught her wrist and pinned it over her head. He lowered his lips to hers,
smoothing his palm over her chest and down her side as he kissed her softly.
She squirmed with impatience and hooked her free hand behind his head. When he
broke the tender kiss she was already breathless and aching.
Her whole body tensed with impatient anticipation as he knelt between her
spread thighs and bent down to hover his mouth over her. Even the warmth of his
breath washing over her made her hips twitch and fist the sheets in her hands.
Ygritte groaned as he put his mouth on her to swirl his tongue in slow circles
around her clit. Her hand plunged into his hair, holding him lightly as she
rocked against his face, wishing he was inside her. Gods, it was like nothing
she ever felt before - even the last time he did it wasn't this good!
His hot and insistent tongue was drawing out her pleasure slowly. Meanwhile his
soft lips sucked and pulled, building it up without pushing her over too soon.
Ygritte’s hand twisted into his dark curls as she writhed under his lips and
tongue. She whimpered, pleading in a voice she did not recognize. Just when she
was about to come he pulled away. He pressed wet kisses to the insides of both
thighs, his soft hair barely bushing over and teasing her. As she opened her
mouth to start begging him to keep going, he buried his face between her legs
once more.
She moaned when he pushed his tongue deep inside her. Her hips jumped when he
splayed his hand against her thigh to spread her leg further apart. His tongue
thrust in and out of her, as his hands squeezed her flesh as she trembled from
overwhelming pleasure. Ygritte dug her toes into the mattress as she cried out,
sparks of light flashing before her eyes. Her hips arched up to his mouth as
her whole body shuddered before she collapsed onto the bed.
"You're a god, Jon," she panted. "Seriously, people should worship you."
"I think I'm worshiping you," he crawled up to flop beside her, gasping for
breath even harder than her. Ygritte appreciated his hard work and fully
intended to repay the favor if she didn't pass out from the aftershocks first.
"Anytime you want," she moaned as another aftershock gripped her. "Day or night
- call me and I'll come running."
"Is it really that good?" Jon turned on his side to face her with a hopeful
expression.
"You've given me both of the best orgasms of my life," she praised. "And every
other memorable one was a solo job. Who knew my virgin boyfriend would be the
best I ever had?"
"Glad I could be of service," he curled his hand around her waist to pull her
close. Ygritte let her fingers trail down his muscled stomach to start undoing
the button on his pants. Jon held onto her wrist to stop her, pulling her gaze
up to his tight expression. "That's not a good idea: I think I'll just keep my
pants on."
"Suit yourself," she moved her hand around his waist and wriggled closer to his
warm body and laid her head on his chest. Ygritte could feel herself being
lulled to sleep by the steady thudding of his heart under her ear. Ten months
was an awfully long time to wait for sex... but it helped to think about how
impossibly good he'd be at going down on her by then. She might forget sex was
even a thing by then.
Chapter End Notes
     Just because it's a 'small batch limited edition' beer doesn't mean
     it's fit for human consumption.
     That is all.
     Oh yeah, my A/C will finally be 100% fixed tomorrow! Is is just me or
     has it been broken forever? Literally, it feels like forever.
***** Buds *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                    [Buds]
                                    SANDOR
The drive to school from the pet shop took less time than he thought it would,
arriving at school earlier than usual. He was parked for all of two minutes
before she jumped into his car - Arya, the little sister, emphasis on the word
'little'.
"Hey," she huffed as she closed the door behind her.
"Just come on in why don't you?" Sandor rubbed a hand over his face as he
wondered what the kid was up to this time. According to Sansa, the little
mischief maker was always plotting and scheming up something. "Sup, short
stuff?"
"Listen," she turned towards him with a furrowed brow. "Sorry for bothering you
but I'm desperate." Arya certainly looked desperate - he was more surprised by
how worried that made him. "Can you tell me where to find some green?" What the
fuck - about a dozen different scenarios went through his head and all she
wanted was some dope?
"What makes you think I smoke?" Sandor faced the kid full-on and waited for her
to get the hint.
"You're not a sheep," she jerked her chin towards the school, "like the rest of
these animals."
"Kid, are you blind?" He pointed directly at his bad side.
"Ooooh, right," she pointed her finger at him like a gun, "gotcha. Still, you
know anyone? I'm in an eighth hell of grounding and I need something to help
pass the time." Arya did look like shit - paler than usual with big dark
circles under her eyes. "I'm not big on sitting around doing nothing."
"I can understand that," he went back and forth in his head for a minute before
relenting. "Fine, I'll help you out." Sandor got out of the Skylark and started
heading for the boy's restroom. Arya pumped her short legs almost twice as fast
just to keep up but he wasn't looking to waste time by slowing down.
"Who are you taking me to see?" Her voice was a bit breathless so he slowed his
pace just a little bit - wouldn't do if the girl passed out. How the fuck would
he explain that to Sansa? 'Little bird, I was helping your baby sister buy some
illegal narcotics on campus...' Yeah - that would go over real well.
"Greyjoy," he answered.
"Asha?" Arya kinda squeaked when she was surprised. "That jock?"
"Nah," he shook his head, "her brother, Theon."
"Oh..." She grimaced, the typical response to Theon. "He's the only game in
town?"
"Hey," he narrowed his eyes down at her, "I'm doing you a favor here - don't
get picky."
"You got it, big man." Arya saluted him with a grin before punching her little
fist into his arm. "You're alright." Sandor shrugged, unused to praise from
anyone but Sansa. What was wrong with these Stark girls? He walked into the
boy's room and she followed without any reluctance - short stuff didn't seem
afraid of anything. Theon was hanging out in his usual spot in the handicap
stall but he stood up straight when he saw them.
"Look, hound," he held up his hands in surrender. "Whatever beef you got with
Joff has nothing to me. I'm Switzerland."
"Fuck Joff," he sneered at Greyjoy. "I'm here to introduce you to a new
customer." Sandor waved a hand at Arya. "You're both welcome."
"Thanks, hound," he turned to Sandor with a confused smile. "That's real swell
of you."
"Fuck your thanks," Sandor leaned against a tiled wall and crossed his arms.
"Just sell her some weed, and get it over with." Theon set his backpack on the
counter next to the sink and unzipped it to reveal a surprisingly organized
array of marijuana.
"What'cha need, girl?" Theon smirked at short stuff's awed expression.
"Don't call me 'girl'," she sneered at Greyjoy. "I'm Arya - and I need to get
fucking baked out of my mind."
"You've come to the right man," the idiot smirked even more at her little
scowl. "I've got five kinds of dro," he pointed at each item as he listed it,
"also dabs, wax, mids, ditch weed-"
"Mids..." She reached out to pick up a bag, opening it up and sniffing the
contents. "Smells good - how middy?"
"Middle of the road mids," Theon took the bag from her and pulled out a bud.
"Want a taste?"
"Here?" Arya looked around the bathroom with a dubious expression.
"I smoke here all day," Greyjoy rolled up a joint with surprising speed and
skill. "Try this." Theon handed the doobie to short stuff and she took a deep
pull on it, holding in the lungful before slowly exhaling a cloud bigger than
her.
"Oh my gods," she groaned happily. "It's been so long."
"Hit it again," Theon waved his hand when she tried to pass the joint back.
Arya took another deep drag and blew out an even bigger cloud than the first -
still didn't cough a bit.
"This is some good shit," her voice was hoarse and the next hit she took did
make her cough.
"Do I look like I get bad shit?" Theon crossed his arms with a smug smile while
Arya and Sandor exchanged a look. She dug some crumpled money out of her pocket
and handed it to Theon who smoothed the bills like they were precious.
"Thanks, Theon," she stuffed the bag of weed in her pocket, holding the joint
between her lips. "I'll be back next week." Arya puffed the joint down with a
quickness, and passed the still-lit bud to Greyjoy.
"Always happy to have a satisfied customer," Theon called after her as they
walked out of the bathroom. She dipped to the side of the building a to dig a
bottle of some kind of perfume and spray it on herself. Sandor jumped out of
the way when Arya held up the bottle like she was going to spritz him too and
she just shrugged and put it away.
"Listen," Sandor stopped Arya before they split up. "Don't say anything to
Sansa-"
"I'm no rat," she scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Besides, I really needed it -
thanks."
"Tough week?" Sandor didn't know why he suddenly cared - there was just
something about short stuff that made him want to... Was he feeling protective?
His little sister would be about her age by now if she'd lived.
"Tough life," she sighed as her shoulders rolled forward.
"Nice try," he scoffed, "rich girl."
"I'm not rich - my dad is rich," Arya narrowed her brows as her eyes darkened.
"I'm not my dad."
"I hear you there," he relented. Rich kids have bad days too. "Alright,
wolfgirl, what's your damage?"
"What else?" Arya laughed wearily as she shook her head. "You know about my
dad's rules - you met my boyfriend... I'm so fucked." That sounded painfully
familiar.
"Sansa might be right," he rubbed a hand over his chin, "about us being alike."
"Don't ever say anything remotely like 'Sansa is right' to me ever again." Arya
raised a brow and smirked as she looked him over. "Not unless you want me to
doubt your intelligence even further."
"Sansa is really fucking smart," he argued. He was a senior and nearly all the
classes Sansa took were more advanced than his.
"And really fucking stupid at the same time," she countered with a grin. "I
still love her though - she's the only sister I've got." Arya eyes narrowed at
him, suddenly somber. "What about you?"
"I haven't got any sisters," he answered gruffly, averting his eyes. 'Not
anymore', he added silently in his head.
"No, I mean..." Arya cleared her throat and dug her toe into the dirt. "Do you
love her?" Sandor snapped his eyes back to short stuff, surprised she would get
so personal when they barely knew each other. "Forget I asked," she waved a
hand, "it's none of my business. Only..." She looked him dead in the eye and
didn't waver an inch. "If you don't love her - don't play with her heart. Or
I'll fucking kill you."
"I'll keep that in mind," he smirked down at her dead-serious expression. Arya
searched his eyes for something and then seemed to relax though he hadn't
answered her question.
"Thanks, giant dude," she patted her pocket, "I owe you one." Then she took off
running to her class and he ambled in the other direction. What a strange
girl... he decided he really liked her. The kid was nothing like her sister,
they didn't even look related, but she was cool in her own way. Sandor didn't
doubt for a second she would make him pay if Sansa ever cried over him. But he
didn't need threats from a little girl to keep that from happening. If anything
- he'd be the one crying into his whiskey when she eventually wised up.
The school day was uneventful until he got to Spanish class and that's when it
started to get bizarre. The little bird was... Just out of it, staring off at
nothingness and barely said two words to him. She asked to see him after school
but the expression on her face made him pretty sure she didn't want any kind of
fucking date. If he had to guess, Sandor thought he might actually get dumped -
today. They met after school in front of the weirwood tree and walked beside
each other to his car, not touching. When they sat down inside the car, she
finally broke for tense silence.
"Sandor," the way she said his name had the small hairs standing up on the back
of his neck. "Can we just... talk?" Fuck, that's it - she had enough and wanted
to break up - he knew it was only a matter of time.
"Sure," he braced himself, "go ahead." Best just to get it over with.
"Do you think I've 'changed'?" She kept her head down, a curtain of hair hiding
her expression, as she fiddled with the sleeves of her sweater.
"What do you mean?" Sandor gripped the steering wheel, wondering where in the
seven hells this was going.
"When we first met..." She waved a hand and then let it fall limply in her lap
again. "Do I seem different from then?"
"I didn't know you then." Sandor wished if she was going to do it, then just
get it over with already. He could handle being dumped - he just didn't want to
hear a bunch of reasons.
"You know what I mean." She tucked her long hair behind one ear and peeked at
him sideways.
"Nah," he argued, "I really fucking don't."
"Sometimes I don't even recognize myself anymore." Sansa tilted her head
against the head rest and stared up at the car ceiling. "I break daddy's rules
and I don't feel nearly guilty enough. I couldn't care less about finishing my
homework if I can spend all night with you. I feel... like a different person."
"Is that a bad thing?" Before he had his guard up, waiting to be dumped. Her
sudden moodiness was just plain confusing.
"That's what I'm asking you," she turned her bright blue eyes on him, wide and
worried. "Do you like the person I'm becoming?" Then it dawned on him what she
must be going through.
"You're still 'you', little bird." He fought to hold back his smile of relief,
not wanting her to think he was laughing at her. "You're just growing up."
Sandor sank down in his seat, letting out the breath he been holding pretty
much all day. "I keep forgetting you're younger than me because you're so damn
smart. Over the next couple of years, you're gonna feel completely different.
You'd hate the asshole I was two years ago. I would've tried to fuck you that
night at Joff's party and then I would've dumped you."
"I can't believe that," she looked horrified that he would even say such a
thing but it was the truth. Before he turned eighteen, Sandor thought about the
path he was on, following in his father's footsteps. That was the last thing he
wanted, so this year he promised to get his shit together and stop being such a
drunken violent asshole. And wouldn't you know it - all of a sudden, he gets a
sweet and hot girlfriend. Funny how things work out like that.
"Believe what you want," he shrugged. "Back then, there was nothing I cared
about more than getting wasted and basketball - in that order. This year I
started to think about what I want outta life."
"And?" Sansa would not be satisfied until they had 'talked about their
feelings'. There were few things he wanted to do less than discussing his hopes
and dreams for the future. But getting dumped by Sansa was at the top of that
list.
"I want to play pro ball," saying it out loud sounded ridiculous. "Not to live
up to my dad's expectations... I want all that fucking money." Sandor smiled,
just thinking about the piles of cash just waiting for him - money is freedom.
"I'll buy a big ass house and a Harley and never talk to anyone in my family
ever again." It was a simple dream, but it was all his.
"Sounds nice..." By the tone of her voice, he could tell she wasn't pacified.
"But?" This is the problem with 'talking' - it always just leads to more
talking.
"Who is going to live in that big house? Just you... all by yourself?" Sansa
wanted him to make her a bunch of promises about how they'd still be together
in a decade. "I guess that is a bit far in the future." He wasn't about to
start making promises he couldn't even begin to keep. Sandor took a moment to
think about what he should say, it couldn't be a lie, but he didn't want to
hurt her either.
"I'm not staying in the Crownlands after I graduate," he went for honesty. "I
have to play college ball somewhere but not here." Sandor looked at her, trying
to read the thoughtful expression on her face. "I decided that long before I
met you."
"When you pick the school you want to attend..." Sansa gave him a smile that
was pretty but didn't quite reach her eyes. "Tell me first, so I can be the one
to celebrate with you."
"Easy - I don't have anyone else I'd want to tell." Sandor could tell she
needed more, wanted to hear professions and promises. "Sansa, making plans
about the future is always a gamble. We don't know what will happen between
then and now. All I know right now - you're the best thing in my life."
"Me too," her small smile fell as her brows knitted with worry. "Did I kill the
mood?"
"It's totally dead," he let out an exaggerated sigh. "I can't even think about
kissing you right now." Sandor peeked at her glum expression and chuckled at
her. "Who the fuck you think I am?" He whipped the Skylark out of the parking
space and drove way too fast to the emergency make-out spot. No more talking -
that wasn't what he was good at - he apparently won the little bird with his
kissing skills. That was his in, he swept away all her good senses until the
was nothing left but a horny teenaged girl.
She was so sweet and innocent, Sansa couldn't help but fall in love with him
because she wanted him. In her romantic mind, love and sex were the same thing.
Sandor wanted her the moment he saw her - but he knew he loved her when she
said... 'I'll always be with you' - just like that, with the most honest look
on her face. That should've scared him off but instead he almost blurted it out
that he loved her. He didn't even know it himself and then it was like somebody
turned on a light switch from 'off' to 'hopelessly devoted in every way'.
"Sandor," she started up again as soon as he parked behind the building. "I
want you to know-"
"The time for talk is over," he jerked a thumb at the backseat. "Get back
there." It was strange how just telling her what to do worked almost all the
time. Sandor thought he should stop doing that... someday. Sansa flashed a coy
smile at him before obediently opening her door to move her seat up and slide
into the back. Sandor huffed out a breath to blow away the dark cloud hanging
over him before he followed her example. By the time he closed his door she
already had her top off and was reaching behind her back with an expression of
concentration.
"What... are you doing?" Sandor stared as she reached behind her back and
wiggled a bit before pulling her bra off. Completely and totally off - and set
it aside... And then she was just completely topless, naked from the waist up.
Holy fucking gods in all seven heavens.
"I told you," she flushed and avoided his eyes as she moved her hands to unzip
her skirt. "I want you to see me."
"Might be," he coughed, "you should-" Sandor grabbed her wrists and pulled her
hands away from her skirt. "Fuck - that's enough."
"But-"
"Don't argue," he cut her off, unable to tear his eyes away from her chest.
There was... she was... things. Reasons.
"Are you just going to stare at me?" Sansa shifted her shoulders uncomfortably.
She might have hid herself except he was still holding onto her wrists.
"Yep," he managed a syllable - good, brain still fumbling. Wait - tumbling.
Something.
"For how long?" Sansa was whispering for some reason. "It's embarrassing if you
just stare."
"Can I kiss you?" Sandor didn't even realize he spoke out loud until she closed
her eyes and leaned forward. "Not like that," he chuckled when her eyes popped
open.
"Oh," she was still the same blushing little bird, "okay." It still stunned him
sometimes that the most perfect girl in the world smiled at him. Sansa curled
her hands around his neck, sat across his lap, and looked up at him through her
lashes. He swept her hair aside to cup the nape of her neck as his arm
supported her back and she tilted her head back in invitation. Sandor dipped
his head down to run his lips down her throat, tasting the soft skin of her
neck as he inhaled her sweet scent. Sansa gasped as her hand fell from his neck
to invite him to continue trailing lower.
His hand up slid from her hip to trace his fingers along the underside of her
breast and she arched into his light touch with a whimper. He groaned as he
cupped her breast, kissing down over her collarbone to the soft swell of her
breast before turning his eyes up to hers. She was watching him through heavy
lidded eyes with parted lips as her chest heaved under his hand. Gods she never
looked more beautiful, he had to kiss her panting lips, nipping her full bottom
lip between his teeth.
Sansa moaned as he pulled away, following after him, so he captured her mouth
again as she pressed her chest into his palm. Sandor swiped his thumb over the
peak of her breast and grinned against her soft mouth as she cried out. His
cock somehow grew even harder under her soft ass writhing in his lap. With
great effort he tore his mouth from hers and leaned her back to slide his lips
along the top of her breast. Her hand clutched his head as her back curved to
push her chest closer to him.
If he thought he was mesmerized by the sight of her breasts, the taste and
texture pushed any conscious thoughts from his mind. Sansa closed her eyes and
sighed polite encouragements punctured with his name, her voice low and
breathy. He opened his mouth to flick his tongue out over the rosy pink tip,
causing her to cry out and tighten her hold. His lips and tongue savored her
lush flesh, gently sucking on the tip until she was moaning with each breath.
Sandor trailed his fingers down her trembling body to disappear under her
skirt.
Without hesitation she opened up to his hand, which found her panties already
slick. He pressed his luck by slipping his fingers underneath the last barrier.
She gasped as her whole body tensed - both of them froze until she rocked
against his fingers. It was almost more than he could bear, swirling his
fingers around over her slick hot flesh. It was only a moment before she was
wailing one high-pitched note. Instead of taking her usual recovery time, Sansa
slid off his lap. Her blue eyes flashed at him, filled with heated passion.
"Take your shirt off," she ordered as her pink tongue darted over her lips.
Sandor quickly obeyed and went further to free his cock before looking back to
see her staring at his erection hungrily. "Lean back." Sansa pushed on his
chest so that he rested against the seat and she pulled his shirt from his
grasp to cover his cock and then straddled his lap. She firmly gripped his
hardness and curled her other arm around his shoulders to press their chests
together. His hand cupped her breast as she tugged him firm and steady until he
was groaning his release against her shoulder.
"Sansa," he shuddered as she held him tighter, her heart racing against his
chest. She tossed the shirt on the floor and wrapped her other arm around him
to squeeze him tighter. "No matter how much you change," he gasped in another
lungful of air. "I'll always want you to be mine." Whatever barrier that kept
him from saying these things to her always came tumbling down when she held him
close. Sandor pulled on her shoulders to look into her eyes. "I swear," he
swallowed hard, "I have to leave Kings Landing, but I'll still always want
you."
"So," tears collected in her eyes, "you won't break up with me before you
leave?"
"I'm leaving this shit place," he pulled her close again and stroked his hand
down her hair. "Not you - I never want to leave you... I'll just steal you when
I leave."
"And hide me in your dorm room," she laughed softly before going still and
silent. "We can make it work long distance, I know we can."
"Anything you want, little bird." Sandor hated to feel hopeful, things never
worked out like he wanted. But Sansa always made the impossible seem easy when
she said it in that determined voice. Even if it turned out that one or both of
them was lying their asses off... it still felt good to believe their love
could conquer all obstacles. Maybe, just maybe, 'happily ever after' isn't
total bullshit.
Chapter End Notes
     It... is... finished. Seriously, for a bleak moment today I thought I
     had a crisis of confidence. Turns out I just forgot to turn the A/
     C back on after the repair techs left. DUH! I was burning up for no
     damn reason! Then I was fine and finished this chapter but I really
     have to thank everyone for bearing with me during this difficult and
     sweaty time. I will really be able to focus now that I can wear
     clothes inside my house again.
     Thanks to all air conditioning technicians everywhere:
     Yea, though thy thunderous footfalls,
     Fall upon my tender pounding skull.
     The raging storm of boots and ducts...
     Brings a cold wind I cannot live without.
***** True Colors *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [True_Colors]
                                     SANSA
Between both of their practice days and her efforts to not raise daddy's
suspicions, it was hard to find free time to spend with Sandor. However, today
was a special day so Sansa put forth her best effort into planning the perfect
after school date. In her mind, nothing beat an evening in the backseat of his
Skylark. She got permission from daddy to stay out late and made plans with
Sandor during Spanish class. On her way to meet him under the tree she spotted
him walking ahead and hurried to catch up with him.
"Hey," she got his attention before wrapping her arms around his. "Do you know
what today is?" Sansa did not expect him to have the answer but felt it was
right to give him a chance anyway.
"Thursday." Sandor shrugged like it was just a regular day to him. But to her,
today was a very special day... a reason to celebrate.
"Yes..." Sansa tightened her hold on his arm. "And it has been exactly one
month since you agreed to be my man." Was it really only a month ago that he
literally yelled at her that he liked her? It was the most adorable thing she
had ever seen, the contrast of his vulnerable ferocity. That was the first time
he let his hound persona slip and she saw right though his tough act.
"Uh-huh," he did not even make an effort to sound excited. "So?" Apparently
Sandor did not share her enthusiasm but she would not let it dull her good
mood.
"I thought of something special to give to you." She turned her eyes was up to
peek through her lashes at him, it seemed to be his weakness.
"What's that?" A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth and Sansa knew she
already won. Sandor never turned her down once she worked up the courage to ask
for something. She tried harder every day to be more honest about what she
wanted instead of constantly fearing a bad reaction.
"A song," she answered with a flutter of her lashes. Sansa smiled as his eyes
darkened, feeling delightfully naughty for teasing him. "Really, I've never
actually sung for you before."
"Alright," he agreed as they approached his car and both of them sat down
inside. "Where will this performance take place?"
"Let's go back to the beach so nobody will be around." She lowered her voice
and leaned towards him with a coy smile. "I only want to sing for you."
"If I had my way," he reached out to sweep her hair behind her shoulder and
cupped the side of her face. "You'd be singing for me all night." A shiver of
anticipation ran up her spine as his thumb lightly caressed her cheek.
"Mmm, but it is a school night..." She closed her eyes as she nuzzled her face
into his warm hand. "This weekend I could 'sleep over with a friend'." Sansa
looked up at Sandor again, the pace of her heart picking up as she awaited his
answer.
"I want that more than anything," he pulled away with a sigh and turned the car
ignition over. "But I don't want the guilt to eat away at you again." Sansa
felt ashamed of her sudden guilt-driven pity party while subsequently grateful
she had Sandor to lean on.
"I felt better after we talked," she admitted as she pulled on her seatbelt.
"You are always so good at cheering me up." Sansa loved the rumble of the
Skylark coming to life as it drove out of the parking lot and onto the road.
"I'm tired of always being the 'good daughter', it always felt like I was
obligated to be perfectly obedient. When my siblings got in trouble, my parents
would hold them up next to my example. That's too much pressure to live under,
being a perfect daughter and student. I'm so much happier just being your
girl."
"In my book," he flashed a grin at her. "You're still an overachieving brown-
nosing little nerd."
"Thanks a lot," she replied dryly.
"Anytime," Sandor grinned even wider and she was grateful he was still in good
spirits despite his current lack of a home. She worried the situation would
make him revert and start hiding in his anger again. Surprisingly, he actually
seemed even happier and more relaxed since he left his father's house. Even
though it was a difficult situation, Sansa hoped it was all turning out for the
best. Maybe it was best for him to be away from his family if they only hurt
him instead of loved him. It made her want to hug her parents and never let
them go.
They arrived at the beach while the sun was still high in the sky, diffused
somewhat by thin covering of clouds. The water shined like a mirror, the small
glittering waves breaking over the dark rocks. A group of seabirds few
overhead, becoming small black dots on the horizon before dissapearing. The
breeze near the ocean carried a chill on it and Sansa pulled her jacket tighter
and buttoned the front. Sandor walked around the Skylark to stand behind her
and she turned around to face him with a bashful expression.
"I wore slightly more appropriate shoes today..." Sansa looked down at her feet
before turning a hopeful expression up at him and he pulled her up to his arms
without her even having to ask. "You're the best ever." She pressed a kiss to
his cheek before tightening her arms around his neck to rest her forehead
against his face. He walked to a large collection of rocks ahead and set her
down before sitting on one large rock jutting out of the ground.
"Sing a song for me, little bird." Sandor crossed his arms and waited and she
suddenly felt even more nervous than when she first saw him naked. Actually,
thinking about him being naked did take the edge off her nerves. Sansa smiled
at him and took one calming breath before she started to sing...
"You with the sad eyes," she smiled as his eyes widened in surprise, "don't be
discouraged. Oh, I realize... It's hard to take courage." Sansa felt her
confidence take flight as the song poured from her lips. "In a world full of
people, you can lose sight of it all. And the darkness inside you, can make you
feel so small."
"But I see your true colors shining through," she put her heart into the
melody, raising to a crescendo to emphasize the lyrics. "I see your true colors
and that's why I love you." Sansa blushed as Sandor continued to stare open-
mouthed with awed wonder. "So don't be afraid to let them show, your true
colors. True colors are beautiful... Like a rainbow." She finished the song and
bit her lip as she waited for his reaction.
"Holy fuck!" Sandor looked positively shocked. "You could do that
professionally... What the fuck is wrong with your parents?" He rubbed his hand
over his head and stared at her like he still couldn't believe it. "You could
already have a record deal somewhere."
"Oh my gods," she flushed and tucked her hair behind her ear. "You're
exaggerating, I just love to sing."
"I'm not fucking with you," he argued, "you could sing professionally - you're
pretty enough too."
"I would never want to do that," she shuddered, "being the center of attention
makes me nervous."
"Good," he grinned, "then I'll stay you're biggest fan." Sandor stood up and
moved to stand in front of her, taking her face between both of his hands.
"You're impossible," he murmured, "you know that? You shouldn't exist outside
of dreams."
"It's not fair," she sulked, "I feel the same way about you..." He took her
chin between his fingers and pulled her eyes up to meet his. "But you never let
me say things like that without rolling your eyes."
"I'm the man of your dreams, am I?" He grinned, not rolling his eyes, but the
tone of his voice still sounded disbelieving.
"Of course," she gazed up at him, "you're everything I dreamed of my whole
life."
"You've got some pretty fucking weird dreams, little bird." Sandor could not
see himself the way she saw him. He did not know how confident his compliments
made her. It was one thing for her parents or friends to call her 'pretty' with
polite smiles. When he spoke so assuredly, calling her a 'dream' as if stating
a fact, she truly felt beautiful in his eyes.
"Not at all," she argued with a smile, "just simple. I wanted someone who was
brave, strong, and gentle. You have all three qualities in spades." Sansa's
light mood fell when she saw he did not take her words seriously. "I did not
pick that song randomly, Sandor. I see you in a different light than you see
yourself." Without warning, he scooped her up in his arms again and started
walking towards the Skylark. It always gave her a rush when he did that, like
he was a dashing hero rescuing her, but she kept her silly thoughts to herself.
Sandor set her down on her feet and opened the car door and she moved the seat
forward to get into the backseat. When he joined her Sansa did not waste a
moment before pressing her lips against his as she fumbled with the buttons of
her jacket. Finally, she pulled it off, throwing it behind her to curl her arms
around his neck as she kissed him. His lips were warm and she sought more his
warmth with her hands, lowering one to slide underneath his shirt to feel his
hot skin. How was he always radiating heat even in the cold? It made her want
to feel every inch of his skin heating hers.
Her longing for him was nearly at its breaking point and though the day of the
Winter formal drew ever closer it still seemed ages away. Twenty-two days...
she marked down her calendar every day but her eyes were always pulled to her
birthday. That was only in nine days and it would certainly be a 'special' day.
Was she silly for wanting to wait any longer? Only a month had gone by since
they started dating and it already felt like a lifetime. Sandor returned her
kiss but did not deepen it or try to pull her closer so she pulled back to give
him a questioning look.
"Is it alright if I just hold you?" Sandor scratched the side of his face and
looked away... bashfully! Him, being bashful... was he blushing?! He didn't
even blush when he got completely naked in front of her! Sansa wished she could
go five minutes without thinking about him naked, it was awfully distracting.
"Really?" Sansa put a hand over his forehead to check for a fever. "Are you
okay?" He always felt this warm, she could not tell if it was a sign of
sickness. Oh! She knew he would get sick not sleeping in a proper bed! "We
should check-"
"Quit chirping and hold still," he pulled her hand away from his face and
tugged her into his lap to embrace her tightly. "I've just missed you," his
voice was gruff, "I can't sleep right without you." Sansa's heart was nearly
about to bust at Sandor's sudden sweetness, in his grumbly style that she
adored for some reason.
"Me too," she pressed her ear against his chest to listen to his steady
heartbeat. "The nights seems to pass so slowly without you." Sandor rested his
cheek against the top of her head and they both relaxed, warm and comfortable.
She tried to stay awake but she felt so nice and safe wrapped in his arms that
she quickly feel asleep. By the time she woke up the sky had already turned
dark and the air had grown colder. His lips were softly pressing kisses to her
hair and she stirred a bit to let him know she was awake.
"Stay with me tonight," he murmured against her hair. Sansa reluctantly slid
out of his embrace to stretch out beside him with a yawn. She actually argued
in her mind for a moment... Could she really lie to daddy well enough to stay
out on a school night? No, that would make her feel too wretched and probably
bring on another self-induced guilt trip.
"I can't stay out all night," she patted her face to wake up, "that will get me
just as grounded as my sister." Sansa pitied how Arya tossed and turned all
night, texting until all hours of the morning and sneaking out to make phone
calls. She could not imagine how lovesick for Sandor she would be if she only
saw him an hour a week!
"I can see the logic behind that." Sandor slunk down in the seat, crossing his
arms. "I fucking hate logic," he growled and she laughed at him.
"You would make a terrible Vulcan," she slapped her hand over her mouth like
she cursed. Oh no! The cat's out of the bag now! Sansa slowly turned to face
his questioning expression, hoping he did not even know what she said.
"You're a Trekkie?" Sandor raised his brow at her and Sansa realized he was not
giving her a judgmental look. Oh thank the gods... Wait a minute!
"Do you..." Sansa gaped at Sandor with a renewed sense of hope bubbling up
within her. "Like Star Trek...?" He just gave her a look like, 'of course I do'
as he slowly nodded his head. "What?!"
"I pretty much love everything sci-fi," he shrugged with a half-smile. "Firefly
and Battlestar Galactica are the best shows ever made."
"Okay," she turned her body to face him. "I won't argue with that except to say
you forgot Doctor Who and Stargate."
"Doctor Who is badass..." Sandor looked away with a grimace. "Stargate, not so
much."
"Really?" Sansa loved how fun Stargate was, much better than Battlestar. "The
Battlestar Galactica remake was less a sci-fi show and more a drama about
alcoholism."
"It was 'real', little bird," he debated with feeling. Oh my gods! They were
debating about sci-fi shows! How much better could this relationship get?!
"Firefly though... best show ever." She felt thrilled that they shared one
favorite show. "It's a shame that it only got the one season and a movie."
"Agreed, it's a fucking bloody tragedy." Sandor gestured sharply with his hand
to emphasize his words before turning a questioning look at her. "Sometime, do
you wanna..." She knew exactly what he was saying.
"Have a Firefly marathon," she finished his thought. "While wearing Jayne hats
that I personally knitted."
"Shut the fuck up," he gaped at her, "you are fucking with me." Sansa beamed
happily as she basked in his impressed reaction. Nobody was ever impressed by
her knitting skills... nobody. "You sing like an siren, are an amazing cook,
and you're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen." Sandor scoffed a happy and
disbelieving laugh. "Now you're telling me you're sci-fi fan," he narrowed his
eyes at her. "You know what this means."
"What?" Sansa blushed at the heated look in his eyes, hoping it meant he was
going to kiss her.
"I'm stealing you," he threatened playfully.
"That old threat," she waved her hand dismissively.
"I mean it," he grabbed her hand to pull her closer. "I'm going to steal you
somewhere so far away." Sandor smiled down at her, his expression relaxed and
happy, looking younger than he ever had. "Where should we go?"
"Aren't I being stolen," she curled her free hand around his neck, "do I get a
choice?"
"I am 'stealing' you," he promised, "but you'll like it." Sandor grinned
wickedly and Sansa had no doubt she would love every minute of being stolen by
him. If he didn't follow through on his threat soon enough she just might go
ahead and steal him first.
"I just want to go wherever you go." Sansa raised her face to kiss him but
Sandor turned away so her kiss landed on his cheek.
"That's the most fucking boring answer ever." Sandor ignored her as she tried
to turn his face back towards her.
"Ok, I have a better one." A satisfied smile curled Sansa's lips when he turned
his focus back on her. "Steal me away to the future," she whispered, "to the
night of the Winter Formal." He made a low growling sound in his throat and
wrapped a hand around her waist.
"I ain't got no TARDIS, little bird." Sandor made a Doctor Who reference while
flirting with her... The gods were good! He leaned his mouth close to her ear
to whisper softly. "But I'll promise this much..."
"What?" Sansa was hanging on his every word, somehow falling for him even
harder.
"I'm going to try my damnedest," he put his lips closed to hers but did not
kiss her yet, "to make that night last forever." Then he captured her mouth,
cupping the back of her head to kiss her senseless until she was panting
against his mouth.
"Oh Sandor," she gasped in air after he broke the kiss, "you really are my
dream come true." Sandor just smirked at her like she was a silly little bird
and she gave up trying to convince him... for the time being. The hour had
grown late and they had to be leaving soon, as much as she hated to be parted.
"I have to go home," she pouted.
"This weekend," he tightened his hold, "I'm keeping you."
"Sounds wonderful," she pressed another light kiss to his lips before they let
each other go. There was always something coming between them... Curfew,
daddy's rules, Sandor's past, and friends interfering. But all of those hurdles
were nothing when compared with his leaving after graduation. No matter what,
Sansa swore to herself she would not let a little thing like distance come
between them. By the time he graduated, she intended to have captured his heart
so completely he would never be able to leave her.
Chapter End Notes
     True Colors, performed by Jules Larson:
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=SRHgGxqBWys
     Okay this is tentative, don't kill me if I'm off by a little bit...
     I've outlined about 8 chapter before THE WINTER FORMAL - OMG! I'm way
     too excited, this author has built this up way too much... Oh, right,
     that's me! I'm so mean! I have Sansa's dress all picked and a yummy
     suit for Sandor... Mmm... I love Sandor so much I think I'll give him
     the next chapter!
***** Double the Trouble *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                             [Double_the_Trouble]
                                    SANDOR
He called first to the house phone to make sure no one picked up, then drove by
real slow to see if there was any movement inside. Sandor pulled into the
driveway and psyched himself up, the house looked empty so there was nothing to
be scared of. Most of his shit he could take or leave but there was one thing
he needed. When he walked into the house, it was quiet and no lights were on
but he crept through the hallway. Greg's bedroom door was open and no movement
came from inside, Sandor pushed open his own door and his heart stopped.
He found Greg lying on his bed, going through the notebook... Sansa's notebook,
full of little mementos of her like pictures and little notes she gave him.
Also, the receipt from the Italian restaurant and other information Gregor
should never have. Sandor knew he never should've kept such a fucking stupid
sentimental thing, especially not in the house. His hand braced against the
door fame, squeezing it so hard the wood started to splinter.
"This your little girlfriend, Sandy?" Greg held up the first picture Sansa gave
him - she blushed so prettily as she handed it over, saying 'look at this when
you miss me'. Now his monstrous brother knew what she looked like and her
favorite restaurant.
"Don't touch that," he meant his voice to sound threatening but it was just a
pitiful wheeze. Sandor had taken a few steps into the room without even
realizing it, reaching out his hand for the notebook.
"She's real pretty," Greg turned the page back to the picture. "What'd you do
to get this sweet little thing?" He squinted at the picture. "She blind?
Retarded? I'd still fuck her." Sandor's stomach turned as his fear skyrocketed
into full-blown panic. The scariest thing about Greg's threats is he said then
just like a normal person. Any man would want to fuck Sansa and most of them
would admit it. But he didn't mean 'fuck in a consensual, mutually pleasurable
kind of way'. The monster didn't want to hear the little bird sing - he wanted
to destroy her.
"Don't fucking talk about her," he rasped in a slightly stronger tone. "Get out
of my room."
"You left," Greg flipped through the notebook, wearing a mocking grin on his
face. "That makes it my room."
"This is dad's house," even as he said it Sandor knew it was a weak argument.
"Com'on," Greg just smiled wider. "You're not that stupid - this is my house."
He tore the picture off the page, tossing aside the notebook, and continued to
stare at Sansa. "I bet she doesn't give it up easy," he chuckled as he traced a
finger over the photo. "You must be working real hard to get between those long
legs. You know she's playing with you," he looked up at Sandor with a smirk.
"That's always been your problem - you don't know how to take what you want."
"Give it to me," he managed a low growl as he approached the bed, "now."
"Or what?" Greg stood up and his eyes flickered to the top of Sandor's head
with an approving expression. "Oh, you did grow a bit, little brother. Sandy's
not so little anymore." His light expression fell as he stared into Sandor's
eyes. "Still scared, aren't you? Still pissing yourself at the sight of me?"
"Only a fucking idiot wouldn't be scared of you." Sandor stood his ground and
refused to back down - even if he needed his fear, he still would not give into
it.
"Is she a 'fucking idiot'?" Greg held up the photo, daring Sandor to try and
take it - exposing him to a rib shot. No, his good brother taught him too well
over the years. "Does she know about me? Maybe I'll pay her a little visit."
"I'll kill you," he promised.
"Big words, little brother." Greg chuckled - staring down a Sandor like a full-
grown Doberman might regard a yapping pup. "You ever kill anyone before?"
"You're the only fucker I want dead." He meant it, if that monster ever even
went near Sansa, Sandor would kill him without hesitation.
"Always thinking small, Sandy." Greg lifted a hand, smiling when Sandor
flinched, and used it to brush off his shoulder. "That's why you'll never make
anything of yourself."
"Like you?" Sandor saw the flash of anger and Greg's eyes and knew he was
pushing his luck.
"I'll keep this one." Greg put the photo in his pocket and pushed past Sandor
to leave the room. He grabbed the notebook and a few other things before
leaving his father's house - never looking back again. He returned to the pet
shop to get ready for his date with Sansa. The whole time he was thinking about
Greg's threats and debating if he would do more harm than good by warning her.
She needed to know that she was in danger but he didn't want her living while
constantly looking over shoulder. His mind was still reeling from wondering
what to do as he drove to pick her up. Sansa was waiting for him outside of the
apartment building with her younger sister standing beside her. When he pulled
up in front of them, Sansa opened the door and tilted her head in the direction
of short stuff.
"I hope you don't mind," she gave him a pleading look. "My sister a total mess
and I begged daddy to let me take her out for a night... I thought we could
have a double date." Sansa's smile looked worried and Sandor hated himself for
all the times he snapped at her. She shouldn't ever have to be afraid of what
he'd say. He felt so fucking guilty about putting her in Greg's sights he would
agree to just about anything.
"Fine with me," he shrugged, and quickly avoided her eyes to hide how terrified
he felt. Sansa smiled and sighed in relief as she pulled the front seat forward
to let Arya into the back. "Good to see you, short stuff."
"Uh-huh," Arya groaned her reply. If he thought the kid looked like shit the
other day, now she looked like shit run over. Sansa let out a single smiling
sigh, as if willing herself to be happy about her sister tagging along. He
pulled the car out of the parking lot and started heading into the city.
"So," he looked to Sansa, "where are we headed?"
"Thai!" Arya shouted her answer, seemingly on reflex.
"Italian!" Sansa was only a second behind her younger sister. "Fine," she
relented with a huff, "anything but steak." Sandor was no expert on healthy
sibling relationships. He wondered if the little bird was selling herself short
by saying she and Arya weren't 'close'. From his perspective, they really
seemed to care about one another - what with short stuff's death threat and
all.
"I've never eaten Thai food before." He also never had a good relationship with
any of his family members before - it was interesting to see what that looked
like. "Where's the restaurant?" Sansa opened her mouth to answer his question
but short stuff interrupted.
"You've - never - eaten Thai before?!" Arya acted downright shocked. "You
haven't lived!" Sansa rolled her eyes at her sisters exaggerated reaction and
gave him directions to the restaurant.
"It's pretty good," Sansa admitted, "a little too spicy for my taste."
"Spicy?" This was sounding better and better to Sandor. "The hotter the
better."
"Good man," Arya praised from the backseat. When they arrived at the
restaurant, she leaned forward between the two front seats excitedly. "Oh my
gods, there he is! Park faster!" Once Sandor parked the Skylark, Sansa could
not get out of her sister's way fast enough. Short stuff practically fell out
of the car and sprinted into her boyfriend's waiting arms. Sandor got out of
the car and walked over to stand beside Sansa.
"I really appreciate you doing this," she sighed as she watched her sister. "I
just can't stand to see her so..." Sansa waved her hand at the couple clinging
to each other as her words faltered. "Usually, Arya is the strong one. Lately,
all she does is mope around the house."
"No problem," he smiled down at Sansa as he took her hand in his. "I don't mind
helping the kid out." He could see the internal conflicts going on behind her
eyes, struggling to figure out what exactly the 'right thing' to do was. "I
think you're a good big sister, you are risking your own happiness because you
care about hers." Sandor would give anything to have anyone in his family care
about him that much. In the past, he used to curse his mom for not loving him
enough to take him with her too.
"You always know exactly what to say," her expression relaxed and she smiled at
him. "I will thank you properly later." After meeting Sansa, he never had a
single moment that he regretted being alive and he even stopped hating his
face. It didn't matter if everyone else in the world stared or avoided his
face, not when the little bird smiled just for him.
"Alright, short stuff," he growled at the kid still glued to her boyfriend -
equally oblivious. "Let's get inside, I'm fucking starving." Sandor wanted to
get this fucking 'double date' over with so the real fun could start.
                                    GENDRY
Arya let go of the death grip she had on his waist and she grabbed his wrist to
lead him over to stand beside Sansa and Sandor. Gendry was still shocked that
they were all standing there together, staring at Arry in disbelief.
"How...?" When he got a text from Arya, it just read: 'I busted out for the
night', and directions to the restaurant. Not a word about Sansa and her
boyfriend, or how Arry got out for the night.
"We have Sansa to thank for my brief liberation." Arya beamed at her sister
without a hint of sarcasm before turning back to Gendry. "We don't have to
eat..."
"I promised daddy I would keep an eye on you," Sansa cut off Arya, narrowing
her eyes at her younger sister. Not in a million years would Gendry have
guessed Sansa and Sandor would help him and Arry see each other. But he was
eternally grateful they gave up their date for them. "Please don't make me more
of a liar."
"Thanks, Sansa." Gendry smiled at them both. "And Sandor, thanks man." The
fierce giant just shrugged. "I'm sure going on a double date isn't exactly what
you two had in mind for tonight."
"Which is why we shouldn't intrude." Arya crossed her arms and looked like she
wanted to argue more.
"Arry," Gendry pulled on her shoulder to turn her towards him. "We're going
inside that restaurant and eating a proper meal." She sulked but did not argue,
probably too happy to be out of the house. He looked between Sansa and Sandor
again. "I'd be happy to pay to show my gratitude: it's the least I can do."
"No argument here." Sandor grinned and Gendry fought the urge to look away from
the intimidating expression.
"Of course when a man offers to pay..." Sansa scowled at her boyfriend before
brushing past him to head inside the restaurant.
"That's not it and you know it," Sandor grumbled as he followed behind her.
Gendry took Arya's hand in his and they both followed the arguing couple.
"No," Sansa turned up her nose when Sandor opened the door for her. "I don't
know it." Once inside the restaurant the hostess led them to a booth right away
and sat their group down with menus.
"I can't even imagine Arya paying for anything," Gendry quipped as he grinned
down at her.
"I spend my money frivolously so I never have any," she shrugged without shame.
"Besides, I thought you liked my impulse purchases." Arya raised an eyebrow and
he remembered the purple corset.
"Right," he assumed a more serious expression, "sorry milady. You are
infallible and faultless."
"Don't forget it," she squinted at him before breaking into a smile.
"It is not the case that Sandor never lets me pay for anything," Sansa
explained. "We disagree on splitting the costs of attending the Winter Formal."
"She disagrees..." Sandor studied his menu as he grumbled under his breath,
earning him a pointed stare from Sansa.
"The Winter Formal?" Gendry had almost forgotten that was coming. "I'd love to
go but even if Arry wasn't grounded, she'd never go for it."
"Never thought I'd be grateful to be grounded," Arry had the most smug
expression on her face.
"See?" Gendry waved his hand at Arya. "She's not the dancing type."
"I love to dance," her protest surprised him. "Just not in a dress surrounded
my cheap decorations." Gendry was about to argue the merits of going to a high-
school dance, even though he'd never been to one personally. Just then a soft-
spoken waitress stopped by the table to take their drink orders and whisked
away to fill them.
"Arya," Sansa grinned at her sister, "I just thought of a way for you to pay
off the debt you owe me."
"No..." Arya looked horrified but Gendry hadn't caught on yet what they were
talking about. "You don't mean-"
"I told you it would be big," Sansa smirked mischievously and he could finally
see the resemblance between the sisters.
"Not happening," she crossed her arms defiantly. "I'm not wearing a dress."
Then Gendry got it, Sansa was blackmailing Arya into going to the Winter
Formal! He grinned and leaned back to watch Arry get beat at her own game.
"Oh yes," Sansa's eyes glittered with excitement. "A dress, jewelry, makeup...
and heels."
"Nooooooooo," Arry groaned and looked up at the ceiling, "gods why?!"
"This is sounding better and better!" Gendry's grin fell as he remembered Arya
would still be grounded by the time of the Winter Formal. "But what about your
dad?"
"You don't get it," Arya shot a disgusted look at her sister. "Sansa is daddy's
little princess - he'd do anything she asked."
"That's not true," Sansa twirled her hair.
"It's mostly true," Arya countered. "How else do you explain his letting me off
tonight?" Their breathy waitress came back with their drinks and took their
orders before leaving again.
"I think you will look good in an A-line dress." Sansa ignored her sister's
question and continued to gloat, already confident in her victory.
"Fine you two enjoy the dance," Arya scowled at him and Sansa before she jerked
her chin at Sandor. "Maybe we can sneak out when they're not watching."
"Fuck that - I'm going to that dance even if it kills me." Sandor grinned at
Sansa, who blushed and took a sip of her drink. Gendry laughed at Arya's
comically disappointed expression.
"Ugh," Arry threw her hands up in defeat, "et tu giant dude?" When her hand
fell down on the seat by her sides, Gendry quickly took ahold of the one beside
his leg. Her eyes flicked up at him and a she smiled, lacing their fingers
together and letting go of her argument. They didn't stop holding hands even
after their food came, both eating with their free hand. Sandor loosened up and
together with Sansa, they were actually great company so the night passed too
quickly.
"I promised you would be back by nine," Sansa told Arya with an apologetic
expression as they walked out of the restaurant.
"I know," Arry scowled before letting go of his hand to grab her sister into a
fierce hug. "Thanks."
"I'll see you tomorrow." Sansa returned the hug before letting go, waving
goodbye to Gendry, and getting into Sandor's car.
"Bye, giant dude!" Arya cupped her hands around her mouth as she called after
him. "Bring Sansa back in one piece."
"No promises, short stuff." Sandor tossed a wave over his shoulder, which Arry
was already ignoring as she ran around the Lincoln to get in. Gendry checked
his watch and dismayed at how little time there was before she had to be home.
There was only about ten minutes to spare when he pulled up in front of her
apartment building. She launched at him, locking her arms around his neck, and
burying her face in his shoulder.
"You've got to go now to be on time," he tried to disentangle her arms around
his neck but she wouldn't let go. Gendry held her tightly and felt her body
slightly trembling. "Are you crying?!"
"Don't be stupid," her voice was tight. "It's too hard... I miss you so much."
As much as he wanted to let her run down the clock, every minute they spent
outside this apartment was a risk. Her father could have been waiting outside
or looking out the window.
"I'll do anything," he offered. "What will make you feel better?"
"Come sleep with me," she grumbled, knowing it was an impossible request.
"Maybe I can do something almost as good," Gendry tugged her arms lose and
pulled her back to look into her shining eyes. "I'll call you when I get home
and talk to you until you go to sleep. When I hear you snoring I'll hang up."
"Sometimes it takes hours for me to fall asleep," she warned.
"I can talk for hours," he assured her with a grin. "I'll be like the Dungeon
Master of your insomnia."
"I love you, Gendry." Arya really did look like she would start crying any
minute and it was breaking his heart.
"And I love you, Arya." Gendry watched her get out of his car without another
word and stride into the apartment building without looking back. That was her
way: once she set her mind to do something, she just did it. He hurried home
and called her as soon as he kicked his shoes off and collapsed onto his bed.
She picked up on the first ring.
"On the drive over I tried to think of what to say," he started talking right
away in a low soothing tone. "Should I be boring to put her to sleep quickly?
Should I tell funny stories about mom to put her in a good mood? Then I
realized there's only one thing I could talk about forever: you. The first time
I met you I had the same thought, over and over: this is one strange girl." She
snickered softly. "Shh," he chided, "your strangeness never once seemed like a
bad thing. You're young but you know yourself better than anyone."
"You don't compromise on your beliefs and you fight tooth-and-nail for what you
want. Simply put milady, you're my hero: ever since I met you, I've tried to be
more like you." Gendry could swear he heard Arry rolling her eyes. "If I had to
pick one word to describe myself before I met you it'd be 'alone'... Remember
when you showed up at the forge that weekend? You just barged in like you owned
the place. At the time I was still trying to fight my attraction to you, which
was the stupidest thing I've ever done."
"I knew it was going to be like this," he put his free hand behind his head. "I
knew that our relationship would be opposed and there'd be forces out of our
control pulling us apart. But even as I was trying to run away from you, I
wanted to be around you and catch whatever crumbs of affection you dropped.
Thing is, I thought I'd be the only one suffering. Even though I hated myself
for having you thrown out of the group, it opened my eyes to your feelings for
me." Gendry listened to the sound of her steady breaths, wondering what Arya
would say if she could answer.
"I don't know if any of this is coming out right," he sighed. "Somehow, knowing
that you're lonesome for me, it makes me less lonely. I trust you when you say
you love me and that I'm yours. I know one day we'll be together and nothing
will ever come between us again. I will find a way someday to prove that my
love for you is just as strong. Even if you miss me, it's only temporary, not
just your grounding but... What I mean to say is... I want to spend the rest of
my life with you." One soft snort signaled she fell asleep.
"Goodnight, milady," he whispered. The only reply from Arya was her light
snoring and Gendry listened for a while before he started dozing off. He ended
the call and rolled onto his side to face the spot where she used to curl up by
his side. Someday, he reassured himself, she would be his every night and they
would look back on this time and laugh at how miserable they were. All he had
to do was stay patient and dedicated, never giving up.
Chapter End Notes
     Do me a favor in the pass-it-on spirt. Say you have a bookmarked fic
     that hasn't updated in a while. A few encouraging words from you
     might make the differece in that author's day and lead to a beautiful
     peice of writing. Yesterday I had a whole busshel of beautiful words
     thanking me for my work and it really inspires and encourages me. I'm
     not writing this fic alone - I truly mean that. My loyal commenters
     are all quite spectacularly wonderful people and I hope you all know
     it. I wish I had time to respond to all my comments but I get caught
     up writing... and time just slips away.
     Next chapter will be pure San<3san.
***** Down On My Knees *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                              [Down_On_My_Knees]
                                     SANSA
The ride from the restaurant was oddly quiet and tense, even though they had
just been laughing and joking with Arya and Gendry. They were the most
shockingly adorable couple! She never imagined her sister would ever be totally
captivated with a boy, let alone a sweet and slightly goofy one. They were good
together, which partially justified her dishonesty to daddy in her mind.
Honestly, Sansa could not stand to see her sister suffering anymore. Sandor
maintained his distracted silence as he pulled the Skylark in front of the pet
shop.
The quiet persisted as they walked to the shop's entrance. Sansa waited as he
unlocked the door, and then followed him into shop. Sandor kept the lights off
as most of the animals seemed to be sleeping, even her yappy friend, Buster.
They continued straight to the back, and he flicked on the light switch,
flooding the small space with bright florescent light. She blinked a few times
as her eyes adjusted and glanced around the room.
"Oh, thank the gods." Sansa heaved a sigh of relief as she saw the pen of
puppies was no longer in the back room. The wicked things she intended to do
with Sandor this night were not for their innocent puppy eyes to see.
"What?" His raised brow made her blush over her silly thoughts. Sandor closed
the door and the click of the latch sliding into place made Sansa jump like she
heard a gunshot. She could not fathom what she was so nervous about! Why was
the air so thick between them? What caused this persistent unease? Sansa knew
it was a bit presumptuous to drag her younger sister along on a date but he did
not seem to mind...
"I worried the puppies would still be here," she explained vaguely, forcing a
smile as he moved across the office to set his keys down on the desk.
"They were moved out front," he said with a shrug, "it was time anyway. Most of
them are gone already, since pups get adopted fast." Sansa turned around to
look at the rest of the room, seeing a futon on the floor with a mess of
blankets and pillows on it. "Sorry, it's not exactly the Ritz." Sandor moved to
stand beside her, frowning at his makeshift bed. "I should've got a hotel-"
"And waste good money?" Sansa waved her hand, dismissing his apology. "No, this
will do quite nicely. It's... cozy." They shared another tense moment, standing
together staring at the futon on the floor as the clock on the wall ticked
impossibly loud and slow.
"Did you forget your bag?" Sandor broke the silence first, shifting from one
foot to the other and glancing around the room without focusing on anything.
"No, I have everything I need." Sansa held up her purse before walking over to
the desk in the corner to set her bag down. "There's a fresh dress in my
purse." She unbuttoned her jacket, folded it in half, and set it beside her
purse.
"I can give you something to sleep in..." It seemed Sandor was doing his utmost
best to fill the odd silence between them. Sansa turned around to face him to
find his unwavering gaze focused entirely on her, only setting her nerves more
on edge.
"Sandor," she lowered her eyes to study the speckled floor. "I planned to sleep
in nothing." Sansa peeked back up at him to see Sandor's eyes widen in
surprise. Last time he stopped her from fully undressing but the suspense was
killing her. She was not all that nervous about him seeing her whole body; more
like anxious to get past it.
"Ah," he nodded, still wearing a surprised expression.
"I will wear something if you want-"
"Who the fuck am I to tell you what to wear - or not wear?" He gestured wide
with his hand before rubbing it over his head. "Wear what you want - or not..."
Sandor seemed jumpy too but Sansa could not guess why either of them should
feel nervous at all. Perhaps the setting caused the uneasy atmosphere, bright
florescent lights highlighting his homeless predicament.
"Are you really alright here?" Sansa moved to stand next to him, observing the
pitiful state he lived in with growing concern.
"I'm happier staying here than at my dad's house." Sandor turned to face her,
moving back to lean against the wall behind him. "It's temporary, I can't stay
here forever," he crossed his arms as he looked down at his shoe. "I might need
to get a second job so I can afford a place."
"You're still a student..." Sansa wrung her hands with worry, frustrated there
was nothing she could do to help him. "You shouldn't have worries like this."
"That's life, princess," he scoffed at her.
"I didn't choose to be born to a well-off family, Sandor." Sansa immediately
regretting snapping at him, he was the last person in the world she was angry
with. She sensed something was wrong but worried it was her own nervousness
playing tricks on her.
"I didn't choose to be born to a family of fucking drunks and psychopaths," he
sneered at her. "It is what it is." His expression softened as she looked away,
blinking back the tears collecting in her eyes. "Sorry..."
"No-no-no, I'm sorry." Sansa did not even know why they were arguing! "I'm
being weird," she shook her head, trying to clear the gloominess lingering in
her thoughts. "You are right, I do live like a princess, and my parents are
wonderful." Her voice lowered to a murmur as she hugged her arms around her
waist. "I wish everyone could be so fortunate." He ignored her, pushing off the
wall to walk past her.
"You know the real problem with dictatorships and monarchies?" Sandor sat down
in the desk chair, heaving a heavy sigh. Sansa gave him a curious look,
wondering at his sudden change in topic. "People who seek power are the worst
kinds of people. If someone like you ruled the world," he grinned, "we'd have
world peace and fucking mints on our pillows every night." She felt relived he
let her sudden tantrum pass.
"I would need someone to help rule beside me." Sansa moved to sit on his lap,
curling a hand around his neck.
"Nah," his hand slid around her waist, "you should just be high empress - I'll
be your guard dog."
"My Queensguard," she corrected, smiling at his whimsical scenario.
"Same difference." The tension eased as Sansa relaxed against his embrace,
playing along with his fantasy.
"My enemies would stop it nothing to steal my throne." She fought to keep a
serious queenly expression on her face as his eyes narrowed playfully.
"I'll kill them all or die trying," he promised. "You're the only one I'd ever
kneel down to."
"I don't want a throne, Sandor." She dipped her lips to briefly brush against
his. "However, I would not mind just a small amount of kneeling." He chuckled
in that deep rumbly way that sent shivers running down her spine. "Lover," she
tilted her forehead against the side of his face, whispering in his ear. "It
feels silly even saying this... I feel nervous."
"Fuck," he huffed out a breath, "me too."
"I'm not sure why," she sighed in relief that she was not imagining the tension
between them. "But I feel like we more 'alone' than ever."
"Nobody else but us is setting foot in this place until Monday morning." His
words finally made sense of her nervousness... There would no risk at all of
being caught or stopped and whatever happened tonight would be completely up to
them. Sansa stood up and pulled her hair over one shoulder, pointing to the
zipper running the length of the back of her dress.
"Will you help me with this?" Her back tensed as he rose to approach her and
slowly pulled the zipper all the way down. His lips brushed over her exposed
neck, relaxing every taut muscle in her body so that she melted against him. As
Sandor kissed her neck, his hands pulled the dress over her shoulders and let
it fall around her feet. "Wait," she managed to gasp, "you are distracting me
again..." She stepped forward and turned around to face him, standing up
straight. "Do you like it?" She bought her very first set of real lingerie just
for this moment.
"I keep waiting to get used to you," his eyes slowly studied the length of her
body, heating her face though she felt no embarrassment. "But you get more
fucking beautiful every time I see you." He suddenly knelt before her, lowering
his eyes steady on her while removing her shoes one at a time. Sandor getting
down on one knee before her sent Sansa's heart fluttering within her chest,
immediately picturing him pulling a ring box out of his pocket.
"I believe you." She pulled his chin up to meet his eyes. "That you think every
part of me is beautiful." The backs of her fingers lightly skimmed over his
cheek. "Do you trust that I feel the same about you? I don't overlook or ignore
any part of you."
"I believe you..." He rose to his full height to cup his hand behind her head
and dipped his lips to press a tender kiss to hers. "What I can't believe is my
own good luck." She tugged at his shirt until he pulled it off over his head
and wrapped her arms him, soaking his warmth into her skin. "I don't feel like
I deserve you."
"I deserve you..." She pulled away to meet his eyes once more. "You are my good
luck. I was such a mess when I first attended Kings High." At the time, she
actually hoped to meet Joffrey Baratheon, who would have treated her like a
plaything and tossed her out when he grew bored. "You taught me to open my eyes
and see the word. Not for how I wish it was, but how it really is." Sansa felt
a familiar fear bubbling up and decided to voice it aloud. "You don't love me
only because of the way I look, do you?"
"There are a few truly beautiful girls at Kings, little bird." He stroked his
fingertips down the side of her face and she turned her cheek into his warm
palm. "You shine brighter than them all because you have a good heart."
"I think that is something we have in common." Both of her hands caught his and
held it against her heart. "Maybe that's why we're perfect for each other."
Sansa turned around, still holding his hand, and led him to the futon. She
knelt on the surprisingly soft mattress and started to unlace his shoes and
helped him remove them. Her hands moved up to unfasten his belt and then tugged
his pants down around his ankles. He stepped onto the futon to sit beside her,
reaching out for her but she held up one finger. "Wait, I'm not finished."
Sansa grinned at his confused expression before turning to peel off his socks,
tossing them aside while he laughed at her. His laughter died when her fingers
curled around the waistband of his underwear and he helped her to finish
undressing him. It was a strange and powerful thing to make someone else
naked... To strip away all that they hide from the entire world. She wanted him
to feel the same, to share the power of vulnerability equally with her. Sandor
understood what she wanted when she turned her back and pulled her hair aside.
It might have been nervousness or inexperience that made his hands tremble as
he fumbled with the bra's clasp. Ether option held equal appeal, pulling her
lips into a smile as she turned around to face him. His fingers slid over her
shoulders to slip the bra off, sliding his fingertips lightly over her breasts
as he lowered the garment. She rose up on her knees to let the bra fall away
and guided his hands to her new lacy undergarment... The last uncrossed barrier
between them. He slowly slid the panties down and Sansa sat back, lifting her
legs so he could pull them completely off.
After the initial flurry of mixed emotions about being seen entirely naked
passed, all that remained was a insistent humming under her skin to be close to
him. The very first time she touched him was an accident but even then Sansa
felt the strong 'pull' to be near him. She reached out one hand to lightly push
him down on the mattress. His eyes were dark and intense, fixed on her face as
he complied with her gentle touch on his chest. It might seem silly that her
first wish when alone and naked with the person she loved was to cuddle.
An eighth heaven of silken warmth spread through Sansa as she tucked herself
alongside his body, trying to get as much skin touching at once. Then the bliss
erupted into a torturous restlessness, sending tremoring sparks running under
her skin. Desperately seeking a distraction from her torment, she rose up on
her elbow to dip her lips to his. Her own urgency seemed to awaken his,
compelling him into grasping her waist to haul her on top of him. Sandor
groaned as she settled her weight onto him, his hardness pressing into her
stomach.
"We don't have to wait," she braced a hand on either side of his head to meet
his eyes. "I'm ready." Sansa forced herself not to flinch or blush at all, to
prove that if he wanted her this night she would not insist on waiting.
"Little bird," he choked as he turned his face away from her. "You know... I
have to go - when I graduate." His face tightened with an unreadable emotion,
something like regret but angrier. "I've waited my whole life to get away... I
can't stay even for you." Sansa covered his mouth with her fingers, wishing he
did not doubt her devotion.
"I would never ask you to stay for me," she insisted. "I will be yours no
matter how far away you are." Sansa knew he did not want to make promises for
the future but he brought up the subject. "In two years I will come to you."
"You'll have dreams of your own by then," he wound a loose lock of her hair
around his finger. "Right now, you're everything to me. Isn't that's enough?"
"It's more than enough," she assured him with a smile. "I won't ever regret a
single moment I've spent with you, Sandor." Sansa held his face between her
hands, her throat tightening with emotion. "I'll cherish them forever." Her
eyes held his though she felt them welling with tears. "Whatever you want, I'm
yours." In one quick motion he reversed their position, trapping her body
between his and the mattress. "Tell me you're mine," she demanded breathlessly,
needing to hear the words.
"You know I'm yours." The weight of him crushed her in the most wonderful way,
her whole body trembled in anticipation as she curled her legs up by his sides.
"Are we going to...?" Sansa used every ounce of willpower to keep from begging
him to make love to her, to ease the fierce aching consuming her body. Sandor
braced over her, causing every muscle in his arms and torso to tighten.
"I made you a promise - I won't waste it here like this." His words barely
registered in her brain as the sight made her salivate. "Tell me what you
want." Sansa could be quite happy to lay beneath his taut body for the rest of
her life.
"There is something..." The mere thought was enough to make her blush and look
away. "It's slightly embarrassing."
"You think you can shock me?" Sandor's confident smirk gave her the courage to
meet his eyes to ask him directly for what she wanted.
"I would like to kiss your..." Her words faltered and she wrapped her hand
around his hardness to finish her request.
"Kiss?" Sandor raised his brow at her, clearly a bit shocked by her request,
before rolling onto his back and blowing out a deep breath. "Do whatever you
like." She sat up, crossing her legs so that her shins and knees were flush
alongside his ribs. First she took a moment to admire him in all his naked
glory, a true work of art fashioned by the gods. A more perfect specimen of
masculine magnificence could not exist in the real world... Her man was unique,
not just strong but gentle enough to reign in that strength.
Sansa's fingers trailed down his stomach before curling her hand around his
hardness, always a thrill to see and feel how much he wanted her. She lowered
her lips to kiss the very tip of him, feeling the texture his silken skin and
tasting a small bead of salty moisture. Her eyes closed as her curious tongue
darted out to get a better taste, drawing a sharp gasp from him. Sandor moved
his hand to her thigh, curling his fingers around her leg to squeeze lightly.
One of her hands slowly roamed over his taut stomach while her other slowly
pumped his hardness.
"Fuck," he groaned, his stomach flexing under her hand as she grew bolder. Her
lips and tongue stroked over his hardness, savoring his taste and softness. By
the pressure of his fingers digging into her thigh and the small growling
groans coming from his that, Sansa learned what he liked.
"Sansa," he rasped as his hip twitched, "fuck - I'm close..." Sansa wrapped her
lips around his hardness to catch his release as his hand tightened on her
thigh. A rush of hot saltiness rushed over her tongue and she swallowed on
reflex until she had to pull away to gasp for breath. She fanned her heated
face with her hand as she leaned back to catch her breath.
"Huh..." Sansa licked her lips as she wipe her chin. "Tastes like caviar." She
turned back to Sandor only to be confronted with the most dumbfounded
expression on his face. "Did I do something wrong?!"
"Your turn," he sat up to grasp her shoulders and pushed her back against the
mattress. He trailed his lips down her body, drawing a gasp from Sansa when he
flicked his tongue over the tip of one breast. His hand pushed her legs further
apart, as he kissed her stomach, then inside her hip before finally moving
between her legs. If she thought he was good at kissing her mouth... Sandor
devoured her as she shuddered uncontrollably, shifting her hips towards and
away from the thrilling sensation he gave her.
Her mind melted, sweeping away her ability to feel shame as she cried out over
and over until she was nearly sobbing from the intensity. The building passion
was nothing like she felt before, almost so powerful she could not latch onto
the feeling to find her pleasure. Instead it consumed her like a perfect storm,
pulling her below a like undertow and tossing her body around in wave after
wave. For a moment her whole body felt frozen and unbreakable then she
shattered, letting out one ear-piercing sob before slumping back against the
mattress.
"Gods in all seven heavens," she gasped for breath. Sansa pushed back a few
strands of her hair from her perspiring forehead as he collapsed beside her.
She had never been so exhausted and contented at the same time! "It's hard to
believe," she released a panting chuckle, "sex will be even better than that."
"I'm not making any promises," he replied dryly. The sound of their heavy
breathing filled the silence and she almost nodded off to sleep. Sandor turned
onto his side to face her and she mirrored his position, surprised to see a
serious expression on his face. "There's something I have to tell you..." He
squeezed his eyes shut and she reached out a hand to stroke his cheek as he
seemed to face some internal struggle. "I love you, Sansa."
"I know," she smiled when he opened his eyes again. Sansa yawned as she sat up
to pull a rumpled blanket over them before falling down with a sigh. "You know
I love you, don't you?"
"I know," he pulled her close, wrapping her in his tight embrace. "Dream
sweet."
"Dream sweet," she replied, "my love..." Then Sansa fell into a deep slumber,
only able to sleep well when safely enfolded in Sandor's arms.
Chapter End Notes
     Yesterday I had 'familial obligations'. To make up for my lack of
     chapter yesterday I made this one extra-long and smutty with just a
     dash of awkward sweetness. I'm feelin' pretty good about it.
     Next up! Arya plots and schemes! I love when she does that.
***** It's Been Forever! *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                             [It's_Been_Forever!]
                                      JON
When he walked inside, the atmosphere in the empty room was relaxed with the
most notable exception being Dany. She poured over her notes to make last-
minute changes before the game started. Jon sat down, glancing at Sam's empty
chair beside him and refusing to let himself feel sad about his friend's
absence. Everyone else was seated and chatting, except Drogo who stared hard at
Dany: it might have been a loving gaze for all he knew. The last one to arrive
was Gendry, who beelined straight to Arya without even looking at anyone else.
"Here you go, milady." Gendry set down a covered disposable coffee cup in front
of Arya. "Just the way you like it, black and extra-sweet." She took a sip of
the hot beverage but scrunched up her nose before dropping the cup on the
table.
"This isn't what I want." She scowled at her boyfriend and his smile fell as a
look of panic crossed his face. Then Arya leaned forward, pursing her smiling
lips. Gendry grinned like a happy idiot before complying with her request for a
kiss. Jon rolled his eyes at the sickly sweet scene but was surprised at how
little he cared otherwise. They were happy and there was nothing he could do
about the situation anyway. It could be worse... He couldn't help but think of
the hound somehow pulling the wool over poor Sansa's eyes. What a bloody
nightmare.
"Alright, everyone," Dany's confident smile wavered for just a moment. "Let's
get this game started." All eyes turned to her as the chatter quieted down.
"You are deep in the jungles of Suinha Mountain, following The Protector to The
Arena..."
Trudging through dense woods was not his favorite thing to do but he and the
group followed along after The Protector. He led them through the jungle
covering the mountain Khaleesi's Dragonborn clan lived on. Snow still couldn't
believe she was just... gone.
"Fuck the gods!" Arry's sudden outburst drew his attention.
"What?" Gendry walked beside her while Snow occupied the other side.
"I can't find my dagger!" The Halfling was undeniably clever but possibly the
most irresponsible person Snow had ever met.
"I'll make you another, milady." Gendry seemed to be in a good mood, though
dressed in full armor and just as hot and tired as the rest of them.
"So you can be useful," she grinned at the blacksmith. As they walked, The
Protector explained in great detail to Gray Worm the history and purpose of his
existence. The rest of the group showed little interest in what The Protector
said. Suddenly, Arry interjected into their conversation. "Wait, you came to
life to fight this evil force draining the clan... right?!" That's basically
what Snow expected to happen.
"No, I am The Protector." His answer shocked to them all into paying closer
attention. "I do not engage in violence of any kind."
"What about Khaleesi?" Drogo's growled question sounded more like a threat.
"She is in a deep dreamless slumber," The Protector explained, "waiting for the
next time the clan needs her help. Then she will become The Protector." From
what Snow understood, that time would not come for another generation.
"I thought 'the protector' was some kinda god?" Even Hot Pie, who usually
couldn't even understand these kinds of things, showed a sudden interest.
"Boccob is..." The Protector waved his hand as words failed him before placing
his fist against his chest. "Within me." Silence fell over the group as they
finally understood: they helped Khaleesi sacrifice her life for her people.
Though she only walked with their group for short time, Khaleesi would never be
forgotten.
"Well, fuck me!" Arry seemed to be the only ones not affected by the gloom.
"Never thought I'd meet a gods-honest god!" She scowled around at the group as
they trudged on in silence. "Look, you bunch of babies! I miss Khaleesi too and
I wish she wasn't a fucking statue, but she's not dead. She's going to become a
fucking goddess someday," she shouted, "That's nothing to get all weepy over!
Get over your shit so her sacrifice won't be made in vain."
"The Halfling speaks truth," Drogo backed up Arry's words. "I gave my word - we
will fight."
"Of course we will," Pod stepped in between The Protector and Gray Worm,
putting his arms around them both. "Now, you might be a god but we're a rag-tag
group of adventurers. Don't underestimate us."
"I assure you," The Protector chuckled, "I had my own group of friends who led
me through the five trials. Your help will not only be greatly appreciated, it
is necessary." His good cheer faded as he heaved a heavy sigh. "I believe our
old adversary is an enemy we have in common, you know him as a powerful
warlock."
"No..." Gendry gaped in disbelief. "Arry killed Brawlis."
"He goes by many names," The Protector revealed. "Do not mistake him for the
creature you have faced, that was only his host body."
"Not much of one," Arry scoffed with a sour expression.
"The Devourer-"
"Oh," Arry interrupted once more with the snort, "that sounds good."
"The Devourer," The Protector started again, "gives his host power, knowledge,
and extended life. In exchange, the host slowly loses control until The
Devourer has consumed every part of them. Anyone who offers themselves to The
Devourer must be mad with ego or simply foolish."
"That basically describes Brawlis," Snow added dryly.
"There is something you must all know..." The Protector's words trailed off as
he remained silent for a moment. "The Devourer can never be defeated, only
contained. The risk involved in this undertaking cannot be overstated."
"Well," Pod let go of The Protector's shoulders to take a long swig out of the
gourd hanging off his belt. "The Devourer has never met us before." Snow had
spoken to Pod several times about his drinking affecting their missions. The
Cleric only argued that his god demanded revelry. A narrow path between the
trees opened up to a clearing to the front of a huge white temple. The jungle
had nearly reclaimed the structure with bright floral-bearing foliage.
"Here it is... The Arena." The Protector stopped in front of the vine covered
structure to gaze at it with something like apprehension on his face. Several
marble Dragonborn statues stood on pillars, holding up the front of the temple.
Their arms extended upwards to brace against the roof. The genders and garb of
the statues varied but all of them wore an expression of deep angst, some of
them even weeping pitifully. "Here we can summon The Destroyer but he will be
untouchable, no blood can be shed on this sacred ground."
"Then what's the fucking point?" Arry skipped up to The Protector side as he
led them inside The Arena. Unlike the white stone forming the exterior of the
temple, the interior walls and floor were dark marble. The ceiling was almost
black, but the statue-bearing pillars that held it up were white.
"We will reveal ourselves to each other," The Protector continued his
explanation. "He will see the face The Protector wears and I will see his new
host." A stone altar stood on a low circular dais in the center of the interior
chamber.
"I get it," Arry murmured and nodded as she looked around, "you size each other
up." The altar was formed from the same white stone as the pillars, contrasting
against the glossy black floor. Though the outside of the temple was overgrown
and uncared for, the inside was spotless. Two more statues knelt beside the
altar: a Dragonborn girl frozen in fervent prayer while an elderly man hid his
face in his hands. The Protector moved forward to the altar, pausing to briefly
stroke the stone hair of the child statue. He knelt between the two statues and
began to murmur in a hushed tone.
"Boccob, si drekik wux ekess evnek wer ehaism di sia irlym." Behind the altar,
a rush of pluming black smoke rose from the ground. A petite form materialized
in the dark smoke, with long curling raven hair and skin pale as snow. Those
bright violet eyes were familiar but the hatred glittering in them was not...
"Khaleesi?" Grey Worm managed to choke out what everyone was thinking. It was
her, but it wasn't her.
"Arry, dear," The Devourer wearing Khaleesi's face smiled evilly at Arry. "Did
you really think I was so easily defeated?" She licked her pale lips. "I did
enjoy our time together..." Snow's brain scrambled to make sense of the
impossible scene before him. Arry's dagger...?
"How is this possible?!" The Protector roared at the horrifying aberration,
which had stunned the rest of them into silence. "You cannot take one
unwilling!"
"While you slumbered," she sneered, "allowing your people to be unprotected. I
continued to seek a way to destroy you once and for all." The Devourer walked
around the altar, leaving a trail of smoke in her wake. "My last host was
creative and shameless, he was easy to sway." She waggled her fingers in the
group's direction. "These... adventurers," she spit the word like a curse, "got
in my way too many times." A cruel smile curled over her beautiful bloodless
lips. "So I decided to make use of them."
"Rules are made to be broken!" Arry jumped forward, pulling her bowstring taut
and aiming at The Devourer's head. "I plan to spill blood today!" Snow
understood the Halfling's fury, she was the one most used and tricked by The
Devourer. Her dagger must have somehow become a temporary host when the evil
demon escaped Brawlis' body.
"No!" Drogo yoked her up around her neck with one massive arm. "Khaleesi will
be hurt." The Devourer cackled as black smoke swirled around her, swallowing
her until she disappeared. Arry yanked free of the Barbarian's choke-hold and
turned around to face him with a fierce expression.
"This is not the day for vengeance, Arry." The Protector approached her,
placing a hand on her shoulder. "Today we have seen the worst The Devourer can
do. Now we must plan our attack." The whole group stared at The Protector as
the gravity of the situation sunk in. They had to face an unbeatable foe who
was using the body of their comrade... If they somehow managed to destroy The
Devourer once and for all, Khaleesi would be lost to them forever. The bell
rung.
"Let's all have a round of applause," Jon stood up, "for Dany's first day as
Dungeon Master!" Everyone around the table clapped as Dany blushed and stood up
to take a bow. Nobody could ever replace Sam but that wasn't what she tried to
do. Her way of continuing the story would be different but just as gripping and
fun.
                                     ARYA
She studied all the girls in every single class as her three-step plan to see
Gendry more often formulated in her head. Most of them all seemed somewhat the
same, overly concerned with what boys think about them. There was one girl who
stood out, not just because she had serious facial scars covering one side of
her face. But also because she seemed to be quietly observing everyone, just
like Arya.
"Hi there," Arya approached the girl as class let out. "What's your name
again?"
"Shireen Baratheon," she answered with a light blush blooming in her one
unscarred cheek. Baratheon?! Arya couldn't believe her good luck - the girl she
chose happened to be related to dad's potential business partner. "You're Arya
Stark, right?" Arya was right, this girl might be quiet, but she paid attention
to what went on around her. "Oh, but you can just call me Sheri."
"Can you walk with me for a few minutes, Sheri?" Arya decided to follow her
instincts to convince this girl to help her.
"Sure..." Sheri's eyes narrowed slightly and Arya knew she had to tread
lightly, so as to not make this girl feel like she was being used. Although,
that was pretty much exactly what was going to happen. Personally, Arya thought
the facial scar looked pretty badass. The girl seemed self-conscious about it,
letting her hair fall over her face.
"Listen," Arya lead the way and Sheri followed. "You seem like a nice girl so
that's why I came to you - I need a favor."
"A favor?" Sheri still seemed suspicious and she had a reason to be so. Arya
stopped as they reached the hallway of lockers and looked around until she
spotted who she looked for.
"See that hot guy over there?" Arya pointed out Gendry, who was standing next
to Hot Pie as he tried to shove more books and his already stuffed locker. "The
one leaning against the locker?"
"Yes," Sheri nodded her head before turning back to look at Arya with a smile.
"Is that the boy you like?"
"That's my boyfriend - and he's totally whipped by me." Arya sat leaned back on
her heels, crossing her arms, as she smugly basked in Sheri's astonishment.
"No way!" Sheri whipped her head back to look at Gendry again. She didn't blame
the girl for being incredulous, it just proved how ridiculous hot her boyfriend
was. "I mean, not that I don't believe-"
"Hey stupid!" Arya smirked as Gendry instantly looked up at her with that silly
lovesick smile on his face. "Come over here." She waved him over and he
immediately obeyed, jogging up to her while still smiling. "Tell me you love
me," she demanded.
"Love you." Gendry grinned like a ridiculously handsome besotted fool, fitting
into her plan perfectly. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the girl's
shocked expression. Then his attention slid to Sheri. "Is this your-"
"Kiss me." Arya ordered and he instantly followed that command as well,
pressing a brief kiss to her lips. "Now go away," she waved her hand and
dismissal.
"Arry..." His brow scrunched up as he frowned at her, clearly confused by her
odd behavior but it would all be worth it when it worked out.
"Go - away - now." She scowled at him, wishing they were telepathic so she
could explain what she was doing. Gendry shoulders slumped as he turned around
and ambled back towards Hot Pie. Arya turn to Sheri with a confident smirk.
"See?"
"Wh-wha-what..." Sheri's mouth hung open as she glanced between Arya and
Gendry. "What just happened?!" Then a wide excited smile broke over her face.
"He's even better looking up close!" This was working exactly as Arya planned.
Step one: impress the fuck out of a lonely girl.
"You have excellent taste." Arya brushed her shoulders off and hooked her
thumbs and her belt loops as she spread the bragging on a little thick. "His
body is so amazing - like, a-maz-ing." Step two: make the lonely girl envious.
"Teach me your ways!" Sheri grabbed Arya by the shoulders with a look of
desperation on her scarred face. Step three: make the lonely girl see Arya as
her only hope.
"I think we should be friends." Arya chuckled as she pulled Sheri's hands down,
watching as the girl nodded her head vigorously in agreement. "Good - now
friends help each other out, right?" She pulled her face into an exaggerated
pout and gazed longingly at Gendry. "I'm grounded, because my dad doesn't
approve of my dating before sixteen."
"That's so old-fashioned!" Sheri expressed just the right amount of outrage and
Arya had to bite her cheek to keep from smiling. "My dad is the same way but...
he doesn't really have to worry about me dating." She lowered her head and
self-consciously pulled her hair forward over her face.
"Look at me!" Arya waved a hand at herself. "I'm not the prettiest girl but I
bagged a mega-hottie like it was nothing." She took Sheri's hand away from her
hair and looked the girl straight in the eye. "I can help you find a date if
that's what you want." How hard could it be?
"Really?" Sheri's eyes widened, filling with a mixture of disbelief and hope.
"Honestly, I don't have a lot of friends..." She turned her eyes down to their
hands still clasped together. "I'm not very good at talking to people."
"Bullshit," Arya argued, "everyone else is just an asshole." Sheri turned her
eyes up again, a small smile crinkling her scarred face. "You're alright,
Sheri." Arya decided she wasn't just going to use this girl to get what she
wanted but also truly liked her. "Want to come back to my place today and hang
out? I'm grounded but I can just tell dad we're working on a project together.
You okay with that?"
"Sounds like fun," Sheri grinned. They walked arm-in-arm to the weirwood tree
out front, as Sheri called her mother to get permission to go over to a
friend's house. Before long dad pulled up in front of the school and Arya led
her new friend down to the car and opened the passenger door.
"Dad," Arya waved a hand at Sheri. "This is my friend, Shireen Baratheon - we
are working together on a school project." Sheri smiled shyly and gave dad a
little wave as he sized her up and looked pleased. "Is it okay if she comes
over for a few hours so we can work on it?"
"Of course," Dad was immediately suckered in my Sheri's feminine shy cuteness,
as expected. He was always telling Arya to find more girl friends, probably
because he assumed they would keep her out of trouble. "Hello, Shireen," he
greeted her with a smile. Arya closed the front door and opened the back so
both girls could slide into the backseat. "Do you like steak?" Arya rolled her
eyes at dad's predictability.
"I am a fan of all varieties of meat, Mr. Stark." Sheri replied with an honest
expression. Arya once again congratulated herself on picking the diamond in the
rough.
"Then we will get along just fine." Dad put the car into drive and pulled away
from the school. "So, what kind of project are you girls working on?" Arya
already had some vague reply to that question but she didn't even have to use
it.
"For History class," Sheri answered before Arya could even open her mouth. "We
have to make an oral presentation on a historical figure we both admire and we
only just decided on Visenya Targaryen."
"Ah," dad chuckled, "Arya loved stories about her when she was little."
"Nice," she whispered under her breath and Sheri responded with a little wink.
Without a doubt, this girl was definitely going to be Arya's ticket to freedom.
Chapter End Notes
     I'm so glad I could include Shireen, I think her character is
     adorable and I always thought she and Arya would get on well.
     Sandor POV next - it's Sansa's birthday! We'll find out how he's
     coping with the guilt about Gregor finding out about Sansa. Also,
     he's going to make one of Sansa's most secret of dreams come true!
     Yay! Bittersweet is how I like my teen romance :D
***** Wheels and Talks *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                              [Wheels_and_Talks]
                                    SANDOR
He tried - he really tried his fucking hardest - to make this day, her
birthday, special for Sansa and so far it seemed to be working. She nearly
burst into happy tears every time he opened a door for her and thanked him a
full ten times for just buying her a hot chocolate. The weather cooperated,
staying cool and sunny as he drove her to their surprise destination. When the
top of the wheel came into view, she gasped and turned to him with a hopeful
expression. Sandor still wouldn't give into her curiosity, refusing to spill
any details until they pulled up in the parking lot.
"A carnival?!" Sansa leaned forward gazed up at the Ferris wheel with an open-
mouthed smile and shimmering excited eyes. When she turned those bright eyes on
him, Sandor focused on pulling into a parking spot. He wasn't used to faking a
smile - still not used to smiling at all - and his mind wouldn't forget the
darkness hanging over them. Every day he had a new justification for not
telling her the truth about Greg but those excuses ran out.
"Quit gawking and hurry up, little bird," he stepped out of the Skylark and
started walking toward the carnival. He heard her slam her car door and the
gravel under her boots as she skipped to his side to hang off his arm. Sandor
loved when she did that, her little hands holding onto him tightly and her head
tilted against his shoulder. She chirped her thanks and about how much she
'adored' carnivals but he couldn't focus on her words. The ticket booth
operator was just the first of many confused looks they would get tonight but
he did his best to ignore it.
"What should we do first?!" She dragged him around, her chatter competing with
sound of booths' music and the metallic screeching of the rides. At first Sansa
just wanted to walk around and look at everything until she spotted a booth and
pulled him over, it was a basketball game. "Oh look, a wolf!" She pointed up at
the stuffed animal prizes. "Can you win that for me?" Sandor was surprised she
didn't want the rabbit or cat.
"I could do it blindfolded," he grinned down at her before passing the gawking
carney some money and picking up the first ball. Swish - nothing but net and
Sandor saw the trick right away, the basket was barely big enough for the balls
to fit through. He turned his twisted grin at the dopey fuck running the booth
and tossed the second ball in without looking. "How many do I have to put in
before I get that wolf?"
"Ten, in a row," the carney replied without really meeting Sandor's eyes. Fine
with him - he didn't want to look at the ugly fucker either. For every one of
the next eight baskets he sunk, Sansa cheered and clapped. The carney handed
over the stuffed wolf without much enthusiasm but the little bird snatched the
toy and hugged it tightly.
"Let's put it in the car," he started to lead her away from the booth but she
didn't follow.
"I want to carry her," she pouted. "And her name is 'Lady'." Sandor shrugged,
not caring either way and let her take his hand to lead him through the
carnival. Next he rode in a bumper car that he could barely fit in while she
drove - the fucking wolf crammed between them. The little bird shrieked and
giggled as she crashed into other drivers while he sulked with his arms
crossed. Afterward she wanted to go into the fun house - filled with fucking
mirrors - and she made funny faces at herself.
Once that eighth hell was over, they stopped by the lemonade stand and he
bought one for her and water for himself. They sat and sipped their drinks as
the evening sky turned violet with the sinking sun. Crowds of people poured in
as the day slowly melted into night. Lights came on all around the carnival and
Sansa wanted to walk around the whole thing again. Sandor didn't really mind
since she clung to his arm and chirped excitedly. Rides whirred around in a
blur of lights and the air smelled like cotton candy and fried dough.
"Hungry?" He noticed her staring longingly at the funnel cake booth.
"I am a bit hungry..." She smiled sheepishly up at him and held up one finger.
"Let's go on one more ride first." Then her eyes glowed with excitement as they
turned to look up at the Ferris wheel in the center of the carnival. Sandor
knew eventually she would drag him to the Ferris wheel and had been dreading it
all day. Sansa bounced on her toes as they waited in line, watching the baskets
get filled one by one.
The pimply-faced kid running the ride did a double take at his face before
turning an incredulous stare at the little bird. Sandor sneered at the kid
until he averted his eyes and opened the basket door so they could get on. He
could admit his cowardice, never telling Sansa how much she meant to him. There
were so many things he should've told her and he planned to say them all -
before this ride ended, even if it killed him. The door shut behind him and it
banged closed with finality before the ride started moving again.
"Sansa, I have to tell you something" he watched as she sat her wolf beside her
and scooted close to him - beaming with happiness. "I've never been happier in
my life, every day I wake up looking forward to seeing you and hearing your
voice." Her smile brightened and Sandor had to look away as he told ahold of
one of her hands. "I haven't been good enough to you." Sansa started to argue
but he didn't let her. "Let me finish... I've tried my best to make you happy
sometimes." He eyed her sideways to see her confused but still smiling
expression. "I did, didn't I?"
"So happy," she assured him, squeezing his hand. "I can hardly believe it."
"Being with you has been like a dream," he practiced this confession in his
head, trying his best to be sincere and not curse. "I love you more every day
and I don't think I'll ever stop. Even if we are on opposite sides of the
world, I'll still love you. That's not a promise, just the simple truth."
"Oh, Sandor," she clasped his hand between hers and held it against her chest.
"That's the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said... ever." Sansa ducked
her head in his vision. "Did Arya tell you it was my secret fantasy to have
someone declare their love for me on a Ferris wheel?"
"You're a bit predictable, little bird." He chuckled at her dubious yet still
delighted expression.
"Mean boy," she admonished as she lifted her lips to his. Ah, lemonade on her
lips - that's how the drink was meant to be enjoyed. Sandor could have kissed
her until the wheel - hells, even until the world stopped spinning. But the
clock was running down and he still had more to say so he gently pushed her
away and turned his body to face her.
"Sansa, just..." Sandor got lost for a second - wanting to face reality but
losing his nerve. "I've got more to say and we're going to sit on this fucking
wheel until I get it out." Sansa's smile fell as a concerned expression crossed
her face but he couldn't stop once he started. "There's not much in my life I
can control - practically fucking nothing. After graduation I'm picking up my
certificate, not stopping to walk around in some polyester dress or throw a
cap." Her jaw dropped in shock and she shook her head.
"Just me," he continued before she could interrupt, "my shit, and my Skylark
are heading on a one-way trip to Anywhere But Here. That's all I've ever
wanted... before I met you." Sansa's eyes sparkled with rainbow colors from the
carnival lights. "I never dreamed about meeting a girl and falling for her, I
didn't dare. You make me so happy I keep forgetting why I have to get away - as
far and fast as I can. I'm not safe in Kings Landing and neither are the people
I care about."
"If this is about your brother," she quickly interrupted as his words failed
him. "If he's making threats then we can go to the police-"
"You're so fucking naive," Sandor leaned back, laughing though he didn't think
anything was funny anymore. "I was like that once, I thought if I told
somebody..." He squeezed his eyes shut and closed his mind off to the feeling
of her soft hand lightly covering his. "Nobody gives a fuck, girl. Everybody's
got their finger in some rich man's pocket and Greg knows how to make himself
valuable to rich men. They don't like to get their soft hands dirty, see? He
likes it - he loves to hurt people." The last words barely choked from his
throat. "And he knows about you."
"We should tell my father," at first her voice was just a whisper but it grew
stronger. "Come home with me and tell him whatever threats your brother made.
Explain the truth about what Mr. Baratheon is really like."
"No point in that, little bird." Sandor felt like a weight was lifted off his
chest after telling her, the worst part was over - for better or worse. "The
result's the same." He turned back to face her, surprised to see the tears gone
from her eyes. "I'd swear to the gods that I love you, Sansa, if I believed in
them." She smiled again, small and shaky but still genuine - it was enough. "We
should end it now."
"What?! No!" For some reason she looked shocked. "What are you saying?!" Was
she really so surprised? There wasn't any other option for him - this was the
only way he could keep her safe.
"Say I tell your dad what's up - what happens to us?" Sandor didn't wait for
her rose-colored answer. "If he believes me and has half a brain, he'll send
you on the first flight to Winterfell. If he doesn't believe me then he'll
forbid you from seeing me." A single tear spilled down over her cheek but she
didn't argue. "And if I don't let you go now, and something happens to you
because of me... You understand, don't you? I'm hanging onto life by a fucking
thread here. I even shock myself that I made it this long without just...
giving up."
"Don't say that," her hand and voice shook as she reached out to grab one of
his sleeves. "Don't ever say that... Oh gods, please don't leave me, Sandor." A
few more tears spilled as her head hung forward but she quickly wiped them
away. "I'll do anything."
"I'd do anything for you, that's what I'm saying." He pulled her hand free from
his sleeve and set it down in her lap beside the other. "I love you - I wish
you could always be mine." Somehow, the words were easy to say knowing he'd
never get to say them again. "But if we keep on going, I won't have it in me to
let you go so I gotta do it now. If you ever think back on your first
boyfriend," a smile tugged at his lips at the memory of refusing to ever be
called that. "I want the memories to make you smile." The basket door suddenly
swung open.
"Can we go around once more, please?" Sansa flashed her prettiest smile at the
pimply ride conductor staring expectantly at them. Sandor had almost forgotten
they were even on a ride - the carney blushed and closed the door again "Thank
you," she called. Her smile vanished as she suddenly turned cold, not a tear
shining in her glowering eyes.
"You're breaking up with me," Sansa's pretty lips curled into a sneer. "On my
birthday, on a Ferris wheel. After granting my most secret love confession
fantasy." She huffed a laugh and waggled her head. "Sandor Clegane... you
are... indescribable." Then she suddenly grasped the front of his sweater, her
sudden strength shocked him, and pulled his face close to hers. "And you are
mine," she asserted with surprising resolve, "I won't let you go. So no thank
you, I turn down your offer to break up."
"Little bird..." Sandor shook his head and wrapped his fingers around her
wrists to yank them off the front of his hoodie. "What the fuck is wrong with
you?!" He struggled to lower his voice to a menacing growl. "I dumped you - you
can't un-dump yourself!"
"Watch me!" She screeched and yanked her hands free to slap one palm against
her chest. "I'm my fricking birthday! Of course it scares me that a violent
criminal knows I even exist! It's terrifying!" Sansa threw her hands up. "So
what? So is driving a car or falling in love or any number of things. This
giant contraption could be faulty and collapse on top of me!" Her arms crossed
over her chest in defiance. "I'm still going to ride it!"
"A fucking carnival ride," he snarled, "never tried to rape someone to death."
Sansa snorted like he was being dramatic so he grasped both of her shoulders.
He had to make her understand - the world wasn't made up of rainbow and fucking
gumdrops! "Wake up, little girl - there are real monsters in the world." Sandor
didn't try to hide his own fear as he kept their eyes locked together. "He
turns me into a cowering little boy," he rasped through his tightened throat.
"I can't protect you."
"We'll protect each other," she wrapped her hands around his forearms with a
look of such determination on her face. "That's what people do when they love
each other. I'm starting to worry I'm the only person who has ever loved you
and that's horrible to say, I know." It might be 'horrible' but Sandor knew the
truth when he heard it. "You don't protect someone by throwing them away, we
have to stick together." Sansa's words make him think of his mom, how she
abandoned him with Greg and dad. But this wasn't the same, mom left for herself
- not for his own good...
"No matter what," he reminded her, "I'm leaving at the end of the school year."
Sandor unclenched his hands and let them fall from her arms. "Don't you see? It
always had to end sometime - I should've never dragged you into my life." From
the beginning, he knew it was wrong but he always intended to keep his
promises. Greg getting out of jail was just his own rotten luck catching up
with him.
"I think I pushed my way in," she gave one sad little laugh. "We have to try,
that's all we can do." Sansa turned her wide blew up at him, pleading as if he
actually had a choice. "I'm not happy you are leaving after your graduate but I
understand better than you think. Right now, I know you are doing this before
the Winter Formal on purpose."
"You'd prefer I fuck you - then dump you?" Sandor had tried to persuade her as
kindly as he could but his patience ran out.
"How generous of you," she replied dryly, "to leave my virginity intact for the
next boy who comes along." His eyes snapped to her face before he could stop
himself. "Oh, you can glare at me but I know that is exactly what you are
thinking." Sansa gave him a disgusted look that he felt straight down to his
bones. "How dare you presume to make decisions for my good? Either you are
looking down on me because I'm a girl or because I am younger. I don't know
which option makes me more upset." The basket door swung open again and Sandor
glared at the intrusion.
"Give us one more go around!" Sandor growled at the pimply kid, who shut the
door again right away. He sat back, covering his face with his hand and
wondering where he went wrong. "This is not how I thought this would go..."
"You thought I might shed a few tears and meekly nod my head." Sansa spoke in a
clipped tone, calling him out on his own assumptions about her. "Sorry to
disappoint, but I told you that I'm changing and it's mostly your fault." She
cupped her hand against his cheek and turned his head to face her. "I won't
give you up without a fight! What do I have to do, beg?" Tears welled and her
eyes once more as her voice wavered. "I would beg until I ran out of breath. Do
you need to hear it?" Sandor knew she had him - he'd never be able to withstand
her begging.
"You win," he whispered in defeat.
"Don't ever try to break up with me again." She slumped back into her seat and
pulled the stuffed wolf into her arms to hold it tightly. "I won't forgive you
so easily next time. On my birthday, for love of the gods," she grumbled under
her breath, "I'm so fricking hungry." Sandor held it in the whole time - held
in in for days even as he tried to find some solution. He buried his face in
his hands and couldn't fight back the tears anymore. He heard Sansa gasp before
he felt her hands pulling him towards her and holding his face against her
chest. "I'm sorry, oh gods I'm so sorry."
"What am I gonna do?" Sandor knew he sounded like a whimpering child but all
the false bravado left him when he failed to set her free. "I can't keep you
safe." He was holding her too tightly, wishing he could keep her close forever.
"Oh fuck, Sansa, I can't let anything happen to you..." His voice lowered to a
harsh whisper. "You're everything..."
"Listen to me," her one hand stroked over his head soothingly as she held his
head tight to her chest. "I might not seem like much, but I'm stronger than you
think." It was humiliating for Sansa to be the strong one, comforting him while
he cried uselessly. "We're both scared but we would be fools not to be. I won't
let fear take away the person I love the most... Together we are stronger, we
will find a way to keep each other safe."
"How could you want," he gulped one shuddering breath, "someone as broken and
fucked up as me?"
"You've been hurt in so many ways, yet you haven't been beaten by it." Her
voice was soothing, without a trace of resentment for his show of weakness. "My
father says the only time you can be brave is when you're afraid. I'm so afraid
Sandor, of losing you most of all. But I can be brave if you can." Sandor
didn't deserve her understanding and sympathy - he certainly didn't deserve her
devotion. If this really was some kind of coma dream, he'd fucking kill the
doctor who woke him up.
"I'm trying," they were the only two words he could manage.
"That's all we can do." Sansa gently urged him to sit up and she use the back
of her fingers to wipe tears off his face. "Don't ever hide anything from me
again and don't try to drive me away. Someday, if you stop loving me-"
"That won't happen," he swore - no matter what that was one promise he couldn't
break even if he wanted to.
"If..." She continued with solemn expression. "Only then will I accept us
breaking up. I'm going to love you as long as you let me."
"Can't fucking get rid of you," he joked, earning him a scowl from her. "Just
trying to lighten the mood." Sandor wasn't ready to let her go yet so he pulled
her close again and breathed in her calming floral scent. "I won't lie, little
bird, I'm scared shitless. He's my nightmare and has been my whole life. You're
in real danger and I have no fucking clue what to do about it - dumping you was
my big plan."
"So we come up with another plan," Sansa wrapped her arms around his waist,
"together."
"No matter what it takes, I'll keep you safe." He really shouldn't make any
more promises but this was one he intended to keep come hells or high water.
"Come meet my father," she asked again, "he might surprise you. I know you
don't trust rich people but he's a good man." Sandor knew not every daughter
says that about her father - all along he could tell Sansa respected the man.
"I think he will help once he gets to know you first, he will see what good and
honest person you are."
"Fine, I'll meet him." Sandor didn't have any better ideas but he knew
something had to be done. It was an eighth hell to go through a week of
worrying about Sansa's safety. "Sorry I sobbed all over you like a fucking
child."
"It has been a long time since someone protected you, Sandor." She bunched the
back of his hoodie into her fists. "I won't ever let anyone hurt you again."
Sansa released him and tried to pull away to look up at him but Sandor just
held her tighter.
"Can we stay like this a little longer?" He wished it didn't sound like begging
though that's exactly what it was.
"As long as you want," she relaxed against him again and ran her hand up and
down his back. They held onto each other until the door to their basket swung
open for a third time. To the obvious relief of the conductor, they finally got
off the ride.
"Sansa," he pulled her beside a tent for some privacy. "You aren't safe - don't
ever let your guard down." Sandor's mind reeled with advice she should know to
stay out of Greg's clutches. "Don't go anywhere alone. Call me if you need a
ride, I'll drop everything-"
"Sandor," Sansa interrupted in a weary voice, "later we can talk about it...
Just not now."
"Sorry-"
"Tell me you love me," she pleaded quietly.
"I love you," whatever reservations he had about those words seemed silly after
what they just went through. It felt like he'd been fighting on a battlefield
all day and still didn't know which side won the war.
"Again," she demanded in a stronger voice.
"I love you, Sansa." He kept his eyes locked on hers, watching as her
expression relaxed.
"Let's get out of here," she sighed wearily. "Take me to the shop so I can hold
you all night." He didn't trust his voice not to crack so he answered with a
nod and put his arm around her as they walked to where the Skylark was parked.
His brilliant plan - to let her down easy - blew up in his face, but mostly he
just felt relieved. It was wrong of him to underestimate Sansa, to think she
would value her own safety more than her love for him. That level of devotion
should have scared him but it only made him want to keep her even more.
If there were any gods - they would damn him straight to all the hells for his
selfishness.
Chapter End Notes
     I regret nothing!!!!
     "It would hardly have been a really serious engagement if it hadn’t
     been broken off at least once."
     - Cecily, "The Importance of Being Earnest" (aka the best Colin Firth
     movie ever - it is known)
     Especially when the weather was so charming! :D
     Well, the good news is, I highly doubt Sandor will try that nonsense
     again. But how is he going to deal with Gregor? Spoilers, sweetie. <3
***** Family Troubles *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                               [Family_Troubles]
                                     DANY
Drogo was giving her a ride home in his beat up old truck. Dany would rather
stay over at his place, but she had been doing that far too often as of late.
When she stayed at the ranch, the rest of the world just melted away. He was
teaching her how to take care of the horses and the simple but hard work helped
her sleep uncommonly well through the night. Well... he also tired her out in
other ways.
"Tell me honestly," Dany turned to face Drogo, pulling the seatbelt strap
behind her back. "How I am doing as the new Dungeon Master?" He eyed her
sideways but did not respond. "Come on, I really want to know."
"Good." Something she learned about Drogo right away: whenever he gave a one-
word answer it always meant he had more to say.
"But...?" Dany crossed her arms and stubbornly awaited his reply.
"To slow," he confirmed her fears with so few words: Drogo had a surprising
gift for summary. "Not enough battles."
"Ouch!" Dany dramatically placed her hand over her heart. "I'm mortally
wounded! Of course you're right," she admitted with a defeated sigh. "I just
have all this background lore written and I don't want it to go to waste. Very
well," she balled her fist in determination. "I am going to work really hard to
make next week more exciting! Thank you for your succinct and brutal honesty, I
shall treasure it always." With Drogo, it was always a guessing game to
speculate how he truly felt. "Does it annoy you that I talk so much?"
"Yer mem zheana," he told her she sounded beautiful. His voice sounded even
deeper in his own native tongue. Dany had redoubled her efforts to learn
Dothraki for that very reason.
"I feel the same way about your voice." She removed her seatbelt and slid
closer to him as they turned onto her street. The truck pulled into the
driveway in front of her house and she gave Drogo the gate pass code.
"I have to go home," she looked at the giant house with reluctance, "but I
don't want to." Drogo parked in front of the entrance and Dany reminded herself
she had to make an appearance, or else mother would have a conniption. "If it's
alright with you..." He turned to face her and she gave him a pleading look.
"After the obligatory dinner with my family, could I come back to the ranch
tonight?"
"Here," he pulled the keys from the ignition and removed one from the key ring
before passing it to her. "Come when you want."
"Anytime?" She stared at the key in her palm with disbelief. "Just like that?"
"If you don't want-" Drogo reached out to take the key back but she snatched
her hand away and clutched it to her chest.
"It's mine now," she protested with the playful scowl, "and you can't take it
back!" She wrapped her arms around his neck to hug him goodbye. "Thank you,
Drogo. It means more to me than you know. I feel so... unburdened when I'm at
the ranch: like no evil can touch me there." She reluctantly pulled away to
press one brief kiss on his lips, anything more and she would forget all about
her family. "I'll come tonight."
"Jalan atthirari anni." Drogo trailed his fingers through her loose hair.
"Shekh ma shieraki ann, I'll miss you." Dany forced herself to turn around, get
out of the truck, and marched towards her house without looking back. She
couldn't stay away any more than she already had.
"Mother," she called as she hung up her coat and purse. "I'm home." Mother
immediately descended the staircase, approaching with an angry expression. As
soon as she stood in front of her, mother slapped Dany full across the face
without any warning. "Mother..."
"Where have you been?!" Mother immediately turned around and collapsed on the
nearest sofa. "I needed you here!"
"I was... at a friend's house." Dany stood frozen in the entryway, holding her
face in a state of shock: mother had never struck her before! "What happened?!"
"Elia locked herself in the bathroom for ten hours yesterday." Mother threw her
arm over her face and refused to look at Dany as she approached to kneel by her
side. "She says there was a car parked out front... Poor thing thought it was
him coming for her."
"There's a standing restraining order-"
"Don't be a child, Dany." Mother snapped at her like it was somehow Dany's
fault. "I saw the shabby truck that dropped you off. Who was that?"
"My boyfriend," Dany lifted her head hire, refusing to feel ashamed for wanting
to escape this house. "It doesn't make sense for you to start caring now-"
"I am your mother!" She pushed against the couch to sit up and stare down at
Dany. "Of course, I care! I have been taking care of Elia," mother wailed
pitifully and covered her mouth. "I thought I could depend on you."
"I take care of Elia." Dany stood, refusing to be guilted for being
irresponsible by a woman who runs from responsibility herself. "I wouldn't have
let her stay in that bathroom for ten hours! Couldn't deal with it, could you?
You took something to 'relax your nerves' instead of calling me," she accused
with rancor. "Don't pretend with me!"
"Those are medications that have been prescribed by my doctor!" Mother tried to
jump to her feet but it was obvious she was currently under the influence of
some substance.
"He's little better than a drug dealer!" Dany was ready for it the second time,
catching mother's hand before it could reach her face. "Slap me again," she
warned, "see what happens."
"What has gotten into you?" Mother had audacity to be outraged but Dany wanted
to ask that exact same question. Who was this woman wearing her mother's weary
face?
"Life: I'm living." Dany turned on her heel and started up the staircase,
heading to her aunt's room. "I didn't die that day with daddy and neither did
you. Elia didn't die either but we let her hide in this house. Not anymore!"
"What are you doing?" Mother started to follow as Dany took the stairs two at a
time.
"Elia!" Dany shouted for her aunt, her body trembling from the adrenaline.
"Dany?" Elia open her bedroom door, peaking out with a confused expression.
"What...?"
"We're leaving." Dany pushed open the door all the way and took hold of her
aunt's hands to pull her into the hallway. "I'm going to take you to a nice
safe place where you can recover. Trust me," she assured Elia, who struggled a
bit but still followed along. "I've done all the research-"
"She's not going anywhere!" Mother rounded the staircase banister and blocked
Dany's path. "We Targaryens take care of our own!"
"Nothing is getting better!" Dany didn't bother to keep her voice at a
respectable level: the situation they were in was not respectable. "It's been
two years!" She rounded on her aunt, who was still trying to pull her hand away
and starting to whimper. "You didn't die! I know what happened to you is... too
horrible to imagine." Elia cried out and squeezed her eyes shut. "But you
survived!"
"I lost everything!" Elia looked terrified but Dany couldn't stop herself. They
had been walking on eggshells around her aunt for two years and nothing got
better. "Rhaegar, the children..."
"You can see them again!" Dany insisted, trying to tug Elia around her mother.
"It's been two years! Don't you miss them?"
"DANY!" Mother's screeching distracted Dany long enough for Elia to pull free.
She stumbled back against the hallway before sliding to the ground in a pitiful
shivering heap.
"You can't stay like this forever!" Dany knelt in front of her aunt and grasped
Elia by her quivering shoulders. "I don't pretend to understand Rhaegar but if
I were him, I would keep the children away too." Elia flinched away as if she
was struck and started to cry. "I love you so much, I miss you! I miss your
smile and the way you used to braid my hair! Come back to me please, Aunt Elia!
Don't do this anymore!"
"Get out!" Mother tried to pull Dany away from Elia, who started to sob
uncontrollably.
"I won't give up on her!" Dany shrugged her mother off, refusing to relent
until she said something that got through to her tortured aunt. "Come with me
now," she gentled her voice and loosened to grip to rub up and down Elia's arms
in a soothing motion. "I will take you somewhere safe that nobody but me knows
about. There you can get proper treatment, not just pills that take away some
of the pain. You can still get your old life back."
"I'm sorry, Dany..." Elia visibly struggled to hold back from crying. "For
forcing you to grow up too fast."
"You were the victim," Dany pulled her aunt into a tight embrace. "None of us
are to blame for what happened. We had our problems like every family, but we
were happy. That day..."
"Dany," mother gasped in horror, "don't!"
"We never talk about it, ever." Dany moved away from her aunt to sit on the
ground between her mother and Elia. "We pretend that day didn't happen: but it
did!" Mother leaned her head against the banister and wiped away a few tears
that fell down her face. "That day I felt so sick and there was nothing I
wanted more than to get home to you." Dany smiled through her tears at Elia.
"Remember, your famous beef bone broth? It could cure anything, I knew you
would take care of me. That's how it used to be and I know... I know it can be
that way again and am willing to do whatever it takes."
"This place you picked..." Elia's voice was barely louder than a whisper.
"Could you come visit me there?"
"I would come every week if that's what you want." Dany crawled closer to her
aunt, keeping their eyes locked together. "We can go right now and I'll show
you exactly how far it is. You don't have to stay," she promised. "You can just
see the route and the building for yourself."
"I always did love a good road trip." A ghost of a smile flitted across Elia's
lips. "Remember Rhaella, before the kids were born, we used to go up to the
lake house?"
"Before the kids..." Mother exhaled a long shuddering breath. "Another
lifetime."
"No," Elia reached out to take Dany's hand. "It was just the first chapter. I
trust you Dany."
"Let's go." Dany stood up and helped Elia to her feet, never once letting go of
her hand. Mother did not try to stop them as they descended the stairs, put on
their coats and shoes, and left the house. Tonight, Dany did not know what gave
her the strength to do what she should have done two years ago. That wasn't
true: she could guess where her courage came from. After dropping Elia off at
the treatment facility, she would return to the ranch and find her own
happiness waiting for her.
                                     SANSA
Exited beyond description, she raced out of the licensing building and ran to
her father's car. She felt freer than ever before, as if the whole world was
suddenly open to her. Sansa opened the car door and sat down inside before
passing over her brand-new driver's license to daddy.
"Congratulations, lemoncake." He beamed proudly at the license before handing
it back to her and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I knew you could do it."
"Thank you, daddy." Sansa replaced the license in her purse and decided she
wouldn't waste any more time. She would finally be honest with daddy, at least
as much as she could. "I promised someone I would go on a date with them after
I got my license."
"So soon?" His voice was a little tight as he put the car into drive and
started heading for home. Sansa worried that daddy still wasn't ready for her
to start growing up. That seemed a normal thing for fathers and daughters to go
through.
"Truthfully, I've liked this boy for some time." Sansa tugged at a strand of
her hair and tried not to look to guilty. "You saw him before," she reminded
him. "He sometimes walks me to the weirwood tree after school. I don't want to
put too much pressure on him but I would like it if I could bring him home to
meet you sometime."
"The sooner the better," daddy seemed a little anxious but at least he was
willing to meet Sandor.
"Thank you, daddy." Sansa breathed a happy sigh of relief. "I know you will
like him, he has a very strong sense of honor."
"That's quite a compliment." Daddy pulled into the parking lot of their
apartment building and parked the car.
"I mean it sincerely." Sansa quickly took off her seatbelt and grabbed her
purse. "I have to go get ready." She pushed open the door but stopped to smile
and his nervous expression. "Love you, daddy."
"Love you, honey," he nodded his head as his face relaxed, returning her smile.
Sansa practically ran into the apartment lobby and threw herself into the
elevator, grinning all the while. She felt certain that everything would work
out, once she and Sandor had her father's full support. The only clue he gave
about where they were going today was to 'dress warmly'. It took the customary
three hours to get ready but when she was done, she hurried downstairs to find
the Skylark waiting for her.
"Hey," he greeted her with averted eyes as she got into the car. Sandor still
seemed to feel some shame or guilt about her birthday, even though she already
forgave him. Things had been tense between then ever since that day but Sansa
refused to let it get to her and chose to look on the bright side.
"Hey, yourself," she pulled the car door closed and he started driving. "So, do
I at least get to know where my 'do-over birthday' will take place?" Sandor
insisted on having another birthday celebration since he ruined the first one.
She compromised by asking him to take her somewhere special after she got her
driver's license.
"Nope," he grinned at her and it went a long way to helping her relax. "It's a
surprise."
"I hate surprises!" Sansa pouted and crossed her arms, even though it made her
happy to have him teasing her again. It seemed all he could do lately was
apologize or stare at her like she was terminally ill.
"Too fucking bad," he teased, "I love them." They headed in the direction of
the mall and Sansa started making guesses about where they were going. Sandor
remained tight-lipped as ever. Eventually, they pulled into the parking lot of
an outside strip mall that held an ice skating rink.
"Oh my gods, I love ice skating!" Sansa should have worked that out long before
she guessed 'petting zoo'. "I did not even know there was a rink in the city!"
"I remembered you said it was still too hot and it didn't feel like winter."
Sandor parked the Skylark. "Stay put," he ordered and got out to jog around the
car, opening her door for her. Sansa already completely forgave him for his
despicable hateful mean-hearted Ferris wheel dumping but she enjoyed his
remorse just a tiny bit.
"You can ice skate?" Sansa tried to picture it but couldn't stop imagining
Sandor doing a perfect butterfly spin. She chuckled to herself as she slipped
her hand into his and they walked towards the building.
"Never done it in my life," he laughed "but I rollerbladed as a kid." Sandor
opened the front door for her and they walked together to the half-wall built
around the rink. "I came here before to check the place out first and it killed
my original plan for your birthday." He shrugged before leaning against the
rail on top of the wall. "They don't have skates in my size." Oh pooh, there
went her idealistic imaginings of them skating while holding hands.
"That is so unfair," she grumbled, "your romantic plans were ruined because of
big feet." Sansa patted Sandor's shoulder in commiseration. "I've been there,"
she sighed and leaned on the rail next to him. "More times that I could count,
I've seen some cute little shoes but they wouldn't fit my massive feet even
with a crowbar."
"Your feet are tiny," he bumped her shoulder with his. Sandor was so large in
comparison that everything about her seemed small next to him.
"And that is just another reason why we are perfect." Sansa wrapped her hands
around his arm and tilted her head against his shoulder. "I just thought of a
Winterfest gift for you." If she bought him skates in his size then they could
come back here and skate together.
"Ugh," he groaned, "I hate Winterfest."
"How can you hate the most wonderful holiday of the year?!" She lifted her head
to stare incredulously at him.
"Little bird," he raised his brow, "why do you think I hate 'family' holidays?"
Sansa had just about enough of Sandor's horrible family!
"This year will be different," she vowed. "Don't think of it as a 'family'
holiday..." Sansa gave him her most charming of smiles. "It can be the most
romantic day of the year."
"How 'bout," he tucked a hand under her chin, "we make this the most romantic
day of the year?" Sandor brushed his lips briefly over hers before pulling back
and jerking his chin towards the skate rental counter. "Go, put on some skates,
and show me how it's done." Sansa beamed at him before turning around to get
some skates from the counter and then sat on a bench to pull them on. He sat
next to her and she described the basics on how to ice skate as she laced up.
Once the skates were on, he helped her to stand and walk the rink.
"Ah," she smiled as she glided onto the ice, feeling happy but a little
homesick. There was a lake on their estate in Winterfell and they used to go
skating ever Winterfest morning before opening presents. Sandor leaned against
the rail to watch her weave in between the other skaters, most of them couples.
Sansa showed off a few basic spins that took her years to get right and then
returned to where he stood. "I am having fun but I must have adjusted to the
southern climate already." Sansa leaned against the railing and pouted. "I'm
cold."
"Can't have that," he rubbed his hands over her arms. "Should I take you
somewhere, get you warmed up?" The playful quirk of his brows made Sandor seem
just like his old cocky self. Either he was learning to let go of his worry...
or getting better at hiding it from her.
"Sounds good to me," she grinned as she pushed away from the rail to skate to
the rink exit. Sansa sat down on a nearby bench and Sandor knelt down in front
of her to remove her skates. "Sandor...?"
"Hmm?" He looked up after pulling off the second skate.
"I told daddy about you today," she kept her voice even and tried to look less
nervous than she felt. "He wants to meet you, I thought we could study at my
apartment for the Spanish final."
"I'll come," he agreed, "if you will learn self-defense and start carrying
pepper spray."
"I wish you were being overly cautious," she sighed. "Fine, I will do whatever
it takes to assure you I am safe."
"I can't tell you how sorry I am," his head hung forward as he focused on
putting her shoes back on.
"Then don't," she stroked her hand over his hair, "that's not what I want to
hear anyway..." Sandor looked up, his dark eyes stirring with a torrent of
emotions.
"I love you," every time he said it sounded even more resolute then the last.
Even though it was painful when he tried to dump her, Sansa knew he did so to
protect her. Since then, Sandor finally let go of his inability to express his
love for her.
"That sounds better every time you say it." Sansa smiled even as Sandor rolled
his eyes and moved to sit next to her. "Everything will be alright, my love."
She put her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his chest.
"Let's go get some pasta," she peeked up at him, "and then go home."
"Home?" He raised his brow questioningly.
"I mean the shop," she corrected her slip. "Though I should get home early so
daddy will have a good impression of you..." Sansa grinned and released her
hold on him to stand up, holding out her hand for him to take. "Let's skip the
date and go straight for desert."
"That's my girl," he accepted her hand with a grin and they walked out the ice
rink hand-in-hand. Sansa truly believed, with all her heart, as long as they
held onto each other everything would work out in the end.
Chapter End Notes
     FIFTY! Fifty mother-flipping chapters?!? Whaaat?! I'm not really sure
     when I'm stopping, this could just go on forever! Dun-dun-duuuuun!
     Next up! Has Arya's plotting and scheming paid off?! Find out in the
     next chapter!
***** Win or Lose *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [Win_or_Lose]
                                     ARYA
Operation: Get Some was working even better than Arya ever dreamed. Dad was
completely charmed by Sheri and even allowed her to come over a second time
last week. The girl was a genius, quick on her feet and impossibly good at
reading people. Together they decided to find out if the groundwork they laid
would get her out of the house this weekend. Friday morning, over breakfast and
coffee, she set things in motion.
"Dad," she set her fork down and folded her hands on the table. "I really need
a favor and I will do literally anything."
"I'm listening." Dad folded and set the business section of the newspaper
aside, turning his focus on her.
"Sheri and I have almost finished our History project," she informed him. "But
we haven't had enough time at school to work on it because we don't have the
same lunch period."
"She can come over again next week." Dad gave her a dubious look and crossed
his arms. Arya expected some resistance from him and already had her defense
prepared.
"I'm sorta nervous about getting it completely done on time but Sheri is
practically a mess." Arya paused dramatically, letting her head hang forward
and heaving a sad sigh. "She doesn't have a lot of confidence about public
speaking because of the facial scars. You don't know dad... most people just
look past her like she's invisible. But she's really smart, kind, and actually
a lot of fun. Sheri is the first friend I've made since... the grounding
incident. To be honest, I had been crazy lonely before I met her."
"She is a very nice girl, I'm glad you made a good friend." Dad pretended like
he was standing firm but she could see he was wavering.
"For just one night," she held up one finger and gave her father a pleading
look. "Can I please sleep over at her house so we can finish? We could just do
our parts separately but the point of school projects are to work together.
Besides, I really like her and want to be better friends. Also, she said her
parents built an addition that is basically a movie theater."
"I've seen it," he chuckled while shaking his head. "To hear Stan brag about
it, you would think it was his child."
"So can I, please...?" Arya clasped her hands together under her chin and
opened her eyes as wide as they would go. "Sheri already asked her mom and Mrs.
B said for you to call her - if you have any questions or concerns. She is even
willing to pick me up after school. You can come straight home and relax all by
yourself..."
"Fine," he relented, "just this once I will give you a furlough from your
grounding. I expect your undying gratitude"
"Thank you, sir." Arya saluted her father and then jumped up from her seat to
give him a tight hug. "I won't forget this!" She gathered up her dirty dishes
and started dancing towards the kitchen. "BORN FREE!!!" Dad laughed at her
awful singing as he resumed reading his paper. "As free as the wind blows!"
"Gods, Arya," Sansa poked her head around the wall to scowl at her. "Quit that
awful screeching!"
"As FREE as the GRASS GROWS!" Arya sang even louder, though to her own ears it
did sound really terrible. "BORN FREE!!!" Once she rinsed her dishes and put
them in the dishwasher, she ran to her room. She flopped onto her bed and
reached over to unplug her phone from the charger.
'The plan worked', she texted Gendry first and then sent the same message to
Sheri.
'I feel like James Bond', Sheri replied first.
'Never doubted you would pull it off', Gendry's text came a few seconds later.
It had been an eighth hell to be away from him so much but yesterday she made
sure to fill him in on the entire plan. Almost their entire relationship was
lived through their phones but at least Arya could read the texts when she got
lonely. Tonight she would not waste a single moment sleeping - even if his dumb
ass fell asleep, she would stay up all night to watch him.
School seemed to take forever, by the time the last period came around Arya
thought she might die of boredom. She watched the seconds tick by like minutes.
One second before the bell was scheduled to ring - she sprinted to the
classroom door. FREEDOM! At least for one glorious night she and Gendry would
have each other again. Then she remembered... Sheri was in the same last-period
class so she waited for the girl to catch up and they walked together to the
weirwood.
Sheri's mom picked them up, she seemed an odd woman, but at least she was
interesting. They pulled up in front of a gorgeous mansion made of dark stone
and surrounded by wrought iron gates. Arya tried not to gawk at the place while
Sheri led her back to her bedroom.
"Alright," Sheri closed the door and kept her voice down. "Phase one is
complete."
"Let me just tell Gendry to meet me at the rendezvous point," she pulled out
her cell and followed through. Arya grinned as she replaced the phone in her
pocket. "He'll text me when he gets here. I can't thank you enough, Sheri."
"Of course you can," Sheri grinned back. "Help find someone to take me to the
Winter Formal."
"Ugh," she groaned, "you really want to go to that hell?"
"I've never been to a dance before," Sheri's smile fell.
"Neither have I," Arya admitted, "I think it would be more fun if you came
along." She stuck out her hand to make a deal. "Leave it to me, I'll find you a
guy to take you to the dance." Sheri grinned and accepted her handshake before
they set the rest of the plan into motion. There was a spare blow-up mattress,
which they laid parallel with the TV in the bedroom. Then they used several
pillows and a doll to make it seem like someone was lying in the bed facing the
television. If anyone looked in, it would seem like both girls were watching a
movie.
'Your chariot awaits', Gendry's text finally came and Arya put her phone away
to pull Sheri in for a tight hug.
"You're one of the good ones, Sheri," she pulled away and looked the girl in
her clear blue eyes. They actually reminded her of Gendry's eyes. "Next time we
are going to have a real sleepover and stay up all night telling ghost
stories."
"I think after tonight," Sheri winked, "you will have better stories to tell."
"Bold girl," Arya chuckled, "you had us all fooled with that innocent face."
"Let's get you out of here," Sheri smiled as she took Arya's hand and they
peeked out the door together. "Coast is clear," she whispered, "follow me."
Arya followed, for once thinking it was lucky they were both such small girls.
They quickly ducked behind a large stand holding a gaudy hideous vase as Mr.
Baratheon walked past with his eyes glued to an open folder. Both girls exhaled
a quiet breath before creeping to the end of the long hallway. The final room
was a small bathroom, which happened to have a door leading outside. "Do you
know the rest of the way?"
"Don't worry," Arya smirked at Sheri's worried expression. "I memorized the
pictures and notes you gave me and you'd be amazed how much information you can
find out on the internet. I know there's a side gate by the Zen garden.
Seriously, who does the decorating?"
"Mom is," Sheri grimaced before laughing, "eclectic."
"At least it's interesting," Arya conceded. "You're a true friend, Sheri."
"Live it up for the rest of us," Sheri grinned and waved goodbye to Arya as she
slipped out the back door. She hugged the side of the house until she saw the
garden and crossed the rock stepping stones jutting out of the sand-covered
ground. Finally, she made it to the gate and saw Gendry's Lincoln parked
exactly where she told him to be. So obedient, that kind of behavior should be
richly rewarded. He saw her sprinting towards the car and leaned over to push
the passenger door open and she jumped inside before slamming it shut.
"Drive!" Arya pointed forwards and Gendry stepped on the gas to take them
straight to Kings Forest. Not bothering to grab any gear, they raced to the
clearing. Both were already tearing at each other's clothes when they fell onto
the hard ground. Well, he did anyway - she might have possibly tackled him
before kicking her pants off. Their joint efforts got just enough clothes off
so that she could put the stupid time-wasting condom on. "Gods," she sighed in
relief as she sank all the way down onto his hard cock. "I thought - really
thought - I might actually die."
"I missed you too, Arry," he groaned, lifting his hips to thrust deeper and
filling her completely. His rough hands slid over her hips to find her waist
under the sweater she still wore. "I wish we never had to be apart."
"Wouldn't it be awesome," she rolled her hips, drawing a gasp from Gendry. "If
we could stay like this forever?" Arya leaned forward to rest her chest on his,
pulling up her sweater and his shirt so their skin was touching.
"Might make," his voice hitched as she started sliding against his smooth skin.
"Forging a bit difficult." Arya rolled her eyes at his blacksmithing obsession
and pushed his shirt higher to nip and kiss his chest and neck.
"We have all night to take it slow," she looked up to see his blue eyes trained
on her. "Right now, what I really want is for you to fuck me as hard and fast
as possible." Arya gasped when their positions were suddenly reversed and then
screamed when he thrust once hard and deep. How did it keep getting better?!
"Like that, milady?" Gendry grinned down at her with a smug expression on his
handsome face.
"I love it," she growled, "again!" Arya bucked her hips up impatiently and he
matched her motion, plunging hard into her. "More," she begged and commanded at
once, "faster - now!" Her hand clung to his flexing shoulders as he obeyed with
enthusiasm. In between her screaming, she could hear his voice murmuring
beautiful things in her ear. About how much he loved her - needed her -
belonged to her. It was enough to send her over the edge before they'd barely
begun. It got hard to breathe as her whole body started shaking from the pent-
up need to release.
"I'll always want you," he panted, "Arya." That did it.
"FUCK!" She screamed like she was going over a steep dive on a roller coaster -
long and loud. A firestorm of pleasure tore through her body and seemed to last
forever until Gendry finally slowed his motions. He didn't stop, continuing to
push and pull at a languid pace, drawing out every aftershock as she shivered
beneath him. When he finally pumped his release into her, Arya had a new
appreciation for the pulsing sensation. "Well done," she wheezed her sincere
praise as she pushed him off her.
"Well," he chuckled breathlessly before rolling onto his side, "that's out of
the way." Gendry propped up on one arm to look down at her, his smile lop-sided
and hair sticking up everywhere. "I love you so much."
"Love you," she lifted her lips to meet his. "Love you," she kissed him again,
"love you." Then Gendry pushed her back and held the side of her face as he
moved his mouth over hers in that soft tender way he liked. Arya sat up,
shoving him down on the ground, and stripped her sweater over her head. "Okay
that's enough rest, let's do it again!"
                                    GENDRY
Probably the best thing about Arya was that she could be kneeling stark naked
on the dirty ground and it didn't bother her one bit. She was doing her best to
make him naked while he mostly just laughed at her inpatient grumbling.
"Hurry up, stupid." Arya yanked off both of his boots while he struggled to
pull his shirt over his head. When he finally succeeded, he was confronted with
Arya's open palm. "Gimme the condom."
"Condom?" It was like a bucket of ice water poured over Gendry's head. "You
only had one?" She narrowed her eyes at him as her hand fell to her lap.
"Because I forgot to grab some..."
"You - didn't even get - one?!" Her eyes were smoldering with the barely
contained rage and Gendry gulped hard, fearing for his life. "And we wasted
mine on a QUICKIE!?"
"You sure you don't have another...?" Even as he asked, he knew he was only
digging his own grave.
"What - the fuck - do you think I'm saying?!" Her upper lip curled into a sneer
and her nostrils flared with a sharp exhale.
"Godsdammit," he pressed his first against his forehead and squeezed his eyes
shut before turning back to her with a shrug. "We could just-"
"Why would I snack," she punched him in the chest, "when I can feast?!" Arya
stood up and started gathering her clothes to pull them on. "We're going to
your place and getting the whole fucking box!"
"Arya..." Gendry followed her example and started getting dressed as she
ignored him. "Arry, I'm sorry!" She started walking towards the car and he
followed after her, keeping a safe distance. "Don't be mad." Arya refused to
even look at him, just marched forward with single-minded determination. They
got into the Lincoln and he pulled out of the parking spot to head towards his
place.
"Drive - faster - now." She seethed the order and Gendry had just about enough
of her bad attitude! It's not like he did it on purpose!
"Then put on your bloody seatbelt!" The words slipped out before you could even
stop them and Gendry slowly turned his head to see her furious expression. "Oh
gods, Arya, I'm so sorry! Please-" Then a miracle happened, she reached up to
grab the seatbelt and pulled it across her body to buckle it in place. "Did you
just..."
"Shut up," she gritted through her teeth, "and put your foot down." Gendry
figured it was safer to do as he was told and accelerated faster to get them to
his apartment in record time. They raced up the stairs in silence and he
unlocked the door, opening it to find a most unpleasant scene on the sofa.
"Whoa!" Arya burst out laughing as his mother leapt up off the guy she was
straddling on their couch. Thank all the gods in all the heavens they were both
dressed. "Oh my gods!!!" She continued to laugh at the incredibly awkward
situation while Gendry and his mom stared at one another.
"Gendry!" Mom finally spoke. "Uh, I... thought you were camping."
"Wait - this is your son?" The guy on the couch stood up and waved a finger
between them. When mom nodded, the guy looked up to the ceiling and started
laughing.
"What?" Mom crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at the guy.
"I've been thinkin' this whole time," the guy grinned at her, "your son was a
little kid." He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed with obvious relief.
"Gods I'm terrible with kids." The man crossed the room to stand in front of
Gendry and held out his hand. "Well, I'm Bronn. I've been seeing your mom for a
few weeks."
"Right..." Gendry still felt a bit dazed as he accepted Bronn's handshake. "I'm
Gendry." He turned around to close the door as Arya continued to giggle behind
her hand. "Sorry I guess-" A sudden thought occurred to him and Gendry stepped
around Bronn to confront his mother. "Wait a minute, is this revenge?!"
"I - thought - you were camping!" Mom practically squeaked her protest,
gesturing wildly. "You're supposed to be camping! If I was going to get
'revenge' it would be a pail-"
"Of water over the door," he finished for her before shaking his head. "Mom, I
learned how to disable those ten years ago." Her jaw fell open but it was high
time she stopped that old gag: Gendry was actually kinda proud when he thought
she stepped up her game. "Then I just take a shower before you get home and let
you laugh at me."
"Really," she gaped in disbelief, "for ten years?" Then mom put her hand over
her heart and smiled at him "Honey, you still let me laugh at you - that's so
sweet." She sucked in a breath through her teeth and looked around the room
"Well, anyone hungry?"
"I'm just famished!" Arya stuck her tongue out at Gendry as she walked past to
follow his mom into the kitchen.
"Come on," mom waved for them to follow, "Bronn you too - and Gendry honey, put
the tea on." There was no arguing with mom once she told him to start the
kettle: tea was kinda a big deal to her. This 'Bronn' guy and Arya sat at the
table while him and mom got some food together. It was definitely the weirdest
situation he'd ever been in but mom looked over and smiled happily. She'd been
alone for far too long and Gendry never realized before how hard that was for
her.
"So!" Arya was having too much fun torturing mom's new beau. "You're dating
Gendry's mom - how's that going?"
"Well enough," the man seemed perfectly relaxed, "I guess." Bronn had no idea
Arry was just getting started and Gendry grinned though he should've put a stop
to it.
"And she didn't tell you how old her son was?" Arya leaned forward on the table
to continue grilling the man. "That seems like an important bit of information.
"We, uh," Bronn coughed, "didn't talk much." Ugh, bloody hells no: he didn't
want to hear that!
"I can relate," she chuckled and quirked her brows at the pointed look Gendry
was giving her. "So, how did you two crazy kids meet?"
"At a bar," Bronn sat up a bit straighter and cleared his throat. Oh, it just
gets better and better: Gendry forced himself to focus on making the bloody
tea.
"Classy," she was really enjoying herself. "So, I'm going to ask you a question
- and it's a really serious question. Are you ready?"
"Sure, kid." Bonn seemed charmed rather than annoyed by Arry's pestering. "Let
me have it."
"What - is Gendry's mom's name?!" She held up her hand like it was holding a
microphone.
"Cecylya...?" Bronn sounded a little too uncertain of the answer. Gendry pulled
too hard on one tea bag package and ripped it open, spilling tea leaves
everywhere.
"Is that correct?!!!" Arya turned towards Gendry and held her fist out to him
like he was on a game show.
"Yeah," he finished cleaning the mess and raised his brows at her. "Have you
not known my mom's name this whole time?" Gendry was sure he'd mentioned it
several times: Arry never paid attention to anything he said.
"I object to this line of questioning!" Arya slammed down her invisible
microphone on the table and crossed her arms. "What is this, the Spanish
Inquisition?" Gendry laughed at her scowling expression. "Fine," she pursed her
lips, "what's my mother's name, Mr. Smarty-"
"Catelyn Tully Stark," he interrupted, "your father is Ned, short for Eddard.
Your siblings are Robb, Sansa, Bran, and Rickon." Gendry set four teacups and
the kettle on the table with a grin. "And I'm pretty sure you have a cousin
named Robin or Robert."
"Fine," she sneered as she poured herself a cup, "you win."
"I won," Gendry gasped and covered his mouth, acting like he just won a million
bucks. "I never won before!" He grabbed mom into a hug while she rolled her
eyes and pushed him away. "I won!"
"Don't get used to it!" Arya's pout turned into a smile as mom laid out two
trays of muffins and sandwiches. Mom always loved to play hostess when she
could: she says the greatest joy in life is feeding those you love. "Guess what
prize you won, Gendry?" She popped a chunk of muffin in her mouth and spoke
with her mouth full. "I'm thinking camping is a stupid idea. Let's stay up all
night watching classic horror movies - right here."
"That sounds like fun," mom sat down next to Bronn and Gendry sat between her
and Arya. "Doesn't it, Bronn?"
"Sounds great..." Bronn raised his cup to Arya, acknowledging her manipulation
skills. That guy was impossibly relaxed about everything: guess there were
worse traits to have.
"Join us, Ms. Waters," Arya grinned like a Cheshire cat, "the more the
merrier." Gendry could practically see horns growing from her forehead.
"That's so formal," mom waved a hand, "just call me Cece."
"Cece, we should spend more time together." There on Arry's face was the most
evil smile that a pretty girl ever did make, she might be small, but her
ability for revenge was mighty. Gendry smirked at her, knowing she'd never hold
out all night, but he saw challenge flashing in her eyes. If she thought
herself capable of breaking his ironclad willpower then she could go right
ahead and try. He'd give her three hours tops before she started begging and
then he would win twice in one day. No way he was gonna lose out on a prize
like that!
It turned out Bronn was an alright guy, not that anyone was good enough for
mom: at least he made her laugh. They ate and drank their fill before retiring
to the living room while Gendry put in mom's favorite, 'The Ape Man'. She loved
anything starring Louise Currie because people remarked on their similar
appearance frequently. Arya cuddled up by his side as the movie played, tracing
circles over his chest with her fingertips. He retaliated by stroking his
fingers through her hair and then running them down her neck. The movie wasn't
even through the opening credits when she gave up.
"Alright!" Arya jumped off the couch and stormed towards the door. "You win -
let's go!"
"Bye mom," Gary tossed a wave over his shoulder, "we're going camping."
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Arya turned around and glared daggers at
him. "Again!" Then he remembered why they came back in the first place. Gendry
hurried to his room to stuff his pockets full of condoms to be on the extra-
safe side. He avoided eye contact with mom or her new guy as he walked to the
door.
"Kids..." Mom looked between him and Arya with a worried frown. "Be safe."
"Copy you loud and clear, Cece." Arya saluted mom with a grin then snapped a
pair of finger-guns at them. "You two have fun now." Gendry rolled his eyes at
her inappropriate teasing and yanked her out the door. "That," she cackled,
"was the funniest thing that ever happened - ever!"
"Did you go through all that work to sneak out," he scoffed, "just to be mean
to me?" Arya's smug expression fell as Gendry continued to give her a hard
disappointed stare.
"I didn't..." Her eyes opened wide as she shook her head. "I'm sorry."
"I'm kidding!" Gendry ruffled her hair as he laughed and she swatted his hand
away. "You should of seen your face!" He smirked at her pouting and he grabbed
her shoulders. "Aw, poor little Arry loves me so much. Were you really, real-ly
sorry?"
"You gonna pay for that," she pushed past him to start down the stairs and he
followed her, still laughing.
"We'll see who pays in the end," he called as she marched around the car and
yanked the door open with terrifying strength.
"Oh, it's on - you're gonna be begging for mercy!" Arya's face was set with
determination as he got into the driver's side. She raised one brow in
challenge but he only smiled at her adorableness. "To the forge - step on it!"
"As milady commands!" Gendry knew trying to make his boat-like car go any
faster was just burning gas. But she threw her head back and howled like a wolf
as they peeled out of the parking lot. She was wild and it made him crazier
about her. He had to wonder: would he ever stop falling even harder for Arya?
Chapter End Notes
     Thank you to Carolinee for helping me lean in a more Bronn-ward
     direction. He was the first and only contender in my mind but I
     appreciated the support. I think Gendry handled it all rather well -
     he's a good kid. <3
***** First Meetings, Again *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [First_Meetings,_Again]
                                     ARYA
Choices were limited and time was running out to find Sheri a date to the
Winter Formal. Arya was determined and a little desperate as she walked into
the empty room. Pod and Hot Pie were the only unattached boys in the group
and... Well, Hot Pie was certainly a nice kid but he was bound to say something
insensitive about Sheri's face.
"Hey, buddy!" Arya walked across the empty room and turned an empty chair
around to sit down next to Pod.
"What's up?" He greeted her with a friendly smile.
"So," she leaned against the table with a hopefully persuasive expression. "I
noticed you didn't bring a girl to Sam's wedding."
"Yeah?" He looked somewhat dubious of her line of questioning.
"Well, you never have a girl around..." Arya was floundering - she didn't know
anything about matchmaking! "Are you like really picky about looks or
something?"
"Is this going somewhere?" Pod leaned back and crossed his arms.
"I have this friend who is really nice and sweet and smart... she's
interesting." Arya braced her elbows on the table and tucked her clasped hands
under her chin. "All she wants is to go to the Winter Formal and you need a
date."
"I don't think I'll go-"
"Nonsense," she interrupted his protest with her well-rehearsed arguments.
"This is your last year, you should go! I'm not asking you to marry the girl -
go have some fun. Show a nice girl a good time, the practice couldn't hurt."
"Okay," he shrugged.
"Really?" Arya blinked at Pod in surprise - that was easy. "Oh, well I'm
awesome then. Okay, just..." She sighed and avoided Pod's eyes as she admitted
the catch. "She has some scars on one side of her face - but they look totally
badass! She looks half-Dragonborn or something. Is that a deal breaker?"
"She still 'nice and sweet and smart'?" Pod smiled at her, confirming Arya's
suspicion that he really was a great guy.
"Yep," she grinned at him.
"Then I'm in," Pod agreed a lot faster than she had even dared hope. Who's the
most badass matchmaker in all of Kings High?!
"Cool," she got up from her seat, "because I told her to meet me here today."
Arya pushed past Gendry as he was walking into the room.
"Hello, milady-"
"Move it, stupid," she ignored him.
"Are you still mad?" Gendry followed her out into the hallway as she was
waiting for Sheri. "Arry!"
"Sheri!" Arya waved the girl over and then pointed at Gendry. "You briefly met
before - this is my ridiculous hot boyfriend, Gendry."
"How do you do?" Sheri bowed her head a little, letting her hair fall over her
face.
"Alright," Gendry replied glumly, "I guess."
"This is Sheri - you know, the girl who helped us." Arya elbowed Gendry in his
ribs.
"It is an honor to meet you," Gendry grinned and opened the door for Sheri.
"What brings you to our humble empty room?"
"Arya said you all play a really fun game and invited me to sit in." Sheri
glanced around, observing everything as she walked through the door towards the
empty room.
"Recruiting members?" Gendry rubbed a hand over Arya's hair. "My little Arry is
growing up."
"Can it!" She knocked his hand away and glared at him. "I still haven't
forgiven you."
"It was one little slip!" He gave her piteous look that suddenly turned
annoyed. "Besides, it's dangerous not to wear your seatbelt."
"I choose," she poked a finger into her chest. "When and where and how to - or
not to - wear whatever safety harnesses are available to me." Arya pointed at
Gendry. "Not you."
"Yes, milady," He hung his head with a heavy sigh. "I was wrong, you were
right: you're always right." The real reason she was ignoring him wasn't
because she was still angry about the seatbelt incident. It would almost be
easier if they never saw or touched each other - it only made her miss him more
once they were apart. Feeling guilty for her piss-poor attitude, Arya slipped
her hand into his and turned her eyes up at him.
"Let's skip the game today," she tugged on his hand with a smile. Gendry's
expression was caught between confused and tempted. He rode her shifting moods
with hardly any trouble at all - just one of his numerous good qualities.
"You brought your friend," he nodded at Sheri, who stood off to the side trying
to look invisible. "And we can't just abandon the group."
"But I miss you so much," she whined.
"You didn't get enough?" He grinned and quirked his brows at her, immediately
setting her skin on fire with the need to be close to him.
"Never..." Arya was quickly losing a battle of wills with herself. If she asked
just right, Gendry would do practically anything for her. "Ugh - life is so
harsh," she forced herself to turn away from him and retreated into the empty
room. "Sheri, come meet the gang. That's Torgo, Hot Pie, my cousin Jon, and
this..." She pointed to everyone in the group as she named them without much
enthusiasm then she led Sheri over to stand by Pod. "This is Rick Payne, even
his name sounds cool. He's hands-down the coolest guy in the group."
"Hey!" Gendry protested.
"I reiterate - the coolest guy." Arya waved a hand at Sheri she introduced her.
"Rick, this is Sheri - the most badass girl in the whole school."
"Arya..." Sheri blushed and fidgeted next to her.
"Oh, besides myself of course." Arya put her hand to her chest before jerking a
thumb at her shy friend. "She may look all sweet and innocent, but Sheri is a
real firecracker."
"Nice to meet you, Sheri." Pod stood up and extended his hand, wearing a rather
charming smile.
"Likewise, Rick." Sheri accepted his handshake with a full blush blooming in
her good cheek.
"My friends call me Pod," he sat back down and pulled out an empty chair next
to him. "You could sit next to me. I bet I can explain this game better than
Arry."
"He totally can - have fun!" Arya left the two kids to their own devices and
moved to sit in her seat next to Gendry.
"What are you up to?" He leaned close to whisper in her ear and a shiver ran up
her spine - Arya barely restrained herself from attacking him.
"I always thought matchmaking was stupid," she looked up to see Sheri and Pod
getting along with each other. "But, what the heck, everyone should have what
we have."
"Nobody has what we have." Gendry pressed a soft kiss to her cheek and just
that chaste peck made her ravenous for much more. She hoped to eventually get
used to him and not feel quite so insatiably greedy for his touch - it seemed
the opposite was true. The more she had of Gendry, the more she wanted.
"Godsdamn, I miss you." Arya squeezed his knee under the table and his fingers
slipped under the hem of her shirt to tickle the small of her back. Just when
she was about to command him to take her somewhere, Dany and Drogo walked into
the room. "Ah, our fearless leader and his ladylove finally arrive!" They
walked silently to their seats, clearly a walk of shame, the two looked like
they been through a windstorm. "What have they been up to - I wonder."
"Oh," Dany looked to Sheri in surprise, "we seem to have a new addition."
"Arya invited me to watch the game," Sheri smiled nervously.
"You are welcome to join in," Dany invited but Sheri shook her head with a
panicked expression. "Alright, then let's get started. You are outside the
dwelling of The Keeper..."
"I don't understand why we have to see this 'keeper' anyway!" Arry complained
loudly as she looked at the deceptively quaint round door covering a cave's
entrance.
"Prophecy says-"
"Bored!" Arry cut the blabbermouth off and marched towards the door. "Let's
just go kill things already."
"I cannot enter," The Protector sat down on a rock outside the cave.
"Fine with me," Arry sneered at The Protector - sick of him pacifism.
"Do you have to antagonize the god-man?" Gendry chided her like she was a
child, stepping through the doorway first.
"He started it," she sulked as the cave opened wider to a small chamber.
Everyone froze in shock at the scene that lay before them. It was pure carnage
- a group of four adventurers of various races lay in drying pools of their
blood. Their mangled bodies were completely stripped and there was no sign of
what killed them. Clearly, they lost some battle and were stripped of their
valuables. "Old Gods save us..." Arry rounded on Grey Worm - hoping he had some
kind of explanation.
"The Keeper," Grey Worm approached one body and hovered his hand over it before
pulling away quickly like he was burned. "Is not to be trifled with."
"And here I thought this would be an easy mission," Pod sauntered past the pile
of bodies to continue through the cave.
"What did this?" Snow moved to stand next to Grey Worm and Hot Pie stuck close
to the Rogue with a terrified expression. Arry kept her new knife tightly
clasped in her hands as her eyes darted around to the shadows surrounding them.
Drogo suddenly lit a torch, filling the cave with light.
"There is a powerful darkness here," Grey Worm murmured before shaking his head
and moving to follow Pod. They continued through the cave in silence before
they came to a fork, both paths covered with round doors. One door was red wood
with a gold inlaid design and the other was simple, built from rough grey wood.
"We must choose carefully-"
"Boring!" Arry pushed through the rough door and found herself standing in
front of a rope bridge crossing a great precipice. A quick look to her left
revealed the other door had no bridge, only a steep drop to the bottom. "Whew -
that was easy." Even the light from Drogo's torch could not reach the bottom of
the endless blackness. She forged ahead, leading the group across the sturdy
bridge to another round door, larger than the previous ones. It suddenly swung
open and they were greeted by a Dwarf wearing a polite smile.
"Welcome, patrons!" The courteous Dwarf waved them inside and closed the door
after them. Inside was a... What the fuck?! It was a shop! Shelves covered the
walls, all filled with various items of every kind. "What can I interest you
in?"
"The Protector sent us," Gendry stood up straight and moved to the front of the
group. "He told us you would give us what we needed."
"Ah," the shopkeeper smiled wider, "The Keeper 'gives' nothing, I'm a man of
commerce." He walked over to one shelf and picked up a golden hammer. "This,
for example, can never be damaged - no matter how hard it is pounded." Gendry's
mouth fell open as he stared at the hammer.
"Is that..." He shook his head to clear his daze. "It can't be!" Snow
approached and glared at the shopkeeper but the Dwarf only ignored him.
"I only deal in genuine artifacts, my friend." The Keeper held out the hammer
for Gendry to see but Arry yanked the besotted Blacksmith by the hand.
"We're not here to shop!" Arry glared at the Dwarf. "Either you have something
to 'give' us or we're leaving."
"A tough customer," the shopkeeper sighed as he replaced the hammer. "I see you
found something interesting." They all looked over to see Hot Pie reaching up
to a ladle high up on a shelf. "That ladle will keep any stew steaming hot
until the last bowlful." Then the Dwarf looked to Pod. "Or can I interest you
in a flask that never empties - always full to the brim with the finest elven
ale?"
"We cannot buy any of these items," Grey Worm gritted through his teeth,
seeming to be in pain. "They are all cursed."
"That part of the price?" Arry sneered at the smiling shopkeeper who moved past
her to stand in front of Grey Worm with something in his hands.
"This..." The Dwarf held up a thin stick and Grey Worm's eyes widened in
recognition. "You may like this, a rune-inscribed spruce wand with a core made
of kelpie bone."
"The kelpies are extinct," Grey Worm reached for the wand but the shopkeeper
snatched it away.
"That's why it's so expensive," he held out his hand, "but I can give you a
bargain..."
"No!" Grey Worm tore his eyes from the wand. "I won't buy anything! None of us
will! Give us what we came for." That's when Arry saw it, glinting on the
counter... She crept towards the shiny object and felt her fingers twitching to
take it even though she didn't know what 'it' was.
"ENOUGH!" Drogo moved forward to tower over the Dwarf, who showed not a hint of
fear. "No more games!"
"Half-Orc, Half-Human..." The Keeper grinned up at Drogo. "You don't belong in
either world, which is why you have this pitiful group of outcasts following
you. Did you tell them who you really are?" Drogo growled in response but Arry
was still entranced by the tiny marble that seemed to shine ever brighter. "I
have what you want, Orc Prince, an item that will free your beloved from The
Devourer... The price is just right."
"Give us what we seek," Grey Worm panted in a furious voice, drawing everyone's
attention. When did he get behind the counter?! "Or so help me..." He held up
an hourglass and The Keeper gasped and reached for the unadorned item. "I will
give my life to break this cursing sandglass."
"You are more powerful than I assumed," The Keeper moved slowly toward Grey
Worm and Arry couldn't help it! She filched the pretty sparkly thing and
slipped it in her pouch while no one looked. "Rash action is not needed... I
will give you what you seek." The Dwarf opened a small box and pulled out a
shriveled severed hand of either a Human child or Halfling. Arry gulped at that
thought and put her hands behind her back. Grey Worm accepted the hand without
touching it, wrapping it in a cloth with reverence. "Now - get out!"
The whole group moved to amscray, leaving the creepy shop without looking back
- they almost made it out... A chittering sound announced their arrival - a
swarm of large black beetles. They rose like a wave and covered the walls of
the cave to surround them. Snow immediately reached out to grab Arry but she
stumbled backward and fell over.
"Fucking gross!" Arry screamed as countless beetles fell onto her hair and
clothing, biting her all over. Weakness overwhelmed her as she tried to swipe
them off. A horrible smell choked her as she felt a hand pulling her up and
shoving her back into the center of the group. It seemed like the beetles only
wanted her and ignored the others. "Get them off me!" The bugs' sharp legs
pricked her skin as they burrowed under her clothes to bite all over her body.
She screamed and thrashed but they did not relent, only attacked with more
ferocity.
Drogo flew into a rage, roaring a battle cry as he smashed his fists against
the cave, causing a cave-in that crushed half the swarm. Hot Pie, Snow, and
Gendry blocked Arry from the beetles' assault as they stomped on the bugs. Pod
grabbed Drogo's fallen torch, took a mouthful from his gourd, a blew onto the
torch. A stream of flame burst forth and scorched the ground. Just as darkness
was about to consume her... She found herself in the bright outdoors, cradled
in the arms of The Protector. The rest of the group scrambled out of the door
and slammed it shut.
"What," Grey Worm inhaled a ragged breath and as he fell to his knees in front
of Arry, "did you take?!"
"I didn't..." Arry shivered in pain from the bites all over her body. "I
couldn't help it." Grey Worm turned away from her in disgust as she tried to
apologize. She pulled the marble out of her pouch and held it out to him - she
didn't want it anymore. "Maybe it can help us." Grey Worm's eyes widened as he
reached out for the orb.
"He wasn't bluffing," he suddenly smiled and turned to Drogo. "This is it! This
is the way we can free Khaleesi from The Devourer!" Grey Worm turned back to
Arry with a remorseful expression. "Even when you mess up, it all seems to work
out."
"You saved me," she murmured quietly, "didn't you?" Grey Worm could only use
his Dimension Swap power once a day and Arry knew it sapped all his strength.
"As you would have done for me," he smiled. "Do you know what this is?" Arry
shook her head as Grey Worm stared down at the marble like it was a great
treasure. "It is a soul-keeper, if swallowed by one possessed it will trap the
demon inside."
"So," she gave him a weak smile, "I did good?" Grey Worm sighed and shook his
head.
"I don't think the rules of 'good' and 'bad' apply to you, Arry Wolfborn." Grey
Worm collapsed on the ground, releasing something between a groan and a laugh.
"You are lucky."
"That's better than unlucky," she lay beside him as the rest of the group
caught their breath. "What is that hand?" Arry really would rather not know but
the curiosity was driving her mad! Grey Worm remained silent for a time before
finally replying.
"A last resort," he answered gravely. The bell rung and everyone hurried to
gather their belongings and started clearing out of the room. Arry walked over
to talk to Sheri who was bidding farewell to Pod with a beaming smile.
"That was so thrilling!" Sheri whispered excitedly as she stood up. "And Rick
asked me to the dance!" She waggled her head from side to side. "Well, 'as
friends' but still... yay!"
"You go, girl." Arya threw an arm around Sheri's shoulders as they headed out
of the room together. "He doesn't stand a chance."
"We should get ready for the dance together," Sheri beamed happily, eyes glazed
over and dreamy.
"Ugh, Sansa would love that." Arya groaned but then saw the pleading expression
on Sheri's face and relented. "Fine - I give! Bye, Sheri!"
"See you, Arya!" Sheri waved goodbye she hurried down the hall to her class.
"She's a nice girl." Gendry led Arya back into the empty room, which was
actually 'empty' except for them.
"I really like her," she kicked the door closed behind her and wrapped her arms
around Gendry's waist. "I think she might be a good influence on me."
"Can't have that: I like you troublesome." Gendry kissed Arya soft and gentle -
she let him because he was the only one who had any self-control. If she tried
to take over, he would remind her of how careful they had to be - bla-bla-bla.
She whimpered a protest when he pulled away, not even close to satisfied.
"Will it really make you happy to go to a stupid dance?" Arya slipped her hand
under his shirt to trace grooves between his stomach muscles. "We could have a
lot more fun at the forge."
"I actually want," he chuckled as he pulled her hand from under his shirt. "To
do normal teenaged things sometimes."
"I think you don't want me as much as I want you." Arya hated having to admit
her insecurities but it was even harder to keep them locked inside.
"Sometimes I worry you don't like me as much as I like you." How could he think
that! Arya was about to protest when he kissed her again, cutting her off
before she could start. "You're my favorite person in the whole world..." He
rested his forehead against hers and looked down at her. "Forgive me for
wanting to spend time with my lady."
"I have to go..." She reluctantly pulled away, knowing she couldn't take much
more of his kisses or adoring gazes.
"If I wanted you any more," he tugged her close again and cupped the side of
her face. "I'd go crazy."
"That's where I am," she groaned and fisted his shirt in her hands to pull him
close. Their breaths mingled as his lips hovered over hers before he lifted his
head to huff a breath at the ceiling.
"We can't mess up now," he pulled away reluctantly. "We've made it this far and
there's only one month left before you're ungrounded."
"I know," she resolved to stay strong. "I love you and I miss you more than I
can say." Arya grabbed his hand and they walked together to the hallway.
"I love you too," he lifted her hand to kiss it as the second bell rung. Arya
turned towards her class but Gendry stopped her. "We'll take a spin around the
dance floor a few times: then we'll do whatever you want."
"Then I'll see you at the dance," she grimaced. "I'll be the one trying not to
die from wearing heels."
"I'll be the one hopelessly in love with you." Gendry pulled her close for one
more kiss and seemed to be having just as hard a time letting go as she was.
"I gotta go," she whispered against his lips, saying it more to herself than to
him. He released her and Arya didn't look back, just turned around to sprint
all the way to class. Only one more month - she chanted repeatedly in her head.
                                     SANSA
The doorbell rang and she leapt up off the couch to beat daddy to the door.
Sansa swung it open as fast as she could to see Sandor... wearing his best
shirt and looking like a lost puppy. She reached out to take his hand and
pulled him into the apartment, perfectly aware daddy was watching their every
move.
"Daddy," Sansa let go of his hand to wave at Sandor as if presenting him. "This
is Sandor."
"Mr. Stark," Sandor held out his hand to her father.
"Sandor...?" Daddy gave Sandor a questioning look as he accepted the handshake.
"Clegane," he answered in a slightly rougher voice. The tension in the room
could be cut with a knife!
"Clegane?" Daddy clearly recognized and had a distaste for the surname. Sansa's
stomach lunched with nervousness as their handshake fell apart.
"It's not a common name," Sandor stood up taller and lifted his chin.
"I see," daddy answered vaguely and an uncomfortable quiet settled between
them.
"Why don't we all sit at the table?" Sansa clapped her hands together once and
forced to smile. "Should I make some tea or coffee... water?"
"I'll take a cup of whatever you're having, little bird." Sandor nodded at her,
his face tight with clear discomfort. Dear gods, she prayed, give him the
strength and patience to not curse or be rude!
"Nothing for me, lemoncake." Daddy gave her a quick smile and she hoped that
was a good sign. "I have to be up early." She led them both to the table where
they sat down together on opposite sides. "So, Sandor, tell me about yourself."
"Not much to tell," Sandor's voice was stiff but at least he was being polite.
"I'm a senior at Kings and I play on the basketball team." Sansa pretended not
to listen to their conversation as she brewed a pot of coffee.
"Robert Baratheon says you are quite talented." Daddy's mention of Mr.
Baratheon increased Sansa's nervousness. When did they talk about Sandor?! "He
thinks you have what it takes to go pro."
"It's a dream." Sandor was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed and looking
ready to bolt at any minute. "I have to play college ball first." Sansa set his
cup of coffee down and hoped the warm drink would help him feel more
comfortable.
"Have you decided on a university yet?" Daddy leaned forward to set his clasped
hands on the table, scrutinizing Sandor with his dark gray eyes.
"Daddy!" Sansa recovered from her outburst with a nervous giggle and gave daddy
a pointed look. "That's a bit much."
"It's fine," Sandor waved a hand like he didn't care. "No, I haven't decided -
lot of offers though." Daddy opened his mouth to continue grilling Sandor but
Arya popped in to interrupt.
"Giant dude!" She sat down next to Sandor. "I thought I heard your gravelly
voice. How's it going, buddy?"
"You know how it goes, wolfgirl." Sandor visibly relaxed with Arya taking the
attention on to herself. Sansa could always count on her little sister to steal
the spotlight.
"Oh thank gods," Arya rolled her eyes, "that's so much better than 'short
stuff'."
"I'll still call you short stuff when I feel like it, tiny girl." Sandor and
Arya grinned at each other. Sansa peeked at daddy who was observing the duo
with an amused and curious expression.
"Arya and Sandor get along so well," Sansa told daddy. "I almost think they
like each other more than either like me."
"You're mistaking the mutual respect of mortal enemies for affection." Arya
crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes at Sandor. "We actually hate each
other."
"Someday," Sandor sneered down at Arya. "I'm going to wipe that little smirk
off your face."
"After the ground runs red with your blood," Arya threatened and Sandor snorted
a laugh in response. "Well, I'm bored of you already - catch you later,
Sandor." Then she got up from the table and waved goodbye before winking at
Sansa.
"Later, kid." Sandor appeared much more relaxed as he chuckled at Arya's
retreating before turning back to Sansa. "Can you believe she wants to start
weightlifting? Tiny thing would snap like a twig."
"Well," Daddy interrupted before Sansa could respond. "I have never met two
sisters less alike than my own daughters. If they both like you... That makes
you alright in my book."
"That's good to hear," Sandor exhaled a relieved breath.
"I'll leave you kids to study." Daddy stood up to leave them alone, heading
back towards his office.
"That went well," she took his hand between both of hers. "I can tell he really
likes you."
"There is definitely something wrong with you Starks." Sandor smirked at her,
clearly happier at daddy's acceptance that he was willing to let on. Sansa
smiled knowingly and got up to get her Spanish book so they could start
studying. They studied for a few hours, mostly just flirting in Spanish because
neither of them really needed to study. Eventually Sandor had to leave to help
his uncle at the shop and she peeked around before giving him a quick kiss
goodbye. She skipped happily back to daddy's office and burst in without
knocking.
"So, daddy!" She beamed excitedly as she sat down and clasped her hands under
her chin. "Tell me what you really think!"
"He seems a fine young man," Daddy gave her a warm smile. "A little relaxed
about his future... but that is the curse of being young." He paused for a
moment and Sansa was sitting on the edge of her seat, waiting for the final
verdict. "I approve."
"Thank you, daddy!" She got up to move around the desk and threw her arms
around his shoulders to give him a tight hug. "I knew you would like him!"
Sansa's face felt like it might split as she retook her seat. "I want to bring
him over more often from now on, when you are home of course."
"That is just fine with me," he seemed to relax even more.
"You are right about Sandor being a little 'lost'," she admitted, "when it
comes to making decisions about his future. I hope after you two know each
other better you could offer some advice. Not everyone has such a wonderful
father to go to when they need guidance."
"Flattery will get you everything," he was onto her, still smiling indulgently.
"What do you want, lemoncake?"
"You saw how well Arya and Sandor get along," she smiled sheepishly. "She's
been cooped up in this house for so long and still she hasn't... Well, you know
how she gets cabin fever." Sansa frowned, truly bothered by her little sister's
forlorn longing for her goofy boyfriend. "We've grown closer since the move and
it would really mean a lot to me if she came to the dance." She twirled her
hair as she added the clincher. "I would feel more comfortable with her around
as a sort of... talkative buffer."
"Say no more," daddy held up a hand, "you must promise to take full
responsibility."
"I promise," she put her hand over her heart. Sansa knew it was the right thing
to do, helping her sister to see her boyfriend. Sandor was right, all children
sneak a bit behind their parent's back and she thought Gendry was a good
influence. He used it sparingly but clearly had the ability to redirect Arya's
mischievous behavior.
"Then she is yours for the night," daddy officially agreed. "Can you ask Arya
to come in here?" Sansa obeyed her father's request and both girls sat
expectantly in front of his desk. "Well, I have good news," he beamed with
happiness. "We are all going home for Winterfest!" Sansa stared in shock before
turning to see the same expression on Arya's face. "I expected a better
reaction."
"I'm just... surprised." Sansa had big plans with Sandor for Winterfest, but
she did miss her family.
"Robert got it in his head," daddy rolled his eyes. Why did he want to do
business with a man he did not seem to respect? Nostalgia can be a dangerous
thing. "That both families should spend the holidays together and..." He
sighed, still smiling but looking overly tired. "Frankly I miss your mother and
the boys more than I can stand."
"Of course we're happy to go!" Sansa smiled as wide as she could and looked
over to Arya's toothy grimace. "Aren't we?"
"Definitely!" Arya looked scary when she faked a smile. "I'm just thrilled!
So... the whole Baratheon family is coming?"
"That's right," his answer confirmed Sansa's worst fear. She prayed to wake up
from this nightmare but nothing happened.
"Great," Arya tried to force some enthusiasm with a pump of her fist. "Can't
wait!" They both got up and immediately shuffled quickly to their room and
closed the door behind them. "Fuck me," she hissed through her teeth before
collapsing face down on her bed.
"I agree wholeheartedly!" Sansa threw herself onto her bed... She would be
spending Winterfest with Joffrey Baratheon. Gods save her!
Chapter End Notes
     Usually, I write up my chapter, draft publish it, then do my collages
     and proofing on my ipad while I walk on my treadmill (it's MacGyver'd
     out with a breakfast tray and a large ribbon - 'cause I'm awesome
     like that). Friggin Google Maps App refreshed my stupid page (signing
     me out) and made me lose all my proofing! Confession: my heart just
     wasn't in it the second time. Why didn't I save?! So annoying!
     JOFF BOMB - DROPPED! Did ya'll forget about that wormy-lipped shit-
     stain? Oh, he was just biding his time... So, what do you think his
     Winterfest revenge is going to be? Oh right! I think... I might be
     wrong but I *think* that the Winter Formal is happening in the next
     chapter. Is that something you might be interested in? It's cool if
     you don't think it's a big deal. I might just skip over the whole
     thing, nobody would even notice. :P
     The Winter Formal is Coming.
***** This is Ridiculous *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                             [This_is_Ridiculous]
                                     ARYA
They were all three stuffed into the hall bathroom as she squirmed on the stool
Sansa had set in front of the mirror. Her sister and Sheri were either trying
to make her pretty or hells-bent on torturing her to death. They forced her
into a dress and heels then fussed over curling the ends of her short hair
before the real pain began... makeup.
"This is ridiculous," Arya gritted through her teeth. She battled with the urge
to roll her eyes - for fear that it would earn her an eyeful of liquid
eyeliner.
"Arya," Sansa moved her face even more impossibly close, "hold still."
"I've never held so still in my life!" The eyeliner felt cold on Arya's lower
lid and she sighed in relief when her sister replaced the cap, only to pick up
another container. "That's enough - any more sparkly crap on my face and Gendry
won't recognize me."
"You look so pretty," Sheri beamed at Arya's reflection. She and Sansa were
already finished getting ready - saving her for last.
"That's because I don't look like myself," she grimaced at her distorted mirror
self. Everything was so... glittery. Ugh, when Sansa gets her makeover on - and
exacts her price - she goes all the way.
"You are pretty," Sansa smiled, a vision of breathtaking beauty. "I think you
are very pretty." She pulled out the sticky shimmering lip-gloss and swiped on
another layer across Arya's bottom lip.
"Since when," Arya snorted, "you always called me ugly and 'horseface'." Sheri
cleared her throat uncomfortably.
"I'll just go keep your dad company," she quickly left the two sisters alone.
"I never meant it," Sansa's eyes opened wide in surprise - still ridiculously
attractive. "We have both have said terrible things to each other..." Her pink
lips pouted as she secured the side of Arya's hair with a barrette. "Do you
truly think I'm stupid?"
"Not really," Arya swatted Sansa away and jumped up from the stool, "compared
to most people anyway."
"I never," Sansa grabbed her wrist and looked Arya in the eye, "thought you
were ugly."
"We're wasting time," she broke free of her sister's loose grasp, "let's just
go already." Arya watched a tight smile flit over Sansa's disappointed
expression. "Wait," she waved a hand at herself, "thanks for this and for
helping me get out... I wouldn't want anyone else for my sister." Sansa smiled
wide, looking even more stunning and Arya shook her head in awe. "I bet your
giant boyfriend passes out when he sees you."
"I certainly hope not," Sansa looked away and blushed - revealing everything
with one look.
"Oh shit!" Arya's jaw came unhinged. "Oh-my-gods, you're gonna do it tonight -
that's so cliché!"
"Arya," Sansa hissed and blushed even harder, "shut up!"
"Want some advice?" Arya was feeling generous or else she would have mocked
Sansa mercilessly.
"Oh gods kill me now," Sansa closed her eyes and hung her head.
"Don't rush it," she counseled seriously.
"Oh," Sansa's eyes popped open, "that is actually good advice, thank you." She
grabbed Arya's hand and they walked out to the living room where dad ambushed
them with his camera.
"Just one picture," he snapped at least a dozen before Arya marched towards the
door. "Wait, should I pick you girls up tomorrow morning?"
"My mother has already agreed to drive them, Mr. Stark." Sheri was brilliant
with their father, never even hesitated for a second. They all hurried out the
door and through the hall to ride the elevator downstairs.
"Oh boy," Sansa murmured as she stopped before the glass door entrance. Parked
outside was Sandor's gorgeous Skylark waiting for them. "Go ahead... I need a
minute." Arya shrugged and pushed through the door and Sheri giggled excitedly
on her heels.
"Yo!" Arya threw a hand up when Sandor stepped out of his car to meet them. His
eyes darted to the glass doors, clearly looking for Sansa. "Giant dude - what
up?! This is my besty, Sheri." When his eyes landed on Sheri, they opened in
surprise. They both kind of just stared at each other for an awkward moment.
"Hey," she waved a hand between them, "you two okay?"
"It's nice to meet you," Sheri whispered.
"Sure," he turned away to open the car door and moved the front seat forward,
"climb on in." Sheri got in first but Arya turned back when Sandor looked past
her and gasped. "Wow..." Sansa finally made her grand appearance, gliding
across the cement with a serene smile on her face. "You look..." He waved a
hand at Sansa with a dumbstruck expression on his mangled face.
"Thank you," Sansa had that starry look in her eyes, "you look amazing."
"Let's move it, people!" Arya interrupted their gooey goggling or else they
would stand there forever. "We've got a dance to tear up!" She climbed into the
backseat with Sheri before Sandor pushed back the seat and held Sansa's hand to
help her get in. Oh gods - could they get any more nauseating? When they
arrived at the school, Sandor dropped them off in front of the weirwood tree
where Gendry was waiting.
"Ladies," he opened the door to let them out, "you all look lovely." As they
walked to the sidewalk, his eyes raked over her new look with a pleased
expression. "Arya..."
"Save the mushy stuff," she cut him off, "or I'm dragging you behind that tree.
Sansa wouldn't appreciate her hard work being messed up."
"Milady," he held out his arm, "may I escort you to the dance."
"If you must," she groaned and wrapped her fingers around Gendry's arm. Sheri
and Sansa waited together for their dates to collect them as Arya and Gendry
walked towards the gym. The dance's theme was 'winter love' - whatever that
means - there were glittery snowflakes everywhere. "This is just as bad as I
always dreamed it would be."
"Come on, it's..." Gendry waved a hand around the gym and started laughing.
"Alright, this is really stupid." He shrugged at her. "Wanna dance?"
"Let's show them how it's done," she grabbed his hand and led him to a free
corner of the dance floor. It stood to reason that since they were so good
horizontal, they would rock it out vertically as well. Arya was not
disappointed - they danced like no one was watching, though practically
everyone was. Gendry actually pulled her into a spin to lift her up while
onlookers clapped. Then a slow song started and things got awkward. "Let's take
a break..."
"Not on your life," he tugged her close with a grin. "I like taking it slow."
Oh, she recognized that look in his eyes - they weren't going to last at this
dance much longer. His hands curled around her waist to pull her body against
his as she held onto his shoulders. Even wearing heels, Arya could not reach
his shoulder to rest her head against it to hide her face from him. She hoped
the dimness hid her - gods help her, she was blushing. Their feet moved them in
a slow circle, as she stared at his loose necktie. "Are you having fun?" He
tilted his head down to rest his forehead against hers.
"I'll deny it if you tell anyone but..." Arya turned her eyes up to meet his.
"I am." Gendry lifted his head, and she took the opportunity to glance around
the gym. Sandor and Sansa stood out, his insane height and her impossible
beauty. Off to one corner Pod and Sheri were dancing a proper waltz like it
weren't no big deal. She turned back to see his bright eyes still gazing
adoringly at her. "Looks like everyone else is too."
"So, do you want to stay-?"
"No fucking way!" She grabbed his wrist to drag him off the dance floor. "Let's
go!" Gendry laughed as he moved to walk beside her and slipped his rough
fingers between hers. They mocked the shitty dance decorations as they walked
to the Lincoln. "Do you really like all this shit?" Arya waved a hand at
herself once they were inside his car.
"It's nice every now and then," Gendry shrugged, "but not all the time." He had
a slightly terrified expression on his face - like he was afraid to give the
wrong answer. "I love your eyes: I would hate it if they were always hidden."
"You always say the right things at the right time," she laughed at his
relieved expression. Gendry pulled the Lincoln out of the lot as she studied
his handsome profile. "Why did you wait so long to get a girl? You could've had
anyone, even being a total weirdo who spends his time playing DnD and
blacksmithing."
"I was waiting for you," he flashed his half-smile at her - melting her heart
just a little bit more.
"There you go again," she sighed and tilted her head against the headrest to
watch him. Gendry was so gorgeous, it stole her breath away. Arya got lost in
her admiration, only noticing they reached Kings Forest when he parked.
"Wait here," he held up a finger and got out to walk around the car and opened
the door. Arya rolled her eyes as she got up - which is why he caught her by
surprise when he lifted her into his arms. Gendry kicked the door closed with
his foot and started carrying her through the woods.
"This is totally unnecessary," she grumbled, "I could've just taken my shoes
off." Arya would die before ever admitting it was sorta nice to be carried.
"That wouldn't be as fun," he moved at a steady pace and did not seem hindered
by her weight at all. When they reached the clearing, she noticed a new
addition - a tent. "I thought we needed something more permanent: since we'll
be spending a lot of time here soon." Gendry set her down in front of the tent
and opened the flap.
"You can be smart sometimes," she smirked at him as she kicked off her shoes
and ducked inside. It was a good size, plenty of room to make some magic. Once
the tent was zipped closed behind them Arya couldn't wait a second longer. She
grasped the collar of Gendry's jacket and pulled the coat off to toss it aside.
He turned around, mouth open to say something but she curled her arms around
his neck and captured his lips. They stumbled and fell onto the blankets on the
ground, breaking apart only to strip their clothes.
"Tell me," he stopped her as she moved to kiss him again.
"You don't need me," she laughed breathlessly, "to tell you how hot you are."
"I need to hear why you love me," his voice was quiet and more serious than
usual. "Seriously." In the almost pitch dark of the tent she could just barely
make out his furrowed brow.
"Oh..." Arya leaned back in surprise. "You're sorta putting me on the spot - I
don't really like mushy stuff, you know that." She laughed and pushed her hair
back from her eyes. "You know everything about me and you like it all. Who else
would put up with me? You let me boss you around most of the time. But, I can
admit, you keep me out of trouble too. I don't need anybody to take care of me
but you do it anyway and I like it sometimes. You're like... the perfect
shirt."
"A shirt?" He didn't sound all that satisfied with her answer and Arya started
to feel really nervous.
"You know," she waved a hand, "when you try something on for the first time and
it just... fits right. You fit me right. You think I'm fun and beautiful when
other boys would just call me a crazy tomboy. Actually, most would use a lot
harsher words. With you, I don't have to pretend I'm not smart or don't have
strong opinions. Do you have any idea how rare that is? People are always
telling me what I can't do, but you care more about what I want." Arya sighed
and looked away in frustration. "I think all of this is sounding really self-
absorbed."
"So," his hand trailed down her arm to hold hers, "you love me because I love
you? That works."
"Not exactly," she turned back to him as her eyes adjusted to the dim. "I love
you because there's no one like you. I didn't dream about the kind of guy I
would fall in love with because I didn't think he would exist." Arya shook her
head as she laughed, still not quite able to believe her luck. "Yet, here you
are - perfect for me."
"That's sounds familiar," his husky laugh set her skin on fire. "We're so
lucky, Arry." Gendry lifted her hand to kiss her knuckles. "Not everybody finds
their soul mate in high school."
"A lot of people think they do," she was afraid to even say the words out loud.
"We're not like other people," he pressed his lips against hers and Arya could
feel him smiling. She curled her fingers around the back of his neck and pulled
away.
"Let's not waste tonight," she whispered, "we should make it last as long as we
can."
"I can go slow?" Gendry grinned like she just gave him a present.
"Slower than slow - move backwards if possible." Arya curled both arms around
his shoulders and pressed her lips against his neck. "Make it last the next
three weeks."
"I'll try my best, milady." His hand pushed her back onto the rumbled blankets
but he did not follow her down, just trailed his fingers down over her chest
and stomach.
Her hands reached out to his chest to feel his racing heart, roaming up over
his shoulders to pull him down on top of her. He settled between her legs, his
skin hot and soft against hers, and lowered his lips to kiss her tenderly. The
dark heightened her other senses and her fingertips felt every corded muscle of
his back pulled taut as he held his weight over her.
"Gendry," she murmured against his mouth and bucked her hips impatiently, "not
that slow." A burning need to have him was coiling in her stomach, threatening
to take over and push them too fast. They needed to take their time, enjoy
every second until they had to part again. Gendry reached over her head, she
heard him rummaging through their condom box, and rose onto his knees to put
the stupid thing on. Gods she really needed to go on the pill - an adventure
for another day. His pale skin nearly glowed in the darkness and she hummed
with impatience.
"I should have brought a lamp," he lowered onto his forearms once more. "Though
you're prettiest in the moonlight: it's too damn cold for that." Gendry covered
them with a blanket and rested his full weight on her, spreading the fire in
her stomach through her entire body. She slipped an impatient hand between
their bodies and lifted her hips so the tip of his cock nudged her entrance.
"So impatient," he admonished and unhurriedly pushed inside her. This was the
only time she felt truly alive, the rush she was chasing her whole life was
only sated by him.
His shoulders curled down as he lowered his lips to hers and Arya tilted her
head back, straining to reach his mouth. Gendry slid a hand down her thigh to
hook behind her knee, pulling her leg up to thrust deep inside her as his kiss
muffled her moans. His one hand continued running along her side, as if trying
to memorize her body in the dark. The other hand cupped the back of her head,
his rough fingertips touching the her neck. It gave her a feeling of belonging
and peace, his calloused hands on her body - like the comfort of coming home.
She let him love her - that's what he was doing, loving her - as much as she
wanted to flip him over and ride him until they both passed out. This was nice
too, being loved and making love, it was both relaxed and frenzied all at once.
Gendry surrounded her, his panted breath hot against her lips as his arms
encircled her body to hold her close. Her own breath was ragged, not only
crushed under his weight but every slow push and pull of his hips drew the air
from her lungs in loud moans. Arya fought to hold onto every sensation and
remember every little detail.
Her hands clung to his shoulders as she buried her face into his chest, biting
her tongue to keep her from begging him to move faster. Arya felt pulled into a
thousand different directions, wanting to touch him everywhere and hold him
close at the same time. Instead of telling him how much she loved him, her
mouth only cried out against his heated skin. She was losing control, bucking
her hips up to meet his quicker, urging him to get carried away too. Gendry
pulled of one her hands from his neck and pinned it over her head.
"I love you," he whispered against her ear, "only you... always." His hoarse
voice severed whatever ties she had to reality as her body started to vibrate
and tingle all over.
"More," she groaned - not sure what she was even demanding. More Gendry, all of
him, his skin and voice and body. She wanted to shed her corporeal form and
melt into him, merging into one being to spend eternity in the dark together.
"Arya," his voice was tight, "I'll never let you go. You're mine and I'm yours:
now and always." Gendry's fingers slipped between hers, holding her hand above
her head as he drove into her keeping a steady pace. He overwhelmed her,
turning her into a writhing mess beneath him as she whined and begged for
'more' repeatedly. "We belong to each other," he panted, "you have my heart and
I never want it back."
She continued to buck against his steady rocking, dragged closer to the edge
with every push and pull of his hips. Gendry whispered more beautiful things
but her mind was beyond comprehending them. Her whole body trembled with the
force of her need to release but it continued to grow, drawing out each surge
of pleasure. Arya clung to her life preserver, his body the only solid thing
tying her to the world as she drifted away from reality. Like a ship tossed
against the rocks, she was dashed into a million splinters and plunged into a
gushing inky sea.
White lightning flashed across her eyes as the churning waves of her pleasure
culminated into an explosion. Her resulting scream formed his name without
coherent intention before devolving into whimpering sobs. Tears spilled from
her eyes before she could stop them so Arya hid her face against his chest,
even knowing he could feel the wetness. She was still too busy recovering from
the intense sensation to feel any shame. Gendry must have come with her because
he pulled out of her with a groan and rolled over onto his back.
After he fumbled a bit with the condom - gods those things were annoying - he
reached out to pull her close. They lay like that for a good long while, even
after their breathing and heart rates returned to normal.
"It still shocks me," he whispered against her hair, "how it just keeps..."
"I know," she chuckled and nuzzled her face against his warm chest. "I can
hardly believe how good it is. The gods might get jealous of us and try to
split us up."
"Even the gods can't tear us apart," he pulled her tighter. "I'd go to the
seven hells and back for you."
"You only have to go through three and a half," she assured him. "I'll always
meet you half-way.
Chapter End Notes
     So... tired... must post... I kept jumping forward to Sandor's
     chapter because I'm super excited for Sansan sexy times (my
     priorities are a somewhat skewed but I've accepted it).
     You saw this coming right? I'm not being needlessly cruel (though I
     enjoy it). The timeline makes demands of us all - of course Arry
     wanted to leave the dance early!
     The Winter Formal is just getting started! Sansa is up next!
***** The Winter Court *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                              [The_Winter_Court]
                                     SANSA
The gym glittered with hundreds of blue and white lights strung along every
wall and hung down from the ceiling. It was beautiful, everything she ever
dreamed of... Streamers and snowflakes turned the large gymnasium into a
romantic wintery seventh heaven. With her head tilted against Sandor's chest,
Sansa floated like she danced on clouds. They revolved in a slow circle as the
music and other students on the dance floor faded into the background. Then the
song ended and another more upbeat tune began, spurring Sandor to pull her off
the dance floor
"Why are you so opposed to having fun?" She sulked as he found a patch of wall
to lean against. Every time anything even slightly cheerful played, he refused
to stay on the floor. Sansa did not truly expect more, but would it kill him to
let his guard down?
"This isn't exactly my scene - or jam," he crossed his arms stubbornly. Sansa
knew he hated being the center of attention and making a spectacle of himself
but... Well, everyone was doing it!
"Let me guess," she raised a brow, "the hound doesn't dance, right?" Sandor
smirked down at her and nodded once. "How would I know you don't like to dance?
We never listen to music together, that is just strange." Sansa crossed her
arms, mimicking his position and pouted up at him.
"Because one of us would hate it," he uncrossed his arms and put his hands on
her shoulders to turn her around to face the dance floor. Sandor pulled her
back against his chest, wrapping his arms around her. "You like this pop crap
but I can't stand it."
"I also like classical music and show tunes..." Sansa realized she was only
making his point for him. "I know," she sighed, "you like rock music."
"Death metal," he corrected, "death - metal, not just 'rock'." Sandor's deep
chuckle rumbled against her back as his breath tickled her ear and sent a
shiver down her spine. "And you would fucking hate it."
"I could try to listen to it," she offered half-heartedly. In truth, the
snippets she heard of his music sounded like something out of a nightmare.
"We don't need to listen to the same music," he lowered his lips to murmur in
her ear, "to love each other." Her skin felt hot and Sansa knew anyone could
plainly see her blushing from hairline to collarbone.
"You are right," she relented. "Anyway, I don't think I would enjoy 'death
metal' very much." It was not a big deal they did not like the same music, they
were so compatible in every other way. At least he liked to hear her sing...
"Oh!" Sansa was suddenly struck with a fabulous idea and she stepped out of his
embrace. "Hold that thought," she called over her shoulder, "I'll be right
back!" She approached the stage set up for the DJ in the front of the gym and
got the green-haired woman's attention.
"Can I request a song?" Sansa spoke as loudly as she could to be heard over the
fast-tempo pop song that had nearly every student hopping on the dance floor.
"Sure, girly," the young woman grinned and smacked her gum, "what can I spin
for ya?"
"True Colors," she requested, "by any artist."
"You got it, doll-face!" The woman winked one bright fuchsia eyelid and put her
headphones back on. The pop song ended as Sansa made her way back to Sandor and
a slow version of 'True Colors' came on just as she stood in front of him.
"They're playing our song," she pointed up and smiled. Sandor rolled his eyes
as he pushed off the wall, grabbing her hand to lead her onto the dance floor.
He held her tight as they resumed their slow revolving. Sansa felt light as a
feather as they swayed to the music but worried she was torturing her pitiable
boyfriend. "Is this completely horrible for you?"
"Nah," he tucked a hand under her chin to pull her eyes up to meet his. "I just
wish all these dumbass kids weren't here - then it'd be perfect."
"I wish I could hold onto this moment and make it last forever." Sansa took
ahold of his hand, replaced in on her waist, and held onto his shoulders to
rest her face against his chest. She could feel warmth seeping through his
shirt, heard his strong heartbeat, and inhaled his spicy cologne. The song
ended too soon and before he could lead her back to the wall, she grabbed onto
his wrist. "Let's have our picture taken," she pleaded, "please-please-please!"
"You know I hate that shit," he protested but still followed as she towed him
towards the corner set up for photos.
"Just one?" Sansa led him to stand in the line of students waiting to have
their photo taken and turned around to give him a hopeful look. "I want a
momento to remember this night."
"I won't be forgetting tonight so easily," his voice lowered to a dull growl
only the two of them could hear. Sansa blushed and looked around anyway,
convinced everyone could see her most secret thoughts.
"You know what I mean..." She averted her eyes shyly and pulled him along as
the line moved up. "To remember the dance."
"Fine," he gave in, as she knew he would and Sansa beamed thankfully. They
waited in line until their turn was up. Sandor ignored the photographer's
instructions, standing sideways to face her instead of the camera. They had
their portrait taken and she filled out all of the relevant information on a
form after confirming the photo. It bothered her that half of his face was
hidden but overall felt quite contented. "Happy?"
"Very happy," she smiled up at him as they walked away, "so happy I could
burst. Except..." Sansa stopped and put a hand over her empty stomach and
grimaced. "I forgot to eat earlier because I was so focused on getting ready."
All this swaying and turning in circles was not a good idea without any food in
her.
"Let's go check out the spread," he tilted his head at the buffet table and she
nodded eagerly. They walked together to the table laid out with mostly snack
foods like cookies and one-bite appetizers. "Punch, little bird?" Sandor held
up a cup and ladleful of bright red liquid. "I wouldn't put it past Theon to
spike it though."
"I'm parched so I'll take my chances." Sansa collected a few snacks onto a
plate and turned around when a soft hand landed on her shoulder. "Missa!" She
covered her mouth as she chewed a bite of cookie.
"Sansa," Missa gave her an once-over, "you look absolutely stunning!"
"And you look gorgeous!" Sansa meant her compliment sincerely, not many high
school kids could pull off Missa's bold yet elegant style.
"It's all Dany and Marge's doing," Missa waved a hand dismissively, "they can
make anyone look like a celebrity. I love your dress, it really suits you."
Then her mouth fell open as she looked around the gym. "You match the dance
decorations!"
"That," Sansa blushed and covered her smiling mouth, "is not a mistake." She
might have over-planned this night but she wanted everything to be perfect.
"Clever girl," Missa nodded approvingly. Sandor returned to Sansa's side and
handed her a drink. "You look quite dashing yourself."
"She picked it out," Sandor pointed an accusing finger at Sansa, "I just wore
what she told me."
"Smart man," Missa grinned at him, "I don't suppose you two are going to
Joffrey's after party?" Sansa quickly gulped the punch in her mouth and shook
her head vigorously. "Good, then I won't go either, Dany is skipping it too."
She sighed and looked across the gym to Margaery and Joff dancing like they
were about to rip each other's clothes off. To each their own, she supposed.
"Marge will have to fend for herself tonight." Missa put her hand on Sansa's
arm. "Later, after winter break, you and I should get together."
"I will definitely call you," Sansa waved goodbye with a half-eaten cookie in
her hand as Missa walked away. "Wow, these are really good." Sandor filched the
treat out of her hand and shoved it all in his mouth. That reminded her...
"Have you seen Arya?"
"She dragged her nerd out of here over an hour ago," Sandor shrugged and wiped
the crumbs off his jacket. Sansa resisted the urge to lecture about keeping his
clothes clean and fought back her concern for Arya. "Don't worry - short stuff
can take care of herself."
"I'm a big sister," she countered, "it's my job to worry... I strangely love
that you two get along so well."
"She's okay," he cleared his throat before shoving another cookie in his mouth.
"You like her, I can tell." Sansa laughed as Sandor picked up the whole tray of
cookies like he was claiming them all. "Arya is a singular girl... but such a
handful. I plan to ask her to go with me to self-defense classes-"
"Let's not worry about that either tonight, little bird." Sandor's voice
sounded normal but his eyes clouded over with dark emotion. "Just worry about
us and right now." He set the tray of cookies down and gulped his punch before
crumpling his plastic cup to toss it over his shoulder into the wastebasket.
"Sandor..." Sansa was ready to leave and move onto the rest of their night. "If
you want-"
"Alright, kids," Mr. Lannister got up on the stage and stood in front of a
microphone. "It's the moment you've all been waiting for! The Winter Court!"
Cheers erupted from the students and Sansa joined in before grabbing Sandor's
hand to move closer. "Mel, if you'll do the honors?"
"Thank you, Jaime." A gorgeous woman with flaming red hair moved in front of
the microphone and opened an envelope. "First, your Winter Queen is... Margaery
Tyrell!" Applause and loud cheers rang through the gym as Marge walked onto the
stage with her signature beauty queen wave. Mr. Lannister crowned a wreath of
blue winter roses onto Margaery's head as she beamed at the cheering crowd.
"The Winter King is..." Mr. Lannister opened the second envelope. "Joffrey
Baratheon!" Sansa did not even pretend to clap for that jerk as he bounded onto
the stage with his arms held high. Some boys up front hooted and chanted 'Joff'
as he accepted his red velvet and gold crown.
"This year's Winter Princess is..." The redheaded beauty paused before reading
off the next winner. "Dany Targaryen!" Dany walked up onto the stage with grace
to receive her crown of white flowers, which blended into her pale blonde hair.
"And the Winter Prince is... Loras Tyrell!" Loras strolled onto the stage,
looking more than handsome in a full tuxedo, and bowed his head to receive a
simple golden circlet. The four winners stood next to each other wearing happy
smiles. "Let's have a round of applause for this year's Winter Court!" A
deafening roar rose from the students as the winners linked hands and raised
them over their heads.
"I suppose the results don't surprise anyone," she commented to Sandor once the
noise died down. "Wow..." Sansa was stunned by how lovely the girls looked on
stage as they straightened each other's crowns. "Marge and Dany look so
beautiful." His snort surprised her out of her semi-envious daze. "You don't
think so?"
"I can't see anyone but you," he looked down at her with a serious expression.
"Do you want to go now?" Sansa slipped her hand into his and gave it a squeeze.
"If you are ready," his voice rumbled even deeper as his dark eyes bore into
hers.
"I'm ready," she held his gaze steady as she said it, not allowing shyness to
dull her determination. Without another word, he started to walk towards the
gym's exit but Sansa tugged him in the other direction. "I want to do something
first," she explained to his puzzled expression. She led him 'their' spot...
the place their first met outside coach Tarth's office. "Every morning, when I
wake up, I am more grateful that we met on my first day," she turned to face
him. "I truly was a lost little bird and I needed more than help to find my way
around a big campus."
"I was just in the right place at the right time," his expression was guarded,
as if expecting something bad to happen.
"Some people call that fate," she smiled. "Others call it 'luck' and I am not
sure what to call it myself. But I am so thankful that I found you and you
found me. I think we were both a little lost and still might be wandering but I
hope... We can wander while holding each other's hand." Sansa squeezed his hand
tightly. "As long as we hold onto each other, we are never truly lost."
"Enough stalling and chirping, little bird," his free hand wrapped around her
waist to pull her against his body. "I'm never letting you go." Sandor pulled
her hand around his neck and curled his fingers around the back of her neck
before capturing her lips. Standing in that exact spot, she had daydreamed
about being close to and kissing him and even her dreams could not compare. He
overwhelmed all of her senses and weakened her knees so that she slumped
against him. Sansa panted breathlessly as he broke the kiss.
"Let's go," she stepped out of his embrace and tucked her hand around his arm
as he led her from the gym. They walked at an unhurried pace, her head tilted
against his firm shoulder until they reached the Skylark. Sandor opened the
door and held her hand as she sat down inside and moved her dress so he could
close the door. He walked around and got into the driver's seat, putting the
key and turning the engine over so the car purred to life. "Let me guess," she
groaned, "where we are going is a surprise?"
"You're a smart one," he grinned as he whipped out of the parking spot and onto
the open road. "I'll give you a hint - it's where you belong." His hints were
even more torturous than not knowing anything at all! She was horrible at
guessing games so she refused to play just to spite him.
"You are a cruel boy, Sandor Clegane," she sulked, "you enjoy torturing me."
"Yep," he agreed right away. "And the night is still young." His deep growling
sent her heart racing in nervous anticipation. Sansa's palms started to sweat
as the silence stretched between them until he finally pulled into a parking
lot.
"The Palace?!" Sansa whipped her head to stare at Sandor in shock. "This place
is so expensive!"
"I fucking know that better than you," he scoffed before grinning at her.
"Don't get all bent out of shape over money. It doesn't mean shit to me unless
I can spend it on something worthwhile." Sandor parked the Skylark and turned
off the engine before turning his serious eyes onto her. "You're worth every
penny and then some - I just want you to be happy." A tear slipped from her eye
at his overwhelming generosity, especially in light of his family struggles.
"I don't know what to say," she whimpered as she stared down at his jacket
sleeve. "Except... I love you." The back of his finger wiped away her happy
tear and lifted her chin up.
"I won't always say or do the right thing," he rasped in a tight voice. "I'll
fuck up again, probably before the night is through." Sandor caressed her jaw
and slid his warm palm over her cheek. "But I will always do my best - I swear.
Because I love you more than my own life." Sansa could not help the few more
tears that squeezed from her eyes. "Do you have to cry over everything, little
bird?"
"Yes," she sniffled, "because I am too happy... I might burst if I hold it
back." Sansa turned her watery eyes up at him and smiled. "I have waited my
whole life for this night; I don't want to wait a moment longer." Sandor
grinned and they both got out of the car and hurried to meet each other,
holding hands as they walked into the lobby. He checked them in and they walked
together to the elevator. She trembled nervously as the golden doors slid open
and they both stepped inside.
"I'm nervous," she whispered even though they were alone.
"We don't have to-"
"Sorry!" Sansa spun her whole body towards him in a panic and hung onto his
arm. "I used the wrong word," she panted, "I meant that I'm anxious, excited...
eager." Sandor raised his brow and she blushed. "And a bit nervous too, I
suppose."
"Me too," he turned to face her, wrapping his hands around her upper arms and
stepping close. "Did I tell you? You're so beautiful - you always are - tonight
you are stunning. I keep forgetting that you are mine." His lips lowered softly
to hers, kissing her with more tenderness than she had ever experienced. Sansa
wrapped her arms around his waist and her heart pounded from the anticipation
his gentle kiss created. Neither of them noticed the doors sliding open but
they both turned at the loud gasp from the other side.
Two people, an older couple were waiting, the woman stared in horror at
Sandor's face. Sansa felt him stiffed beside her but she did not bother being
polite, grabbing his hand to brush past the couple. They hurried hand-in-hand
to the room, letting go only so he could push the key card into the lock and
open the door. The room was beautiful and she breezed inside, wandering around
the opulent space with her jaw hanging open. He came up behind her as she moved
to the window to gape at the night cityscape and turned her to face him.
"I know," his serious expression surprised her. "There are guys out there who
deserve you more than I do." He did not give her a chance to argue. "None of
them could ever want you as much as me."
"I don't see anyone but you, Sandor." Sansa wrapped her arms around his neck
and stood on her tiptoes. "I only want you." He lowered his head so that their
lips could meet for a brief instant before she tilted her head back to meet his
eyes. "We deserve each other."
"Ready?" The word wheezed from his mouth.
"Almost," she smiled, "there's one more thing I want to do first."
Chapter End Notes
     I might just be really tired but I possibly just went through a time
     warp.
     The Winter Formal isn't over yet!
***** All Good Things *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

                  [All_Good_Things_-_1] [All_Good_Things_-_2]
                                      POD
The buffet table had nearly been picked clean but he noshed on whatever he
could find to re-energize. Little Sheri might be small but her energy seemed
endless as they twirled around the dance floor. A few times during the night,
he caught a glimpse of coach wandering around the gym, working as a chaperone.
He wanted to go talk to her so badly but thought he would probably just be
torturing himself, seeing her all dressed up.
"Rick," she tapped him on the shoulder. He gulped down the cookie in his mouth
and turned away from the buffet to see coach standing behind him. She was
nothing less than statuesque in a silver blouse and dark gray slacks. Gods, she
was beautiful...
"Coach," he managed to stop gaping and gave her an astonished smile. "You
look... wow." Rick Payne: the silver-tongued, or not.
"Oh, come off it," she lightly pushed his shoulder and rolled her eyes, "you're
not so bad yourself." His heart nearly exploded though her words were hardly a
true compliment. "I couldn't believe it when I saw you and your date twirling
around the floor."
"I have a few secrets," he smiled wide and forced himself to stop fidgeting
with his coat. "You and I could take a turn around the dance floor: it would be
nice to lead you around the gym for once." Pod held his breath as he waited for
her answer.
"Instead of being clobbered by me?" She smirked before looking around the gym.
"I would but I doubt the other chaperones would approve. I only came over to
tell you I have a gift for you: a thank you for all you do."
"You didn't have to do that." Pod rubbed the side of his face and hoped she
couldn't tell he was blushing.
"I insist," she glanced around again, "we can slip away for just a moment."
Coach gestured her hand, indicating for him to follow, and led him back to her
office. She opened the top drawer of her desk and pulled out a small box,
handing it to him. "Here, it's not much, more like a good luck charm." He
opened the box to find a shiny new whistle, just like the one she always wore.
"Coach... thanks." He stared at the whistle in disbelief, seeing his name
inscribed on the side. "I don't have anything for you."
"Nonsense," she huffed a breathy laugh, "you've done more for me than other any
student aide would." She leaned against the desk and crossed her arms. "Coach
Selmy has his head buried in his notebooks or he would recognize your efforts
as well." Pod saw no reason to inform her that he spent twice as much time
helping her. "This is just a small token of my appreciation... I don't know
what I will do once you graduate."
"During the winter break I could come by and give you a full rundown on my
filing system." Pod hoped he did not look too eager.
"I can't ask you to give up your vacation time for me." The pleading expression
on her face did not match her words.
"I want to," he insisted. "I really admire and look up to you, coach." That was
as close as he could come to revealing his true feelings for her.
"Nearly everyone looks up to me." She grinned at her little joke, not taking
him seriously: coach never took him seriously.
"I mean it," Pod stared up into her bright blue eyes. "You truly care about
your students. I'm just glad that I am able to help in some small way."
"Alright you twisted my arm," she relented with the relieved sigh. "But I
assure you that it won't be easy."
"Nothing worthwhile is." He stepped closer, thinking: even if the consequences
were dire, it might be worth it to kiss her just once. She looked so damn
beautiful, her eyes sparkling with happiness. But his courage failed him when
she pushed up off the desk and looked down to straighten her blouse.
"Best get back to the dance," she sighed. "I can't imagine the gossip...
Actually, I can." Coach grimaced and shuddered as she walked to the door. Pod
tried not to take it personally: and failed.
"Coach," he caught her wrist to turn her back to face him, "thanks again." Pod
held up the box containing his gift and she gave him a wide smile, nodding her
head once before heading back to return to the dance. Sheri was sitting in a
chair against the wall and watching the dwindling number of dancers on the
floor. "Sorry to disappear on you."
"I needed a break anyway." She waved her hand, dismissing his apology. "I still
can't believe you are such a fantastic dancer."
"My grandmother always said..." He raised the pitch of his voice in imitation
of his grandmother. "Ballroom dancing is the way to win a lady's heart."
"She sounds like a very smart woman," Sheri giggled at his imitation.
"And you?" Pod leaned against the wall beside her.
"I have always had an interest in dance." She stood up to stand beside him,
leaning one shoulder against the wall to face him. "I also know a bit of jazz-
tap and some ballet."
"A girl of many skills," he smiled down at her.
"You have no idea," Sheri winked and grinned.
"Did you want to go to an after-party?" Pod made the offer but even to his own
ears, his voice sounded reluctant.
"Parties are not really my 'thing' but I would go if you wanted." Sheri blushed
and turned back to face the dance floor. "I don't want to go home yet."
"Let's stay until the last song." Pod held out his hand to escort her out on
the floor. "Make them throw us out."
"Brilliant idea, as usual." She accepted his hand with a confident smile.
"Let's go show everyone up." They stepped onto the floor and Pod curled his
fingers around her tiny waist as she rested her small hand on his shoulder.
Since the dance was dying down, more space opened up and they waltzed around
the dance floor. Sheri was light on her feet and followed his lead without any
trouble.
"You should join us for the next game, after winter break." Pod extended his
arm to spin her around and then pulled her back in, not missing a beat. His
grandmother would be so proud. "You would really add some wit to the group."
"And beauty," she quipped and he missed a step. "Sorry, I self-deprecate too
much."
"Beauty is relative," he argued as they recovered from his misstep easily. "To
the right person, you could be the most beautiful girl in the world. I have
someone like that, not many people think she is pretty but to me she is
perfect." Pod never admitted to anyone that he secretly admired someone but
Sheri was shockingly easy to talk to.
"Oh, you have someone you like." She couldn't hide her disappointment and part
of him was flattered. Sheri was one of the nicest and most interesting people
he'd ever met and if his heart were free, he would probably ask her out again.
But leading on a sweet girl like her was too low: she deserved someone who
wouldn't secretly pine for someone else.
"It's totally one-sided," he sighed and laughed at himself. "It's like a bad
habit I can't break... I know she'll never look at me the same way."
"Then she's blind," she looked him straight in the eye.
"Maybe," he nodded, "or just too damned noble." Pod smiled at her confused
expression but did not explain further. "I think you are awesome, but don't
want to lead you on, Sheri. At least, not off the dance floor."
"Of course not," she insisted with an easy smile, "we are here as 'friends' and
that is more than enough for me." Sheri squeezed his shoulder to emphasize her
words. "I like you, Rick Payne. If you would consider me a friend then I am
honored."
"Same here," he returned her happy expression before lowering her into a dip.
"So, will you join our group?" Since Sam was gone, there was a distinct lack of
kindness in the empty room, which Sheri would be sure to fill.
"I think I will," she agreed. Pod pulled her up as the song ended but neither
of them released each other, he intended to show Sheri a good time until the
gym doors closed. They were just going to dance the night away until somebody
stopped them.
                                   MARGAERY
Loras - the traitor - got a text more than an hour ago and ran out with a goofy
smile on his face, as if she didn't know exactly what he was up to. Missa
allowed herself to be trampled all over by her pretty date on the dance floor,
only sparing a moment to introduce him. Joff kept fleeing her side to 'hang'
with his 'boys' and honestly, she didn't even miss him... much. Dany, she was
supposed to be her best friend, yet she too was abandoning her!
"Darling," Marge whined pitifully, "you have to come to the party!" Dany just
shook her head, ignoring Margaery's pleas. "After parties are the reason proms
exist!"
"Not this time, Marge." Dany got that faraway look in her eyes as she gazed at
her well-built date. "Drogo and I have a long drive back to the ranch."
"You sound like a farmer's wife," she scowled. Margaery knew she was being
childish but... it just wasn't fair! This was supposed to be the best night of
her life, but it felt so hollow. She won the title of Winter Queen but would
gladly give it up to not feel so utterly alone.
"Would that be such a terrible thing?" Dany had changed over the last several
weeks and Marge could not help but feel a bit left out. Or possibly a 'ton'
left out - what's so great about horses anyway?!
"I suppose not..." She really was happy for her friend and would not find fault
in whatever brought about the positive changes. "I just miss you, Dany."
"We'll get together over the break," Dany smiled beautifully, "just you and
me." She pulled Margaery in for one last hug. "Then we'll drag Missa out and
force her to give us all the juicy details about her progress with Torgo."
"Gods, I couldn't believe it!" Marge huffed out a laugh. "Toto has to be the
prettiest boy I've ever seen - Missa certainly has an eye for beauty. And
you..." She slid her eyes to her friend's tall dark and muscled lover. "Oh me
oh my, Jogo certainly is a hunk of man-meat." Where Joff was sleek and elegant
like a sports car, Jogo was built like a truck... A very sexy truck.
"He's much more than that," Dany bit her lip as she gazed at her stoic lover.
Oh dear - she recognized that look.
"I think you might be in love, Dany girl." Marge poked her friend in the
shoulder, giving her a knowing look.
"I won't say that I'm not," Dany beamed as her fair cheeks turned pink. "I will
see you later on this week, I'll call you." She blew a kiss goodbye as she
walked to meet her date, leaving Marge standing alone in a crowded room.
"Sure you will," she murmured the words to herself, feeling a bit like a wadded
up used tissue. Dany was always ready to cry on her shoulder but refused to
listen to any of her Joffrey woes. It served her right, everyone was sick of
her on-again-off-again relationship - even her. Her eyes traveled to Joff,
standing in the center of his clique and laughing about something. She
straightened her spine and put on her best smile before walking over to the
group.
"Where were you?" Joff narrowed his eyes at her and waved his hand to dismiss
his friends.
"Did you miss me already?" Marge wrapped her arm around his and stood beside
him. "I was saying goodbye to Dany."
"She's not coming to the party?" He raised his brow in disbelief and scoffed a
laugh as he shook his head. "Your friends are boring."
"You promised," Marge reminded him for the hundredth time, "to stop speaking
ill of my girls."
"Fine," he rolled his eyes. "This place is dead." Joff gave her the most
charming smile - he really did look like royalty despite the cheapness of his
crown. "Should we get out of here, my queen?"
"A brilliant idea, my king." She returned his smile and they walked together
towards the limo waiting for them. "Joff, it's killing me..." She stopped him
before they reached the limo but could not meet his eyes. "Why did you dump me
last time?" Marge had been holding that question in for so long she could
barely think about anything else.
"What does that matter?" Joff hated having to explain himself. "We're back,
aren't we? You're always so stuck on what happened before."
"I just don't want to lose you again," she explained, "if it was something I
did-"
"It was me, not you." He always used those lines on her but they sounded less
sincere every time.
"I hate-"
"You're ruining my good mood," he sulked.
"Sorry," she whispered, bowing her head. Then his fingers came under her chin,
lifting her eyes to see him smiling once more. That handsome face caught her
heart every time. His smiles won her forgiveness and erased all memory of being
hurt in the first place. No boy had the right to be so devastatingly handsome,
golden, and perfect.
"You know..." He quirked his brows and ran his green eyes over her. "I've never
fucked a queen in a limo before."
"There's a first time for everything," she smirked and led the way, knowing he
was watching her hips swaying as she walked. Joff was not one for romance or
poetry but he came close whenever he vocalized his appreciation of her
'assets'. Maybe their relationship wasn't a 'dream come true' but nobody ever
gets exactly the kind of love they dreamed of.
                                   MISSANDEI
The dance was a smashing success, or at least considerably better than the
wedding they attended. Since then they had been on a date almost every weekend
but it was like pulling teeth to get him to touch her. At least, on the dance
floor she had an excuse hold onto him far too tightly.
"I hope you had as much fun as I did." Missa beamed happily, as they slowly
walked out of the gym hand-in-hand.
"I hope your feet heal from me stomping all over them." Torgo groaned and
rubbed a hand over his face before pushing his glasses higher up on the bridge
of his nose.
"You don't weigh much." She tugged on his hand and gave him a reassuring smile
when he looked at her. Missa knew that the only reason he was so terrible at
dancing was because she made him nervous. "Torgo, I wouldn't want to dance with
anyone else. Even if my feet do throb something awful."
"I'm hopeless," he whimpered and hung his head. "A hopeless and uncoordinated
Grade A nerd."
"You are an adorable nerd," she assured him, "besides as your tutor it was my
responsibility to instruct you." Though she knew little on the subject of
dating herself, she still knew more than Torgo. "I don't want to go home," she
stopped when they headed for the parking lot, "or to an after party."
"Come this way," he changed his direction, pulling her along to walk behind the
gym to the football field. Missa's shoes would not forgive her for treading
through the dirty grass but she felt curious about what he was up to.
"Are we going to play football?" Missa gave Torgo a quizzical look. "I'm afraid
my attire is not appropriate."
"There's a new moon tonight," He informed her as they sat down on the lowest
seat of the bleachers. "We can see more stars because it is darker." Torgo
quickly pointed at the sky. "There, a shooting star, did you see?" She watched
the meteoroid as it entered the atmosphere and made a wish, even though she
knew it was silly. A hunk of rock in space did not grant wishes, no matter how
hot it burned, but it never hurt to try.
"That was lovely," she sighed and glanced around the twinkling sky to look for
another.
"Not as lovely as you, Missa." Torgo took ahold of her hand and she turned to
face his serious expression. "Your eyes shine brighter than any stars."
"I doubt," Missa smiled, "that is scientifically possible."
"Can I kiss you?" The words rushed out of his mouth, his nervousness as plain
as the glasses on his face. Apparently, wishes do come true once in a while. Of
course, much more data on the subject would have to be gathered before reaching
a certain conclusion.
"You had better," she closed her eyes and leaned forward. First, his hand slid
over her cheek and his fingers curling behind her neck before his soft lips
pressed lightly against hers. Torgo held the kiss for an extended moment before
pulling away, letting his fingers trail down her arm to find her hand again.
Missa opened her eyes to see him smiling shyly and looking down at their
clasped hands.
"Thank you," he whispered.
"You don't have to thank me," she chided playfully. "I enjoyed it as well."
"No, I mean..." Torgo turned away from her, leaning forward with his hands
braced on the seat. "If you hadn't pushed me, I would have pined for you from
afar. I never would have found the courage to ask you out."
"I noticed," she sighed, "and it was silly for me to wait so long." Missa
tugged on his shoulder, urging him to face her once more. "One of the things I
like most about you is your shyness, yet I kept expecting you to make the first
move. Clearly, my logic was flawed."
"Can I kiss you again?" His words were barely more than a whisper but Missa
heard every word.
"You don't have to ask," she braced her hands on his shoulders and scooted
closer. This time she did not close her eyes but watched as he lowered his face
to hers, wearing a nervous expression. Missa wondered if patience was quite the
virtue everyone touted it to be and decided to perform an... experiment. She
slid her hands to the back of his neck, drawing his soft lower lip between her
own and tasting him with the tip of her tongue. He gasped, hesitating only an
instant before imitating her and just the very tips of their tongues touched.
They broke apart and turned away from each other, both panting for breath and
Missa assumed his heart was racing too. She turned her head sideways and peeked
at him, catching him peeking at her. He started laughing and she joined in, not
really sure what they were laughing about. Nevertheless, she felt more
ridiculously happy than she could ever remember being. Torgo huffed out a deep
breath and very carefully put his arm around her to hold her waist and she
tilted her head on his shoulder. There was nowhere else in the universe she
would rather be.
Chapter End Notes
     Ah! First Marge chapter! You can't really blame the girl for being
     willfully blind to Joff's evilness - he's so freaking hot! When he
     sits all squiffy on his throne I just want to punch him in the face:
     with my mouth. I'm super pissed at him because I know what a dill-
     hole he is about to be to poor Sansa. Stupid Joff... being so blonde,
     hot and even more evil (Draco Malfoy syndrome... actually I think
     Spike started it).
     Aren't Missa and Torgo just the cutest thing to ever happen with
     their tentative little kissy times?! So cute! And poor Poddy boy, so
     enamored of someone he can't have and blind to the sweet girl in
     front of him. Sheri seems to be taking it all in stride and I can't
     want to add her to the game!
     This is the fic that never ends... it just goes on and on my friends!
***** Bubbly Bubbles *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                               [Bubbly_Bubbles]
                                    SANDOR
His heart was thundering like a runaway train as Sansa led him to the back of
the room and into the bathroom. Sandor wondered what the little bird was up to
as she flicked the light on and placed her purse on the counter. She spun
around to put her hands together under her chin, turning her big blue eyes up
at him.
"Let's take..." A wide smile spread over Sansa's pretty face. "A bubble bath!"
"You've got to be shitting me," he grumbled as he eyed the large tub behind
her.
"You don't want to?" Her pink lower lip jutted out into a pretty pout. A vision
of Sansa naked, wet, and surrounded by bubbles flashed through his mind.
"Hold on - I'm a fucking idiot." Sandor thwacked the heel of his palm against
his forehead. "There's not many things I want more than taking a bubble bath
with you." Sansa's happy expression returned before she spun around, making a
silent request for him to unzip her dress. He pinched the tiny zipper and slid
it down, running his fingers down along her back as her pale skin was exposed.
"Thank you..." She carefully removed the dress and used a hanger to hang it on
the back of the door. Sansa turned around to face him, hands behind her back as
she peeked up at him. "Well?" It amazed him that she needed reassurance - there
was a mirror right next to her... The dark blue lace of her lingerie made her
flawless skin look even more snowy white.
"The dress was nice," he grinned, "but this is better." Sansa blushed and a
ducked her head as her lips curled into a pleased smile. She turned towards the
mirror and pulled a package out of her purse, some kind of wipe to remove her
makeup. Then she took down her hair, pulling out little pins and letting the
long tresses fall around her shoulders. Sandor was mesmerized, leaning against
the wall and watching her perform these simple routine actions with such
effortless grace. When she finished, she faced him with a playfully annoyed
expression.
"You are overdressed, lover, let me help." She walked behind him to help him
remove his jacket and gave it the same careful treatment as her dress. Sansa
returned in front of him and he watched her as she unbuttoned his shirt. He
shrugged the shirt off while she unbuckled his belt and unzipped his pants to
let them fall on his feet. Sandor stepped out of his shoes, moving towards her
but she smiled and darted out of his reach to start drawing the bath.
"Bubbles," she sang as she poured the soap into the water stream, "bubbly
bubbles, la-la-la."
"Chirping as usual," he muttered to himself. Sandor couldn't help but laugh at
the contrast her childish singing made with her sexy lingerie.
"Are you laughing at me?" She turned to face him with a hurt expression - over-
sensitive as usual.
"You're too fucking cute," he sat down on the edge of the giant tub next to
her. "It makes me happy so I laugh. That's what most people do - crybaby."
"Crybaby? Cute?!" Sansa stood up to put her hands on her hips to glare down at
him. "Can't you think of any better descriptors?" When she looked down at him,
all angry and feisty it just made her even hotter.
"Sexy, gorgeous, perfect..." He put his hands to her waist and tugged her
closer to stand between his knees. "Is that better?"
"You could go on." She braced her hands on his shoulders, her anger already
pacified.
"Dazzling," he spoke the first word that came to mind.
"Oh, that's a good one," she smiled as she leaned closer, creating a red
curtain of hair around them. "Do I dazzle you, Sandor?"
"Every time," he murmured before capturing her lips. Sandor lowered his fingers
down to hook the hem her panties and slid them down over her hips to fall
around her feet. She let go of his shoulders to remove her bra then stepped
over the side of the tub to get in. Sansa sat down in her mountain of bubbles
with a giggle, scooping up a handful to blow at him.
"Don't pretend you don't like bubbles too," she grinned like a happy kid as she
reached over to turn the water off. "Everyone likes bubbles." Cute and sexy at
the same time - only his little bird could do it without even trying.
"Nobody likes bubbles more than you, little bird." He rolled his eyes as he
stripped his briefs then climbed into the tub to sit beside her. She scooted
back to settle between his legs and rested her back against his chest. The
sound of popping bubbles filled the silence as she swirled and molded the white
foam. "This is the first time I've fit in a bathtub since I was a little kid."
"Even I have trouble fitting into a normal bathtub," she lifted one slim calf
out of the bubbles, "these long legs get in the way."
"They are never in the way," he chuckled, moving the damp ends of her hair away
from her neck to press a kiss to her shoulder. "Your legs were one of the first
things I noticed about you-" She pinched his knee with her cruel little nails.
"Ouch, let me finish! Your hair was first, I walked in and had this urge to
reach out and touch it." Sandor could remember every detail about that day, the
strong effect she had - and still had on him. "Then you turned around, those
pretty eyes opened wide with fear." Her eyes drew him in like a dumbass moth to
a blue flame.
"I wasn't afraid," she protested, "I was embarrassed." She rubbed the pinched
spot on his knee apologetically. "Then I was mortified because I kept staring
at your arms and chest like a pervert." Sansa rolled around onto her stomach,
swirling the bubbles and turning the water around her. "I was right," her
expression turned smug, "you look exactly like I pictured."
"You wanted me, huh?" Sandor held onto her waist with one hand and used the
other to tuck her hair behind her ear.
"From the first moment I saw you," she scooped a bit of white fluff and busied
herself by washing his chest. "I've never felt so... attracted to anyone
before." Sansa glanced up at him with a teasingly angry expression. "You know I
joined the cheer squad to get your attention... I have worked very hard to get
us to this point," she scowled. "I think some appreciation is in order."
"What does mi pajarito want?" He watched as she put a finger to her chin in
contemplation, leaving a bit of froth when she pointed at her head.
"I want you to wash my hair." She reached over his shoulder to the corner of
the tub to hand him a small bottle of shampoo.
"I've never done..." He started to protest when a memory broke into his mind,
slamming into him like a fist to the jaw. His little sister was crying because
Greg had pushed her into the mud and no one was around to clean her up except
him. Sandor remembered her dirt-streaked tears and washing her dark curls as
gently as he could. Sansa noticed his hesitation, her happy expression turned
worried. "It's been a long time."
"You washed someone's hair before?" Her brows knitted with concern and
confusion - Sansa didn't even know he ever had a sister.
"It's not important," he shook his head and spun a finger, "turn around."
"Someday," she sulked as she turned around, "you are going to tell me every
secret until I know everything about you." Sansa sat up straight as he poured a
glob of shampoo into his hand. He massaged the shampoo into her hair, working
up a good lather. "Mmm, that feels good." She continued to hum and sigh in
contentment as he washed the long tresses and then Sansa arched her back to dip
her hair into the sudsy water. Sandor couldn't take any more torment and she
gasped when he slid one hand down to cup her breast.
Soapy water cascaded from her hair as she sat up and turned around to face him
- unmistakable hunger in her eyes. It couldn't be real - none of it - but he
didn't care anymore. Maybe he died, Greg finally finished him off, and this was
one of the seven heavens. She felt real enough, that's all that mattered, her
soft skin was hot and slick from the sudsy water. Her eyelashes fluttered
closed as he traced the lines and curves of her body, leaving trails of suds
that slid down over her skin. The pleasured sigh that escaped her parted lips
pulled him out of his daze.
"Every time..." He moved aside the strands of wet hair sticking to her
shoulders - still disbelieving she was his. "Dazzling." Her pleased smile
instantly transformed her back from a soaked siren to his sweet girl. Sansa
leaned forward to curl an arm around his neck and pressed her smiling lips to
his. The sliding of her smooth slippery skin against his drew a deep groan from
his throat as he wrapped his arms around her. Sandor swallowed hard when he
felt her hand between their bodies lightly grasp his throbbing cock.
Sansa’s fingers wrapped more firmly around his erection as her tongue slipped
between his lips. Her mouth tasted hot and sweet as he cupped the back of her
head to return the kiss. The slow short tugs turned into longer and faster
pulls, her thumb swiping the bottom of his head as her soft chest pressed
against his. It did not take long for him to get close, falling apart under her
touch. Sandor curled forward and buried his face into her wet hair, shuddering
as he came.
"I love you," she was murmuring softly in his ear. Sansa released his cock to
pull him close, petting a hand over Sandor’s hair in long soothing strokes. The
water cooled as he caught his breath but her body was warm as she held him
tight. "I'm ready when you are finished resting..."
"Done," he sat up, pushing her up by her shoulders so he could stand and grab a
robe off the hook.
"Already?" Sansa looked surprised, water running down her body as she stood up.
"After I... finish, I can barely move!"
"I'm not a weak little bird," he grinned as he wrapped the robe around her
shoulders. "I'm a virile young man - or haven't you noticed?" She narrowed her
eyes but could not hide the smile tugging at her lips.
"Oh," her eyes darted down, "I noticed." Sandor chuckled at her eager
expression and pulled the other robe on - it fit like a glove, a really tight
glove that barely closed. "Sandor," she laughed at him, "you're just too big
for this little world." Sansa tugged on his belt to help him close the robe and
then she stepped out of the tub while he held her hand. He followed her as she
grabbed a towel off the rack to dry the ends of her hair. She walked straight
to the bed and crawled onto it to sit cross-legged in the middle, still
toweling her wet hair.
"I made sure to get the biggest bed they had," he commented as he sat down
beside her, trying to fill the silence. She tossed the damp towel aside and
moved closer to him.
"You did perfectly, Sandor." Sansa picked up his hand, held it between hers,
and peered into his eyes. "I'm so glad we waited to do this right... I don't
have a single doubt in my mind." She'd seen him naked, watched him come, held
him while he cried and it was still hard as fuck to 'share his feelings' with
her.
"I wish I could say the same." Sandor looked down at his hand between hers - he
was huge while she was small and fragile. "I'm scared of hurting you."
"What can I do?" She tilted her head into his vision.
"You shouldn't be comforting me," he scoffed, "that's backwards."
"Why," Sansa rolled her beautiful eyes, "because I'm a girl? That's an
antiquated way of thinking; we are both doing this for the first time." She
gave him an encouraging smile. "Tell me what I can do to make you more
comfortable."
"Be on top?" Sandor held his breath as he watched the surprise and anxiety pass
over her pretty features. It'd be pure torture to be the cause of any pain to
her but more tolerable if she was in control.
"Oh, well..." She nodded slowly and looked away as if considering it before
meeting his gaze with a nervous smile. "I can do that."
"We don't have to do it my way," he assured her, "just because I say so."
"I think," she glanced around the room and smiled wide, "we are doing this my
way. I want you; the position does not matter to me." Sansa bit her lip as her
eyes flickered to the door. "But... do you mind if I turn the light off?"
"Good idea," he stood up to walk to the light switch, if he saw her then he
might not last long at all. He flicked the switch to 'off' and the room was
shadowed in darkness, the only light coming from the bathroom door. Then he
remembered they still needed one more thing, turning to point a finger at her.
"Gimme a second." Sandor found the few packets of condoms in his inside jacket
pocket before returning to her side.
"Oh right," she blew out a breath as he brandished the condoms. Sandor set the
extra two packages - a guy can dream - aside but she stopped him from opening
the first. "Wait..." Even in the dark, he could see her blushing. "Will you
kiss me first?" He tossed the packet over his shoulder and pulled her close to
kiss her, moving his mouth over hers until she was panting for breath. "I
meant-"
"I know what you meant," he yanked her robe down over her shoulders and tasted
the lingering soap on her heated skin. Her pulse raced under his lips as his
hands found the belt of her robe and pulled the dammed thing out of his way.
She whimpered as he lifted her to lie back on the center of the bed. He moved
over her, rising up on his knees to strip his own cursed robe and tossed it
aside. Sandor braced a hand against the mattress and curled his arm around her
waist to prop her up against the pillows.
Sandor stretched out on his stomach, his feet dangling off the bed. His hands
curled around her thighs as he lowered his mouth to the wet heat between her
legs. If she'd let him, he would live between her thighs - the way she tasted,
smelled, and the noises she made were pure heaven. He barely had a chance to
enjoy her before she was whimpering and tugging him back up.
"I need you now," she begged pitifully and he pulled away reluctantly, moving
up to lie beside her and putting on the condom as quick as he could. She
released a shuddering sigh before pushing up onto her knees to brace her hands
on his chest and straddled his hips. His heart pounded as she curled her
fingers around his cock and shifted back and forth uncertainly. It took forever
for her to find a position she liked before she slowly sank down. Her slick
heat enveloped the very tip of him and she gasped, freezing perfectly still.
"We can stop - just let me know if it hurts." His hands slid up her legs to
hold onto her waist, feeling her body trembling. "Are you afraid?" Regret
prickled his mind - wondering if a few drinks would've helped ease things
along.
"I'm not afraid, Sandor." Her voice was strained but her words were determined.
"I don't feel scared of anything when I'm with you, maybe that makes me naive
but it's true." She lowered a bit more, moving so slowly that it took every bit
of his willpower not to thrust up into her.
"You're perfect, Sansa," he gritted through his clenched teeth. She continued
to lower slowly onto him, her tight heat pulsing around his cock. For a minute
there, he thought he might actually pass out until she pushed all the way down
with a wheezed cry. "Are you okay?"
"It didn't hurt much," she heaved a sigh as she sank down onto his chest, her
hands curling around his ribs. "It was just exhausting." Sansa continued to
tremble on top of him - panting quietly as he pulled the blanket over her and
ran his hand along her back. She suddenly clenched around his cock and he
thrust up without thinking.
"Sorry-"
"Again," she demanded and arched her chest against him, crying out when he
fulfilled her request. Sansa pushed against him again, writhing as his hand
lowered to the small of her back to help her match his thrusts. She was hot and
tight as his cock slipped in and out, squeezing around him as she made urgent
little noises. "Oh gods, Sandor..." Her body shook as she struggled to keep
pace with him. "I can't..." Her words trailed off into a frustrated moan. "It
feels so good," she whimpered as her sharp nails bit into his ribs.
Sandor reversed their position, rolling onto his forearm to hold his weight
over her as he plunged deep inside her tight heat. She cried out, lifted her
hips to meet his second thrust, and pulled him down all the way on top of her.
Her heels locked behind his knees as her hands clutched his sides and her whole
body arched against him. With each thrust her cries grew louder and longer,
pushing him closer to the edge.
"Come for me," he growled softly in her ear and she whined in response, bucking
her hips against his. "I love you, Sansa." That did it - she gasped once, her
whole body locking up before releasing a high-pitched cry. Her song grew in
volume as she fluttered around his cock. Sandor was pulled into his own
release, which ripped through his body like nothing he ever felt before. She
slumped back into the mattress and he followed down on top of her shivering
body. He worried that she was being crushed but she clung to him tightly as her
breathing slowed.
"I love you too," she gasped breathlessly. Sandor disentangled her weakening
limbs before collapsing down beside her. She quickly tucked herself by his
side, wrapping one hand around his arm and the other around his waist. The
condom was a pain in the ass to pull off but luckily, there was a trash can
next to the bed so he didn't have to get up. He rolled onto his side and
gathered her into his arms, pulling the blanket over them. "Before I forget
again," she covered her yawn, "I am going to Winterfell to see my family for
Winterfest."
"Good," he idly stroked her damp hair, "I know you miss them."
"But now I'll miss you..." She curled up against the side, tightening around
his waist. "You'll be all alone for Winterfest."
"It's just another day, little bird." Sandor knew holidays were important to
her but every day with her felt like a gift - he didn't need anything more.
"It was going to be a special day," she hugged him tightly. "I had big plans."
"We'll do it all when you get back," he assured her.
"Promise?" Sansa propped up on her elbow to look down at him expectantly.
"I hate promises," he reminded her. "If I say I'm gonna do something, I mean
it."
"I know," she smiled and pressed a soft kiss to his lips, "that is one of your
best qualities."
"Oh, what's the best?" Sandor pulled her back down and tightened his hold on
her.
"Mmm..." She traced her fingers over his chest and pointed in the center.
"Here."
"My chest?" He knew what she meant but couldn't pass up teasing her.
"Your heart," she corrected. "My man has the biggest heart..." Her words
trailed off as she put her hand over her mouth to cover a yawn.
"Quit chirping - sleep," he pulled the blanket over her shoulder.
"Dream sweet," she mumbled as she drifted off, "my love." Sansa always fell
asleep just like that - as if she didn't have a care in the world. No matter
how he explained it to her, she refused to take their problems seriously.
Actually, he was relieved she would be out of town for a little while... he had
some things to deal with. She was the first one to see him as more than a
violent brute - the hound - but he might have to become something much worse to
protect her.
Chapter End Notes
     Yesterday kicked my ass - it's my own damn fault, I haven't been
     getting enough sleep. I made the 'responsible' decision to get to bed
     early last night and I'm still all busted up but at least I can see
     and use my hands (essential for writing fanfic). I would KILL for a
     computer program that could use voice commands without needing
     visuals... There really should more (better and affordable)
     accessibility to technology for people who need it. Where is the Star
     Trek future I was promised?! Take my money!!! I've thought about
     doing an audio version of my fanfic but I suck at reading out loud,
     especially smut - I just start giggling like an idiot. That's the
     first thing I'm going to do if I ever get published someday. I would
     want audio and braille version of my books to be available on day
     one, even if I had to shell out the dough myself. Who would I want to
     read my books... Dame Judi Dench or Morgan Freeman would be too
     expensive... Ah! The soothing voice of Russell Brand!
***** Dreams *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                   [Dreams]
                                      JON
Three horns sounded: the danger was coming though Snow knew not what, only that
he had to run from his impending doom. He tried calling out to Sam to keep up,
noticing his friend had fallen behind, but his voice was carried away on the
blustery wind. They sprinted as far and fast as their legs could carry them but
the danger only drew nearer. Their lives would be lost if they stopped
running...
"Wake up, sleepyhead." Ygritte's pretty smirk came into focus, her bright red
curls wild around her head. He remembered they were in the backseat of his car,
in the parking lot at school. "Should I be worried that you are calling for my
cousin's husband in your sleep?" She woke him from the strangest dream: he and
Sam were running through the woods of Winterfell. Jon couldn't remember if they
running towards or away from something but he couldn't shake the sense of
foreboding.
"Ugh," he rubbed his blurry eyes and sat up, "did we even go to the dance?" His
watch revealed it was already morning: they must've fallen asleep hours ago.
Jon had a vague recollection of twinkling lights and twirling Ygritte around
the gym.
"I think we did pop in for a minute," she grinned before snuggling closer to
his side. "Then you said something about my lips..." They barely made it
through four songs before Ygritte pulled him back to his car. Luckily, it was
cold outside and their heavy breathing fogged the windows.
"That," he returned her grin, "I do remember." Jon reached out to trace her
lower lip and the tip her tongue darted out. "It's all coming back to me."
Ygritte launched at him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, and crushing
her lips against his. He held onto her hips as she climbed on top of him,
grinding down against his hardening cock. She panted breathlessly as she pulled
away, pushing her wild hair out of her face.
"Jon," she grabbed the front of his shirt. "This is crazy - dance night is
'the' night to lose your virginity..." Ygritte's eyes burned bright with lust
even in the dark. "Don't make me wait anymore."
"You promised not to push me," he pulled her hand from his shirt. "I never hid
it from you, I've always been honest." She huffed out a breath, pushing him as
she slid off his lap and scooted to the opposite side of the backseat.
"Do you really even like me?" The sharp look she gave him left him speechless,
his mind scrambling to answer her question.
"Of course I do!" Jon reached out for her hand but she snatched it away and
gave him a cold look.
"But you don't want me," she sneered and sat back to cross her arms. "I'm not
good enough to be your first."
"You know that's not it," he assured her. "I swore to myself-"
"I swore to myself I'd never to cocaine again," she huffed a laugh, "but I did
it." Ygritte shook her head and jutted her chin a little higher. "Life moves
on. People break promises to themselves, even when it doesn't make any sense.
I'm not asking you to do anything that would hurt you!"
"You've done cocaine?" Jon was still hung up on that confession.
"Yes - I just said that - it was nasty." Ygritte scoffed and rolled her eyes.
"Come on, it's no big deal." She huffed back against the seat and kicked her
boot against the driver's seat. "You're just changing the subject! You say you
don't wanna risk having a kid - I say you're full of shit! There's about a
dozen different ways to prevent that from happening." She gestured wide with
her arm, glaring at him as she jerked her thumb at herself. "Is it that you
don't trust me? I don't want a fucking kid either!"
"It's late," he sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I should take you
home." Jon didn't want to have to constantly explain or defend himself to her.
Either Ygritte accepted him the way he was or she didn't.
"Sure, whatever," she threw her door open and they both got out of the car to
get into the front seat. "Of course we aren't going to talk about it - because
you don't have a leg to stand on." Ygritte didn't seem to have a problem
continuing the conversation without him. "I'm the one taking all the risk..."
Jon let her rant as he turned the ignition over and pulled out of the emptied
school parking lot. "Fuck it, never mind." They rode the rest of the way to her
house in silence and he parked out front.
"Ygritte..." Jon wanted to fix this tenseness that settled over them but he
didn't have the faintest idea what to say.
"Look," she spoke first, "I need some time to think..." Ygritte wouldn't look
at him. "I'll call you."
"I'm sorry, Ygritte." Jon didn't really feel like he should have to apologize
but he couldn't stand her being so upset with him.
"There's nothing to be sorry for," she sighed, "I think we might just be too
different. You're so uptight about everything and it's stressing me out. You're
probably sick of me too..." Jon was struck dumb by her words or else he
would've argued: he was happier with her than he'd ever been. "If we keep
trying to force this, I might just end up hating you."
"Shit," he inhaled a shuddering breath, "I didn't know it was that bad." Jon
felt like all the air was sucked out of his lungs and replaced with lead. His
mind screamed at him to say something to stop whatever was happening... Was she
dumping him?
"It's not all bad - I'm having fun and I like being with you," she glanced at
him before looking away again. "But I don't..." Ygritte leaned forward to brace
her elbows on her knees and wrapped her hands around her upper arms. "This
relationship makes me feel bad about myself, like I'm not good enough. For the
first time, I care more about what a boy thinks about me than my own thoughts.
That's not right - I can't deal with that."
"I don't know what to say," his hands gripped the wheel. This whole thing
blindsided him: Jon had no idea she was so unhappy.
"I just need a few days to refocus." Ygritte gave him a tight smile and he just
stared at her in disbelief. "I'll call you," she got out and slammed the car
door on their conversation. He watched her walk up to her house and go inside
without looking back once.
"Fuck," he whispered to himself. "What just happened?" His mind churned with
uncertainty as he drove back home, the night traffic passing by in a blur of
lights. Jon always believed his personal vow of celibacy was protecting himself
from becoming a father too soon. Was he really 'full of shit' like Ygritte
accused him of being? Was he just pushing her away because he was afraid? He
shook his head to clear his thoughts as he slid the key into the apartment's
lock and turned it over to open the door quietly.
"I need you, Lyanna." A man's voice came from the living room and Jon froze.
"It has always been you - only you - all my life." The voice was unfamiliar and
he closed the door as quietly as he could, wondering if he could sneak past.
"Stop this," mom snapped at the man. "We both know perfectly well that love
cannot change anything. If you want to see Jon there is nothing I can do to
stop you." His heart stopped beating but somehow all the blood in his body
rushed into his head. "He's practically grown, he doesn't need you coming into
his life and confusing him."
"He's my son-"
"He's my son!" Mom's voice was tight but fierce. "I gave birth to him and I
raised him. If anything, Ned raised him as a father should." Jon leaned against
the door, covering his mouth to muffle the sound of his heavy breathing.
"Because you never let me-"
"You should be taking care of your wife," she spit the word with vehemence,
"and other children." It was like a punch in the gut, though the news that Jon
had sibling shouldn't have been a surprise.
"Elia is getting treatment," the man pleaded pitifully. "I plan to ask for a
divorce once she is well. You know we've been separated for years."
"You abandoned her," mom's voice broke, "like you abandoned me."
"I didn't have..."
"A choice?" Mom gave one sharp laugh. "There is always a choice, Ray. You chose
the easy way, listen to mommy and daddy - marry who they tell you. I was fool
enough back then to believe all your promises. I haven't 'kept' Jon from you -
if you really loved him you would do anything to be in his life."
"I'm here now," he pleaded, "telling you that I still love you. I never
stopped..."
"I almost died to give birth to Jon," she said it like an accusation. "Ned was
beside me, the whole time, telling me to hang on and live for him... My Jon -
my son is everything to me. I thought I loved you Ray, but I only knew true
love when the doctor put him in my arms. You missed that because you wanted
more."
"There is nothing I want more than you, Lyanna." The man's voice was barely
more than a whisper and Jon strained to hear. "I only tried to do what I
thought you wanted."
"You thought I wanted..." Mom's words trailed off into a pitiful imitation of
laughter: broken and hollow. "I worshiped you," her voice grew cold, "and you
taught me that love isn't enough. I would still love you to this day if you had
only let me. But your father called you to his side and you left without even
fighting for me. That's all in the past now... I will ask Jon if he wants to
see you. Go now, before he comes home."
"I'm here," Jon stepped around the entryway and into the living room with his
eyes trained on the man kneeling in front of his mother... His father was a
handsome man, hair so blonde it was almost white. All the times he tried to
picture him never came close to the man who knelt on the floor with a tortured
expression.
"Jon," mom gasped as she turned towards him, "how long...?"
"I'm dead tired," he huffed a laugh, "too tired for all this." Jon waved a hand
at the man who was supposedly his father and moved to trudge past them before
stopping. "Mom... I love you," he couldn't look at her as he said it. "You were
always more than enough."
"I love you too, Jon." Mom stood up and so did the man, both of them looking at
him.
"Wait," Jon called after the man when he turned to leave. There were question
he needed answered, no matter how painful it might be to hear. "What's your
name?"
"Rhaegar Targaryen," he answered tightly, "Ray for short."
"Ray?" Jon nodded his head. "I always wondered." He walked to the coffee table
to grab a scrap of paper and scribbled on it before passing it to 'Ray'.
"Here's my number, call me or don't, it won't make much of a difference to me."
"I will," Ray's dark purple eyes locked with Jon's.
"I won't hold my breath," he broke the staring contest and walked back to his
room to collapse on his bed. Jon remembered his dream, the off-putting
uneasyness that he could not shake started to seem like a premonition. In one
night he possibly lost his girlfriend and found the long-lost father he stopped
wondering about years ago. The gods, if they even exist, certainly do have some
sense of humor.
                                     DANY
The long drive was lulling her to sleep and Drogo was not exactly one for
making idle conversion to keep her awake. Dany had fun at the dance but she
could tell it wasn't his cup of tea, much more at home on the ranch. For most
of the night, she just wanted to be alone with him. It was expected of her to
accept the Winter Princess crown but after that, she saw no reason to stay.
"I suppose," she sighed as she pulled the flower crown from her head. "I am
always cursed to be the princess and never the queen." Dany admired the
flowers: there were at least a hundred other girls who would have appreciated
the wreath more than her.
"No," he replied.
"No?" She turned towards him with a grin, knowing he was teasing her with his
one-word answer. "Am I the queen of your heart then?"
"No," he repeated: the barest hint of a smile pulling at the corner of his
mouth. Dany loved it when he started being playful, it was so out of character.
"Drogo," she scowled, "if you say 'no' one more time you will regret it."
"You are a warrior," he stated simply.
"That," she blinked in surprise, "is such a sweet thing to say." Dany smiled at
him, fighting her tiredness as she muffled a yawn. "You hardly string together
two words but when you do... You are amazing." Her heavy eyelids won, shutting
out the world as the rumbling truck rocked her to sleep. She woke up to Drogo
opening her door and unbuckling her seatbelt to gather her into his arms like a
sleeping child.
"You don't have to-" He ignored her weak protest and lifted her into his arms
to carry her. "Mmm," she rested her head against his shoulder, "you are going
to spoil me." Dany nearly fell asleep again as he carried her into the dark
house and back into his room before setting her down. Drogo stood behind her to
remove her dress and let it fall to the floor: she was too tired to care about
hanging the dress. She crawled into his bed as she removed her bra and fell
onto her back to wriggle out of her panties.
The sound of his clothes falling to the floor kept her conscious before he lay
down beside her, his palm sliding over her stomach. To make room for him, she
scooted over and rolled onto her side. Drogo pulled the blanket over her and
she burrowed underneath it, wishing she wasn't too tired to have sex. But he
was likely just as exhausted so it would just have to wait until morning...
something to look forward to. The warmth of his body heated the blankets and
soon she was drifting off again.
Dany lifted her head so one of his arms could serve as her pillow as the other
encircled her and his hard body pressed against the length of hers. His face
nuzzled into her hair as his hand lowered to caress down her hip and slipping
his fingers between her thighs. He lifted her leg over his and stroked up her
thigh, setting her skin on fire. She moaned and arched her back, pushing
against his hard cock as molten heat flowed down her spine. Drogo buried his
face against her neck nipping under her ear before pressing his lips down his
neck.
His fingers lightly teased between her legs, spreading her slickness, and
making her yearn for more. Her body trembled and writhed under his gentle
torture until he pulled his hand away to position his hardness at her entrance.
Dany gasped as he pushed himself all the way inside her, bracing her hand
against the mattress and fisting the sheets. Drogo's arm held her and his
fingers curled around her hip to pull her flush to him. She rolled her hips and
ached against him, sending waves of pleasure through her body.
Her head lifted to turn towards his face, seeking his lips and he lifted up
onto his forearm to delve into her mouth. His tongue slid along hers before
pulling away to suckle her lower lip only to dive back in, matching his
thrusts. Dany reached one hand back to grip his thigh, feeling the strong
muscle flexing with each pull and push of his hips. She tore her mouth away
from his to let out a strained cry when his hand returned between her legs to
tease her slick pulsing flesh. The combination of his fingers stroking and his
cock plunging deeper stole be breath away.
"Oh gods," she wheezed, bucking her hips to match his thrusts increasing in
tempo. Drogo murmured encouragement in her ear, his deep voice bringing her to
the edge of her climax. "Drogo!" Stars exploded behind her eyelids as heat
cascaded down over her stomach, waves of pleasure crashing over her. She arched
against his body as she felt him joining her in ecstasy, pumping deep inside
her with a groan. If she thought she was tired before... he certainly knew how
to put a girl to bed.
"Atthirarido chek," he wished her pleasant dreams as his arms enfolded her.
"Zhey jalan atthirari anni." Dany tried to make her brain move her tongue to
respond but his warmth lulled her to sleep straightaway. Her dream was
pleasant... she rode on a white horse through the desert towards a beautiful
sunset. The steed climbed over a dune to chase the sun and Drogo waited for her
on the other side, riding a dark animal of equal beauty. They raced after the
sun together, never really intending to catch it but enjoying the pursuit
nonetheless.
Chapter End Notes
     And that wraps up the night of the Winter Formal - I hope the
     chapters matched the build-up! Now I'm all twitchy to write more
     Sansan smut but first - Winterfest with the Starks. The girls are
     going home. And Sandor has some things to take care of...
     I think I just hit 200,000 words - which just seems like a lot to me.
     I feel good about it.
***** Keeps Getting Better *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [Keeps Getting Better]
                                    GENDRY
She screamed like a banshee, straight into his ear, but he would rather go deaf
from it than not hear that beautiful sound. Her hands clawed into his back as
he pumped the last of his release deep inside her before loosening his tight
grip. It was indescribable: like the whole world disappeared and it was only
them. But time wasn't passing at a normal rate, sometimes faster and other
times not moving at all. Gendry would swear it should already be sunup but the
gods seemed to take mercy on them and let the night last forever.
"How," he wheezed, "does it keep getting better?!" Gendry rolled onto his back
and struggled to catch his breath before pulling off the condom to chuck it
into the trash bag.
"I'm good like that," she chuckled breathlessly and slapped her palm against
his chest, "you did alright." Arya groaned and stretched, taking up much more
room than a tiny person should need. "Imagine if we really had time to dedicate
ourselves - we might have the best sex ever." She heaved a regretful sigh. "Too
bad we can't make a living doing it - we're so damn talented."
"Sure beats washing dishes," he linked his hands behind his head, staring up at
the stars through an open flap in the roof of the tent. Somehow even washing
dishes became a happy event since he met Arya, gave him a chance to daydream
about her. Gendry would think about their future: what kind of life they would
make together. "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
"Ugh, gag alert!" Arya propped up on her elbow to smirk down at him. "What are
you, my guidance counselor?" She stuck her tongue out in a disgusted expression
and crossed her eyes. "Could you possibly ask a more stupid question?"
"Come on," he coaxed with a smile, wrapping a hand around her narrow waist and
pulling her close. "I want to know what my little Arry dreams of being." Arya
rolled her eyes but he could see her resistance falling before she laid her
head on his chest. "Should I guess? Ninja? Pirate? International girl of
mystery? Robot space pirate ninja who moonlights as a spy?"
"Please, no more! I give!" Arya surrendered too easily, a sign that she really
wanted to tell him. "I kinda," she trailed her fingers over his chest, "sorta,
maybe want to be a private investigator. Catching bad guys who do fucked up
things," her voice turned cold. "Like hit-and-run on a little kid."
"Your brother?" Gendry felt her head nodding 'yes' and he tightened his hold on
her. Arya didn't like to talk about Bran's accident but when she did, a
murderous edge crept into her voice. "That makes sense: I could totally see you
doing that." He kept his tone light as he pictured her chasing down and cuffing
some bail-jumper. "Busting criminals with your own brand of justice." The
criminal world would never be the same with Arya Stark on the job. "Why not a
cop?"
"Jurisdiction and going 'by the book' are so not my style." Arya leaned over
his chest and did her best to look nonchalant. "I might a tiny bit curious what
you want to do." Gendry had to walk on eggshells whenever the topic of his
future came up, none of his answers ever seemed to satisfy her. Arry was worse
than mom sometimes.
"Same thing I do now, I guess," he shrugged. "I'll just work full-time and save
up for..." He almost said 'our wedding' but thought it best to leave those
discussions off for a few more years. "You know, whatever. Plenty of local
colleges to get my basic credits and I'll know better what I want to do in a
few years."
"Because you'll be waiting around," she sat up facing away from him, "for me to
grow up." Arya just didn't get it: he didn't care how he made a living as long
as she stayed by his side. "That's not a real answer." She had him too built up
in her head, thinking she was holding him back when really she gave his life
purpose. Before she barreled into his life, Gendry was going nowhere and fast.
Back then he cared more about the next DnD game before worrying about his
future.
"What else would I do?" Gendry sat up behind her and pressed a kiss to her
shoulder. "This is what I love, being here with you." She twisted her body to
face him, eyes wide and uncertain. "I just want to please milady and forge some
metals," he smiled at her, "I'm a simple guy." He could see the inspiration
cover her features, her lips parted and she gazed off at nothingness.
"You could forge professionally," she suggested excitedly. "Make custom
weapons, armor, and jewelry and sell them online." Gendry had thought about
something like that but doubted he'd ever make enough money to live off. It was
worth a shot...
"Would you help me make a website?" He knew about as much about web design as
he did about working on cars: nothing. Ask him how to forge steel and work
leather, he'd have an answer. Web design was about five hundred years too
advanced for him.
"Once I'm done being grounded," she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "I
will make you the most badass website." Arya leaned her head back with a
confident smirk on her face. "I was born coding html."
"Your poor mother," he chuckled and leaned forward to kiss her but Arya
suddenly pushed him back.
"Oh shit, that reminds me." Arya groaned and rubbed her hand over her face.
"I'm visiting my family for winter break, I'll be gone until the weekend after
Winterfest." Gendry didn't expect to see her much over the break anyway without
their Monday games.
"Then we'll only have about two more weeks of grounding," he pointed out the
bright side. "I can deal with that. Mom and I will just have to celebrate
Winterfest without you."
"Your new papa Bronn will be there too," she teased and he ruffled her hair in
retaliation.
"I'll miss you," he kissed the tip of her nose, "have fun seeing your family."
His lips pressed against each of her cheeks and then her smiling lips. "I know
you miss them."
"You're right - don't get a big head about it." She poked him in the side of
his head before her happy expression fell. "I'll really miss you."
"Call me whenever you miss me," he pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "I have to
give your gift early then." Gendry rummaged around through the blankets to find
his shorts, pulling them on before unzipping the tent. It was chilly outside so
he jogged to the forge to pull out Arya's gift and hurried back to the tent.
After zipping the flap closed, he knelt before her and handed her the rolled up
leather. "Milady, for you." She gave him a curious look as she unrolled the
leather to reveal the small rapier and scabbard.
"Oh my gods..." The look of pure awe on her face was worth the hours of work it
took to fashion the weapon. "A sword?" She grasped the handle and tested the
balance as he sat back to watch her play with her new toy. "It's stunning."
"You really like it?" Gendry hoped for this kind of reaction but it still felt
pretty damn good to be appreciated. Not every girl... Most girls... No girl but
Arya would ever want a sword for Winterfest. That's why she was his and he was
hers: not every bloke on the block has his own medieval forge. Blacksmiths get
all the ladies... Or rather the girls who refuse to be 'ladies'.
"I love it - it's the best gift anyone has ever given me." Arya turned her eyes
up at him with an expression of disbelief. "You really get me, Gendry."
"And I'll always want you," he promised. "Love you, Arya: happy Winterfest."
"Love you, Gendry." She carefully sheathed the sword and placed it against the
side of the tent before pulling him down for a rare cuddle. As he drew a
blanket over them, her warm little body fitted against his and Gendry thought:
this is the life. A guy couldn't ask for more than a tent and his one true love
by his side. Everyone just gets caught up in the rat race of life, fancy cars
and giant empty houses... "Why the fuck aren't you naked?!"
"Sorry, milady." He quickly rolled onto his back and removed the offending
underwear before turning to gather her into his embrace. Under the blanket was
comfortable despite the cold air outside the tent, they made their own heat.
Her soft thighs cradled his cock and he was surprised at her self-control. She
wriggled and rubbed against him but didn't push him back. His little Arry was
finally learning patience, which he did promise to teach her. Back then, he had
a slightly different mode of education in mind: this was more fun.
"I wish you could come with me," she murmured. "You would love Winterfell and
my brothers are really cool."
"Not so sure how they would feel about me," he grimaced, imagining Robb as a
younger version of her father. Or a bigger version of Jon: either way not a fun
mental image. "I don't know how many pairs of grey eyes I can stand giving me
the Stark death stare."
"Bran would like you," she assured him, "and Rickon would like you if you made
him a toy. Mom... well, at least her eyes are blue."
"Your sister's death stare is twice as icy," he shivered from the memory of
Sansa's warning to treat her sister right. Those Starks really knew how to put
the fear of the gods into a guy but Arya was more than worth it.
"Sansa is a wimp," she scoffed but Gendry wasn't buying it. Sansa might be
polite and soft-spoken but she had the same... grit that Arry had. The girls
liked to pretend they had nothing in common. But they were more alike than
dissimilar: both were honest, loyal, and determined.
"Wimps don't date the hound," he countered and immediately felt her body
stiffen. "What?"
"I dismissed it as high school bullshit before... Do you think there's
something to all those rumors about him?" Arya's question gave him pause
because he wondered the same thing himself. Gendry was never one to listen to
gossip but the whole school knew the hound was the last guy to fuck with. But
after getting to know him a little bit, he seemed a nice enough fellow and
obviously head over heels for Arry's pretty sister.
"Are any rumors ever completely true?" Two years ago, there was some hullabaloo
about the older Clegane but back then, Gendry didn't 'socialize' much. That was
around the time there was that big fight at school, between Sandor and some
other ball player. "A lot of people saw him beat the shit out of somebody once
but I don't know how it got started, just heard about it later." The rumors
said it was because the other kid mocked the hound's face. "Could be the guy
deserved it, like Gilly's dad."
"I know Sansa," the tone of her voice was clearly worried though she'd never
admit it. "She only likes to see the best in people." Arya shook her head
against his shoulder. "I just can't shake the feeling that he's a good guy - I
usually trust my gut. I'm getting all twitchy to start digging around but it's
none of my business and I'm so close to not being grounded." She inhaled deeply
and then exhaled slowly. "Please talk me out of it."
"If it makes you feel better, Drogo is..." Gendry searched for the right word.
"Well he's a bit odd but I think he's a good judge of character." At least, as
Drogo's friend, that's what he hoped. "He wouldn't be friends with a total
asshole."
"You told me to stay away from the hound, remember?" Arya was talking about the
night they crashed Joffrey Baratheon's party.
"Better safe than sorry," he tightened his arm around her. "I didn't want to
risk you mouthing off to the wrong guy." Gendry could just picture her saying
something and getting herself into a fight: no matter how big the other guy
was.
"Oh," she raised her head and lifted her brows, "I'm 'mouthy', huh?"
"You know you are," he smirked up at her. "You mouth is bigger than all the
rest of you."
"I'm suddenly so very tired..." She rolled on her side, pulling all the covers
with her and leaving him naked to the cold. "Must be all the mouthing off I
do."
"I like your mouthing off," he leaned over her to murmured in her ear. "Makes
me wanna kiss you." Arya flipped over and ran her eyes over him with a hungry
expression.
"You had enough rest yet?" Her hand wound around the back of his neck to start
pulling him down.
"Nope," he flopped onto his back spread-eagle, "you'll have to do the work this
time." Arya huffed out a laugh as she sat up, stretching her arms up and
looking back at him over her shoulder with a grin.
"Challenge accepted," she crawled over him to straddle his thighs. "I'm better
at it than you anyway."
"No arguments here," his hand gripped her hips as she leaned over him to grab a
condom and deftly opened the packet and covered his cock. Bloody hells, she was
getting better at it than him! Guess nobody really 'wins' or loses at sex but
if he had to pick a 'winner', it'd be her every time. Her soft chest molded
against his and she curled an arm around his neck to brush her lips over his.
"Arry, after this we should sleep." Her other hand slipped between their bodies
to grasp his cock and she sat back, sinking down to envelop him inside her.
"We'll sleep when we're dead," her voice was husky as her dark hair fell into
her eyes, both of her hands braced on his chest. "Now were gonna live." Gendry
loved watching Arya looking down on him, her heavy-lidded eyes burning with
possession. Gasped breaths turned to moans through her parted lips as she
rolled her hips against his. Gods damn him: he should've got a bloody lamp! He
sat up to claim her panting lips, wrapping his arms around her waist and
crossing his legs under her.
Her hips stilled and her fingers tangled in his hair, distracted by her
determination to devour his mouth. Arya nipped and sucked at his lips before
thrusting her tongue into his mouth. He braced one arm around her waist and
used his other hand to support her neck, tilting her back to break the kiss.
His lips trailed down her neck, pressing kisses past her collarbone, and
hovered his mouth over the tip of her breast. She moaned and pulled his hair as
his breath teased the stiff peak and her whole body trembled in response.
"Please," she sobbed and rolled her hips as she arched her back towards him
even more. The sound of Arya begging was even more beautiful than her
screaming: he intended to hear plenty of both this time. His mouth closed
around her breast and his tongue swirled around the stiff peak as she screamed
in response. Her nails dug into the back of his neck as she writhed in him arms
like she didn't know whether to escape or let him hold her still. "More," she
demanded in a stronger voice and moaned as he suckled harder.
He removed his hand from behind her neck to cup her other breast with his,
kneading softly as her hands reached back to clutch his thighs. Her body arched
into a perfect bow, curling around his arm as her head hung back. The sound of
her gasping moans grew louder as his lips and fingertips teased her sent lust
ripping through his body. His cock throbbed as she pulsed around it, nearly
breaking his willpower and urging him to roll her onto her back and drive into
her. Instead, he lowered his hand from her breast down between her legs.
"Oh gods, more please," Arya only ever prayed during sex: one of her many
endearing qualities. His fingers traced her slick flesh as she cried out
incoherently and twisted her hips against his fingers. Gendry pulled her back
up, drawing her lips to his. She curled an arm around his neck and rose up
slightly on her knees only to drop back down, using his body as leverage to
repeat the motion. He squeezed his eyes shut and dug his fingers into her hips
to help her increase the pace. He opened his mouth against hers and felt her
tongue slide over his lips.
He tightened her grip on her hips and sucked her tongue in time with the
swaying motion of her hips. Arya broke the kiss first, inhaling a ragged breath
and turned into a high-pitched cry as her motions before more erratic. She
rested her brow against his as her cries grew louder and it was making it hard
to hold himself back. Gendry could feel she was getting close but his control
snapped and his hands pulled her hips down to release deep inside her. A brief
instant of silence broke as she threw her head back and screamed, grinding down
against him wildly.
Gendry fell back against the blankets and she followed on top of him, both of
them gasping and shivering. He could still feel her fluttering around his cock
as she twitched and whimpered against his chest. Arya heaved a sigh before
lifting her hips to let him slip out and slithered up his body to press a kiss
to his neck.
"Yep," she murmured, "keeps getting better." Arya slipped down by his side and
yawned against his shoulder. "You may sleep now."
"Generous of you," he blew out a breath before chucking the condom and tucking
them in as he pulled her close. "I wish we didn't need sleep to live."
"Yeah," she mumbled against his chest. "But this is the best way."
"Right as usual," he kissed her forehead. "Goodnight, Arya."
"Goodnight, Gendry." She snuggled even closer, hooking one leg around his and
they fell asleep tangled up with each other: as it should be.
Chapter End Notes
     How did it get so late?! I've been trying to perfect my male POV smut
     (I know, perfection is impossible - so far). It's difficult because
     I've never known the joy of having a penis to make love to a woman
     with. Thus is the nature of humanity, cursed to only know the joys of
     sex through the perspective of one gender. Where's my Freaky Friday?!
     I would skip the whole life lesson and just bang-bang-bangity-bang.
     Com'on, that's what anyone would do if they suddenly had a penis! Or
     maybe that's just me.
     Okay, that's my cue to exit: night-night Zzzzzz....
***** Morning After *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                [Morning_After]
                                     SANSA
The orange morning sun shone through the curtains but Sansa did not want to get
up yet. She felt too warm, safe, and comfortable to ever want to move. As
consciousness forced its way into her mind, she became aware of Sandor's
fingers stroking through her hair. It felt nice so she kept her eyes closed and
resisted the urge to snuggle against his warm body.
"You're awake," he accused softly and Sansa shook her head in denial as a smile
tugged at the corners of her lips. "Don't lie to me, little bird." His hand
lowered to cup her jaw and she let her eyes blink open, adjusting to the warm
hint of light peeking into the room.
"Good morning," she whispered for fear of croaking like a frog. It was so
embarrassing to be seen first thing in the morning before she washed her puffy
face with cold water. Sandor gazed down at her like she was something precious
and it made her stomach flutter. "Did you sleep at all?" He slowly pulled the
sheet down to uncover her chest, letting his fingertips skim over her sensitive
skin.
"You know how much I paid for this room?" His voice was low as he admired her
body, something she was still unused to. "I can sleep back at the shop." Sandor
glanced back up to her face and grinned when he noticed she was blushing, which
only made her redden more. His fingers traced under her breast and over her
ribs.
"So you," her breath hitched as his fingers rolled over the hardened peak,
"just watched me all night?"
"Is that okay?" Sandor stroked his fingertips up the side of her face and
tucked her hair behind her ear.
"It's sweet," she smiled up at him but turned away when he leaned in for a
kiss. "Let me just..." Sansa shimmied out of the bed and resisted the impulse
to take the sheet with her. "I'll be right back." She felt his eyes following
her as she went into the bathroom and rested against the door as it closed
behind her. Her reflection stared back at her, naked, flushed, and unfamiliar.
The woman who gaped back at her could no longer be called a girl and she smiled
at herself and covered her blushing cheeks.
After splashing some cold water on her face and attending a few other morning
needs, she went back out into the room. Sandor was sitting against the
headboard, his arm resting over one raised knee, looking calm and collected.
Sansa knew it was ridiculous to feel shy but he almost seemed... unaffected.
"You're quiet," she climbed back into bed, resting back against the headboard,
and covered her legs with the sheet.
"Don't worry," he took her hand, "I'm just tired." His eyes traveled over her
uncovered chest before giving her a questioning look. "Not too tired."
"Um, I'm a bit..." Sansa averted her eyes and tried to think of a way to be
honest without worrying him.
"I hurt you," he said it almost like an accusation and she quickly shook her
head in denial. "Don't try to deny it."
"Not so badly that..." Sansa retook his hand and turned to face him. "Next time
will be easier, you'll see."
"I should've gone slower," his brow was furrowed in distress and he could not
meet her eyes.
"I thought it was wonderful," she scooted towards him and rested her head on
his shoulder. "When I get back after Winterfest, I would like very much to have
you again." Sansa trailed a hand down his stomach and stopped at the sheet. "I
could..."
"No," he pulled her arm across his body and held her, "let's just stay like
this a while." Sandor kissed the top of her head. "Call me every day when
you're gone or I'll be worried."
"I will," she promised. "Besides, won't I be safer somewhere else?"
"I'll keep you safe," he held her tighter.
"After I get back," she sat up to look him in the eye, "we are going to figure
everything out. You can trust my father-"
"We'll talk about it when you get back," he tugged her back down against his
chest.
"We can't keep putting it off," she scolded. "I know you're worried about me
but I'm worried about you too."
"You're so perfect," he pulled her chin up and pressed a soft kiss to her lips,
"so beautiful."
"You are trying to distract me," she accused with a smile.
"Is it working?" Sandor grinned down at her.
"Might be," she quirked her brows, "could be." Sansa gasped when he hauled her
on top of him and kissed her until she was panting and breathless. "We should
get going," she pulled away reluctantly. "I told Arya we would meet in an hour.
Unless you..."
"What?" Sandor gave her a irritated look.
"Steal me away," she fluttered her lashes with an innocent expression.
"Don't tempt me," he growled before claiming her lips again. Sansa wondered
just how much she had to tempt him before he followed through. She did not care
where they went... she never wanted to leave his side again.
                                     ARYA
Some damn chirping birds woke her up a full fifteen minutes before her alarm
was set to go off. Well, if she had to be awake then he needed to get the fuck
up too - Arya flung his arm off her chest. Nothing, not even a peep, the boy
could sleep through a hurricane.
"Get up," she kicked his leg, "we're gonna be late." Gendry reached out for her
and pulled her close, trapping her under his muscled arm no matter how she
struggled. "Sansa will give me her icy death stare."
"Let's just never leave and live here," he buried his face against her hair and
she gave up trying to fight him. "They won't find us." Arya was tempted by his
offer, nuzzling her face against his warm chest - she could live in a tent to
wake up like this. "We'll hunt and forage in the woods for food."
"I need internet to live," she sulked and squirmed against his body. "Maybe I
don't... Alright, let's go before we become forest people." Arya wiggled out of
his hold and grabbed her change of clothes to pull them on. Gendry, gloriously
naked, distracted her by opening the skylight and then burst out laughing when
he looked at her.
"Oh my gods!" He fell down on the ground, shaking with laughter. "Bloody hells!
Your face is covered in glitter!"
"Shut up, stupid!" Arya pointed at the glittery smudges all over his handsome
grinning face. "You think you don't have makeup all over your face?"
"You still look beautiful," he grabbed her hand and pulled her close to kiss
her.
"Get dressed, dumbass." Arya shoved him back onto the ground and his happy
expression fell, making her feel guilty. "We don't have time to get
distracted... so don't touch me." She turned away to find and pack up last
night's clothes as he got dressed. He was still pulling on his pants when she
unzipped the tent and started walking to the car.
"Arry," he hurried to her side and slipped his hand in hers, "is this okay?"
"Yeah," she squeezed his hand and slowed her pace as they walked to the
Lincoln. They were barely out of the parking lot before she slumped against the
door and fell fast asleep, only waking when he gently nudged her.
"We're here," he murmured and she crawled across the seat to wrap her arms
around his neck. "Miss you," Gendry squeezed her tightly before pulling her
away and straitening her bangs. "Call me."
"I will," she promised, "every day." Arya wiped at one of the glittery smudges
under his eye but it only smeared the makeup. "I'll miss you more so you better
pick up or you'll regret it when I get back." She kissed him hard and grabbed
her stuff before crawling over him to get out of his side and slamming the door
behind her. Never look back - it would be too hard to leave him if she
hesitated to even a second. A car door closing made her look over to see Sansa
getting out of Sandor's Skylark.
"What's that?" Sansa pointed down at the rapier covered in leather.
"None of your business," Arya ignored her question as she led the way to the
side gate where Sheri was waiting.
"Fine," Sansa tossed her hair over her shoulder, "I don't actually care."
"Still walking straight?" Arya couldn't pass up a golden opportunity to tease
her sister.
"Shut up, Arya," she hissed as they approached the gate. "Gods, you're still
such a child."
"So cranky," Arya knocked lightly on the gate. "The big guy not that great?
I'll give him some pointers."
"Don't you dare!" Sansa turned beet red as Sheri swung the gate open with an
envious expression.
"You two are so lucky," Sheri beamed - clearly a morning person. "I wish I had
a reason to make elaborate ruses to sneak out... and a sister."
"They're overrated," Arya scoffed, earning her an elbow from Sansa. Sheri led
them down the hall and back to her room where the air mattress was already laid
out.
"I'm beat," Arya shoved the doll and pillows out of the way as she collapsed
onto the air mattress.
"I could sleep," Sansa yawned and lay down next to her.
"I'll go make some pancakes," Sheri whispered as she backed towards the door.
"And wake you up when they're done."
"I love you," Arya called after Sheri. "She's a good kid," she mumbled, pulling
a sheet over her shoulder.
"Hush," Sansa threw her arm around Arya. "Let me sleep." They both cuddled up
with each other and instantly fell into a deep slumber.
                                    SHIREEN
"Arya," she murmured softly to the sisters who were snuggled together on the
air mattress. "Sansa, I made pancakes." They both stirred and let go of each
other to sit up.
"Coffee," Arya groaned like a zombie as she sat up with glazed unseeing eyes.
"Must - have - caffeine."
"There is plenty of coffee," she assured, biting her lip to keep from laughing.
"Take me to it," a predatory glint shone in Arya's eyes as they snapped to
Sheri's face.
"Thank you, Sheri." Sansa smiled graciously, looking tousled and pretty even
after just waking up. "You are too nice." Both girls got out of bed to follow
Sheri out of the room and down the hall towards the breakfast nook.
"I love to cook," she chatted with Sansa as Arya trudged behind in a semi-
conscious state. "But I never have anyone to cook for."
"I guess being an only child can be lonely," Sansa empathized.
"It has its perks sometimes," Sheri admitted. It was hard to even imagine
having to share her parent's disinterested attention with someone else.
"I can guess," Sansa peeked back at Arya before winking at Sheri as they walked
into dinette. "Oh my gods," she froze in the doorway to see the 'war room'
theme her mother used to decorate the breakfast room.
"Coffee..." Arya beelined straight to the coffee maker and filled a steaming
mug with several heaping tablespoons of sugar. "Oh yeah," she sighed after
taking a sip, "Colombian dark roast with a hint of vanilla." Sheri moved around
her friend to pour herself a cup while Sansa placed the plates and flatware.
"Sansa," she called as she poured herself a cup, "how do you take it?" Sheri
added a drop of milk and a teaspoon of sugar in her coffee.
"Lots of milk," she replied while straightening a napkin, "if you have it."
"Coming right up," she fought the urge to grin like a silly fool. Something
about being with the Stark sisters made her feel more at home in her own house
than ever before. They sat down on opposite sides of the table while Sheri sat
between them at the head, setting down her and Sansa's cups.
"Oh gods, Sheri," Arya forked a chocolate chip pancake off on of three stacks
and stuck the whole thing in her mouth. "This is so fucking good!" She looked
over her shoulder towards the doorway, groping blindly for the syrup. "Aren't
your parents going to eat?" Sansa selected three pancakes of each type and
arranged them on her plate before cutting a small bite with her butter knife.
"Mother doesn't wake up this early and never eats breakfast." Sheri helped
herself to some pancakes as she spoke. "She's on a juice cleanse or something.
Dad is already at work - somebody has to run the company-" She slapped her hand
over her mouth and shot a worried look between the two sisters. "Oh no," she
mumbled, "I should not have said that."
"No," Sansa waved a hand in dismissal, "that is quite all right." She nodded
towards her sister, who was still stuffing her mouth full of pancakes after
drowning them in syrup. "Neither of us has a very high opinion of your uncle."
"I think he's a fucking idiot," Arya added with her mouth full. "If you don't
mind my saying so."
"Arya," Sansa scolded, "don't be disgusting at the breakfast table."
"So," Arya gulped her food and grinned at her older sister. "I can be
disgusting when we're not eating breakfast?" Sansa rolled her eyes and scoffed
before turning a smile on Sheri.
"Forgive her rudeness," she shot another glare at her little sister. "Please
continue."
"Dad works like a madman," Sheri dropped her fork, suddenly having no appetite.
"Uncle Robert never recognizes his efforts nor even considered passing the
company to my father." She crossed her arms and glared down at her half-eaten
banana pancake. "Joffrey would be a terrible CEO."
"Joffrey is terrible in general," Sansa muttered before taking a sip of her
coffee.
"I wish you could come with us for Winterfest," Arya took a break from stuffing
her face to sit back in her chair. "You're the only good member of your family
that I've met."
"Myrcella is nice," Sansa vouched and Shireen agreed for the most part.
Myrcella had a tendency to be a bit dense about how her family and the world
operated. She thought everyone liked her because she deserved it but really,
she was just lucky to be born rich and pretty. If Sheri had been born to a poor
family, her condition might have killed her because they would not be able to
afford the treatments. If only modern medicine could have saved her face along
with her life... An existence with half a face is only half a life.
"If you really mean it," Sheri hesitated, feeling presumptuous and never quite
sure when Arya was joking. "I could ask my father if I can come."
"I would love it if you came," Sansa answered for her sister, who was busy
trying to fit two pancakes in her mouth at once. Arya nodded vigorously and
made some unintelligible noises.
"Sansa," she hesitated and averted her eyes, "can I ask you a personal
question... about your boyfriend?"
"Go ahead," Sansa leaned forward on the table, her full attention of Sheri.
"His face," she gestured at her own destroyed cheek, "it doesn't bother you?"
Sansa blinked a few times and nodded slowly.
"I'm not unaffected by it," she paused as if trying to find the right words.
"Most of the time it's just his face, that's the way he looks. At times, I feel
sorry he had to go through the pain of being scarred and the rejection he has
faced. More often, I'm in awe of his bravery and ability to keep going even
when I know it's hard for him."
"I wish someone could look at me like that." Sheri tried and failed to imitate
a light-hearted smile.
"Everyone feels that way," Sansa insisted in a stronger voice. "We all want
someone who will look past our outer selves and see who we truly are on the
inside. I know it's not the same but to some people, I'm just a pretty face
without a brain in my head. Sandor rejected me at first and it hurt a lot so I
had to be brave to follow my heart. Love isn't something that just happens; you
have to work for it."
"Wow sis," Arya wiped her mouth and started a slow clap, "nice speech." Then
she faced Sheri with a mischievous smile. "Do you like Pod?"
"I think he is fun and handsome," she shrugged and turned her attention back to
her food. "For now I'm okay being friends, I never even had a boy for a friend
before."
"If you join us around the table," Arya resumed attacking her food. "You will
get a whole gang of guys for friends and even a pretty cheerleader."
"I was surprised to see Dany Targaryen at the game." Sheri laughed as she
poured a drizzle of syrup over her pancakes. "We all have our little secrets."
"Dany Targaryen?" Sansa's bright blue eyes opened wide in surprise, darting
between Arya and Sheri. "You have to tell me."
"There's nothing to tell," Arya rolled her eyes and continued to eat. "Me and
Gendry and the guys you met at the wedding all play DnD together once a week.
Dany joined the group a little before Sam left." She pointed her fork at her
older sister. "You can't tell anyone, she swore us all to secrecy."
"I see..." Sansa stared down at the table and twirled her hair before looking
back up at Arya. "Of course, I won't tell anyone. How is she?"
"Dany?" Arya raised a confused brow. "Fine, I guess."
"Seems pretty happy," Sheri added, "with her boyfriend."
"She's got weird taste in men," Arya chuckled. "Actually, I think I might be
the only one with normal taste - which is weird."
"Goofy Gendry isn't at all 'normal'," Sansa contended wryly.
"You're right - thank the gods." Arya grinned at her sister with a mouthful of
food and syrup on her face, earning a disgusted eye roll from Sansa.
"This is the most fun I've ever had at breakfast," Sheri confessed.
"I want to trade you with my sister," Sansa offered before glaring at her
sister. "Arya, you stay here and Sheri can come home with me." She turned to
Sheri with a conspiratorial smirk. "I will sneak you away in my purse. Daddy
won't mind, he already adores you."
"No way," Arya protested, "this house gives me the willies."
"The best I can do," Sheri hoped her desperation did not show on her face, "is
ask to come with you both to Winterfell."
"I really hope you can," Sansa smiled over the rim of her coffee cup.
"Call me as soon as you ask," Arya commanded before consuming another enormous
mouthful. "Gods, Sheri, this is so good! Sansa, you can stay here - Sheri was
my friend first."
"No loyalty," Sansa tsked and shook her head, "that's your problem."
"You started it!" Arya glared across the table at her older sister.
"Did not," Sansa returned the glare with an icy stare of her own and Sheri just
grinned happily as she scooped up another bite of pancake.
Chapter End Notes
     The dangerous thing about organizing my timeline... I just re-
     outlined the next ~20 chapters, leading up to 'Maiden's Day' (my
     modern Westerosi version of Valentine's Day). Anyway, I got caught up
     writing Missa and Torgo going on the cutest date and I ended up with
     no chapter to post yesterday! I just have no patience! Before I get
     caught up in any more holidays I need to finish Winterfest (obviously
     based on Christmas). But I have this really cute beach chapter
     planned... NO! No summer until winter is over!!! But the swimsuit I
     picked for Sansa is so cute... Stop it! Bad fanfic author/collagist!
***** Winterfell *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [Winterfell]
                                     ARYA
The airport was bustling with people as they got out of the plane and walked to
the end of the gate where non-passengers waited.
"There's Robb!" Arya pushed between Dad and Sansa to run ahead, shouting and
waving her hands. "Robb!!!" He grinned and held his arms open for her to jump
into, lifting her up to move out of the way before setting her down on her
feet.
"Arya," he measured the top of her head against his chest, "I think you got
taller." Robb looked over Arya's head and smiled even wider. "Sansa, please
stop growing."
"I try my best," she shoved Arya out of the way to pull Robb into a long
embrace.
"Dad..." Robb let go of his sniffling sister to hug his father and both girls
wrapped their arms around them.
"How are thing here?" Dad let go of Robb and they led their group away from the
gate.
"As well as can be expected," Robb took Sansa's carry-on bag and slung it over
his shoulder. "Mom misses you but she pretends it doesn't bother her. Bran is
getting along a little better every day. Rickon is getting wilder." He looked
back to smile at Arya, noticing quiet little Sheri walking beside her. "And who
is this?"
"Sheri Baratheon," she bobbed her head and blushed, "nice to meet you."
"And you as well," he flashed that 'charming smile' thing he was so good at and
turned back to dad. "I thought the Baratheons were coming on a later flight?"
"They are taking the company jet and a car service is picking them up." Dad's
distaste for the Baratheons' show of wealth was obvious. "Sheri is Robert's
niece."
"I see," Robb nodded, appearing to agree with dad's opinion and they both fell
into an awkward silence.
"Too bad Jon couldn't come," Arya changed the subject, "it's just not
Winterfest without him."
"Lyanna couldn't get the time off work," Dad explained but she could tell he
was holding something back. "Next year we will all be together again in Kings
Landing."
"You wouldn't believe it," Arya moved up by Robb's side, lugging her carry-on
bag. "There's not a flake of snow down there."
"Of course I believe it," he laughed at her, "it's the south."
"I mean it's weird," she punched him in the arm and avoided his return jab as
they walked into the parking garage. They approached the car and he opened the
trunk to the SUV before to load the luggage.
"What I can't believe is Sansa growing even more," Robb grinned over at their
sister. "I think you're taller than me now!"
"No, I'm not!" Sansa sulked as Robb unlocked the car door and opened it for her
while dad loaded his suitcase.
"She's still tiny compared to her new boyfriend." Arya tossed her bag into the
trunk without much care. The only item she really cared about should have
already arrived at the house.
"Arya!" Sansa glared as Arya climbed in to sit next to her.
"Boyfriend?" Robb sat in the front passenger seat, his expression caught
halfway between amused and disturbed.
"He's part giant," Arya informed him seriously.
"He is very sweet and a good person," Sansa replied in a clipped tone.
"Your verdict Dad?" Robb waited for dad's opinion as he got into the driver's
side and turned over the ignition.
"I like him," he glanced up to smile at Sansa in the rear-view mirror before
adjusting it. "Mind you, he's not what I thought Sansa's first boyfriend would
look like."
"He looks like a serial killer," Arya added helpfully.
"Arya!" Sansa sounded like a squeaky wheel when she got mad - it was hilarious.
"What?!" She put her hands up in surrender. "I meant it in a good way." Dad
chuckled as he pulled out of the parking spot and started descending.
"I think Sandor is uniquely handsome," Sheri chimed in.
"Thank you, Sheri." Sansa tilted her head past Arya to smile at Sheri.
"Come on, let's see it then." Robb turned back and held out his hand to Sansa,
who only gave him a questioning look. "Don't tell me you haven't got a
picture."
"Here," she pulled her phone out and handed it to Robb, "that's at last week's
Winter Formal."
"Holy gods!" Robb laughed. "He's huge! I bet it looks hilarious when he stands
next to Arya."
"Hey," Arya objected his mocking. "My height is perfectly average for my age! I
could still grow!" Sheri mostly kept quiet while they all chatted, catching up
on the months spent apart until they pulled up in front of the house. Arya's
stomach fluttered with excitement as the door opened and her mother stepped
out. As soon as the car was parked, she and Sansa rushed their mother to be
enfolded in her embrace
"Oh, my baby girls." Mom kissed both of their heads. "I missed you so much.
Come on," she pulled them towards the house, "it's cold out here. Robb," she
called over her shoulder, "help your father bring in the bags!" She squeezed
Arya's shoulders tightly before letting go to open the door and lead them
inside. "You've both grown so much."
"I missed you mom," she flashed an apologetic smile, "but I want to see
Bran..." Arya's eyes looked past mom to his room to see the door opening.
"Go ahead," mom gave permission as Arya was already walking away but a small
form jumped in her way.
"ARYA!!!" Rickon shrieked, throwing his arms around her as Bran rolled out of
his room with a smile.
"RICKON!!!" Arya shouted down at her little brother. "Tell me where to find
Bran or surrender your life!"
"I'll never tell!" Rickon jumped back and assumed a karate stance.
"Oh, you'll talk." Arya fell into form and held her hands up. "Take this!" She
chopped down at him, going slow enough so he could block. "And this!"
"I surrender myself," Bran interrupted their horseplay, "to save my baby
brother."
"I'm not a baby... DAD!!!" Rickon completely forgot they existed and ran
towards their father.
"Bran..." Arya moved to hug Bran and cursed herself for getting misty eyed. "I
missed you." She pulled back and cleared her throat to ease the tightness. "You
look good." The family was having a beautiful tearful reunion behind her but
she only had eyes for her closest brother.
"I look like I'm in a wheelchair," he joked cheerfully. Somebody took her
brother's ability to walk but never could destroy his indomitable optimism. "I
can't tell from down here if you've grown taller."
"Then I'm a lot taller now," she teased before noticing Sheri standing
awkwardly off to the side. The littlest Stark was chattering and hanging off
her hand. "I brought a friend with me, come meet her." Arya walked and Bran
rolled behind her to save her friend. "Rickon, stop pestering my friend."
"She's my friend now!" Rickon grasped Sheri's wrist with both hands.
"I've never been so popular." Sheri always had a good attitude about everything
- which made Arya realize she was a lot like Bran in that way. They were both
optimists and she wondered if that came from having brushes with death.
"Clearly, these are my brothers - Rickon and Bran." Arya made the introductions
as she pulled Rickon away from Sheri. "And this is my best friend Sheri, she's
Robert Baratheon's niece but don't hold it against her."
"Kids, help me set up for dinner." Mom called over her shoulder as she and dad
ascended the stairs together. "Your father and I have things to discuss." All
five Stark children replied 'yes, mom' as their parents disappeared into their
bedroom.
"Discuss?" Arya rolled her eyes and smirked down at Bran. "Even Rickon doesn't
fall for that one anymore. As long as they don't make any more siblings, they
can have all the 'discussions' they want."
"It's sweet that your parents are so loving," Sheri commented - ever cheerful.
They all worked together to set up the formal dining table as well as the 'kids
table' Arya would be forced to sit at. When the job was finished, Bran
approached Arya... Actually, it seemed more like he was talking to Sheri.
"Want to play some games in my room?" Bran smiled at Sheri - it almost looked
like the charming smile Robb perfected.
"What do you have?" Sheri answered with a shy smile. "Tekken?"
"Which one?" Bran smirked confidently and wheeled around to lead Sheri back to
his room without waiting for Arya's answer.
"I can whip you in any of them," Sheri challenged as she followed Bran. Well...
that was unexpected but right on, way to go for both of them.
"You two go ahead," she called after them, "I have a call to make." They didn't
even pay attention as she slipped out the front door and walked around the side
of the house. The call only rang once before he picked up.
"Hey," she spoke first, "I just got in."
"How's your family?" Gendry was always so caring and there was no one around to
be embarrassed in front of so she grinned happily.
"They're all fine," she turned towards the wall and scraped the toe of her boot
against the bricks. "I miss you like crazy already but can't talk long - just
didn't want you to worry."
"I'm about to take a shower anyway," he assured her, cruelly bringing up mental
images of him naked and wet... and steamy. Arya groaned and tilted her head
against the wall, hearing muffled laughter from the other line. "Have fun, be
safe, and I'll see you soon. Love you."
"Love you," she echoed softly, "bye." Arya waited until the call ended before
lifted her head to see her brother standing nearby. "Hey, Robb! What are you -
how's it - what's up?!"
"You better not be making trouble, Arya." He narrowed his eyes and crossed his
arms before leaning against the brick wall.
"I was taught by the best," she leaned beside him.
"How is everything going in Kings Landing?" Robb was fishing for info but
thankfully not about her - Arya resisted the urge to let out a relieved sigh.
"Dad won't even talk about the merger with me, nothing more than vague
assurances."
"Robert Baratheon is a total dumbass, that's not news." Arya purposefully kept
out of the loop because she did not want to get into trouble. And she'd been a
tiny bit distracted by a sexy blacksmith - still, she heard things. "Dad wants
that brand recognition but he clearly hates the way the company is run. There's
rumors about thugs who are on the Baratheon payroll but I haven't heard or seen
anything concrete."
"Keep your ear to the ground," he shoved against the wall and started back
towards the house. "Mom tries to hide it but every time she gets off the phone
with dad, she knits like crazy."
"She always knits when she's nervous." Arya put her hands in her pockets as she
walked by his side. "I can do some digging-"
"No," he grabbed her arm to stop her, "I don't want you to get in trouble
again. Just keep me in the loop."
"You got it," she answered seriously and Robb let her go after giving her a
hard stare. They went inside in silence and Arya walked into the kitchen to
wait. The reason she called Gendry wasn't just to check in - she needed a
confidence boost. Dad would never - ever - agree to let her date an eighteen-
year-old man. But mom could be a soft touch... If only she knew how to pretend
to be sweet and kiss ass like Sansa. She didn't have to wait long before mom
came walking into the kitchen with a big smile on her face. Hopefully, her good
mood would help.
"Mom," she moved in for another hug, "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too," she returned the tight embrace. "You haven't been the
affectionate in years. Before I forget, a package arrived for you and I put it
on your bed." Arya grinned against her mother's shoulder - Bran was going to
shit himself when he saw the sword!
"Thanks, mom. I really missed you a lot," she pulled back and removed her coat
to fold it on the back of a stool by the island. "While I was gone, I realized
a girl needs her mother." Arya busied herself with washing down the countertop.
"There's something I need to talk to you about because I know you can
understand better than dad."
"Is this about that boy you got in trouble with?" Mom lifted a knowing brow.
"Yes," she answered honestly and set down the dishrag. "Mom, he's the best
friend I've ever had." Arya clasped her hands together and gave her mother a
pleading look. "Please, I need help to convince dad to relax his dating rule."
"I'm sorry, Arya." Mom shook her head and picked up the rag to continue
cleaning. "The rules we make are for your own good. You are too young to worry
about boys and dating when you have other things to focus on."
"My grades are fine," she argued.
"School is important," mom acknowledged. "But so is making friends and
discovering who you are as an individual. When you are older, you will
understand. Arya, have you..." Her icy blue eyes narrowed on Arya's face. "Are
you seeing this boy behind your father's back?"
"How could I?!" Arya faked as much astonished outrage as she could muster.
"I've been grounded." Mom appeared slightly appeased but still suspicious. "I
just hoped if I did my time quietly, you would both cut me some slack."
"This isn't a punishment," mom insisted.
"It sure feels like one," she scoffed - actually losing her temper. "Neither of
you have ever recognized that I'm not like your average fourteen year old - I'm
a helluva lot smarter! But you would rather me be more concerned with how I
'behave' and dress than the really important things."
"I wish I could convince you that is not true," mom's eyes looked tired - she
was always exhausted by her younger daughter. "I love you, Arya."
"No, you love who I could be." Arya sometimes hated being smart enough to see
through her parents so easily. "You see 'potential' in me but I'm never going
to be like Sansa." They didn't even have the perfect daughter in Sansa but they
were so willing to believe her innocent smiles. She couldn't even begrudge her
older sister for taking advantage of their eagerness to be duped.
"Arya..." Mom started to say more but Arya had enough - she walked away,
grabbing her jacket and heading straight for the door. If they wanted to be
lied to then that's what she'd do. Never look back, she reminded herself, or
else someone might see the hurt little girl under her tough act.
                                    SHIREEN
Bran's bedroom looked like an office space, small and without a closet. It was
conveniently located on the first floor next to the handicap accessible
bathroom. Sheri guessed he was used to being 'accommodated' so she decided not
to go easy on him. Her character finished his with a throw and he dropped his
controller, throwing his head back with a whimper.
"Are you sick of being crushed by me?" Sheri got up from his bed, the only
place to sit, and turned off the console before sitting back down. They had
been at it for what felt like hours and it didn't seem like Arya or anyone else
was coming. In between games, she learned a lot about Bran and revealed quite a
bit about herself. She found him easy to talk to, knowing he would never judge
her based on appearance because he too was an outsider.
"How did you get so good?" Bran unlocked his wheelchair to turn towards her.
"I spend a lot of time alone" she admitted, sensing a kindred spirit in Bran.
Healthy people don't understand why lonely people sometimes prefer isolation -
easier than facing society. "Button combinations are a matter of reflexes and
muscle memory. You guard too often and it makes it easy to do high-damage
throws." She noticed him trying not to stare and answered his unspoken
question. "Greyscale."
"Huh?" He blinked in surprise and met her eyes again - his were hazel around
the pupil and faded to grey towards the ring. They were the most interesting
and serious eyes she had ever seen, resembling a once bright that fire had been
snuffed out leaving only smoldering ashes.
"My face," she explained, "was caused by a rare form of Greyscale."
"I thought," he scratched his temple with a confused expression. "Babies are
vaccinated against that."
"They are," she shrugged, "but it cannot be administered if the child has
immune deficiencies. 'Deficient' is how I was born, or else I would have never
contracted the disease. With proper treatment I survived but my face did not."
"At least you can walk," he gave her a pointed look before glancing down at his
legs.
"Is it a competition?" Sheri smirked and crossed her arms.
"No," he smiled, "but if it was I would win."
"Are we having a pity party?" Sheri leaned back on her elbow and tucked her
knees to lie on her side facing him. "I have them all the time but usually
alone."
"Misery loves company." Bran rolled closer until his knees hit the side of the
bed and really looked at her face. "I think it's not that bad," his eyes
returned to hers. "People stare, huh? I get that."
"It's worse when they look away." Sheri held his gaze as she pushed her hair
back over her shoulder, not hiding anything. Bran looked at her without pity
but also free of the professional detachment of doctors... It was almost like
he was studying a piece of fine art, trying to find a hidden message within the
craters and scars on her cheek.
"Does it hurt?" He broke the silence and made Sheri realize she was studying
him just as closely.
"Not at all," she gave him a reassuring smile, "it feels numb most of the time
and kinda heavy... You can touch if you are curious." Sheri did not know where
her sudden bravery came from - it even surprised her how much she wanted to be
touched. Nobody aside from doctors, not even her parents, ever touched her
face. Bran raised a hesitant hand to stroke her cheek with the back of his
fingers.
"Huh," he pulled his hand away, "it's harder than I thought."
"And you?" She nodded at his legs. "Does it hurt?"
"I don't feel anything in my legs," he laughed bitterly. "But, yeah emotionally
it hurts more than I can bear." Bran looked up with a bemused but somewhat
happy expression. "You are incredibly easy to talk to... my shrink is going to
be jealous."
"We're the same," she admitted her innermost thoughts about the kinship she
felt with him. "We both remind healthy people that one illness or accident can
make them just like us."
"Actually," he glanced at the door before grinning at her, "I think they forgot
about us."
"I'm used to that," she returned his grin. "But I don't mind, I enjoy spending
time with you - not something I say to everybody."
"I'm the same," he nodded, "and I enjoy being with you too." Bran was nothing
like she expected from the way his sisters described him. They described the
way he was before the accident, untamed and full of spirit. He spoke with calm
intelligence, without a hint of arrogance, and Arya failed to mention how
handsome he was.
"What?" His eyes narrowed at her. "I can tell you want to ask me something but
you are embarrassed." Uh-oh, it was like he could read her mind or something!
"Trust me... I've been humiliated too many times to feel ashamed."
"Can you have sex?" Sheri blurted it out before she could stop herself but Bran
just threw his head back and laughed.
"Wow," he put his hand over his chest as his mirth calmed, "you just jump right
in, don't you? I like that." Bran actually blushed, rubbing the back of his
neck with his hand and staring at her snowflake printed socks. "I think so, I
can... you know, get interested." He grimaced and shook his head, releasing a
scoffed laugh. "Mom goes with me to all my doctor's appointments and hovers
like I'm about to break. So I don't bring up anything remotely related to sex
and neither does anyone else."
"I can totally understand," she commiserated. "Gods forbid the doctors advocate
for their patient's happiness rather than their parents' comfort." Bran huffed
a frustrated breath and they stewed for a few seconds in their shared fury. "In
theory, I can have sex but I can't have kids." At this rate, by the time dinner
started, Sheri would have shared every deep dark secret she had. She used to
think two people having an 'instant connection' only happened in the movies.
"You never know," he tried to cheer her up, "there might be a treatment
someday." Bran was holding back, she could tell he wanted to believe he would
walk again someday. Sheri guessed what his doctors likely told him - to accept
it and learn to live disabled. It was hypocritical and surreal to owe her life
to the practitioners of medicine while resenting their failings. He was one of
the few people who could actually understand.
"I don't mind," she feigned nonchalance, "I've always known that I can't give
birth so it doesn't bother me." It used to, she didn't say, make her feel like
her life was pointless and she still feared dying alone without family or love.
"Like you don't obsess every day with your inability to become pregnant because
you never were able. I didn't lose anything and if I want kids someday I can
adopt. There are plenty of children who need homes - especially disabled and
disfigured kids."
"I think I'd like to do that too," he actually looked to be considering it.
"The world is so terrifying that I can't imagine bringing a kid into it. But
adopting a kid who already exists would feel like the right thing to do." They
shared a moment during which they only stared at each other without the need to
fill the silence. DING-DONG! The doorbell pierced through the bubble of quiet
that had briefly shrouded them from the outside world.
"That will be my dear extended family," Sheri rolled her eyes and flopped down
on the bed. "Go tell everyone I'm sick."
"No way," he protested as he turned his wheels. "If I have to suffer than so do
you." Bran rolled to the door and held it open as Sheri hopped up to walk
through it.
"Thank you," she passed him and led the way to the dining room. Her uncle and
his family were being greeted by the Starks in the foyer so Sheri went the
other way. Ever since they were little, Joffrey always found some way to mock
her face so she'd rather avoid him. She looked around for Arya but could not
see her amongst the crowd greeting each other.
"Sit by me!" Rickon ran up to her and tugged on her wrist as soon as she
approached the table.
"She can sit between us," Bran offered.
"Don't hog Sheri, Bran!" Rickon glared at his older brother, looking cute
instead of intimidating. "I'm going to marry her when I grow up!"
"My first offer of marriage," Sheri bit back the urge to laugh and put a hand
over her heart to show her sincerity. "Thank you Rickon."
"I'm serious!" He stood with his hands on his hips and a look of determination
on his adorable face. "I'll take care of you and kill anyone who tries to hurt
you - like a good husband should."
"Ask me again in ten years," she smiled down at him and patted his curls.
"I will," his eyes narrowed seriously before turning to pull out her chair.
"And we can live here in Winterfell." Rickon scrambled up in his chair and
unfolded his napkin to shove one corner into his collar.
"He's adorable," she whispered to Bran as she took her seat between the two
brothers.
"He has good taste for a little kid," Bran flashed a roguish grin that made her
heart skip a beat. Oh... So that's what mutual attraction feels like.
Chapter End Notes
     Tragically, I might not get a chance to post a chapter tomorrow
     (because 'reasons' that suck too much to mention) - shit icing meet
     shit cake.
     I don't say this enough: thanks to my commenters for all the support.
     Challenging myself to write this fic every day has been really fun
     and rewarding and I can't do it without you all cheering for me.
     It means more to me than I can say. I mean, I could say it but it
     would sound like some sappy Hallmark bullshit. Nobody needs or wants
     that.
***** The Tall Man *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                [The_Tall_Man]
                                     SANSA
Despite freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, the Winterfell mall bustled
with excited holiday shoppers. Mother and Mrs. Baratheon seemed to be holding
their own contest, trying to one-up each other with the gifts they bought. At
first, Sansa thought the bodyguard Mr. Trant was scary but with his arms full
of shopping bags, he looked less intimidating. She, Myrcella, and Sheri did
their best to stay out of the way while the adults exchanged terrifying fake
smiles. The girls got permission to get some hot chocolate and made a quick
getaway.
"I hate shopping with my mom," Myrcella confessed, "she gets a little intense."
They sat down at a table with their hot beverages.
"Anything to get away from Joffrey," Sheri sulked before giving Myrcella a
half-smile. "No offense, but I would go shopping with the Stranger if it meant
any time out of his company."
"I don't know," Myrcella sighed. "He's especially hostile this year... Maybe
things are not going well with Margaery."
"Good," Sansa set down her drink, "she is too nice for him. I don't know how
you and Tom can be so sweet while Joff..."
"Both of my parents spoil him," Myrcella shrugged as if she didn't even believe
her explanation. "But I think they spoil me just as much." Sansa bit her tongue
before disagreeing, seeing first-hand how both Mr. and Mrs. Baratheon doted on
their eldest. Joffrey could do no wrong in their eyes and they praised him
constantly.
"It's too bad Arya didn't want to come," Sheri changed the subject after an
extended pause.
"She's not the shopping type," Sansa laughed. "I usually buy her a few things
but she never wears them. Besides, it's good for her and Bran to have some time
together. They used to be inseparable."
"Bran is really nice," Sheri blushed and looked down at her hot chocolate. "I
hope the rest of your family moves to Kings Landing soon. I promised to show
him around campus when he starts at Kings next year."
"That's nice of you," Sansa was delighted that her brother and Sheri were
getting along so well. "Bran would be lucky to have you around. I'll be a
junior next year and Sandor will be gone..."
"Oh, poor Sansa," Myrcella patted her hand in comfort.
"Sorry... ignore my sulking." She shook her head and forced a smile, internally
scolding herself for bringing down the mood. "I get overly preoccupied with my
own problems."
"You are entitled to feel sad," Sheri comforted her. "I'm sure it can't be easy
to be away from him. Of course this holiday vacation makes you think about
being separated next year." She hit the nail on the head with that assessment,
the time apart was only a preview of how hard a long-distance relationship
would be.
"Love is hard work," she blew out a breath to bolster her resolve to stay
strong. "But it is more than worth it." Sheri's comforting smile reminded her
of the gift Sansa wanted to buy for the younger girl. "There is something in
that shop I want," she waved her hand at the jewelry store. "Will you two wait
for me here?" They both nodded and continued drinking their hot chocolates
while she walked to the store. The barrette that Sheri had been staring at was
a little overpriced but it was pretty and would suit her dark hair.
As she left the shop, Sansa felt her mood completely lifted. She beamed down at
the small gift bag with satisfaction, imagining Sheri's happy expression when
she opened it. Something big and hard collided into her, sending her stumbling
back and knocking the gift out of her hand. She would have fallen down if not
for the strong hands that gripped her upper arms.
"I'm sorry," she said on instinct before staring up at the largest man she had
ever seen. He stood even taller than Sandor's amazing height! Her heart dropped
into her stomach as she immediately thought of Gregor Clegane.
"No, it was my fault." He smiled apologetically and released her to bend down,
retrieving her gift. "I wasn't watching where I was going." Sansa accepted the
gift bag and tried not to gape up at him. "Happy Winterfest," he smiled again
before moving around her to continue past as she watched him leave. It was just
an innocent accident caused by two people not paying close enough attention.
There was no reason to be unsettled and she chided herself for being paranoid
before rejoining the girls.
"Are you okay?" Sheri looked her over with a concerned expression. "You look a
little pale."
"I'm fine," Sansa smiled reassuringly but her mind stayed on the tall man for
the rest of the shopping trip. Even on the ride home, she stared out the window
at the massive piles of snow, full of distracting worry. It was ridiculous to
imagine she was in any danger but Sandor was vulnerable and alone back in Kings
Landing. Her worries mounted by the time they pulled up at the house and she
went straight to her room.
She took out her phone, pulled her jacket off, and removed her boots. Sansa
dropped her coat and purse onto the high back chair she used for reading. Her
phone background was the picture taken at the Winter Formal. For a moment she
gazed longingly as Sandor's image before calling her number one contact. As the
phone rang, Sansa debated telling him about the tall man. It would not help
either of them to make him needlessly worried or reveal her paranoia.
"Hey," he answered the call, "how's my girl?" His deep voice filled her stomach
with butterflies and made her warm all over.
"Hello lover," she stretched out on her bed and crossed her ankles. "Do you
miss me terribly?"
"You know I miss you," he replied bluntly. "You freeze your ass off yet?"
"My behind is still in place," she grinned wide and bit her lip, anticipating
some flirting and innuendo.
"That's good," his response was short and unexpectedly indifferent. Something
was not right, Sandor sounded more than distracted, almost troubled.
"Are you busy?" Sansa reached down to pick up Lady, the stuffed wolf, and held
her in one arm.
"Nah, I'm at work but it's a slow day." Sandor held something back, she knew
him well enough to recognize that, but she also knew he would not be pushed
into revealing what. "You know I'm not really big on talking on the phone."
"It doesn't make you happy to hear my voice?" Sansa spread the sulking on thick
because she could not use his weakness for her eyes. She turned on her side and
squeezed Lady to her chest while he stayed quiet for a long moment. It was
killing her to bite her tongue and not beg him to tell her what was wrong.
Sandor still needed her to be patient and wait for him to learn how to trust
her completely, it could not be forced.
"It makes me miss you more," he replied softly and Sansa felt heat blooming in
her cheeks.
"That is so sweet," she beamed joyfully, "my man is lonesome for me." Sansa
would not admit it but he was right, hearing his voice made her heart squeeze
with pining to be with him. "I will make it up to you when I come back."
"Describe it to me," he teased and her face flushed even hotter. "How will you
'make it up' to me?"
"It's too embarrassing to say over the phone." She buried her blushing face
against Lady's polyester fur, listening to his deep rumbling chuckle.
"Tell me how much you miss me." Sandor asked the impossible, there was not
enough hours in the day to describe how much she missed him. Everything
reminded her of Sandor, even if it sounded silly and cheesy... every song she
heard made her think of him. When her mother made pasta for dinner, the smell
brought her right back to their date at her favorite restaurant. The snow made
her remember wanting to build a snowman with him and then watch her siblings
wage a snowball war.
"So much..." Her eyes longed to see him, her fingers wanted to feel him, and
her hair yearned to be stroked. Every part of her missed him so much more than
she could have imagined. "I never want to get out of bed because I dream about
you every night."
"And what am I doing in your dreams?" By the tone of his voice, Sandor clearly
already assumed what kind of dreams she was having.
"Embarrassing things," she whispered as a smile tugged on her lips.
"You're killing me," he groaned pitifully, revealing he pined for her just as
much as she wanted to be with him.
"When I get back," her smile stretched into a full grin, "can we go see the
bridge again?"
"It'll be cold," he warned half-heartedly.
"You can keep me warm," she murmured.
"Cruel little bird," he accused before huffing long a sigh. "I should get back
to work."
"And I should be spending time with my family," she echoed the reluctance she
heard in his voice. "I love you."
"You know I love you," he stated matter-of-factly. His dispassionate tone did
not bother her... that was just his way. "Stay safe and come back to me."
"I will," she promised, "bye." He hung up without saying goodbye but instead of
being hurt by it, Sansa had a sudden thought. Maybe Sandor did not like to say
goodbye because he was afraid it might be forever. Every time she peeled back
the protective layers Sandor surrounded himself with, there was always a wall.
She could see it when she said she loved him, the flicker of disbelief. It
would take a long time for her to overcome that last wall but she would never
stop trying.
                                    SANDOR
He set his phone down and stared at the handgun lying next to it - black,
dangerous, and far too easy to get. It was a nine-millimeter semiautomatic
single-action eight-round pistol. The size and light weight made it easy to
handle and conceal. The fixed iron sights would make taking down his target
quick and effortless. Guns were really terrifying - just point and click to
kill - but they evened the playing field. No matter how big Greg was... even
his thick skull couldn't stop a bullet.
It would be so easy to eliminate all of his problems with one squeeze of a
trigger. Sandor knew how to handle a gun, dad used to take him to the range
sometimes and they all used to go hunting back in the day. But this gun wasn't
for hunting deer or ducks, its only purpose was to hunt monsters. Should he
kill Greg? That question haunted his mind since he got the piece. On the one
hand, Greg's death would keep Sansa safe but it could mean spending the rest of
his life in prison.
He chuckled as he imagined Sansa tearfully promising to wait as he was hauled
off in handcuffs. Mr. Stark would definitely rescind his approval. But if he
got away with it, then all his troubles would be over and he could finally be
free of the fear that controlled his life. The weapon was heavy in his hand but
balanced and easy to aim. All he had to do was get close, aim the fixed iron
sights, fire one shot to the temple and then get rid of the gun. Could he do it
- become a murder? Was it even 'murder' to kill a monster?
"San!" Uncle Vlador called from the store, interrupting his dark thoughts. "Get
out here!" Sandor quickly hid the gun in his duffel bag.
"Coming!" He covered the gun in gym clothes and stuffed the bag out of sight.
Sandor left the office, freezing in his tracks when he saw who waited for him.
"Dad..."
"He's all yours, Zahn." Vlad walked past Sandor toward the office, muttering
under his breath. "This is why I didn't have kids..."
"How're you holding up?" Dad leaned against the counter, looking pale and
slightly shaky - how he always looked when he cut back on drinking. This time
of year, he liked to make a show of pretending to turn his life around but it
never stuck. Come this time next month he would hit the bottle even harder and
stay drunk for another year.
"Fine," Sandor approached the counter and kept busy by wiping it down with a
rag. "Waddaya want?"
"It's Winterfest tomorrow," dad stated the obvious but he didn't mean to remind
Sandor of the holiday.
"I know that," he answered gruffly - Winterfest was never celebrated in his
family. At least... not after mom made the holiday her own memorial day, along
with her youngest child. They shared a moment of tense silence, both likely
thinking of the same thing but neither willing to talk about it. There was a
time Sandor could barely remember, when his father was always laughing and fun.
That part of him must've died with his wife and daughter - he guessed they all
died that day.
"I found that regulator you were looking for," dad broke the silence. His voice
was strained, quivering slightly and he cleared his throat to cover it up.
"Thought I'd help you throw it in."
"I don't need help," Sandor threw down his rag and crossed his arms, sneering
in defiance. "I never needed it."
"Dammit boy," Dad raked a hand through his thinning hair and let it fall to
pound on the counter. "You can't make this easy for me, can you?" Sandor
scoffed at his father's emotional display, pretending like he actually cared.
All that would end before the city took down their Winterfest decorations.
"I have to get back to work." He turned his back on dad to organize the small
impulse purchase items around the register. Dad didn't take the hint and leave,
just leaned against the counter and stood still - except for the trembling he
tried to hide. The old man was going to kill himself if he didn't quit drinking
once and for all but that would never happen.
"He's gone," dad added quietly, drawing Sandor's full attention. "Mr. Baratheon
hired him on for some out of town work - I don't know where." He braced his
hands on the counter and hung his head. "I didn't think you would just leave-"
"When's he coming back?" Sandor didn't know whether to panic because his
murderous plans had to be put on hold or celebrate his good fortune.
"Not for a year," dad huffed a heavy sigh and Sandor's heart soared at his
stroke of luck. "It ain't right that I paid for a house and my son doesn't live
there." The offer was tempting as all hells - sleeping in his own bed, not
having to shower off where the fucking dogs were washed... Nope, he couldn't go
crawling back after begging his uncle to put him up.
"I'm fine where I am," he maintained but even his own mind argued with his
assertion. His definition of 'fine' basically meant 'not living in a car' -
might be setting the bar a bit low.
"You're living in a fucking pet shop," dad gestured around like he was making
his case. "Don't tell me this isn't throwing off your game." He was right about
that, as much as he hated to admit it Sandor was exhausted and his game was
suffering. It might kill his chances to get into a good school if he started
slipping up.
"I'm saving up get a place," he glanced around, avoiding dad's eyes. Neither of
them was ignorant about how much it cost to live in Kings Landing, even if he
found a roommate who would accept him. Sandor would have to get a second job
that would accommodate working at the pet shop and basketball practice and
games. If that job existed, he hadn't found it yet. Besides, he blew a big
chunk of his savings on staying a night at The Palace but it was worth every
penny.
"Did I raise you to waste money?" Dad didn't do a whole lot of raising but
Sandor bit his tongue, sorely tempted by the prospect of living inside a real
house again. "Come home - I'm not gonna ask again." What's the worst that could
happen? He could get kicked out or he might leave... then he would just be
right back at the shop.
"Fine," he relented, "I'll be there tonight." Sandor stared hard into his
father's shifting eyes. "I don't wanna be anywhere near him - if he comes
around again... just warn me first."
"See you then." Dad nodded once in farewell and turned around to walk out of
the shop. This situation might actually work out for the best because Sandor
would know exactly if and when Greg came back. It would also give him time to
work up the nerve to end a life - not an easy thing to do. Killing would make
him into a murderer, even if his brother was a black-hearted monster. Honestly,
he didn't want to do it, but he wouldn't hesitate if it came down to Sansa's
safety. At least she was safe in Winterfell for the time being.
Chapter End Notes
     Maybe I'm too old to lock myself into my room and listen to
     obnoxiously loud music... I know I'll still love to headbang when I'm
     a cute little old lady.
     Best Kittie song ever:
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=9IEbEGrpQ4g
     (It is known.)
     It took a long time to think up Vlador and Zahndor for Sandor's uncle
     and dad but I think the names work with the Clegane tradition. Kinda
     Slavic and Nordic - hard and heavy masculine names.
     (WARNING: Non-fic related spoilers) Any Walking Dead fans totally
     pissed about Bob? I mean, I saw that coming a mile away but still!
     When are they going to learn that Rick is always right? Of course it
     was Bob... Godsdamned cannibals! I love how the priest is the vet
     from Teen Wolf - I am just going to pretend he's really a druid. That
     would really be useful in the zompocolypse. There really hasn't been
     a memorable modern-setting show with a mash-up of high fantasy with
     zombies before... Hmm... I feel a bit tingly with inspiration.
***** Meh, Winterfest *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                               [Meh,_Winterfest]
                                    YGRITTE
She stared at her phone, caught between calling him and throwing it against the
wall and watching it smash into pieces. Ygritte wanted to be mad at him, but
she was even angrier with herself. What made her think she could be celibate
for a year? Even for the guy she wanted more than anyone else – it was just too
much. If she was honest with herself, she assumed Jon would've given in long
before his eighteenth birthday.
The stress and regret were making her crazy - she barely slept since the night
of the Winter Formal. She walked over to her dresser drawer and dug around in
the back until she felt the plastic baggie. It only had a few flakes of shake
and a couple of stems, not nearly enough to calm her nerves. Ygritte quickly
mashed the phone number and hit the call button.
"Hey," she didn't wait for his answer, "meet me at our usual spot." Ygritte
hung up the phone, grabbing her keys and a flannel shirt before heading
downstairs to her car. The local park had a basketball court where she met up
to play with her friends sometimes. She parked her car and got out, seeing he
was already waiting for her.
"Hey Theon," she greeted him as she sat down on the bench beside him. "You got
what I want?" He looked around before handing over the bag of weed and she
slipped it into her pocket before passing over the cash. "Thanks," she muttered
and started to get up to leave.
"Hey," he protested and grabbed her wrist. "How about a little dealer's
appreciation?"
"Free loader," she grumbled, "come on." Theon followed to her car and she
pulled her small one-hitter out of the glove box to pack it up. She stuffed a
nugget into the bowl, and took a deep hit before passing it to Theon. "Let me
ask you something."
"Shoot," he struck the lighter and finished off the bud with a deep inhale.
"Would you fuck me?" Either her question or the weed smoke made Theon sputter
and choke before turning a wide-eyed stare at Ygritte.
"Right now?" He looked pretty damn eager and it was sorta an ego boost.
"I'm saying 'if' I said I wanted a fuck," Ygritte eyed him sideways. "Would
you?"
"I got a dick, don't I?" Theon quirked his brows and smirked at her.
"So..." She pressed another small bud into the bowl and took a longer hit,
holding it in her lungs. "Why would a guy not want to fuck?"
"Is he hot?" Theon's question did not seem relevant to hers.
"Yeah," she raised a brow in confusion and passed the piece back to him.
"Give him my number," he grinned, "boy's gay."
"No gay guy likes to eat pussy," she countered. Besides, Ygritte had already
tried to comfort herself with that very assumption but it just didn't make any
sense.
"Huh..." Theon took another hit and stared at the ceiling as if thinking deeply
before blowing out a huge cloud. "That's a mystery," he wheezed. "If he comes
out, kick him my way."
"Sure, I'll do that." Ygritte chuckled and she knew it was the weed starting to
kick in.
"Girl, I'm being serious." He turned his body to face her and looked her
straight in the eye. "I would fuck you sideways." Theon ran his eyes over her
before coming back up to meet hers. "There's nothing wrong with you."
"I don't need your comfort," she scoffed a laugh and snatched the bowl back to
take another hit.
"Could've fooled me," he shrugged. "I'm down - right now, might make you feel
better." Theon was a good-looking guy, not as attractive as Jon was but more
her type. Jon was just such a goody-two-shoes, with his unshakable honor and
his vows to himself. Who even does that these days? But Ygritte didn't want
anyone else and a pity fuck certainly wouldn't make her feel better.
"Thanks," she smirked and patted her pocket, "I'll just take the pot."
"Call me, Gritty." Theon grinned as he reached for the door handle. "I got what
you need."
"Peace," she called after him as he got out of the car and watched him walk to
his vehicle to drive away from the park. Ygritte waited but she didn't know
what for, it was high time she got it over with. The call only rang once before
he picked up.
"Ygritte," his voice sounded strained, "how are you?"
"I'm fine," she lied, "can we meet?"
"Sure," he responded hurriedly. "Where?" She told him where she was and packed
up another bowl-pack to wait for him. It didn't take long for his car to pull
up next to hers and he walked around to get into her passenger side.
"Do you smoke?" She offered the chillum to him, not expecting him to accept it.
"I've been known to partake." He took the one-hitter to her surprise and
chiefed down the rest of the nugget.
"Theon Greyjoy thinks you're gay," she commented. "He asked me for your
number."
"What?!" He choked on the hit and stared in horror at her with his mouth
hanging open.
"I'm kidding," she laughed at his ridiculous shocked expression. "I didn't tell
him who I was talking about - just hypothetical talk."
"I'm not gay." He replied quietly as he passed the piece back, obviously not
finding humor in her little jest.
"Yeah, I didn't think so." Ygritte slumped down in her seat. "Might be better
if you were, maybe I'm too boyish for you. Or maybe my face isn't pretty
enough. Or maybe I'm too skinny and wiry."
"I think you're beautiful," he stared down at his feet. Ygritte just shook her
head and pulled out the bag of weed again - they needed to be a lot higher.
"You can say that as many times as you like," she jerked the bag open and
stuffed the bowl with as much green as it could hold. "It doesn't change the
fact that you won't fuck me." Ygritte sparked the herbs and took a deep drag
before pressing the piece into his hand. "There's gotta be a reason." Jon
didn’t want her like she wanted him - no matter what he said - he didn't stay
up every night wishing that he'd call and beg her to take him back.
"I swear, Ygritte, I'm just..." He let his words trail off - of course, he
hated to explain himself and just expected her to accept his suck-ass reasons.
His hit killed the rest of the bowl pack and he coughed on the exhale. "There's
only one method of birth control that works one hundred percent of the time:
abstinence. It would destroy me to do to you what was done to my mother."
"It's not like I enjoy the idea," just the thought made her feel sick, "but if
worst came to worst - I'm pro-choice. I'm not an idiot, I still want to go to
college and I have nothing to offer a child." Ygritte turned towards him and
gestured a hand at herself in frustration. "Why don't you trust me?"
"I don't trust manufacturers not to send you defective birth control," he
protested. "I don't trust condoms not to break." Jon's handsome face was a mask
of frustration. "I think it should be your choice... but I don't want either of
us to have to go through that."
"They say pot lowers sperm count - smoke up." Ygritte shoved the chillum back
at him. "Jon, I don't want anybody else but I can't keep torturing myself with
you." She needed him, simple as that, and it hurt too much to know he didn't
care as much about her. "I didn't know it would be this hard. You are great at
going down but it just makes me want you even more. And you... To be honest, if
you really wanted me as bad as I want you then you'd've had me by now."
"That's not true," he chuckled softly, "I have amazing willpower." Jon sparked
up and drew in another lungful. "You think you're the first girl who ever
offered to have sex with me? I'll have you know, I'm considered attractive."
"I noticed," she smirked at him but her expression fell when she saw his
serious gray eyes staring at her. With those eyes he stole her and made her
into something she never thought she'd be - captivated. Ygritte took back the
one-hitter from him and put it away. "You're not like other boys - I can't even
begin to imagine what you're thinking."
"I'm in the same boat," he laughed but it sounded sad. "Are you saying we have
to break up if I won't have sex?" Jon kept up his hard stare and she had to
look away.
"I know that makes me the villain in all this," she dropped her forehead into
one of her hands. "I don't want threaten you into sex, I just want you to want
me." Is that so fucking wrong?
"I don't want to lose you," he took ahold of her free hand, "but I can't change
my principles out of fear." Ygritte shoved her hair back and tightened her hold
on his hand, turning to face him.
"I'm willing to take every precaution," she compromised. "I read the entire
Wikipedia on birth control - we can use condoms, spermicide, hormones, and even
pull out. Also, we can track my cycle and avoid days when I'm ovulating. We can
use any and every kind of protection and be really careful." It wasn't easy to
admit she was so enamored with him that she was practically obsessive. Ygritte
almost burst into tears when he shook his head and looked away. "I don't see
how this is a black-and-white issue. Can't you meet me half-way?"
"I don't know," he stared straight ahead. "Can you give me some time to think?
Just until after the break." All this waiting was making her fucking nuts! She
tried every day to cut him out of her heart and distract herself so she
wouldn't think about him - nothing worked. Why couldn't he just let her go? Why
did he have to keep stringing her along?!
"It might be easier just to end it now," she whispered because her throat felt
tight. "We can still be friends and try again when you turn eighteen."
"Please, Ygritte, give me some more time..." Jon squeezed his eyes shut and
hung his head. "I've held onto my virginity for this long, but I'm seriously
considering if it's time to let go."
"It would be torture to wait any more," she tugged on his hand to regain his
attention, "but you're worth it. I can wait a little longer." He leaned across
the center console and pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry, Jon - I tried."
"Don't be sorry," he squeezed her tightly. "Just wait a bit longer for me to
figure it out." Ygritte couldn't respond so she just let him hold her, wishing
he would suddenly make up his mind and end her misery. Either way had to be
better than being kept dangling.
                                    GENDRY
It didn't make him uncomfortable exactly, he felt like a third wheel: like he
was interrupting. Mom and Bronn were making eyes at each other over their
breakfasts and Gendry missed Arya more than ever. If she were here, she'd be
teasing them with her arrogant smirks and pretty grey eyes rolling.
"Should I move out?" He voiced aloud the thought that had been bothering him
since Mom started seeing Bronn.
"What?!" Mom looked at him like he slapped her across the face. "No, of course
not!"
"Mom, I'm cramping your space." He waved her hand between them to emphasize his
point. "I'm old enough."
"You haven't even finished your junior year - no arguments!" She pushed away
from the table angrily and moved to the stove to put on another kettle of tea.
Now he'd done it: she always drank tea when she was upset. Then again, mom
drank tea when she was happy or really any time there was a kettle. "I don't
want to hear a word about you moving out until you have your graduation
certificate in hand!"
"Alright, I get it!" Gendry threw his hands up in surrender and returned his
focus on his breakfast. "Jeeze, no good deed goes unpunished."
"You're lucky," Bronn smirked. "My own mom threw me out when I was seventeen
then forced me to move back so she could kick me out again on my eighteenth
birthday. She was a real piece of work, my mom."
"I know I'm lucky." Gendry looked passed Bronn, raising his voice to make it
obvious he wanted her to hear. "I have the smartest most beautiful mother in
the whole world."
"I agree," Bronn turned back to grin at mom and she rolled her eyes in
response, trying to fight the smile tugging on her lips.
"Oh, stop it both of you." Mom returned to the table to set the hot pot of tea
in the center and refreshed her cup. "Are you going to see Arya today?"
"No," he heaved a heavy sigh, "she went back to Winterfell for the holiday
break."
"I'm sorry, honey." Mom gave him a sympathetic look over the rim of her teacup.
"It's okay," he shrugged, "I have to get used to waiting for Arya."
"My baby is all grown up and fallen in love." She reached out to pat his cheek,
her hand warm from her teacup. "I can't believe it."
"Mom..." Gendry ducked his head to hide the blush heating his cheeks.
"I was wrong," she looked guilty, "and blind not to see it on that first day.
I'm sorry for telling you to stay away from her."
"I know you did what you thought was best," he reassured her. "I tried to
listen to you, I really did." Gendry blew out a breath and smiled. "But Arya is
just... part of my life now and I do love her."
"I know, she's a lucky girl." She stood up, bringing her teacup with her as she
moved to the living room. "Come on, let's open some presents." Gendry and Bronn
got up to follow her, sitting on the couch while she gathered the presents from
under the Winterfest wreath. Mom handed them each a gift and sat down on the
coffee table to tear into one of hers. She acted like an excited little kid,
grinning as she threw the torn paper behind her and opening the box.
"Oh, Gendry," she gasped as she admired the jewelry he forged for her. "This is
so beautiful!" Mom pulled the ring out and slipped it onto her finger. "You
made this?"
"The earth made the metals and stones," he rubbed the back of his neck, "I just
forged it." The process of forging a ring by hand was intricate, demanding
patience and careful attention. But mom deserved some beautiful jewelry. She
lived her whole life without the finer things in life because she chose to keep
and raise him all by herself. If not for him, she would've been swamped with
marriage proposals from rich men who could've given her diamonds. The stone was
carved from jade lava, a pale and pretty color but rugged and tough: just like
mom.
"You are being modest," she chided, "this is amazing!"
"Arry thinks I should try to sell my work online," he knew mom dreamed of him
becoming something fancy like a doctor...
"She's a smart one, listen to her." She smiled down at her hand before her eyes
suddenly snapped up to his. "As long as it doesn't interfere with your grades."
"Yes, ma'am," he nodded his head obediently.
"I'm so proud of you baby," she stood up and leaned over him to kiss his
forehead. "I know you will be great at whatever you decide to do." Her eyes
misted over before she sniffled and sat back down and looked to Bronn. "Go
ahead and open yours... I bet it's a pretty ring too."
"I thought you might want something more practical." Gendry got a bit nervous
as Bronn revealed the leather wallet.
"I'll be damned," he grinned and opened the wallet to inspect the inside.
"How'd you know I like a bi-fold?"
"I pay attention," he shrugged. "Hope you don't mind it's real leather."
"Mind? I love it! You've got a real talent here." Bronn nodded approvingly at
the wallet. "I wish I had this kind of skill."
"Did you make Arya a ring too?" Mom was still admiring the ring on her hand.
"I made her a sword," he answered with a sheepish grin and Bronn threw his head
back and laughed uproariously.
"Oh great," mom rolled her eyes, "that's just what she needs." She smacked
Bronn's knee as he tried to control his amusement. "Don't encourage him."
"Don't worry," he assured her, "Arry acts a little wild, but she's
responsible." At least Gendry felt pretty confident she wouldn't kill anyone...
she sure had a knack for attracting trouble. Her grounding was so close to
being over and soon they would be able to spend some real time together.
Whatever she was doing in Winterfell, he hoped she was keeping her head down.
Chapter End Notes
     I'm not feeling it today - I wasted my time pointlessly and didn't
     give this chapter the attention it needed. Boo! Hiss! I suck! Yeah,
     that's not helping... Next I'll do a Dany POV, that should cheer me
     up.
***** The Dothraki Way *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                              [The_Dothraki_Way]
                                     DANY
The fog on the window clouded her view of the empty field as she traced a heart
on the glass. Dewdrops collected and streaked down the glass to reveal slivers
of the first light of dawn breaking. Dany wished herself a happy Winterfest and
let her mind wander over her happiest childhood memories.
"Dany?" He called from the bed: Drogo was usually the first to wake but rising
early on this morning was a lifelong habit of hers.
"I'm here," she whispered and moved towards the bed, "I can never sleep in on
Winterfest morning." Dany untied and dropped her robe onto the ground before
slipping into the bed to fit her body against his. "You are so warm," she
hummed happily as he pulled her into his arms. "When I was young my cousins
lived with me and my aunt would wake us up early to help make Winterfest
breakfast." She sighed and snuggled closer. "It was a simpler time... Should I
tell you the story of Winterfest? I'm an excellent story-teller."
"Tell me," his deep voice whispered.
"Long ago," she lowered into her Dungeon Master voice, "the god of death became
jealous of the other gods. No one would worship the Stranger with the same
deference shown to the other six. To remind the people of Westeros what a gift
death is, the Stranger caused the longest winter ever known and took away our
ability to die. People suffered through injury and illness that should have
killed them. Legions of murderous mindless undead roamed the land."
"Finally the Stranger, disguised as an old healer, found a sickly child frozen
in the snow but still alive. The child begged for mercy and, filled with pity
and regret, the Stranger granted the gift of death on humanity once more.
Winterfest occurs every year to remind us that the shortness of life cannot be
appreciated without death. We give gifts to our loved ones to show our
gratitude for the Stranger's mercy." Dany hoped told the story well but doubted
Drogo understood the cultural influence behind the holiday. "Do the Dothraki
have a similar holiday?"
"No, Dothraki fight death and love life." An edge of pride crept into his voice
whenever he spoke of his people. "No holiday is needed." Dany knew more about
the proud Dothraki history than she did of the current status as a people. To
her understanding, they were presently a scattered nation of refugees. They
still identify with their common heritage no matter their birth nationality.
"This day is special for me because I remember a happier time in my family."
Dany turned over onto her stomach and shimmied up to prop up on one arm to look
down at him. "I have been sad for a long time, but you make me happy." She
raised her hand to trail her fingertips down the side of his face. "Do I make
you happy?"
"Anha nesat layafat," he turned his head to kiss her palm, "haji shekhikh yeri
eme." Drogo was saying something about knowing happiness from her smile but one
word eluded her.
"Shek-hikh?" Dany carefully pronounced the word and racked her brain for its
meaning: it was familiar but flitted just out of her grasp.
"Light," he patiently explained. "Like from the moon."
"Glowing?" Dany offered a more accurate translation and he nodded his
agreement. "My smile? Yer chomoe anna," she thanked him. "It really is the most
charming language, or perhaps your voice makes it beautiful. Anha ahhasat lekh
asto Dothraki." She asserted that she sharpened my tongue to speak Dothraki, no
longer the soft-tongue he accused her of being.
"Astolat," he corrected.
"That's what I said," she raised her brows, daring him to contradict her but he
maintained his usual silent stare. "Irri taught me a new word: athijezar," she
assumed an innocent expression as his eyes darkened. "I still don't quite
understand, perhaps a demonstration is in order?" Dany pushed up onto her
kneels and straddled his hips. "Is this the correct way?"
"Sek, k'athjilari," his hands found her hips, lifting her up so she could sink
down onto his hardness. She ran her fingertips over his stomach muscles,
tensing under her touch and inflaming her lust. Her heart pounded as she
squeezed his hard muscled chest and rocked slowly again him. He gripped her
hips, guiding them back and forth with increasing tempo. Dany's legs shook from
the effort to match his pace and the force of her desire. A satisfying ache
coiled up from between her legs and spread through her body.
"Gods, Drogo!" Dany threw her head back as his hard pulsing cock pushed deeper
inside her and babbled more encouragement. Her hips rocked furiously against
him, working up a sheen of sweat that chilled her overheated skin.
"Yer zheanae sekke," he growled his praise of her beauty and thrust his cock
into her. "Yer norethaan mra zhor," he groaned, saying she was in his heart:
great sex was definitely the best way to learn Dothraki. She surrendered
control of her body to him, letting her arms fall to her sides arching back.
Her head felt light as he lifted her up and then she released a wheezed cry
when he pulled her hips all the way down. Dany gasped for breath, bracing
against his chest with one hand, drowning in pleasure.
His hands abandoned her hips to roam her body, leaving Dany helpless to attain
the forceful tempo he achieved. One palm slid along the inside of her thigh and
his fingers attentively stroked the slick pulsing flesh between her legs. Her
body trembled from his rhythmic torment and she gasped when he thrust deeper
inside her. Drogo's arm curled around her hips to pull her flush to him. She
rolled her hips as her rushing released fractured her rigid body, melting her
onto his chest.
Drogo followed with a final deep thrust, pumping his release into her as she
remained curled on his chest. She trembled from the aftershocks and pressed
light kisses to his pounding chest as their breathing slowed. His hand found
the coverlet to pull it over her and then smoothed his palm down over her hair.
"Anha dothrak chek asshekh," she panted and Drogo's deep chuckle vibrated in
his chest. Dany rested to catch her breath before rising to slide out of the
bed and into her slippers. "Sleep a bit longer, I will make breakfast." She
found her robe where she dropped it and moved to her dresser drawer to pull out
a nightdress.
"Stay," he requested softly and Dany wondered if she imagined the hint of
vulnerability in his voice. She moved beside the bed once more, bending down to
pull the covers over his chest and tucking him in. His thick lashes veiled his
heavy-lidded eyes, clearly worn out by their morning activities.
"Anha garvolat," she kissed him before standing up to pull on the nightdress
and the thick cotton robe over top. Her hunger was only part of the reason why
she could not go back to sleep, or even stay in bed. A renewed energy flowed
through her body and she wanted to put it to good use and hoped to make a good
impression on his family. "I will wake you when it is ready." Dany slipped out
of the room into the dark hall and crept to the kitchen, only turning on a low
light over the dining area.
As quietly as she could, she searched the cupboards and fridge to find
everything she needed. It was her goal to make a semi-traditional Winterfest
breakfast. First, the fruit loaf had to be mixed up and put into the oven,
which made the kitchen comfortably warm. Some of the spiced and dried fruit she
found were unfamiliar but it all smelled great. The hash was a little more
difficult to do without potatoes but she found some butternut squash to
substitute. Just when the fresh fruit loaf was finished baking Irri and Rakharo
came out of their separate rooms.
"It's a Winterfest miracle!" Irri grinned at Rakharo before they both started
to set out the plates and put on some coffee. "Dany, you could move in - even
if Drogo won't let you stay in his room. You can live with me."
"I wouldn't kick you out," Rakharo smirked until Irri elbowed him in his side.
"I meant if I was Drogo," he corrected and turned back to set out some napkins.
"Men," Irri rolled her eyes and Dany laughed at their comical interaction.
"What can I do to help?"
"It's all done," she beamed at her hard work cooling on the stove. "I will go
wake Drogo."
"Don't get distracted," Irri called after her, "I'm starving!" On the way back
to Drogo's room, Dany narrowly avoided colliding with Qotho. He stared down at
her as if she was a little annoying fly he would like to swat. 'Kill them with
kindness,' her grandmamma used to say.
"Good morning," she beamed at him, "I have prepared a small breakfast, and I
hope you find it to your liking." Dany bowed her head and moved out of his way
and Qotho grunted something unintelligible before brushing past. It might be
childish but she stuck her tongue out at his back before continuing into
Drogo's room. He was sitting up in the bed, looking lost in his thoughts as he
stared down at a necklace he held. A bolt of fear stuck her heart as she
worried about who that necklace made him think of.
"This is for you," he looked up and held the necklace out to her. Dany
approached to inspect the necklace, a unique piece made from intricately
decorated beads.
"It's lovely," she breathed, "thank you." She quickly sat down and held her
hair out of the way so he could fasten the jewelry around her neck. When he
closed the clasp, Dany turned around to give him a thank-you kiss and despite
Irri's warning, she got a little distracted.
"We should get out there," she pulled away reluctantly, "before Rakharo and
Irri eat it all." Dany rifled through her drawer to find some comfortable
lounge-wear and got changed while he dressed. She fought the urge to watch him,
lest she get distracted again. Once they were clothed, they walked out to the
dining room to find Qotho, Irri, and Rakharo already digging in. They sat down
in the two open seats beside each other and dished themselves some food.
She worried earlier that it was too presumptuous to take over someone else's
kitchen. But the Dothraki appeared to be thoroughly enjoying her breakfast.
Drogo nodded approvingly as he ate in silence while Irri and Rakharo stole food
off each other's plate. Their playful banter caused an unexpected and sudden
surge of jealousy in Dany.
"You are lucky to be so close with your brother," she sighed wistfully, "mine
is a complete ass." Viserys was a horrible bully and a spoiled brat: the worst
combination to have in a brother. Dany often wondered if the lack of love for
her brother affected her previous failed relationships.
"Oh, he's not my brother," Irri explained with a mischievous smirk. "He's my
'betrothed'." The casual statement was so preposterous: Dany just stared at her
slack-jawed. Her brain could not process the words even as she repeated them in
her head. What?
"WHAT?!" Dany meant to speak calmly but the word shouted out of her mouth and
made every man at the table jump. All except for Irri, a wide grin broke over
her face before laughter bubbled up from her throat.
"See?" Irri glared playfully around the table and the suddenly quiet Dothraki
men. "That is an appropriate reaction." She turned back to smile apologetically
but still a playful twinkle lit her dark eyes. "Sorry, I knew it would freak
you out - I couldn't resist."
"But..." Dany was still trying to process the information. "You're still a
teenager." She blinked a few times, as if it would make the puzzling conundrum
come into focus. "Do you love each other?"
"Hardly," Irri rolled her eyes heavenward as her lips twisted in a wry smile.
"My father owed his father some life debt or something." She sighed and smirked
at Rakharo, who pushed his hash around on his plate. "So the 'arrangement' was
made before either of us could argue."
"So...?" Dany bit her tongue, knowing she should not pry into Irri's life but
her curiosity was getting the better of her.
"Am I going to do it?" Irri guessed Dany's thoughts and shrugged. "Maybe if I
hit thirty and there's no one better around." Qotho cleared his throat loudly,
wearing an expression of absolute disdain. Dany bristled under his threatening
stare. "Aw," Irri appeared undisturbed, "we're making the boys uncomfortable."
She leaned over to whisper loud enough for all to hear. "They all think the
arrangement is a 'good match'."
"That's very..." Dany searched her mind for a polite word. "Quaint."
"Oh no," Irri smiled gleefully, crinkling up her nose and pursing her lips.
"I've made you uncomfortable. Ignore me - I'm always railing against 'the
Dothraki way'." She waved a hand across the table. "If our Drogo can find a
nice Westerosi girl then there must be hope for me yet."
"I like the Dothraki way," Dany lifted her cup of juice, taking a sip to hide
her naughty smile.
"Everyone in the house knows you like the Dothraki way," Irri quipped. Dany
choked on her juice, covering her mouth with a napkin just in time to catch it.
"You're too easy to shock!" Irri laughed at Dany as she patted her on the back.
"I can never tell if I've embarrassed Drogo or not, he's so stoic." Rakharo
tugged on Irri's arm but she shrugged him off.
"Irri-"
"You're not my husband yet," she snapped at him, "so stop trying to control
me." She pointed at his plate with her fork. "Eat your breakfast." She turned
back towards Dany, who had finished composing herself. "Dany likes my
sassiness, don't you?"
"I actually do," Dany chuckled. "Not enough sassy women in the world for my
taste."
"See?" Irri narrowed her eyes at Rakharo. "We're having fun," she frowned at
the men around the table, "something you lot wouldn't know anything about." She
leaned one elbow on the table and held her chin in her hand as she clucked her
tongue. "Dothraki men are dull - Me nem nesa..."
"I have to disagree... Ah!" Dany held up one finger to cut off Irri before she
could start. "I know what you are going to say."
"I will make an effort to control myself." Irri bowed her head, placing a hand
over her heart with mock shame.
"At least around the breakfast table," Dany winked conspiratorially. "Later we
should exchange numbers, we could go shopping sometime." She liked the feisty
young woman and felt Irri was the only person in Drogo's 'family' who fully
accepted her. Rakharo was polite but he never struck up conversations with her
as Irri did. In her weakest moments, she wondered if he thought Drogo should be
with a Dothraki girl.
"I would like that," Irri agreed with a bright smile, flashing a full mouth of
bright white teeth against her tanned skin. The rest of their breakfast
continued much more calmly, though she and Irri still filled up most of the
conversation. When they all had their fill, Irri badgered Rakharo into helping
her clean the mess as a thank-you for the meal. Dany would have insisted on
helping clean but the hour had grown late and she needed to get home so she
thanked them profusely. They changed into their day clothes quickly and headed
out.
"You are putting too many miles on his old truck," she worried about it
breaking down on the long trip back into the city. They got into the rickety
old truck and she slammed the door closed: or else it would not catch right. "I
can drive my car out here."
"No," he put the key in and turned it over to rumble the engine to life. Drogo
waited for it to heat up as he used his sleeve to wipe the inside of the
window. The wipers swiped at the outside and cleared the haze of fog on the
windshield. "I want to drive you."
"I would be lonely without you," she admitted. "It is quite a drive."
"I like this time with you," he sat back and pulled on his seatbelt, "just us."
"Me too," she smiled at him as he pulled the car around on the gravel driveway.
"Irri is hilarious," she laughed at the memory. "I thought I was going to spit
out my juice." Dany eyed him sideways to see his stony expression. "You don't
agree?" His shoulders raised in an almost imperceptible shrug.
"Irri has a good heart," high praise coming from him. "Strong head." They
turned onto the road, empty of cars in the early holiday morning.
"And that's why I like her," Dany insisted, "the stronger headed the better."
Drogo did not respond, staring straight ahead: a tenseness in his jaw revealed
his differing opinion. "You pretend to disagree but I myself have been known to
be strong-headed." Dany put her seatbelt behind her and turned her body to face
him. "I think you like it," she accused playfully but got no response. "Poor
Drogo, I won't allow Irri to make fun of you anymore. And apparently I need to
learn how to keep the volume down."
"Can't be done." The barest hint of a smile pulled at his lips as his dark
somber glanced over her, warming her up despite the chilly morning air.
"Oh, so sure of yourself." Dany sat up straight and proper, pulling her
seatbelt in front of her slightly arched chest. "I'm afraid you are right: I
adore being fucked by you. Too bad," she smirked at him sideways, "I have to
get home now." Drogo pulled off the side of the road into a private driveway,
parking behind a crowding of trees for cover. "We will be late," she was
already unbuckling her seatbelt and sliding across the seat towards him.
"Hazi davrae," he reached out to pull her closer. "I want to keep you."
"I want to be kept," she sighed before he captured her mouth.
Chapter End Notes
     I'm certifiable for spending so much time on getting the Dothraki
     even slightly correct. But I don't care! I get all depressed when my
     ships are separated and Dany/Drogo are the holders of my happiness.
     Go ahead, tell me I'm too emotionally invested in this fic. I can
     take it... No I can't - lie to me! Tell me this is healthy and
     normal!
     Next chapter is called: Joff the Ass-hat (Working Title)
     Shit is going down...
***** Joff the Ass-hat *****
Chapter Notes
     TRIGGER WARNING: rape threats.
See the end of the chapter for more notes
                              [Joff,_the_Ass-hat]
                                     SANSA
As per tradition, the kids went ice-skating while mom prepared breakfast and
dad brought up the presents. It was a well-known secret that he hid them in the
basement but the kids pretended not to know. This year they were reluctant to
go skating without Bran but Robb produced a sled to carry him to the pond.
Sheri and the Baratheon siblings came along but none of them knew how to skate.
Sansa held Tommen's hands, slowly skating backwards to teach him.
Arya and Rickon skated circles around them, passing a hockey puck between each
other. Myrcella giggled and blushed furiously as Robb taught her, falling into
his arms intentionally. Joff shot the action with his 'brand-new high
definition camera' that he would not shut up about. Sheri and Bran scooped up
snowballs and tried to hit his siblings as they skated past. After a while,
Sansa took a break to exchange her skates for snow boots and Joffrey approached
her.
"Sansa," he offered a hand to help her stand, "will you take a walk with me?"
Sansa looked up at him with suspicion but he smiled kindly and her worry waned.
"I have to show you something that you will want to see."
"Fine," she pushed off the ground without his help and dusted the snow off her
jacket before following him. He led her back towards the house and stopped
behind a large tree halfway between the house and the pond. "What?" Sansa's
patience for being dragged around wore thin.
"Take a look," he handed her his camera and she recognized the still frame as
her room. She turned a confused look at him and Joff reached over to press the
play button. "The camera has a motion sensor that can be set to auto-capture."
He sounded so proud of his little toy but Sansa's attention was riveted on the
video when the door swung open. She watched herself walk into the room and
start undressing.
"How...?" Sansa swallowed the bile rising in her throat and snapped the camera
shut before watching the whole video. "What have you done?!"
"Ah-ah," he snatched the camera out of her shaking hand, "careful now. You'll
regret it if you even think about trying to do something to this camera."
"Why?" Sansa meant 'why would you do this' but he took her question to mean
'why not destroy the camera'.
"You're not the only one I have a video of," he smirked confidently. "I have
dozens of Marge, getting fucked in all manner of embarrassing poses. You
wouldn't want your friend's reputation ruined, would you?"
"How could you do that to her?" Sansa's voice trembled as she rephrased her
question. "To me?! What did either of us ever do to you?"
"You insulted me," he snarled, suddenly hostile and wild-eyed. "Father hoped we
would become close so I dumped Margery before you came to school. Then you
never ever gave me a chance - choosing a dog over me!"
"I liked Sandor before I ever met you!" Sansa realized she was explaining
herself to a lunatic; he must be insane to hold something like against her. It
was as if Joff thought of her as a 'possession' he was entitled to. "But even
if I had started dating you I would have seen your true self soon enough!"
"Now everyone is going to see your 'true self'," he mocked, "if you don't do
exactly as I say." The gleeful look on his face was indescribably terrifying...
He was having fun tormenting her!
"What do you want?" Her voice was so quiet that the howling winter wind carried
it away but the widening grin on his face meant he heard. She turned away,
looking past his shoulder at the house in the hopes that her parents would come
save her.
"What I deserve - you," his expression was one of victory.
"I don't understand," she whispered. Did he really think she would date him
after all this? He truly was crazy!
"I just hope the hound hasn't loosened you up too much." Joffrey frowned as he
looked her up and down, as if inspecting a damaged product he still desired.
The true meaning of what he wanted sunk in and if Sansa had eaten anything, she
would have lost it all over him.
"You can't..." Horror overwhelmed her as his glittering green eyes snapped her
hers with fury. His anger sparked a rage that bloomed and consumed her fear.
"That's rape!"
"Call it what you want," he snickered. "I'm going to have you one way or the
other - or else I'll send this footage to everyone in school." Joffrey held up
the camera and jiggled it. "Then you might learn to respect your betters. You
think your father's company is anywhere near as large as my father's?" A glint
of sunlight reflecting was the only warning before he doubled over with a
scream of pain. "FUCK!"
"Get away from my sister," Arya threatened, "or I'll go for your face next!"
Where did Arya get a sword...? Sansa's mind felt sluggish as she tried to
process all that was going on around her. No... Margaery!
"Arya, stop!" Sansa moved in between them and held out her arms to protect
Joffrey.
"You little brat!" Joffrey bent down to pick up his dropped camera but Arya
brought her boot down on top of it and smashed the expensive device. "NO," he
shrieked and glared at them in turn. "You're both going to pay for this!" He
turned on his heel, clutching his arm as he stormed back to the house.
"Are you alright?" Arya reached for Sansa, looking for damage.
"No, Arya, he..." Sansa tried to explain but the words caught in her throat.
"Oh gods!" She tuned to run after him, calling against the harsh wind. "Joffrey
wait, please." He started to run towards the house and she followed as fast as
she could. "Talk to me!"
"Why are you begging him?!" Arya caught up quickly, still holding onto her
little sword. "He should be begging you!"
"You don't understand!" Sansa wailed as she shrugged off her sister's hand
trying to hold her back. "Joffrey please!"
"MOTHER!" Joffrey screamed and his mother came running out of the house,
pulling on her coat. "That bitch cut me!"
"He deserved it!" Arya showed off she could scream just as loud.
"Please Joff," Sansa panted breathlessly as she bowed in front of him, "I'm
begging you! Don't do anything to Margaery!" Mrs. Baratheon looked up from
tending to her son's wound, a tight expression on her face.
"Let's get you inside," she tersely insisted, pulling her glaring injured son
into the house. "Robert!" Mrs. Baratheon called for her husband but daddy came
running instead.
"What happened?!" He met them at the entryway, his eyes instantly narrowing on
Joff's bleeding arm. "Cat, get a towel!"
"That fuck," Arya pointed an accusing finger at Joffrey, "was trying to
blackmail Sansa into fucking him!"
"LIAR!" Joffrey screamed some more, staring murder at Arya as mother secured a
towel around his arm.
"Sansa," daddy looked to her, "what happened?" All eyes turned to her and Sansa
started to feel woozy, not knowing what she should say.
"It was... a misunderstanding." Sansa turned to bow her head remorsefully at
Joffrey. "I'm sorry, it's all my fault."
"What are you doing?!" Arya grabbed her arm and wrenched her around. "Tell dad
the truth!" She pointed at Joffrey with her sword. "He needs to know what kind
of people they are!"
"Daddy, I don't..." Sansa was trembling so hard she thought she might fall
over. "What happened is-"
"What in the bloody hells is going on?" Mr. Baratheon stormed in, saving Sansa
from having to explain. "Ned! Why is my son bleeding?"
"Apparently," daddy narrowed his eyes at her, "there was a misunderstanding."
"The only misunderstanding," Arya gritted through her teeth. "Was the point of
my needle missing his eye!"
"Arya, where did you get that sword?!" Daddy held out his hand. "Give it to me
at once!" Arya looked like she wanted to argue but handed it over without a
word.
"Don't think you've won you spoiled brat," Arya hissed at Joffrey. "I am never,
ever going to forget this day."
"That's enough," daddy cut his youngest daughter off sharply and pointed
upstairs. "Go to your room." Arya opened her mouth to continue arguing but he
cut her off. "Now!" Daddy was red-faced as he watched his younger daughter
march past to stomp up the stairs to her room. "Sansa, are you sure it was a
misunderstanding?"
"Yes, Joff didn't really mean any harm." Sansa moved closer to Joffrey, who was
being tended by her mother and comforted by his. "I hope he can forgive me and
let this go. Please, Joffrey..." He sneered at her begging and turned away.
"He's going to need stitches," Mrs. Baratheon interrupted, "let's get him to
the hospital."
"It is forty minutes from here in this weather," mother pulled on her coat. "I
will drive you." She glanced at Sansa with a worried expression before leading
the way outside.
"This gods-forsaken place!" Mrs. Baratheon helped her son out of the house,
followed by Mr. Baratheon. As soon as the door was closed, Sansa collapsed onto
the ground, too exhausted to cry.
"Sansa!" Daddy crouched down beside her with a worried expression but it did
not comfort her. Though she knew it was not her fault, Sansa felt completely
responsible for everything that happened. "You need to explain everything to
me."
"I... it all happened so fast... Joffrey was just... teasing me." Sansa tried
to explain through shuddering breaths and she could see the conflict in his
eyes. "Daddy, it's not Arya's fault. It's my fault, please don't punish her."
She gripped the front of his sweater and felt herself becoming frantic, the
video of her undressing flashed through her mind. For better or worse, Arya
destroyed that footage so nobody would ever see it. "She misunderstood and
that's why she attacked him. It was all my fault! Not Arya's!"
"Okay, lemon cake." He knelt and pulled her into his arms as she continued to
babble and beg. "Why don't you go take a rest and I will check on you in a
little while." Daddy rose to his feet, pulling her up with him.
"Yes, daddy." She watched him pull on his coat and walk outside, presumably to
gather the other children. They were likely still blissfully playing and
unaware of all the drama that had transpired... lucky them. Arya was the only
one attentive and smart enough to keep an eye on Joffrey, risking getting into
trouble to save her older sister. And Sansa thanked her for it by lying! This
had to be the worst Winterfest of all time.
                                     ARYA
She paced back and forth in her room, stumbling over discarded boots and dirty
clothes, which she angrily kicked out of her way. Why didn't she hide the
sword?! Arya kept it hidden from mom and dad but she brought it out with her to
the woods. There was just a feeling she had since she woke up - that something
bad would happen. That Joff always made her twitchy... Why would Sansa lie?!
Dad walked into the room, interrupting her thoughts.
"Dad," she walked up to him as he shut the door, "you have to believe me! That
ass-hat somehow taped Sansa and he was threatening her with that camera!" Arya
spun around away from him, her fists clenched in anger. "I shouldn't've broken
the evidence - godsdammit! You..." Turned to face him again but his
disbelieving expression made her lose her train of thought. "Don't you believe
me?!"
"I don't know what to believe," dad wore an expression of supreme
disappointment, refusing to look her directly in the eye. More like he looked
'around' her, as if trying to see each individual part to find out which one
made her bad. The seven hells would freeze over before he took her word over
Sansa's about what happened.
"Why else would I attack him?" Arya struggled to keep her voice at a normal
level. "I've tried so hard... I don't even know what I did to lose your trust."
He gave her a pointed look and her anger bubbled up into a protective layer
around her pain. "I was doing the right thing going after that power plant
manager! And I was doing the right thing protecting Sansa! I don't know why
she's lying but she is!"
"I am trying to understand," he sighed and shook his head sadly, "but I know
both of you are lying to me. Where did you get that sword?" Why was he so
fixated on the sword?! Sansa got rape-threatened! Arya regretted going too easy
on Joffrey - just slicing his arm - she should've sliced his neck!!! Nobody
threatens her family! No, she had to stay calm or else she was just going to
make it harder on herself.
"Jon gave it to me for Winterfest," she lied and hoped her distress covered her
tells. "Please, dad, don't get mad at him." Arya walked to stand right in front
of him and turned a pleading look up at him. "I know I should have come to you
but the things that shit-head was saying to Sansa... You would've sliced him
open too. Talk to him, you'll see he's full of shit."
"I intend too," he turned to open the door but Arya grabbed his wrist.
"My sword?" She knew it was a long shot but she had to try - Gendry would be
disappointed if she lost his gift.
"I will keep it," his words made her heart sank, "until I get to the bottom of
this whole mess." That could never happen if Sansa kept lying!
"Dad!" Arya followed him but he stopped her from leaving her room.
"You are to stay in this room," he ordered sternly, "until I give you
permission to leave!" Dad rubbed a hand over his temple in frustration. "The
worst part of this is you don't think you did anything wrong! Violence is never
the answer! No matter what Joffrey did, you should have come to me and I would
have handled it."
"We're not that close anymore," she accused. "How would I know you'd believe
me?" Dad just shook his head and closed her door between them. Arya stared at
the door in disbelief for a long moment before her mind started calculating
where he might hide her sword. No matter what - she wasn't going anywhere
without it. As she turned around to start pacing some more, the door opened
again and in walked the traitor.
"How could you?!" Arya charged Sansa and shoved her against the door.
"Shh!" Sansa covered Arya's mouth "I'm not supposed to be in here." Arya pushed
her sister and turned away in disgust. "You should not have attacked
Joffrey..."
"You," she whipped around and pointed an accusatory finger, "shouldn't have
gone on a walk with him!"
"I actually thought he might want to apologize." Sansa huffed a laugh as she
staggered to the bed to plop down and stare lifeless at the floor. "He had a
video of me getting undressed," she shuddered, "I was completely naked."
"I know," Arya snapped, "I heard - that's why I attacked him."
"You missed the part," Sansa hissed, "when he said he had videos of Margaery!"
"She's not my sister!" Arya gritted her teeth to keep from screaming at her
idiot older sister. "It's her own dumbass fault for dating that creep!"
"She doesn't deserve that," tears filled Sansa's eyes and her lower lip
trembled, "nobody does! I didn't know what else to do... I'm sorry Arya."
"You need to tell dad the truth," Arya heaved a sigh as she sat down next to
her softhearted sister. "Or we're going to take the fall for her."
"It's the right thing to do," Sansa insisted, "if it means saving an innocent
girl's reputation. Videos like that can ruin her whole life before it begins,
she would never be able to escape it."
"Sex tapes?" Arya felt sick with guilt about it but she didn't want to get in
any more trouble for some random girl. "That shit fucker asshole - I shoulda
killed him."
"If the person I loved did that to me..." Sansa shuddered. "I would kill
myself." She turned to face Arya with a piteous expression. "We're both lucky.
It's obvious Gendry adores you and I know Sandor would never hurt me. Margaery
loves Joffrey, gods know why, but it would destroy her to be betrayed by him."
"Then you have to tell her," Arya shocked herself with all her insistence on
telling the truth. Usually she was asking people to lie for her - felt weird.
"But first we're going to get that fucker," She balled her fist so hard her
nails cut into her palm. "If I could get to his computer I can erase his hard
drive."
"What if he has backups?" Sansa could be smart when she tried.
"That's a chance we have to take," she shrugged. "If you want to protect that
girl - it's the only way. If you tell her and she dumps him, he'll probably
release the videos."
"Oh gods, this is such a mess." Sansa buried her face into her hands. "Sandor
warned me about Joff but I didn't take him seriously enough. I'm so stupid!"
"No you're not," she patted Sansa on the shoulder. "We are going to put him
down - together. I need you to be strong and do everything you can to convince
mom and dad to not punish me. I need freedom if I'm going to B-and-E into the
Baratheon mansion... again." Arya turned her sister to face her and looked her
in the eye. "It took guts to stand up to that asshole. You're strong in your
own way. We're going to fix this, don't worry." Sansa suddenly tugged her into
a tight hug and sniffled against Arya's hair.
Gendry made her promise to stay out of trouble and she wished he was here to
talk her out of doing anything crazy. The one thing Arya could count on - no
matter how bad she messed up - he'd get over it.
Chapter End Notes
     Joff really is an ass-hat. The Stark sisters are teaming up! Can they
     bring down a bully and save Marge?! Will Sansa run into an even
     'bigger' problem?! Is Arya ever going to be ungrounded?!!! Stay
     tuned.
***** Anything for You *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                              [Anything_for_You]
                                      POD
They had been at it all day, pulling out volumes of student files and
organizing them. She kept meticulous records but hardly any of it was useful
because she could never find anything. Pod spent all day helping her organize
the hard copies before teaching coach how to use a computerized filing system.
He discovered coach was computer illiterate, which really meant he had to teach
her everything. Good think he was in love with her or she'd be stuck with her
antiquated filing forever.
"I am never going to get this!" Coach tossed aside the stack of student files
she was entering into the computer. She leaned back in her chair and raked her
fingers thought her short blonde hair, even distressed she looked pretty.
"Not with that attitude you won't," he teased, unable to resist throwing her
own favorite expression back at her.
"Hey," she protested, "I might be terrible at this but I'm still your teacher."
"I think technically I am the teacher right now." Pod flashed a cheeky grin at
her and her frown lifted despite her annoyance.
"Fine then," she gestured angrily at the computer, "teach me: unless I'm
hopeless."
"No you aren't," he asserted, "this just isn't your strength." Pod leaned
forward to move his arm in front of her to take over the mouse.
"Strength is my only strength." Coach rolled her chair back and braced her
elbows against the desk to prop her chin against her fists.
"Again not true," he sat back in his seat. "Everyone on the volleyball team and
cheer squad look up to you. You are a natural leader: that is a quality that
can't be taught."
"Do me a favor and call my mother." Coach let one hand drop to the desk and
tilted her temple against one fist to give him a wry smile. "She thinks I've
failed at life if I don't marry before thirty."
"You're not thirty yet," he narrowed his brows in confusion as he moved back to
let her take over again.
"That's what I keep telling her." Coach flourished her hand in a hopeless
gesture before rolling back to control the computer. Pod turned his attention
back to organizing the paper files only looking up when he heard a loud groan
come from coach. "Rick, I messed it up again."
"Here, let me help." He braced an arm on the desk and went through the steps
slowly. "If you accidentally close a record just go up here to the search bar
and type in the student's name. It's easy, you just have to get used to it."
"Thanks for this," she bowed her head with a shamed expression. "I am forever
in your debt."
"I would do anything for you." The words came out of his mouth before he even
knew what he was saying. "Because," he quickly amended, "you are my favorite
teacher and my mentor. You're the one who inspired me to pursue a career in
sports medicine." Her expression was unreadable before she turned away to dab
at the corner of her eye.
"I just got a bit of something in my eye," she sniffled.
"Let me see." He reached out to cup her face and turned it towards him only to
see her bright eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
"It's quite alright..." A flush rose in her cheeks as Pod froze in that
position, so close their faces were almost touching. A jingling sound from
coach's pocket made them both jump apart. She pulled the phone out and laughed
when she saw the caller. "I swear my mother knows when I am talking about her,"
she babbled in a high-pitched voice. "I'll just take this call real quick so
she can nag me about not flying home for the holiday." Coach stepped around him
to walk out of the office, stumbling with unusual clumsiness.
"I'm a coward," he groaned and lowered his forehead to the desk with a
resounding bang. What's the worst that could happen if he just kissed her?
Suspension or possibly expulsion or maybe a sexual harassment suit. Oh, and
don't forget: the loss of a valued mentor… is that all? Life just isn't fair.
                                   MISSANDEI
She planned their date down to the last detail but nothing she did broke
through Torgo's withdrawn nature. Just when she thought he was gaining
confidence, he would start stammering or just stare at her with a helpless
expression. Missa did not want to admit it to herself but the evidence was
piling up against her... No bones about it, he was terrified of her. On the
drive home there was even less conversation until she pulled up into his
driveway and he did not get out.
"Why did you choose me?" Torgo eyed her sideways with a wary expression as he
adjusted his glasses in a gesture she came to recognize as agitation. Did she
really make him so uncomfortable?
"To date, you mean?" Missa turned off the car and removed her seatbelt to face
him, trying to hide any distress lest he believe she was disappointed in him.
Dating Torgo was like baking a souffle: perilous yet eventually rewarding. "Do
you want a list of reasons?"
"There's a whole list?" A pleasantly surprised smile pulled at his corners of
his lips though a bit tremulous. Torgo was a great guy... too bad he could not
see himself through her eyes.
"It's not excessive," she smiled, "but there are several things I like about
you. You are kind, gentle, and thoughtful. I like your sense of humor and the
way you always make me smile." Missa glanced down bashfully tinged with shame.
"And perhaps this will sound narcissistic... I like you because you like me."
"I probably shouldn't say this," he laughed nervously. "But I'm fairly certain
I'm one of a legion of guys who would kill to take you out." Torgo sat up rigid
in his seat and firmly grasped his knees, digging in his fingers. "Most of them
wouldn't be jumping around like cat on a hot tin roof... I'm making a fool of
myself, aren't I?" He could not possibly know how charming his nervousness
really was and that was only part of his appeal.
"I am afraid I have to disagree," she leaned forward and took one of his hands
in between hers over the center console. "There might be other boys who find me
pretty but I don't have to guess if you really like me because it is obvious."
Missa smiled wider as his eyes shifted away with embarrassment. "I can be my
true self around you and not worry I am talking over your head or intimidating
you with my intelligence."
"Again..." Torgo smiled sheepishly and slowly shook his head. "I am
intimidated."
"But you're not threatened by it," she insisted. "You like that I'm smart,
don't you?"
"Of course," his eyes snapped up to meet hers. "I greatly admire your intellect
and self-assurance."
"That makes you unique," she smiled wider at his sudden seriousness.
"I think," his brow furrowed with concern, "you might be giving me too much
credit."
"I think you do not give yourself enough." Missa gave into her urge to kiss
him, leaning across the console to slide one hand behind his neck and firmly
pressed her lips to his. His breathing quickened as did hers when he moved his
hand to her waist, holding her lightly and sending warmth through her body. The
softness of his lips coaxed the heat rising inside her into a roaring fire
burned under her skin. She shivered with barely restrained desire but kept
herself from going too fast and giving the poor boy a heart attack.
Torgo was addicting, the more she kissed him only made her want him more and
she could not imagine stopping. Alas, oxygen is a necessity of life and when
they broke apart for air, she rested her forehead against his to catch her
breath. When she pulled away, Torgo gulped and blew out a breath as if he ate
something spicy. She fixed a mock-displeased glare at him before nodding at his
house. "When are you going to invite me in to meet your parents?"
"Ah," he glanced towards the house and adjusted his glasses. "I guess I'm not
really hiding it... I live with foster parents."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Missa worried that he might never trust her to accept
him, the likely source of his unrelenting anxiety.
"It's not exactly the happiest conversation." Torgo ran a hand over his hair
before glancing sideways at her with a half-smile. "Hi," he waved with mock
cheer. "I'm Torgo and my parents abandoned me when I was an infant. Trust me,
there's no easy way to bring that up and most people prefer not to know."
"I am sorry," she murmured, unsure what else to say. This awkwardness was
exactly what he wanted to avoid and she forced the issue. Why was she so
impatient when it came to him?
"It's fine," he gave her a tight smile of reassurance, "I've lived with my
foster parents since I was ten. They are like my real parents, or they are more
like grandparents." Torgo tilted his head towards the house. "Come meet them if
you like, but you'll have to speak up because pop is going deaf." Missa nodded
her agreement before she followed him up to the house and waited nervously as
he let them in.
"Torgo," a woman's voice called, "is that you pet?" The smell of freshly baked
cookies wafted from the kitchen.
"It's me, mama!" Torgo helped Missa take off her jacket and hung it on a peg.
"I brought someone for you to meet." He removed his own jacket to hang it up
before leading her into the small but cozy home.
"Oh goodness," a short plump woman who looked to be in her sixties greeted
them. "I wasn't expecting company, forgive the mess." She waved a hand over her
flour-dusted apron as she approached, adjusting her glasses. "What a pretty
girl! Are you our Torgo's special girl?"
"Yes I am, my name is Missa." She extended her hand and received a soft
handshake. "It is a pleasure to meet you."
"Well, come in." His mother led them into the dining room, which was set up for
cookie decorating. "I was just pulling out a fresh batch of cookies. Do you
like to decorate?" Missa was about to respond in the affirmative but the woman
turned away to cut her hands around her mouth. "Ronald! Come meet Torgo's
girlfriend!"
"WHAT?!" A man's voice called from the den.
"TORGO," she shouted, "BROUGHT HIS GIRLFRIEND!!!"
"Why didn't you say so?" A hunched man wearing thick glasses and using a cane
staggered into the room. He approached her, lowering his glasses to scrutinize
her face. "Let me get a good look at you, dearie. You hold onto this one,
Torgo. She carries herself with dignity - not seen often in young women these
days."
"Yes, sir." Torgo obviously had a lot of respect for both of his parents and
visibly relaxed around them, smiling more and not glancing away. He leaned
close and kept his voice low. "You don't have to stay and decorate cookies. I'm
warning you, she might look small but I bet she's baked at least five hundred
cookies today."
"No, I don't 'have' to," Missa murmured. "However I would love to decorate some
cookies as long as I get to eat some." Torgo grinned and took her hand, leading
the way to the table so they could sit next to each other. "Thank you," she
whispered.
"For what?" Torgo blinked in surprise.
"For letting me in," she responded sincerely. "Inside your home and into your
life, thank you for welcoming me. I know I make you anxious but you have the
same effect on me. Whenever you reveal more of yourself I feel less nervous
because I know you are trusting me just a little more. Even if I could go
anywhere in the world, this would be the place I want to be." Torgo looked a
bit dazed by her speech but a pleased smile curled his lips.
"These cookies are already cooled," Torgo's mother set down a tray between
them. "You two can have as many as you like but don't spoil your appetites
because I made papa's favorite.
"Rump roast?" Torgo's father came in a hurriedly as the old fellow likely
could.
"You hear only what you want to hear." Torgo's mother waved a dismissive hand
at her husband before disappearing back into the kitchen.
"WHAT?!" He tottered after his wife and Missa could not hold in her laughter
any longer.
"I'm sorry," she covered her mouth to muffle her chuckling. "They are so
adorable."
"I'm lucky." Torgo was breathtakingly handsome when he smiled without any hit
of anxiousness and it stole her breath away. "That they made me their family."
"I'm sure they feel the same about you," she tore her eyes away from his
beautiful face to focus on the cookies. "Now, show me how this is done."
"You've never frosted cookies before?" Torgo stared at her in shock slightly
tinged with horror.
"My mother is a brilliant woman but has no patience for baking," Missa missed
her dad's cooking when he was out to sea.
"The thing you have to know about frosting is..." Torgo pushed his finger
against the center of his glasses, glinting in the low light over his narrowed
eyes. "You can't mess it up because it's almost pure sugar and people don't
care what it looks like as long as it tastes good."
"Then I shall apply it liberally to the surface of the cookies," she picked up
a cookie to start slathering on frosting.
"Excellent technique," he praised, "but you missed a spot."
"Where?" Missa inspected the cookie but it was sufficiently loaded with
frosting.
"Here," he swiped a dollop of sugary cream over her nose.
"You did not just do that," she slowly turned her head towards him, her mouth
hanging open in shock.
"Sorry," he bowed his head, "I mistook you for a cookie-" Missa shoved the
frosting-piled cookie into his mouth to cut off his words. She laughed at his
disgusted expression as he tried to swallow the mouthful.
"Ugh," he smacked his lips. "I take it back, there certainly is such a thing as
too much frosting."
"Then take your duties seriously," she scolded, "and teach me how to frost
properly." Torgo turned serious, explaining far too much about surface area and
the exact thickness of coverage. Missa never knew she could have so much fun
doing something as simple as frosting cookies. It wasn't the treats, but the
company that made the time together so sweet.
                                    SHIREEN
It was awful, just... horrible - the whole house was filled with a thick murky
pool of disagreement and mistrust. The Baratheons left, all except for her of
course, to go stay in a hotel and nearly everyone stayed in their room since
Winterfest day. It was heart-wrenching to watch the presents sitting under the
wreath, unopened until Mrs. Stark put them away. In silent standing with Arya,
even Rickon refused to open presents while she was confined to her room. Never
before had Sheri wanted siblings so badly.
Mr. Stark would not budge from his position to punish Arya for her violent
attack on Joffrey. Yet no one seemed to know the whole truth about what
happened. Of course, Aunt Cersei wailed that her son's assult was unprovoked
but Sheri knew him too well. Neither sister would give up their side of the
story, both claiming it was a 'misunderstanding'. Bran took it hard that he
could not spend the holiday with his sister so Sheri kept him company. They
were glued to each other's sides since it happened - reluctantly parting to
sleep.
"Watching Arya apologize to Joffrey was like," Sheri searched her mind for the
perfect analogy. "A wild tiger being walked with a leash around its neck." She
lay sprawled on his bed while he parked beside her, facing the same direction.
They both stared at a strange dark stain on the ceiling, periodically giving
guesses as to the cause. "It could be black mold, highly toxic stuff."
"Nah," he shook his headful of shaggy hair, "it's kinda purple don't you think?
Is it paint?" They both tilted their heads to the right to take in another
perspective. "To be honest it broke my heart," he switched topics seamlessly.
"If I wasn't stuck in this chair I would've kicked that asshole in his grinning
teeth." They often held multiple conversations at once without ever
misunderstanding each other.
"And poor Sansa has been listless... all because of Joffrey." Sheri looked away
from the stain, propping up on one elbow to face him. "I'm so sorry, Bran." His
head leaned back on the top of his chair and lolled towards her with a
concerned expression on his face.
"How are you apologizing for him?" Bran always said more with his expression
than his words. His face was telling her he would never blame Sheri by
association with anyone. But piping hot guilt rushed through her despite his
meaningful looks.
"Because he won't!" Rage bubbled up alongside her sense of responsibility. "My
whole family has been horrible and I hate them!"
"I don't lump you in with them," he assured her, rocking his head from side-to-
side. "And Myrcella and Tommen are alright."
"What if Arya hates me now?" She picked at the quilted coverlet on his bed as
she voiced her greatest concern. "I can't even talk to her since she is
confined to her room but I would not blame her if she never talked to me
again."
"She doesn't hate you," he raised his head, "I know that much." His eyes
searched her face before he nodded once decisively and hooked a thumb at
himself. "Watch a master show you how it's done," he winked before wheeling to
the door. "Mom!" Bran only had to call out once before Mrs. Stark burst through
his bedroom door with a concerned expression.
"What is it, honey?" She sounded a little breathless and Sheri wondered if she
actually dropped everything and ran. "Do you need something?" Bran complained
often about his mother's overprotectiveness. Sheri found the attention enviable
- it was better than being ignored.
"I miss Arya and I never get to see her." Bran found the perfect balance
between whining and being pitiful. "I understand why she has to be punished
but... I don't see why I have to be punished too."
"I'll talk to your father," she offered vaguely with a conflicted grimace.
"Dad is overreacting," he protested. "That Joff kid is despicable and I'm sure
he said something horrible to Sansa to make Arya go off on him like that."
"Arya needs to learn to control herself," his mother insisted in a stronger
voice. "We are lucky the Baratheons haven't sued."
"I wish..." Bran hung his head pitifully. "The girls would move home and dad
canceled this merger."
"Your father knows what is best for our family." Mrs. Stark did not appear
fully convinced of her own words and her face pinched before she gave in.
"However, since your sister is leaving soon it is only right she be allowed to
visit you for a short while."
"Thanks mom," he beamed up at his mother until she left and then closed the
door behind her. Bran wheeled around with a cocky victorious grin.
"I am impressed," Sheri gave him a light applause as he resumed his place
beside the bed. "That last part was a nice touch, asking her to talk your
father out of the merger."
"Hey," he shrugged and gave her a crooked grin, "I had to try. I could've
convinced her but my heart wasn't in it."
"Why?" Sheri silently begged the gods he would say it was because of her.
"You," Bran's serious eyes locked with hers. "I want to move to Kings Landing
now."
"Really?" She was unused to her prayers being answered - and so quickly - it
made spots bubble in front of her eyes. "Even though we just met a few days
ago?"
"You can't deny," his smoldering eyes held hers, "there is something real
between us."
"I've never felt like this about anyone before..." Sheri scooted to the edge to
slip her legs between his, leaning forward and praying he would take the hint.
"I'm going to kiss you now." He answered her second prayer in as many minutes,
overwhelming her with exhilarating anticipation.
"Yes," she only had to breathe the word before his mouth pressed against hers -
it was magic, just like the movies promised. Her eyes fluttered shut to see
stars shooting across her eyelids and it made her dizzy but in a good way. The
kiss started sweet and soft but quickly turned urgent and almost tormenting.
Bran's hand lifted to cup her cheek, pulling her closer to press his lips
against hers more insistently. Sparks rippled over her skin and the sensations
rendered her mind useless to form a coherent thought. Sheri splayed her hand
against his chest for balance before curling it around his neck. For that
single moment, time stopped and all the tension lingering in the house melted
away.
"I would tell you two to get a room," Arya stood in the doorway, leaning
against the doorframe and wearing a crooked smirk. Sheri scrambled out of the
bed to stand, breathless and panting, with an assuredly guilty expression. "But
it looks like I'm the one intruding," she gestured down the hallway and raised
a brow. "Should I leave?"
"No!" Sheri quickly moved forward to grab onto Arya's hand. "We both really
want to see you." She searched her friend's face for any disapproval but only
saw her usual mocking smirk.
"Looks like you are managing just fine," she chuckled and looked past Sheri's
shoulder to wink at Bran.
"Please, come sit with us." Sheri dragged Arya back to the bed and crawled into
the middle to sit cross-legged. "I'm surprised you are not mad at me for how my
family treated you."
"That's stupid, Sheri." Arya scrambled into the bed to curl up and lay her head
in Sheri's lap. "You are literally my favorite person right now."
"Really?!" Her eyes darted to Bran, who gave her an 'I told you so' look.
"Who else is going to help me see Gendry since I'm likely grounded until the
day after eternity?" Arya made a good point... Poor Gendry was going to be so
disappointed.
"It is an honor," Sheri insisted, "to aid your forbidden love."
"Love?" Bran raised a brow and looked between them. "Gendry?"
"Chill," Arya scolded, "that's not your style."
"You're right," Bran clunked himself on the head, "I'm happy for you Arya."
"Her boyfriend is a really nice guy," Sheri vouched, "he dotes on her like
she's the only girl in the world."
"Yeah-yeah," Arya waved a dismissive hand, "he's awesome-sauce. Who knows how
long I have before the warden comes back? Let's cut to the chase - begin your
interrogation."
"Why did you slice Joffrey's arm with your sword?" Bran posed the question but
Sheri was equally curious about the answer.
"That reminds me," Arya suddenly sat up and flicked her eyes between them. "Let
me know if you catch a whiff of my sword." Her serious expression fell into a
miserable pout. "Gendry forged it," she sighed wistfully, "as a Winterfest gift
to me."
"Wait a minute, you're dating a blacksmith?" Bran nodded approvingly. "Okay,
now I'm impressed."
"Anyway," Arya set her head back down onto Sheri's lap. "That blonde shit took
some video of Sansa undressing and tried to blackmail her into fucking him."
"Oh gods," Sheri gasped, more disgusted than surprised - Joff really was a
repulsive creep.
"You did right," Bran insisted tightly, "even if dad can't see it."
"Apparently Prince Jock-itch has other videos of one of Sansa's friends," she
let out an annoyed huff. "Our dear sister is keeping silent to protect that
girl."
"Sansa is so noble," Sheri murmured, honestly impressed by Sansa's
selflessness.
"She's a fucking idiot!" Arya bolted upright, growling in frustration. She
roughly ran her hands through her short hair to make it stick out in all
directions. "But... yeah, it's the right thing to do so I went along," she
grumbled sullenly. "The plan is to break into the Baratheon manor and wipe
Joffrey's hard drive."
"You already apologized," Bran pointed out, "why are you still in trouble?"
"Because I withdrew my original statement," she snorted a humorless laugh. "Dad
knows we are lying and it's got his undies in a bunch. Of course, he assumes
Sansa is a complete victim and I'm the evil child."
"I'm sorry, Arya." Sheri offered a comforting pat to her friend's shoulder.
"Whatever," she sniffed, pretending it did not bother her until a hopeful
expression crossed her face. "Actually..." Arya looked first at Sheri and then
glanced at Bran. "You two can help."
"Anything," he immediately promised.
"We're with you," Sheri took Arya's hand to give it a squeeze, "all the way."
"Okay," Arya got that determined and semi-crazy look in her eyes, "here's how
it's gonna go down. Sheri - you'll have to help me get away as soon as we touch
down. I will need to beat the Baratheons home. Bran - I am not just going to
wipe the hard drive but also make a copy. Then I can send that copy to you -
find any and all evidence of illegal activity against Joffrey Baratheon. We are
going to make it so he can never lift a finger against any of us."
"Consider it done," Bran nodded seriously at his sister before he grimaced.
"What about the videos he has of Sansa's friend?" Arya looked up at the
ceiling, seemingly pondering his question.
"Keep them," she decided. "Put them on an encrypted external drive and mail
that back to me. Sansa might need it to convince the girl to leave that
asshole. Then she will tell dad the truth and I will be vindicated."
"How can I help you get to the Baratheon's house?" Sheri wished she was as
talented at planning as Arya but her mind drew a blank.
"I haven't figured that part out yet," Arya rubbed a hand over her chin in
concentration before glancing up at Sheri. "Can I borrow your phone? Mine was
confiscated and I need Gendry's help too."
"Here," she handed over the phone, "keep it as long as you need. You're the
only one who ever calls besides my parents."
"You have to give me your number," Bran reminded her with a flirtatious grin.
"Oh... okay," she blushed and looked away.
"I can see when I'm not needed," Arya stuffed the phone in her pocket as she
bounded off the bed and headed for the door. "You two don't do anything I
wouldn't do," she winked and shot a finger-gun at them, backing out of the door
to close it behind her. Sheri shyly peeked at Bran to see him grinning at her.
"So..." She cleared her throat of its sudden tightness. "Should we go back to
trying to discover the origin of the purple toxic mold on your ceiling?"
"I could kiss you again," he suggested.
"That sounds better," she smiled wide and felt her cheeks flushing. Her hair
fell into her face when she bowed her head shyly but Sheri tucked the loose
locked behind her ear. The gesture was unfamiliar but it felt unimaginably good
to feel so freed of her insecurities. If only she never had to leave...
"Don't worry about the future," he guessed her thoughts - or maybe he actually
could read her mind as it sometimes seemed. "Be with me now."
"Now is all we have," she agreed, knowing he understood what it felt like to
dance with death. Sheri glanced at the door nervously. "What if your mother
walks in? I doubt she will be as amused as Arya."
"Come here," he patted his lap and Sheri crawled to sit across his legs without
hesitation and hugged her arms around his neck. Bran wheeled them around to
back up against the door and locked his wheels. "Problem solved," he grinned
and she bent her face to kiss his smiling lips, tasting his happiness. Soon
they would be parted and there was no question 'if' she would wait for him -
she only wondered 'how long'.
Chapter End Notes
     This chapter could've been split up but I thought it worked best all
     together so it's just one long one. Sheri and Bran are the sweetness
     of my life but alas must be parted too soon - at least I will have
     Sansan and Gendrya reunions to ease the pain!
***** Bittersweet Reunion *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                             [Bittersweet_Reunion]
                                    GENDRY
As he sat in his car waiting for her, he wondered if he could even explain it
in words to tell her how much he needed her by his side. With her, there was a
sense of 'rightness' in the world: each day had a purpose. Without her, one day
bled into the next and time passed by slowly without meaning or substance.
There was emptiness, or maybe more like incompleteness in every aspect of his
life. He couldn't sleep right and nothing tasted good. Music sounded like
bloody bullshit and it all made getting up in the morning a right pain in the
ass.
Today, just knowing he was going to see her made him energized in the morning
and the world made sense again. A quiet uncertain voice in his head whispered
there was no way Arya could possibly need him as much as he needed her. Gendry
ignored that voice because he knew Arry better than anyone did and she never
bullshitted when it came to serious stuff. She might act tough and like she
didn't care about anything but deep down he knew her love for him was fierce
and true.
He never knew how much the actual distance would bother him, knowing even if he
had to see her she was days away. If one of them got a fatal 24-hour disease,
they wouldn't get to spend their last day together. Gendry knew he would never
find love like that again with anyone else if he lost Arya. No one could ever
be held up to her standard and he wouldn't be able to help comparing. There was
nothing about her he didn't like or would change even one bit and she felt the
same about him. What are the chances of that? How many people get that kind of
opportunity?
So even though the distance was hard, it was bearable because he knew she'd be
coming back to him no matter what. And he thought about that whole 24-hours-to-
live scenario one morning when he couldn't get out of bed. If she were dying,
he would hijack a plane just to get to her side to say goodbye: because that's
what she'd do for him. The sound of tires approaching pulled Gendry out of his
thoughts.
He sunk down into his seat, trying to make himself invisible as he watched Mr.
Stark's car pull up in front of Sheri's house. A small figure, wearing glasses
and a woolen hat hopped out of the vehicle and stepped lightly to the front
door. He would recognize that nimble gait anywhere and he held his breath until
the car pulled away. Once the coast was clear, the small figure whipped around
and darted across the street to Gendry's car. Arry jumped in, pulling off her
hat and glasses to reveal her panicked expression.
"Step on it," she stared straight ahead anxiously, "he might come back if he
figures it out." Gendry couldn't wait any longer, grabbing onto her arm and
dragging her into his tight embrace. "What...? We don't have time for this,"
she grumbled but still wrapped her trapped arms around his waist.
"Then stop me," he challenged. "I'm never letting you go again: you're mine."
Gendry pressed a press his lips to the top of her head, her hair made fluffy
and messy by the woolen cap. She felt good, smelled good, and holding her
settled the unease he felt in her absence. "I missed you," he kissed over her
ear and then her cheek. "I missed you so much." He tilted his face down to kiss
her lips but she growled in protest.
"We have a mission to complete," she wriggled a bit but Gendry just held her
tighter. "And I have to get back so dad doesn't catch Sheri." Too bad: he near
lost his mind with missing her and he wasn't letting go yet. "Fine," she
huffed, "I missed you so much that I almost died." Arya's exasperated tone did
not match the beauty of her words. "I can't be without you because only you can
keep me out of trouble. Without you I never feel comfortable, like my skin is
on too tight." She tilted her head back to give him an annoyed look. "Happy?"
"Happier than I've been in ten days," he reluctantly released her. "Alright,
let's do it," he put the car into drive and pulled away from the house. Gendry
glanced sideways at her pretty coat and cute hat, knowing they weren't he
clothes. All her texts told him was when to pick her up and to wear dark colors
because they were beating the Baratheons home. "How exactly did you pull this
off?"
"The old switcheroo," she snickered as she loosened the jacket. "Sheri and I
wore similar clothes but different jackets and hats. Sansa helped distract dad
while Sheri and me switched outfits then pretended to sleep. Once dad pulled up
in front of the house, Sansa 'woke' me up while 'Arya' stayed asleep. I don't
know how much longer we can get away with it but it's not like I can get into
more trouble."
"You are brilliant," he shook his head in amazement. Gendry would never say it
out loud but he thought her brains would be wasted doing something like being a
private detective. She would make a brilliant military strategist or an
excellent lawyer: Arya was better at arguing than anyone. But she knew herself
and always knew exactly what she wanted so he figured she put a lot of thought
into her future. As long as he was in her life, he'd be proud of whatever she
did.
"I know," she shrugged the jacket off and threw it in the backseat, "but it was
a group effort." There wasn't anything revealing about her outfit but that
didn't stop him from eyeing her sideways. Arya smirked when she caught him, her
eyes blazing with familiar hunger. "Be warned, once we have a minute to
ourselves, I am going to terrible, awful, dirty things to you."
"I look forward to it," he wheezed, forcing his eyes forward so he didn't veer
off the road. "But stop talking about it: I can't drive with a hard-on."
"When this all gets sorted out, I am confident dad will unground me." She sure
sounded confident as she rummaged through her bag. "Then we are going to live
at the forge - not leaving until we finish that box." That threatening edge to
her voice wasn't helping: it just made him even harder but they had a 'mission'
to complete. Sacrifices now it would mean rewards... whenever the everlasting
grounding finally ended.
"I'm up for the challenge," he felt nearly giddy with happiness that she was
back, even if she was extra-super grounded. The drive to get to the Baratheon's
house didn't take long since it was near Sheri's neighborhood. They found the
back way they used before and parked to hoof it through the woods. "I can't
believe we are doing this again," he laughed and looked over to see her pulling
on a mask. "What's with the get-up?" He waved at the ski mask.
"Rich people usually have security cameras," she adjusted the mask over her
face, tucking up her short hair. "I can't give them anything else against me.
Hand over your hoodie," Arya held out a waiting hand for him to unzip and hand
over his hooded sweatshirt. She pulled on the over-sized black jacket and
zipped it all the way up.
"You look like a tiny burglar," he giggled and she scowled at him. "But in a
hot way."
"That's my main concern," she rolled her eyes, "looking hot."
"You always look hot," he straight-up leered at her and even with the mask on,
he could see Arya's lusty stare. Arya could be rolled in mud and he'd still
want her... actually that sounded really hot.
"Stop - cease - and desist your torturing," she ordered, holding out a
reproaching finger. "Don't even turn those eyes on me and save your smiles."
They reached the fence and Arya turned to face him. "Now listen to me," she
grabbed the front of his shirt, turning her serious grey eyes up to meet his.
"If there is even a whiff of trouble then you need to take off." Gendry was
about to argue but she did not give him a second to speak. "I'm a minor but you
could be arrested and charged - promise me."
"Promise," he assured her.
"Wish me luck," she let him go and blew out a breath.
"You don't need it," he held onto her shoulders to press a quick kiss to her
lips before releasing her. "Go get the evidence to take that asshole down."
"This is why I love you," she smiled happily up at him: kinda at odds with the
ski mask. "Now, boost me up." He returned her smile before kneeling down to
link his hands for a foothold. She stepped into his hands and he easily lifted
her up to reach the top of the fence. Arya was even faster at hopping the fence
when she wasn't wearing a dress.
                                     ARYA
She hopped down from the fence, crouching to absorb the impact before standing
and turning around to face him again. His worried expression made her more
nervous but not for herself. The worst thing that could happen to her was
nothing compared to the ramifications he could face.
"Go," she ordered, "wait in the car for me - I'll be back before you know it."
He nodded once, giving her one last worried look before turning around and
heading for the car. After watching him for a moment, Arya crept around the
side of the fence past the golf course and pool. She hurried to the French
doors and tested the handle. As luck would have it, the door was unlocked and
she quickly slipped inside.
"Dumbasses," she snickered and closed the door behind her but whipped around
when she heard movement. "Oh, fuck," she hissed. Arya hastily ducked behind the
kitchen island before a tough looking man walked into the kitchen to pull a
soda out of the fridge. Her heart pounded in her chest - so loud she worried
the man might be able to hear. She peeked around the side of the island to
watch him pour the soft drink over a glass of ice and replace the bottle in the
fridge. After he left she breathed out a silent exhale to slow her racing
heart.
The guard sat down on the couch in front of the big screen TV in the nearby
living room and turned a sports game on. Luckily, the surround sound provided
some cover noise because Arya had to walk right behind the man to get to the
stairs. She slinked past as quietly as she could and tiptoed up the staircase
to slip inside Joffrey's room, locking the door behind her. The laptop was
sitting on a desk stuffed in the corner of the room and she wasted no time
turning it on and setting up her external hard drive.
"Come on," she impatiently coaxed the computer to life, "come on, come on." She
moved to the door to listen for sounds of the television as the computer
started up. Unsurprisingly, nothing in the laptop was password-protected. That
arrogant fuck never dreamed of anyone retaliating against him. "Got you, shit-
stain." Arya made a copy onto her external drive before installing a program
that would wipe everything clean. "Bye-bye hard-drive. Aw, now he lost all his
favorite porn sites - poor baby."
"And that's all she wrote," she grinned in celebration of her victory. The
instant it was done she slipped the external drive into her satchel and got the
hell out of there. The worst house sitter ever did not even look up as she
snuck past him on her way out. She sprinted all the way to the gate to find
Gendry disobediently waiting for her. "Gods," she yanked the gate open, "I'm
such a badass sometimes it even amazes me."
"No disagreement here," he grabbed her hand and they hurried towards his car.
"Let's get you home: if we're lucky, Sheri hasn't been caught." They sprinted
to the car and jumped inside to speed away - Gendry was smart enough to keep
the engine running.
"I've never been so thankful to be the ugly sister," she pulled off the mask
and pushed back her frazzled hair. "Nobody would ever want to film me naked."
"I won't even respond to that," Gendry sulked.
"I know," she scoffed, "I know - in your eyes I'm the prettiest girl in the
land. I think we've established that you aren't like other guys."
"Good," he nodded once, "as long as you know." The drive back to dad's
apartment went by too short as they talked about their winter break apart. He
told her all about spending Winterfest with his mom and Bronn while she filled
him in on details about her fight with Joffrey. It felt like only seconds
passed by the time he pulled up in front of the apartment building. "I love
you," Gendry put the car into park and turned to face her.
"And I love you," she scooted closer to wrap her arms around his waist to a
goodbye hug. Gendry folded her into his arms and held her tightly against his
chest. The right thing to do would be to hurry upstairs to relieve Sheri but
his embrace felt so right. Every once in a while, she had this crazy idea to
convince Gendry to disappear with her - he'd do it if she asked. They could go
to Bravos, live off the grid, and just be together without having to wait for
her parents to give 'permission'. Damn but that would be one hell of an
adventure. "I'm gonna make this right - you'll see."
"Doesn't matter," his fingers stroked through her hair. "No matter how long
you're grounded: I'll always wait." Arya tilted her head back to receive one of
his soft kisses before she let him go, gathered her stuff, and got out. He knew
her well enough to know she'd never look back but Gendry always watched her
until she was inside. On her way up she texted Sansa to let her know she was
coming. Sheri and Sansa waited outside the apartment, rushing towards her when
she softly whistled.
"He never caught on?" Arya handed over the coat, glasses, and hat to exchange
with Sheri. They hurriedly pulled on their own clothes
"I am an excellent actor," Sheri beamed as she pulled on the coat.
"She impersonated your zombie walk so well," Sansa backed up as she held Arya's
bag. "Even I thought it was you for a second." The last thing Arya did was
passing over Sheri's phone - just in time before dad opened the door.
"Sheri?" Dad turned a puzzled look down at the girl.
"Mr. Stark," Sheri beamed innocently at dad before patting the top of her head,
"I am so stupid. I accidentally took Arya's bag so I came to return it." She
whirled around, tossing a wave over her shoulder. "My dad is waiting
downstairs, bye!"
"Why are you wearing your coat?" Dad's eyes narrowed on Arya suspiciously.
"I told her," Arya jerked her head in Sheri's direction, "I would meet her
downstairs but she's a selfless little thing." She covered a forced yawn with
her hand and brushed past dad to go inside. "I'm going back to bed, still jet-
lagged."
"Me too..." Sansa followed into the apartment. "You should get some rest too,
daddy."
"I should," dad closed the door behind them. "Work will be tense tomorrow."
Arya might have imagined the accusatory tone of his voice. He was totally
clueless that his daughters just pulled a fast one. "Order some food if you get
hungry." The girls hovered in front of their door to watch him disappear into
his bedroom.
"So?!" Sansa ushered her inside, closing the door behind them while Arya
plopped down on her bed and set her bag down.
"Who do you think I am?" Arya smirked at her older sister before pulling the
hard drive out of her satchel and holding it up. "I got it," she grinned as
Sansa accepted the drive almost reverently. "Do you have the cash to overnight
it?"
"Of course," Sansa turned around to stash the drive in her backpack. "I'll drop
it off tomorrow."
"It's gotta be now," Arya insisted, "the sooner the better."
"Right, then I'll borrow daddy's car." Sansa pulled on her coat but stopped
halfway through buttoning to turn a serious look at Arya. "Thank you, I never
appreciated you before... I thought you were annoying for always getting into
trouble." She moved to sit down by Arya's side. "Now I realize just how brave
you are."
"I would've never done all this," she argued, "if you hadn't been honest with
me. Even if we have to hide stuff from mom and dad - let's always tell each
other the truth."
"There is something I need to tell you, it is making me crazy..." Sansa did
look mightily distressed - wan and eyebrows drawn together. "But it's a long
story and I'm not up to it now. Later, okay."
"I'm all ears when you need me." Arya flopped back on her bed and kicked her
shoes off. "It's not like I'm going anywhere."
"We are going to fix that," Sansa promised before getting up off the bed and
walking to the door. "Order whatever food you want," she smiled before walking
out and closing the door behind her. And Arya was left alone with her thoughts
- dark as they could be. What if the drive malfunctioned? What if she never got
the evidence to save Marge and earn her freedom? Gendry would wait for her,
like he always promised, but it was only for him she stayed out of trouble this
long. All this captivity was starting to get to her.
Today wasn't scary at all - breaking into the Baratheon's mansion and copying
Joffrey's hard dive - it was a rush.
Chapter End Notes
     Yesterday I had a dentist appointment and I think: "It's just a new
     patient consultation, the scheduler was exaggerating when she said it
     could take 'up to' an hour and a half." I was there for THREE AND A
     HALF *HOURS* (plural). No wi-fi of course so... it was the slowest
     three *and a half* hours of my life. That ate up all my chapter time
     right there but that wasn't the worst part - my right butt-cheek fell
     asleep and it still felt all tingly while I was trying to watch The
     Sopranos and eat my dinner. Who knew that was such a good show... :
     P I'm waiting for all my favorite shows new seasons so I have to go
     back to old shows I never got around to watching. It just makes me
     want to watch the new seasons of 'Nurse Jackie' and 'Rizzoli and
     Isles'. No, actually it makes me want to re-read "Gods and Monsters"
     by Dr_Supernova_Dragon_Cat - now that's some rockin' fanfic right
     there. Sandor as a sexy gangster made me tingly in all the right ways
     - not like my dentist's chair. Gerrrr...
***** Oopsy Daisy *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [Oopsy_Daisy]
                                    SANDOR
Sansa had been ducking him for a few days since she got back and that set his
nerves on edge wondering why. He pulled up in front of the apartment building
where she waited for him, her white coat glowing in his headlights. But her
head was down so she did not notice him until he parked in front of her. She
looked up with distracted surprise before walking to the car to open the door
and slid into the passenger seat. Sandor already knew something was wrong or he
would've expected her to be her usual cheerful self and happy to see him.
"I'm not very hungry." Sansa looked anywhere but at him as she closed the door
and smoothed the skirt of her jacket. "Would you mind if we skipped the date?"
Those words sent off warning signals in his brain - she would normally want to
go on a date even if the sky was falling. She glanced at him with a guarded
expression and it made him start to feel even more anxious.
"But you're all dressed up." Sandor waved a hand at her pretty outfit and
carefully styled hair. Her long red tresses were loosely gathered and piled on
her head so that several wavy strands framed her pretty face. But her cheeks
had a little less color than usual and her features pulled tight.
"I thought dressing up would lift my mood but..." Sansa looked away again but
not before revealing everything with her sad expression.
"You okay?" He was hesitant to ask but unbearable heaviness settled in the pit
of his stomach, urging him on.
"No..." She slowly shook her head while wringing her hands in her lap and then
glanced back at the apartment building. "Let's go somewhere we can talk."
Great, she wanted to 'talk' and he didn't have to be a genius to know that
meant trouble. Sandor drove them straight to the bridge lookout spot and she
stayed silent, staring out the window. He parked the car, turning it off and
setting the keys on the dash. Both of them slid their seatbelts off but she
kept quiet and still wouldn't look at him. Her averted eyes brought up some old
anger he struggled to keep down.
"What's up?" Sandor broke the silence first, unable to bear it anymore.
"Sandor, something horrible happened over the break." Sansa turned to face him
but her eyes wavered instead of meeting his. "The Baratheon family came with
ours back to Winterfell-"
"Joff went?" The tightness in his gut rushed up his throat and nearly spilled
over but he swallowed the acrid bile when she answered with a slow nod. "Why
didn't you fucking tell me-?" Her eyes instantly filled with tears before
hanging her head. "Fuck me," he made a real effort to soften his growling,
lowering his voice to a rasping whisper. "What happened?"
"He threatened me..." Her voice wavered as she struggled to get the words out,
taking in shuddering breaths every few words. "He planted a camera in my
room... He..." Then she suddenly burst into tears and covered her face.
"Quit blubbering and tell me!" Fear made him lose his patience but somehow it
worked. Sansa stopped crying and stared straight ahead with a blank expression.
She didn't bother to wipe the wetness shining on her cheeks.
"He put a camera in my room to shoot footage of me... undressing." Her voice
was no louder than a whisper but he hung on her every word - as painful as they
were to hear. "He threatened that if I did not... have sex with him, then he
would send the video to everyone at school."
"He's dead - I'll kill him for this." Sandor gripped the steering wheel to keep
himself from punching the dash and scaring her.
"Listen to me!" Sansa grabbed onto his arm with panic etched on her face.
"Don't even say things like that! Arya overheard him threatening me and
destroyed his camera after slicing open his arm with a sword. She already saved
me." Those last words cut him deeper than her news - that Sansa needed saving
and he wasn't there for her.
"I love that kid," he blew out a sigh of relief, "thank the fucking gods for
her." It put him to shame that a little shrimp of a girl defended what was his
to protect. Greg showing up and Sandor moving out of his dad's house distracted
him. He let his guard down - letting that snake raise his blonde head to
strike.
"That's not all," her hands fell from his arm as she wilted back in her seat.
"Joffrey has videos of Margaery too and threatened to release them if I did not
do what he wanted. I could not tell my father the truth because I was afraid of
what Joff would do."
"You want to protect that girl," he scoffed in disbelief, "after she interfered
with us?" Dumb as a fucking box of rocks and headful of fanciful notions about
'right and wrong' - it's dog-eat-dog in the real world!
"It's the right thing to do," she insisted in a stronger voice. "The type of
videos he has of her are not just undressing and it could ruin her whole life.
The world is a cruel and unforgiving place to women who appear in such videos,
no matter the circumstances. At the time I might have been angry with her for
interfering but I know she only meant to protect me."
"That's rich," he sneered, "considering who she fucks." Sandor took ahold of
her shoulders and stared hard into her eyes. "She's an idiot, don't risk
yourself for her - let her make her own choices and solve her own problems."
"I am going to do what's right." Her voice rose in pitch as her eyes narrowed
with determination. "Marge deserves to be protected and monsters like Joffrey
deserve to be stopped. That's why-"
"Let me take care of it," he cut her off.
"No!" Sansa pushed his hands off her shoulders to glare at him - still looked
all kinds of beautiful when angry. "Why can't you ever listen to me; even this
one time?! Don't go around threatening people, that's not the right way to
handle this." She wagged her finger like a schoolmarm as she lectured him and
he sank down in his seat, crossing his arms. "Right now, he's the one
committing a crime but if you hurt him, he becomes a victim. Arya and I are
taking care of it so Joff can't hurt anyone again. Don't do anything to him,
promise me."
"I have some good news." Sandor changed the topic, unwilling to make a promise
he knew he couldn't keep, and hoping his news would improve her mood. "Greg is
gone."
"Gone?" Sansa did not give him the reaction he hoped for. Instead, she looked
even more afraid, sinking into her seat and staring at nothing. "Where did he
go?"
"I don't know - not here and that's all I care about." He could not keep the
harsh edge of frustration out of his voice so he took a deep breath to try even
harder. "He's doing some out of town work for Robert Baratheon."
"Do you know where?" She sounded so small and frightened and it made him feel
completely useless - which made him pissed.
"I just said I didn't!" Sandor lost his temper again and the pitiful look on
her face was enough to make him want to jump off the Kings Landing Bridge.
"Listen - dad said he wouldn't be back for at least a year." Instead of looking
relieved Sansa's eyes darted back and forth, as her forehead furrowed. "You
don't look too happy." Her eyes snapped up, sharp and almost angry at him. For
what?!
"I don't trust your father or Mr. Baratheon." Sansa crossed her arms sullenly
and stared straight ahead. "I'm so sick and tired of all of this. Why can't our
relationship just be normal?" Apparently, that was his fault - good to know!
Did he not warn her at the get-go it would be like this?!
"This is still better than normal for me," he scoffed a laugh and returned his
hands to grip the steering wheel. "Are you done with us then?"
"What?!" Her eyes snapped towards him to stare at him in horror as her mouth
hung open. "Does it give you some sick pleasure to say things like that?! Stop
trying to break up with me! You... You- You hateful jerk!!!" Sansa wrenched
open the door and flung herself outside to slam the door behind her.
"Fuck me!" Sandor forced his hands to unclench from the wheel and inhaled a
deep breath then exhaled until he calmed down. He stepped out of the car to
walk around to her side and raised a hand to turn her around by her shoulder.
Thick streaks of tears ran the length of her reddened cheeks. "I'm sorry little
bird, don't cry."
"I missed you so much," she squeaked, "I wanted you because I was so scared."
She shoved his hand off her shoulder and took a step back to glare at him but
almost appeared to see straight through him. "What happened to me was
horrifying and you could never understand!" Sansa waved a hand at his height
and huffed a humorless laugh. "You're bigger and stronger than everyone and
nobody can touch you," she pounded a fist against her chest. "But I'm weak and
I'm your weakness as well..."
"That's not true," he whispered but she didn't hear.
"If I try to accuse Joffrey without evidence no one will believe me." Sansa
smiled through her tears but it was the saddest thing he'd ever seen. "Everyone
would rather believe that I'm hysterical or jealous or petty than he's just
evil. There are never any real consequences," she shrieked, clenching her fists
with anger. "Bad men like Joff, your bother, and Mr. Baelish prey on women all
the time. But everyone refuses to see it and that's why they do it, because
they get away with it. Not because men are bigger and stronger... but because
nobody wants to believe the truth."
"I believe you," he took a step towards her but she stumbled back and held up a
hand to stop him.
"Even my own father," her voice was tight with pain, "thought Arya was lying
about what Joffrey threatened. His own daughter! Daddy knew I was lying but he
would still rather believe my lie that it was a 'misunderstanding'." Sansa
wrapped her arms around herself and squeezed her upper arms. "I need to prove
that I can protect myself. Arya's help doesn't feel like a burden but yours
does." Sansa gave him a pleading look as her half-dried eyes filled with tears
again. "But I still need you so please don't leave me."
"My poor sweet little bird." He slowly approached her to fold her into his
embrace, holding her against his chest. "I'm not gonna leave you."
"Promise?" She whimpered the word he hated most in the world but it wasn't a
difficult promise to make.
"I promise," he exhaled slowly as she wrapped her arms around his waist to
return his embrace.
"Am I a burden to you?" She sniffled in a tiny scared voice. "Is that why you
keep driving me away?"
"Never," he assured her, “I keep thinking you wouldn't have any problems if it
wasn't for me."
"If it wasn't for you I might have dated Joffrey," she shuddered. "I might have
been taken advantage of my Mr. Baelish. Who knows, even if I never met you, I
could have accidentally bumped into your brother somewhere and sealed my fate.
You are nothing like them because you see me as a person and not some object to
be owned." Sansa tilted her head back to gaze up at him through teary eyes.
"But you do own me, Sandor, I belong to you willingly. I love you more than I
can say."
"I'm not so good with words but I could show you how much I love you." Sandor
braced himself for the expected rejection but she only pulled away to take his
hand and led him to the backseat.
                                     SANSA
Every day since it happened, she went through the five stages of grief but
anger remained the most prevalent. Sansa knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that
Sandor was a good man and her father was one too, still a hatred for mankind
surfaced. She never used to be so cynical and always had a bright outlook on
humanity as a whole. Joffrey's cruelty made her see the world in a new way.
Things suddenly became clear to her when she saw how readily daddy accepted her
pathetic lying.
If that video of her came out, it would be passed around school and posted on
the internet for the whole world to see. Countless men and boys would enjoy her
most painful experience without a moment of guilt of shame. To them she would
never be a 'person' with hopes and dreams... she was just a pretty sex toy. It
was in Joffrey's eyes when he threatened her; he believed she was his property
to do with as he pleased. In his mind, Sandor stole his 'toy' and her
preference was inconsequential.
These realizations shattered her fantasy of men being brave and noble, all but
destroying her faith in her father. He was the smartest man she knew but he
brushed off Arya's explanation as if it were impossible. Daddy begged Sansa to
tell the truth but he never once considered that his other daughter was being
completely honest. That day she learned that counting on men, either daddy or
Sandor, to save her was not only weak but also foolish. At the end of the day,
women only have themselves to count on.
But even in her darkest moments, when she wished death to all males, Sansa
would think about Sandor's advice. 'Next time help yourself,' he told her on
the day he saved her from Mr. Baelish, 'and don't wait around to be rescued.'
Back then, she thought his words came from the humble part of him that did not
want to be recognized as a hero. After her experience, she understood he meant
the advice and gave it because he cared. He wanted her to learn how to keep
herself safe and stand up to a world that would seek to make a victim out of
her.
No one else in her life sought to make her a stronger person except for Sandor.
Her parents taught her how to be pretty and kind but never explained to her the
challenges she would face as a woman. They told her the most ridiculous lies
about dressing with respect for herself if she wanted others to respect her...
It did not matter how she dressed or how nice she acted, being 'pretty and
kind' made her a target for predators! The same exact thing happened to
Margaery and Sansa could have easily been in her place on those videos.
"Little bird..." Sandor reached out to take her hand, interrupting her thoughts
and bringing her back to the backseat of the Skylark. "I don't pretend to know
what you're going through, but I know what it's like to be hurt for no reason.
You are never going to understand why Joff did that to you and you'll always
wonder what you could've done to prevent it. But you will come out stronger in
the end."
"You're wrong... you are good with words," she turned to face him with a smile.
"Thank you, that actually does make me feel better, but we did not come back
here to talk." Sansa wound her arms around his shoulders and pulled herself up
to straddle his lap. "Make me feel loved."
His hands moved up to seize her waist to pull her closer, the heat from his
hard body seeped through the fabric of her dress. She gripped his shoulders
tightly before she crushed their lips together in a tormenting kiss. Her skin
burned to touch his, hindered by layers of clothing as their warm panting
breaths mingled. Sansa impatiently ripped her jacket off and set her hands to
removing his as he cupped a hand behind her head.
She ached to remove their clothes but he hindered her progress with his
intoxicating kiss. His tongue traced along her upper lip and she granted
access. His mouth opened with hers and her tongue slid against his as
unrelenting longing overtook her senses. The familiar taste spurred her urgency
as she moved her mouth against his. Sandor groaned when her hands slipped
between their bodies to unfasten his pants and freed his hardness.
Sansa whimpered against his mouth as his hands roamed her body, his palm
rasping over the gossamer fabric of her dress. With one hand, he gently kneaded
her breast, while the other slid up her thigh to curl his fingers around the
thin hem of her panties. The contact of his fingers against her skin tore a
moan from her throat and he responded with an impatient growl. Sansa gasped
when she felt the thin fabric rip away. The surprise did not restrain her
demanding need; if anything, it incited more urgency.
She broke the kiss and pushed her face into the crook of his neck as she
positioned the tip of his hardness at her slick entrance. Sansa sank down onto
his lap and he panted against her hair as his warm hands gripped her bare hips
to pull her flush against him. As he filled her completely, she moaned and
tightened her arm around his shoulders. Through this time it did not hurt at
all, the sensation was still overwhelming and she trembled uncontrollably.
Sansa arched against his chest, wishing they were unclothed with her last bit
of consciousness.
"My Sansa," he whispered, digging his fingertips into her hips and pulling her
down onto his hardness again. She arched against him and tilted her hips to
take him deeper, causing him to groan and return with a thrust of his own. A
rumbling sound came from Sandor's chest as he rocked inside her as she panted
and clung to him, grasping onto the collar of his shirt.
His fingers held her tighter and tugged on her hips to repeat the motion,
building up an erratic pace. Sansa collapsed against his body and buried her
face against his neck, trying to match his rhythm as it increased in tempo. His
head lolled onto the back of the seat as he thrust faster into her and she
swayed against him fervently. Her lungs could hardly pull in air as he drove
into but her hands clung to his shirt, needing more.
"Please, Sandor," she demanded. His arms wrapped around her, one hand curling
around her shoulder and the other arm spanned the width of her hips.
A single thought resounded in her hazy mind as unrestrained need captivated her
full attention. No one could take away their love, no matter how hard they
tried. Not even Sandor could push her away if she did not let him... and she
never would. He was stuck with her for the rest of his cranky life whether he
griped and groaned about it the whole time. She loved him more than air and
earth and needed him to breathe and stay grounded.
She crushed her chest against his and the lack of skin contact heightened the
sensitivity between her legs. He pulled and she pushed, moving their bodies
together in erratic rhythm that set off fireworks behind her eyelids. The
warmth from his chest and arms enveloped her trembling body as another gush of
passion swelled within her. She whimpered and shook from the force of the
rising tide of sensation robbed her other senses.
"Sing for me," his deep voice broke through her haze, causing her to whimper
and writhe as the intense sensation built. "My love." The spiraling sensation
suddenly snapped and she shuddered. She released one high pitched cry,
unashamed as ecstasy overwhelmed her body and engulfed her in pleasure.
"Sansa," he growled as his fingers plunged his into her hair as his body raised
off the seat and his hardness pulsed inside her. In the aftershocks of her
release, she whimpered and held onto him with her remaining strength. He
slumped down into the seat and leaned forward to rest his temple on her
shoulder as they caught their breath. Sandor stroked one palm over her hair as
she kissed down his neck, tasting the slight salty sweat on his skin. "You're
everything to me," he whispered, "I can't be without you."
"That is up to you," she answered honestly. "Even if I tried I could not stop
loving you." Sansa pushed on his shoulders to lean him back against the seat
and locked her eyes with his. "Never question my devotion to you again or next
time I won't be so forgiving." He actually smirked at her attempt to be tough
but then his expression fell into one of horror.
"Shit," he breathed, "we forgot." The look on his face made her immediately
worried but she could not imagine why he appeared so terrified.
"Forgot what-" Then it snapped into her head like a bright flashing neon
sign... "Oh my gods!" Sansa quickly removed herself from his lap and felt
slickness between her thighs. "Do you have some tissues or..." He stripped off
his shirt and handed it to her and she mumbled an apology as she cleaned
herself. Inside her mind, she berated herself for her thoughtlessness and
questioned her own sanity. "How could we forget to use protection?!"
"It's my fault," he groaned. "Fuck I'm an idiot!" He leaned forward to brace
his elbows on his knees and pressed his temple into his palms.
"We're both idiots," she grumbled, "if that makes you feel better." Sansa
balled the shirt up and threw on the floor of the car as she slumped down on
the seat and put her face in her hands.
"Not really," he blew out a breath as he raised his head and tugged on her arms
to turn her to face him. "There's meds for this, right - some pill or
something?" A renewed wind of hope breezed through her troubled mind.
"I think I can get it at the pharmacy," Sansa answered, feeling grateful there
was still something she could do. She gripped his forearm tightly and fixed a
hard stare at his grimacing features. "But this can't ever happen again, we
have to be responsible!"
"No fucking way I'm forgetting again," he scoffed, "my whole life just flashed
before my eyes." Sandor released her to pick up their jackets from the seat and
pulled his on before handing over hers from the floor. She pulled it on
gratefully because without his warm body the air was too cold. "Sorry the mood
got killed," he avoided her eyes.
"It was amazing." She gave him a reassuring smile. "That's why we got carried
away and forgot..." It was sort of perfect in its imperfection that their first
time was flawless while their second time was rushed. That was the way of their
relationship; the highs were unbelievably high while the lows only made them
stronger. "I don't think the night was ruined." Sansa scooted closer to him and
lifted his arm around her shoulder to tuck herself by his side. "But you do owe
me."
"For what?" He looked down at her with a raised brow.
"You destroyed my panties." She gave him a reproachful look and his expression
lightened at her playfulness. Sansa regretted her earlier outbursts but only
Sandor ever let her express how she truly felt without judgment. "They were
very pretty and I did not even get a chance to show you."
"My loss," he grinned, "next time we will slow down and remember the fucking
condom."
"Agreed," she approved of his plan. "But you still owe me a pair of panties."
"I'll get you all the little lacy underthings you want," he bargained, "since
I'm the one who gets to enjoy them."
"Is that an offer to take me shopping?" Sansa beamed up at him and fluttered
her eyelashes in that way he liked.
"Only for underthings," he stipulated, "and definitely nothing for me."
"Killjoy," she chided as she settled against his chest. "I wish I could stay
with you all night but I have to get home soon." Sandor checked his watch and
tightened his hold on her.
"We can stay a few minutes longer," he rested a cheek on the top of her head
and they watched the lights streaming across the bridge. At some point, she
fell asleep and only woke when Sandor pulled the Skylark in front of her
apartment building. "I'll call you tomorrow," she leaned over the front seat to
give him a quick kiss goodbye. "To let you know that I've been to the pharmacy
and everything is okay."
"I'm sorry-" He started apologizing again but she cut him off with a quick kiss
and then pulled back to smile at him.
"No more saying 'sorry' between us," she insisted, "we just have to learn from
our mistakes and try harder." Sansa leaned forward to press another lingering
kiss to his lips. "Dream of me, my love."
"Always," he answered softly before she reluctantly turned away to get out of
the car. Sansa watched the Skylark drive away before heading into the building.
When she got into the apartment, the first thing she did was head straight for
the bathroom and turned the shower on. She stripped her clothing leaving them
lying around without her usual care and attention. At the moment, she didn't
feel much like taking care of her clothes or anything except getting clean so
she could crawl into bed. After her shower, she crept into her room because
Arya was already sleeping.
They spoke at great length after Bran called to say he received the copy of
Joffrey's hard drive. He told them that it was filled with videos and it would
take days to go through it all. She pulled on some loungewear before adding a
coat on top. Sansa slipped on some shoes and grabbed her phone before quietly
letting herself out of the apartment. This confrontation had been put off for
too long and it was about time she took control of her life. She scrolled
through her contacts until she found the right one and pushed the call button
with a slight tremble in her hand.
"This is a surprise," he answered and even the sound of his voice made her want
to vomit. "You rethink my offer?" The arrogant fool still thought he had the
upper hand and rage twisted in her stomach over his superior conceit.
"I hear you had a little computer trouble," she taunted, surprised at how
strong her voice sounded. That trembling little bird that was afraid to leave
her nest learned how to fly the hard way. In a way, she owed it to Joffrey for
opening her eyes but she hated him more for killing her innocence.
"What did you do, bitch?" Joffrey only enraged her further by calling her
hateful names. He was the evil one, he was the one in the wrong, and he had no
right to be angry with her for not rolling over and being his willing victim.
Sansa could not even begin to comprehend what his motivations were. But she
refused to waste a single second trying to understand or pitying him.
"That's not a very nice word," she chastised. "You might want to be more
careful about how you talk to me. As we speak, a copy of your hard drive is in
a very safe place. But if I give the word, the contents will be revealed to
both of our and Margaery's parents."
"You're a fucking idiot if you think I don't have copies," his threat sounded
empty to her ears.
"If you have copies somewhere," she emphasized her dubiousness. "I suggest you
destroy them or else I will tell our fathers how you threatened me. You will
only be hanging yourself if you try to release those videos. I know every
disgusting thing you've been up to on your computer. Your parents will know it
too if you ever try to do anything to my family or Margaery. Also, right now,
the only thing holding Sandor back from choking the life out of you is me;
remember that."
"I'll remember this," rage oozed out of his every word, "don't you worry."
"I'm never worried when it comes to you," she countered hotly. "You don't scare
me." Sansa mashed the button to end the call and leaned back against the wall
to catch her breath. It was impossible to tell if her threats would keep
Joffrey in line. At least until Bran could comb through the videos looking for
anything they could use. The videos of Margaery were useless except to convince
her to break up with her psychopath boyfriend. They needed more, something that
Mr. Baratheon could not sweep up with money. One more call before she could
collapse in her bed; the phone rang a few times.
"Hello," she answered groggily.
"Missa, it's Sansa," she rushed to explain, "I'm sorry for calling so late but
it is life-or-death." This part of her plan was not well thought-out. She and
Margaery were not close and had plenty of problems between them. Missa, on the
other hand, was a calm rational person who would listen to Sansa without
questioning her motives.
"You have my full attention." Missa's voice perked up and her attentiveness
settled Sansa's fluttering stomach.
"It is about Margaery and Joffrey," she hesitated. "I don't want to talk about
it over the phone. Can we meet?"
"Of course," Missa agreed immediately, sounding worried. It supported Sansa's
assumption that Margaery's closest friends would not approve of Joffrey. "Meet
me for lunch in front of the weirwood tree on the first day back to school."
"Thank you," she murmured tiredly, "bye." Then Sansa trudged into the
apartment, collapsed onto her bed, and fell into a dreamless sleep. At least
the nightmares stopped.
Chapter End Notes
     Poor Sansa has so much on her plate! I hope she remembers to stop by
     the pharmacy... getting knocked up would certainly compound her
     problems. For the next eighteen years! Sex is like driving - don't do
     it when you're upset to distraction or bad shit's bound to happen.
     They get a pass because they're still new to this whole sex thing but
     Sansan could take a lesson from Gendry. Hell, I bet Ygritte could
     practically teach a class on preventing pregnancy at this point. It
     happens to the best of us, kids: you live and you learn.
     I really took my time with this chapter because a lot of important
     stuff happens but nothing should get in the way of my posting
     tomorrow. School is back in session! Marge is up first!
***** Wolf at the Door *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                              [Wolf_at_the_Door]
                                   MARGAERY
The beginning of the new quarter felt like a fresh start - complete with an
incredibly cute boy in her art class. The boy was not beautiful like Joffrey
but his face had a simple kindhearted aspect to it that she found appealing.
She felt awful about her fascination but there was no denying he possessed
something that Joff did not come close to owning. Marge certainly appreciated
all the muscles but that was not what attracted her, the blue-eyed boy was...
nice. He almost seemed gay because the only other 'nice' boy she knew was her
brother.
First, he held the door open for her while she struggled with a flyaway messing
up her style. Then his seat happened to be assigned next to hers and he caught
her purse when she dropped it off the desk. After that, he lent a pencil when
her only one broke - it was enough to make a girl all fluttery! Even if he was
gay, he was still dreamy to look at, no matter how guilty it made her - it was
not as if Joff could read her thoughts. Besides, Marge did not intend to do
anything else but enjoy the view.
"What is your name?" Margaery peeked sideways to see his adorable confused
stare and then he pointed a finger at himself. "Yes," she laughed softly, "you.
I am Margaery Tyrell - may I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" It had
been a long time since she flirted with anyone but Joff - she hoped she was not
completely mucking it up.
"I'm just Gendry," he mumbled as an attractive rosiness flushed in his cheeks.
Oh my, a boy who blushes in very handsome indeed - who knew? Joff never blushed
- he was far too refined for such an overt display of emotion.
"What do you think?" Margaery slid her sketch over to him and watched his eyes
widen in surprise to see his own face on the page. "You have an excellent
profile." Her favorite thing to draw was male faces but Joff never willingly
sat still to be her subject. It was her dream to go into men's fashion - an
extremely difficult field for a woman to break into.
"It's really good," he whispered and pushed the page back. "Think the hair's a
bit neat though."
"What can I say?" Margaery glanced at him and smirked. "I like to make things
tidy." Blue-eyed Gendry was practically screaming for a makeover - he would be
devastating in a suit. And somebody needed to take a brush to his thick head of
hair, just so she could get it messy again with her fingers. It's not cheating
if it's just fantasizing! "Can I peek?" She pointed at his paper and he passed
it to her - his rough sketch was of intricate armor from all angles. "Is this
design for a video game?"
"I actually plan to make this," he got this little proud smile that made him
look adorable in a sexy way. Joffrey always looked proud but he was always so
aloof about it, a guy who showed a little emotion was starting to appeal to
her.
"Out of what medium?" Margaery imagined he wanted to sculpt the design from
clay or something but he chuckled quietly.
"Metal: steel specifically," he explained, "I mean this to be a full-size suit
of armor." Margaery stared at him in shock, turning his words over in her head
to try and make sense of them.
"Are you pulling my leg?" She narrowed her eyes in suspicion as he grinned and
rubbed a hand through his messy hair.
"I have my own forge," he admitted sheepishly. "I make weapons, armor, jewelry:
you name it."
"Get out of town," she smacked his arm, "I have to see that!" Mrs. Waynwood
cleared her throat in warning for them to keep it down and Mage lowered her
voice. "Can I watch sometime?" Gendry looked a bit reluctant so she clasped her
hands together. "I really need some inspiration for a collection I am
designing. Please let me just come to see you work one time," she held up one
finger and gave him a pleading look.
"I don't see why not," he shrugged - not exactly an enthusiastic response but
at least an affirmative! The bell rang - cutting short their conversation just
when it got started and he stood up to gather his things. "See ya," he flashed
another friendly smile before heading out. Margaery watched him leave before
heading to her next class, her heart pitter-pattering faster. It had been a
long time since she could look at any other boy aside from Joff and Gendry was
the exact opposite of her boyfriend. He was nice, a little goofy, and did not
act obsessed with 'being cool'.
The last time Joff dumped her, she consoled herself by swearing 'never again'
but that promise was too hard to keep. When he came around to make up, he acted
like a prince and always brought some expensive gift for her. His charming
smile and pretty words reminded her how it used to be when they first started
dating. Where did that sweetness go? Or... did she mistake possessiveness for
longing and sex for affection? Some time ago, she got it into her head that
anyone she dated would treat her like Joff so it might as well be him.
Every time they started over was like a dream, perfect and lovely - Joff would
take her on lavish dates and dote on her for a few weeks. After a while, he
would start blowing off plans they made to hang with his friends while acting
jealous and possessive. This time was the biggest contrast - everything was
near perfect until he got back from Winterfell. Margaery had not even spoken
with him in days and he would not talk about whatever was bothering him. She
worried about him but at the same time, frustration over his immaturity
overpowered her worry.
For some time, Marge wondered if maybe she needed to look past her usual
standards and expand her options. She was missing out on the best type of guys
by judging them first by family connections and then appearance. The boy looked
lower-middle class at best and could not dress himself to save his life. But
she wasn't looking to get married! It might be interesting to see how the other
half lives... Whom did she think she was fooling? Her heart belonged to Joff
and no amount of cute artists was ever going to change that.
                                    GENDRY
Every new quarter he always ran late as he adjusted to his new schedule and
Gendry sprinted to meet up with Arry and everyone in the group. This was the
only time they got to see each other without Arya putting herself at risk for
getting into more trouble. Sure, they just sat next to each other and sometimes
held hands under the table but it was enough. Just when he made it to the door
outside of the empty room, a feminine voice called his name.
"Gendry!" Margaery Tyrell, his new classmate was the source of the voice and he
turned around to face her as she approached. "I hate to impose but I need a
favor."
"What's up?" Gendry tugged on the straps of his backpack to adjust the heavy
load. It surprised him how easily he could talk to her: in the past, he would
have broken out into hives and run away like a coward. He supposed that being
with Arya made him less nervous around girls because... Well, it was hard to
explain: like they weren't girls anymore but just 'people'.
"I might not make it to class tomorrow," she frowned. "Can you call me if Mrs.
Waynwood assigns any reading?" Margaery held a slip of paper out of the
notebook in her hand and passed it to him. "Here's my number."
"Sure thing," he stuffed the paper into his pocket, turning away until she his
arm she caught his arm.
"Thank you so much, you're such a sweetheart." She beamed an appreciative smile
at him, which he returned with a friendly one of his own. Margaery seemed a
nice enough person and clearly talented from what he saw in class. Her interest
in seeing him forge was surprising. After learning she was into fashion
designer he hoped to get some input from a fresh perspective.
"No problem," he nodded before whirling around to the door, "catch you later."
Gendry tossed a wave over his shoulder and stepped away quickly before she
could stop him again.
"Bye-bye," she called as he opened the door to find two dark grey eyes glaring
murderously. Arya stood in his way and he had to walk around her just to step
into the room.
"Hey, Arry," he gulped hard as goosebumps prickled all over his skin. "What's
up?" She stepped into his path and pushed him back against the door, closing it
behind him. His eyes darted over her head to the game room, hearing the rest of
the group chatting.
"If you ever cheat on me I will kill you both and then myself." Her voice was
as cold as her icy glare and twice as threatening. He wondered if their
children were going to be able to do that same Stark death-stare but decided
that didn't bother him.
"Good to know." Gendry tried to play it off with a little laugh but she did not
let up her strong hold on his chest.
"Slowly," she continued her threat, her expression still dark and homicidal.
"All three of us will die over a period of several days."
"Okay, okay: I get you." Gendry rolled his eyes and lifted a hand to ruffle her
hair. "Little Arry is so scary, I'm trembling in my sneakers." Her expression
didn't relax one bit and he lowered his hand to cup under her stubborn chin. "I
don't see anyone else," he insisted. "Other girls are basically dudes to me."
Arry's hand gripped the font on his shirt and pulled him down until the faces
almost touched. Those hard grey eyes did not blink even once, holding his in a
hard stare.
"Even if you cheat on me with a man - I will end you." She looked so bloody
serious it made him want to laugh but he bit the inside of his lip to hold it
back.
"Don't worry, I only want you." Gendry pressed a quick kiss against her
frowning lips and when he pulled back, she still didn't look convinced. "Hey,
I'm serious," he narrowed his brows, concerned over her sudden doubt. "You know
what you mean to me." Her dark expression lightened just enough so that he
could see the insecurity underneath.
"She is pretty and nice." She jerked her chin towards the door, talking about
Margaery Tyrell. "And soon to be single... you looked good together." Arya
didn't have to say it: she thought he matched better with Margaery than with
her.
"I don't really like nice girls," he shook his head, "they never say what they
really think. And you're way prettier." Arry wrinkled up her nose in disbelief
and he tapped the tip with one finger. "My petite pixy princess."
"Ugh," she groaned and rolled her eyes at him, "you're pathetic."
"But you love me anyway," his smile fell when she just nodded glumly in
response. What was with her? "It's not like you to worry about some other
girl."
"You're right, let's get in there before they send a troll after us." She
flashed a confident smirk at him before whirling around to head into the room.
Gendry could not tell if her confidence was genuine: sometimes Arya was just
too damn talented at lying for her own good.
                                    SHIREEN
"As you can see on your character sheet." Dany leaned forward, pulling her long
blonde hair over her shoulder to point at the page. "It is just as we discussed
over the phone." As they waited for Arya and Gendry, Dany explained some final
details about Sheri's character. "Do you have any questions?"
"Just tell me if I mess something up." Sheri tried for a confident smile but
knew she was making a nervous grimace.
"You'll do fine," Dany assured her. "We'll have an easy one today to get you
used to playing." Sheri flashed a grateful smile before retaking her seat next
to Rick.
"Did you have a good holiday?" He gave her a wide smile and it surprised her
how little of an effect it had.
"I did," she returned his friendly smile. "I fell in love with someone."
"Good for you," he cheered.
"But he lives half a continent away," she finished glumly.
"If I know anything about difficult love, and I think I do." Rick smirked
through his self-deprecation. "No matter how hard it is: love is its own
reward."
"That's comforting to hear." She forced a contented smile, trying to hide her
sadness over being separated from Bran.
"No it's not," he gave her a knowing look, "you're miserable without him."
"Is it that obvious?" Sheri braced and elbow against the desk and tilted her
temple against her fist.
"Love is always miserable," he groaned, "but sometimes it's..."
"Wonderful," she sighed.
"Yeah," he chuckled, "something like that."
"And your love?" Sheri lifted her head and let her hand fall to the table.
"Still unrequited?"
"It has its moments." Rick sat in his seat, crossing his arms and staring down
at the table. "Sometimes I see this glimmer in her eye, like she's seeing
straight into my head and knows my innermost thoughts."
"I know exactly what you mean," she commiserated. "Somewhere between miserable
and wonderful - love is a bit more than terrifying all around."
"You said it," he laughed again, a lighter more genuine laugh. "I'm really glad
you decided to join the group."
"Me too," she rolled her eyes, laughing at herself. "I need a distraction or
I'll be calling Bran twenty-four-seven."
"If you ever need a sympathetic ear," he offered, pointing at the side of his
head. "I've got two of them right here."
"Same here," she returned the offer. "We fools for love need to support each
other." Finally, Arya and Gendry walked into the room.
"Alright, let's get started." Dany called the room to order before turning to
Sheri. "You are walking through the woods when suddenly a twig snaps behind
you..." Nhee glanced around through the trees but saw nothing but still forest
- too still... A smell on the air like wet fur sent her sprinting in the
opposite direction only to come face to face with a giant wolf. It growled at
her and moved in as she stumbled backwards. The sheer unfairness of the
situation made tears prickle in her eyes, which were busy staring at death
itself.
Her vengeance was foiled by a common woodland beast - though there was nothing
common about its sharp fangs bared at her! Nhee attempted to evoke a spell but
she stuttered from fear and nothing happened. There was no one around to save
her but she could not stop the piercing scream that ripped from her throat as
the wolf lunged at her. A strong hand suddenly yanked her backwards and threw
her down onto the ground.
"Stand back!" The interfering Human in glittering gold armor pointed his
warhammer at the beast.
"Gendry wait, let me try something." A girl-child in dark clothing ran out in
front of the Human to stand between him and the wolf. The child fished a piece
of dried meat out of her pouch and held it out to the beast. "Here girl, I have
something tasty for you." Nhee thought the girl was insane to approach the
animal but eat suddenly showed intense interest in the morsel. Its ears
flattened against its head as the girl continued to entice the animal closer.
Everyone stood completely still, hands on their weapons and ready to jump into
action.
"Go on," she coaxed, "it's really yummy." The wolf approached the girl to
accept the meat before licking the girl's hand. "Who's a good girl? That's a
good girl." The child patted the top of the wolf head as if it were a beloved
pet. "I'm keeping her," the girl announced as she stood up, dusting the dirt
off her leather breaches.
"Are you alright?" A High Elf approached her to reach out and take Nhee's hand,
helping her to her stand.
"Take your hands off me!" Nhee ripped her hand away as soon as she was on her
feet - she needed no one's help! "I could have handled it!"
"Didn't look that way to us." The Human called 'Gendry' in glittering armor
gave her a disapproving frown. "Some bloody gratitude wouldn't hurt."
"Stuff your gratitude where the sun doesn't shine!" Nhee made a rude gesture at
Gendry and then glowered around the entire party. "My sister..." Her voice
cracked as she recognized The Protector - this was the very company she sought
to take vengeance on! "It's all your fault! Ray of Enfeeblement!" She shrieked
the invocation but the High Elf quickly shielded against her attack and sent it
back to her. "NO!!!" The force of the spell slammed her into a nearby tree and
she slumped onto the ground. "You all will pay for what you've done to
Khaleesi!"
"She is your sister?" As the girl-child approached, Nhee could tell it was
truly a grown Halfling.
"WAS!!!" Nhee could not hold back the tears that ran down her face as the shame
of her failure turned her heart cold. "You all got her killed!"
"She is not dead, child!" The Protector knelt by her side but she only glared
at him.
"You're a liar!" Nhee had lost all faith in Boccob. "I heard..." Shuttering
sobs racked her body as she glared accusingly at the party. She was lead to
believe there were more members - the Ranger, Dwarf, and Cleric were nowhere to
be seen. "The Devourer has taken her for his host... She is as good as dead, or
worse!"
"Listen to me," the Halfling put her hand on Nhee's shoulder, "we are going to
save her."
"You've caused enough trouble." Nhee shrugged off the hand and glared down at
the ground, wishing she were not in enfeebled so she could just get up and walk
away. "Your companions and The Protector only pretend to be good!"
"I agree with you - all this Boccob bullshit has me pissed too." The Halfling
leaned into her vision and gave Nhee a meaningful look. "What's your name,
youngling?"
"Sirinhee," she muttered, "but everyone calls me 'Nhee', it means 'sweet'."
Gendry let out an arrogant snort and Nhee bared her teeth at him.
"Well met, Nhee." The Halfling took a hold on her forearm in a gesture of
friendship. "I am Arry Wolfborn - thief, pickpocket, and all-around-badass - at
your service." She released Nhee's arm to bow with a flourish. "Your sister
Khaleesi is a hero - she sacrificed herself to save your people. We were with
her in the end and I can tell you - it gave me chills to watch her do something
so selfless. Your god chose her to be The Protector of your clan - that is
nothing to be upset about."
"She can never be The Protector," Nhee protested, "if she is held by that
demon!"
"Grey Worm, show her." Arry nodded at the High Elf who pulled a small bead out
of a pouch around his belt.
"A soul-eater?" Nhee gasped as she recognized the item immediately. "But how
will you get her to swallow it?"
"I'll shove it down her throat personally if I have to." Arry flashed a cocky
grin before turning to face the group who each appraised Nhee with varying
expressions. "I think it is only right we allow her to come with us to fight
the demon who took her sister. Any objections?"
"She is very young..." The High Elf, Grey Worm raised the only objection and
Nhee scowled at him.
"No matter my age," she protested, "I have the same right to vengeance as
anyone!"
"Then it's up to Drogo," Gendry nodded at the half-Orc standing in the shadows
behind the rest of the party.
"Khaleesi would say 'no'." Drogo spoke correctly - her sister would never allow
her to go on such a dangerous adventure. "She is not here." The half-Orc wore
and unreadable expression on his face but Nhee thought she saw hint of sadness.
"You join us," he nodded once and then turned around to walk off into the woods
alone... The bell rung.
"Did I do okay?" Sheri whispered to Rick as the rest of the group gathered
their belongings.
"You did fine," he encouraged, "the next game should be more exciting but if
you mess up I'll help you."
"Thanks," she stood up and threw her bag over her shoulder. "Bye, Rick!" Sheri
waved before scampering around the table to catch up with Arya. Something was
the matter with her face - it was a little more drawn and serious than usual.
"What's wrong?" Sheri followed Arya out of the room, glancing back to see
Gendry staring after them with a sad expression. "Don't you want to wait for
your boyfriend?"
"He knows the way out," she shrugged like she didn't care but Sheri knew better
than to believe that.
"Do you want to talk about it?" She put her arm around Arya, who tilted her
head on Sheri's shoulder.
"Nope," she sighed, "I don't even want to be thinking it."
"I would have given anything," she changed the subject. "To see the look on
Joffrey's face when Sansa called to threaten him." Arya chuckled but did not
respond so Sheri kept quiet and just walked with her friend. Sometimes that is
all a person can do.
Chapter End Notes
     A heartfelt thanks to Veridissima - even when I write a dud you hold
     me up and cheer for me to get me through the rough times. I simply
     could not get past the last chapter - 'Oopsy Daisy'! "Just when I
     thought I was out, they pull me back in." It took four days and I can
     honestly say I did my best - c'est la vie!
     I only have some vague notes about how I want the battle between the
     DnD group and The Devourer but I know I want to dedicate a whole
     chapter. Right now, I'm debating who the POV should be... It has been
     a while since a Snow chapter or maybe a multi-POV! That might be
     really fun.
***** Friend in Need *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                               [Friend_in_Need]
                                   MISSANDEI
In her gut, Missa knew there was something seriously wrong but she kept a cool
head because panicking would solve nothing. Her mind was a storm of possible
transgressions Joffrey could have committed... each one worse than the last.
They waited for Sansa underneath the tree in quiet nervousness, both of them
rising to their feet as she approached. Her blue eyes flickered to Dany with
surprise and a hint of displeasure.
"I asked Dany to come along, I hope you don't mind." Missa gave Sansa an
apologetic look. She needed her friend with her so they could face the problem
together and support each other.
"I was never the one who had a problem..." Sansa turned her nose up to ignore
Dany but then her haughty expression fell into a sad smile. "But I suppose now
that the rolls are reversed I can better understand. Although... in this case I
am actually helping," her eyes narrowed at Dany again. "Instead of interfering
needlessly." Missa could feel the static rising between the two girls and felt
like a kite tossed around between two strong winds.
"We will have to agree to disagree." Dany refused to take the high road,
assuming an equally hostile expression. Missa opened her mouth to chastise
their immaturity but Sansa beat her to the punch.
"I won't be pushed around anymore!" She crossed her arms and glared at Dany.
"Not by Joffrey, you, or anyone else. Maybe sometime Sandor is mean and rude
and all sorts of awful things but he's not violent unless provoked. You have no
right to think badly of him for what his brother did. Especially because you
tolerated Joffrey, even though he is cut from the same cloth."
"Dany," Missa cut off her friend before she could continue the argument,
keeping her voice low. "Stop being a child, this is for Marge's sake! Our worst
fears are about to come true; don't kill the messenger." She fixed a pleading
look at Sansa. "Please tell us what happened."
"Joffrey and his family came with us to Winterfell over the holiday break." All
emotion disappeared from Sansa's face and she stared at the gnarled roots of
the tree. "While we were there he set up a camera in my room to shoot footage
of me undressing. He told me that if I tried to do something to the camera that
he would release some videos he has of Margaery."
"What?!" Dany's hand flew to clutch her chest as her face appeared as shocked
as Missa felt. "What kind of..." Her fair skin turned white as a sheet before
turning a sickly shade of pale green. "Oh gods, I think I need to sit down."
She stumbled back against the tree and braced a hand against it to sit down on
the ground.
"Are you alright?" She sat down next to her panicked friend and Sansa joined
them without complaint. Dany's mouth opened a closed as if she wanted to say
something but the words would not come out. Missa tore her eyes away from her
stunned friend and nodded at Sansa. "Please continue."
"He tried to blackmail me into having sex with him." Sansa's upper lip curled
in disgust, which Missa shared. "It was his way of getting revenge on me for
not dating him."
"He's insane," Dany wheezed, clearly not taking the news well. "That sick,
twisted, perverted... How...?" She gripped the front of Missa's jacket. "How
did we not know it was this bad?" Missa shushed her friend and gave Sansa a
look to encourage her to go on.
"My sister Arya attacked him and smashed his camera." A hint of a smile pulled
at the corner of Sansa's mouth. "She did not hear his threats about Margaery
and acted out of rage. After I told her everything, she agreed the right thing
to do was protect Marge. We told our parents and the Baratheons that it was a
misunderstanding. Then my sister broke into their house and made a copy of
Joffrey's hard drive before deleting it."
"Oh thank the gods." Dany choked on a sob and covered her face with one hand
and Missa rubbed her back in an attempt to comfort her. She should have
realized this situation would be too difficult for her friend to handle... How
could she have known it would be this unimaginably horrible? With the exception
of Marge's bizarre attachment to Joffrey, she was always the strong one of the
group.
"Why make a copy?" Missa felt just as concerned and overwhelmed as Dany but it
was up to her to stay strong and clear minded. That was her role in the
group... the levelheaded one.
"We are turning the tables on him." Sansa smiled confidently and for the first
time Missa felt some hope. "Now we have evidence of his illegal activities and
proof to convince Marge to leave him."
"I am both deeply disturbed and highly impressed." Missa bowed her head in
acknowledgment of Sansa's hard work. If this same situation happened to her,
she did not know if she would handle it with such dignity and strength.
"It was mostly Arya's idea," Sansa answered modestly, "but neither of us wanted
to let him get away with it." Missa only met Sansa's sister in passing but
fully intended to thank the girl in person when she got the chance.
"How can we help?" Missa was ready to take on whatever needed to be done.
"It might be easier to hear coming from her best friends." Sansa clearly did
not envy them the task but it was only right they be the ones to tell Margaery
the truth. "Can you convince her or should I get the videos for you to show
her?"
"Where are they now?" Missa had serious doubts about whether or not Marge would
take their word. She fully trusted that Sansa was telling the truth but
Margaery had always been blind when it came to Joffrey.
"My younger brother has them in Winterfell." Sansa ducked her head sheepishly
when Missa raised a questioning brow. "He is a whiz with computers and compiled
all of the evidence and made sure no one else is in those videos. I know it
seems a bit odd to leave that task in the hands of a young boy but Bran is
trustworthy and dedicated." She clearly felt proud of her siblings; it shone
through her expression when she spoke of them. "All of my brothers are very
protective of their sisters."
"After we tell Margaery," Missa grimaced at the mere thought, "what are you
going to do?"
"I will tell my father the truth to get my sister out of trouble." Sansa looked
like she had more to say but she hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"Sandor already knows what happened and it is very difficult for him to stand
back and let me handle this." Dany tensed noticeably at the mention of Sandor
by Missa squeezed her hand to keep her quiet. "That's why I knew I had to do
this for Marge..."
"Everyone deserves to be respected by the person they love, including
Margaery." Sansa sighed heavily and shook her head at the ground. "If it was
not for Sandor's support I would never be brave enough to tell the truth... I
would hide from it and lie through my teeth, pretending it never happened." Her
gaze lifted to briefly meet with Missa's before locking with Dany's eyes. "Love
should make a person stronger, not tear them down."
"We should not dawdle: Marge needs to know right now." Dany rose to her feet,
tugging Missa's hands to help her stand. A look of raw determination fixed on
her face as she nodded at Sansa. "She will believe us."
"Thank you," Missa expressed her gratitude to Sansa as Dany dragged her away
from the tree. "You could have been more appreciative," she admonished.
"I will kiss her feet once Marge is safely out of that creep's grasp," Dany
countered.
"At least let me tell my next period teacher that I won't be attending." Missa
wrenched her wrist out of Dany's tight grasp and continued before her friend
could argue. "Call Marge and tell her to meet us at our table, I will meet you
both there." She grasped Dany's shoulders and stared hard into her purple eyes.
"Don't start without me."
"Hurry," she demanded before turning around and stalking off, already dialing
Marge's number. Missa blew out a long breath before hurrying to her next class
and making an excuse with her teacher. When that was done, she ran as best she
could in heeled boots to meet the girls... She got there just a moment too
late, Dany had already started explaining the situation to Margaery, and she
was not taking it well.
"I don't believe a word you are saying!" Margaery, red-faced and panting,
stomped her heel of her shoe against the ground.
"Marge," Missa ran to her friend's side, "let me explain-"
"You too?! This is ridiculous!" Margaery glared at Missa as if she was a
traitor. "Don't you think I would know if I was being filmed? Do you think I'm
an idiot?!" Missa started to argue that no one questioned her intelligence but
Dany responded emotionally.
"You are certainly acting like an idiot!" She waved her hand between herself
and Missa. "Why would we lie?!" This is why Sansa called her instead of Dany or
Marge directly... She was such a fool for bringing Dany along! When she got
into one of her furies, nothing could calm her down.
"You've never liked Joff and... you are jealous!" Margaery's furious eyes
darted back and forth between them. "I know that you blocked his number on my
phone so I would miss his texts and calls." Missa's stomach sank under Marge's
glittering glare. She regretted the childish prank more than she could say.
Back then, they thought Joffrey was just an asshole, not pure evil! "How dare
you try to control my life?!" She suddenly started to stomp away but Dany
caught her arm to stop her.
"Marge, please!" She pleaded it in a shaky voice, all annoyance lost behind her
desperation. "If you walk away now I don't know where our friendship is going!"
"It's over!" Margaery ripped her arm out of Dany's hands and stumbled
backwards. "Joff loves me!" She pounded a hand against her chest over her heart
as thick teardrops rolled down her cheeks. "He would never do the things you're
saying! He might be a little aloof and arrogant but that doesn't make him a
monster!" After one last hateful glare, she whirled around and scurried towards
the front parking lot where she parked her car.
"Marge!" Dany started to go after Margaery but Missa stopped her. It was no
use; Marge was never going to believe such a terrible thing about the person
she loved.
"Let her go... we will have to prove the truth to her." Missa turned Dany to
face her. "I don't blame her one bit; it is such a horrible thing." Dany
started to argue but Missa shook her gently. "Who would want to believe it? I
know you think she is being unreasonable but we cannot hate her for being in
love with the wrong person. That happens every day and usually to the nicest
people. Monsters like Joffrey pick kind and trusting people so they can control
and manipulate them. If it was Drogo, would you believe it?"
"That's entirely different," Dany sniffled as she tried to hold back the tears
shining in her violet eyes. "Drogo would never do something so... vile." She
spit the last word with hatred and disgust that Missa shared. Neither of her
friends could be blamed for their reactions... It was completely Joffrey
Baratheon's fault!
"Marge feels the exact same way about Joffrey," Missa explained patiently. "She
'knows' he would not do such things." She sighed wearily and loosened her grip
on her friend's shoulders. "But he did and we need to show her the proof before
she will accept the truth."
"I just can't believe she doesn't trust us." Her head hung forward as she let
loose her tears and Missa pulled her friend into her embrace. "We've been
through so much together and she is willing to throw it all away! For that sick
disgusting asshole!"
"Right now we don't have to the right to be hurt." Missa rubbed a soothing hand
up and down Dany's trembling back. "Our friend needs our understanding... When
she finally accepts reality it is going to crush her."
"Missa..." Her voice strained was from crying, Dany's arms locked around
Missa's waist. "What are we going to do?"
"I trust Sansa and intend to follow her lead." Missa recognized strength in
Sansa, which her friends had been blind to, from the very the beginning. This
situation only cemented in her mind that she could trust the girl. There was
nothing obligating Sansa to help Margaery but she did it without a moment's
hesitation. That strength of character was sadly rarer than the detestable
villainy committed by Joffrey.
"You are the smart one," Dany laughed through her tears and pulled out of
Missa's embrace. "I think I need to go cry on my boyfriend's shoulder."
"An excellent idea," Missa replied wearily. She had yet to cry in front of
Torgo but this was as good as any time to start.
"How is that going, by the way?" Dany's interest perked up as she plopped down
at the table, clearly lacking the energy to go anywhere just yet. They had seen
little of each other since boyfriends were added into the equation. Perhaps
that distance was part of the reason Margaery did not trust them.
"Slowly," Missa smiled wryly as she sat next to Dany, "but very well I think."
Torgo was still shy and reserved but they had made great strides since she met
his parents. The next hurdle would be bringing him to meet her parents... once
dad was back from his deployment.
"I am happy for you, Missa." Dany's face was still flushed from crying but her
encouraging smile was genuine. "You deserve it."
"It is like Sansa said; we all deserve to be respected by the person we love."
Missa leaned back on the table. "That became clear to me after seeing you both
go through relationships with disrespectful boys. You two thought she needed
your guidance but it turns out Sansa is not quite so oblivious as you assumed."
"You think I am wrong when it comes to her, don't you?" Dany crossed her arms
and stared down at her booted feet. "I forgot you joined the hound's fan club."
Several times Missa tried to tell her friends how Sandor acted heroically at
the wedding she attended with Torgo. They chose to hear the story as 'the hound
behaved violently' and refused to consider the circumstances. Some people
looked down on her father the same way, disapproving of his military career.
Those people did not care to know the man himself or his views on war, only
judged his participation unfairly.
"I am not telling you what to do but if I want my opinion I will give it."
Missa waited for Dany to nod her head slowly before continuing. "Sansa has far
surpassed anyone's expectations of her and barely bats an eyelash. We all
thought she was naive when she started to date the most notorious student in
school. Instead of ruining her reputation, she improved his. When is the last
time you heard of him fighting in school?"
"Are you saying she 'fixed' the hound?" Dany scoffed to a disbelieving laugh
and uncrossed her arms to brace against the seat and lean forward.
"I am saying," she felt amused rather than baited by Dany's quips. "She saw
something in him and perhaps even brought it out for others to see." Missa
touched her friend's arm to gain her attention. "From where I sit, what
happened two years ago must have been difficult for him."
"I won't listen to that kind of talk," Dany narrowed her brows at Missa and
pulled her arm away. "My family members are the victims."
"And Gregor Clegane alone was the perpetrator." Missa pointed out, refusing to
back down just to spare her friends feelings. "You know that." It was the exact
same situation with Margaery, they both needed to hear the hard truths, and
that is what made Missa a good friend.
"Robert Baratheon paid for his legal defense," Dany got sidetracked, "and his
son is just as disgusting! Poor Marge... We should have done something sooner!"
"It would have only driven her away faster," Missa disagreed, "even we did not
know Joffrey was this bad." Missa's mind still reeled from Joffrey's cruelty,
especially despicable considering how much Margaery loved him. "However we are
not talking about Baratheons, don't change the subject." She turned the
conversation back on track, refusing to allow this useless spite to continue.
"How does hating Sandor help you? Does it really make you feel better?"
"No..." Dany appeared physically pained by her admission but at least it was a
step in the right direction. Missa recognized the recent growth in her friend,
especially when it came to dealing with her family.
"I am not telling you what to do," she tread lightly, keeping her voice soft
and low. "If I were in your shoes I would see Sansa as an opportunity." Missa
bit back a smile at Dany's quizzical expression. "Ask her about him," she
explained. "Give her a chance to show you what she sees in him. It could be
he's not the person you think he is."
"I will think about it," Dany answered after a long pause. "Truthfully, I have
been blind to many things... but no longer." She tuned towards Missa and pulled
her into a tight hug. "Goodbye, my friend," she kissed Missa on the cheek
before standing up. "Call me the instant Sansa has the proof ready."
"I will," Missa agreed, "the very instant." Dany gave her another tight nod
before walking to the side parking lot where her boyfriend's beat-up truck sat.
Left alone, Missa wondered what she should do with herself but could not think
of anything so she decided to finish the school day. No matter what happens,
life still goes on and it would be a waste of a perfect attendance record to
find somewhere to sit and cry alone. Next year, Dany and Marge would go off to
college and leave her behind... then who will care for them?
Chapter End Notes
     Full Missa chapter! And no sweet nerdy Torgo in sight - what is wrong
     with me? I don't have anything planned for them until Maiden's day
     but maybe I can sneak something in sooner than that.
     I believe one of the lovely comments on my last chapter mentioned a
     phone call between Sheri and Bran? Ask and ye shall receive! Sheri
     gets the next POV!
     I really want to get to some Sam/Gilly stuff I've had planned FOREVER
     but it's all wrapped up in some Jon/Ygritte stuff and stupid Joffrey
     got in the way! I wish I could type like... 1000000000000000000x
     faster.
***** Time Served *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [Time_Served]
                                    SHIREEN
All day at school and the entire ride home she daydreamed about being back in
the snowy wonderland of Winterfell. That place seemed almost a dream and the
nippy southern air still felt too warm. Just after she closed her bedroom door,
her phone jingled its cheery ringtone and Sheri hurried to dump her bag out on
her desk. She was not expecting a call but she wished it was from Bran - a
quick glance at the screen confirmed her hopes. Her stomach tightened and her
heart stuttered, even though he half a continent away!
"I was just thinking about you." Sheri answered the call with a smile so big it
felt like it might split her face. She twirled on her tippy toes to her bed as
he chuckled charmingly in her ear.
"I know," he replied smugly, "that's why I called." Bran puffed out a sigh as
Sheri settled into her bed, kicking her shoes off. "Really, I should be calling
Arya and Sansa but I'm procrastinating."
"Why?" She was kept mostly out of the loop on the revenge against Joffrey. Arya
explained that she did not want her to be an accessory but Sheri worried it was
because of her last name. Her loyalties unquestionably resided with the Stark
siblings but it felt awkward to profess such a thing. Bran also shared few
details, mostly assuring her that she was better off in the dark.
"I can't talk about it," the tone of his voice sounded troubled. "Trust me: you
don't want to know." That was his new catchphrase... Sheri felt even more
concerned after hearing his solemn tone but shrugged off the weight of her
worry to focus on her happiness. Even though they spoke every day after school
and sometimes all night, conversation was never enough. She wanted to see his
face and for him to see hers - no small thing on her part. Her life was spent
avoiding being seen by others, blending into the background, and hoping nobody
noticed.
"Fine," she conceded, "what do you want to talk about?"
"You," his voice lowered, erasing all tenseness and making her heart beat
faster. Somehow it was easier to talk to Bran in person... or maybe his voice
was captivating to distraction.
"The new quarter started and I have some new classes." Sheri made a bored
humming sound, pretending she was not flustered by his deeper tone. "But
nothing remotely interesting."
"What are you doing now?" He seemed to find everything Sheri said fascinating
but she always worried she bored him.
"Lying in bed," she answered honestly but it still made her feel a little
naughty. Sheri felt her face getting hot as she turned onto her side and hugged
a pillow to her chest. "I wish you were here." Her life might be unexciting but
the thoughts heating her face were almost shocking.
"What would we do if I was there?" Bran's question was innocent enough but she
could just imagine the roguish grin on his handsome face.
"I would kiss you," she whispered and her face burned even hotter as she buried
it against the pillow.
"And I would kiss you back," he flirted shamelessly and it made her stomach
coil and her skin feel hot all over. "Then what?" She imagined his arms holding
her and his warm soft lips kissing her - it felt really wonderful when he
kissed her neck.
"I don't know," she mumbled her answer quietly as shyness overtook her pining.
Sheri knew she was being coy but it was too embarrassing to admit her true
thoughts. They never risked the chance to lay next to each other and she wished
she was hugging him instead of her pillow.
"I keep thinking about that last kiss," he declared, "right before you left."
She was confused that he would remember that kiss above all the others, not
that there were many. They spent a lot of time alone when she stayed at his
house but Mrs. Stark became suspicious towards the end of the visit.
"It was just a quick peck goodbye," she reminded him.
"It was unfinished," he corrected, causing her breathing and heart to race as
her face burned unbearably hot. "Someday we're going to make a proper kiss out
of it."
"What constitutes a proper kiss?" Sheri asked the cheeky question in a weak
attempt to disguise how absolutely charmed she was by him.
"First, I have to be holding you close to me: anything else is just a polite
greeting." His devilish manner sent a shiver down her spine. "Next, I have to
wait until your cheeks turn pink."
"That seems awfully specific," she wheezed, lifting a hand to fan her
overheated face.
"It's how I know you really want to kiss me," he chuckled. Bran was so suave
and confident even though he was almost a year younger - it made her anxious to
jump ahead a few years. All this waiting and yearning was overtaxing her poor
heart!
"I thought you were reading my mind," she teased.
"That's right," he answered seriously, "I can see your thoughts plain as day."
"Do you know what I'm thinking now?" Her stomach fluttered as she found her
boldness.
"Something wicked," he answered in a knowing voice.
"You are psychic," she accused playfully.
"Dammit," he muttered in annoyance and Sheri wondered what she did wrong. "Arya
keeps beeping in..." Sheri knew they had important things to discuss. At lease
more important than long-distance flirting. "This conversation is not over,
call me later."
"I will," she promised, "I'll miss you until then."
"I don't miss you," he insisted, "I'm just looking forward to seeing you
again." Sheri bit her smiling lip as she ended the call, turning onto her back
to press the phone over her heart. All the land and sea that covered the world
could separate them but it did nothing dull her growing affection... Dare she
admit that Bran was her first love? That was something she feared never to
experience and the distance made it bittersweet.
                                     ARYA
Her patience was wearing thin, almost nonexistent when the fifth call did not
go through. On the sixth time she called him Bran finally picked up the phone.
"Bran, what the fuck is taking so long?!" Arya clicked the phone over to
speaker and set it down on the bed between her and Sansa.
"Hi to you too," he replied in a snarky tone. "If you want, I could spend the
next two hours explaining how the videos were encrypted and that it took
forever to get into." Bran was being a smartass. "Would you like that?"
"No, just give us the low-down," she griped irritably - Arya just wanted
something to distract her from... "On second thought, give us the short
version."
"So when you copied the hard drive it only saved all the files, not the
programs." Bran launched into his explanation while Arya swung her foot
impatiently. "What confused me was the some of the video files were huge and
others tiny and unplayable. I discovered that an additional program was needed
to unencrypt those tiny files. You see, they were ones he never saw: unopened
files that were created in the few days before he left for Winterfell. I found
something... You have to understand I was prepared to see some pretty horrible
stuff but this..."
"Just fucking tell us!" Arya started to get really annoyed with his inability
to spit it out - it had nothing to do with...
"There was a video of Mrs. Baratheon," he hesitated and Arya huffed an
exasperated breath, "and her brother."
"Doing what?" She rolled her eyes at Sansa, who looked equally confused by his
cryptic account of what he found.
"Having sex on Joffrey's bed," he mumbled uncomfortably. Arya's eyes snapped up
to meet Sansa's startled expression.
"Are you serious?" Sansa choked out the question while Arya reeled from the
revelation. It certainly was a juicy tidbit of information but how could they
use it against Joffrey?
"Dead serious: as in," Bran released a nervous laugh. "I'm kinda worried
knowing this information is going to get me killed. What's more is they said
something..."
"WHAT?!" Arya exploded from curiosity and Sansa quickly covered her mouth and
glanced worriedly at the door.
"Mrs. Baratheon called Joffrey 'our' son," he whispered, "talking to her
brother." Arya shoved Sansa's hand away from her gaping mouth. They all sat in
stunned silence for a moment as the wheels started turning in her head.
"Holy fucking hells," she grinned - knowing this was way better than anything
she hoped to find out. This was going to be their golden ticket to putting
Joffrey down once and for all!
"Oh... dear gods." This time Sansa covered her own mouth but not succeeding in
hiding her horrified expression.
"Yeah," Bran scoffed a laugh, "so 'sorry' that it took me a few days to drum up
the courage to tell you." Arya felt guilty about putting this kind of
responsibility on her younger brother but there was no one else she trusted to
do the job.
"Do you think Joffrey knows?" Sansa uncovered her mouth to ask the question but
her expression was still tense and shocked.
"The file was never opened," uncertainty clouded Bran's voice. "His camera
seems to be automatically hooked up to start recording whenever his door opens
and stops when it closes. Most are of him just making phone calls, jerking off,
shit like that."
"What kind of calls?" Arya latched on to whatever evidence they could use
against Joffrey, hoping to save the big one in case of full-on crisis.
"Mostly stuff I already told you about: he pays someone to do his homework."
Bran ran though the laundry list of Joffrey's misdeeds. "I also have clear
evidence that he buys drugs, gambling and other petty crimes. He has that whole
room wired up good: bet he never thought it would bite him in the ass like
this. I have been watching this kid for almost two weeks straight. I think
there's enough here to keep him quiet for a good long while."
"Thanks Bran," Arya meant her gratitude sincerely, they could not have pulled
this off without his help. Neither she nor Sansa had the time to go through
hundreds of hours of video and wouldn't have done it with the same attention to
detail. "Make a new copy of everything incriminating and send it back to us
when you can. Keep the original and hide it somewhere no one will find it."
"You got it, sis." Bran agreed easily and Arya lifted the phone to hang up.
"Oh, one more thing! You should be getting a package soon: I found your sword."
"You're the best," a wide grin broke over Arya's face - everything was coming
together!
"I know," he was so modest. "See ya!" Bran hung up and Arya plugged her phone
in on her bedside table. When she turned back she noticed her sister's face was
even more pale than usual.
"We're almost through this," she attempted to comfort Sansa.
"I just want this nightmare to be over." Sansa shook her head and rubbed a hand
over her forehead. "I feel like I have been run over by a truck... and then it
backed up again to park on me."
"You called Joff," Arya insisted confidently, "he knows we're on his ass - he
won't try anything."
"You don't know..." Sansa wrapped her arms around herself and squeezed her
arms. "He is completely insane. I doubt my threats will stop him from
retaliating."
"He probably doesn't have a clue he's a product of incest," Arya didn't bother
to hide her disgust before she snorted a laugh. "We have him by the balls and
he doesn't even know it."
"I hope you are right," her sister answered quietly. "Even if it is for her own
good, I don't look forward to breaking a Marge's heart."
"We're saving her," she argued, "that's what we are doing. Besides, Margaery
Tyrell is a dumbass," Arya scoffed and gesture a hand in a sign of disbelief.
"How could she not believe her friends?" And how could she even think about
dreaming about looking at her Gendry - he was hers! She wanted to wipe that
pretty smile off her stupid face!
"Love makes you do crazy things," Sansa sighed miserably - Arya wasn't about to
touch that drama with a ten-foot pole. Her sister was the genius who thought
dating the hound was a good idea. She should've found herself a nice obedient
boy... too bad she nabbed the last one.
"Don't I know it," Arya admittedly was going through some boyfriend drama
herself. "Well, at least she won't be able to live in denial once she gets a
look at that footage."
"You are right," some color returned to Sansa's cheeks. "Joffrey would end up
hurting her much worse. Thank you," she reached out to hold Arya's hand, "you
are a true hero and I am so proud to be your sister."
"Psh, come on..." Arya waved her free hand at her sister's sudden sappiness.
"Don't be like that - pretending we don't hate each other."
"I love you," Sansa locked eyes with Arya, her expression serious.
"I love you too," she mumbled, glancing away embarrassed.
"I can tell there is something wrong." Sansa could be too perceptive sometimes
but talking about... what was 'wrong' was the last thing Arya wanted to do. "Do
you want to talk about it?"
"Nothing to talk about," she forced a confident grin. "What was it you wanted
to tell me before?" Sansa grimaced - clearly not wanting to hash out her
bullshit either. Good, both of them can put it off for eternity for all Arya
cared.
"First let's talk to daddy," Sansa stood up and headed to the door.
"I thought we were gonna wait," Arya quickly grabbed her wrist to stop her,
"until Marge broke up with that dipshit."
"We have done what we can," Sansa sighed and shook her head, "there is no point
in waiting any longer." She slipped her hand down to link with Arya's once more
and squeezed it. "I think he will believe us now."
"You mean he'll believe you," she scoffed, still a bit sore about dad's
dismissal.
"Either way, I'm not leaving his office until you are ungrounded." A determined
look fixed on Sansa's face before she led the way. They walked out of their
bedroom and through the hallway into their father's office. Arya followed
behind, worrying that after all of their hard work they would still not be
believed.
"Daddy," Sansa barged in without knocking, "we need to talk to you."
"Come in," he waved them inside, "have a seat." Sansa and Arya sat down
opposite their father, who folded his hands on his desk. "What would you girls
like to discuss?"
"We want to tell you the truth," Sansa sat up straight and stared hard at dad,
"about what happened in Winterfell." He closed his eyes as his hard expression
fell into a mask of relief.
"Girls," he smiled for the first time in days. "I cannot express how glad I am
that you decided to tell me the truth."
"Arya told the truth from the beginning," Sansa frowned at him. "I was the one
who lied." Dad blinked a few times and Arya was nearly as surprised as him -
her sister was getting strong.
"What are you saying?" He knew exactly what Sansa was saying but he still
didn't want to believe it - sometimes adults were such children. Arya simply
sat back in her chair to enjoy the show.
"Joffrey took a video of me undressing and then tried to blackmail me into
having sex with him." Sansa looked super pissed and it was a struggle for Arya
to not grin during her vindication - gods it felt good! "Arya overheard and
that's why she attacked him and destroyed his camera." Dad sputtered, clearly
not taking the truth very well despite how much he demanded it.
"Are you sure it was not a prank?" Dad's attempt to make excuses for Joffrey
made Arya roll her eyes. "Did you actually see a video...?" His inability to
accept the truth, even from Sansa, made her feel a little better and worse at
the same time.
"It wasn't a prank, daddy!" Sansa leaned forward in her seat and thumped a fist
against his desk. "He wanted to rape me and Arya saved me!" She glared at their
father. "You punished the wrong person." He stared at his eldest daughter open-
mouthed before turning his shocked face towards Arya.
"I know I shouldn't have attacked him," she hurried to excuse her violent
reaction - his main reason for grounding her. "But when I heard him saying
those things to Sansa I lost it. She's my sister for the love of the gods! Robb
would've done the same thing and you would have patted him on the back for it!"
"Calm down," Sansa patted her arm and Arya slumped back in her seat, having
said her piece. "It's all going to be alright now." She turned back to face
dad. "Isn't it? Arya does not deserve to be grounded anymore," she insisted.
"Why would you lie?" His eyes darted back and forth between them, clearly still
trying to make sense of the bizarre situation. There was no making sense of it!
Joffrey was a fucking animal - end of story.
"He had videos of one of my friends, the girl he's dating." Sansa leaned back
in her chair wearily, as if finally admitting the truth exhausted her. "If I
told on him then he would release those videos."
"The Tyrell girl?" Dad looked like a lost little kid and Arya almost felt
bad... until she remembered how harsh he was to her. It served him right - he
can't just live in his little fantasy world where he assumed his children were
safe. The world is a fucking scary place and her parents did their best to
ignore it, like that was gonna make anything better. In the 'real world' kids
get hit by cars, women like Gendry's mom get abandoned, and assholes like
Joffrey get away with being evil. Bad stuff happens to good people and ignoring
it doesn't fix anything!
"Yes, Margaery Tyrell," she answered. Her chin raised higher and she stared
down her straight nose at him. "Do you believe us, or do you need to see
proof?"
"I have faith in you," he looked first at Sansa and then at her, "both of you.
I just... did not want to believe my friend's son could be capable of such a
thing. What is this 'proof'?"
"I broke into the Baratheon's mansion," Arya jutted her chin up stubbornly to
match her sister's pose. "I copied his hard drive before I wiped it. Go ahead -
tell me I did the wrong thing." She crossed her arms and looked away. "You
didn't give me a choice."
"I'm sorry girls: I let both of you down." Dad's remorse surprised her and it
tore down her resentment. "Arya, I officially remove your grounding."
"Really?!" Arya's eyes opened wide in shock before turning to smile wide at
Sansa. "We did it!" Her sister returned the smile. "Joffrey can suck our
dicks!"
"Language!" Dad admonished and Arya calmed down.
"Sorry," she apologized quickly but could not hold it in any longer - Arya
grabbed Sansa into a tight hug. "We did it!"
"Arya," dad interrupted their celebration, "let me speak with your sister
alone."
"Fine with me, I'm going out!" Arya jumped out of her seat to tear out of the
office. "BORN FREE!!!" She ran straight to her phone, grabbed it off the
charger, and pulled on a jacket before sprinting out of the apartment.
FREEDOM!!! It felt damn good! The phone only rang once before he picked up "We
did it! My dad believes us! I'm free as the wind, baby!"
"I knew you'd pull it off," he laughed. "What're you doing now?"
"Waiting for you dumbass!" Arya impatiently punched the elevator button before
giving up on it and heading for the stairs.
"I'll come now," Gendry agreed right away - ever obedient, something she could
count on. "You know: there's no school Monday."
"It's a three-day weekend," she froze in her tracks, nearly passing out from
happiness. "My gods... Do you know what this means?"
"What?" His voice was tinged with wariness and it made her grin as she
continued down the stairs.
"We can finish the box," she suggested - might have been more of a mix between
a threat and a command.
"You're trying to kill me, aren't you?" Gendry always had something to complain
about - the boy had to have at least one flaw.
"Just get here," she grumbled as she turned down the last flight of stairs.
"Can I at least throw on some pants first?" Behind Gendry's voice she could
hear him passing the television. She imagined him walking through the apartment
in a towel. Hmm... it was good to be free!
"If you must," Arya rolled her eyes at his insistence on always wearing pants -
if she had her way he'd be naked twenty-four-seven.
"Love ya," it was in his voice that he was smiling and it made her smile too.
"Love ya," she made a kissy sound into the phone before hanging up. Arya sighed
in relief - this was exactly the kind of distraction she needed... No need to
worry about stuff she can't change.
Chapter End Notes
     Just under the wire! I got caught up in the third season of 'The
     Sopranos' and it makes me want to write a gangster fic so bad. But
     it's been done so well already that I doubt I can live up to what
     I've already enjoyed. Maybe I should go the other way and write a
     really good GoT modern cop drama... Oh... Gendry in a uniform...
     *mouth waters*. Sandor as a tough-as-nails detective with a crush on
     Sansa - wait for it - Police Chief Stark's daughter and whiz forensic
     analyst. I don't know, that sounds pretty hot! Ohhhh... I should- No!
     I need to sleep! Bedtime!
***** Forge Love *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [Forge_Love]
                                     SANSA
When Arya left the room she took all the happy energy with her, leaving herself
and daddy to sit in silence. Sansa sat stiff in her seat, filled with an
unfamiliar discomfort in her father's company. He appeared to struggle to form
his thoughts into words, his head shaking while his mouth opened only to snap
closed. Finally, she sighed and impatiently waved a hand for him to go ahead.
"This is... a disaster." Daddy dropped his forehead into his hand before raking
it through his thick graying hair.
"For me, it has been a nightmare." Her eyes fixed on the painting behind his
head but she forced herself to look him in the eye. Let him see exactly how
much the whole experience changed her and made her stronger! "Except it really
happened."
"Of course," he gave her a pitying look that revived a surge of newly familiar
wounded rage within her. Why should he pity her? She and Arya acted stronger
than he ever taught them to be. "I am so sorry, lemoncake. Sometimes-"
"Don't feed me any more of your..." The disrespect fell from her lips before
she realized that her internal thoughts were being spoken aloud. "I'm sorry,"
she looked away as shame burned her cheeks. "I am just so angry... I say things
I don't mean." A sudden spark of understanding made her realize this anger must
be how Sandor felt all the time. Instead of getting mad at her insolence, daddy
averted his eyes and assumed a guilty expression.
"I have let you down." His guilt did not erase the anger caused by his pity but
neither did it seem right for her father to blame himself. "You are my child
and I am supposed to protect you." In a strange irony, Joffrey had two fathers
and neither of them deserved to be called such an honored title. Her father was
fallible, that was the lesson she learned, but he was still the best man she
knew. Sansa would always love her father with all of her heart. It hurt to see
him as a human and not as a hero yet that seemed a normal part of growing up.
"When I saw myself on that video..." Her words trailed off when he flinched as
though her humiliation physically pained him. "I felt so vulnerable and alone."
The memory was almost hazy after spending so much time trying to block it out
but one thing straight out clear in her mind. "Arya came out swinging her sword
and for that instant I wished I were her instead of me."
"I am so proud of you for putting your friend first." It did not feel the same
to receive daddy's approval, that rush of well-being did not bloom within her
as it once did.
"I lied because I was scared..." It shamed her to admit how much the experience
affected and changed her. "Part of me wished you would see through my lies and
take care of everything." Time passed so slowly it felt like years though only
a couple of weeks had gone by. Her biggest worry back then was what to get
Sandor for Winterfest. This abrupt change in her had to bother him, no matter
how much he claimed he would not leave her. As if he expected her to leave him.
"It is best I learn to care for myself since I will be a grown woman before
long."
"You will always be my little girl." He gave her a weak smile and she could see
in his eyes that he recognized their relationship would never be the same.
"What will you do?" She returned his smile with a tight one of her own,
attempting to express her understanding without saying it aloud. It would hurt
him too badly if she admitted how her faith in him was shattered. In truth, as
she was putting the pieces of herself back together, Sansa found that she was
stronger than she thought she could be. Even if her parents shielded her from
reality, they still instilled in her unwavering sense of right and wrong. When
push came to shove, she did the right thing even when everyone called her an
idiot.
"That's the question." He leaned back in his seat as he decided, tilting his
head back to look up at the ceiling as if praying to the gods for answers. "In
all honesty, I don't know what I should do." It was unusual for her father to
show any weakness or doubt... Maybe their relationship could grow into
something more substantial from this disaster. His eyes returned to meet hers,
his expression drawn and serious. "If you wanted to press charges I would
support you without question."
"If we did that," Sansa shook her head, "we would risk getting Arya into
trouble."
"My other option is to talk to Robert." He looked like he would rather tear out
his own eyes than talk to his friend about the evildoings of his son. "If
anyone can get that boy under control it would be him." It was on the tip of
her tongue to warn her father that Robert Baratheon could not be trusted. She
feared he would think her prejudiced against the family because of what
happened. It also burdened her heart to hold onto the horrifying truth about
Joffrey's parentage. But she could not tell daddy because innocent people could
be hurt.
As a last resort, they had one defense Joffrey would not be able to escape and
that would have to be enough. There had been enough truths spoken for one day.
Her goal of getting Arya released from her grounding was completed and all that
was left to do was move on with her life.
                                    GENDRY
In a flurry of clothes and camping gear, Gendry rushed to pack up so he could
head out to pick up Arya. He froze mid-step and pumped an arm in victory: in a
way he was ungrounded too. Mom tried to gain his attention but he ran past her
in search of his sweatshirt.
"I gotta go!" He grabbed ahold of the doorframe to his bedroom as his eyes
darted all over: looking for the last thing he needed before he could leave.
Where in the bloody hells was his hoodie?!
"Where?" She held the sweatshirt he was looking for from the back of the couch
and handed it to him as he hurried past.
"Arya isn't grounded as of right now." He actually giggled a little bit but he
was so damn happy he didn't have it in him to feel any embarrassment. "We're
going camping: probably won't be back until Monday night."
"Love you baby," she called after him as he headed to the door to slip on his
shoes. "Don't forget anything!"
"Oh, right!" Arya would skin him alive if he forgot again so he ran back to his
bedroom to gather the trusty box of condoms. "Bye mom!" Gendry raced
downstairs, jumped into the Lincoln, and drove way too fast to Arya's
apartment. She was waiting for him outside while bouncing up-and-down with
impatience.
"Took you long enough!" Arya launched herself into the car and pulled the door
closed before turning to face him. They grinned at each other like a couple of
idiots before he put the Lincoln into drive and headed to their place. The
forge used to be 'his' place: his fortress of solitude. But he never felt the
need to be alone anymore like he used to before he met Arya. Gendry pulled the
Lincoln into his usual parking space and they both got out, walking around the
car to link hands. She dragged him through the woods and headed straight for
the tent
"We could just hide away in the tent..." He stopped following her and tugged
her back, earning him a questioning look.
"What else is there to do?" Her confused expression turned to disbelieving
delight when he waved a hand at the forge.
"You could forge something." There was still plenty of daylight and they would
be spending the next three days together. Her eyes widened excitedly and she
pushed past him to march towards the forge.
"I can have you anytime - let's make some weapons!" Arya skipped to the center
of the clearing and Gendry jogged to catch up to her.
"Slow down, Arry." He tugged on the sleeve of her sweatshirt. "Safety first:
take off this baggy fire hazard and put this on." Gendry walked to the storage
box next to his forge to retrieve an undershirt and handed it to her.
"I hate these things." She held up the undershirt with her nose wrinkled up in
distaste. "Why do you always wear one?"
"It's practical," he shrugged. "Say I spill something on myself there's a
backup. More importantly, makes it so the apron won't stick to my skin." She
stripped her sweatshirt, making him regret his detour from the tent for a
moment. Plenty of time for that later... Gendry chuckled at how the undershirt
looked like a dress on Arya.
"You could just forge with no apron." She quirked her brows at him. "Now that'd
be hot."
"That's how you get burned." He poked her in the forehead. "Now pay attention."
"Yes, master," she clasped her hands behind her back and stood up straight, a
mischievous expression on her face. She knew how it made him all prickly when
she called him that. "What?" Arry blinked her eyes innocently. "I didn't do
anything - I'm just listening to your instructions... master." Gendry threw the
apron at her and she caught it with a grin before tying it on. He moved closer
to wrap the ties around her tiny waist and then stepped around her. Once a
loose bow was secured behind her back, he set to work teaching her how to heat
the forge.
The day passed as he helped her to fashion a small knife out of a spare piece
of metal he picked up at the junkyard. Arry liked heating up the metal the most
but her arms got tired pretty quick as she started to hammer the metal into
shape. Though sweat dampened her hair and the strain showed in her face he had
to order her to take a break while he finished. She gave in without much of a
fight, relinquishing his apron to put her sweatshirt back on. While he finished
the knife, Arya pulled out her phone to take pictures.
"You're distracting me," he complained as she circled around him snapping
pictures. His arm fell to strike the metal, letting the hammer do the work as
he effortlessly directed it.
"It's for your online shop - a little eye candy goes a long way." Arya knelt on
the ground to get a different angle. "There's not nearly enough hot dudes doing
interesting things on the internet." She let out a frustrated groan as she
stood up and stuffed her phone in her pocket. "This is driving me nuts - let's
do it already."
"Aren't you supposed to be on your period?" The question just sort of popped
into his head like remembering he was supposed to take the trash out or some
other menial chore. But the way she looked at him, that flash of fear in her
eyes, it made his heart stop. He set down his hammer and removed the apron to
face her.
"How would you know?" Her terrified expression came and went so fast that he
almost questioned if he'd actually seen it. There was something just not quite
right about her voice though, in her own words, she was an excellent liar. But
no... he remembered the last time was about a month ago so it was due. Gendry
wasn't exactly keeping track but at that moment, he wished he had.
"That's not an answer," he whispered, unable to speak any louder. Instead of
replying, she whirled around and stopped off into the woods towards the parking
lot. "Where are you going? Arya!" His heart raced as panic overtook his mind,
preventing his feet from chasing after her. The darkening woods spun around as
she disappeared into the thick trees. Some bravery he had no idea he possessed
moved his foot one step and then another until he was sprinting. When he cut
into her path, Gendry held out both of his hands in surrender.
"It didn't come." Her lips were drawn into a tight line and her eyes stared
blankly ahead without emotion. Seeing her standing so tall, like she didn't
need anybody, he knew it was a front and somehow that melted his fear. Except
he was kinda afraid he might pass out: but something happened in those moments
they stared at each other. Or rather, he watched her looking straight through
him but at least she didn't run away. But at any rate, some new strength came
over him when he saw the suffering she tried to hide.
"You mean your period?" Gendry prayed he'd heard her wrong: surely, she said
anything but what he thought she said.
"It just didn't come this month," she shrugged, "should already be done by now
but not even a spot." Arya shook her head in disbelief or maybe denial. "It
didn't come." He refused to let his mind jump to the conclusions she obviously
feared. Gendry didn't blame her for wanting to run because it's natural for a
person to escape when they're scared. Her terror was well hidden but apparent
to him and he realized that this was his chance to be strong for her.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Gendry knew he was a coward and supposed he was born
cautious but even the most gutless part of him did not once consider running
away. To what? From what? Without her, he was just some guy who hangs out more
with his mother than his friends. Love means never giving up. Arya was the end
and beginning to everything: his best friend and reason for being. No matter
what happened: nothing would ever take her away from him. They would get though
it together, no matter how much she tried to carry her burdens alone.
"What's there to tell?!" Her face twisted into an expression he could not name
if his life depended on it but 'abject horror' came close enough. "I'm not...
There's no way," her voice broke over the tears she fought, "I'm fourteen -
I'ma kid! I'm not having a fucking kid!" Sometimes, no matter how good someone
is a lying they can't lie to themselves or their bodies. Suddenly her bright
red face lost all of its color and then turned slightly green. She slapped her
hand over her mouth and ran to the nearest tree to throw up.
"You alright?" Gendry took a step towards her as she turned around, her head
hanging forward.
"Relatively," she shrugged and wiped her mouth on the sleeve of her sweater. He
grabbed her hand and started to lead her through the woods to the parking lot.
"Where're we going?"
"Pharmacy," he needed to know what they were dealing with as soon as possible.
Maybe he'd have to quit school and join up with the military for the
benefits... The faster they knew the truth, the sooner they could fix it
together.
"I can't... I can't..." She yanked her hand away and started backing up,
trembling from head to toe. Time stood still as the first tear rolled down her
cheek, breaking the dam she held in. "Hold on - I'm gonna throw up again." Arya
turned and slumped against the nearest tree to retch all the contents of her
stomach. "Why did you have to bring this up? It's not like anything would
change if you know or not." She fell backwards onto the ground to pull her
knees up and he crouched down behind her. "There's nothing to know! It's
just... it just didn't come."
"Maybe you're sick," he carefully wrapped his arms around her to pull her back
against his chest, "shouldn't we know?" His chest ached as he questioned every
choice that led to risking the impregnation of the girl he loved. He forgot, it
wasn't ignoring reality, he actually couldn't remember that she was so young.
About most things, she was smarter than he could ever dream of being but this
situation clearly blindsided her. "I'm sorry, Arry."
"Apologies are asinine," she grumbled. "There's nothing wrong." Arya twisted
her head around to look back over her shoulder at him. Though in a broken
state, she still looked beautiful but her beauty took on a fragile quality that
broke his heart. Apparently, she was displeased with what she saw on his face
because a familiar fury overtook the sadness in her eyes. "Fuck your pitying
looks! There's nothing wrong - it just didn't come! Fuck you!" There was his
fiery girl: he'd wondered where she went these past few days. He'd assumed she
was just worried about the Joffrey shit.
"It isn't like you to run away just because you're scared." Gendry knew there
was too much pressure on her and even he was guilty of blindness to her
troubles. "When you're afraid, that's when I'll be there to help you." He was
born loving Arya, only he didn't know what his life was missing until he met
her. "I'm always gonna be here for you and love only you no matter what
happens. Can't you lean on me a little? Do you always have to be tough by
yourself? You're allowed to be human."
"I just wanted a few days of happiness," her voice was tight and tinged with
vulnerable desperation. "I've escaped one prison and am already facing another
sentence. Our lives might already be ruined - what's the point of ruining our
weekend?"
"Who says our lives are ruined?" Gendry squeezed her tighter and she burrowed
against his chest. "The only thing that could ruin my life is losing you." He
knew she felt the wetness on his cheek against the top of her head but he
forced a laugh anyway. "This is nothing compared to being without you."
"You fucking idiot," she mumbled against his hoodie. "Why are you with me? Why
me?"
"Didn't I just say?" He tangled a hand in her hair and struggled to keep his
tone light. "You never listen to me."
"Stupid," she whispered, "stupid - dumbass - perfect..." Her voice rose in
pitch and he knew she was crying. "Why are you so perfect?" Arya sniffed as
familiar anger seeped into her voice. "I hate you for that - it makes me look
bad." After a while of them just sitting there as the night grew colder, she
wiggled out of his hold and pulled on his hand to help him up. "Let's go get
this over with." Once on his feet, he tugged her close to look her in the eye.
"You're always my lady," he tilted his forehead against hers. "Always."
"As it should be," in the dark her eyes were shining as bright and full of life
as always. It would be okay as long as they never let go of each other because
love can conquer all. Whatever was coming they would face it together: hand-in-
hand they walked towards the unknown future.
Chapter End Notes
     The old bait and switch - you thought I was giving Sansa the preggers
     scare! Honestly, I don't know if Sandor could handle it. At least not
     nearly as well as Gendry: he really is perfect. (sigh) I always worry
     that my angsty chapters will drive everyone away but I feel pretty
     good about this one. Maybe not the editing - that could be way
     better. I totally didn't waste a bunch of time outlining a new cop
     drama today... That's just didn't happen... much. *pulls collar* Oh
     but it's starting out really cute - Ygritte and Gendry are rookies
     together and besties from the academy! They get on Chief Stark's
     radar and *not* in a good way. <3 BUT! I am not posting anything else
     right now, I'll just keep the idea tucked away and work on it in bits
     and pieces. This fic is still priority #1!
     Next up: Sansan are going on a date - not sure who will get the POV
     or maybe I'll split it. I really miss my Sandor, I feel like it's
     been a while.
***** Fight! Fight! Fight! *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [Fight!_Fight!_Fight!]
                                    SANDOR
The air turned cold after the sun went down so the little bird tucked herself
against his side as they waited in line for movie tickets. Damn it was strange
to admit that he was fucking happy to be on a date. It seemed lately that all
they did was try to overcome all of the roadblocks set up by various forces. If
he believed in the gods, he'd think they personally enjoyed fucking with him.
They gave him Sansa and then kept him fighting not to lose her. Sandor knew
well enough that good things never last so he might as well enjoy the peace
while he could.
"It feels good, admit it." Sansa looked up at him with a more relaxed smile
than he'd seen on her face since she came back from Winterfell.
"Standing in line?" He knew what she meant but couldn't help teasing her,
especially when she rewarded him with one of her pretty pouts. A cool breeze
blew through her hair, filling his nose with her flowery scent - life was good.
"No, silly," she pouted. "We are on a normal date, nobody is trying to tear us
down." Sansa's arms tightened around his waist as she beamed gloriously in that
way that made his heart stutter. "Don't you feel free?"
"Sure, whatever you say little bird," he rolled his eyes and pretended like he
didn't know what she was talking about. Her expression fell from sulking to
displeasure and he groaned in resignation. "As long as you're happy then so am
I." Sandor felt the smile tugging on his lips and he gave into it - fuck how
ugly it made him look.
"I am very happy, lover." Her bright smile returned and he knew she didn't see
anything ugly when he smiled - love really does cause blindness. Sansa
stretched up on her tippy toes to put her mouth close to his ear. "Later..."
She blushed as her eyes darted around them. "Someone might overhear," the way
her face flushed redder made him dying to know what was on her mind.
"Whisper it real soft - nobody will hear." Sandor bowed his head and wrapped a
hand around her waist hoping it would encourage her.
"It's embarrassing," she whispered, her warm breath tickling his ear.
"Line's moving..." Somebody behind them interrupted their flirting and Sandor
looked back to sneer at the heckler. "Holy shit!" The asshole didn't bother to
keep his voice down as the line moved forward. "Did you just see that guy's
face?" All other sounds faded out as his ears honed in on the two men directly
behind them.
"That's fucking nasty," his companion replied - Sandor's hands clenched in
anger and Sansa tensed.
"How does he get a fine girl like that?" It was like all of the negative voices
in his head suddenly grew bodies and spoke loud enough so that Sansa can hear.
Furious humiliation filled him, churning in his gut as his pulse rushed in his
ears.
"So... um... What movie would you like to see?" She tried to ignore the idiots
behind but her happy expression was clearly forced. "There's a romantic comedy-
"
"Are you fucking retarded?" Usually when people stared or talked about him in
public they did it quietly so as not to draw his attention. These fuckers were
looking for a fight. "Look at him," the first asshole pointed at the little
bird, "she's not with him for his face." He and his friend laughed
uproariously. "That's why I don't date sweet-looking girls."
"Cause you can't get 'em," asshole number two taunted his friend. Sansa pulled
Sandor forward as the line moved again but they couldn't get away from the
dumbasses. They didn't even sound drunk so they must've been straight crazy.
"No, because they all love big dick." The two fucks yucked it up while Sandor
counted deep breaths in his head - one, two, three... "Sweet face - loose cunt.
Everybody knows that." Fuck - these morons were begging for it! And he'd love
to give it to them and knock their teeth out so they learned to keep their
mouths shut!
"Maybe we can get some coco with marshmallows after this-" Sansa tried again to
lighten the atmosphere but Sandor was already shaking with rage.
"That's some shit," the first joker had the gall to sound disappointed. "I'd
still fuck her. If she was loose, I'd just turn her around and tell her to suck
my-" That was it - he snapped. Before he even knew he moved his hand, it
gripped the front of the moron's shirt as his free fist sailed into the guy's
face. The friend tried to jump in but Sandor threw the first asshole into the
second and they both crashed to the ground together. He advanced forward to
yoke up one of the fucks as the crowd dispersed, some of them yelling but one
sound broke through his rage.
"Sandor, don't! Please stop it!" The little bird stood there, hands covering
her mouth but he wished she covered her eyes... They were staring at him in
horror - as if she didn't recognize him and so far removed from her usual
adoring gaze. Tears flowed down her face as he unclenched his hand to release
the fucker with the smart mouth. Both of the shit-talkers ran away like the
fucking cowards they were. Finally, he thought to himself, he finally fucked it
up and he was almost relieved until she started to walk away.
All of a sudden, raw fear struck his heart as he watched her red ponytail
bouncing further away from him. He just chased off the only good thing in his
life and for what? This was what he always expected to happen - one day she'd
see him for what he really was and leave his side. Sandor didn't know how much
he feared losing her until it actually happened. That sickening dread propelled
his feet to chase after her.
"Sansa, wait!" When he reached out to grab her arm, he noticed blood on his
hand. He tried to touch her with that fucker's blood on his hand and the
thought nearly made him sick.
"I would like to go home," she stopped, whirling around to face him and stamped
her heel against the ground. "Right this instant!" Sansa's blue eyes stared at
him hard and Sandor had to look away. "Will you take me or should I call
someone?"
"Fine," he brushed past her to lead the way back to the Skylark. They didn't
talk - she was too upset to lecture and he was still too pissed to beg. So they
sat in the car on the ride to her apartment in silence. A few times, he opened
his mouth but no words came out because there was no way to explain his
actions. If he'd been thinking clearly he would never have attacked someone
just for saying some fucked up shit about his face. But they said that filth
about her and all he saw was red, unleashing the hound to take control of his
fists.
"You always say how I can't ignore what other people say," she broke the
silence. "I hope you know how hypocritical you seem right now."
"They were talking about you," he knew it was a weak excuse but he couldn't say
his mind reacted slower than his fist. That would mean admitting that he barely
had control over his actions and might cause her to fear him. She was lucky he
didn't beat the shitheads senseless - talking about his girl like she was a car
they'd like to test-drive! When he threw the first punch, it wasn't that
asshole's face he was seeing - it was Greg's grinning face.
"How you reacted is unacceptable!" Always with the fucking lectures from her!
Sandor struggled to hold in some sarcastic remarks, knowing his anger would be
misdirected. "You could've been arrested, someone could've been hurt, and the
situation could've escalated!" All the strength left her voice as she hugged
herself and stared out the window to watch the city pass by. "You didn't defend
my honor, you scared me." Her words were worse than any fist to the jaw.
"Is this it then - we done?" He knew it shouldn't be said, every piece of him
was screaming at himself not to say it and even he didn't know why he was
always pushing her away. Sandor should've been begging for her forgiveness but
it would only make it harder if she gave up on him.
"You are the one who keeps bringing it up." She didn't get mad or sad or
anything just looked disappointed. "Do you want to be over?"
"I told you, I'll always want you with me." Sandor meant everything he said to
her - he never once lied about what he wanted. "Still doesn't mean we should be
together." He was right from the get-go - she deserved some good-hearted
prince, not a surly dog with a short fuse.
"Are you really so okay with us breaking up?" Her voice rose in pitch as she
held back her emotions. "You're not upset at all?" Sandor didn't answer -
couldn't answer - as he pulled into her apartment's parking lot to park the
Skylark.
"I'm holding it," he gritted through his teeth. "If I don't hold it in I might
drive back to the theater to find those two assholes and kill them." Sansa
huffed a laugh and sharply turned her head to glare at him.
"People say horrible things all the time," she frowned as she looked him up and
down. "Even you say horrible things quite often. As much as I'd like to punch
all of them, and sometimes you, I do not." Sandor actually smiled a bit at the
thought of her hauling off and punching him - it would be so unlike her to do
anything violent. "I understand that it's hard for you, but it's hard for me
too. You can't fight if we are together."
"You don't understand - I'm already trying my hardest." Sandor gave up trying
to pretend he was this good guy who could change himself for love... Might be
it wasn't pretend - he changed a lot since he met the little bird. "I stopped
today, that never happened before. Usually I don't stop until they can't get up
but I stopped today because you told me to stop."
"Next time, how about we just leave?" Her words sent his head spinning though
he should've expected it by now. "The next time you get that angry, just tell
me 'it's an emergency'. We can go straight to our emergency spot so that you
won't be angry anymore. Is that okay?" His mouth hung open as he stared at her,
wondering if he cracked his head and was imagining her generosity. He just beat
the shit out of some guy and she... wanted to comfort him. Sandor really fucked
over some prince charming somewhere by stealing the little bird for himself.
"You trust me not to abuse that power?" He looked away but then eyed her
sideways and dared to give her a little half-smile.
"I trust you completely," she cautiously returned the smile. "You have to swear
to me right now that you won't fight again."
"I don't deserve you Sansa, but I need you." Sandor slid his hand across the
seat to cover hers and could finally breath again when she didn't pull away.
"I'm sorry - I'll work harder."
"I need you more," she turned her hand over to link their fingers. "I don't
need dates or formal dances, I want those things but I need you. Please, don't
turn into someone I don't know. That person is not you, I know it." Sansa gave
his hand a little squeeze. "I'll call you when I'm not so... disappointed."
Then suddenly she smiled at him again, it was a little sad but more like the
adoring smile that sustained him. "It's unconditional, you know?"
"What?" Sandor was still hung up on the vague timetable she gave - he'd be
waiting for her call and staying miserable until it came.
"My love for you," she lifted his hand to her lips to brush a kiss over his
bruised knuckles.
"I'm sorry," he said again - not knowing what else to say.
"No sorry's... tell me you love me." Sansa should've have to ask, he should be
shouting it from the rooftops. But that wasn't him, he wasn't the type to say
he loved her with just his mouth - his actions should speak for him. Instead,
he acted like a fucking asshole! Godsdammit!
"You know I do," he rasped softly and still she waited expectantly. "I love
you."
"Then we can get through this and anything that comes our way." Sansa had been
through too much lately and she needed his support but he fucked that up like
he fucked everything up. "Right?" He could only nod his agreement and she
seemed to accept it. "Goodnight, my love." She reached up to press a brief kiss
to his cheek before turning around to leave.
"Night, little bird." Sandor watched her get out of the car before walking
straight into the apartment building without looking back. "Don't leave me," he
prayed to the gods he had no faith in and the girl who was the only thing he
did believe in. "Please gods, Sansa, don't leave me." His voice cracked as he
finished saying what he would've told her but he was too much of a coward.
"Don't let me go - don't let me push you away. Hold onto me, please don't leave
me."
                                   MARGAERY
Joff was in an astoundingly good form on their date - it must have cost
fortune! First, he had a car service pick her up and drive her to the
restaurant, where he reserved the entire top floor so they could dine alone.
The bracelet he bought for her had no less than twenty flawless emeralds. They
danced to her favorite songs and he was utterly charming from the first moment
to the last. Dany and Missa really must think her foolish if they expected her
to believe the things they said.
All in all, this had to be the best night of her entire life. Though she never
told Joff what her friends - former friends - said about him, he seemed to know
she needed cheering up. After the date, he took her back to his home where they
spend the rest of the evening in bed. Their bliss was only interrupted by phone
call which Marge impatiently waited for him to finish.
"Hey, how did it go?" As with the rest of the night, he was in a shockingly
good mood, even laughing. "Really? That's hilarious, I'm sorry I had to miss
it. Oh no, you'll get your payment in full tomorrow. By then I should have
another job for you." Joff hung up the phone and laid-back to talk his hands
under his head in a relaxed pose.
"Who was that?" She turned on her side to prop up on one elbow and trailed her
fingers over his smooth chest.
"Don't ask me about my business," he smiled and raised a hand to sweep her
loose hair over her shoulder. "I don't want you to have to worry, honey. We
should get married after we graduate." Marge was stunned - not just by his
casual attitude but by the topic itself. He never said the 'm-word'!
"You want to marry me?" Marge finally managed to form words once her brain
started working again.
"Why else would I say it?" His indulgent smile turned cold as his hand dropped
away from her hair. "You don't want to."
"Certainly I do," she rushed to assure him. "I just didn't expect you to
propose tonight! But of course I am happy beyond words."
"I've been thinking about it for a while," his pleased expression returned,
"and there's no one else better suited for me. Naturally, we should attend the
same university - Crownlands."
"But they don't have a fashion study course." Her stomach sank, taking her
happiness and turning it into disappointment. There was always a catch with
Joff, whenever he gave something - something else had to be taken away.
"I'm sure you can find something else more appropriate." He gave her that look
which could only mean he would not accept any disagreement.
"I will look into it." She burned to argue and stand up for herself but did not
want to ruin a perfect night just as it was ending. Once they were formally
engaged she would show him how hard she worked on her fashion designs and make
him understand.
"Good girl," he patted her cheek - it was a gesture of affection but somehow
made her feel worse.
"I'm thirsty," she slipped out of bed to pull on a robe. "Do you want anything
while I am downstairs?"
"Just hurry back," he waved a hand as if dismissing her. She ignored the swirl
of doubt robbing her joy as she left the room to head downstairs. The kitchen
was dark so Marge left the light off but the sound of glass clinking made her
gasp and whirl around.
"There she is," Mrs. Baratheon raised her freshly filled wineglass in toast to
Marge.
"Mrs. Baratheon," she blew out a breath and her startled fear evaporated.
"Please, don't be so formal, call me Cersei." The woman smiled radiantly and
waved her free hand to beckon Marge. "Come, have a drink with me."
"I shouldn't-"
"Don't be ridiculous," Cersei snapped, "if you are grown enough to fuck my son
in my house then you can have a drink with me." Marge settled onto a chair
opposite her future mother-in-law - who was currently drunk as a skunk. "Good
girl," she echoed her son's words and a shiver of discomfort ran up her spine.
"You really are so very pretty."
"Thank you," Marge struggled to keep her poise in the awkward situation.
"I'm sure he told you all about his plan to marry you," Cersei smirked and took
a long gulp from her wineglass.
"Yes, I will work hard to live up to-"
"Oh, shut up you little fool." Her face turned ferocious as she leaned forward
over the table, her glittering green eyes piercing into hers. "Run," she
hissed. "Run as fast and far as you can and don't ever look back. My son
doesn't love you - he barely tolerates your simpering devotion. You must have
some silly little dream..." She laughed bitterly. "I had a dream once and this
wasn't it. Unless your dream is to become me... run." Cersei waved in
dismissal. "Go away, I want to be alone."
"Goodnight," Marge whispered as she got up from her seat to hurry away. Her
feet stumbled as she climbed the steps up to Joff's bedroom. When she returned
to the room he was already asleep and she moved quietly so as not to wake him.
Just as she was untying her robe to slip back into bed and ignore the drunken
ranting of a mad woman she changed her mind. She moved like a ghost to search
the room and eventually opened his built-in cupboard doors to reveal a
recording setup. It confirmed everything Dany tried to tell her.
Joffrey snorted in his sleep and she quickly closed the doors... She wasn't
even surprised and that's what shocked her the most. Marge stepped away from
the cupboard, trying to remember how to breathe and moved to Joff's bedside.
His sleeping face was sadly his best quality - he looked so peaceful and
innocent. There were half a dozen sketchpads filled with his sleeping face...
It would be best to burn them this time, as she always threatened to do when he
broke it off.
"No one," she whispered, "will ever love you like I did." Even now, knowing his
true self, she could not just turn off her love. Her heart ached and threatened
to burst out of her chest. Fuck him - this had been coming for a long time, she
just needed a reason. She dressed silently, gathered the few belonging in his
room, and walked out without him ever shedding a tear. 'Run', his own mother
cruelly told her but she refused to flee like a guilty or terrified person.
Margery Tyrell walked away from her first love as she did all things - head
held high.
Chapter End Notes
     Joffrey strikes again! But at least this one ended on a high note.
     Next up: Arya and Sansa engage in some sisterly bonding.
***** Sisters are Awesome *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                             [Sisters_are_Awesome]
                                     ARYA
She looked up from the laptop as Sansa walked into the bedroom, looking
completely despondent. Could nothing go right this day for anyone? To say it
had been a bad day was the understatement of the century. Saying it was the
worst day that happened ever to anyone was closer to reality. It was all going
so great and then it all fell apart, like a tower of cards meeting a strong
gust of misery and fear. She assumed he'd never notice - looking back that was
severely underestimating his devotion.
Gods she hated it! Couldn't he be a little more aloof? Arya bet her life the
hound didn't know Sansa's menstrual cycle. But... gods he was so perfect - just
unbelievable with all the supporting, loving, and promising. Fuck him! Nobody
asked to be treated like a princess... He just did it to make her look bad! And
boy was he succeeding - they did not part on the best of terms. That was just
what she needed, to feel even more terrible and guilty than before. Life sucks
and then you die - probably of some kind of period-stealing disease.
"Hey," Sansa uttered the quiet greeting as she turned around to close the door
behind her and then removed her jacket.
"Yo," Arya closed the lid on her terrifying internet research. She was sure she
had some kind of cancer, maybe an autoimmune disease... or both. "Why are you
here?" She set the laptop aside and moved to the edge of her bed so her legs
dangled over the side. Instead of replying, Sansa sighed and shook her head as
she hung her jacket up and then pulled some sleepwear out of her dresser
drawer.
"I could ask you the same thing," she pulled her hair loose and undressed to
hang her dress carefully. "I expected you back Monday night." Sansa shook out
the flannel pajamas before pulling them on.
"I don't want dad to get suspicious now that I have my freedom." Arya thought
the lie fell flat but her sister seemed to buy it. "A little sacrifice tonight
will save me some pain in the future."
"Gendry is a good influence on you." Sansa gathered her hair into a loose bun
before coming to sit by Arya's side, her expression still miserable. She
obviously wanted to talk and Arya thought it might help take her mind off her
own problems.
"What happened?" Arya watched Sansa's eyes fill with tears and her chin
quivered. "Hey now, tell me who I have to take care of. You want them dead?
Consider it done - I'm getting my sword back. You say the word and I'll slice
'em from nostril to knees! I already warned that brute boyfriend of yours to
stay in line or else he'd have me to deal with." Her sister laughed softly as
she wiped her eyes, inhaling deeply.
"Some men at the movie theater were saying awful things and Sandor... lost his
temper." From the look on Sansa's face Arya could tell it must have been bad
for her to get that upset. She was just sorry she had to miss it - a fistfight
sounded better than her night!
"I'd hate to be the other guys," Arya joked to lighten the mood. "Were there
casualties?"
"It's serious, Arya!" Sansa's angered expression scrunched up as she fought
back her tears. "He was so... ruthless. I have seen him angry but I've never
seen him like that before, it looked like he wanted to kill them."
"I believe that." Arya did not share her sister's aversion to violence and
assumed if Sandor kicked some ass then it was probably well deserved. "Why are
you so surprised? He has a reputation for a reason, even if most rumors are
bullshit."
"I thought he changed." Sansa hunched over like the weight of the world was on
her shoulders and Arya knew exactly how that felt. The problems just piled up
and no matter how hard she tried to dig herself out, they just kept coming. "I
don't even know who that person he became tonight... he was a stranger."
"From what I hear, he's changed a lot." She rubbed a comforting hand up and
down Sansa's back. "He used to go around kicking ass and taking names every
day. Now he's boring and it's all your fault." Her sister suddenly burst into
tears and covered her face. "Hey don't cry, I'm kidding!"
"It's not that..." Sansa fell back onto the bed as fat tears rolled from the
corners of her eyes. "I think he wants to break up with me," she whispered as
if afraid to say it out loud.
"That's ridiculous - he's totally crazy about you." Arya curled up on her side
facing her sister. "It's obvious that he would do anything you asked." If it
had been any less obvious, she might've had a problem with that kind of guy
dating her sister. Maybe the hound really did need another talking to - sending
her sister home in tears was unacceptable!
"You don't know... it is entirely the opposite." Sansa smiled sadly through her
tears. "Who is this person I've become? A year ago, I would never date someone
who gets into fights. Now I'm just terrified he is going to get tired of me one
day." A sudden sob choked her and she covered her face with her hand. "There's
always another wall to tear down just when I think that I really know him.
Every time anything bad happens, he acts as if we have to break up. He shuts me
out, pushes me away, and has no faith in me. It seems like he doesn't expect
our relationship to last."
"You got it bad, sis." Arya propped up on one elbow to look down at Sansa,
understanding exactly what she felt like. Just when she thought it was
impossible to love Gendry any more - he went and acted like some prince
charming. With all of his loving smiles and 'my lady' bullshit - he always said
the right thing. Then her heart would freak out and she'd think 'is this really
my life'? She couldn't imagine Sandor being even half as charming but he looked
at Sansa as if she was made of gold. "Personally, I like the new you - less
stick up ass."
"I will be the bigger person and ignore that." Sansa uncovered her face and
relaxed a little as a hint of a smile stretched her lips. "I do like that we
are closer now; it feels good to know you are on my side no matter what." Arya
was just about to admit that she liked their new closeness but... something
wasn't quite right. Alarms suddenly went off in her head - code red - code red!
"Wait a minute - something smells." Arya snorted a laugh when Sansa hesitantly
sniffed her shirt. "Not you, this situation! Don't you think it's a bit fishy
these guys just happen to pick a fight with the hound? How many people would
actually do that? No offense - he's damn scary to look at." Her older sister
glared at her but Arya made an insistent gestured to emphasize her words.
"Listen, I can think of only one person who'd love a fight with Sandor but too
chicken to do it himself."
"No!" Sansa gasped, covering her gaping mouth as her eyes moved back and forth.
"Oh my gods, it does make sense." Her blue eyes snapped to Arya's face and she
pulled her hand away. "But how can we know for sure that Joffrey is
responsible?"
"We can't!" Arya sat up and thumped a fist against her knee, furious to know
that cretin pulled one over on them. "Damn that slippery fuck!" That was it, no
more Miss Nice Girl - time for action! "We gotta go DEFCON one on his ass."
"What does that mean?" Sansa sat up too, a worried expression pulling her
features tight.
"Drop the incest bomb," Arya explained with a roll of her eyes. "Finish him off
once and for all."
"We can't!" Sansa panicked and clung to Arya's arm with both hands. "There are
other people to consider. Myrcella, Tommen... even Mrs. Baratheon and Mr.
Lannister. All of their lives would be ruined!"
"And we should just suffer Joffrey for them?!" Arya pulled her arm free of her
sister's grasp. "What if he comes after me next? Or even Gendry or our friends!
That shit-stain needs to be washed out for good." She couldn't take any more
from that disgusting twerp - soon she was just gonna snap and kill him herself!
"Can you at least let me think about it?" Sansa clasped her hands together and
assumed a begging pose. "Give it some time; you don't know that Joffrey sent
those men." Arya didn't need proof, her gut told her it was him and that's all
she needed to know. If this wasn't his revenge then he would strike someday and
she couldn't just wait around for it!
"Don't think too long," Arya crossed her arms. "If anything else suspicious
happens I am going straight to dad to tell him everything." Dad would tell
Robert Baratheon and Joffrey would fall from a prince to a pauper overnight.
Then he wouldn't be able to wield his so-called father's wealth and power like
a weapon! There was nothing she hated more than people who were handed
everything and still acted like they deserved it all and then some. It was in
Joffrey's voice when he threatened Sansa - that entitled shit thought he
'owned' her.
"I understand." Sansa nodded and let her hands fall into her lap before giving
Arya a knowing look. "Now you tell me what is wrong." Arya shrugged like she
didn't know what her sister was talking about and looked away. "Don't give me
that, I know there is something up with you and I want to help. You've helped
me so much; please let me do something for you."
"Nothing is wrong - I'm fine - I'm great!" Arya eyed her sister sideways to see
if she was buying her bravado only to be confronted with a raised eyebrow of
disbelief. "Fine, I could use your help with something but you have to swear an
unbreakable sister oath to never breathe a word to anyone."
"I swear," Sansa put her hand over her heart, "on our bond of sisterhood."
"You're not allowed to freak out." Arya didn't quite know if it was a good idea
to tell Sansa but it was hard not having anyone to talk with. "And I don't want
any lectures or else I'm never telling you anything ever again-"
"Arya!" Sansa puffed in annoyance at Arya's hesitation. "I swear a million
times, cross my heart and hope to die."
"I need to go see a doctor because my period didn't come - I already took a
bunch of pregnancy tests and they were all negative." Once the words poured
from her lips, it was like taking off a hundred pound backpack! Oh gods, it
felt good... she could breathe again! Gendry forcing her to confess before she
was ready to face it was a nightmarish. Sansa's concern felt comfortable and
freeing.
"You thought you were pregnant?" Sansa appeared to be struggling to contain her
freaking out and Arya nodded, blowing out a deep relieved breath.
"I didn't know what to think - I didn't even realize it until I noticed you
were on the rag." Arya crawled up the mattress and flopped onto her back. "Then
I was like... Oh, shit!" She slapped herself in the forehead. "But I didn't
really have time to think about it - there was so much going on with all this
Joffrey shit." And being grounded, and being on dad's bad side, and being
forbidden from dating the person she loved. Enough already - she could barely
breathe!
"I'm so sorry, Arya." Sansa crawled up to lie beside Arya and tucked an arm
around her waist. "That must have been really scary." She didn't know the half
of it! Up until the moment Gendry questioned her, Arya refused to consider the
possibility she might be pregnant. As soon as he said the words it became real
and she 'knew' his coward ass would run away so she did it first. But then...
he didn't run except to chase after her and it made her feel better and worse
all at once.
"Anyway, I'm pretty sure I'm not - you know." Arya shuddered at the thought of
having to decide what to do. If she were pregnant, he'd want to keep it and 'do
the right thing'. "It all kinda killed my weekend plans. Gendry was hovering
worse than mom with Bran." He wanted to talk about it but she just asked him -
told him to shut up and take her home. That as the last thing she said to him.
She just couldn't think with him crowding and worrying all over her! "I tried
to tell him it's not unusual to miss a period sometimes but he's..."
"He cares about you," Sansa gave her a light squeeze. "That's a good thing."
Good? Try impossible to reciprocate! Gendry acted like a knight in shining
armor and all she did was cry like a baby and yell at him. And it only made it
worse that he just looked at her like she was something he needed to protect.
She didn't need anybody to take care of her! He was the one who needed her...
Arya knew she was full of shit.
"Yeah, I know..." Arya didn't want to dwell on all she did wrong - she wanted
to fix this problem so she could move on. "So, do you know if I can go see a
doctor without dad knowing?"
"I was actually wondering the same thing," Sansa blushed with a shamed
expression. "We forgot to use protection once. Fortunately I got my monthly the
next day so-"
"Everything just works out for you, doesn't it?" Arya couldn't stand it - Sansa
was born with all the luck and didn't leave any left over for her! "We never
once 'forgot' but I still missed my period anyway. The human reproductive
system is stupid," she sulked. "I was looking it up online but you walked in on
my research."
"I'm sorry," Sansa's look of pity reminded Arya too much of Gendry so she
averted her eyes and stared at the ceiling. "Do you feel sick?"
"That's the thing," Arya scratched her prickly scalp a little too hard. "If it
was just a missed period I wouldn't even think something was wrong - it
happens." She looked away from her sister's concerned expression. "But I've
been throwing up, get dizzy sometimes, and... I'm just not hungry anymore." She
didn't mention the insomnia, spacing out, and getting distracted. Arya didn't
want to admit she might be losing her mind - the teen years are usually when
psychotic diseases crop up. At least, that's what the internet said.
"You do need a doctor," Sansa's voice quieted with worry, "maybe we should tell
dad-"
"No!" Arya struggled to control her panic and lowered her voice to a normal
level. "No... he might find out about Gendry." Her sister didn't look
convinced. "If I ask him to take me to a doctor for missing my period he is
going to get suspicious. You know how he is about sex, especially with us."
"That would not be good," Sansa nodded slowly in acknowledgment that Arya spoke
the truth. "He could not even handle knowing I have sex and it would surely
destroy his approval of Sandor."
"Mom would be worse - telling us how we've disappointed the Maiden." Arya
snorted, annoyed with her parents outdated reliance on religion and
'conservative' values. "Ugh, I wish we had parents who lived in the modern
era."
"They are better than most," Sansa chided gently. "They both love you and just
want what is best for all of their children." She was right - they didn't
really have the right to complain about their parents when there were so many
kids who went without. Gendry's dad didn't even care enough to introduce
himself to his son. How fucked up is that?!
"I know..." Arya turned onto her side and cuddled up into Sansa's embrace.
"Sometimes parents suck and boyfriends usually suck." She smiled against the
soft flannel of her sister's pajamas. "Sisters are awesome."
"Truer words never spoken," Sansa stroked her hair before pressing a kiss to
the top of her head. "Sleep now and don't worry, I will find you a doctor so
you will be feeling better in no time." Arya was reminded of when Sansa used to
sneak into her room after a nightmare.
"Thanks sis." Arya couldn't admit how much she needed someone to take care of
her and help her figure out what to do. Lately everything was just so
overwhelming. "Will you stay with me?"
"Of course I will stay," Sansa tightened her hold. "Goodnight little sister,
dream sweet."
"Night," she mumbled, already falling asleep with no trouble for the first time
in days. Her dreams were sweet - she was with Gendry at the forge on a sunny
day that wasn't too hot. They worked together to make something and it didn't
matter what it was, they were happy and carefree.
Chapter End Notes
     Writing this fic is rewarding, fun, inspiring, confidence-building
     (most of the time), and I love doing it. That said: it's hard fucking
     work and until you've written fiction you have no idea how hard it
     is. The work is its own reward but I would like to give the
     opportunity to fans of my fics to show their love.
     My heroes are the determined indomitable women entrepreneurs in
     developing nations. You know in "Doctor Quinn Medicine Woman" how
     everyone who meets Doctor Mike is like "a *lady* doctor?!" I'm
     talking about places where people currently react "a *lady* store
     owner, farmer, etc.?!" With kiva.org, I am not a 'donator' - I get
     paid back the same amount I lend. I lend to women in the countries
     where it is most difficult for women to start and own a business. See
     the links below if you are interested in contributing. Thank you for
     your attention.
     Show your love and support through Kiva.org gifts!
     About Kiva.org:
     http://www.kiva.org/about
     Sign up and I get a bonus $25 to lend:
     http://www.kiva.org/invitedby/laura5783
     Online gift cards:
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     ELIMINATE POVERTY - the gift that keeps on giving!
***** Fathers *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                   [Fathers]
                                      JON
For some reason he actually didn't expect Ray to be waiting inside of the
restaurant but there he was. Rhaegar Targaryen was easy to spot due to his
platinum hair contrasting against the red booth he sat in. The diner was mostly
empty because it was mid-afternoon, between the lunch and dinner rushes. Jon
approached the man who provided half of his genetic makeup and sat down across
from him.
"I'm glad you came-"
"I'm not here to have a relationship with you." Jon cut Ray off before he could
turn this meeting into something it wasn't. "There is somewhere I have to be
but I came to get answers." Today the group was gathering to help put together
Sam and Gilly's baby room. He knew Ygritte would be there and he still hadn't
decided what he would say to her. They rarely spoke since they saw each other
on Winterfest.
"Would you like to order something to eat?" Ray offered a menu but Jon shook
his head and crossed his arms.
"I won't be here that long." Jon observed disappointment flicker across Ray's
face before the man resumed his relaxed smile.
"Ask whatever you like and I will try to be honest." Ray seemed a nice enough
guy: charming, friendly, and easygoing. Jon could see how all of those good
qualities swept his mother away but that barely scratched the surface. What he
really needed to know was 'why'? If his parents loved each other so much, why
didn't it work?
"What happened between you and my mother?" Jon braced his forearm on the table
and leaned forward. "Give me the short version, like I said: I don't have all
day."
"The short version?" Ray features tightened with unease but he nodded and
leaned back against the booth. "We met while I attended a university in the
north and your mother snuck into one of our fraternity parties. She had a
tendency to get into trouble back then... Lyanna was the most enthusiastic
person I ever met." His eyes glazed over as if he was swept away into the past.
"Anyway, everything that happened between us lasted only three months from
start to finish. Those three months were the happiest of my life and losing
your mother is my life's biggest regret."
"If you regretted it so much," Jon allowed his words to drip with doubt. "Why
wait seventeen years to try to get her back?"
"If you want an apology, I can give one to you." Ray held Jon's eyes without
looking away, no frustration in his expression: only regret. "But if you want
the truth... there is no 'short version'. I can only tell you what I know from
my experience and memories. There is no guarantee I even remember the events
correctly, or just the way I want to remember them." Oh, he was good but Jon
wasn't in the mood to be sweet-talked: he wanted straight talk.
"Fine," Jon twisted around in his seat to make eye contact with a server
clearing a nearby table. The woman approached and pulled out her notepad to
write down his order. "Can I get a cup of coffee please?" After the waitress
left them alone, Jon turn back to Ray. He folded his hands on the table and
prepared himself to hear some hard truths. "I'm listening."
"Lyanna and I had a 'whirlwind' romance, or so some might say," Ray tilted his
head as if he disagreed. "It was not love at first sight for either of us.
Actually, we had a bit of a row the night we met. However, by the end of that
night I was madly in love and even told her so. She laughed at me and said 'of
course you do'... I'll never forget that knowing smile on her face until the
day I die. Three months passed in a blink of an eye and then it was over before
it could really begin. My father called, telling me to come home and from the
tone of his voice I knew something was very wrong."
"I had never seen my father so afraid." Ray's eyes glistened and he paused to
control his emotions. "He cowered in his desk chair with a whiskey in his hand.
He told me his heir was hearing voices, which led to a diagnosis of
schizophrenia. I wanted to be a doctor, you see, and I was pre-med. Father told
me it was my 'duty' to my family to return home and study business. I was to
replace my brother and hold up the Targaryen Empire. I asked Lyanna to wait for
me but she told me to go to the seven hells, that I was weak and spineless. She
was right but I still went home."
"Where was I in all of this?" Jon had to distance himself from the story in
order to absorb it, pretending he was listening to someone else's story. The
server came back with his cup of coffee and Jon stirred in half a packet of
sugar as he listens to Ray's answer.
"I didn't believe her..." Ray's voice tightened and he glanced away to clear
his throat before resuming his focus on Jon's face. "Lyanna could be a bit
dramatic and she has that temper, which I am sure you know." Jon did not care
to reminisce fondly about mom's quirks so he just stared at Ray until he
continued. "She told me she was pregnant and I told her to stop being childish.
A few weeks later, she called back to say she never wanted to hear from me
again. I thought there would be time to win her back but I got caught up in-"
"Is this going somewhere?" He did not come here to listen to the tale of woe of
a man who abandoned his family. All of his life, Jon had wondered how someone
could make a child and then not acknowledge their existence. Excuses were never
going to make absolve Ray, but perhaps the brutal truth might open a path to
forgiveness.
"My father wanted me to marry the daughter of a potential business investor so
I went along with the engagement." Ray closed his eyes and inhaled deeply
through his nose before exhaling slowly. "Some childish part of me wanted to
hurt Lyanna for breaking it off and for lying about being pregnant. Eventually
I broke down and went looking for her, finding her very pregnant with you, only
then did I realize how badly I failed her. I begged her forgiveness and pleaded
on my knees for her to take me back."
"And she wouldn't?" Jon could not imagine his seventeen-year-old mother, a
hopeless romantic to the core, refusing the father of her child.
"She accepted me," he whispered, studying the plastic table with glazed eyes.
"I went to my father to tell him about you and Lyanna. He was... unreceptive to
say the least, fearing a 'shot-gun' marriage to a teenager would tarnish our
family name. He called the paternity of the child... you into question. Then he
shocked me by kneeling, just as I had before your mother, to beg me to help him
save the business. They needed the investment from my wife's family or else
several large projects would fail."
"And that was it?" Jon was pretty bloody disappointed and disgusted. "Money
over family?" Uncle Ned would never give up his children for money!
"I was walking out on him when we smelled the smoke..." Ray's haunted
expression sent a chill down Jon's spine. "The nursery was on fire and my baby
niece was inside, helpless in her cradle. My brother, her father, set it. Only
by some miracle of the gods did she manage to escape being burned, I got to her
just in time. Back then, psychiatric medications were less reliable. My brother
had a psychotic break and thought his child was immune to fire." Jon saw no
need to mention he and Dany were friends but the story of her brush with death
unsettled him.
"I saw firsthand how much my family needed me," he continued resignedly, "and I
could not abandon them. To quell my conscious, I offered Lyanna financial
support but she saw it as being a 'kept woman' and I do not blame her. I
expected too much of a young girl and I was young too. At the time, I convinced
myself she wanted me to leave her alone to live her life. Now I recognize I was
absolving myself of my responsibility to you and your mother. Seeing my brother
attempt to kill his child blinded me to my own child. I know that is no excuse
but it is the truth."
"If you truly loved my mother, how could you abandon her... us?" Jon pressed
for the answers to the questions that haunted his sleepless nights since he
could remember. "Why didn't you fight harder?"
"I hope you never have to choose between your family and your love, Jon." Ray
had the good grace to bow his head with a shame. "I knew Lyanna would protect
you and that Ned would take care of her-"
"You knew my uncle?" Jon wondered why uncle Ned never once told him about his
father. He could understand it was painful for his mother to talk about.
"Not well but we had few conversations, about your mother..." Ray smiled as
though fond of the memories but there was a preoccupied sadness lingering in
his eyes. "He did not approve, I suppose looking back he was right about
everything. Even though he did not like me, I found him a remarkable young man,
dedicated to his family. There was no one to protect my family from my bother
and he needed me most of all. When he was stable, he remembered bits and pieces
of his episodes and nearly every day he thanked me for my support."
"It was an impossible situation that I wish I handled better but I did the best
that I could." Ray shook his bowed head, his eyes closed, and brows drawn
together. "My best was not good enough for that I dare not ask for
forgiveness." Jon looked at the man who abandoned him, broke his mother's
heart, and left them to start another family. And he could not hate him. Who
could say that he would not do the exact same thing in Ray's position? When he
was younger, no excuse would have satisfied him but the story he just heard was
more of a tragic tale than justification.
"I don't forgive you," Jon did not say it to be cruel but rather to be honest.
If they were ever going to have a relationship, honesty would be the only thing
that might heal the pain and resentment. "But I don't hate you either." After
hearing Ray's story, it was too sad to hate him, a young man barely older than
himself dealing with such tragedy. "So... I have siblings?"
"Yes, I have two other children." Ray seemed to relax and he smiled as he
talked about his children, bringing up an unexpected jealousy that Jon tried to
suppress. "Rhaenys is fifteen and Aegon is thirteen."
"And your wife?" Jon knew he was treading on dangerous ground. But he could not
shake his curiosity about the woman who essentially replaced his mother. "Are
you going to divorce her?"
"I would rather not discuss her." Ray's relaxed expression became more guarded.
"She never knew about you or your mother."
"Do you love her?" It was a simple straightforward question but Ray seemed
shocked to hear it. Jon noticed that though there was a full plate of food and
a steaming cup of coffee in front of Ray, he did not touch either.
"She's a good woman and I admire her very much." Ray's jaw clenched when he
spoke of his wife and Jon barely contained his curiosity. "Some men claim they
can love two women at once but I've never found that possible. I loved Lyanna
from the moment I saw her eighteen years ago and I love her still."
"You never got over her?" Jon recalled Ray's insistent pleading for his mother
to take him back. "After all this time?"
"Never," Ray's bright violet eyes burned with a sudden intensity. "There has
never been a day I did not think of her... and you. At times it was impossible
to stay away."
"Didn't you stay away?" Jon cleared his throat and turned his focus to his cup
of coffee.
"Over the years I would lose my resolve and fly up to Winterfell to pray at
that sept your mother used to visit." Ray braced his elbow on the table and put
his fist over his mouth, staring down despondently. "But no matter how I prayed
to the Warrior for courage, he never gave me enough to finish the journey. I
could not face her telling me she did not love me anymore, that I lost her love
because of my own failings. I only discovered the truth on the night you found
me at your home."
"What truth?" Jon could admit Ray turned out to be a surprisingly likable
person but he carefully guarded his expression. He wasn't quite ready to give
the man his approval.
"She still loves me." A new light shone through Ray's eyes and his boyish smile
melted the years off of his handsome face. "Lyanna is fond of saying love is
not enough but I disagree."
"So what do you plan to do about it?" Jon decided it wasn't really his business
if his mother decided to give it a go with Ray again. They were adults and
didn't need his blessing or approval. Part of him always wondered if she hadn't
sabotaging all of her relationships because she was still hung up on his
father.
"Find a way to win her back." As Ray spoke, it was impossible not to notice the
physical similarities between them. Their noses looked the same and their hair
curled the same way. Sometimes mom looked across the table at him as if she
wasn't seeing him but someone else. He wondered at those times if he did
something to remind her of Ray. "I want to win you too, Jon. You are my son and
I love you."
"You don't even know me," Jon narrowed his eyes at the man: they might look
alike but they were still strangers. A single conversation about Ray's version
of events wasn't nearly enough to win him over.
"You remind me of Ned," Ray chuckled as he lifted his coffee mug to take his
first sip of the hot beverage. "He used to give me that look when Lyanna would
sneak out to come meet me... It seems a lifetime ago now."
"I think that's enough bonding for one day," Jon pushed his empty coffee cup to
the center of the table. "I have your number now so I'll call you." He scooted
to get up off of the booth but hesitated when he saw Ray's disappointed
expression. "This wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be and I would stay
longer. But there's a girl I have to go see, or else I might regret it for the
next two decades."
"Good luck," Ray smiled encouragingly but it did not quite reach his eyes. For
a moment, Jon considered staying and answering some questions but he already
had a lot to process. Besides, there really was a girl waiting for him. Ygritte
waited long enough and now he wasn't going to let his hang ups about his family
hold them back anymore. She was the girl of his dreams and he'd be a fool to
let her slip away. He could only pray that she hadn't given up on him yet.
"I'll need it." Jon nodded his farewell and granted his own small smile
appreciation. He knew it could not be an easy thing for Ray to face his past so
literally but at least for Jon, the meeting made him feel better. "Thanks for
this, I'll see you around." Then he got up from his booth and walked out of the
restaurant without looking back, his mind focused on moving forward.
Chapter End Notes
     It is surprisingly difficult to write someone telling a narrative. I
     hope I did okay! Ready for Sam and Gilly's baby room to be decorated
     by the DnD group? I bet Drogo is a hell of an interior decorator -
     horses everywhere: done. I can just see Dany being all controlling
     with the paint color... It should be fun to write.
***** Babies *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                   [Babies]
                                    GENDRY
He sat on the third from the bottom concrete step outside the apartment
building, trying not to think at all. His mind was a river flooding the dams he
put up to try and stem the flow of his rushing thoughts. Arya wasn't pregnant:
crisis averted. So why was he even more worried? Fatherhood was not his worst
fear, though it was high up there on the list of things that terrified him. She
wasn't the same after coming back from Winterfell, less confident like someone
had put out her fiery spirit.
In her eyes, even when she smiled, an unshakable sadness hid within the dark
depths: but not from him. She wouldn't admit what caused the change in her and
when he tried to guess she clammed up even more. Gods forbid she ever let
anybody see that most fragile part of her... even him. After several pregnancy
tests eased his fears, Gendry felt like the gods had given him a second chance.
At the same time, she shut off except to yell at him. It seemed like the news
didn't relieve her at all, destroying his assumption she was simply afraid of
being pregnant.
These unstable moods were unusual for Arya, even though she was usually a
passionate person. Most of the time she was positive and happy but more
recently her enthusiasm for life faded in the two weeks since her return.
Already a small person, her face got thinner and her porcelain skin turned
sickly pale. His mind conjured the memory of his own mother, lying in the
hospital bed and wasting away. That was the most painful experience of his life
because mom was the most important person to him at the time.
Would he be fated to go through that with Arya? Only this time he wouldn't be
able to save the person he loved... A ridiculous expensive car interrupted his
thoughts when it pulled up to drop off Arya and Sheri. They were chatting about
something, only noticing him when he stood up to greet them. Sheri waved to him
as they approached but Arya kept her eyes glued to the cement, refusing to look
at him. It would be better if she were angry, annoyed, or even yelling would be
less painful than utter coldness.
"Hey Sheri," he returned her friendly wave, attempting to force some cheer into
his dead voice. "Everyone's already upstairs: Hot Pie made some muffins you
have to try." Sheri glanced back and forth between them with a worried
expression before smiling brightly at him.
"Thanks for the tip," she moved past him towards the stairs. "I will see you
both up there." As Sheri climbed the stairs, Arya stepped toward him with a
downcast unreadable eyes.
"You didn't have to wait for me," her eyes darted towards the stairs with a
scowl. "I'm fully capable of walking up some steps all by myself." There was no
bite to her barb, more like she was reading a script written by her old
confident self.
"I wanted to talk to you," he tried for a smile but it felt unnatural on his
face. Something in his expression lit a fire in her grey eyes and for a moment,
she was his Arry again.
"Can we not?" She glared at him but then quickly looked away with apologetic
shame. His feisty lady disappeared and in her place stood an unhappy lost
little girl. "Sorry..."
"Nothing to be sorry for," he kept his tone light and shoved his hands into his
pockets as he leaned back against the railing. "Can I ask if you're feeling
okay?"
"I'm alive," she shrugged but then shook her head like she wasn't satisfied
with her own answer. "I'm fine." Arya peeked up at him like she was trying to
see if he believed her, which he didn't. "I'm okay, really," she insisted a
little stronger, rolling her eyes. "I took another test this morning - still
negative. Congratulations, you're not a father!"
"That's good," he couldn't think of what else to say.
"Yeah..." She stubbed her toe against the cement and crossed her arms, staring
down at his feet. "Sansa found a clinic and made me an appointment. It's
probably nothing but I can ask about getting the pill so it won't be a total
waste of time."
"Do you want me to go with you?" Gendry had a feeling his offer would be
refused but he had to ask anyway.
"Sansa is coming with me," she said it like a denial and he couldn't help being
disappointed. He never dreamed he'd see even less of Arya after she was
ungrounded: funny how stuff works out sometimes.
"Good," he nodded his head in acceptance and they stood around for an awkward
silent moment. "Let's get up there, everyone is already working." Gendry swung
around the railing to start up the steps.
"Wait!" Arya suddenly launched at him from behind and wrapped her arms around
his waist. "It's not that... I don't know how to say... But I don't mean..."
Gendry wondered if this was how fairytale princes' felt when their loves were
carried off to towers by villains. Only his princess built her own tower and
locked herself away, refusing to let him rescue her because it would hurt her
pride. But he couldn't resent her for being too strong because it was something
he loved about her: perfectly imperfect.
"I know," he patted her hands locked together around his middle. "I won't bring
it up anymore: you tell me when you're ready to talk." She gave another tight
squeeze before unlocking her arms and dashing around him to take the stairs two
the time.
"Let's go slowpoke," she called over her shoulder with a grin. He caught up to
her at the top of the stairs and they walked together to Sam's apartment where
the door was already open. Inside Dany was directing everyone with her usual
commanding presence.
"Arya!" Dany immediately crossed the room to take Arry by the shoulders and
pulled her into a tight hug. Arya gave him and questioning look but Gendry just
shrugged. "I can't tell you how much I owe you for helping Marge."
"No big deal," Arya uncomfortably patted Dany's back. "It was all Sansa
anyway."
"I will find a way to repay you somehow," Dany pulled away and released Arya.
"Oh good," she smiled at him, "Gendry we need your help."
"Need an artist's perspective?" It felt good to be appreciated until Dany's a
smile turned sheepish and she shook her head.
"I need you to help Drogo move a chest of drawers." Dany pointed down the hall
towards the hallway.
"You got it, boss." Gendry started to follow her orders but she held up a hand
to stop him.
"Hold on just a moment... Can I have everyone's attention?!" Dany clapped her
hands as everyone gathered around to listen. "Thank you all for coming together
to set up the nursery for Little Sam. This is a small space so organization
will be essential to productivity! Come to me if you need directions. The
washroom is the second door down the hall and there is hot coffee in the
kitchen. Let's get to work!" Gendry headed back towards the baby's room but
stopped to check on Arya one last time. "Arya, I need you helping Ygritte
assemble the crib."
"Aye-aye, cap'n!" Arya saluted Dany with a grin on her face and Gendry decided
that she was doing just fine without him. He headed back towards the nursery
where Drogo was already waiting and they worked together to bring the dresser
out.
"Dany, where do you want the dresser?" He called as they shuffled through the
tight hallway.
"It just needs to be out of the way so over here by the sofa is fine." Dany
watched them carefully as they moved the dresser into position and then
applauded their efforts. "Thanks boys!"
"Aright, what's next?" Gendry turned to Dany for more orders.
"Dany," Arya interrupted, "we need help over here!"
"Or hard liquor," Ygritte added wryly, "either should move this along."
"Gendry, go help them." Dany waved her hand in the girl's direction then
crooked her finger at Drogo. "Follow me, handsome. Let's put those muscles to
use." Gendry approached the girls to sit down between them in front of the pile
of the disassembled crib.
"How can I be of service?" He looked down at the mess and it seem like they
hardly got anything done.
"We can't find part G-A1," Arya grumbled and she tossed him the booklet of
directions. "Or really any other part. See this funnel-thingy here?" She
pointed at the picture in the booklet before throwing up her hand in a hopeless
gesture. "What the fuck is that?!"
"These aren't the right directions..." He skimmed through the book to be sure
but it looks like nothing in the directions matched with what lay in front of
them.
"What?! Well, no fucking wonder!" Ygritte scoffed and leaned back to holler
down the hallway. "Dany, where did this crib come from?!"
"It was given to us by Torgo's parents," Dany's voice floated down the hall.
"They gave us the wrong directions," Gendry clarified the problem and Dany
hurried down the hall towards them.
"Torgo and Pod already went to the store for supplies," Dany put her hands on
her hips and bit her lip as she stared at the crib parts. "I trust that you can
all figure it out." She shrugged before turning around, just as Jon walked in
the door. "Jon, thank the gods! Go help them please." Dany pointed in their
direction before heading back up the hall to continue whatever she was doing.
"What's the trouble?" Jon sat down next to Ygritte, pulling off his jacket to
toss it over the back of the sofa.
"The crib doesn't match the directions." Ygritte thwacked a hand against the
booklet. "So, this is useless." She tossed the directions over her shoulder and
they dug in to give it their all. The four of them put their heads together and
somehow managed to assemble the crib, taking a ridiculous amount of time to do
so. There was some arguing and name-calling but in the end, they got it
together with no spare parts left over. It looked good and was sturdy so they
were all satisfied with their work.
"We are the smartest people who ever lived." Arya stood with her hands on her
hips and a satisfied grin on her lips. "Dany - come witness our awesomeness!"
"It looks great! Well done everyone!" Dany looked pretty damn impressed with
their work, the earlier tension easing from her features. "Shall we take a
break?" Everyone agreed enthusiastically and she led the way into the kitchen.
"Hot Pie has prepared some sandwiches, help yourselves." They all attacked the
food laid out on the countertop except for Arya. She lingered in the
background, staring at the food.
"Aren't you hungry?" Gendry offered her part of a sandwich but she shook her
head.
"I had a big breakfast," she made the weak excuse and he gave her a knowing
look. Arya was born with a hole in her stomach and was always 'starving'.
"Don't worry, I'm just not hungry."
"Well I'm hungry and never pass up Hot Pie's cooking." He took a big bite of
the sandwich and chewed it appreciatively. "Mmm... this is so good." Gendry
held out his food in front of her, reminding him of the first meal they shared.
"Try just a bite." She bit off a corner and slowly nodded her head before
swallowing.
"It's pretty good," she acknowledged and accepted the rest of the sandwich
while he grabbed another.
"Everyone!" Dany stood in the kitchen entrance. "It is time to paint the
nursery. Gilly and Sam, go for a walk in the fresh air and try to stay out
while we paint." Sam took Gilly's hand and let her out of the apartment as Dany
rattled off orders. "Rick and Hot Pie, let's leave their kitchen spotless.
Everyone else, follow me." They all quickly finished eating and followed her
back down the hall toward the nursery. "Torgo, use some painter's tape to
protect the window. Sheri and Arya, cut in the bottom of the right wall. Drogo
and Gendry, start rolling the opposite wall."
With all of her orders out, Dany grabbed a roll of painter's tape and started
taping off the door. They did not have much paint so the first coat had to be
perfect. Gendry and Drogo set to work on one wall, rolling the paint out into a
thin but even layer. When they finished covering most of that wall, the girls
had completed their portion of the opposite wall. Dany surveyed the work that
had been done with approval.
"Alright, now let's rotate - boys take the window wall." Dany pointed to the
window and Gendry moved to their equipment to that side of the room. "Torgo and
I will help Arya and Sheri cut in the bottom of the other walls." Everyone set
to work again and when he and Drogo finished the window wall, Gendry turned to
Dany.
"Should we move on to the door wall?" He didn't want to mess up whatever plan
she had.
"Wow you are fast!" Dany's turned her wide eyes at the window wall. "Go ahead."
She nodded her permission and they moved across the room to paint around the
door. The progress moved quickly because there were so many well organized
people working together. "Alright, let's bring in the step stools to cut in the
ceiling and then we're done! Girls, I'm afraid our heights give us a distinct
disadvantage in this area so let's leave it to our taller friends. Keep up the
good work, boys!" Gendry watched Arya follow behind the girls but she didn't
look back at him.
                                    SHIREEN
They followed Dany out of the nursery and down the hall into the living area.
There was one upside to having a small apartment - it would certainly be easy
to clean. Dany led them to the dresser in the living room and placed a hand on
it.
"I thought it would be cute to dress up this chest of drawers so I bought these
stencils." Dany pulled out a set of plastic stencils and handed one to each of
them. "Just pick a side and paint the stencil on wherever you think will look
good. It doesn't have to be perfect." Sheri and Arya worked on the front
drawers while Ygritte and Dany worked on the sides.
"You really are a natural born leader, Dany." Sheri was admittedly envious of
Dany's ability to command a roomful of people.
"Not at all," Dany disagreed modestly. "It's a matter of stepping up to
whatever challenges come my way." To Sheri what Dany described sounded exactly
like leadership but she kept her arguments to herself.
"I won't forget this, Dany." Ygritte's voice was stick with emotion and she
cleared her throat. "You've done all of this for my cousin. A lot of her
friends just ignore her now like she's invisible. All of you - thanks."
"We can hope," Dany lowered her paintbrush to meet Ygritte's eyes. "If any one
of us found ourselves in Gilly's situation, we would be cared for instead of
ostracized." Sheri looked to Arya when she noticed her brush stops moving to
see her friend staring blankly at the dresser.
"Are you okay?" Sheri put a hand on Arya shoulder, seeming to startle her.
"What?" Arya's wide eyes turn to meet Sheri. "Yeah, I'm fine." Arya turn back
to finishing her stencil work. They worked mostly in silence and soon the older
dresser came to life.
"We're done," Gendry announced from behind them.
"You girls finish this up," Dany got up to follow Gendry into the nursery. They
added colorful decorations to the dresser until it looked finished and then
cleaned the supplies. Before long, Dany came back shadowed by Drogo, both
walking to the front door to retrieve their coats. "Well done everybody, it all
is looking just perfect. Now we have to wait a couple of hours for the paint to
completely dry. Drogo and I are taking Sam and Gilly out for dinner so we
should be back in time to move in the furniture."
"I think I'll just take a nap on the couch." Arya walked to the sofa to curl up
on it and Gendry joined her, coaxing her to rest her head on his lap. Sheri
walked to the kitchen to see Rick and Hot Pie still cleaning up and unloading
the dishwasher.
"Rick," Sheri got his attention, "do you want to catch a movie? It might be
slightly more fun than watching paint dry."
"Sounds great," He grinned and wiped his hands on a towel before following her
out of the apartment. The sun was working its way down beyond the horizon,
turning the air colder so they both pulled their jackets closed. "How goes your
long-distance love?" It was so like Rick to be genuinely interested and
concerned without being patronizing.
"Surprisingly well," she smiled happily as they descended the stairs. "I miss
him but we are really getting to know each other over the phone." Sheri could
not think of a single secret she had yet to divulge but they never ran out of
things to talk about. "He is the smartest person I've even spoken with.
Sometimes I swear he knows what I'm thinking just by the sound of my voice."
Rick led the way to his car, unlocking it remotely as she walked around to the
passenger side. "And he's shockingly charming... I don't know what he sees in
me."
"You could've been describing yourself just now: smart, charming, and
intuitive." Rick always knew how to give a compliment. "It sounds like a good
match."
"Thanks Rick, you always know what to say." Sheri smiled at him over the hood
of the car before they both sat down inside. "I think soon the person you
secretly admire will recognize you are a catch."
"From your lips to the gods' ears," he joked as he turned the engine over and
Sheri cranked up the heat.
"I am starting to think the gods actually do answer our prayers." Sheri smiled
up at the sky through the windshield, silently sending her gratitude to the
gods for bringing Bran into her life. There were times when she felt burdened
by the distance between them and worried they might never reunite. But then she
saw how couples could still be miles apart even sitting on the same sofa... She
recognized there was something wrong with Arya, just as she knew her friend
would talk about it in her own time.
Chapter End Notes
     Oops I did it again! So I can admit it took a stupid long time to
     make a room collage but it's so freaking cute!!! But then the decor
     got me all inspired and I started writing a GoT fic with all my
     favorite pairings as mermaids and sailors/pirates. :D So after this
     fic is done I'll have plenty of material to work on. Yay? No,
     definitely a solid 'yay'! Someday I will figure out an end to this
     fic and it will be masterful. Just haven't puzzled a natural ending
     out yet. But I have made some more notes about the upcoming battle
     with The Devourer - that'll be fun!
     Gritty gets the next chapter!
***** Mothers *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                   [Mothers]
                                     GILLY
Her own hands covered her face as Dany held her shoulders, guiding Gilly
towards the nursery. The sound of shuffling feet indicated the entire group had
gathered to watch the final reveal. Excitement bubbled up inside her and it was
almost too tempting to peek between her fingers.
"Keep your eyes closed... almost there." Dany seemed to sense her impatience
and Gilly's heart pounded as she held back her curiosity. She felt herself
being guided into the nursery as brighter light shone through her fingers. "Now
open your eyes." Her eyes opened and adjusted to a dream come true! It looked
unlike anything she had ever seen, an underwater wonderland made entirely for
her unborn child. The gratitude nearly overwhelmed her as she struggled to
absorb everything at once.
"Oh good sweet gods in all the heavens!" Gilly wondering around the tiny room,
examining at each piece that pulled together into a waking dream. "Look Sam!
Look at this rocking chair and this dresser is completely different! And...
and..." In the end, her heart could take no more happiness and tears overflowed
her eyes to run down her face. Sam moved to her side to pull her into his
embrace and she buried her wet face against his warm shoulder.
"There-there," he murmured in her ear, "do you like it that much?"
"I love it," she sniffled. "Sam, it's so pretty!" Gilly pulled away to look
around the room once more, finding the beauty only grew. She faced the group
hanging around the door. They loved her husband enough to do this for them, and
she felt indescribable gratitude. "I never thought I would have such a
beautiful life. Thank you everyone, you can't know how much this means to me."
"We had a great time doing it. Didn't we gang?" Dany looked around her to her
friends who all agreed enthusiastically. "Well, my work is done here! Let's
leave the newlyweds to themselves." She grabbed ahold of the fierce and silent
Drogo before waving farewell. "Bye Sam and Gilly!"
"Yeah, we'll hit the road too." Arya took a hold of Sheri's hand and dragged
Gendry behind by his shirt. "See ya, Smiles - later, Gilly!"
"Bye, drive safe!" Gilly waved goodbye to everyone and as the group left,
leaving her and Sam alone in their new nursery. "Sam..." She looked up at his
cheery smile and could not help the fresh welling of tears in her eyes. "Thank
you."
"I didn't do much at all," Sam smiled sheepishly. "This was Dany's idea and the
group did all the work."
"You are a good person," she insisted, "and that's why your friends love you so
much." Gilly thanked the gods every day for giving her such a good man to call
hers. All of her life she longed to be considered precious by someone and at
that moment she never felt more loved. Maybe she wasn't the best student but
she knew she could be a good wife and mother. Because a person doesn't have to
be smart to love someone wholeheartedly.
"They're your friends too." Sam raised his hand to stroke the back of his
fingers against her cheek, which flushed under his gentle touch.
"Go catch up with Jon," she rose on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek, "I know you
miss him. I'll sit with Ygritte for a while."
"My cute little wife," he lowered his lips to meet hers briefly before pressing
a kiss to her forehead. "I love seeing your beautiful smile." A newly familiar
rush of happiness flowed through her every time he said the word 'love' to her.
It erased all of her old hurts and turned the past into a distant memory, like
a bad dream. She still had nightmares sometimes but Gilly always woke safe and
sound in Sam's arms. For the first time she understood the true meaning of
'family'.
"I'm so lucky that I get to love you." Gilly stepped back and urged him towards
the door. "Thank Jon for me." He turned back once more to give her a cheerful
smile before heading out of the nursery towards the living room where Jon sat
with her cousin. "Ygritte," she called, leaning against the doorframe. "Come
sit with me in here."
                                    YGRITTE
She thought the nursery party for Little Sam would put Gilly into a more
agreeable mood but Ygritte's pleas fell on deaf ears. Convincing Gill to go to
the police was like pulling teeth but at least her cousin cried tears of joy
when she saw the new nursery. It had become the nicest room in the apartment!
The rest of the place was a fucking joke - it wasn't big enough for the roaches
to live in. This was what that pudgy fucker considered taking care of her
cousin? And to top it off, that bastard Craster was still on the loose.
"I know it's hard but you have to tell someone-"
"No I don't!" Gill huffed in irritation. "I know it happened... someone else
knowing wouldn't change anything." She crossed her hands over her stomach and
looked away. "Sam can barely stand what happened as it is-"
"Fuck him!" Ygritte grabbed her cousin shoulders and forced to Gill to face
her. "I'm talking about you!"
"There is no 'him and me' anymore..." Gill shrugged out of Ygritte's hold. "We
are an 'us', a family." She placed one hand over her stomach with a determined
expression. "It's his baby, that's what we decided."
"You can't just can't consider talking to someone?" Ygritte gave up, sinking
down onto the plush rug with a heavy sigh. "I don't want you to bear this all
alone..."
"I'm not alone, I have you and Sam and the baby." Gill actually smiled - the
same silly grin she'd been wearing since she got married. "I'm not unhappy at
all! I'm free and feel safe for the first time."
"He deserves to pay for what he did." Ygritte couldn't stand knowing that
Craster was getting away with hurting Gill. What was to stop him from getting
into one of his drunken rages and finding Gilly?
"I believe the gods will punish him someday." Gill could take solace in her
religion but that wasn't comfort enough for Ygritte.
"The gods," she insisted, "help those who help themselves."
"Call it 'justice' or 'revenge'," Gill waved a hand like the matter was behind
her. "I'm happy in spite of all he did to keep me miserable. He told me every
day that I wasn't worth anything and nobody would love me." She put her hand
over her heart and smiled that silly devoted grin again. "He was wrong, Sam
truly loves me." Ygritte knew there was no convincing her cousin to use the law
to seek justice against her father. That only left her one choice-
"Ygritte," Jon poked his head in, interrupting her thoughts. "I'm heading out
now. Can I talk to you?"
"Yeah," she gave Gill one last pointed look before getting off the couch in a
huff. "What's up?" Ygritte had to feign nonchalance all day being stuck with
Jon in such a tight space but inside she just wanted to grab onto him and
beg... For what she didn't know but anything would be better than pretending
they were just friends. Earlier he smiled at her and she felt torn between
launching at him to kiss him while also resisting the urge to punch his lights
out.
"Actually, just come with me," he pulled on her hand and started walking to the
door but Ygritte held back. "Please," his soft grey eyes pleaded and she knew
it would be impossible not to follow him. She nodded, tightened her hand in his
and allowed Jon to lead the way out of the apartment. They grabbed their
jackets and other belongings before stepping outside into the crisp night.
"Can't you just tell me where we're going," she groaned as they walked down the
steps and Jon froze mid-step to turn around.
"I don't know where we should go," he moved up a step to stand closer and
looked up at Ygritte. "All I know is we should be together: it should be you
and it's always been you." His words sunk in, as her mind slowly comprehended
their meaning.
"What made you change your mind?" Her voice was breathless but she could still
see the smoky wisps puffing between her trembling lips.
"I avoided getting close to anyone before: worried I'd regret having sex." His
hands found both of hers and held them lightly as he gazed up at her with
unmistakable adoration. "I realized that I'll regret it more if it's not you. I
want you to be my first, my only: right now."
"This is usually the part when I wake up." It really did seem like she had
fallen into a dream but the warmth of his fingers holding hers felt real
enough.
"Do you want me?" His absurd question almost made her laugh because there was
very little she wanted more. Like pretty much only eternal world peace topped
having Jon.
"So much..." Words failed her to describe how much she needed him but then her
instincts kicked in as she gripped his hand tighter. "Let's go to my place."
Ygritte moved around him to continue down the stairs, still holding onto one of
his hands as she headed for her car. Jon stopped before opening the passenger
door to look at her over the roof of the car.
"Uh... what about your father?" His worried expression was just about the most
adorable thing she had ever seen.
"He's cool," she pulled open her door to sit inside and he got in next to her.
"His whole idea of a 'sex talk' was basically him threating to disown me if I
ever ruined my chances of going to college."
"I met my father today," he suddenly announced, "actually talked to him for the
first time." His word surprised her so much that her key missed its mark. It
poked impotently at the keyhole several times before finding its way inside.
"That's some heavy shit," she finally managed to turn the engine over and
glanced at him sideways. "Are you okay?"
"I'm not quite sure of that myself." Jon shook his head in confusion as she
braced an arm on the back of his seat to pull out of the parking spot. "He told
me that he regretted losing my mother for my entire lifetime. I thought about
how I'd feel in twenty years... If I lost you." The breaks screeched when she
applied them suddenly, turning her head to gape at him in disbelief.
"Really?" Her astonishment seemed to amuse him.
"Do you doubt it?" His handsome smile made her heart race but the organ
sputtered to a full stop at his next words. "I love you."
"Careful with those words, Jon." She turned her focus back to pulling her
shitty car out of the parking lot and heading to the working-class suburb she
lived in. "To me sex is sex and love is love -they go together but they're not
the same thing." Her warning came from life experiences that he did not have...
yet.
"Fear has run my life for as long as I could remember," his voice was quiet but
her ears tuned into every word. "But I'm not my father: I won't let my fear of
repeating his mistakes hold me back from what I want. And I want to have sex
with you because I love you." The simple statement rang in her head and her
brain felt high as a pleasant ache pulsed between her legs. Ygritte couldn't
believe this was really happening after wanting it so much she worried it might
dive her crazy.
"Same here," she grinned at him before accelerating a little too fast to her
house. On the way, they chatted about practical matters. Mostly her current
usage of hormone birth control, and the availability of condoms. His fear of
unintended pregnancy seemed to have disappeared after speaking with his father.
Though they focused on distinctly un-sexy topics, her anticipation mounted as
she pulled up in front of her house. Ygritte parked behind her dad's work van
and turned off the engine to get out.
"Should I introduce myself to your father?" He got out of the car and stared at
her house with worry etched into his features.
"Not unless you want to get sucked into a conversation about hunting," she
joked but it did not ease his expression. Ygritte walked to his side and tugged
on his hand to gain his attention. "Don't worry - he's less like a dad and more
like an older brother. He wants to protect me but he also knows I have my own
life."
"It's still seems a bit weird," he persisted, "to come in to his house and not
even introduce myself."
"You can be honorable in the morning," she smirked, "I need you now." His
concern faded as heat rose in his eyes and she turned around to lead him inside
straight to her room.
"I'm actually sorta nervous," she closed and locked her bedroom door. "Never
took a guy's virginity before."
"You're not taking it, I'm giving it." His eyes never left hers as his hands
thrust into her hair and he pulled her face close to his. Ygritte gasped as Jon
crashed his lips to hers in a kiss desperate and sweet, full of hard longing
and soft passion. Her senses were swept up in his raw desire as his restless
hands held her closer while trying to feel everything at once. A moan escaped
her mouth as his tongue pushed against hers - made her heart race so fast it
made her whole body throbbed with longing.
She arched against his chest, humming at the contact of his body's heat against
hers. Her eager hands pushed his jacket down over his shoulders. The coat fell
to the floor as she gripped the font of his shirt to pull him back towards the
bed. When her legs touched the mattress, she broke their kiss to sit down,
pulling off her own jacket, and tossing it on the ground. He tugged his shirt
over his head while she attacked the button on his pants. Ygritte succeeded in
unfastening his pants and lowered them down off his hips.
"Jon, you're so gorgeous," she stared at him in awe of his beauty. His pale
skin glowed in the dim while every muscle of his body sculpted and defined but
retained an appealing softness.
"You're stealing my lines," he put a finger under her chin to tilt her face up.
"You're the most beautiful girl in the world."
"Don't know about that," she chuckled, "but I sure am the luckiest." Ygritte
whipped her shirt over her head as he stepped out of his shoes, kicked them
aside to kneel in front of her. He unlaced and removed her boots and she could
not resist plunging her fingers into his soft curls. Everything about him was a
contrast of hard and soft. His soft grey eyes stared hard into hers as he
curled a hand around the back of her neck and pulled her close. Their lips met
in another searing kiss that only previewed what was coming.
He groaned as her tongue invaded his mouth, thrusting into the wet heat with
wild abandon. There was wildness to her desire for him, something animal and
primal that she never felt with anyone else. At the same time, another
consciousness within her mind battled for control, urging her to make sweet
soft love to him. The untamed beast and the sentimental lover battled for
dominance within her. She shivered when his hand palmed her bare breast and
arched into his touch as his fingers slid down to tease the hardened peak.
Ygritte moaned her muffled protest against his mouth when his hand left her
chest. His fingertips grazed down her stomach to unfasten her jeans. Her
fingers kneaded the firm muscles of his shoulders, spreading a tingling rush of
pleasure under her skin. A hot flush of anticipation covered her face and chest
as she broke the kiss, laying back to lift her hips as he helped remove her
pants.
"Condoms in the top drawer," she pointed to the dresser by her bed. Godsdamn
those dark briefs made his ass look good when he bent to rummage through the
drawer. From the curly tips of his dark hair to his toes, Jon was gorgeous and
she admired him with predatory focus. Ygritte removed her last scraps of
clothing as he whipped out a strand of condom packets and ripped one off. Jon
stood before her again and she wasted no time tugging down his briefs and
letting them fall around his feet.
A soft moan declared her admiration better than any words as her eyes wandered
over his flawless form. How could a cock be beautiful? It didn't make any sense
but there it was, straight and proud as anyone could want. Stranger things had
happened but she realized she missed the taste of him while they were apart...
Time enough for that later, perhaps to wake him in the morning. Ygritte pulled
on his wrist to have him sit down beside her and he held up the packet with a
questioning look.
"Um," he cleared his throat, "how do I...?"
"Let me," she snatched the package out of his hand and deftly ripped it open.
Ygritte played the gentle lover and rolled the condom slowly down his hard
shaft and it throbbed under her touch. He didn't seem at all nervous but still
a little unsure.
"Tell me that you want me," she turned her eyes up at him, curling her fingers
around his cock.
"More than anything," he murmured as he leaned towards her. The heat of his
body warmed her skin as he bowed his head to press his lips against her neck.
She clung to his shoulders as he curled an arm around her waist to haul her to
the center of the bed. Instead of getting right to it he slid his body down
hers to surround the peak of her breast his lips, teasing her with his talented
tongue. Her body arched up to his mouth and she shoved her hands into his hair
again, tangling her fingers into his curls.
Jon rose over her, his hands braced on either side of her head and gazed down
at her with such intense emotion. She could not tear his eyes away - the sight
of him about to become hers was achingly beautiful. The passion held within
those grey eyes overwhelmed her senses, driving her into a frenzy as the beast
won over the lover. What remained of her mind blurred, drowning in the desire
to get closer, to have him inside of her.
Ygritte's hand slipped between their bodies to curl her fingers around his
hardness and guided him inside her. He trembled as he sank down onto her,
pressing his cheek against hers, panting in her ear as he filled her. Her
fingernails clawed his skin with impatience as he remained still except for the
shivering. The lover would've cooed and coddled him but the beast demanded
action, bucking her hips up to draw him deeper. Jon hissed a gasp and mimicked
the motion, plunging into her as she locked her legs around him.
Nothing prepared her for how it would feel to get what she wanted - it was
unlike anything she ever experienced. She arched into his thrusts as they found
a steady rhythm that only just satisfied her growing need. Just knowing it was
him - Jon was at last hers in every way - had her nearly sobbing from the
maddening pleasure. Every muscle of his body held taut as his rocking motions
remained fluid, unhurried, but unrelenting.
To call what he was doing to her 'fucking' was nowhere near as dreamlike and
ethereal as the ecstasy she experienced. It was raw and messy and animalistic -
right, pure, heavenly. Far too soon, Ygritte felt a familiar spiraling
sensation building inside of her. She mocked herself for wanting to come before
a virgin. But he didn't fuck like a virgin - or what she thought a virgin would
be like - it was as if he was born to it.
Her entire body shivered as she her hips up to meet his thrusts, teetering just
on the cusp of something powerful. She threw her head back and howled her as
her pleasure peaked - seeming to last forever until it inevitably subsided. His
own release followed as she still trembled from the aftershocks and held weakly
onto his waist. As his motions slowed to a stop, he held her so close she could
not tell whose heart pounded against her chest.
"So," she panted to catch her breath, "was it worth the wait?" Ygritte pushed
back the wayward strands of her hair sticking to her face as she loosened her
limbs from his body.
"Only because I'm with you." He stared at her hard and unblinking before
lowering his lips to hers to brush his lips softly over hers. Jon was the type
to take tenderness seriously - she liked that about him. Ygritte cupped a hand
to the back of his head and held the kiss a moment longer before pushing him
onto his back.
"Tie it off before you toss it in the bin by the bed," she smirked up at the
ceiling. "Else it leaks all over the place." Whoever said she wasn't a
romantic? That was practical information every man should know.
"I'd be lost without you," he chuckled as he fumbled with removing the condom
but got the hang of it quickly. Jon followed her instructions before turning
back to collect her into his embrace and sighed against the top of her head.
"It's weird but I want to thank you."
"That good, huh?" She laughed as she curled an arm around his waist to splay
her hand against his back to wiggle closer.
"I'm grateful to you for not giving up on me," his arms tightened around her
and she slipped a let between his to move even closer together.
"You know I'm in love with you," she whispered against his chest.
"I know," he pressed one last kiss against the top of her head and reached
behind her to cover them with the coverlet. Ygritte didn't fall asleep right
away, listening to his soft breaths and feeling his strong heartbeat.
Chapter End Notes
     An internal debate has waged within me the entire time I've been
     writing this fic but I settled it once and for all: smut chapters are
     getting two days. They are at least twice as hard to write and edit
     so they should get twice the attention. When I rush those smutty
     chapters to the press I am never satisfied. So, from now on I will
     take two days and get it done right!
     Next up is Sansa's POV - expect the chapter to take two days. :D
***** Beautifully Suddenly *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [Beautifully_Suddenly]
                                     SANSA
She hummed to herself as she sat in front of the bathroom mirror applying a
light swipe of blue eyeshadow over her eyelid. Less was more as a general rule
of thumb but also because it would only be mussed up later. Sansa blushed over
her lustful thinking and gave into the urge to smile at her reflection. Joffrey
had been sent away to boarding school! V-I-C-T-O-R-Y! It felt like a proper
justice for his hateful and vile crime and she hoped he learned a valuable
lesson. Never mess with the Stark sisters!
It pained her to be the only one enjoying the triumph, especially considering
Arya accomplished most of it on her own. The evidence against Joffrey resided
in a safe place only they knew and would be ready if ever they needed it. That
was more than enough to put Sansa's fears to rest but her sister remained
listless. Her quietness was so unnerving even daddy began to question his
youngest daughter's odd attitude. The other person who she wanted to celebrate
with was an even bigger concern.
Sandor was under too much stress lately and that was why he lost his temper at
the movie theater. He should be able to control himself but those men were
saying the most horrible things so she at least understood his anger. Sansa
already forgave him by the time he dropped her off that night but it was still
hard to call. How could she encourage such unacceptable behavior? But that
would all be left behind them tonight. She hoped the extra effort she put into
her appearance would show him that she still cared to impress him.
Every facet of her outfit was put together to facilitate a perfect romantic
night. Her hair was swept up in at loose bun that could easily be undone later.
The strapless dress was better suited to spring but she noticed he liked bare
shoulders and it would be easy to remove. The thin sheer fabric would offer
little protection against the cold so she layered over a warm trench over top.
She slipped on her strapless shoes and added the bare essentials of jewelry,
nothing that would get in the way.
Dressed and ready, Sansa spared one last glance into the mirror to see a
flushing young woman in love. That was the self she wanted to show to Sandor,
the sweet girl he fell for. The anger that had made its home in her heart
disappeared when she saw how damaging it was to their relationship. True, she
never physically attacked anyone but she had been short-tempered with both her
father and Sandor. Now that justice had been served to the guilty party, she
wanted to put the whole matter to rest.
While riding down on the elevator she practiced what she would say in her head
but nothing sounded right. She walked out of the front entrance to see the
Skylark waiting for her and a flock of butterflies fluttered in her stomach. As
she approached the car, she mused that she had not felt this jittery since
their first date. Sansa opened the door and slid into the passenger seat.
"You look pretty," he greeted her with a gruff compliment as she pulled the
door closed.
"Thank you," she smiled at him and waited expectantly for him to tell here
where they were going. Instead, he just sat there like a lump and gazed at her
with a somewhat confused expression. "Sandor?" The blank look in his eyes
cleared as he put the car into drive, only to pull around the parking lot and
park again. "Are we not going?"
"I have something to say," he turned off the engine and sat quietly another
awkward moment. "I messed up, Sansa," the words rushed out of his mouth. "All I
ever wanted was to make you happy and I fucking failed miserably." She opened
her mouth to insist they should put the past few weeks behind them. "Don't
argue," he cut her off before she could start. "See? I did it again - I'm
always an asshole and I'm no good to you."
"Please tell me you're not..." Her eyes flickered over his casual clothing and
his averted eyes... Sansa could not even tell anymore! "Are you breaking up
with me?"
"What? No, that's not," his eyes opened wide, "not even slightly!" Sandor
groaned while rubbing his knuckles over his forehead, closing his eyes and
puffing out a heavy breath. "I'm... trying to beg you to stay with me," he
mumbled, "can't even do that right. I told you I would suck at this boyfriend
shit." Her man was big and strong and heavens knew he could be described as
'manly' but he sat there sulking like a grumpy child and it made her oddly
happy.
"I have been upset lately but not with you, not really." Sansa turned to face
him but bowed her head with shame. "I understand your anger better than you
know. I hate Joffrey... and I never hated anyone before in my whole life! I
guess I'm not the same innocent little bird you fell for."
"Good," he set a finger under her chin to tilt her face up to see his teasing
smirk, "you could be a bit dense."
"Hateful," she pouted and narrowed her eyes at him.
"Honest," he countered with a grin before reaching into the backseat to
retrieve a parcel. "I figured I should give you this." Sandor handed her the
messily wrapped package with too much tape. "I was gonna give it to you after
the movie..."
"What is it?" Guilt in all of its thick heavy weight suddenly fell straight
onto her head. "Oh my gods, I forgot to get you a Winterfest gift."
"It's no big deal-"
"Of course it is!" Sansa felt overwhelmed by the horror of her inconsideration
as she stared at the simple ivory wrapping paper. "I feel horrible, I'm so, so
sorry Sandor. How could I forget? That's not like me..."
"Aren't you gonna open it?" A nervous edge tinged Sandor's rasping voice and
she quickly unwrapped the present to reveal a small hardcover. "It's a book of
poems," he explained sheepishly. "I guess you can see that."
"You got me a book?" Sansa stared at the book in her hands with disbelief. "Of
poetry? By E. E. Cummings?" She considered the possibility that she was having
a vivid dream.
"In my Literature class we studied this guy," he explained in an embarrassed
tone. "There was one poem that made me think of you." Even if he told her he
pulled the book at random, she would still cherish it. Not jewelry or candy or
perfume but a book of poetry. To know he actually thought of her while reading
a poem made her head swim.
"Will you read it to me?" She held out the book, praying he would not deny her
request. Sandor blinked in surprise a few times before nodding and accepting
the book. He searched for the poem and began reading as soon as he found the
page.
"Somewhere I have never travelled - gladly beyond any experience - your eyes
have their silence." As always, his voice was harsh but the words were spoken
softly. "In your most frail gesture are things which enclose me, or which I
cannot touch because they are too near. Your slightest look easily will unclose
me though I have closed myself as fingers." His eyes never left the page as
hers fixed on his face, falling under a spell created by the tender honesty
with which he read to her.
"You open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens - touching skillfully
mysteriously - her first rose." A hint of a smile pulled at the corner of his
mouth as he took a breath before continuing. "Or if your wish be to close me -
I and my life will shut very beautifully suddenly, as when the heart of this
flower imagines the snow carefully everywhere descending. Nothing which we are
to perceive in this world equals the power of your intense fragility. Whose
texture compels me with the color of its countries - rendering death and
forever with each breathing..."
"I do not know what it is about you that closes and opens," he glanced at her
for briefest of instances. "Only something in me understands the voice of your
eyes is deeper than all roses. Nobody - not even the rain - has such small
hands." Sandor closed the book and handed it back to her casually, as if
unknowing he just melted her into a puddle. "If I was any good with words -
that's how I'd say what you do to me."
"I feel so sorry for everyone who isn't me right at this moment." Sansa took
the book back and hugged it against her chest. "This is the best gift I've ever
received in my entire life," she sniffled and tried to fight back her happy
tears from ruining her makeup. "You certainly never fail to astonish me," a
soft laugh of disbelief escaped her throat.
"For the other day, I'm sor-"
"We can spend the rest of the night," she interrupted, "making apologies for
our recent treatment of one another. You would tell me how sorry you are that
you lost your temper. I would stammer regrets for being so distant..." Sansa
shook her head determinedly as she tucked the book away in her purse. "What if
every time we get over an argument, we start over?" He narrowed his brows and
stared at her like he did not understand. "Hello," she stuck her hand out, "I'm
Sansa Stark. I like puppies, ice cream, and tall grumpy boys. I dislike bullies
and spiders."
"Start over?" Sandor stared at her outstretched hand with puzzlement until
smirking and accepting the handshake. "They call me the hound but that's not
who I am," he held onto her hand, caressing the back with the pad of his thumb.
"I'm Sandor Clegane - I like basketball and teasing pretty little birds. I hate
fire and also don't care much for bullies."
"I hope this won't seem to forward," her lips pulled into a wicked smile,
"since we only just met... But I would love to go on a date with you." Sansa
remembered the first time she thought of asking Sandor on a date, the first day
they met. That flirtatious boy with the pitiful face turned out to be so much
more than meets the eye. He was strong and tough but felt more pain than one
person should endure and needed love like anyone else.
"As long as it's a surprise," his grin turned boyish. "Forgot to mention I love
surprises."
"And I forgot to mention that I hate surprises." Sansa retaliated with a
flutter of her eyelashes and he scoffed at her obvious intention.
"That's the one thing we'll have to disagree on," he teased and she pursed her
lips into a slight pout. "I recognize that look."
"What look?" Sansa opened her eyes wider and bit her lower lip. "I don't know
what you are talking about."
"Girl," he growled, "don't even think about seducing me into giving up where
we're going." Sandor leaned forward, trying to stare her down with his steely
gaze. "Not gonna happen."
"I haven't even tried yet," she accepted his challenge by bracing a hand on his
shoulder and scooting closer to him. "Sandor, please tell me where we are
going." Sansa kept her voice low but she did not have to feign the
breathlessness caused by his nearness. "Please... I want to know so badly." His
gaze heated, turning his grey eyes darker as his jaw slightly tensed. "I
recognize that look, you want to give in."
"Wrong," he pointed at his face, "this look means I'm about to drag you to the
backseat." Sandor grinned at her face flushing but Sansa scooted closer to him,
determined to win their flirtatious battle.
"Don't be so mean," she placed her palm over his heart, feeling his warmth
through his shirt. His dark eyes flickered down to her hand before returning to
her face with an aloof expression. Sansa slid her hand up his chest, curling it
around his neck underneath the collar of his jacket. "Please tell me where we
are going?"
"Not going anywhere right now." His hand curled around her waist to draw her
body flush against him. Sandor cupped the back of her head and he pulled her
face close to press his warm lips against hers. Her eyes fluttered shut and her
heart beat faster as the gentle kiss turned more urgent and hungry. She nudged
the tip of her tongue to taste him and he reacted by thrusting his tongue into
her mouth. All of her senses were filled by him but it only called attention to
the aching emptiness between her legs.
"Sandor please," she pulled away breathless as her head swam. Sansa could
hardly breathe or think as tormenting passion consumed her. "Take me somewhere
we can be alone." Her face felt hot, not from embarrassment but desire.
"What about the date?" The question was only meant to tease her, she could tell
by his victorious expression. Sandor thought he won but Sansa smiled knowing
this was her plan all along. Dates were all well and nice... But it was only a
prelude to what she truly wanted anyway.
"Forget the date," her eyes locked with his. "I only want to be with you."
                                    SANDOR
She was all dressed up - sitting up straight and eager like she couldn't wait
to get where they were going. But he wasn't taking her anywhere special, just
the bridge lookout because at least it had a nice view. Someday he'd give her
everything she deserved. He'd take her to fancy restaurants and buy her jewels
that would never compare with the brightness of her eyes. Most of all he
wouldn't fuck her in the backseat of his car. Sansa found romance in
everything, it was part of her charm, but it didn't stop him from wanting to
give her more.
Sandor parked in the usual spot, turned off the engine, and removed his
seatbelt with his game face on. Some guys buy flowers and candy when they want
to apologize - but chocolates get eaten and roses wilt. Tonight he was on a
mission to make Sansa forget their last two disaster dates and remember this
night forever. Even if he fucked up everything else, he knew how to make his
little bird sing. He studied her body more attentively than any textbook and
memorized every sigh, whimper, and moan.
Gods, the way she looked at him as she released her seatbelt - she could melt
ice with the heat in her eyes. A wicked smile curled her lips before she opened
the door and stepped out to climb into the backseat. He wasted no time
following her, silently repeating his resolution to take it slow and make it
good for her. Sandor pulled his door closed behind him and turned to find her
watching him intently.
"Tell me what you want," he leaned towards her to press a tender kiss to her
throat and Sandor felt her warm breath on his ear. His lips trailed along her
jaw and across her cheek to brush briefly over her panting mouth. Her arms
circled around his waist, stretching to continue the kiss as he pulled away.
"Anything you ask - I'll do it."
"Love me," she gasped breathlessly and loosened her arms around his waist to
cling to his shoulders. Sansa raised herself up to kiss him again and he slid a
hand into her hair as she moved her mouth over his. A few tugs sent her long
hair spilling free around her shoulders and she moaned when he grasped a
handful. She nipped and kissed his lips as he untied her jacket's belt to slide
his hand around her warm body. Sandor trailed his hands down her hips and
grasped her thighs to pull her into his lap.
"How do you want me to love you?" Last time he fucked up and rushed things
between them so he gently pushed her jacket off her bare shoulders and tossed
it aside. Her glassy eyes gazed heatedly into his as she lifted a hand to
caress his cheek.
"Tell me sweet things," she whispered, bowing her head so that a curtain of red
hair fell into her face.
"Is that all?" He lifted a hand to sweep her hair behind her shoulder. "Don't
be shy when it's just you and me."
"Of course not," she looked up with a smile, "there is no reason to be
embarrassed in front of my man." Sansa's cheeks glowed pink as she averted her
eyes again. "Can I whisper it to you?" Sandor smirked as he nodded his answer
and she leaned forward to put her lips against his ear. "I want to feel your
skin against mine and I want you to touch me and kiss me..." Her voice lowered
so quiet he could hardly hear. "And I want you inside me."
"Anything my love wants," he growled and she shivered in response as his hands
and ran up her back to find the zipper to her dress. She clutched his chest and
writhed against him, making little whining sounds against his neck that drove
him crazy. His hands wanted to tear the flimsy fabric and fuck her until she
sang a pretty song just for him. And though she'd not complain if he acted
rashly, he wanted to show her the same gentleness he gave her the first time.
"My sweet girl," he pulled the zipper down. "I would do anything for you - all
you have to do is ask."
"Sandor," she whimpered and lifted her head, "please kiss me." He cupped his
fingers around the base of her head to tilt her face up and covered her mouth
with his in a firm kiss. When he lifted his head, she strained up to follow and
he chuckled at her eagerness. The little bird knew how to push him but this
time he wouldn't lose control.
"Let me see how pretty you are," his hand gripped around her body to gently
pull her off his lap. Sansa crossed her arms and pulled the gauzy dress over
her head, mussing her hair even more. She was so fucking beautiful he couldn't
even think of anything that came close to comparing. "I wish I knew the right
words to tell you... You're more gorgeous every time I see you." Sansa reached
behind her back to unclasp her bra and removed it while shivering under his
gaze. "Are you cold?"
"Not when you hold me," she moved closer and tugged on his jacket. "You are
beautiful too, lover." Sandor quickly shrugged the jacket off and tossed it
aside before pulling his shirt over his head. "Mmm..." She hummed
appreciatively as her eyes wandered over his chest. "Very beautiful, I always
thought so." Sansa wrapped her arms around his shoulders and sat across his
lap. He lifted her chin to turn her face up, seeing the adoration in her eyes,
and she tilted her head back in invitation. His arm supported around her back,
curling his fingers around the curve of her shoulder.
Sandor kissed her sweet mouth before moving to her neck and her arm fell limp
to her side to allow his lips to trail further down. He ran his hands up her
ribs and over her heaving chest and cupped her breast as the pad of his thumb
caressed the silken skin. Her chest rose and fell with her quickened breath as
he bowed his head to trail kisses along the swell of her breast.
His lips and tongue teased the hard peak of her breast as she clutched his head
and moaned. His fingers gently kneaded the soft flesh, letting her soft
whimpers and moans guide him. As he buried his face between the valley of her
breasts, he could feel the pounding of her heart under his lips. She twisted
and writhed in his hold but she froze as his hand slid down to slip under the
hem of her silken panties to find her slick and hot. He pulled back to see
those pretty eyes gazing up at him with something like dazed wonder.
"You want me," it wasn't a question - he could feel how much she wanted him.
More like he was always in awe of the reality that this beautiful girl was even
his to hold and kiss and touch.
"Yes," she gasped again as his fingers stroked the hot flesh between her thighs
and moved lower to explore her wet entrance. "Please, I need you..." Sansa's
words trailed off with the softest little whimpering moan and it tore a groan
from his own throat. He could not resist easing one finger inside her and she
gasped in response. She curled her hands behind his neck and pulled herself up
to slide her lips along his collarbone and down to his chest.
Sansa pulled him closer to her and primal hunger tore through him, testing his
resolve to concentrate on pleasing her. The intense need to have her wasn't
helped at all by her ass wriggling around on his stiff cock but he kept his
focus. He embraced her tight against his chest until she was whimpering
incoherent pleas for him to 'love' her. Sandor once would have laughed at the
idea that fucking was 'love' but he knew better after being with her.
"How do you want me to love you?" He removed his hand from her panties to and
gave her a moment to catch her breath. She puffed out a loud breath and blinked
a few times before sitting up to graze her cheek against his.
"I want," she whispered in his ear again, "for you to hold me close to your
heart as we make love." Sandor smirked at her flowery words but his pulse did
speed up at the sound of her quiet strained voice. She kissed under his ear and
down his neck as his hand fitted around her hips to lift her off his lap. Sansa
protested the loss of contact until he dug into his pocket to pull out his
wallet. He removed the condom packet from the center fold and held it up.
"You didn't forget, did you?" Sandor smirked at her guilty expression - the
silly little bird actually did forget. "At least this time I spared your
panties." Sansa flushed and set herself to the task of removing those panties
while he freed his cock to sheath it in latex. He hooked an arm around her
waist and his other hand around her thigh to pull her back over his lap. From
that point, he was bound and determined to let her do as she liked. She braced
one small hand against his chest and used her free hand to guide his cock.
Her tight heat enveloped him so slowly it strained his intentions to let her be
in complete control but somehow he managed to not rush it. She leaned towards
him and softly kissed his throat, pressing butterfly kisses down his neck as
she sank down. He ran his palms up her trembling thighs as she lowered herself
against him and her soft hum made his head spin like he had a few too many
drinks. Once she was flush against him, she curled her arms around his waist
and nuzzled her face against his chest.
She pulled him closer to her and the soft warmth of her chest made his cock
twitch and throb inside her. Sansa made happy little humming sounds as she
squirmed closer to him and he wrapped his arms around her. As she tried to
press their bodies closer together, every tiny shift and wiggle pushed him
nearer to madness.
"Hold me tighter," she murmured against his chest. Sandor was already afraid of
crushing her but she moaned quietly when he tightened his hold. Her fingertips
dug into his back as his hands grasped her shoulder and waist. "Tighter," she
wheezed and he crushed her body against his and she moaned in response.
"You're mine," he growled in her ear and she arched her back in response as her
tight heat fluttered around his cock. "You'll always be mine." Sandor squeezed
his eyes shut and buried his face in her hair, his body shaking from the
restraint a she rolled her hips. "Everything about you is perfect and good - I
don't deserve you." She released an impatient cry and rocked her hips to an
erratic rhythm. "But I'll never give you up, I'll keep you forever."
"Please," she wailed breathlessly, "I need..." Sansa desperately bucked against
him on trembling legs. "I need..." Sandor knew what she needed and twisted his
body to lay her back onto the seat, keeping one arm curled around her waist.
His boot braced against the front seat while his hand splayed against the side
of the car. She wrapped her arms around him his body curled against hers as he
buried himself deeper into her tight heat with a groan. "More," she panted and
clung to him.
"I love you, Sansa." He bowed his head to rasp in her ear as he withdrew only
to thrust into her again, earning him a high-pitched cry. The first note of a
melody he would never tire of hearing. "I will never stop loving you, not
ever." Sandor drove into her at a steady pace and she pulsed around his cock.
"You're a dream - my dream." Her body felt limp as she began to tremble turning
her face towards him, she released a louder note against his neck. "My Sansa,
my love, sing for me."
"Sandor," she sang his name, arching against his chest, her face buried against
his neck. Her body shuddered and a bright blue flash blinded him as he pumped
his release deep inside her. Sandor struggled to catch his breath and fought
the urge to slump down on top of her. But when he tried to sit up she clung to
him with renewed strength.
"Can we stay like this?" Her voice was muffled against his neck and he was
still breathless so he nodded in response and relaxed. "I love you so much." He
wanted to tell her she was the reason his heart still beat in his chest. She
was his motivation for actually living instead of pissing away his days waiting
for life to happen to him.
"I love you," he answered simply. Sandor wanted to promise to do better and
swear that he'd never disappoint her again but he settled for holding her
close. She sighed with contentment and nuzzled against him as her breathing
slowed to a steady pace. As he held Sansa, he nearly laughed aloud at what an
ass he'd been to think her silly for equating sex and love. He was the fucking
idiot! All along the naive little bird had it right - though he wasn't good at
saying it, at least this way he could show her how much he loved her.
Chapter End Notes
     I've lived a while and seen a few things on this crazy ride called
     life but nothing compares with make-up sex. It's like no other
     experience that comes close to being the physical expression of past
     anger, renewed passion, dwindling fear, and hopeful bliss. I hope I
     did it justice!
     About 80% through this chapter I was kicking myself for not making it
     two chapters but now that it's FINALLY done, I really like it. This
     chapter was inspired by the irrefutably clever MissMallora's fic
     (http://archiveofourown.org/works/2540084) - if you haven't read that
     yet I highly recommend.
     I've had an obsession with gravely voices reading poetry because I
     watched Beauty and the Beast when I was a kid (the 1987 TV show).
     Nobody ever understood my deep and abiding love for Ron Perlman but I
     could live forever hearing him read poetry. I imagine Sandor's voice
     has that same lovely gruff baritone quality. *Sigh*
***** What Justice?! *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                               [What_Justice?!]
                                     ARYA
The cold clinic waiting room smelled of anti-septic covered with overpowering
floral potpourri. Though the room was at least half-full with patients it was
too quiet, everyone spoke in hushed whispers. Arya tried to amuse herself with
one of the old and crinkled magazines that sat on a coffee table in the center
of the room. In normal circumstances, she would never touch any one of those
magazines. Like she needed advice on how to please her man or lose ten pounds.
"So... date last night?" She turned to Sansa, too bored to stay quiet.
"Yes," Sansa blushed and focused on the magazine she was holding. "We had a
good time." Well, Arya was glad at least somebody was getting some.
"Did you tell him about coming here today?" Arya didn't really care but
couldn't think of what else to talk about and just couldn't stand the silence.
Sansa shrugged and turned the page of the magazine she read.
"What's to tell?" Her sister smiled as if she didn't have a care in the world
and it made Arya want to slap her across the face. "I can handle this myself."
It was so enviable to have a boyfriend who wasn't halfway up her ass about
everything.
"Aria?" The nurse stood in the doorway looking around the waiting room.
"It's Are-yah." Arya stood up to meet with the nurse but Sansa caught her hand.
"Do you want me to come?" Her sister tried to hide it but she was clearly
worried about Arya. "My appointment isn't for another half-hour."
"I'm fine," Arya pulled her hand free and turned away to follow the nurse
beyond the door.
"This way, please," the nurse led Arya to a scale, "let's get your height and
weight." She stepped up onto the scale and held her breath while the nurse
measured her height. "One hundred and fifty three centimeters and..." Then the
nurse slid the weights along the bar and Arya blew out her held breath in
disappointment. "Forty-four kilograms, have you lost weight recently?" Arya
nodded in answer and the nurse scribbled something on her clipboard before she
handed Arya a cup and pointed to a door nearby. "This is for your sample,
there's the bathroom."
"Okay," Arya stared down at the cup in her hand with resignation. No matter how
much she wanted to run away and hide - it wouldn't help anything. Even if she
walked away from this appointment with bad news, at least she'd have answers.
"When you're finished," the nurse continued her instructions, "head into the
exam room down the hall." Arya's eyes followed the woman's finger to an open
door at the end of the hallway and bobbed her head to signify she understood.
Inside the bathroom one of the fluorescent lights flickered and Arya looked up
into the mirror. The ugly girl who stared back didn't even look like her - dark
circles, ghostly white, and skeletal. She looked like death even to her own
eyes...
Arya hurried to do what she needed to do to get out of that strobing eighth
hell, leaving her filled cup in a cupboard marked 'samples'. While she washed
her hands, she avoided looking at her reflection again and left the bathroom to
walk down the hall into the exam room. She sat down on a stool and waited,
trying to force her mind to focus on trivial things. The nurse from earlier
came into the room with a blood pressure cuff.
"Last thing is your blood pressure and then the doctor will be with you." The
nurse wrapped the cuff around Arya's arm and pumped it up while listening to
her pulse with a stethoscope. "Let me check again..." The nurse frowned and
repeated the process. "Eighty-nine over sixty-two."
"Is that bad?" Arya tried to peek at what the nurse was riding on the
clipboard.
"It's a little low but nothing to worry about," the nurse smiled reassuringly.
"The doctor will be will you in a moment, remove all of your clothing and put
on the gown on the examination table." With that, she left Arya alone to
undress and wrap herself in the flimsy paper down. She only had to wait a few
moments, sitting on the examination table, before the doctor walked in.
"Arya?" She was pretty with brunet curls and wore a friendly smile. "I am Dr.
Westerling. How are you feeling today?" A young nurse accompanied the doctor
and stood off to the side of the room.
"Not great," she shrugged, "my period didn't come." She didn't say that she
felt scared all the time and every morning her whole body ached. Her stomach
lurched at the sight of food and before today, she didn't bother to step on a
scale to watch the weight slip away.
"We tested you for pregnancy and it was negative." Dr. Westerling smiled like
it was great news but it did not reassure Arya one bit.
"Yeah," she nodded, "I took a bunch of tests too."
"When was your last gynecological checkup?" The doctor sat down in on a stool
next to the examination bed, holding a clipboard on her lap.
"My mom took me after my first period last year." Arya mused that year felt
like an entire lifetime ago. "It's been regular since it started for the most
part, it never stopped before. A few times it's been late but nothing like
this." Dr. Westerling nodded along, sometimes writing a few notes on her
clipboard before setting it down. She pulled her stool in front of the
examination table.
"First, let's do a pelvic exam." The doctor put on a pair of latex gloves while
Arya laid back to think of her happy place. Winterfell in the middle of winter,
snow falling over the giant pine trees in the woods behind her house. "Has
there been any spotting or cramping?"
"No," Arya struggled to relax and ignore the fact there was a stranger between
her legs. It was a good thing she hadn't eaten anything that day because she
probably would've thrown it up already.
"Everything looks healthy, you can sit up." Dr. Westerling stood up to throw
away her gloves before returning to sit on her stool in front of Arya. "Is
there anything you want to tell me?" Arya shook her head and stared down at the
floor. "I can only help if you are honest. Let me tell you what I see. You are
underweight, pale, and have low blood pressure. I assume you are not sleeping
nor eating well. I have to ask... is someone hurting you?"
"No, nothing like that." Arya crossed her arms and blew out a long breath. "I
don't know... I just... Lately everything feels impossible. I can't concentrate
in school, the sight of food makes me sick, and I'm tired all the time but I
can't sleep."
"I am going to order some blood tests but I think you would benefit more from a
recommendation." The doctor scratched down some more notes on her clipboard
before standing up to pull a pamphlet out of the drawer. "This facility offers
free counseling to teens."
"Counseling... you mean like a shrink?" Arya accepted the brochure with a
smiling conventionally attractive teenager on the cover.
"At your age it is easy to get overwhelmed and feel like no one can
understand." Dr. Westerling gave her a sympathetic smile and gestured at the
pamphlet. "This center provides an opportunity to let you talk about anything
you want and no one will judge you."
"My parents don't have to know?" Arya wasn't quite sure what to think but there
was no way her parents could ever find out. They would overact as usual and
blow the whole situation way out of proportion.
"It is completely confidential." The doctor's interest in helping Arya seemed
genuine so she didn't argue. "They won't know anything unless you decide to
tell them."
"Thanks, doc." Still, Arya had a hard time believing that all of her problems
were somehow in her head. "What are those blood tests for?"
"We will check your blood sugar and thyroid," she explained. "You will get a
call to let you know the results. In my professional opinion you will greatly
benefit from having someone to talk to."
"And birth control pills?" Arya almost forgot the most important reason she
came to the clinic in the first place.
"We can do that for you." Dr. Westerling wrote up a prescription and handed it
to Arya. "You can pick up the prescription at our in-house pharmacy, up to
three months at a time. I would like to see you back here before then. Can you
come back in a month?"
"Sure, I'll stop by the front counter and make an appointment." Arya folded the
prescription and slipped it into the pamphlet.
"Make sure to ask for a day Dr. Westerling is on." The doctor stood up and gave
Arya another kindly smile. "Nice to meet you, Arya."
"Sure, see ya doc." Arya watched Dr. Westerling and the nurse leave the room
before dropping her forehead into her hand. "Fuck..." She had been worried that
she was cracking up but hearing a doctor say she needed counseling felt like
punch in the gut. Just another weakness she could add to her growing list of
faults. It wasn't enough that she was unattractive and unsociable - now she was
cracked too!
She snapped out of it, jumped down from the table to dress, and headed out to
the counter. There she was directed to another room to have her blood drawn
before being sent back to pay for the visit and blood work. The woman behind
the desk scheduled Arya's appointment and accepted the payment. Back out in the
waiting room she took a seat and just stared at the floor as she waited for
Sansa.
"How did it go?" Sansa's voice snapped Arya out of her daze.
"They're doing some tests," she stood up, "and want me back in a month."
"I'll come with you then," Sansa put her arm around Arya's shoulders and they
walked together out of the office. "You should call Gendry."
"You should mind your own business," Arya retorted without thinking. "I didn't
mean that... You're right, let's go home and I'll call him later."
"Do you want to stop and get something to eat?" Sansa was always offering her
food lately. "My treat?"
"I'll get something at the house." Arya broke out of her sister's loose hold to
walk around to the passenger side of dad's car. They told him they were going
to see a movie... it seemed all they did was lie to him. The ride home was
quiet as she stared out the window, trying to think but finding her mind blank.
When they got home, she went straight up to the apartment, grabbed a few
things, and then left again without a word to anyone. Fuck them anyway.
'I'm at the park by my house', she texted Gendry on the walk over to the small
park nearby. 'Pick me up when you get off'. Arya played her favorite playlist
on her phone and covered her ears with headphones to drown out her dark
thoughts. When she reached the empty park, she lay down on a bench to wait for
Gendry. After a time, there was still nobody around so she fished a thin joint
out of her pocket and sparked it up.
Arya puffed on the joint, trying to keep her mind clear of morbid thoughts. The
weed didn't really help ease her mind and actually sorta made her paranoid that
every passing car was a cop. If it was up to her, she didn't want to go
anywhere but anything was better than sitting around the house. Both Sansa and
dad were constantly questioning what was wrong with her - like they didn't know
exactly what was wrong. Her sister was acting like her old naive self instead
of the new stronger version she could respect.
Gendry had to work the afternoon shift so it was already close to sunset by the
time he pulled up. Arya put out the joint butt against the bottom of her
sneaker and dropped it on the ground. She walked to the Lincoln to wrench open
the door and plopped down in the passenger seat, pulling the door closed with a
bang.
"Hey, Arry." Gendry looked at her with a wary expression like he was expecting
her to bite his head off - a distinct possibility. Even Arya had no idea when
she was about to explode over nothing.
"Hey," she greeted him halfheartedly - apparently, she wasn't in the head-
biting mood. Arya braced herself for his questions about her appointment but
they never came.
"You wanna go to the forge?" He pulled the Lincoln away from the park to head
in the direction of the forge. It didn't matter where they went, Arya couldn't
escape herself. How could he even want to be around her when she was this sick
of herself? The doc was right, maybe she was fucking nuts.
"Whatever..." Arya honestly didn't care where they went - she didn't care much
about anything lately. What was the point of caring? Who noticed how hard she
worked? Who cared about what she wanted anyway? No one.
"So," he tried to force some conversation, "how should we celebrate?"
"Celebrate what?" Arya crossed her arms and stared out the passenger window.
"Your dad got Joffrey Baratheon sent away," he said it like a question - with a
higher pitch on the last word. "Justice is served." Justice? If the cops caught
her puffing on that little joint, it would've been serious trouble! Her father
would've grounded her for eternity and she'd probably have to serve community
service. For smoking a plant! Oh, but Joffrey can commit a serious crime - in
which there was an actual victim - and he gets off with a slap on the wrist!
"It's such bullshit," Arya raked her hands through her hair. "What justice?! He
committed a crime so he gets sent to a better school - in what fucking universe
does that make sense?! He's a senior - he'll be out of there by the end of the
school year. Think he's just going to 'forget' what we did to him? You, Sansa,
dad - you're all fucking idiots! Why am I the only one who sees what that
asshole really is? Some people are just rotten to the core."
"You did the best you could," he eyed her sideways and she caught the anxiety
in his expression though he tried to hide it. Gendry was making an effort to
cheer her up while she just took her anger out on the wrong person. Typical -
hot-headed, loud-mouthed, and don't forget horse-faced! She was in a room with
that doctor for all of fifteen minutes and she could tell Arya was off her
rocker.
"And my best wasn't good enough - what a shock." Nothing she did would ever be
good enough - not for her parents and not even for Gendry. He might act like
her attitude didn't bother him but eventually it would drive him away. But,
even knowing all of that, she couldn't stop herself from treating him like
shit.
"I'm at a loss here, Arry." Gendry kept his eyes on the road but she could
still see the hurt etched in his face. Great - a nice thick layer of guilt to
go along with all the worry and bitter disappointment - lovely. "I can see
right through you: I know you're not mad... You're upset but you don't let me
comfort you. You might be sick but you don't want to talk about it. We promised
to never have lies between us."
"I'm not lying about anything," she protested stubbornly. Except he was right
she was holding out on him. But what was she supposed to say? 'My whole life
feels like one long run-on joke but don't worry about it'. Or how about 'I
think I might be insane and so does the doctor I went to'. Oh no, it would have
to be - 'I lay awake ever night fantasizing about murdering Joffrey'. None of
those things would totally and completely freak him out.
"But you don't tell me the truth either," he mumbled miserably. Gods, what was
wrong with her? She had the greatest boyfriend in the world and all she wanted
to do was scream at him to shut up... But he was only making her feel even
shitter!
"Just drive, stupid." Arya slumped down in her seat and kept quiet until they
pulled into the park and Gendry parked the Lincoln. Neither of them got out,
they just stared straight ahead at the trees. "If I really told you what's in
my head... You'd never talk to me again and that would kill me."
"I don't doubt your head is a scary place to be," he tried to lighten the mood
with a joke but she wasn't having it. Gendry unbuckled his seatbelt and turned
to face her but she continued to stare into the forest. "Nothing you say would
make me wanna not talk to you." He reached out a hand to touch her but gave up
halfway and let it fall limp between them. "Talk to me, please: I'm here for
you."
"I wanted it so bad that I even scared myself - I've thought about it every
night, how easy it would be." Poison would be the best way but that wouldn't be
as satisfying as sticking her sword straight through his heart. "Joff has
plenty of enemies and I'm too young to be tried as an adult... My dad would get
me a good lawyer who could probably spin some insanity defense. But then I
thought about how I might lose you and it was the only thing holding me back."
A sidelong peek confirmed he knew exactly what Arya was confessing.
"Don't ever say this to anyone else," he grasped her shoulder and turned her to
face him. "Promise me." Arya never saw his eyes so serious before but at least
she could not detect any disgust or rejection. But if he really knew what was
inside her head he would be revolted so she had to stop herself from spilling
her guts!
"I promise," she nodded her head and let it loll forward. "I'm really messed
up, huh?"
"We're all a little messed up in our own way: at least you can admit it."
Gendry relaxed his grip on her shoulder to hold her hand. "And everyone wishes
someone dead at some point in their life."
"I didn't wish for it," she whispered, "I planned it." Arya swallowed the lump
in her throat and prayed she would be struck mute by the gods. Why would she
say this to him?! "I know exactly how I'd do it and get away with it. My dad
only protected Joffrey by sending him away." Arya shoved open the door and
slammed it shut before marching into the woods towards the forge. Gendry caught
up to her and took ahold of her hand.
"I don't think any less of you," he fell into step beside her, not trying to
hold her back. "I know how much you love your family. When my mom got sick I
would've done anything to save her, even kill someone if it would make any
difference. We like to pretend we're all civilized but inside we're still just
animals with instincts to protect the people we love. I get that Joffrey's
punishment doesn't satisfy you but you said Sansa is happy about it. Isn't that
what you wanted: for your sister to feel safe again?"
"You're right, you're always right." Dried leaves crunched under their feet as
they walked deeper into the woods. "You act like I'm the smart one but it's
you." He was smarter, older, more attractive... Beautiful girls like Margaery
were always going to flit around him until he realized how much better he could
do. Arya didn't distrust his loyalty but she did doubt her own ability to not
rip out the eyes of the next girl who looked at him.
"What's six-thousand eight-hundred forty-one minus eighty-five divided by
twelve?" Gendry suddenly challenged her and the calculation took only a second
in her head.
"Five hundred and sixty three," she answered automatically. Arya shrugged,
knowing being quick with calculations didn't mean shit. "That's basic and
doesn't mean I'm smarter than you."
"Ha! 'Basic' she says." He hooked his arm around her shoulders and ruffled her
hair. "Only my Arry can be arrogant and modest at the same time."
"Cut it out," she shoved him off and patted her mussed hair down. Gendry stood
beside her with his lopsided smile and looking more handsome than he had a
right to be. He didn't look down on her for her murderous thoughts at all.
Since the beginning, she couldn't understand how he loved her despite her
innumerable faults. But she always held out hope that someday she'd catch up
with him and become someone he'd be proud to call his. That hope slipped away
over endless insomnia-induced hours filled with doubts and dark intentions.
"Here," he stepped closer, "it's still sticking up." His fingers were gentle as
he smoothed her hair forward and swiped her bangs away from her eyes. "What am
I going to do with you, Arry?" When he stood close, her heart still pounded and
her stomach tightened. She made the mistake of glancing up into his eyes and
with one look, he knew exactly what she was thinking. "You wanna..." Gendry
quirked his brows and tilted his head toward the tent. All the physical
reactions were normal but for some reason she stood frozen.
"Nah," she gulped and took a step back, "let's do something else."
"No problem," his lips pursed as his eyes darted around and he nodded for way
too long. If Gendry was trying to hide his disappointment, he wasn't doing a
very good job.
"I want to," she cleared her throat, "I'm just..." Arya couldn't explain what
she didn't comprehend herself! It didn't make any sense - she still wanted him
but the mere thought was enough to make her panic. "I honestly want to... I
just... can't." Bile rose in her throat as overwhelming pressure crushed her
from all sides. "Sorry," she choked on the word and swallowed hard.
"Hey, don't sweat it," he assured her. "There's about a million other things we
can do. "
"Like, what kind of things?" Arya fidgeted with the zipper on her coat and
stared down at the dead leaves under her feet.
"Let's see..." Gendry glanced up to the treetops with a thoughtful expression.
"We could explore the woods and take pictures or I guess we could always
study." He smiled at her and shrugged. "As long as I'm with you, that's all I
care about: we can do anything you want. Oh! We could go grab some breakfast
for dinner if you're hungry."
"Nah, I'm not." Arya never felt hungry anymore, she lost her appetite in
Winterfell.
"I don't know," he got all moon-eyed. "Crispy hash browns and runny egg yolks
sure sound pretty good right about now. English muffins, regular muffins,
bagels and spread..." His eyes glazed over and he smacked his smiling lips
together. Gendry had a serious of obsession with breakfast foods, it was almost
unhealthy. But who is she to say what is and isn't healthy?
"If you're hungry," she relented.
"Come on," he grabbed her hand and started for the car, "once you smell it your
stomach will start growling." Arya stopped and jerked her hand loose from his
and Gendry whirled around to face her.
"What if I stay like this?" There was something seriously wrong with her and it
wasn't going away - it just got worse! "At the doctor's appointment..." Before,
Arya couldn't keep her mouth closed but her tongue froze in her mouth. "They
ordered some tests," she finished in half-truth. "What if there's something
really wrong with me?"
"What if?" Gendry stuffed his hands in his jacket pockets and stepped closer so
she had to look up at him. "I don't deal in what ifs, but I do know one thing
for certain." He pulled out one hand to pat it against his chest. "I love you
and nothing is ever going to make me leave you: you're stuck with me." His face
scrunched up and his brows tightly knitted together. "I only wanted to come
here because I hoped it would make you feel better." Arya shrugged and wished
she could explain. "Guess I'm as stupid as you say I am," he laughed softly.
"I never once meant that," she knew it was wrong to put him down like that all
the time but couldn't help it. "I don't know why I'm like this."
"I can't tell you everything will be alright." He reached a hesitant hand to
cup her cheek. "But you don't have to worry about me going anywhere. I'm yours
and you're mine. Through thick and thin we're in this together." Pretty words -
he was always good at saying them at the right time.
"Can I have a hug?" Arya hated how small and pathetic her voice sounded but at
least she stopped saying stupid shit. There were so much more she wanted to
tell him but it terrified her to think of him being scared off... But at the
same time she almost wanted to scare him - which only confirmed the bat-shit
crazy theory she had about herself. So she hid her secrets in her heart where
they could only hurt her.
"Come here," he opened his arms and she stepped into his embrace, tilting her
head against his chest. "I'll give you anything you want, you just have to
ask." In Gendry's arms was the only place she felt like she belonged. It was
almost too tempting to ask him to come away with her... He'd say no and then
she'd see the limits of his love - it couldn't be as boundless as he pretended.
"Can't you be a little less good to me?" Her arms encircled his waist and
nuzzled her face against his soft t-shirt.
"That's milady," he puffed out an exaggerated sigh, "you ask straightaway for
the one thing I can't do. Can you be a little more difficult?" Arya tilted her
head back to scowl at him but he only smiled. "Then she gives me that face, I
can't win!"
"Dumbass..." She pulled away and grasped his hand tightly in hers before
turning towards the parking lot. "Let's get something to eat." Honest to gods,
Arya truly wished she could just keep him all to herself and live in these
woods. No rules to follow, no parents to disappoint, no social norms to conform
to. And no pretty girls who'd try and steal what was hers.
Chapter End Notes
     I'm fully besotted with a delicious new fic by the eternally
     brilliant Jillypups: http://archiveofourown.org/works/2576291 (Head
     over heels, people.)
     This is the part when I tell you how I'm moving temporarily and it's
     a pain in my ass bla-bla-bla, nobody cares! I need a packing drill
     sergeant who just screams at me that I don't need ALL of my polyester
     vintage dresses. I just have to unpack it all in a few months anyway!
     Anyway, things will be bumpy for a period but I'll likely still be
     writing this fic when I get to come home. Never give up - Never
     surrender!
***** Through My Eyes *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                               [Through_My_Eyes]
                                   GREY WORM
The television set in the den was blaring some game show mama and pop were
watching as Torgo raced around the house getting ready. He had been both
dreading and looking forward to this night for days but found himself
unprepared for its arrival. A light knock at the door announced Missa's arrival
and he scrambled to put his jacket on and button the front. The bulge in his
right pocket let him know his wallet was in place and the jingle in his left
meant he had his keys but what was missing?
"I got it!" Torgo rushed to the door but stopped when he realized everything
was blurry. "Oh right..." His frantic hazy eyes looked around and spotted his
frames on the entryway table. He lurched forward to put them on before
wrenching the door open. There stood a vision of loveliness, glowing in the
light of the front porch sconce. She wore little makeup, just a touch of gold
twinkling at the corners of her eyes when she smiled at him. "Wow, you look...
incredibly beautiful." The most incredible part was this vision came just for
him.
"Thank you," her smile brightened, "so do you." Her voice echoed in his head as
if it floated to him down a long hallway, all of his senses were dulled by her
radiance. The dark ringlets of her hair shone like gold-touched coils spilling
around her face. Missa held out her hand palm up, inviting him to hold her hand
and bringing him back to reality. A usual tightening clenched his stomach as he
linked his hand in hers. "I'm going!" He called a quick farewell to mama and
pop and closed the door behind him. They walked together to the driveway and
broke apart to get into her car.
"Don't be nervous," she reassured him once they were seated inside, "it's just
Dany and Drogo." Missa checked her mirrors and blind spots before putting the
key in the ignition, meticulous as always.
"Nervous?" Torgo cleared his throat to get rid of the embarrassing high pitch.
"I'm not nervous," he squeaked even higher. Oh smooth... yeah, that surely
convinced her.
"Good," she put the car in reverse and turned around to carefully back out of
the driveway. "I have wanted to do this for a long time... a double date I
mean."
"Ah, me too." Torgo pulled at his jacket cuffs nervously before tugging his
seatbelt over his chest and fastening the buckle.
"Really?" Her surprised tone made him realize that he was just agreeing with
whatever she said without really listening. He was really on a roll tonight,
already making an ass of himself and they barely left the driveway.
"No, not really." Torgo laughed and rubbed a hand over his hair self-
consciously. "Guess I never thought I'd have a girlfriend so I didn't dream of
double dates."
"Well, you had better get used to it." She tossed her head to smirk sideways at
him, causing all of the ringlets on her hair to shiver. For an awkward moment,
Torgo was lost in her stunning beauty. It took several seconds for him to
understand the words uttered from her perfect lips.
"That might be hard..." Because he was constantly hypnotized by her voice and
mesmerized by every aspect of her appearance. His heart had the bad habit of
racing or stopping at her every small gesture and expression.
"Dany and I used to talk about it all the time, if I ever found someone up to
my impossible standards." She ignored his weirdness and continued the
conversation for the both of them. "We knew we could never double with Marge
because of... him." Torgo shared Missa's anger over Joffrey's actions after
hearing the whole story, though he did not know Margaery well. Who wouldn't be
disgusted and angered? Missa suddenly huffed an angry breath. "The lack of
legal action still infuriates me but she swears she is fine so what can I say?"
"You're a good friend, Missa." He wished he knew how to comfort her better but
he also empathized with Margaery. It's just a fact that any pain that can be
avoided should be avoided. Suing or pressing charges would only create the very
scandal the Margaery wanted to avoid. Torgo loved Missa's boldness and moral
sense but she had a black and white worldview that only came from growing up
safe. His childhood was one of uncertainty and fear until he came to live with
mama and pop.
"Sometimes I wonder..." Missa exhaled a long breath and visibly shook off her
gloom. "I think you are more qualified to judge my quality as a girlfriend."
"My experience is limited and I might be biased..." Torgo did his best to sit
back and relax, shrugging his tense shoulders to loosen them. "But I think
you're the best girlfriend in the world."
"Just this planet?" She flashed another heart-stopping smile in his direction.
"You're underselling me." About a million and one replies rushed through
Torgo's mind but each one of them only left him paralyzed by indecision. Should
he be funny, charming, romantic, or confident? "It's a little strange but I
miss being your tutor... I think we used to talk more openly then because you
did not worry about saying the wrong thing." Bang! She shot straight through
his thinly veiled uncertainty.
"Actually, I worried all the time but figured the worst that could happen is
I'd have to find another tutor." Torgo gave up trying to be anything but his
own oddball self. "You're irreplaceable as a girlfriend."
"I thought I was a wonderful tutor..." Despite the dejected tone of her voice,
he saw the mischievous sidelong glance she gave him.
"I was a little distracted," he pushed his confession even further, feeling
sorta brave for doing so. "Every time you smiled I would start to feel faint."
There, if that's not bravery Torgo didn't know what was.
"I noticed," she smiled but kept her focus on the weekend city traffic, "that
was my first clue that you might like me. I really started to suspect something
at the beginning of this year, when you gave me that pen for my birthday. It
was very expensive."
"I mowed about a hundred lawns last summer to save up." His body ached just
thinking about it but he imagined her reminded of him every time she used the
pen and it soothed the pain.
"So you liked me last summer?" Missa's question made him chuckle as he
remembered the first time he laid eyes on her. Torgo felt like he was strapped
to a rocket and blasted off into space and then he heard her speak... It was
all over for him then.
"I liked you from the first time I heard you say my name," he admitted.
"Everyone else says it for the first time like a question. Like they're asking,
'am I pronouncing it right'? You said it like I was somebody."
"You are somebody," her voice got that little worried edge to it and it always
made him feel just a bit pitiful. They arrived at the restaurant and she parked
the car. But neither of them got out due to the particularly tense junction in
their conversation.
"I mean somebody special," he elaborated, "someone worth knowing." This was why
he guarded his every word, he was bound to mess up and say the wrong thing.
"That's what I meant too," she insisted as she removed her seatbelt and turned
to face him. "Don't you know how much I admire you?" Torgo copied her,
unlatching his seatbelt and facing her.
"I'm still getting used to it," he confessed as his eyes locked with hers. Then
he just leaned across the distance between them and pressed his lips to hers. A
kiss seemed better than anything he could say. Her warm breath sighed against
his mouth before her soft lips caressed his. Missa's eyes fluttered shut so he
closed his too, seeing blinding flashes of light behind his eyelids. His hands
settled lightly on her shoulders, pulling her even closer. The kiss knocked all
the air from her lungs, as usual, and his heart raced erratically.
"We should go," she inhaled a shaky breath as she pulled away, "I'm sure
they're waiting for us." Torgo just nodded mutely because direct lip contact
with Missa always stole his breath away. They got out of the car and walked
into the restaurant, which served French food and the decor matched the fare.
They found Dany and Drogo waiting for them just inside and all the customary
friendly greetings took place.
Soft tinkling piano drifted through the murmurs of patrons, percussion provided
by flatware clinking. Before long, the hostess guided their group to their
table and Torgo watched how Drogo seemed to lead Dany by the small of her back.
It seemed a romantically masculine thing to do. He personally preferred Missa's
soft finger entwined with is. After they were seated, a waiter came to take
their drink orders.
"So, Dany have you picked a university yet?" Missa broke the awkward silence
that followed after the waiter left.
"Oh, don't even..." Dany held up a hand to wave away Missa's question. "I am
currently ruling as the Queen of Procrastination. I've avoided planning my
future so far and even your lectures can't dethrone me."
"Don't put it off for too long," Missa chided. "All you have to do is decide
what you want and go for it."
"Oh, is that all?" Dany smiled wryly before nodding in resignation. "You're
right, it's high time I figure out what I want. Of course, mother still hopes I
will study law with a minor in Political Science but I'm less convinced every
day..." The waiter came back with drinks and took their appetizer order, baked
brie en croute and escargots in garlic butter. Missa ordered for them,
perfectly pronouncing the French words, and the waiter whisked away. "I assume
you already have a school picked out," Dany looked to Missa over her menu.
"The decision is more difficult than I expected," Missa lifted her teacup to
her pursed her lips and blew over her hot tea. "I am between Bravos University
and the Sunspear Institute of Technology. However, to assure my acceptance to
either, I need to pick up a few extracurricular activities. Perhaps win a few
awards to pad my applications next year." Torgo sipped his fizzy water through
a straw, gazing in awe of Missa's ample independent confidence. She wouldn't
accept the compliment but her strategic skills would make a good addition to
their DnD group.
"With your grades all you need is a decent score on your college entrance
exams." Dany could not hide her deflated envy, which Torgo shared. It must be
nice to have the future so well planned.
"From your lips to the gods' ears," Missa lifted her eyes heavenward. "You know
how I fret about tests... All those bubbles float around like swarming flies."
"What about you, Torgo?" Dany turned the attention on him. It had been too much
to hope the girls would allow him to remain silent as Drogo.
"Uh..." Full-on panic coursed through his body, knowing academics were
paramount in Missa's opinion. He didn't want to seem lazy or apathetic but
those words currently described his attitude towards college. "I haven't really
given it much thought. I mean, I keep my grades up."
"Don't be so modest," Missa placed a hand on his forearm, "he has a three-
point-nine average." That was only because he had her for his tutor for the
last year and a half. "You know, Torgo, it's never too early to start thinking
about which school you might want to attend."
"First I would need to get a job, attending even a local college would be
expensive." Pop set aside a quarter of the money he received from Child
Services to save for school but Torgo knew how little it was. They barely got
by on the income from Social Security and pop's pension. But mama always had
this almost magical way to stretching money when it got tight.
"With your grades I think we should look into some scholarships first." Missa
only imperfection was thinking everyone had the same priorities as her. It was
just as well that she had at least one flaw, or else she would be too perfect
to be real. Her beauty was undeniable but her true appeal was her intelligence
and raw passion for learning. She inspired him to find enjoyment in studying
when no teacher ever had before. "A job is all well and good but it should not
interfere with your studies."
"Uh," Torgo cleared his throat. "I guess you're right..." The waiter suddenly
arrived and served the appetizers, saving him from having to make life
decisions. Honestly, the prospect of going off to school and leaving mama and
pop by themselves didn't sit right with him. He was their last child before
they reached an age when they were too old to foster. His parents would've
adopted him if they could afford it but he didn't need a piece of paper to tell
him they were his family. They were getting on in years and it was becoming his
responsibility to take care of them. The waiter took their entree orders and
left them again.
"Listen to us droning on about school," Dany thankfully agreed with his hope
they'd change the subject. "We're boring the boys to death - let's talk about
anything else." Drogo amusingly refused to try the snails but did tolerate the
brie. Torgo watched Missa as she used a tiny fork to expertly remove the
escargot and popped it in her mouth. He imitated her and found the snail chewy
and flavorful but altogether alright. "I have an exciting hour planned for
tomorrow," Dany continued to carry the conversation as they ate.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Torgo perked up, honestly more comfortable
in a fantasy world than in the real one. "Give us a hint," he begged as he
dished another escargot onto his plate, "will we face the Devourer?"
"I never reveal my secrets, Torgo." Dany wagged a finger and shook her head
with a smug look on her face. "I can guarantee it will be action-packed. For
which you can thank Drogo," she shot a wry look in her boyfriend's direction,
"he just would not shut up about what a boring DM I am. On and on he went,
endlessly nagging."
"I think you exaggerate," Torgo accused playfully. But then he miscalculated
the maneuvering of his tiny fork and the snail shell slipped off his plate.
"Naturally," Dany quirked a brow and smirked at his trouble, "that's a sign of
a great story-teller."
"We are ready for battle," Drogo added solemnly, he could always be counted on
to take the game seriously.
"I've never looked forward to school so much," Torgo laughed as he wrangled his
buttery snail back onto his plate.
"I hate to be a stick in the mud but none of you can afford to be skipping so
often," Missa scolded. "Once a week is excessive!"
"You are being a stick in the mud," Dany chided. "Besides, I told counselor
Melisandre that I needed a free study period."
"And for me I'm only skipping gym." Torgo hastily added his excuse, disinclined
to bear Missa's classic worried-but-a-bit-disappointed stare-sigh-shrug combo.
That was her unblockable move, a power for which he had no defense. "I can make
up the credit this summer."
"I don't approve," Missa's narrowed dark eyes slid between Dany and Torgo. Then
her expression relaxed into reluctant resignation. "But I won't lecture either.
What class are you skipping, Drogo?"
"English," he replied in his thick Dothraki accent and the other three erupted
with laughter. Torgo covered his mouth to try and muffle his laughing.
"Oh," Dany panted to catch her breath. "Forgive me, my dear, I'm not making
fun. Your English is far better than my Dothraki could ever be."
"That is true," Drogo gazed down at Dany with an expression resembling
amusement. Still, Torgo never saw the big guy smiling so much, if that tiny
smirk could be called 'smiling'.
"Listen to him, and this from my tutor." Dany crossed her arms and scowled
playfully at Drogo. "I might as well have Missa learn Dothraki and then have
her teach me."
"I know a few phrases," Missa interjected.
"How?" Dany's jaw unhinged as she stared at Missa, her arms falling lose from
their stubborn position. "I'm calling your bluff."
"Aena shekhikhi, hash yer dothrae chek? Fonas chek!" The Dothraki rolled off
Missa's tongue like she was born speaking it and the whole table stared at her
in amazement. "Just simple expressions really."
"Your pronunciation is much better than mine," Dany grumbled.
"Her tongue is sharp enough for Dothraki," Drogo actually managed a full
sentence that had nothing to do with DnD. Dany's influence was indeed powerful
and Torgo was in awe of how much his friend had changed.
"Here we go again with the softness of my tongue," Dany poked Drogo's arm.
"I'll show you just how sharp-tonged I can be! Anha vassik yera ma zirisselat
lekh." Drogo actually chuckled quietly! In the years had they been friends
Torgo could count on one hand the number of times Drogo laughed. And they spent
the majority of their time together playing a game!
"What did you say?" Torgo leaned forward on the table, eager to learn what she
said.
"I will defeat you and cut off your tongue," Dany translated proudly.
"Not zirisselat - 'azirissek'." Drogo monotone correction wiped the confident
smile off Dany's face and Torgo laugh at her pouting. Why was he ever nervous
about this double date? But just then Missa joined in, her breathy demure
laughter caused his chest to seize and left him completely awestruck. Oh,
that's right... He was reaching so far above his level it wasn't even funny.
Chapter End Notes
     I'M BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!!! Now we're getting warmed up! With the
     move and the holiday over I am honestly only too glad returning to
     bask in the white-blue glow of my laptop (ah, delightful isolation).
     It was one thing after another! My iPad was severely wounded - a
     shattered screen. Did you know Batteries Plus fixes broken glass
     screens fast for a fair price?! Aigoo, they saved me! That's neither
     here nor there - just a tip. Then it took three Comcast techs to get
     my internet working properly. I can't live without internets! I have
     an important fanfic chapter to post!!!
     Several commenters have questioned how to find the items I use in my
     collages (sorry for being lax in answering; best of intentions and
     all that). Basically, I use a website: polyvore.com. If you click on
     the specific collage it should be linked to the Polyvore page, from
     there you can see all the items that were used to make the image. No
     100% guarantee that the item you want will be available for purchase
     but do a little exploring on the site and you can find 'similar'
     items by the same designer or in the same style. Happy hunting! Oh,
     and don't get hooked on making collages like me!
***** Brighter than the Moon *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [Brighter_than_the_Moon]

                                     DROGO
The ride home went quietly, except for the unsteady thumping of his reliable
but aged truck. The moon hung high and bright in the sky, lighting the road as
if paved with silver. The long stretch of road inspired deep thoughts to run
like a river in his mind. Memories of home often invaded his mind lately,
though he never thought of Bravos as 'home' when he lived there. His people
were his 'home' as they held no nation of their own. Dothraki once had such a
strong culture that all the neighboring peoples trembled to hear their name
spoken.
Then a new world came, a world that rode towards peace and those who lived to
fight only brought sadness to the blood of their blood. This time of peace was
not meant for Drogo and his hot blood caused insolence to his father and
mother. He brawled in the streets of Bravos because he was never welcome among
the Bravosi citizens. They considered his kind as less than dogs. They were
once strong warriors, but as refugees, his people were called lazy, violent
drunks. Most Dothraki felt shame for their heritage and lived falsely as if as
born of another culture.
Drogo's father begged him to cut his hair and hide the tattoos representing his
heritage, but he refused to be ashamed of his own blood. Then he shed too much
of that proud blood and almost lost his life. In the end, he obeyed the command
of his father to cross the Narrow Sea to Westeros. After arriving, his heart
still beat for the old times, but no longer. A life of rebellion and fighting
cannot please him if the night sky is dark. Without Dany, his darkness can
never be brightened with the hollow victory of petty rivalry.
"That was fun," her voice was a soft breath of wind that blew through his
thoughts, "don't you think?" His woman was strong and fierce - it is known -
truth is hers to demand as the ruler of his heart.
"No." If he blew untruth into her ears she might be appeased for a time. Then
his mount would turn to a goat and she would ride further ahead because he
would not be worthy of riding beside her.
"I know it is not your cup of tea," the meaning of her words escaped his grasp.
"Tea?" What did a hot drink have to do with fun? It was water he drank when
they ate...
"Sorry, idioms are our downfall." Her words raced forth from her lips but his
ears hunted them too slowly. "I meant that I know you dislike such activities."
Idiom means 'common saying'... But before he could piece together her whole
meaning, she continued. "However, I do think we make an attractive couple. I
hardly ever get to dress up any more so I put in a lot of effort tonight. Did
you notice?" Though her words ambled lazily through the foggy field of his
mind, he caught their tails and captured their meaning.
"Yer zheanae sekke," this truth came more easily and not only because it was
told in his tongue - her beauty was easy to see. "Zhey shekhikhan tihat yom
jalansoon." Even as the moon galloped across the sky, its light could never
compare with Dany's brightness. The first time his eyes laid on her, a shadowed
figure in the blinding light of the doorway, lighting his dark retreat. That
light never went out - only shone brighter the more he watched her.
"Yer chomoe anna," she inclined her head in a small bow. "You know, we have not
discussed our plans for after graduation... Even thought I have absolutely no
idea what I am doing... I don't want us to be apart," her last words whispered
soft as summer breeze.
"I will go where you go and work there," a man had to use his strength after
all. What other choice did he have but to stay in her light? For what reason
did the Great Stallion send him across the water, if not to meet her?
"Really?!" Her distrust no longer offended him, only heartened his will to earn
her faith. "Do you mean that? You will come with me?"
"I mean what I say," he said again - and would say the words as many times as
she needed to hear them. Dany unfastened her seatbelt and slid across the seat
to lean her silvery head against his shoulder.
"I wish this old truck moved a little faster," she covered her yawn with a
hand.
"Sleep," he told her, "I will wake you."
"Just for a bit," she drifted off into her dreams as he drove them to the ranch
and at least his thoughts left him in peace. The house was already dark - ranch
work hours always meant sleeping early - and he parked out front. Drogo eased
her limp head from his shoulder onto the headrest before getting out to walk
around the truck and open her door. Dany stirred, rubbing her eyes before
smiling at him, looking more a child swaddled in her drowsiness.
"I'm fully awake now," she told him but then smiled and held out her arms to be
carried. Drogo gathered her light weight into his arms, carried her into the
house, and back into his room. He set her down and Dany held onto his shoulders
as she looked up at him expectantly. "Drogo, ezzolat anni lekh dothraki." It
was clear that his woman envied her friend's natural skill with language.
"Ajjin?" It pleased him, her interest in learning the Dothraki tongue, but the
late hour made her tired. "Yer ray haqeqqe," he said it with concern but she
shook her head to deny the plain truth.
"Anni ezolat alikh kijinosi," she pulled off her jacket and let it fall to the
floor before reaching out to remove his. Dany pushed the leather from his
shoulders and his coat joined hers on the ground. "Kisha vos zigereo qemmosor
zimemelat anna." It pleased him even more that she preferred their lessons
unclothed. Drogo watched her unhurried fluid motions as she removed her
adornments. She set the jewelry atop a dresser before returning to stand before
him. He waited for her to remove his clothes, as she seemed to enjoy the task
and so did he.
Impatience shone in her eyes but her movements were unhurried as she unbound
the buttons to his shirt. The soft skin of her fingertips skimmed down his
revealed chest and stomach. Already his manhood grew strong and ached to be
within her. Her light and beauty pulled him to her with fierce attraction that
went unchallenged. To fight his own happiness was a failing he would tolerate
no longer. His heavy breath was drawn into her lungs and he felt jealous of his
own exhale for becoming part of her.
When his body was free of all covering, she stepped back to admire him and he
allowed it because it pleased him to satisfy her hungry eyes. Before his
patience died out, she finally shed her own dress and undergarments to reveal
her heavenly form. Dany was the very image of the mother of mountains, her eyes
shining like stars. Her silver-white hair floated around her shoulders like a
cloud. All but her body fell aside from his vision - all solid things and even
the passing of time floated away.
Not in her tongue or his could he speak the words to express the peace and calm
her perfection instilled in his heart. All of her was flawless, soft, and
delicate but from within shone the strength of a warrior. The air between them
thinned and heated, both of them peering through heavy breath but delaying
contact. And he could wait no longer to touch her, lifting his hand to trace
the slope of her collarbone. At his first touch, she shivered and released a
soft encouraging moan that nearly undid his calm but Drogo stayed strong.
"Hash fin jin?" He lowered his hand to hold onto hers, testing her knowledge
while allowing only the slightest touch.
"Qora anni," she answered in the right way and moved closer so he could feel
the warmth of her breath washing over his chest.
"Ma jin?" His fingers glided up her smooth arm and he waited for her answer.
"Qorraya," her voice trembled and he slid his touch higher to her shoulder and
waited for her answer. "Elme," the word caught in her throat as his fingertips
grazed up her neck. "Lenta," she whimpered and moved closer so that their
bodies almost touched. She tilted her head back, closing her eyes - an
invitation to kiss. Drogo traced the soft curve of her cheek, which lifted as
her mouth curled into a smile. "Dech," her lowered eyelashes fluttered as he
lightly traced the delicate skin of her eyelid. "Tih," she whispered the word
for 'eye'.
"Qemmotihan," he taught her the word for 'eyelid' as he tucked her snowy hair
behind her ear. She appeared as a goddess of winter but never felt cold - she
burned hotter than any flame. Her eyelashes opened and even in the dim, their
purple brightness shimmered. "Tihi yeroon zheanae." Drogo would never tire of
gazing at her beautiful eyes - they burned with light that rivaled the stars.
"Ma sekke lainat." The backs of his fingers grazed down the side of her face
and he traced her plump lower lip with his thumb.
"Gomma," she answered the word for 'mouth'.
"Heth," he improved her answer to the word for 'lips'. "Ma has lekh mra," he
teased her, recognizing that her tongue had become sharper.
"Sekosshi kisha vastoki vos alikh," she took in quick breaths between her
words, "shekh ma shieraki anni." His woman's patience had reached its end,
though she was the one who insisted on words in the first place. She never once
showed shame for her passion in front of him and her eagerness suited him as he
was impatient as well.
"Fin yer zalat," he pretended not to know what she wanted, "zhey jalan
atthirari anni?"
"Zoqwa anna," she demanded and he pressed his mouth over hers, granting the
kiss she craved. Their lips came together as their limbs entwined, an attack of
hands clutching tightly and arms linking. Her soft tongue searched for his as
her small fingers squeezed his shoulders until all he could taste, touch, and
feel was her. Drogo dragged himself from her honeyed mouth to catch his breath.
"Yer lekh gizikhven ven gizikh," he praised her sweetness as his lips trailed
lower. He kissed the soft skin under her ear and her scent increased his hunger
as he gently nipped her neck. She gave voice to her desperation with small
whimpers that panted from her kiss-swollen lips.
Drogo felt her warm palms sliding over his shoulders as his mouth pressed over
her thundering heart and she pushed her hands into his hair. He bent towards
her as a tree does when pulled by a gust of wind and she shivered as one hand
released her waist to cup her breast. Her fingers tangled in his hair as his
arm circled around her slim waist and his mouth tasted the rosy tip of her soft
flesh. Dany melted in his arms, her hair flowing back as her strength failed.
She moaned and clutched his arms as he lifting her closer to continue teasing
her with his tongue.
"Please, Drogo, I need-!" Her breathless plea was silenced when he moved his
mouth up to cover hers and she opened to his tongue's attack. Dany lifted
herself up by clinging to his shoulders and freed his hands to wander over her
body. His touch was rushed at first but then slowed, wanting to keep her in his
hands longer. He teasingly caressed her breast while his other hand lost itself
in the softness of her hair. His hands wanted to explore his treasured one but
they were defeated by impatience. They lowered first to her hips to tug her
close and then slipped behind her thighs.
She moaned as he slid her legs around his hips and lifted her up into his arms.
His hands held her thighs as he carried her to the bed and supported her with
one arm to lay her down. Drogo braced against the mattress and gazed down at
her, wanting to cover her body with his but never wanting her hidden from his
eyes. Her limp hands fell from his neck to spread out helpless onto the pillows
as she stared up at him with unashamed longing in her eyes. At that look, his
need to possess her overwhelmed any other desires.
He covered her body with his and curled his arm around her waist, molding her
soft form to him. Dany welcomed him, soft thighs cradling his hips as she
arched her body to fit his and curled her hands around his shoulders. His free
hand guided his manhood to the slick heat between her legs and he groaned as
she writhed in his hold, impatient to receive him. She tilted her hips to
accept his first deep thrust and her fingers tangled in his hair, demanding his
mouth on hers.
Drogo embraced her close to capture her sweet lips again, their quickened
breaths mingling as their tongues met. His tongue pushed against hers as he
matched every driving thrust deeper inside her. She was as a woman drowning,
gasping for breath, and struggling to match the pace of his body surging
against hers. He was the sea, creating waves that crashed over her and
plundered the air from her lungs and still she demanded more.
Her fingertips dug into his back as she curled against him and abandoned
herself in the desperate attempt to match his pace. Her hands grasped his
shoulders she rocked against him, throwing her head back to cry out her
pleasure. He tightened his arm around her waist and she moaned eagerly, arching
against his chest as he embraced her closer. Then her body felt limp and she
began to tremble as her cries grew louder and her womanhood clenched around
him.
She wanted her release too soon and his would certainly follow but he was not
ready to let her go yet. He rolled onto his back, bringing her on top of his
chest. She rested to catch her breath, craning her neck to kiss his throat as
he caressed the soft skin of her spine. He molded his hands down her back and
over her legs before returning one hand to the silken waves of her hair. She
shivered in response to his gentle touch before lifting her head to seek his
lips once more.
He cupped the back of her head as she languidly kissed him. He opened his mouth
against hers and her tongue flitted between his lips before pulling away. She
slid her legs down to brace against the mattress and pushed against his chest
to lift herself up. Dany rose like a showery white cloud riding the dawn,
blurring his eyes, and heightening his senses. His hands found her hips but he
did not seek to guide her movement, waiting for her to take control.
Her soft hands roamed his body, tracing down the lines of his chest and stomach
and causing his manhood to throb within her. His conscious thoughts were lost
to the clasping hot flesh, drawing him in and holding all of his attention. He
lifted one hand to cup her breast, causing her to release an eager gasp as he
kneaded the soft flesh. Her head fell back as she rocked once onto his manhood
and he felt her body trembling.
As she rose once more onto her knees and then fell again as he thrust into her
wet heat. Saddled in her place above him, she moved with perfect balance, both
submitting to and controlling him. His hand clung to the curve of her waist to
urge her to roll her hips, slowly retreating, and then returning. The flow of
her body drew him deeper within her as she rose and fell, dominating him and
surrendering to him.
Her desire blew through him like the wind as winds twist and turn without ever
being caught or controlled. Passion overwhelmed her and she wailed her
desperation, shivering and writhing as if caught in her own storm. He went to
her then, rising up to meet her as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders
and buried his face against her neck, slipping a hand between their bodies. One
muted cry escaped her lips as his fingers encircled the pulsing flesh between
her legs and gently teased her.
For a moment, all was still except for the slow circling of his fingertips then
the eye of the storm passed. Her release ripped through her thrashing body,
accompanied by a sweet cry to announce her pleasure. Soon he joined her,
climbing the heights of ecstasy, moaning into her hair until she collapsed
against him. All was calm once more as he fell back against the mattress,
bringing her down with him. His palm rested on her back as it rose and fell
with her heavy breath that matched his. The solid world returned around them
and time continued its passing.
If fate should part him from Dany - the memory of her soft skin against his
would remain with him forever. Her love, though only shown and not spoken...
was life. The control this woman had over him frightened him more than when he
lay bleeding in the streets of Bravos. Not because he was worried she might
abuse her power over him, but that he might be dismissed from her side one day.
To be removed from her light was to return to the dark - he would truly
experience loneliness only after knowing love.
"Yer allayafat anna norethaan," she murmured her contentment against his neck
"shekh ma shieraki anni."
"Hazi davrae," he lightly trailed his fingers through her loose hair. He wanted
her for his own from the first time he saw her - a beautiful balance of
strength and vulnerability. Drogo longed to hear that she felt the same love
for him but the pain of her past blocked her confession. Until that blissful
time came, the sweet words of soft Dothraki she whispered would be enough.
Chapter End Notes
     OMGOAN (oh my gods old and new) a Drogo POV chapter - I never thought
     I would do it (for good reason, it was stupid hard)! On the bright
     side, I think my Dothraki is actually getting better but I'm sure
     it's still horribly wrong. My goal for the month of December is to
     post a chapter every day until Christmas Eve - that means ~22
     chapters in the next ~3 weeks! Can I do it? Yes, I can! (Possibly.)
     <3 I'm ready for the next *80* chapters - let's do it!
***** Ice and Fire *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                [Ice_and_Fire]
                                      JON
The moment Jon entered the room he noticed the palpable tension between Arya
and Gendry. For one thing, they were sitting next to each other but as far
apart as possible. She was leaning back in her chair with her feet up on the
table and a scowl on her face. He was hunched over his backpack and staring
into nothingness.
"What's with them?" Jon elbowed Hot Pie as he sat down beside him and pointed
to the miserable couple. Was it too much to hope they broke up?! Did that make
him a horrible person? Probably.
"Dunno, Gendry's been a right loaf lately," Hot Pie sulked: the two guys had
been inseparable before Arya came along. "Think they've been on the outs." Jon
suspected that the pair argued and thought about getting answers out of Gendry
but decided to mind his own business. Arya was the one who insisted she didn't
need his interference. "Never had a girlfriend myself but it seems more trouble
than it's wurf."
"I wouldn't say that," Jon smiled as he thought of Ygritte: she was plenty of
trouble and totally worth it. "If you ever meet a girl you like more than
baking you'll understand then."
"I won't hold my breff," Hot Pie chuckled.
"Alright, gang!" Dany held her hands up to gain the group's attention. "Are we
ready to get started?" There were nods all around the table. "You are heading
up the side of the Potaro Mountain, where blizzards rage year-round..." The
snow crunched under their feet as the group slowly trudged up the side of the
blustery mountain. The Protector was leading them to the Ice Witch: known for
granting prophecies to whoever summoned her. It was said that she spent her
existence frozen under the lake in the hollowed center of the mountain.
When they reached the lake, the group followed The Protector and Grey Worm out
to the center, the ice was just thick enough to walk on. The High Elf crouched
down and wiped away the snow covering the ice to reveal a sequence of cracks
that formed a star. He placed his hand over the star and began to murmur a
chant. Suddenly the cracks grew from his hand and the whole group stepped back.
The ice started falling in on itself, opening into a black inky pool of
darkness. As the group moved back, a shadowy gray figure began to emerge from
the depthless water.
The moment the Ice Witch stepped onto the ice a thin layer of frost covered her
entire body, giving her the appearance of a ghost. Snow was frozen where he
stood as the witch moved directly towards him, staring into his eyes. She stood
so close that he could feel her cold breath on his face. Then her pale
colorless irises rolled back into her head and her eyes turned black.
"The Arena is not as it Appears," the voice that croaked from the Ice Witch's
mouth was inhuman. "A wolf senses what Eyes cannot see," she gasped a deep
breath. "Other's eyes see a child who can bring The End. She must challenge The
One who consumes and herself." A hollow rattling sound sounded inside the
witch's chest. "The moon and stars see Failure as darkness lives to destroy
light. Only Victory in the sunlight will reveal a half-breed's fraud and a New
Path." The witch shuddered and blinked after the last word and her eyes
returned to normal.
"Why does it always have to be so cryptic," Arry complained, "can't you draw us
a bloody map or something?" Snow didn't know how the Halfling was so unaffected
by the witch's terrifying appearance. But then again, he was the one within
arm's reach of the creature.
"Please," Nhee begged from behind him, "tell us something more. How can I save
my sister?"
"Child," the Ice Witch pointed at Nhee and crooked her gnarled finger, "come
forward." The youngling approached the Ice Witch, blatant fear coloring her
features as she moved past Snow. "Fire burns in your heart yet you have no
faith. Neither in your companions nor even in yourself." The witch bent down
the so that her face was almost touching Nhee's. "Why did you come such a long
way from home, child?"
"To save my sister!" Nhee bucked her chin up to show she wasn't afraid. "And I
am not a child!"
"We shall see what you are before the day ends." The witch whispered so quietly
that Snow wouldn't have heard them if he was not standing so close. The Ice
Witch's cold eyes turned onto him again and Snow felt a chill run up his spine.
"If you fail to defeat The Devourer before dusk, it will not be destroyed in
this child's lifetime."
"Dragonborn live a long time," Nhee's brave expression fell.
"Then we best hurry." Snow reached out to grab the youngling's arm and pulled
her to his side. "Thank you," he told the witch, not wanting to offend such a
powerful creature.
"Don't thank me yet," the Ice Witch smiled horribly. "We will meet again,
Snow." He turned away without another word and started to lead the group down
the mountain, away from the frozen lake.
"I dunno about all've you," Hot Pie broke the group's silence. "But I've no
idea what she was sayin'!" Snow glanced to The Protector and saw the Dragonborn
man lost in deep thought. None spoke up to answer the Dwarf's query about the
meaning of the Ice Witch's prophecy. They continued down the mountain when
Nymeria suddenly sniffed the air and took off running.
"Nymeria!" Arry screamed after her pet but it did not halt so the Halfling took
off after the beast.
"Arry!" Of course, Gendry followed the Halfling: soon the entire group was
chasing the wolf. A large structure appeared on the horizon, held up by
glittering white pillars. Snow knew that the building could only be The Arena,
though it was covered with snow it smelled like flowers. The wolf must have
followed that scent and led them there... He blew out a nervous breath as they
drew near the mysterious building.
"It should be me who holds the soul-eater," Arry insisted when they approached
the giant stone doors. On both sides of the entryway, veiled statues gazed down
on them sorrowfully and made Snow feel even more nervous.
"How'd you figure that?" Gendry crossed his arms and looked down on the
Halfling.
"First, it was my wolf who led us here - just like the prophecy said," she
sneered up at the Blacksmith. "That witch also said 'the child in other's eyes'
will end The Devourer... Look - I don't really believe this fairytale Boccob
prophecy bullshit... But something pulled me to steal that bead and I've never
felt anything like it before or since. Maybe I was meant to use it to defeat
The Devourer and save Khaleesi."
"I agree that Arry is the one who should hold the soul-eater." Grey Worm spoke
up, looking around the group with a serious expression. "Speak now if you
object." No one else said a word. "Very well," he opened his pouch and handed
the bead to Arry. "Keep it safe, Wolfborn." She nodded seriously, as she
accepted the bead, placing it in her pocket before striding to the door with
confidence. Arry grabbed ahold of the handle and pulled the door open. Standing
outside The Arena and looking in, the group admired the room's opulence with
awe as they stepped inside.
"What the hells?!" Arry searched herself for her dagger and Jon realized that
all of their weapons had vanished.
"Weapons cannot be brought into the Arena," The Protector informed them
gravely.
"Then how do we fight?!" Arry's irritation was obvious and Snow shared it.
"Go to the altar in the center and think of the weapon you want most." The
Protector pointed to the center of the marble covered floor. A large wooden
table stood in the center of the room. "It will appear." The Dragonborn
suddenly looked behind himself, as if hearing something. "The Devourer is here,
I can feel its presence. We exist now on two planes of reality and will not be
revealed to each other until the weapons are chosen." He bowed his head and
walked to a quiet corner to kneel and pray.
Drogo was the first to approach the altar and the instant he stood in front of
it an Orcish axe appeared on the table. Gendry went next: he stared at the
altar for a time before a golden warhammer materialized. Arry followed hot on
the Blacksmith's heels impatiently, her weapon was also made of gold, a
crossbow. Soon Snow would have to choose a weapon as well but his mind went
back and forth, troubled by indecision.
The choice of weapon could make or break a battle, rendering any or all members
of their group useless if The Devourer was clever. And The Devourer was always
clever. Grey Worm came back from the altar with a silver staff in his hand but
an unsure expression on his face. Pod predictably acquired a quarterstaff,
bearing the markings of his deity. But as Hot Pie walked away from the altar
Snow noticed what he held in his hands. Oh, for the love of the gods!
"Hot Pie!" The dumbass Dwarf was carrying his namesake: a hot pie! The pastry
had a thin stream of steam curling out from the vent in the center of the
crust. Snow held out his hands in an incredulous gesture at his friend's odd
choice of 'weapon'. What was he gonna do with it, throw it at The Devourer so
that she gets all messy?!
"I couldn't help it," he protested pitifully. "I was so hungry and tired! It
just sorta popped into my head that I wanted a nice warm pie to give me
strength before the battle." Hot Pie held up the platter and the sweet scent of
pastry filled Snow's nostrils. "You want some?" Actually... it did smell really
good and his stomach started growling.
"Gods save us all." Snow released a heavy sigh, feeling even less confident as
he brushed past his comrades to approach the altar. He only had to stand there
a moment when he thought back of the dagger that his father gave to him. It
wasn't anything special but it had a nice sharp edge and a balanced handle: too
bad, he lost it in his earlier adventures. Then, exactly as it was before, the
dagger appeared in its scabbard. Awed by the altar's power to read his mind, he
returned to the group and handed the dagger to Hot Pie. "Here, use this and cut
me off a slice."
"Me too!" Nhee licked her lips and moved closer as Hot Pie side cut her a slice
and handed it to her. Then he passed over another slice to Snow and the first
bite was... amazing! "This is the best pie I've ever had," Nhee exclaimed, "and
I feel somehow... stronger."
"As do I," Snow took another bite and felt his whole body invigorated with
energy! "Everyone, I never thought I'd say these words: this is a magic pie. We
should all have a slice before the battle." He helped Hot Pie pass out the pie
to the group.
"Guess I did alright then." Hot Pie grinned like a fool and Snow saved his
lectures: maybe this enchanted pastry would actually help them.
"Now that we've eaten the magic pie," he wiped the crumbs from his mouth and
looked around the group. "Who's left?"
"Me," Nhee replied in a small voice, hands clasped behind her back and staring
at her feet.
"Go ahead then," Grey Worm gently encouraged the girl. She plodded slowly
towards the altar with her head bowed forward. After a long while, the girl
returned to the group with seemingly nothing. Snow did not want to damage the
child's confidence anymore so he did not mention her apparent lack of weaponry.
"I've been waiting for so long," The Devourer suddenly appeared, her voice
sickly sweet and cold as ice. "I made my choice the instant I approached the
altar." She held out her hand and a ball of flame flashed above her palm.
"Isn't the Dragonborn's natural immunity to fire fascinating?" The flame spread
up her arm and then it engulfed her whole body as she walked around the altar.
"I have waited many lifetimes to possess a body as strong as this one."
"Strength is often and illusion," The Protector responded quietly.
"Ixen Fethos!" The Devourer threw up her arm and the flame covering her form
flew upwards, exploding and showering down into a veil of fire around her. "Did
you really think you actually defeated me before? I have used you, bent you to
my will... All has gone according to my design! I know that you have the hand.
Who do you think told The Keeper to let you have it? The hand cannot pass
through fire, therefore you have already lost. Admit your defeat-!" Her
arrogant taunting suddenly cut off when she grabbed the sides of her head as if
in pain. "AGH!"
"Hurry..." The Devourer suddenly fell to her knees and her shield fell with
her, burning bright blue before disappearing. "I can't hold... much... longer!"
The voice that came from her throat was softer and familiar... Khaleesi?
"Khaleesi!" Nhee took a step towards her sister, hand outstretched.
"Ixen Fethos!" The Devourer regained control and rose to her feet, flames
rising around her. "Be still and obey me!" She slapped her own face and only
then did Snow truly understand Khaleesi's circumstances: she was conscious and
felt everything.
"You are weakening, Devourer." The Protector stepped forward, his voice calm
and assured. "None but Boccob can live within the chosen Savior. This time...
you will be the one consumed."
"I am stronger than ever," she screeched and the flames surrounded her, forming
a sphere of fire. "All shall tremble at my power!" The ground shook beneath
Snow's feet as he clutched the useless dagger in his hand. His last hope was
lost... What possible defense could they have against this level of power? The
flames licked outward onto the ground, driving the group backwards. Once again,
the Devourer's shield burst apart and she spoke as Khaleesi.
"I will not let you use me," her voice was weak but grew stronger, "I am in
control!" Arry burst into action, sprinting across the room and vaulting over
the altar to jump onto their weakened enemy. Just as the Halfling was passing
the fallen shield, The Devourer recovered control.
"Ixen Fethos!" The Devourer's protective spell obviously took great effort but
still sent Arry went flying backwards and caught her tunic's sleeve on fire.
"Arry!" Gendry rushed to her side to smother the flame with his cloak.
"Nhee?" The Devourer called out in a soft voice but Snow could hear the cold
edge underneath. "Nhee, is that you?" The flare shield flickered but did not
extinguish, only continued outwards so that the group had to retreat. "I am
trying so hard to fight..." She held out her hand towards Nhee, stumbling a bit
in her obvious exhaustion. "Come to me, help me..." The girl started to step
forward to meet the flames of the shield.
"Nhee, no!" Pod tried to stop her, stepping dangerously close to the fire, but
she slipped from his grasp. "It's a trap!" The Protector explained that if The
Devourer changed hosts, it would consume Khaleesi's power. She would be lost to
them forever and the new host would be even stronger. Arry sprung up from her
the floor and grabbed the hem of the child's cloak just before she passed
through the flame shield.
"Don't try and stop me!" Nhee whirled around and threw herself at Arry, talking
the Halfling to the ground. The Dragonborn girl broke out of Arry's hold and
rolled through the flames. "Sister, tell me how I can help you?" She stood and
moved to approach The Devourer as the group shouted for her to run.
"You already have!" The Devourer grabbed the young Dragonborn by the scruff of
her neck. "Your sister is strong - she tries to fight my will and blocks her
true power. You are but a weak little child - with me inside you, we will be
stronger than you can imagine! Even your sister is disgusted by your weakness!
At least now, you shall serve my purpose for a time. Don't fight it," her voice
lowered into a mockery of a mother's soothing, "accept the inevitable." The
Devourer laughed evilly and then began and incantation, black smoke billowing
from her mouth. "Cuigna tija! Si geou clax dout mamiss jaka!"
"I am not weak," the child wailed and tried to pull free. "Please, Khaleesi!
Take control - save me!" No matter how the girl squirmed or fought The Devourer
did not relent, moving her open mouth towards Nhee's terrified face.
"NOW!" Arry screamed and the Dragonborn girl suddenly thrust her fist into The
Devourer's mouth!
"Devour this!" Nhee had shoved the soul-eater down The Devourer's throat!
"Ah!" The shield disappeared as The Devourer released Nhee, dropping her to the
stone floor. "NO," she croaked and clutched her throat as if choking.
"Nooooooooo-!" Suddenly, Khaleesi's body went rigid and her head tilted back to
exhale a gust of black smoke from her open mouth. When all of the smoke had
dissipated, Khaleesi crumpled to the ground. Then the Arena melted away into a
dark lush forest, full of flowers that appeared around Khaleesi. A light blue
mist rose from the spot where she lay and seemed to lift her up into the air
onto her feet.
"Khaleesi?" Nhee ran forward to her sister as the blue mist thickened before a
gust of wind blew it away. There stood Khaleesi, as they once knew her, no
longer stained with the darkness of The Devourer. "Come back to me!" Nhee took
her sister's hand and tugged on it.
"Nhee?" Khaleesi blinked a few times before her eyes fully opened and looked
down on her sister. "You saved me," she smiled and cupped Nhee's cheek. "I'm so
proud of you."
"Don't leave me again!" Nhee threw her arms around her sister.
"I'm sorry, Nhee." Khaleesi patted her sister's head and gazed down at the
child with a wistful expression. "I would never willingly leave you. But you
must understand that I was born to be The Savior of our people when the time
comes I will be The Protector - it is my duty and an honor."
"No..." Nhee began to cry, pleading with her sister. "Please, let someone else
do it, don't leave me all alone!"
"You are so brave and strong," Khaleesi tearfully smiled around at the group
before returning her focus on Nhee, "and you are never alone." She looked up
once more as Drogo approached the sisters. "While I was one with The Devourer
it could not hide its thoughts from me - your people are in grave danger. You
must return to the position you were born to... as must I." Her hands gently
untangled Nhee's embrace. "Be well, sweet sister." Then the same blue mist that
restored Khaleesi swirled around her and carried her into the wind.
"No! Khaleesi!" Nhee tried in vain to catch the mist, tears streaming down her
face. Arry caught the girl just as she tripped over her own feet. The Halfling
glanced around the group in a panic, trying to comfort Nhee as the youngling
wept miserably.
"What did she mean, Drogo?" Jon had to speak up to be heard over Nhee's pitiful
wailing. Instead of being answered by the Orc, another voice spoke up.
"It seems the time has come to reveal the truth," Grey Worm lowered onto one
knee before Drogo, "Prince Drogo." The bell rang.
Chapter End Notes
     I'm sure the DnD chapters aren't everyone's *thing* but they are very
     cleansing for me, allowing me to flex my imagination. I'd say the
     biggest challenge to writing an "epic" fanfic is squeezing every drop
     of creativity is out of my muse while other sparks of inspiration
     (for other fics) keep popping into my head. But I'm feeling good
     about keeping my December goal! Next up is my boy Gendry: Chapter
     titled, "No Problem".
***** No Problem *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [No_Problem]
                                    GENDRY
The school week passed at a snail's pace, the Monday DnD game being last time
he saw Arya but they didn't talk much since then. When she texted him out of
the blue Friday morning, asking him to skip school with her, his heart surged
with joy. Sure, maybe they shouldn't skip but he'd take just about any kind of
break when it came to Arry. They were... not quite 'broken up' but severely
'bent' to the point of almost breaking. So drastic times call for drastic
measures. Gendry waited in his car for her at school and when she showed up, he
promised her a fun-filled day.
He was determined to show her a good time so he took her to the most fun place
in Kings Landing: the junkyard. Arry was still a bit distant but at least her
mood improved, though she had been unusually quiet... In truth, this quietness
was becoming unsettling 'usual'. When he told her their destination she
actually seemed excited by to go look for scrap metal. But she made sure to
keep her distance and that was the biggest difference about her. Used to be,
even when she looked like she wanted to kill him, it wouldn't be long before
she was glued to him again. But he was fine with it: really, he was.
In the early hours, the air was cool enough to stay bundled in his jacket but
the weather warmed slightly as the sun came up. Gendry carefully picked over
various piles of junk, looking for suitable materials to be reformed into
something new. It was pretty labor-intensive work to go through junk piles and
sift through scraps. Before long, he shed his coat hung it over the wheelbarrow
handles. They spent the morning filling up a wheelbarrow of scrap metal to
purchase. Most of it would be wasted as he trained Arry to use the forge but it
would be fun.
"How's this?!" She stood on a pile of junk and held up the hunk of metal over
her head. It was nice to see Arya looking so happy and relaxed, digging through
the junk like it was treasure. So what if she didn't want him anymore? A few
times that familiar fire flashed in her eyes but then it snuffed out as quickly
as it came. That didn't mean she didn't love him... really, he was fine.
"Great, toss it in the wheelbarrow!" Gendry walked to meet her because that
last hunk of junk meant they had enough to leave. He put on his jacket, hoisted
up the handles of the wheelbarrow, and she ambled quietly beside him as they
went to pay for the scraps. Once everything was loaded into the car, they got
in and headed towards the forge.
"I missed you," he finally broke the silence. What he really meant was: 'I miss
the way we used to be when you couldn't get enough of me'. Gendry tried, he
really gave it his best effort to sympathize with her state of mind. To him,
they dodged a bullet by not being pregnant but to her it seemed like her whole
world collapsed. This distance between them was invisible so he didn't have a
clue how to fix it! He gave her space and still she pushed and pushed him away
like he was her problem instead of her... What were they now?
"Yeah... me too," she didn't even put in the effort to try to sound like she
meant it. Before, the anger and constant jumping down his throat for every
little thing was getting a bit old. Now he just wished she'd yell at him
instead of staring off at nothing. They both swore they loved each other but
she didn't act like someone in love. Back when they were just friends she
treated him better than she had lately. The lack of radio in his car never used
to be a problem because they always had something to talk about.
"Is it me: am I doing something wrong?" The best he could figure, she wanted to
break up and go back to the way things were before, but she didn't know how.
That left him struggling to hold them together alone while Arya did everything
she could to pull them apart. "Arry?" Gendry glanced sideways at her to see her
still staring off with a blank expression.
"Huh?" Arya turned and blinked at him like he just started speaking another
language. "What do you mean?" Then some kind of understanding dawned on her and
she nodded her head slowly as she turned back to look out her window. "Ah no,
it's me - we don't have to hang if you'd rather not."
"I didn't mean that at all!" Okay, so maybe he wasn't 'fine'. But... so what?
He didn't have to be fine: he just had to stay by her side. It's not like he
could run away from her or even let her push him out of her life. Stay with
Arya and eventually die, those were the two certainties in his life. "Please
tell me what to do: anything."
"There's nothing to do," she answered quietly and the tone of her voice
indicated the conversation was over. He might not be so 'fine' with the changes
in Arya but he understood: everyone has these moments when they lose
themselves. Gendry just had to remind her who she really was: confident,
opinionated, bossy, perfect Arry who stole his heart. Because that was the girl
he loved more than his own life and she was somewhere inside this frightened
creature who took over her body.
She was just like an injured wolf snarling in the corner and ready to strike
anyone who got too close. Gendry suspected that was what happened, he got too
close: saw her vulnerable and she snapped instead of letting him help. Other
people might not understand why he'd stay by her side but there wasn't a doubt
in his head. When he said he loved her there was no silent 'but' or tiny
asterisk indicating fine print loopholes. 'I love you until it gets too hard':
that wasn't him. 'I'll love you even more when it gets too hard': that's what
he meant when he said it.
His love was unconditional and unquestionable, as it should be. So he'd watch
her struggle, accepting her snips and running away until she let him close
again. And after it was all over and he had his girl back to her normal self
there'd be no need for her to say sorry. 'I love you and will always forgive
you': that's what he meant every time. And she'd do the exact same thing for
him: he didn't doubt that for a second. She loved him, no matter how much she
pushed him away, it was in her eyes: 'hold onto me, don't stop loving me'. Or,
at least that's what he hoped.
Their silence continued for the rest of the ride and even as they unloaded the
junk and put it away at the forge. Except for a few orders for how to organize
the metals, neither of them spoke much at all. It made him appreciate how easy
it used to be between them, when they told each other everything. Instead of
getting upset that it wasn't like that anymore he just keep his eye on the
prize. They would get over this... whatever it was, and get back to normal.
That's just the way it had to be! When the work was done, they stood by the
forge in awkward silence.
"It's hard to be around you," she spoke all of a sudden in a hushed tone, "I
still want you but I'm... I'm scared." Was that it: she just got scared of
being pregnant and that's why she didn't want to have sex? Of course, that made
perfect sense! And she avoided him so she wouldn't be tempted or tortured... so
it wasn't his fault at all. Gendry blew out a sigh of relief and smiled at her
wide-eyed worried expression.
"We don't have to take any risks." Sex wasn't all that bloody important to him:
not nearly as necessary as her smiling and happy. "If that's what's bothering
you, there's other stuff we could do... you know, if you wanted."
"What are you thinking?" Arya stuffed her hands in her oversized jacket pockets
and sauntered closer to look up at him with a raised eyebrow. That little spark
in her eye was barely glinting but it was enough to make his heart pound. Was
this it? Were they getting back to how it used to be?!
"I'd like to kiss you," he moved closer to her until they were standing so
close they were almost touching. "Everywhere." She licked her lips and took the
tiniest step towards him, lifting a hand to play with a button on his jacket.
This was as close as they'd been in days and the nearness hurt in a good way.
It was almost impossible not to drag her into his arms and lock her there but
he had to let her come to him. Patience: something all blacksmiths possessed
and he needed every bit of it to love Arya.
"But," her eyes turned down to focus on the center of his chest. "I would start
begging and you'd give in because you are weak." Arya was the weak one who
wouldn't be able to withstand it and she'd more likely be 'ordering' rather
than 'begging'. Ah, the lack of faith she had in him was seriously fucked up.
Sometimes he worried that he was too clingy but apparently, he had to be a lot
more devoted.
"I swear on our eternal love," he took ahold of her hand, placed over his
heart, and assumed his most solemn expression. "I won't give in no matter how
much you beg."
"What do I get if you give in?" Leave it to Arry to try to turn this into a
win-win situation for her.
"This isn't a contest," Gendry protested but he didn't really mind her
feistiness.
"Then it's boring," she rolled her eyes and turned away but still held her hand
and spun her around.
"Fine," he pulled her closer, seeing the hunger burning brightly in her eyes...
she wouldn't be holding out much longer. "How about..." His eyes darted to the
forge before he smiled at her: victory was at hand. "I'll make something for
you?"
"Anything I want?" His greedy girl was always making the most impossible
demands. Next thing he knew she'd be having him forging a rocket ship for her
if he wasn't careful.
"Go easy," he pleaded.
"I reserve the right to name a 'reasonable' reward after I succeed," she
smirked. Oh gods, that expression was his favorite one. Gendry gulped and did
his best to feign aloofness: pretty soon, he'd be the one begging.
"You're going down," he challenged but then thought about his choice of words.
"Actually, I think that'd be me." Arya rolled her eyes and slipped her hand
into his to pull him along to the tent. Gendry just strolled along beside her
but he was singing, dancing, and throwing flower petals on the inside.
"Gendry," she suddenly stopped and looked up at him, "no matter what I say, I
don't want to have sex." Arya squeezed her eyes shut and blew out a heavy
breath. "And I don't expect you to understand..."
"I do understand," he tightened his hold on her hand, "so please stop trying to
push me away."
"You're not pissed at me?" Did she really think he'd get mad at her? What a
'stupid' boyfriend he must've been to earn such low regard from his lady.
"I want things to be okay between us so sometimes I get a little frustrated,"
he admitted. "But I'm not mad and it's not your fault."
"It is - but thanks for saying that anyway." One corner of her mouth lifted
into a small smile before she continued leading the way to the tent. He ducked
his head to step inside behind her and they both sat down to kick off their
shoes before zipping the tent closed. Her coldness turned into a distant memory
the instant the flap was zipped. She was already reaching for him, grasping the
front of his jacket to shove him down before climbing into his lap. Gendry had
probably been kissed by Arya in every way there was to kiss but this one beat
them all.
It was so right, righter than anything had ever been before in the history of
all histories. Her lips were warm and desperate as they moved over his while
her hands jerked at his jacket, seemingly trying to rip it off. When he
couldn't help but smile against her mouth she retaliated with a sharp nip of
her teeth on his lower lip. It was like they communicated better without words:
she was scolding him for not taking the kiss seriously enough. Oh, he was
taking it plenty serious! Gendry burst into action, first ridding himself of
his coat and then tugging off hers.
Once free from her jacket, her fingers curled around his head to tilt his face
up and descended on his mouth. His hands wrapped around her hips, pulling her
closer as she slid her arms around his head and pushed her tongue inside his
mouth. Gendry thought he must be the world's biggest dumbass for promising he'd
be strong enough to resist having her. Never in his life did he want anything
more than he wanted her at that moment. He could feel her heart pounding inside
her chest as it was crushed against his: she wanted him just as much. Gods,
this was torture!
He couldn't help but slip his hands up from her hips under her t-shirt to feel
her heated skin, feeling her body trembling. Wait... what the hells? His
fingers felt past the soft warmth of her skin, noticing the prominence of her
ribs. She was always small and slender but this didn't feel right at all...
Gendry splayed his hand against her back and his palm met the sharp bumps of
her spine. She noticed his distraction and immediately stiffened, breaking the
kiss to stare hard at him.
"Bloody hells," he breathed in disbelief... Under her baggy clothes, his girl
had wasted away to practically nothing and the worst part: he didn't notice how
bad it was.
"I knew this was a stupid idea!" Arya pushed off of him and scrambled backwards
towards the front of the tent. "Fine - fuck you, then!"
"Don't go," his hand shot out to curl around her wrist, unable to ignore how
thin it felt. She yanked her hand away so hard that she fell back onto her ass,
bumping into the front flap. "What... Why... How?" Gendry couldn't think of the
right way to ask: 'why the fuck are you so bloody skinny like an emaciated
twig'?!
"Shut up - you dumb fuck!" Arya shuddered and gulped between her words, her
eyes wide with something between terror and rage. "You don't know anything!"
Yeah, no shit, he didn't know what the hells was going on!
"I'm sorry..." What could he say? "I was just... surprised." Then the most
bizarre thing happened: she curled her knees up, wrapped her arms around them,
and set her head down to cry. Arya was crying! Like, not even a little bit but
actually weeping! And he, world class boyfriend of the year that he was, sat
there and stared like an idiot.
"You," she sobbed, "don't - know - anything!" Gendry felt completely lost and
the only thing he could do was crawl next to her side and pull her into his
arms, surprised that she let him.
"I'm so worried about you because you won't tell me anything." He tugged her
into his lap and tucked her head under his chin. "Please, tell me what to do."
Arya fought against her tears, covering her face like she could hide her
sadness from him until she finally calmed.
"This feels good," she sniffled, hiding her face against his chest and clutched
the front of his shirt. "It's just because I haven't felt good lately and I
lose weight easy... it's not a big deal so please don't freak out." How could
he not notice?! Godsdamn her baggy clothes and the winter chill and... No, it
was his fault for not caring enough to pay closer attention. How could he be so
selfish? What should he do?! "I decided to see another doctor next week - I'm
trying and it's really hard so... Please, Gendry... please..."
"What?" Never in his life had he felt so lost and scared, not even ten years
ago when he wandered away from mom during his first trip to the Kings Landing
mall. "I'll do anything, just tell me."
"Don't stop loving me..." Her muffled voice was so small and weak that he can
hardly believe this was the same person who used to push him around every day.
Who knew he would miss her harsh treatment so much? Gendry was so happy when
she was threatening him and using insults as terms of endearments. "I need
you," she whispered.
"You don't have to ask for me to love you: I couldn't stop if I tried." Gendry
tried his best to keep the tightness in his throat out of his voice. "I need
you too." Didn't she realize he was nothing without her? "Stay with me
tonight," the invitation was always open but the words spilled from his mouth
anyway. Arya was quiet for a long while and he looked down to check if she fell
asleep but saw her eyes open. "You don't want to?"
"I want to more than anything," she admitted quietly. "It would be better for
you to kick me to the curb. I'm drowning and I'll pull you down... If I loved
you more I would give you up but I'm a shit person so I wanna hold onto you."
Her hands tightened on his shirt, stretching the fabric in an attempt to pull
him closer. "But please, please, please don't leave me. I don't mean to act so
shitty, I'm sorry. No matter what I say, I'm just being an idiot... You're the
only good thing in my life so you can't let me go."
"For someone so smart you sure can say some stupid shit." Gendry kissed the top
of her head, regretting that he hadn't told her earlier how much he liked her
hair. It had grown out into pretty dark waves that framed her face. He needed
to be better at stuff like that, ignoring her resistance to compliments. "Do I
seem like a liar to you? Do you think I say all that about loving you and
needing you because what... it's fun? You're beautiful and amazing: I can't be
without you." Arya was quiet for a long while so it surprised him when she
suddenly let out a soft laugh.
"I've broken them all - the promises." She sniffed and raised her head a bit to
look up at him. "I cried, fell in love with you, and told everyone who would
listen about the forge." Gendry chuckled in spite of the gloom that hung over
them.
"Arry, the Promise Breaker." He cupped the side of her face and used his thumb
to wipe away the lingering wetness on her cheek. "It has a nice ring to it."
"Better than 'milady'," she grumbled.
"Nothing is better than milady," he joked. "See what I did there?"
"Hilarious." Arya rolled her eyes but when she looked at him, he could tell she
was holding something back. "I'm... I need..." She couldn't seem to get the
words out and eventually gave up just rested her head against his chest. "Let's
stay like this a little longer - or maybe forever - I haven't decided yet."
"Either is fine with me." He was willing to do anything she asked of him but
wished she could trust him just a little bit more. "You know you can tell me
anything: I won't think less of you."
"I don't want to talk, this is all I want - this actually helps." She sighed
and relaxed more against him. "I'm such a dumbass that I forget how good this
feels. Just keep reminding me, okay?"
"You can have all the cuddles you want, milady." He was done giving her space
because that clearly wasn't helping anything. "This is all I want too, there's
nothing better." From now on whenever she seemed upset, he was just going to
hug her until she was happy again. It was better than anything else he did up
to that point and he hated feeling so completely useless. They stayed like
that, with him holding her, for at least half an hour until eventually Arya
fell asleep.
Gendry's arms started hurting after a while but he stayed strong, thinking this
was the one thing he could do for her. What was wrong and why wouldn't she tell
him? His mind went through all the obvious conditions that caused weight loss
but he was no doctor. It had to be something bad though, if she was this
weakened and worn down. Her snores were cute but then she started mumbling
anxiously, nonsense at first but her words became clearer.
"Don't go..." Those two words from her lips were possibly the most
heartbreaking he'd ever heard.
"I won't," he promised. "I'm here and I'm not going anywhere." Her tight
features relaxed and he let out the breath he didn't realized he'd been
holding. Part of him wanted to break down and cry from the frustration but he
refused to be weak when she needed him strong. Gendry assumed he was probably
doing this all wrong, not having a clue how to support Arya, but he still had
to try. And so then and there, in that stupid tent he thought he was so smart
for buying, he set his mind to the task of figuring out what to do. He needed
help: that was the one and only thing he felt sure of.
Chapter End Notes
     Next up I'd like to do a Sandor chapter but the timeline must be
     consulted and finely finagled before I can make that final call.
     Really, after the heavy Gendrya stuff going on, I think we all
     deserve some Sansan smut if I can sneak it in.
     "If We Stay" - Cyra Morgan
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOoVONNwVKc
***** Still Not Used to Her *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [Still_Not_Used_to_Her]
                                    SANDOR
He was standing in a crowd of students, milling around outside the school
auditorium like a flock of unherded sheep. They were all waiting to go into yet
another pointless seminar about drugs or some shit. A bright red flash of hair
stood out in the crowd, the little bird. The crowd parted without him having to
push through and he curled his fingers around her elbow to get her attention.
It was funny how her eyes were wide and nervous until she saw his face, and
then she smiled. Sandor didn't know if he would ever get used to that reaction
- or even if he wanted to get used to it.
"Oh, Sandor!" Sansa beamed happily, taking his hand and led him off to the side
of the building so they would be out of the way and she leaned against the
wall. "I hardly ever see you at school anymore." It was painfully true - now
that they didn't have any class together. "I miss you..."
"You missed me?" He braced his hand on the wall next to her head and leaned
towards her, blocking out the nearby crowd. "That's because you keep studying
instead of coming out with me." The little bird had been chirping non-stop
about her 'poor' grades last quarter, meaning one A-minus.
"You keep turning down my invitations to study," she countered stubbornly. "It
would help your GPA considerably if you do well on this quarter's finals."
Chirp-chirp-chirp.
"And it won't kill you to get a B on a test." He rolled his eyes but when he
looked back at her face, she was pouting unhappily. "I'm kidding, little bird."
Maybe she was right and he should study... nah. The only thing he wanted was
getting Sansa naked and making her sing, everything else was a waste of time.
Sandor looked around as the auditorium doors opened, seeing the teachers
distracted. "Follow me," he grabbed her hand and pulled her into a nearby empty
classroom.
"Where are we...?" She narrowed her puzzled eyes as he closed the door behind
her and immediately pressed her up against it. "We can't!" Her words didn't
match the excited blush blooming in her cheeks.
"Who's gonna stop us?" His hands curled around her waist and drew her to him,
kissing her before she could argue anymore. Her eyes fluttered shut as she
opened her sweet mouth to release a low hum. Sansa curled her arms around his
neck to lift herself closer to him as he crushed her body against the door. She
quietly moaned as she lifted one leg to wind around his and he dropped a hand
from her waist to curl around her thigh. Sandor cursed the thin fabric of her
leggings separating his fingers from her soft skin.
She loudly gasped into his mouth and rolled her hips towards him as he fitted
against her, pressing his hard cock between her legs. It was almost more than
he could take but it would be useless to try and convince her to skip the rest
of the day. In fact, probably the moment he stopped kissing her she'd come back
to her senses and insist they go to that fucking seminar. Just a few more
minutes... Her hands curled around his head, demanding more as she crushed her
chest against his and he grew even harder.
"Oh gods," Sansa released a breathless cry as he ground his hardness against
her and moved his lips down her neck. The aching desire to take her right there
against that door was almost crushing him until it's weight. "We really
shouldn't-" Not done yet - he captured her lips once more, just another taste
before letting her go. His last hungry kiss was rough, devouring her luscious
mouth with all of his restrained lust driving him. She turned her head to the
side, breaking the kiss and gasping for breath. "Sandor... we might get
caught," she panted and pushed on his chest so he took a step back.
"That's part of the fun," he argued as he wiped his grinning mouth with the
back of his hand, earning him and pouting scowl. Her lips were all red and
swollen from his kissing and it made him want to go in for seconds... and then
dessert. Sansa was always so sweet and he never got enough of her. How did he
ever hold out so long before the Winter Formal? Kissing her used to make him
content for hours afterwards but now even looking at her was downright painful.
"And," she blushed and her voice lowered to a murmur, "you're torturing me."
Sandor only grinned wider at her admission that she wanted him just as badly.
"Do you have to study tonight?" Please say 'no' - he begged silently. He
couldn't focus on anything else lately, spacing out at work and practice.
"I'm all yours," she smiled bashfully and looked up at him through her lashes -
tonight couldn't come fast enough.
"Now who's torturing?" Sandor grasped her by her waist and pulled her against
his body, smirking when her breath caught in her throat. Her wide blue eyes
looked up at him expectantly but he only released her and reached behind her to
open the classroom door. "After you," he waited for Sansa to go out first and
then followed her. As they attempted to exit the classroom discreetly, Margaery
Tyrell approached them. She honestly looked hotter than ever, as if breaking up
with Joffrey gave her a new thick layer of confidence.
"Sansa and the hound, fancy meeting you here." Margaery smiled knowingly as her
eyes took in Sansa's disheveled appearance. "I'll get straight to the point and
beg you to attend my 'Newly Single' celebration party tomorrow. Someone has to
take over Joff's position as the King of Ragers. I can certainly fill his shoes
and want to try my hand at playing hostess."
"I'll give the little shit one thing - he knew how to throw a party." And that
was the fucker's one good quality.
"He's an idiot with parents who have a lot of money," Margaery waved her hand
dismissively. "I'm considerably less moronic than him and come from an equally
loaded family." Girl made some good points - he was down if Sansa wanted to go.
"Wanna go?" Sandor looked down to the little bird and saw the uncertain
expression on her face. "I don't care either way but I can pick you and the kid
up." Sansa's expression turned thoughtful briefly when he mentioned Arya and he
wondered if he imagined it.
"I can admit that I was the dumb fuck for putting up with Joffrey." Margaery
hit the nail on the head, maybe the girl was finally wising up. "Now he's gone
and I want to shout from the rooftops how happy I am to finally be free of his
arrogant shit-spewing mouth. This party means a lot to me - kind of a rebirth.
So please say you will come," she took ahold of Sansa's hand, "because I want
to hold the party in your honor - you and your sister, my heroes."
"Arya and I are your 'heroes'?" Sansa's bashfulness was written all over her
features, she didn't think she deserved that title. But Sandor actually agreed
with the Tyrell girl - the Stark sisters were no joke and he never intended to
get on their bad side.
"For rescuing this poor foolish damsel," the girl smiled and put her hand over
her heart, "of course you are my hero. And hound, there's no need to hold
grudges between us, is there?" He shrugged his indifference. "Good! Say you'll
come, Sansa, and bring Arya and the hound too of course." Margaery clasped her
hands together under her chin and assumed a pleading pose. "The more the
merrier!"
"Alright," Sansa slowly nodded her head before smiling at Margaery. "Let's all
celebrate Joffrey's exile together." She peeked up at Sandor as if seeking his
approval but he didn't really care one way or another - he was still thinking
about tonight.
"Excellent," Margaery clapped her hands together, "now I only have one more
person to invite. Wish me luck!" She turned on her heel, tossing a wave over
her shoulder as she walked away.
"I don't think I've ever seen anyone that happy after breaking up," Sansa
watched Margaery striding away. "But considering who she dated..." She shook
her head and turned her focus back on him as students flooded out of the
auditorium. "See you at the game later?"
"I wouldn't miss it," he promised. She looked reluctant to leave so he turned
her by the shoulder and gave her a gentle push in the other direction. "You
better get to class or else you'll be chirping later about how much of a
distraction I am."
"That's not true," she smiled back at him over her shoulder. "I'll miss you,
even though I will see you later."
"Me too," Sandor couldn't help but feel a bit awed by how much he smiled since
he met her. "Catch you later, little bird." Sansa lifted her hand in a cheery
wave and then walked off towards her next class, her long hair swirling around
her shoulders. How was that gorgeous girl his - would he ever get used to it?
He hoped not. His stomach growled and he realized it was time for his lunch
period. As he was strolling towards the cafeteria, a voice called out from
behind.
"Hound!" That was the other Tyrell, the captain of the basketball team. Sandor
turned around to see Loras coming up with half the basketball team in tow -
Joff's old crew, which used to be his group too.
"What?" Sandor looked warily at the guys - they all used to eat lunch together.
He'd been eating alone way back since all the shit went down with Joff and
admittedly, it wasn't fun. "I don't have time for any bullshit." Loras came up
to his side while the other guys just kinda held back and watched.
"Just hear them out," Loras murmured under his breath, "think of the team."
"I am the team," he snorted a laugh. Sandor crossed his arms and glared around
the group, lingering a moment on Lancel - always Joff's biggest fan.
"No arguments on that," Loras tried to placate him, "but the rest of us are out
there too. Who'd you think keeps passing you the ball?" He waved a hand for the
guys to say their piece and they all looked around at each other with panicky
expressions. Gods this was fucking painful - just as he was about to leave one
finally spoke up.
"We think..." Viserys stepped forward, "Joffrey is not coming back this year-"
"And he was a fucking asshole anyway," Theon interrupted, "just sayin'." One
corner of Sandor's mouth lifted in spite of himself, he always found Greyjoy
amusing when he annoyed someone else.
"Anyway," Viserys continued his rambling, "it's pointless for us to keep up his
petty bullshit with you-"
"We're saying we miss you, dude." Theon jumped in again, clearly not satisfied
with the Targaryen kid's passive aggressive non-apology.
"Do you ever shut the fuck up?" Viserys glared at his talkative friend.
"You're not doing it right," Theon argued before turning to face Sandor. "Look,
hound, we all liked you a fuck-load better than we liked that asshole. So fuck
him and sit with us again for lunch, okay?" Sandor thought about it for a
minute and then decided - what the hells, it beat eating alone.
"Don't see why not," he shrugged - these guys might be assholes but they were
no worse than him and all of them better than Joff.
"Good man." Loras clapped him on the shoulder and they started walking together
towards the cafeteria. It was obvious that the captain just wanted his team to
get along so their game would stay sharp but that was as good a reason as any.
Sandor shoved his hands into the front pocket of his hoodie and admittedly felt
good that the guys all circled around him. It used to be that they'd crowd
around and follow Joff while he brought up the rear. "Oh goody," Loras noticed
the lunch menu, "some shitty mystery-meat 'sausage' pizza."
"Why eat it if you hate it?" Sandor opened the cafeteria door for Loras and
walked inside behind him.
"We Tyrells have to upkeep appearances," Loras grabbed two lunch trays and
handed one to Sandor as they got into the lunch line. "That we are the same as
you little people."
"Little?" Sandor grabbed some pizza and looked down pointedly at Loras, raising
a questioning brow.
"Poor," Loras amended with a smirk as he pulled out his leather wallet to pay
for his pizza and it was pretty much stuffed with money. The asshole had to
search through his large bills to find something small enough to pay.
"Arrogant fucker!" Theon darted around Sandor and reached up to muss Loras'
perfectly styled curls.
"Hey," he protested and shoved Greyjoy off, "watch the hair!" Loras sulked as
he used his fingers to fluff his shiny curls. "Some of us have serious dating
to do after school." They walked together to their usual table and sat down.
"So it's going well with your mystery bloke?" Theon sparked up the
conversation. "Tell us, Loras... is it a member of parliament? A married movie
star?"
"I'll tell you this," Loras paused for dramatic effect and Theon leaned
forward. "His eyes glitter like endless pools of sapphires I want to drown in."
"Gay," Lancel coughed the word but it was still obvious and Sandor rolled his
eyes.
"How observant of you," Loras replied dryly. "Romance is neither gay nor dead,
my friend." He waved a hand at Sandor. "Exhibit A. Go on," he flourished his
raised hand at the group, "tell us about your girl's eyes."
"Her eyes see me not as I am but as the man I wish I was." Sandor didn't give a
fuck what Lancel thought so he just said the first thing that came to his mind.
"So when she looks at me I believe I can become that man." Nothing flowery or
bullshit about it, just the simple truth.
"Bravo!" Loras actually applauded and turned a smug look on Lancel. "See, even
the most heterosexual man I know is a poet when it comes to his love. Case
closed."
"Wow, hound," Theon sniffled and wiped an imaginary tear from his eye. "I'm
touched, really."
"Shut the fuck up," he growled and Theon just grinned, putting his hands up in
mock surrender. "So, Loras, when is your date?"
"Not until later tonight," Loras got this far-off dreamy look in his eyes, "but
I thought about getting a new shirt..."
"Fuck that, the shirt you're wearing looks fine." Sandor shoved half a slice of
square pizza into his mouth and talked between chews. "Come with me to the game
tonight."
"Game?" Theon asked the question. "What game?"
"There's a volleyball game tonight," he explained. "Sansa is playing and it
always pisses her off how nobody shows up." Sandor shoved the rest of his
second slice into his mouth and wiped his hands on the front of his hoodie. "No
school spirit, she says."
"We have a volleyball team?" Theon's eyes widened in surprise as he gulped a
bite of pizza. "Nice, tall girls getting sweaty and jumping around. I'm in," he
looked around the table. "Guys?" There were nods all around the table and
Sandor knew this would end up being the rowdiest volleyball home game in school
history. As they ate school pizza and joked about random shit, Sandor realized
he actually did miss hanging with the guys. Even a surly asshole like him
needed friends.
School passed as boring as every other day but he was in a shockingly good mood
- everything was coming up Sandor today. The guys accepted him back in the
group without Joff there to cause drama while he and Sansa were doing better
than ever. The only real problem in his life was he was getting sick and tired
of his backseat. He pondered on the problem as he and the guys walked together
towards the gym where the game attendees were trickling in.
The gym was only about half-full and he couldn't help but compare the turnout
to the packed seats for the basketball games. Sansa and her teammates worked
really hard and were very close to going on to the state championships. She was
right - their school didn't have any school spirit when it came to girls'
sports. Why didn't he ever think about how fucked up that was before? It was
because he was too wrapped up in his own self-pity to think about what life's
like for everyone else. He lived constantly pissed that his fucked-up face
meant people judged him based on his appearance.
But if he were unscarred, he'd have every advantage just handed to him for
being born male, white, and athletic by chance. Would he be just as arrogant
and entitled as Joff if his face were whole? That thought made him sick as he
led the guys up to the empty top seats. The girls came jogging out onto the gym
floor and he and the guys stood up to cheer like maniacs for their team.
Everyone around them stared like they were crazy but his girl had done her fair
share of cheering for his team - now it was his turn.
Sansa waved up at him, her bright red ponytail bouncing behind her. Even from
his distance, he could see her face turning red at the attention so he motioned
for the guys to sit down. Their volleyball team played their hearts out and it
was a seriously close game. The game was pretty damned exciting, as with
watching any sport played between competitors of equal skill. It made him
anxious to move onto college or university already so he could experience a
real challenge.
It surprised him that he hadn't thought much about leaving for school lately
but it was no mystery why. He didn't want to have to leave Sansa here and not
see her for months on end, only visiting during holidays. Sandor felt awed by
Sansa's serious concentration as she poised for her serve. Her hair had
darkened around her face with sweat and she blew out a breath, tossing up the
ball. POW - the ball sailed over the net and the close game continued.
While the whole team played well, Gritty was like a machine and it wasn't long
before she led her team to victory. After the last winning point, the girls
crashed together into a group hug. They jumped around, shrieking with
happiness. The guys went nuts - whistling and hollering for their team like a
bunch of lunatics. Sansa and her team left the floor, still pumped from their
big win, signaling to those in attendance it was time to leave.
"Hound," Theon lightly punched him in the shoulder, "it's been real. Peace out,
brother!" He tossed a wave over his shoulder as he bounded down the bleachers,
followed by the rest of the guys - following the weed. Only Loras stayed behind
to keep him company as he ambled to wait outside the girl's locker room.
"So..." Loras kept his voice down and looked around. "I take it you know what
went down with Marge and Joff."
"Yeah," Sandor leaned against the cool concrete wall and shoved his hands in
his pockets.
"You know that toe-headed shit as well as I do," Loras stepped closer and
looked Sandor straight in the eye. "There's no way he's 'learned his lesson' as
his father told mine."
"I'm not letting my guard down," he assured. "Listen - I'm not afraid of that
punk and neither is Sansa. She told me that she has something on him and if he
tries to come at us she'll be able to put him own once and for all." Sandor
held Loras' worried gaze. "I don't know what it is but I trust her."
"Then so will I," Loras nodded his head before turning to leave. "See you
later, Sandor." It wasn't much longer before Sansa and her team came out of the
locker room, still buzzing from their recent victory.
"You and your friends made quite a fuss up there," she chastised with a smile.
"But the team really appreciated the support." Sansa looked tired but pleased
with herself, glowing with victory as she put her jacket's hood up over her wet
hair.
"I do what I can," he slung her bag over his shoulder and she wrapped her hands
around his arm as they set off towards the parking lot. It was all he could do
not to toss her over his other shoulder and sprint to the nearest dark corner.
She tilted her head against his arm as they walked - unaware of his lust-driven
thoughts. All day - since the first time he saw Sansa - he wanted her and the
more he had her, the more he wanted. That single thought tipped the scales and
he decided - no fucking backseat tonight.
Chapter End Notes
     Hello, failure, my old friend. Here's the thing about failure - it's
     expected. I set a high goal for myself, knowing that I would probably
     fail. But we don't set goals to be easy but because they are hard. Am
     I disappointed? Yes, but disappointment gets a bad rap. Being
     disappointed means I have taken away a lesson from this failure. Get
     on the horse and try again - set high goals and fail again - and then
     just keep going.
     Because the impossible is never achieved if we don't strive for it,
     even when failure is inevitable. Do not fear failure but embrace what
     it represents: room for improvement. I am more afraid of stagnation
     and self-doubt, those are the real killers of passion and creativity.
     We only truly fail when we quit trying to succeed. Seventeen days
     until Christmas Eve - I will post seventeen chapters in that time.
     Aja! Aja! Fighting!
     Oh, next chapter is going to be like 99% Sansan smut - get ready.
***** Location vs Destination *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [Location_vs_Destination]
                                     SANSA
She mused quietly as they walked together to the car, her mind pulled in a
hundred different directions. All day she had been distracted by the unsettling
events of this morning; the inevitable implosion. By the time they got to the
Skylark, Sandor figured out that something was upsetting her.
"What's wrong?" He pulled out his keys to open the trunk and set her bag
inside. "You had a great game." Sansa was actually touched that he could tell
she was upset even when she tried to hide it.
"You're right..." Sansa moved to get into the passenger side as he closed the
trunk before getting into the driver's seat. She inhaled a deep breath before
letting it out slowly, giving herself a moment to think about what to say.
"It's Arya," two words and one little girl contained so much trouble. For weeks
Arya had been refusing to eat anything but coffee for breakfast. When Sansa
tried to insist on proper food, her 'sweet' little sister actually stepped
forward as if she wanted to hit her! That was just the tip of the iceberg; the
girl had turned impossible!
"Short stuff?" Sandor turned to face her, giving her his full attention instead
of starting the car. "What happened?" It was so moving how much he cared that
she was worried about her little sister. Sansa did not have the most experience
when it came to boyfriends but she suspected that level of dedication was
woefully rare.
"You really care," she gazed at him as her lips pulled into a smile.
"Don't sound so surprised," he grumbled and fidgeted with the keys in his hand.
"I'm not surprised," she reached across the distance between them to take ahold
of his hand, "I already knew you were sweet. I am just so ridiculously happy
that I scarcely believe it..." In truth, Sansa did not want to waste their
precious time together talking about her troublesome little sister.
"Can I help?" Sandor was making an effort to be caring so she might as well get
her troubles off her chest.
"I don't know if anyone can help," all of her worried thoughts came pouring out
of her mouth. "And the worst part is, I really am unbelievably happy and Arya
is decidedly unhappy but she won't talk to me about it. And she skipped school
today and she has been acting out at home. And if she does not watch her mouth
then she will get grounded again... I'm going out of my mind trying to get
through to her but she just tunes me out." Sansa blew out a deep breath;
already feeling unburdened just having said it all out loud.
"Maybe I can give it a shot," he put the key in the ignition and turned it
over. "Give her a talking to - you know man-to-girl or whatever. Maybe she just
needs some straight-shooting instead of you coddling her."
"I don't coddle," Sansa protested under her breath before sighing and shaking
her head. "Then she'll get mad at me for talking behind her back," she slumped
down in her seat and pulled her seatbelt on. She did not have any right to be
disappointed in Sandor's lack of useful advice; even she did not know what to
do. "Maybe I should talk to Gendry about it," that idea occurred to her several
times a day. Was she overreacting, as Arya accused?
"Her nerd?" Sandor pulled the Skylark out of its parking spot and whipped
through the parking lot towards the street. "He's a nice enough kid but-"
"He's the same age as you," she interrupted in a slightly high-pitched voice,
which she tried to remedy by clearing her throat. Sansa was sick and tired of
Sandor looking down on everyone!
"Seriously?" Sandor scoffed, that sound really touched all of her nerves.
"Still seems like a kid to me." She decided it was better to stay quiet so she
just stared at her feet; at least her boots with the fur fringe were super
cute. "What? Sansa, I'm not a mind-reader." Seriously, was it that hard to
figure out how he upset her?!
"I'm two years younger than him and you call him a kid," she huffed. "That does
not feel very good."
"You know what I mean, he's..." Sandor scratched the stubble growing on his jaw
and gestured his hand helplessly. "You're a lot more..." Both of his hands
gripped the steering wheel and his voice lowered into an annoyed growl. "What
do you want from me here? Either I talk shit about this kid or I bullshit you
about how mature you are. He wastes his days playing that dumb fucking game and
you get straight-A's. Do I have to say more?"
"I guess I'm the tiniest bit sensitive," she ducked her head bashfully and
fiddled with her fingers.
"I guess I should probably learn to not say shit that'll piss you off," he
acknowledged apologetically. "I don't want you thinking I consider you a kid. I
respect you - even when I don't agree with what you say I still respect you for
saying it." Wow, Sandor was really good at the whole apology thing when he put
in the effort.
"I'm really in love with you, you know?" Sansa tilted her head back against the
headrest and gazed at him. "Like... a lot," she sighed wistfully. "I wish you
would tell me that you love me without me having to ask."
"I love you," he grumbled adorably. "Happy?" Sometimes he reminded her of an
over-sized Rickon, just a little boy afraid to show his true feelings.
"It does make me happy... and it makes me want you," she admitted, peeking at
him as they pulled to a stop under the glare of a red light. Sandor leaned
towards her, his hand sliding into her hair before his lips crashed against
hers. A flash of heat overwhelmed her entire body, her eyes fluttered shut, and
her heart pounded inside her chest. Then he abruptly released her when the
light turned green, leaving Sansa panting and breathless.
"No more distractions, little bird." Sandor stared forward with single-minded
determination as he punched the gas with his foot. She fanned her overheated
face and turned her flushed cheeks away from him to stare out at the city
flying by.
"We passed the supermarket," she pointed out the window as the abandoned strip
mall whizzed by. He just flashed a grin at her and kept on driving to their
mystery destination. "Fine, I won't even ask where we are going..." Sansa sat
back in her seat and crossed her arms but after a few minutes, she could not
take it. "Oh, please-please-please tell me!"
"You think if you beg prettily and bat those eyes that I'll spill my guts."
Sandor snorted like the very idea was ridiculous even though she had done just
that plenty of times. "Well, you're wrong - I have unbeatable self-control."
"I think I can undermine your control..." Sansa pulled her seatbelt out of the
way and turned towards him. "Do you know what little birds do to hounds?"
"What?" He glanced at her sideways and she knew she had him.
"Sing to them," she breathed in a low voice and watched with satisfaction as
his hands tightened on the wheel. "Sandor?"
"I still ain't telling you a godsdamn thing," he growled, but it was the good
kind of growling.
"Not that," she laughed, "I don't care where we go, just hurry." Sandor sped up
even more and drove just a little too aggressively to their destination - a
local motel. It did not appear to be anything fancy but at least it had a bed,
the answer to her every prayer.
"I wish I had somewhere better to take you," he parked the Skylark in the motel
parking lot. Sansa made a mental note to save the debate about paying for the
next time, when she was not so desperate.
"There is nowhere better," she assured him as they got out of the car. Their
doors slammed behind them before they walked around the Skylark to meet at the
front. "I just want to be with you." Sansa leaned against his body, wrapping
her arms around his waist and gazing up at him. "So-so-so very badly."
"That bad, huh?" He wiped a strand of hair away from her face, smiling down at
her before pulling away. "Wait here," he left her standing in front of the
Skylark to go inside the front office. A few moments later, he came out and
walked briskly to her, taking her hand and leading her to a nearby room. As
soon as the door closed behind them, he tugged her against his body and she
loved how he was rough and gentle at once. "One of these days I won't be able
to let you go." Sandor leaned his temple against hers, his voice low and
rumbling. "What are you gonna do then?"
"You'll have to keep me," her heart beat wildly inside her chest as he cupped
the back of her head and drew her lips to his. But he hovered above her, their
mouths only separated by their mingling panted breaths. A low impatient moan
slipped between her lips as overwhelming desire tore through her body. Then
finally he descended to kiss her and she opened her mouth to release a low
appreciative hum. Sansa impatiently tugged at the front of his sweatshirt until
he tore away from her mouth to tug it over his head.
His arms were around her again as he walked her backwards until her weakened
legs hit the mattress and she dropped onto the bed. Sansa giggled excitedly as
she bounced slightly from her fall and braced her hands behind her to steady
herself. Sandor knelt before her, making short work of removing her boots
before his hands slid up her legs to her hips. His fingers curled around the
hem of her leggings and panties, dragging them down. She lay back on the bed
and rose up onto her toes to lift her hips, easing the passing of her leggings.
He stood just long enough to unfasten his pants and tugged them down along with
his underwear. The buckle of his belt jingled as he moved above her and his arm
slid under her waist to haul her body up the mattress with effortless strength.
As he moved over her, his hands bunched her skirt up around her hips before he
settled between her legs. She panted as his fingertips caressed the inside of
her thigh. Sandor held her gazed as he stroked gently between her legs until
holding his gaze was so intense she had to look away.
"Fuck... condom." Sandor groaned and started to draw back but she grabbed onto
his shoulders to pull him toward her again.
"Don't worry about it," she explained breathlessly. "I'm on the pill now, we
don't need it." Thankfully, he did not need to hear any more details before
capturing her mouth again. Her arms reached up and wrapped around his neck, his
warm lips moving over hers and stealing the breath from her lungs. He slipped
his tongue between her parted lips and her heart pounded so hard it felt as
though it might burst through her ribs. Her consciousness slowed to a crawl as
one thought dominated her mind... more.
All day since they skipped the school assembly on illegal narcotics, his
tormenting kiss lingered in her mind. Sansa tightened her arms around his neck
and pulled his mouth down to hers, aware of his hand guiding his hardness.
Sandor moaned against her mouth as he pushed into her, filling her completely
as she lifted her hips to receive him. He started pumping slowly, almost
carefully at first, then building up a faster tempo.
"Oh gods," she whimpered, biting her lip as she clung to him and demanded more.
His palm slid under the curve of her back, pressing her body closer to his as
she arched against him. Sandor released a soft groan as she writhed underneath
him as he wrapped his arm around her to mold her against his solid chest. Waves
of heat simmered beneath her skin as a loud moan tore from her throat. She
locked her legs around his waist and rolled her hips up to meet his thrusts.
Sandor growled sweet things into her ear, one hand guiding her hips in a steady
motion and the other sliding up into her hair. His fingers twisted in her hair,
drawing it back, exposing her neck to bury his face against it and press hot
kisses to her throat. Her hands roamed over his arms and shoulders, clinging to
his solid form as though it were the only thing holding her together. The cries
coming from her throat grew louder and she would not hold them back even if she
could. If she were capable of speaking, she would be begging him to never stop.
"Sing for me," Sandor's impossibly deep voice rasped in her ear as he thrust
into her, snapping her coiling pleasure. And Sansa was lost to all solid things
including him as her body trembled and writhed in his hold. Her voice cried out
at the top of her lungs, drowning in her pleasure and not caring who heard. His
hands gripped her hips tighter as he pumped his release deep inside her. He
collapsed next to her, staring at the ceiling and dragging in shallow ragged
breaths.
"I booked the room for the whole night," he turned his face towards her and she
felt his hand searching for hers.
"I have permission to stay out overnight," she smiled and slipped her fingers
between his. As their breathing returned to normal, they lay watching each
other in comfortable silence. "This time," she pushed off the mattress to sit
up, and pulled her shirt over her head to toss it onto the floor. "We should-
" Sandor cut off her words, leaning forward to capture her lips in a slow and
tender kiss. She lost her train of thought as he moved his hands behind her
back to unclasp her bra. He pulled back to remove the undergarment and let it
fall away.
"What were you gonna say, little bird?" Sandor smirked at her before pulling
his shirt over his head and tossing it behind him.
"I was going to say," her voice was unsteady as she was momentarily distracted
by his sculpted shoulders and chest. Sansa blinked a few times and lifted her
eyes back up to meet his cocky gaze. "W-we should take full advantage of this
night," she finally managed to stammer, averting her eyes from his smug smile.
Her skirt was already around her waist so she pulled it off over her head as
his eyes roamed over her body.
"Couldn't agree more," he grinned and curled his hand around her waist to pull
her against his hot chest. Sansa gasped as tingling pleasure rippled over her
skin, flushing from hairline to collarbone. She looked up to see his dark eyes
staring at her with such passionate intensity. It was impossible to look away
but also impossible to hold his gaze.
"This time you can't let me fall asleep," she whispered, not wanting to waste
even a moment of tonight. Sandor traced his fingers along a strand of her hair
that fell over her chest before brushing the errant lock behind her shoulder.
"Oh, I'll keep you awake," he promised or perhaps threatened, "all night."
Sandor gently pushed her back against the mattress and turned away to attack
the laces on his boots and kick them off. He stood up, tugging off his pants
and then turning around to get back into bed.
"Wait; let me look at you first." Sansa admired him and when her eyes reached
his face, she noticed he was admiring her as well with a hungry look that
obliterated her patience. "Lover," she smiled and held out her arms, "don't
make me wait anymore." Sandor did not have to be asked twice; he came into her
arms and covered her body with his. She slid her legs around him and shifted
her hips up as he guided his hardness just into her entrance, settling down to
fill her.
Sandor held her tight as she liked while her hands clutched his shoulders. He
bowed his head to kiss her and she opened her mouth against his, shivering at
the touch of his tongue sliding against hers. She gasped into his mouth as his
tongue caressed hers and he ran a palm up her thigh. His fingertips gripped her
waist to urge her to match his relaxed pace as they moved together languidly.
Sansa released a breathless cry and rocked her hips as their bodies swayed
together, rolling up to meet his thrusts. He set a torturous deliberate rhythm
that she eagerly followed, tilting her hips to take him deeper.
"More," she moaned helplessly, "more please Sandor." He thrust deeper and she
threw her head back as tremors of ecstasy run up her spine. Sansa cried out
when his hand slid up to caress her breast and rolling the sensitive peak
between his fingers. She rocked against him in time with ever thrust of his
hips and waves of pleasure crashed over her. Her pleasure swelled slower and
softer this time but it was no less intense when she peaked. Sandor pressed his
face into her neck and wrapped his arms tightly around her as she trembled from
her eruption of passion.
"Sansa," he rasped her name as he found his release, holding her so tight she
could hardly breathe. He drew back afterwards, rising over her and his chest
heaving with heavy breaths, and gazed down at her. "I love you," he said it in
her favorite way, a fact he had to admit, and then pressed another brief kiss
to her lips. Sandor extracted himself, rolled over to lie down beside her, and
gathered her in his arms. Their limbs tangled as his arm wound around Sansa and
tucked her against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat.
"This is the best part..." She trailed her fingers through the patch of springy
hair in the center of his chest. "Do you disagree?"
"All of it is the best part," he hugged her snugly against his body and kissed
the top of her head. "I love every second I'm with you." The same was true for
her but that would only make their time apart more painful when he left. Those
thoughts invaded her peaceful mind far too often but she did not dare voice her
concerns out loud. There was nothing worse than talking with Sandor about next
year; he was allergic to discussion about the future. "Don't worry about
anything else, just be here with me." At times, he was too perceptive...
"Sometimes I think I don't have the right to be this happy," her hand slid down
around his waist and she hugged him tightly. "But then I hardly care if I do
deserve this happiness or not, I love being with you."
"Do I really make you that happy?" His fingers slowly trailed through her hair
and though Sansa knew it must be frazzled she did not feel self-conscious.
"More than you can imagine," she nuzzled her face against his warm chest. "I
wish we could stay like this forever." Sansa bit the inside of her lip,
wondering if now a good time to voice her lingering worries was. If she put off
voicing her feelings then it might come out during an argument instead. "And I
wish you won't push me away anymore when... things get hard or... when we're
apart."
"You mean - when I go away to college?" The tender sweetness of his voice was
gone, leaving only the harsh growling with which she was accustomed.
"That's part of it," she pressed the issue. "I realize it is silly now that I
used to think everything would be perfect between us after our first time. Do
you truly trust me to wait for you after you leave?"
"I figure you'll do as you like, as usual," he sighed tiredly. "How many times
are we gonna have this talk?" Until she was satisfied with her understanding of
where they were heading as a couple! "Are you the same person you were a year
ago?" Sansa only shook her head in answer and held her tongue. "Neither am I -
we're both going to change a lot more, that's just life. If we expect miracles,
we'll only be disappointed."
"I don't expect miracles, I want to make them." Sansa rose to sit up and looked
down at him. "Do you doubt you will love me in a year... two years? I know I
will still love you then." Was it really too much to ask he profess his
devotion when they were not mid-coitus? Why could he only say sweet things when
her mind could barely register them?!
"I don't like pretending everything is gonna work out just because you want me
to." His words were a bit harsh but his tone was remarkably gentle. "Love isn't
the magic answer to all problems," he sounded almost disappointed but resigned.
"You want me to make promises that I might not be able to keep and that will
only hurt you more if I fuck up. It's not that I don't have any faith in you,
Sansa - I'm used to being fucked by life, no matter what I want." She opened
her mouth to argue but he put a finger over her lips. "I will swear this - I'll
never mention breaking up again."
"Thank you," she buried her face against his neck and pressed soft kisses to
his skin. Sansa felt her whole body relax and she could almost convince herself
that life was perfect. But life was never supposed to be perfect. People have
to learn how to cope with life's messes while appreciating the fleeting perfect
moments. At that moment, she was happy with Sandor but that did not mean she
forgot her troubles. Her happiness and worries lived in balance with each
other, orbiting around her like planets around the sun.
Chapter End Notes
     Aish! I wish I was just a brain floating around in some electro-goo
     that would transfer my firing synapses to a super computer - rigged
     specifically for writing fanfic... Don't you hate it when a 3-day
     cold turns into a longer-than-three-days cold? I tried my usual
     homeopathic remedy: Earl Grey and Disney movies. But the suffering is
     not over yet. Usually I never get sick unless I encounter those
     walking germ-bags you humans like to call 'children'. Avoid them at
     all costs - they carry disease! The weather has been like a yo-yo
     lately so perhaps that's why or maybe the stress of the move wreaked
     havoc on my immune system. Either way, I'm seriously red-nosed and
     pissed off. (Pitiful whimpering).
***** Another Party, by Invitation *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                        [Another_Party,_by_Invitation]
                                   MARGAERY
She had been planning every detail of this party since her parents and
grandmother announced they were going out of town. This party had to go off
without a hitch - it was a matter of life and death. Her speeches about how
this night would celebrate her independence were bullshit. Margaery hoped she
would be celebrating a new relationship by the end of tonight, her heart
pounded at the mere thought.
But her potential future beau had not shown up yet... What if he didn't come?!
When she invited him, Gendry told her he would come if he could but that was
not a definite 'yes'. If he showed up then surely that meant he had feelings
for her! Guests poured in and Marge acted like a perfect hostess but she was
all a titter on the inside. The party was already in full swing by the time
Dany arrived with her silent hunk in tow.
"Oh my!" Dany's eyes roamed over Marge with an amused expression on her face.
"Aren't we dressed modestly this evening?! I almost did not recognize you
without your bosom on display." Her friend could be positively evil at times.
"Ha-ha, you are hilarious." Marge lightly touched up the side of her hair and
glanced away from Dany's scrutiny. She knew she looked like a fifties housewife
but she was starting to get desperate to gain a certain blue-eyed boy's
attention. Every few seconds she was glancing at the door to see if he would
even show. Butterflies flapped up a storm in her stomach but she refused to let
her face show her nervousness. "I have a reason," she smiled confidently and
quirked her brows.
"A guy?!" Dany's shock was obvious, her large purple eyes opening wide in
surprise. "Already?! This is big..." Then she crossed her arms and narrowed her
eyes at Margaery. "Since when did you like men who like modest women?"
"I don't know what he likes," she sighed, "and he is incredibly hard to read so
I'm trying something new." Margaery never once caught Gendry checking out her
chest but her theory about him being gay just did not add up. He was - against
all odds - a gentleman and perhaps that meant he preferred 'ladies'. Hence, her
oddly demure attire, which she despised but wore like battle armor - love, is a
battlefield. In her bones, she knew fashion would always be her weapon of
choice, which she wielded with undeniable mastery.
"Good luck, darling." Dany gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "He's a
fool if he doesn't fall for you."
"I'm glad you came," Marge took ahold of Dany's hand and gave it a light
squeeze. "Even though I invited Sansa to bring the hound along."
"Missa talked me straight," Dany smiled assuredly. "I don't have to make
'friends', but I can't waste any more effort hating the sight of him."
"That's so good," Marge pulled her friend in for a hug. "I'm proud of you
honey." On a hopeful note, it seemed that both of them were finally putting
their shit behind them.
"As am I of you," Dany pulled back to hold Marge by her shoulders. "You know I
love you."
"I love only you and Missa," she waved her hand at the gathering of people in
her house, "and fuck the rest." She leaned forward to air-kiss her friend on
the cheek and then ushered her towards the party. "Have fun, love!" Dany and
her looming boyfriend disappeared into the crowd of her guests. Just as
Margaery was looking around the party, to see what needed to be done, the guest
of honor finally arrived. "Sansa darling," Marge rushed to greet their group,
"so good to see you."
"This is my sister, Arya." Sansa held out her hand to a petite and peculiar
girl then gestured further to a horrifyingly familiar face. "And her boyfriend
Gendry." Did she hear correctly? The words 'boyfriend' and 'Gendry' echoed in
her mind - Marge started to see spots popping up in front of her eyes. No,
gods... what was this madness?!
"Yo, nice place you got here." The unusual girl waved her hand in greeting but
Marge's full attention was fixed elsewhere.
"Gendry...?" She blinked several times, praying he would suddenly turn into
another person. Why did he never mention having a girlfriend? It's true they
had not spoken much but it should have come up!
"Uh... Hi," he rubbed the back of his neck and smiled shyly at her. "Thanks for
the invite."
"Nice to see you again," Marge recovered from the shock with a vanilla greeting
she would later want to die over. "And Arya," she turned her forced smile on
those cold grey eyes, "it's an honor." Suddenly Gendry's omission of his
girlfriend seemed more understandable - she was downright unmentionable. What
was she wearing?
"Sure, whatever," the odd little girl rolled her eyes and something caught her
attention. "Oh good, booze." Arya threw up a hand and marched towards the keg.
"See ya!"
"Isn't she wonderful?" Sansa smiled apologetically at Margaery before she and
the hound moved inside to talk to Missa and her boyfriend... Toro?
"Enjoy yourselves," Marge called after them. "Ah, Gendry?" He stopped and spun
around to face her. "Here, let me take your jacket," she turned him around to
help him remove his coat and then hung it up on a hook in the entryway. "I have
some new sketches I would love your perspective on," she put on her most
winning smile and pointed at the staircase. "My studio is just upstairs."
"Sure," he shrugged those muscled shoulders and her heart skipped a beat, "why
not?" Gendry gazed in awe of her family's house as they headed towards the
stairs. "This place is... wow."
"I will pass your compliments onto my grandmother." Marge guided him to the
staircase and started leading him up towards her studio. Inside she trembled
from head-to-toe but kept up her outward confident persona. "She often
questions if the cost of living so garishly is worth it."
"I don't even wanna know how much it costs to live like this," he gawked at the
hand-carved banister on the staircase railing. Taking advantage of his
distraction, Margaery slipped her fingers around his arm.
"Climbing the stairs in heels can be precarious," she explained. "You don't
mind do you?" Her fingertips burned to venture under his sleeve but she
restrained them with great difficulty.
"Nah," he looked away and visibly gulped, "it's fine." Was he nervous because
of her or just nervous? Gendry was an entirely different species of male that
she had never dealt with before - a shy man.
"Here we are," she reluctantly released his arm and gestured to the first door
on the right. Margaery walked ahead and opened the door for him, leading him
inside.
"Bloody hells," he let out a low appreciative whistle as he walked to the
center of the large room and whirled around to face her. "All this space is
just for art?" His boyish enthusiasm was so endearing and kinda sexy is
wonderful way.
"My bedroom is next door," she waved her hand at the door adjoining the two
rooms and noticed how he glanced away embarrassed. Any other man would be
trying to seduce her past that door but the only one she wanted was a gentlemen
- what a conundrum. "I need space to create or else I would have turned this
room into a closet." She laughed at his incredulous expression but her wardrobe
could easily fill this room. Marge clasped her hands behind her back and
started walking slowly to meet him.
"This is pretty much amazing," he glanced around again and took a small step
back as she approached. "I'm so jealous it's not even funny."
"I still would love to see where you work." She took another step towards him
and looked up into his dreamy blue eyes. If only he would give her some sort of
sign that he had any interest, she longed to know how he kissed. Would it be
soft and tender? Those cold grey eyes invaded her thoughts and she suppressed a
shudder. The girl hardly seemed to notice her gorgeous boyfriend even existed!
If any female tried to take her boyfriend upstairs, Marge wouldn't run off to
the keg like a pint-sized frat boy!
"The forge is alright," he cleared his throat and turned around to focus his
attention on her nearby easel. "Can't work in the rain though."
"Let me show you what I've been working on." Margaery joined him at the easel
and opened up her sketchbook to her new collection. Ah, what a joyous thing to
experience - for the man she was interested in to show an interest in her work!
"I don't know much about fashion but I'd wear this any time." Gendry admired
her sketches but did not seem to notice that all of her figures had dark messy
hair and blue eyes.
"You would make an excellent model for my line - I based it on you." She
glanced sideways to see him staring at her in shock and then she pointed down
at her first sketch. "See this detail?"
"Ah! It's chainmail," he grinned as he recognized the theme of her style. "And
that's a gauntlet... this is so awesome."
"We could collaborate on this collection." Marge turned to face him and tilted
her head into his vision to gain his attention. "I would give you full
recognition."
"That would be fantastic," he puffed a little surprised laugh and had the most
adorable expression on his face. "Thanks Margaery." Oh... to hear her name from
his lips, she barely restrained herself from sighing aloud.
"Call me Marge," she insisted, "all of my friends do. And no thanks needed - I
should be the one thanking you for the inspiration." Marge ducked her head and
stared at her own design. "It hasn't been easy since I left Joff, I'm sure you
know all the sordid details." What a horrible coincidence that the first person
she liked aside from Joff was involved with the person who freed her! But
Arya's first intention was to save her sister...
"Just enough to know he's a disgusting animal," Gendry sneered and she was
touched that he even cared to be angry on her behalf. "Forget about him,
there's about a billion other guys who'd love to date you." Margaery only
wanted one - intensely.
"I owe a lot to Arya," she ventured into dangerous territory - bringing up the
'girlfriend'. "She seems like a very... interesting girl." 'Weird' being a more
appropriate description - perhaps Margaery was a little tiny bit biased. A rare
gem like Gendry just did not make any sense with that odd little girl! Arya
obviously did not appreciate him, ignoring him in favor of some beer.
"She's one of a kind," the smile spreading over his face was the unmistakable
expression of a man in love. Well, fuck.
"You really love her," she forced some enthusiasm into her voice, "it shows
when you talk about her." The girl looked twelve-years-old at the most, skinny
as a twig, and that hair! Aside from those 'lovely' qualities, Arya acted just
like the twelve-year-old boy she appeared to be.
"Yeah," he nodded his head, "I really do." Margaery wanted to scream 'why' but
restrained herself.
"I am happy for you both," she forced a bright smile on her face and then
inclined her head towards the door. "We should get back to the party." Inwardly
she prayed that he would find an excuse to linger alone with her but he
immediately headed towards the door to leave. It was almost enough for her to
lie down and give up right then and there.
"I'll take you down to the forge if you're free sometime after school," he
opened the door for her this time. Hope rose within her heart like a sunset
after a storm... he wanted to see her again!
"Friday is best for me," she smiled as she passed by him, trying to hide the
fact that she was dancing inside.
"That works," he closed the door behind them, "I have that day off."
"Perfect," she smiled and took ahold of his well-muscled arm as they descended
the staircase at a snail's pace set by her. Margaery's attention was called
away to address a minor emergency in the kitchen so she had to say goodbye to
Gendry. She watched as he wandered off into the party, likely looking for his
strange girlfriend. Even if it was slightly uncouth to covet another's
boyfriend, Marge only intended to keep an eye on the situation. If she did not
have a chance with him then why would he agree to spend time with her?
                                    GENDRY
He kept one eye on Arya as he made his way through the party, she was chugging
a beer bong as a crowd of guys cheered her on. At least she was having fun...
She'd been ignoring and seemingly avoiding him all night but he was sadly
getting used to that. His eyes searched around until saw a shock of red hair
against the cream-colored wallpaper. Gendry inhaled deeply for courage before
moving towards his future sister-in-law. Sansa smiled at him as he approached
but he noticed she looked a little tired.
"Sansa, can I talk to you a minute?" He leaned against the wall next to her and
realized the spot gave her a perfect vantage point to watch Arry.
"Of course," she turned her head to look at him expectantly but his cowardice
was choking him. "Go ahead."
"Have you noticed Arya's been...?" Gendry just squeezed his eyes and forced
himself to say it out loud. "Different lately?"
"It would be impossible not to notice," Sansa sighed and Gendry opened his eyes
to see the strain in her features. "I thought about calling you but we really
don't know each other all that well and I didn't want to seem like a nosy big
sister."
"I think she needs us to be nosy," Gendry relaxed his tense shoulders. "She
seems a bit better after we talked yesterday but it's almost like..." He didn't
know how to explain it but he knew Arry wasn't back to her old self.
"She's forcing herself to act normal because she thinks that's what we want."
Sansa described exactly what he suspected in a resigned tone. "I know Arya...
that is her way whenever something is wrong; just ignore it. Honestly, I'm
caught between a rock and a hard place. Our father asks me what is wrong with
her, instead of asking her directly, and I don't want to break my sister's
confidence." She looked down a fidgeted with her fingers uncomfortably. "I
never saw her so afraid, when she thought she might be... pregnant."
"Yeah," he stared at his feet, "I think that got to her. It freaked me out too
but I was relieved when it all turned out alright." Gendry was so happy that
Mr. Stark and Jon weren't going to kill him that the panic of impending
fatherhood was all but forgotten. "But it's like it didn't turn out alright in
her mind. Do you know... is she sick?"
"I went with her to the clinic," Sansa shrugged helplessly, "she said her test
results came back fine but other than that... I have no idea what is wrong but
I do know she's not okay."
"The thing that worries me the most is she doesn't eat," it was hard for him to
even say it out loud, like he was betraying Arya somehow. "Even when I do take
her somewhere she barely picks at her food. We used to tell each other
everything but now I'm afraid to bring it up because she gets really upset. I'm
lost here."
"We both are," she admitted. "When I insisted she eat something yesterday
morning she flipped out on me. I thought if I could get her to eat something
that it would help somewhat... Maybe I went about it wrong but I honestly
haven't a clue what else to do and she needs food, it is a necessity!" Sansa
sighed wearily and shook her head. "We have to find some way to get her to eat
without seeming like we are trying to get her to eat. How do we do that?"
"I agree that getting some food in her seems a good place to start." At least
it was something they could try instead of sitting around waiting for Arya to
waste away. "Maybe instead of asking or telling her to eat we can just start
eating stuff she likes in front of her. Can you text me all of Arya's favorite
foods, candies, whatever?"
"That actually seems like a good idea," Sansa looked at him with the most
hopeful expression. "We should have done this days ago, for the first time I
don't feel completely helpless about Arya."
"Me too," Gendry felt happy for the first time since he heard Arya was
ungrounded. "Tomorrow I'll take her by the doughnut shop: she likes the kind
with the jelly in the middle. I think once she sees and smells it, she won't be
able to resist." He caught her looking at him with a satisfied expression.
"I used to think I was a good judge of character but this year I started to
doubt myself." Sansa smiled and turned back to look at Arya. "The first time I
met you I thought you would be good for her. I know how much of a pain my
sister can be but I also know that she is a really special person. For what
it's worth, I intend to support your relationship no matter what anyone in my
family says."
"That means a lot," his throat felt a little tighter so he cleared his throat
and pushed off the wall. "Speaking of being good for her... I should take Arry
somewhere to sober up."
"Drive safe," she smiled encouragingly and he nodded in response: Sansa's faith
meant a lot to him.
"Gendry," Margaery approached him from the side and cut off his path to Arya.
"Are you having a good time?"
"Uh yeah," he looked past Margaery but Arya had disappeared into the crowd,
"actually I think I should get going."
"I just wanted to let you know," she stepped a little closer, "that I'm looking
forward to Thursday-"
"There you are stupid," Arya brushed past Margaery like she was a piece of
furniture and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Let's get out of here - this
party is dead." She smirked up at him with glassy eyes, clearly wasted.
"We're gonna take off," he told Margaery over Arya's head, "thanks again for
inviting us." Arry impatiently tugged his arm and dragged him towards the door.
"Bye!" Margaery called from behind as Arya shoved through the crowd towards the
entryway. Gendry had to yank his hand free just to get his coat while she
griped at him to hurry up. Arry recaptured his hand, led the way to his car,
and shoved him towards the driver's side. Before he could even get the key into
the ignition, she was all over him. Her fingers plunged into his hair as she
pulled his face close to hers and crushed their lips together before he could
even think to stop her.
Arry's arms encircled his neck and he opened his mouth to protest but she
pushed her tongue into his mouth. Her kiss was desperate and he kept trying to
remember why they should stop. Every thrust of her hot tongue against his
dissolved his brain and revved up his pent-up longing for her. The unrestrained
way she kissed him knocked all the air from his lungs and his cock went
instantly hard. Her hungry mouth left his to nip his neck as she arched against
him. Bloody hells! Did she have to down half a keg before she could be all over
him?!
"Arry," he pushed her back to sit down, "cut it out." Gendry shuddered his head
and wheezed a heavy breath to clear the pink fog clouding his mind.
"What?" Arya pouted and squinted at him, her hands still clutching the
shoulders of his jacket. "I can't kiss you?" Her mouth returned to his neck,
kissing him more gently this time as her lips drifted across his jaw. "Don't be
like that... Don't you miss me? Don't you love me?" She pressed her palm
against his hard cock and he groaned in frustration. "I know you want me."
"You're drunk," he snatched her wrist away. "And you smell like a liquor
store." Gendry huffed a breath and nodded at the nearby mansion. "And we're
parked in front of somebody's house."
"So?" Arya leaned her head back and gazed at him through heavy-lidded eyes.
"I'm thinking quite clearly - you're hot and I want you inside me." He closed
his eyes and tried to think about distinctly un-sexy things, like the crud that
builds up in the restaurant sink. "Gendry," her hot whisper tickled his ear,
"stop trying to do the right thing and just do me." She nuzzled against his
neck but he just sat still as a statue and ignored her. "Why are you being such
as ass?"
"Because I'm thinking you'll be pissed in the morning," he gritted through his
teeth. "Besides, all the condoms are back at the forge." There was no way she'd
argue with that!
"Forget it..." She giggled: Arya Stark actually giggled. "We don't need-"
"Now I know you're too wasted." Gendry pushed past her, jamming the key in and
turning over the engine.
"Fine jerk," she slumped back in her seat, "I'm gonna remember this
tomorrow..." Her words trailed off as she curled up against the door. "Don't
think... you're getting off easy..." Then her head bumped against the window
and she immediately passed out and started snoring softly. Gendry stifled a
laugh and shook his head: gods, she was so cute. Hopefully she wouldn't
remember anything that happened tonight in the morning. When they arrived at
the park he went to her side to slowly opened the passenger door, quickly
reaching inside to catch her as she fell out.
"Whoa-whoa," he hauled her limp body into his arms and she stirred against his
chest. "Arry... a little help here." She grumbled something he couldn't begin
to understand and loosely held around his neck as he kicked her door closed.
"Gendry," she mumbled and nuzzled her face against his neck, "I love you sooo
much." He chuckled softly at her drunken rambling. "It's true..." She mumbled
nonsense as he walked through the dark woods until he approached the clearing
and carried her into the tent. "I'ma kill anyone who tries," she hiccuped, "to
come between us... I'll kill..." When he tried to set her down, she clung to
him. "You're mine and I'll never... never-ever-ever give you up." He pulled her
hands free from his jacket and spread a blanket over her.
"Shh, go to sleep Arry." Gendry crawled down to her feet to remove her boots
and kicked off his own shoes. After, he set both pairs outside the tent before
zipping the flap closed and shrugged out of his jacket. He was surprised to
find her propped up and peering at him through squinted eyes.
"Pants," she whined, flopping back and helplessly attempting to unfasten her
jean button. He slapped her hands aside and helped get her jeans off, a bit
like undressing a wriggling fish. Only then did she huff a heavy breath, pull
up her covers and turned over onto her side. "Cuddle," came her muffled demand.
"Yes, milady," he grabbed another blanket since Arya never shared. Then he
formed himself around her little bundle and put an arm around her. "I love
you," he whispered, wondering if she was already asleep.
"You better..." Arry's voice was somewhere between a slur a grumble. "Or I'll
kill you." Gendry was fine with that, he rather die by her hands than ever stop
loving Arry. He was dead tired but he couldn't sleep so he just listened to the
sounds of the forest as her slow breathing turned to snores. It occurred to him
to go to her father: confess everything and tell him he thought Arya was sick.
But she expected him to trust her and follow her lead. And she'd kill him. But
what was the right thing to do? Before he met her that question was never hard
to answer.
"Gods," he whispered, "I know I haven't prayed in a long time and I don't even
know if you're there... If you could just give me a sign, let me know what to
do-" Gendry felt stupid so he stopped, squeezed his eyes shut, and tried to get
some sleep.
Chapter End Notes
     I've basically spent the last two days in a mini-coma and feel a tiny
     bit better (with a renewed hatred for the human body's immune
     response). A person truly learns the meaning of 'pathetic' when
     they're wandering through their home - in a torn terrycloth bathrobe
     that makes me feel like The Dude (without the carpet obsession) -
     sniveling because they can't find a trash can that isn't overflowing
     with used tissues. FML T_T
***** Just a Teensy Bit Tipsy *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [Just_a_Teensy_Bit_Tipsy]
                                   MYRCELLA
She had been watching Sansa all night, waiting for the right moment to approach
her. A little liquid courage from the keg already made her just a teensy bit
tipsy but it certainly helped. Also, she felt just a smidgen sick to her tummy.
Finally, Sandor walked off to greet some other boy, leaving his girlfriend
alone at the buffet table... it was now or never! Myrcella steeled herself for
rejection as she stumbled across the room to stand beside the sister of the man
she loved.
"I ha-have to a-apologize to you," Myrcella stammered. No-no-no, don't act like
an idiot! She needed to befriend this girl if she ever hoped to gain Robb's
attention. It was almost too much to hope Joffrey had not ruined everything
already, as usual!
"Whatever for?" Sansa's thin red eyebrows narrowed in puzzlement, still pretty
as a picture... The entire Stark family was so good-looking.
"You're so nice! I just..." Myrcella had to fight back the tears threatening to
from her eyes. "I should have said this when we were in Winterfell," she choked
as her throat became swollen and constricted. Her eyes burned and she felt
humiliated for not being able to control her emotions like a child. Robb was
already a man and she could not afford to keep acting like a little girl if she
ever hoped to reach his level!
"There-there," Sansa patted her on the shoulder, "whatever it is I already
forgive you. So take your time and tell me what is wrong."
"I wanted us to be good friends but I was too chicken to stick up for you when
you had a falling out with the cheer squad." Myrcella bowed her head with
shame. "They had no right to judge Sandor unfairly... I know he is a nice
person. All of Joffrey's other friends have been mean to me but he never was.
But I never spoke up... And on top of that, I knew Joffrey must have done
something to make Arya attack him but I did not say anything my parents." She
really regretted it and felt like the world's biggest coward. "I'm so sorry,
Sansa."
"Thank you for saying so," Sansa gave her a kind of smile, "and I never once
stopped considering you my friend. Really, I should apologize for not making an
effort to spend some time with you. We are teammates after all."
"Oh not at all, I'm the one at fault!" Myrcella wondered how she ever thought
this kind girl would hold a grudge against her. "You're the nicest girl and I'm
horrible..."
"That's not true" Sansa protested gently, "I would never expect you to take my
side over your brother's, even if you think I am in the right. I'm sure your
parents are going through a difficult time right now and need your support. And
I completely understand what it is like to worry about what other people think.
Wanting to fit in is something everyone goes through and it certainly doesn't
make you 'horrible'."
"You're so brave to have stood up to everyone," Myrcella sighed heavily. "I can
never be like that..." Even if she knew he would reject her, she should have
expressed her feelings to Robb back in Winterfell. At least then, she would not
be living with such tormenting regret!
"I like you very much just the way you are, Myrcella." Sansa smiled brightly
and she was so pretty and kind. "How about this... Missa and I are planning a
day at the mall tomorrow, do you want to come?"
"I would love to!" Myrcella blushed at her own over-excitement... Finally,
something was going good for a change.
"You're so adorable," Sansa laughed, "I know we will have a blast tomorrow.
Call me if you need to be picked up."
"Thanks Sansa," Myrcella backed away to find a quiet spot to celebrate. "See
you tomorrow," she turned on her heel and practically skipped to the nearby
porch doors and stepped outside. "Yes!" She pumped her fist in victory, not
quite able to believe it went so well. All she had to do was get on Sansa's
good side and it would be her ticket to Robb's side. It had to work... even if
it took years she knew what her heart wanted.
                                     DANY
It was clear that Drogo had enough partying for one night so Dany decided to
show him around the outside grounds. He was always more comfortable out-of-
doors than with making polite small talk and she wouldn't have him any other
way. The only reason she came was because Marge really needed the support,
having so recently had her heart stepped on by that cretin! She led him out
through the side entrance and down the cobblestone path to the rose garden.
"Oops!" The back of her heel caught on a cobblestone and she nearly fell flat
on her face but Drogo caught her just in time. "I'm afraid I've had a little
too much," she held onto his arms, laughing as she found her footing. Dany
stepped back from his steadying hold and looked up to the sky to see the stars
were brightly shining. "Ah! It's so beautiful tonight: I've never seen so many
stars!" When she looked back at him, he was not gazing in wonder at the stars
but at her.
"Zhey jalan atthirari anni dili ale," he lifted a finger to stroke her cheek
and Dany felt her pulse speeding up. All of this Dothraki sweet-talking was
making her dizzy! A girl never tires of hearing she sparkles brighter than the
stars.
"It is a little cold..." She moved towards him again, slipping her arms around
his waist and under his warm coat and tilting her head back to look up at him.
"Am I acting like a fool?" Surely her drunken babbling about the stars must
make her seems so silly when he was always serious.
"Yer tokik charat avvos," his words translated slowly in her head but the
meaning of them warmed her heart. He was telling her that she never sounded
foolish to him. How did everything in Dothraki sound that much more beautiful?
"Come this way," she slipped her hand into his to guide him further through the
garden to a large greenhouse out back. "Marge and I snuck out here once, to
smoke cigarettes." Dany pushed open the door and led him inside. "It was
horrible and we never did it again," she laughed and turned around to face
Drogo. His dark eyes observed her, watched her, and made her feel weak and
powerful at once but in the most delightful way. He deserved to know that she
loved him but it wouldn't seem genuine at the moment because she was just a
little drunk.
Dany lifted her hand to trace his cheek with her fingertips, up the square line
of his jaw to curl behind his neck. Liquid heat spread down her spine as his
hands circled her waist to draw her closer. He lowered his face closer to hers,
always watching. A small gasp escaped her mouth just before he covered her lips
in a kiss that was hungry yet soft, passionate and gentle. The tenderness of
his kiss shocked her, not that he was a rough lover or that she didn't like it
when he was. But there was a new carefulness to way his hands held her and his
mouth caressed hers.
As she drew away to remove his jacket, pulling in down from his shoulders, his
quick breathing created a light fog between them. Dany flashed a mischievous
smile before carrying the coat to a nearby table and spreading it down on the
surface. Then she turned around to face him, braced her hands against the edge
and hopped up. It must be a gamer thing that they ended up fucking on so many
tabletops. He came to stand in front of her and resumed his tender kissing,
holding her face in his hands as her head reeled with beer and lust.
Drogo's gentleness stirred her desire into frenzy, hindering her appreciation
of his sweetness. Her hands flew to the front of his shirt, forcing open the
buttons to caress his warm skin and tracing the hard muscle underneath. Dany
gripped his shoulders and hauled him towards her, licking her tongue over his
lips. He opened his mouth to her desperate kiss as her tongue delved inside his
hot mouth. The kiss was wet and sloppy but she imbibed just enough to relish
the carelessness as she desperately sought more.
Their hands moved aggressively as if they were both allies and adversaries
engaged in a single battle. She bunched her skirt up above her knees while he
pulled off her panties and stuffed them into his pocket. Her pulse pounded in
her ears, adrenaline rushing through her body and making her fingers tremble as
she freed his cock. Dany leaned back to brace her hands behind her as his hands
fitted around her hips and pulled her to the edge.
Dany panted eagerly, slipping her hand between them to curl around his hardness
and guided him to her slick entrance. His arm wrapped around her waist as his
hand ran up her thigh to position her hips before he thrust into her. She
released an eager gasp, returning her hands to his shoulders as he slowly
withdrew and then thrust deep to fill her again. He tugged her flush against
his body so that she barely touched the table and tilted his forehead against
hers.
Drogo panted as he thrust deeper into her and her hands gripped the strained
fabric of his shirt. She turned her face into his neck, unable to breathe or
think as his tantalizing heat warmed her body. His pulse thundered under her
mouth as she muffled her soft cries against his neck. He bowed his head towards
her, his warm lips tenderly kissing her neck and bare shoulder. Dany crushed
her chest against his as overwhelming shocks of pleasure tore through her.
"Anha dothrak niqikkheya," her trembling lips brushed against his ear, telling
him she was already close. Her head swayed back and she raised her heavy-lidded
eyes to meet his, which gazed intently at her.
"Kisha jadat niyanqoy," he groaned in answer, encouraging her to wait for him.
Then he dipped his head to capture her lips in a fiery kiss, the gentleness
replaced with hungry desperation. She gasped as he released a husky moan
against her mouth as he held her flush against him and clutched her hips. His
hand running down to cup her thigh and drew her leg higher over his hip. He
braced a hand behind her on the table and thrust deep into her, hard and steady
as she clung to him.
"Drogo," she called out his name as he quickened the pace, her nails digging
into his shoulders. He moaned loudly as he pushed deeper inside her. She was
teetering on the edge, of the table and of ecstasy as her body trembled. His
cock throbbed within her, his need to release building up, and drew her closer
to her own climax. Then a depthless light flashed across her eyes as white-hot
pleasure crashed around her. Dany felt as though she was falling and flying at
once. The sensation seemed to last forever until he pumped the last of his
release and finally stilled.
They held onto each other until their breathing slowed and heart rates returned
to normal. He let out a shuddering breath and loosed his hold on her as she
leaned back. She sighed, pulling him to down to her for a kiss but Drogo
hovered just above her face. Dany's eyes opened wide in dazed confusion but saw
the determination glinting in his gaze.
"Anha zhilak yera," his eyes locked with hers, recreating the bumpy start of
their relationship. She was on a table, on which she had been properly fucked,
and he told her that he loved her. This was her chance: just say it!
"I love you," she found it was surprisingly easy once she said it out loud,
"norethaan." He closed his eyes and a look of peace relaxed his features before
he pulled her against his chest. In his arms, her life was just simpler and
nothing had to be explained. He was a man, she was a woman, and they loved each
other, end of story. Everyone had such high expectations of her but all she
wanted was to stay with him and live at the ranch. She loved being with the
horses and working with Drogo. Was that too ungrateful for her to cast off her
privileges and live as an ordinary woman?
Many promising women end up working low skilled jobs because their families
were unable to send them to school. Part of her wanted to become the leader she
was always encouraged to be but her true peace was found at the ranch. Her
future seemed to be hurdling towards her like a runaway train and she could not
even step off the tracks. Dany had to make some decisions about her life and
fast or else it would pass her by. One thing she knew for certain: she would
never let go of this happiness.
                                     LORAS
He already fulfilled his brotherly obligations by helping Marge host her party
and he was d-o-n-e for the night. The party was dying down so he wandered
outside to the garden and sat on his favorite stone bench. The air was cold but
he had enough alcohol in his system to keep warm and his jacket was bundled up
tight. Loras fished his phone out of his inside jacket pocket to dial the first
contact and waited as it rang.
"Hey babe," Renly answered and all seemed to be right with the world. How could
the man have such a beautiful voice? It wasn't fair because Renly was already
better-looking than anyone had the right to be. And smart and charismatic and
generous... Oh, his drunken state was making his mind overly romantic.
"Hey yourself, what are you up to?" Loras leaned back to lie down on the bench,
tucking and arm under his head.
"Studying," Renly sighed and it sounded like a windstorm in Loras' ear.
"Bullshit," Loras snorted a laugh as he lifted a leg up to brace his foot
against the stone.
"I'm serious," Renly protested, "there's an exam coming up that I'm bound to
fail." Loras rolled his eyes, unwilling to pity someone who always put off
studying to the last minute. "What's up with you?"
"I'm stuck at my sister's boring high school party." Loras stared up at the
clear winter sky and admired the twinkling stars, twirling a curly lock on the
back of his head. It was such a gorgeous night and it was a shame he couldn't
share it with the man he loved. This whole 'long-distance relationship' thing
had a bad reputation for a reason.
"Coming from a high schooler," Renly scoffed.
"But I am anything but boring, darling," Loras chuckled before he sobered
again, feeling too lonely to laugh. "Being at a party made me miss you." It
seemed a lifetime ago since Joff's party, where he cornered Renly. He intended
to have a single night of passion to get over his long-time crush but that
night changed everything...
"I'll try to come south when I can," Renly was always making that same promise
but his visits were far too infrequent.
"Hurry, I'm wasting away from boredom." Loras was actually anything but bored
lately, dealing with this Joffrey bullshit! "Oh, I almost forgot to mention-"
"Here it comes," Renly interrupted with an annoyed tone but Loras had already
started.
"Your nephew is a scum-sucking asshole from the deepest pits of the seven
hells." It had to be said, as many times as Loras needed to say it. Fuck that
piece of shit, if he showed his face in Kings Landing again Joff would wish
he'd never been born.
"I know, I know." Renly was obviously sick and tired of hearing about the
nephew he barely knew. "You want to book a flight to his boarding school and
kick his ass together?"
"He deserves it," Loras grumbled and shifted against the cold bench seeping
through his coat. But when he imagined him and Renly giving Joff a proper ass-
whooping it made him smile. "You know how pissed he would be that some gays
beat him bloody?"
"You need to get over it, babe." Renly did not even consider that these family
tensions would lead to problems for them... If their relationship ever got
serious.
"Easy for you to say," Loras sulked, "you don't have a sister. She's acting
crazy, dressing like a fucking septa, throwing parties when she's
heartbroken... I'm sorry... I know that I sound like a broken record."
"It's not that you don't have the right to be pissed," Renly relented, "but I
worry about you stressing this much."
"You're worried about me?" Loras smiled in spite of his ongoing annoyance with
Joff and Renly's lukewarm reaction to the entire incident.
"Of course I worry, you still haven't applied here yet." That Renly cared to
nag him about getting accepted into Stormlands University made Loras giddy.
"January will be here before you know it."
"I will soon," Loras promised. "I'm taking the College Admissions Exam next
week." And he was so anxious he might die of a stress-induced heart-attack.
"Nervous?" Renly sounded too smug so Loras refused to admit his true feelings.
"Not at all," he lied smoothly, "I've had private tutors all my life to prepare
me for this test."
"Careful Tyrell," Renly warned teasingly. "Being a rich spoiled brat can only
take you so far in life."
"Coming from a rich spoiled brat," Loras countered. "Enough banter and small
talk, when are you coming to visit?!"
"Soon, I swear." Again with the promises, he wanted dates and times and facts
not vague pacification.
"Maiden's Day?" Loras tried to sound nonchalant but knew he failed. Who doesn't
dream of spending the most romantic day of the year with the person they pined
over for years? And then finally got him through some unlikely miracle Loras
still didn't quite understand? Well, maybe not that specific but in general.
"You're such a kid," Renly laughed at him.
"Am not!" Loras' protest only made Renly laugh harder. "So...?"
"I'll come for Maiden's Day," Renly gave in but still managed to sound
arrogant. "And we'll eat some candy and whatever else you want."
"Candy is for children," he grinned at the night sky, "all I want is you."
Loras wanted to talk all night but it was chilly and Renly did need the study
time. "I'll let you go so you can study so you better ace that test."
"I really do miss you," Renly's voice was soft and warmed Loras despite the
cold air.
"I love you," Loras murmured, they had only said it to each other a few times
and it still made him nervous.
"Love you too," came Renly's immediate reply and Loras grinned so wide it hurt
his cheeks, "bye."
"Bye," he hung up and set the phone down on his chest, continuing to smile up
at the sky. If he could make wishes in all the visible stars in the sky, he'd
wish the same thing for every single one. 'I wish I could always stay by his
side.' But he was no child to believe in wishing on stars, even if he was kinda
buzzed. His flawless transcript and outstanding athletic leadership would get
him to SU and Renly's side. Next fall couldn't come soon enough.
Chapter End Notes
     A 'non-traditional haiku' that speaks to my current condition:
     In my throat.
     Along this scratchy air tube,
     this cold hurts.
     I'm actually on the mend now (never had a fever so *whew* no flu) but
     I look around and see my house is a mess! How did carrot juice get on
     the floor? Is that carrot juice...? It's like blood spatter but
     orange! Was a carrot murdered in my living room?! If I just go to bed
     and pull the covers over my head it will all just go away...
***** A Sheep in Lion's Skin *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [A_Sheep_in_Lion's_Skin]
                                   MYRCELLA
Because it was Sunday, the mall was nearly empty so she and the girls had
plenty of space to do some serious shopping. They combed the mall for every
cute thing available for purchase and did the whole 'pretty woman' dressing
room thing. Exhausted from their shopping excursion, they finally decided to
take a break at the food court. After getting some hot cocos they sat down at a
table and struck up conversation but soon a buzzing sound interrupted their
chatting.
"Oh good!" Sansa beamed happily at her phone before looking up. "Sorry... I got
some good news." She replaced her phone in her handbag. "My sister has been
sick but apparently she was feeling better this morning."
"You're so caring." Myrcella was surprised at how envious she felt of Arya
right at that moment, having Sansa for a sister must be a dream. She hoped that
someday she could call them both 'sister'!
"Not an abnormal amount," Sansa ducked her head bashfully, "I noticed how well
you get along with Tom."
"He's a sweet kid," Myrcella really did like Tommen but she always had to watch
over him. She wished she knew what it was like to have someone support and
protect her. "I know how awful it must sound but our house is a happier place
without Joff there." It was almost unnerving at first, how quiet the house was.
Even mother and father argued considerably less, though they hardly spoke to
each other at all, but it was still better than them screaming at each other.
"I truly hope that Joffrey can grow up a bit while he is gone," Sansa replied
with typical grace and maturity. "It seems as though Margaery does not hold a
grudge and neither do I." Myrcella also respected Margaery for her ability to
come out of this whole experience stronger than ever.
"She says her freedom from him was worth the suffering," Missa shrugged and
smiled wryly. "Marge can be dramatic but I think she means it."
"I'm just grateful she's cool enough not to hold a grudge against me!" Myrcella
lifted her eyes heavenward as if thanking the seven heavens. "I think the only
person who misses Joff is our mother. He calls her all the time, crying that he
wants to come home, it's so childish." She rolled her eyes and heaved a sigh,
shaking her head. "But he is my brother... I really want him to grow up and
stop being such a jerk. My family owes you a lot," she told Sansa.
"It was mostly Arya," Sansa deflected the compliment, "she's the real hero in
the family." Myrcella wasn't in any of Arya's classes but she was already
famous among the freshman. She was known for arguing with the teachers over the
accuracy of their teachings and other acts of student heroism.
"I think you Starks must be made of sterner stuff," Missa commented before
taking another sip of her coco and Myrcella agreed.
"I hope so," Sansa smiled and then nodded thoughtfully. "You know, I think we
are." Her phone buzzed again. "Oh! I am so popular today..." She fished her
phone out of her purse and studied the screen for a moment before returning the
phone to her bag. "Apparently, Sandor misses me," she sniffed. "Probably
because he kept abandoning me at the party last night."
"I had the opposite problem," Missa heaved a heavy sigh. "Torgo was stuck to my
side all night."
"Sounds like a 'problem' I wish Sandor had..." Sansa sighed too and stared off
into at the ceiling sky with a wistful expression on her pretty face.
"It's so strange that you're his girlfriend." Myrcella took a sip of her hot
coco but upon looking up, she saw two sets of eyes staring at her. "Oh, I
didn't mean-" She rushed into an explanation. "What I mean to say is he never
dated anyone as far as I know so it's a surprise he is dating at all. Of
course, we were never friends but I have known him for years. That's why it is
so surprising to me that Joffrey started this whole fight, they were friends up
until this year. He used to sleep over sometimes; I think his dad was... Oh, I
babble sometimes."
"Do you have any stories about Sandor?" Sansa leaned forward eagerly.
"Hmmm, let me think..." Myrcella tapped a finger against Her chin. "Last year
Tommen and I were playing with a toy plane but it got stuck in a tree. It was a
small tree but I was even shorter back then and I couldn't reach. We went
inside to ask Joffrey to get it down for us but he just yelled at us... Then
Sandor just got up, nobody said anything and he always looks sorta angry so Tom
and I were just frozen. And he walked past us to the tree, got down the plane,
and handed it to us without a word."
"That is the best story I've ever heard." Sansa exhaled between her smiling
lips and rested her chin in her hand.
"I knew he was a nice person from then on and I guess it isn't all that
surprising that someone else noticed it too." Myrcella reached forward and
patted Sansa on the back of her hand. "You recognized Sandor's goodness and
decided to date him no matter what anyone said. Ah, I'm so jealous... I've only
ever fell for two guys and both of them are completely out of my reach."
"Anyone we know?" Missa smiled over the top of her cup as she brought it to her
lips.
"Loras Tyrell was first," Myrcella laughed at herself. "Obviously everyone
knows why he's out of my reach. And..." She hesitated, wondering if it was too
soon to admit her undying devotion to the oldest of the Stark brood. "Your
brother, Robb."
"Oh dear, he's stolen another heart." Sansa daintily placed her palm over the
center of her chest and assumed a solemn expression. "Take from me, and I say
this with love, Robb is a player. Adore him with caution."
"He could break my heart anytime..." Myrcella blushed at her honest confession.
"I think I might have a thing for older brothers because mine is so horrible."
"Aw..." Sansa made a sympathetic noise.
"I think because I don't have any brothers I do not understand boys at all,"
Missa sulked.
"Aww!" Sansa thumped her closed fist against the table like a gavel. "Girls,
forget boys and their mysterious ways for today. We obviously have more
shopping to do!"
"Those pumps with the black lace over nude patent leather are calling to me..."
Myrcella raised the pitch of her voice. "Myrcella, buy me, I'm so pretty!"
"Well shoes don't lie," Missa nodded her head seriously, "unlike boys."
"That's the spirit!" Sansa pumped her fist in the air. "Shoes rule and boys
drool!" They all got up from their table like they were charging into battle
just to throw away their cups. Then their group marched aside one another back
to the shoe store. Sometimes, it's really great to be a girl.
                                   MISSANDEI
After dropping Sansa and Myrcella off at their houses, Missa went to a gas
station to top off the tank. Sometimes it is near impossible to live one's life
as a girl, and there is far too much conflicting information on how to do so.
If only it were as easy as carrying the right handbag that matched her skirt...
From head to toe there were rules about how to look and carry oneself, even if
she followed them all, there was no guarantee of happiness.
In fact, the purpose of fashion seemed to ensure the pleasure of those looking,
rather than the wearer. The bonding between women over the sport of shopping
was something Missa immensely enjoyed. However, she questioned the outcome;
last night was the perfect example. She braved the cold to wear something
daring and objectively attractive and it did nothing to serve her intention. He
told her how beautiful she looked, as usual, and then Torgo only held her hand.
How... utterly unsatisfying.
All of these parties she attended invariably ended with her friends pairing off
and leaving her alone to stew in her virginity. After acquiring a boyfriend,
she thought that scenario would change. It did, now she had company as she
inwardly bemoaned her lack of intimacy. As she pumped the gas, she thought
about what she should do with the rest of her day and decided to text Torgo. He
should at least know how frustrated and confused she was, hopefully he had some
sort of explanation... She got back into her car and picked up her cell phone.
'Do you want to'- She deleted those words and stared at the screen... 'I have
some free time, should I come pick you up?' Missa hit the send button, tossed
the phone down on the passenger side, and chewed on the inside of her lip as
she waited. After a moment, the phone buzzed with his reply.
'Sure,' was all he replied. Missa heaved a sigh, stuffed the phone in her
purse, and drove to Torgo's house. She let the car idle in his driveway for a
few minutes, considering running away, before texting him that she arrived.
"Hey," he greeted her as he got into the passenger side, acting like his usual
self. "You look-"
"Where would you like to go?" She shifted into reverse and held her foot on the
break, turning to face him.
"Are you still mad?" Torgo peeked at her sideways through the gap between his
face and his glasses frame. Of course, she was scaring him, sometimes the way
he looked at her made her feel like comic book villain. Perhaps it was a bad
idea to pick him up today, her mind was a mess!
"What makes you think I'm mad?" Missa released her foot and turned around to
back out of the driveway. She did not care anymore where they were going, just
that they went somewhere.
"I said 'no'," he cleared his throat, "when you asked me to go upstairs last
night." Oh how good of him to bring that up, she had almost forgotten about
that humiliation. Right after she watched Dany slip away with Drogo, Missa
whispered the request in his ear he actually said 'oh, um, I'd rather not'. Who
says that?! Torgo then discovered a kinship with Theon Greyjoy over something
called 'underground dubstep'. Being a by-stander of that conversation might
have been the worst thing that ever happened to her.
"I am not 'mad'..." Just confused, hurt, embarrassed, and a multitude of other
unpleasant adjectives. "If you're not going to explain then I really don't want
to talk about it." Missa forced herself to drive at an appropriate speed level
through the residential area.
"I was nervous," Torgo's weak protest did little to balm the sting of
rejection. Of course, he was nervous, everyone in the world gets nervous over
their burgeoning sexual life! That is expected! It seemed that he did not like
her enough for his anxiety to be assuaged by his desire for her. So no matter
how often he called her beautiful, he did not truly find her attractive. In the
meantime, shameless licentious imaginings constantly interrupted her thoughts.
"I'm nervous too but I'm willing to brave a little anxiety because I really
like you, Torgo." Missa noticed a boarded up house with a realtor's sign out
front and pulled into the driveway. She threw the car into park, unbuckled her
seatbelt, and turned her body to face him. "It's not like I wanted... I do not
want our first time to be at some party. I just wanted to be alone with you!
Why would you say no?"
"In case you haven't noticed," he scoffed a laugh, still facing forward and
glaring at the vacant house's garage. "I'm sorta entirely pathetic and that's
not going to change!"
"I have wondered this entire time if you actually like me," she slumped back
into her seat and stared down at her hands folded in her lap.
"I like you too much..." Torgo always said things like that but actions speak
louder than words and honestly even his words were too quiet. Where was the
passion?! She felt it for him! Missa squeezed her eyes shut and forced herself
to calm down. What were they even fighting about? In truth, her expectation
that he would be the one initiating or at least receptive to intimate contact
was completely wrong.
"I guess this is our first real fight." And it was her fault because she made
incorrect assumptions based of a false understanding of male sexuality. "I'm
sorry, Torgo..." The other possibility was that she herself was wrong, that her
libido was unusual for her gender. "Do you think I am too... fast?" Easy,
slutty, whorish, a jezebel... Her mother told her that way of thinking was
wrong but the words sliced through her like hot knives.
"No!" He shifted to face her but she did not look up from her hands twisting
together in her lap. "Gods no! I do want you... but every time I think about
it, I'm scared that I'll mess it up. I'm not the manliest guy, I know that."
Torgo seemed to share her doubts about being an outlier of their respective
genders. "Does it sound crazy that I want to wait a bit more?"
"Not at all," she shifted to face him but kept her eyes down, "I like that you
are cautious and like to think about things." Missa made so many wrong
assumptions about Torgo, even when she admired his exceptionality. So much for
being a 'genius', everyone is an idiot when they are in love.
"Actually," he chuckled nervously and pushed his glassed up on the bridge of
his nose. "I'm trying to work up the courage to ask some of my friends for
advice since I am a novice on the subject."
"Excellent idea," she marveled at his insight. Why had she never considered
asking Dany and Marge for advice? She spent so long blocking out their stories,
which she perceived as bragging, and that blinded her to their value as
advisors. "I will do the same and we can compare the information we gather. Sex
is just like any other endeavor, preparation can only help."
"I think so too," he smiled at her and she hoped her next words would not be
'pushing'.
"But..." Missa used her most gentle voice and tried not to sound too desperate.
"I also think we could advance our kissing technique in the meantime, as a sort
of... research. My house is empty because my mother is visiting her sister...
Do you want to come over?"
"Sure," Torgo breathed the word so quietly she barely heard it. Missa nodded
once, replaced her seatbelt, and backed out of the driveway to head towards her
house. The whole ride over was quiet so she turned up the radio tuned into the
classical station. Soft violin filled the silence but her heart was racing like
she was listening to 'O Fortuna'. After she pulled up in her driveway, they got
out and walked up to the house. She fumbled a bit putting the key into the lock
but finally it slid home and she turned it over to let them inside.
"Home sweet home," she joked nervously as she closed the door behind them and
then pointed out the shelf in the entry for shoes. "Let me give you the grand
tour." Missa showed Torgo every nook and cranny of her house before slowly
making the way back to her room. "And here is my room." She led him inside and
watched as he glanced around at her spartan room.
"It's nice," he was still hovering in the doorway so she approached and tugged
on his jacket until he handed it over.
"Perhaps..." Missa turned away to pull off her own jacket and laid them both
over her desk chair. "If you could tell me what you are comfortable with..."
She faced him again, bracing her hands on the chair behind her. "Then I would
not push you past that point."
"I don't have a hard line that I won't cross..." Torgo tugged at the collar of
his shirt nervously. "Uh... I don't know... what's your line then?"
"When she started dating I went on birth control that weekend," she answered
bluntly. "I am well past tired of guarding my virginity now that the right
person has come along." Torgo stared at her open-mouthed. "To be honest I
worried I would have to pick some random guy and just 'get it over with' before
I met you. Now that I finally have the perfect boyfriend... I want to actually
'have' you. I acknowledge you are not the 'manliest' but you are definitely the
man for me."
"I don't know what to say," his words wheezed through his lips. "Think I need
to sit down..." He stumbled forward and plopped down on her bed.
"I don't want to rush you into anything," she hurried to reassure him as she
moved to sit by his side. "Just know that I want to be with you whenever you
are ready."
"Missa..." Torgo's head hung forward. "The last thing I want to do is
disappoint you," he said it as though he thought it was inevitable.
"You haven't yet," she tucked her fingers under his chin and lifted his eyes to
meet her to give him an encouraging smile. His beautiful eyes studied her face
for a moment before he leaned forward to lightly press his lips against hers.
Then he pulled back, blowing a slow exhale between his pursed lips.
"Do you want to..." Torgo choked a bit and cleared his throat, blinking a few
times. "Should we lay down?" Missa could not help her wide grin as she nodded,
lifting her hands to pinch his glasses and pulled them off his face. She stood
up to fold the glasses and set then on her side table. He moved back towards
the center of the mattress to lie down and folded his hands across his stomach
to stare up at the ceiling. Her heart raced wildly as she crawled onto the bed
to stretch out on her side beside him, propped up on one elbow.
"Will you hold me?" Missa held her breath as she waited for his answer. His
hands unlocked and his arm circled around her to tuck her against his body. She
tilted her head against the same pillow his was using and even that small
action sent a thrill through her. All of her automatic functions seemed to go
into overdrive, respiration, pulse, and heart rate. At the same time, her
cognitive functions failed to put together even simple thoughts. Her body
wanted to press closer to him but she restrained the scorching urge. "Is this
alright?"
"Better than alright," he laughed and his hand squeezed her upper arm.
"Can I kiss you?" Missa's breath hitched as he turned his face towards hers,
his dark eyes focused on her lips before he slowly nodded. His breathing
quickened and their rapid breaths mingled as she lifted her lips to touch his.
Her eyes fluttered shut as a growing ache settled deep in her core and her skin
buzzed from head to toe. The soft and pliant kiss only made her want more but
she only allowed her hand to splay over his chest.
For an instant time stopped when Torgo pulled her against his chest and cupped
a hand behind her head to press their lips together. Her whole body was
paralyzed from the shock but a rising heat spread from her lips to all of her
limbs, unfreezing her. She arched against his chest, humming at the contact of
his body's heat against hers. He tore his mouth away from hers as he released a
soft cry and she moved her lips to his neck. His chest rose and fell from his
breathless panting and she could feel his pulse pounding.
"I'm a true idiot," he panted as he stared up at the ceiling, "to avoid this."
"You should just trust me," she kissed his cheek, "I am a genius." Missa laid
her head down, tilting her forehead against his cheek and curling a hand around
his waist. His arms pulled her close to hold her and she slipped her shin
between his. Earlier she had grievances with girlhood in general... But being
Torgo's girl was an entirely different matter altogether, on that front she had
no complaints.
Chapter End Notes
     Yay, a cute chapter! I needed to write this cuteness because I'm
     really nervous about the next Arya POV chapter, entitled... "Oh Good,
     Therapy".
***** Oh Good, Therapy *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                              [Oh_Good,_Therapy]
                                     ARYA
In the end, she caved, not knowing where else to turn after getting a clean
bill of physical health. Arya guessed it was good news that she wasn't dying...
Therapy - even the word made her sick to her stomach but in fairness,
everything made her sick lately. After school, she took the bus to the mental
health center in the city and found the building was larger than she assumed.
The facility appeared newly built with stylish modern furnishings. It was all a
bit suspicious to her - as this was supposed to be a non-profit organization.
She signed in and sat down on a comfortable sofa in the impressive waiting
room, which provided free wireless internet. A few kids were already seated
inside - one of them had what looked to be his mother with him. It was quiet
but it felt more like the silence of a library than a doctor's office. Arya
spent the wait organizing her music playlists until her name was - correctly -
called. A woman led the way back to a private room set up like an office with a
desk shoved in one corner and two chairs facing each other.
Arya explored the room - there were bookshelves next to the desk covered in
texts. They ranged in topic from psychology to astrology. Some of the books
were old and worn while others were still shiny in their plastic covers. While
the shelf was bursting, the desk was bare in comparison with only a few nick-
knacks and no pictures. She played with the newton's cradle until a
surprisingly handsome man walked in.
"Hello Arya," he closed the door behind him. "I am Dr. H'ghar." More like Dr.
Hottie - what a babe! "How are you today?" Doc H'ghar took the seat opposite
her and gave her a friendly smile. Oh, so he wanted to be friends - psh. Fuck -
that.
"Cool accent - where are you from?" She was only here to check it out and see
what 'therapy' was all about - not to 'share' how she was 'feeling' today. Arya
plopped down in the seat across from him and threw her bag onto the floor.
"I am originally from Lorath," he smiled expectantly at her but Arya wasn't
nearly ready to pour out her sob story. She would never 'open up' to some
stranger just because he had a pretty smile and hot voice. Gotta try a little
harder than that, doc.
"Why would you want to listen to people's problems?" She crossed her arms and
leaned back into the plush leather.
"I like to help people," he was still smiling. "Yet we are not here to talk
about me. Why don't you tell me something about yourself?"
"I can tell you I think this is a waste of time," she retorted. "I don't see
how telling my life story to a stranger is going to make me feel better."
"Do you have a hard time talking about yourself?" Doc H'ghar crossed his leg to
rest his ankle on his knee and folded his hands on top.
"What's to talk about?" Arya's eyes flitted towards the desk, trying to find
some distraction. What was she even doing here?! This was so fucking stupid...
"What makes you happy?" His question had her sneering and rolling her eyes.
"Sad? Angry? Do you have a pet?" That last one made her smile and the Doc
caught it.
"I kinda do," she relented. "My DnD character has a wolf companion." When she
was playing DnD was probably the most relaxing part of her week, getting sucked
into the story. The quicksand inside her mind froze its slow pull when she
could pretend to be someone else. When that bell rang and everyone packed up,
she just wanted to break down and sob until she passed out. Thankfully, she
avoided that humiliation so far.
"So you like to play games?" He braced his arm on his leg and leaned forward -
don't get so eager doc, she didn't intend to be an easy nut to crack. "Are you
friends with the other players?
"Yeah," she shrugged, "the people are what make it fun and my boyfriend is in
the group too." As Arry Wolfborn, she could fight her way out of any problem
and her friends had her back. Also, Gendry was just her comrade so she didn't
have to worry so much about disappointing him more than everyone else.
"And how is the relationship?" There was no judgment, nor really even any
curiosity to his questions. It was more like the doc was solving a puzzle. Was
she a game to him?
"Good," Arya curled her legs up to sit cross-legged on the seat, not caring if
her shoes were dirty. "He's perfect."
"Perfect," his curiosity was piqued, "how so?" Arya panicked and wondered why
she even talked about Gendry - the doc was getting to her already. "If you are
uncomfortable-"
"I'm not 'uncomfortable'," she snapped. "All I meant was he's attractive, but
doesn't know how much, so he's not arrogant about it." Arya rubbed her fingers
over her brow and stared at the doc's shoe. "He's kind and generous... you know
- perfect."
"I get the sense that you feel undeserving," his neutral tone surprised her but
she still fought to keep her guard up.
"I think that's just how love is," she reasoned in her most nonchalant tone. "I
guess he probably sees me the same way..." But she just couldn't understand how
he could see her as 'perfect' when he set the bar so high.
"Let's talk some more about the game," he backtracked and Arya felt her tense
shoulders relax. "How does playing make you feel?"
"It's a good stress-reliever because I don't have to think about anything else
but the game." The rest of her time was spent clawing at the walls of the
endless swirling black pit she was being dragged down into. Or was she falling
up - being pulled by the vacuum of space only to discover the stars had all
gone out. All we can see from the Earth's surface are their ghosts,
representing our future as a lost dot of light. It's all so fucking pointless!
"What stresses you out?" The doc might as well request 'list everything that's
ever happened to you in your entire life'.
"School," she answered without thinking, "and my parents... I miss the rest of
my family." Arya wanted to call Bran and Robb more but every time she picked up
the phone, her mind went blank. They'd ask how she was doing and she'd have to
lie to Bran and say she's doing great. To Robb she wouldn't even be able to say
anything about Gendry - he'd never keep his mouth shut. Lies on top of
dishonesty on top of deceit... All because nobody can handle the truth about
anything, they all prefer to pretend the world is the way they want it to be.
"Are you parents separated?" When he asked the question, her gut reaction was
to say 'no'. But then Arya realized technically the answer was 'yes' but she
never thought about it that way before. It must be really hard for her parents
to spend so much time apart - she knew they loved each other.
"For his business my dad had to move down here so my sister and I came with
him," she clarified. "I didn't have a choice but she did." Arya didn't bother
to hide her old anger at her parents for sending her south - it was a parental
cop-out.
"Your parents forced you to move?" Again, the doc maintained a completely
unbiased expression. How did he do that? It would be really useful for her to
learn that poker-face skill. "That must have been difficult for you to accept."
"It was so brutal and a completely overreaction," she huffed in annoyance but a
voice in her head screamed 'LIAR'. "Maybe not... I guess what I did was a bit
extreme. Either way I was mad about it but now I'm grateful because I met
Gendry - my boyfriend." Why did she keep bringing him up? She came to the
appointment fully intending to not mention anything about him but she couldn't
shut up.
"Are you close with your father?" There seemed to be to rhyme or reason to his
questions and it was throwing her off his objective. What was he getting out of
this? Nobody was so selfless they wanted to devote their time to listening to
teenagers whine about their lives.
"I was, before we moved here." Arya nodded her head as she answered and picked
at a loose thread on her boot. "We've been butting heads for a while now."
"What about?" He couldn't ask a more complicated question - either he really
sucked at his job or she hadn't wised up to his method of manipulation.
"The things we agree on would be a shorter list," she grumbled with obvious
exasperation. "Getting perfect grades like Sansa is moronic and pointless. If I
want to go to college, my parents can afford it so I don't have to rely on my
grades." And that was bullshit because Gendry wasn't the smartest person but he
made a real effort to maintain decent grades. His mom worked so hard but she
could never afford to pay for her son to attend college. She won the lottery
just being born in the right family.
"Sansa is your sister?" Dr. Jaqen H'ghar did not write anything down, he seemed
to be memorizing the information Arya gave.
"That's right - she's another perfect person," she sniffed and frowned at the
ground. "Or at least my parents think so."
"But you don't?" He was talented at that, asking those little questions like
they were innocent and knocking down her guard. But... who did it hurt if she
was just honest? This was probably the one place in the world she wouldn't be
penalized for telling the whole truth and nothing but.
"She's pretty much perfect," she admitted - just being honest. Sansa was
incredible and Arya couldn't even hate her for it. Her sister lucked out to get
the pretty face and perfect body and she was smart and diligent too, the
perfect daughter. Why did her parents bother to have another? "We get along
well enough, she's kinda the reason I'm here." Her sister was the only person
she could trust, even if the girl could be frustrating as all hells sometimes.
"Why don't you ask your parents to pay for therapy?" His question caught her
off-guard because at first she wondered how he knew her family had money... Oh
right, she just admitted that.
"First," she huffed a laugh, "they would freak out and insist on watching me
twenty-four-seven. I'd also be afraid the shrink would break my confidence and
get me into more trouble. I didn't fill out my contact info or last name so you
can't rat me out even if you wanted."
"Clever girl," he looked impressed. "Clearly, you could get perfect grades if
you applied yourself. Then why are you jealous of your sister's 'perfection'?"
"You cut straight to the heart," Arya narrowed her brows and gave the doc a
pointed look. "I'm not jealous - I'm too smart to compete with someone outside
my weight class. She's tall, beautiful, and dutiful. Even if I killed myself
and got better grades than her, I still couldn't measure up - literally and
figuratively. Honestly, I used to resent her a little but I think we've both
changed since we moved here."
"Only good changes or are there some bad changes?" To answer him with a simple
'both' seemed like a cop-out but anything else felt like a lie.
"Depends on who you ask," she shrugged and dropped her hands in her lap. Her
parents would call her 'impossible' and say she was 'going through a phase'.
Her sister had changed way more but she still held the most naive worldview.
Just when Arya thought they could really relate to each other, her dear sister
stuck her smiling head back in the sand! Maybe Sansa was so used to her life
being perfect that she couldn't see the world any other way.
"I'm asking you," he pressed.
"Sometimes I hear my parents' voice in my head," she tilted her head back to
study at the ceiling texture. "They're telling me something I'm doing is
wrong." Arya let her head drop and tossed her hands up in a helpless gesture.
"But I don't even agree so why do I feel guilty?" Alright doc, do some fucking
doctoring already!
"About what?" This Hagar character was a raging disappointment.
"Breaking their rules," she clarified in a frustrated tone.
"Which rules?" It was weird - the shorter the questions he asked the longer the
answers formed in her head. And her mind immediately went to Gendry. The sweet,
perfect, loving boyfriend she didn't deserve and was forced to hide. Any father
should want that kind of relationship for their daughter but hers refused to
even consider it.
"One is a little harder to keep hidden," it was physically uncomfortable to
keep talking but her mouth just spewed out the words. "The boyfriend I told you
about earlier is a big no-no in my family."
"They don't like the boy?" That was the understatement of the century. The way
dad looked at Gendry, that day of 'the pool incident' was downright murderous.
Mom... she didn't even want to know that Arya had a boyfriend - 'father knows
best'. Way to have some backbone, mom.
"Not just that - no dating allowed at all until I turn sixteen," she scoffed.
"Sansa broke that rule too but as expected she got away with it."
"But they don't like your boyfriend in particular, this... Gendry?" The way the
doc said Gendry's awkward name was kinda funny with the accent.
"Yeah my dad only met him once but I could tell how much he hated him..." Arya
raked a hand through her hair. "Because he's older than me."
"How old?" The doc smiled reassuringly when her eyes snapped up. "We can stop
if you're uncomfortable."
"He's eighteen - it's no big deal," she waved a hand to emphasize how little of
a deal it really was.
"Does it heighten your guilt," he probed further into her head, "that your
father disapproves so strongly?" Oh, gods Y-E-S - it's horrible and awful and
she hated every second of every day!
"I guess," she forced her voice to hold only indifference, "no doubt it
stresses me out more. I constantly worry about what would happen if dad found
out."
"What do you think would happen?" His calm tone carried none of the weight of
her true answer - her world would end and her life would lose its only reason
for being.
"Dad would probably send me to live with my mom," that seemed the most likely
scenario - her parents were prone to panic. They already tried to 'solve' her
'problem' by sending her across the continent and they'd probably do it again.
"I'd lose Gendry and my new life here," she couldn't say it above a whisper. It
hung over her every day when she was grounded in Winterfell - terrified that
she wouldn't be allowed to go back down south. Ironically, all she'd done since
coming back was try and push him away. Why did she do that?
"It sounds to me as if you have been under a great deal of stress," he
commiserated - actually allowing an inflection of emotion... Careful doc, don't
think you've won her over yet.
"I'm not taking anything - so don't even start," Arya stared hard at the doc to
show she was serious. "This 'talking' bullshit is already hard enough to
swallow so pills are out of the question." The medical industry's standards for
clinical trials were sexist and ageist. Meanwhile, Big Pharma made billions off
people addicted to their 'medication'. And she was supposed to trust a factory
in some third-world country to get her meds right - fuck that shit!
"That is fine," he smiled even wider, "because I cannot prescribe anything to
you."
"Explain," she narrowed her eyes at him.
"I am a psychologist with a doctorate in philosophy, not a medical doctor." So,
this H'ghar wasn't really a 'doc' after all. "In our sessions I will teach you
techniques to cope with your physical symptoms and help abate your depression."
At least he didn't try to bullshit her about how she'd be better soon - false
hope was something she could live without.
"Right on," Arya was surprised by his revelation but it also put her at ease
that she wouldn't have to argue about medication. "So, how are you gonna help
me if you don't plan to put me on some happy pills?"
"I will explain in a moment, first I have to ask... Do you feel suicidal or
have the urge to hurt yourself?" He didn't ask if she wanted to hurt someone
else so at least she didn't have to lie. No way was she telling someone she
just met that she had murder fantasies.
"No..." Wanting to live a different life than her own wasn't the same as
wanting to die. Arya just wished she could pack up anything important and go
check out what the rest of the world had to offer. But Gendry would never come
with her and she didn't want to leave him... dumbass.
"You came here because you are having a physical response to your emotional
state," he stated his understanding of her condition. "Your menstrual cycle
stopped and you suffer chronic nausea and insomnia. Correct?" It seemed his
voice was quieter, a stronger hint of sympathy hiding behind his professional
veneer. Maybe this guy wasn't as 'cool' as he seemed.
"That's my life in a nutshell." Also, she forgot what it was like to be happy
and the more she tried to be happy the bigger the void inside her grew. It was
like living in a nightmare and all Arya wanted was to fight but she had no
weapons and couldn't even see her enemy. Was she ever really happy or did she
just used to be better at lying to herself? "I can barely eat anything and I
don't have a whole lot of weight to spare."
"How have you been dealing with that up to this point?" H'ghar had this smooth
way of talking that lulled her into a sense of safety.
"Weed." What the hell else was she supposed to do when Gendry was having a
fucking panic attack about her weight? Feel grateful that he cared? Well... it
just sucks.
"Before you sit down to eat later today I want you to find a quiet spot," he
punctured his instructions with a short hand gesture. "Sit comfortably, and
immerse yourself in your happiest memory relating to food. If bad imagery pops
into your head just shove them out and start over. Remember the smells, sounds,
and tastes that made that experience memorable. You won't be instantly hungry
but it should curb your nausea long enough so you can eat."
"What if I start to feel sick in the middle of eating?" That happened almost
every time she even looked at food, like her body was confusing nourishment
with poison.
"Excuse yourself," he suggested firmly. "Then try the meditation again until
you feel well enough to continue."
"People would question if I keep getting up to just sit quiet somewhere." Arya
raised her brow, wondering if this guy really knew what he was doing.
"If anyone questions what you are doing be honest," he gave her a knowing look.
"Tell them you are meditating because you feel unwell and don't let yourself
fall back into your defensive anger." She had to admit he was right about that
so she nodded her head in agreement. The doc checked his watch and gave her
another relaxed smile. "That's it for our session today but I already have a
spot saved for you for the same time next week."
"I can do that," she agreed.
"Goodbye Arya," he stood up to open the door for her. "I look forward to
speaking with you again." Arya couldn't detect any dishonesty in his words so
she gave him the briefest of tiny smiles.
"Thanks doc," she slung her bag over her shoulder and marched out of the office
without a look back. As she left the building, the sun was shining but she felt
cold all the time lately. Arya ambled to the bus stop, wondering if she felt
any better. A little, she admitted to herself, it actually did help to have
someone just listen for once. Who knew if his 'meditation' technique would
really work but it couldn't hurt. She hadn't decided to make this a weekly
habit but she would go next time and see if it helped a little more.
Chapter End Notes
     Ya'll have no clue how anxious I am about this plotline but daaamn...
     Jaqen is so godsdamn hot. A man needs to shut up and get naked. :
     ) I'm so glad I could include him. You know you love it and I'm the
     best fanfic writer who ever LIVED! You hate it don't you? I've
     disappointed you and everyone and I should never write again!
     Whaaahhhh! Sometimes (always) I disgust myself. IGNORE ME!
     Next up will be my boy Gendry: "Every Rose Has Its Thorn"
     Today's Song: "O Fortuna"
     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXFSK0ogeg4
***** Every Rose Has Its Thorn *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                          [Every_Rose_Has_Its_Thorn]
                                    GENDRY
Somehow, the day came to take Margaery to the forge and he still hadn't found a
way to explain it to Arya. He worried she might misunderstand since she reacted
badly when she saw them talking outside the empty room. Today he planned to
just tell Arry outright but he couldn't find her anywhere and assumed she
must've taken the day off. She didn't reply to his texts and he was already
well past worried. How could he get so bloody happy when she ate a doughnut the
other day?
His lady was still a long way from her old self and while she seemed calmer in
the past few days, she was unnervingly quiet. Gendry met Margaery in front of
the Weirwood tree and they walked together to his car. The ride to the park was
a little uncomfortable so he played an old cassette tape that was already in
the deck to fill the silence. Once they arrived it seemed to take forever for
her to walk through the woods, she kept tripping over everything. At one point,
he almost offered to carry her but immediately realized that was a horrible
idea.
"Here we are," he announced when they made it to the clearing and she clapped
her hands when she caught sight of the forge.
"This is amazing!" She pulled on his arm to quicken their pace to the forge and
he gently shrugged her off to set down his bag. Gendry still wasn't used to
other girls touching him except Arya but he still felt proud at how well he was
handling it. "I feel like I've fallen into a fairytale - complete with a
handsome prince." Margaery beamed at him and he turned away embarrassed: okay,
maybe he wasn't brimming with confidence.
"Just a blacksmith," he mumbled and he started cleaning up the forge to show
her how to it worked.
"You look more like a prince," she teased as he tugged off his shirt and fished
out his leather apron to put it on.
"So," he cleared his throat and gestured towards the forge. "The main part of
the forge is the hearth which is basically an open stove." As he described how
the forge worked, he continued setting up. "You gotta fill the firepot with
coal in here and get the fire hot enough: you need a lot of heat to melt metal.
The bellows are there to pump air into the heat source and really get it
going." Margaery nodded along as she followed his explanation. "The anvil is
used for hammering and shaping the metal, which is damn hard work. Then I use
various tools to do finishing touches."
"I have never been more impressed in my life," she gushed. "You are just full
of surprises..." Then Gendry turned his head to point something out and he felt
warm softness pressed against his lips. What...? Was she... kissing him?! He
stumbled back and stared at Margaery in utter shock, she was still standing
there with lips purse and eyes closed. Did he imagine it? Why would she kiss
him?!
"Why... would you do that?" The pitch of his voice was insanely high but he was
too freaked out to even care. Cheerleaders don't kiss blacksmiths! Nothing made
sense anymore: the world had gone mad!
"I thought..." Margaery's eyes popped open, looking almost as surprised as he
was and she blinked a few times before continuing. "You're so nice to me." She
waved her hand as if erasing the entire event. "It was just something I did on
impulse - we can just forget it happened."
"I'll take you home." He pulled off his apron and closed up the forge as she
moved closer to stand beside him.
"Gendry, you're overreacting." Margaery touched his shoulder but Gendry stepped
back away from her. "It was just a little innocent peck," she protested.
"Arya and I tell each other everything," he slammed down the hammer he was
putting away. "She'll probably act like it doesn't bother her when I tell her
this but I know it'll hurt her!" Just thinking about it was really starting to
piss him off! "For what?" He glared angrily at her and rightly so. "One second
of your 'impulse' and now I have to hurt the person I love: not cool,
Margaery."
"I wasn't thinking at all - you know how it is when you like someone." The kiss
itself shocked the seven hells out of him but it was an even bigger surprise
when she admitted that she 'liked him'. The most popular girl in school isn't
even supposed to know his name, let alone 'like' a nerdy weirdo like him! "I'm
an idiot," she bowed her head as she apologized, "I'm so sorry."
"I'll be in the doghouse because of you," he complained, admittedly sounding
like a little kid. Gods, he prayed silently, turn back time just a few minutes
so he can dodge it! Nope... nothing happened.
"Not that you deserve to be punished for something that isn't your fault." She
didn't know Arya like he did. "Do something romantic, buy her some roses and
she'll forgive you." Margaery REALLY didn't know Arry if she thought flowers
would do anything to earn forgiveness. Gendry would get beaten with the
bouquet.
"Arry's not like that," he groaned. Bloody hells, he was so totally fucked! But
it's not like he could hide it: that would make it even worse!
"Does she even like you?!" All of a sudden, she was angry on his behalf but
that made him even more annoyed with her. Who is she to pass judgment on his
relationship?
"You don't know anything about us." His voice was quiet but it had a dangerous
edge that he did not bother to hide.
"I see the way she treats you!" Margaery crossed her arms and narrowed her
eyes, when she did that she actually looked a lot like Arya. It only made him
feel even more guilty, horrible, and scared out of his wits. With the way Arry
had been acting lately she might just break it off over this!
"I think that's my problem," he gritted through his teeth, clenching his hands
into fists by his side.
"I already confessed that I like you so I of course I have to wonder." All of
her annoyance disappeared and left in its place was sadness. Gendry had never
broken anyone's heart before and this scenario was the last thing he could've
imagined. The head cheerleader liked him and he didn't even see her.
"There isn't a single doubt in my mind that Arya loves me," he said it as
gently as he could.
"People are very good at believing what they want." She didn't have that wrong.
"Maybe I don't have the right to say these things but I worry about you. You're
sweet and kind - it would be easy for someone to take you for granted."
"I want her to take me for granted," he chuckled without humor as he faced her
and thumped his open palm over his heart. "She can take me any way she wants me
and I don't care that it hurts: love without pain is friendship. And I don't
want Arya as my friend: I want to be hers and need her to be mine." Gendry
stared hard at Margaery, willing her to see his devotion. "Any questions?"
"I know what that feels like," she insisted quietly. "You can do anything for
that person and you'll let them hurt you and use you but you think you can take
it. Crazy love is like a drug - it feels amazing until it kills you." Maybe
Margaery was right but even still, it wouldn't change a thing for him.
"Let it kill me then, I'll want her even when I'm dead." They stared at each
other down for a long moment before she shrugged in defeat.
"I wish you all the luck in the world - you'll need it." Margaery whirled
around on her heel and strutted off towards the park entrance like she was on a
catwalk. "I'll call a taxi," she threw a calm wave over her shoulder. Damn,
that girl... woman had some fucking nerve and a hell of an ego: he respected
her for it. Easy for her to walk away with shedding a single sweat drop for her
troubles. Meanwhile he was just sentenced to death with a kiss. No way, Arry
forgives him for this: she'd insist he should've fought Marge off or something.
Godsfuckingdamnit!
"Bloody hells..." Gendry tilted his head back to peer up into the sky. "Why is
it always like this? Can't I catch a break sometimes?" Nothing happened, not
even a bird sang to comfort him. "This is why I don't believe in you," he
muttered before turning around to clean up so he could just go home. There he
could lie in his bed to brood about how to confess this mishap to his
oftentimes cruel and unforgiving lady.
                                    SHIREEN
She was so excited when Arya asked to sleep over - for real this time! They
decided to skip the last two periods and ride the bus back to her house. Nobody
was home when they arrived but that was fairly typical of their family. Her dad
worked tirelessly and often slept at the office, the only person actually
working to hear him talk. Mother spent most of her time seeing various doctors
for real and imagined ailments. Her true sickness was boredom and
disappointment with the life she chose.
"I'm surprised you wanted to come over instead of spending the weekend with
Gendry." She led Arya back to her bedroom but when she opened her door Sheri
noticed the pained look on Arya's face. "Oh, I'm happy of course just
surprised!" Her friend shrugged off her bag, dropping it inside the room and
headed for the bed.
"Things haven't been great between us..." Arya shook her head sadly as she
pulled off her boots and then scooted back to lie down. "He's trying but... I
don't know."
"If you want to talk about it my ears are open." It would be an honor for a
tough girl like Arya to trust her enough to share her feelings. Sheri pulled
off her coat to hang it up and then gathered some pajamas from her dresser.
"I don't want to bore you with my problems." Despite Arya's protest, it seemed
that her friend actually did want to talk. Sheri quickly changed into her comfy
sleepwear and moved to sit down on the edge of the bed.
"Arya," she coaxed gently, "maybe this will sound a little cheesy but you saved
me." Sheri grinned when Arya sat up and raised a questioning eyebrow. "What I
mean is, before you came up to talk to me that day I wasn't really alive, I was
just going through the motions. I did not have a single friend and now I have a
lot! And I met Bran... I owe everything to you."
"You really like Bran, don't you?" Arya still looked sad but pleased that Sheri
liked her brother and that encouraged her to be honest.
"I think... I'm in love with him," it was the first time she said it out loud
to anyone! Sheri felt a fierce blush turning her cheeks red but she was too
happy to feel embarrassed. "We connect in this amazing unbelievable way."
"I used to feel that way about Gendry," Arya sulked, pulling her knees up to
hug around them and shuddered like she was cold. She still wore her sweatshirt
though the temperature in the house actually felt a little too warm.
"Not anymore?" Sheri noticed that Arya and Gendry were having a hard time but
it surprised her that the problem persisted so long. They seemed inseparable
before Winterfest - attached at the hip.
"Maybe it's messed up to say this," she shrugged her shoulders, "but you and
Bran have something I can never have with Gendry." Arya scrunched up her face
like she ate something sour and then hung her head between her arms. "Never
mind - it sounds even more fucked up in my head."
"I know what you are thinking and you're right," Sheri conceded without
embarrassment. "Bran being in a wheelchair is the reason I feel confident
around him. My face probably makes him feel the same way." She felt grateful
that she found a kindred spirit in Bran as they bonded over their differences.
"That first day we talked and I pointed out Gendry." One corner of Arya's mouth
lifted for just an instant before the half-smile vanished. "You couldn't
believe a guy like that would go for a girl like me, right?"
"Well..." Sheri didn't want to hurt her friend's feelings but she also thought
it wrong to be dishonest so she proceeded carefully. "Now that I know him
better I think you two are perfect for each other and he's clearly head-over-
heels for you." It was painful to see Gendry watching Arya with that forlorn
expression.
"See, that's what I thought," Arya scoffed a laugh. "He sees me as beautiful
and I thought that was enough. But the way he sees me doesn't change the way
the world sees me. I'm scruffy, skinny, and on top of that - I have a bad
personality. If I was a guy none of those things would be a problem but I'm a
fucking girl," she sneered.
"I bet Gendry is happy you're a girl," Sheri teased.
"We don't have sex anymore," Arya blurted out. "It's my fault and I don't know
how to fix it... I went to see a shrink but I couldn't even talk about that
with a stranger." She shoved her hands in her hair and raked her thick hair
back with a heavy sigh. "Now I'm dumping it all on you. What a great friend I
am," she muttered with scornful bitterness.
"I'm glad you see me as someone you can trust," Sheri reached out to take ahold
of her friend's hand. "I will never break your confidence - you're the best
friend I've ever had. Did talking to someone help?"
"Yeah," Arya nodded slowly and exhaled a sigh, "I think it did."
"Good, then you should keep going." She squeezed Arya's hand for encouragement
before Sheri decided to confess her darkest secret. "I went to a therapist for
a year after I tried to kill myself." Arya looked up, her eyes wide with shock.
"You see? All of us have our moments when we lose our minds."
"When...?" Arya whispered the word and that day came rushing back to Sheri like
it was yesterday.
"Almost two years ago," she took a deep calming breath to fortify herself,
"Joffrey-"
"That fucking fuck-ass-shit!" Arya squeezed her eyes shut, inhaling deeply, and
holding the breath for a moment before slowly letting it go. "Sorry, I got it,
go ahead."
"He said some cruel things," it was still painful to recall. "Nothing I hadn't
already heard a hundred times but I'll always remember the glee he seemed to
take in my pain." That unkind leer on Joffrey's face would haunt her until the
day she died. "I complained to both my mother and father but they didn't care
at all... I just wanted someone to care about me." In truth her spiteful cousin
had little to do with her suicide attempt, it was the utter loneliness that
forced her into a corner.
"Sheri..." Arya's voice was thick with emotion and Sheri was touched her friend
felt so concerned, it felt good to be cared about.
"It became fairly clear that nobody gave two shits if I was alive," Sheri
smiled though the pain. "Mother is on every kind of anti-depressant and
sleeping pill so I took them all." To this day Sheri couldn't look at any pills
without feeling sick to her stomach. "I don't really remember what happened but
apparently one of our maids heard me screaming and called an ambulance in
time."
"I'm so sorry, Sheri." Arya grabbed Sheri into a tight hug. "I am really-
really-really happy you're alive."
"Me too, after a few days I woke up and I was glad I did." Sheri held onto Arya
for a moment before pulling away. "Strange as it might sound I didn't really
ever want to die - what I really wanted was to have a reason live. Almost dying
because I hated my life made me realize that if I had the power to choose
death, I could also choose life. My parents did not all of a sudden dote on me
afterward but they never again forced me to attend family functions with
Joffrey."
"Great and I made you come up there with him," Arya dropped her face in her
hand. "Friend of the year over here," she grumbled sarcastically.
"I'm stronger now than I was then," Sheri insisted, refusing to let Arya wallow
in pointless self-pity. "My parents might not be the best but they got me the
help I needed to get through that dark time. In therapy, I learned to accept my
face as well as how to accept the person I am because of my scars. Even if
everyone else rejects me, I can't reject myself. I might be ugly on the outside
but Joffrey is more pitiful than me. At least I can love Bran and my friends...
I don't think he even understands what love is."
"I love you, Sheri," Arya sniffed and quickly wiped her eyes with the back of
her hand. "I mean it, you've helped me so much more than you know."
"I love you too, Arya." Sheri gave her friend a genuine smile, overjoyed to
finally be valuable to someone. "You deserve to be happy."
"Enough of this gloomy shit," Arya grinned and stood up, "let's rip up some
Tekken!" She marched to the beanbag chairs in front of the TV and plopped down
before turning on the Xbox. Sheri quickly joined her friend and made a
conscious decision to help Arya have some fun tonight. It still wasn't clear
what exactly was wrong but a reliable friend was always the best medicine for
low spirits.
Chapter End Notes
     Go easy on Marge, huh? Gendry is 'glorious hot' - we all know it -
     the girl can't help but want a piece of that blacksmith goodness.
     Gods know I'd take a shot!
     I like how I worked in my 'love without pain is friendship' quip, it
     feels right that Gendry would say it - he's such a martyr for his
     love.
     I plan to work harder than ever now that I'm feeling a lot better
     (operating at 87% functionality) and I can feel the muse is still
     with me. There is no try! Allons-y Alonzo! I AM THE ONE WHO KNOCKS!
***** Soup and Sci-Fi *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Soup and Sci-Fi
                               [Soup_and_Sci-Fi]
                                     SANSA
She was dying, or at least she wished she were dead... Her whole body ached and
throbbed, hurting everywhere, as she felt too hot and cold at once. Sansa
wanted to lie in her bed and whimper in self-pity but she could not breathe
when she cried because her nose was too stuffed up. It was almost enough to
have her praying to the gods to take her to the seven heavens already; this
cold was an eighth hell! On the TV, 'The Little Mermaid' was playing for the
third time when there was a knock at the door.
"I'll get it lemoncake," daddy walked out of his office to answer the door,
"you rest." She whimpered something like 'thank you daddy' and blew her nose
for the millionth time.
"Uh, Mr. Stark," that was Sandor's gravelly voice! Sansa whipped her head
towards the door with horror brimming in her heart. "I brought some soup for
Sansa."
"Come in," daddy invited him in... Nooooooooo, he could not see her in this
horrible state! Sansa jumped up from her seat, her eyes searching desperately
for a scrunchie. "That was very thoughtful of you." That is how daddy and
Sandor found her, wide-eyed and wild-haired, standing in the middle of the
living room. Oh just fricking lovely!
"I brought soup from your favorite place," he held up a takeout bag. "I didn't
know what you like so I just brought every kind." Sandor was so sweet and
caring! Too bad, he would probably never want to have sex with her again after
seeing her monstrous appearance.
"I'll be in my office if you need me, sweetheart." Daddy left without ever
realizing that he just ruined her entire life forever. Sansa was very nearly
about to heave herself onto the ground and throw a proper tantrum. Instead, she
maturely walked up to Sandor to take the bag from him and led the way into the
kitchen. He hung up his coat by the door before following to stand behind her.
"You didn't have to do this," she croaked as she set the bag down on the
countertop. "I don't want you to see me like this." Sansa tried to smooth down
her hair with her hands but gave up and let them hang limp by her side. "My
nose is redder than my hair," she sulked and stared down at the bag of soup.
"Poor little bird," he curled his fingers around her wrist and gently tugged
her to face him. "You always look beautiful to me."
"Liar," she accused in a dry wheeze, "I know I look terrible right now." Sansa
tilted her head forward to rest against his chest. "And I feel even worse," she
whimpered. Sandor wrapped his arms around her in a light hug as she clutched
the front of his shirt. His strong arms warmed her aching body and she wrapped
her arms around his waist, already feeling a bit better. "I think a bowl of
minestrone would truly be wonderful."
"Sit - I'll get it," he let her go and gestured a hand towards the table.
"I can get it," she argued weakly... in truth, just standing up made her feel
rather dizzy. "You don't where the bowls are."
"All kitchens are the same," he gave her a gentle nudge towards the table. "I
can find the bowls - go sit, I got this." Sansa nodded wearily and trudged out
of the kitchen to sit down at the table. Sandor was perfectly capable of
finding the bowls and dished some soup into one before setting it in front of
her. "Do you want me to stay or should I go?"
"Please stay," she pouted, immediately regretting the expression. Surely, she
looked like a blowfish with her gods-awful puffy red face. "Please sit down
with me."
"Think I'll grab a bowl for myself," and he did just that before joining her at
the table. "Eat up," he jerked his chin at her bowl, "you need your strength."
Sandor dug into his soup, holding up the bowl close to his face and shoveling
the food into his mouth. Sansa took small spoonfuls and carefully sipped them
so she would not burn her tongue. The hot liquid and tomato base were opening
up her sinuses and soothing her throat. "What do you want to do when you're
done?" He set down his empty bowl and looked at her expectantly.
"I have already watched every Disney movie ever made," she chuckled but it
turned into a cough. Sansa quickly covered her mouth and cleared her throat to
get rid of the tickle. This was so embarrassing!
"How about Firefly?" At times Sandor really was the most brilliant person she
knew.
"You are a genius, Sandor Clegane." Sansa resumed eating one spoonful at a time
and the flavorful soup did wonders to improve her condition.
"That's the first time anyone put those words together." He grinned and leaned
back in his chair, crossing his arms and the muscles strained under his shirt.
"I am going to pay you a lot more compliments from now on." Her cold must be
making her crazy if she could still feel the pangs of lust under her throbbing
soreness. She finished the last of her soup and stood up, feeling strengthened
and nourished. "Wait here," she held up a hand, "I have to get something for
you." Sansa went back to her room to dig out her two orange knit Jayne hats and
brought them both out to the kitchen.
"Oh no fu-" Just then the office door opened and Sandor's eyes snapped towards
the hallway. Daddy walked into the kitchen past Sansa and headed for the coffee
machine for his afternoon pick-me-up. "Uh... no way," Sandor stood up to accept
the hat she held out for him. "This is awesome."
"How's it sit?" Sansa pulled on her beanie and grinned up at Sandor, no longer
caring if she looked a mess. "Pretty cunning, don't you think?" She twirled the
strings hanging down and smiled at Sandor, who burst out laughing at her Jayne
impression. He donned his hat as well and she choked on her laughter. Daddy was
on his way back to his office when she stopped him. "Do you want to come watch
it with us, daddy?"
"What are we watching?" Daddy seemed to be surprised to be invited but Sansa
just wanted to spend some time with her two favorite men. Hopefully they could
bond a bit and Sandor could come to trust her father better.
"Firefly!" Sansa clapped her hands together.
"Oh no," daddy held up his hands, "not another fairy princess movie."
"No daddy," Sansa rolled her eyes. "It's a space western, you'll like it."
"A space... western?" Daddy squinted at her as if he wanted to take her
temperature.
"Just trust us and try it," Sandor added. "It's the best one-season show of all
time."
"Well then I have to see it," daddy smiled and moved to sit in his favorite
chair, which he brought from Winterfell.
"Sorry I don't have a Jayne hat for you, daddy." Sansa sat down on the couch
close to daddy and patted the spot beside her for Sandor to join her.
"I'll survive," daddy smiled wryly. Sansa turned the smart TV to the Netflix
app and started up the first episode of Firefly. Then she set the remotes down
and curled her hands around Sandor's arm, resting her head on his shoulder. It
was a little embarrassing to be cuddled up with her boyfriend in front of her
father but she reasoned that being sick gave her a pass. Just when the second
episode was starting, Arya walked in.
"Short stuff!" Sandor lifted his free hand to wave her sister over. "Come watch
with us."
"Just keep your germs to yourself," Arya scowled at Sansa but still sat down on
the far end of the couch and put her feet up on the coffee table.
"Oh," the thought never occurred to her that she could get Sandor sick. "Should
I keep my distance?" She peeked up at him bashfully, doubly flushed from her
embarrassment and sickness. "I don't want you to get what I have."
"Think I'm weak like you, little bird?" Sandor wrapped his arm around her
shoulders and pulled her close. "Germs are too scared of me - I never get
sick." Sandor's arms would always be her happy place, the one place she felt
safe, and her worries disappeared like magic.
"Kid," he turned to look Arya, "I brought some soup - it's in the kitchen."
"I'm not..." Arya started to argue and Sansa's heart sank. "I'll have some in a
bit," she changed her mind, "after I do something." Her little sister got up
and headed back their bedroom where she stayed. After the second episode, ended
daddy had to get back to work but seemed reluctant to leave. Yay, they made
another Browncoat!
"Who is your favorite character?" Sansa cuddled up closer to Sandor and soaked
up all of his warmth.
"River," Sandor answered too simply and she poked him in the ribs to encourage
him to say more. "So much fucked up shit happens to her but she refuses to let
it turn her into a weapon. She makes the choice to live a regular life and be
part of the crew." His reasons were clearly personal because he basically just
described himself. "What about you?"
"You gave such a good answer," she complained, knowing hers would lack in
comparison. Sandor retaliated with some poking of his own and she gave in.
"Okay, for me it is a tie between Wash and Simon. Neither of them are action
heroes but both incredibly loyal and I think that's what makes a group strong."
Sandor gazed down at her with an unreadable expression before he dipped his
lips to softly kiss hers.
"Ew..." Arya walked past them and they broke apart. "You two are so
disgusting."
"Please," Sansa whispered a prayer as she watched her little sister, "go to the
kitchen..." Miracles of miracles, Arya went into the kitchen to get herself
some soup. "Thank you for bringing the soup," she sighed happily, "it really
made me feel better." Sandor kissed her forehead and even though she still felt
like poop, it was not so bad anymore. "Oh right," she remembered, "your belated
Winterfest present arrived a few days ago but with this cold..."
"I didn't expect anything," he shrugged.
"You children still watching this nonsense?" Arya brought her soup into the
living room, interrupting their conversation. "Try watching a documentary
sometime - actually learn something." She sat down in daddy's chair.
"Kid," Sandor glared at Arya, "you keep playing that stupid game and tell me
how grown up you are." Her little sister stuck out her tongue before digging
into her soup with surprising gusto! Sansa felt energized by the happy scene
and disentangled herself to get up.
"I'll be right back," she went back to her bedroom and grabbed the present, at
least she was able to wrap it! The shiny golden wrapping paper gleamed as she
brought it out to the living room.
"It's huge," Sandor laughed, "what is it?"
"Open it," Sansa handed over the wrapped present and sat down beside him again.
Sandor ripped at the paper like a little kid and pulled off the top of the box
to reveal a set of giant ice skates.
"Little bird," he snorted a laugh, "the things you'll do to go on a date."
Sandor grinned up at her, closing up the box to set the skates aside. "When
you're feeling better, I'll take you skating." He tugged her back to his side
and put his arm around her. "Would you like that?" Sansa's throat felt tight
and it had nothing to do with being sick. Then a single tear slipped down her
cheek and she bowed her head to hide it. "What's with the waterworks, huh?"
"You are so good to me and I love you so much." And it physically hurt that she
did not have the words to express the depth of her feelings for him. Sansa
wondered if everyone in love felt the way she did or if she actually loved
Sandor more than anyone ever loved another person.
                                    SANDOR
"That's something to cry about?" He wiped the tear from her cheek with the back
of his finger and then drew her head against his shoulder. She looked so
pitiful and miserable - it made him wish he could take the sickness into
himself.
"I'm trying to eat over here!" Arya glared at them both and he laughed at her
scowling expression.
"Then eat up, wolfgirl," he scowled right back, "and stop bothering us." Arya
slurped down the rest of her soup and stormed into the kitchen to drop her bowl
in the sink - cranky little thing. The girl went back to her room and slammed
her door shut. He smiled down at Sansa but her eyes were half-lidded. "You're
tired, rest a bit." Sandor held her close, brushing a strand of red hair away
from her pale face.
"Don't leave without saying goodbye," she murmured against his shoulder. Sansa
sniffled and lowered her face against his chest. Sandor saw that she was
falling asleep, her eyes struggling to stay open before slipping closed. She
slept through the whole next episode and he had to get creative to reach the
remote to turn down the volume. After a while, Mr. Stark came out of his office
and took in the sight of his snoozing daughter.
"Is she asleep?" Mr. Stark kept his voice low.
"She's out like a light," Sandor confirmed quietly.
"Then she won't notice if I borrow you," Mr. Stark waved his hand for Sandor to
follow and he carefully laid Sansa back on the couch. He moved slow and careful
as he got up to follow the older man back to his office. "To be honest I feel a
bit lost, my wife was always the one who took care of the children when they
get sick. But Sansa doesn't complain much, please have a seat." They both sat
down, facing each other. "I spoke with your father and it seemed he had no idea
you two are dating."
"If it's not basketball or cars we don't talk much." Sandor didn't see the
point in sugarcoating his relationship with his dad. They existed in the same
house and shared some DNA, which was about the extent of their 'relationship'.
It could be worse but it could also be a fuck-load better.
"I don't want to be presumptuous but if you ever need someone to talk to, my
door is open." Mr. Stark's offer seemed genuine but Sandor's first instinct was
to turn it down. Why shouldn't he get some free advice from one of the most
successful Westerosi businessmen? Fuck, there were plenty of people who'd pay
to be in the same situation.
"Well, there is something." Sandor though a minute about how to word his
question so it didn't sound arrogant but gave up on that. "Nearly every
university in the country with a basketball team are chomping at the bit to get
me in their school. I don't really know how to choose." As far as he could
tell, one school was just as good as the next.
"What area of study do you want to pursue?" Mr. Stark wasn't nearly the first
person to ask him that but Sandor always gave the same answer - a shrug. "Well,
that is a problem. What do you plan to do after graduating from the
university?"
"Go pro," that was really his only plan, "I know a lot of jokers like to say
that, but I'm good enough." Sandor wasn't the type of person to kid themselves
into over-confidence - he really was that good.
"I don't doubt it," Mr. Stark chuckled before sobering again. "But what if you
couldn't play? Or what will you do with your time when you retire from
basketball? I know that seems a long time from now but you will still be a
young man at that time."
"I haven't really given it much thought." Sandor was so wrapped up in going pro
before he met Sansa and then afterward she took over his brain. Every second of
every day, he was wondering what she was doing or wearing and if she was
thinking about him. And lately when he thought about the future he could only
imagine it with Sansa beside him. "Money won't be an issue if I play well
enough, though I won't be getting any sponsors with this mug. Maybe I should
learn how to manage money if I'm gonna earn it."
"That's practical and I applaud your foresight," Mr. Stark's praise held a
'but' and Sandor stared at him, waiting for it. "But you have to consider your
passion." Well, that was unexpected. "When I was young I was fascinated by
technology and wanted to pursue a career in computer programming. My brother
suddenly passed away so it fell to me to inherit my family's appliance
business. I followed my passion and created a division for innovating new
technologies. Within a decade our processors were being used in everything from
microwaves to smartphones."
"I don't have a lot of 'passion' outside of basketball," he added silently in
his head 'and that doesn't even compare to Sansa'.
"First you have to discover what you love," Mr. Stark advised, "and then you
have to pursue it with everything you have."
"What you're saying makes sense," Sandor acknowledged. The man made some good
points - stuff he hadn't thought about. "I'll think some more about it."
"My Sansa is the sweetest and kindest girl who ever walked the earth, as far as
I am concerned." Mr. Stark had the right of it on that count. "It is not easy
for a father to watch his daughter's love be taken by another," he smiled
indulgently. "But I trust her judgment and she holds you in high esteem."
"I don't know that I deserve it but I'm trying," Sandor stared down at his
boots as one thought banged around inside his head. "Mr. Stark... about Joffrey
Baratheon." He looked up to see the older man's tense expression. "The only
reason I kept from strangling that kid is she asked me to let her handle it. If
he causes any more trouble I don't think I can hold back again and Sansa
wouldn't like that at all."
"Trust me, I understand," Mr. Stark clenched his jaw. "I would give anything to
protect my children and Sansa has always been tender-hearted. If that boy
causes her to shed even one more tear, I won't tolerate it. I only ask that you
convince her to come to me right away if she has any more trouble. My daughter
is learning how to be strong but she needs to know that she can still count on
me."
"Sansa is worried about short stuff," and Sandor was even more worried, "says
the kid has been skipping meal and moping about. I didn't want to worry her
more but..." That's exactly how mom was in the months leading up to her
suicide. Arya, with her dark proud eyes, was so much like his baby sister
would've been... "You should probably keep an eye on her."
"Arya is angry with me and she has good reason," Mr. Stark nodded sadly. "I
have let both of my daughters down too many times this year. Thank you for
telling me."
"I should go check on the shop," Sandor had enough bonding for one day. "Tell
Sansa I'll come see her tomorrow," he got up to leave.
"I'll do that," Mr. Stark stood as well and held out his hand. "It was good to
talk with you, Sandor."
"Same here sir," Sandor accepted the handshake, "thanks for the advice." He
turned around to leave but stopped by the living room first, crouching down
beside the couch. "Sansa," he murmured her name to wake her up, "little bird,
I'm leaving."
"No," she stirred but didn't open her eyes, "stay." He pressed a quick kiss to
her lips and she gave him a sleepy smile. "Love..."
"Love you too," he whispered as she was already fast asleep again - good she
needed rest to get better. Sandor wished he could stay and take care of her but
he had to trust her dad would do his parental duty. In a few years, she'd be
his to take care of every day and he couldn't wait for that. Mr. Stark said he
needed to find his passion but he already found it in his little bird. Should
he just stay in Kings Landing...? That thought kept popping in his head,
quickly followed by all the reasons he should go. He ignored it all and forced
himself to get his coat and head on out.
Chapter End Notes
     See, as a writer *adjusts empty glasses frames*, we draw inspiration
     from our pain. The whole time I've been sick I wished I could just
     drink a bunch of delicious Italian soup but there's nowhere that
     delivers around me. The muse works in mysterious ways.
     It's that secret.
     PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: If you suffer from a cold this winter,
     MAKE SURE to rest for a few more days after you feel 'better'. The
     spirit may be willing but the flesh is still weak. AND WASH YOUR
     HANDS WITH SOAP (you filthy animal).
     I wanted to post this chapter yesterday but I just sat on my couch
     watching most of the season of Firefly - then I slept for twelve
     hours. Maybe if I watch the show enough times River and Jayne will
     finally realize they are in love with each other. Pure shipper's
     logic right there. :D
     A must-watch video for any and all aspiring writers/people who care
     about stuff:
     http://www.ted.com/talks/
     elif_shafak_the_politics_of_fiction?language=en
***** War of Wolf and Rose *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [War_of_Wolf_and_Rose]
                                     ARYA
Class just let out and she was trying to heave a bunch of books into her
overstuffed locker. Of course, they gave her the one that was on top so she had
to reach overhead to get anything in or out. Arya banged her locker shut before
anything could fall out and standing behind it was a smiling Margaery Tyrell.
Just fucking great, that's exactly what she needed.
"Arya, can we talk?" The beautiful cheerleader beamed prettily, her glossy dark
hair shining in the fluorescent light. Arya never felt jealousy once in her
life - like about a guy - but it was as if a predator took over her body and
set it to attack mode. Margaery was no longer a pretty girl but a threat to her
very life.
"Sure," she sneered at the Tyrell girl. The memory of Gendry and this girl
getting chummy made her want to be sick. Even a single smile of his aimed at
another girl filled Arya with fear and incomprehensible rage. Those smiles were
hers!
"I want you to know that I really do respect you and I know that I owe you more
than I can repay." Margaery droned on but Arya held up her hand to stop her.
"Skip the dramatics and get to the point," she stared hard at the girl and
tapped her toe impatiently.
"I like Gendry," Margaery said it like she was announcing the weather but
Arya's heart stopped. How could she just admit it like that?
"What's not to like?" Arya shrugged like she didn't give two fucks what this
pretty cheerleader liked. "Is there a point to all of this?" If she stood there
even a second longer, she might actually end up pulling this girl's hair out.
Who was this twit to covet her only reason for fucking living?!
"I just wanted to apologize for the kiss - it was wrong and impulsive-"
"Whoa-whoa-whoa," Arya interrupted, "back up... kiss?"
"He didn't tell you?" Margaery's voice sounded as if echoing through a long
hallway and dark spots started popping up in front of Arya's eyes. "It was all
my fault - I couldn't bear the thought of him taking the blame." Her mind
changed inside she became someone else - no one. And no one cared nothing about
consequences because there were none for no one. "Ah!" The girl gave a startled
cry when Arya slammed her against the lockers, the rattling sound drew stares
from the students in the hallway.
"Listen to me and listen good," Arya hissed in a voice she barely recognized.
"If you ever - ever - touch what's mine again... I will end you. Don't you
remember what I have, you dumb fuck?" She relished the fear that rose in
Margaery's wide pretty eyes. "Don't look so surprised, I trust we understand
each other."
"Yes," she breathed, "I understand." Ah, the sweet scent of fear...
"Good," Arya released the trembling girl and turned away without a backwards
glance. She marched straight to the classroom she knew Gendry should be in. He
stood off in the far corner, unpacking his backpack. There was no teacher in
the room yet, only a handful of students. "What's this I hear about you kissing
Margaery Tyrell?" His head snapped up at her too-loud question and the other
students immediately stopped their chatter.
"Arry," his eyes opened wide as he stood there, apparently in shock.
"Are you not going to follow me right now?" She scowled at him and then whirled
away, knowing he would follow.
"Arya," he panted as he caught up, "I swear to the gods I was gonna tell you."
She ignored his pleading and led the way to the empty room. Once they were
inside, she shoved him against the door and turned the lock behind him.
"What...?" There wasn't any time for his confusion! Arya dropped her bag onto
the ground and attacked the button on his jeans. "Here?" His voice cracked with
panic but she didn't stop until his pants were unzipped. "Now?"
"Shut up and fuck me," she ripped off her jacket and let it fall.
"I don't have a-"
"I'm on the pill now," she quickly dragged her shirt over her head and tossed
it behind her, not caring if he found her too skinny. No point in wearing a bra
because even the sports bras didn't fit snug around her ribs.
"What?" He blinked at her, his eyes lost and perplexed - honestly he was always
cutest when downright stupefied.
"You don't trust me?" Arya glared at him and his mouth just flapped open and
closed without saying anything. "Don't you want me anymore?" Still he didn't
seem to be able to answer, always the weak-hearted coward! "Fine, fuck you
then." She bent down to pick up her shirt but he grabbed her arm and hauled her
up to face him. His blue eyes burned with intensity and passion - saying so
much more than his words. Maybe he wasn't such a coward after all...
"I only want you, Arya." People lie all the time but Gendry had the most honest
gaze... and he was HERS! Her whole body trembled with barely contained rage and
pent-up lust. Every bit of him belonged to her and she'd never let anyone take
him! She'd rather die than watch him be lured away by someone else. "My heart
is yours always," he vowed - that was so like him to be making declarations of
devotion. That was all well and good but she was a little more concerned about
whom his cock belonged to.
"No more pretty words - show me," she slipped her free hand into his boxers and
grasped his cock, hot and already hard... So it seemed he was at least still
attracted to her. Gendry groaned and closed his eyes as his cock pulsed,
growing harder in her grasp. Cocks don't lie - if they don't want to fuck then
they don't get hard, simple as that. As long as he was only getting hard for
her, she didn't care much about anything else. "Why are you still wearing a
shirt?"
"Sorry milady," he quickly dropped his bag and jacket before tugging off his
shirt and undershirt in one motion. There were all these voices inside Arya's
mind and each one of them was screaming at the top of their lungs. The blood-
thirsty predator hungered to tear into Gendry's chiseled chest and feast on his
heart. No one wanted to cut off all feelings for him and run away. Arry thought
it best they just go to the forge and make some cool weapons.
Arya didn't want to think anymore so she chose the voice of action and her lips
curled into a snarl at her prey, baring her teeth at him before she attacked.
Before he knew what hit him, she sprang into motion and sunk her nails into his
shoulders as she lifted on her tiptoes to push her chest flat against his. Her
mouth latched onto his neck to bite into the warm flesh and he was caught with
no chance of escape.
He groaned as she nipped down his throat to leave an angry red mark at the
junction of his neck and shoulder. Gendry cupped the back of her head, trying
to persuade her to kiss him, and got bit harder in retaliation. His breathing
turned ragged as she tangled her fingers in his thick hair. She pulled him down
into a ravenous kiss, her teeth biting his soft lips as his arms wrapped around
her. Arya knew she should give him what he wanted - gentleness and 'loving' -
and she fought herself to hold back.
Intense urgency overwhelmed her senses - she longed to touch, taste, and claim
him for so long. He must have missed her too because he seemed to enjoy her
abuse and didn't try to stop her. With the last sliver of rationality she
possessed, Arya tore her mouth away from his and tilted her head back to look
up at him. He accepted her surrender with a lop-sided smile and then kissed her
in that slow but sure and gentle the way he liked.
Her rough insistence would always lose to his tender domination but she'd never
admit she loved it. In his arms she found a feeling of coming home, in from the
cold, back to the place she belonged. As he kissed her with his lips curled
into a stupid happy smile, his hands wrapped around her waist to maneuver her
backwards. She hissed as her back pressed against the icy metal side of a
forgotten filing cabinet tucked in one corner. His hand moved up over her
breast and his mouth muted her encouraging moan.
Gendry's calloused fingers drove her to madness as they lightly scraped her
sensitive skin while his lips caressed hers. She held her breath to suppress a
loud moan so long she started to see stars when he pulled away. He dipped his
head to tease one breast with his lips and tongue but he stopped when a
strangled cry escaped her throat. He inhaled a deep breath as he stood up to
lean his forehead against hers, his heavy-lidded eyes locking with hers.
"Shh," he panted the quiet admonishment, "we can't get caught now." Then the
idiot had apparently lost his mind because he began to snigger like it funny or
something. This was fucking serious - or rather, serious fucking!
"Then stop making it so damn good," she jerked on his hair and bit his neck
again as punishment for his idiocy. Arya figured getting naked would be a
better use of her time than arguing so she reached down to pop the button on
her pants. She leaned back against the hard metal cabinet to toe off her boots
and shoved down her pants. He watched as she pulled her panties off and tossed
them on on top of her pile of clothes but her mind was far beyond worrying
about her appearance.
He didn't hesitate as soon as the underpants hit the floor, curling his hand
around her waist and pulling her against him. It felt impossibly good to be
pressed against his body but all of her mind screamed to get him inside her.
Gendry gasped when her hand plunged into his boxers, took ahold of his
erection, and tugged the stiff length free. When she looked up there was no
doubting his interest, it pulsed hard in her hand as his eyes stared even
harder at her. That's the way it should be between them - isn't it - no doubts?
His rough hands slid down over her hips to curl behind her thighs as she
wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She lifted herself up as he cupped under
her knees, hooking her legs to pull them higher around his waist. They found a
position against the cabinet and being manhandled by him was frustratingly
satisfying. Arya could feel his cock lying flat against her but he chastised
her quietly for squirming. When he was sure of her firm hold on him - trapped
between a cabinet and a hard cock - one of his hands released her to shove his
pants further down.
Every fiber of her being ached with the need to have him inside her, but he
clumsily slid around in the slickness around her entrance. Gendry made a
strained sound from the effort as his helpless cock bumped aimlessly while she
twisted and whimpered. Unable to endure any more torture she stretched a hand
between her legs to grab his cock and guided the head to the right position.
She lowered her hips to take just the tip in before resuming her grip on his
shoulders and glancing up to meet his questioning gaze, confirming all systems
were go.
He pushed inside her in one smooth motion until their bodies were as flush
against each other. She had a new appreciation for science after knowing the
bliss of his unsheathed cock - the birth control pill was truly awesome! Molten
heat spread upwards, rising along her spine and a scream burned in her throat
but she swallowed it, struggling to keep quiet. Her hands gripped tight to his
shoulders as he thrust again, just enough to make the cabinet rock.
But his movements were too tortuously slow and steady that it was driving her
crazy! Her whole world existed in that very spot - the universe was built of
flaking paint on metal and Gendry's body. Arya tightened her legs around his
waist and curled her body against him, the contrast of the hard cool surface
behind her only enhanced his smooth warmth. Even if the cabinet fell over on
top of them, she doubted she'd even notice. The urge to scream was building up,
threatening to burst out at any minute and she finally lost her control.
"Fuck!" The shout forced out of her throat and instantly his hand came over her
mouth to catch the sound, barely succeeding.
"For the love of the gods Arya," he wheezed, "we're fucked if we get caught so
keep it-" He yelped and yanked away his hand when she bit it.
"Don't tell me what to do." She grabbed his face and crushed their mouths
together, plunging her tongue into his mouth as she bucked her hips to take him
deeper. Trying to stay quiet was like attempting to plug up a volcano and but
Arya refused to scream. That need to be in control sharpened her senses to all
sensations. His skin was hot and soft like warm butter and underneath every
twitch of his muscles were pulsing, pulling, and pushing.
Every part of him worked like a machine as his hips moved at a measured pace,
rocking in and out achingly slow at just the right angle. The cabinet swayed
and creaked as he set a steady tempo. Her body trembled as she arched into his
chest and dug her heels into his back, encouraging him to let go completely.
His mouth surrounded hers, muffling her cries as he sped up to a faster pace.
Gendry was driving into her forgetting to be gentle but that was what she
wanted.
Then holding back became impossible and he smothered her scream by filling her
mouth with his tongue. She could barely breathe but didn't care, writhing
without rhythm from the desperate need to feel every bit of his skin. Part of
her wondered in recent days if maybe she imaged how good he was - if anything
it was better than ever, like he was born to fuck her. All she needed to do was
hold on and when her muffled moans grew too loud he broke the kiss to cover her
mouth with his hand. He pinned her tight against the cabinet as his cock kept
sinking deeper into her.
With his hand secured over her mouth, she could be as loud as she wanted and it
unfurled her mind from the prison of focus. Soon Arya felt herself coming
undone as he drove into her over and again. Then his thrusts became uneven as
he did his best to hold back. Without the condom in the way, she felt the hot
rushing and swelling his cock inside her. She moved with his stuttering pace,
drawing out his release in a surge of pulsing heat, which sent her over the
edge.
She screamed into his hand, all of her limbs squeezing him tight until they
came to a shuddering halt and his hand fell limp to his side. Gendry slumped
against her, his humid panted breaths heating her sweat-cooled neck. For a
while, they stayed like that, both too exhausted to move as their breathing and
heart rates evened out. When she raised her eyes to meet his, her heart
stuttered for a new reason, finding him gazing adoringly at her. The familiar
pinch of her conscience returned, telling her she was undeserving.
"I'll never look at anyone else," he didn't even blink, "never."
"I know," she could acknowledge the fact he was devoted to her. "But that won't
stop others from looking at you." Arya sighed as she dropped her chin to her
chest. "It's always gonna be like this for us, they'll take one look at me and
think you're free game." That's what she got for snatching up the best guy in
the whole world - everyone knew she didn't deserve him.
"What can I do, Arry?" It was just as obvious, to anyone paying attention, that
he loved her. "I'll do anything..." There didn't have to be a good reason 'why'
Gendry was capable of loving a whack-job like her. Even if there wasn't, that
didn't mean she intended to give him up - he was still hers no matter what
anyone said. Arya tightened her hold on his shoulders and hid her face.
"Wait for me," she murmured against his neck. "Just wait and don't give up."
"You know I will," came his shaky reply. Because it had to end sometime, he
pulled away with obvious reluctance. Gendry carefully lowered her so she could
set her feet down on the ground. He tugged his jeans back up and plucked his
undershirt from the floor before handing it to her. She used the undershirt to
clean up, balled it in on itself, and handed it back to him. They dressed
quietly and faced each other once done.
"I have something after school but I'll call you after," she offered.
"Call me anytime and I'll come running," he smiled. They gathered their bags
and he hesitated around the door before she pulled on the strap of his
backpack. He leaned forward and she pressed a quick kiss to his lips. For some
reason she felt like crying but just grinned and shoved him towards the door.
"See ya later," he turned and slipped outside while she waited a moment. It
dawned her then that taking up sex again because of another girl might've been
a bad idea. Something about it felt hollow afterward...
Instead of heading to her next class, she walked into the empty room to sit
down at the table, looking around at the empty chairs. This was a place of calm
and comradery and she felt safe and untouchable. Quiet filled her ears as her
thoughts came into focus, running through the events of the day since the
Tyrell girl interrupted it. Arya could admit she acted too rashly and Gendry
was probably more confused than ever. It was a good thing she had an
appointment later - something she never dreamed she would think.
She hid in the empty room until the last bell rang and then meandered invisibly
between the throng of students on her way to the public bus. A short ride later
Arya got off in front of the mental health center and waited impatiently for
her name to be called. When she finally got back to doc Jaqen's office, she was
way too keyed up with all the questions she wanted to ask.
"How are you feeling today, Arya?" The doc breezed into the room with his usual
pleasant smile.
"Skip the bullshit, doc." She rushed to her chair and jumped to sit down.
"Teach me some more of those mind tricks! It really worked - I can eat now if I
just take the time to focus."
"I am glad to hear that." Doc Jaqen wore his usual composed smile but Arya was
too hyper for his calm passivity.
"Tomorrow I will try to eat breakfast," she declared with determination.
"That's the hardest because of the insomnia. Oh yeah, teach me a mind trick to
clear my thoughts - that's what keeps me awake at night. And then teach me how
to control myself when I get crazy ideas in my head-"
"One thing at a time," his voice was calm and low, "tell me something about
your day."
"I almost kicked some girl's ass today," she thought that might get a reaction
out of him.
"Oh?" The doc didn't twitch an eyebrow - damn that was one hell of a poker
face.
"She kissed my boyfriend," she sneered, still irritated with the twit. "Today
we had sex for the first time after he found out I missed my period but we
didn't... But it was because of that stupid girl who kissed him." 'SHUT UP' her
brain screamed at her. "Never mind, I don't want to talk about that." That was
a damn dirty lie and she knew it.
"What would you like to talk about?" He was testing her patience because she
didn't want to 'talk' at all! What she really needed was to learn some more
about how to control herself so she didn't fuck up her life anymore! "Arya, all
you have to do is express what you think. There is no right or wrong answer."
"Today was a mistake," she admitted, "I didn't really want to have sex, but I
did it because I was scared of losing him."
"How was the rest of your day?" H'ghar smiled politely as he moved the
conversation forward without pressing her to talk about Gendry. This doc was
impossible to figure out!
"Fine, I guess." Arya caught his expectant look and before she knew it, she'd
recounted her entire week and the doc was checking his watch.
"That's all the time we have for today," he tilted his head to one side. "Same
time next week?" Whoa, it was time already?!
"But... you didn't teach me anything!" Arya stomped her booted foot on the
ground and glared at her so-called therapist.
"Didn't I?" He raised an eyebrow, still smiling but there was a new confidence
bordering on arrogance about him. "In this room I call the shots, Arya. I'm the
professional counselor with the doctorate degree and you need my help."
"You can be a real asshole, doc." She leaned down to gather her bag and slung
the strap over her shoulder.
"Do you still feel as burdened as when you came in?" His question froze her as
she was moving to get up. Actually... damn it all to the seven hells - she did
feel better! How did he do that?!
"No," she narrowed her eyes at him, "you win this time, but next time I'm not
leaving until I learn another one of your mind tricks."
"I give you my word," he bowed his head and put a hand over his chest. "I will
teach you anything you want to know next week."
"Alright," she grumbled reluctantly as she got up to leave, "see ya doc." Once
she was out of the facility and heading for the bus stop, she decided to call
Gendry. He answered on the first ring and she spoke after the call clicked
over. "Hey stupid, I'm starving, let's go get something to eat. Meet me at the
park by my house in half an hour."
"On my way, milady!" After he agreed, she hung up and stuffed her phone in her
hoodie pocket. Even though it sucked, she knew what she had to do - apologize
to Gendry for confusing him today. It was wrong of her to expect him to blindly
follow her lead without a thought for his happiness. After that she would
listen patiently and try not to scream at him while he explains why Margaery
Tyrell had her lips on his. When all of that was out of the way... She should
also tell him about therapy and everything that's been going on with her...
someday.
Chapter End Notes
     The holidays are over... *looks over both shoulders*. I've recovered
     from my cold, *knocks on wood*. I won't have to move again for at
     least four months - *casts eyes heavenward and prays fervently*.
     Maybe I can actually start posting again with regularity! I have to
     do some timeline organizing so if anyone hopes to see any tertiary
     characters in upcoming chapters comment now or forever hold your
     peace.
     This is really useful, a website that unsubscribes your email from
     newsletters:
     Unroll.me (where have you been all my life?)
***** Bully for Me *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                [Bully_for_Me]
                                    GENDRY
This Maiden's Day was starting out... grand. That's the way he'd describe it:
everything going right and the sun shining in the sky. Gendry knew he was
walking around with a silly grin on his face but didn't care at all to be
embarrassed. When Arya announced she knew that Margaery Tyrell kissed him, he
was sure his life was forfeit at that moment. But, even more unimaginably, it
kinda made everything better. Instead of being mad, Arya... apologized: to him
and not even being sarcastic at all!
Well, it was a bit less easy to hear her saying they shouldn't've had sex,
which honestly left him more confused than ever. And there she was, saying how
sorry she was for 'confusing' him so he thought it best to just go along with
whatever she said. Story of his life. But he was a long way from unhappy: more
like a ton of weight was lifted from his shoulders. Arry didn't want to talk
about any more 'serious shit' after that so he took her home. She kissed him
goodnight and he didn't worry when she didn't call him the next day.
That old cautious part of him told him not to get his hopes up and everything
might come crashing down around him again. But if he learned anything from
Arya, he should live for the here and now and let whatever's coming just come.
Later he would do whatever she wanted for Maiden's Day, he was bound and
determined to keep her happy. Gendry's head was too distracted with his
thoughts as he walked to the cafeteria until: Sandor Clegane stepped in his
path.
"Nerd," he frowned down at Gendry, "we gotta talk." That same cautious voice in
Gendry's head was screaming 'run away' but he ignored it: there was no reason
to fear Sandor. If all goes well, this guy might become his brother-in-law one
day.
"Sure," Gendry cleared his throat to erase the unusually high pitch, "what's up
man?" Sandor jerked his head, indicating he wanted to be followed, and led the
way behind the nearest building.
"What's wrong with the kid?" Sandor rounded on Gendry, who only just noticed he
was sorta trapped between a wall and the hound. "Sansa is worried - she says
you two talked but I thought we could understand each other better." He smiled
in a terrifying way that had Gendry's neck prickling something fierce. "You
know, man-to-man," he braced his massive hand next to Gendry's shoulder. "You
do something to piss the girl off?"
"She's just been having a tough time lately," he gulped, seeing the unsatisfied
look on Sandor's face. "Ever since she thought she might be pregnant... but she
isn't though!"
"Oh is that so?" Sandor bowed his head and chuckled darkly when his eyes
suddenly snapped up. "You know if you knock up that little girl I'ma kill you,
right?"
"Get in line," Gendry bucked up his chin, acting braver than he felt. Between
Jon, Mr. Stark, and Sandor at least Arya had plenty people looking out for her:
must be nice. And none of them cared about her even a tenth as much as he did
so they could all go to the seven hells.
"You're a tough nerd," Sandor snorted a laugh, "looking me in the eye."
"I have to be tough for Arya," he held the hound's gaze steady. "And you don't
scare me nearly as much as she does."
"Alright, calm down." Sandor pulled back and shrugged his massive shoulders as
he scratched under his jaw. "This intimidation thing is kinda my one move,
gotta use it when I can."
"It works," Gendry heaved a relieved sigh, "nearly pissed myself." He took
another deep calming breath to ease the tension locking up his body. "I think
Arya is pulling through whatever is wrong, we just have to wait it out. I'm
keeping a close eye on her and Sansa is the first person I'll call if it looks
like trouble."
"Smart," Sandor nodded his approval, "I knew there was a reason I liked you."
"So glad you're not gonna kill me," Gendry laughed.
"Not today anyway," Sandor grinned at him, no less gruesome but it seemed
friendlier somehow. "Glad we had this talk," he smirked before turning away
with his hand raised in a half-hearted wave, "see ya." Meanwhile Gendry was
still in the middle of a heart attack! People needed to stop scaring the shit
out of him or he would keel over dead one of these days! He hurried to the
lunchroom and managed to get some grub and sit down but before he could take
his first bite: Torgo.
"Gendry, can I..." His twitchy friend dropped into the seat next to Gendry. "We
uh... talk, you know?" Everyone was so chatty today but nothing could kill his
good mood.
"Sure thing buddy," he reluctantly set down his sandwich and turned to face his
friend. "What's up?"
"Well," Torgo cleared his throat and his eyes swam around uncomfortably. "I
hoped you could give me some advice... about sex. To be more precise, the first
time."
"Good thinking," Gendry didn't really know that he was the right person to come
to but he'd give the best advice he could. "First of all don't go in blind:
girls are really complicated down there. And go to real medical websites, porn
is less realistic then DnD. Honestly, in my 'vast' experience I learned to just
do whatever the girl wants."
"How will I know what she wants?" Torgo looked like he was facing his
executioner rather than his devirgining.
"Everyone does it eventually and we all manage well enough." Gendry understood
Torgo's anxiety, if it wasn't for Arya taking control all the time he'd be
completely lost. "The best advice I can give you is to relax and let it happen,
don't rush it but don't be scared of it." He caught a flash of platinum hair
approaching from behind Torgo and lifted a hand to wave her over. "You should
ask Dany." It was surprising that Dany came to sit with him but lately she
didn't seem to care what others thought.
"About what?" Dany sat down at the lunch table with all of the grace of a queen
with Drogo as her ever-silent shadow.
"No-no-no!" There was panic written all over Torgo's face but Gendry knew it
was better to be embarrassed than ignorant.
"He needs advice for his first time," Gendry clarified. Torgo whimpered another
garbled protest but it fell on deaf ears.
"Oh my," Dany grinned and lightly shoved Torgo, who was whipping his head back
and forth frantically. "Don't worry, Missa said she had to study for a test
next period." Torgo slumped forward and stared down at his hands. "The first
thing you have to do is tell the other person exactly how you feel about them.
That way you can both be comfortable and avoid awkwardness afterward."
"Yeah that's a good one," Gendry backed her up before taking a huge bite out of
his sandwich. "I should be taking notes." Mmm... sandwiches are the food of the
gods.
"Obviously protection against pregnancy is essential." She tapped her cheek and
looked upwards with a thoughtful expression.
"And always have extra," Gendry interjected, his mouth full of turkey club: so
good, it just melted in his mouth.
"Darling do you have any advice?" Dany turned a coy smile on Drogo who was
observing Torgo with a blank expression.
"Please your woman before yourself," Drogo rumbled seriously.
"That's the number one tip right there." Gendry was having too much fun and
tried to appear more somber when Torgo glanced around the table anxiously.
"I don't know if I'm more or less nervous now." He took off his glasses to wipe
them on the front of his shirt and then replaced them on his face.
"I think pretty much nobody gets it perfect the first time," Gendry assured his
friend with a pat on the back. "We only know this stuff because we've learned
it the hard way."
"That's right," Dany agreed cheerfully. "Think of sex as an exercise - you get
better at it the more you do it." She clasped her hands together and beamed at
Torgo. "I don't know why I'm so excited! You and Missa are so cute!" Torgo
curled into himself like a frightened turtle and tugged on his collar.
"Don't make him even more embarrassed," Gendry scolded her, trying to hide his
own amusement.
"I don't think that's possible," she stifled a giggle behind her hand and soon
they were both laughing at poor Torgo's expense. But damn it felt good just to
laugh out loud with his friends without worrying when the next Arya bomb would
drop. She was doing better and that's the most important thing.
                                    SHIREEN
At her locker in the hallway, she carefully put her books away in an organized
fashion. All the while, she daydreamed about Bran magically showing up for
Maiden's Day. A sharp snigger interrupted her thought and her ears tuned in to
overheard two boys whispering loudly. They were talking about her face and
making gagging sounds, not at all trying to hide it. Why did they have to be so
immature and make a fuss like children?! Her face was not that bad, just a
little discoloration and scarring... It is not as if she wanted to look like a
goblin.
Sheri fought the urge to snap her head in their direction and hurried to get
what she needed so she could leave. Her cheeks burned, causing her scars stand
out even worse. The embarrassment was more from disappointment in herself for
reacting to their pettiness. Even more humilating, tears began filling up her
eyes. All of a sudden, the two boys went silent and she could not resist
looking up to see Sandor Clegane towering behind them. The bullies both
shuffled backward until their backs hit the lockers but the hound advanced on
them.
"You talking to me?" His smile looked so frightening and the boys were
obviously terrified! Sheri was captivated by the scene and could not look away.
"No," the louder bully stuttered, "of course not! We were talking about..." The
boy looked up at Sheri to notice her watching him - then it was his turn to
blush. Thank the gods - at least the jerk knew how to feel some shame. It
worried her sometimes that these 'mean kids' never actually grew out of their
narrow-minded ways. After all, she met her share of cruel adults who stared and
made rude comments. The worst was when they assumed she was not just ugly but
mentally challenged so she made an effort to speak intelligently.
"Then you're talking about my friend here?" Sandor cocked his head in Sheri's
direction and the bullies' eyes went wide as saucers. "I feel bad for you, you
must be blind," he waved a hand her. "That girl is very pretty - and my eyes
are twenty-twenty." He moved closer so the boy had to crane his neck to see
Sandor's face and he must have been at least a little brave to do so. "You
disagree with me?"
"No," the louder of the two bullies started to back up in her direction while
his friend stayed just behind. "We we-were... u-uh... just leaving." However,
Sandor reached out one massive hand to drag the boy in front close to him.
"Don't look so afraid," his horrible smile widened, "I just wanna tell you
something." Sandor yoked his massive arm around the bully's neck, lifting him
slightly so he had to stand on his tiptoes. Still smiling his horrible smile,
he whispered something unintelligible in the boy's ear. "I think we understand
each other now."
"Yes," the boy whimpered and nodded his head, turning white as a sheet before
Sandor released him. Sheri almost felt bad for him but also secretly wished her
ugliness could be used to intimidate people. At best - or at worst, depending
on how one looks at it - people were afraid she was contagious.
"Get the fuck outta here," Sandor growled and the two boys took off running
down the hall past her.
"Thank you," she called out as he turned to leave.
"No big deal," he tossed a wave over his shoulder, "see ya around." She watched
him lumbering down the hallway with his hands stuffed in his pockets. What an
odd thing to happen and she already felt 'odd' around Sandor. It was like
looking into a fun-house mirror of herself, how her life might have been like
if she had been born the boy her parents wanted. Would she have been big and
strong like Baratheon men are known to be? Sheri walked around in a daze after
that, her mood of swinging between sad that she was made fun of and happy that
she was defended.
Outside of her mind of the world moved at its regular pace and soon the school
day was over. Her parents sent a car, which was typical, and on ride home she
stared out the window. Sheri could not help but notice all of the couples
celebrating Maiden's Day and envied all of them. After arriving home, she
hurried to her room so she could call Bran. Sometimes - every day - their daily
calls were the only thing she lived for. She pulled her phone out of her bag
and set it down on her desk, dialing her first contact as she pulled off her
coat, hat, and scarf.
"Happy Maiden's Day," he answered her call cheerfully, "my fair maiden." Lately
they had been watching medieval themed movies together - over the phone. A few
weeks earlier, they were watching westerns, greeting each other with 'howdy
partner'.
"Hi," she collapsed onto her soft mattress, kicking off her shoes before moving
to the center of the bed. Sheri did not feel much like talking and wished she
could just sprout wings and fly to Winterfell. She was starting to forget how
it felt to be looked at like she was beautiful...
"I already know something is wrong," he claimed in a light-hearted tone, "so
you might as well just let it out." There was no point in hiding anything from
Bran because he always knew everything.
"Today was a little bit horrible..." Sheri fluffed the pillow behind her head
and sank back down with a sigh. "But I'm already over it."
"What happened?" His voice sounded worried so she hurried to reassure him that
it no great tragedy occurred - just the everyday life of an ugly girl.
"I was made fun of by some guys at school today," she forced her voice to sound
nonchalant. "They were just being annoying - really they couldn't hurt my
feelings if they tried." Did she sound convincing?
"Assholes," he seethed - when Bran was angry his voice lowered in a very
appealing way.
"But your sister's boyfriend defended me," she revealed the still slightly
confusing happy ending.
"Which one?" The anger in Bran's voice was covered by curiosity. "The
blacksmith or the jock?"
"I would have expected Gendry to stick up for me if he saw me being bullied,"
she thought out loud. "But I was surprised that Sandor actually cared... I'm a
little shocked he even remembered me."
"Sansa always was into those knights-in-shining-armor types." Bran's assessment
did not exactly describe Sandor in Sheri's mind but neither did it seem wrong.
"All Starks have excellent taste," he flirted shamelessly.
"Flatterer," she accused, "I shan't give you the satisfaction of making me
blush."
"Then I am not trying nearly hard enough, my sweet damsel." There was a
smugness to his flirting but it never came off as arrogant only appealingly
self-assured. "Should I tell you the first thing I thought when I saw you? It's
a bit coarse and might risk coloring those fair cheeks."
"I highly doubt it," even though she was already flushed and he likely knew it.
"You are a known rouge and braggart - I won't fall for your flattery."
"I thought: gods," he paused for dramatic effect. "I have to taste this girl
once before I die."
"What a thought!" Sheri covered her mouth to muffle her laughter.
"It was a prayer, really," he continued to seriously. "I prayed fervently to
the gods for them to let me savor... just once, your lips." Sheri swallowed her
amusement with great difficulty. "Have I succeeded in coloring your cheeks, my
peerless paramour?"
"You are succeeding only in causing my eyes to roll at your terms of
endearment, my lord." She bit her lip to keep from laughing.
"My only regret in life is that I won't be there to watch," he heaved
exaggerated sigh. "You: becoming more beautiful until we see each other again.
Ah, but then I'm sure I'll be just as astounded as the first time."
"Tell me who taught you to be such a philandering flirt," she demanded before
smiling, "so I can thank them from the bottom of my heart."
"Robb," he replied bluntly and Sheri laughed even harder, pressing her face
into a pillow. "Then it's working, you're blushing. Don't try to deny it."
"Then I won't," She would neither deny nor admit her blushing because it amused
her to keep him guessing. "You are just the tiniest bit devastating, Bran
Stark. Are you still maintaining you don't actually miss me?"
"Not even a little, we'll be together again soon." Bran's charm was ability to
be both, at the same time, the wisest and most childish person she knew.
"Honestly, it's probably a good thing I'm a continent away from you but I
shouldn't say why, you'll only blush more if I tell you."
"I can take it," a fluttery tightness tingled in her stomach as his silence
built up her anticipation.
"No," he denied her apologetically, "I think it has to be said in person. It
wouldn't take much convincing to talk my mother into talking my father into
another visit. Winterfest was such a disaster that mom still hasn't recovered
from it. Maybe you can come up north with my sisters and I can tell you then."
"I'll try," she promised, "maybe I can get Arya to help. She is the grandmaster
of schemes..."
"Your faith in my sister is well-placed," he seemed pleased by her closeness
with Arya. "I shall await you with baited breath, maiden of my heart."
"We have to start a new genre," she giggled.
"No, you're totally right: it's getting ridiculous," he chuckled. "I think we
said we'd do ninja movies next."
"Bran-san, please honor me by choosing the next movie," Sheri did her best
ninja dub-actor impression. "Arigato!"
"Hai, Sheri-san!" He selected one of her favorites and they counted down to
sync pressing play at the exact same time. It might not be everyone's idea of a
perfect Maiden's Day but it was the best one of her whole life.
Chapter End Notes
     I love having Sandor roam the halls dishing out his own brand of
     *hound justice*. When really, he should be studying for his college
     entrance exams! Sansa will have something to say about that soon
     enough. Poor Torgo, his friends are bullying him! Being the odd
     virgin out is always a difficult position. Sheri and Bran... <3
     Timeline organizing is finished for the next twenty chapters! You all
     thought I was kidding when I said this fic would go on forever and
     surely by now everyone's like, "Jeeze, wrap it up!" To which I reply:
     "NEVER!"
***** A Holiday for Love *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                             [A_Holiday_for_Love]
                                   MARGAERY
What was the point of getting out of bed? It seemed the outside world was not
made for her, and her bed was so damn comfortable. The fact that she had been
first humiliated by Joff, then rejected by Gendry, and finally threatened by
Arya did not bother her. Really, what burned her heart was the simple truth
that she had never been loved by anyone romantically. Here she was, often told
she was a beauty, and love was far beyond her reach. Happy fucking Maiden's
Day!
"Get up!" Dany breezed into the bedroom to throw back the curtains to let the
light shine in and Marge covered her head with a pillow. "Your hair looks
atrocious!" That did it - Marge rose from her bed with every bit of grace she
could muster, pulled on a silk robe, and sat down at her vanity. Her hair did
look completely ridiculous. "What happened?"
"There was a guy I liked... still like." Marge heaved a sigh as started to pull
a brush through her frazzled tresses. "You know what they say, 'if you want to
get over someone - get under someone else'." The brush snagged on a knot and
she slowed her brushing to tend it. "But he has a girlfriend."
"And why did you go and do a stupid thing like falling for someone who isn't
single?" Dany sat down on the corner of the vanity and crossed her arms, giving
Margaery a pointed stared. She was dressed up to go out - Margaery tortured
herself by wondering what horse-farmer Jogo had planned. The creepily silent
guy did not seem like a romantic... Gendry on the other hand would probably-
Nope, not playing that game.
"Why can't I?" Marge slammed the brush down and twisted her body to see Dany's
purple eyes widening from surprise. "Why can't I like someone who is nice,
sweet, and good? Why can't I meet anyone like that?!" Her eyes burned but she
refused to cry, wiping her eyes angrily with the back of her hands. "What's so
wrong with me that I attract assholes and repel nice guys?"
"Marge..." Dany's tone gentled but it did nothing to dull the pounding ache in
Margaery's chest.
"I really loved Joff," she laughed mockingly at herself. "I pretended he didn't
mean that much but deep down I always thought..." Marge looked up at her
reflection, hating the foolish red-eyed girl looking back. "I imagined someday
he would come to see nobody would love him like I do... did." She gave up
trying to make her hair presentable and stood up to stumble back to bed,
collapsing on it and burrowing under her covers. "Why would he do that to me,"
she wailed, "when all I did was love him?"
"Okay, it's alright..." Dany moved to sit on the edge of the bed beside Marge
and started to rub her back soothingly. "It isn't wrong to love someone, honey.
I'm your best friend, I hated that shit-eating pig, and I still had no idea he
was capable of something so heartless."
"The stupidest part is, if he asked to make porn of us together I would've said
yes," Marge spit out the truth because it tasted bitter. "I would've thought it
was hot he wanted to jerk off to us." Did that make her the most pathetic
person who ever lived? "But to hide it - and use it to threaten other people -
that's so sick... How did I not know he was like that? How could I love someone
like that?"
"You are extremely lucky, I know it doesn't seem like it but you are." Dany
stretched out on the bed next to her, propped up on her side so they faced each
other. "At least he never got the chance to post it online, that would really
be a disaster. No one who meets that fate is stupid nor do they deserve it:
sometimes we don't really know the people we love."
"This guy I like is perfect for me, the kind of guy I should have." Marge
hugged a pillow against her chest. "He's sweet and loyal and gentle... Why is
he with her?"
"Who?" Dany was obviously trying to tamp down her curiosity but not doing a
very good job of it.
"Arya Stark," she groaned. To think even that odd, violent little girl had
someone to desperately love her was the straw that broke Marge's pride.
"The guy you like is GENDRY?!" Dany's purple eyes flew open wide in disbelief
before she thwacked Marge's shoulder. "Well, that was stupid! He's totally
devoted to Arya: it would almost scary if it wasn't so damned cute."
"She threatened me," she moped wretchedly. Well, nobody could say she did not
deserve it but it was still completely mortifying. Those videos will always be
held over her head - all because she dated the wrong guy. Life was so
completely unfair!
"Why?" Dany eyed her with suspicion, knowing full well that Marge never did
anything halfway.
"I told her that I kissed Gendry," in hindsight, it might have been a horrible
idea - both the kiss and confession. Marge simply could not stand the idea of
poor sweet Gendry taking all the blame when it was her fault. She dared not
show her face at school for the last few days, afraid to run into either half
of the couple. "It was nothing but both of them reacted like I dropped the atom
bomb."
"You're lucky she didn't kill you," Dany admonished. "That girl is fiercely
possessive of Gendry: again, scary and cute." An evil smile curled on her full
lips. "I would have given anything to see the look on his face when you kissed
him."
"It was devastatingly adorable - he's like a lost little puppy... but in a sexy
way." Marge stared up at the ceiling and sighed. "Actually, when Arya
threatened me, it made me feel better. I thought she did not care about him,
but at least now, I can respect their relationship. I did not sway him even a
little bit, not for a second... Why can't someone love me all hopelessly
devoted like that?"
"Someday you will find someone perfect for you," Dany beamed her beautiful
smile at Marge. "In the meantime, I love you." It was good to see her friend's
genuine smile so often because she finally found someone to love. Loras walked
around with that same expression on his face - the very one Gendry wore when he
spoke of Arya. Everyone had found their pair except for her, but she could
still feel happy for her friend.
"It hurts," Marge forced a tight smile, "because I'm alone on Maiden's Day and
I feel so very pathetic."
"You're not alone, I'm here." Dany laid down next to her and wrapped an arm
around Marge's waist. "Want to watch classic romance movies?"
"In a bit, just hold me a while." Even if she was doomed to be unlucky in love,
at least she was lucky in friendship. And the real shame was she did like
Gendry first as a person and then as a man but somehow she ruined that
friendship before it could even start. That might be the most depressing part
of this day celebrating romance. What if all one has is friendship-love? Can it
be celebrated instead of pitied?
                                   DAENERYS
The drive back to the ranch was filled with quiet melancholy as Dany felt bad
for her friend and even worse for abandoning her. All Margaery wanted was mope
around and she would do just that until she decided to stop: that is just the
kind of girl Marge was. When she pulled up in front of the ranch, she headed
around to the barn, hoping to find Drogo and succeeding. He was brushing down
his stallion and then turned around to pick up his saddle to sling it over the
horse's back.
"Here you are Drogo," she announced her presence as she walked up behind him.
"I can never let you go," she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged his
back, "being single is terrifying." He turned in her hold and returned her
embrace, burying his face against her hair. "Did you know it's a holiday?" Dany
looked up to see his black eyes: indifferent and unaware. "I know, I know:
Dothraki don't really 'do' holidays."
"Go change - we ride," he released her and gently pushed her towards the barn
entrance.
"This is not suitable for riding?" She turned to face him again and waved to
hand over her outfit. She dressed up hoping that he would offer to take her out
but no such proposal had come yet. Again, there was no reply from him and she
did not expect it. Dany rolled her eyes before whirling around and dashing out
of the barn to the house. "I'll be back in flash." In his room, she kept some
comfortable riding clothes and changed before returning out to the barn. "Where
are we going?"
Yet again, he remained mute as he helped her mount her horse and then swung
effortlessly up into his saddle. Usually his quietness did not concern her but
it he seemed to be hiding something and Dany wondered if she somehow upset him.
She tried to relax as they rode alongside each other in silence, calmed by the
gentle stride of her horse. They rode for a time into the wood behind the
ranch. It seemed they were riding aimlessly but before long, they came to a
simple camp set up.
"What...?" She turned to see him dismounting and he strode over help her get
down. Dany caught the smallest hint of a smile pulling on his lips as she slid
down his body until her feet touched the ground. "Drogo, you did know it was
Maiden's Day!" He ignored her accusation as he took ahold of her hand and led
her towards the small leather-covered hut. Dany quickly kicked her boots off to
duck inside, lowering to crawl to the back and sat down on a bed of furs. "It
is so adorable," she grinned at him as he sat beside her, "I just want to live
here forever!"
"Anha allayafi asshilak jin azh allayafat shafka, zhey jalan atthirari anni."
Drogo's Maiden's Day gift did indeed 'please' Dany very much. The small hut was
cozy and it felt like they were the only two people in the world.
"Shekh ma shieraki anni, yer chomoe anna." As she thanked him, Dany crawled
closer to kneel in front of Drogo and splayed her palm against chest. It was no
wonder she could not make any decisions about the future, she thought about him
night and day. Through the fabric of his shirt, she felt his solid warmth and
the strong heart beating within. She slid her hand upward, curling it around
his neck. As she rose up onto her knees, he bowed his head and their lips met,
spreading powerful yearning through her body.
The soft kiss turned hungry when he parted his lips and their tongues melded,
pulling a throaty moan from her. Driven by the heat of the kiss she grasped the
front of his sweater and pulled it down from his shoulders. He tugged her
jacket off to toss it aside and they broke apart only to get his shirt then
hers out of the way. Both naked from the waist up, Drogo murmured Dothraki
sweet nothings while kissing down her neck. His hot breath panted over her skin
as he pressed tender kisses to the base of her throat.
The air outside was chilled but inside the hut was quite warm with the flap
closed and their bodies pressed together. Shameless lust flooded her body as
she dipped her head to follow the line of his jaw with her lips. Their hands
and mouths explored each other, grasping and sucking every bit of exposed skin.
Her fingers trailed down to the front of his pants and failed in their
attempting to unfasten them. The stubborn button remained secure, causing her
to whine with frustration.
Drogo released his hold on her waist and jerked open his pants as the zipper
cracked in protest. He dragged her to him and seized her lips again, covering
her mouth with his. She arched against his chest, humming with contentment at
the contact of his body against hers. Dany wrapped her fingers around the
pulsing length of his erection, causing him groan into their kiss. Filled with
impatient desire, she lay back onto the soft furs hooked her thumbs into the
waist of her pants and panties to tug them off.
After helping her remove the rest of her clothes he finished undressing and
positioned his body over hers. Heavy passionate longing enveloped her, building
the heated tension between her thighs. She spread her legs to accommodate him
as he settled down on top of her, tucking an arm underneath her arched back.
Drogo curled her body against his as his hardness pressed against her thigh.
Dany slid a hand around his back as she other reached between their bodies to
guide his cock to her entrance.
He groaned as he pushed his hips forward until he filled her completely but it
would never be enough. This carnal act was only just as close as they could
come to her true desire: to know his thoughts and feel his love for her. Drogo
seemed to know her need to be close to him, pressing their bodies close as he
tightened his hold around her waist. They moved in a slow rhythm, swaying and
rocking lazily, neither of them in a hurry.
He pushed his face into her neck, panting strained Dothraki endearments into
her skin. Drogo's breath blew over her shoulder as his hand delved into her
hair as his other arm wrapped tighter around her waist. Dany whimpered into
Drogo's neck as he pressed her knee down into the soft fur and stroked his palm
over the inside of her thigh. Her hip trembled as intense pleasure neared total
bliss mounting to a pinpoint, a focused aching need.
The building ache was only eased when his fingers caressed the slick sensitive
flesh between her legs. Dany squeezed her thighs around him and tried to keep
pace with his rhythm as he moved his fingers in time with his thrusts. She
reached ecstasy first, crying out and clinging to him as pulsating fulfillment
flowed through her. He groaned a relieved sound as he let go, thrusting his
rushing release deep inside her.
They collapsed into a boneless heaving pile among the tussled furs until she
could not catch her breath. Sensing her discomfort, he rolled onto his back,
pulling her to his side. Dany cuddled close against his upper body and pressed
light kisses to his chest. The chill outside sneaked its way across her sweat-
covered skin, raising goosebumps on her arms. He tugged one of the lose furs
over their bodies and turned on his side to gather her into his embrace.
Neither of them spoke a word but there was a calm peace found in their
stillness, which gave her the courage to break it.
"I don't know what to do," her fingers wandered over his smooth chest until she
found the raised scar over his heart. "About the future I mean: I wish I could
stay at the ranch forever but I think... I'm hiding here."
"I hide here also," his fingers stroked gently through her hair. "Ven aresak,"
Drogo's voice held a shocking bitter tone.
"You are never a coward," she protested, propping up on one elbow to look down
at him.
"You don't know - you don't ask," his eyes turned down to the raised scar her
fingers were tracing.
"About the scar on your chest?" Dany could only look at him in confusion. "I
thought we agreed to keep our pasts in the past." He said nothing, only watched
her with an unreadable expression. "Hash nith?" It was a stupid question that
she immediately regretted: obviously, it had been very painful.
"Anha navvirzethay," he looked away. Drogo appeared to still feel the
'humiliation' he felt back when he received the scar. "I fought, I lost." It
squeezed her heart to imagine him in pain and she quickly wiped away the
moisture that filled her eyes. "My parents cried for me then," he noticed her
sudden emotion. "So I came here - to hide."
"Why were you fighting?" Dany sat up, blinking to fight back the stinging in
her eyes.
"Dothraki have no home," his face never showed so much pain before, "our way of
life is dead." Dany could not watch that tortured expression, lowering her eyes
to hide her brimming tears. "Anha okeo thirat mra athostar," he explained that
at the time his friends were always angry. "Kisha zalat venat lajak vosma disse
imesh zireyeselat." It seemed Drogo and his friends thought of themselves as
'warriors' but only made trouble.
"Then your parents were right to send you away," she cupped the side of his
cheek and gazed down at him. "We would not have met otherwise."
"Shafka avvos shoven haji az - anha zin tihat yeri athnithar." He was right of
course: her own 'scars' might not be raised above her skin but they were easily
seen by anyone who cared to look.
"Every time in my life that I have ever been happy, it gets taken away." Dany
pulled back her hand and bowed her head so that a thin veil of her hair covered
her face. "I keep thinking my heart can't be broken again but it always
happens." The fear of confessing her love for him out loud stemmed mostly from
her wish to keep things simple. Then she would never have to tell him her
darkest secrets or worst fears. "With you I forget my past and it gives me
peace."
"I will not ask," he accepted her unvoiced request without hesitation. "You
will tell me one day." Drogo's confidence was not arrogant: more that he
trusted his own patience. He intended to stay by her side and wait for her to
open up without any pressure. It was more than she ever hoped to receive from
anyone: unconditional love and trust.
"There is someone you should meet," Dany's stomach tightened but she kept her
voice steady. "My aunt... is staying in a mental clinic nearby. She is
important to me and I want to show her that I am happy."
"I will go with you," he agreed directly and it did not surprise her,
"anywhere."
"With us, I can't-" Dany stopped herself, unsure what to say besides... "I'm
afraid."
"Rokhat laz annithilat kishi zhor azhat haj," he advised her but she fumbled
with his meaning. Dany recognized he said the words 'fear' and 'heart' but did
not catch the rest.
"I don't understand," she confessed, her mind was just a little too tired to
translate.
"Fear can give strength," he interpreted.
"It sounds better in Dothraki," she smiled and a renewed energy buzzed within
her.
"Me nem nesa," he answered 'it is known' somberly, drawing a chuckle from Dany.
"Drogo anni mra zhor," she told him he was in heart before professing her love,
"anha zhilak yera." Dany pronounced each syllable carefully, expressing more
than words with her growing Dothraki skill.
"Me nem nesa," he repeated in a softer voice, his dark eyes gazing up at her
with devotion. "I love you, Dany." His hands lightly grasped her upper arms to
pull her down to lie beside him again. "Yer zhorre haj atthasat athrokhar." Was
she that strong? Could she 'defeat her fears' as Drogo said? Dany felt unsure
of so many things, especially the impeding decision she had to make about her
future.
"How do Dothraki decide between two paths?" She turned her face up to look at
him, her cheek resting against his warm skin.
"Dothraki say - eqorasalat javrath." He looked so serious but she thought 'let
go of the reins' sounded like a terrible idea. "Don't fight for control, let
go."
"Let go..." Dany mused over the Dothraki idiom as she curled her hand around
his waist. The phrase did not mean 'do nothing': it meant she should make the
'choice' to see where life takes her. All of her life she 'knew' the path laid
out for her and never intended to deviate from it. She did not even know if she
was capable of living her life without a following a strict plan. "Maybe I will
take a year off from school to think about it. If you could go anywhere, where
would you go?"
"I would bring you to meet my parents," his words surprised her. Before she
could recover from the shock, she already had an answer...
"I will go with you," she echoed his earlier promise, "anywhere."
Chapter End Notes
     The New Year holiday spurred most of my family and handful of friends
     to come calling in the past few days. My socializing quota has been
     met for the year and it's only four days in! How does one politely
     inform others that they have important fanfic to write so step the
     fuck off?
     OMFGodsOldAndNew, peoples!
     http://halfprincesshalfgoddess.tumblr.com/tagged/jaqen%20h%27ghar
     ^_This_woman_is_a_genius. Who needs fanfic?! I've been doing this
     wrong this whole time... my gods.
     [http://33.media.tumblr.com/d28670862c2e277cda5b0e04a5086b9d/
     tumblr_ngoodzzqij1qb0u5go1_500.gif][http://31.media.tumblr.com/
     1cb8690f24f009fad4cb3fc883a04b10/tumblr_ngoodzzqij1qb0u5go2_500.gif]
***** Lemon Cake for my Lover *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [Lemon_Cake_for_my_Lover]
                                     SANSA
In the kitchen, she was reaching for a big mixing bowl high up on the top shelf
of the cupboard when daddy's hand reached over hers. When Sansa turned around,
she saw her father step back. Daddy held the bowl with two hands and glancing
around apprehensively. He had been standoffish with her ever since Winterfest,
even though she thought they made amends. Still, nothing can go back to the way
used to be so she had to make more of an effort to make their relationship
better than ever. She smiled brightly at him and held out her hand to receive
the bowl.
"Feeling better, sweetheart?" He handed her the bowl almost apologetically. It
seemed that he blamed himself for her coming down with a cold or worse, that he
felt guilt over Joffrey's nasty stunt. At least they were interacting with each
other, which was more than she could say for her sister. It seemed Arya and
daddy could not spend more than a few minutes in a room together without one of
them making a quick getaway. Even after her personal anger and humiliation
faded, Joffrey still hurt her family members.
"Yes, daddy," she smiled as brightly as she could. Even though the front of her
face was still chapped from blowing her nose a zillion times. "Thanks so-so
much for allowing Sandor to come over while I've been sick." He came over every
day after school, except on the days he had practice. "It has made all the
difference, I would have been miserable without him." Sansa never knew she
could be so happy being taken care of; he brought her books from school and
everything.
"I think it might be alright to admit that I like him," daddy was always
handsomest when he smiled but those were rare lately. Sansa noticed the
tiredness lingering around his eyes and prickles of guilt poked her. She knew
why he was worried, always Arya. What caused the rift between herself and her
sister remained a mystery. The only reason she knew anything about what was
going on was because of Gendry's daily updates.
"Good," she nodded for emphasis and set the bowl down behind her, "what you
think is very important to me." Sansa moved towards him to wrap her arms around
his waist and leaned her face against his shoulder. How long had it been since
they even hugged each other like this? Daddy stroked her damp hair as she
nuzzled her face against his sweater. The warmth of simply being held by her
father was something she forgot made her feel safe and loved. It was so much
more than a hug between them, they were finding their way back to each other
again.
"I'm glad that is still true," he squeezed her lightly before kissing the top
of her head. Sansa heard the pain in his voice and it worsened her guilty
conscience. From her perspective, Arya was just being Arya, rebelling and
acting older than her age. But daddy seemed to expect his daughter to stay
twelve forever, breaking bones and making mischief. Sansa believed her little
sister loved Gendry and nobody should stand in the way of love. So she held her
tongue and kept her father in the dark; growing up was such hard work.
"Of course it is," she insisted, pulling back to look up at him. "No matter
what happens I know you will always be there for me." He would always be her
Daddy, the one she looked up to and counted on to keep her safe. It was a shock
to learn he was not a hero but just an ordinary man but after a time she
realized that only make him more heroic. Because he tried to be the best father
he could be, and that was all she could ask for. "I love you, daddy."
"You know how much I love you, lemon cake." The tension around his eyes relaxed
but then they dropped again as he released his light hold on her. "I am afraid
your sister's affection is not so easily recovered." It was heartbreaking to
watch Arya and their father's closeness dwindle away to nothing over the past
year. It seemed they were playing a tug of war, each pulling in the opposite
direction harder and harder. Eventually, they would stretch as far apart as
they could and the link between them could break.
"Arya is..." Sansa knew that Arya was struggling but according to Gendry, her
sister was starting to do better and eating again. She made the decision the
first time she met him that she would support their relationship and give him
the benefit of the doubt. Still, for the mental well-being of her household she
pressed her father. "You should talk to her; I think she needs to be dragged
into making up with you. She wants it, but you know how stubborn she is."
"I am not blind to her recent attitude towards me." His frustration was obvious
but the pain haunting behind it was exactly the same as Arya's. The two of them
were so alike and that was what made them butt heads this way. Daddy moved to
the coffee machine to brew himself an afternoon cup. "She needs some more time
before she comes around again." That used to be true of Arya but things were
different now, Sansa felt it in her gut.
"It's more than that, daddy." Sansa continued as carefully as she could without
betraying her sister or hurting her father. "She's... having a hard time." And
no wonder, after everything they went through this year. Things would only get
better when daddy recognized Arya needed understanding more than discipline.
"Don't worry," he smiled reassuringly, "I'll patch things up with Arya
somehow." He turned away to fix his cup of coffee but Sansa suspected he wanted
to hide his anxiety. "Her grudges never last forever." Daddy misunderstood
Arya's unusual moods, understandable because nobody told him anything. It
should be between them to fix their relationship but neither of them was
willing to make the first move.
"I need to get ready for Maiden's Day with Sandor," she ran a self-conscious
hand through her damp-curled hair. Sansa slept in later than she wanted and
accidentally drifted off in her head while showering. Sandor promised to come
over right after school so she was running behind schedule to get ready for
their stay-inside date.
"Have fun, I'll be working in my office." He turned to leave with his cup of
coffee in hand and headed out of the kitchen.
"Have a date with mom over the phone," she called after him. "I know she misses
you." He paused to look back at her with a more cheerful expression.
"I just might do that," he turned the corner down the hall and she rushed to
get everything in the kitchen ready. Then she hurried to the bathroom to blow-
dry her hair and fashioned a loose braid that hung down her back. She changed
out of her loungewear into a comfortable sweater dress and some tights. With
her dry skin, makeup was out of the question but she washed her face and put on
soothing moisturizer. Sansa looked up at her reflection and saw her cheeks
still pink from a mild fever and her nose redder still.
But those flaws did not make her insecure anymore, it was silly to worry that
Sandor would judge her appearance. Sometimes she worried that he loved her
because he thought she was beautiful but being sick disproved that concern. He
truly loved her for her whole self and she would never doubt him again. The
doorbell rang and a smile was instantly on her face before her mind even
registered who was at the door. A familiar fluttery tingle settled in her
stomach as she skipped to the door and paused a moment before opening it.
Sansa smoothed a hand over her hair and down her braid before straightening the
collar on her dress. She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly before
reaching out to turn the handle, swinging the door wide open. He loomed outside
the doorway, slouched to one side with hands hidden in his bright hoodie. A
little smirk tugged at the side of his mouth as he took in her appearance with
obvious approval. As usual, a thrill ran up her spine under his dark gaze and
she felt her face flushing hotter.
"Happy Maiden's Day, little bird," he removed his closed fist from his hoodie
and held it out her. Sansa cupped both of her hands under his and he dropped a
small item into them. "I thought of you when I saw it." She inspected the
present and found it was a small hair clip with a tiny red bird nestled against
a blue rose. Without hesitation, she secured the loose front of her hair with
the barrette and smiled up at him. "Looks good on you," he stated matter-of-
factly with a smile tugging on his lips.
"It's so pretty, thank you lover," she reached out to take his hand still
extended towards her. "Please, come in." They stayed linked together while
walking into the apartment then reluctantly breaking apart. He tugged his
sweatshirt over his head to hang it over a peg on the wall behind him. Oh gods,
he went sleeveless, kindness and cruelty and one action. Being sick had been
torturous because they spent every day together but nothing happened between
them.
"What's the plan, little bird?" Sandor turned around to catch her ogling and he
grinned even wider. "We could get out of here, if you want." That offer was
almost too tempting so she turned to lead the way into the kitchen. Sansa
wished she could give Sandor a Maiden's Day he would never forget but she did
still have a cold. It would mortify her to death if she had to blow her nose
while making love.
"You said you wanted a cake for Maiden's Day... ta-da!" Sansa waved a hand over
the carefully organized materials to make a cake, grinning widely at him. "We
are going to make it together!" His face scrunched up into the very image of a
little kid asked to perform a simple chore. "Don't frown like I've just asked
you to blind yourself with a dull spoon." She gathered up her Maiden's Day
present and held it out to him. "Here's your apron..."
"No apron," he crossed his arms and did not even look down at it. "Not gonna
happen in this lifetime."
"But... it's Star Trek." Sansa turned it around and held up the front side to
him, showing him the black and gold Operations design. She pulled the apron
close to her chest and looked crestfallen down at the floor. "I ordered it
especially so we could bake together..." There was no way he could resist her
sad eyes when she turned them up on him. "I bought a matching one for myself,"
she pouted.
"Fine," he yanked the apron out of her hands and looped the top over his head.
"Happy now?" Even his childish sulking could not dampen her rising spirits
because he was so adorable! Now they could boldly bake like no one has baked
before!
"So hap-py!" She pranced be around him and grabbed the side ties to make a very
pretty and symmetrical bow behind his back. "Yay," she sang, "all done!" Sandor
grumbled something under his breath but she knew his grousing only meant he
liked it too. Somehow his typical grumpiness make the apron look even more
cute, reminding her of Lieutenant Worf.
"What kind of cake are we making?" He leaned against the counter with his arms
crossed, trying his best to look totally cool and aloof; failing miserably. He
just looked so loveable in that apron; it kind of made her want to do her
victory point dance. But this one victory she could just have an internal
celebration, too much gloating would make her a bad sport.
"Lemon cake," she answered, "the best cake in the whole wide universe." She
clapped her hands together and marched in front of the ingredients to look down
at their beautiful potential.
"Of course." He rolled his eyes and step closer but she knew one thing about
him it was he loved sweet things. Her plan was for today was set; the moment
for the execution had come. This Maiden's Day would go down in her personal
history as one of the greatest triumphs of her life. Today... she would bake
Sandor a cake that would blow his mind. By preparing him the most delicious
cake ever cooked in the history of baked goods, he would not be able to help
falling more in love with her.
In years to come, he would request this cake over and again for his birthday
and their anniversary, it had to be a cake to remember. Sandor would long to
taste her lemon cake when went away to college, wherever he ended up. When they
were old and grey, they would reminisce about the first time they cooked
something together. This was a very special day and nothing would bring her
down from her seventh heaven. Sansa rolled up her sleeves, donned her own
Sciences blue apron, and fixed a determined stare at the cake ingredients.
"Let's begin," she grabbed the large mixing bowl and set in in front of her,
holding out her hand to Sandor, "big whisk please."
"What's a whisk?" Sandor looked helplessly around the countertop as Sansa gaped
at him in disbelief. "Ah, wait - it's the wiry one, right?" He grabbed the
whisk and held it out to her proudly and she bit her lip in distress.
"Sandor," she fought to keep any emotion out of her voice, "have you ever
cooked anything before?"
"Microwaves do the cooking," he shrugged and her heart sank into her stomach.
She should have realized he never did anything like this and once again, their
lives seemed so different. Almost all of her happy memories growing up were
making things with her mother. Sandor's mother passed away when he was little
and that was all she knew about it. He went through so much hurt and
disappointment in his life she could not help wanting to replace that pain with
happiness.
"Alright," she clapped her hands together and felt a renewed sense of
dedication, "the first step is to learn how to read a recipe. That is all you
have to know really, from there it's all about practicing the techniques. This
cake is great not only because it tastes good but it will be easy to make on
your own."
"I doubt I'll ever be baking cakes without you," he chuckled as if the very
idea was impossible.
"You never know," she arched a brow at him, "maybe you will make me a cake
someday... hint-hint." Sandor snorted a laugh and shook his head but she
ignored his pessimism. "First you look at the ingredients; there will be
details about how they should be prepared. Like, the butter needs to be melted
in the microwave." She dropped the room-temperature sticks of butter into a
glass dish and handed it to him. "Go ahead; you're already an expert in that
area."
"Oh yeah," he grinned as he stuck the bowl into the microwave, "I'm real good
at this. Watch a master show you how it's done." Sandor closed the door and
pressed the cooking time with a flourish of his big hands. "And... start."
"Well done," she teased, "I'm so impressed."
"I'm pretty impressive," he quirked his brows at her. "What's next?"
"We preheat the oven," she explained as she turned the knob, "so when we put
our cake in it will bake for just the right amount of time." When she looked up
Sandor was gazing at her with an odd expression. "What?"
"You know how much I love you, right?" He looked so serious that she would give
anything to know what was going on inside his head.
"I know," she ducked her head away from his intense gaze, "I love you too." His
fingers came under her chin to gently tilt her face up to look at him. Sandor
looked like he wanted to kiss her and for a moment she wanted it too until she
remembered daddy was just in the other room. It would not do at all to give
daddy any reason to dislike Sandor. "So... anyway," she turned to face the
countertop. "If you follow the recipe you can see we need to measure out our
sugar, just pour to this line." She indicated to the measuring cup and watched
as he poured.
For the first time in her life, she actually felt grateful that she got sick.
Otherwise, she would have tried to do something over the top romantic. In
truth, baking with someone is a very intimate act usually reserved for close
friends and family. These ordinary activities would become the memories she
would cherish her whole life.
Chapter End Notes
     I have actually been writing a lot lately, just skipped ahead a bit!
     I am the most curious what the ending of this fic will be, so I'm
     wrote ahead to puzzle out a satisfying conclusion for all of my
     ships. I got about thirty chapters outlined for 'next year' and got
     nowhere near an ending so... yeah. Let's just see where it goes! I'm
     on this ride with everyone else, just hanging on thinking: what the
     fuck have I gotten myself into?! At least I still have Veridissima
     and HeyYouWithTheFace to keep me company. :D Thanks my peeps.
     Sandor POV is up next: "Sweet and Lemony"
***** Sweet and Lemony *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                              [Sweet_and_Lemony]
                                    SANDOR
The microwave signaled its annoying beep and the little bird lost her dreamy
smile - suddenly all business. She ordered him to retrieve the butter and set
it on the counter to cool. As Sandor followed her instructions, she watched him
through narrowed eyes. It was fucking seriously sexy as hells, that little
furrow of determined concentration. Sansa directed him to add the melted butter
into the sugar in the bowl as she whisked the yellow liquid into the sugar.
Her little pink tongue flicked out to wet her lips so they shined a little,
tempting him to taste them. Sandor didn't even realize he was moving in to
steal a kiss until the sound of a doorknob turning over snapped him back into
reality. He casually leaned back as the door swung open and that's when Sansa
turned at the noise, her eyes growing wide.
"Daddy," she blinked in confusion a few times, as her father stepped inside, "I
thought... you were in your office? I never would have invited Sandor inside if
I knew that you left."
"It's perfectly alright," Mr. Stark smiled warmly at his daughter. "I knew he
was here, I just had to step out to make a call." He nodded in Sandor's
direction. "Sandor, how are you?" Not so great, having only just found out his
girl's father could walk silently as a ninja.
"Fine, uh..." He waved awkwardly at his apron. "We're making cake, sir." Good
thing he pointed out the obvious - he didn't look nearly ridiculous enough. Why
did he always have to come off like an ass in front of her father? The man had
all the power in their relationship and would hold it until Sansa turned
eighteen.
"I can see that," Mr. Stark looked amused by Sandor's awkwardness. "Well, carry
on," he started to walk away before breaking his stride to smile at Sansa once
more. "Happy Maiden's Day, sweetheart, your mother and brothers send their
love."
"Thanks, I love you daddy," she called after her father as he disappeared down
the hallway. "Whew!" Sansa put a hand over her heart. "Good thing we weren't
doing anything... that would be too embarrassing." But Sandor could swear he
heard just a note of disappointment in her relief. Sansa set back to work,
continuing to give him instructions. "Beat these two eggs," she handed him a
small bowl carrying two eggs and a whisk.
"Doesn't make sense," he grumbled as he took the bowl to follow her orders, "I
get this tiny bowl and whisk." Sandor pinched the metal handle of the whisk to
emphasize its tininess.
"You don't know baking," she gloated happily, "it is skill and experience that
gets you the big whisk." Sansa arched a brow as she turned her whisk around her
bowl with a flourish. "Now, young apprentice, add your eggs to my bowl." As she
whisked in the eggs she asked him to measure out the flour. Sandor took the
opportunity to make a white smudge across her cheek, earning him a pretty
scowl. "Now," she arched one brow, "if you can stop being childish we might
make this cake before Maiden's Day ends."
"You like me bad," he accused and she only puffed an annoyed breath and
continued working. A few wisps of her red hair came loose from her braid as she
bit her lip in concentration - she never looked so beautiful. Sandor rewarded
his restraint by looking at her as much as he wanted, easily done when she was
distracted. Even sickly and pitiful Sansa was still unbelievable, stunning in a
way that mesmerized him. She could have anyone with a set of eyeballs but she
was his, something he still couldn't understand but long since accepted.
It was downright torture to be this close to her without holding and kissing
her until she couldn't breathe. But with her being sick, he made an effort to
give her space and keep his hands to himself. That light flush to her cheeks
didn't aid his self-control but the knowledge that her father was just in the
other room did. Sandor behaved himself long enough to pour the finished batter
into a baking dish.
"That's it," she shoved the dish inside and closed the oven door. "Now we wait
one hour, or until golden brown." Sansa clapped her hands together and wiggled
a little bit with excitement.
"But I'm hungry now," and not just for food - he watched as she wiped her brow
with the back of her hand. She flashed a flawless smile at him and whirled
around towards the fridge.
"Don't worry," she chirped, "I made sandwiches for when the cake is baking."
She pulled open the fridge, removing a tray of premade sandwiches and stepped
lightly to the table to set it down. Sansa practically danced across the
kitchen floor she was moving so gracefully. Of course, she would be like this
on the Maiden's Day, even if she was unwell. He followed to sit down next to
her and she set a sandwich on his plate. "I'm sorry our Maiden's Day is so
dull."
"Baking lemon cakes has always been a dream of mine," he made a joke out of it
because inside he was dying of guilt. She thought it was her fault the day was
'dull' when it was completely his fault. If he had any money and have a bit
more imagination, he could've come up with something to make the day special.
Next year, he vowed to himself, next year he would do something for her -
something special - something she deserves.
"Very funny," she huffed, not appreciating his dry humor. "You don't have to
make fun of it..."
"I'm serious," he growled, leaning over the table narrowing his eyes at her.
"Calling me a liar?" Sandor expected her to giggle at his friskiness but
instead she blushed and glanced away, a coy smile curling on her perfect lips.
"I miss you," she whispered, her eyes darting back to the hallway like she just
said something naughty. Wouldn't want 'daddy' to hear - sweet little bird,
still so easy to embarrass.
"Which part?" He reached under the table to cup the back of her calf under her
knee, cursing the tights between his fingers and her silken skin.
"Sandor," she hissed, slapping his hand away, "eat your sandwich." Sansa
narrowed her eyes at his plate and demurely crossing her ankles under her chair
to discourage any more fondling. He finished his sandwich in two bites and by
the time he was done, her dreamy smile was back in its place. "Baking is
surprisingly hard work after being sick," she crossed her arms and drooped
against the table. "Though I do feel much better because you've been taking
care of me."
"Just brought you some soup," he shrugged - in truth, he had his own interest
in seeing the little bird well again.
"That contained the secret healing ingredient... love," she tucked her arm
under her head and tilted a lazy smile up at him. "The worst part about being
sick is I can't even sing to cheer myself up."
"I miss your singing to," he grinned as he leaned across the table closer to
her. She blushed but didn't scold him, only lifted her hand to lightly caress
the soft inside of his arm. Oh, so she gets to touch him all she wants - meh,
fine with him.
"I don't think I will be cheerleading next year," she mused quietly - probably
just talking to fill the empty air. "I did it only to impress you anyway." Her
fingers slid to the inside of his wrist and he laid his hand back so she could
trace the lines of his palm. "Next year I will go back to chorus... I miss it."
Then she took her hand back, balled into a fist, before tucking it against her
chest. Sandor's eyes traveled up to see her staring at the table. "I'll miss
you," her voice was slow and soft, "you don't know how much."
"Little bird, I-"
"No, I know..." She trailed off after interrupting him but he hesitated to long
before talking and she beat him to the punch. "I know you don't like to talk
about it but I just have to know if you've decided on a school yet."
"Don't worry about that when you're sick." This isn't how he planned to have
this conversation he wanted to think about it some more and be one-hundred
percent sure. She was just kind of like pushing it out at him when he wasn't
ready! Was he ever going to be 'ready'? His heart and mind wrestled with this
very problem since the day he fell for Sansa. Back and forth, it went between
levelheaded reason and mindless devotion. And it frequently occurred to him -
she'd be swarmed the minute he left if he wasn't around to ward off admirers.
"I'm feeling much better," she insisted with a brave smile. Why does she insist
on talking about this? Wouldn't it be better if they just live today, trying to
love each other and be happy? Plans are made to be ruined, at least that became
his thinking over the past week.
"I have to take that test first before I can apply," he tried to deflect the
conversation again.
"You have to retake the entrance exams..." She said it like she was asking a
question and answering at the same time.
"Yeah," he held up one finger for emphasis, "but for the first time."
"I don't understand..." She shook her head and held out both hands, palms down.
"You've never taken them?" When he nodded, her blue eyes grew so wide they were
completely rimmed by white. "What are you waiting for?!"
"I hate tests," he shrugged - it was the truth. Sandor could almost see into
her head by her expression. She was trying to understand the situation and then
made her final decision about how she felt. Sansa wore everything she thought
right there on her face and that was true honesty, the rarest thing in the
world.
"I know you have to go," she forced a tight smile, "after everything that
happened here, I could never ask you to stay for me." Sandor held back his
mocking snort - she all but asked every day, sometimes it seemed she didn't
even know she was doing it. "But you can't expect me not to worry when you
don't even seem to care what school you go to. If you have to be far away, I
want you to go to the best place." So she can attend there after she graduates
that was left unsaid but still hanging in the air.
"I'm gonna apply to Crownlands," he blurted out, surprising even himself. It
wasn't so much that he wanted to stay but she wanted it so much and he needed
to make her happy. "My grades aren't good enough but maybe if I get a decent
score on the exam... I can do that much at least." She stared at him, eyes
unblinking, and brows drawn together.
"What...?" Sansa went pale, like way more than usual, and her voice lowered to
the quietest of whispers. "Are you offering to stay in Kings Landing.... to be
with me?" He wouldn't so much call it an 'offer' as a bribe, the price he paid
to keep her beside him. "Oh please, Sandor, don't soften it... just answer yes
or no," the last word came out only a wisp of breath. Sansa's expression was
balanced on the edge of pure joy and total devastation and had to choose to
push or pull her.
"I don't want to get your hopes up," he stressed. "Crownlands has some of the
toughest standards and highest tuition. I only stand a small chance to get an
athletic scholarship." She was barely breathing, leaning forward still waiting
for his answer. "But if I get in then I'll stay here, because of you. I never
had any happy memories here before, now I can't drive though the city without
thinking of you." On campus his eyes were always drawn to all the places he
kissed her, looking back on happy memories was a new thing for him. Sansa
suddenly stood up and left.
"Where are you going?" Sandor watched her scurry away and heard her go into her
bedroom, after a moment she came back.
"Do you really want to stay with me?" A heavy stack of books was held in her
strained hold. "Don't tell me 'maybe' or 'we'll see'... do you?"
"I want to stay with you," he answered automatically.
"Then we are going to study our butts off," she dropped the stack of books onto
the table in front of him. Gods fuck him. "I have to take the college entrance
exam in a couple of years anyway. No time like the present." Sansa fell into
her seat and started spreading the books out. "When are you taking the test?"
"Three weeks," he grimaced down at the thick algebra book she set in front of
him. Algebra was useless bullshit, he was going to play basketball not...
whatever algebra was used for.
"That's not much time; we are going to spend every day studying until then."
Sansa lightly ran a finger over the top of his knuckle, drawing his gaze up.
"Be a good student," she smirked, "and you will be rewarded."
"Describe it to me," he quirked his brows.
"Focus," she rapped him sharply on the knuckles - he liked it when the little
bird took charge. And she did more than that, Sandor studied more in that half-
hour than in his whole life. She flirted to encourage and cracked down to
motivate, she turned out to be the best teacher he ever had. It was just like
with basketball, if he knew he'd win at the end, he'd play his best. All he
needed was a little motivation and Sansa provided more than enough. Saved by
the bell, a kitchen timer finally went off. "Wow that time flew by," she wasn't
even kidding, "time to make the glaze!"
In a small bowl, she mixed some lemon juice and powdered sugar until it formed
a gleaming syrup. A year ago, he couldn't conceive that the best day of his
life would be spent wearing an apron and making a cake with his sick
girlfriend. What the fuck would be doing halfway across the country without
her? Missing her, wondering who she was with and if she missed him too. That's
fucking stupid and Sandor Clegane wasn't fucking stupid. He was doing the right
thing by trying to stay with her - and to reward himself he stuck a finger into
the glaze and popped it into his mouth.
"Mmm... I could just eat this," he went in for another dunk.
"Stop that!" She slapped his hand again and pouted up at him. "It's for the
lemon cake."
"You love lemon cake more than me," he protested, staring down longingly at the
sweet lemony goop.
"Hmm... Might be, could be," she teased, leaning into his sight. "No, I still
like Sandor the best." Sansa dipped her finger into the glaze to taste it but
he stole her finger and popped it into his mouth - it tasted even better on her
finger. Her lips parted in surprise and eyes widened before glancing behind him
nervously. "You're so bad," she scolded, taking back her hand and trying to
fight back a smile.
"You like me this way," he accused with a smirk.
"Sandor..." Sansa licked her lips and peeked up at him but the piercing beep of
the oven timer broke her focus on him. "It's done," she hurried to the oven to
switch it off and put on oven mitts before removing the cake to set it on the
stove. "Now, all that's left to do is drizzle some of the lemon sugar glaze
over the top of while the cake is still warm." She poked a toothpick to make
several holes in top of cake and poured the glaze over top. "Making a cake,"
she sang softly, "la-la-lemon cake."
"Little bird," he called, by the time she turned her head his hands wrapped
around her waist and his lips were on hers. She tasted sweet and lemony,
sending him right back to the first time he kissed her. Sandor could've stayed
in that hazy memory forever but her small hand rose to his chest to gently push
him away.
"Sandor," she released a shaky breath and blinked a few times before glancing
behind him. "What if daddy saw?" Sansa stepped back away from him and fixed an
anxious stare at the door as if expecting her father to suddenly appear.
"I had to just once," and he didn't feel the least bit sorry about it.
"Maybe," the corners of her mouth turned up as she moved in front of him again,
"just once more...?" His arms were already circled around her, tugging her to
fall against his chest and drawing a soft gasp from her. Sansa raised her face,
gazing at him with her lips parted and desire heating her cool blue eyes. Her
arms reached up, hands twisting behind his neck, and she waited for his kiss.
And he didn't keep her waiting, cupping a hand behind her head before dipping
his lips to hers. Sandor kept it short, nowhere near satisfying enough, pulling
away before he forgot why he should let her go.
"Let's eat some of this cake already," he released her, unwilling to ruin her
father's hard-won approval. Sansa set out two plates and served generous slices
of lemon cake for both of them, drizzling extra glaze over his. Then she
brought the plates to the table and they sat next to each other again, shoving
books out of the way. She watched him dig in for his first bite, an eager
expression on her face as he chewed.
"So?" Sansa leaned forward in her seat, waiting for his verdict.
"It's the best cake in the whole universe," and that was just the simple truth.
It was delicious, the sweetest thing he ever ate and probably his new favorite
food because it tasted just like Sansa's kiss. Sandor was captivated by the
joyful smile that lit up her face.
"I will make it for you whenever you want," she promised before tasting her
first bite. Her eyes fluttered shut and a look of pure pleasure settled on her
face. How could he leave her? Not long ago it seemed impossible to stay in
Kings Landing it now just the thought of leaving was unbearable. Since he could
remember, fear motivated every decision he made including wanting to run away
from this shit city. But now there was another driving force behind all of his
choices - and her kisses tasted like lemon cake.
Chapter End Notes
     Next up: we'll check in on how Arya's Maiden's Day is going!
***** Our World Exists *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Our World Exists
                              [Our_World_Exists]
                                     ARYA
Gendry promised they could do whatever she wanted for Maiden's Day, but she
knew she had to do something she didn't really want to do. She had to tell him
today or she might never get it out, and she did promise to always be honest
with him. When she thought about a good spot for her confession, she remembered
a place near the bridge that Sansa told her about. Arya gave him directions to
the spot and they chatted about school and other mundane topics on the way. The
Lincoln did not tolerate the dirt road well but soon enough they were parked.
Arya suggested they hike in the nearby woods so they walked hand-in-hand as
Gendry shared bawdy limericks he knew. Some of them made her laugh so hard it
hurt her stomach but in a good way and it helped relax her nerves. The ground
sloped gently down as they walked through the woods until the trees started to
thin and the drop became much steeper. They stood facing the bridge, in front
of where the ground dropped off, and took in the amazing view of the bridge and
rushing river below.
"Wow, this is fantastic." He was right - it was the perfect spot, like being
all alone in the middle of the forest but having a gods-eye view of the bridge.
The sun was behind them and they were in the shade of the trees completely in
their cover. They could watch dozens of people going about their lives but no
one could see them. Arya spotted a fallen log and grabbed his hand to lead him
over to sit down on it. They stretched out their legs and faced the bridge,
watching the cars driving over.
"It's funny - I remember when Sansa told me about this place I couldn't wait to
be ungrounded so we could come together." Arya felt like she aged seven years
in the last seven weeks but still bore the burden of being fourteen. If she
were twenty-one all of her problems would be non-existent, she would be in
charge of herself. All her life people tried to do stuff for her and she always
insisted on doing everything on her own. She always considered needing any help
or relying on anyone to be a show of weakness.
"And now?" That little worried edge to his voice pulled her out of her
depressed mood.
"That just seems like a long time ago," she tilted her head and smirked at him.
"How was I more carefree when I was grounded?" Back then, it seemed her every
frustration revolved around seeing Gendry, a problem to solve - a distraction.
"Maybe you're the kinda rebel who needs a cause," he picked up a small stick
and snapped it between his fingers. "Like, we had to sneak around because you
were grounded right? But now that we're not constantly focused on trying to see
each other..." Gendry exhaled slowly as he tossed the broken twig pieces away.
"Maybe it's not exciting enough for you," he grimaced down at his shoe,
avoiding her eyes.
"You're wrong," she buried her hands in her pockets and watched the sinking
sun, "but not completely." It was fun, all of the planning and sneaking, then
succeeding in those schemes. She eyed him sideways and kept her voice upbeat.
"I won't say it wasn't fun but I wasn't doing it just for the thrill."
"We've had our share of those," he quipped, leaning forward and looking up at
the sky.
"No doubt," she agreed, "thrills were had all around but..." Arya dug the heel
of her boot into the ground, pushing up layers of dead leaves to reveal the
rich soil underneath. "It was a distraction, always coming up with schemes to
be with you. I wasn't sneaking around for the sake of doing it, I'm - you know,
seriously in love with you."
"I believe you," he assured her with a playful bump of his shoulder against
hers. "I'm seriously in love with you too."
"But even you have to admit..." She pulled her hands out of her pockets and
braced against the tree trunk, leaning forward with her head bowed. "It's
terrifying to be so in love that it blinded me to reality. After I met you, I
forgot I was mad at my dad for dragging me here to Kings Landing in the first
place. This year I planned to raise hell - settle the score - until I went and
fell in love with a blacksmith."
"Sorry about that," he teased, "can't help being so damn lovable." He didn't
even know how much she wanted him, and not just in the naked-heavy-breathing
way... Okay, in that way too but it was so much more - she needed his
unconditional devotion. Gendry was the one person in the world who saw all of
her parts, good and bad, then loved her entirely.
"If I asked you to leave with me right now," she tilted her head towards him,
"would you?"
"I'd have to ask why first," he looked downright terrified and that was answer
enough - he wouldn't go with her. Arya let her head drop again, completely
defeated by the knowledge that his devotion only went so far.
"Freedom," she sighed, "do I need a better reason?"
"I'd miss my mom and our friends, even Jon," he tried to make a joke out of it
but she still couldn't look up at him. "I think you'd feel the same after a
while."
"You don't understand," she shook her head. "When it's just you and me I forget
everything bad about my life but then I have to go back to it. I forget my mom
will never take my side about anything - ever. And before Joffrey shoved it in
my face, I forgot what a fucked up world we live in. Right about then I stopped
getting my period, which... you know the rest. That's when I realized, being
with you is like living in our own little world that doesn't really exist." And
she really wanted to live in that world, just the two of them, where no one
could touch them.
"It exists," he insisted quietly. "Our world does exist." Gendry took her hand
off the tree trunk held it up against the scratchy fabric of his jacket, over
his heart. "It's here, no matter where we are."
"I've been seeing a therapist," she outed herself - no take-backs. Arya didn't
say anything for a long time, waiting for him to respond but when he didn't she
looked up. He had that cute, staring-completely-dumbfounded expression on his
face.
"Wow," he breathed - Arya really bagged herself a genuine poet. Gendry dropped
her hand and stared at her for a long time before he squeezed his eyes shut.
"So," he slowly opened his eyes as if afraid to look at her, "you're not
actually, like... dying of anything?"
"Nope," she tapped the side of her head, "a few issues, but nothing serious.
Apparently, all the stuff wrong with me is caused by stress. I'm trying to
learn how to deal, the doc I'm seeing is a little weird, but he knows his
shit."
"Oh thank the fucking gods," a grin spread over his face. "When you were saying
you wanted to run away, I thought..." Gendry shook his head. "Sorry, I'm just
so happy you are gonna get better instead of worse, I was really scared there
for a while."
"See," she laughed at herself, "this is how I know I'm crazy - I knew you would
react this way, but I was scared to tell you anyway. Am I cracked or what?"
Arya raked a hand through her hair. "I'm so sorry for the shit I've put you
through."
"Hey," he took ahold of her hand and stared intently into her eyes. "I don't
need any apology, all I need is you." Gendry raised his other hand and stoked
his calloused fingertips down the side of her face. "You're the most amazing
person I've ever met and I'm proud of you, Arry, you're doing a really brave
thing."
"You can only be brave when you're scared," the words poured from her mouth
before she even thought about it. "At least that's what dad says."
"Smart man," he grinned wryly, "which is why when we run away together he'd
catch us in less than a week. But I'd still follow you anywhere, can't let you
have all the adventure to yourself. I would be breaking about ten laws but if
you promise to come visit me in prison when we get caught..." Gendry trailed
off probably noticing that Arya was staring at him with her mouth hanging open.
It wasn't a shock, but it's still kinda was a huge massive mind-blow.
"You really would come if I asked," she murmured in awe, "wouldn't you?"
"First," he gave her his signature lopsided smile, "I'd have to try talking you
out of it: that's just who I am. But you know I wouldn't stay put if you left,
there's nowhere I'd rather be than by your side." Arya couldn't think of
anything to say, for once in her life she was speechless. "So, the therapy is
helping?"
"Yeah," she nodded, regaining her voice. "I think you're helping me more." Her
throat tightened and it sounded like she might start crying but Arya kept
talking anyway. "You stayed by my side - even when I thought for sure you'd
give up. You're nowhere near as weak as I thought you were."
"Thank you, milady." Gendry grinned and winked at her. "You always know how to
complement a fellow." Arya was mid-eye-roll at his stupidity when she felt a
cold splash on the tip of her nose. "Here comes the rain," he stood and pulled
her up with him, "we should get-"
"Shut up and kiss me," she yanked hard on his arm so he stumbled towards, his
hands coming around her waist for balance. Arya curled her arms around his neck
and stepped into his path, bracing her hand against chest to steady him. His
head angled to the side before their lips came together and she curled her arms
around his neck. As their mouths moved together, a tugging urgency spread
through her. She released him only out of impatience, stepping back to shrug
off her flannel shirt and let it fall to the ground.
"Are you sure?" His face screwed up in confusion over her disrobing. "I don't
want you to worry about 'confusing' me or whatever." Arya rolled her eyes as
she peeled off another layer, Gendry was born confused - good thing he had her
to lead him around.
                                    GENDRY
Her dark eyes focused on him again and a smile curled the corners of her mouth
as she dropped her gauzy black top to the ground. A few more sprinkles of rain
fell through the canopy above but neither of them noticed. Arya stepped closer
to wrap her arms around his waist, tilting her face back to look up at him.
"This time is for me and for you - for us," her heavy-lidded eyes gazed up at
him with such softness he fleetingly though to check her for a fever. "I'm not
thinking about anyone but you right now," her eyes lowered almost demurely. "I
love you, Gendry... make love to me." Then she peeked up and he saw what she
was trying to hide: the heat, the hunger that she tried to hold back... for his
sake. Arry was pretending to be sweet and actually succeeding in her own way.
The drops started coming down in an irregular rhythm as he slowly leaned
towards her and touched his lips to hers. Gendry's hands found her waist to
pull her even closer, one arm going behind her. Her hands link around his neck,
her arms pulled herself up so her body fitted against his. The storm broke
then, announced by a threatening boom of thunder but neither of them paid it
any attention. Rain showered down over them as she covered his mouth with hers,
making every muscle in his body tense with longing.
Their hungry lips crushed together as raw desperation ripped through him. She
tasted like the rain or maybe it tasted like her. Their clothes melted away
with the rain, their hands pulling soaked fabric to the ground into soggy piles
at either side. When they finally came together again, he pulled her into his
arms and drew her flush against him. His breath caught in his chest when she
lifted a hand to lightly caress his face, surprised at her gentleness. Then she
grasped his hair and demanded his lips on hers once more.
The rain fell cold and light as an early spring shower as it rained down over
his skin but her body felt hot. She leaned towards him, licking the water from
his throat and he could feel his pulse threatening to burst under her tongue.
The canopy of trees above provided their fallen leaves to serve as a bed and he
laid her down, moving over her as she pulled him to her. Gendry gathered her
close to him, slipping an arm between her waist and the ground. He held himself
over her as she slipped a hand between them to guide his cock.
Cold pellets of water splashed over him as he pushed all the way inside and her
tight heat contrasted sharply with the icy rain. Arya released a breathless cry
and curved her warm body against him as he withdrew and drove into her again.
She arched against the ground to angle her hips up to meet his thrusts, her
knees locking like a vice around his ribs. As much as she tried to cling to
him, their slick bodies slid against each other. Her growing cries turned to
screams that threatened to drown out the storm.
All of a sudden, Arya pushed his shoulder back and hooked her leg around his,
turning them both over so that she landed on top. As she rose over him, dried
leaves stuck to her porcelain skin as rivets of rain cut through the dirt
smudged over her. Her dark eyes focused on him, unblinking as she rocked her
hips forward before swaying back again. The world around him started to spin so
he focused on her, watching as her hair flattened against her pale neck. Fat
droplets of water beading on her skin mesmerized him, rolling down and cleaning
her.
Her hands raked up over his chest, trying to find something to hold onto as she
moved faster against him. His hand gripped her thighs, giving her something to
work against as his fingers kneaded her soft flesh. A loud broken moan tore
from her throat as her leg muscles tensed under his hands. She lifted her hips,
grasping in vain at his shoulders as she trembled. Her rocking grew more
erratic and she wailed in frustration. He could feel how close she was,
fluttering and squeezing around his cock, but it was making him too close.
"Wait!" Arya slowed to almost motionless, barely tilting her hips back and
forth, as she dropped her head to lock eyes with him. Gendry shook with the
barely restrained need to release, drowning under the weight of his own need.
"Just..." Waves aching tremors vibrated under his skin, throbbing pleasure
threatened to spill over. Tension ripped through his tense body as he waited
for her signal. "Now," she commanded and he obeyed, rushing pleasure flowed
through his body and into hers. His breathless gasp was drowned out by her
howling scream as she came.
His heart pounded inside his chest as she slumped against him, panting and
still moaning softly. She moved her hands to take a light hold of his shoulders
and he curled his arms around her. That's when the rain stopped and Gendry
almost believed in the gods in that moment.
"That," she wheezed, "was awesome."
"Yeah," he panted a laugh as his hand flopped down beside him, landing against
his drenched jacket. "Our clothes are totally soaked." She huffed like she
couldn't care less and nuzzled her face against his chest. "I wish I could keep
you like this forever," he hugged her close, "naked in the freshly rained
woods."
"Me too," she purred with satisfaction, "it just feels right." After a moment
of quiet Arya lifted her head and looked down at him, her lips opening and then
closing as if she couldn't find the words. But just by the look she gave him,
he knew what she couldn't to say.
"I know," he swiped away a dark strand of hair sticking to her cheek. "I'll
love you until you're sick of me and if I ever lose you then I'll just win you
back. You might think that I'm yours but really, you're mine. We're forever and
always, we probably loved each other in a past life if they exist. To sum it
up: you can't get rid of me."
"I believe you," she set her head back down, "and I know 'our world' is real,
it's the only place I belong."
"I think," he knew it was stupid but decided to say it anyway, "what we have is
the closest thing to magic that exists. Nobody can go back to 'normal' life
after they've lived with magic." Gendry at worst expected her to laugh at his
childishness but she stayed very still and quiet. "I know that sounds stupid
but if you could just know what I feel-"
"I do," her head popped back up, "I do." Arya's eyes focused on his, serious
and unblinking. "Even when I can't feel anything else, I still feel your love.
And it's too real to be called 'magic' - it's a force of nature like gravity."
"Arya," he didn't really know how to say it or if begging would help... "Stay
with me this time, don't go away inside your head, and don't hide from me."
Gendry raised his hands to cup the sides of her face. "Hide in me, get lost in
our world with me: don't leave me behind. Let me follow you, always."
"Gendry," she smirked, one brow rising higher, "keep up slowpoke - don't let me
go anywhere away from you."
"I won't," he promised, "wherever you go, that's where I'm going."
"Even if I try to stop you," her eyes lowered, covered with her thick dark
lashes. "Just follow me anyway, because I will want you with me no matter what
I say."
"As you command my lady," he kept his tone lighthearted but Gendry meant the
vow with all of his heart and soul.
"I'm pretty sure there's some dry clothes in the Lincoln," she moved to get up
but he stopped her.
"I'll go," he offered.
"I'm faster," she smirked and stood up, grabbing and wringing out his soaked
black T-shirt before putting it on. The dark fabric clung to her like a second
skin and only just reached her thighs, already making his cock stiffen again.
Gendry rose up on his elbows and watched her tug on her boots sprint off
towards the car until she disappeared into the trees. Then he rested his head
back against the ground to stare up at the canopy above.
There were plenty of things he could've been thinking of, like the fact up Arya
was in therapy, and she seemed to want to become runaways. But none of that
seemed important because she was laughing again, she was smiling again, and she
was his again. He would be grateful and hold onto her tighter this time: he
couldn't let her slip away again. Because who knew how long she would be gone
next time if he let her go. No, that wouldn't happen: he wasn't ever going to
let her disappear back into her head where he couldn't reach her.
Chapter End Notes
     So rainy... :D
     More Maiden's Day romance coming up next!
***** A Proper Maiden's Day *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [A_Proper_Maiden's_Day]
                                   GREY WORM
They stepped between the museum doors just in time to beat the unexpected
downpour. Torgo dug the money out from his pocket and ran forward to pay the
entrance fee. He experienced a brief victory when the attendant handed over two
tickets. That's when he realized he was still holding Missa's hand. At least
she only laughed at him and led the way inside... She had a remarkable
tolerance for his excruciating clumsiness.
"I don't know that this is a 'proper' date for Maiden's Day..." Her voice
echoed in the corridor leading into the interior of the museum. "But this is my
favorite place in the city." When he stepped into the main entrance, Torgo
first noticed the quiet atmosphere. A small group nearby spoke in hushed
echoing murmurs. They followed the soft tone of a tour guide's well-rehearsed
speech about the building. The floors gleamed like polished marble and the
ceiling rose to a dome overhead. The entire structure appeared designed to
overwhelm and awe the visitors.
"It's amazing," he spoke just above a whisper. "I've never been anywhere like
this before." Then his eyes came back to Missa and he was awestruck with by the
change that came over her. That she loved this place was obvious, like this was
her natural habitat.
"I think we should do a self-tour," she beamed at him in her dazzling way.
"I've already taken the official tour over twenty times."
"Lead the way," he lightly squeezed her hand. They first walked through a
historical reproduction of a throne room. The real Iron Throne sat behind glass
and Torgo could imagine kneeling in front of it. Some monarch would decide to
spare his life or sentence him to a gruesome death. The walls were lined with
displays of antique jewelry, metal trinkets, and preserved tapestries. Missa
didn't even glance at the descriptions above the displays when explaining the
artifacts.
In an astonishing show of knowledge, she seemed to know everything about each
item. Torgo tried to focus on the fascinating details but Missa was so
distractingly brilliant. They moved onto the next circular room, a gallery of
weaponry, armor, and shields. The swords were on exhibition in the center of
the room, wrapped around a pillar separated by glass. She explained the various
legends of the weapons as they walked around.
Then they came into his all-time-favorite room in the entire museum, the dragon
room. These beasts were massive... it must have been terrifying to see one in
the flesh but Torgo still wished he could. It was a pity that all that remained
of these creatures were just bones. He gazed in awe at the center skull, a
behemoth that stretched from floor to ceiling. Beside the skulls were books,
and other early writings about dragons, on display.
"This dragon was named Sheepstealer," she smiled up at the skull. "I'm not even
joking."
"How amazing would it be to ride one of these?" When dragons roamed the earth,
they must have been the best mode of transportation. Way faster than horseback
and considerably more badass with the whole fire-breathing thing.
"I would be fascinated to see these animals alive but I would never want to
ride one." Missa answered his question so seriously and he had to hide a
chuckle with a forced cough. "Unless there was a good reason to do so," she
amended. The dragon room was the final area on the tour so afterward they sat
down to rest. Torgo was shocked to discover it was well past dinnertime!
"Sorry, I have a tendency to get a little carried away," she noticed him
looking at his watch.
"I'm having a great time," he hurried to assure her. "We can walk through the
whole place again if you want." Missa only smiled in answer and scooted closer
to him on the bench. She looped her arm around his to rest her head on his
shoulder. It was now or never... He had to say it now or he might never be
brave enough, the time for cowardice was over...? No, there was no question
about it! "Missa!" Torgo struggled to lower his voice to a normal level. "Maybe
it's cliche because it's Maiden's Day... I don't even care if it is... I love
you."
"Then you must have finally realized." She lifted her head to look up at him, a
knowing smile on her lovely face.
"What?" Torgo gulped nervously, too anxious to even pray for her to say it
back.
"That I love you," she said it so relaxed like she'd been waiting to say it. Oh
wait, she just said she loved him... that's nice. But he probably should not
pass out at the moment so he ignored the blurry spots in his eyesight.
"I hoped so," he huffed relieved laugh and grinned at her, "it feels good." It
actually felt like floating in space but not scary because he wasn't alone.
"It does," she agreed and set her head back down to rest against his shoulder.
"I think this might be the best I've ever felt."
"Me too," he was giddy, almost lightheaded. It took a surprising amount of
effort to hold back from busting out laughing. "It's amazing how much a few
little words can mean."
"Words are important," she sighed in contentment. "I hope I taught you that
much at least." She hugged his arm, her hands holding him tight. "I love you,
Torgo." Missa couldn't see him so he grinned as much as he felt like, smiling
so wide his face hurt in a good way.
"I'll never get tired of hearing that," he babbled happily. Torgo sighed in
contentment, only looking over when she lifted her head again. Her thin dark
brow arched slightly in expectation... "Oh, right! I love you, Missa." She
smiled with satisfaction before resuming her resting place on his shoulder.
This day had gone impossibly right and even though he got used to things going
alright. But he wasn't scared of happiness anymore, even knowing how fleeting
it can be. Happy moments are the rarest treasures, even more than priceless
artifacts.
                                      JON
He didn't know what to think when she promised 'a proper Maiden's Day'. The
further they drove from the city the more nervous he got. Couldn't they just go
for a nice walk and maybe catch a romantic comedy at the theater? But then,
Ygritte never was going to be that type of girl and he'd never want to change
her. But, every once in a while, she would look over at him and cackle under
her breath. Whatever she had planned would probably be painful.
"Keep your eyes on the road," he huffed and she laughed at his irritation. "You
don't have to hide wherever we're going, I won't refuse." Jon frowned as she
just continued to chuckle at him. "At least give me a hint!"
"We're going to the place where I belong," she eyed him sideways with a
arrogant smirk. Ygritte liked to think she knew everything and he knew
nothing... Well, at the moment that was mostly true. Before too long, they
pulled into a gravel driveway. It led to something that looked like a military
compound . In the center stood an oversized metal shed-like structure.
There were a few cars parked out front but Jon still couldn't make heads or
tails of this place. Ygritte didn't say anything, smiling as she parked the car
and got out. Jon followed her when she opened the trunk everything was clear:
paintballing! Jon helped her gather the gear and followed her inside the
compound. Inside, a stringy-haired guy stood by a countertop in the corner of
the 'building'.
"Hey Orell!" Ygritte greeted the skinny man who, for some reason, glared at
Jon. The place was filled with obstacle-course equipment like rope walls and
various construction materials.
"Well-well, Ygritte," Orell looked a little too closely at Ygritte. "We haven't
seen your fine ass around here lately." Jon's hand tightened around the handle
of the bag he carried.
"Because I've been too busy fucking my new boyfriend," she jerked a thumb at
Jon. Of course, he blushed because the situation wasn't nearly embarrassing
enough. "You should see his ass."
"I had you all wrong," Orell smirked at Ygritte before he turned to leer at
Jon. "Thought you liked real men but it seems you like pretty boys."
"All his man parts are real enough for me." She walked up to a countertop and
jerked her head at the rental equipment behind it. "We don't need your fucking
commentary, just get us some gear."
"How about a little test?" Orell eyed Jon like a little fly he wanted to pluck
and watch suffer.
"Zombies?" Ygritte faced Orell with an intrigued expression that most
definitely spelled trouble. What in the seven hells did 'zombies' mean?!
"Zombies," the wiry man sneered at Jon. Oh, this was definitely not good.
"You're going down," she grinned at Orell, dropping her bag on the countertop.
Ygritte removed only two paintball guns, and moved next to Jon to hand one to
him.
"What are you getting us into?" Jon whispered to Ygritte as he watched Orell
disappear behind the counter top.
"Nothing to worry about," she reassured him. Somehow that made him even more
edgy. "This is gonna be fun..." Orell return to them, carrying two skull masks
in each hand.
"Zombies don't get body armor," Orell tossed over one skull mask to Jon.
"Isn't that dangerous?" Jon stared down at the mask with apprehension.
"This one's a real winner," Orell snorted a laugh.
"Don't be so obviously jealous, it's fucking annoying." Ygritte pulled on her
mask so Jon did the same. "And don't short us on our head-start," she held up
her wrist to fiddle with her watch. "Let's sync up, three... two... one... go!"
Then she was often a flash, sprinting out of the building. It took a second for
his feet to start following her. "Keep up Jon," she called over her shoulder,
"there's no way he doesn't cheat." They ran into the thick woods behind the
compound until the building was out of sight.
"Come here," she knelt and pulled him down low to the ground, keeping her voice
to a whisper. "Zombies can take as many hits as they can stand, the only way
they can beat us is to run us out of ammo." Ygritte's eyes flashed with
excitement under the mask as she explained the game. "The catch is - hunters
can only take one hit and they have to run us down in under an hour. If we last
the hour, we win."
"It's not as easy as it sounds," Orell appeared like a ghost, dressed all in
camo armor. Ygritte pulled up her weapon but another hunter came from behind a
tree and shot her in the back. Jon picked up his gun and popped off a few
rounds into the one who shot Ygritte. But a few more hunters just took his
place and they were seriously out-gunned.
"So much for playing fair!" She raised her gun and took down two more hunters
before turning on Orell. But the skinny man was fast, ducking behind a tree as
more reinforcements arrived. "RUN!" And they did, tearing through the forest
without direction. They sprinted in an attempt to get away from the paintballs
hitting them in the back. Fuck: that really fucking hurt!
No matter how many hunters they took down more came out of nowhere, keeping
them on the run. Jon hit at least four hunters and Ygritte took down twice as
many but it was no use. They were outnumbered and running low on ammo faster
than they could get away. She found them a good enough hiding place amongst
some thick bushes. The band of hunters passed by with Orell bringing up the
rear. Both of them held their breaths until the hunters were out of sight and
she let out hers with a curse.
"That cheating fuck," her muffled voice was still clearly mad as all seven
hells. "He must've called everyone he knows! It makes sense - lots of people
have lost this game because of me." Ygritte shoved up her mask and locked eyes
with him. "We're not gonna win this one, but we can take that asshole down with
us."
"Let's do it." He loaded the last of his paintballs into his gun and nodded his
mask down to signal he was ready. They charged out screaming as they chased
after the hunters. Jon and Ygritte unloaded their entire clip directly at
Orell. Before any of the startled hunters could react, they dove behind the
trunk of a large tree. Miraculously neither of them had been hit but that was
the least of their problems.
"I'm out," he panted, holding up his gun.
"Me too," she huffed a laugh. "Then there's only one thing to do," she extended
her hand to him and he accepted their fate. They walked out to face their
waiting rivals standing in a semi-circle. A very colorful and pissed Orell
stood in the middle glaring at them. The hunters all aimed their weapons at Jon
and Ygritte. "GO ON THEN!" She suddenly jumped in front of him, shielding him
from the spray of paintballs. He wrapped his arms around her and twisted their
bodies to reverse their positions.
"All right," she shouted, "you win - we give!" The popping of paintballs ceased
and Jon eased his hold on Ygritte.
"Good game Ygritte," Orell taunted, "better luck next time." And the hunters
left them alone, soaked in various colors of paint.
"Had enough fun for one day?" Jon grinned down at Ygritte as he pulled off his
mask.
"Not quite," she removed her skull mask, also grinning ear-to-ear, and grabbed
his hand. "Come on, there's one more place I have to show you."
                                    YGRITTE
She led him to a cement block fort located in the middle of the grounds. It was
the most private place in the world with the drawbridge up and Jon followed her
inside. Her helmet fell to the ground with a clatter when she tossed it aside
to close the place up. Then she walked across the small room to unroll the
bedroll tucked in the corner. Just when she was about to turn around, she felt
his hands curl around her waist.
"I'm sorry we didn't win," his voice was low and husky in her ear as he pulled
her back against his body. They were both about to be winning as fuck in a
moment - all that shooting got her hot. Jon handled himself well and looked
like a sexy action hero out there.
"We lost well," her voice hitching when his fingers slipped under her top. She
helped him pull it up over her head, the fabric heavy and wet with paint. The
shirt fell to the ground with a loud splat as his smooth palm slid around the
front of her stomach. He brushed her hair aside to slide his stumbled cheek
against her neck. Jon pressed his hot mouth onto her cooled skin, sending
shivers down her spine. Under his hand, her stomach tightened with growing
need. But she stood patient and still - enjoying the pleasurable torment.
He brushed his lips down her back as he knelt behind her, sliding her pants
down over her hips. Ygritte reached back to brace a hand on his shoulder for
balance as he pulled off her boots one at a time. Before he rose up, he hooked
his fingers around her panties, pulling them off them as well. When he stood
she turned around, grabbing his shoulders and kissing him hard.
A panted moan escaped his mouth and he crushed her against him, his shirt slick
with paint. She broke the kiss to peel his shirt over his head, revealing his
chiseled chest. Ygritte never thought much of the gods, especially the Maiden.
It was all just bullshit to keep teens from having sex. But Jon's body almost
convinced her of a higher power. Only a god would be capable of sculpting such
beauty and strength in one person.
Pastel splotches tinted his skin where the paint bled through, highlighting his
defined muscles. The way he looked at her with restraint like he was fighting
something yet to be unleashed. His gaze made her more aware of each part of her
body, causing her skin to ache for his touch. So far, she enjoyed Jon's tame
lovemaking more than anything she'd ever experienced. But she still couldn't
help wondering what he held back.
Ygritte smoothed her palms up over his shoulders, her fingers smudged the
lingering paint. Her hands slid down over his arms, pressing her fingers into
his firm muscles. They came down to hold his hips and she trembled from an
overwhelming need to have him. His hands cupped the sides of her face and his
serious eyes gazed into hers for a moment. Though tired from running her
muscles tensed with anticipation.
When he kissed her a frantic urgency tore through her and he couldn't be naked
fast enough. Her fingers fumbled with his zipper before she shoved his pants
and shorts down. He stepped out of his shoes, kicked off his pants as he walked
her back to lay down with her on the bedroll. Jon's skin was cool as moved over
her and embraced her close and kissed her again. But she twisted her face away
with a gasp.
"Gods Jon," she had enough foreplay, the throbbing between her legs was near
painful. Jon understood her whimpered plea, rising up so she could reach
between them. She locked her legs behind his knees and lifted her hips to draw
the tip of him inside her. She released a ragged breathy cry as he pushed all
the way in. Her focus was on the relief that spread through her body as it
morphed into the impulse to move.
She arched herself towards him as he withdrew and then plunged deep into her
again. She was crying out her relief and demanding more with one sound. But
they were both tired from running and their bodies could only manage a slow
rhythm. The cold seeped up through the bedroll but his skin warmed her entire
body. His palm flattened against her back to urge her hips to tilt so he could
pump his thrusts deeper.
"I won't last," he muttered in a strained voice. His pulsing cock growing even
harder within her backed up his words.
"Don't hold back," she begged, wanting to feel him come inside her. It took
much convincing that the pill was reliable, but the reward was sweet. Jon
groaned as he continued to hold back. He propped up on his elbow to run his
hand up her ribs to cup her breast. "Gods yes," she released a ragged whine in
reaction - he already knew her so well. As he rolled his fingers over the
hardened tip, pleasure rippled over her skin.
The heightened sensation spread from her chest to between her legs. Jon let out
a breathless cry as she clenched around his cock. The intense feeling flowed
through her entire body, growing and building. But slipped away from her as his
motions became shaky she moaned in frustrated .
"Just fuck me," she pleaded, "I'm almost there..." Ygritte gasped as his hand
plunged into her hair and his lips crushed against hers. The she had to
struggle just to keep up with his pace as he drove into her relentlessly. He
let out a ragged whimper against her mouth, kissing her with fierce passion.
His release rushed from his body into hers, slamming her into her own orgasm.
It rushed like an electrical current and she cried out from the intensity.
They came crashing down from the high, chests heaving and hearts racing. She
collapsed against the bedroll as her limbs unlocked from around his body.
Ygritte came back to reality, the air chilling her damp skin and paint drying
in her hair.
"I have never wanted to take a shower so much in my life," she chuckled
breathlessly. Jon groaned a laugh before rolling over onto his side. Ygritte
turned her body to face him, slipping her leg between his for warmth. "Did I
show you a good time? Or would you rather give me sweets and take me out to
some fancy restaurant?"
"It was all worth it," he grinned at her, curling his arm around her waist.
"Let's do this again next year, after I train a bit we can totally take them
on." Jon might've been too serious for his own good but lately he was learning
to let go. Ygritte liked to think she played a big part in the removal of the
stick from his ass.
"Fuck yeah we will," she agreed enthusiastically. "It will take me at least a
year for me to forget how those paintballs sting - still worth it." Ygritte
tilted her head up to smile at him. "I love you Jon."
"I love you Ygritte," he brushed her hair away from her face. "Happy Maiden's
Day." And who fucking could've guessed... it was a 'proper' happy Maiden's Day
after all. In the time that she'd been with Jon, Ygritte started changing her
mind about a lot of things. Maybe she really was the kind of girl who liked
romantic holidays and making love. Or at least maybe that persona didn't clash
with who she thought she was before. Whatever the case, she was happy and in
love - can't ask for more than that.
Chapter End Notes
     BOW DOWN BEFORE GREATNESS - I HAVE DONE THE IMPOSSIBLE - AND BRIDGED
     THE TIMELINES! And it only took... oh shit, has it been six days?!
     Okay, maybe this is not so much a 'victory' as something that really
     needed to be done and I just procrastinated my ass off. But YAY -
     it's done! :D This chapter just took FOREVER to write, probably
     because I know fuck-all about museums and paintball. You know the
     drill - if I got anything wrong, feel free to leave me a comment so I
     can make adjustments.
***** Communication *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                [Communication]
                                    SHIREEN
She sat in front of her computer, surprisingly anxious for her upcoming Skype
date. It was not a 'real' date, this would be the first time she 'saw' Bran
since Winterfest. It made no sense for her to be uneasy - they spoke to each
other every day... Before she had time to reflect on her nervousness, his call
came in. She clicked the call to answer it and his smiling face appeared on her
screen.
"Hello beautiful," he leaned forward, elbows propped on the desk. Close to the
webcam, he held his face in his hands and pursed his lips for an air-kiss.
Bran's hair had grown a little longer, a few errant wavy locks falling into his
eyes.
"Can you hear me alright?" Sheri kept her expression serious and ignored his
silly smile. This was not a time to be flirting - they had serious work to do!
"I can," he continued to flirt, "and your voice is the sweetest sound I've ever
heard."
"Be serious," she admonished. "We have plans to make." Since they first thought
of her going north, again not much happened to make it a reality. That was
probably part of what made her so anxious. No... it was something else - she
was just in a bad mood today!
"You're right as ever, dearest." Bran sat up straight, adjusted his shirt, and
folded his hands on his desk. "First order of business: north or south." She
had to bite her lip not to laugh at his sudden seriousness. Leave it to a Stark
to bring up her dour disposition.
"Did your mother shoot down the idea of your sisters coming for a visit?" Sheri
knew it was a longshot anyway but could not help feeling disappointed.
"Actually she suggested we go south for a visit," he smirked as he revealed the
good news. "I think she misses dad but doesn't want to relive Winterfest."
"Even better," she blew out a relieved sigh. "I doubt I could convince my
father to send me north again." He never spoke of it with her but Sheri assumed
he knew most of what went down during Winterfest.
"Then it's settled: I'm coming to you." A wolfish grin curled on Bran's lips
and she felt heat coloring her cheeks.
"You must have missed me terribly," she accused with a coy smile.
"How could I? We talk every day," he folded his arms across his chest in a show
of calm indifference. She opened her mouth to argue but he spoke first. "It
seems we will be together soon, just as I said." He looked a little too smug
and it stung a bit that he refused to admit he missed her.
"For me, 'soon' still isn't soon enough," she grumbled.
"Concentrate, we still have a lot of planning to do." Bran's seriousness
cracked as the corner of his mouth lifted and Sheri smiled back. "I think the
best time to come down would be during spring break."
"Perfect," she agreed, "then school won't interfere with our time together."
Her mind went through the steps she should take in order to ensure he could
visit. "I will get Arya to work on your father but I don't think it will take
much convincing." It was all starting to seem very possible they could be
together very soon! She twisted a strand of hair around her finger. "When you
come we should go somewhere together - just the two of us."
"Like a date?" He sounded eager, leaning his cheek against his fist to smile
into the webcam at her.
"Less a 'date' and more..." Sheri blushed and could not quite look into the
screen at him. "Just us two alone somewhere in isolation." She flicked her eyes
up to see his reaction and was not disappointed.
"Sounds mysterious," he grinned, "count me in."
"Alright, "she changed the subject, "we both have our tasks to carry out. Now
onto more important matters..." Sheri pulled out her deck of cards already
split in half. "Are you ready?" They both talked a big game about being a great
poker player, driving them to Skype to settle it. Each had one half of a deck
of card and would be their own dealer.
"Ready," he held up his own deck of cards and narrowed his eyes in challenge.
"I'm watching you, Sheri." Bran's face tilted up and he eyeballed her cards
with suspicion. "I know you'll cheat."
"I have never cheated in my entire life," she protested his slander - too
vehemently.
"You've never been caught," he accused knowingly. "With that innocent face, you
could rob a bank in broad daylight."
"Shut up and deal," she started dealing herself a hand and he did the same.
Sheri held up her cards in front of her face - three queens, ace high. So maybe
she cheated a little, but only because Bran was totally telepathic.
                                    SANDOR
He was holding Sansa, her smooth skin and floral scent overwhelming his senses.
Her hair was everywhere, the red silky strands tickling his skin. She floated
away from his hold, her soft warmth slipping out of his reach. Sandor strained
to hold her tighter and tried to say her name but he couldn't speak.
"Sandor," she called, but her voice sounded far away, "wake up." His eyes
blinked open to see soft orange light peeking through the stiff curtains. A
very naked Sansa lay tucked in his arms and they were in a motel room bed. "You
were dreaming," she giggled softly. He realized his cock was nestled up against
her backside, wide-awake before him. It was all coming back - they had been
studying but ended up in bed and fell asleep after.
"This is better," he slid his hand up to cup her breast and she gasped. "I must
still be asleep." Sandor buried his face into her sweet-smelling hair as he
caressed her soft flesh.
"We're you dreaming about me?" Sansa's voice was breathless and low, making him
grow even harder.
"Always," he groaned as she arched back against him. "Gods, Sansa, you feel too
good." Sandor lowered his hand to grasp her hips, pulling her back flush
against him. "Is it alright like this?" His body tensed, waiting for her go-
ahead.
"Yes, please..." Sansa was the sweetest thing - and all his. She gasped when he
ripped the sheets away to reveal her flawless body. Plenty of mornings he woke
up frustrated after dreaming about Sansa. This - waking up to her - was a
literal dream come true. Sandor tucked one arm under her pillow and slipped his
leg between hers. It was a bit of a fumble finding the right position until she
tilted her hips back. "Right there," she panted when he slid the tip of his
cock into her entrance.
He was throbbing with the need to thrust deep into her but he pressed into her
tight heat slowly. Gods, he always wanted her and it was never enough no matter
how many times he had her. It was still unbelievable how she responded, like
she couldn't get enough either. Sansa moaned as she arched back against him to
take his cock deeper. He tucked a hand around her waist, flattening his palm
against her stomach.
Her body molded to his and she pushed herself towards him as he thrust into
her. Sansa gasped an eager whine and rocked her hips her waist to meet his slow
driving into her. She was most beautiful when she lost herself - gave herself
to him. Because she trusted him to make her feel loved. That might sound like
bullshit to someone who doesn't know what it's like to love. But he knew this
was the closest to heaven that existed.
His knee braced against the bed as he held her hip and angled their position to
thrust deeper. He was losing himself in her - driven straight to the brink long
before he was ready for it to be over. Sandor forced himself to stop moving to
let his hand explore her curves. She whined in protest, writhing her body back
against him.
"You're so perfect," he murmured in her ear and she whimpered a quiet plea. "I
want you more than anything."
"Gods, Sandor, please!" Sansa reached back to dig her fingers into his hip,
twisting back against him. Though he enjoyed it plenty, he wasn't trying to
torment her. Sandor slipped a hand between her thighs and her body froze. He
grinned against her hair, knowing just how she liked to be touched. "Oh...
gods."
"It's not the gods doing this," he growled and slid his fingers along her slick
hot flesh.
"Sandor," she wailed his name as her trembling hips rocked in rhythm with his
hand. Sansa turned her cheek towards him, panting breathless cries at the
ceiling. The way she clenched around his cock made him groan and he pushed his
face into her neck.
"I love your body, your skin, your hair," he rasped the praise into her ear. "I
love everything about you." Sansa was sobbing under his touch, driving her
fitful motions until she went rigid. Almost there... "Most of all, I love the
way you sing for me." Then she gasped a soft whimper and her whole body started
shaking as she cried out. He let go - his release pumping into her as he
groaned against her hair.
Sandor held her until his heart rate steadied before sinking back into the
mattress. Fuck, he was dog-tired lately! It's not like he worked or practiced
less just because he studied a fuck-load more. And the guys kept hounding him
to come hang with them but when he did, they just wanted to get fucked up. He
couldn't afford to fuck up anything, especially his mental state. What he
really needed was some fucking rest... Just as he was dozing off again she
puffed out a long breath, a sharp sound that stabbed his brain.
"We have to stop doing this," she sighed again, "it's too expensive." They were
relaxed for all of five minutes before she started in on that again.
Apparently, she didn't think it was worth it - hell of a confidence boost.
"What else would we do?" Sandor tried to keep the annoyed edge out of his voice
- and failed. He could feel her getting all prickly and it took all his self-
control to suppress a groan. Just shut up already and sleep! Didn't she ever
get tired?! Oh no, she could go home after this when he had to head over to the
shop. Tonight he got the dream chore of hosing out some pens of shit and piss.
"The Skylark is free," she pointed out stubbornly.
"It's not good enough," he was always going to be more stubborn than her.
"Sandor-"
"Time is money little bird," he cut off her pointless nit picking. "I already
paid for this bed, just relax." Sandor thought that was the end of it because
she was quiet for a while - but she was just stewing.
"How can I relax when I should have paid this time?" Sansa just couldn't let
anything go! It was the same thing over and over again until it turned out her
way. "It's only fair." Really, she had no appreciation at all, for how hard he
worked to make this happen for them.
"I don't think your father would like you spending his money on cheap motels."
The moment the words were out of his mouth, he regretted them. But he only
realized he went too far went when she didn't reply. Sandor forced his eyes
open and turned his head towards her. Sansa was glowering up at the ceiling.
"I can't believe you just said that," she whispered with angry disbelief.
"That's..." Her hands clutched the sheets to her chest, twisting the fabric.
"It's the truth," he defended himself and immediately knew it was a mistake.
For the hundred-millionth time - he should've just kept his mouth shut. Sure,
she was the one causing problems but Sandor knew he was making it worse.
"My father likes to take care of me..." She wasn't yelling, he would've
expected that but instead she spoke too quietly. "He gives me money to spend
because he trusts my decisions." Sandor decided he should just stop talking
before he dug his grave too deep. Silence turned out to be wrong too - she
huffed an irritated sound and launched out of bed.
"What are you doing?" He sat up and watched Sansa snatch up her clothes off the
floor to start getting dressed.
"I'm so terribly sorry for being born to a well-off family!" She clipped her
bra behind her head and turned to glare at him. "But I can't apologize for it
anymore!" What the fuck was her problem - why was everything a fucking tragedy
with her? Poor little rich girl, he had to tiptoe about her being sensitive
about money. How fucking backwards was that?!
"You're shoving it in my face, always offering to pay." Sandor threw his hand
out wide before bringing it back to slap against his chest. "I have a job, I
can pay!" He couldn't accept her father's money to spend time together with -
fucking - her. How could he show the man honest respect if he did that? Why
couldn't she understand it was the principle of the thing?
"You need to save money for school!" Sansa always knew what was best - never
once trusted him to think for himself. Did she really think he was that big of
an idiot?
"Always with the lectures," he flopped back on the bed. "Why don't you tell me
how to live my life some more - clearly, I can't think for myself. You pick
what school I go to, how much I study, when I'm allowed to pay for stuff.
What's next?" She was quiet again for a while but he refused to look up until
the mattress dipped when she sat down. He rolled his head to the side and saw
her, half-dressed and hunched over at the end of the bed.
"I'm sorry..." That hurt in her voice was all he needed to melt his anger - he
went too far - again. "I didn't mean to push you," her voice cracked and it was
like taking a knife to his gut. He really hated himself when he made her voice
sound like that. "I thought you wanted to stay with me." It amazed him how she
could go from being happy to angry to sad in just a few minutes. Thinking back
over the last few minutes he didn't even know how they got to this point.
Sandor sat up and scooted closer to her but she didn't turn around.
"Of course I want to stay with you." He tugged on her arm but she didn't
respond, just sat there with her head bowed. "Shit... I'm sorry, little bird.
I'm a fucking asshole, going off on you for no reason." That wasn't true, there
was a reason. It was useless to point out the main reason he shouldn't stay in
Kings Landing. She whirled around and threw her arms around him to hug him.
"Don't be upset," she whimpered against his shoulder - as if it was his choice.
Maybe it was... but he didn't know how to turn it off. Some part of his brain
devoted to constantly worrying about Greg. What was he doing, where was he, and
who was going to be hurt next? It kept Sandor up most nights since he said he'd
stay in Kings Landing.
Just being around him was dangerous for her but there was no use reminding her.
They already promised to stay with each other and that's what he planned to do.
But even from wherever in the seven hells Greg was - he cast a long shadow. If
he only knew where that monster was, maybe this crawling paranoia would stop...
"I don't deserve to be comforted," he grumbled as she squeezed him tighter.
"I'm comforting myself," she sniffed. "We're both wound-up from too much
studying..." Sansa tried to lighten her tone but it was still tight with
sadness. "I know I can be overbearing but I only do it because I love you and
want the best for you."
"I'm sorry, Sansa," he returned her embrace. "There's a lot going on right now
and it's putting me on edge."
"I think," she inhaled a shaky breath, "the things we said shouldn't be
ignored. If we don't talk about it then it will just come up again. I think...
it's unfair for you to look down on me for my family's wealth." The little bird
was so fucking smart - and sometimes dumb as all seven hells.
"You said it earlier," he pulled back on her shoulders to look at her. "Your
father likes to take care of you. I want to do that - I want to be the one
taking care of you." Sandor's head stooped under the weight of his words.
"That's the only way I can convince myself that I deserve you." On some level
she must enjoy this, breaking him down until he shared every feeling.
"You need to get past that, Sandor!" Her sudden strength surprised him into
looking up. "Forget about deserving me because you already have me! I'm so
hopelessly in love with you," she huffed a laugh, "it's probably unhealthy. And
I want you all the time so offering to pay is not a show of wealth... I'm
desperate for you." Sansa's eyes turned glassy with unshed tears but she didn't
shy away. "Even if you decide to go to school outside of Kings Landing, nothing
will change for me."
"I already decided to stay," he insisted, raising his hand to cup the side of
her face. "I'm desperate for you too - I can't be away from you and I was
fooling myself thinking I could." She leaned forward to hug him again and he
wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. After a while, she started
pressing her lips against his neck. "Not mad anymore?" Sansa pulled back,
keeping her hands linked around his neck.
"You already paid for this bed," she pointed out with a smile. "The smartest
man I know says time is money." The cheerfulness was forced, he knew her too
well, and she was a terrible liar.
"I'm staying," he promised again, "I won't change my mind." A worried look
flashed though her eyes - she tried to hide it by glancing away. "What is it?"
"What if you can't get into Crownlands?" It sounded like her worst fear and
that made him feel a bunch of conflicting emotions. He decided to bury those
feelings deep inside to deal with later - or never. "You are working hard but
it won't be easy..."
"There's nothing I can't do if I put my mind to it." Sandor slipped his hand
under her chin to draw her eyes up to meet his. "And my mind's on you, little
bird - it has been since I first saw you."
"Love me," she requested softly and he did his best to make her feel loved.
Sansa fell asleep right away after but he lay awake thinking. Mr. Stark had
everything - a loving family and enough money to keep them happy. The little
bird was accustomed to that life of love and money, even if she didn't know how
much. To keep her, he would give her everything she needed. To deserve her,
even if she disagreed, he'd have to give her everything she wanted.
Chapter End Notes
     Well, that's a weird chapter... I like it. Nice and steamy, if I do
     say so myself! Not that I have any particular reason but I like a
     Sheri & Sandor POV chapter best of all. <3
***** Who Are You Running From? *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                          [Who_Are_You_Running_From?]
                                     ARYA
Math class was shit even before Joffrey topped her 'list' - people she wanted
dead. Doesn't everyone have one of those? No...? Well, people don't know what
their missing. Jaime Lannister was the most arrogant asshole she ever
encountered, including his son-nephew. All he did was teach high school algebra
but he put on this 'cool teacher' act that made her sick. Class let out and she
waited for the students to clear out before approaching his desk.
"Miss Stark, do you need something?" His disgustingly handsome face was
disgusting, smiling like he thought she might be charmed. When she didn't
respond, his smug smile slipped. What she had planned was nothing short of
crazy but that ship sailed weeks ago. If she wasn't so desperate and angry
she'd never try something like this.
"I need this period free for the rest of the year," she told him bluntly.
"You want to drop my class?" He turned in his chair and got this worried look
on his nauseating face. The way he looked all 'concerned' made her want to
pluck his fucking eyes out.
"No, I need you to give me an A," she spoke as if explaining to a toddler.
"I'll take the final exam tomorrow if you like and then you can just say I
passed your class."
"And where will you be during the period you are not taking my class?" Finally,
his suspicion was up, took him long enough.
"I don't like you-"
"Miss Stark-"
"You look like your son," she finished - interrupting his interruption. His
golden tanned face paled as his eyes grew wide, now she had his attention.
"I don't have a son," he denied it but Arya knew that he knew that she knew -
it was over.
"They say a picture's worth a thousand words, Mr. Lannister." Arya smiled at
him with mock sweetness. "And a hidden camera shoots at about twenty-nine-
point-ninety-seven frames per second." Her mouth actually started to salivate
when his eyes widened. He must've known why his son-nephew was sent away.
"Arya," he shook his head as if to deny her but his voice was strained - she
already won. "I will have to call your father-"
"I have one-thousand-three-hundred-and-nine seconds of footage," she grinned.
"That's thirty-nine-million-two-hundred-thirty-thousand-seven-hundred-thirty-
and-thirty words. We both know I can ace your final exam right now." Arya could
see it in his eyes - he was looking for a sign she was bluffing. "You will give
me a passing grade," she insisted. "You will mark me present and you won't be
calling anyone's father." It's all about saying it the right way, all quiet and
calm but threatening at the same time.
"Congratulations on passing my class," he bowed his head in defeat. Oh, shit...
it worked!
"Thanks," she smirked, "bye." Be cool - be cool and walk out normally - don't
run. The bell rang again and she was late for class so she let herself streak
through the hallway. "Sorry," she mumbled as she interrupted the class before
taking her seat. But she wasn't sitting... she was floating. The rest of the
day, she felt lighter than she had since she could remember! Gods that felt
fucking amazing! She took that arrogant fuck and put him in his place! When
school was over she took the bus to see doc H'ghar, actually looking forward to
it.
Arya realized the doc was a skilled manipulator and she wanted to learn from
him. He easily talked circles around her, that's was what impressed her the
most. It was impossible for her to control her thoughts but she could control
her body. That part scared her the most, not being in control. But H'ghar
already taught her enough to convince everyone she was fine.
Once she conquered her fear, all that was left to do was clean up the
aftermath. She started with making love in the rain with her blacksmith. That
was well done on her part, couldn't've gone better really. Gendry completely
chilled out after that. Her next goal had been to carve out some free time so
she could meditate. Once that was done she almost wished she could brag about
it but no one would ever appreciate it.
Once in the doc's office she couldn't sit down so Arya paced the room as she
waited for the doc. What the fuck was taking so long? Answers she needed were
locked inside his head and she wasn't leaving without them. They needed to skip
this 'how was your day' bullshit and get to the good stuff before she... Why
did she always think about killing people? She knew exactly how it could be
done. Hide a stone bookend in her bag, wait until he sits, and bash him over
the head with it.
Do other people know how easy it is to kill another person? Not in hand-to-hand
combat between amateurs - choking someone to death takes considerable strength.
But a few quick searches can pinpoint where to find major arteries in the human
body. A three-inch switchblade could hit them all if sharp enough. The doc
entered wearing his usual docile expression and Arya snapped back into herself.
"How are we today, Arya?" He sat down but she stayed a short distance behind
her chair. It wasn't really 'her' chair, nothing in this world actually
belonged to her. She stared at him, wanting to see if she could make him slip
today. It was annoying to interact with someone smarter and a far better
manipulator. "Last time we spoke you mentioned the cession of your menstrual
cycle. You said it had an effect on the sexual aspect of your relationship with
Gendry."
"We're jumping right in, are we?" Arya smirked at his unchanged features and
casual tone. "Do you actually know what you're doing?" He only smiled wider and
flicked his eyes to her seat. "Fine," she didn't feel like standing anyway.
"When my period stopped, even though I wasn't pregnant, it changed everything."
Let the game begin, she gives a little then he gives a little, round and around
they go.
"How?" Doc used short questions but wanted monologues about 'feelings' she
would never reveal... Those thoughts kept her awake, creeping into her brain to
steal parts of herself.
"I wanted Gendry more than I ever wanted anything." Arya felt almost wistful
for those days even though they weren't that long ago. Back then, her biggest
problem was Jon not approving of her dating. "Nobody could tell me I shouldn't
have what I want and I laughed at their worries. The idea that I could get
pregnant seemed so ridiculous - and then I missed my period." When she realized
her period was late, sheer terror threatened to overwhelm her. It made her
realize she'd been truly helpless all along. "Guess I'm not as smart as I like
to think."
"None of us are," he assumed an expression of empathic understanding. "I think
you are very brave to admit these things to me."
"When I ask you to help me you act like an arrogant ass - the stick." Arya had
no problem letting him know she was onto his game. "I don't need your carrot,
doc. Save your praises for someone who likes their head patted. What I want is
for you to reward my good behavior with some more mind tricks." That was the
only reason she came to see him, spilling her guts as if paying a price for his
knowledge.
"Very well," he nodded - giving in far too easily. "I was just about to suggest
a technique."
"Bring it on," she raised a brow.
"Close your eyes," he was being serious. She grumbled under her breath as she
complied. "Relax... clear your mind... What do you see?"
"Darkness," she rolled her eyes behind her eyelids - this was so fucking
stupid.
"Concentrate on breathing steadily in and out," he paused a moment. "Which do
you prefer running or sitting?" What was with his asinine questions? She was
CURRENTLY sitting!
"Fine," she slumped back in the chair, "um, running I guess." Somehow, just
saying she liked to run made her start to feel a bit winded to she focused on
breathing.
"Why are you running in the dark?" His tone softened and lulled her deep into
the blackness behind her eyes. "Where are you going... where have you been?"
Where was she...? On either side, she barely make out an inky dense forest,
speeding by in a blur. Her chest ached for breath and it was so cold she could
see her panted breath. "Arya," he murmured, "why are you running?" Because she
was alone and needed to find someone... No, not it was because there was
something behind her!
"There's someone after me..." Arya spoke aloud before even realizing it and her
voice sounded scared. Why was she seeing and feeling these things?
"Who?" He whispered the single word but it resounded as if screamed inside of
her head. Her pulse picked up and fear kept pricking over her shoulder. Like if
she looked behind her, there would be something coming for her in the darkness.
"I don't know," she panted, her heart started to race. "I can't see anything...
I have to get away!"
"You do know," he insisted quiet and calm. "Take a breath and focus... Who is
it? What is following you? Where are you going?" Run - run - run as fast as you
can...
"Stop!" Her eyes flew open to glare at him. "What's this stupid game you're
playing?!"
"You are running in your mind, Arya." H'ghar pinned her in place with a hard
stare and she squirmed uncomfortably. "If you need to run then run, but if you
need to fight you must face your pursuer."
"I don't understand," she gritted her teeth together and glared at her so-
called therapist.
"What weapon would you use if you turned to fight whoever is chasing you?" He
was confusing the crap out of her. Was he talking about 'mental weapons' or the
real thing? The doc just stared at her steadily, waiting for her answer.
"My sword," she shrugged, "but I haven't been practicing." Lately, looking at
the sword reminded her of her gullibility before Winterfest. Back then, she
thought she was so clever, hiding her relationship and sneaking around. The
truth was her father didn't really care what she did as long as he stayed
ignorant. That's how Sansa did it - the sister she claimed to be smarter than.
Dad wanted them to lie to him - that was the most fucked up part.
"Why not?" He pressed her further but she couldn't puzzle out why the doc was
being so vague. Before this, he was always straightforward but now he seemed
amused by her confusion!
"I'm too tired lately," she sighed and started listing off all the reasons.
"And Gendry looks at me all worried-"
"You're tired because you're running, stand your ground and fight." His voice
hardened, sounding more like her father, which made her defensive. "If you need
practice then you should be practicing."
"Do you mean, like, in real life or... am I missing something?" Arya held up
her hands in a helpless gesture, but her tone was exasperated. Where in the
seven hells was this going?!
"You already have the sword, learn how to use it." What he said made sense she
just didn't have any clue what that had to do with anything. "Envision your
enemy as you practice until you can see them clearly."
"Learn my enemy's face," she interpreted his advice, "so that I can defeat
them...?" Arya tried to conjure up a face but saw only darkness so she opened
her eyes and leaned forward. She braced her forearms across her knees and hung
her head. "There is someone I hate but I don't think of him as my enemy."
Joffrey wasn't smart enough to be her 'enemy', he was just annoying.
"Then release your hatred for him so you can focus on your true opponent." The
doc's words might have sounded hokey but there was something to them. "If you
don't, that hatred will cast a shadow over your inner sight." Her 'inner what'
- why was he bullshitting her all of a sudden?
"I can't do that," she protested, "I don't even know how to stop hating him."
Sometimes her hatred for Joff was the only thing keeping her going! When she
felt completely out of herself, that hate still burned in her gut.
"Forgiveness is not necessary," he claimed. "Give up your fear of this person-"
"I'm not afraid of him!" Sudden anger boiled up inside her, the same rage she
struggled to tamp down. "He can't hurt us anymore - I took care of that."
"Then why hate him?" The doc waited patiently as she sat in stunned silence.
Was he right - did she fear Joffrey? She wanted to blame that ass-hat for
everything but her hatred for him broke her life.
"Because of my sister..." Arya tried to explain but her words faltered. "The
person I hate tried to hurt her and I was able to protect her." But then Sansa
just stuck her head back in the sand to pretend the world is perfect. "I
thought... for once, we might actually relate to each other but she let me
down."
"And her response to your disappointment was?" He already knew what she was
about to say but they had to go through the process of her admitting it.
"We haven't really talked," she sulked. Arya distracted herself by tapping her
toe against the coffee table between them. The stalemate between her and Sansa
was getting old but she didn't know how to fix it.
"That will be the first step to letting go of your rage." The doc spoke of her
'rage' like it was something she chose when it was a weight dragging her down.
"If this person you 'hate' is not the one chasing you, it is up to you to leave
them behind." Okay so, to sum up... He gave her cryptic advice and told her to
practice with her sword. Basically, he was wasting both of their time.
"You haven't taught me anything," she protested - this whole session was
pointless! And fucking weird!
"You don't really think that," he tilted his head forward and gave her a
knowing look. Maybe he was a little right - there was something in the darkness
following her. Now that she had some free time during the day, it would give
her a chance to figure it out. "Now," he smiled, "tell me about your day." Arya
gave in, recounting her day and purposefully leaving out her venture into
blackmailing. After leaving the doc's office, she thought more about
threatening Mr. Lannister. Did he deserve that? Not really, she could admit
that, but so what?
She could pass his class blindfolded with both hands behind her back - it was a
waste of time. That time could be better spent practicing her meditation in the
empty room. Besides, it wasn't fair that only upperclassmen have free study
periods. In the end, she did what she had to do and let go of any lingering
guilt. There were more important things to focus on - like following the doc's
advice. When she got home, she went straight to her bedroom and found Sansa
reading a book in bed. Arya closed the door behind her and approached her
sister's bedside to plop down.
"I'm seeing a therapist," she announced and her sister's eyes opened wide with
surprise. "He tells me that I should be honest and not hide my feelings." Or,
at least that's what Arya took away from today's session.
"You can tell me anything," Sansa closed her book and set it aside.
"You let me down," once Arya started the anger just poured out of her. "Not as
bad as dad but... How could you - letting Joffrey off the hook like that?!" If
it had been up to her she would've put Joffrey down so low, he couldn't get
back up. Sansa's way only delayed another inevitable showdown.
"I did it to protect you," her sister protested with wide-eyed innocence. "You
are the one who took all the risk to get that hard-drive. How could I turn
around and use that evidence against him? You would get into trouble and we
would not be able to use the drive legally."
"So, it was all for me?" Arya crossed her arms and scoffed a laugh. "That's
fucking bullshit and you know it - you did it for yourself!"
"No... you're right," Sansa nodded sadly. "I just wanted to put the whole thing
behind me. You don't understand how weak I felt when it all happened." The
tears collecting in her sister's eyes pricked at Arya's conscious. "I just
wanted to crawl into a hole and die because I was so-so-so stupid! And you were
so brave, I was really jealous. I'm sorry I let you down, Arya."
"I guess it's messed up for me to expect you to do things the way I'd do it,"
she relented. "You're not me and I'm not you." Arya hunched over and stared at
the ground, feeling better and worse at the same time. "So, I guess I'm sorry
too."
"I like that we're different but..." Sansa reached out to take Arya's hand. "No
matter how different we are I love you and I think you're the best sister."
"Thanks for covering for me with dad," she showed her sister some much-deserved
gratitude. Sansa knew all along that something was up with Arya but she never
snitched.
"Please make up with him," Sansa begged. "Don't be so hard on daddy, he's had a
rough time, and he is worried about you even if he doesn't say it." If dad were
that 'worried' about her, he would've said something by now. He had to notice
she was losing her godsdamned mind - he just didn't care.
"I know I lost my shit for a while but I've got it now," she squeezed her
sister's hand. "You don't have to worry about me."
"I will always worry about you." Sansa leaned forward and wrapped her arms
around Arya in a loose hug.
"Ew, gross..." Really, Arya didn't mind - she needed her sister on her side,
nobody else would be. Bran's support was all well and good but it didn't carry
any weight. Once she turned fifteen, she would ask Sansa to help her convince
dad about Gendry. If anyone could talk him into letting them date, it'd be
'daddy's little princess'. The pieces of her life were being picked up and put
together. Some parts were a little jagged and hard to fit but she was working
hard on filling in the gaps. She slipped her arms around her sister and
squeezed her tight. "Thanks, sis..."
Chapter End Notes
     So obviously, Arya is not 'better' - nowhere near that. But even
     though she has everyone fooled... Jaqen is starting to intensify his
     bizarre pseudo-swami therapy, I love it!
     My girl Gritty is up next, she's looking for a little one-on-one time
     with the hound...
***** The Green-Eyed Monster *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [The_Green-Eyed_Monster]
                                    YGRITTE
She was looking for Theon, the lazy bum promised her some one-on-one. He
probably went off somewhere and smoked himself unconscious. Oh well, guess she
had to find something else to amuse her while she waited for Jon. On her way
out of the gym, she spotted a familiar hulking figure lumbering ahead.
"Hey, hound - you down?!" Ygritte held up the basketball in her hand as he
turned around to look at her.
"Now you ask," he growled, "when I'm fucking worn out!" Sandor did already have
a ring of sweat around the collar of his sleeveless shirt.
"The only thing weaker than your game is your excuses," she baited him.
"Sure," he shrugged, "I guess - if you wanna be embarrassed." The hound was one
predictable fucker, he couldn't resist when goaded. He had way too much to
prove but that suited her needs well enough.
"Fuck that!" Ygritte dribbled the ball as she led the way into the gymnasium.
"You're going down!" They walked to the center of the court and she turned to
face him, dribbling from hand to hand. "Bring your A-game, big boy," she winked
at him.
"You can flirt all you want, Gritty - I'm not distracted in the least." His
eyes traveled the length of her body before tilting his head with indifference.
"Let's see what I can do about that..." She passed him the ball and peeled off
her shirt, wearing only a sports bra underneath.
"Huh," he imitated an exaggerated yawn.
"Asshole," she flipped him off.
"You know you're right," he bounced the ball back to her, "it is kinda hot in
here." Sandor evened the score by removing his own shirt and it was quite a
retaliation. The hound was packing some major musculature and she was pretty
damn distracted.
"You can say that again," she held the ball against her hip and fanned herself.
"What have you been eating to get so big?!"
"Little redheaded girls," he licked his tongue across the front of his teeth.
Ygritte loved playing with the hound and not just because he was a challenge.
He had the best sense of humor - back in the day she had a little crush on him.
But one afternoon Jon walked into her classroom and she'd been hot for him ever
since. After Sandor started dating Sansa, she understood why he never showed
any interest. It was understandable since they both preferred ridiculously
gorgeous people, typical jocks.
"Then you know how tasty we are?" Her eyes darted to the stance of his feet,
trying to calculate which side to rush. Ygritte started dribbling and was about
to move to his right...
"Taste this," he was just all of a sudden in front of her - his hand took the
ball right out of hers. The hound spun around her and threw from the three-
point line - nothing but net. "YEAH!" He turned around and smirked at her
before retrieving the ball. "Don't get too distracted, Gritty."
"You'll pay for that," she promised as they bounced the ball back and forth to
each other. As soon as it returned to her hands, she was off, speeding past him
in a beeline straight for the net. She jumped, dunked, and landed with an
echoing boom. "Now who's distracted?" Ygritte spun around with her hands up in
a victorious pose.
"I'm just getting warmed up," he crossed his arms and sneered at her.
"I think your pretty girlfriend made you soft," she jogged to retrieve the
ball.
"Nothing about me is soft," he caught the ball when she bounced it to him. As
soon as she stepped up to the center line, he rushed her. But she kept on him,
her eyes fixed on the ball. All of a sudden, he was just over her, launching
the ball to the net.
"Fuck!" Ygritte watched the ball sail over her head only to rebound back off
the board. "Off the board!" Her gloating was short-lived because he made an
amazing comeback - scoring twice more. They both got serious after that and she
kept up pretty well but he made it to ten baskets first.
"Next time," she panted and bent over to brace her hands on her knees, "you're
going down." She only lost by two points!
"Sure, whatever you say." The hound stumbled to the nearby bleachers and sat
down. "Fuck - I'm beat."
"Sansa wearing you out?" Ygritte sat down next to him, bracing her hands
against the bench.
"You have no idea..." He bent forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "She's
got me studying for the college entrance exams." The hound, studying? Now that
was fucking funny! Sansa sure had a way with people.
"Procrastinator," she teased, "I did that months ago. Doesn't matter, I was
offered a full scholarship last year. Not to the school I wanted to attend but
you take what you can get." Ygritte could play on the basketball team if she
really wanted and it would get her a lot more attention. But if talented
females keep trying to be 'one of the boys' then only the girls' teams suffer.
"Haven't you been getting a shitload of offers?"
"The scouts brave enough to actually talk to me," he snorted a laugh. "They
don't give me any good reason why they're better than anywhere else." The hound
sighed as his head drooped. "The Crownlands scout hasn't come anywhere near
me..."
"Crownlands - aim a little higher why don't you?!" She stared at him with shock
and just a hint of disappointment. "Why'd you wanna go there anyway?" He just
chuckled quietly and ignored her. "Aren't you sick of these privileged pampered
assholes?"
"Sansa wants me to stay in Kings Landing," he mumbled. Ygritte made a whipping
sound effect and hand motion combo. "Fuck off!" The hound's bark was worse than
his bite, she knew that well enough to never be afraid of him. "I don't have
anything else going for me besides her."
"And being poised to be one of the best basketballers in the country..." She
could just barely admit to herself how jealous she was. "Yeah, that's boring!
You're one ungrateful fucker, you know that?"
"I like you, Gritt." Sandor grinned at her - it was dammed ugly but kinda
charming in his way. "You say it how it is."
"Not always, just no reason to not be direct," she grinned at him. "Thanks for
coming out to support the team lately." Ygritte threw an arm around his broad
sweaty shoulders. "Coach doesn't like it but the girls get a boost when the
school jock shows up."
"What are you talking about?" The hound pretended to be offended. "Miss Brienne
loves me," he sulked and she chuckled. "Take them all the way, Gritt - I'll be
in the stands for the championship." He didn't have to tell her that, they were
going to the finals and she would lead them to victory.
"I'll be the one on the court winning," she smiled wide at him.
"Ygritte!" Jon's voice echoed through the gym and she looked up to see him
heading towards them.
"Hey, handsome!" She stood up and gathered her stuff as Jon walked to her side.
He didn't say anything, just glanced behind her at the hound. Before leaving,
she tossed a wave goodbye at the big guy. "See ya, hound!" Sandor gave her a
nod and Ygritte turned to throw her arm around Jon shoulder to lead him out of
the gym. "You shoulda seen it - I wiped the floor with that giant!" So she
wasn't always honest... Her boyfriend stayed quiet and stared down at his
sneakers. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing..." He moved away so that her arm fell from his shoulders. "You looked
pretty chummy with the hound, didn't know you two were friends."
"Are you...?" Ygritte stopped dead in her tracks - nothing could shock her
more! "Are you jealous?! Of fire-face?!" Jon shrugged and didn't say anything
in reply. "Is there something wrong with your brain?" She poked a finger
against his forehead and he slapped her hand away. "You know he's dating your
supermodel cousin, right?"
"Don't remind me," he sneered.
"Well, thanks for ruining my good fucking mood," she started to walk away. "I
don't need this childishness in my life. Call me when you grow up - peace!"
"Ygritte, wait!" He reached out and grabbed her hand to stop her from leaving.
"No - I don't do jealousy," she shoved his hand off. "Either you trust me or
you don't!" If this were any other guy, she'd already have tossed him
overboard. Ygritte never tolerated distrust because it was beneath her. But
this was Jon, the most gorgeous and perfect man she'd met. And he was jealous -
over her - it kinda turned her on.
"I do trust you," he insisted but then he glanced away guiltily. "I'm not
jealous... alright maybe a little." Jon flicked away a curl that fell into his
bowed face - too damned adorable to stay mad at.
"That's fucking ridiculous," she scolded in a softer tone. "You shouldn't even
spend one second being jealous of the hound." Ygritte smirked as he looked up,
seeing his sudden reassurance. "Sure, I'd fuck him if I nothing better to do."
She chuckled at his instant paling and put a hand on his shoulder. "You'll
always be better than everyone else - I don't want anyone but you, Jon."
"I fucked up," he mumbled, "I'm sorry."
"You'll have to make it up to me..." She grabbed his wrist and started dragging
him towards the girls' shower.
"I can't go in here!" His voice raised in pitch with pure panic as she pulled
him through the doorway. "Ygritte: this is the girls' shower," like she didn't
know that. "Someone is bound to notice I'm not a girl!"
"We won't get caught," she was already stripping off her jacket to lay it on a
bench nearby. "If anyone did walk in they'd just be grateful to see you naked."
Ygritte pulled her sports bra off to drop it on her jacket. There - an
appropriate reaction - the gleam in his eye was telling all the tales. Jon
wanted to fuck her right here on campus - she was corrupting him to all seven
hells. He kept his eyes locked with hers, unbuttoning his shirt to toss it on
her clothes.
"Feeling grateful?" Jon's kept his expression mostly serious but a smile tugged
at his lips. Gratitude was the only appropriate response to his flawless body.
"Only halfway." Ygritte stepped towards him, gripping his belt buckle to pull
him closer. "This has to go," she jerked open his belt.
"And this too," he hooked his thumbs in the waist of her skirt to push it down
over her hips.
"Fuck being grateful," she panted as raw lust ripped through her. "I want you
so bad right now." Ygritte slid a hand behind his neck to grab a handful of
curls and pressed her mouth against his. They hurried to strip their clothes,
stumbling together to the nearest shower stall. Inside, he held pulled her
close and captured her lips again. Her hand found the shower control and turned
the water on, spraying out cold onto his back.
"Hey," he hissed in protest as Ygritte chuckled and reached to adjust the
temperature. "You did that on purpose." Jon nuzzled against her face as the
warming water showered over them.
"Would I do that?" She turned her face against his to find his lips but he
avoided her.
"You're a cruel woman, Ygritte." His hand squeezed her hips and her palm
splayed against his chest, squeezing the hard muscle.
"Now you're being cruel," she sulked, turning her face up. Then he finally
kissed her and her mind went blank, moving on instinct. Ygritte pushed him
against a wall and straddled him, hooking a leg around his. She grabbed the
showerhead pipe with one hand for balance. The stall was a tiny cramped
miserable space but it was randomly perfect to have sex in. She her hips
shifted forward and guided his cock inside her. He groaned as he filled her,
sinking back against the wall with his knee bent under her for support.
Hot steam filled the shower, intensifying her heady feeling. His arms curled
around her waist, one hand gripping her ass to pull her flush against him.
Ygritte braced a hand against the wall and swayed back and forth on her
tiptoes. He gripped her hips as he withdrew to thrust up into her and she
bucked against him. She moved her hips in a circular motion, sinking lower to
take him deeper. The wet tile slid under her hand and she fell against his
chest as both of them rocked together.
Jon's hands circled her waist to jerk her higher up against his body and she
bent over him. His breath panted against her lips and his head angled to the
side before his mouth met hers. He opened his mouth against hers, inviting her
tongue inside. Her tongue slipped between his lips to caressed his and he
moaned against her mouth. She let out an sharp gasp as he stroked a hand up her
body, causing her pulse to throb in her veins.
Ygritte knew she should keep quiet but couldn't help crying out. He cupped her
breast as she arched into his touch and he broke the kiss to bow his head. His
lips touched her throat, kissing down her neck and along her collarbone. She
nearly passed out from the overwhelming sensations and hot water showering over
her. The air thickened with heated steam so she fumbled for the handle and
turned off the water.
An electric torrent ripped through her when his mouth moved down to her breast,
licking the beads of water running down. The sensation made her entire body
throb as waves of heat bubbled through her. His fingertips slid between her
legs to stroke her pulsing flesh, weakening her knees. Both of them moaned as
she pressed her hips towards him. Her heart fluttered wildly when he buried his
face into her shoulder.
He thrust into her, bringing her mounting ecstasy to a peak. Hardly breathing,
she whined and trembled from the powerful release rushing through her. The
orgasm seemed to go on forever, his cock growing even harder. It throbbed
against her uncontrolled contracting. Jon let out a breathless whimper against
her hair as he pumped his release deep inside her. His arms held her body tight
against his chest until the last satisfying stroke.
They slumped into the corner of the stall, both exhausted. Her breathing
normalized as his arms unwrapped from around her and he let them drop to his
sides. She lifted her heavy head to meet his eyes, which fixed a dazed stare on
her in return. Then they burst into breathless giggles like naughty little
kids. High-pitched voices echoed into the showers and both of them froze. He
gave her a panicked look but she held up a finger in front of her mouth
indicating for him to stay quiet.
"Ugh," a feminine voice groaned. "How could he spill his whole fricking drink
on me?!"
"Tansy, I'm sure it was an accident." Walda Frey owned the other voice - didn't
sound like she believed her own words. Thankfully, neither of the girls
commented on their clothes sitting out. Ygritte turned back to Jon, who rolled
his eyes at the ridiculous situation. She gave him a wicked grin and moved her
hips against him, feeling him harden inside her.
"Don't be an idiot... he did it on purpose," the girl wailed, "I hate Ramsay
Bolton!" Put a cork in it already! Though she didn't exactly want the girls to
leave - this was so wicked! Jon hissed at her to stop moving but she grinned
and rocked her hips again.
"You should tell someone that he's bulling you." Walda tried to advise her
friend but the girl just snorted a humorless laugh. Jon ignored the girls,
returning her rocking with a retaliating thrust. Ygritte bit in the inside of
her lip to keep quiet and buried her face into his shoulder.
"Grow up, that's not how the world works for them, and you know it." This Tansy
girl needed to shut up and take her fucking shower already! "Besides, I'm not
nearly as scared of him as Myranda..." Ygritte froze and started poking Jon to
get him to stop so she could listen. He drew back to give her a questioning
look but she turned her attention to the girls.
"Just avoid her," Walda advised, her voice muffled by a shower being turned on.
Ygritte pulled away from her confused boyfriend to move close to the shower
curtain.
"I think she came to my house," Tansy's voice quieted and Ygritte strained to
hear. "I found a note in my mailbox... it was just two words really. Die
whore."
"Take a shower and you'll feel better," Walda insisted. "I'll head outside to
call my sister for a ride." Ygritte knew this might be their only chance to get
out of this without being caught. She peeked out of the stall and saw her
window of opportunity.
"I'll get our clothes, be right back," she whispered under breath to Jon.
Ygritte moved fast - and naked - to get their clothes off the bench. When she
rushed back into the stall, they dressed quickly. Both of them bumped into each
other in the cramped space. If she weren't so fucking rushed with adrenaline
the situation would be hilarious. The coast was still clear so they made a
quick getaway. They grabbed their jackets and shoes before sprinting out of the
showers.
"I can't believe I let you talk into that," he stopped in front of a bench to
put on his shoes. She sat down next to him and looked over at Jon - both of
them broke into a fit of giggles. "How could they not notice our clothes
everywhere? I thought we were caught for sure!" Ygritte joined him another
round of laughter as she put on her shoes. Then she remembered the girls'
conversation and it killed her good mood.
"What's up?" He noticed she was suddenly quiet. "You okay?"
"No, it's cool," she assured him and nodded towards the parking lot. "I'll give
you a ride home."
"No paintballing today?" Jon sounded disappointed and it made her smile.
"Tomorrow," she promised. "I gotta do something today." She and Jon were
starting to see eye-to-eye on most things. Ygritte could tell that he knew
something was up and she that didn't want to talk about it. And he got it -
that she knew all of that and appreciated it. Love is kinda fucking awesome,
like being telepathic. Except when you're not, then one of you is really wrong.
But this was one of those times when neither of them had to say anything.
"I can catch a ride," he kissed her, "go do what you gotta do."
"Thanks babe," she grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him in for a
longer kiss. "I love you."
"Love you," he smiled all handsome and she almost wanted to change her mind.
No, she couldn't let any serious bullying go on under her nose. Because, like
today, that shit always manages to fuck everything up. Ygritte watched Jon get
up and walk away before heading to her car. She knew one of the Frey girls, who
could probably get her Walda's number. That girl would spill the whole story,
it seemed like she was dying to tell someone. Nobody on the team - especially
Myranda - was above her judgment.
Chapter End Notes
     Happy 100 chapters - this is actually my first full Ygritte chapter!
     Yay! Thanks to everyone for sticking with me this long.
     Last weekend was spent learning how to faux paint wall textures with
     glaze - it was exhausting! Mostly because the first day's work had to
     be completely redone, except for one room which turned out perfect.
     Sometimes the mistakes can turn out better than originally planned: I
     find that is true of life in general. It's a counterbalance to
     Murphy's Law - some of the shit that goes wrong actually ends up
     alright. The metaphor doesn't stop there, because painting mistakes
     can be fixed with a willingness to work and a few hard-learned
     lessons. Yep, life mistakes are much the same: start over, wipe the
     slate clean, and try again.
***** Starry Eyed *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                 [Starry_Eyed]
                                   MISSANDEI
Torgo impressed her every day, growing more confident with her and others. It
was a privilege to watch him coming out of his shell and she felt honored to
have played a small part. Today he was especially wonderful, talking to
everyone without once getting nervous or flustered.
"That was fun," Torgo hurried to take ahold of her hand as they were walking
out of the food bank.
"You don't have to say that," she assured him with a smile. "But volunteering
will look very good on our college transcripts." Torgo needed to take every
advantage because affording college will be difficult for him.
"Come on, don't pretend that's why you do it," he beamed at her. When he looked
at her like that it sent a burst of happiness through her body. "You were
really good in there with the people, they liked you." Torgo was also getting
stronger about at making his opinions known to her. Perhaps it was strange to
get these rushes of pride for him but she could not help it. His newfound
confidence enhanced his best qualities, being thoughtful and sweet.
"I can be accused of many things," she countered playfully. "But being 'good
with people' is not one of them."
"You really don't know how likable you are," he overestimated her likability.
Missa learned long ago that some people found her off-putting. Mostly because
she was too serious, studious, and she rejected all stereotypes. People like
the abstract idea of 'being oneself' but most actually prefer the expected.
"But... I more than 'like' you." Torgo looked down, wearing an embarrassed
smile and pulling his hand out of hers. The walked around her car to their
respective sides.
"Oh?" She tilted her head towards him, holding the keys, but waiting to unlock
the car doors.
"I love you," he grinned happily at her over the car roof.
"I love you too," she returned his smile and clicked the doors open. Ever since
he first confessed his love, she had been so grateful. Probably that was not
the most appropriate reaction. However, he had come such a long way and she
secretly wanted him to say it first. Because that meant he trusted her and was
no longer afraid of her rejection. They sat down inside and she quickly
assessed the position of the mirrors.
"So, as two people in love, what should we do?" Torgo was distracted as he
pulled on his seatbelt. "I'm cool with whatever you want."
"I wondered if you might... want to... um." Missa stalled as she buckled her
seatbelt and adjusted the strap over her chest. It was a very simple
suggestion, best said with the utmost clarity. "We could have sex today if you
wanted." She peeked sideways to see him staring perplexed at her. "Oh... I, um,
guess it might be better to be spontaneous but I wanted to be clear... Oh
dear." He was completely petrified again. "Torgo," she waved a hand in front of
his unblinking eyes, "are you alright?"
"We could, you know..." His eyes floated around dizzily behind his glasses. "We
could do that..." Torgo's voice kept getting quieter until she could barely
hear him. "You and I, together..."
"I think I broke you," she gave him a worried look.
"I'll be alright," he straightened up and adjusted his glasses. "I really love
you, Missa..." Torgo flipped a finger back and forth between them a few too
many times. "And I want to be with you."
"I love you, my sweet Torgo." She gave him her most reassuring smile. "It
doesn't have to be today, I am only proposing the possibility."
"Today... is fine," he nodded slowly but then his eyes locked on hers. "Uh, I
meant 'good'. No-no-no, I mean perfect; it's perfect." Torgo was so brave,
clearly nervous but willing to face his fears. How could she not be proud of
him?
"Alright then," she pulled the car out of the parking lot and got on the road.
"If you are ready we can go back to my house."
"Your mother isn't home?" He was likely surprised because they did not discuss
family all that much. Whenever she described her family life to him, it seemed
incompatible with his life. However, that was typical for her, already the
standard with her drama-magnet friends.
"Today there is party for the families of deployed local military members."
Missa turned onto the main road, heading towards her house. "Mother is on the
committee that oversees the event so she should be out of the house all day. We
are very honest with each other and I mentioned my hope that you would come
home with me today."
"What did she say?" He only worried because he did not know her mother.
"The standard lectures on safety and self-respect." Missa knew she was lucky to
have such a supportive mother. Just another advantage of being overly ordinary.
She despised herself for feeling bitter about occasionally. Although lately her
life felt anything but grudgingly conventional, all because of Torgo. Love has
a way of making the most mundane moments into magical ones. "Then she made
plans to stay over at a friend's house. We would have complete privacy."
"Wow, your mom is amazing," he might have been overstating it just a tad.
"My mother is a very practical woman and from her point-of-view I am safer at
home..." Oh gods, this was really happening! Beyond rational levels, Missa was
suddenly both terrified and enthusiastic. It made driving a bit difficult so
she pinpointed her focus on the task. "She also insisted on meeting you soon,"
she kept her tone even.
"I'd love to," he whispered timidly, sharing her anxiousness but unable to hide
it. They were quiet for the rest of the ride to her house but she assumed...
She hoped he was only nervous but not so scared that he would lose his nerve.
The silence endured when she pulled up in her driveway and it followed them
into the house. However, she did not find the lack of conversation unnerving
because she was half-responsible. They just had to get past this first time, oh
gods please let it go well.
"I think I would like a shower first," she suggested. Attentive hygiene was
recommended by most of the sources she researched. "Would you like to join me?"
It might give them both a chance to get used to each other naked. Torgo only
managed to nod, not even looking at her... Not exactly encouraging. She steeled
herself against her assailing doubts and led him into the guest bathroom. The
walk-in shower would give them enough space to be comfortable.
In the bathroom they faced and undressed, stealing glances, but neither saying
a word. Torgo's body looked much as she expected, she certainly spent enough
time imagining it. However, not even full anticipatory knowledge prepared her
for the effect of sexual arousal. No medical texts explained the onslaught of
symptoms her body experienced. Her heart thudded as if trying to escape her
chest. Meanwhile her legs and body began to tremble; it would have been
awful...
Except it was curiously the most wonderful she ever felt! It felt like her
veins were flooding with adrenaline but more heady and warm. To distract
herself she faced away from him to turn the shower on all the way hot. When she
looked back, Torgo still stood on the other end of the bathroom watching her.
She saw his obvious arousal and thankfully suppressed the odd urge to giggle.
"You look very beautiful," Missa broke the persistent silence. Not that she
could hear anything over the rushing of her own pulse.
"You too," his voice was even softer.
"Don't be worried," she linked her hands in front of her and moved towards him.
"Tell me what you want."
"I want whatever you want," he answered a little too quickly.
"We both should be open about what we want," she explained gently. "For
instance, I would like to kiss you." Torgo slowly stepped towards her, lifting
one hand to cup her cheek.
"That's what I want too," his warm lips covered hers in a delicate kiss. His
other hand settled on her hip to pull her closer. She pressed both hands
against his chest, feeling his hammering heart. Torgo inhaled sharply against
her mouth. Missa shivered despite heat spreading over her skin as longing
pulsed through her body. The tip of his erection poked her abdomen, sending
pulsing shocks between her legs. Steam was filling up the room by the time they
broke apart.
"Ready?" Her voice was expectedly unsteady but surprisingly strong. This was
what she wanted and her only need was for him to want it too. She lifted her
hand palm-up in invitation for him to come with her.
"Just a moment..." Torgo stepped back and raked his bespectacled eyes over her
from head to toe. Then he pulled his glasses off to set them on the vanity top.
"Ready," he confirmed, taking her hand. His gentle touch spread calm through
her body before she led him into the shower. The twin rain showerhead drizzled
them with steaming hot water. The warmth covering her body calmed her nerves.
Missa closed her eyes and tilted her head back to let the tension be washed
away. When she focused on Torgo again, he was still watching her.
Water ran down his face, poured into his collarbone, and spilled onto his
chest. The drops traveling the length of his body and defined stomach
mesmerized her. For a moment, she envied the hot hydrogen and oxygen atoms
sliding along his skin. Then she realized this was a perfect opportunity to
explore his body. Missa picked up the shower gel and squeezed some into her
hand, working it into a lather.
"Can I...?" Why did everything she said have to sound so incredibly
embarrassing? It pained her to let the question linger. Torgo stared curiously
at the body wash for a moment before nodding his permission. He made a small
sound when her soapy fingers found his skin but he did not flinch away.
Instead, he leaned into her touch and closed his eyes with a sigh. After
washing his chest, for longer than necessary, shyness prevented venturing
further. "Turn around and I will wash your back," she was brave enough for
that.
"It's been a while since someone did this," he sighed as she spread soapy suds
over his back. "It feels good." Torgo deserved these simple comforts and she
wanted to be the one comforting him. Missa slipped her arms around his slick
torso and hugging him from behind. He stiffened but she did not relax her hold,
allowing her body to press against his.
"Is it okay if I take care of you from now on?" It did not matter if she was
right or wrong to feel responsible for Torgo. That was the way she always felt
about him, ever since the first day they met. Something hid underneath his
timidity and painful shyness that she wanted to uncover. The undertaking to
discover that 'something' provided the greatest moments of her short life. Now
she knew how it felt to be admired for her whole self and she felt the same for
him.
"Okay," he wheezed.
"I mean it..." Missa wished she could directly communicate what she felt
instead using clumsy inadequate language. "If there is ever anything you need
or want, just tell me and I will do everything I can."
"All I want and need is you," he turned around but stayed close so their bodies
still touched.
"You say that now," she teased, feigning more calm than she felt. "But only
because your brain is rushed with dopamine caused by arousal."
"Nope, it's been this way ever since I met you." Torgo's sudden playfulness
boosted her confidence. "I spent my whole life playing it straight, never
drinking or anything." His hands curled around her hips, causing her heart to
stutter. "Then I end up high off you," he heaved an exaggerated exhale but
looked up with a smile. "You make me dizzy, jumpy, and scatterbrained but I
never want that to stop."
"What an odd and sweet thing to say," she kept her praise lighthearted. "I love
you, Torgo. You can trust me, say all the odd things you want, and my affection
will only grow." His arms enfolded her to pull her closer against his slick
warm body. Her lips tingled as she tilted her head back, waiting for his kiss.
He bowed his head to press their lips together, spreading heat through her
body. When they broke apart both of them panted breathlessly, devolving into
giddy chuckles.
Together they both conquered their bashfulness by helping to clean each other.
The challenging part was her inexplicable ticklishness. That problem soon
passed in favor of smoldering desire. After a while, she could not withstand
the torment of her longing. His physical condition indicated he felt the same.
She shut off the water and grabbed two dry towels off the hooks. They wrapped
towels around themselves before getting out of the shower. Missa stopped at the
vanity to open her conditioner and applied some to her hair.
"Oh that's what smells good," he sniffed the bottle when she set it down. "I
thought it was perfume."
"Do you want to try it?" Missa held up the product still left in her hand as an
offer.
"My haircare process is to cut it when it gets too poufy," he chuckled as he
set down the bottle. "Don't want to mess with what works." Torgo made a show of
slicking back his thick short hair.
"It is sort of nice for you to watch me do this," she continued to apply the
moisturizer to her curls.
"I feel like I'm learning all your secrets," he leaned against the vanity
countertop.
"There are still a few left to learn," she quirked a brow at him. "The only
thing left to do is apply some body lotion." Missa pulled off her towel to hang
it before turning around to face Torgo. She retrieved and held up her coconut
body butter to him. "Do you want to help me?" He nodded a little too
enthusiastically and she bit back a laugh.
"Never wanted anything more in my life," he accepted the container with amusing
reverence. Missa's skin tingled with anticipation as she watched him scoop some
cream. He was tentative at first, applying the lotion to her shoulders and
arms. She closed her eyes it seemed to bolster his confidence, moving his hands
to her chest. His fingers felt amazing gliding over her skin but she resisted
making noise. One wrong whine and he might lose all of his nerve.
"Now it's your turn," her voice was breathless by the time she opened her eyes.
Torgo started to shake his head but she snatched the container out of his hand.
"Don't be shy..." Missa imitated his technique, starting with his shoulders and
moving down. However, her bravery stopped at the towel around his hips. "I
think we are sufficiently cleaned and moisturized," she put down the container.
"Do you want to go to bed now?"
"Yes.." His voice went quiet and nervous again but she could not fault him
because she felt the same. Missa left her towel in the bathroom and let him
back into her bedroom. Once inside her room, she released his hand to draw the
drapes closed. The curtains dimmed the room, allowing a faint glow to filter
through the fabric. She returned to his side and raised her eyes to meet his
before tugging his towel loose. It fell to the floor around his feet before she
led him to the bed and they sat down beside each other.
Missa pulled his hand to her waist and caressed up his arm to hold his
shoulder. They leaned towards each other and she pressed her lips against his.
The lingering kiss was sweet but a powerful urgency pushed her to end the
stalling. She pulled down the coverlet and slid in between the cool sheets. He
moved to lay down beside her and she pulled the covers over their bodies. A
current of electricity cascaded down her stomach as she pulled him closer to
her.
"Tell me what you want," he whispered. Missa was not sure why they were
whispering but for some reason it made sense. His smooth limbs slid against
hers, sending tremors of excitement over her sensitive skin. The pulsing
urgency intensified to an almost uncomfortable degree.
"Come over me," she urged him to move on top of her, spreading her legs to
accommodate him. His erection nudged against her and the muscles of her stomach
tightened in anticipation. He tucked one arm under her arched waist as she
reached down. With determination she wrapped her fingers around his hardness.
Torgo jumped at the contact but he followed her guidance to her entrance. "Go
slowly," she advised and he nodded his answer. She thought he was going too
slow but then the stretched sensation turned sharp.
"Should I stop?" He froze when she released an involuntary whimper. The pain
was bearable, only annoying because it obscured the good sensations.
"It is better now I think," her hands went to his hips to encourage him all the
way inside her. Once that obstacle was passed, he relaxed on top of her and
tucked his face beside hers. She felt his hot breath on her neck, then the
tender brush of his soft lips on her skin. Her hands slid over his shoulders
and his hands wrapped around her waist. "It does not hurt anymore," not much
anyway, "you can move."
"Uh," his body stiffened as he hesitated, "if I move it'll be over."
"We can stay like this..." Missa stoked a hand against his cheek, urging him to
raise his head. "I love you, Torgo."
"I love you Missa," he panted and she could feel his heart racing. She could
not help pressing against him and he rocked in return. They both moaned at the
sudden rush of mutual pleasure. He pumped into her and she pushed herself
closer to him to meet his slow thrusting. If they were two galaxies, they would
be Andromeda and the Milky Way. Colliding over billions of years to create an
entirely new galaxy. Star stuff exploding all around, creating a new cosmos
only they populated.
"Gods," he groaned and froze his motions. "I can't..." She stroked the back of
Torgo's head to reassure him.
"Kiss me," she managed breathlessly moan. Missa gasped when he pulled her
against him and covered her mouth in a passionate kiss. Her mind swirled with
twinkling lights as his lips and tongue moved against hers. The familiar
pinpointed pleasure compelled her to slip a hand between their bodies. He held
their kiss and lifted out of the way to let her fingers find the slick flesh
between her legs. She cried out from the all-consuming rush of explosive
sensation from just light pressure.
Her fingers chased the peak just out of her reach, though she climbed higher
than ever. Missa did not know if he was relieving her need or his when he
thrust again at a slow pace. Her cries grew louder until she was undone by her
fingers and his gentle thrusting. The release felt like being shot through the
atmosphere, blinding heat followed by weightlessness. Torgo released a breathy
cry and the rushing of his orgasm added to hers.
After a blissful eternity, the electric hum faded and she floated into her
body. As her mind cleared, it seemed astounding that it went so well. Missa
could hardly believe her first thought was wanting to do it all over again. It
would be wasteful to take another shower, but for two people... He panted
against her neck, pressing a kiss to her skin before rolling over to lay beside
her. Torgo looked exhausted and she truly appreciated his magnificent effort.
Her unsteady heartrate evened and she embraced him close, kissing his lips
again. Five years since she first felt the burgeoning of sexual interest. Two
years since she became the only virgin in amongst her friend group. Seven
months since she wanted Torgo, which blossomed into full-blown yearning in that
time. Finally, she understood what it really meant to be satisfied. It was
worth every minute of the wait.
"You were nervous for nothing," she smiled at him.
"It was alright for you?" Torgo's need for reassurance was almost comical after
what they just experienced. Based on anecdotes she heard, this seemed an
exceptionally good first time . Not that it was unusual for her performance in
anything to be exceptional. A small amount of self-satisfaction is not
narcissistic but healthy.
"Better than I ever imagined." Missa tilted her forehead against his shoulder
to hide her wicked smile. "And I imagined it a lot."
"Me too," he chuckled, "nothing compares to really being with you." Torgo was
right about that; this experience was like being reborn. A whole new world of
feeling and sensations opened up to her and she could not wait to explore it
all. First they should rest but her mind already rushed with all of the
possibilities...
Chapter End Notes
     More virginities vanquished! Well, I've gotten into the bad habit of
     writing ahead again but I think this never-ending plot is winding
     about in a fairly entertaining way. Also this chapter's smut was
     important to me so I took my time - wanted to get Missa and Torgo's
     first time right. Eh, it's unfitting to describe anything between
     them as smut, more like: 'Erotic Prose on Love and Human Sexuality'.
     I have fun with it, hope y'all did too. :D
***** If Wishes were Horses *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [If_Wishes_were_Horses]
                                   DAENERYS
She woke up early, dressed, and decided to make breakfast for everyone as quiet
as she could. But when she went to Irri's room, the girl was nowhere to be
found. And Rakharo's door was closed so she decided to let him sleep. Everyone
worked hard to get the horses ready for market, where Qotho went yesterday.
Thankfully at least Drogo came to breakfast and sat down at the table.
"Good morning," she greeted him with a kiss on the cheek and a fresh plate. "I
made plenty but Irri already left somewhere and Rakharo seems to be sleeping."
Dany sat down beside him and dished a serving spoonful of breakfast casserole.
This time she made extra sure to bring her own beef. Where did they even
purchase ground horsemeat?!
"Mori assilat," he dished a serving enough for two people onto his plate. He
said that Irri and Rakharo were missing out but Dany still waited for his final
verdict. Drogo tried a bite, chewing and swallowing before looking to her. "It
is good." He went back to eating and she started in on her own food.
"I had that dream again last night," she swallowed. "We are riding through the
desert, chasing after the sun. I wonder why I keep dreaming that." Dany did not
truly believe in dream meanings like prophecy. There was the possibility of
psychological reasons for the images conjured in her mind. "Maybe the dream
means I shouldn't run from problems but should head towards adventure." Drogo
raised a brow at her dramatic interpretation. "Or maybe I just shouldn't eat so
many late night snacks."
"Yer she atthirarido anni nakhok ajjalani," he said he dreamed of her last
night. She noticed how the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "Only you rode
- there were no horses." Lately, he joked with her in this adorable immature
way.
"Ajjin rek chiftik?" Dany bobbed her head around like she could hear a cricket.
She was teasing him for being naughty but she really liked his new playfulness.
Drogo breathed a single laugh and returned to his food. After Dany agreed to go
visit Drogo's parents a change came over him. He relaxed and let himself have
fun, smiling, and even laughing a bit more.
When she thought about these positive changes, it made her realize something.
He must consider her agreeing to visit his parents as advancing their
relationship. What surprised her more: this development did not make her
nervous at all. Really and truly... she was actually fine. Sure, nobody is
jumping up and down to meet their boyfriend's parents. But his happiness was
infectious and mostly she was excited to go to Bravos.
Just the idea of visiting another country was downright trilling, she dreamed
of traveling. With Drogo beside her, there would never be anything to fear:
including loneliness. Dany had no idea what to expect from his parents but she
could not let fear of the unknown hold her back. And at any rate, if they did
not like her, then she would just make them like her. While she daydreamed, he
finished his breakfast and stood up.
"San athchomari yeraan," he thanked her, "I will shower." Drogo went into the
kitchen to drop his plate off by the sink and headed back to the bathroom. So
things were not that different from how they were before. The breakfast table
was not suddenly filled with conversation: that was nothing new. It would take
death or a miracle to get the Targaryen family to sit down and eat a meal
together. It used to be once a year on holidays but even that became too
tedious.
She finished eating, got up to save the leftovers, and cleaned up most of the
mess. All that was left to do was the dishes, her least favorite chore. In the
middle of trying to scheme her way out of the work, Irri tiptoed out of the
Rakharo's room. The dark-haired beauty froze and whirled around to face Dany.
"Oh my gods," Dany giggled, "I can't believe what I'm seeing." Irri tried to
shush Dany but she could not help the chuckles bubbling up. "What happened last
night?!"
"A whole lot of nothing," she hissed. Irri grabbed Dany's arm and dragged her
into the hallway, away from Rakharo's room. "I swear we were just watching a
movie and fell asleep... together."
"So there's nothing going on between you two?" Dany put her hands on her hips
and gave Irri a doubtful look. "Come on, you can tell me," she put one hand
over her heart. "Anha asqoyi she anna chomokh tat avvos astat yeri shilak." She
swore on her honor never to reveal Irri's secret.
"Okay, you don't have to break out the Dothraki to show how serious you are."
Irri rolled her eyes and then sighed in resignation. "I wouldn't say there's
'nothing' going on, not that much but just a little.... I kissed him last
night," she confessed quietly.
"Oh my gods," Dany covered her gaping mouth. "How did he react?" It was all she
could do not to start jumping with excitement. Other people's romances were
certainly more interesting than washing dishes.
"He asked me to reconsider going through with our engagement." Irri groaned
with obvious frustration. "Because that's what every girl wants to hear after
her first kiss, a proposal."
"Oh my gods, you poor thing." Dany knew how she felt: Drogo was the exact same
way. From zero to one hundred in the blink of an eye. "What is with Dothraki
men?" She patted Irri's shoulder in a sympathetic gesture.
"Now you're starting to see what I'm talking about!" Irri threw her hands up
with hopeless frustration. "They're impossibly crazy!" Then Drogo came out of
his room, dressed and his wet hair slicked back into a ponytail. The poor man
walked straight into their conversation. "I can't even stand to look at a man
right now!" She stormed away, pushing past Drogo to get to her room.
"Mae ajjin jin yofi ato," he aimed her accusation of insanity back at her.
Drogo watched Irri leave with his usual impassive expression. Irri slammed her
door loud. Even if Rakharo were sleeping, the sound would wake him. Aw, they
were so cute: time to play a little matchmaking! This was getting her all fired
up and Drogo was looking particularly good.
"Chiori jif tikh," she gave him a flirty wink, "jin naqis yofi." Dany suggested
that a woman should be just the littlest bit crazy.
"Haj sajak laz shim ivezh lame," he claimed a strong rider could tame the
wildest mare. Drogo took a step towards her, his dark eyes traveling down the
length of her body. The narrow hallway seemed to shrink even smaller as her
pulse sped up.
"Anha ish tikh..." Dany casually tossed her hair over one shoulder and walked
away into the kitchen. "Ale ivezh qisi yer." She countered that she might be
too wild even for him. As she moved toward the sink to clean up, his hand
snaked around her waist. Drogo turned her around and lifted her up to sit on
the counter.
"Anha allayafi yer ivezh," he admitted to liking her wildness. His hands braced
on either side of her thighs as he tilted his head down. Perfect: he forgot
their little bet last night and this was her chance...
"Drogo," she leaned closer as if to kiss him and smiled as his gaze darted to
her lips. "Dothras chek!" Dany swung her legs around and jumped off the
countertop to race towards the door. "Last one to the first tree has to do the
dishes- Ah!" His arm locked around her waist, hauling her up and setting her
down behind him. Drogo grabbed his boots and burst through the door. "That's
cheating!"
"Ale vroz!" Drogo dared to taunt her: he never forgot their bet that she could
beat him in a race today. She hopped outside, struggling into her boots as she
followed on his heels. By the time she rushed through the barn doors he was
climbing onto his saddled horse.
"No fair!" But he just ignored her, giving a loud yelp and spurring the horse
galloping past her. She saddled and climbed onto her horse fast as she could.
Dany's cold fingers gripped the leather reins tight and she wished she wore
gloves. She gave the horse a pat on the neck and picked up the reins, trotting
out of the barn. And found him waiting for her: that was his mistake. 'We can
beat him this time,' Dany chanted to herself.
The horse was just as ready to race, her thick mane bounced with her quickening
stride. Dany shifted her weight forward and poked her heel into the horses'
right side. They picked up speed as the horse found a rhythm, tucking her head
in and bounding forward. She nearly caught up to him but he maintained a solid
lead. The cool winter wind breezed through her hair as they raced together to
the first tree. After he won, they slowed to an amble as they headed into the
forest.
"You'll never believe it," she panted to catch her breath while he seemed
unfazed. "This morning I caught Irri coming out of Rakharo's room." That news
at least got a tiny reaction out of him but it did not look positive. Dany
assumed that he would find out sooner or later so there was no real harm in
telling him. "Irri said nothing was going on between them but I think something
might happen." Because she was going to turn matchmaker like a modern-day Jane
Austen character.
"Don't let Qotho know," he shook his head like a worried old man.
"Ignore that hallway lurker!" She ignored his raised eyebrow, which did not
help her irritation. "They should be able to do whatever they want." And what
they wanted was the same thing everyone their age wants. It was a shock they
lasted this long with nothing happening between them. Two young unrelated
people living together: it was inevitable!
"Yer avvos tiholat," he soothed her like one of his horses, speaking low and
soft. It almost worked but only until she made the comparison in her mind. "Mae
ajjin vijazerat ha eyak." Drogo thought she did not understand that Qotho was
responsible for Irri and Rakharo. Of course, she understood he was responsible
for their safety and basic needs. But that did not give him the right to
interfere if they want to see each other.
"There's no harm done if they date like to regular people," she insisted.
"After all, we can't all live by 'the Dothraki way' in Westeros. That doesn't
make any sense."
"Arrek finne tat kisha thirat ki kishi akka?" His tone was not angry but his
words were too fast to be considered calm. "Kijinosi fin rhaeshi hash kisha
seris tat tikh Dothraki?" What she could understand made it seem like the
Dothraki were a lost and dying people. "Finne tat kisha thirat ma kishi
shillolat, seris arrekoon jin fejat ki ifak?" Drogo bemoaned the loss of his
beliefs and... discrimination from foreigners. Did he mean her too?
Dany was speechless and not because she only got seventy-five percent of his
speech. That was enough for her to realize: she knew nothing outside of
Westeros! She understood even the dullest things about their judicial system.
'Every Targaryen needs to know the law of the land', her grandmother said. But
she knew nothing about the state of the Dothraki people: or the apparent lack
of.
"Drogo, shekh ma shieraki anni." Dany was at such a loss for words she could
not think in Dothraki. "I didn't mean to upset you."
"Anha zin ojil," he apologized, "jalan atthirari anni." Drogo bowed his head
forward in a shamed pose. "Tiholat anna, ziyenelat ajjin anni." He took full
blame for the argument but Dany disagreed. This was an opportunity for them to
stop hiding and be completely truthful.
"I just want to point out," she kept her tone light, "this happens because you
don't talk to me. If you want me to know something about yourself or your
people you have to tell me with your words." Why else had she learned, worked
hard every day, to speak Dothraki? Drogo lifted his head to look at her and the
pain in his eyes ripped through her. But Dany forced herself to smile. "As much
as I love your dark brooding eyes they don't exactly tell me very much."
"You are right," he nodded slowly, "I should tell you." But apparently not
right now because he stayed quiet: baby steps.
"I promise to always listen." Dany looked forward to see the trees thinning as
they approached the field. "Should we race back?" Drogo surprised her by full-
on grinning, he was so expressive today!
"Disse fin yer zala assilat," he taunted her for 'wanting defeat'. Instead of
answering, she dug her heels in and yelped, setting her horse galloping. Dany
knew he would beat her but winning was not the point. While racing, she did not
care who won, captivated by the joy of riding so fast it felt like flying. The
world rushed by in a kaleidoscope of colors, their worries fell aside.
                                     DROGO
He slowed the horses gait as they approached the barn so as not to leave her
too far behind. A warmer breeze blew in from the south and it restored the
energy in everything. Westeros was said to be warm in the south but this cold
had a mean sting. Drogo turned his horse around to watch Dany riding towards
him. She was so beautiful that he lost his breath to the wind. Her pale skin
glowed from the light with her hair flowing behind her.
Pure happiness shone through her smile and he wished to always make her this
happy. She came to his side, panting from the exertion as her silvery hair fall
across her face. Drogo watched the fascinating way her head bowed forward. Her
hand tossed her wind-swept hair behind her long neck. His eyes trailed up to
meet hers as her lips curled into a slow smile - his heart faltered.
"I never get tired of this," she sighed and tilted her face up to the sun.
"You don't say what you mean," he lightened up on the reigns to slow to a trot.
Westerosi tongue was hard to learn because they use their own language wrong.
Instead of speaking plain and direct, they play around with words. "Yer hash
haqe," he could see that she felt tired.
"Yes, my body becomes tired from riding: vosma anna zhor ajjin seris akka
thir." She meant that her heart felt free and alive but the words were wrong.
"You know what I mean." Dany glanced sideways at him.
"Anha tiholat," he understood her heart even if the words were not right.
"Dothralat she hrazef ajjin tawak seris, me nem nesa." Being on horseback is
the ultimate freedom, it is known. "We should go back now." Drogo steered his
horse towards the barn and her horse followed alongside.
"There's nothing but dishes waiting back there for me." Dany cast a dark stare
in his direction, still believing he had been unfair. "Only because you
cheated."
"Kijinosi tawak vilajero hazze ajjin vo ven 'qosarvenikh' - disse iffi che
assilat." He explained that in battle there is no such thing as 'cheating' -
only win or lose. Life is like a battle, opponents closing in from all sides.
And choosing trusted allies was the greatest challenge. Many mistakes were made
in his life when trusting those he thought of as family. Though Westerosi are
even stranger than Bravosi, the friends he found here were true.
"Dothraki men," she threw up a hand - Westerosi gesture far too often. "Why
didn't I listen to Irri? Yer hash tawak yofi." Dany repeated Irri's accusation
that he was crazy. They were the ones making him crazy. Did his woman really
think he did not know she wants to hold the reins with Irri and Rakharo? They
should settle their own problem and kept others out. If Irri wants to sneak,
she should sneak better! Now Qotho will blame 'the foreign wench' and Drogo
will hear nothing else.
"Jin mahrazh jif tikh yofi," he told her that man should be crazy. Drogo
dismounted in front of the barn and moved to help her down. She no longer
needed help but he liked to do it, fitting her slim waist in his hands. Her
hands came around his shoulders as he lowered her to the ground.
"Jin chiori ish kis tat shim," she threatened to tame him as a wicked smile
curled her lips.
"Ishish mae ray et," he acknowledged that she already tamed him. He pulled her
against his chest and she gasped when he captured her lips. Hungry for her all
morning, he kissed her until she panted for breath. It might be he was not as
tame as he claimed to be. By the time he raised his head she was limp in his
arms. Drogo stepped back, holding her steady before letting go to tend the
horses. Dany blew out a loud breath and shook her head, taking her own horse
into the barn.
"I will miss him," he patted his horse's muzzle after removing the bridle. It
was obedient, but still possessed a free spirit and a passion for galloping.
Whoever rode this animal would know true freedom. Drogo earned the money for
their trip to Bravos by selling this horse, well worth it. The new owner needed
to pick up the horse later this week.
"Where is he going?" Dany looked up from tending her horse to give him a
questioning look. He did not want to worry her before about money but now it
was done.
"A buyer called yesterday - he is sold." It was for the best and the time was
right. Every animal that he trained taught him something new about horses.
There was no more this horse could he teach him.
"Why would you sell him?" Her lovely eyes went wide with concern as she
approached his side. "Yer athfiezar jin hrazef," it was too much to say he
'loved' this horse but it was his favorite.
"Akka jin davra hrazef ajjin zin disse jin hrazef." He assured her that even a
fine horse is still just a horse. "I love you - with the money I will take you
to Bravos to meet my family."
"Will your parents like me?" Her voice was wrapped in quiet fear as her gaze
lowered to the ground.
"Mori tikh allayafi jin annithilat yer fichat anna." He assured her that his
parents would like the motivation she gave him. They were forever wailing about
his lack of direction and willful defiant behavior. Now they would see the man
he became because he found a woman he wanted to keep beside him. Dany's concern
faded away as a smile broke over her face.
"I will make them like me," she reached out to take his hand. Drogo pulled her
close, wrapping his arms around her. The anger and immature mistakes of his
past were behind him and now he only looked forward. Dany was meant to be his
woman for life but now was not the time to speak of marriage. Soon, but not
this day, not in the barn standing on straw. After earning the approval of his
father and mother, he would ask her to become his wife. She was his light and
queen of his heart, deserving an unforgettable proposal.
Chapter End Notes
     The universe is against me! The website I use to translate my
     Dothraki, dothraki.org, was down for an inordinate amount of time. I
     only had a half done when it just quit on me! So, in retaliation, and
     because I don't torture myself nearly enough: I started making a
     translator. Because apparently that's not a thing yet somehow!
     Seriously, how is it me doing this? I'm just not that person who does
     stuff, you know, useful stuff... See, I'm the kind of person who can
     call a Dothraki translator 'useful'. I write 300k+ word fanfic. This
     is going to end badly. At best - by the time I'm done, a much better
     one will come out.
***** Don't Wanna be Alone *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [Don't_Wanna_be_Alone]
                                   GREY WORM
It wasn't really that much of a surprise; this always happened to him. The
other day was the best of his life, his bad luck had finally run out, and
happiness... Real everyday happiness was just within his grasp. Was he so
distracted by his sappy teenaged love that he missed something...? Torgo was
starting to regret attending school. This morning it didn't seem real but
reality hit him by the time the DnD group gathered.
Pod and Sheri were chatting near him, something about a movie she wanted to
see. Arya and Gendry seemed back to their usual selves, flirting and fighting.
Dany and Jon poured over a DnD book as Drogo looked on with silent approval. In
a roomful of his friends, he never felt more alone. And he spend plenty time in
his life on his own, so lonely it could kill him. Torgo didn't even realize he
started to cry until he felt the cold tear on his cheek.
"Torgo," Sheri noticed, "are you alright?"
"Not really..." His throat felt tight but that was only half the reason he
could barely say it out loud. "Pop passed away last night, he went to take a
nap..." Torgo went to check on him for dinner and there he was, peaceful and
gone. GONE! More tears spilled and he hung his head to hide them. The salty
drops fell onto the inside of his glasses so he took them off.
"Oh no," Dany rushed over to squat down by his side. "Torgo, I am so sorry,"
she patted his shoulder. "Why didn't you stay home?" That was a good question
and he could think of a lot of 'reasons'. None of them would be the truth but
even he didn't know why he came to school.
"The house is full of people," he offered the weak explanation. "Mama and...
pop fostered a lot of kids over the years. I just didn't want to be in the way.
I'm sorry for bringing everyone down."
"Don't be stupid!" Arya was just suddenly hugging his back. The show of
affection seemed unlike her but he appreciated the gesture. "We're here for
you, Torgo." She squeezed him with her thin strong arms before releasing him.
"I'm really sorry about your dad." A fresh flood of tears poured down his face,
which he covered with his hands. At least he wasn't sobbing... he was too tired
for that.
"Let's forget the game today," Sheri lightly rubbed his other shoulder. There
was no reason for his friends to suffer along with him. All he accomplished was
ruining the good atmosphere in the room.
"Thanks but," he scooted back to get up and tried to keep his voice from
cracking. "I can just head to the nurse's to lay down-"
"This is the time when you need your friends the most," Dany insisted. "I'm
here for you, we all are, and you came here today because you wanted us to
comfort you." Sometimes she reminded him of mama, the kind of person that
people listen to. She took charge not because people let her but because they
trusted her. "That's why I came to school after my father passed away." That's
right, Torgo forgot that she knew how he felt.
"I just can't believe it," he sniffed and wiped his cheek with his sleeve. "Pop
was older yeah, but he had so much life! He never got sick or complained..."
His voice faltered so he distracted himself by putting his glasses back on.
"It sounds like he was a strong man," Jon gave him a sympathetic smile.
"Small but full of guts," Torgo made an effort to smile. "He told me that you
didn't have to be stronger than anyone if you are better prepared."
"That explains a lot about your role-playing style," Pod chimed in.
"He was the first man to teach me anything," Torgo nearly choked on another sob
but held it back. When he lived in a group home, some of the adults treated him
like a product on an assembly line. After moving in with pop and mama, he
realized how lucky he was. Friends he made in the group home acted out by
committing petty crimes and pulling dangerous stunts. They were not inevitable
products of their environment but products of others' low expectations.
But pop expected nothing but the best from him, like a real father expects from
a son... No one ever did anything like that for him before. Not a single person
truly cared if he turned out to be a respectable man. Those buildings provide
shelter and those in charge make sure everybody eats. But children aren't ants
to be raised in a colony and that place wasn't a 'home'. Even in his grief, he
felt lucky for being able to experience what a home really feels like.
"It sounds like he loved you a lot," Sheri sniffled. "That's all anybody can
ask from their father."
"Good dads are in short supply," Gendry added. That was something Torgo knew
his whole life, which is why pop was... his hero.
"Pop had a lot more love to give," Torgo voice wavered but he swallowed down
his sadness. "He was a father to me out of pure love, so in a way he taught me
how to love like him. I think... Maybe he meant for me to fill in for him." Pop
had small feet but left big shoes to fill. "I'm gonna miss him so much."
                                    SHIREEN
Arya was the first one to leave and Sheri had to scramble to follow after her.
The halls were filled with students, most of whom were taller than both of
them. She went the wrong way at first and then doubled back the right way. At
that point, the second bell rang and she nearly panicked that she lost her!
"Arya," Sheri called out. By some miracle, Arya materialized out of the
thinning crowd. "Has your father talked at all about your mom and brothers
coming down for a visit?" The whole sentence was wheezed out in a single
breath.
"Come on." Arya dragged Sheri into the nearest bathroom as the hallways cleared
of students. "Slow down - breathe - talk like a normal person"
"Sorry," Sheri took in a deep calming breath. "I wanted to talk to you earlier
but Poor Torgo." Both of them nodded sadly. Though she was terribly sorry for
Torgo's loss, she could not restrain her excitement. The whole spring break she
and Bran could be together every day! "Bran and I have been trying to convince
your mother to bring him down here for spring break."
"Excellent idea," Arya cheered up, "you are more conniving than even I knew."
"Thank you for your generous compliment," Sheri bobbed a little curtsey. "This
is a chance for Bran and me to be a real couple for once."
"You only have to ask." Arya assumed her usual furrowed brow of determination.
"I'll talk to my dad and get it set up for you two."
"Really?" Sheri blinked in surprise at Arya's direct tactic - she expected some
elaborate plot. It was just the littlest bit disappointing. "I thought you and
he were still not talking?"
"That's getting old," Arya waved a hand in a dismissive gesture.
"I'm glad to hear it," Sheri beamed at her friend who just shrugged casually.
"Call me after you get an answer! Okay, now I have to get to class!"
"I don't," Arya smirked and Sheri raised a questioning brow. "Nothing, I'm
kidding - get going!"
"Bye!" Sheri waved as she pushed out of the bathroom and scuttled through the
halls to her class. Oh my gods - one week, seven whole days, and every one
spent with Bran! The only thing she had left to wish for was the power to speed
up time.
                                    GENDRY
At the end of the day, he was walking through the hall but stopped in surprise
when he spotted Arya. She was waiting for him at his locker and perked up when
she noticed him. Her hand lifted in an awkward wave before she let it fall
against her thigh. Gendry continued towards her, noticing her growing hair was
pulled into a stubby ponytail. A few strands had come loose out and fell into
her eyes.
"Hey," she moved out of his way and slung her bag over her shoulder.
"Hey," he unlocked his locker to get the book he needed before closing it.
"What's up?" Gendry made sure not to be 'overprotective' like she accused. So
he didn't ask why she took off before the DnD group left.
"So," she looked down and played with her fingers. "Today I'm going back to the
clinic for a check-up. Can you drive me?"
"Yeah, I'm off today." He actually wanted to ask her to do something earlier
but then she disappeared. That was usually their few stolen moments together
and she totally ditched him. Gendry really made an effort not to take it
personally but it wore on him.
"I know," she bobbed her head while her eyes flitted around him.
"And you asked instead of telling me," he teased her. "I think I might cry from
gratitude."
"I love you," she looked up at him: eyes gazing at him all wide and adorable.
It's a good thing she didn't look at him like that too often. If Gendry thought
he was hopelessly devoted now: gods save him.
"Now I know you're sick," he raised a hand to her forehead.
"Dumbass," she grabbed his hand and turned around. "let's go." Arya yanked on
his arm with her super strength, dragging him in toward the parking lot.
"You had me worried there for minute," he hurried to catch up. They fell in
step together and her grip on his hand loosened so they could link fingers. "I
know you'll think it's stupid but I'm glad you asked me."
"It's not stupid," she slipped her other hand around his arm and held onto his
sleeve. Why was she overloading him with the cuteness all of a sudden?! "After
this let's go get some breakfast - I'm fucking starved! They served that taco
shit at school today and I don't trust that 'meat-substance'." Her babbling
about random bullshit was the most beautiful sound he ever heard. "I could get
one of everything at the diner. I'll start with a platter of bacon with a
hollandaise dipping sauce."
"Damn," his mouth started to water, "that sounds really good." Of course, he'd
add a side of tater tots: carbs make the meal. They let go of each other's
hands to around his car and get it in. All the while, she was still prattling
on about the different food she wanted to eat. "You'll eat a hole right through
my wallet."
"I'm an expensive date," she chuckled. "After that we can hit the cheap movies,
they're showing 'Badlands'."
"Sounds like fun," he brought the Lincoln to life and pulled out onto the road.
They talked about their plans until they came to an intersection.
"Red light kisses!" Arya removed her seatbelt to crawl across the seat and dove
at him. He caught her, chuckling as her mouth covered his in a quick hungry
kiss. A car beeped behind them and she screeched with laughter as she fell back
into her seat. "Drive - go!"
"Seatbelt," he reminded her and she clicked it right away. The car behind them
was really laying on it so Gendry eased onto the gas and crawled up to the
limit. He couldn't help steeling looks at her happy expression.
"What?" She widened her eyes and jerked her chin forward. "Look at the road,
not me."
"I missed you," he grinned.
"Me too," she sighed and relaxed back into her seat, putting her feet up on the
dash. For the rest of the ride they shared what happened that day, just like
they used to. She got quiet when they pulled up in front of the clinic but
smiled at him when they parked. They walked hand-in-hand to the clinic and he
rushed to open the door for her. She stuck her tongue out at him as she walked
inside and he grinned as he followed.
They didn't talk much in the waiting room but neither did anyone else so it
only felt a bit awkward. Finally, they called Arya's name and she followed the
nurse behind the door. It was so bloody boring waiting that he wanted to gouge
his eyes out. Gendry amused himself by studying the weird floor texture. After
a while, two boots appeared on the ground where he was staring. He looked up to
see her holding out her hand to him.
"How'd it go?" He stood up to take her hand and they walked together out of the
clinic.
"Good," her cheeriness was forced but no one likes going to the doctor so he
didn't worry. "I gained some weight and the doc says I'm on the mend. I still
plan to go see my head shrink even though last time was a little... never
mind."
"Tell me," Gary turned on her hand and in encouragement. "What can I do?" There
had to be some way that he could help, it made him feel so helpless that he
couldn't do anything.
"Practice sword fighting with me?" She peaked up at him and he gave her a
questioning look. "I'm serious, my therapist told me to. He has this whole
thing about visualization and it works for the most part. But it's kinda hard
for me to do it all alone."
"Alright," he nodded his head and they separated to get into his car. "Let's
head to the forge this weekend: I'll make us some wooden practice swords."
"Awesome" she slammed her door closed, "we can go right after school Friday."
She pulled on her seatbelt without him having to tell her.
"Why exactly did he tell you to practice sword fighting?" Gendry started up the
car and pulled out of the parking lot.
"Well, he doesn't really explain the stuff that he does but it works." Arya
sounded suspicious of her own doctor but then she distrusted of everyone. "So I
just try to recreate the techniques he teaches me to deal with... You helped me
a lot, the diner too."
"How'd I help?" As far as Gendry could tell, he'd been barely hanging on this
whole time.
"When I get stressed I feel sick so it's hard for me to eat," she explained.
"So the doc told me to go inside my head to my happiest memory with food. When
I tried it, I immediately thought of that first time we ate at the diner. I
really liked you and I wanted you to like me back so bad." Arya usually gets
what she wants.
"You confessed to being an heiress," he chuckled, remembering that day.
"And you forgave that glaring flaw," she tilted her head sideways to smile at
him. "You're kinda perfect like that."
"Eating with me is really your happiest food memory?" Somehow that was the
nicest thing anyone ever said to him. That was his happiest food memory too:
she looked pretty in her little black dress.
"You're in all of my happiest memories." Arya leaned her head back so that the
crown lay flat against the headrest. "Even the saddest ones are sorta happy
because we came through them together." She eyed him sideways and then snapped
her head down to glare at him. "What?! Stop with all the gazing and the loving
stares - it's creepy!"
"Sorry," he snickered and returned his focus to where it should be.
"Stop grinning at nothing!" She wasn't even following her own orders: snorting
with barely restrained laughter.
"Sorry," he coughed in attempt to hide his chuckling.
"Stop laughing," she burst into laughter and that got him going.
"Arry, I'm trying to drive," he wiped at the happy tears collecting in his
eyes.
"You're the one..." She gasped between laughing and covered her mouth with both
hands. "Okay - stopping right now!" They both got ahold of themselves, panting
away the giggles. "Are we too weird?"
"I hope not, else other people must be bored shitless." He reached across the
middle part of the front seat to take her hand. "I wouldn't change anything
about us." Arya linked her fingers between his and turned to look out her
window. They pulled up in front of the diner: the best place in town and never
too crowded. When they got out of the car, the sky was turning darker and the
sun was sinking lower.
"Come on," she grabbed his hand, "let's go stuff our faces." Arya led the way
inside and they proceeded to eat a proper feast of breakfast foods. Both of
them left with rounder stomachs than they walked in with. From there they
headed to the cheap theaters that showed classic films. They sat in the back
and imitated the characters on the screen. It might've been the best night of
his life. As they were walking back to the Lincoln, so he could drop her off,
she hugged his arm again.
"It's funny," she sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Sansa used to
swear she was in love with some actor or singer and then cried when they got
married. I never did anything like that, so I thought she was stupid. Sometimes
I thought love didn't even exist."
"Gods, you were all sweetness," he tugged his arm free to wrap it around her
shoulders.
"That's me - sugar and spice," she wrapped her arms around his waist. "I didn't
believe in fairy tales or 'soul mates'. But so many girls and guys do, wishing
they could find that 'one perfect match'. Because I found you - I realized it's
all true. We're the lucky ones who found their match... that's the only way to
explain it." When she started to pull away as they approached his car, Gendry
tugged her back to him.
Arya's eyes flew up and he had to kiss her so he did, pressing his lips down
over hers. She hummed and wrapped her arms around his neck, standing on her
toes to lean against him. They broke apart and tilted their foreheads together.
She looked up at him as he gazed down at her and they only saw each other. A
slow smile curled her lips before she hid her face against his chest and hugged
him tight. In the back of his head, he thought about her curfew but let himself
hold onto her just a little longer.
Chapter End Notes
     Poor Grey Worm, my throat was tight the whole time I wrote his POV,
     it was a challenge. But Sheri is just a little bubble of energy; all
     she wants is to see Bran. And then Gendry and Arya are coming back
     full circle. That's the cycle of life: grief and joy woven together
     so tight it makes a pattern both chaotic and beautiful. Wow I really
     need to go to bed, night-night!
***** Show Some Appreciation *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [Show_Some_Appreciation]
                                     ARYA
The seconds ticked by as she sat across from doc H'ghar while he waited for her
to speak. But she didn't know what to say - that the two men in her life were
pulling her apart. Torgo's father passed away and all she could think about was
her own dad. Arya had always been the black sheep in her family but her father
was her rock. She never liked dresses, dolls, or shopping - the things 'normal'
girls supposedly want.
Dad used to take her side and would tell mom to take it easy on the pestering.
It wasn't true when he told her mother that she would grow out of her
'wildness'. At least when she was growing up dad was on her side and supported
her. That used to be something she counted on to make life bearable. Then Arya
did something 'normal' girls do, fell in love, and he was disappointed. And her
mother, as usual, didn't bother to get her side of things and only listened to
dad.
Maybe it disappointed dad that she hadn't 'grown out of this rebellions stage'.
Neither of her parents ever actually saw or accepted her true self. They loved
her on the condition that someday she'd become the person they wanted her to
be. The most frustrating part was they thought it was better for her to fake it
to them to be true to herself. They didn't care what made her happy - summing
up her personality as a 'phase'.
Gendry liked her the way she was, he didn't expect her to change. Even if she
did change - he would still love her. It scared her how much she needed just
one person to accept her faults and love her quirks. So no matter how
disappointed her father was, she couldn't give up love like that. On the flip
side, the endless pretense of acting happy exhausted her. Any time she slipped
up Gendry would look at her all worried, like she was about to disappear.
Did he have to love her quite so much? What was so great about her when she
only hurt him? For the longest time she thought she didn't understand girls and
women. Turns out, men are more difficult to figure out by far. How could dad
quit being on her side - just like that?! Was it her fault alone that they had
grown apart? Though she didn't understand it, Gendry held onto her when she was
drowning. But dad just... ignored her existence.
"You seem less energetic than our last session," the doc got sick of waiting.
"Is something on your mind?" There was too much on her mind. All along, she
fought tooth and nail to keep Gendry and their incredible romance. That made
her parents and their stupid rules the enemy and she behaved accordingly. But
she forgot one thing - she could lose her father. Dad used to be her favorite
person in the world and lately she spent most of her time resenting him. What
if all this stress she caused gave him a heart attack?!
"I never do anything for him," she murmured out loud. Arya realized her slip
and straightened up in her seat. "For Gendry, I mean." It was easier to talk
about her boyfriend than her dad... Who could die at any minute and be lost to
her forever. Old people are so fragile!
"What's stopping you?" His voice pulled her out of the quicksand inside her
mind. And the doc's question didn't make any sense, as usual.
"Huh?" She refocused on H'ghar, who stared at her intently.
"If you really want to 'do something' for him then why haven't you?" The doc
was right, though she might not be able to do something for her father. A
weight lifted off her shoulders as the logic poured in - shifting focus -
complete. Dad was her parent and that's important, but she was going to be with
Gendry for-ev-er. That's a super long time, in the long run keeping him happy
was always going to top daddy issues.
"I can't think of any good ideas," because nothing would ever being good
enough. Come on, the guy makes swords for Winterfest gifts - kinda hard to top
that! But it occurred to her that she gave up trying to make him happy a while
ago. It just stood to reason that Gendry was so devoted he didn't need to be
'courted' anymore. Not that she did very 'courting' in the beginning. They sort
of went to being friends, to banging all the time, then she freaked out and...
Oh fucking gods, why and how did he put up with her?! "I really don't know."
"Yes you do," he was like a calm and serious toddler.
"Fine," she relented, "I don't think anything I do will be good enough." Arya
let the words pour out, as if she wasn't even thinking. When it came to
sharing, there was a hard line she refused to cross. "Maybe I don't think I
deserve him so I'm trying to sabotage us to save him from me." Really, the doc
was the only one she could talk to about Gendry. Might as well take advantage
of the circumstances. "Is it actually supposed to help, saying this out loud?"
"You are admitting it, not just saying it." As he spoke, the doc pinched his
forefinger and thumb to punctuate his words. "If we recognize our weaknesses we
can eliminate them." That all sounded like a bunch of new-age feel-good
nonsense.
"You're more like a Guru than a shrink," she snorted a laugh and sank back into
her chair. "Only you dress too well to be either," she meant it as an insult
but he didn't take it that way.
"Thank you," he smoothed a hand over the lapel of his jacket. "A man has to
have style." If he weren't so good-looking, she would cut his face.
"I see through it all, you know." Arya decided to cut through the bullshit.
"You pal around with me and get me to admit my innermost secrets, claiming it
is for my own good. But you're getting something out of this - everyone is out
for themselves."
"I don't like all of my patients but I do my best to treat them," his bluntness
surprised her. "If this clinic does well, we will receive government funds and
private donations. I do have a financial interest in making you well. On a
personal level, I like you Arya. I see that you are in pain and I want to help
you. Is that so hard to believe? Is there anyone that you trust?"
"No one," she sat back and crossed her arms. If he thought his little show of
honesty was going to win her over, he didn't have her figured out at all. Good,
it would stay that way.
"Why can't you trust?" He pushed her - little mind nudges - in the most gentle
way. So that she didn't even notice how close to the edge she was until she was
peering over. "Don't tell me you don't know." A tiny part of her wondered what
it would be like... To unleash every dark thought on this man and beg for help.
She repressed that weakness and went for a pity play.
"Doc, please can we just work on meditation today?" She lowered her head and
peeked up at him, trying to look as pitiful as possible. "My friend at
school... his dad died."
"This death of your friend's father clearly bothers you," he ignored her
request.
"Yeah," she kept up her sad act. "I mean Torgo is such a sweet person - it
sucks he has to go through that."
"Were you close to this man who passed away?" He kept pressing in the direction
of talking about fathers.
"He was my friend's dad," she stated the obvious. Arya didn't actually have to
'pretend', she felt sympathetic toward Torgo. The tragic situation could be
used to her advantage so she might as well.
"Why can you express empathy for this friend but never for any of the people
closest to you?" That might've been the longest question the doc ever asked.
Arya sat in stunned silence for a moment before the anger kicked in.
"What are you talking about?!" She exploded with incredulity, throwing her
hands out wide. "I just told you that I want to make Gendry happy! That I want
to do something for him!"
"Why?" Why would he ask such a stupid question?
"Because I love him," she huffed with over exaggerated exasperation.
"Why?" That one repeated word put the brakes on her anger.
"Because..." She struggled to think of a reasonable answer. "I don't know -
love-magic or some shit. Who can explain that?" Panic started to set in because
she didn't know how to control this conversation. "Doc - can't we just
meditate?! Please..." As humiliating as begging is, most people can't resist
it.
"When did you last meditate and how did it go?" He finally relented and she
felt every muscle in her body relax.
"I haven't since I heard about Torgo's dad," she admitted. "It went the same as
always, I'm in the dark alone, and I can't stop running."
"Then close your eyes," his voice lowered and she obeyed. "Go to the darkness
and run if you have to..."
"I'm running," she whispered.
"From who?" He asked the question so reasonably that she almost blurted out an
answer. Sudden fear gripped her as she felt a presence - gaining. She stumbled
through a pitch-black forest, panting as her muscles and lungs ached. If she
could stop she would've long ago, long before she ever knew she was running.
And running and running she goes, and where she stops, no one knows.
                                     SANSA
Thank the gods Sandor had to work tonight; even she needed a break sometimes!
From studying... not from him. She looked up from her book to smile at nothing,
blushing from a sudden wicked thought. Sansa missed him every waking moment
they were apart and even in her dreams. They could spend every second of every
day together and she would never get tired of him. Alright, maybe he wasn't her
favorite person when he was being grouchy. But his bad moods always passed
quickly enough.
At least this free time gave her a chance to catch up on recreational reading.
All this studying was starting to make her forget how much she loved to read.
Overall, the experience had been surprisingly successful. She was getting a
head start on her future college applications. And Sandor studied so hard for
the entrance exams, she could scarcely believe it! His dedication confirmed
one-thousand percent that he truly wanted to stay with her.
"I need some help." Arya came to her out of the blue, her grey eyes averted,
and a sneer on her lips. "I need to make Gendry feel appreciated," she spoke as
if bemoaning a hated chore. Sansa rolled her eyes as she closed her book.
"What are thinking of doing for him?" Sansa waited for an answer but her sister
only shrugged. "Oh, I see..." That was a real shock... not. Poor Gendry either
had a heart of gold or a fondness for emotional pain. "Well, I know it's not a
fair comparison but I can tell you what I do for Sandor." Arya's face scrunched
up in disappointment.
"He and Gendry couldn't be less alike," she heaved an ungrateful sigh and sat
down. "Alright, tell me what you do."
"I pay special attention to my appearance-"
"Next!" Arya crossed her arms and let her head loll back to make a snarky face
at the ceiling.
"You shouldn't dismiss my advice without listening first." Sansa knew she
sounded defensive but her patience with Arya's attitude was wearing thin.
Either she wanted help or not!
"I think I get the basics - push up the boobs and show some leg." Arya smirked,
suddenly arrogant. "But Gendry's not into that stuff, he's a romantic."
"No-no-no, listen to me." Sansa had to set her sister right, feeling partially
responsible for her ignorance. It was the job of the big sister to teach
younger sister about dressing up and romance. But she shamefully assumed that
Arya wasn't interested in boys or finding romance. "That kind of 'showing off'
is used for attracting a boy, what you really want... Is to surprise him."
"How?" Arya narrowed her brows in confusion. "I mean, he's already seen me
naked - what's left to be surprised about?" Her sister could be such a child
sometimes, so at odds with their topic of discussion. But if a person bothered
to look properly, her sister had many wonderful qualities. Clearly, Gendry
openly admired Arya's unique self but everyone needs to feel appreciated.
"Clothes and makeup are like gift wrapping," Sansa explained patiently. "By
putting in more effort, it lets the gift receiver know they are special."
"First," Arya held up one finger, "I never wrap gifts." One of Sansa's least
favorite things about her sister. "Second, I'm starting to feel objectified and
we haven't even started." Why was everything an 'issue' with Arya?
"Does Gendry objectify you?" Sansa watched her point sink in; at least her
annoying sister was smart.
"No," she admitted grudgingly, "but I still think an actual gift would be
better."
"This is a chance to thank him for being good to you." And Sansa was also
showing her appreciation to Gendry. He was kind and devoted, exactly the type
of person she would pick for her sister. There was no doubt in her mind that
Arya's recent improvement was due to his effort. "If you go a bit out of your
comfort zone, he will appreciate it even more. And don't try to tell me he
doesn't care if you dress up, I've witnessed him seeing you dressed up."
"He always looks at me like that," she grumbled. Sometimes Arya had no
appreciation for other people. Maybe that was Sansa's true all-time least-
favorite thing about her sister.
"What does he like?" Sansa made an effort to keep the ball rolling but her
sister fought her every step of the way.
"I don't know," Arya huffed.
"Come on," Sansa coaxed, "of course you know what he likes. What does he
compliment and admire? If you tell me Gendry doesn't compliment you I am going
to start hating him."
"He goes on about my eyes and he likes to stare into them sometimes." Arya
tapped her heel against the bedframe and her eyes darted around. "It's kinda
nice." The adorableness of her sister's romance was making her feel pure
jubilation. Sansa was nearly on the verge of happy tears! It was just so
precious that her tough 'don't-need-anybody' sister had someone she loved. The
unconventional girl and the goofy boy, perfect for each other!
"Aww... that's so sweet!" Sansa got ahold of her runaway romantic feelings when
Arya glared at her. "Alright, what else?"
"I don't know - this is stupid." Her sister asked for her help and then refused
to cooperate. There was really only one option... Sansa picked up her phone off
the side table and started dialing. "Who are you calling?"
"Hello," Gendry always answered her calls right away.
"Hi Gendry," she turned a beaming smile on her sister.
"What the fuck are you doing?" Arya's expression turned murderous and she
jumped up off the bed, fists clenched.
"Hey Sansa," he spoke up over the din of the restaurant kitchen. "Hold on a
sec, I gotta step outside. What's up: is Arya okay?" It was so sweet that he
was worried about Arya when she was about to kill Sansa.
"Sorry to bother you when you're busy..." Sansa jumped up when her sister
starting advancing towards her.
"Give me that phone" Arya hissed, grabbing for the phone. "Hand it over and I
promise not to break it."
"Nothing to worry about," Sansa assured Gendry as she blocked Arya with her
arm. "Everything is great here! I know it's a long-shot but I want to buy Arya
something to wear as a gift." She hopped up to stand on the bed as her sister
stalked around her, eyes fixated on the phone.
"I don't want to kill your generosity," he chuckled, "but that might be a waste
of your time." It was so adorable how well he knew Arya, who was staring
daggers at her.
"I know..." Sansa laughed causally, "I definitely know but I still want to try.
What color do you think looks pretty on her?" Arya jumped up to grab the phone
but Sansa held it just out of her sister's reach. Being freaky tall had its
advantages!
"Grey always looks good on her," he answered, "but I like purple the most."
Gendry was completely unaware of the conflict underway on her end of the line.
Her sister suddenly rushed forward and Sansa hopped away just in time.
"Uh huh, I think so too." She brought the phone back down to her ear. "You
helped me a lot, thanks so much Gendry. Bye!" Sansa was panting when she
whirled around to face her sister.
"I will cut off your hair while you sleep if you - ever - do that again." Arya
growled the threat menacingly.
"I would look really cute with short hair." Sansa aimed a smug smile at her
sister, tossing her loose hair over her shoulder.
"Fine," Arya gave in with a whimper, "let's go - shopping." It should not have
made Sansa happy to see her sister so defeated. "You can help dress me up, but
NO makeup this time!"
"You are going to look so pretty." Sansa clapped her hands together in
celebration of her victory. "We have to go shopping to give you a..." She stood
up and grabbed her coat dramatically to pull it on. "Makeover," she sang, "mm-
mm makeover!"
"Not too much over, just a little bit!" Arya was already protesting, so the
battle was won but not the war. "Anyway," she shrugged on a jacket, keeping her
eyes averted. "What color did he say?"
"Purple and grey," she smiled at her sister. "You were right about how much he
likes your eyes. It's so cute! So-so," she sang "cu-tu-toot." Instead of
complaining about Sansa's singing, her sister came to stand by her.
"Thanks for always being on my side about Gendry." Arya was suddenly bashful,
ducking her head and playing with the ends of her hair. "I didn't expect it in
the beginning but it's made all the difference." Arya was cutest when she was
being sincere.
"I am always on the side of love," Sansa assured her. "I bet that's something
you never thought to appreciate about me."
"Sorry I gave you such a hard time about the whole Joffrey thing." Arya
continued to surprise her. "None of it was your fault - I was just taking out
my frustration on you."
"I think you had a harder time than me," Sansa pulled her little sister in for
a tight hug. "I'm sorry I didn't help you more." Arya patted her back awkwardly
until they parted. "Okay, no more saying sorry, we have to go to the mall!"
"Now I'm really-really sorry," Arya grumbled. Sansa giggled as they gathered up
their stuff to leave. Daddy was still at the office so she called a cab to pick
them up. When they were on their way out her phone buzzed, signaling she
received a text. She pulled out her phone and her heart melted. It was from
Sandor, the world's sweetest honey-sugar-sweetie sweetheart.
'Miss you love,' he wrote. Practically poetry!
"Aw," she sighed, replacing her phone in her purse to lock the front door.
"Sandor misses me."
"Didn't imagine him as the needy type," Arya snorted a laugh.
"I like that he needs me," Sansa gave her sister a pointed look. "And I like it
that you need me too. Admit it; I'm the best big sister ever."
"I'll admit you're bigger than me and my sister - that's all you're getting."
Arya could be the most stubborn person she knew, except for Sandor of course.
It was a tie between the two of them, depending on the day.
"So selfish," Sansa tsked, "here I am... going out of my way." Together they
walked towards the elevator.
"Aright already," Arya groaned and wrapped her hand around Sansa's waist.
"You're an awesome big sister."
"It feels good to be recognized," she tossed an arm over Arya's shoulder.
Everything was settling down and coming back to its right place. Her sister was
back to her usual snarky sarcastic self. Sansa could not believe how much she
missed that. She hoped to help patch up things between her sister and dad soon.
Then they could live out the rest of the school year in familial peace.
Chapter End Notes
     Familial peace is a lofty goal but the Starks are a tenacious bunch.
     I'm gearing up for spring break and I will be adding two new POVs.
     Guess who? I hope to work in some awesome family bonding chapters to
     sooth the wounds of Winterfest.
***** Cheating Dog *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                [Cheating_Dog]
                                    SANDOR
A call came in during his last period, summoning him to pay the principal a
visit. None of his classmates pulled that 'ooh' bullshit with him. In no hurry,
he meandered towards the administration building to run down class time. The
receptionist showed him inside the principal's office - Varys was waiting with
counselor Melisandre. Sandor took a seat across from the principal's desk and
waited for one of them to start.
"Sandor," Varys gave him a polite smile - he should just get on with it. "The
reason we asked you here today..." The principal opened a water bottle to take
a few nervous swallows. Who had the fucking time for this shit?!
"Spit it out," he growled but then remembered who he was talking to. "Uh...
sir." Varys gulped his water as his pudgy hands fumbled with screwing on the
cap.
"There has been a sudden increase in your grades." The principal folded his
hands on his desk and he looked Sandor in the eye. At least the man could do
that much, more than most of his teachers. The lady in red over there never had
a problem eyeing him sideways.
"Yes, it's quite remarkable." Counselor Melisandre sat on the corner of the
principle's desk and crossed her arms. That woman wasn't afraid of anyone,
hells - she scared the shit out of him. "Some would say 'impossible' for a
grade point average to improve so much in a short time." It almost seemed like
she was suggesting that he cheated to raise his grades.
"And of course," he snorted a laugh, "you straightaway think I couldn't do it
on my own." No fucking respect in this place!
"We're not accusing you of anything," Varys denied Sandor's assumption.
"Yet," Melisandre narrowed her eyes at Sandor. What was the point of this whole
bogus 'summons' - did they think he'd confess? As a rule, he wouldn't rather be
in class but he'd been busting his ass lately!
"We only wanted to meet with you and talk this over." The principal gave the
counselor a pointed look. Oh, they don't want to upset their star player before
the fucking championships. Self-serving pieces of shit, even in spite the fact
that he hadn't cheated.
"I can't be doing that well?" It'd only been a couple weeks since he started
trying.
"It's a significant improvement," Varys looked pretty damn serious. Wow, what
was this feeling? It was like he just scored a three-point shot. Was this why
Sansa liked getting good grades? Huh.
"Unbelievable in fact," Melisandre scowled at Sandor.
"You know Sansa Stark?" Sandor ignored her and directed his question at the
principal.
"She is a sophomore," Varys filled the counselor in, "daughter of Ned Stark."
The woman's eyes widened as she recognized the name.
"Then you probably know she's a total nerd - straight A's and everything."
Sandor got out of trouble due to his athletic skills all the time. This was the
first time he used personal connections - it felt good. "She's been tutoring me
- call her up as ask her yourself."
"You expect us to believe that a sophomore's tutoring improve your grades this
much?" Counselor Melisandre had it out for him - pure and simple. It could be
that she had a good reason to hate him. Plenty of kids likely went crying to
her about something he did. Of course, those fucking rats never admit what they
did to deserve his 'attention'.
"Sansa is smarter than half my teachers." Sandor grinned at the principal,
laying it on thick. It didn't hurt any that she's way hotter than any of them.
"She told me to ask in all my classes if I could get some extra credit and all
of them said yes-"
"Because you intimidated them," counselor Melisandre slapped her open palm
against desk.
"How's it my fault people are intimidated by me?" Sandor resisted the urge to
show her how intimidating he could be. "They assigned me the work and I turned
it in for credit. That's something most students do so I don't see why I'm
being singled out." Both of them stared at him like, 'who the fuck do you think
you're fooling'. "Listen, I know I've been a pain in your ass these past few
years and I'm not proud of that. But I'm done messing around, I just want to
graduate and move on."
"I think that's exactly what everyone in this room wants." A relieved smile
brightened the principal's tired face. The counselor wanted to protest but
Varys cut her off before she could start. "That's all for now," he waved his
hand at the door. "You can go back class." Fat fucking chance of that
happening. He should've felt bad about their suspicions but felt too good about
his grades. Sandor laughed at himself as he strolled down the hall towards the
parking lot. When did he ever give a shit about his grade point average?!
The little bird went and made a nerd out of him without breaking a sweat. After
school, they had another study session planned. He couldn't wait to see her
face when he told her about his trip to the principal's office. It would be
naive to expect anything he did would guarantee him a spot at Crownlands. Not
studying, a bump in his grades, or even a decent score on the college entrance
exams. But - for the first time - he had confidence about something other than
basketball.
Sandor sat by the weirwood out front, listening to music while he waited for
Sansa. After the bell rang, he noticed her tiptoeing up behind him so he let
her 'surprise' him. She was in a good mood, as eager for their study date as
him. On the way to the pet shop, he explained the whole dramatic story to her.
His uncle decided to take the wife on a vacation to save their marriage. Uncle
Vlador left him in charge of the place while he was gone. That made the back
office available - the perfect location because it was free.
Sansa claimed not to mind the florescent lights and futon so he decided to
believe her. There was no way he'd let arguing about money drive a wedge
between them. He found a good place to park and they walked together to the
store. It was a perfect day, the sun shining, and birds singing. He didn't
think life could get better except that it was about to. Once inside, they
ignored the yipping animals and headed straight to the back office. Sandor sat
down in the desk chair, spinning to face her while she set down her bag.
"Varys pulled me into his office today," he put off this story long enough.
"What for?" Her blue eyes opened wide in the surprise - the little bird was
just too much fun to tease. Sandor scratched his jaw to drag out the moment
while she moved to stand in front of him.
"He thinks I'm cheating because my grades have come up so much." Sandor grinned
at her shocked expression.
"Oh no..." Sansa twisted her hands together. "Do you want me to go talk with
him?" His fingers curled around her wrist to pull her down into his lap.
"Yes, little bird, I need you to save my ass." As it happens, that was the
truth - the Stark name shielded him. Varys knew that Sandor was dating Sansa -
the spider knew everything about his school. "Don't ruffle your feathers - I
talked him straight." He wrapped his arms around her waist as she pouted. "Told
him how you've been persuading me to study..."
"You didn't!" Her jaw hung slack before she slapped her palm against his chest.
"No, I didn't," he chuckled at her gullible nature. "Silly little nerd - teach
me some math shit." Sandor gently pushed her off his lap and Sansa got into
place to stand in front of him.
"Later," she put on her serious face. "I have a practice exam you have to
promise to finish tonight."
"I promise," he would promise anything right about now.
"If a question asks you to identify the factor of a number, what should you
do?" Her first question was an easy one.
"A factor of a number can divide that number." He watched with full attention
as she reached behind her head to pull her hair loose. Sansa stood still,
apparently still waiting for his complete answer. "And... always read the
question first to make sure what it's really asking for." She beamed at him and
kicked off her shoes before stepping back onto the futon.
"Very good," she praised, lifting her hand to the tied belt of her coat. "Is
seven a factor of four hundred sixty-two?"
"Yes...?" Sandor was still trying to calculate the numbers in his head.
"You don't sound sure," she peered at him with suspicion.
"I'm sure," he confirmed his answer.
"That is... right," she untied the jacked and pulled it off to let it fall. "At
the time of the test you can check your answers on your calculator. But use
your time wisely, skip the hardest problems and solve the ones you know." Sansa
raised her hand to the top button of her vest. "What is a radius?" His eyes
were stuck on that top button but the answer popped into his head.
"The measurement from the center of a circle to the edge," he quoted his
textbook. Well fuck, he was getting pretty good at this! Easy to pay attention
when the sweet reward was immediate. She unbuttoned the vest to reveal her lace
undershirt.
"Right again," her vest joined the jacket on the floor. He saw a sparkle of
delight in her eyes and amusement in the curl of her smile. She might look
innocent but Sansa liked being in control. Now he finally understood why people
get hung up on their teacher. Nobody's teacher was ever as hot as the little
bird.
"And what is the measurement called," she pointed to one side of her lacy bra
cup. "From edge-to-edge?" Her finger drew an invisible line across to the other
side, slow and deliberate. She was enjoying watching him squirm as his hands
tensed around his seat. Later, he would pay her back in full.
"That would be the diameter." His mouth started to water when she unzipped her
flouncy skirt to let it fall around her feet. It took every bit of his patience
to sit still and not touch but this process really worked for him. Sandor was
pretty sure this motivation would work for anyone. They went back and forth
with progressively harder questions, which he got right. Piece by piece her
clothing fell away to reveal her flawless body. Finally, she was down to just a
bra and panty set.
"Okay, are you ready for a hard one?" Her smile was so innocent but she knew
exactly how 'hard' he was. Her creamy skin and red hair floating around her
shoulders called to his fingers. "Describe the Pythagorean theorem." Sandor
struggled to recall fuck-all while distracted by her - but this one he knew.
"When three squares are put together corner to corner - they form a right
triangle." Sandor couldn't remember the technical description of the theorem
but he knew the principle. "The one along the hypotenuse of equals the combined
area of the two on the other sides." He held his breath and waited for her
verdict if his answer made the cut.
"Well done," she arched forward and moved her hands behind her back to unhook
her bra. She peeled away the thin fabric, pinching straps between her fingers
before dropping it. "One more question and I'm all yours."
"Just ask it already," he growled impatiently and she chuckled at him.
"Describe the order of operations," she hooked a thumb in the waist of her
panties.
"First solve everything inside parentheses," he gulped and fixed his focus on
the question. "Then solve all multiplications and divisions from left to right.
And last, solve additions and subtractions in order."
"You win," her cheeks were pink as she pushed her panties down over her hips.
"See, isn't learning fun?" He jumped up and ripped off his clothes to get naked
as fast as he could. Sansa looked on with amusement, muffling her giggles
behind her hand. When he turned his attention on her, she smiled and opened her
arms to him. Sandor moved towards her, his gaze locked her glittering excited
eyes. A restless part of him threatened to take over and rush everything. This
time, he planned to take his time - he deserved it.
He slipped his fingers into her hair, cradling the back of her head to tilt her
face up. Her heavy lidded eyes gazed up at him with heated expectation. Sandor
tightened his hold, molding her body to his before he bowed to kiss her. She
slid her hands over his shoulders to lock them together behind his neck. Her
soft breasts pushed against his chest, sending his heart racing even faster.
His mouth trailed down to her throat as his arms wrapped tighter around her
waist. Her pulse fluttered under his lips as her breath hitched.
"We still have to study later," she purred and arched her neck. "This is just a
short break." She shivered as he brushed his lips against her throat.
"It's won't be that short," he growled against her neck. She exhaled a breathy
chuckle and he raised his head to capture her lips again. Sansa began to
tremble as he swiped his tongue along her lips and she opened to him. His
tongue caressed and pushed against hers, building his already tormenting
arousal. Sandor moved to kneel on the mattress, tugging her down onto him as he
lay on his back. He pulled her up by the waist so she straddled him and she
started to shift backwards. But he cupped behind her knees and yanked her
forward.
"Oh," she let out a startled yelp and braced her hands on either side of his
head. "What are you doing?" Ah, her breathlessness voice, his second favorite
sound. There was only one thing she was still timid about. "But... I'm too
heavy," she whispered the protest.
"You're light as a feather," he raised his knees to give her support. "Lean
back and relax." She made and a concerned sound but listened to him, leaning
against his legs. Sansa still trusted him even though she felt shy, that's what
made it even better. He coaxed one ankle over his shoulder and she moved the
other, opening to him. "You're beautiful and every part of you is perfect," he
assured her. Her thighs trembled under his hand as his fingers curled around
them to pull her close.
Sandor stroked the silky skin of her thighs in attempt to ease the tension in
her body. Her breaths puffed out in quick short pants and he glanced up to see
her blushing. He tilted his head to the side to kiss one smooth thigh and
paused to let her relax. His fingers brushed through her soft curls and her
heavy breathing evened. He caressed the inner crease of her legs, moving
gradually toward the center. She surrendered with a low whine, tilting her hips
in a tempting invitation.
His heart pounded, rushing all the blood in his body to his stiff cock.
Anticipation tensed his stomach muscles as his head angled to kiss her
sensitive flesh. Her hips jumped at the first light touch of his mouth and he
tightened his hold on her. Irresistible hunger overrode his control and he
unleashed it all. Sansa gasped as his tongue explored her, stroking and
plunging inside her. She reached back to grasp his thighs and pushed closer to
his mouth.
He slid his hand up her ribs to cup her breast as her chest heaved with panted
moans. His thumb brushed the peak of her breast and she cried out. Her body
jerked between arching into his touch and pressing against his mouth. Her
fingernails bit into his legs as her moans grew louder and longer. Loose
strands of her hair caressed his throbbing erection and near drove him crazy.
Her hips twisted faster so he gripped her thighs to keep pace with her fitful
rocking.
"Sandor, I need you now." She pushed towards his mouth and his heart thundered
inside his ribcage. "Please love," her body seized up as she panted a ragged
cry, "I'm so close..." Sandor redoubled his efforts until she was singing in
relief - his favorite sound. She melted against him but he couldn't let her
rest, grabbing her and hauling her up. Even though she looked wiped out, her
shaky hand guided his cock to her slick entrance. He gripped her hips as she
sank down, enveloping him inside her.
She braced her hands on his chest as he arched against the futon to fill her
completely. He thrust himself into her as she hummed with contentment, swaying
back and forth. Sandor tugged her to fall against him and cupped her face to
pull her lips to his. She opened her mouth against his and he pushed his tongue
against hers. Sansa moaned into his mouth and bucked against him. A swell of
pleasure gushed through him, causing his cock to throb within her.
"Oh my gods..." She clung to him, rocking unsteadily so he grasped her hips to
control the pace. "Oh my gods!" His heart felt close to busting but he kept
thrusting upwards at a steady rhythm. "Oh-my-gods-Sandor-I... Oh," she breathed
a soft moan and then her voice burst into a high-pitched note. The building
pressure released, flooding him with pleasure as his pumped deep inside her.
They both trembled and held each other tight until the tremors subsided.
"Godsdamn..." His heart raced as he held her close, kissing her hair and neck.
Her body went limp, still trembling as she whimpered. "Okay, little bird?"
"I love you," she wheezed and turned her head to rest on his shoulder.
"Gods I love you," his pounding heart was slowing to a normal pace. "So much,
you don't even know." He kissed down her neck and her steady pulse thumped
under her skin. He swept her hair aside, gazing down at her as her closed
lashes fluttered open. When her glazed eyes peeked up at him, he started
grinning like a fool.
"What?" Sansa rose up on her forearms to look down on him. Her lazy satisfied
smile was his favorite expression. Hells, all of her expressions and sounds and
gestures were his favorite. "What's so funny?" Sandor eased her down to lay by
his side, wrapping his arms around her. She snuggled closer, fitting herself
against his body. "Tell me," she pleaded prettily.
"I wish I could go back and tell my younger self not to worry." He curled his
fingers around her neck to tilt her face up and pressed a light kiss to her
lips. "That I'll have the most beautiful girl in Westeros - and she loves being
had by me."
"You would tell that to a young boy?" She gave him the reproachful look but
could not hold it too long before smiling again.
"I worried a lot about it - if I'd be any good." He tucked her head under his
chin and tightened his arms around her. "I thought that I'd have to be good, to
make up for the face."
"I thought you were trying to make up for your quick temper and foul tongue."
It seemed Sansa liked teasing him as much as he liked teasing her. "And the
possessiveness, rudeness, arrogance-"
"Alright," he growled, "I'm a fucking mess."
"And being too sweet," she pressed her soft lips to his collarbone, "gentle,
caring... Very, very skilled at making love to me. My man is the most perfect
for me in the entire world. I love everything about you, especially your
dedication to hard work." Sansa started to wiggle out of his hold.
"Oh no," he held her even tighter. "Please little bird, I just wanna hold you a
little more."
"Bah," she huffed, but stopped trying to get away. "Don't make me laugh! I know
where cuddling goes with you, mister." She squirmed closer and nuzzled her face
against his chest. "I won't be tricked..." Seemed like she did want to be
tricked, sometimes it was hard to tell what Sansa wanted.
"I don't try to trick you," he coaxed. "You're just so soft and warm and
pretty, and you smell good..." His hands were already wandering her curves -
they had a mind of their own.
"What are you doing?" Her muffled voice was a mix of annoyance and amusement.
"Cuddling," and trying to start something again. Best let his hands do the
persuading, it worked better than sweet-talking.
"Sir, you are a liar." She reached up to swat his hand cupping her breast.
"I'm not lying," he moved his hand to curl around her waist and behaved
himself. They lay peaceful and quiet for a moment but neither of them was
falling asleep.
"I know you think it's silly..." Sansa turned her bright blue eyes up at him
and he recognized the pity right away. "I'm sorry if your feelings were hurt
when they accused you." Strange enough, he didn't hate her sympathy - it felt
good that she trusted him. "I'll always believe in you." That's the kinda thing
people wish they could mean but never do. Not the little bird - she meant it
with all her heart.
"Of course you should believe your man," his fingers sneaked back along her
ribs. "I'm no liar." But his hands really didn't listen to him.
"Which is why," she hummed a reluctant sigh and pulled away. "We should study
now like you promised."
"I promised?" Sandor did recall something like a promise to study - godsdammit.
"Ugh, then there's no choice." He sat up, stretching his arms forward in the
hopes of tempting her to stay in bed. "I'll just have to get dressed and hit
the books."
"We could try a twist on our study game..." Her hands slid over his shoulders
as she pressed her chest along his back. "For every right answer, this time you
get to remove a piece of clothing. The fun part is... I'll be naked the whole
time," her lips touched his neck and he could feel them smiling.
"I think I like it better that way," he twisted to snag her waist but she
slipped out of his hold.
"Let's get you dressed!" Sansa hopped out of the bed like an eager kid on
Winterfest morning to gather his clothes. Sandor watched her with a probably
idiotic grin on his face that but he didn't care. They might actually pull this
off, her enthusiasm was infectious. Maybe - just a tiny part of him - hoped he
had a real shot at getting into Crownlands. It would prove to the little bird
and to everyone that he was more than a jock. She had enough faith in him for
the both of them and there was no way he could let her down.
Chapter End Notes
     A thousand apologies about the super long wait for this chapter! My
     Dothraki translator is coming along but fails spectacularly with
     syntax so that's a real problem at this point in its development. Who
     the fuck am I thinking cares about any of this?
        [https://31.media.tumblr.com/473f480518ff52d1e530b3199da989c8/
                     tumblr_inline_ngiieeuKuY1sfczdk.gif]

     I keep pulling up this gif of Sansan eating and I get sucked in,
     waiting for the plot to develop, but it never does. Seems damned
     familiar... just can't put my finger on it.
***** That Night at Dinner *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [That_Night_at_Dinner]
                                      SAM
It was a bit of a shock when his parents invited them for dinner. Father was
livid when Sam told him he would marry a pregnant teenager. Well, mom did the
inviting but claimed the whole thing was dad's idea. Part of him wanted to get
out of this family meal, make some excuse. Endless lectures might await them
and he wanted to protect Gilly from that. In the end, he decided to give his
parents the benefit of the doubt. Maybe mom talked to father and calmed him
down enough to talk things out.
After all, his father wasn't the type of man to make a scene in a public place.
Sam and Gilly fussed for two hours with their outfits, trying to look perfect.
She was so nervous that she put on two of the wrong shoes and almost walked out
the door like that. He was hardly in better shape but at least he noticed
before they got to the car. The drive to the restaurant was tense but her
cheerfulness always lightened the atmosphere.
They all met outside the restaurant and exchanged curt greetings. Father didn't
even acknowledge Gilly but mom gave her a hug and said she looked pretty.
Conversation was scarce, only kept up by mom and Gilly until they were seated.
He was too nervous to say a word and didn't like the cold way father stared at
him. The server came to take their drink orders, saving Sam from his father's
scrutiny.
"I'm so glad we could get together tonight," mom smiled around the table.
Father nodded, it was a serious nod, but an agreement nonetheless.
"Me too, mom." Sam felt a little guilty about being so anxious about this
dinner. His parents just wanted to show their support and get to know Gilly.
Father's coldness was nothing new... he always looked at Sam like that.
"Your mother tells me she has been sending you money," dad stared at him hard.
Oh bloody hells... gods take him now.
"She has been helping us get started." Sam kept his voice even and low, showing
the deference his father liked. Gilly took his hand under the table and
squeezed his fingers.
"I want to offer you a position at the company, including a sign-on bonus."
Father appeared reluctant to make this offer but it was one Sam never expected.
"You and your... wife will move into our home. We can provide childcare if she
wishes to continue her education."
"Dad..." Sam flat out misjudged his father. The man had always been cold and
judgmental. Maybe that's because he didn't know any other way to be. "I don't
know what to say-"
"If," father produced a folded paper from his inside jacket pocket. He slid it
across the table then clicked a pen and set it down on the paper. "You both
must sign this."
"Honey," mom put her hand on dad's arm, "this isn't the time-"
"What is it?" Sam's eyes were still fixed on the paper.
"A contract," he stated the obvious with a stiff jaw. "Stipulating you will
allow your child's paternity to be tested when it is born."
"Does that mean what I think it means?" Gilly turned to him, wide-eyed and
looking to him for answers. His father was humiliating them both and Sam wasn't
protecting her!
"Dad, I can't..." Sam stumbled over his protest, staring down at the offending
paper. "This is..."
"What should I do, Sam?" She whispered a little too loud, it was cute she had
little nervous habits like that. His father scoffed, mocking her innocence and
fear.
"Hold on," dad wasn't laughing anymore. "You don't know do you?" He jumped up
and tore out his wallet to throw a wad of cash on the table. "You fucking
idiot," he glared at Sam. "Never show yourself to me again." He turned his
hostile scowl to mom. "If you ever send him money again, I will cut you off as
well."
"No!" Sam found his voice and stood up. "It's me who doesn't want to see you
again," he glared at the man who belittled him his whole life. "Who needs a
father like you? I'd rather you not be around my child anyway." His father
sneered at him and Gilly one last time, looking like he wanted to say more.
Father was never one to create a scene, straightening his jacket before
storming away. "Mom," he caught her arm, "you don't have to go with him."
"I love you, Sam." Mom held his face and kissed his cheek, all the while
wearing her fake smile. "I am so proud of you."
"Mom," he tried to stop her but she followed dad as usual. "I'm sorry, Gilly."
Sam took her hand when she came to stand beside him. They walked with their
heads down out of the restaurant.
"They offered us a lot," she murmured. "I should've signed it... still could
really be your baby." Sam held her hand tight and used his anger to renew his
determination.
"It is my baby," he reluctantly let her go to so they could walk around the car
to get in. He sat in the driver seat and waited for her to get buckled up
before putting in the keys. "You're my wife and I won't let anyone hurt you
anymore."
"I'm not hurt," she put her hand on his arm to get his attention and smiled to
reassure him. In a way, it made him feel worse because he should be the one
reassuring her. But in truth it hurt, he hoped tonight to start a real
relationship with his father. "I understand why your dad is like that. If you
were my son, I wouldn't want someone like me for you. And he's still not half
as bad as my dad."
"I'm sorry, Gilly." What else could he say? Sam pulled out of the parking spot
to head home, where they should've stayed all night.
"When we get home," her cheerfulness wasn't daunted one bit. Gilly had to be
the strongest person need ever known. "I'll make the cookies you like."
"And I'll rub your feet while we watch TV," the tension in his body started
relax.
"And I'll feed you cookies," she proposed, "because your hands will be busy."
It's amazing that he and Gilly never got the chance to date before getting
married. And yet, they loved all the same things and got along really well.
Anything they differed on usually ended up a good thing. Like he was book-
smart, but she had life skills.
"We should've just stayed in tonight," he sighed.
"Going out isn't all that great," she agreed. "The stuff on that menu was too
confusing to me anyway." Gilly laughed in her bright tingling way that always
made him smile. "Why would anyone want to eat snails?"
"I'd much rather have cookies," he could already taste them melting in his
mouth.
"It's funny," she patted her stomach, "little Sam wants some too."
"Takes after me," he chuckled but then his mood sobered. He put off confessing
for too long about the job offer for pipeline work in the north. It would mean
being gone for several months, maybe even after the baby was born. After that
disastrous meeting with his parents, tonight seemed like the right time.
Leaving her was the last thing in the world he wanted and might be the one
thing he needed to do.
                                     GILLY
They were watching a fun show, though the fast subtitles made it a bit hard to
understand. Sam explained what was going on in the story and said her questions
made it more fun to watch. Sometimes she felt stupid around Sam because he's so
smart but that's all right. He says that they're both smart in different ways
so they make each other stronger. Gilly loved it when he said things like that.
"Gilly..." Sam tapped her like to get her attention away from the TV.
"Another?" She shook her head in denial. "You've already had too many," she
didn't want him getting a tummy ache. It was bad enough they ordered pizza for
dinner but that was totally Sam's dad's fault.
"Not that," he sighed like he always did when he had something serious to say.
Sam clicked off the TV and turned to face her. "If we have to pay for the birth
out of pocket... it's too much. I got a job offer the other day. The pay is
really good and there are benefits, like health insurance."
"This is a good thing, right?" Gilly couldn't tell because it sounded good but
his tone was unhappy. At times, she wished Sam had subtitles!
"The catch is," he glanced down to their linked hands. "I have to go away."
What... 'away'? NO!
"Away," Gilly yanked her hands out of his. "How far? Where? Far away?! For how
long?! When?!"
"The job is in the north," he explained, "surveying pipelines." That doesn't
explain anything!
"What does that mean?" Her head was spinning around, tangled up in a sheet of
fear.
"That doesn't matter," he held her hands again. "The point is I would be gone
for several months. I can send most of the money back to you. You can go to the
doctor and get lots of checkups to make sure the baby is healthy."
"But you won't be here..." Gilly didn't know how he could even suggest such a
thing! "That's not worth it," she whimpered.
"I'm telling you, Gilly." Sam used his serious voice and she knew it was
already over. "It is worth it," he insisted. "This way, I can take care of you
and little Sam. I don't have to go right now-"
"You're going!" Gilly jumped up and pointed a finger down at him. "No matter
what I say, you plan to go anyway!" When he didn't deny it, she whirled around
away from him. "I don't wanna be alone," she hugged herself and struggled not
to cry. Why... was he doing this? How long did he keep this from her?! Did he
really think she was so stupid that he had to make all the decisions?
"Give me a chance to convince you," he came behind her and put his hands on her
shoulders. "Let's think about it at least, okay? Don't you trust me?"
"How can you take care of us if you're gone?" Gilly refused to turn around
because she knew that look he'd give her. Those sad pleading eyes would drag
any answer he wanted out of her. It wasn't fair! This is why fairy tales never
go past the hero rescuing the damsel. Because she feels undying gratitude on
top of love, more than he could ever love her back. She needed him more than he
needed her and that's why he always gets his way.
"I don't want to leave," his arms wrapped around hers, "you're my only family."
Sam rested his forehead against her shoulder. "I love you so much that I can be
strong enough to leave. Can you understand?"
"I understand," but she didn't really. How could he leave her? Didn't matter
that she hated it and didn't matter how she felt. Sam was leaving and she would
be left all alone just like before they married. Who would protect her while
he's gone?
                                   MARGAERY
That had to be the shittiest date of all dates ever in the history of dates.
That asshole was so nauseating and arrogant! For him, nothing on the menu was
good enough. And everything the wait staff did displeased him - he was insanely
rude to them. It was almost too much for her to not reach across the table and
slap him across his stupid face. Before the entrees were served, she had to get
out of there. Only after making her great escape did she realize something
categorically awful.
The clutch that matched her outfit did not contain any money or credit cards.
How does that even happen?! This was the universe's way of telling her she
should not always expect the guy to pay. As a result, she could not call a cab
or else she would have to have someone in her family pay for her ride. If she
was going to do that she might as will call the family driver. There was no way
she was calling home to reveal her failure.
She was lost without a soul to call for help. Her feet hurt from wandering down
the dark street in high heels. And a creepy guy eye-fucked her when she walked
past a seedy bar with black windows. The situation was starting to make her
feel just the tiniest bit desperate. So she decided to do something insane -
call the one person she should never talk to again. Before her mind changed,
she stopped in front a busy pub to make a call.
"Margaery?" By some miracle of the gods, Gendry answered. And apparently hadn't
deleted her number! That was something she intended to never think about or try
to psychoanalyze.
"Thanks for answering," she hoped her breathlessness did not diminish her
unending gratitude. "I know I don't have any right to ask you this but can you
pick me up?" There was a slight pause on his side and Marge held her breath for
his answer.
"Where are you?" He was more virtuous and kind than a person had the right to
be. It still pierced her heart that she could not make Gendry hers. She looked
up at the lit carved wooden sign hanging above the pub.
"Do you know where The King's Tavern is?" Marge had no idea how to give
directions to where she was because she had no clue where she was.
"I'll be there soon," he granted her request, "wait for me out front." True to
his word, Gendry showed up after just a short wait. Marge jogged to his car,
opened the door, and flung herself inside. It was freezing outside and she was
barely wearing anything at all!
"I can't thank you enough for this," she wrapped her cape tighter. "There was
no one else to call. The sad truth is my grandmother set up my date and if I
call for our driver, she will know I ditched him. Dany and Missa both have
boyfriends and therefore lives. I shouldn't be jealous when poor Toto lost his
father. I'm a horrible person - I don't even feel guilty for leaving my
date..." She eyed him sideways, aware of her nervous rambling. "You realize you
haven't said a single word yet."
"You haven't stopped talking," he pointed out with a sideways smile. "You wanna
let me know where I should take you?" Gods, he was really-really cute and so
unavailable. Marge distracted herself by texting her address to him. "Got it,"
he studied his phone for a moment before shoving into his pocket. Gendry put
his car into drive and pulling away from the tavern. "So, why'd you ditch him?"
"He was rude and conceited - everything you're not." Marge knew she was pouting
but felt entitled. This has been the worst night and she really needed a good
night. Even her knight in shining armor belongs to someone else. "I hope you
know you've ruined me, before I never cared if a guy was self-important. Now I
can't stand it!"
"Well, it is hard for other guys to live up me." At least Gendry had a good
sense of humor about it - wait... that made it worse. "I'm pretty great or so
I've been told."
"You would have made a wonderful friend," she spoke her thoughts out loud. "And
I messed that up." It might be one of her ultimate lifetime regrets - just
under ever being with Joff.
"That's not true," he protested kindly. "I'd say we're friends: that's what you
call people who come pick you up in front of pubs."
"Why are being so nice to me?" The matter how she thought about it, she
couldn't understand him. Nobody is that nice! "Don't you realize that you
should've left me shivering in the cold? Arya would've enjoyed that."
"She's not..." Gendry started to argue but trailed off to laugh. "Okay, you got
her pinned down pretty good." He grimaced and rubbed a hand against the back of
his neck. "It might be for the best if she doesn't know I did this for you."
"So I'm thinking you exaggerated about your totally honest relationship." Marge
regretted the gibe the instant it passed through her lips. "Sorry for spilling
about the kiss," she hurried to humble herself. "And for kissing you - sorry
about that again. The way you talked at the forge I assumed you told her right
away. It seemed prudent to beg for forgiveness instead of waiting for her
revenge."
"I try to be honest with Arya, but timing is important." Gendry certainly
didn't have to explain anything but it seemed he needed to talk. "We've been
going through some stuff lately: there was no good time for me to tell her."
His expression lightened as he peeked at her. "You actually helped us: sorry if
that's harsh to say."
"Not at all," she in fact felt relieved. "I hope you're not just saying that to
make me feel better. That would make me feel worse."
"I'm serious," he assured her. "Arya was slipping away from me and the more I
held onto her: it seemed to make it worse." His voice was strained with
emotion. "So I tried to give her space but then that didn't work either." That
girl was pure trouble and Gendry was a fool - as is anyone in love. "You kinda
shook things up and then everything fell back into place."
"Now you're bragging," she teased him - sounding more lighthearted than she
felt. As Joff's girl, she learned well how to fake a smile. Marge sighed as the
pure pitifulness of her existence seemed unavoidable. "I guess I would brag too
if I found real love. Go ahead, brag away."
"I would," he chucked, "but we're here." Marge looked up to see he was right
and mourned their short time together. Gendry pulled his boat-like car into her
driveway and parked in front of the gate. "Wait a minute," he pushed open his
door and ran around the front to yank open her door.
"Thanks," she accepted his outstretched hand to stand up.
"You'll find someone to love," he gave her an encouraging smile as he dropped
her hand. "Next year you'll go off to college and meet new people. Or forget
dating and just throw your focus into your designs. Working at the forge takes
everything off my mind when I'm feeling weighed down." The urge to kiss him was
welling up inside her again.
"I just have to say this and you just have to listen!" Margaery clutched her
clutch close to her chest to keep her hands to herself. "You're gorgeous,
talented, funny, and sweet - everything I wish I could have. I know you're
unshakably in love with Arya but that's beside the point. My point is..." She
looked up to see him watching her intently. "Someday I hope we can look back on
my silly mistake and laugh about it as real friends."
"I look forward to it," he nodded once, giving her one last kind smile. It
represented everything she was missing out on. His acceptance of her request
for friendship did ease the ache a bit. "Goodnight Marge."
"Goodnight Gendry," she gave him one last smile. He closed her door and walked
back to the driver's side. He pulled away without watching her go inside, which
strangely reminded her of Joffrey. Marge watched until the taillights of his
car disappeared. "And goodbye..." Once and for all Margaery let go of her
lingering feelings for Gendry. It hurt but not as much as real heartbreak - at
least she could still feel any heartache at all.
Some people turn bitter and cold, thinking there was no hope for love in the
world for them. But Gendry was right - she was moving on soon and somewhere out
there was someone for her. They say good things come to those who wait, but she
was never a patient person. The first step was to forget her evil first love
and the perfect-but-taken rebound. Some artists would kill for this angst to
inspire their work and she wouldn't let it go to waste.
Chapter End Notes
     No specific character popped into my head for Marge's date but it
     leaves me the tiniest bit unsatisfied. But overall, I think this was
     a good one. I like to sprinkle in the Silly chapters but they always
     seem to stand out. Next up: Gendry gets the POV. He and Arya are
     practicing sword fighting! My favorite activity for them to do
     together.
***** Wooden Swords *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                [Wooden_Swords]
                                    GENDRY
They stayed at the forge Friday but nothing else happened as he planned. His
first idea was to make them a pair of wooden practice swords, so it would be
less dangerous. That was going all well and good, carving the wood and doing a
fine job of it. She just wouldn't leave him alone! Arya hadn't been on him this
much since that week both of their parentals went out of town. Every time he
turned around, she was there with that wicked smirk on her face.
All Saturday they didn't leave the tent: it's shocking what the body is capable
of. Thank the gods he brought some granola bars or they would've starved. He
wasn't complaining any, but neither of them got anything done for two days.
When he woke up Sunday morning, Gendry put his foot down. They came to the
forge to follow her odd doctor's even more bizarro suggestion. By some miracle,
she didn't argue so he worked on the swords while she cleared a space.
"Alright," he handed her a finished weapon, sanded to perfection. "How's this
done?"
"Well," she tested the balance of the sword with her left hand. "The doc wants
me to face the evil presence chasing me in my mind." His expression probably
didn't hide his misgiving but he couldn't help it. "Don't try to understand it,
I barely get it. So maybe, I'm supposed to practice with imaginary enemies."
Arya gave him a hesitant questioning look but he just shrugged. "Okay, give me
an enemy to defeat." She rocked back into a fighting stance, holding her weapon
in front of her.
"Shouldn't you imagine it?" Gendry didn't see a real point to any of this, but
then again he was no doctor. Arya frowned at him and did the whole pleading-
with-her-eyes thing. "Cthulhu," he said the first creature that came to mind.
Her sword fell down by her side as she stared at him with dumbfounded
annoyance.
"Can we start with something a little easier?" Arya lifted her sword again, her
face a mask of determination.
"How about a goblin?" Gendry started to get into it, kind of like playing DnD.
"Armed with a rusty dirk, he really likes the look of your boots and wants them
for himself." As he described the enemy, it almost appeared in front of her.
"He jabs at your left side."
"I dart to the right," she narrated her movements. "And slice his throat with
the pointy end of my sword." She slashed clean through the goblin's neck and
then turned to him. "How'd it look?"
"Like a goblin getting killed," he grinned at her. "It's pretty hot."
"Focus," she scolded and raised her sword again. "Give me another - harder this
time."
"A giant bat swoops down overhead," he pointed up, trailing his finger towards
her. Arya dropped and rolled, thrusting her sword up. "Not bad, but you got
guts all over you now."
"Not a problem," she grinned at him as she stood up, wiping imaginary blood on
her pants.
"Behind you!" He put a dramatic edge on it, starting to have fun with it. "A
lion-lizard is coming right for you." Arya whirled around with her weapon
brandished in front of her, ready for anything. "The beast's hide is too thick
for your little sword to piece. Its huge jaws are chomping at your face!" She
darted out of the way in time, rounding on the invisible creature.
"Does it have any weaknesses?!" She ran in a circle around the beast, her eyes
darting up to him.
"A soft spot," he shouted, "under the neck!" Seemed reasonable to assume since
most creatures have fleshy throats. "And they can't see well when their target
stands still," he remembered from biology. "It's charging again..." She moved
deliberately to stand in front of the tree and swayed back-and-forth. "It's
almost an arm's length away!" She quickly jumped and rolled out of the way.
"And it crashed into the tree!" Her sword thrust under the invisible creature's
throat. "You've pierced its brains, well done."
"I don't know," she panted as she rose to her feet, "if this game will make me
better with this thing." She grinned and swung the sword in a wide arc. "But
it's fun."
"Fight me so you can have a real challenge." He stepped forward, holding his
sword in front of him. Arya raised a dubious eyebrow and smirked at him.
"That imaginary lizard-lion would've eaten you alive." She stepped back into
her fighting stance and pointed her sword at him. "Of course, I'd save you
first."
"My hero," he put up his guard and tried to copy her pose, planting his feet
wide apart. Her smirk grew to a wide grin as she shook her head. He clutched
the sword with both hands and ignored her judgmental snicker. Arya crooked her
little finger, inviting him to attack first and flaunting her confidence.
Gendry took the invitation, dashing forward to swing at her left side. Her
blade twisted around his weapon and knocked it out of his grip.
She twirled towards him, still attacking, to whip his right arm. It might be
wood but it still hurt like all bloody hells. He hissed in pain, stepping back
to avoid her second hit, which seemed half-hearted. Gendry didn't care if she
wanted to go easy on him, he ran to grab his fallen weapon from the dirt. Arya
waited for him to get into place with an arrogant show of patience. When he
faced her again and she swiveled her wrist to flourish her sword with a
graceful ease.
This time, he attacked right and she dove under the arc of his swing. Arya
skipped out of the way with effortless grace time and again. A few times, he
got in some good hits and it started tripping her up. Every time he did better,
it chipped at her confidence and she slipped up more. She whirled to face him,
lunging headfirst to jab her sword towards him. It poked him in the ribs but he
still held his sword firmly. Gendry slashed down and hit her leg above the
ankle. Her weapon dropped to her side in surrender, panting and scowling with
disappointment.
"I can't focus!" Arya dropped her practice sword onto the ground. It was hard
to feel bad for her when she thought he'd be so easy to beat. "I'm just not
getting anything out of this - except for a sore arm." She rubbed her right
shoulder and stared glumly down at her discarded weapon. "Maybe I have to do
this alone."
"Maybe you're trying too hard," he set his sword down by hers.
"Or not hard enough," she sulked as she walked up behind him.
"Maybe you're being too serious." Gendry turned around and pushed her into the
pile leaves she cleared up earlier. "That ought to help."
"Hey!" She sat up, pulling leaves out of her hair before smiling up at him. "I
think that did help," she reached for him to help her up. "Maybe you should
join me!" Arya jerked on his helping hand to send him tumbling down on the
ground beside her. As expected she didn't stop there, holding onto his jacket
and climbing over him.
"Oomph!" Gendry winced as she knocked the wind out of him and started throwing
leaves in his face. "Arry, I give!" He sputtered, struggling to keep the leaves
out of his eyes and mouth. "You win!" Arya stopped her attack and sat up to
smile down at him. She wiped his lips clean and bowed her head to kiss him:
soft and warm. He pushed off the ground to sit up, curling his arms around her
waist and kissed her again.
"What are you not telling me?" Her dark brow arched as she narrowed her eyes.
"Don't bother denying it - I know you're hiding something." How did she guess?!
Oh, wait: there was something else to confess.
"I won a raffle at work," he admitted. "Four tickets to the Ye Olde Theme
Parke. I thought we could ask your sister and Sandor to go with. I would take
Sheri but she'd end up a third wheel and Hot Pie would be up our asses."
"You've thought about this," she wore a mocking smile on her lips.
"I think about things," he defended himself. "So, waddaya thinking?"
"I'm thinking," she tilted her head forward and looked at him through her
lashes. "You're so fucking hot that I want to bang your brains out."
"You seductress," he chuckled, "how could I resist?"
"You can't," she raised an arrogant eyebrow.
"You really think you could take me, don't you?" Gendry shook his head at that
ridiculous notion. Arry might be a little ball of fire but she was still much
littler than him. If their practice had gone on a bit longer, he would've worn
her down. Maybe it was harsh but Arya sometimes thought she was invincible. If
anyone had the patience to set her straight, that would be him.
"I've done it many times," she dipped her head to nip up his neck. "Have you
forgotten?"
"I might need a reminder," his throat tightened as her tongue darted out to
lick her bites. "I have to admit if we were forced to fight to the death, you'd
win."
"Of course I would win," she leaned back to peer questioningly at him.
"But only because I would want you to win," he tapped her on the nose, causing
her to blink. "So you could live."
"Hold on, back the fuck up." She crossed her arms and scowled at him, taking
this way too seriously. "You would 'let' me kill you? I could've killed you
nine times since we've been having this stupid conversation."
"Oh yeah?" He was up for the challenge, Arry's lesson about picking fights
wasn't near over.
"Yeah," she poked his chest. "First to give in gets to choose who we bring with
us to the theme park."
"You have to promise not to get mad when I win," he grinned.
"As long as you don't sulk when I win," she sneered.
"Agreed," as soon as he spoke the word she spun away, locking her fingers
around his arm. Before she could pin it behind his back, he grabbed her
shoulder with his free hand. They wrestled for control but neither could keep a
hold on the other. Same as in practice, she was slippery as an eel, slithering
out of his grasp. Gendry almost had her but she retailed by reaching behind him
to yank a handful of hair. The pain distracted him long enough for her to turn
them over, kneeling on him. It seemed inevitable this was getting him hot but
he stuffed it down for the sake of winning.
He stretched to grab the scruff of her jacket and tossed her off of his chest.
Without letting go, he yoked his other arm around her neck. Her hands flew to
his forearm, trying to break his grip but he was able to grasp both small
wrists. No matter how she struggled, he trapped her in his hold and squeezed
her legs between his. In that position, it was obvious that his cock was hard
as a rock. It poked her backside like a white flag of surrender: no way would
he give in now that he'd won.
"Gendry," she dug her fingers into his forearms and his pulse raced. "Let me go
so we can fuck already."
"You're just trying to win." He grasped her wrists tighter and ignored his
straining erection: too bad, she didn't.
"I want us both to win," she made a frustrated sound and rubbed back against
him. He kept a tight hold on her wrists, slipping his other arm free to trap
her twisting hips. "Oh gods, Gendry - what are you waiting for?"
"Tell me that I win," the words gritted through his teeth as she wriggled in
his hold.
"Go to the seven hells!" Her whiny tone meant she was as affected as him. He
had the upper hand: which he shoved up her shirt to cup her warm breast. The
physical exertion heated Arya's skin and her chest heaved with heavy breath.
She squirmed but it didn't seem like she really wanted to get away. "Oh hells,
come on Gendry!"
"Tell me that you give up," he rolled the stiff peak between his finger and she
trembled. "And then I'll do whatever you want." Arya struggled but he locked
his arms around her before she could slip away.
"Gendry," she whimpered, "please, you have to-"
"Arry," he gasped for breath as she rubbed back against him. If he loosened his
grip even a tiny bit she would be free and he'd lose. Not today, not these
tickets, he won them and they were his to use for whatever he wanted! "Say I
win-"
"I need you," she begged, "now!"
"Say the words: 'you win'." Bloody hells, he couldn't believe she held out this
long. "You know you want to just say it."
"Never," she moaned, "even though I want you more than I want to win - I never
give in." What a time for her to be standing on principle! She squirmed in his
hold and his resistance faltered. May all the gods damn her unmatched
stubbornness and relentless need for to win!
"Arya," he heaved a sigh as he loosened his grip. "I can't win against you: I
give." Gendry released her wrists and relaxed his legs. She didn't even waste a
moment to gloat before rising up onto her knees. Her hands moved at ta frantic
pace, ripping the zipper down as it creaked in protest. He got busy tugging
fabric out of the way, removing just what was necessary.
"Hurry, hurry," she repeated the muttered word until he tugged her back to him.
He dropped backwards to sit on the soles of her shoes and she followed. Arya
teetered a bit, reaching behind her to get a firm grasp on his erection. His
arm circled her ribs to steady her as she angled him to match her position. As
the tip rubbed along her slick entrance, it throbbed with tormented arousal. It
seemed their tussle got her as fired up. She sank down to envelop his hardness,
causing his breath to turn ragged.
He lowered his hold to her hips and pulled her back flush against his chest.
Gendry buried his face into the crook of her neck, kissing her throat as she
hummed low. She laid her head on his shoulder, reaching behind him to shove her
fingers into his hair. Her other hand seized his jeans bunched at his thighs,
pulling herself down. He rose onto his knees, bringing her up with him and the
new angle drew a loud whine from her.
Darkness seeped into his vision because this position was squeezing his cock so
tight. She whined, scratched, and writhed impatiently while he got ahold of his
senses. The adrenaline from their earlier struggle still lingered and her
squirming revived it. When he withdrew, moisture followed and smoothed the next
thrust into her impossible tightness. Arya rolled her hips to match his upward
thrusting but she couldn't move much at all.
This position, with his body surrounding hers, gave him full control: a rare
thing. He shoved both hands under her shirt to explore the return of her soft
curves. Her moans grew louder and she tilted her hips to take him deeper,
swaying to meet his thrusts. His heartbeat thundered in his chest and he urged
her to match his steady driving into her. She twisted to get closer to him as
he held rocking hips tighter and pumped himself into her.
Blood rushed in his veins as he drove into her, going deaf from her piercing
cries. She bucked and howled an earsplitting scream as her short fingernails
clawed his neck. Her whole body shook as she released, squeezing his release
out of him. His limbs seized, crushing her to him as a powerful surge of
pleasure racked his body. In this moment, he believed in the gods and fate
without a doubt. Something like this couldn't be 'everyday' or 'ordinary': it
was destiny.
Arya was his and he was hers in this heaven only they know, only lasts a
moment, and never the same twice. His thundering heart slowed as they both
leaned against each other for support. After a while of them panting to catch
their breaths, she blew out a deep breath. On shaky knees, they pulled up their
pants up before collapsing next to each other. Her hand slid over the scattered
crumbling leaves to grasp his, linking their fingers.
"It's starting to freak me out," she laughed breathlessly. "You're getting
abnormally good at that." About bloody time she noticed his efforts! Arry was
damn hard to please, in and out of bed: and forest, and wherever else she
wanted.
"I think it's a combination of natural talent and hard work," he turned his
head to grin at her.
"It's working - whatever it is," she suddenly popped up and braced an arm over
him. "Just so you know - if we fought to the death this is how I'd kill you,
when you're worn out."
"But by then," he pushed her tussled hair out of her face, "you'd forget why
you wanted to kill me."
"True," she agreed but then her expression turned serious. "I'll never hurt
you, Gendry - you to know that." Her small quiet voice pierced him with guilt.
He still hadn't told her about giving Marge a ride. After that pitiful call, he
snuck out of the tent late last night while Arya slept.
"Milady," he pulled her down by his side and wrapped his arms around her. "You
kill and revive me at least once a day since we met and I wouldn't have it any
other way."
"I have to admit - you definitely won." Her messy hair tickled his face as she
nuzzled her head under his chin. "Let's bring my stupid sister and her hulking
beast."
"We'll have a good time," he promised: they needed more of those. This weekend
had been too good to spoil by telling her something she didn't want to hear.
Deep down, Arya would understand he did the right thing helping Marge. Maybe in
a relationship, people can't be completely honest with each other. A few white
lies might just see them through the long haul. Someday, in a few years to
come, he'll admit everything and they'll share a laugh over it.
"It's so peaceful here," she turned to look up into the tree branches overhead.
"I should come meditate at the forge sometime, get in touch with nature and
shit."
"How does it work?" All he knew about meditation was what he'd seen in the
movies and none of that was consistent.
"Do you wanna learn?" She peeked up at him and he could tell she wanted him to
say yes.
"Sure," he agreed hesitantly. "But don't hypnotize me to do anything stupid."
"I'll do my best," she sat up to face him and he followed suit. "Clear your
mind and let yourself listen to what the universe tells you."
"This is what you do in therapy?" It seemed too 'mystical' for Arya: under the
rebellious attitude, she was a realist.
"Shut up and focus," she snapped at him before closing her eyes.
"I can't stop thinking," he sighed, "I'm always thinking about you." Her eyes
popped open to glare at him and he grinned at her. "You're always running
through my mind."
"What did you say?" Her calm expression morphed into a mask of panic, eyes
growing wide and frightened. "What do mean by that?"
"Arya," he took hold of her hand, "what's wrong?"
"Nothing," she blinked a few times and shook her head. "I just remembered
something - a bad dream." Her lips curled and her cheeks perked up but that was
not her smile. "It's nothing, I promise."
"I'm no good at this meditating," he tugged her closer to collect her in his
embrace. "Let me just hold you instead." Arya molded herself into his hold
without resistance or argument. "Ah, this makes me feel right at ease: no need
for fancy doctors and their weird ideas." Either this doctor confused Arry or
he really wanted to her swordfight invisible monsters. Whatever helps her get
her mind settled was fine by him. Still weird as all the seven hells though.
"I don't want to go back tonight," she grumbled against his chest.
"School tomorrow," he reminded her.
"I hate that place too," she continued to sulk.
"I'll be there," he assured her, "and there's a game on. Hopefully nothing
tragic happens between now and then."
"Tragedy is always happening somewhere," she sighed, "we just don't think about
it."
"My little Arry has such big thoughts," he teased, trying to keep things
lighthearted. "There's nothing tragic going on right here, right now."
"These moments never last long enough," she snuggled closer to him. "I wish
this weekend would never end."
"There'll be a weekend after this one, and one after that." Gendry was never
this optimistic before he met Arya but then he changed a lot since then. "I
plan to spend every one of them with you until you're sick of me."
"I'm lying whenever I act sick of you," she whispered. "That really means I'm
sick of me." Gendry hated her wispy weak voice, like she was admitting
something dark and secret.
"I know," he chuckled in spite of her frail tone. "Don't even know how it's
possible that you don't like you sometimes." Gendry pulled her back by her
shoulders to look at her face. "Have you met you? You're awesome! Sometimes I
just want to shake you until you see reason and love you as much as I do. But I
realized that won't make a difference, you're too stubborn."
"You're missing the upside," she grumbled. "I'm too stubborn to ever stop
loving you, even if you get sick of me first." A little smirk pulled at the
corner of her mouth. "Maybe that's the downside, depending on how you look at
it."
"I know that too, milady." Gendry slanted his brows together in mock offense.
"I'm smarter than I look."
"Thank the gods for that," she grinned.
"You wanna start something again?" He tightened his hold on her waist, pushing
his fingers into her ribs.
"Nope," she denied him with a smile, wrapping her arms around his chest to
squeeze him. "This is good." Arya was right about that so he held her close and
rested his forehead on her hair. It struck him that there would never be a
'moment' when everything was 'back to right'. They can't go back: nobody can,
everyone keeps on forward if they want to or not. Gendry wouldn't return to the
time before his lady got sad. Even if he got the chance, he wouldn't take it
because he loved her more every day since then.
Chapter End Notes
     A mighty battle waged in the kingdom of Microsoft between Windows and
     Word. I, the meek peasant, was caught in the clash of frameworking.
     Yes, to run macros in Word 2010 whilst using Windows 7, one must
     first pass the dreaded NET Framework Optimization Service. Many
     nights passed while I did my best to avoid the carnage. My CPU ran
     and nigh fifty to one-hundred percent at times!
     The heat... coming from my laptop will haunt my dreams for years.
     Scripts! Command Prompt! Dear gods, the humanity! When it was over, I
     realized it would never truly be over because someday Windows will
     want to give me updates. I will become frustrated with a minor issue
     with one program and think a tiny little bitty update might help. On
     that day, I will make all the same foolish mistakes, damn me.
***** End of Warfare *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                               [End_of_Warfare]
                                      JON
Their group traveled in silence with their leader far out in front: no one said
a word for hours. Not since Drogo started east with no explanation and they all
naturally followed. Snow expected Grey Worm to reveal the intent of their
course. Yet, he said not a word, using his hood to shield his face. It shocked
him to hear their Orc leader was in fact royalty but he did not press for
answers. They air between them was thick with tension he would not be the one
to snap.
"But I don't understand," Arry was the first to break the silence. "What is
Drogo exactly, a king?"
"It shall all be explained in time..." Grey Worm's lack of explanation left
Snow unsatisfied as well.
"That's horseshit!" She rounded on the High Elf, hands on her hips and feet
spread apart. Nymeria stood behind her, not snarling but a ridge of hair rose
along her spine. "None of us will abandon him no matter what the truth is, so
just tell us!"
"For once," Snow added quietly, "I agree with Arry."
"Hey," she aimed a scowl in his direction and this time the giant wolf did
growl at Snow.
"I think she's right too!" Little Nhee piped up, already appointed herself the
Halfling's squire. "Perhaps I am new to this group but I expect us all to trust
each other." Drogo halted his step and turned around to give the High Elf a
blank look. It seemed they were communicating telepathically but their
expression gave nothing away.
"Very well," Grey Worm nodded gravely, pulling his hood down to reveal tired
features. "I shall tell you the tale though it is not only mine." He suddenly
looked up, whipping his head back-and-forth. "Wait Drogo, they're here!" Green
light blinded Snow, knocking him down and slamming his body to the ground.
There were shouts and battle cries from all side but his entire body would not
move. He couldn't even open his eyelids to observe the commotion or see who
attacked.
"Templa ista a' kuile Snow de," the voice inside his head was Grey Worm. He was
performing a curative incantation to remove the paralyzing spell that caught
him. The instant the curse's binds were loose Snow sprung into action, facing
the attackers. There were five figures in black robes: a sixth lay on the
ground at Drogo's feet. The one nearest to him was casting a protection spell
on the other four.
His eyes scanned the field to lock with Arry who slowly nodded. Their
boisterous comrades held the attention of the attackers. He and the Halfling
crept towards their respective targets on the outside. The shield caster did
not notice Snow's approach until he was just behind her. Snow gave her a quick
death, one clean slice across the throat and she crumpled to the ground. A loud
snarl followed by a scream drew his attention across the battlefield.
Nymeria and Arya dispatched another enemy and they moved inward to join the
fray. Spells and weapons hurtled through the air but these fools stood not a
chance! Only three remained, all backed against each other but still full of
fight. Each held a powerful spell charging in their hands, ready to be cast.
His group flanked Grey Worm, who cast a ring of fire around their attackers.
They had nowhere to run and no attack left, the battle was all but over.
"Peace, kindred!" Grey Worm called out to their trapped foes. "Lay down your
arms and surrender to save your lives!" Now that Snow paid attention, he
realized all of their attackers were High Elves. Also they dressed in the same
style of robes Grey Worm wore.
"Traitor, you dare speak to us!" The leader's high-pitched voice twisted with
pain from the fire licking up her robes. "Die and face the judgment of your
maker!" The sorceress thrust her hands forward, flinging the swirling purple
spell at the group. Nhee darted out in front, throwing up and minor shield
spell. Pod was right behind her with a reflection chant, which dispersed the
spell. The other two cast their spells to break the shield but both bounced
off.
There was no choice: these High Elves down would not admit defeat even for
their lives. Grey Worm lifted his hands and the fire became an inferno,
consuming the attackers. As the flames died, the High Elf stared at the charred
remains before falling to his knees. These were not just his people: it was
obvious he knew them personally.
"I think," Arry collapsed beside Grey Worm, "you owe us that explanation now."
The Halfling had no tact: their comrade was grieving and she demanded answers.
Grey Worm nodded sluggishly and rose to his feet. He waved his hand over the
bodies and murmured an incantation so that their fallen attackers dissolved
into the earth. The High Elf turned to face them and the group crowded around
him. Drogo kept his distance but did not leave them behind, as Snow feared he
might.
"There is a city on the eastern edge of this continent," Grey Worm's voice was
low. "Groh Harbor, a united Human-Orc community that came together a generation
ago against a common enemy. My people were that enemy, at the time I was a
novice but I believed in my people's cause. Our maker promised us that land so
that we may stop our nomadic wandering. One night I had a vision, as did an Orc
witch doctor and a Human seer from the city. An heir would be born and he would
bring an end to all wars... forever."
"Drogo," Snow glanced to their stoic leader who pretended not to listen. "Is
the heir?"
"The Orcs and Humans unified their people through marriage," Grey Worm
continued. "The empress was expecting her first child... With a joyful heart, I
told my mentor that we would finally be able to stop fighting. She went
straight to our leader with my report and had a bounty put on Drogo's head.
From the moment he was born, someone has been trying to kill him."
"That's why he's so damned tough," Podrick remarked.
"My precognition raised my rank considerably," the High Elf glanced briefly to
Drogo. "I was assigned to join the group sent to assassinate the child prince.
I betrayed all of my people that night and stole the infant Drogo to keep him
safe. Ever since, I have stayed by his side, protecting and shielding his
location. The war has been at a stalemate, both sides too afraid to attack or
make peace. I still have a friend on the inside... she sends me messages
whenever there is news."
"And what news is there?" Snow had a feeling it was nothing good.
"An attack on the city is imminent," Grey Worm's already worried features
tightened. "In Groh Harbor, most believe Drogo is dead and are fighting each
other again to name an heir. Their defenses are weak while there is unrest
between the races. The point of a mixed race prince was to create a leader with
equal concern for both sides. My people have been waiting for a weakened moment
to attack. It is not safe for any of us to make the journey to the city, least
of all him. Yet I understand his need to protect his people, especially from
themselves."
"It goes without saying," Pod sobered, "we're with you and Drogo to the end."
"I cannot ask you to risk your lives," Grey Worm bowed his head. "We will be
under constant attack when we enter the kingdom."
"We're not 'asking' to come along," Arya bobbled her head arrogantly.
"You know I'm with you," Gendry added.
"I was more than ready to follow him into battle before I heard his story,"
Nhee spoke up. "It is what my sister would have wanted me to do." Her voice was
quiet a first but strengthened with each word. "The elders say that each of us
is born for a purpose, one thing we will accomplish in our lives. I believe
this might be the purpose for which I was born, to help bring an end to all
wars."
"So," Hot pie chimed in, puzzled expression on his cherubic face. "What you're
saying is... Drogo is a prince?" Grey Worm closed his eyes to mask his
exasperation and nodded his head. "For real? Whoa, that's amazing. He don't
seem like a prince at all!"
"Smartest thing you've said, Hot Pie." Arya ribbed the Dwarf, drawing a few
chuckles from the tense group. Together they faced Brawlis, The Devourer, and
even lost Khaleesi. Now they were heading straight for the nation of warrior
mages hunting them. This mission might be harder than all of their adventures
put together... the bell rang. The somber tone of the game stayed with the
group as they packed up their belongings. Torgo's recent loss made it was
difficult to smile around his grieving friend. The whole sad experience put
some things in perspective for Jon.
Life is too short to push away the people he should keep closest. All along,
he'd been sitting up on his high horse and looking down on everyone. He 'knew'
he was right and everyone else was just wrong. That attitude put distance
between himself and his once good friend. Even worse, he let it affect his
family: both of his cousins and even Ray. That guy was just too damn pitiful
because he lost his love and never got over her. At the time, his hero uncle
Ned undoubtedly scorned his parent's 'so-called love'.
That's not how people act when they care for and respect each other. Jon now
resented the judgment his uncle passed on mom and Ray. If he'd been more
supportive of their relationship, would things have been different? Thinking of
Ygritte, he understood: it must've been anguish for his parents to separate.
Ray reached out to him and he hadn't called the man since that day they met. In
the meantime, for weeks he watched the deterioration of Arya and Gendry's
'relationship'.
Jon felt smug about it: that was difficult and shameful to admit but true.
Hells, he was surprised they lasted this long with Arya's demanding nature. He
accepted his younger cousins' relationships as something he couldn't change.
Later it occurred to him: they have the right to make choices without his
judgment. In his arrogance, he considered himself high enough to judge them
all. Now he wanted to wipe the slate clean and stop lording over everyone.
He waited outside the empty room for Gendry, always the last to leave. Godsdamn
him if his new mentality didn't actually change his mind. Rather than
criticizing their carrying on, he envied them for stealing a moment together.
If they felt for each other as strongly as he loved Ygritte, he was genuinely
happy for them. The door swung open and Gendry strutted out, smiling and
humming a jaunty tune.
"Gendry," he quickly followed to catch up, "hold up."
"Hey," Gendry turned around with his eyebrows raised high in surprise. "how's
it going?"
"Not too bad," Jon caught up and they started walking together. "Pretty good
actually but it could be better," he took a deep breath to steel himself. "I
might possibly want to apologize for the whole Arya thing."
"Water under the bridge," Gendry waved and a dismissive hand. "You don't have
to say anything, I totally get it." He squeeze the straps his backpack tight
and heaved a heavy sigh. "It's normal you would worry about Arya."
"That's not it," Jon shook his head, wishing he could blame overprotectiveness.
"You two both told me how you felt about each other and I didn't really believe
you. I was the one who didn't get it, but I do now."
"You're in love," Gendry grinned knowingly. "Did some asshole try to get in the
way of your relationship?"
"Yeah... me," he chuckled because it was the truth. "But I figured out pretty
soon that I'd regret it if I fucked things up with her."
"I'm happy for you," Gendry clapped him on the shoulder. "If everyone could
find someone to love we'd all be a lot better off."
"I doubt that," he laughed again but their time ran short and he needed to get
to the point. "So... if you could help me smooth things over with Arya-"
"Oh-ho-no way, man." Gendry flat out refused, taking his hand away like Jon was
diseased. "That's on you," it didn't look like he could be convinced.
"Come on," Jon pleaded, "she only listens to you." No one held a grudge like
Arya. Lately she treated him with little more than cold indifference. Not that
he did anything right to deserve better, seeing as he's been so full of
himself.
"You're full of shit if you think Arya Stark listens to anyone." This egghead
still had no idea how much his cousin idolized him. All the same, he had no
right to judge Gendry not good enough for Arya: that's her choice.
"And you're blind," he countered, "if you can't see how hung-up she is on you."
Gendry didn't seem to know how to respond as they approached the locker hall.
"I gotta get a book for class, please talk to her for me."
"Fine I'll do it," Gendry relented and waved to round the next corner. "Catch
you later."
"Thanks," Jon called after him, "see ya man." He changed course to walk down
the opposite hall towards his locker. He stood in front of his locker and
heaved a sigh before setting his back down. By the time he entered his locker
combo and opened the door, Arya approached him.
"I hear you want to make up?" She raised a brow and pursed her lips. "What's
with that?"
"That was fast," he pulled out the book he needed from his locker.
"He texted me," she smirked.
"Coward," he scoffed as he stuffed the book into his bag.
"You're telling me," Arya laughed but it was a little weak. "So, why would we
need to 'make up' - aren't we cool?"
"Do we seem 'cool' to you?" Jon turned to face her as he pushed his locker
closed: he missed the way they used to be. When he lived up north, she was the
one person he could be completely honest with. They spent many nights talking
until morning about any and everything. In that way, he was even closer with
her than Robb. This tense distance between them was all his fault and it was
time for it to end.
"Look," he eyes darted around uncomfortably. "We don't have to 'make up' - all
I ever needed was for you to chill out about Gendry. And stop looking at us all
disgusted with your judgment every time we touch. Don't think I didn't notice,"
she curled her upper lip in a sarcastic sneer.
"We're good on that," he promised and meant it this time. "I swear on my life
to never judge or look down on your relationship again. What you do is your
business and I should be happy if you're happy."
"That's the way it should've been from the get-go," she rolled her eyes. "Let's
hang out soon." Arya punched her sharp knuckles into his bicep. "I miss you,
asshole."
"Sounds good," he rubbed his arm, "wanna go paintballing?"
"I have been waiting my whole lifetime for someone to ask me that question."
Arya's grin came with a little evil glint in her eye. "I'll bring my boyfriend
and you bring your girlfriend. We can team up couple-verses-couple."
"It's on," he already felt like a load lifted from his shoulders. Why was he
being such an asshole this whole time? Somebody needs to slap the shit out of
him sometimes and get him out of his own head. Plenty of people would
volunteer: he'd wager Ygritte would be first in line.
"Call me and we'll set it up," Arya got in one last jab before twirling around
to saunter away. As he watched her, a flash of red caught his eye. That willowy
figure moving gracefully through the packed hall could only be one person. Why
not go three-for-three on this day of reconciliation?
"Sansa," he called as he jogged to catch up to her long stride. When did she
start to walk with such confidence?
"Jon!" Sansa looked so pleased to see him, twisting the knife of guilt in his
gut. "I haven't seen you in forever! I think it's been since the wedding...
sorry I've been busy studying lately. I know that sounds like a bad excuse but
I swear it's true."
"To be honest I've been avoiding you," he came right out and said it. It was
best to get everything out in the open and clear the air. "Sorry about that."
"Why would you avoid me?" Sansa never hid her emotions and Jon cringed at her
sudden crestfallen expression.
"It's completely my fault," he hurried to reassure her. "First, Arya and Gendry
and then you started dating the hound on my advice, no less." Jon bowed his
head apologetically. "I was being a judgmental asshole to both of you and I'm
really sorry."
"You worried about me?" Sansa continued to surprise him with her unexpected
reactions. "Aw Jon, that is so sweet, you really are like a brother. Robb would
act the exact same way... No, he'd probably try to fight one of them."
"I would never try to fight the hound," he guaranteed.
"Sandor," she stressed the name, "is friends with Ygritte." That was something
else Jon struggled to accept. "We could double sometime! It would be so much
fun... I promise." What she proposed didn't sound 'fun' but it was worth a try.
"It's a date," he felt another burdensome load drop off his shoulders.
"I'll text you later," she radiated happiness, "and we'll talk details."
"Thanks for understanding about my being an asshole," he returned her smile
sheepishly.
"I forgive you as long as you don't avoid me anymore." Sansa smiled cheerfully
but her expression snapped when the bell rang. "Oh, I've got to get to class!"
She whirled around, red hair flying over her shoulder, and left without another
word.
"Don't study too much!" Jon called the after her, glad to see she was still the
same girl he grew up with. He should've paid closer attention to how much more
open-minded she became this year. Until now, he considered her naive and
assumed the hound tricked her somehow. Sansa wasn't so gullible anymore, but he
let himself be blind to that fact. Each of today's reconciliations lifted a
burden he didn't even notice. As if an icy crust formed over him and made his
body numb but today, it melted away.
                                    PODRICK
He heard the hushed voices of coach and a man, coming from the cracked office
door. Without thinking, he pushed in to find Mr. Jaime Lannister and coach
sitting together. They had heads bent towards each other, engrossed in a
private conversation. The pair jolted apart when they finally become aware of
Pod's intrusion.
"Sorry coach," he apologized. "The door was open."
"Rick," coach's voice raised in pitch, "if you could just wait outside-"
"No, I have to be going." Mr. Lannister stood up and aimed a tight smile down
at coach. "Thank you for your advice, coach Tarth."
"It's no trouble at all," she rose to follow him to the door, "good luck." A
horrible feeling tightened Pod's gut at the way coach watched Mr. Lannister
leave.
"I can't even imagine," coach leaned against the doorframe and bowed her head.
"The poor man..."
"Are you okay?" He could tell she wasn't, even before she nodded her head.
"I'm quite alright," she straightened up, "much better than some."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Pod hoped Mr. Lannister had cancer or something
and she was just being supportive.
"I can't without breaking Mr. Lannister's confidence." She walked to her desk,
head still hanging as if heavy with her thoughts. "Apparently he's having
serious trouble with one of his students." Coach blew out a heavy defeated sigh
as if she were the one with the troubles. "I only wish I could give him better
advice than I did."
"Your advice is always the best," he gave her his most cheery smile.
"Every teacher needs a student who sucks up to them," she returned his smile.
"I don't do it to 'suck up' to you," he insisted. "I hate seeing you so
worried: your sunny smile always brightens my day."
"Brownnoser," she rolled her eyes and chuckled before heading out of the
office. "I am late to a meeting with coach Selmy but I'll be back in an hour."
Coach stopped at the door, resting a hand on the doorframe, and beamed at him.
"Even coaches need their students' support: I would lose all hope if not for
you, Rick." With that, she left to attend her meeting and Pod walked to the
door to watch her disappear.
"I was flirting with you," he muttered to himself, "but you didn't notice."
These years of pining would be worth it if she ever looked at him the way she
watched Mr. Lannister.
Chapter End Notes
     A nice long Jon chapter with a little DnD action and a dollop of
     Podrick at the end. I don't know if I'm more excited to write Sansan
     going out with Jon and Ygritte or a Gendry paintballing competition!
     Next up, Sansa lives a day everyone dreams of: the reason being
     sixteen is sweet! And can Arya explain why she doesn't trust anyone?
     Stay tuned for the next chapter.
***** Spectrum of Dishonesty *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [Spectrum_of_Dishonesty]
                                     SANSA
It seemed like she was waiting for this day since she was born... the day she
got a car. A snowy white used 2007 BMW 3 Series 328i, spacious with a high
crash-test rating. The perfect vehicle for a busy high schooler. Daddy seemed
surprised by her choice but he never tried to sway her. This was the perfect
car for her, elegant and adaptable to a number of situations. They could take a
summer trip with this car, maybe to their family cabin in the Riverlands. The
possibilities were endless with steering this smooth!
"Thanks for this, daddy." Her voice was tight though Sansa tried to control
it... this day was too special. A vehicle signified she was entering adulthood,
far more than going through puberty. This car gave her the freedom to make all
her choices, comings and goings, on her own.
"You are the one who asked me to save your allowance," he deflected her
gratitude.
"You are too generous," Sansa knew he spoiled her but that meant her parents
loved her. "But I won't complain."
"You work hard to maintain perfect grades," daddy maintained his position.
"That's your job as a student and it should be rewarded."
"It was all worth it," her eyes welled with happy tears. "I love this car so
much."
"It is dangerous to cry and drive," he scolded her lightly.
"I love you daddy," she quickly swipe her eyes and blanked the tears away.
"Lemoncake, you are still my little girl." Even Daddy was starting to sound a
bit choked with emotion. "I trust you, Sansa. As a father, the fact that I can
trust you means more than you know."
"Arya wants to make up with you," she broached the subject carefully. Their
father never argued, he 'listened', and that made it difficult to convince him.
He already made up his mind about dealing with his youngest daughter. "She's
been talking about it but always says she will 'get around to it'. You know
stubborn doesn't begin to describe her." Daddy nodded thoughtfully, always
'considering her words'. "I wonder where she gets it from... Daddy, admit it,
both of you are cut from the same cloth."
"No, she's like Lyanna." His voice took on that exhausted breathy tone whenever
he spoke of Arya. "That's what has me worried."
"Aunt Lynn is a kind, caring woman and she raised Jon very well." Sansa sensed
that daddy wanted to argue but unfortunately, he did not. "If Arya is like her,
then that reassures me." After a moment of prolonged silence, she huffed out a
breath. "Dad, if you don't talk to her soon I'll be disappointed in you."
"Guess my lemoncake is not such a little girl anymore." Daddy seemed so sad she
almost wanted to placate him but he was right... She was not a little girl
anymore and he should accept it. "I am lost when it comes to Arya, who is
nearly a stranger to me now. Every decision I make about her turns out all
wrong somehow. Often, I think your mother would handle her better. To be hated
by my own child is something I never thought to experience."
"Oh daddy, she doesn't hate you!" Sansa felt so horrible that he was this
distressed but waited so long to talk about it. "That's silly," she chided.
"Even if she hates you a tiny bit, that's normal for teenagers. Except for me
of course, but then I am an exceptional teenager." That got a chuckle from him
and she decided to share her idea. "We should go out for a family dinner but I
could get called away... That would give you a neutral and public place to
encourage a calm talk."
"It seems a bit juvenile," his reluctance was obvious.
"So is not talking to your daughter," she countered pointedly. Before this
year, she never talked back to daddy. Being with Sandor made her realize,
arguing is part of conversation in all relationships. Raised voices and tears
accompanied some of their most enlightening discussions.
"Every time you talk like that, I swear I hear your mother's voice." Sometimes
it was difficult to remember how hard her parent's separation must be for them.
"And she is right remarkably often... I cannot believe I am agreeing to this."
"I'll set it all up," she smiled, "don't worry about a thing." Sansa pulled her
new car in front of their apartment building to drop daddy off.
"Drive safe," he reminded her as he opened the door.
"I will," she smiled as she watched him get out. "See you tonight!" Sansa was
in a seventh heaven, driving straight to the pet shop to pick up Sandor.
Butterflies flitted in her stomach when she saw him waiting outside. She beeped
to get his attention and he pushed off the wall to approach the car. He walked
all the way around to check it out before getting into in the passenger side.
"Well?" Sansa was most nervous about his opinion because he knew about cars.
"It's nice," he stretched out his legs, "roomy too." Sandor tilted his head
towards her and grinned. "Good pick, little bird - it suits you. Where are we
headed?"
"Because I am not a cruel and heartless bully I will tell you." She put the car
into drive and pulled away from the curb. "A small cafe hangs pictures of local
celebrities on the wall. I thought that sounded cute. And apparently they are
famous for their sinfully sweet mochas."
"That sounds right up my alley," he amused himself by poking around to inspect
the car. The café was only a short drive away and she found a good place to
park near the entrance. Doing everything in her own car for the first time was
such a thrill! They went to the counter to order two mochas and sat down once
they got their drinks. She opened her mouth to say something when Sandor
groaned loudly.
"Let's sit somewhere else - I can't have that ugly face staring at me." She
looked at the wall to see a picture of a basketball team and recognized one of
the players.
"The tall man?" Sansa scooted closer to inspect the picture... it was the same
man, she felt sure of it. Somehow, she remembered that man's impassive face,
small dark eyes, and low voice. When she glanced up to meet Sandor's gaze, she
saw... fear. In her heart-of-hearts, she always knew the truth. The tall man
was Gregor Clegane and she didn't tell Sandor earlier... Because it might scare
him out of Kings Landing, away from her, for good.
                                    SANDOR
A sick, twisted part of him felt relieved - he'd been waiting for this shit all
along. He didn't know how or when but Greg would always be the dark shadow over
his life. There'd been too much peace and that had him constantly looking over
his shoulder.
"You've seen this man before?" He jabbed his finger into the face he hated
most, watching panic fill her eyes. "This one right here?!" She lowered her
eyes to the table, holding something back. Sandor struggled to keep his voice
down when he noticed people looking. "Where - tell me exactly where you saw
him?"
"In Winterfell," she whispered. "We ran into each other by... accident."
"That was no fucking accident," he snarled. This is why he can't let his guard
down - allowing her optimism to infect him. It was a fantasy to believe they
were ever safe from Greg. "What the fuck was he doing in Winterfell?"
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I should not have said anything, maybe it was just
someone who looked like him." Not a chance, there isn't a whole lot of tall,
evil-looking men walking around. Sandor knew well how that type of man stands
out. Sansa remembered meeting him because he sticks in the mind like gum on
shoes. A single tear spilled through her lashes and rolled down her cheek.
"Little bird," Sandor stood up and held up his palm to her. "Come on, we can't
talk here." She dashed away the wetness on her cheek and accepted his hand.
They held onto each other tight as they walked out of the cafe to her car.
"He's still a problem for us but I haven't figured out how to solve it. If he
comes back here, you're not safe." They let go of each other to get into the
car and he continued once the doors closed. "We talked about it before-"
"Please," she whimpered, "you can't leave... we've worked so hard and-"
"Listen," he cut her off, "I'm not going anywhere." Sandor refused to have
another second of his life controlled by fear. He was a man now and it was time
for him to make choices to protect his happiness. "I already said I'm staying -
so I'm not going anywhere. But we have to be smart about this. You need to take
self-defense and start carrying some kind of weapon in your car."
"We can still talk to my father," she suggested. Mr. Stark was the kind of man
who put family first. There was no way he would let his daughter date the
brother of a psycho who threatened Sansa. Sandor respected that but - no
turning back now - he couldn't let the little bird go. Not even for her
benefit, he never fucking claimed to be the good guy in this.
"Your dad gave me some advice the other day - told me to find my passion."
Sandor couldn't say to the man he already found it. "All of my passion is for
you, Sansa. You're the most important person in the world to me. If you see
Greg again, go straight home and tell your father everything. Then call me and
we can figure it out together."
"What will you do if you see him?" Sansa must know he couldn't answer the
question so he just shook his head. "I will look for a self-defense class
tomorrow," her voice perked up.
"We'll stop by the sporting goods store later." Now was not the time to panic -
it was time to make a stand. "We'll get you a pocket knife and pepper spray,"
he racked his brain for more defenses. "Maybe a taser," he noticed her grimace.
"Don't make that face - this is serious."
"I know," she fixed her face to look more confident. "It's just a little scary
to even think about."
"We have to think about it," he resisted his instinct to shield her from every
danger. Sansa said she loved him and wanted to be with him no matter what so
that's what he chose to believe. He told her from the get-go it would be hard
to be with him and she never backed down. His life was a black hole and
everything he loved died - maybe he never fought hard enough. "This is part of
being with me."
"I'm willing to do whatever it takes," and she meant it. "We can handle
whatever comes at us." Sansa was far stronger than he assumed when they first
met. Sandor could tell she was scared and she'd be a fucking idiot not to be.
There was far more determination in her bright eyes than fear. If she set her
mind to something, everyone better get the fuck out of her way. He'd always be
right there behind her - willing to do any and everything to keep her safe.
                                     ARYA
"Why don't you trust anyone?" The doc asked that question the instant his butt
hit the chair cushion.
"It would take less time to explain why trust is a waste of time." And she
didn't feel like explaining herself today - it would put a crimp in her good
mood. The doc stayed silent, waiting for her explanation. "Not today, doc, I'm
actually feeling pretty good."
"Are you?" Amazing how he could ask a question without any inflection of
judgment or disbelief.
"I think practicing is giving me more energy." Unfortunately, it did nothing to
aid her meditating or help face her enemy.
"Ah," he nodded, "and how goes the practicing?"
"Practicing with my sword only helps my physical skill." Arya felt like a
failure for not being able to figure it out.
"Is that a bad thing?" The doc made a good point, she did have more energy and
that translated to a better mood.
"I'm actually getting good," she couldn't help grinning. "I'm quick and hard to
hit."
"But you are not able to face your pursuer yet?" Leave it to him to knock her
down when she was feeling high.
"I still can't see them - they're too far behind but their gaining..." Arya
felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. "They always gain a little bit
every time I stop running." All of this was bringing her down and starting to
piss her off so she decided to change the subject. "I'm thinking of making up
with my dad."
"Oh?" A flicker of interest flashed across his eyes and she took pride in
noticing.
"It's needed to be done for a while," she leaned against one armrest. "I kept
putting it off because I don't feel like I should be the one to apologize. My
cousin is like my dad, super serious and overly concerned with what's 'right'.
The other day he tells me he accepts my relationship with Gendry. My first
instinct was to tell him to shove his blessing where the sun doesn't shine.
After all his fucking grief and dirty sideways looks."
"But then?" Ooooh, he really was curious. H'ghar must think her daddy issues
are the cause of her problems. Isn't that a little cliché?
"When he admitted being wrong I felt amazing," it still felt good to talk about
it. "Like I dropped a heavy backpack on the last day of school. So I think this
grudge I'm carrying around for dad is too heavy." Arya decided to play along
with his little theory for now and keep him distracted.
"So you want to make amends to unburden yourself?" He made it sound so selfish!
She wanted everyone to get out from under this relentless weight.
"It's been hard for everyone - us not talking." Sometimes she wondered if this
was dad's punishment, ignoring her. "The thing is we can't truly make up
because he's dead wrong, even my cousin owned up. I should be able to date
whoever I want and it's shouldn't be up to him or anybody! It's the 21st
century - my dad doesn't own my virginity. It was mine to give up to whoever I
wanted and I picked Gendry. Who, when, where, and how should be my choice,
nobody else's."
"But?" He watched her with impassive eyes, which betrayed wariness for only an
instant. Arya nodded, realizing she needed to give him more.
"I can't keep going like this with my dad," she could admit that much. "Even if
that is based on some white lies, I want us to have a relationship again."
"Have you tried being open with him about your boyfriend?" He didn't fully
believe her about the strictness of her parents, most people don't. Isn't a
therapist supposed to trust their patients?
"If he even got a whiff of Gendry," she stressed, "I'd be on a plane north that
day. He's old school like that and mom is even worse." When her parents say
'save it for marriage' that's what they literally mean. Does anybody really
even do that anymore? They're living in a fantasy world! Even their perfect
precious Sansa is getting some and there was no reason she shouldn't. Of
course, they'd never suspect her perfect sister of anything. How do some girls
look like perpetual virgins?
"Then this is the root of the tension between you and your father," the doc
summarized. "His refusal to accept your choices."
"That about sums it up," she grumbled. "Can I just tell you about my week now?"
The doc nodded and she started sharing what happened to her over the last
several days. After they bullshitted for a while the hour ran out and she
headed home. The instant she stepped inside, Sansa demanded they go out for
dinner. Arya could eat something so she agreed and went back to her room to set
her bag down.
"Arya," Sansa whispered too loud as she closed the bedroom door. Her sister
used that tone when something was up. "I need to talk to you," she approached
nervously. "You are the only person in the world I would trust with this
secret. Promise me you will never tell anyone what I tell you."
"I swear on my life," she meant it sincerely.
"Sandor's brother is a dangerous man," her words faltered.
"Gregor Clegane," Arya revealed what she knew. "The once promising basketball
star disgraced by a violent scandal." At least that's how the media put it, a
'shame' that his career was ended abruptly. The world doesn't care if the
heroes are really monsters - we're entertained.
"How do you know...?" Sansa only just seemed to realize Arya knew everything.
"Never mind, the truth is I ran into him in Winterfell at the mall." Arya's
stomach tightened but she kept her face and impassive. "Neither Sandor or I
think it was a coincidence. This man scares me but I refuse to let him bully
me. I want to take some self-defense classes and it would help if you came
along."
"You did the right thing coming to me," she reached out to take hold of her
sister's hand. "We can take the classes and practice on our own together.
Nobody can hurt you if you don't let them."
"I never want to be a victim again," Sansa squeezed her hand. "Thank you,
Arya."
"What are sisters for?" Arya gave her a reassuring smile and angled her head at
the door. "Alright, I'm starving - let's go already!" She let Sansa hold her
hand as they walked out of the room, hoping it gave her some comfort. They took
her sister's new car, beating the dinner rush to get seated right away.
"Oh goodness," Sansa slapped her forehead. "I completely forgot that I promised
to help my friend today! Daddy, I feel terrible but I have to go. I can be back
in time to pick you two up..." Her sister was a horrible liar.
"Of course lemoncake," dad indulged Sansa - what a shock. After her sister
left, the conversation died except when they spoke to the waiter. By the time
their food arrived at the table, the quiet was driving her crazy.
"Dad," she broke the uncomfortable silence, "I need a favor."
"Go ahead," he set his fork down to look at her.
"Has mom talked to you at all about coming for a visit?" She promised Sheri
ages ago that she would get Bran down here and that's what she intended to do.
Not many things made Arya happier than those two mooning over each other.
"She mentioned it," he acknowledged, "we haven't made any plans. It would be
difficult for your mother, with Rickon and Bran."
"It would mean a lot if they could come down for spring break." Arya gave him
her most pleading look but he didn't seem affected. "Bran and I used to do
everything together until his accident and now we don't see each other. I need
another chance," she begged quietly. "I did the right thing but it still ruined
Winterfest for everyone. You know I never wanted to leave Winterfell or be
stuck with Sansa!"
"I know," he inclined his head and folded his hands on the table. "You have
been angry with me since before Winterfest-"
"You think," she interrupted, "I've been acting like this because I'm 'angry'
at you? That's not it at all - I wish it were that simple."
"Then tell me," he urged quietly, almost pleading. "We used to talk about
everything."
"No we didn't," she sighed and stirred her mashed potatoes around the plate. "I
just said what you wanted to hear because I liked making you happy. You're
wrong about a lot of stuff, you know."
"I am just a man, Arya." He admits it like a burden he bears instead of the
greatest stroke of luck in his life.
"And I'm just a girl," she pointed out. "I have to figure out how to live in
this world and sometimes it is way too hard. I'm not mad - okay sometimes I get
pretty mad - but mostly I'm just so freaking exhausted I can barely stand it.
Can't you just cut me some slack? Am I really that awful," the tears welling in
her eyes were genuine but she didn't hold back.
"I will call your mother tonight," he relented. "We will discuss bringing the
boys for a visit. I would do anything for you, Arya." Apart from giving her
boyfriend a chance, or accepting her decisions.
"I really think I need a pony," she joked tentatively. "I could name him
Snowflake and keep him in my room."
"That might upset Sansa," his expression relaxed into a smile.
"Psh, you kidding?" Arya waved a hand at him. "She loves ponies." His soft and
deep chuckle was something she hadn't heard for a while. It surprised her how
much she missed that sound - she used to make him laugh all the time. This was
better, not honest or even all that respectful but better. She couldn't resent
him for the rest of her life. Being on his good side will help save her from
groundings in the future. If she hid Gendry, well and long enough, dad would
eventually come around. It sucked to admit but she hated lying to herself more
- the doc really helped her.
Chapter End Notes
     Last night was not good... not good. I got about two hours of sleep
     and five hours of 'Diners Drive-ins and Dives'. Stress-induced
     insomnia is not fun, people. The worst part was I only checked the
     classics channel to catch the last 30 minutes of 'Fiddler on the
     Roof'. TRADITION! Perfect for panic-prone insomniacs, a story of
     ultimate perseverance while accepting change. With music and dancing
     and romance of course - what a film. To those of you who endured last
     week along with me: next week has to be better.
***** Tests of Body and Mind *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [Tests_of_Body_and_Mind]
                                    GENDRY
Arya hadn't been this excited in a while, grinning and bouncing with every
step. To see her so happy and carefree made his heart do flip-flops all day. He
knew her better than she knew herself most of the time. It wasn't just the
paintballing, she was happy to have Jon finally on their side. About time too,
Gendry was just about to give up on the guy. Been such good friends and then
one day: poof, things just went cold between them. The Lincoln didn't like
driving on gravel, so he parked a short hike from the warehouse structure.
"We're going paintballing," she sang off-key as she got out of the car. They
both slammed their door shut, breaking the eerie quiet of this place. Gendry
walked around the car and their hands came together like magnets. "We're going
paintballing!" Arya was just too damn cute, swinging his hand and skipping
along beside him.
"Hey," he stopped and tugged her to turn around.
"Hmm?" Her smile faltered as gaze eyes lowered to his mouth. He drew her closer
and pushed away the hair always falling in her eyes. She wrapped her arms
around his shoulders to lift herself up, bringing their lips together. For a
moment, he forgot everything: the gravel underfoot and bright sky overhead.
Only the warmth of her smiling lips against his meant anything. "Nope, none of
that now," she shoved him away, "keep your distance!" Her grey eyes narrowed
into tiny slits. "We're - going - paintballing!" Arya whirled around and
marched ahead and he had to hurry to catch up.
"At least let's hold hands," he whined, holding his hand up in front of her.
"There's no hand-holding in paintball!" She stubbornly crossed her arms and
refused him. He made a disappointed sound and let his palm slap against his
thigh. "Okay just a little," she grabbed his hand and quickened her pace.
"Hurry up!" They ran the rest of the way to the industrial building, with Arry
tugging him along behind her. To see her so full of energy made Gendry want to
drop to his knees and thank the gods. Maybe they really did listen to his
prayers after all: just do things in their own time.
Ygritte and Jon waited for them inside, decked out in some serious paintballing
armor. Good, if he was going to take some shots then at least he would wear
some bloody armor. This plastic shit had nothing on forged steel, hammered to
unbreakable strength. Nobody appreciates the old world standards, though steel
might make stealth a bit hard. They both received guns and gear and they put
the armor on over their clothes. Who cares if they got in a little paint on
them?
"Alright kiddos," Ygritte clapped her hands together. "Let me explain how it's
done-"
"I think we get it," Arya interrupted, "point and shoot." She demonstrated her
ability by popping Jon in the chest.
"Hey!" Jon wiped at the dripping paint on his chest armor.
"Oops," she shrugged, "guess it's not that hard."
"This is gonna be fun," Ygritte chuckled as she loaded a fresh cartridge into
her gun.
"I think you'll regret those words," Jon shook his head and followed her
example. Then he took a minute to demonstrate how to load Gendry and Arya's
guns.
"I'm starting to regret being born." Gendry looked between Ygritte and Arya,
both giving each other death stares. The guys would be the ones not getting out
of this alive.
"We might not have to worry about living much longer." At least he'd have Jon
for company in the seven hells. Nah, he's been good so maybe he get to go to
one of the seven heavens. Even the most glorious heaven would be too lonely
without Arya. Ygritte gave them a head start and Arry took point while he
followed her lead. They walked around the compound to the dense forest behind
it. No one came after them as they explored the woods. Gendry had a feeling
they were lulled into false sense of security.
"We're walking around in a circle," she hissed. "We need to backtrack." A
crunching sound came from behind them but only he noticed.
"Shit," he breathed, slapping a hand over her mouth and dragging her behind a
tree. Jon and Ygritte snuck silently past but didn't notice their shady hiding
spot. His heart pounded and he didn't breathe until the coast was clear.
"Whew," he wheezed out the held breath and uncovered her mouth. "That was
close."
"Good job," she praised in a hushed whisper.
"Any excuse to cover your mouth," he teased and bowed his head to brush his
lips across hers.
"Aw," Ygritte's voice made them both snap up to look at her. "isn't that
sweet?" She fired off a quick round at Arya, catching her in the chest. Pure
instinct made him raise his gun and hit her square in the stomach. "Shit!" She
cupped her hands around her mouth. "Jon, they're here!"
"Run!" Arya screamed at him, shoving him away. "Go, Gendry!" He did as
commanded, scrambling up to sprint away in the opposite direction.
"Get him Jon!" Ygritte cheered for her counterpart and Gendry heard footfalls
closing in behind him. He ran into a thicker part of the wood, looking for
hiding space, and ducked behind a wide tree. To muffle his heavy breath he
covered his mouth, clutching his gun in his other hand.
"So it's down to us two," Jon's voice came from behind one of these trees but
no telling which one. Gendry's heart pounded and he was too afraid to poke his
head out and give away his position. "Who would've thought?"
"We could just call a truce, buddy." Their girlfriends would never let them
live it down but at least neither of them had to take a shot. Call him a coward
but he didn't like the idea of being shot, even with paint.
"I think I've cut you about as much slack as I can," Jon wasn't just talking
about paintball.
"And I'm grateful for that," he peeked out to scan the trees opposite his
position. Gendry could see the muzzle of Jon's gun sticking out from behind a
nearby tree. "So don't be too mad," he muttered, abandoning his hiding spot to
creep behind Jon. It didn't seem very sporting but Gendry shot his friend in
the back. The paintball exploded in a neon shower of color against the black
armor.
"Fuck," Jon moaned as he turned around, bumping his fist against the tree.
"Fucking ass! Where did you come from?!" Gendry shrugged, not sure what else he
could've done. He never really thought he would win, just played his best.
"You got him?" Arya and Ygritte caught up with them. Gendry nodded in answer
and the smile that spread over her face was breathtaking. "We won?! Oh my gods
- we fucking WON!!!" She dropped her gun, broke into a run, and launched at
him. The force of her attack pushed him a step back as his arms closed around
her. "We're the champions of everything!" Ah, victory sure felt sweet. He
didn't often get the chance to show off in front of Arry and it felt good.
"Now for round two," Ygritte spoke up. "This time, girls against guys." Arya
immediately released him, shoving him back. Her face was a mask of determined
bloodthirsty need for victory.
"No mercy," she retrieved her paintball gun and shoved in another cartridge.
Gendry gulped: this wouldn't end well.
"We'll give you a head start." Ygritte, a dangerous smirk on her face, stepped
up behind Arya. "Run, you idiot!" She stomped a boot on the ground and Gendry
and Jon both moved their asses. They both knew it was only a matter of time
before they met their painted end. It wasn't exactly his idea of a good time to
run through strange woods, hunted like an animal. All the same, he would do it
every day if Arry would always be this happy.
                                    SANDOR
The backseat of Sansa's new car was way more comfortable than the back of his
Skylark. A classic car comes with downsides - it's about performance over
comfort. Sansa's heart beat steadily against his naked chest as he held her in
his lap. They finished a while ago but neither wanted to separate, too warm and
comfortable. Sandor embraced her in contented silence, soothed by the sound of
her soft breath. She was pressing her lips against his throat and sending
shivers all of his skin.
"I thought we'd be studying today?" He nuzzled into her hair, smelling the
sweet scent of the silken strands. Not that he'd rather be studying - just
today was the test. It might've made him a little nervous, especially now that
the pressure was really on. This had to get him into Crownlands University if
he was going to stay in Kings Landing.
"No," her hot breath tickled his neck, "now we just relax. I have faith that we
studied hard enough and everything will be alright." Her body tensed and he
knew what she was thinking because his thoughts turned the same way. Greg's
shadow followed them everywhere since the cafe, looming larger than ever. "I
know you don't want to talk about it, and I certainly don't want to talk about
it. Then I feel like we have to talk about it and I can't stop myself. So pick
something else we can talk about."
"I can't believe I'm bringing this up before you." How was this topic the first
that popped into his head? "Why aren't you on my ass about prom?"
"Ha!" Her burst of laughter would've deafened him if she'd been on his good
side. "You must be joking." Sansa's whole body trembling as she giggled like he
asked the most ridiculous question. "How could prom possibly compare with the
college entrance exams?" She heaved a happy sigh and rested her head against
his shoulder. "I think you underestimate how much I've had to mature to be your
woman."
"My woman?" He didn't think she'd ever called him herself that before.
"Aren't I?" There was a tiny note of doubt and her voice.
"You are," he assured her. "You're everything - my love, my little bird, mine."
She made a happy humming sound and tightened her arms around his chest.
"If you're that excited about prom," she chortled - at least he amused her. "We
can go dress shopping after we get our test results."
"Can't wait," he replied dryly. "Listen, don't listen to me when I tell you
'don't argue' - but don't argue. I want a repeat of the Winter Formal as my
gift to you."
"Aright," Sansa surprised him by agreeing right away. "It can be your thank-you
gift for helping you study... I deserve it." It made him happy to get his way
but he expected at least a little bit of arguing. He sorta hoped to have at
least one small disagreement with her. Not really, but to prove he didn't have
to act like a complete asshole. He's never been in the right during their
relationship - breaks a man's pride. "Since it is warming up, maybe I should
wear something a little more daring? The girls on the squad always look so
glamorous and I look like a teen princess."
"You are a princess," he kissed the top of her head. "It suits you. Let those
girls be 'glamorous' - that's their thing and they work hard for it. Your
beauty is effortless and everyone can see that."
"That's so sweet," her voice raised in pitch like she was close to tears.
"Sometimes, I think the things you say to me are poetry."
"You bring it out in me," he grinned against her hair. Sandor hardly believed
it himself, the hound whispering sweet things in his lover's ear. Stranger
things have happened than an ugly man finding love.
"Do you think...?" Sansa pulled back and looked up at him, her expression
guarded. "Will you stay in a dorm next year?"
"I was thinking about getting an apartment," he confessed.
"This is not a lecture, just a question." Her eyes darted away in an attempt to
hide her obvious concern. "Can you afford that?"
"Not right now," he admitted, "but my uncle and I talked the other night. I
would've told you earlier but I was still thinking about it. Vlad wants to save
his marriage so he has to move out of the city. So he's thinking about opening
a second shop in the burbs and letting me run the main store."
"Would you have time to run a business and keep up with school and basketball?"
Sansa made an effort to hide her worry but failed adorably. Sweet little bird
can't hide a thought in her head and he loved her more for it.
"That's why I had to think about it before I said yes." Sandor wanted her to
know that he can take care of things. That he could think seriously about his
future - about their future. "If I hire a part-timer to run the place during
the week I can work the weekends. That wouldn't give us a lot of free time,
unless you want to hang out here with me in the store."
"We can run the shop together on the weekend," she was suddenly excited. "It'll
be fun!"
"What would be more fun - a bed, with sheets," he pulled her close again. "All
in a place that belongs just to us."
"To 'us'?" The question was so quiet he barely heard her.
"My place is your place," he confirmed. Did she really doubt it? It was his
fault, always making her be the strong one keeping them together. Not anymore,
he would fight even harder to make up the difference.
"I think I'm starting to see the appeal of this idea." Sansa turned her face to
nuzzle his chest and he could feel her smiling. "In case you wanted it, you
have my approval." Sandor held back a snort at that comment. It should be
obvious by now that he did everything for her approval. Good, it wouldn't do
for the little bird to know how much power she had over him. How empty would
life be if he never felt her eyelashes tickling his chest?
"It's time," she reluctantly broke their peace. "The College Entrance Exams
wait for no one."
"I'm ready," he nodded and loosened his hold so she could pull away. Actually,
his self-assurance was gaining - he never studied this much in his life so it
had to pay off. After they dressed, it was a short drive to the testing center.
They waited in line, signed up for the test, and made sure they brought all the
right stuff. With every passing minute his confidence faded and the churning in
his stomach worsened until she grabbed his hand.
"No matter what happens," she stopped just outside the testing room. "We're in
this together. Don't pay attention to other people. Just think about me,
remember all of our study sessions. Everything I taught you is inside your
head... I know you can do it." Her words were to encourage him but she seemed
to be comforting herself more. "Don't make random guesses or get caught on one
question, do as much as you can the right way. What else...?" The little bird
looked twice as nervous as he felt.
"A kiss for good luck?" He tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear and
she smiled up at him. Sansa's hands slid around his neck as she raised up on
her toes and he wrapped his arms around her waist. Their mouths met in an
unhurried kiss that melted everything around them and made his heart race in a
good way. Sandor reluctantly raised his head to break the kiss and set her down
to stand flat on the ground.
"Feeling lucky?" She grinned as they let each other go, ignoring the people
passing them.
"Let's get this over with," he led the way in to the testing room. The place
was full of people but they were all distracted so none wasted time to stare is
face. They set down next to each other, armed with their pencils and unwavering
resolve. All through the test, he felt confident about the answers he filled in
but he didn't know a lot. At the end, he checked all of his work and filled in
a few harder questions. By the time it was over, he didn't know how he did but
he was glad it was finished.
"How do you think you did?" There was a crease between her eyebrows from
furrowing too much in concentration. Sandor just smiled at her and grabbed her
hand to get them out of that fucking room. Once they were outside, he took a
deep inhale a free air.
"Think it went okay," he slung an arm around her shoulders as they walked
toward her car. "I guess."
"Don't be nervous," she wrapped her arm around his waist. "You worked hard and
I'm proud of you no matter what the outcome is." He bowed his head so his
forehead rested on the top of her hair.
"I love you," he whispered.
"Again," she demanded.
"I love you," he said it louder.
"I can't hear you," she sang. He threw his head back and inhaled a deep breath,
ignoring the people around them.
"I love you, Sansa!" At his loud declaration, she let out a squeak and hid her
face against his chest. She pretended to be embarrassed but she loved shit like
that.
"Let's go on a date to celebrate," she looked up to reveal her red cheeks and
beaming smile.
"Anything you want," he agreed immediately. If she asked the moon, he felt
light enough to jump up and grab it for her. He walked Sansa to the driver's
side and opened her door for her, shutting it once she was in. Once, he
would've resented her new car but he appreciated how hard she worked as a
student. If he could afford it, he would buy it for her and Mr. Stark felt the
same. Sandor walked around and slid into the leather seats - the girl had
classy taste.
"Did you learn anything during all this time studying?" Sansa never expressed
any interest in teaching but she'd be good at it. She drove just like a driving
instructor too, checking all her mirrors before pulling out.
"Yep, I'll do anything to see you naked." He held up one finger and then put up
another. "And I fucking hate math."
"You can't hate math," she tittered. "It's a collection of principles guided by
logic and natural laws."
"No more definitions," he growled, "I can't take any more."
"Then be serious," she pouted.
"I don't hate math," he relented, "I just like reading and writing more. All of
those rules and numbers will be out of my head in a few weeks. They just don't
make sense to me."
"What major do you want to pick?" Sansa loved school to an unhealthy degree.
"Oh, I think you would love-"
"No more school," he begged. "We're not talking about school or studying for
the rest of the day."
"What else is there to do...?" Her flirtatious tone tensed the muscles in his
shoulders.
"Naughty little bird," he reached over the consoles to squeeze the top of her
thigh
"I don't know what you mean," she feigned coyness.
"Sansa, I feel an 'emergency' coming on." Even if he scored too low on the exam
to get him into Crownlands, completing the test felt like a victory.
"I think I feel it too," she made a humming sound, like she was weighing her
options. "Rain check on the celebration date?"
"It might not be a 'date'," he grinned, "but we'll be celebrating." They should
be panicking, that was would he would've done before. Greg was a ticking time
bomb and someday the clock would run out. In truth, part of him still wanted to
pack a bag and run like a coward, fast and far away as he can get. If he left,
he would never stop thinking and worrying about Sansa. It'd be no easier living
with her ghost than putting her through hells by staying. Sandor could face his
greatest fears for her so he trusted her love was just as strong.
The little bird taught him more in one year than any of his teachers and not
just algebra. She showed him how to love and to trust another person enough to
cry in front of them. Before he met her, all the world's lessons accumulated to
'you're on your own'. Sansa turned everything upside down, showed him how
beautiful life could be. No, he wasn't fucking stupid or naive - this would get
uglier before it was over. Beauty is worth protecting and fighting for, that's
all.
Chapter End Notes
     "Run, you idiot!" Tee-he-he! Anyone, anyone? Skyrim... voice actor
     Michael Hogan, star of Teen Wolf and Battlestar Galactica. Doesn't
     matter, I met him once and he was so friendly. Anyway, I've been
     backed up on paperwork all winter but I'm finally digging myself out
     today. The last three months have been considerably more stressful
     than I thought they would be. BUT! I should get to move home in less
     than seven weeks! My kitchen, my closet, my *home*! I can finally
     unpack! I find it interesting that the new season of GoT starts up
     just as I'll be getting back. Coincidence or fate? I'ma wall-mount my
     50" TV like it's never been wall-mounted before... seriously, I never
     got around to it before. But now, oh yes, it's on.
***** Friends, Enemies, Lovers *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                          [Friends,_Enemies,_Lovers]
                                   GREY WORM
He stood flanked by his comrades on the mountain ridge looking down on a
hopeless sight... Groh Harbor, the Human-Orc city by the sea, and its
impressive fortification. They would have to go deep into enemy territory to
get into the city and once inside, a High Elf would not be welcome. Parts of
the barricade crumbled from damage while being rebuilt in other places. That
wall reaffirmed the righteousness of his choice to take Drogo all those years
ago. The efforts of both sides bore no fruit other than erecting this barrier
to divide them.
"Sehanine save us," Pod stared overawed at the surrounded city. All around that
wall, his people lived a meaningless life, suffering a perpetual cease-fire.
Grey Worm would stop at nothing now to save them, no matter the danger.
"I did try to warn you," Grey Worm sighed. "This mission will be fraught with
peril."
"I'm not afraid," Arry sneered down at the camp.
"That's what scares me most," Gendry turned his back on the view and walked to
stand beside Drogo. Their leader refused to look in the city's direction,
staring off into the sky and seemingly lost in thought. As a youngling, Drogo
could never shield his thoughts from Grey Worm. They learned much from each
other in their time together.
"How can the city survive?" Nhee still had the heart of a youngling, concerned
for the people more than herself. In his long life, he learned that young ones
could be the wisest in the group.
"The land here is fertile," he explained. "Enough for Groh Harbor to sustain
its population." Enough for his leaders to proclaim this place their 'promised
land'.
"Then it can never grow larger," she deduced and he nodded in answer.
"Arry," he gained the Halfling's attention, "you and Nhee will come with me."
Grey Worm waved them both over to stand by his side. "We will meet a friend who
can lead us through the camp and into Groh Harbor. She helps refugees, many of
my people see the failure of our leaders but to speak against them is treason."
"Take no risks," Drogo approached and put a hand on Grey Worm's shoulder.
"If we are discovered," Grey Worm put on a brave face. "I can teleport without
an incantation carrying Nhee. Your identity might be revealed and the whole
camp will be crawling with enforcers. Then we would have to think of another
plan."
"What about Arry?" Gendry often showed excessive concern when the Halfling was
involved. Humans have such short life spans yet rarely act on their feelings.
"Who asked you to worry about me?" Arry rested a hand on the health of her
dagger. "I can disappear into the shadows - they'll never know I was there."
She and Nhee took each of Grey Worm's hands as he bowed his head to begin the
incantation.
"Lye auta wanwie i' tal ram," he murmured just louder than a whisper. A white
light flashed in front of his eyes and the familiar swirling sensation twisted
his stomach. When he blinked his eyes open again, they stood just behind a
large tent on the outskirts of the camp. The Halfling moved faster than he knew
she could, grabbing some nearby garments from a clothesline. Arry and Nhee
donned the dark tunics, veils, and headscarves. With their faces covered, they
could pass for females of his kind.
"This way," he guided them into the encampment. Grey Worm left his own hood up,
in case they passed someone he knew. Unlikely, most of his friends had been
tortured and killed for being 'traitors'. That senseless cruelty was a ploy to
goad him out of hiding. One by one, his family and friends lost their lives
simply because they knew him.
"This is tragic," Arry whispered, looking around at the hopeless people. Old
women sat on the sandy ground with babies in their arms. Young and old men, and
young women worked tirelessly to provide food for the elite and their forces.
The people only retained enough sustenance to keep their families alive. "Why
would your leaders do this?"
"On the promise of prophecy," he looked around and everywhere saw the
heartbreaking struggle. "Our clan started as captured prisoners of war to be
sold as slaves. One ship, transporting a thousand people, sailed into a sudden
terrible storm. The craft went ashore on an island, barren of life or food."
"That's awful," Nhee's voice trembled as she scampered to stay close by his
side.
"How did they survive?" The Halfling's interest surprised Grey Worm, filling
his heart with unexpected nostalgia. It felt bittersweet to speak of these
things in this place.
"Of those thousand prisoners," he explained, "one possessed the gift of
foresight. Some even called her a prophet while all recognized her gift. The
prophet foretold that a ship would arrive to save everyone and she would return
to lead our people when we claimed our rightful home. Her first prediction came
true not an hour after her passing."
"You don't believe in that bullshit anymore," she surmised.
"I believe it with everything I am," he corrected her mistaken assumption.
"Then why betray your people?" The Halfling could live another hundred years
and never fully understand his motives.
"Our leaders interpreted the prophecy wrong," he kept his voice low as everyone
around them could be an enemy. Those who withhold information from the
leadership find themselves accused of treason. "They prey on the blind ignorant
faith of my people or use fear to intimidate them. I believe that the prophet
has come again to lead my people home."
"Do you mean yourself?" The Dragonborn's soft question caused Grey Worm to
chuckle, though his spirit remained somber. Before he could answer, a familiar
voice resonated within his head.
'It has been too long, my old friend.' White Dove's internal voice always
sounded like she was smirking.
'I will be at the rendezvous point momentarily.' He sent his thoughts to White
Dove while retaining his fluctuating emotions. Anticipation bubbled in his
stomach, a feeling he long since forgot about. After all this time, the thought
of seeing his childhood truelove still made him nervous. Everyone assumed they
would grow up and marry, even them. He supposed life wasn't over yet, there
might be a space for them in the world of peace he longed to bring to fruition.
Grey Worm led his comrades to the rendezvous point where White Dove waited in a
pale gray headscarf and dark patterned tunic.
"Grey Worm," she smiled as he approached, more beautiful than ever.
"White Dove," he walked to meet her, taking her outstretched hand into his.
"You have my thanks for risking yourself in this way."
"Quick," she turned to lead him down a back alley. "We must not tarry any
longer or the enforcers will become suspicious."
"Does the leadership know we've come back?" Grey Worm looked over his shoulder
to make sure Nhee and Arry were following close behind.
"When don't they know something?" White Dove was still vivacious but there was
a subtle tiredness to her smile. "My mind is so shielded, I barely know my own
thoughts."
"You must know how grateful I am for your help," he squeezed her hand, allowing
his gratitude to pour forth into her mind.
"I trust you, Grey Worm." She looked at him with the sudden serious expression,
even a hint of tears collected in her eyes. "I always have."
"Someone is coming," Arry hissed from behind. Grey Worm expanded his psychic
detection, sensing several enforcers coming their way.
"Run," Grey Worm waved for his comrades to pass him. White Dove took the lead
as he brought up the rear of their group. She led them through alleyways tucked
behind stuffed together tents until they made it to the city wall. Against the
stone and steel reinforced wall, a young wizard strained to hold open a portal.
The disciple clearly had talent yet it was being drained rapidly by fear. No
warning came as a paralyzation spell flung passed his ear, courtesy of an
enforcer.
"Halt!" The leader of the enforcers teleported in front of their group as four
other surrounded them. Grey Worm recognized the tall dour man as a fellow pupil
of his tutor. Harry did not hesitate to fish her small bow from her satchel and
shot an arrow at the leader. The lanky High Elf deflected the attack easily
with a shield spell but left his other side unguarded. Nhee flicked a spray of
embers at him, setting his long dark robe aflame. "CLOSE THAT PORTAL," the
leader of the enforcers shrieked as he tried to extinguish the flames.
"Keep it open!" White Dove yelled to her young resistance member. "Don't you
dare close that hole!" Unfortunately, the lad panicked and abandoned the open
portal in the wall. "Bloody Hells!" She raced to the wall and held the portal
open. "Grey Worm, go! I'll hold them off!" White Dove began chanting softly as
Grey Worm stood at her back to give her cover.
"I won't abandon you," Grey Worm stood his ground, hurtling a lightning bolt at
the nearest enforcer.
"Elf!" Arry called his attention to the portal. "We've got a problem, riders
coming from the other side!" Their problems increased tenfold when several more
enforcers appeared and began attacking immediately. Nhee performed an advanced
fire wall attack that held off their foes long enough to make it to the portal.
"Come on Nhee - now!" The Halfling shoved to the Dragonborn through the portal
and then jumped through herself. Grey Worm made sure he was the last through
the portal. White Dove pushed him aside to close the portal before collapsing
exhausted against the wall.
"Everyone kneel!" Grey Worm dropped to his knees, wanting to show the
approaching Human riders that they were no threat.
"What?!" Arry still stood, dagger in hand and ready to fight.
"Do as I say, Halfling!" She glared at him but sheathed the knife and slowly
knelt. "We mean no harm," he called to the riders. "We surrender ourselves!"
"Who are you?" The burly Human sat astride a powerful war horse raised his
crossbow, pointing it at their group.
"More refugees," his long-legged androgynous comrades spoke up, sneering at
them. She turned to the robust Human male, assumedly the leader and lowered her
voice. "Shep, we should lock them with the others."
"The people who come here," White Dove trembled with rage. "Are escaping one
prison and you-!"
"Now is not the time for debate," Grey Worm interrupted her before addressing
the leader. "I am the one who stole Prince Drogo many years ago. I have come to
return him to his parents."
"You have the prince?" Human leader chuckled as he dismounted and moved to
stand in front of Arry. "Little small for half-Orc, isn't he?"
"I'm not Drogo you dunderheaded oaf," Arry spit on the man's leather boots,
"and when he gets here I'll tell him all about you. What's your name?"
"Mouth on you," the Human grabbed her by her collar and pulled her to stand,
lifting her off the ground.
"Feet too," she reared back her foot.
"Arry, no!" Grey Worm spoke too late... Arry had already kicked the Human and
his codpiece. The red-faced man dropped the squirming Halfling and grasped
between his legs. The other Humans burst into action, dropping from their
horses with weapons in hand.
"GO," Arry screamed, shoving to the incapacitated Human to the ground. "Get out
of here now!" Without thinking, Grey Worm grabbed White Dove's arm and
teleported on pure instinct. Once the world stopped spinning, both of them were
kneeling on soft grass. His comrades soon surrounded them with offers of
assistance and rapid questions.
"Where's Arry?" Gendry was the first to reach them, stooping to help Grey Worm
to his feet. Nymeria whined for her mistress as Hot Pie helped White Dove
stand.
"Where's Nhee?!" Pod put a cork in his wine flask as he joined them.
"Wah' happen'd, comrade?" Hot Pie moved to stand too close by Grey Worm's side
and the whole group was crowding them.
"I made it inside the wall," he finally managed to speak. "It did not go as
planned..." Grey Worm looked to White Dove but she only returned his helpless
stare. Both Arry and Nhee were prisoners now, because he chose to save his
love.
"Let's go now," Gendry was ready to go charging in without a plan.
"We should wait for the cover of dark," Grey Worm insisted. "I can only
teleport to a place my eyes have seen and the city peacekeepers will be
watching."
"Are Nhee and Arry waiting for us?" Podrick narrowed his eyes at Grey Worm and
flooded his conscious with guilt.
"You could say that," he shifted his guilty eyes to Drogo. 'I have failed you.'
Yet his leader only shook his head, turning his gaze towards Groh Harbor. The
half-Orc did not need to telepathically explain his thoughts. Drogo had faith
in Arry and Nhee or else never would have accepted them into the group in the
first place. "They were captured by Humans, I did not see any Orcs among the
peacekeepers."
"That," Drogo continued to stare at the city, "will change." Grey Worm believed
him.
                                   MISSANDEI
Every morning she woke up forgetting the last two weeks... that pop passed away
and Torgo changed. Missa held onto the hope that seized her heart when he
requested they meet today after school. She sat in her last class as long as
she could, to ponder on what to say. Every time they spoke, it always ended
badly to say the least.
"Missa, are you alright?" Ms. Durrandon interrupted Missa's pessimistic musing.
"I will be," she had to believe that. She closed her eyes, sucked in a deep
breath, and exhaled very slowly. Finally, she stood up from her desk, gathered
her bag and headed out to the place they promised to meet. She would not even
consider that he intended to break up with her today. She rounded the building
to see him sitting on a bench, looking up into the cloudy sky. Somber neutral
colors dulled his conservative wardrobe, his hair was shorn to the scalp. No
more vivid rims framed his spectacles... just gray. Like he decided overnight
to grow up and become the man he thinks pop wanted him to be.
"Torgo," she forced a smile as she sat down beside him.
"Hi," he looked down at his shoes as he greeted her. He still avoided her eyes
when they met, but not out of shyness. It was more like he could not bear to
look at her because it pained him.
"I'm happy you wanted to meet." Missa forced as much cheerfulness into her
voice as she could. "How are you?"
"Okay," he nodded slowly, looking anything but 'okay'. Torgo never cried, not
one single teardrop in front of her. She did plenty of crying for both of them.
The last time they met, she ended up sobbing and making a fool of herself. It
happened the time before as well, and the time before that. For the gods' sake,
he lost his father and she only met the man few times. Even so, pop's passing
changed everything for them.
"Then... that's..." Her throat tightened but she swallowed hard, the last thing
she wanted was to start crying again. That's all she seemed to do around him
anymore so of course he hated being around her. "Can I do anything for you?"
"I don't need you to do stuff for me, Missa." At odds with his words, his voice
did not betray any annoyance, only resignation. "Can't you just sit here with
me? There's something I have to say face-to-face..." Then it happened, she
could not hold back anymore, the tears streamed out of her eyes and down her
cheeks.
"I'm sorry," she covered her face but it did nothing to hide her emotional
state. Missa bit the inside of her lip hard to control the sudden and
humiliating waterworks. The pain only made her want to cry even more.
"Why...?" Torgo asked the question she simultaneously asked herself. Missa had
no idea why she was crying, she never cried this much in her life. "Please
don't cry," he requested without offering any comfort and it was selfish of her
to expect any.
"I'm sorry," her stomach hurt from trying to control her automatic weeping.
"It's okay," he puffed out a breath, "I'm sorry."
"I don't know what to say," her voice quivered but she forced the words out.
"Every time I see you, I start to cry and I cannot stop it." She huffed tiny
breaths between her words and thought she sounded like a whiny child. "I am so
scared that we are breaking up... if you need space because you're grieving, I
understand. So, are we...?" She did not really want an answer.
"I just need some time," his eyes remained glued to the cement. "When I'm with
you I want to feel happy but I don't want to feel happy right now. And I making
you miserable, I don't want that either. Does that make sense?"
"Don't worry about me," she dabbed her eyes with her fingers. "Whatever you
need, Torgo. I'm just so sorry about pop."
"He really liked you," a hint of a smile curled his lips. She thought of those
lips on her own and wondered if she would ever feel that softness again.
"The feeling was mutual," she sniffled and tried to smile. "How is your
mother?"
"Stronger than she looks," his spine straightened up at the mention of his
mother.
"It runs in your family," she tried her best to give him a cheery smile but it
fell short.
"I love you, Missa." He finally looked at her and she wished he had continued
to conceal the dogged resolve behind his thick glasses. Torgo might not say the
words 'I'm dumping you' but essentially, that is what he meant. "My feelings
for you haven't changed... but I think I've changed and I need to get used to
it."
"I love you too," she whispered, afraid to start crying again. Thankfully that
did not happen and both of them sat in silence for a while, neither knowing
what to say. After some time passed Torgo stood up without a word and walked
away. He never looked back and she watched him until he disappeared around a
building. Perhaps it had all been said without having to say it. Love is all
well and good but it does not heal all wounds nor solve all problems.
After he left, all her tears dried up and she did not feel like crying at all.
How does that makes sense?! Anger bubbled up inside her, but Missa did not know
who to direct it at. This is what she deserved for being ungracious about Dany
and Margaery's dramatic lives. Even though she knew they never deserved a
moment of unhappiness she still assumed they made it worse for themselves.
Missa expected cold rational compartmentalization from her heartbroken friends,
never really knowing how it felt. Well, now she knew and wished she didn't.
This sad state of affairs felt dramatic enough for her entire lifetime.
Chapter End Notes
     Cute art of teen Dany and Missa I_saw_on_Deviantart:

             [http://th00.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2014/173/8/4/
                 dany_and_missandei_by_ginnabean-d7nirm4.png] 
     I needed a change so I started posting a new fic. Check it out: "A
     Trueborn_Prince" (alt-uni-canon fic in which Gendry is the crown
     prince. You're welcome.)

      [http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/dYBLeGHosjuCk230FjM8w/
          cid/152720222/id/4FqlO_nN5BGP3Y2MGhGRpA/size/c600x500.jpg]
***** Somewhere in Between *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                            [Somewhere_in_Between]
                                    SHIREEN
Sheri stood in the center of her room, holding her phone in her trembling hand
and just staring at it. She wanted this for so long but never actually thought
it would happen. Bran was coming to Kings Landing for the entirety of Spring
Break - a full week! Arya just called to give her the good news so it was only
a matter of moments before Bran called. Through her elation, a sharp thorn of
fear pierced her heart. They fell so fast for each other and this was all still
so new.
In Winterfell, things happen so easily between them so she did not have to make
any effort. What if that easiness stayed behind up north? She didn't know the
first thing about being a good girlfriend. She only just started learning how
to be a good friend! What if she said or did something that jeopardized his
feelings for her? The phone rang and her thumb slid over the answer button
before her mind could stop it.
"Hi," she cleared her throat to cover the climbing pitch of her voice. Bran
could detect even the slightest tremor so she had to keep calm.
"Hey," he sounded fairly pleased with himself. "I assume my sister ruined
everything by telling you first." Sheri didn't mind as Arya pulled it off by
finally making up with her father.
"I just heard," her voice betrayed genuine shock but nothing else. "I almost
don't believe it." Sheri sat down in her desk chair and braced an elbow against
the top. The waves of shifting emotion had yet to subside, washing her with
flashes of joy and trepidation.
"Believe it," his enthusiasm only made her feel guilty for being nervous. What
if her lack of confidence drove him away? "Spring Break will be here before you
know it." It could not come soon enough for her.
"I can't wait to see you in only six days," she meant that sincerely. The wait
would be the worst part, all her nervousness would melt away when she saw his
grinning face in real life. In person, it was impossible to ignore the way he
looked at her. What if her imagination embellished the interest in his gaze?
"I'm worth the wait," he confided in a mock conspiratorial whisper.
"I am well aware of that fact," she went for some lighthearted flirtatious
banter but came out a bit strained. Sheri closed her eyes and prayed he did not
hear the odd inflection.
"There's something weird with your voice," he picked up on it right away.
"What's wrong?"
"If I tell you what I was thinking," she buried her face against her hand. "You
will think I'm foolish." There was no point in trying to hide it, so she tried
to downplay it. "It's just my silly mind messing with itself."
"I already cherish your eccentricities," he assured her. "Nothing can ever
diminish my enduring respect for you." Bran exuded a kind of comfortable
confidence that Sheri would never have. Her knee bounced up and down in a
nervous habit of tapping her heel against the ground.
"I sometimes worry," she hesitated before taking a deep breath and letting it
spill. "It is possible that our romance was inspired by the lovely winter
holiday atmosphere." Perhaps they were swept up in the drama of Winterfest and
it heightened their feelings. How else could their instant connection be
explained?
"You think I won't still like you in the summertime," he chuckled, not taking
her concerns seriously.
"I told you it was foolish," she had to admit at least that much. She loathed
her tendency to lie awake at night, thinking of every possible dreadful
scenario.
"No more than my worry," his sigh whooshed like a wind tunnel in her ear.
"And that would be?" Sheri knew he wasn't serious or else she would immediately
be plunged into a sea of panic.
"That I will like you even better in the summer," he admitted with exaggerated
dread.
"Is there really a danger of that happening?" Sheri grinned in spite of her
jittery nerves keeping her on the edge of her chair.
"Think of it," he complained, "the sunshine cascading through your long dark
hair. I'm inevitably doomed to see you in shorts and a tank top. How will I
survive that sort of torture?"
"You poor thing," she rolled her eyes.
"I never knew that I could like anyone as much as I like you." Bran's voice
softened and lowered, sending a shiver down her spine. "Gods only know how much
more I can want to kiss you."
"Easy now," she giggled, "it won't do if I have a heart attack before we meet
again."
"I'll save the heart attacks until Spring Break," he teased. "Should we make
plans for what to do during my visit?"
"Let's just go with whatever we want to do right when we want." That way there
wouldn't be too much pressure on her to show him a good time. Sadly, in Kings
Landing there were no special places she wanted to show him.
"Sounds like a good time," he laughed softly, in keeping with his easy-going
nature. "Just blow wherever the wind takes us, I like that."
"What if all I want is for you to hold me the whole time?" Sheri's cheeks
flushed hot as she asked the question.
"Then my arms will get tired," he acknowledged, "but I won't let go." Bran went
quiet a moment and Sherry imagined he was smiling at nothing just like her.
"There's somewhere I want to take you," he revealed, "it's a surprise."
"You are planning to surprise me in the city I live?" Sheri huffed a laugh at
his apparently unceasing boldness. "That's a bit audacious, Brandon Stark."
"Audacious is my middle name," he declared with enthusiasm. That reminded her
of Arya's insistence that her middle name was 'danger'.
"You Starks have such strangely descriptive middle names." Sheri knew for a
fact his middle name was 'Artos' but decided it was more fun to play along.
"My parents are cool like that," he joked.
"Speaking of parents," her mind went back to worrying. They would be closer
than ever distance-wise, but would have to not raise his parents' suspicions.
Mrs. Stark gave Sherry a few hard long looks of the last few days of
Winterfest.
"They don't think I'm capable of dating." His sad tone squeezed her heart, she
knew how that felt.
"My parents are the same," she sighed, "I guess there's an upside to
everything. Arya spends so much energy hiding Gendry - I don't think I could do
it."
"Arya's problem is she has no patience," he contended and not for the first
time. "What would happen if I couldn't come down there for Spring Break?"
"Nothing would change," she supposed they would carry on as usual.
"I would still call you every day after school," he agreed but it still
surprised her. "And someday, maybe years from now, we'd meet again." He always
said the most wonderful things, they were hard to believe sometimes.
"You really feel that way?" Sheri regretted asking the question, thinking it
sounded like an accusation.
"Don't you?" He laughed instead of being angry over her doubt. "Aren't I in
your head every night when you go to sleep?"
"Stay out of my head," she chastised lightly, "my thoughts are private." Bran
ignored her cheerful reprimand and waited for a real answer. "I'm always only
thinking about you."
"That's not gonna change." Bran seemed so sure of himself but then, that's how
he always spoke. "I won't stop thinking about you either."
"You're so confident," she did not bother to hide her jealousy.
"When it comes to you," he insisted quietly. "Don't miss me, Sheri: I'm coming
to you in six days."
"I'm waiting," she promised.
                                   DAENERYS
Irri and Rakharo stopped talking to each other after their innocent night spent
sleeping next to each other. That's how she and Drogo first started their
relationship. Without Marge's encouragement, Dany would certainly have mucked
up her chance. Only Irri, stubborn like all Dothraki, never sought the counsel
of the great matchmaker living in the same house. Meanwhile, they all had to
suffer through the silence and longing looks across the breakfast table.
Enough was enough: she had to step up her matchmaking. Drogo would tell her to
mind her own business but he would be wrong. This is her business! From
personal experience, she knew how happy a good relationship makes a person.
Those two really liked each other but their parent's traditions were holding
them back. How silly is that? No, it was past time for someone to do something
and that would be her. She started by finding Rakharo repairing the fence near
the house.
"M'ath, Rakharo." Dany approached him as casually as she could but made an
effort not to appear as if she was acting casual.
"Hey Dany," he greeted her with a friendly smile, "hash yer dothrae chek
asshekh?"
"I always ride well," she boasted and he chuckled. "Listen, I know it's none of
my business." She was so full of shit it was difficult not to burst out
laughing. "Irri asked me to ask you to meet her in the barn."
"Really?" Rakharo's dark brows knitted together in concern. "How did she seem?"
"A little nervous but," she let her words trail off, "never mind."
"Tell me," he was hooked.
"Irri smiled when she said your name," she falsely confessed. "I think she's
planning to tell you something."
"Really?" His head turned towards the back of the house, in the direction of
the barn. "Is she out there now?"
"She will meet you there," she explained. "Should I go tell her you agree?" He
seemed to deliberate a moment before nodding his head.
"Sure," he agreed, putting down his tools and picking up a rag to wipe his
forehead.
"I will go tell her," she smiled again before turning around and sauntering to
the house. Once she was out of Rakharo's eyeshot, she broke into a sprint. Dany
raced up the stairs and tore through the house to catch Irri walking out of the
hallway. "Irri," she caught the girl by the arm, "you will never believe what
just happened! Rakharo just came up to me and begged me to ask you to meet
him."
"Is something wrong?!" Irri's brown eyes opened wide in utter panic.
"He was," Dany feigned hesitation. "Oh never mind, I shouldn't say."
"What is it?" Her concern for Rakharo was so adorably obvious.
"His eyes were watery and red," she whispered. "He refused to tell me the
reason but he seemed desperate to see you."
"Really?" Irri covered her gaping mouth. "Do you think he cried because of me?"
Dany held back her internal celebration and took Irri by her shoulders.
"He wants to meet in the barn right now," she urged Irri towards the door.
"He's waiting for you."
"What should I do?" Irri looked so torn that Dany almost felt guilty for
playing with her. "I don't want him to be hurt but he's been so difficult! I
don't know if things can work between us. His mindset is just too old-fashioned
and I need to date him before I ever consider marrying him."
"Then go tell him that," she coaxed. "He needs to hear it once and for all."
"Alright," the nerve-racked girl nodded slowly, "I'll go." She marched forward
to the front door and walked out with her head held high. Dany waited a moment
and quietly followed to see Irri's dark curls disappearing into the barn. She
approached the door and retrieved the bar, fitting it into place and then
letting it slide home with a loud thump. "Is anyone out there?" Irri banged on
the barn door but it was closed tight.
"Hello?!" Rakharo joined her in banging on the door. "Dany, Drogo!!!" The
couple's shouting brought Drogo running from the outside fence. He stopped when
she grinned at him, confessing everything with one look.
"Fin ajjin ojil?" Drogo's dark eyebrows rose slightly as he approached her: his
'worried' expression. "What did you do?" He keeps trying to stop her from
setting up Irri and Rakharo but she planned to continue undeterred.
"I did what needed to be done," she grabbed his arm and pulled him away from
the barn. "They needed a little push so I helped them spend some time
together." Drogo stopped and extracted his arm from her light grasp.
"Dany," his black eyes stared hard at her, "no."
"You can't tell me what to do, Drogo." She smiled at him, not bothering to hide
her smugness. "Anha'm jin ivezh chiori." Dany reasserted her status as an
untamable woman.
"No good will come of it," he shook his head and looked up towards the loft.
"They will climb out."
"I removed the ladders," she chuckled evilly.
"You have no control in this," he crossed his arms and looked down at her.
"Yeri rhellaya ajjin edavrasa."
"Anha efichisak haz yeroon!" Dany disagreed that her interference was making
things worse. "Don't be such a sourpuss," she pouted and tried to shake his
arms loose but his stance did not change. "You're not really mad are you?"
"No," he relaxed his posture and she curled her hands around his arm again.
"I am sorry that my antics interrupted your work," she rested her head on his
shoulder as they walked towards the outside fence. "I decided how I want to
celebrate my eighteenth birthday," she revealed. "I will celebrate the end of
girlhood with a final sleepover." Dany raised her head to look up at him. "Do I
need to explain what a slumber party is?"
"No," he answered in his usual way.
"And the next day," she gave his arm a little squeeze. "Will be just for us."
Drogo nodded but did not seem enthusiastic. "If it will make you happy, I will
take down the bar." He looked down at her and gave another solemn nod.
"Alright, you talked me into it." She stood up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek
and spun around to jog to the barn, slowing as she approached. As quietly as
she could, she removed the bar and crept away. If her suspicions were right,
they wouldn't try to open that door for quite a while. On her way to the house,
she pulled out her phone and dialed Sansa's number.
"Hello Dany," Sansa answered in a singsong voice.
"Hello Sansa," she echoed. "I already asked Arya and she said yes so I hope you
will too." Dany realized she was putting the cart before the horse. "Sorry,"
she stopped rambling, "I'm going out of order. I'm having a sleepover and all
the girls will be there. You have to come, it won't be the same without you."
"I would not miss it for the world," Sansa's enthusiasm rang in her voice.
"Slumber parties are so my thing!"
"I knew it," Dany performed a little soft-shoe victory dance on the gravel.
"Perfect, I will text you the details later and adorable pajamas are
mandatory."
"I can't wait!" Sansa could always be counted on for some girlish enthusiasm.
Dany stood outside the house and chatted for a moment with Sansa before hanging
up. She headed inside and immediately set to work putting the ranch in order.
Once, she would have thought herself above 'women's work' and considered it a
waste of her talents. After living on the ranch, she realized housework is
essential to get anything done.
The guys work themselves to exhaustion, doing things she would never have the
strength to do. They depended on Irri to carry the entire household. Without
hearty food prepared, they would go hungry or eat food with no nutrition. Dany
took it upon herself to lock Irri up so she accepted the responsibility of her
work. And work it was! Laundry, dishes, sweeping, mopping, washing windows, and
cleaning toilets! If only mother saw her doing this 'servant's work'!
That was the problem, not the 'women's work' or the 'servant's work', but the
common scorn held for those jobs. The work absolutely needed to be done, but
many people lack appreciation for this backbreaking labor. Dany could never
bring herself to perform these tasks if it went unappreciated. Thankfully, the
men in this house understand the balance of ranch life. Even Ortho praised her
cooking once with a 'davra'. Drogo walked in, interrupting her thoughts just as
she started work in the kitchen.
"I have set them free," she called over her shoulder, "if they wish to leave."
"Good," Drogo shook his head. Dany's stomached fluttered with giddiness as she
moved around the kitchen to clean the day's mess. How did she feel more
carefree now, only three days from adulthood, than ever? She looked over to see
him peeking out the back window, a smile on his face against all the odds.
Despite his protests, he cared about what happened between those two out in the
barn.
"Still not coming out?" Dany feigned casual interest but really wanted to know.
"You could have left the ladders," he chuckled softly and left the window to
stand beside her. Drogo picked up a towel and started wiping off the counter.
This whole scene felt so domestic and Dany wondered at the impossibility of her
own feelings. She felt more grown up and childish at exactly the same time.
Perhaps that is the secret to growing up, learning how to embrace one's inner
child instead of suppressing them. For the sake of maturing, she flicked a few
drops of water at him and giggled at his dark stare. He retaliated with a flick
of his washcloth but she shimmied out of the way.
They continued cleaning, taking little swipes at each other to keep the mood
light. Even when they disagreed, their relationship was strong enough to
endure. Unconditional acceptance was still a new thing to her but she was fast
growing used to it. Her childhood was a whirlwind of her father's breakdowns
and endless tutors. Her mother expected the perfect child, so Dany endured her
childhood until it killed her desire to be childish. At least, that's what she
thought until she came to the ranch and found a place in Drogo's family.
Chapter End Notes
     This one is for Ysabela, who wanted a Dany and Drogo chapter. Don't
     hesitate to request a POV if you're missing a character lately.
     SPRING BREAK! Whoooooo! Bran is coming, Cat is coming... and Robb is
     coming. How will Myrcella react? Things to look forward to so stay
     tuned!
     It's been a lot of work (and no one asked for it so I don't expect
     thanks) but I think my Dothraki Translator is workable enough to go
     into a 'beta' phase. (http://lingojam.com/DothrakiTranslator) If
     anyone has any translation suggestions leave a comment! (Seriously go
     nuts.) I just took it public but it's not nearly there. Use it for
     whatever your needs are and help would be much appreciated! (Dear
     gods please help me I'm so 'yofi norethaan' for undertaking this
     project!) If there is a word that the translator cannot convert
     please take a look on this page - Dothraki_Vocabulary. Please leave
     the word or phrase, and the definition, in the translator's comments!
     “There is no shortage of fault to be found amid our stars.”
     “Hazze ajjin vo gerikh ki ziyenelat tat tikh ez ma kishi shieraki.”
     I won't say *nobody* appreciates me, but I don't think anyone
     appreciates *just* how awesome I really am.
***** Life is a Maze *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                               [Life_is_a_Maze]
                                     ARYA
"Doc," she barged into the office, dragging her overstuffed schoolbag on the
ground with one hand and wiping her forehead with the other. H'ghar stood over
his desk, shuffling a few papers in his hands. "Awesome-sauce, I don't have
time to waste today." She practically dove into her chair, dropping her bag on
the floor and looking at him expectantly. The doc took his sweet time settling
into his seat, and then folded his hands in his lap.
"Last time you offered to explain why 'trust is a waste of time'." Of course,
today wasn't going to be an easy one. When did the doc ever let her have it
easy? Tonight dad wanted her home early for 'family dinner', so Sansa expected
her little sister to be there and would make that pretty-face-of-disappointment
if Arya didn't make an appearance. That didn't leave her any time to see Gendry
and he had the whole night off. This appointment was cutting into her real
life.
"Fine," she sighed and rolled her eyes, expecting this on some level. "The
'lie' is streaming to us twenty-four-seven - corporate-manufactured news,
music, movies, and television. My stupid generation lives for it - we live by
it. Those same juvenile sheeple mock the absurdity of religion-driven
motivation. That's - why 'trust is a waste of time'. We're all being lied to
all the time." Arya folded her arms and sat back, feeling smug. "Most of us
never realize it."
"You think television and religion are outright lies?" His lack of reaction
disappointed her just the tiniest bit. It's not like she expected praise for
higher thinking - but still. The doc seemed like a smart man, she wasn't saying
anything he didn't already know.
"Of course they are," she sneered. "All meant to control the masses in the
exact same way. The Septons used to tell us how to live but we've 'evolved'
since then. Now the flickering box tells us how to look, how to think, and who
to be." Not her, she saw through it and despised the ridiculous and obvious way
the almighty 'TV' is the new religion of the ignorant masses.
"Can you give me an example?" His line of questioning caught her off-guard.
Today she hoped they would work more on meditation so she could show off her
hard work on self-introspection. The dark woods in her subconscious were
becoming familiar and new pathways revealed themselves. Still, none of the
paths she found led to her relentless pursuer and she could not stop running
through her mind.
"Just one example?" Arya couldn't think of the best case to make her point
because there were far too many. "I've never been to an Alcoholics Anonymous
meeting, most people haven't. I have no idea how an AA meeting actually is.
What I know about it is a manufactured fictional version of AA." She blinked,
breaking their eye contact, dumbfounded by his blank stare. "It's got
'anonymous' in the name, but everyone knows exactly what an AA meeting is
supposedly like."
"How does that affect you?" H'ghar wanted this to be personal, but it wasn't.
Arya simply shook her head in response while none-too-subtly fishing her phone
out of her pocket to check the time. "Couldn't a person struggling with
addiction be persuaded to try a meeting because of a fictional portrayal?"
Somehow, his lack of approval seemed argumentative - challenging her opinions
just like everyone else. "Is fiction really the same thing as lies?"
"That's not what I said," she shoved her phone away and glowered at the cryptic
doctor supposedly 'helping' her. Yeah, helping her waste time! "It's the faith
in the fiction that makes it a lie," she insisted. "If everyone believes a lie
- doesn't that make it the 'truth'? We're such good liars that we fool
ourselves all the time."
"You count yourself among liars and fools?" This sharply dressed sudo-guru,
staring at her over his thin frameless glasses, was the last thing she would
have pictured when imagining a therapist. Before she came to the doc, she
thought therapy was a stuffy room and an unpleasant disapproving man with a
clipboard. Because that was the image of 'therapy' bored into her brain over
her lifetime.
"I do," she sniffed and looked away, "it's no using lying to myself anymore -
I'm too smart."
"You compared modern entertainment to dying religions-"
"They're still clinging to life in my home," she assured him. Dad must be the
last person alive still worshiping the Old Gods and her mother constantly
bemoaned the dwindling followers of the Seven. Except, over half the people in
Parliament identify as a follower of the Seven, so it's a slow passing.
"Is that your true resentment," he dug in deeper, "with your parent's old-
fashioned morals?" H'ghar got stuck in the details while she couldn't move any
closer to the big picture. What was the point of wasting this much time? She
felt a lot better than before so maybe she didn't need a counselor anymore.
"Are television shows and movies not the parables of our time? Don't they teach
us something, even if we disagree with the message?"
"Forget TV and religion," she sighed and dropped her weary head into her hand.
"That's not what any of this is about."
"What is 'this' about?" He wasn't a very good therapist, asking her to solve
where her 'crazy' was coming from - that's his job. "Isn't it about trust?"
"Lies," she corrected. "The world rewards good liars and punishes people for
wanting to live their own truth." A long time ago, she thought about hiding her
true self to make everyone else happy. When she did her best to 'fix' herself -
it looked ridiculous. Arya knew she would make a bigger fool out of herself by
trying to keep up some make-believe version of herself. "People assume there's
something wrong with me if I don't want to be like a 'normal' girl."
"Do you think there is something wrong with you?" Above all others, that had to
be the stupidest question the doc ever asked.
"I'm here, aren't I?" Arya waved a hand around the room - a shrink's office.
"There's obviously something wrong with me. Still," she leaned back, breathing
a heavy sigh. "Most of the time I don't think I'm the crazy one, everyone else
seems nuts to me. Everyone but Gendry, I get him at least." Once she recognized
that he loved her, everything he did always seemed perfectly reasonable. She
didn't need to know 'why' to just accept the facts.
"And you feel pressured to lie," he surmised, "in order to survive in a world
of liars."
"I lie every day," she stared down at her sneakers. "But I couldn't that day."
Arya bit down hard on the inside of her cheek - she didn't want to talk about
this!
"That day?" There he went again - the shorter the question, the harder to
answer. His face betrayed no expression but Arya learned to pick up on the
small changes that revealed his interest. Likewise, the doc learned to tell
when she would not be pressured to say anything more. "Can you give me an
example of how the world 'rewards good liars'?"
"There are so many," she huffed a humorless laugh. "The person who hit my
brother with their car should have stopped and called an ambulance." Her whole
body started to tremble and her stomach clenched. "They just drove away like
nothing happened and nobody knows they are a filthy child-crippler! Bran might
walk today if they helped him but they ran away like cowards!"
"Give me something more personal, Arya." Was he never satisfied with her pain?!
"More personal than that?!" As impossible as that seemed, something came to
mind right away. "Both of my older siblings dated before sixteen and got away
with breaking my father's rule because they lied. I got caught the very first
time I kissed a guy. I didn't get in trouble for breaking the rules - I didn't
lie well enough! Lies are all people want and all they can give!" Arya stood
up, grabbed her bag, and headed for the door.
"You still have ten minutes," he called after her.
"I'll take them with me," she muttered as she passed through the open door and
shut it soundly behind her. Arya inhaled a deep breath and continued on her way
out of the building. She really couldn't lie to herself anymore - she needed
the doc's help. He taught her how to control her emotions and how to tap into
her subconscious mind. Next week she'd apologize and stay an extra ten minutes
if it made him happy. Today, she just needed to live her life instead of
sitting around talking about it.
                                     SANSA
She rushed down the hall towards the front of the school, clutching the straps
of her backpack to keep it from jostling about. Volleyball practice went long
today and she didn't like to keep Sandor waiting... and she missed him all day.
It was all too tempting to try and wheedle a date out of him but today she had
other plans. Sansa hurried to their usual meeting place to find him leaning
against the Weirwood tree, looking down at something in his hand.
"Lover," she slipped her arm around his as she approached his side and looked
down to see what held his attention. Sansa was pleasantly surprised to see
there was a small book in his hand, which he closed and stuffed into his
pocket. Sandor straightened up and turned to face her. "You waited here this
whole time for me?"
"Could be," he grinned and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I have an
emergency."
"I think... I might have the same emergency," she whispered back before
flashing a wicked smile.
"Let's roll," he started to walk ahead, taking her along by her hand.
"Nope," she stopped and pulled him in the other direction. Today she had to let
romance take a backseat... Sansa had something very important to say.
"Nope?" All he had to do was stand still to become an immovable force so she
was required to explain herself.
"This time I'm taking you somewhere," Sansa beamed a bright smile at his
bewildered expression. "Don't argue," she turned his favorite phrase back on
him. Sandor narrowed his dark eyes at her in confusion before shrugging like he
didn't care.
"Anywhere my little bird wants to go," he let her lead him, "I will follow as
her loyal hound."
"Nope," she laughed and wrapped her arm around his waist, "my man should always
walk beside me." He slung one long arm around her shoulders and they walked
together to her car, parting to get inside. As she drove, Sansa distracted
herself by chatting away about her day. She described how practice went, and
how much she was looking forward to this weekend. Sandor listened to her hopes
and complaints, interjecting blunt comments when necessary.
Sandor did not ask where they were headed and even if he asked, she would not
know exactly what to say. The ride took less time than she thought it would,
and her nerves were starting to get a little jittery. Still, she refused to let
nervous tension or fear stand in her way anymore. Sansa pulled her car up in
front of the gate and butterflies flapped around in her stomach. She rolled
down her window and reached out to punch the numbers into the keypad to open
the gate.
"Where are we?" Sandor leaned forward to peer beyond the wrought iron gates but
they were covered with beautiful trailing ivy.
"Apparently," she pulled her arm back inside to retake the wheel. "My father
bought this house." Sansa slowly pulled her car in as the gate opened to reveal
a beautiful mansion. "He plans to show it to my mother over Spring Break and
convince her to stay in Kings Landing." A shockingly thoughtless idea in her
opinion. She chewed on her lip to keep herself from saying more, timing would
be very important for this conversation to go smoothly.
"Isn't that a good thing?" He picked up on the strained tone of her voice. "I
know you miss your mom and brothers."
"I worry about my parents," she confessed quietly but left it at that. Sandor
seemed to recognize her reluctance to talk about it and she was grateful for
his understanding. Sansa parked and led him to the entry, opening the front
door with the key daddy gave her.
"Fuck me," he whispered as they walked inside, his quiet voice echoing through
the giant room. As she took a step inside, she glanced over to see him still
hesitating in the doorway.
"Come on," she slipped her hand into his and led him further into the house.
"Whose furniture is this?" His fingers ran over the back of an armchair,
stroking the silver brocade stitching in the fabric.
"It all came with the house," she explained. "A common practice with houses
this size." Sansa walked into the front sitting room and a stood in the middle.
"Rich people are fucking weird," he snorted a laugh. Sandor had this way of
making her feel bad about coming from a wealthy family but she recognized he
did not mean to insult her. In his eyes, she wasn't a 'little rich princess'
anymore because she worked hard to prove her loyalty. If only her hard work
could extend to the rest of her family, maybe he wouldn't feel so intimidated
anymore.
"Fuck me twice," his head swiveled around the room, "this room is bigger than
my whole house."
"This is just a house," she stressed softly, "an unnecessarily big house. My
father thinks if he shows this big beautiful house to my mom, she will want to
move here."
"I would," he was still distracted by the house and not paying attention to the
meaning of her words. She wanted to show Sandor or that this was just a big
house, not part of her identity.
"This house is truly gorgeous and filled with many expensive things." Sansa
stroked her fingers over the soft leather sofa, looking down to admire the
light blue color. "In my life I have seen a lot of beauty and been happy far
more often than sad. I can't help wanting to share some of my good fortune with
you."
"If you're trying to make a point," he moved to stand next to her, "I'm not
getting it." Sandor's expression was almost suspicious and definitely wary. She
wanted to have a serious conversation about their relationship but didn't think
that had to be a bad thing. To buy herself time, she turned and walked further
into the house towards a large staircase that led to the second story.
"I told you my younger brother is in a wheelchair?" Sansa sat on the bottom of
the ostentatious staircase, wondering what her mother would think of these
steps. The only other way to get upstairs is to take the service elevator in
the back of the house. It would probably bother mom more than Bran, and daddy
would stay oblivious because no one wanted to upset him.
"A hit-and-run, you said." Sandor took a seat next to her, a step higher to
stretch out his legs... Maybe because he knew she had some difficult things to
say. Was he keeping his distance for her comfort or his own? Sansa often felt
she didn't have the right to be sad compared to her parents and even Arya, the
closest of them all to Bran.
"I thought about it a lot after the accident," she confessed, "what life would
be like in a wheelchair. For me it would mean giving up volleyball, I would
never look down at anyone again, it would change the way people look at me."
She dashed away a few tears and leaned forward to stare down at her shoes.
"Neither of my parents has coped with the accident as well as any of us,
including Bran."
"Shit," his soft curse held a sympathetic tone so she accepted it that way.
"Daddy is so focused on building up the company, for his family, he doesn't
realize he's ignoring us." Once she started, every dark worry in her heart
poured out. "He's blind to everything Arya has been going through. Mom treats
Bran like a baby and goes to ridiculous lengths to protect him from
everything." She wanted to look forward to her mother's visit but all of these
fears overshadowed her anticipation.
"Sorry, little bird." Sandor braced his hand against the step he sat on and
lowered down to sit beside her. "That's rotten luck, about your brother. I get
why your parents can't handle it, but you shouldn't be so stressed about it."
He took her hand into his own and gave it a little squeeze. "You're not alone,
you can talk to me."
"Daddy thanks this big beautiful house will make us a 'whole' family again."
Sansa lifted her head to admire the vaulted ceilings before turning her eyes
towards him. "But no matter how big or beautiful, this is just a house. Even
though my family has money, we have problems just like every family. I would
never compare my family's problems with yours but I haven't been sheltered from
everything. I can handle anything... I am not the damsel in my own story. "
"I know that," he looked confused, like he didn't know if he should be
defensive or supportive. "I've seen you handle a volleyball." Sandor missed her
point and she worried that her explanations were too vague. Somehow, she
recognized that there was a connection between his apparent inferiority complex
and her family's wealth. It is probably the same issue he has with Dany... he
can't relate to her because she is 'a rich girl'.
"We haven't been talking about the real danger out there," she insisted. "We
don't know when or how, only that a bad man might amuse himself one day by
hurting us."
"I dunno know what to say," his deep voice turned gruff with emotion. "If I
were a good guy, I would stay away from you-"
"That's bullshit and you know it," she retorted, causing his surprised eyes to
snap up to meet hers.
"Little bird," the corner of his mouth turned up, "you cussed." His apparent
amusement did not amuse Sansa... this was important!
"It upsets me when you talk like that." She took her hand back and crossed her
arms across her ribs. "I know why you think things like that-"
"I can't help it," he sulked.
"I know that too," she blew out a frustrated breath... this wasn't going at all
like she hoped. "I signed my sister and me up for a self-defense class
yesterday."
"Good," he seemed somewhat relieved but not happy. Sandor stared down at his
boots for a long time while she awaited the result of his contemplation. "You
think I'll try to dump you again, I won't."
"That's not it, or not all of it." Sansa tried her best to put the words
together and her head before speaking aloud. "I need us to move past the way
you see my family's wealth. We both have to move past the little things if we
are going to stay strong. Not just because of... him. You were right when you
guessed my parents would never accept us if they knew your brother made threats
against me." They would do anything to keep her safe, even break her heart.
"What would you do if they found out?" He asked the question she avoided asking
herself because any answer would hurt somebody she loved.
"I don't know..." Sansa doubted she could go against her parents to that extent
and knew giving up Sandor would be impossible. "But if anything scary happens,
I know my parents would do anything to keep both of us safe. I know my father
would never turn down anyone who asked for help."
"You're right, I'm still uneasy about you coming from money." His confession
did not come easily but then his shoulder seemed to relax and he even smiled a
little at her. "Might be, I'll never really think I deserve someone like you,
except you say I do."
"I don't lie," she gave a tentative smile back.
"It's just that," he took her hand back and held it gently between both of his.
"Every day I feel sorry - to you, your sister - your father. I won't do that
anymore, fuck the small shit, other couples can bicker about nothing and
everything. We won't be like that, I swear." Sandor looked so serious and it
was completely inappropriate but a laugh bubbled up inside her and she could
not contain it. "What's so funny?"
"I feel so grown up," she giggled and covered her reddening face with her free
hand. Sander took a hold of her wrist and held both of her hands.
"We've the place to ourselves - could play house." His unabashed wicked tone
left no room to misinterpret his words.
"In my parent's house?!" Even Sansa was not entirely sure why she was
whispering so shrilly, as no one else was around. "You must have lost your
mind."
"Well, they haven't moved in yet," he reasoned, as though he said a reasonable
thing! Sansa stared at him, slack-jawed in a state of bewilderment, before
standing up and heading for the door. "Sansa, wait," he caught up to her in a
few short strides, "I'm just kidding!"
"I suddenly crave something sweet and cold," she turned to flash a smile at
him. His worried expression melted away once he saw she was not really upset...
maybe even a little tempted by his suggestion. "After," her smile turned
wickedly coy, "we'll have dessert."
"We're okay?" A shadow of doubt still hung across Sandor's face. It would take
some time for all she said to sink into his head but she was willing to have
this conversation until he understood. To be strong enough, for anything that
might try to damage their relationship, they had to admit any weaknesses and
overcome them. They did not have to dwell on the fear of danger in order to be
ready for it.
"I'm certain," she wrapped one hand around his arm and started towards the
door. "If we both work hard, we will always be okay." They walked together to
the entryway and he opened the door for her. Outside the air tasted cleaner and
fresher than before she walked in and Sansa breathed it in deeply. Now that she
knew what true happiness was, she would never let anyone take it away. Not even
Sandor.
Chapter End Notes
     Thanks to sansa_sandor_shipper and MissMallora for suggesting a
     Sansan chapter - not sure if it's what ya'll were hoping for but this
     is what came to mind. I really enjoy fulfilling requests so...
     thanks! <3 And GO NOW to "Growing Up Northern" (http://
     archiveofourown.org/works/4158708/chapters/9384321) - the fic that
     gave me strength when I couldn't post because...
     This should come as no shock to anyone as it should've been no real
     surprise to me: I have sustained a startlingly serious writing injury
     (RSI). What caught me off-guard was how severe the injury became and
     how long it lasted. In April, I started waking up with numb
     fingertips and that worsened over a few weeks. I applied sports cream
     regularly without questioning if writing fanfic is a 'sport'.
     Eventually, pain and weakness forced me to take a longer break than
     I'd've preferred.
     After almost 5 weeks, I regained use of my left hand, but then my
     right hand started suffering the same symptoms from overuse. My
     immune system suffered because I could not take care of myself
     properly, bringing on a bad cold. Basically, life sucks. *However*, I
     can't give up so I simply have to look at this as an opportunity to
     work harder in a smarter way. I bought a new mouse for ambidextrous
     use, I will utilize speech-to-text programs more, and I will make
     periods of rest part of my writing routine.
     If I can continue to post regularly without hurting myself, that
     would be as very gratifying ending to this dreadful experience. To
     everyone's reading, do yourself a favor and learn how to avoid wrist
     strain and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - RIGHT NOW. Don't be a single-
     minded dolt like me and take care of your precious hands. I'm open to
     suggestions in the comments about preventing wrist strain and other
     typing-related injuries.
***** Surprise *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
    [http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/C1tvgYU9jZ4FuiE5Adpw/cid/
            167987571/id/ZlKyNSEl5RG8NKn-XS33Qg/size/c600x500.jpg]
                                   MYRCELLA
With the occasional exception of her mother, everyone underestimated and
ignored her. Contrary to mother's philosophy, shopping and chardonnay do not
fix all life's problems. Neither does stalking but Myrcella was starting to get
desperate, ever since she found out Robb was coming south. Cousin Shireen, who
happened to be good friends with Arya Stark, revealed that tidbit of
information.
It might be easier to befriend the younger Stark sister but that would only
emphasize Myrcella's age. Sansa was her ticket, but getting closer to her
proved difficult because they were not in the same grade. Sure, they spent time
together at practice but the whole 'practicing' thing got in the way of deep
conversation. This train of thought led her to the despicable act of stalking
but it paid off to have a driver follow Sansa.
A few days ago, the girl went to a local community center and signed up herself
and Arya up for a self-defense class. That's what Myrcella did too, for the
exact same time as the Stark sisters. She needed to learn everything about Robb
before he came down in order to make a better second impression. The first time
they met, she barely said two words to him before stammering like a complete
dummy! Oh, this had to work or she would just be some crazy girl!
Butterflies flapped around in Myrcella's stomach as students of the self-
defense class, women of all ages and fitness began filing inside. What if the
sisters changed their minds about the class? What if they caught on to her
totally desperate stalking?! Just when she was about to give up, a familiar
willowy redheaded figure floated into the room gracefully. This was it... time
to put those acting classes to good use!
"Oh my gods!" Myrcella might have overly exaggerated her surprise but tried to
smooth it out with a bright smile. "Sansa and Arya, what a coincidence."
"Is it?" Arya raised an eyebrow, her expression utterly dubious.
"I'm glad there is someone here I know." Sansa smiled and put her arm around
Myrcella's shoulder. "Everything is more fun with friends."
"I was surprised to find out this class is completely free." Myrcella skirted
the edge of the truth, careful to keep her expression innocent. "Honestly, I
don't know why I haven't already tried this."
"It will be good to get some exercise," Sansa grimaced but it was still pretty.
"I got so fluffy over the winter."
"I will murder your entire family," the younger Stark girl suddenly threatened
her sister. "If you ever complain about your perfect body again." Arya's threat
surprised and startled Myrcella.
"But, you are part of my family." Sansa simply laughed at her sister's
creepiness.
"Then I'll have to murder myself as well." Arya smirked and crossed her arms,
living up to her reputation. The entire freshman class knew Arya Stark, the
girl always mouthing off to teachers and getting sent to the principal's
office. She was either admired or feared by everyone but no one actually seemed
to be friends with her.
"You can't murder yourself," Sansa scoffed good-naturedly at her sister's
ridiculous joke.
"Watch me," Arya challenged, "there's nothing I can't do."
"Alright class," the instructor entered the room, pushing a large cart stuck
with what appeared to be floor mats. "Please gather around." The middle-aged
dark-complected man set eyes on Sansa and seemed to recognize her. "Ah!" he
approached their group and smiled at the elder sister. "Senorita Stark!"
"Señor Forel!" Sansa greeted the man warmly with a cheerful smile. "I didn't
know you taught self-defense."
"My passion for teaching knows no limits," he returned the kind expression
before gesturing to Arya. "Even this small boy here can learn defense against a
larger opponent." Mr. Forel seemed very charming and Myrcella liked him
instantly.
"I'm a girl," Arya grumbled.
"It doesn't matter," Mr. Forel ignored Arya's protest. "Girl or boy, you can
protect yourself. The trick is to be smart and keep your calm. Can you do that,
girl?" The sullen girl stared daggers at their instructor before reluctantly
nodding her head. "Students," he spoke louder, "I am your instructor, Syrio
Forel. Girl," he addressed Myrcella, "if someone threatens you what is the
first thing you should do?
"I don't know," Myrcella flushed with embarrassment and dropped her gaze down
to her shoes.
"If you believe someone is a threat to your safety," he spoke up so the whole
class could hear, "always try to escape first. If they want your money, give it
to them and run away. Run towards open public places where you think people
are. You're not children anymore so avoiding strangers will not keep you safe.
In fact, most victims of violence are harmed by people they know. Your best
defense against an attacker is to find someone who can help you."
"What do we do if our attacker has us trapped?" Sansa seemed so serious all of
a sudden. "What if he doesn't want money, but to hurt us?"
"Excellent question Miss Stark," he scanned the group of gathered students.
"This is the question you are all thinking, no? What if you can't run away?
Then, you must be prepared to do anything to defend yourself. This is exactly
what I am going to be teaching you over the course of this class. First, I will
need a volunteer." Mr. Forel pointed at Arya. "You, skinny girl."
"My name is Arya," she sneered but strutted to the front of the class to stand
next to the instructor. Myrcella thought Arya was brave, even if she acted more
than a bit strange.
"Let's pretend that Arya here wants to attack me," he addressed the class, "and
I have nowhere to run. She might think that I am an easy target but my first
chance of survival is making her reconsider. So, Arya, grab my wrist and I will
demonstrate the first step of resistance." Arya took a firm grasp of the man's
wrist and grinned confidently despite her small size.
"Grab your trapped fist with your free hand," he narrated his movements, "and
step back while shouting as loud and aggressively as you can. LET GO!" His
voice boomed throughout the room and everyone jumped, including Arya. "There,
you see?" He held up his freed hand. "You want to make your attacker rethink
your strength."
"Can just screaming really make an attacker run away?" Myrcella doubted she
could ever intimidate anyone, especially when paralyzed with fear.
"Most predators look for targets who are alone and defenseless," he explained
seriously. "They are cowards who assume their target will be too afraid to
fight. You must use your fear, and the natural boost of strength it gives you.
Be loud and confident to scare off any possible attackers and draw attention to
what is happening. Now everyone partner up and practice what I have shown you."
"Partner?" Myrcella smiled shyly at Sansa, who nodded in acceptance. Arya was
left without a partner so she paired with the instructor. The girls faced each
other before Sansa suddenly grabbed Myrcella's wrist. "Let go!" She tried to
wriggle her wrist but could not get loose.
"You can do better than that," Sansa encouraged.
"Let go of me!" Myrcella grabbed her trapped fist and tried to step back but
Sansa was still too strong! For some reason, Joff popped into her head... he
used to grab her roughly sometimes to scare her. "FUCK OFF!" She managed to
pull free and stumbled back a few steps before looking up to see Sansa's
shocked expression. "Oh! I'm so sorry-"
"Don't be!" A slow smile spread across Sansa's pretty face. "That was amazing,"
she grinned and held out her fist, "now let me try." As Myrcella grabbed the
other girl's wrist, a rush of confidence built up inside her. She took this
class to get closer to Sansa as a way to learn about Robb, but it was turning
out to be so much more.
                                    GENDRY
In the late afternoon, the sky turned darker early from gray clouds rolling in
from the south. Only a few droplets hit the Lincoln's windshield as he pulled
up into the pizzeria parking lot. All day he wondered why Arya asked to meet at
the restaurant instead of riding together. He hoped against all reason that she
had some kind of 'good' surprise for him because she'd been acting plenty
mysterious.
When he stepped out of the Lincoln and caught sight of Arya waiting out front,
he realized that she was the surprise. Gendry recognized her the second he laid
eyes on her but he still couldn't believe it. A barrette fastened her short
hair to one side, leaving a few loose tendrils brushing softly against her
face. She was distracted, smoothing down the side of her disobedient hair, and
he was mesmerized.
It's not that she wasn't always pretty: she's the most beautiful person he ever
saw. But dressing up for no special reason was something he never expected her
to do. Prom and the renaissance fair were both 'occasions' but this was just a
regular date. Arya looked up and a little shy smile tugged at the corners of
her mouth, melting his heart. The picture she made would stay etched into his
brain for as long as he lived.
Her smile widened as she waved over her outfit and bobbled her head from side
to side. That's when he realized he was still standing in the middle of the
parking lot, grinning like a fool at the prettiest girl ever. So he jogged to
her, finding she looked even prettier up close. She shined in a way he would
never be smart enough to describe: Arry was truly a 'highborn' but now she fit
the part.
"Wow," he looked her over with growing appreciation and uneasiness. This was
always who Arya Stark was supposed to be, someone totally out of his league.
Then he noticed the bright red converse on her feet and that little detail
squeezed his already melted heart. Even in fancy clothes, she was still herself
and that felt instantly reassuring.
"You don't have to look so surprised," she grumbled and rolled her eyes.
"I must've died and gone to the seven heavens," he grinned at those adorable
rolling eyes. "Your hair is so shiny, milady." That quip set a little sneer on
her lips, but one side tilted up just a bit. Gendry glanced over her again,
appreciating her whole look. "Basically, what I'm trying to say is: you look
really pretty."
"Thank you," she smoothed down her white satin blouse. Arya looked down to her
sneakers and tapped her toes together, glancing around like she was
embarrassed. They stood there for an awkward minute: him still in shock and her
looking self-conscious. "You haven't seen the best part yet," she took his hand
almost gently and led the way inside the restaurant. The smiling hostess guided
them to the back of the building where a private booth waited.
A white tablecloth covered the table and a single flower in a glass bottle
stood in the middle, simple and perfect. None of the other tables were
decorated, making him dangerously close to bursting into grateful happy tears.
Gendry held it in as he slid into the booth and she sat down beside him. The
instant they were seated, two servers carrying pizza approached the table.
"No way," he whispered in awe as the servers set the humongous pizzas down. The
largest was obviously a breakfast pizza with bits of bacon, crispy shredded
potato, and fried eggs on top. Beside it sat a pepperoni pizza, in the shape of
a heart: which just about broke his self-control holding back grateful sobbing.
"Did you do all of this?!" He stared down at the pizzas in disbelief before
looking up at her grinning face.
"By hand, every pepperoni has been touched by me." She snickered when he looked
up, almost believing her like an idiot. "I just made some reservations and a
couple special requests so don't flip out about it."
"I'm serious," he insisted. "I'm pretty sure I'm dreaming: only my dreams are
never this good. This is the best thing anyone has ever done for me."
"The night is still young," she waggled her eyebrows: the old Arry was
definitely still under that light brush of lip-gloss.
"I can't believe you did all of this," he stared at the feast with grateful
admiration. "Just for me."
"Who else would I do all this for?" She grabbed a white ceramic plate to set it
in front of him before pushing the breakfast pie closer. "Eat your pizza."
"This must have taken a lot of time to put together." He overloaded his plate
full of pizza, hypnotized by the melty cheese stringing between the pie and his
plate.
"Actually, it was kind of fun planning it all." She piled several slices onto
her plate still avoiding his eyes and adorably embarrassed. Gendry smiled to
himself and held back from teasing her, though mightily tempted. "I kept
thinking about the look on your face when you saw everything." Then she gave
him a mischievous smirk and the way her gray eyes sparkled blew him away every
time. "I love that dumb look on your face."
"That's just how my face looks," he frowned before grinning at her.
"Your body makes up for it," she assured him before shoving a large mouthful of
pizza between her lips. "Honestly," she chewed open-mouthed, "Sansa helped me
with most of this." That was obvious, with all the makeup and skirt wearing.
"You asked for help: from Sansa?" Gendry exaggerated his amazement. "This is
truly a night of miracles."
"It's not even close to over yet," she quirked her eyebrows at him. Then her
expression softened as she held his gaze. "You get why I'm doing this, right?"
For the most part, he never tried to understand her: that would be a pointless
struggle. He didn't need understand exactly why she was doing this to 'get' it.
"No shit," he ruffled her hair lightly and liked that he messed up her pretty
look a little. "You wouldn't do this for just anybody."
"Nobody but you," she leaned over to press the greasy kiss against his cheek.
"I'm yours."
"I know," he wiped a bit of pizza sauce from the corner of her mouth and pecked
her on the lips. "But it is nice to be reminded, especially with pizza." They
smiled at each other for a moment but hunger won out over long gazes into each
other's eyes. Between the both of them, they devoured both pizzas and even
ordered some hot wings and cinnamon twists for dessert.
Satisfied and full, they both thanked and generously tipped their servers
before heading to the front doors. Gendry reached over Arya's head to push open
the glass door and noticed it was pouring down rain. Spring most definitely
arrived, mom always told him to bring an umbrella, but he forgot again. They
stepped outside and waited a few moments to see if the rain would let up any:
it didn't.
"We'll have to run for it," he peered into the thick rain at where he parked.
"Race you," she challenged with a smirk.
"Ready," he crouched into a racing stance, "set-"
"Go!" Arya was off like a rocket into the downpour, puddles of water splashing
underneath her brightly colored sneakers. He stayed on her heels and the
thought occurred to him: they could both win. His hand stretched out to reach
her shoulder, tugging her around and making her lose her balance until he
caught her at the waist. She didn't miss a beat: curling her hands around his
neck and lifting herself up as he curved over her.
Their lips met as her body melted against his, nearly bursting his heart from
the pent-up need surging throughout his body. He could never explain how much
her unexpected sweetness meant to him. Just beyond his brainpower sat the words
to express his gratitude and recognition for how hard she tried her best. So he
surrendered his mouth to her hungry kiss and hoped she understood everything he
couldn't say.
Her tongue separated his lips to explore his mouth, stimulating a burning need
that tensed every muscle in his body. His hand tightened around her waist as
the other fisted a handful of her wet hair, holding her tight: like she might
melt away if he released her. The chilly rain could not cool the heat from her
warm lips and hot tongue flooding his senses. The kiss was full of urgency as
building lust warmed his skin.
               [I_can't_feel_the_rain..._with_your_lips_on_mine]
Then she suddenly slipped out of his arms and took off running towards the car,
laughing as she beat him soundly. He chased after her, grinning from ear to
ear: feeling like a winner anyway. They both jumped into the Lincoln and
slammed their doors closed to keep from getting more soaked.
"I'm freezing," she laughed through her chattering teeth. "This shirt is
totally fucking useless." Gendry glanced over the translucent fabric clinging
to her chest as he stretched to the backseat to grab his hoodie.
"For milady," he wrapped the sweatshirt around her shoulders and she slipped
her arms into the sleeves.
"Such a gentleman," she smirked up at him as droplets of water ran down the
sides of her face.
"Just a blacksmith," he smiled down at her.
"I have to go," she pouted, "I promised Sansa that I'd be home early tonight.
She wants to go over the moves we learned today in self-defense."
"As much as I want to keep you," he let go of her reluctantly. "Sansa needs
you, so you gotta go." Arya explained earlier about Sandor's brother making
threats against the happy couple. It put his own relationship difficulties in
perspective: those two had it seriously rough. "I can just call Hot Pie and see
what he's up to tonight."
"I want to stay with you but I've only got the one sister - have to keep the
silly girl safe," she sighed wearily before giving him a sideways glance. "You
never lecture," her tone sounded surprised for some reason.
"Why would I?" Gendry had the sense to be worried but he trusted Arry to do
whatever she thought was right. "You wouldn't listen to me anyway," he grinned
but she was still frowning like he gave the wrong answer. "And I trust you:
more than anyone." She blinked a few times, her expression never changing
before she launched at him and attacked his mouth with hers.
His hands were reaching for her, even before his brain caught up, and found her
waist. He hauled her to him, pulling her over to straddle his lap as their
mouths smashed together again. Her soaked skin had gone cold but her mouth was
still unbelievably hot, sending a strong wave of desire coursing through him.
The kiss was pure addiction: full of the lust, hunger, and domination he
learned to anticipate from her.
Arya's arms encircled his shoulders and heated longing rushed under his skin,
chasing away any lingering chill from the rain. His heart pounded away as she
continued her heavenly attack on his mouth, pulsing all the blood in his body
straight to his cock. She pushed down against the unmistakable bulge behind his
zipper and moaned a pitiful frustrated sound. Then, as abruptly as she pounced,
Arya pulled away and flopped back in her seat with a huff.
"Take me home," she slicked back her wet hair and aimed her hungry gaze his
way. "Before I break my promise." Gods, he loved that dangerous look in her
dark eyes.
"As," he wheezed, "milady commands." Gendry blew out a shaky breath and turned
the key over in the ignition. This surprise date had been so perfect and he
didn't want it to end. A selfish voice in his head tried to convince him how
easy it would be to talk Arya into staying over with him tonight. Someday, they
would live together for the rest of their lives and she would miss living with
her sister: missing her tonight was a small price to pay.
Chapter End Notes
     I had to make an art set for that kiss - it had to be done! I think I
     get my obsession for rainy kisses from ISWAK, but it's pretty popular
     throughout manga and Asian dramas. Even before that, I think classic
     Hollywood really started the 'kissing in the rain' trend.
     I want everyone who read this chapter to realize this is a fairly
     *realistic* representation of self-defense classes. In my bum-fuck-
     nowhere town there are at least 10 FREE self-defense classes within
     15 miles of my house. They are *everywhere* and usually *completely
     free* (though not all are created equal so do the research and stay
     informed). For the same reason you buy car insurance or eat plenty of
     leafy greens, do yourself a favor and take the time to check out a
     self-defense class. Call or visit the websites of local martial arts
     schools and colleges.
     Ignorance and wishful thinking will never save anyone from anything.
     You can quote me on that.
     Links to more information about violent crime and self-defense:
     http://www.crime-safety-security.com/
     http://alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence#prevention
     http://www.self-defense-mind-body-spirit.com/crime.html
     http://www.kicks4women.com/thesis.shtml
     http://www.wpi.edu/offices/police/advice.html
     http://www.datehookup.com/singles-content-a-free-guide-to-womens-
     self-defense-and-self-protection.htm
     http://sexgenderbody.com/content/only-rapists-can-prevent-
     rape#ixzz0QI08ot4O
     A brilliant metaphore about women's self-defense:
     "A dog breeder would be considered insane if they separated puppies
     by sex, allowing only male puppies to play and learn adult survival
     techniques as they tumbled around "hunting" a ball. We would consider
     it absurd to train the females not to growl, roll around, get dirty,
     or fight back if attacked. Notice how dogs behave when they're
     playing. Their play is a gentle form of fighting, veritable rehearsal
     for the real thing should the need ever arise. The female pups do not
     sit on the sidelines watching or cheering the males; they are just as
     actively entangled in the pile of "fighting" dogs. A bitch that never
     used her ability to protect herself wouldn't be good for her litter."
***** Champions *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                  [Champions]
                                     SANSA
In daddy's office, her emotions bounced from unbridled enthusiasm to guilt and
then back to impatient excitement. This weekend might be the most important of
her life... not only because her team was going to crush the other
volleyballers. Sansa was going out of town with her boyfriend for the first
time ever! Ohmygods, it felt like such a massively grown-up thing to do!
"I'm sorry I can't be there for your championship, honey." Daddy looked so
guilty that she could barely meet his gaze. Honestly, since the championship
location was announced, she hoped he would not be able to come.
"That's okay, one of my teammates' dad records every game." She leaned against
the edge of his desk and gave him her brightest smile to cheer him up. "You
won't miss a moment of the action."
"Are you sure you will be alright?" His expression flickered between apologetic
and worried. If only it would be of some comfort to him, knowing that Sandor
would be with her the whole time.
"I will be staying with Jeyne's mom, she is a sweet lady." Her twisted stomach
untangled as his expression relaxed. Daddy reached into a drawer to pull out
his money clip.
"How much do you need?" He began pulling out large bills, one at a time.
"Well..." The guilt came rushing back but she actually did need some money,
keeping gas in the car and all the other upkeep was draining her allowance.
"The girls were talking about going out for a nice victory dinner and maybe
some shopping. But I have money saved up-"
"Is this enough?" He held out more than twice the amount she needed for the
whole weekend.
"Thank you daddy!" She rushed forward to give him a tight hug and a kiss on his
bearded cheek before accepting the money and putting it in her pocket.
"I love you lemoncake," he gently cupped the side of her face and smiled
proudly. "Go show that other team what Starks are made of."
"I love you daddy," she gave him another quick kiss before heading out of the
office to finish getting ready to go. As soon as she stepped into her bedroom,
the phone rang.
"Lover," she answered the call. "Are you waiting for me?"
"Impatiently," he growled.
"I'll be there in just a minute," she bit her smiling lip before making a kissy
sound into the phone and hanging up. Sansa grabbed her overnight bag and her
sports duffle before looking around the room one last time. Unfortunately, she
was not able to convince her sister to stay with daddy this weekend and she
felt bad about leaving him alone. Parents are people too so perhaps he would
enjoy some quiet time to focus on work.
"Bye daddy," she called as she walked through the front door, "I love you!" She
bounced on her toes excitedly as she rode the elevator down and practically
sprinted to the parking lot. Behind the wheel, she forced herself to be calm
and not speed to their meeting place. Sansa spotted his car, with a familiar
towering figure leaning against the front, and parked next to the Skylark.
Sandor walked to the back of her car to get her bags out of the back as she
popped her trunk open.
"Did you pack your whole bedroom," he teased as she walked back to meet him.
"Only the essentials," she protested his teasing as he loaded her things into
his car. As soon as his hands were free, she grabbed his wrist and turned him
to face her. "So... don't keep me waiting!" Sansa got her exam results in the
mail and knew he must have received his as well. Sandor shook his head as he
turned to slam the Skylark's trunk shut and her heart sank.
"Today I mailed my application to Crownlands," he suddenly smirked. "I think
I'm gonna get in."
"What percentile are you in?" Sansa could barely contain her excitement.
"80th," he grinned even wider.
"Oh my gods, I knew you could do it!" Sansa released his wrist and threw her
arms around his waist to give him a tight hug. After taking the College
Entrance Exams, she started to think about the possibility of graduating early.
By her senior year she would be taking all AP classes anyway, it was almost a
waste of time. Maybe she could talk to Principal Varys about graduating next
year, and then she would be only a year behind Sandor.
"It's no big deal," he wrapped his arms around her, tilting his forehead
against the crown of her hair. Their future together had always been somewhat
uncertain but now it seemed so bright! A seventeen-year-old college student was
not unheard of, even kids as young as thirteen have done it. Daddy could help
pull some strings to get her accepted into Crownlands. It would be like a
dream, they would be the cutest couple on the campus... high school
sweethearts!
"Alright little bird," he released her. "We gotta get on the road." Sansa
snapped out of her daydreaming and focused on her life right at that moment.
She had a championship to win! They jumped into the Skylark and headed out onto
the open road. "You should rest up on the way, to be fresh for the game
tonight."
"I am a little sleepy," she leaned her seat back and stared out the window
until drowsiness pulled her to sleep. Her mind fell into a fantasy dream of
happy thoughts with everyone she loved all together and content.
"We're here," he gently shook her awake and she looked around to see they were
parked in front of the hotel.
"How long before the game starts?" She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes before
lifting her seat to sit up.
"We still have a few hours," he smiled as he reached out to straighten her
mussed hair. "We can get some food if you're hungry."
"Food is not what I want at this particular moment," she smiled coyly as his
brow raised.
"I'll get us checked in," he winked at her before getting out of the car. Sansa
busied herself by unloading her bags from the trunk and after a few moments, he
returned to help carry everything to the room "What's up with all your smiling?
Aren't you nervous 'bout the game?"
"I'm too ridiculously happy," she could not keep the cheerful expression off of
her face if she tried. Their room was nearby and he opened the door with their
key card, setting the bags down just inside. Sansa closed the door behind her
and immediately moved to give him a hug. "Most of the happiness in my life
comes from you and the way you make me feel. I want you to feel just as happy."
"I'm plenty happy," he assured her. "Don't worry about that." He knew what she
was getting at, that she still had a something to prove after their talk at her
'new house'. She trusted Sandor, she really did, but it's hard to break habits.
The fear that he would try and break up again, because he wanted to protect
her, remained because the danger lingered.
"I want more than your happiness," she looked up and held his gaze. "I want to
make you feel joy, bliss... veneration." He rolled his eyes at her usage of
advanced vocabulary, but she could not let all that studying go to waste.
"How're you gonna do that?" The corner of his mouth lifted into an expectant
smirk as she trailed one hand down his broad chest.
"I have a few ideas..." She pushed her fingertips underneath the hem of his
shirt to slide her palm over his taut stomach.
"That's a good start," his voice rumbled low as his eyelids slid shut. Sansa
took advantage of his closed eyes, lifting up on her tiptoes to press her lips
against his. Her hands lowered to the waist of his pants to unfasten his jeans
and a slid a palm along the hardness straining against his underwear. "Gods,
Sansa." His groaned words were somewhere between complaining and gratitude.
"Look at me," she demanded, willing him to see the intensity of her devotion.
They stood there, just looking at each other for a drawn-out moment, until he
unexpectedly smiled.
"I see you," he cupped her cheek and she turned her face into his hand. Sandor
bowed his head to kiss her shoulder, moving up her neck and kissing along her
jaw until he found her lips. "I'm yours, little bird," he murmured against her
mouth, still smiling. "Do whatever you like."
"I would like you to be naked," the husky authority in her voice surprised her
and he looked more than willing. He pulled back to tug his shirt over his head
and tossed it on the floor. The perfection of his body never failed to astonish
her, pulling an approving hum from her throat. Despite her impatience to touch
him, Sansa crouched in front of him to untie and remove his boots. Then she
pulled his jeans and underwear down from his hips.
His erection bobbed impatiently in front of her face and on a whim, she closed
her mouth around the tip. Her impulsiveness earned an appreciative growl from
him as he slid his hand into her hair. She took ahold of his hardness with one
hand and braced the other against his hip, feeling his powerful body trembling
under her touch. It felt good to be in control, making him desperate for her.
"I love you," she panted against his pulsing erection. "Every part of you is
beautiful to me." It was easier to believe when he said those things to her
because they were true for her as well. In her hand, his hardness grew stiffer
as the tip of her tongue licked the base in light short strokes.
"Please," the word wheezed out with a whining groan. She stood up, taking him
by the hand to lead him towards the bed, and gently pushed him to sit down.
"Enough teasing," he growled and reached out for her.
"You said..." She stepped back out of his reach with a playful smile on her
face.
"I know what I said," he grumbled and put his hands back on the bed. "You're
just - wearing too much clothes is all." At his adorable sulking, she hummed a
little laugh.
"So impatient," she chided. Sansa took her time to remove her clothes
unhurriedly, removing each piece of clothing deliberately slow while he stared
at her with growing impatience. When the last to scrap of fabricate the floor
she did not the instant go to him, making him wait just a little bit longer.
"Problem solved," she smiled at the greedy way he watched her.
She pulled a pillow from underneath the covers and dropped it onto the carpet
in front of the bed. She stepped forward between his knees and bent down,
bracing her hands against the top of his thighs to press her lips against his.
The moment he lifted his hand to cup the back of her head, she pulled away
again. He groaned deep in his throat but let her do what she wanted.
Sansa knelt on the pillow in front of him, pushing her long hair back over her
bare shoulders. One of her hands ran up his thigh, continuing over his bare
chest, as the other grasped his erection. His fingers slipped into her hair as
she bowed over his lap to fit her mouth around the tip of his hardness. At the
same time, her hand pumped the base, starting slow and steady before picking up
the pace.
A string of murmured curses faded into low moans as is hand slid down her back
to curve around her waist. His pulse rushed between her fingers as the head of
his erection swelled inside her mouth. Sandor groaned low compliments and
professions of love but she could barely hear them over the pounding pulse in
her ears. He let out one last low whine before his release rushed into her
mouth and she swallowed.
"I've never been happier," he panted into her hair, "than I am right now."
Sandor lifted his head so she could look up at him.
"I will make you this happy forever," she assured him, "you only have to let
me." It had been a while since she was intimidated by using that word
'forever'... it seemed the only appropriate word. There were so many things in
the world to be afraid of more than rejection.
"You have to make me," he breathed heavily as he fell back onto the mattress.
"If I don't let you - make me."
"Try and stop me," she challenged as she crawled onto the bed to lay beside
him. "I can do anything."
"Give me a minute," he blew out a deep breath.
"I'm tired," she snuggled closer, "let me nap a bit more before the game."
"Love you," he murmured. "So much - gods, so much." As she melted into his warm
embrace, her sleepy mind tried to remind her of all the worries that should be
keeping her awake. Then again, it felt so nice and safe... right here, right
now. Sansa knew the world was not made of rainbows and sunshine, but that was
more reason to capture whatever happiness life offered.
                                    YGRITTE
She tried to approach Tansy about Myranda bullying her but the girl denied
everything. No one was willing to talk about the harassment so Ygritte didn't
have anything but her gut to go on. Myranda kept dodging her calls and skipping
practice, telling coach that she was sick. As the weeks passed, her attention
shifted to other stuff - like Jon - and preparing for the championship but she
never forgets. Tonight, Myranda couldn't escape the team captain.
"You can't dodge me now Myranda," she pushed the girl back against the concrete
wall. "What's this I hear about some Tansy girl? You giving her a hard time?"
"Captain," Myranda smiled sweetly, making Ygritte shiver from disgust. "That's
none of your fucking business." The girl tried to shake loose, trying to get
away in more ways than one. Not this time.
"You see, it is." Ygritte held onto Myranda's jersey and kept her pinned
against the wall. "Everything is my business the second it affects my team. If
you want to walk out on that court, I suggest you pay attention - coach listens
to me. You know how well she tolerates bullying."
"I'm one of the best on the team-"
"You're good," Ygritte could give her that. "We can still win without you."
"There's no problem, captain." She sneered and flicked her dark braid over her
shoulder. "I won't go near that whore - I mean Tansy, again."
"And keep Ramsey away from her too," Ygritte warned. "Don't doubt I'm serious."
With that said, she let the other girl go and waited for Myranda's response.
"Ramsey isn't going anywhere near that girl again - I can promise you that."
Myranda's hard expression convinced Ygritte that she was telling the truth.
"Our interests are mutual, I'm sorry to have troubled you. I'd love to keep
talking, but I have to go kick some ass," she turned to walk away.
"Hey," she put a hand on the other girl's shoulder to stop her. "I want to
crush the other team."
"No mercy," Myranda grinned evilly - a far more natural look for her - and
brushed past Ygritte, heading towards the court. She watched the other girl jog
out onto the court and decided to believe her warning would work. Now that she
cleared her mind, it was time to join her team and lead them to victory.
Ygritte inhaled a calming breath and visualized her team winning before heading
out onto the court.
Coach called the team to huddle up and gave them the usual speech about playing
fair and earning a win with hard work and sportsmanship. Ygritte and the other
girls put their hands in together, piling on top of their coach's hand, and all
cried out in unison - 'Victory'! The referee blew her whistle and announced the
Kings had won the first serve. Sansa took her place, as did the rest of the
team, and the whole gymnasium got quiet.
BAM! The first serve was sent over the net like it was a comet on fire, but the
other team was in equally good form. The first half of the game went by at a
whirlwind pace with both teams staying neck-in-neck. The hound could be heard
howling from the stands, louder than anyone else. Ygritte got her team of one
point ahead just before the buzzer rang to announce halftime.
Back in the locker room, coach Tarth didn't bother with a grandiose cheesy
sports speech about this being the most important game or some such nonsense.
She pointed out the weakness in some of the opposing players and reiterated her
confidence in all of them. All of the girls rested and rehydrated before
heading back out onto the court with a second wind behind them.
They stayed a point ahead but the other team remained relentless and Ygritte
recognized the signs of fatigue in her teammates. The ball sailed over the net
so fucking fast that her eyes could barely keep track of it but even sweating
and exhausted her team refused to give up. As the clock ran down, the other
team managed to spike the ball just over Irri's head and Jeyne went for the dig
but fell short.
This game would not end in a tie - her team had worked too damn hard to lose
now! Yara took over for what would likely be the last survey of the game,
punching it over the net. It came right back and Ygritte sprung up as high as
she could to pound the ball straight down onto the other team's side - final
point. The buzzer rang and her team erupted into high pitch screams, rushing
her with a group hug.
"Ygritte, Ygritte," they chanted her name over and over. She didn't bother to
hide the tears streaming down her face as she looked into the crowd towards her
cousin. Gilly was crying too, holding onto her slightly rounded stomach, and
pumping her fist into the air. She should've been out here with her team but
Ygritte would tell her later that this victory was in her honor.
                                    SANDOR
After the game Sandor took a very hot shower while Sansa stood outside the
hotel room to call her father, letting him know her team won. It was a great
game and he nearly shouted himself horse cheering for her team. Finished
showering, he put on a pair of comfortable shorts and left the bathroom to find
her sitting on the bed, looking tired and beautiful. She looked up and smiled
at him in that gorgeous way he hoped to never get used to.
"I have a surprise," he dug into his bag and pulled out a bottle. To celebrate
Sansa's victory he got a bottle of champagne - the good shit. This was the
first time he bought alcohol to celebrate instead of trying to forget his
miserable life - it's funny how love changes everything. Sandor sat next to her
on the end of the bed as he poured her a glass and then filled his own.
"How did you get this?" Sansa held up her plastic glass to admire the bubbling
liquid inside.
"I haven't been carded since I was fourteen," he rolled his eyes at her worried
expression.
"I've had this before," she confessed. "Daddy lets us have a taste on
holidays."
"Nobody here to tell you 'no', little bird." Sandor tapped the tip of his glass
against hers. "You did good tonight, let's celebrate that." As he tasted the
tart bubbly drink, he watched Sansa take a dainty sip.
"It's delicious," she smiled and took another sip.
"What do you want?" Sandor had been waiting all day to pay her back for earlier
this afternoon. "Ask me anything and it'll be done."
"Hmm..." Sansa took another sip of her drink before smiling at him. "I played
hard tonight... I would love a massage." Sandor set their glasses down on the
bedside table and moved to sit behind her. His fingers hooked under the hem of
her shirt and she lifted her arms so he could pull it over her head, tossing it
on the floor. He swept aside her long hair over one shoulder and unhooked her
bra, pushing it forward over her shoulder so that it fell out of his way.
Sandor smoothed his hands down her spine, admiring how his fingers spanned her
tapered waist. Her body seemed so fragile but she played like a warrior
tonight, crushing the other team. She hummed as his hands smoothed up over her
back to gently knead her shoulders. The tense muscles flexed under his touch
before relaxing as her pale skin turned pink from the friction of his rubbing.
The tension in her body melted under his hands - meanwhile his cock grew harder
from the sounds she made. He pressed his thumbs into her neck and she groaned
something like 'god, yes' and 'that's so good'. It was the best kind of
torture, touching her and listening to her moaning. Sansa sighed before letting
out a muted whimper as his thumbs worked the length of her graceful neck.
His hands slid down to her shoulders to work her biceps and he could not resist
lowering his mouth to the crook of her neck. Sansa hummed louder, arching her
head back against his shoulder and giving him full view of her beautiful chest.
He slid past her shoulders two cup the underside of her breasts, using his
thumbs to work the muscles underneath the soft flesh. Her fingers squeezed his
thigh, letting him know that she was done being massaged.
Sandor hooked one arm around her waist, turning her towards him, and captured
her mouth with his. As much as he wanted her - and gods he wanted her - he lay
her down on the mattress and slipped off the edge to kneel in front of her. He
pulled her shorts and panties off, tossing them aside before lifting her legs
over his shoulders. His hands curled around her thighs to pull her closer to
the edge of the mattress.
Sansa gasped as he bowed his head to kiss along her hipbone and down to the
inside of her thigh. He kissed along the silky skin as he inhaled her
intoxicating scent. His heavy breath puffed against the dark reddish curls
between her legs and she squirmed impatiently. Her hand curled around his head
as she whimpered tiny pleas that made his heart race inside his chest.
His lips kissed and nipped her thighs, aimlessly running his hand over the
curves of her body as she softly moaned her approval. Her moans grew louder as
his mouth moved closer to the center - the anticipation would make it better
for her if he went slowly. He moved his hands down to spread her open before
lowering his mouth onto her slick and swollen flesh. She gasped sharply,
shuddering at the first touch of his lips.
His tongue joined his lips in gently teasing her and she cried out, encouraging
him to be less gentle. She trembled under his mouth, rolling her hips to meet
his lips and tongue. As the strokes of his tongue became more insistent, she
began grinding herself against his mouth. He held her thighs tighter, swirling,
and lapping at her sensitive flesh as she wailed broken encouraging pleas.
Her thighs squeezed together around his head and he pulled her knees to spread
her legs open, never pausing the movements of his mouth. She gasped and panted
in between moans as she pulled his hand up to her breast. His fingertips
stroked the soft flesh and her hips bucked against his face in response. He
cupped her breast, rolling the stiff peak between thumb and forefinger and
wetness soaked his chin.
She moved with him, against him, submitting to and dominating the motion and
pace. Adrenaline flooded his body, as her need to come became his own need to
give her release. His tongue pushed inside her, pulling out again to move from
her wet heat to the swollen flesh above. All the while, his hand teased her
breast while the other stroked the inside of her thigh.
When her legs began trembling he pulled back to suckle on her and then her
entire body begin to convulse. She threw her back to cry out a loud high-
pitched note, singing for him at the top of her lungs. Every muscle in his body
tensed as He continued until she slumped back, satisfied and exhausted. Sandor
or took a moment to admire her sprawled out on the bed and breathless from his
efforts.
While she recovered, he stood up and pushed his shorts off before crawling into
the bed to kneel in front of her. He grasped his aching cock, pumping it once
to relieve some pressure. Her glazed eyes roamed hungrily over his body and she
held her arms open to him in invitation. His arm encircled her waist, as she
held onto his shoulders, moving her to the center of the bed. Her legs trembled
as they fell apart so he could move between them, bracing one arm on the
mattress.
She reached between their bodies to curl her fingers around his cock and the
soft warmth of her hand made his body tremble all over. He hovered over her as
she rubbed the swollen head of his cock against her wet heat and he groaned as
the tip slipped inside. Her hand guided him as he slowly pushed all the way
inside her, sliding smoothly because she was so wet.
He settled down, embracing her close in his arms as she wrapped her legs around
his, and panting from the effort. She nuzzled her face against his neck,
humming happy sounds as her palms slid over his back and shoulders. It took
some effort to convince his body that he didn't want to come yet, especially
when she rolled her hips impatiently. He thrust up once and she moaned loudly
in his ear - greedy little bird wanted to come again.
He raised his knee to brace against the mattress and lifted his arm around her
waist to arch her body against his. Her hips tilted down, making each of his
thrusts slide against her sensitive slickened flesh. His mind had to focus
completely in order to last long enough to make it good for her. It was easy to
maintain control when his patience would be rewarded so sweetly.
"Did I make you happy, my love?" He loved the way she tightened around his cock
when he whispered in her ear.
"Yes," she whimpered.
"You want to sing for me again," he rasped, "don't you?" He thrust his hips
again, maintaining deep and long strokes and ignoring his body's need to
release.
"Mmm..." Sansa whined in the back of her throat and writhed against him. "Yes,"
she panted.
"Go on then" he pleaded and commanded at once, "sing for me little bird." She
arched her back and it grew harder to keep his thrusts steady. "I love hearing
you sing just for me. Your mine, forever - I'll always love you." Her nails dug
into his shoulders and he couldn't hold back anymore. "I love you Sansa," he
growled against her hair as his release surged through his body. At last, she
sobbed once and curled forward, shivering as she cried out.
He pumped into her until he couldn't anymore and then dropped his head against
the pillow, panting into her hair. They lay like that for a while, breathing
hard and holding each other. Sansa slowly stroked his back, her palm sliding
over his skin in a comforting motion. His hazy brain suddenly wondered if he
could get any happier than this.
"Sandor..." Her voice sounded so pitiful that he lifted up on his forearms to
look down, seeing a tear spill from her eye onto the pillow.
"Why are you crying?" He brushed away the lone tear with the backs of his
fingers.
"Because... I'm so happy." She glanced up at him, lashes wet and eyes shining,
as she bit her lip and smiled. Her expression looked so sweet, he laughed
softly. "Don't laugh at me," she pouted.
"I'm not," he dipped his head to kiss her pursed lips. "Just happy too." Sansa
smiled at him, humming a contented sound as she closed her eyes.
"It was wonderful, thank you." She never had to thank him, if anything he
should be the one doing to thanking, but he liked her silly sweetness. Sandor
collected his remaining strength and rolled over to fall back against the
mattress. "I had such a good day," she sighed, "I don't want it to end."
"We'll just have another good day tomorrow," his hand slid across the coverlet
to link their fingers together. Sandor pulled her hand against his chest, over
his still-pounding heart.
"Maybe if we try hard," she covered a yawn with her other hand, "we can meet in
our dreams so I won't miss you."
"I love you." He closed his hand around her wrist and tugged her against him.
Her breath resumed normally and he gathered her close, kissing her hair. "Dream
sweet, my little bird."
"Love... you..." And she was out like a light, exhausted but there was still a
little smile on her lips. It still blew his mind, that this perfect girl would
set out to make him happy today - every day - and she did. Sansa somehow his
whole life was happier, even when he missed her. This world of happiness that
Sansa built around them couldn't be destroyed from the outside, he understood
that now. Love has to be kept strong from the inside.
Chapter End Notes
     I thought I would be writing mainly sports action this chapter...
     ended up writing a whole bunch of smutty action. Eh, I am what I am.
     My birthday recently passed. So I think this is a good time to
     reflect on my recent past and muse on my near future. This recovery
     from my strain injury has taught me more about patience in the last
     several months than I have learned in my entire life. Slowly,
     painfully, I am learning to be more responsible about taking care of
     my hands.
     In just a couple weeks, it will have been one year since I last
     posted a chapter in my first fanfic: "More than a Number". I loved
     writing that story, it was my first public writing and terribly
     overly ambitious for my experience - or lack thereof. You know, I
     started doing this without any confidence in my ability at all.
     That's why it was so easy for one callus comment to shred my
     confidence with MtaN.
     I came into writing this story like a honey badger, ready to fight
     and bite and tear flesh off the bone before someone else could break
     me down. I've always preferred being alone and unhurt than being
     popular and constantly criticized. But after being recently told that
     my 'ships are shit', I just don't see the point of being angry
     anymore. Would I be angry if someone said the sunset look like shit?
     I think the sunset is wonderful, and my writing is wonderful. I've
     come to believe that confidence isn't a matter of willpower but has
     everything to do with pride. I need to have confidence in my works:
     not expect others to react positively to my hard work. If someone
     else wrote my fics, I would be so proud of them for writing this much
     so well. It stands to reason that I should be proud of myself as
     well.
     People have told me to 'grow thicker skin' and I always wished that I
     would become numb to heartless criticisms and asinine condemnation.
     That's the wrong thing to want, and I hope someone reads what I've
     written and comes to the same realization. True pride isn't a
     numbness to others' cruelty: it's like a shield that insults glance
     off without even leaving a bruise.
***** Slumber Party, Oxymoron *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                           [Slumber_Party,_Oxymoron]
                                   DAENERYS
Marge offered to let Dany hold the sleepover at her house because her parents
and grandmother were out of town on business. Loras was off somewhere with his
much-bragged-about college boyfriend. Missa, Irri, Sansa, and Arya all showed
up just in time for dinner. Marge outdid herself this time, having the chefs
prepare every single one of Dany's favorite foods. All the girls sat around the
extended dining room table, eating in their sleepwear.
After they ate far too much expensive and rich food, they retired to Marge's
bedroom with a fresh bottle of wine. They piled up a bunch of blankets and
pillows on the floor and sat around in a circle, passing around the bottle.
Everyone was stuffed and getting sleepy but Dany wasn't ready for the party to
be over yet.
"What should we talk about?" Dany snatched the bottle away from Marge, who was
already starting to seem a little drunk.
"It's a sleepover, let's talk about sex!" Marge giggled as she fell back
against the floor to reach around Dany and grab the bottle back.
"Give me that," Missa easily took the bottle out of Marge's fumbling hands and
passed it across to Irri.
"I second that motion!" Irri raised her hand excitedly and then blushed as
everyone laughed at her. "What? Virgins always want to talk about sex."
"Alright, who among us has the wildest stories?" Marge leered around the circle
until her eyes landed on Sansa.
"Don't look at me!" Sansa's face turned beet red. "Sandor is a very careful and
gentle lover."
"Where's the fun in that?" Arya flopped down on her stomach and grinned around
the group. "I have some pretty wild stories."
"Oh my, I think I'm beginning to see Gendry in a new light." Dany waved to Irri
to pass the bottle back. "I guess I imagined him as the gentle type."
"He's plenty gentle - I'm a little rough," Arya's face scrunched up in the most
comically self-satisfied expression
"That poor boy." Dany chuckled before putting the wine bottle to her mouth and
tilting it back to take a deep gulp.
"He doesn't complain," Arya reached across the circle and held out her hand.
"He doesn't dare!" Dany grinned as she passed the wine bottle.
"That's true." Arya nodded her head in acknowledgment before tilting the bottle
back and taking a gulp. "So?" She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and
smirked at Dany. "Details on Drogo the Undefeated." She tilted her head forward
and stared through the hair covering her face. "Does he give you that dead
stare the whole time?"
"Anything I say is going to sound exaggerated," Dany returned Arya's stare with
a smug smile. "And not nearly close enough to how magnificent he really is."
"Cheapskate," Irri complained as she crawled forward to take the bottle for
herself.
"What kind of 'details' would you like?" Dany arched a brow at her boyfriend's
cousin.
"What's the weirdest place you've done it?" Irri giggled like the virgin she
was.
"I guess the empty room." Dany thought her answer would depend on what everyone
else thought was 'weird'.
"We have the same answer," Arya chimed in.
"What's the 'empty room'?" Missa finally spoke up, having been too quiet
tonight. Not usually a talkative person, she had been much quieter than usual
lately. The passing of Torgo's father seemed to have taken a toll on their
relationship but Missa insisted things were 'fine'.
"It's just a storage room at school where we game," Arya explained.
"SCHOOL?!" Sansa slapped her hand over her mouth and stared wide-eyed at her
sister. "You're both having sex at school?!"
"It was only once," Arya shrugged but obviously got a kick out of shocking her
sister.
"I've lost count," Dany confessed.
"You dirty girl." Marge poked Dany's side with her elbow. "Jogo is certainly
perfect for you."
"DROGO!" Arya and Irri shouted together at Marge before Dany could even speak
up.
"Ohmygods sor-ry!" Marge managed to look shocked at the other girls' annoyance
but really, it was high time someone said something.
"Technically," Sansa started timidly with an embarrassed smile. "I guess...
I've done it in a pet shop."
"What does that even mean - technically?" Arya pestered her sister with obvious
glee. "Did you or didn't you?" Everyone looked to Sansa, who ducked her head
and nodded slowly. "Well done, sister. You're the pride of our family."
"Gods, stop Arya!" Sansa covered her reddened face with both hands.
"I'm still a virgin," Irri sulked, "so I don't have an awesome sex stories."
Dany suspected Irri wanted to shed her 'virginity' label but the person she
wanted would feel 'responsible' for her afterwards. Sometimes it seemed men
either want to trick women into having sex or treat them like helpless
children. Thankfully, Drogo proved that men are capable of being perfectly
reasonable about sex.
"All of my great sex stories are about someone I hate," Marge joined in on the
pity party.
"Boo-fucking-hoo: you're such a 'mopey Marge'." Dany was getting so sick of
hearing what an asshole Joffrey was: there are plenty of perfectly good guys in
this world. "Just go have great sex with someone else."
"There's nobody at Kings that could possibly live up to my standard." Marge
raised her nose up in the air: she could be so dramatic sometimes.
"It's a little high," Arya aimed a serious stare at Marge. "If you want my
honest opinion." Uh-oh: The Gendry Incident was rearing its ugly head.
"Arya," Sansa scolded in a loud whisper.
"I think you are right, sweetie." Marge returned Arya's stare with a taunting
smile.
"I know I am, honey." Arya wasn't smiling at all.
"Then we agree," Marge seemed hellbent on creating trouble and Dany could only
stare open-mouthed at her friend.
"I think so," the words gritted between Arya's teeth.
"Then you won't mind if Gendry and I stay friends." Marge must already be drunk
to be so senseless! The whole room went dead silent as all of the girls stared
at Arya to see what she would say.
"That's up to him." Arya's words did not match the murderous look in her eyes.
"Is it?" Marge smiled like nothing was wrong. "Good, I hoped you would say
that."
"I had sex for the first time." Missa interrupted the intensity and everyone
shifted their focus.
"And?" Dany cleared her throat and hoped Marge was done having fun at Arya's
expense.
"It was... very nice." Missa smiled but it was probably the saddest smile that
Dany had ever seen. "But since Torgo's father passed away we have not done
anything."
"Poor sweet Torgo," Dany sighed. "I know he will come around soon, losing your
father is something no teenager should have to go through." It was painful to
watch the quiet young man become even more reserved. Torgo came to every DnD
game and played even more seriously than before but he never talked about
himself or his loss.
"I need something stronger," Arya announced and stood up to leave the room.
"And I need to piss," Marge also got up to leave. Dany thought about following
after and lecturing her friend about not antagonizing Arya. No, she decided it
was their problem and they could work it out themselves. It was her party and
if she didn't want to be the peacekeeper for one night then she didn't have to.
                                   MARGAERY
On her way out of the bathroom, she spotted Sansa standing beneath a large
window, white moonbeams shining off of her bright red hair. Her beauty was
almost unnatural and it was rare for Marge to be jealous of anyone's
appearance. Jealousy wasn't even the right word for it - more like curiosity
for what it must be like to live inside such a wholesomely beautiful person.
Perhaps she should ask Sansa to pose for a portrait one day.
"Sansa," she approached the other girl, "you look absolutely gorgeous."
"In my pajamas?" Sansa smiled and looked down at her flannel sleepwear.
"You're one of those lucky girls who looks beautiful in anything." She turned
to look up at the sky full of stars. "I was never sincere enough in my
apologies or thanks to you. I might've never been sincere in my life before
Joff stomped on my heart with a shit-covered boot."
"I don't think he deserves that much credit." Sansa's hand felt soft on her
shoulder as she gently urged Marge to face her.
"You've been a true friend, Sansa." Marge bowed her head to look at her bare
feet. "And to you, I never was anything close to that." She gathered her
strength and looked up to meet the other girl's concerned gaze. "I want to
officially start over. Before you say it, I fully intend to make up with your
sister about Gendry." Her teasing had gone to far tonight, especially since she
meant it when she said she wanted to stay friends with Gendry.
"I did not even know you three were on the outs, but I'm not surprised." Sansa
smiled and rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Arya lives her life like
everyone around her is on a need-to-know basis. But it isn't like Gendry to be
confrontational."
"I'm sure this won't shock you but I was the one at fault," Marge sighed. "In
my defense, it's been a hard few months."
"I can relate," Sansa gave her a sympathetic look.
"But spring is here and the warmer air suits me better." Marge and held a deep
breath, holding it for a moment before slowly letting it out. "We've been
through something together and I think you understand best what I feel." She
tentatively reached out to hold Sansa's hand.
"If you ever need to talk," Sansa squeezed her fingers, "I'm here for you."
"You have literally no right to be this nice and pretty at the same time,"
Marge teased. "It's against the laws of nature, beautiful girls are supposed to
be mean."
"I can try harder if it would make you more comfortable." Sansa crossed her
arms and raised her brows. "You're a bit of an idiot to tangle with my sister."
"I love when you're feisty," she grinned at the other girl. "If I wasn't so
scared of the hound I might put the moves on you." Marge laughed as Sansa's jaw
dropped open. "Don't look so scandalized! Loras swears I'm a closeted lesbian
but really, it's only when I get a little tipsy." She lifted both hands to
brush her hair back over her shoulders. "Alright, wish me luck. I have to go
make up with your sister."
"Don't let her near anything sharp," she giggled a bit before frowning. "I'm
sort of serious about that..."
"Don't worry," she smiled and pointed at herself. "I'm really good at
apologizing." Marge turned away to hunt down the younger Stark sister. "It
comes from fucking everything up all the time," she muttered to herself. It
didn't take long to discover Arya rifling through her father's liquor cabinet.
The girl was trying to reach the top shelf but her arms were just too short.
"Arya," she got the other girl's attention.
"Oh good," Arya sneered and continued trying to reach a bottle on the top
shelf.
"Don't be like that," she reached over the shorter girl's head to get the
bottle, "here." Marge resisted the urge to groan when Arya snatched the bottle.
"Can we skip this whole thing and go back to not knowing or seeing each other?"
Arya acted like she didn't want to have anything to do with Marge but then
poured two fingers into another glass and pushed it across the countertop.
"You're scared of me," she picked up her glass and swirled the amber liquid. "I
would be too."
"I think you got that backwards," Arya leveled a dark stare over her glass.
"Oh I'm fairly scared of you - I can admit that." Marge took a sip and rolled
the whiskey over her tongue before swallowing. "But I know I must scare you
because you love Gendry as much as he loves you. He was scared too, when I
kissed him, horrified in fact." Marge laughed at herself for being such an
idiot and shook her head. "You can't blame me for liking him - he's so gorgeous
and outrageously nice."
"You think you know how gorgeous and nice he is - but you don't know the half
of it." To someone else it might sound like Arya was complaining but Marge
heard something deeper. "He's insanely perfect, too perfect." The poor girl had
an understandable inferiority complex.
"You won't lose him to another girl," Marge assured her while trying to tamp
down her jealousy. It stumped her every day how she could have such loyal
friends but her love life sucked royally.
"I don't need you to tell me that," Arya muttered under her breath before
taking an unappreciatively large gulp of her whiskey.
"Knowing and believing are two different things." Marge might not be in the
position to lecture anyone but this girl needed advice or she was going to lose
something very few people get a chance at. "You know Gendry far better than I
ever could. But do you really believe in him? Why did you get so jealous in the
first place? If you 'know' that he would choose you over any other girl in the
world - why freak out?"
"I can admit when others are right," the girl grumbled.
"So do it," she teased.
"I just did," her nostrils flared in anger.
"Not really," she took another sip.
"You're - right," Arya practically grunted the words.
"Thank you," Marge hoped they could all put this behind them now.
"Promise me that you've given up on him for good." A note of desperation
hitched in Arya's voice. "Swear it to my face." There was something very pretty
about the vulnerability in her eyes, something Marge never noticed before. This
was likely a side of herself that the younger Stark girl did not show very
often. For the first time, she saw the resemblance between the sisters.
"I have given up on Gendry," she promised, "he was never more than a fantasy
anyway." Marge wasn't the sort of idiot to go around trying to win the
affections of a young man head-over-heels in love with someone else. "But, if
you ever let him go and I happen to be around," she shrugged at Arya's scowl.
"Don't take him for granted, is all I'm saying. If it's not me, it'll be some
other girl - you know it's true. He's quite a catch in a sea full of sharks."
"Maybe it won't mean much coming from me," Arya's sudden gentle tone surprised
Marge. "I never expected to find someone perfect for me like Gendry. It can
happen for anyone."
"That means a lot," she smiled before taking another taste of her drink. They
lapsed into silence but it wasn't too terribly uncomfortable. Marge felt they
had come to an understanding and she respected Arya and her relationship with
Gendry even more. It might take some time to regain his trust but after
throwing herself into her artwork lately, she wanted to collaborate with him
more than ever.
                                   MISSANDEI
She wandered a bit before finding the library and a quiet spot to sit alone.
The party was fun and everyone was having a good time but somehow it felt like
a betrayal to Torgo. Every time she laughed she thought about him being alone,
consumed by his grief. They had not spoken once in an entire week and the hope
that he might come back to her dwindled every day.
"Hey Missa," Sansa hesitated in the doorway. "Did you want to be alone?"
"Not really," she sat up and patted the seat beside her. Sansa smiled and moved
to sit down on the couch. "I am probably a bit boring tonight." Missa felt this
overwhelming urge to apologize to everyone and it was getting harder to fight.
"Not at all," Sansa lied kindly. "I can't imagine how hard things must be for
you."
"For me?" Missa blinked at the other girl, certain she misheard her.
"My sister told me about your boyfriend's dad," Sansa explained. "The person
you love is in pain... That's the hardest thing in the world. So many times I
wished I could take some of Sandor's troubles to make things easier for him."
"I just don't know what to say to Torgo." Missa obsessed day and night, trying
to think of the words that would magically fix this rift between them. As if,
this relationship problem was like an equation and all a simple matter of focus
and determination. "He loved his pop so much and honestly, the old man was the
sweetest person. But I can't just keep crying in front of him, that makes me
too horrible."
"I think..." Sansa leaned her head back against the top cushion of the sofa.
"All you can do is be honest about your feelings and let him do the same. These
hardships are what make us stronger in the end." Sansa aimed a strained smile
up at the ceiling. "At least, I hope so."
"I hope so too," she also leaned her head back, staring up. "Thank you, for
listening. Sometimes it can be hard for me to admit I need help." For too long
Missa had put her desire to be 'perfect' before her need to be human. That is
why she could not stop crying in front of Torgo, because even if she acted the
'perfect girlfriend'... It would not heal his pain. No amount of studying would
help her pass this test or even ensure she would succeed.
Her twisted need to be flawless made her feel like a freak! The vast majority
of her classmates were wealthy and white. Missa detested any assumption that
her skin color or middle-class family put her at an insurmountable disadvantage
or unearned advantage. She needed to prove herself constantly, like a sickness.
Even with Torgo, more than she missed his shy smiles, soft kisses, and
tentative lovemaking... Failure terrified her.
Chapter End Notes
     It's easy to say why I love to write: I was once a devastatingly
     lonely kid who fell into books to escape the real world. Now I want
     to create a 'world' for people to escape into, a place to help them
     forget how tired and unappreciated they are. My loftier goal is to
     help people feel stronger for when they inevitably have to come back
     and live in reality.
     If I've done that for even one person, aside from myself - that was a
     nice surprise - then I don't have to dream any bigger to believe in
     my success. But I will anyway, because now I finally understand the
     value of having dreams for the sake of dreaming. My dreams will be
     Big and I don't care who thinks I don't have the right or the talent.
     Maybe even more important, I think my opinion of myself is more
     important than anyone's - including fans and supporters.
     This fic has contributed to something that I never had before: honest
     pride in myself. Even now there's an almost undetectable voice in my
     head calling me vain and narcissistic (I didn't put those words in
     there). So now I argue with the voices in my head and feel saner than
     ever. My flaws make me human and my humanity is limitless. Always the
     gamer, I want to test my newfound power on a great challenge: the
     past contains my defeat.
     The time has come to go back to the beginning and use my bolstered
     faith in myself to its fullest potential. My first fanfic, 'More than
     a Number' deserves a second chance. The struggle with my hands has
     only made me more determined, because the worst part wasn't the pain
     - it was not being able to write. Bluntly, I will have to prioritize
     a reboot to MtaN in order to keep my hands healthy.
     Don't panic, dear readers! It has been an amazing experience to write
     SoSC and there is certainly a planned ending to this epic tale.
     However, this story has grown so much larger than I ever dreamed and
     it is a bit difficult to keep everything straight. While I am
     reposting MtaN, I will make a real effort to go back and reread
     everything I've written for SoSC. This will inevitably lead to more
     proofreading and editing but no large plot changes are planned.
     For the few of you reading 'A Trueborn Prince', I will continue
     posting that fic sporadically. For the next several weeks I will be
     in 'editing mode', just to screw my head on straight. Hopefully, soon
     my dictation skills and creative juices will be meshing much more
     fluidly. I feel absolutely certain this is the right direction to go
     in and I know not everyone will be happy but I trust my gut on this
     one.
     Thanks, most sincerely, for reading and enjoying my work.
***** Spring Break *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                [Spring_Break]
                                      JON
"When I look at this picture," Sam handed over the black-and-white grainy
sonogram as though it were as precious as an actual baby. "It feels like I have
a big responsibility, but I don't want to avoid it... I can't wait for it." Jon
shifted on his best friend's lumpy couch, looking intently at the little black
splotch to avoid seeing that pained expression on the Sam's face. "That's why I
have to leave and take this job," he sighed as he took the image back.
Jon couldn't think of a single thing to say so he glanced around the tiny
apartment to avoid his friend's eyes. It was so unfair that the nicest guy he
knew had such a hard time and now Sam was even talking about going out of town
to work. Sure, they needed the money and would need even more once the baby
came. But how could he think of leaving Gilly all alone and going to the other
side of the continent just for a better paycheck? It didn't seem right!
"You don't have to do this," even as he said it, his mind drew a blank as to
any other options. "There has to be another way, somehow." Selfishly, Jon could
not imagine going months without seeing his best friend. How much worse would
Gilly feel, not seeing her husband? It's just not right.
"Do you have any idea how expensive it is to have a baby?" Sam's expression
tightened as he pulled at the collar of his shirt. "I stayed up all night once
and tried to figure out how much I have to earn to raise this kid properly.
Actually, I don't think it can be done, but I have to find a way because I
can't give up. It's more than a responsibility... it's something I need to do,
I can't quite explain it."
"I know," Jon patted his friend on the back, feeling proud of Sam and sorry for
him at the same time. "You just let me know if there's anything I can do to
help."
"When I make enough money to get us on track, I'll come back." Sam glanced down
the hall to the closed bedroom door where Ygritte and Gill disappeared to have
their own talk. "In that time... I'll be counting on you and Ygritte to take
care of them."
"Count on it," Jon agreed immediately, "we'll come by as often as we can." Wild
horses couldn't keep Gritt away from her cousin and he would end up coming with
her anyway.
"You could move in here," Sam smiled sheepishly, "use the nursery as a bedroom.
I'll be back before the baby is born for sure and it would only be for a few...
months." The guy put his pride on the line to ask this favor: how could Jon say
no?
"If it would make you feel better," he grinned as his friend's expression
turned red with embarrassed amazement. "I'd be happy to do it." Did he really
expect any other answer? Even though they didn't share a drop of blood, he
considered Sam like a brother because their hearts were the same. Jon knew how
much Sam loved Gilly and if their situations were reversed, not that Ygritte
needed anyone to look after her, Sam would do the same.
"Gods," Sam turned away and quickly swiped at his eyes. "You can't know how
glad I am to hear you say that. I wasn't sure I could go if Gilly would be left
all alone."
"You're my best friend," Jon pulled his pal in for a tight hug, patting Sam on
the back. "I would do anything for you."
"Are we interrupting?" Ygritte's voice had the two guys jumping apart, looking
up to see both girls smiling down at them. "Let's get some food," she jerked a
thumb at Gilly's stomach. "Gill's baby is hungry for a gyro." Jon shot one more
grin at his friend before pushing up off the couch to walk out the front door
with Ygritte. Neither of them said anything as they got into the car and she
didn't start it up.
"Well," Jon peeked at her, wondering what she and Gilly talked about. "Sam
asked me to move into the apartment with Gilly while he goes north for work."
Saying it out loud made the situation sound so serious but he didn't plan to
change his mind no matter what anyone said. This was something he had to do for
his friend.
"Gill did the same to me," Ygritte cleared her throat and fiddled with her keys
to evade his questioning gaze. "Guess they're teaming up on us."
"So," he blew out the deep breath he was holding. "Us living under one roof:
waddaya think?" She turned to look out the window at Sam's apartment and didn't
say anything for a long moment.
"It would only be temporary," she glanced at him, "and my dad wouldn't try and
stop me." Her face scrunched up into a contemplative sneer as she looked away
again. "What about your mom?"
"She'd be okay with it," at least he assumed so, "if I said it was for Sam."
Mom knew Jon had a hard time when they first moved south, meeting Sam had been
a godssend.
"I want to be here for Gilly, she really shouldn't be alone anyway." Ygritte
nodded as she said it, sounding like she was trying to convince herself. Then
she suddenly grinned at him, a happy bashful expression he never saw before.
"But, with us, you know - I think I'd like to live together even just for a
while."
"I like it too," he smiled back at her.
"Wow," she blew out a long breath, "okay - we're doing this."
"How hard can it be?" Jon immediately regretted asking when Ygritte gave him a
'you-just-fucked-us' look. "Yeah, shouldn't've asked that. Still excited
though: holy fuck we're moving in together."
"Temporarily," she interjected.
"Still," he exhaled a soft laugh, sort of in shock about how the whole
situation turned out.
"I know," she bit her lip before grinning at him.
"We can do it," he took her hand and laced their fingers together.
"I think so too," she squeezed his hand before leaning towards him for a quick
kiss. Ygritte slipped back into her easy confidence as she started up the car
and pulled out of the parking spot too fast. Jon quickly clicked his seatbelt
as she cranked up some music. He thought plenty of times about living with her
but he never thought it would happen this soon. Where they ready for this?
Doesn't matter, he already gave up on living safe: time to take a chance.
                                     BRAN
He didn't want to do this: he really-really didn't. Be a man, he told himself,
but it didn't do shit for his confidence. What would Arya do? She'd march right
in there, demand to know what she needed to know, and wouldn't leave without
answers! That gave him the boost he needed to knock on his older brother's
bedroom door.
"Come in," Robb called from inside the room and Bran pushed the door open
before wheeling inside. "Sup, little brother?" He didn't even bother to sit up
or look away from his phone.
"I need to talk about something," Bran grimaced as he shut the door behind him,
"and you're the only choice I have."
"Your confidence in me is touching," Robb's fingers swiped along the screen of
his phone distractedly.
"I'm serious," he glanced back at the closed door, imagining his mother's ear
pressed against the other side. "Mom can't know we ever had this talk."
"Ah," Robb finally set his phone down and turned his head to look at Bran.
"That sort of talk." He sighed as he looked up to the ceiling before squeezing
his eyeshot. "Listen, buddy-"
"Don't 'listen buddy' me," Bran wheeled forward until his knees hit the side of
the bed. "I have stuff I need to know, and you're the only one available to
teach me."
"This is about Sheri Baratheon isn't it?" Robb arched an eyebrow and Bran
looked away as he felt his face getting hot. "You little rascal, I wondered why
you wanted to go south so bad."
"You get to go too," he reminded his elder brother, "win-win."
"All those college girls celebrating spring break in bikinis," Robb sighed at
stared off wistfully at the ceiling. "I owe you one."
"I've come to collect early," Bran refused to back down after drumming up this
much courage. Robb groaned again, set his phone down, and got up to sit cross-
legged on the mattress.
"You probably don't need to worry about sex yet," he smiled casually like this
wasn't difficult for him at all. "Making out's pretty great for a good long
while. Come back to me about two years and I'll fill you in on the rest." Robb
was right: it would be some time before Bran actually needed to know all this
sex stuff. But it never hurts to be prepared.
"I'm not planning on wheeling out after this conversation to find someone to
have sex with." Bran glared at his older brother. "Robb, I need to talk about
it so I don't have to worry about it. Mom and dad keeping me in the dark like
this is brutal and everything I found online is for people with working legs."
His older brother flinched at Bran's bluntness but sometimes bringing up the
wheelchair was the only way to get what he needed.
"What do you want to know?" Robb braced his forearms against his knees,
clasping his hands together, and leaning forward attentively.
"Everything you know." Bran didn't envy his brothers reputation for being able
to steal any girls' heart because he knew what no one else knew. Their rooms
were right next to each other, he could hear his brother crying over every girl
he loved and lost. Robb was a true romantic, forever pursuing relationships
that could never last.
"Mostly you learn as you go, but I can give you the big tips." Robb held a fist
up in the air and raised one finger. "First, sex is a process with multiple
steps that are a little bit different for everyone."
"For me, there's only one girl." Bran frowned down at his hands fidgeting in
his lap. Miss Shireen Baratheon was the perfect girl for him in every way.
She's beautiful but doesn't know how much and he loved helping her to realize
it. Her soft blue eyes looked at him first and not at the chair: the way they
lit up just for him never failed to astound him. "I'm afraid, when it's time to
level up our relationship: it won't be good for her because I'm half useless."
"I think everyone worries they won't be any good," Robb scraped the back of his
nails against the patchy beard growing along his jaw. "Okay, I'll let you in on
all the secrets of sex. You know what a two-pumped latex-sided shoofly-pooper
is?" That didn't even sound real! Bran shook his head, feeling a little sick.
"Good cause I just made that up," he grinned.
"Asshole," Bran muttered as he rubbed a palm over his face. "Be serious, will
you? It took a lot to come to you like this."
"Okay: second," Robb held up two fingers, "actual sex is just the tip of the
iceberg and figuring out the rest is half the fun. There are no magic tricks:
everybody has different things they like best. Third, and most important, being
bad at sex is really no big deal: everyone is at first. Just like everything
else in life, practice until you're a master."
"That's it?" Bran thought it was all good advice but he was sort of hoping for
a specific magical solution to his particular worry.
"I'm sure you've had some internet education," he shrugged. "The basic
mechanics are simple enough. Keep in mind that porn is as much an accurate
portrayal of sex like the 'Lethal Weapon' movies are documentaries about cops."
"I figured that one out on my own," Bran rolled his eyes.
"You and Sheri like each other," Robb nodded sagely, likely thinking himself
quite benevolent for putting up with his pestering younger brother. "That's the
hardest part, finding someone who likes you and you liking them back. Sex is
all about trusting someone and earning their trust as well."
"That's really beautiful bro," Bran smirked at his hopeless romantic older
brother. Sansa may have a reputation in their family for being a romantic but
Robb wears the crown. That's part of what makes him such an appealing person to
seek advice from.
"My point is relax and let it happen when it feels right for both of you." Robb
smiled, seeing right past Bran's cool-guy sarcasm. "She already likes you,
wheelchair and all: so try to give her the benefit of the doubt."
"Thanks," he smiled to show his true gratitude. "I feel better."
"No problem, little man, but let's just keep this between us," Robb turned a
wary eye at his bedroom door. "Mom wouldn't understand why guys need to talk
about this."
"I would've went to Arya but you're the only one here," Bran nearly choked as
he realized what he was saying.
"What would Arya know about sex?" Robb narrowed his brows and stared hard at
Bran. "Do you-?"
"You're right," he spun his wheelchair around as fast as he could and hauled
open the door, "ha-ha-ha, I'm kidding! Thanks for the guy talk!" Bran shut the
door behind him and immediately dropped his face in both hands, feeling like
the world's biggest idiot. "Real smooth asshole," he muttered to himself before
he heaved a sigh and headed back to his room to consider his brother's advice.
                                    PODRICK
He let himself stand in the doorway of her office, taking in the view of coach
hunched over her desk, concentrating hard on the papers in front of her. The
front of her short hair was held back by a sweatband and her leg was lifted so
that the heel of her foot perched on the edge of her chair. Gods, could she be
any more gorgeous? Alright, if he stood here any longer it would start to get
creepy.
"Knock-knock," he rapped his forefinger against the door as he walked into her
office. "I thought you might be here."
"Rick," she smiled but then frowned disapprovingly. "I'm going to have to
insist you behave like a normal teenager: go out and have some fun on your
break."
"Isn't it supposed to be a break for the teachers as well?" Pod ignored her
chastising and took a seat across from her on the other side of the desk.
"Teachers never get a break," she gestured weakly at the piles of paperwork on
her desk. "I meant to keep up with the system you set up for me but it's
hopeless." Coach leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms and looking him
over with a concerned expression. "Why don't you go spend some time with your
friends?"
"My friends all have girlfriends or jobs," he let out an exaggerated sigh. "I
really don't have anything better to do then helping you." Because there was
nothing else he would rather be doing.
"Uh-oh, somebody is feeling left out." Coach gave him a sympathetic look but it
was tinged with amusement. "I used to be one, so I know that teenage girls have
strange taste. Rest assured, in a few years, they will come to appreciate a guy
like you."
"Would you date me?" The word spilled out of his mouth before Pod even knew
what he was saying. "I mean a guy like me, when you were my age."
"I was a rather silly teenager," she grinned as her eyes glazed over with
nostalgia. "I had the most ridiculous crush on the hottest jock in school, even
though he was a total jerk." Her expression turned somber as she looked around
her cluttered desk. "By the end of college I realized what separates the boys
from the men. Nowadays, if I met someone reliable, generous, and kind: I would
date him in a heartbeat and my mother would be thrilled."
"Great," he grumbled sarcastically, "only about a decade before I'm attractive
to women."
"Don't go getting down on yourself for not having a girlfriend: it's hardly a
crisis." Coach waved at hand at herself, sitting up straighter and pulling her
shoulders back. "I'm practically an old maid but you don't hear me whining
about the single life. My mother is plenty disappointed enough for the both of
us. Besides, I depend on your eternal optimism, if you start giving up now then
I'm just doomed."
"Come on," he perked up and started to gather some paperwork together. "If we
work all day then you might actually get to enjoy some of this vacation." She
flashed him a grateful look and it made him feel guilty. He wouldn't rather
spend his break with anyone else. How could she not have realized how he feels
by now? What if she already knew and was just being nice to him out of pity?
"That's the spirit!" She beamed brightly at him before turning her focus down
to attack the paperwork with refreshed energy. Coach is right, he should be out
enjoying his young life and not in here pining over his teacher. But every time
she smiled, her eyes lit up and a feeling of well-being washed over him. A day
without her smile, even if he spent it having fun with his friends, was hardly
worth it.
Chapter End Notes
     Spring Break Begins! This one is dedicated to MissMallora, because
     she's lovely and awesome. (I'll try to update SoSC at least once a
     month!)
     I was going to post this chapter yesterday but my friend came over
     and we gorged ourselves on Creamy Dill Turkey Meatloaf (let me know
     if you want my recipe) and played Catan until 1 a.m. - Wheat, Sheep,
     Ore! Now I feel like utter crapola, having ignored the fever I just
     got over a few days ago. Worth it.
     If you have some time, I would *really* appreciate a few more people
     giving my revamped fic a chance: http://archiveofourown.org/works/
     4538091/chapters/10328364
     But honestly, you should be reading MissMallora's *amazing*
     Lyanna&Sandor fic: http://archiveofourown.org/works/4158708/chapters/
     9384321 (It completes me.)
***** Family *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                               [Just_Jet-lagged]
                                     ROBB
Dumped again, by the glorious Roslin Frey: this time he needed to put some
distance between himself and his broken heart. He knew Roslin would never feel
as strongly about him as he did about her because she was so passionate about
her religion and related studies. She had tears in her eyes as she broke it
off, saying that she was caught between the secular life and a calling to the
Septahood.
Robb assured her that he understood but he couldn't lie to himself: it was a
waste. They loved each other, how could the gods not want them to be together?
How could such a young person know what they want for the rest of their lives?!
Before Roslin dumped him, he could have sworn he was ready to commit to her for
life. Now, he was not even certain he respected her decision. Did he truly love
her that little?
The flight south really took it out of him, especially the two-hour layover:
the perfect time for his phone battery to die. It didn't matter because the one
person he wanted a call from was ignoring him. At least, because of Bran, they
got to be seated on the plane first. More importantly, they got to leave first.
Even exhausted, he jumped up from his seat to slide his mom's carry-on bag over
his shoulder before moving to help his brother.
"When we go home," Bran groaned, "just knock me out and ship me back in a box."
That sounded pretty good, considering how much Robb disliked hurtling through
the air in a tin can with wings.
"Only if there's room for me," Robb quipped as he pushed the wheelchair down
the off-ramp. With two heavy bags hanging from his shoulders: he got them off
that plane as fast as he could, immediately spotting his family waiting at the
gate.
"DADDY!" Rickon's battle scream echoed through the airport as he dashed ahead.
The boy launched into dad's waiting arms and squealed with laughter as he was
lifted up into a tight hug. Robb understood his brother's enthusiasm but kept
his cool. Unsurprisingly, underfoot waited impatiently at the gate entrance to
hug Bran while ignoring everyone else.
"I missed you," she grumbled quietly, never one for big shows of affection.
Arya was always the toughest one amongst them, even when she was just a tot.
Back when she was little, their parents fussed and fretted: trying to make her
more like Sansa. They thought they were doing the right thing but the constant
comparison put a chip the size of Westeros on his littlest sister's shoulder.
It was good to see that his sisters were finally getting along much better
nowadays.
"Same here," Bran petted her untidy hair. The pair were the closest in age
amongst his siblings and their separation had been hard on both of them.
Personally, Robb thought it was cold of his parents to separate them so soon
after the 'accident' but Arya was getting out of control back then. It was like
her brother's unfortunate fate broke something inside her and nobody knew how
to fix it. Now she seemed calmer and had settled down in the south far better
than he expected.
"Ricky," Sansa pouted at her little brother "What about me?" Rickon quickly
wriggled out of dads hold to lock his arms around Sansa's hips. As soon as dad
was free, mom practically fell into his arms and they stood there hugging for a
long time, neither saying a word.
"Dad," Arya whined, "you're hogging mom." Their parents ignored her, clinging
to each other like it had been a decade since they last saw each other.
"You can hug me," Robb grinned at his little sister and opened his arms wide.
"Psh," she rolled her eyes but stepped into his embrace. "Missed you, bro."
"I missed you more, underfoot." He kissed the top of her hair and didn't ask
before sliding one of the bags off his shoulder and onto hers. She handled the
weight with no problem, as expected of his badass baby sister.
"Alright Stark family," dad raised his voice just enough to sound commanding.
"Let's move!" Everyone fell in line to march out of the airport with big smiles
on their faces. Robb felt damned lucky he got to be a part of this family, with
two parents who loved each other and their children even more. He didn't feel
the least bit embarrassed about how happy it made him that they all loved being
each other's family.
Robb knew exactly how rare this kind of familial happiness could be, most of
his friends' parents barely seemed to tolerate each other if they even stayed
married. Divorce seemed like the saddest tragedy that happened with such easy
regularity: two people deciding to break their family forever. He would seek
this kind of unbreakable love for the rest of his life: to make a loving family
with someone and share everything. Maybe he just had to stop looking for it and
love would find its way to him.
                              [Rooftop_Surprise]
                                    SANSA
Rickon was far too talented at the video game they were playing... he was
beating her soundly without mercy. She did not care at all about losing, seeing
his bright smile made her heart feel lighter than it had in months. Having her
entire family back together again made her more joyful then she even
anticipated. The disaster of Winterfest was long forgotten and everyone
appeared thrilled to be a happy family once more.
"Sansa," daddy called her to the front door where he waited for mom to finish
getting ready so they could go out to dinner. She reluctantly put down her game
controller before hurrying to the front door. "I am leaving you in charge
tonight-"
"Not Robb," she tossed the teasing comment over her shoulder at her elder
brother. Robb retaliated by sticking out his tongue at her like a child.
"Call me if anything catastrophic happens," daddy pulled on a charcoal sports
jacket and distractedly checked his pockets... for keys! He smiled as he pulled
them out, revealing his entire plan with one look.
"Dad," she mustered up some courage. "I think you should hold off on showing
mom the house..."
"You will have to tell me why?" He kept his voice down, glancing over her
shoulder before returning his worried eyes to her face. It was now or never! If
she did not express her opinion then she would most certainly regret it later.
Her parents had been apart for so long, they deserve to spend this time simply
enjoying each other's company.
"Because of Bran she's not ready," the words rushed out. "The hospital and
doctors who saved his life are in Winterfell. She hasn't given up hope that he
will walk again. Next year Bran will be a high schooler and his choice... to
move here or stay up north, will mean more to mom than any beautiful house."
Sansa inhaled a deep breath and held it as she peeked up at her father.
"Lemoncake," he smiled and lifted a hand to cup her cheek. "I am blessed to
have such wonderful children. However, you are not supposed to worry about your
parents."
"I think," she sighed, "part of growing up means worrying about the people I
love." Sansa took his hand from her face and held it between her own, bravely
keeping her head up. "Trust me on this, if mom wanted to live here..." Well,
she would never call her own mother 'assertive' but Arya gets it from
somewhere.
"The house is not going anywhere," he conceded with a nod. "It can wait another
few months." A sigh of relief whooshed out of her mouth and a sense of pride in
herself swelled within her heart. It's still a surprised her, how much braver
she had become in less than a year.
"Ready to go?" Mom appeared like a vision, stunning from head to toe in an
understated classic dark navy dress.
"Cat, you look radiant." Daddy seemed positively stunned by his wife's beauty
and a feeling of pure joy washed over Sansa. She had almost forgotten what it
felt like to bask in the glow of her parent's enduring love. This time of
separation had been painful but it seemed that everyone in the family had
become stronger for it.
"It's true, mom." She smiled at her mother and held two thumbs up in approval.
"You look amazing!"
"Thank you dear," mom drew her in for a quick hug, lightly touching their
cheeks together. She smelled like home and comfort, nearly pulling happy tears
from Sansa's eyes. "We won't be out too late, make sure Rickon is in bed by
ten."
"I'm not tired!" Rickon somehow heard his bedtime being discussed while still
fully engrossed in his video game. Their parents chuckled as they turned to
leave, daddy opening the door for mom.
"Have a good time," she called after them, turning the lock over once the door
was closed. Just as she moved to rejoin her brother in front of the television,
a familiar buzzing sound distracted her. Sansa headed down the hall and into
her bedroom, unplugging her phone to check the screen and finding a text.
'Come outside?' Sandor knew that she was trying to spend time with her family
so she immediately worried that this was some kind of emergency.
'Why?' She erased a few unnecessary exclamation points and punched the send
button with her thumb. The seconds ticked by like hours as she waited for his
reply.
'A surprise', his answer filled her with relief as she dropped down onto her
bed. Sansa wished it was paranoid to remain in a constant state of near panic
but refused to let her guard down. Never again would she be caught unawares by
anyone who wanted to do her or her loved ones harm. 'Promise you'll like it.'
'I'm coming now', she plugged her phone back in and raced to the mirror to
check her face. Her siblings ignored her as she walked calmly towards the
door... no one even noticed her leaving. She scuttled to the elevator with
growing excitement and pushed the down button enthusiastically. After an
impatient moment, the elevator doors slid open and she gasped in surprise.
Sandor stood there, leaning against the side wall and smirking at her!
"What...?" Before she could form a question and speak it out loud, he reached
forward to grab her wrist and tugged her inside. "Ah!" His arm caught her
around the waist and pulled her against his body.
"Surprised?" His overly satisfied expression made her smile despite still being
in a mild state of shock.
"I am," she answered with the breathless laugh, "very much." He leaned forward,
stretching out one long arm to push the button for the top floor. "What are you
doing?"
"Going up," he winked before rolling his eyes and chuckling at her. "You should
see your face right now." Sandor pulled her close and tilted his forehead
against hers. Just when she thought this day couldn't get any better...
"You might be changing my mind again, about surprises." Sansa locked her hands
around his neck and stood up on her tiptoes to press her lips against his.
"This is fun," she whispered the confession.
"There's more," he held up a bright red gift bag and her curiosity tripled.
"Tell me," she pouted. "Please Sandor, I'm begging." He only smiled his teasing
grin and shook his head in denial as his arms encircled her waist tighter. The
familiar soft rumbling sound he made caused a bubbly lightheaded feeling, like
she drank too much champagne. Sandor bowed his head to kiss her neck, causing
her pulse to speed up and almost making her forget her curiosity.
"Three," he quietly counted down the floors to the top, "two - one." Ding...
the elevator doors slid open. "This is us," his hand moved down from her waist
to hold hands with her. Sandor led her into a narrow hallway with a door at the
end, beyond that was a cityscape wonderland. The rooftop was paved with a cool
gray cement with a railing around the entire edge.
"You know," she looked around, taking in the rather spectacular view of the
city at dusk. "I have never been up here." From the roof of the high-rise
apartment building she could see almost the entire city, even their school. The
sun was slowly sinking behind wispy clouds, painting the sky in hues of pink
and purple.
"It's nicer than I thought it would be." He set the gift bag down on the ground
and pulled a rolled up blanket out. "Here - stand back." Sandor whipped the
blanket to unroll it and laid it out on the ground, crouching to smooth a
folded corner.
"Is this...?" Sansa observed the scene with rising delight. "Oh-my-gods, a
picnic!" Sandor just snorted a laugh and pulled out a small white box to set it
in the middle of the blanket. The contents of the box nearly stopped her heart
from pure bliss. "With lemoncake..." And to think that her surly boyfriend
still denied frequent accusations of sweetness! Her man was in all kinds of
denial because he was guilty as charged.
"If you start crying," he jerked his chin over his shoulder at the door behind
them. "I'll just leave." Contrary to his words, he sprawled out on one side of
the blanket and looked up at her expectantly. Sansa turned her eyes up towards
the sky and blinked a few times to hold back her happy tears.
"But I'm so happy," she knelt down on the blanket, tucking her skirt around her
thighs.
"Eat," he stuck a plastic utensil into the top of the cake and held a bite up
to her mouth. Sansa obediently opened her smiling mouth to accept the cake,
which was divinely lemony. "How's your family?"
"Good," she covered her mouth as she chewed, "all of them. Everyone is going to
be cramped into the tiny apartment but no one is complaining... yet."
"Good to hear," he took a bigger bite for himself.
"I wish I could spend all my time with you during the break." Sansa gave him an
apologetic smile and scooted closer so that their shoulders touched. "I'll miss
you," she moped, grateful that he was the one person she could always complain
to even when she didn't have the right to whine.
"It's fine - long as you remember that you're mine all summer." By the wicked
look on his face, she could tell exactly what plans he had for them over the
summer break. Somehow, even after all they've done and been through, it still
made her blush. Sansa distracted herself by bending forward to retrieve a
spork, scooping up a bite from the middle of the cake.
"You're mine for forever," she kissed his cheek and held up the bite of cake to
his mouth. "After spring break, we can go on any kind of date you want."
"There's only one 'kind' of date I like, little bird." One corner of Sandor's
mouth lifted in a smirk before he chomped down on her sweet citrusy offering.
"I'll leave it up to you," she tilted her head down to hide her embarrassed but
eager smile, letting her loose hair fall between them. "Maybe you won't be able
to surprise me so much next time."
"How about," he pushed her hair back over her shoulder, "you surprise me." The
prospect of actually surprising him for once filled her with a terribly
wonderful thrill.
"I might have an idea..." The thought that came to mind was undeniably
shocking, even she did not know if she could go through with it! But tonight
she had been bold with daddy and her growing bravery was due in no small part
to Sandor's encouragement. It was high time she showed off some of that
newfound confidence to her man...
"Tell me," his voice rumbled low, "I'm begging here, little bird." Sansa only
shook her head, smiling while holding up another piece a cake to his mouth.
"Hurry and eat," she chided. "My parents left me in charge... Arya could be
burning the apartment down as we speak!" Sandor laughed at her worry, little
did he know how possible the scenario was. Despite her insistence, Sansa was in
no hurry to chase him off because she would miss him while spending time with
her family. And even though she would miss her family, when they went back up
north, it felt comforting to have something to look forward to.
A life filled with love is a blessing beyond compare, giving her heart away as
well as receiving the devotion of others. Yes, she could admit that sometimes
she was spoiled by all this love. Still, no one could ever accuse her of being
ungrateful... Sometimes the gratitude she felt was so heavy it made her want to
cry. But she held it in with a stiff upper lip because she had nothing to cry
about, happiness is meant to be celebrated with laughter.
Chapter End Notes
     Listen up: I have something to say!
     We are all fallible humans: make mistakes, scrape our knees, and
     sometimes utterly fail. I don't know why some people go out of their
     way to make life harder on others - wish I did. The only thing we can
     do is stop trying to understand 'why' or going all: 'the end is nigh
     and humans are horrible'. Nihilism is asinine and a waste of precious
     time. We have to rise above the bullshit, find our own meaning (that
     allows us to move on after someone hurts us), and chin up!!!
     You can't stop other people from hurting you but you can find a way
     to be better than whatever asshole is giving you a hard time. I
     believe you can because I can, and I'm no amazing person by any
     stretch of the imagination. Take heart, my dear readers, if you are
     struggling - Your Own Strength Is The Answer (and be brave: ask for
     help when you need it).
     That is all.
***** Reunited *****
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
                                  [Reunited]
                                     ARYA
Because she felt ashamed of her storm-out out last time, it came down to the
last minute to decide if she'd attend this session with Dr. H'ghar. She had
been dreading this day since last week, feeling more nauseated every day and it
was getting harder to conceal. What if the doc decided to stop seeing her as a
patient? It would hardly be a shock, for one more adult to give up on her.
Well, there was no more time to regret. Arya heaved a sigh as she pushed open
the office door.
"Sorry I'm late," she grumbled as she entered the office. Arya did not lift her
head, slinking past H'ghar to her chair and sitting down before peeking up at
him. "So, what now?"
"I am glad you decided to come back." The doc smiled and seemed perfectly
willing to put her tantrum behind them. Arya would still rather be anywhere
else on the planet, but here she was. "Did you think of a way to show
appreciation to your boyfriend?" That question brought a little smile to her
face because the surprise date went brilliantly. Gendry couldn't stop bragging
to their friends about her being 'the best girlfriend ever'.
"Yep," she relaxed into her seat, relieved that Dr. H'ghar wasn't planning to
hold a grudge. It still seemed like a waste of time to talk about her
'feelings' instead of focusing on meditation but she owed him this much.
"Gendry totally freaked out, but like - in a good way. My sister even helped
me, Sansa says that dressing up makes a person feel 'valued'. It's not the
stupidest thing she's ever said and the outfit I got actually looked alright."
"Did shopping with your sister alleviate some of your insecurities?" The words
coming out of his mouth didn't make any sense. "About your appearance, I mean."
"I'm not 'insecure'," she snorted. "I'm realistic." Arya pulled her legs up to
sit crosslegged in the wide chair. "The shopping was torture but spending time
with Sansa can be fun sometimes. She's the only one who supports my
relationship with Gendry. I don't feel her 'watching' me like I do with my dad
and other people."
"She acknowledges your right to make your own decisions." He put it differently
than Arya would've but that sounded about right.
"We both do it for each other," she explained. "I'm the only one who doesn't
think she's this impossible perfect girl. Maybe that's why she comes to me for
help. Because she trusts me not to think any less of her - at least maybe
that's it." Sansa had been having a hard time lately. Her sister might not be a
perfect person but she is good and doesn't deserve all the shit going on in her
relationship. Arya hoped, wherever her sister was right then, she wasn't too
stressed out.
"You feel protective of your older sister," he didn't say it like a question
but something about his tone made her feel defensive.
"Of course I do," she answered automatically - too quickly.
"Do you accept when she tries to protect you?" He set the trap and she fell for
the bait far too easily.
"Of course I don't," she muttered. "Why do you keep trying to drag me down now
that I'm finally doing better?!" The doc looked surprised by her sudden anger,
regarding her with a faint expression of wariness. Even Arya didn't know why
she was getting so mad but it felt like a comfortable familiar blanket that she
wanted to wrap around herself.
"Are you truly better or just getting better at pretending?" His usually calm
expression flickered with uncharacteristic concern but that only annoyed her
more. "Can you say with certainty that you won't have those feelings of
hopelessness again?"
"I'm controlling it," the words gritted between her teeth. "Which is why I keep
coming back for meditation lessons and you keep wasting my time!" H'ghar didn't
say anything, only looking at her for a long while as if considering what to
say.
"Controlling something is not the same as defeating it," he finally said.
"I'm trying so fucking hard," she uncrossed her legs and slammed both boots
against the ground. "And you - constantly - put me down!" He was just like
every other adult in her life, thinking he knew everything about her! "Why do I
even bother to come here?!"
"My job is not to make you feel better," a harder expression settled on his
face, something like determination but strangely assured. "My job is to heal
you."
"What the hells is the difference?!" Arya didn't wait for an answer, grabbing
up her bag and standing to glare down at the doc. "You're a shitty shrink - you
only help me when you feel like it and you're only helping me to feed your own
ego."
"I will keep your hour open for next week," he spoke calmly as she stormed
past.
"Don't bother!" She stopped just behind his chair, trembling with anger from
head to toe. "I'm outta here, for good this time." These sessions had helped
her enough and she didn't need any more head-shrinking! Life is shit and then
we die - might as well do what makes us happy in the meantime.
"I will do it anyway," he spoke softly. "Remember that I am here for you Arya,
when you are ready to stop running away." That's when she realized that she
lied, not only to H'ghar but also to herself - which was way worse. The real
reason she didn't want to come to this appointment wasn't because she
embarrassed herself. He got too close last time, somewhere along the way the
doc learned how to press her buttons and slip past her defenses.
"It doesn't matter," she murmured, more to herself than to him. Arya felt
stuck, unsure if she should stay or go but her feet moved forward on their own.
She walked away and didn't look back - this time, she couldn't return even if
she wanted to. "You can't 'fix' me - no one can."
                                [Surprise_Date]
                                    SHIREEN
She couldn't shake the nervousness, no matter how much she reassured herself
that she looked fine and everything was going to work out perfectly. Her hand
reached up automatically to pull the cord as the bus passed the intersection
she had been watching out the window for. Too soon, the bus rolled to a stop
and the doors opened. A deep breath did nothing to calm her nerves but this was
her stop and she had to get off the bus.
Underneath the covered bus stop, Bran waited with his gloved hands folded in
his lap, a picture of confidence. Sheri froze, wanting to go forward but
forgetting how to put one foot in front of the other. He looked up, smiling
before nodding in greeting and turning his chair towards her.
"I'm here," an amused grin stretched across his face as she approached him.
"You are," her face grew warm and his smile widened. How was it they spent the
last two-and-a-half months talking on the phone but she still felt shy? No,
'shyness' could not begin to cover how she felt - it was more like some
combination of elation and trepidation. All covered with a thin layer of shock
at how strongly she felt those very emotions. Only Bran affected her like this,
making her heart race in this wonderfully scary way, and she never wanted it to
stop.
"I haven't said anything to make you blush yet," he complained with a crooked
grin. "You're taking all the fun out of it." Sheri automatically lifted a hand
to cover her good cheek.
"Sorry," she murmured, mortified that her face got even hotter. "I don't even
know why I am so embarrassed." Bran only chuckled at her awkward behavior.
"How are you so cute?" He teased, patting his hand on the bus stop bench. "Have
a seat: the bus should be here in a few minutes."
"Where we heading?" Sheri sat down, feeling a little more comfortable now that
they were on the same level.
"The place you belong," he winked as he revealed the hint but she shook her
head in confusion. "You'll see, I promise that you'll love it."
"I'm sure I will," she murmured before relaxing into silence, looking down at
her shoes. When Bran did not say anything, she started to get nervous again.
"So, how was the flight?"
"We can do better than small talk, Sheri." His gloved hand moved over hers and
he laced their fingers together. The leather was soft and worn from the rubber
of his tires. She looked up to see his intense gray eyes studying her
carefully. "You look really beautiful."
"I had better," she grinned at him, "it took forever to pick out this outfit."
"I am honored to make you nervous," he smiled back at her. Before she could
respond, another bus pulled up at the stop, hissing as it's settled on its
hydraulics. "Time to go," he moved forward and the door opened before the
driver lowered the wheelchair access. "Never done this before: it's pretty
cool." Sheri climbed into the front door of the crowded bus, attentively paying
the fare as she pretended not to notice the annoyance on some faces.
The driver made short work of securing Bran's wheelchair before returning to
her seat to raise the platform. A few people had to get up to accommodate his
wheelchair, leaving only standing room for Sheri. By the time they were settled
onto the bus, she felt that familiar awkward feeling like everyone was staring
at her. Finally, the driver moved back to her seat and the bus lurched forward.
She almost lost her balance and grasped for the bar overhead - at the same
time, Bran's fingers wrapped around her wrist to tug her down onto his lap.
Before she could react, he cupped her face with both hands and pulled her close
to kiss her soundly. When she pulled back, unable to do anything but stare
slack-jawed at him, he was grinning unapologetically.
"Everyone is looking," she whispered too loudly. Sheri glanced at the bus
driver's mirror, seeing the woman shake her head while thankfully smiling
indulgently. As often as people rejected and judged 'freaks' like her,
sometimes being pitiable worked in her favor. He pulled her close and tingling
warmth spread through her body as her pulse thudded under her skin.
"They were gonna stare anyway," his hot breath whispered across her neck,
making her skin feel tingly and tight. He kissed her throat, moving his lips
under her ear and causing a deep blush to color her cheeks. "I don't care who
is watching." Funny enough, she didn't care anymore either - so she placed her
hands on his shoulders and kissed him again, letting her lips linger on his a
little longer.
                                  [Aquarium]
                                     BRAN
Outwardly, he tried to act cool and was achieving surprising success. Inside,
he felt like a nervous wreck. As the bus approached the destination for their
surprise date, his stomach clenched uncomfortably tight. This was their first
date: his very first ever and hers too. It had to be a perfect memory to see
them through the upcoming months apart. Mom wasn't ready to move south yet but
this summer he would do everything in his handicapable power to convince her.
"This is us," he announced to Sheri as the bus pulled in under the structure's
awning. She watched the building curiously through the window as she reached up
to pull the line for the bus to stop.
"The aquarium?" Her expression was a perfect mix of puzzlement and delight.
Sheri stood up before crouching to detach his wheels from the straps securing
his chair to the bus floor. The driver assisted with getting off the bus, which
seem to take forever because he was so anxious. Finally, they were heading
inside and he purchased two tickets from the front desk. Oh gods: this is
really it! Game face time.
"Well," she breathed as she walked up to the first enormous aquarium. "This
place is so beautiful - I can't believe I never came here before." Bran rolled
to her side, thinking that she was even more beautiful silhouetted in the low
blue light. "But I don't get it," she frowned at him. "Why do I belong in the
aquarium?"
"In there," he pointed at the towering circular tank and her eyes followed his
finger.
"I am a fish?" Her brows wrinkled together, pursing her lips as she stared
intently into the colossal reservoir.
"You're a mermaid," he smiled at her rolling eyes, "luring men to their death
with your beauty and haunting voice." Sheri smiled and shook her head, laughing
softly at him. "Do you know how torturous it was, hearing your voice every
day?" Bran gently grasped her hand. "I had to drag my family across the country
to see you."
"So," she reached down and linked her fingers between his, "you admit that you
missed me."
"My sister taught me to never admit anything," he smirked up at her. "And
always make counteraccusations."
"She is my mentor as well," Sheri nodded, trying to keep her expression serious
but a smile tugged on the corner of her mouth. "So I will have to concede your
point." While talking about Arya, Bran's brain was unfortunately distracted by
an underlying concern.
"Is she still with that blacksmith?" He really messed up that day, almost
letting his sister's secret slip to Robb. Arya would never forgive him if dad
found out she were dating, especially since Bran was breaking the exact same
rule. It's not like 'love' has a reputation for obeying rules.
"Why don't you ask her yourself?" Sheri tilted her head to one side, her brow
furrowed with concern. Then she suddenly smiled and tapped her forehead with
her fingertips. "Right, she's the last person to give up information about her
romantic life, even to me. They seem to be doing well, why do you ask?"
"If you don't mind," he looked away sheepishly and rubbed a hand over his hair.
"Remind her to be extra careful while Robb is in town. I think I might've got
his suspicions up about Arya's boyfriend."
"How did you manage that?" Her playful admonishment made his heart skip a beat.
"I'll have you know that I do everything well," he joked, "including being
completely stupid." Bran watched as she let her head fall back to let out a
heartfelt laugh, enthralled by the way she glowed with happiness. Surrounded by
the wall of aquatic life, it was all too easy to imagine Sheri as a mythical
mermaid. "Gods, Sheri: you really are a siren."
"Then beware," she narrowed her eyes playfully and tilted her head forward so
that her long hair cast shadows down the sides of her face. "I might tempt you
straight into a watery grave."
"No risk is too great," he assured her, "for your kiss." A light pink blush
graced her cheeks as a happy smile curled her lips, making him want to kiss her
even more. Bran glanced around, seeing a few scattered groups moving about the
aquarium before spotting a more private area. "Follow me," he led her to a
roped off darkened hallway.
"We could get in trouble," she chided lightly as he ducked under the velvet
rope and she followed without hesitation. Bran tucked his chair against the
wall and held out his hand in invitation. "Let's play a game," Sheri smiled
mischievously as she settled into his lap.
"I like it already." He wrapped his hands around her waist and hoped she
couldn't tell how tense he was.
"Let's see how close we can get without actually kissing." She tilted her head
to the side and watched his mouth as they slowly put their faces together. When
they were only a hair's width apart, she lost her concentration and began to
giggle. That sound had been driving Bran crazy for months. All conscious
thought fled his mind as his fingers thrust into her thick hair and his lips
found hers.
She let out a gasp against his mouth before curling her hands behind his neck
to return his fierce kiss enthusiastically. From the moment they met, Bran felt
like he could understand Sheri better than anyone and sensed the same was true
for her. Her hands grasped his shirt at the shoulders, clinging to the fabric
as if to say: 'I need you close'. He answered by holding her even tighter so
that he could feel her heart pounding against his chest.
The kiss was communicating more than either of them could ever say. It was also
a bit clumsy but neither of them seemed to mind the other's lack of skill. She
wrapped her arms tight around his shoulders as the tiniest whimper escaped her
lips: 'it hurts when you're far away'.
"I lose," he chuckled breathlessly as they pulled apart for air.
"Huh?" Her heavy lidded eyes were glazed and shining with some emotion that he
assumed to be desire for him. It was every teenage boy's dream come true, and
then some. This date was already going better than his wildest imaginings:
well, not his 'wildest' fantasies. One can never discount alien abduction.
"The game," he reminded her, surprised to hear his own voice sounding so rough.
"Ah," the expression that came over her features could only be described as
wicked. "I'm done playing." Her hands locked behind his neck before she pressed
her soft but insistent lips against his. Bran nearly passed out from the
hammering of his overworked heart. In that dark little corner of the aquarium,
the whole universe faded away until they were the only living beings left in
existence.
"No fair," she pulled away, a little unsteady. "I think you have been
practicing without me." It was clearly meant as a compliment and not an
accusation but Bran knew her too well already. The same secret fears worried
him, thinking of all those able-bodied hot-blooded teens who got to attend the
same school as Sheri. Good thing they all seemed to be complete morons,
stupidly overlooking the most beautiful girl who ever lived.
"It's because I haven't stopped thinking about kissing you." Bran couldn't even
imagine kissing anyone but Sheri: he could hardly think of anything else.
"Seems visualization techniques really do work."
"We should get back to our date," she pouted adorably and reluctantly stood up.
It physically hurt, like a sharp pang in his chest, when her waist slid out of
his hold. "Or we will get stuck here and someone might actually stick me in one
of those tanks."
"You're just afraid of being found out," he teased. "Mermaids are such a wily
lot." They reemerged from the shadows and spent the rest of the day admiring
various tanks filled with fascinating aquatic life. Sheri was enthralled by the
jellyfish tank and amused by the brightly colored schools of fish. Through it
all, Bran couldn't tear his eyes away from her brilliant smile. As far as first
dates go, he really pulled this one off.
Chapter End Notes
     A heartfelt thanks to everyone who is keeping up with this story
     despite the slow updates. It's tough not being able to post chapters
     as often as I'd like - but I'd like even more to avoid being stuck in
     a hand brace for several months... again. (Death first!)
End Notes
     Based on the series by G.R.R.M, "A Song of Ice and Fire"
Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed
their work!