#helloimnotawesome

[mmazzeroo]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, @helloimnotawesome !!!

What do you do when your usual beta (yes, that's what I'm gonna call you) is celebrating her birthday? You of course write her a completely un-beta'ed story :D

This is a a birthday gift to my dear latino sis, Val. Lova ya, sis, to the moon and back!!! (is that too short? I'm not good with distance) I'm so lucky and blessed to have you in my life.

So..this was meant to be a one-shot, but since you know I haven't been at my best lately (for a while actually) I received firm instructions to not stress or overwhelm myself. Being me I always listen to instructions *cough cough* - ok so well, I did in this case. So sis, you're getting one part of your gift today and 2nd (and last) part by the end of the week? Fingers crossed.

Hope you enjoy! Sorry for being so late to the game <3 ---

Safest Place To Hide

"Can I hide under your jacket?"

Jon's hand paused just as the edge of the glass broached his lips. Sighing, he reluctantly placed the glass back down on the bar counter. He was about to give the woman a piece of his mind when a look at her amethyst eyes told him that this was not a failed attempt to make a pass at him; the fear he saw there was all too real as was the worry coating her voice. Without further hesitation Jon unbuttoned the tux jacket and invited her in.

She rushed in and wrapped her arms tight around his waist. Pressing her forehead against his chest she took a deep breath in what, to Jon, sounded and felt like a sigh of relief.

"I'm Daenerys," she whispered in a hurry.

Her hot shaky breathes seethed through the shirt leaving small burns on Jon’s skin.

Over the top of her head Jon noticed a tall man approach with a nonchalant smile plastered on his face. No doubt this man being the reason for the petite woman's nervousness. Jon could feel her shiver as she continued clinging to him.

Giving her a soft squeeze, Jon placed an index finger under her chin and gently lifted her face. Beautiful amethyst eyes brimming with unshed tears looked back at him. Jon answered with a reassuring smile and an unspoken promise. Placing a tender kiss on her forehead he said, "you're burning up, honey. We should get you home."

Startling Daenerys, the man behind her now cleared his throat.

Instantly Jon felt her tense up in his arms and her erratic, shallow breathing only confirmed his suspicions. The dark-haired man stared daggers at Jon but he paid him no mind; his focus was on the woman currently wrapped in his arms, and who was desperately clenching the back of his shirt in her tight little fists. Daenerys was now trembling. Knowing he had to get her away, Jon quickly removed his tux jacket and draped it around Daenerys' small shoulders.

Before Jon could move to guide her out of the ballroom, the man once again cleared his throat. His eyes small slivers of tightly controlled impatience and entitlement.

"Yes?"

"Daario Naharis," the dark-haired man smiled confidently and extended a hand towards Jon.

"Do we know each other?"

"We will; I have a propo—"

"—with all due respect, mr. Naharis, I was just about to take Dany here home." Jon wrapped a protective arm around Daenerys' shoulders. "She's not feeling well you see and we don't want other guests catching the bug. Enjoy your evening, sir."

With a curt nod in Daario's direction, Jon proceeded to escort Daenerys out of the ballroom.

Read the rest on AO3

[iceandfiresource]

Hi! I'm also new to your blog and to Tumblr in general. I'm so glad there are so many wonderful people around here and so many people who support jonerys. Thank you for the amazing things you post!!! :)

the ship that was promised does has amazing people on board. welcome to tumblr dear! and thank you very much! :)

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 20: JON V - I Believe It's Tradition

@helloimnotawesome - Chapter 20 is finally here! Jon and Dany time *wink wink* 

Quick thanks to @callmedewitt for giving this a quick run-through and to @beautifuloutkasts for editing my late nightly attempt at writing. Love you both to bits!

Without further ado. Enjoy!

JON V - I Believe It’s Tradition

"There's something about wolves." Dany spoke quietly and carefully as she slowly edged closer. He'd sensed her presence long before that. Looming in the doorway. Watching me. Assessing the situation. Something her and Viserys have in common. Her footsteps muted,  quieted. She must've taken off her shoes.

As he'd fled dinner, Loras quickly followed him as he caught up to him by the stairs. Not trusting himself to speak at the time, he'd instead let the Tyrell Captain do the talking. What did he say by the way? Couldn't recall, but he'd seen the look of concern as he'd glared back. All he'd wanted to do was to hit something. Someone! After giving Loras another death glare, he'd continued up the stairs towards  the rooftop. Only refuge he could think of at the time.

Of course Dany had known to find him here. He'd heard her running up the stairs, one by one, only to come to an abrupt halt as she must've seen him. He’d stood  there, ignoring the city’s hustle and bustle, his back turned towards her as he stared into the horizon. He took a slow, deep breath and closed his eyes, listening to Dany speaking. Her voice is like a balm for my mind, her presence so soothing.

"Loyal to a fault. Fiercely protective of their pack. Intelligent. Playful. Tendency to be shy but that's because they don't trust strangers easily. Very loving and caring. Slow to anger, but if you manage to provoke them... Woo..." She blew out a breathe. "That bite is vicious. Deep. Precise. Even if you get away you won't get far - they'll always find you."

He cracked an eye open and glanced in her direction. Out of the corner of his eye he could see her still standing at a distance. The little lopsided smile on his lips crept  up on him. Simply by being here she makes me smile.

"I'm ok," he said softly. "You can move closer, I won't bite." Still not able to meet her gaze, he glanced down at his hands as they rested along the railings.

"No, you're not and I know you won't," he could hear the smile in her voice, "but I can observe you better from here." Oh!

"Observe me?" He sighed, "I see." Turning around he slowly, he sat down on the ground leaned his back up against the brick balustrade. "Like one of your wounded animals," he stated quietly. I should be angry by that comparison but maybe she's right. Even now, all I am is an animal. No matter how hard I work to find my place in a 'normal' human world, I'm still just a wild animal fighting for survival....

The feeling of defeat was overwhelming. He found himself wrapping his arms around his legs as he hugged his knees tightly to his chest. Silent tears began to stream and fall down his cheeks as he quickly hid his face in the space between his curled, perched up knees. He rocked himself from side to side as an attempt to calm himself, but before he knew it he was sobbing helplessly. Completely numbed by the rush of emotions, his mind went blissfully blank as  he cried his heart out in a mix of pure shame, anger, and loneliness.

Familiar fingers went running through his hair. Another hand  firm, but kindly loosening his arms from around his legs. Two, gentle, small hands pressed his shoulders back against the balustrade. Another gentle push on his knees and he felt a familiar weight straddled across his thighs. She picked up his arms and wrapped them around her waist. Again there was a familiar hand in his hair as his head was carefully moved to rest on her chest. Another arm was on his backside  softly stroking up and down his spine.

Sobbing like a child, he embraced her, hugging her in closely. He could hear her humming  in his ear, felt the vibrations in her chest as she gently rocked him. Safe. Home. Safe. Home. Repeated the two words like a mantra. Slowly, the tears began to subside, his heartbeat slowed as his breathing became  more even. Not able to yet speak, he kissed her in the hollow of her neck where the collarbones meet, hoping she'd understand the sentiment.

Dany's small, delicate hands quickly found their way to either sides of his face as she  carefully lifted him up to her awaiting gaze. Keeping his eyes closed, he felt her stroke his unruly hair out of his face. The shame was still burning in his veins. I can't look at you, Dany. Please. Not now.

Kisses as soft as summer rain were peppered in the tracks of his hot tears, so tenderly and with so much love that it had almost made him cry again. Why does she still bother to care for me? Because she's a vet and wounded animals is what she does, Jon! The voices in his head reminded him again of his status as 'non-human', his heart was again shattered. His loose grasp on the raft in the stormy seas lost. No light in the dark, no hope left. Just when I thought I'd found solid ground underneath my feet again.

"Jon, my love, stay with me." A sweet voice reached his ears like a whisper in the winds. "You are safe, you loved and you are wise."

He knew those words. They'd been whispered to him like a mantra for many nights the past many months. I'm safe, I'm loved and I'm wise. Dany! My home! Yes. Yes, I'm safe. Safe with Dany. I'm loved. Loved by Dany. I'm wise like Dany. Dany, my home. Safe. Home. Safe. Home.

"Jon," she kept peppering him with kisses as if to ensure him that she was real. "Listen to me now, ok?"

He nodded weakly.

"Listen carefully." She spoke quietly.

Another nod.

"I love you," she said as she laid a tender kiss upon his forehead. "You're the most courageous man I've met. I love your warrior heart,"one kiss to the left cheek, "–And you  are the most loving man I've met. I love your generous and kind spirit," another kiss she planted to the right cheek as she continued on, "but you don't have to fight by yourself anymore. You don't have to fight anymore at all." A peck to his nose. "We're all here for you. I asked you to let me be your strength until you regained yours. Remember?" She rested her forehead against his own.

I remember, Dany. You've been so strong already for months. I can't—

As if read his mind she interrupted him, "—and I'll continue to be strong for you as long as it's needed, Jon!"

The shame was resurfacing once more as. he began to lower his head as much as she would let him. He leaned in forward to once again rest his head upon her chest.

"Jon, you're a man. My man. Do you understand?"

He slowly shook his head. No Dany...I don't. He felt her little laugh more than heard it.

"My love, you're human. Not an animal," and before  he could object she continued, "..your instinctive reactions can be similar to that of a wounded animal. Agreed. You've been conditioned to respond that way. For your own safety and survival."

New tears began to burn and well behind his closed eyelids.

"You've survived so much trauma, and I'm so proud of you for not hiding. I'm so honoured that you let me in." His head was gently turned up as she showered him with a new round of kisses. "This isn't going to disappear over night or a few months or even a few years. This is something you'll carry with you for the rest of your life. I'm so sorry that this burden has been thrust upon you, my love, but I'll be here to carry the load with you as much as I can."

He gave up trying to stop the tears, letting them flow like waterfalls as Dany gently began to kiss them all away.

"As you grow more and more used to being loved, showered with affection and genuine care for your person, hopefully in time there'll be longer and longer between the times when you feel like you do now. But it'll take time, Jon. You need to allow yourself the time to heal. Some wounds will never heal, I know." How does she sound so sure and so heartbroken, all  at the same time? "Do you understand what I am saying, my love?"

At last, he finally opened his eyes slowly and carefully. It was dark outside now. Only light was from the small lanterns placed along the length of balustrade. How long have we been up here? When he finally managed to find his voice as it was hoarse from all his  crying he said, "I hear you and I understand. My love."

The soft lips that had previously sprinkled feather-like kisses upon his face were now on his own dry ones, breathing new life and hope into him with a passion he'd thought about since he first saw her at the wedding ceremony several hours ago.

When Dany reluctantly pulled away to catch some much needed air, she rested her forehead against his own. "You've never called me that before," she whispered, her eyes sparkling.

"No, I guess I haven't." He smiled seeing the joy in her eyes. "Can't keep only calling you 'Dany', can I?"

"You can if nothing else feels right for you." she said,  running her fingers through his hair once more.

He pulled her in a little closer as he said in a light whisper, "wouldn't have said it if it didn't feel right, darling."

"Darling? Oh you spoil me," she said with a grin  before giving him another deep kiss.

"By the way," he said pulling slightly back, "when you said 'we're all here for you' who exactly did you mean?" Did I ruin everything again now? He gave her a nervous look.

"I mean your pack, Jon. Your family. The wolves of Winterfell and the Dragons of Dragonstone." Oh thank the Gods, she smiling. "As a matter of fact I can tell you that Robb has sent the Ambassador home -  without her dinner." She snickered. "My mom sent a text a while ago."

"Wow! I'm impressed." Good job, brother. That was a ballsy move.

"Apparently so was the President." Seeing his surprise Dany nodded firmly. "In a few years when we sit together watching our butterflies play together with their dragon cousins, maybe a small litter of wolf pups," he couldn't help smiling at the picture she was painting, "who knows, might even be a little lion there." She laughed lightly. "This could potentially be a highlight for the usual storytelling around the campfire, don't you think?"

"Hmm....possibly," he said in a breath, his fingertips running up and down along her spine.

She smirked as she settled herself a little closer and a little lower. Oh Gods!

"I expect a dragonwolf or two to be added to the pack as well in the coming years," she sighed as she began to roll her curvy hips slightly. Gods this woman!

"Dragonwolves, huh?"

"Mhmm." Damn, that smirk!

"You'd be providing the dragon part I presume?"

"That'd be correct, Captain, " she answered seductively as she rolled her hips once more.   So 'Captain' is code for when she either wants to climb me like a tree or hang me from a tree. Noted!

"And the wolf part?"

"Any suggestions?"

"How about the Captain you're currently teasing, Dr. Targaryen?"

"That's a splendid suggestion!" She leant into him as she suckled his earlobe before gently scraping her teeth against his ivory skin. Breathe, you’ve gotta breathe...slowly!

"What a coincidence as I only practise procreation with winged females," he rasped, as he suddenly began to grin.

"Is that so?" she asked. Grabbing a fistful of his curly hair, she  pulled his head back slightly to look him in his eyes.

He nodded slowly.

An eyebrow furrowed up as she whispered, "..wings as in literally or figuratively speaking?"

"Either." He pushed up slightly to meet the roll of her hips.

She gasped as she said, "including angels?"

"—and fairies," he answered with a smirk.

She threw her head back laughing.

Sucking the hollow of her neck leaving a bright, red mark upon her soft and delicate skin, he rasped, " I always did have a thing for Tinker Bell."

"Oh! Would that make you Peter Pan?" Gods, I love that teasing look in her eye.

"He was just a child, woman!" He feigned offence.

She laughed again. One of my favourite melodies.

"...should I be worried about you being on the prowl for a younger model?"

"Oh shut up you big oaf!" She gave him a teasing slap on the shoulder.

"Oaf? I thought I was a wolf."

"Nah ah, you're a stallion," she replied as she slightly bit her lower lip.

"Am I now?" He asked quizzically, his kisses leading it’s way up her neck to her ear.

"Yes." Her breathing was getting heavier. "My prized Dornish stallion." Yes, I'm sure you feel it for every roll you make with those Gods damn amazing hips of yours!

"Prized stallion?"

"The prettiest in all the lands." She giggled.

"Prettiest? Wow! Think I'll go back to being an oaf then, thank you very much!"

Throwing her head back, she bursted into a fit of laughter.

He tightened his grip along  her lower back with one strong, muscular arm as he used  the other for leverage. He found a way to get back up onto his feet without dropping her. The clumsiness of the movement had made Dany laugh even harder which had made it more difficult for him to hold onto her. Gaining his balance, he gently lowered her to her dainty feet.

He dove in for another deep, heated kiss. "Take me to bed, Dany. Help me forget."

"Well," she drawled as she took his hand and started leading him towards the door, "you're the Best Man and I'm the Maid-of-Honour," she said, turning  her head as she flashed him a mischievously-sly smile, "I believe it's tradition."

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 15 - NED IV - That’s A Big Campfire

@helloimnotawesome - Chapter 15 updated. I’m SO sorry for the long wait. Thought I forgot about you, didn’t you ;) Well....finally there’s a new update for you as well as a new mood board :) Enjoy, my friend! <3 

EDIT: Posted this earlier with the mood board but it got flagged!!! Stupid Dumblr, so while waiting the staff to realise their mistake here’s a repost and you’ll have to go AO3 to see the mood board. Sorry about that sweetie <3

NED IV - That’s A Big Campfire

"In a heartbeat, Dr. Stark!"

"Thank you so much, Sam," the boy is still so formal, "and Sam?"

"Yes, Dr. Stark?"

"Call me Ned, please." He smiled to himself.

"Ah right, yes, of course Dr. Stark...Sorry! Ned..." He could practically hear Sam blushing over the phone.

"Good! Now, once again thank you for helping with this, Sam."

"My pleasure, Dr. S..Ned."

Again, he chuckled at Sam's overly politeness. "Won't take more of your time. See you in a couple of weeks," not waiting for Sam's answer he hung up the phone. Crossing the big field of grass behind Dragonstone castle, he walked over to his wife and Rhaella currently busy cooing over his grandchildren who were rolling around on a blanket placed on the grass in the shadow of a beautiful old tree.

"Just spoke to Sam - it's all set."

"Wonderful, honey! He's going to be so surprised!" His wife was beaming up at him.

"Hopefully only in a positive way. I don't exactly have a good track-record when it comes to surprising my eldest son." He sighed as he looked around searching for the man in question.

"Oh stop it!" Rhaella grabbed his arm and pulled him down to sit between her and Catelyn. "He'll be so excited I bet he'll go speechless. You didn't see his sad puppy face when he was on the phone with Robb that day and had to tell him no. He looked like he thought he'd be ruining his brother's big day because of it. We didn't see him again until nightfall."

"He was always an emotional boy, Ned. Considering what he's lived through it's remarkable he's still able to be this empathetic." Catelyn gently stroked him down his cheek and kissed him. "Jon has a good heart. Been put back together with countless stitches yes, but at it's core still true and pure. He'll be over the moon when he sees what you and Robb has arranged."

He couldn't help smile at his wife's wise words. My sweet gentle sons. Trying to catch up on the time they lost together. "You're of course right - both of you." He quickly smiled at both women sitting on either side of him. "Instead of worrying I'll look forward to seeing some joy on my son's face." Joy! Wouldn't that be a sight!

"That's the spirit!" Rhaella gave him a big smile and light-heartedly nudged his shoulder with her own. "Now, not that I didn't know already, but I must say Robb has made a fabulous choice for his future wife." She nodded her head slightly to the riders further down the field.

Margaery and Sansa where on each their horse accompanying little Rhaenys on her pony between them. Rhaenys was in awe of both. Earlier in the day they had been sitting in the grass braiding each other's hair, adding flowers to the braids and even making garlands that they'd been wearing like crowns. He had to admit he found it adorable how the two took the time for Rhaenys and indulged her. Arya, on the other hand had rolled her eyes, pretending to gag and walked away. Oh how he loved his two girls. So different yet so similar. Just don't tell them that! They had the same fierce spirit, though when it came to expressing said spirit they'd chosen different ends of the spectre. Arya was, for the most part, hit first ask later. Sansa, on the other hand, would take the hits yet refuse to give in. My wild wolf and quiet wolf. Interestingly, he'd noticed a change in both over the past 5-6 months that Jon had been here at Dragonstone and everyone had made sure to make frequent visits whenever schedules allowed. The only one flying in a few times a week was Viserys for his therapy sessions with Jon. Arya was gradually beginning to show signs of something he could've sworn was a foreign concept to her - patience. Who would've ever thought! And Sansa, oh Sansa! She was slowly coming out of her shell, walking and talking with a little more confidence every day, and she was biting back. When Catelyn had told him that Sansa had suggested wearing a sleeveless dress as a bridesmaid, if Margaery agreed, his eyes had overflowed with tears. His shy, broken girl wanting to proudly put her scars on display like that to the world made his heart melt with pride and fatherly love. If I ever get my hands on Joffrey or Ramsey I'll smother them with my own bare hands!! Margaery, of course, had happily and eagerly agreed, knowing what a huge step this was for Sansa.

He couldn't help wonder what it was that caused all these changes. Has Jon returning helped fill a void we each had in our hearts? Is our individual healing contributing to us heal as a family? Have we all found our 'missing piece' in our lives and souls? Or are my girls just growing and maturing at their own natural pace? No, it was all connected to Jon one way or another. By his attempts to reconnect with his siblings and family for his own healing he was helping them with theirs as well. He knew Jon didn't necessarily do this knowingly. After all, the young man was simply trying to regain what he thought he'd lost. However, when he saw anyone in need of help - in anything - he immediately jumped in to provide any assistance he could. He'd always done that even as a little boy. Jon didn't want to see anyone in pain or suffering for any reason. Once again he was taken aback by his son's willingness to help others even if it meant at the expense of his own health. He had done so for years as a member of the Night's Watch, and it became even more ironic when taking into account Jon's blood type. O negative, also known as the universal giver because all other blood types could receive it without trouble - Jon however if given any blood type other than his own would die. It was as if the Gods had forged him to endure heartbreak, pain and suffering for the sake of others, to shield others, to help and save others. What was it Jon had said a few months ago? 'The same hammer that breaks glass forges steel'. That's it! Jon is teaching Sansa that she's steel while all this time she thought of herself as glass! Except he's hitting her with buckets of love. Ha! Jon you brilliant man! He made a mental note to go properly thank the gods when he returned to Winterfell before the wedding. Gods, the wedding! For a minute there he'd completely forgotten everything about it.  

He was happy for Robb and Margaery, but at the same time he couldn't understand his little boy had grown up so fast. Oh Ned, you sentimental old fool. Every parent thinks that. He shook his head slightly. In just a few weeks his son and heir to the title of Lord of Winterfell would be marrying the granddaughter of President Olenna Tyrell. It was quite a match and the media and the public loved it! The media! Damnit! Another thing we need to try to prepare Jon for.

Just after New Year's the Starks and Targaryens had sent out a joint press release informing the public of the miraculous return of Jonathan Dayne, heir to Starfall and the son of Eddard Stark and late Ashara Dayne. The families asked to kindly give Jon and his family time and space to recover from the shock, and any press inquiries could be directed to Mr. Tyrion Lannister. Shortly after the President had made a public statement that the Starks were collaborating closely with the authorities, and that further investigations into the events of the years since Captain Dayne's kidnapping and the people involved were already under way, and how she was hoping to hear about more families being united despite all the time passed. The public had responded overwhelmingly positive and sympathy messages online and offline had poured in. Especially messages from Dorne and the city of Starfall was filled with excitement of how they'd welcome him back home with open arms. Luckily, Jon and the cinnabons, thank you for that nickname Arya, had managed to remain sheltered on Dragonstone for the past almost 6 months. Now though it was time for him to step out into the limelight and take his 'rightful' place in the media as the Lord of Starfall. Viserys had assured him that Jon was ready for the circus and that he'd be alright surrounded by family. At least he'll have Dany by his side as well.

"Speaking of future spouses," his wife interrupted his busy mind, "your daughter has made a wise choice herself, if I may say so."

"Indeed! She's had a few trial and errors, but I have a good feeling about this new man in her life." In a mirthful tone Rhaella continued, "I have on good authority that he's from a reputable family, and he's even a war hero!"

"Oh my! What a catch!" Catelyn played along with Rhaella's joking tone and comically pretended to be fanning herself. "But is he handsome? No fun in bagging a man if he's looking like an oaf!"

"Believe me my friend when I tell you he's the prettiest in all the lands!"

He couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes. Giggling like school girls!! Gods!

Catelyn wrapped her arm around his waist. "Oh c'mon, Ned, have a laugh!"

"Not as long as you call any son of mine 'pretty'!" He said feigning offence.

"But it's the truth, dear Neddy!" Really don't like it when she calls me that. "Next month at Margaery and Robb's wedding there'll be swooning left and right over all of your sons, but in particularly your eldest. Oh Cat, can you imagine how dashing he'll look in his uniform?! I might even swoon!"

All three of them laughed out loud at that image. Rhaella herself so much she had her head leaned back and holding on to him to keep from toppling over.

They all sat quiet for a bit trying to catch their breath again.

"On a serious note though, I do have a good feeling about those two. They are clearly good for each other, and in due time I expect it to naturally end in vows as well." Rhaella stretched her arms and tickled little Adei and Amador on their little chubby baby stomachs and the air was instantly filled with delighted baby giggles. "They are both mature enough to understand that this is something that needs to be done slowly. It warms my old heart to see them take their time to get to know each other and enjoy each other and not rush in like headless chickens." She turned her head a gave him and Catelyn a warm smile.

"They grow up so fast don't they?" His wife was looking at the babies with a wistful look in her eyes. "Oh by the way before I forget, Margaery and I have managed to colour coordinate Dany's maid-of-honour dress to the colours on Jon's uniform. Wasn't easy as the blue and red doesn't exactly go with the colour scheme of the wedding, but we made it work." She flashed a satisfied smile before adding, "with a little help from Sansa as well."

"And what did my daughter say to the changes?" Rhaella had an amused look on her face as if fighting to hold back a laugh.

"She doesn't know. We didn't want her to keep secrets from Jon. Not telling how the bride and her maids will be dressed is one thing, but in this case the reason why would be a big secret."

"Thank you!" He leaned in and give his wife a tender kiss on her temple. She clearly understands how sensitive Jon is about secrets. Gods I love her!

"When she questioned it, Sansa told her that all the Starks were colour matched with the bride as a way of symbolically welcoming her to the pack. Dany of course still looked a bit sceptical." She chuckled at the memory. "So Margaery simply told her it was a bride's prerogative to change her mind."

"Of course!" Rhaelle chimed in clearly amused at the story.

"So that means she'll be as surprised when she sees him as he will seeing her?" He was a little puzzled.

She chuckled. "Yes. She's just expecting him to show up in the traditional morning suit."

"Oh, we better be ready to catch two pairs of young lovers when they see each other that day then!" Once again Rhaella and his wife were giggling like school girls. Once again he caught himself rolling his eyes at them.

Catelyn cheerfully slapped him on his arm. "Don't tell me you weren't thinking the same thing, Ned." Actually I wasn't. "Jon won't even notice the bride walking right behind Dany, nor will Robb notice anyone in front of Margaery!" Again he was surrounded by contagious laughing and he willingly joined in. Gods, she's right!

"I take it Arya enjoyed joining the boys for her first tailor-made suit?"

"Immensely! Although she did find the whole 'having to stand still'-part very tedious." Both women joined in his laughter.

"Well my dear, she is our wild wolf after all." There was so much love in Catelyn's eyes and voice when she said it that he had to kiss her.

Pulling back he looked in his wife's beautiful blue eyes and said, "that she is."

Rhaella cleared her throat as she with an innocent voice said, "want me to leave?"

"Oh stop it, Ella! You're just jealous." Catelyn teased back

"I am actually but that wasn't my point." Laughingly Rhaella wrapped little sleeping Adei in a blanket and stood up.

Catelyn wrapped up Amador, still looking curiously around. As she stood up she placed the little boy in his arms and she packed up the big blanket they'd been sitting on.

"Should I be concerned though," he caught the two women's curious look now, "that our little wild wolf will throw a fit because she won't fit with her new favourite brother now?"

Catelyn and Rhaella shared a look he couldn't quite decipher though there was a hit of worry there.

"Well...," his wife looped her arm with his, "what colour tie and waistcoat will she be wearing?"

"All groomsmen have grey waistcoats and colour of tie is set to match the bridesmaid. Being Arya she of course chose a gold coloured tie, and though her and Bran have switched places I don't think you'll get her to change the colour of her tie. Sorry ladies."

"Oh no, gold should fit well with the golden pieces on Jon's uniform so we should be in the clear. Thank the gods!" His wife huffed out a sigh of relief and Rhaella was just chuckling next to them.

As they were crossing over to where the boys had made camp Catelyn suddenly stopped by his side, pointed and laughed. "How much wood did you tell them to use, Ned? That's big a campfire!"

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 15: NED IV - That's A Big Campfire

@helloimnotawesome - I’m SO sorry for the long wait. Thought I forgot about you, didn’t you ;) Well....finally there’s a new update for you as well as a new mood board :) Enjoy, my friend! <3

NED IV - That’s A Big Campfire:

"In a heartbeat, Dr. Stark!"

"Thank you so much, Sam," the boy is still so formal, "and Sam?"

"Yes, Dr. Stark?"

"Call me Ned, please." He smiled to himself.

"Ah right, yes, of course Dr. Stark...Sorry! Ned..." He could practically hear Sam blushing over the phone.

"Good! Now, once again thank you for helping with this, Sam."

"My pleasure, Dr. S..Ned."

Again, he chuckled at Sam's overly politeness. "Won't take more of your time. See you in a couple of weeks," not waiting for Sam's answer he hung up the phone. Crossing the big field of grass behind Dragonstone castle, he walked over to his wife and Rhaella currently busy cooing over his grandchildren who were rolling around on a blanket placed on the grass in the shadow of a beautiful old tree.

"Just spoke to Sam - it's all set."

"Wonderful, honey! He's going to be so surprised!" His wife was beaming up at him.

"Hopefully only in a positive way. I don't exactly have a good track-record when it comes to surprising my eldest son." He sighed as he looked around searching for the man in question.

"Oh stop it!" Rhaella grabbed his arm and pulled him down to sit between her and Catelyn. "He'll be so excited I bet he'll go speechless. You didn't see his sad puppy face when he was on the phone with Robb that day and had to tell him no. He looked like he thought he'd be ruining his brother's big day because of it. We didn't see him again until nightfall."

"He was always an emotional boy, Ned. Considering what he's lived through it's remarkable he's still able to be this empathetic." Catelyn gently stroked him down his cheek and kissed him. "Jon has a good heart. Been put back together with countless stitches yes, but at it's core still true and pure. He'll be over the moon when he sees what you and Robb has arranged."

He couldn't help smile at his wife's wise words. My sweet gentle sons. Trying to catch up on the time they lost together. "You're of course right - both of you." He quickly smiled at both women sitting on either side of him. "Instead of worrying I'll look forward to seeing some joy on my son's face." Joy! Wouldn't that be a sight!

"That's the spirit!" Rhaella gave him a big smile and light-heartedly nudged his shoulder with her own. "Now, not that I didn't know already, but I must say Robb has made a fabulous choice for his future wife." She nodded her head slightly to the riders further down the field.

Margaery and Sansa where on each their horse accompanying little Rhaenys on her pony between them. Rhaenys was in awe of both. Earlier in the day they had been sitting in the grass braiding each other's hair, adding flowers to the braids and even making garlands that they'd been wearing like crowns. He had to admit he found it adorable how the two took the time for Rhaenys and indulged her. Arya, on the other hand had rolled her eyes, pretending to gag and walked away. Oh how he loved his two girls. So different yet so similar. Just don't tell them that! They had the same fierce spirit, though when it came to expressing said spirit they'd chosen different ends of the spectre. Arya was, for the most part, hit first ask later. Sansa, on the other hand, would take the hits yet refuse to give in. My wild wolf and quiet wolf. Interestingly, he'd noticed a change in both over the past 5-6 months that Jon had been here at Dragonstone and everyone had made sure to make frequent visits whenever schedules allowed. The only one flying in a few times a week was Viserys for his therapy sessions with Jon. Arya was gradually beginning to show signs of something he could've sworn was a foreign concept to her - patience. Who would've ever thought! And Sansa, oh Sansa! She was slowly coming out of her shell, walking and talking with a little more confidence every day, and she was biting back. When Catelyn had told him that Sansa had suggested wearing a sleeveless dress as a bridesmaid, if Margaery agreed, his eyes had overflowed with tears. His shy, broken girl wanting to proudly put her scars on display like that to the world made his heart melt with pride and fatherly love. If I ever get my hands on Joffrey or Ramsey I'll smother them with my own bare hands!! Margaery, of course, had happily and eagerly agreed, knowing what a huge step this was for Sansa.

He couldn't help wonder what it was that caused all these changes. Has Jon returning helped fill a void we each had in our hearts? Is our individual healing contributing to us heal as a family? Have we all found our 'missing piece' in our lives and souls? Or are my girls just growing and maturing at their own natural pace? No, it was all connected to Jon one way or another. By his attempts to reconnect with his siblings and family for his own healing he was helping them with theirs as well. He knew Jon didn't necessarily do this knowingly. After all, the young man was simply trying to regain what he thought he'd lost. However, when he saw anyone in need of help - in anything - he immediately jumped in to provide any assistance he could. He'd always done that even as a little boy. Jon didn't want to see anyone in pain or suffering for any reason. Once again he was taken aback by his son's willingness to help others even if it meant at the expense of his own health. He had done so for years as a member of the Night's Watch, and it became even more ironic when taking into account Jon's blood type. O negative, also known as the universal giver because all other blood types could receive it without trouble - Jon however if given any blood type other than his own would die. It was as if the Gods had forged him to endure heartbreak, pain and suffering for the sake of others, to shield others, to help and save others. What was it Jon had said a few months ago? 'The same hammer that breaks glass forges steal'. That's it! Jon is teaching Sansa that she's steal while all this time she thought of herself as glass! Except he's hitting her with buckets of love. Ha! Jon you brilliant man! He made a mental note to go properly thank the gods when he returned to Winterfell before the wedding. Gods, the wedding! For a minute there he'd completely forgotten everything about it.  

He was happy for Robb and Margaery, but at the same time he couldn't understand his little boy had grown up so fast. Oh Ned, you sentimental old fool. Every parent thinks that. He shook his head slightly. In just a few weeks his son and heir to the title of Lord of Winterfell would be marrying the granddaughter of President Olenna Tyrell. It was quite a match and the media and the public loved it! The media! Damnit! Another thing we need to try to prepare Jon for.

Just after New Year's the Starks and Targaryens had sent out a joint press release informing the public of the miraculous return of Jonathan Dayne, heir to Starfall and the son of Eddard Stark and late Ashara Dayne. The families asked to kindly give Jon and his family time and space to recover from the shock, and any press inquiries could be directed to Mr. Tyrion Lannister. Shortly after the President had made a public statement that the Starks were collaborating closely with the authorities, and that further investigations into the events of the years since Captain Dayne's kidnapping and the people involved were already under way, and how she was hoping to hear about more families being united despite all the time passed. The public had responded overwhelmingly positive and sympathy messages online and offline had poured in. Especially messages from Dorne and the city of Starfall was filled with excitement of how they'd welcome him back home with open arms. Luckily, Jon and the cinnabons, thank you for that nickname Arya, had managed to remain sheltered on Dragonstone for the past almost 6 months. Now though it was time for him to step out into the limelight and take his 'rightful' place in the media as the Lord of Starfall. Viserys had assured him that Jon was ready for the circus and that he'd be alright surrounded by family. At least he'll have Dany by his side as well.

"Speaking of future spouses," his wife interrupted his busy mind, "your daughter has made a wise choice herself, if I may say so."

"Indeed! She's had a few trial and errors, but I have a good feeling about this new man in her life." In a mirthful tone Rhaella continued, "I have on good authority that he's from a reputable family, and he's even a war hero!"

"Oh my! What a catch!" Catelyn played along with Rhaella's joking tone and comically pretended to be fanning herself. "But is he handsome? No fun in bagging a man if he's looking like an oaf!"

"Believe me my friend when I tell you he's the prettiest in all the lands!"

He couldn't stop himself from rolling his eyes. Giggling like school girls!! Gods!

Catelyn wrapped her arm around his waist. "Oh c'mon, Ned, have a laugh!"

"Not as long as you call any son of mine 'pretty'!" He said feigning offence.

"But it's the truth, dear Neddy!" Really don't like it when she calls me that. "Next month at Margaery and Robb's wedding there'll be swooning left and right over all of your sons, but in particularly your eldest. Oh Cat, can you imagine how dashing he'll look in his uniform?! I might even swoon!"

All three of them laughed out loud at that image. Rhaella herself so much she had her head leaned back and holding on to him to keep from toppling over.

They all sat quiet for a bit trying to catch their breath again.

"On a serious note though, I do have a good feeling about those two. They are clearly good for each other, and in due time I expect it to naturally end in vows as well." Rhaella stretched her arms and tickled little Adei and Amador on their little chubby baby stomachs and the air was instantly filled with delighted baby giggles. "They are both mature enough to understand that this is something that needs to be done slowly. It warms my old heart to see them take their time to get to know each other and enjoy each other and not rush in like headless chickens." She turned her head a gave him and Catelyn a warm smile.

"They grow up so fast don't they?" His wife was looking at the babies with a wistful look in her eyes. "Oh by the way before I forget, Margaery and I have managed to colour coordinate Dany's maid-of-honour dress to the colours on Jon's uniform. Wasn't easy as the blue and red doesn't exactly go with the colour scheme of the wedding, but we made it work." She flashed a satisfied smile before adding, "with a little help from Sansa as well."

"And what did my daughter say to the changes?" Rhaella had an amused look on her face as if fighting to hold back a laugh.

"She doesn't know. We didn't want her to keep secrets from Jon. Not telling how the bride and her maids will be dressed is one thing, but in this case the reason why would be a big secret."

"Thank you!" He leaned in and give his wife a tender kiss on her temple. She clearly understands how sensitive Jon is about secrets. Gods I love her!

"When she questioned it, Sansa told her that all the Starks were colour matched with the bride as a way of symbolically welcoming her to the pack. Dany of course still looked a bit sceptical." She chuckled at the memory. "So Margaery simply told her it was a bride's prerogative to change her mind."

"Of course!" Rhaelle chimed in clearly amused at the story.

"So that means she'll be as surprised when she sees him as he will seeing her?" He was a little puzzled.

She chuckled. "Yes. She's just expecting him to show up in the traditional morning suit."

"Oh, we better be ready to catch two pairs of young lovers when they see each other that day then!" Once again Rhaella and his wife were giggling like school girls. Once again he caught himself rolling his eyes at them.

Catelyn cheerfully slapped him on his arm. "Don't tell me you weren't thinking the same thing, Ned." Actually I wasn't. "Jon won't even notice the bride walking right behind Dany, nor will Robb notice anyone in front of Margaery!" Again he was surrounded by contagious laughing and he willingly joined in. Gods, she's right!

"I take it Arya enjoyed joining the boys for her first tailor-made suit?"

"Immensely! Although she did find the whole 'having to stand still'-part very tedious." Both women joined in his laughter.

"Well my dear, she is our wild wolf after all." There was so much love in Catelyn's eyes and voice when she said it that he had to kiss her.

Pulling back he looked in his wife's beautiful blue eyes and said, "that she is."

Rhaella cleared her throat as she with an innocent voice said, "want me to leave?"

"Oh stop it, Ella! You're just jealous." Catelyn teased back

"I am actually but that wasn't my point." Laughingly Rhaella wrapped little sleeping Adei in a blanket and stood up.

Catelyn wrapped up Amador, still looking curiously around. As she stood up she placed the little boy in his arms and she packed up the big blanket they'd been sitting on.

"Should I be concerned though," he caught the two women's curious look now, "that our little wild wolf will throw a fit because she won't fit with her new favourite brother now?"

Catelyn and Rhaella shared a look he couldn't quite decipher though there was a hit of worry there.

"Well...," his wife looped her arm with his, "what colour tie and waistcoat will she be wearing?"

"All groomsmen have grey waistcoats and colour of tie is set to match the bridesmaid. Being Arya she of course chose a gold coloured tie, and though her and Bran have switched places I don't think you'll get her to change the colour of her tie. Sorry ladies."

"Oh no, gold should fit well with the golden pieces on Jon's uniform so we should be in the clear. Thank the gods!" His wife huffed out a sigh of relief and Rhaella was just chuckling next to them.

As they were crossing over to where the boys had made camp Catelyn suddenly stopped by his side, pointed and laughed. "How much wood did you tell them to use, Ned? That's big a campfire!"

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 14: DANY IV - In A Heartbeat

@helloimnotawesome - Hey! Look who finally woke up and finished another chapter for you. Finally!! We’re going to Dragonstone and have a guest appearance by Drogo. Chapter 14 - enjoy! <3

DANY IV - In A Heartbeat

"Dragonstone?" Jon pointed at the large island appearing from the mist.

The sun had set hours ago but with a clear sky a near full moon can provide a surprisingly large amount of lighting. Jon hadn't been comfortable with flying with the babies yet something both Dr. Martell and Robb had backed him up on, so they'd opted for taking the ferry. 12 hours on a boat - just her, Jon, Ghost and the babies. Almost alone, there was maybe 100 other passengers and crew. Not many people traveled to Dragonstone this time of year.

They'd set off in the morning from King's Landing and expected to dock sometime around nine o'clock in the evening. 12 hours they'd spent mostly in the small restaurant onboard. 12 hours of talking, eating, laughing, reading, staring out the window. 12 hours of them enjoying each other's company. 12 hours of various ways of snuggling up to each other and sharing sweet kisses. It was all so...domestic? She wasn't sure what to label it or if she dared label it at all. Everyone seeing them had given them that 'oh look at that adorable little family'-look, and she had to admit she really liked being at the receiving end of such looks. We are an adorable little family. We're a family aren't we? Our own little unique Dayne-Stark-Targaryen family. The thought alone made her heart melt. It felt right. It felt natural.

"Yes, the Targaryen ancestral home - and for several decades now it's also been home to the Dothrakhi community founded by refugees. You may be able to catch a glimpse of the castle itself up there in the background?"

"It's...uhm stunning...ly imposing."

"Well, Targaryens do have a flare for dramatics." She grinned as she turned her head to look at him.

"Oh I'll say!" He laughed and she caught herself glaring at him which he must've noticed because he instantly tried to soothe her by adding, "...or just a flare for making an impression." Gods that shy smile gets me every time.

"That too." She gave him a quick peck on his cheek. "C'mon, let's get back to the car and get these two strapped in. We'll be docking soon."

When they arrived at the castle her mom was there to greet them.

"Ooh is that my favourite little noodles I see all wrapped up in blankets?" Jon and her just exchanged an amused look at her mother's excitement. "Ha! And and see you managed to get Ghost untangled from the Unruly Trinity as well!" She laughed out loud.

"Ha ha, very funny mom," she answered flatly and rolled her eyes.

"I thought so. Actually the whole household thought so if I remember correctly. Even Jon was laughing!" Her mother was still laughing hard.

She had to admit it must've been a hilarious scene for the Stargeryan household to behold.

Christmas Eve she'd been up on the roof with Jon. He'd clearly been in need of some fresh air. The Targaryen rooftop terrace was the closest so that's where they went. Dusting off the snow they'd each taken a seat in one of the bubble club chairs. Ghost had followed them outside and decided to do a bit of cooling down by rolling around in the snow. That's when the Unruly Trinity, as her mother had dubbed them, decided to join the fun. She had three northern forest cats - Kirk, Spock and McCoy. Since Jon and his little pack had moved in there'd been no issues between Ghost and her cats. On the contrary. They'd instantly taken a liking to one another. Due to their larger size they didn't seem to feel threatened by Ghost like poor Balerion did, but would instead tend to invite Ghost to play. That's how trouble began that night on the rooftop.

As Ghost was rolling around in the snow, tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth, tail wagging, Kirk had showed up. Walking up on the railing completely undeterred at what would happen if he fell from that height. He pounced on Ghost and then immediately set off running with Ghost hot on his tail. They took a few quick runs up and down the length of the terrace - with reach return they had gained another cat. So by their second return all three cats had joined the chase. Unfortunately that was also the time Ghost decided to run around the outdoors Christmas tree. The cats went up the tree and Ghost tried to follow. There was excited yapping, some hissing, some wires being pulled, and in the end a dog tied to a falling tree. Tail held high and wagging Ghost had strutted downstairs tangled in Christmas lights dragging the Christmas tree behind him - trunk first. On the tree Kirk was sitting looking as arrogant as only a cat can, like he was finally in his rightful place, Spock was sitting further down looking around curiously and at the back McCoy was sitting with his back to the others looking confused.

Ghost and the Unruly Trinity had made it to the living room and the Christmas dinner when she caught up to them shouting for them to stop. All she heard was really loud laugher! Come to think of it they'd even cleared a path for Ghost to continue his little 'parade'. Assholes!! As they'd passed through to the hallway Rhae's only comment was "well, there goes Christmas," and continued laughing. Arya and Bran had been quick to get photos and videos of it on their phones. Behind her Jon had slowly walked in almost choking on laughter. I'd happily let the four of them fool around like that every day if it means hearing Jon laugh like that. She'd finally managed to stop them in the kitchen. While Jon worked on untangling Ghost she had vacuumed the trail of pine needles from the kitchen all the way up to the roof. Robb and Rhae had later carried the tree back up - spilling more needles. Who cleaned that up by the way??

Her mother's voice pulled her back to the present.

"I've had your rooms made ready, darling." Her mom looked at her still chuckling.

"Thanks mom. Think we'll call it a night. If we're lucky we can get a few hours of sleep before the cocoa beans wake up again." She gave her mom a tight hug and then took Jon by the hand leading the way to the bedrooms. She fell asleep to the sound of Jon's steady heartbeat.

——————————

New Year's came and went. From one of the castle towers Jon had enjoyed watching a bit of fireworks from the villages on the mainland closest to Dragonstone. Beautiful colours, no sound - and all smiles on Jon's face. Standing there with the wind blowing in his hair, a relaxed posture, smile plastered on his face and his eyes sparkling with joy was a sight that made her heart sing. This is it. This is how I want to celebrate New Year's Eve every year from now on.

She had noticed he was blending in quite well with the Dothrakhi who, on their part, had welcomed him immediately. Partly because the rumours of him being a war hero had spread long before he had set foot on the island, in part because a man who had an animal like Ghost by his side must be special, and in part because Drogo, the ranch foreman, had taken to him as well. The most surprising about that was the fact that Drogo was a man of few words — even Rhae said so and those two practically grew up together right here on the ranch — yet she had seen Jon have conversations with Drogo. Conversations with words. Actual fucking words! Real conversations where each took turn to speak. When had Drogo become such a conversationalist? WTF! Jon had surprised them all as he happily jumped on the back of a horse when Drogo had offered to show him around the ranch. She had to admit there was something about seeing Jon in the saddle. Makes me want to go for a ride myself. For fuck's sake, Dany!!

She heard steps approaching as she sat on the fence watching Jon working with a couple of the horses.

"He's a good man, miss Daenerys." Drogo was leaning up against the fence right next to her.

She turned her head briefly and smiled at him. Where's this going?

"If even half the rumours are true he has my deepest respect as a man and as a soldier." Drogo had fought in the, still ongoing, Dothrakhi civil-war and lost his father. Unfortunately there was no end in sight in that conflict. Having seen battle himself could that be why he and Jon relate so well to each other? "You know there were those that were willing to sacrifice their own priced horses so his wife could have a proper horse when riding with the Great Stallion."

She swung her head round so fast she almost lost her balance.

He simultaneously helped steady her with one hand and held up the other as a he said, "don't worry miss Daenerys, it was stopped before getting to that."

"But why would they even offer that? She was Naathi. I don't understand."

He chuckled. "She was the wife of a great warrior. Deserves same respect as he'll be given when it's his turn to join the Great Stallion."

"Rakharo told didn't he?"

Drogo just nodded and smirked. Of course it was Rakharo! She couldn't help laughing lightly at that.

A comfortable silent settled between them as they both watched Jon. He was surprisingly good with the horses. Very patient and gentle.

"Where do you say his mother was from?"

"Dorne." Have I ever heard Drogo speak this much before?

"Hmmm....the Dornish are good with horses." She could almost hear the wheels in Drogo's head turning. "And his father's from the North?"

"Yes."

"Hm, so half horse, half wolf. Half prey, half predator. No wonder he's conflicted."

She turned around so she sat with a leg on each side of the fence, resting her feet on one of the higher cross pins. Again, where in seven hells is this going?

Drogo was still looking at Jon and the horses in the enclosure as he spoke. "A horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character, and that man right there—" he nodded his head in Jon's direction "—has had to rely on his inner wolf for survival for too long, miss Daenerys." He turned and looked directly at her. "Your soldier needs to allow his wolf a break and stop barring it's teeth and instead let his horse run free like the wind and enjoy the freedom." When did Drogo become such a sage?!

"You really like him, huh?" She couldn't help feeling a little shy talking to Drogo, of all people, about the man she cared so deeply for.

"What makes you say that?"

"Never heard you speak this much about anything before. Ever!" She couldn't help the laughter that escaped her as she said it.

Drogo laughed along with her for a minute before wearing his usual serious mask as he said, "well, you've chosen wisely, miss Daenerys." A rare smile on his face. "Besides, I already told him that if he ever breaks your heart I'll break his back and play air-hockey with is kneecaps."

"How...thought..ful....of you, Drogo." Seven bloody hells! For the sake of your own well-being Jon please never break my heart. I beg you!

"Anytime!" Drogo flashed her a grin before winking and then burst out laughing. "I was joking! You should've seen your face, miss Daenerys!"

With anyone else she would've slapped them by now for making such a stupid joke, but she knew Drogo better. He might've said it as a joke now maybe even to Jon, but....if push come to shove he'd fulfil that promise. He knew, she knew, he knew that she knew and she knew that he knew that she knew. Lot of 'knowing' between two people!

"Back to what you said about his inner wolf and horse thing. Do you have any suggestions?"

"Do you see how he holds the reigns?"

"Mhmm."

"As a rider yourself, what do you use the reigns for?"

"For steering I'd say."

"For a dragon that's not a bad answer." He chuckled. "Have you noticed how he never has a leash on his dog? He guides him with looks, hand gestures and a few vocal commands."

"I'm embarrassed to say I thought Ghost followed Jon around because neither likes being away from the other."

"Yes, I'd be inclined to agree to that. However, that is because the two have a strong bond. There's a strong spiritual connection and you're welcome to roll your eyes as much as you want, miss Daenerys," sorry! "but even when they're not together they 'feel' each other. Mothers tend to have the same connection with their children though it may lessen as the children grow. I see you developing the same connection with the two little ones of his."  Again a nod in Jon's direction, and she had to admit he was right. She was feeling a deeper sense of connection with them but she thought it'd just been because she was spending so much time with them. Didn't realise I'm becoming their mama..oh! Again that warm feeling of her heart melting.

"Now, in this case he's established a connection with his wolf - and that big dog of his is as close as any of us is going to get to a wolf these days. He needs to establish same connection with his horse. Right now he's among horses and yet he still uses the reigns to communicate. It's still mostly a one-way conversation. The rider’s hands are not to control the horse but to feel the horse’s thoughts. When he can do that he'll have found his inner horse and be able to have a conversation with it like he's long had with his wolf. Understand?"

"Yes, I understand." She climbed down and gave Drogo a hug. "What do you think Jon will say?"

"Already asked him to stay for a bit and help build new enclosures."

"You're clever when you want to be, you know that?" She gave him a shove which barely registered with Drogo.

He chuckled in response.

"...and did he accept your offer?"

"In a heartbeat."

[mmazzeroo]

@helloimnotawesome - I know I know, I owe you chapters! I’m on it but had to make some adjustments because the story developed faster than I had initially expected. So in the meantime here’s a little moodboard I managed to put together for the fic. Hope you’re well! Big hug!!

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 12: JON III - We’re On The Same Page

@helloimnotawesome - Chapter 12, as promised! Still emotional but Vis is there to add a bit of fun so should be alright.

JON III - We’re On The Same Page

"Why didn't you want me?" He could feel his face covered in tears and snot but he was long past caring.

"What did I do to make you hate me so much? Did you ever want me at all? Maybe if I had fought harder? I was just a child. What could I've done? Oh gods maybe dad blames me for everyone dying? For mom and Aunt Lya and Uncle Arthur?"

He was incoherent now. Crying so much he could barely breathe. He felt like he was being strangled. Am I still wearing the necktie? He didn't know. He didn't know anything anymore. Either way he couldn't move his hands to check. He couldn't move a muscle if he wanted to. Am I speaking quietly or just thinking loudly? He couldn't tell. Everything was hazy. Everything hurt - his chest, his throat, his eyes, his hands, his head, his mind, his heart. Trying to think made his head hurt more. He felt broken. Absolutely broke and defeated.

There were sounds coming from the door. Movement. Low voices. Anyone coming? Going maybe? He couldn't tell. Every sound was muffled as if he was under water. What difference would it make anyway if anyone's coming or going? He felt more alone now than he had ever felt before. Despite feeling his senses dampened he could feel a presence close by. Someone was gently touching the mattress. What's that sound...brushing? Something was falling to the floor. Small pieces. Oh! The chair! Well, what used to be a chair. I'll apologise for that, repay and build them a new one.

A male voice was speaking quietly around him. Or to me? He couldn't distinguish the words being said but the voice was soothing to listen to. Very softly a pair of hands took one foot and...wait...is that a sock? A thick one. Maybe a padded one for winter? He hadn't worn socks like that since he was in the Night's Watch. His foot was put down just as softly as it had been lifted, and now the other foot was treated just as tenderly. The soft material of the socks was very comfortable and soothing. It slowly became clear to him that his feet had actually been a bit cold, but now he could feel warmth slowly beginning to spread.

Next a blanket was laid over him. No, not blanket, this was heavier. A duvet? Soft and warm. Still that calming voice was going in the background. Is he humming? His head was carefully being lifted and he felt something soft, almost velvety to the touch being pushed underneath. There was a dip in the mattress in front of his legs. Did he sit down? There was a whisper by his ear.

"Jon, just to let you know I'll be cleaning your face now. No need for you to respond if you can't."

A warm moist cloth was gently working it's way across his forehead, over his eyebrows and down the ridge of his nose. The sound of water being wrung from a cloth. Then the warm cloth was back this time cleaning one cheek and carefully turning his  head slightly to reach the other cheek. Same wringing sound. Then the cloth was cleaning his beard.

"I must say Sam has done a good job at keeping this fuzz on your face very neat indeed."

It was true. Sam had kept his beard well while he was here in bed. He could've just shaved it off, but no, Sam would never do that without explicitly being told so. Wait I know that voice. Was that Viserys?

"Jon? Can you open you mouth a little bit? Good job. Thank you so much. Here's a straw - try to drink a little bit. We need to help your body regain some balance."

He took a few sips - each feeling like a gulp. His mouth was dry as a desert.

"You might feel some shivering. Don't worry it's your body trying to deal with the adrenalin. I'll go get you some warm milk. It'll help your body calm down. I'll be right back, ok? Don't worry you still don't need to respond."

He heard the door open and close quietly. Did he float over there? No footsteps were heard. Laying here under the duvet, warm socks on his feet and velvet something under his head was very nice. A little cocoon of safety and comfort. He couldn't remember feeling this safe since....since when? Since ever? He must've been this safe before though. Maybe as a little kid?

There were voices as the door opened again.

"How's the boy?" A male voice he definitely knew he didn't recognise.

"Not good at the moment, but he will be - with the help of this guy." Oh no, no more people I can't... He felt the tears building up again.

When the door closed there was some pidder padder on the floor. Paws? Ok, ok think I deal with that. Maybe.

There was a slight dip in the mattress again. This time up by his head. The same soothing voice whispering again.

"Hey Jon, I'm back with the milk. Can you lift your head a little bit? We don't want to make a swimming pool, right? Alright, just like that. Good job. That's enough. Very good. Ok, here we go. Nice and easy."

He felt the warm milk as it hit his tongue and ran his throat. It was nice. They used to get warm milk North of the Wall but that was just to keep from freezing. And there was something else to this. Something sweet and something else. What was that taste?

He could feel the body behind him shake slightly. Is he laughing? Did I make a face?

"Added some honey for your throat and some nutmeg to help relieve the pain I'm sure you're feeling - and to help you relax. From your face you don't seem like an instant fan. Sorry about that, Jon."

He managed a very weak nod.

"You drank half of this. That's very good, Jon. Very good. Now just lay your head back down and relax."

The mattress shifted again. Must've moved to put the mug down.

"I brought in a friend for you to meet, Jon. His name is Max and he'd love to hang out with you today over there on the mattress. Is it ok if he comes over to say hello?"

Again, barely managing to make the slightest of nods but enough for Vis to notice.

"Awesome possum! Think you'll love him, Jon. He's a really mellow guy. C'mon Max, give Jon a sweet hello."

He heard the pidder padder again and then stopped right in front of him. He could feel a presence looming. Then a wet cold doggy nose on his own warm dry one. There was no sounds to be heard. Wait. What was that? Sweeping? Is Max wagging his tail? Again tears threatened to break through. All this sweetness was too much. I like you too, Max.

"Good first meeting. Good boys you two! Now, Jon, are you alright with Max coming up to just lay behind you? He's not going to do anything. Just going to help keep you warm and calm. Would you be ok with that idea?"

A little firmer nod than previous. Yes, I'd like that. Very much. I don't want to feel alone anymore.

"Thank you, Jon. Max, come. Just like that. See? He's such a gentle giant that boy. I'll sit up here by your head, so if you need or want anything just give me a tap on my leg. Ok, Jon?"

With a bit of effort he managed to free a hand and give Vis a dap on his leg.

"Ha! Fantastic job, Jon! Thanks a bunch. I'll be reading a story for Max, he really digs that sort of thing. As a puppy he went through many a book, ahem. You're welcome to listen in if you want, though I'd recommend you get some well-deserved sleep."

There was a few light strokes on his head as he nodded. Sleep. Could he do anything else? Feeling the warm weight of Max at his back was yet another soothing factor. He fell asleep to the sound of Viserys reading about farm animals holding a meeting.

When he woke up he wasn't sure at first where he was. Only light on was the night lamp by his bed. Why am I on the floor? The he felt the duvet, big bulky thing at his back and was that feet he could see not too far from his face? Then he started to remember. His dad, the yelling and screaming, the pain, that look of soul-deep heartache in his father's eyes as he just kept yelling at him accusing him of...oh gods! I accused him of wanting me dead! How am I ever going to...forget it Jon, you can't fix that. You're done.

Did he move? Did he say anything? He didn't know, but the dog behind him noticed the change in him and very, very gently nuzzled it's snout in his hair. It was enough to make him try to move his body. Another mistake. He was stiff and sore everywhere. He managed to move himself on to his back and ever so slowly crack an eye open to see a huge black furry face with the kindest brown eyes watching him curiously - and a human much less furry face with silver-bold hair and lilac eyes watching him with interest.

"Viserys." His voice was gruff from sleep and yelling...

"Jon." A warm smile on his face. "How are you feeling now? We've been worried about you."

A grunt was all he managed to respond with as he tried to sit up. "I've been better."

"You will be again. Here I have some juice for you. You need hydration."

He emptied the glass in a few gulps and Vis immediately refilled it and handed it back to him. With a grateful smile he poured that down as well. That's when he noticed the folders where Vis had been sitting. His military records containing all his mission reports, and the folder Sam gave him with the proof of his true identity. Fuck! I can't do more talks about this!

Vis must've noticed his eyes lingering because he bent down to pick up the folders.

"Hey, Jon? I admit I don't know a lot. But you see this?" Vis held up Sam's folder, "and all this shit?" Held up the Night's Watch folder, "and all the hells that were between the two?" He just nodded as Vis dropped both folders to the floor. "It's not your fault."

Shrugging, he said, "yeah, I know that," and looked down to the floor.

"Look at me, Jon."

He looked up at Viserys.

"It's not your fault."

Nodding he replied, "I know."

"No. It's not your fault."

"I know"

"No, no, you don't. It's not your fault." Vis crouched down in front of him. "Hmm?"

"I know."

"It's not your fault."

"Alright." He smiled nervously averting his eyes.

"It's not your fault."

He closed his eyes, fighting to control his emotions.

"It's not your fault."

"Don't fuck with me." He shove Viserys on his chest. "Don't fuck with me, Vis, not you!"

"It's not your fault. It's not your fault."

Jon once again finds himself breaking into sobs.

Viserys hugs him tight. "Fuck them, ok?" With two forceful pads on his back Vis pulls away. "When your ribs have healed properly you and I are going to beat the shit out of some sandbags, alright?"

Laughing through his last tears he said, "sounds like a date!"

"Fantastic! Now come over here to the bed and have a seat please. I have something to tell you. No, nothing bad. I'm many things to many people but rarely am I ever the bearer of bad news, so please save the drama for next time daddy Stark stops by, alright?" Vis added a playful wink at the end.

"Alright."

"Hey, no need for sounding so shameful. That's what I'm about to tell you. Was your reaction dramatic? Yes. A little overkill maybe? Perhaps. Was it unfounded? No, no it wasn't. You thought you had made peace with the thought of your parents being dead and thus could not come and find you and save you. Suddenly you find out that not only did you father survive, and not only did you never see or hear any evidence or sign that he, or anyone, was out there searching for you, BUT you have been declared dead! No wonder you felt the need to blow the lid off. It had to blow anyway. It was just a matter of time. Now it happened to blow because of something that can actually be used as a legitimate reason for blowing said lid. How cool is that, huh?" Vis playfully slapped him on the thigh.

"Now, I'd like you to come see me once a week. Ah ah! Don't give me that look. You know just as well as I do that you can't keep this bottled up anymore. Besides if you're going to start sucking my little sister's face I'd prefer that you get your shit together. We're on the same page, Captain?" Smiling, but he could hear the seriousness in his voice. He's right. If it was my sister I'd want the same thing!

"We're on the same page."

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 11: NED III - Why Didn’t You Want Me?

@helloimnotawesome - Finally chapter 11. It was really hard for me to write this and I’m sorry if it’s hard for you to read. Chapter 12 will be up in a few mins.

NED III - Why Didn’t You Want Me?

"I'm ready when you are...I think. If I could just get this out of my eyes."

He was watching his eldest son trying to fix that unruly mop on top of his head that they called hair.

With a frustrated groan Jon threw his hands up in the air. "Stupid hair! It has a life of its own. Let's just forget about it. It's fine."

"Here, let me help you." He stepped up behind Jon and tied his hair up in the back just like his own was. "There! All neat and tidy like you wanted it." He leaned around and smiled.

"Thanks, dad."

"No worries." He padded Jon on the shoulder. "You're ready?"

Getting a curt nod from Jon he turned to Barristan.

"Camera ready, Commander Selmy?"

"Ready as can be, Dr. Stark."

Today Jon was having his picture taken for his first official identification papers carrying his real name of 'Jonathan Dayne'. That would make him, and his children, the last of the Daynes - a lineage thought to have ended with the deaths of Ashara and Arthur and the disappearance of Jon. Well, once they got the legal thing sorted out that is. Once again something he dreaded telling his newly returned son. Why does getting your child back have to be such a mess?! DA Martell had offered to come join for this particular matter, but he'd told the lawyer that it might be better to just be him and Jon for now. He wasn't entirely sure how Jon would take the news.

Jon sat on a chair propped up against the wall by the door. Still just wearing hospital scrub-pants and a shirt, tie and jacket borrowed from Robb. Looking very formal and handsome from the waist up. We need to get him some clothes of his own. We need to get him a place upstairs with the rest of the family. We need to get him home! With just a few quick snaps and a signature, Commander Selmy was out the door again, promising to be back later in the day with all the documents.

"So how many people know I'm back?"

"Besides the family?"

Jon nodded as he removed the jacket and hung it on the back of the chair.

"Only Commander Selmy and your Dr. Tarly."

"Oh well, that would explain the Dothrakhi guards still by my door," Jon laughed lightly.

"In part," he laughed nervously. Crap!

"...and in part..?" His son looked at him expectantly. More crap! Remember, no beating around the bush. Just say it!

"Well, I couldn't quite figure out the legal ramifications of bringing you back from the dead."

Jon laughed. "I'm sorry I thought you said 'back from the dead'."

"You've been missing for 20 years..."

"You had me declared dead?" Jon had a disbelieving look in his eyes that grew darker with every second - as did his voice. "Dead! DEAD?!?" Stay calm, Ned, stick to the facts.

"Well, actually it was the Martells. With Arthur and your mother's tragic deaths and no known whereabouts for you they became the legal guardians of your ancestral home, Starfall. The law stipulates that, in such a case, if no heir has come forward after 10 years then the guardians automatically become the default owners of the property or properties in question as the case may be. In this case the Martells chose to extend the waiting period till your 21st birthday, but..." He looked warily to his son who stared back at him with such a look of betrayal he found it hard to keep the eye contact. "Currently Starfall is owned by the Martells, but out of respect they've left it untouched."

"Respect?!" Jon snorted. "You've got to be fucking kidding me!"

"I'm sure they'd give it back to you—"

"I don't give a shit about some stupid old keep that I can't even remember ever having set foot in! Didn't even know it was mine until now. Why the fuck would I care?" He was at the receiving end of one of the harshest looks he'd ever seen. I've woken the wolf in him. Sneering Jon added, "it's the principle!"

Jon was highly agitated as he paced back and forth along the length of the bed, clenching and unclenching his fists and jaws.

"So you just agreed? Just like that?"

"No, I...it isn't like that, Jon. Listen to me, son..." He held his hands up so show he meant no harm, but Jon wasn't having it.

"Son? Oh yeah right, now that I by dumb fucking luck managed to land myself in your hospital, I'm suddenly your son again? Huh?" He snorted and shook his head in disbelief. "Was I your son while I was rotting away at Pyke Island and Craster's Keep?" More sneering. Wait. Craster?! Thought it was bad enough when he'd mentioned Pyke Island a few days ago.

"Jon...please calm down."

"Calm down?! Why?? I'm dead aren't I? Can't get much more calmer that that!!" This is going worse than I imagined.

"Jon, just listen. Please..."

"Listen to what? You explain how no one bothered to look for me all those years? How no one cared to try to find me at all? Listen to that you mean? Yeah can't wait to hear your excuses for that, 'father'!" The last word clearly said to mock him.

"That's enough, Captain!!" Raising his voice had made Jon stop in his tracks. He slowly turned around to face his father. Glaring. Good, get it out son. Now talk calmly and evenly. He's a wounded animal, Ned.

"I know I deserve your anger." Jon snorted. "And I'm sorry. Truly I am. There's nothing I can do to change what's happened, if I could I would've years ago." Jon continued glaring at him. "I understand your anger—

"—no you don't!" His son was practically growling at him now. Good thing Ghost isn't here he would've ripped my throat out by now.

"Fine. I don't understand, but I do know the kind of anger you must be feeling. That impossible anger strangling the grief, until the memory of your loved one is just...poison in your veins. And one day, you catch yourself wishing the person you loved had never existed, so you would be spared your pain."

"Oh wow! You didn't just have me declared dead you actually wished me dead? Did you wish my mom dead too? Aunt Lya? Uncle Arthur? Huh?? Just so you could've been spared the pain you felt? Not selfish and self-pitying at all, Doctor!"

Jon was back to his pacing but there was a more aggressive edge to his walk now. A fury looming underneath, bobbling like lava in a volcano just waiting to erupt. I'm going to need Vis for this. Why didn't I think that could be a possibility? Crap on crap! He slowly went to the door, slightly cracking it open and in a low voice told Aggo to go get Viserys asap. As he turned back to face the room, Jon was standing over by the window hands resting on the frame. Amazing how anger and adrenalin can make his body forget how much pain it's actually in still.

"I didn't feel that anger you speak of, Dr. Stark. I had used up all my anger being dragged across the Dothrakhi Sea. Burned skin and blistered feet. They loved taunting me by calling me names like 'Ahesso' because I was white as snow, or 'Verro' because I growled like a wolf whenever they touched me. Every night at camp they'd take turns to pick one of us 'slaves' for target practice. For the first many months they didn't bother with me because I was so small." Dothrakhi Sea? Did we even look there? Did we ever consider him a victim of human trafficking? Oh gods!

"One day one of the Khal's sons picked me to fight against him for 'the evening entertainment'. He was maybe a year of two older than me. I was seven I think. Everyone laughing. Clearly expecting an easy fight with him just toying with me. Of course they didn't know that both Uncle Arthur and Aunt Lya had been teaching me old fashion sword-fighting. Of course neither of them had noticed me watching them every night from my spot in the shadows. So I held my own. He still won but it was a tough win for him. After that they only referred to me as 'Hrakkar' - their infamous and illusive white lion. Because I had hid like a predator in the grass they said and because I was fighting like it was a matter of life and death. Something they found endlessly amusing."

Jon finally turned to face him again. Those beautiful grey eyes had turned almost black with pain, anger, and betrayal. His mouth still holding a sneer.

"I learned something that night. I learned I could survive if I wanted to and if I was smart enough. I learned that befriending pain and violence can be a means of survival. A lesson that carried me through the hells that were the orphanage on Pyke Island and the so-called 'military boarding school' of Craster's Keep. Ever since that night in the Dothrakhi Sea whenever I've learned a lesson it comes with another painful memory. I've watched family and friends die, I've had to kill to survive."

"Jon, please, you don't have to do this to yourself anymore."

"No, I don't, but you need to hear it." Jon again sent him a hard look. No room for debate or negotiation.

"As a small child I was told there was nothing out there to fear. But the day I saw my parents brutally murdered I caught a glimpse of something. And, wherever I was taken next I went looking for it, searched in all the shadows. Until one day I discovered that that 'something' that was out there lurking in the darkness, that 'something' terrifying, that 'something' that wouldn't stop until it got its revenge...that was me."

"...you speak of your parents murdered, but I'm right here—"

"—because I thought you were dead, dad!! What I saw, what I heard didn't give little Jon any indication that you could've possibly survived. So when I talk about thinking someone would be out looking for me I don't mean you. For all I knew my parents were dead, so of course didn't expect you to come find me anywhere, but I kept hoping that someone, anyone would come. But...no one did. No one ever did! I might as well have been dead all this time!"

The pain was dripping from his son's tongue like drops of blood - and it might as well have been. His own or his son's he couldn't say, but it felt like blood being spilled like it had been 20 years ago in Meereen. He couldn't stop Jon's stream of words flowing like a strong river through the canyons. He's seizing his moment. He's never had the opportunity to lash out at me like this before!

"Do you know what it feels like to be abandoned like that? To know that no one cares? That you were not worth looking for, not worthy of being found? To know that the love and care and light and laughter you'd known were never meant to be yours?" Jon was beginning to sob no longer able to hold back the tears he'd fought so bravely all this time. "In fact maybe it was never real in the first place. It was just a figment of your stupid childish imagination! Because you're just a worthless piece of shit, a pathetic excuse for a human being who is not worthy of any form of love or kindness whatsoever!!!"

His son was back at yelling now. Angry tears streaming down his face. Glancing back over his shoulder he saw Viserys' face looking like he'd caught a big chunk of Jon's speech. Jon himself had given no indication that he'd noticed or even seen Viserys standing there in the door.

Suddenly Jon swung his head around as if something hit him.

"Why didn't you look for me then? Why didn't you do something? Anything? ANSWER ME!! Were you just up here in your ivory tower hoping, wishing, praying I was dead like all the others?!?"

With tears running down his own face he tried to find the words to answer his son, but there was nothing that could be said. I'm so sorry, son, so sorry for all the pain you lived through, all the hells you've survived. My heart is breaking for you, not for your angry words at me, but for you, my sweet boy. Thinking so little of yourself to be able to survive. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry!

Standing in the middle of the room Jon stared at him with murder in his eyes. Wolf written all over his face - sneer on his lips, jaws clenched, fists clenched so hard the knuckles were white. Out of nowhere he started screaming.

"ARGHHHH!!!! I HATE YOU!!!! I HATE YOU. SO. MUCH!!!!"

Frozen in place all he could do was listen to the sound of his son's already broken heart being smashed again and again.

"Never a hint that you were searching for me. Never a sign. Not. One. Sign. Ever. And now," Jon's laugher was bitter with a manic edge to it, "now you want me to believe that I'm just to step back  into this family like nothing happened? 'Here's your family castle, son', 'here's you're inheritance, my boy', 'here's where you'll be showered with love'. I can't take it. It's too much. It's. Too. Fucking. Much. I CAN'T TAKE IT!!!"

Jon grabbed the nearest chair and threw it against the wall smashing it to pieces. In the background Viserys' calm voice could be heard in the hallway.

"Nothing to worry about. He's just passionately redecorating the room. Move along people. Nothing to see here."

He felt a hand on his shoulder. Looking up with a start there was a pair of lilac eyes looking at him with nothing but sympathy.

Jon had collapsed on Ghost's mattress now covered in splinters from what used to be a chair. Curled up in a fetal position he was sobbing uncontrollably.

In a quiet voice Vis said, "I think it's time for me to take over, Dr. Stark. If you can, please go find Davos and tell him to bring Max, ok?"

All he could do was nod as he helplessly watched his son fall apart before his eyes. As he quietly closed the door behind him his mind kept repeating Jon's heart-wrenching words: "Why didn't you want me?"

[mmazzeroo]

DANY III - I’m Ready When You Are

@helloimnotawesome - Finally an update for you! Chapter 10 - Dany/Arya/Ghost/Jon bonding. Enjoy!

Thank you so much for your patience! <3 Have about a week left of uni (before Christmas) and then we’ll be back on track! 

DANY III - I’m Ready When You Are

'Come say hello to Ghost', he said. 'It'll be fun', he said. The fun had mainly consisted of watching Arya's face. It had been a pendulum swinging between awestruck and pure childish joy. From her trembling it was clear she had to physically restrain herself from just running over and hug the dog tightly - like she'd done with Jon. Ghost on the other hand hand been completely mellow and had an overbearing look to him. Probably due to the pain meds Sam had giving him not long before they arrived back in the room. Twice a day Ghost was still given a small doses of meds to help with the pain from the burn wounds. Though healing up well they were still very sore and causing him a large amount of pain especially when touched. And, she'd shown Sam where the vials were kept and how to administer it for the times when he and Ghost were alone.

They'd given Ghost his own mattress on the floor over by the wall. That way it was easier to get him up on his own, no need for any lifting. Simply being in same room as Jon seemed to be enough now, and this way he has facing the door which was another calming factor. So all in all they'd managed to make him a pretty chilled out winter dog at this point. Arya was laying on her side next to Ghost on his mattress. His mattress very important detail - the dog had literally tipped his head while glancing to the mattress to invite Arya to join him. A detail that had excited Arya even more!

As her and Jon had foreseen, Sam had protested mildly when told he could have the night off, but it was clear to all it was a half-hearted attempt out of politeness. Before leaving he had giving Jon his nightly dose of pain meds as well, and Jon had fallen asleep not long after. Leaving Arya and herself alone - and awake.

Hours later she was sitting in her usual chair - conveniently sandwiched between Jon's bed and Ghost's mattress - quietly catching up on paperwork when Arya started her, expected, third-degree.

"So..." Here we go. Brace yourself Dany! "Why weren't you welcoming Jon back home?"

Keeping her eyes on the papers she continued to write. Don't look up, Dany! This is just a tiny matter. No need to fuel her curiosity. Nothing to see here. Move along.

"Because I was here last night when Ned and Sam told him."

"Why?"

"Because he asked me to stay."

"Jon did?"

"Yes, Jon did." Don't look up, Dany! Remember this is just like any other boring conversation you don't want to be part of.

"Of course he did." Arya chucked lightly. Write, Dany, write. Stay busy. Stay focused. "Anyone could see the way he looks at you."

"How does he look at me?" Oh gods, she's smelling blood!

"Oh don't give me that!" She could feel Arya's eyes on her, seeing right through like a laser.

"I'm not. I don't know how you think your brother looks at me." Well done! You almost didn't sound desperate to know how Jon looks at you. Mentally rolling eyes at self. For fuck's sake, Dany!

"Like you're the oasis in his desert. Like you're the rescue-boat in his ocean." Despite teasing there was a softness to Arya's voice.

The thought of Jon looking at her like that took her breath away. Could it be? She hadn't just imagined that little exchange about 'crossing lines'? Breathe, Dany, nice and easy.

"...like you're a shelter in his storm...like you're a fire in his freezing winter..." Arya was still yapping away.

"No he doesn't." Oh gods, does he? Please let it be true.

"...like you're Marg and he's Robbie...like you're Brienne and he's Tormund"

"Alright, I heard you, Arya." Now she's just being ridiculous. Right?!

"...like you're a library and he's Bran.."

"I said I heard you."

"...like you're a pair of Jimmy Choo and he's Sansa!" Arya had trouble containing her laughter now.

"I heard you!" She hissed and finally looked at Arya. Oh yes, please let me be all that  to you, Jon, and more! Sending her, what she hoped was, an angry look - not that Arya would really care anyway. Giving a quick glance towards Jon before looking back at Arya. "Keep it down! Please."

"Ok, alright. Sorry." Arya mockingly put her hands up as if surrendering. Mumbling she added "...and you look at him the same way."

"What?! No I don't!" Oh gods am I that obvious?!

"'The lady doth protest too much, methinks.'"

"No, I'm not." You are and you know it...

"Protesting too much or lying?" A smug look on Arya's face now.

"Both. Neither. I mean..," she sighed in defeat. Damn it!

"If you say so li'l miss heart-eyes," another chuckle from Arya.

"His wife—"

"—was Naathi. For them it's as simple as 'you love each other till you don't' - 'you're together with someone till you're not.'" Arya slowly got up and moved closer. "For Jon to love her she must've been a special woman and I'm sure she'd want Jon to be happy with or without her. If being with you makes him happy I fail to see how that would be a bad thing."

She had to admit that Arya was right. When she had left, fled from, this room in the afternoon, maybe 12 hours ago, all flustered she'd gone to see Missandei. Just like Arya she'd seen straight through her - and she'd told her pretty much the same thing as Arya. What was it Elia's brother always said? 'The heart wants what it wants'. Yes, ok fine, but why does it want something at a highly inconvenient time?! And what if this 'thing' didn't work? Then what? How would that affect their families? Would it ruin the whole dynamics, the 'one big family' feeling they had going and that she and all the Stark kids had grown up with?? Dany, you're over-thinking again. Stop it! Stop. It.

With a sigh she warily looked at Arya. "I guess, you're right."

"I know I am."

Shaking her head slightly, she couldn't help but smile at the level of confidence Arya was displaying on this subject.

"Look, I'm not saying you should throw yourself at him but if something hasn't happened in like...I don't know...a week—"

"A week?! Are you crazy?!" she hissed again, but as usual Arya kept going completely undaunted.

"—then I'll plaster this room with mistletoe! Neither of you would be able to move even a nanometer without being underneath one - and we all know what must happen underneath a mistletoe."

"You're incorrigible!"

"I'll take that as a compliment." Flashing a big grin she sat back next to Ghost.

That's when the fun stopped for everyone.

Though clearly still sleeping, Ghost was growling and his big fangs were showing. The look in Arya's eyes instantly went from mirth to fear and worry. Slowly backing away she went closer to Jon's bed until she couldn't get any further.

"What's happening?? I didn't hurt him, I swear!"

"Arya, I know you didn't. He's having a nightmare. He's been having them all week - just like his pack-leader up there." She tipped her head slightly to indicate who she was talking about.

"Jon has nightmares?"

She nodded slowly. "Yes, but right now we need to concentrate on calming down Ghost before he might do something that could harm himself - or others."

Hearing the last two words Arya's eyes grew even bigger before seemingly calming herself down and proceeded to ask, "anything I can do to help?"

"I know how this'll sound considering how angry he looks right now, but the best way to calm him is to gently touch him and just talk to him in a calm, even, and friendly voice. Can you do that? If not, it's ok and then just stay over there by Jon."

"Yeah I..," she swallowed, "I can do that."

"Ok, then take a couple of deep breathes to steady yourself before quietly sitting down next to me."

Arya nodded eagerly.

She placed herself so that Arya was still close yet behind her. 'Just a precaution'.

"What do I say to him?"

"Anything as long as you keep your voice calm and friendly. You don't need to whisper though," she glanced to her side catching Arya's eye and received a sheepish smile in return.

Arya began telling a story about a little black cat who was scared of everything, and gently stroked Ghost on his head and down his neck and back. Getting her stethoscope from her bag next to the chair she was checking his breathing and heart-rate. Both were still more rapid than she'd like. He'd stopped growling at least. Noticing Arya's eyes on her she nodded slightly indicating for her to keep talking. Now the little cat had arrived at Dr. Owl's office where he was being tickled with a feather and asked if he got enough vitamins. How does she come up with this stuff? His breathing slowed down to a more acceptable rate, but his heart was still racing. Expected as gods know what awful things he must've seen in that sweet head of his. His fangs weren't showing anymore either. Arya's little black cat had now been given a courageous heart by Dr. Owl and was now happy as could be and playing with everyone he met. Again, she couldn't help smiling at Arya's wondrous mind. That girl sure is one of a kind!

Finally Ghost had calmed down and was peacefully asleep again.

She looked over at Arya. "That was really good work," winking she added, "you'd make a great vet."

"Thanks, but think I'll stick with being a paramedic for now."

"How did you come up with that story off the top of your head?"

"I didn't. It's called—"

"—Fraidy Cat." A gruff voice answered from the bed behind them.

Briefly they looked at each other before in unison getting on their feet and over to Jon.

He turned his head giving them a lazy smile.

"It was my favourite story as a kid. Mom read it to me every night before bed." There was a light chuckle. "Dad had read it to me and I instantly loved the story. Mom didn't know it and I wouldn't go to sleep without it. On nothing but willpower I kept myself awake all night and late into the next afternoon. Gods I hope my own kids aren't that stubborn!" They are and the next ones will too. DANY!!!

They all laughed at that.

"After that she had Aunt Lya come and tell it to me until mom had learned it too. Never understood how Aunt Lya knew it though."

"Because dad used to read it to her when she was a child." Both her and Jon looked at Arya in surprise. "He's read it for all of us. He calls it a family heirloom. By the time me and Bran were born the book had been worn out so now we just all learn it by heart." She gave a little shy smile. "I can guarantee he'll be telling the story to Adei and Amador as well if he hasn't already." The smile had grown bigger now.

"I'd love it if he did." Gods, I'm getting all teary again. Get a grip, Dany! "Thank you for calming Ghost down by the way. Must be the accident."

"But Vis told me you were a K9 unit..," Arya trailed off.

"I was - with another dog. Ghost is only a few years old. Luckily he hasn't had to go on any missions with me."

"Oh, I'm sorry I just thought..," again trailing off.

"It's ok, Arya. How could you've known?"

"Right." Looking between Jon and her Arya cleared the throat and said, "Well, it's almost time for my shift to begin, so should go get some food and get ready."

Arya leaned in to give her brother a hug and then left giving her a wink as she walked out the door.

"What was that about?"

"What?"

"The wink."

"Oh nothing, just something we talked about earlier when you were sleeping." Wait! "You were sleeping, right?"

"Yes I was." He chuckled. "Why? What did you talk about?"

"Nothing." She smiled nervously "Why? What did you hear?" Oh gods no!

"Nothing." Is he laughing? Oh gods he's laughing! Why is he laughing? "Though I'll take your nervous denying as a sign that you were talking about 'something' rather than 'nothing'. Is he smirking at me?!

"Oh for fuck's sake! Reading me like a godsdamned open book!" She stared at him horrified. "Oh no! That wasn't supposed to be said out loud!" Embarrassing! Turning to leave her hand was grabbed before she could step away.

"Dany! Please. Stay." That husky but oh so soft voice. Damn it! She slowly turned around looking down at their hands. "I let you run out on me once, I can't let you do it twice. You asked me not to hide from you, remember?" She nodded slowly. "And so I didn't and I won't." He squeezed her hand. "Now I'm asking you, Dany, to please don't run from me."

She took a deep breath as she slowly lifted her eyes to look at him.

"I'm afraid...with you."

There was a slight smile on his face at her mimicking his words from the day before, and he played along saying, "sorry if I've crossed any lines with you. That was never my intention."

"You haven't," she removed her hand from his to balance herself as she leaned in closer to lightly touch his forehead with hers, "but I'm afraid I might want you to."

From this position all she could see was steel grey eyes swimming with something she was too scared to name yet.

Moving his head slightly giving her a quick little peck at the tip of her nose he said, "I'm ready when you are."

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 9: ARYA III - Come Say Hello To Ghost

@helloimnotawesome - Family Reunion time

ARYA III - Come Say Hello To Ghost

"What took you so long?!"

"ARYA!!!"

"What?!" She look around at the choir that had just shouted her name.

Jon leaned slightly to the side looking past her, wearing a crooked smile on his face he said, "I see what you mean, Cat," and chuckled. Then he looked back up at her, "I've missed you too, Arya." He gets me?! But we've never really met before. He knows what I meant to say... Wherever he goes I'm on his team from now on!

Giving him another hug she stepped aside making space for Bran who had rolled his own chair over.

"I'm Bran, the youngest. Pleasure to meet you, Jon." Sticking his hand out waiting for their older brother to shake it.

Jon looked amused, "so formal you are my little brother." Hardening the features of his face and putting on what she assumed would be his army mask he continued in an authoritative tone. "It's my pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, young sir, and look forward to sharing many intellectually stimulating hours in your company." He get's us both! There was light chuckling around them.

Bran grinned. "If ya ever want some tips on how da ride dem wheels just gimme a holla."

At that line Jon couldn't hold his stone face any longer and laughed out loud - and so did everyone else.

Slightly embarrassed Bran mumbled, "sorry, just thought it might sound cooler if I said it like that."

Jon caught Bran's hand just as he was about to turn his chair around and said, "don't ever apologise for being you!" He held their younger brother's eyes until a small but proud smile appeared. Both nodded and Bran rolled off. Wow, how did he do that? How does he just march in and make everyone feel welcome? Isn't it supposed to be the other way around??

She took another step to the side positioning herself next to their dad. She put her arms around his waist and squeezed in close as she pressed her cheek against his chest. Looking up she saw him smiling while silent tears rolled down his face. She couldn't imagine what he must be feeling and thinking in this moment. But, just like him she was happy to have Jon here with them. Where he belonged. It was strange always having had this feeling of loving a person she'd never met and didn't really know much about. Now he was here and only by circumstances she'd never imagined.

Dr. Martell came over and shook his hand. Nodding and glancing at his chest she said, "we'll greet properly when you've healed up." The both smirked as they looked over at her.

"What? Can't a girl be happy to see her brother?"

Jon chuckled as Dr. Martell just shook her head in amusement.

"Welcome home, Jon! Once again you have my sincerest condolences. I don't want to be rude but I should get back down and do my evening rounds. We'll catch up later I'm sure."

They gave each other a polite smile and a curt nod as she left.

Rhae had gotten up only to go take a seat at the edge of the coffee table.

Jon was looking at him, and then suddenly looking around like he was searching for someone. "Where's Aerys? Couldn't make it?"

"Father doesn't make anything these days." Rarely had she heard Rhae make jokes about his father's death, but here he was doing just that. Spicing it up with an actual genuine smile as well. What in the hells has happened to Rhae?! "He passed away 15 years ago. Sorry."

"Why you are saying sorry to me? He was your dad? And, I'm sorry for your loss."

"Hmm thank you and yes he was, but we've had a decade and a half to deal with it and move on. You're only just learning about it now. Another shock to add to your list I'm sure."

"All things considered this would be a fairly minor shock, I'd say." Are they seriously making jokes about losing family members?!

She looked from Jon to Rhae and back again and that's when she noticed it. That look in their eyes. Same deep rooted sadness. They were smiling and though the smiles look real enough there as something lurking in their eyes. She'd always thought that was just what Rhae looked like, how her father looked even. Now though, seeing that same kind of sadness in the depth of her brother's eyes she realised something. That look she'd always assumed was just a part of a man she sometimes affectionally called 'uncle', in same way she'd consider a birthmark a part of someone, was in fact caused by unspeakable pain and loss. She knew what Rhae had lost, well know of it, knew how much her father had lost and she knew what her brother had lost — she didn't know what pain he'd experienced though to have sadness tattooed on his soul like that. Now more than ever did she want to know - and to make whoever had caused it, pay. In every way possible!

"So you remember me?" Rhae's calm voice drew her from her thoughts.

"Think so. You're Rhae? Saw you together with Aunt Lya a few times."

There was a distant look in Rhae's eyes now. "Right. I was there only a few days prior.....sometimes wonder if I'd stayed—"

"—then you'd be dead like everyone else." Whoa! There was an edge to her brother's voice that made her press a little tighter against her dad who in turn tightened his grip on her.

Rhae looked taken aback as well. "How do you—"

"—know that? Like you said about your father's death, Rhae, I've had about 20 years to analyse everything that I remember about that day. Only, I've been able to add layers of knowledge to it the older I got and the more experience I gained from every mission I came back from. Trust me on this, you would've been killed. As a military man I consider it a miracle that my father's even alive!"

"...you survived," she chimed in quietly.

Turning his head to lock eyes with her. He gave her a tiny smile. "Aye, I survived because they took me away, because they wanted me to survive, because they needed me alive. I wasn't worth anything to them dead." He sighed. "I'm sorry, I don't really want to talk about this."

Rhae got up from the coffee table and gave Jon a pad on the shoulder. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up all your bad memories. Glad to know you remember me - and we're all happy to have you back!"

"Don't worry about it, and thanks."

Rhae nodded absentmindedly before walking off.

The atmosphere had gotten a little tense but luckily Vis was there to un-tense it. Hopefully! Cue Vis!

Viserys was lounging on the couch to Jon's left. She was sure he had observed every interaction keenly. As always. Lazy smile on face he scooted closer.

Giving Jon a long look he asked, "You remember Rhae so is it too much to assume you also remember me?"

"Hi Vis. It's good to see you."

Vis' sent him a warm smile as he said, "full disclosure: I'm a psychologist now and Commander Mormont of the Night's Watch gave me access to only partially redacted mission reports in your records." Holding his hands up as if in surrender, or maybe as an apology? "We didn't know in what state you'd wake up, so we needed to be prepared for the worst. Hope you understand?" Jon nodded slowly so Vis continued. "So if the decorated war hero-ing sand wolf ever feel a need to unburden himself of those undoubtedly horrible internal images, I'm all ears. Anytime of the day!"

"Thank you, Vis!" Her brother's voice was thick with emotion. "I appreciate that, just do me a favour?"

"What's that, my friend?"

"Please don't call me a hero. I'm not."

Another smile. "Duly noted, Captain"

"But you've been given medals! Only heroes get medals." The words were out before she could stop herself.

"No Arya," he reached out to take her hand, "we're not truly awarded medals for what we did - we get them for living with the memory of it."

"Oh!" That's why Vis said 'undoubtedly horrible images'. She felt her dad give her a kiss on top of her head. "Sorry."

"It's ok - hopefully this'll be the only way you'll ever know." He squeezed her hand before letting it go.

"Alright," Vis got up, "who wants to join me in the kitchen for some outstanding cookery?"

"I'd be happy to join." Her mom got up as well, and together she and Vis walked off towards the kitchen - presumably to make some sandwiches.

"Are you ok, Robb?"

He looked up at Jon with red eyes. "I'm so sorry. We did everything we could to save her." His voice sounded like he was choking on unshed tears. Sansa was still sitting next to him and did her best to comfort him.

"I would never hold Mallandei's death against you, Robbie! Never! Or against Dr. Martell for that matter. You're doctors of course you did your best to save her. It's what doctors do. Every day. You fight to save people, to help people. Every day. Please brother, don't take on a burden that isn't yours to carry! I finally got you back, and I can't bare if you won't look me in the eye because of something you think you're responsible for.. Please..."

She could feel her father tremble. Dany had tears in her eyes. She was battling her own tears as well. It was heartbreaking to watch her brothers' reunion being overshadowed by death. Oh Robb of course you take on the responsibility for something like that.

"Yes, I lost my wife, but...I have two beautiful children who each carry a part of her. If it wasn't for you I would've lost all three. Can't you see? You helped save the one thing I had left to live for." Jon's voice broke and he sat there sobbing helplessly.

Robb rushed out of his seat and went to Jon, crouching by the wheelchair trying to hug their older brother. Apparently it wasn't enough because Jon made an attempt to get up only to be caught by Robb and the brothers clung to each other.

"I've missed you Jon, I've missed you so much!" Robb was repeating the words almost like a prayer or a chant. Over and over. Until Jon had to sit down again looking very tired! Robb stayed close holding a hand on Jon's shoulder.

Finally Sansa got up and hesitantly approached. "Don't know if you remember me..?"

"I remember baby Sansa. Sorry for missing watching you grow up."

There was a sniffle from her sister. "Can I give you a hug?"

"Always!"

Her sister leaned in careful to not add any weight on Jon. Sorry for my excitement, brother. He must've whispered something in Sansa's ear because as she straightened back up she was nodding eagerly and giggling - and he had a secretive smile on his lips.

"It's a date then!" He's grinning! "Now I don't mean to be rude, but I would really like to get back to bed and get some rest." Looking up at Robb, Sansa and herself he said, "it was a pleasure to see you again. Hope you don't mind me saying that it was very overwhelming though..?" He looked around nervously.

"Only expected after such a long time." It was Rhaella speaking.

Dany had moved to grab the handles on Jon's chair.

"Where are you going?" Why does she get to steal my brother away?

"We're going back to his room - I have the night watch for Ghost."

"Oh is that the winterdog? Can I come? Please?!?"

Jon was chuckling and looked up at Dany. "Guess she could take the night watch as well and give Sam a break?"

"Think he'd like that though he'll politely protest." They both laughed lightly.

Her brother looked up at her. "C'mon Arya. Come say hello to Ghost."

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 8: JON II - What Took You So Long

@helloimnotawesome - Delayed update for Day 8! (Ironic chapter title considering I update late *eye roll*)

Sorry for missing yesterday's update. *hides face in shame* Was out celebrating my mother's birthday. Hopefully today's chapter should be getting up in a few hours so we're all caught up for tomorrow :) 

JON II - What Took You So Long

'I'm right here'. Was that truly his father's voice? How could he have lost and gained so much in such a short span of time? What trick were the gods playing on him? The gods! Pff! What a fucking joke! He gave up on them years ago. Why not? They'd clearly given up on him, so only fair of him to reciprocate the gesture. If they even exist they're a bunch of absolute assholes!

His head was buzzing. The alcohol still surging through his veins. Spending a couple of hours up on the roof in the cold crisp winter air with Dany had been good for his soul. Her smile and laughter made him long for something he shouldn't be wanting at this time. He had been sitting up there looking at the flames of the fire burning the cold dead body of his wife — and at the same time wanting nothing else but to continue listening to the beautiful voice of the silver-haired, purple eyed woman standing next to him. I'm an asshole! The mother of my children has barely left this world before I start to want something, someone, else. Have I lost all sense of right and wrong?!? Or have I simply become used to losing what I hold dear? Forgive me, Mallandei...

Not since fighting a battle could he remember feeling this depleted in both mind and body. He was trained to follow the evidence, and had to admit the evidence was there for Dr. Stark and Sam to believe he was Dr. Stark's son. Dany clearly believed it too. Dany! As the years had past he had convinced himself that it had all been a dream and that 'Jon Dayne' was just a figment of his vivid childish imagination. After all he'd never held anything with that name on it. No documents to back up his claim. Just a silly little boy stubbornly holding on to a fantasy. But Sam had handed him documents clearly stating otherwise. Documents that thoroughly smashed his carefully constructed sense of identity.

Can't think. Too tired. Sleep. Just sleep, Jon. Maybe tomorrow you'll wake up and this will all just have been a dream. Or nightmare, he wasn't sure. His world was spinning, falling apart, collapsing. There was only one set of arms he wanted to crash into and sorry dad but it isn't yours. Giving Ghost a weak hug he finally gave in to the fatigue.

Vaguely registering movements and sounds around him he slept for hours and hours. Occasionally hearing voices speaking softly, feeling a hand stroking his hair, a straw brushing against his lips to coax him into drinking, Ghost's tail wagging against his legs, and what was that smell? Babies? Yes, he could feel them next to him now. Babies. My babies!

When he finally started to wake up he found himself alone in bed. Looking around Dany was sitting in a chair hunched over some files. Clearing his throat her head shot up.

"Oh hey! How are you feeling?"

"Tired. Sore," his voice hoarse. Barely able to keep his eyes open he glanced down the bed to where Ghost had been.

"Sam and Ned took him out for a bit. I'm sure they'll be back shortly."

Nodding weakly he let his eyes slid closed again.

Once again he felt her stroke his hair. Tenderly she wiped his forehead, face and neck with a moist cloth. Cleaning off the sweat. Those soft warm hands. So gentle. So full of affection. Leaving a trail of tingling on his skin wherever she had touched. I can't bare that she's so kind. Why can't she be a stupid bitch? Would make this easier. Then I wouldn't like her so much... He felt a few tears slip from his eye and roll down the bridge of his nose. Turning his head away hoping she wouldn't notice.

A light fingertip was trailing the track of his tears and a soft voice whispered, "I'm sorry all this is being thrust upon you at once, but please...Jon, don't hide from me." Her hand was stroking his hair from his forehead. Please stop, but whatever you do don't stop. "No shame in tears. Let me help you through this. Let me be your strength till you regain your own." No, don't say that! More tears. He turned his head towards the voice. That voice so soft he could practically feel the affection flowing from it like raindrops during a thunderstorm - lethal yet so cleansing and soothing.

"I don't know who I am anymore. Don't even know my own name." His voice was a mere whisper, hoarse and choking on all the emotions he couldn't name. "It's too much. It's all too much. Everything. It's just..." He trailed off not knowing any words to describe how he felt.

The hand on his head was still slowly caressing his hair. So soothing. He couldn't remember the last time anyone had showered him with such affection. Of course Mallandei, but that was mainly in the throes of passion. Not like this. Not out of simple kindness for another human being. It was such a sweet and good gesture his heart was breaking and being mended simultaneously.

"It's 'Jon'. Your name is 'Jon'. We can keep it at that for now, hmm?" 'Jon'. Yes, I'm Jon.

He gave a silent nod. Thank you.

"I'm afraid." He'd somehow found the strength to open his eyes and look at her. From where he had no idea. But he needed to see if there was any judgement lurking anywhere in those beautiful lakes of purple. He saw none.

"Anyone would be."

"No."

"No?" There was a smidge of surprise in her voice and eyes.

"It's you." She gave him a puzzled look. "I'm afraid...with you."

Her hand was immediately withdrawn from his hair and her eyes were beginning to pool with tears of their own. Holding on to the rail of the bed as if to steady herself she took a trembling breath.

"You want me to leave?" Her voice professional but laced with a thin layer of hurt she couldn't cover up.

"No."

"You want me to stay then?"

"No."

A reluctant amused smile on her lips for the briefest of moments.

"Sorry if I've crossed any lines with you. That was never my intention." Honest yet professional voice.

"You haven't," he slowly reached a hand up to her face. Now it was his turn to wipe a tear from her eye, "but I'm afraid I might want you to."

With a faint reddish taint on her cheeks she grabbed his hand - still resting on the side of her face - by the wrist and held it to her lips. The softest of touches sent a tingle down his arm from where she'd kissed his palm.

"I'm ready when you are." That look! Oh gods, if you're truly there, please let me have this one gift and have her look at me like this for the rest of my life.

She cleared her throat and said, "now if you'll excuse I need to..go..do.....something..." Gathering her files she turned on her heels and was out the door.

He took a deep painful breath and felt all his muscles relaxing. A small smile finding it's way to his lips and slowly, but surely, grew into a full blown grin. Seen me at my worst and still likes me? Maybe coming to King's Landing wasn't such a bad thing after all? 'We'll see, Jon, we'll see'.

There were some muffled sounds coming from the other side of the door. Then Aggo stepped in having opened for Sam carrying Ghost. He had fresh bandages on his burn wounds. Dany said they were healing up really well. Maybe he'd stopped threatening to bite the head of the other vets. He chuckled at the thought of how pissed off Ghost must have been those first few days down there in the pen. Being reunited here in the bed had somewhat calmed down the animal. Next challenge was that he hated confinements of any kind, and even Dany had come up short with ways of preventing him from biting off the cast on his leg. So they'd surrendered and instead put a leg brace which he luckily seemed to accept - for now at least. You liking her is the best recommendation anyone could get. You're trying to tell me something, boy?

Following Sam was Ned, dad, sporting a new cane. Placing Ghost back on the bed, Sam turned saying he would go grab some food and be back in about half an hour. Again leaving him alone with Ned. Did he stay all night? Watching over me?

Ned was still standing by the door. Looking a bit hesitant.

"There's someone who'd really like to meet you if you're up for it?"

"Oh," he did not expect that, "who?"

"My wife, Catelyn." Ohh!! Aunt Cat??

"She's here?"

"Right outside the door. Want me to fetch her?"

Too nervous and choked up to speak he simply nodded eagerly.

With a responding smile Ned opened the door and waved her in.

A lab coat wearing woman took a few cautious steps into the room and stopped next to Ned. Another ghost. As with his father, she was recognisable enough for him - just a slightly older version of the woman he remembered.

"Hello Jon. Is ok if I come closer?"

He nodded slightly.

When she was by the bed she stopped and took a long look at him. Reaching up to hold his face in her hands she couldn't hold back her tears any longer.

"Our beautiful boy is back home."

Tears streaming down her face she gave him a loving kiss on the forehead.

He put his hand over hers still holding his head. He couldn't help but lean into the touch. He had known so much love and affection as a little boy, but after..... I fought so hard to hold on to my own humanity all those years!

"...home..." Just a whisper passed his lips. Home is soft touches, no hiding, purple eyes...and silver hair. Oh gods I'm in too deep.

She lifted her head and looked at him, really studying his face, holder his hands in hers.

"Your brothers and sisters are going to be so excited when they hear about this. Whenever you're ready of course!" She look in his eyes. "No rush, it'll be overwhelming I'm sure."

"Brothers? Sisters? How many?" He could barely believe it. "I only remember Robb and baby...baby...wait I know this." Cat and Ned exchanged a small smile. "Sansa! Baby Sansa, and you were pregnant when..." He looked down at their hands.

"Arya - I was pregnant with Arya. Looks just like you, my dear." A warm smile on her face, "and Bran a few years later."

"I have two brothers and two sisters?" Oh gods! He broke down sobbing. I thought I was alone for so long!!

"Yes, you do, son, and you can meet anytime you want." It was his dad speaking now.

"Tonight? Please! Can I meet them tonight?" Trying to smile through sobs wasn't easy and his damn ribs were constantly hurting, but he'd been waiting so long! If possible he didn't want to wait another minute. Tiredness and pain be damned!

Laughing Ned and Cat both nodded.

"Of course! Cat can go gather the team while you and I get you dressed and in the chair. When Sam gets back he can stay with Ghost. What do you think of that?"

"Sounds like a plan!" Clearing his throat he tentatively added "...dad."

Battling his own tears his father gave him a shy smile, tussled his hair and said "then let's get to work!"

Meeting them in the hallways as his father rolled him out of the lift was a stunningly beautiful, tall woman with striking purple eyes. Looks like an older version of Dany. He gasped when the realisation hit him.

"Welcome home, Jon." There was a familiar smile on the face.

"Aunt Ella?"

She chuckled. "Yes, that's was you dubbed me because you couldn't say my name." She went round to grab the handles of the wheelchair. Ned stepping to the side leaning on his cane.

"Now let's go meet the rest of the gang, shall we?"

She rolled him down a large hallway and into what was clearly the living room of this grand residence. On their way up his father had briefly told him that they all lived up there and that it would 'larger than what you're used to'. Only place he'd set foot that could compete with this place would be the Pyramids of Meereen.

Crossing the room to greet them was Cat. She leaned down slightly as she said, "they can be a bit rowdy so best to keep them in a tight leash in the beginning, Captain." There was a mirthful look in her eye as she winked at him.

Feeling all eyes on them he kept a stone-face as he replied, "understood Dr. Stark!"

Aunt Ella and his father rolled him over to the seating area. There were three couches set up in a three-winged formation. As his eyes scanned the faces there were a silver-haired man sitting on the right, next to Dr. Martell, who looked like he'd seen a ghost. I know the feeling and I'm sorry. Right across from him were the two adult versions of what he guessed to be Robb and Sansa. There was a hint of recognition in his brother's blue eyes, but not enough for him to act on it. Sansa was sitting between Robb and Dany, who looked like she'd figured out what he was doing up here. Cat was sitting in the couch on the left. Next to a grey eyed young woman. Arya? Next to her was another silver-haired man who had same look in his eye as Robb. He didn't say anything either though clearly waiting for an announcement to be made. In a wheelchair next to the couch was a auburn haired teenage boy. Bran? What happened to you?

Everyone was quiet and looking expectantly over at him, Ned and Aunt Ella. His father started to speak, but clearly had trouble finding the right words.

Gesturing towards him sitting in the wheelchair he said, "this is..uh..ha..I'm sure you're all wondering...what...uhmm..." His father swallowed and glanced nervously at all the faces before them.

He laid a hand on his father's arm.

"What Dr. Stark is trying to say is," looking directly at Arya as he continued, "that my baby sister helped save my life about a week ago."

There was a variety of reactions, not that he had time to notice any in particular because he was immediately caught in a tight bearhug by Arya.

"Whoa! Easy there tiger," he couldn't help laughing, "watch the ribs, yeah? My family needs me, remember?"

Pulling back she stared at him for a beat or two before quietly mumbling, "you heard that?"

"It's the last thing I remember hearing before everything turned black and I woke up here at this hospital."

She grinned. Then immediately proceeded to scowl and slap him on the shoulder.

"What took you so long?!"

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 7: NED II - I'm Right Here

@helloimnotawesome - Day 7, and we’re back with Ned! Yay, we’ve made it through our first week! A little more than 2 weeks left. Wonder what’s going to happen *smiles devilishly* Maybe you want a bit of support for this chapter from your good friend @callmedewitt? *wink* Enjoy!

NED II - I'm Right Here

"'You look like someone I knew once." So do you.

Carefully he asked, "may I ask who I remind you of?"

The young man took a beat before answering.

"My father, but..." Jon looked away. There's so much sadness in his eyes it's heartbreaking to watch, "he died when I was just a boy." What? But I'm right here!

Dany squeezed Jon's hand, "I'm so sorry to hear that, Jon." 'Jon'?

The young man squeezed her hand in return and nodded. Still not making eye contact with anyone.

"Dr. Targaryen if you don't mind, I have something important to discuss with Captain Snow and Dr. Tarly."

"Yes, of course, I'll leave you to it." Dany began walking towards the door.

"I'd like her to stay." Jon looked directly at him now. No hesitation. The authority in his voice and confidence in his eyes left no room for negotiation. His son was clearly used to commanding people. Did you take easier to the position than I did I wonder?

He cleared his throat. "Of course. As you wish Captain." He was struggling to hide the proud smile that was threatening to form on his lips. "Dr. Targaryen?"

She looked as surprised as he felt but she quickly recovered.

"If you're sure?" She gave a quick glance over at him before looking back to Jon. "...'Captain'." She pressed her lips together. Is she hiding a smile?

Jon looked at her, and in same authoritative voice stated, "if I wasn't I wouldn't have said it, 'doctor'." Stone-face, but what is that look in his eye? He looked at them looking at each other.

"As you wish, Captain," an innocent smile on her lips crossing to sit in the chair next to the bed.

Over in the corner by the other side of the bed was Dr. Tarly still standing by his chair. Silently watching with those big eyes of his. An uneasy expression on his face. Must be just as nervous as I am. Another shock in just a few days. Am I about to pull the rug from beneath his feet completely?

"Now, before anything I need to ask - are you comfortable in that," he nodded at the wheelchair Jon was currently still seated in, "or would you like to get back to bed first?"

"For the time being I'm fine right here, doctor," a small smile on his face.

"Ok, good." He fiddled with the top of his cane. Don't know how to do this. How do I say this? 'Just breathe, Ned', he heard Rhaella's voice in his head. Right, just breathe.

"The matter of discussion is...sensitive for lack of a better word, so if at any time you'd like a break Captain, please don't hesitate ask."

"Will do, doctor. Now speak your mind." Gods, how did he become the one in command in this room?

He exchanged a look with Dr. Tarly who shrugged uncomfortably. Young Tarly had told Commander Selmy and himself that Jon did not appreciate any beating around bushes. 'Tell it like it is', he'd said. No matter how difficult or hurtful Jon always preferred to hear the truth uncandidly.

He cast a glance at Dany who just sat there with a blank expression on her face. Completely unaware of the drama that was about to unfold.

He closed his eyes as he took a deep breathe. Clearing his throat he look back at Jon and said, "you mentioned your father earlier. What about your mother?"

"She's dead too."

He was taken aback by how matter-of-fact those words were said. But his eyes can't hide the depth of his pain. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Dany shift in her seat. Dr. Tarly was now standing at the corner of the bed right behind Jon.

"Very sorry for your loss," he said genuinely - knowing exactly how Jon was speaking of.

The Captain gave him a tight nod in reply still holding eye contact. Clearly trying to figure out why he was being asked these questions.

"May I ask what her name was?"

He cleared his throat. "Asha." There was a distant look in young man's eyes. A sadness so deep it seemed to pour directly from his soul out through is eyes.

Asha! Oh gods, we were only a handful privileged enough to call her by that nickname - and the only ones left are myself - and our son! Our son's alive! He was clutching his cane now. Dany must've noticed because she was by his side immediate.

"Ned?" Purple eyes looking at him with concern.

"Here have my chair, Dr. Stark." Sam had suddenly moved swift like the wind and put a chair behind him. Assisted by both Dany and Sam he sat down just a few meters away from Jon who, too, looked a bit worried.

"I'm fine - and thank you Dr. Tarly."

The two young doctors exchanged a look as Sam returned to his spot behind Jon, and Dany hopped up on the end of the bed placing herself at Ghost's feet. The dog hadn't moved and was presumably sleeping blissfully unaware of anything going on around him.

He cleared his throat once more. "So Asha?" Again a tight nod from the young Captain. "Did she have a last name?"

Captain 'Snow' narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Dayne. Her last name was Dayne."

There was a gasp from Dany. With a hand covering her mouth and eyes as big a saucers she looked back and forth between himself and Jon. Always a clever one that little dragon.

Jon looked around confused.

"And your father? Do you know what his name was?" He was trying to stay calm but it was getting increasingly difficult. Especially since Dany was clearly adding the pieces together in that clever little mind of hers.

"Dayne, I guess. I don't know," his eyebrows furrowed, "what is this about?! Look I'm not lying! I'm not trying to impose on anyone or pretend to be someone I'm not!" His voice grew more and more agitated for each sentence.

Luckily Dr. Tarly cut in. With a hand on the young man's shoulder he said, "Jon! No one is accusing you of anything. I swear! Just please listen, ok? Just listen." He gave the Captain a wobbly smile. "Here, have some water first," handing him a glass.

He gave the young doctor a nod of gratitude. He could feel Dany looking at him, but wasn't quite ready to meet her eyes.

"My apologies Dr. Stark." Jon spoke quietly clearly sorry about his outburst.

"It's alright, I could probably have done this better." The two of them shared a brief shy look.

Looking back at Sam he said, "Dr. Tarly, I think you can find those papers now."

The Tarly boy's eyes grew even bigger if possible. With a stern look and a short nod though he went back to his bag and found a thin folder.

"Your father's name wasn't Dayne, Captain." Nodding at Dr. Tarly he handed Jon the slim paper-folder containing only a few documents in it. "Please open it."

The Captain turned his head and looked up at Sam over his shoulder, then shared a quick look with Dany before returning to look at him. How many times have I not had grey eyes like that stare at me sceptically just like you are now? Resolutely he swung the folder open. His eyebrows furrowed as he was looking at the information in front of him. Document on top should be the DNA results. Without looking up he simply handed the paper off to Dany as he began looking at the next document.

There was another gasp from Dany and hand-covered mouth. She looked at him moving her hand slightly so only her fingertips were covering her mouth. A small unsure smile on her lips. Unable to speak he simply gave her a long blink in response and then glanced down at the folder in Jon's lap before looking back up at her. She looked down her eyes quickly skimming over the words. Silent tears began to run down her cheeks and a smile grew ever so slowly bigger and bigger.

Jon on the other hand looked like a man who was frozen in place. Just staring at the paper in his hand. Oh gods did we break him? Slowly he started reading aloud. Maybe as an attempt to make it more real?

"'This is to certify that Jonathan Dayne was born at Starfall, Dorne.'" There was a brief pause. "Sam? Water please."

Without a word Sam handed his friend back his glass of water.

Emptied he fumbled to find a place for it somewhere off to the side, but he was still staring at the birth certificate as if in a trance, so Dany gently took the glass from his hand. But she's still holding his hand..?

Jon continued reading aloud, "'...to parents Ashara Dayne and—" He stopped abruptly and turned his head to Dany. "You called him 'Ned' earlier," making a quick move with his head to indicate who he was talking about.

"I did." There's that hand squeeze again.

"That's short for 'Eddard', right?"

She nodded quickly. Eyes shining.

Blinking a few times the Captain looked back down at the document. Then slowly he raised his head and looked directly into his eyes. Holding up the document in his hand and with a stern voice he said "is this real, Dr. Stark?" Why such a hard look, son. How much pain have you been through to finally find your way back home?

"It is, Captain Snow. Although truthfully what you're holding is a copy. The original can be obtained from the District Court at Sunspear, Dorne."

Jon snorted. "'Snow'! That isn't even my name, is it?!"

"Well, who gave it to you in the first place?"

"The fat bastard in Pentos who bought me from the Dothrakhi!!" He said it with a growl reminding of a wolf. How in the seven hells did you end up with the Dothrakhi? We looked everywhere for you!! "Only to have me sent off in a crate like a fucking animal, put on a rickety ship for months swimming around in my own piss and vomit, and when we finally made land it was 'thank the gods' to arrive at the 'oh so happy home' of Pyke fucking Island!!"

No longer able to control his own anger he jumped out of his chair. "YOU WERE SENT TO THAT HELL HOLE?!?!?!"

Ghost woke up with a start and instantly began growling. It took both Sam and Dany to calm the animal back down so he didn't hurt himself - or others. Aggo and Qotho had come running into the room as well at the sound of his loud outburst. They too had to be handled by Dany. Thank the gods Jon insisted she stay!

Surprisingly Jon was sitting calmly in his wheelchair just looking up at him with a peculiar look in his eye. Then out of nowhere a crooked smile on his face as he said, "you broke your cane, Dr. Stark."

He looked down and saw that he had indeed broken his cane a few minutes ago when he erupted like a volcano that's been lying dormant too long. He took a breath and opened his mouth, but was cut short by the Captain.

"As a boy I saw my father getting shot in the knee. Desperate look in his eye as he was crawling on the floor to get to me. Leaving a trail of blood behind him as he did so. I saw a shadow standing over him when men in gold masks dragged me away, I heard a gunshot and then they threw me into a helicopter and took me away." His voice broke on the last few words and tears were streaming down his face. Oh son, I'm so so sorry! I was too late.

Dany had started crying again hearing Jon's words. Sam, still standing behind the wheelchair, looked absolutely heartbroken nervously glancing between the three people in front of him.

Jon again lifted the birth certificate. "You're telling me this is true?"

With his own tears beginning to spring from his eyes, he nodded and with a choked voice said, "Yes, I swear it's all 100% true."

In a swift move Jon was on his feet, but started collapsing just as quickly. Taking a fast step forward he caught him in his arms and held him close.

"I got you son!" I got you, never letting you go again!

Big steel grey eyes swimming with tears looked back up at him. Without a word his son just tightened his grip on him, clinging to him as if for dear life.

Sam came over and helped getting Jon back on his feet. Dany had gone to the door to have Qotho come in and help. The big Dothrakhi picked Jon up and softly placed him back on the bed - all the while carefully eyeing Ghost who was doing the same to him.

Sam gently helped move Jon onto his side while Dany covered him in a couple blankets.

Leaning against the bed he manoeuvred over to the chair Dany had sat in earlier. From here he could reach Jon's hand, currently occupied with stroking Ghost's head.

Sam brought over the furs that Jon previously had had over his legs. "It can get a bit chilly at night just sitting here, Dr. Stark," he said with a shy smile. He thankfully accepted and draped them over his own legs.

Dany was tenderly stroking Jon's hair and whispered something in his ear. His son smiled slightly and nodded as he and Dany exchanged a look. What's with those two?

Dany quietly closed the door behind her as she and Dr. Tarly left.

Now he and his long lost son was finally alone.

Jon tried to speak, but he cut him off by gently laying his hand on that of his son. "Shh son...you just rest. I'm right here."

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 6: DANY II - You Look Like Someone I Knew Once

@helloimnotawesome - Day 6 and time for a little Dany/Jon session

DANY II - You Look Like Someone I Knew Once

"'Just a short ride then', and before I knew it she'd crawled up on the handlebars of my bicycle - leaning her back against my chest - and then said 'you better get to work, Jon Snow'."

There was a crooked smile on his lips and a wistful look in his eyes. Need to make him smile more.

"She had such a cheeky smile on her face when she said it." He chuckled. "I was so surprised she'd even agreed to spend time with me that I didn't know what to say, so I just started peddling." He laughed out loud telling her the story of how he first met his wife. Need to make him laugh more too. He has a beautiful laugh.

She'd taken Captain Snow, Jon, up to the roof of the hospital. Sitting in a hospital wheelchair, he'd been dressed in scrubs, Sam's thick winter coat and hat and some furs, that Sansa had brought down, where draped over his legs. From up there they could see the gathering down on the beach. Rhae had returned earlier that day with a shitload of Dothrakhi more than ready to party hard at Mallandei's funeral this evening. Not sure I'll ever learn to connect 'party' and 'funeral' but there's something about the joy they bring to an event like this. Now that darkness had fallen they could easily see the flames of her funeral pyre and hear the Dothrakhi drums.

"Thank you for doing this," she looked over to see him nodding out towards the beach.

"Of course! Everyone deserves a proper funeral as per their traditions. Though the vast majority down there are Dothrakhis. They do have a similar tradition though."

"Yes, they do. Still, thank you though."

"You know about Dothrakhi customs?" She was surprised to hear that. Even in Essos the Dothrakhi would tend to keep pretty isolated from their surrounding communities.

"I know well enough." There was an edge to his voice now that she did not like. Need to defuse this. Now!

"Well...Missandei, a friend of mine who's a nurse here, is also Naathi and she and her boyfriend are down there as well. Enjoying themselves I'm sure - or should I say enjoying each other?" She raised an eyebrow and smirked as she was watching carefully for his reaction.

"In that case I look forward to having their firstborn named after Mallandei or myself in 9 months-time!" He threw his head back in laugher. Phew!

"That would be quite a legacy wouldn't it?" She laughed along with him.

"It'd be the most beautiful of legacies," he said quietly looking directly at her. Oh gods those eyes!

The past 48 hours she'd had several opportunities to study them and the rest of him. Dany! Not now! Focus! She'd seen the horrible scars on his torso. Lots of smaller ones scattered all across his upper body. Caused by shrapnel Sam said. The newer wounds were the ones that had made her gasp with shock. She'd counted them. Seven big scars on his chest and abdomen. Clearly stab-wounds. One of which were right above his heart. How had he survived that?! No details were provided by Sam but it was clearly a painful memory for him. His eyes though. Oh gods those beautiful eyes! Grey as steel. At times they took her breathe away. They were swimming with emotions she was dying to hear him express. Daario had once said that 'the world is not black and white, princess. There's a sea of grey out there - come sail with me.' But she didn't want to sail on any metaphorically grey seas. She only wanted to dive into this steel grey ocean and drown in it if it was the last thing she ever did.

"Planning on sharing?" His voice brought her back from her musings.

"Share what?" She asked surprised. Oh gods, don't say 'what you were thinking'. Please please please!

He chuckled. "That!" He pointed at her bottle of Dothrakho booze she'd brought over from Dadvos.

"Oh! Yes of course!" She laughed nervously. "Sorry."

She picked up a shot-glass from each of the pockets on her coat. Poured a glass for each of her and Jon and raised hers in a toast.

"To Mallandei!"

"To Mallandei!" He echoed and emptied the glass. He chuckled at her light coughing.

"You don't have to drink it if you don't like it."

"Nah, it's fine. Don't worry about me." She gave him a shy smile. Embarrassing!

"Tell me, how is it you're so calm and relaxed about this whole thing. No offence but that is your wife down there - the mother of your children." She truly didn't mean to offend him, but it puzzled her. Was it just shock still? No, can't be. There's been quiet tears in the night when he thinks neither Sam nor I hear it.

"Before I met her I had spent a year or so on Naath itself."

Her eyes grew big in surprise. "You've been to Naath??" She couldn't believe it. Even today it wasn't the most easy of locations to get to.

"I have." He smiled. "After I left the Night's Watch I sailed to Braavos. From there I flew to Volantis, hopped another ship and landed in Naath. Having frozen my ass off up there for—" he stopped himself and gave her a quick glance "—for a long time I just wanted to get as far South as possible. Wanted, no needed sunshine and warmth. Felt like even my bones were frozen."

"What did you do there?"

"I spent months and months working with the monks at a temple." He smiled that crooked smile again.

Oh gods that smile. She quickly diverted her eyes back down towards the beach.

He continued, "They never approached me for anything, just let me go about my business on whatever task they'd given me that day - after I'd asked if there was anything I could do." He chuckled again. Really like that sound. DANY!! "Think they could literally smell my need to work through the cold that had infected my body and mind. Then one day a monk from YiTi asked me if I was planning to go back - to where I came from. I didn't know what to say. Hadn't thought about it. Hadn't wanted to honestly. So I told him 'maybe. Don't have anything to back to', and he told me this story:

"There's a little boy and on his 14th birthday he gets a horse and everybody in the village says, 'how wonderful. The boy got a horse.' And the Guru says, 'we'll see.' Two years later, the boy falls off the horse, breaks his leg, and everyone in the village says, 'how terrible.' And the Guru says, 'we'll see.' Then, a war breaks out and all the young men have to go off and fight...except the boy can't because his leg's all messed up and everybody in the village says, 'how wonderful.'—"

"—and the Guru says 'we'll see.'," she finished for him quietly.

He nodded approvingly at her.

"So...what you're saying is that, what right now may seem like a tragedy may tomorrow or in 5 years seem like a blessing?"

"In a nutshell, yes." That look and that smile again. Gods I need a drink!

"Let's drink to that!" She quickly refilled their glasses - and then emptied hers just as quickly.

She looked over hearing his chuckling.

"Less coughing this time. Well done doctor!" He grinned at her. Sarcasm now?

"Very funny, Captain."

"Yes I thought so," he flashed her a smile.

She just rolled her eyes.

"So tell me," he said, "who's been pissing in your ale, huh? Don't give me that look! I may not be able to breathe painlessly nor stand upright on my own at the moment, but I'm not blind." He gave her an intense look. How am I ever going to deny him anything if he looks at me like that?

"A guy. Obviously," she said slightly annoyed.

"Ah, of course! Who's the asshole, what did he do and do I need to pay him a visit when I one day get out of this place?" No, don't leave. Stay. Please.

"His name's Daario, he's a musician and lives in Yunkai."

"Musician?"

"Yes, lead guitarist and very fond of himself." Gods, he could be such a pompous ass sometimes!

"So in a band then."

"Yup! Calls themselves 'the Second Sons' because they think they're second to none." She laughed bitterly. What did I ever see in him?!?

"Oh wait, I've heard of them. Was at one of their gigs in Myr once. Have to say they truly are second to none."

She turned to glare at him. What in seven hells?

He couldn't keep his laugh in when he said, "Had to leave - if I'd stayed any longer think my ears would've started bleeding." He laughed harder. Has the alcohol numbed his pain? "As I said they're second to none because no one else suck at playing anything as bad as they do!"

They both collapsed in fits of laugher until he had to stop from pain in his ribs.

"Ok, so that was the 'who', now to the 'what' of my question." He looked at her expectantly.

"I..." she sighed and rolled her eyes. Just say it, Dany. Get it off your chest. "I caught him in action with...'a lady of the night'."

"'a lady of the night?'" He laughed. "You can say the word you know."

"Whore!" Might've said that a bit too loud. "Caught him in bed with one of his whores!" Thinking of it again had her steaming.

"What an assclown! Clearly didn't know what a treasure was already in his presence." Is that a shy smile? "What did you say to him when you caught him?"

"Told him we're done and left!"

"Good girl!" He lifted his hand and high-fived her. "But you still have something you want to say though. I can feel you vibrate with anger from where I'm sitting." That damn chuckle again. "What would you say to him if he was here right now?"

"I'd tell him to fuck off."

"Nah, you can do better than that." Disappointment? "Shout it out so he can feel it across the Narrow Sea, all of Essos and Slaver's Bay. C'mon! Let it out."

Laughing nervously she said, "I can't just stand up here yelling like a madwoman."

"Sure you can. No one's going to hear you anyway. Go ahead!"

Turning her head towards him he just nodded and waved his hand at her indicating he wanted her to get on with it.

"Fine!" She sighed. "Daario Naharis, dishonour on you! Dishonour on your family! Dishonour on...on...on your cow!"

"On your COW??" He laughed out loud. Again. At least I get to listen to that beautiful sound some more. Dany, stop it!

She giggled, "I didn't know what to say, alright."

"Keep going," an amused smile on his face.

Another sigh. "Daario, you're so stupid that I bet you couldn't pour water out of a boot with the instructions on the heel!"

"Still think you can do better, doctor." Dany, just call me Dany. "Look, I'm a military man there's nothing you can say that'll shock or offend me." He just shrugged at her sceptical look. "You don't believe me? Prove me wrong!" You asked for it 'mr military-man'!

"Daario fucking Naharis, you're an emotional fucking cripple. Your soul is dog-shit. Every single fucking thing about you is ugly!"

"Getting there, doctor."

"You are by far the dumbest, most pathetic piece of maggot eating shit that has ever slid from a human being's hairy ass!" She was fuming now and just shouting whatever came to her mind.

She could feel her fists clenching, her jaws tightening. If Daario had actually been there in this moment she might've punched him right in his smug face!

"May your ass forever be itching and your arms too short to reach!!!"

When she heard a wheezing sound she immediately rushed to Jon's side. Turned out he was laughing so hard he could barely breathe - barely sit up right from due to laughter.

"Now that's a curse I don't ever want anyone to put on me!!" He was gasping yet had a huge smile on his face. "That was perfect and deserves at least 2 more drinks!"

Relieved that he was only struggling with laugher she couldn't help but laughing herself. Hope the curse sticks! She filled their glasses again and this time no teasing about her coughing.

"Thank you, Captain. I feel lighter now somehow."

"It's just Jon - and you're very welcome, doctor." That look is back again. Stay professional!

"Call me Dany - and thank you just-Jon." WTF, Dany?

"Anytime Dany." Never heard my name like that before.

The fire on the beach was dying out now and he was beginning to look cold, so she wheeled him back in and down to his room. To their surprise Sam and Ghost had company in there.

"Dr. Stark? What brings you here?"

Having pushed Jon over by the side of the bed she turned to greet Dr. Stark properly but he was just standing there staring at Jon. Confused she turned to look at Jon who in turn looked like he'd seen a ghost.

Staring directly at Dr. Stark he whispered, "you look like someone I knew once."

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 5: ARYA II - Just A Short Ride Then

@helloimnotawesome - Apologies for the late update! I fell asleep (hides under cover in shame). Here’s Arya back again:

Chapter 5: ARYA II - Just A Short Ride Then

"Amador and Adei," she tested the names on her tongue. "Is that traditional Naathi names?" She looked over at Missandei who was sitting with Amador. The little guy was eagerly suckling the bottle she was feeding him.

"Hmm, I wouldn't say traditional but they definitely have a Naathi touch to them," she answered while looking affectionately at the infant in her arms. Looking up she asked, "do you like them?"

"The babies or the names?"

"Both."

"Yes. I like them. Good names for good people. And," she looked down at the little bundle in her own arms, "if anyone ever gives you shit for being named a 'Snow' you just come tell me and I'll deal with them!" Despite the tradition of naming children born out of wedlock a specified 'bastard name', obviously there were still families carrying those names - and people knew the origin of said names, and the world is full of assholes who gives others shit for stuff they have no control over.

Missandei chuckled.

She raised her eyes and gave Missandei a defiant look. "I will!"

"Oh I don't doubt that one bit, Arya!" she replied laughing a bit harder while trying not to disturb the baby on her arm.

She huffed and fixed her eyes back on a quiet Adei. "Uncle Benjen always says that snow is like kindness - it brings beauty wherever it lands, and you have a beautiful name. Don't ever let anyone tell you different!"

"Wow, that's deep coming from you Arya," Missandei gave her an amused smile.

She just rolled her eyes.

"Besides, having steel grey eyes makes you a bad-ass!"

Seeing eyes same hue of grey as her own always made her think of her aunt Lya. From stories she'd been fed her entire life her aunt sounded like someone you'd definitely want on your team. She died fighting for and defending her family what's more admirable than that? You're my hero, aunty Lya! Wish I'd gotten to know you. Not to mention the person you died for. Think I have any chance of ever meeting him? Is he even still alive? Does he know even know about me?? Thinking about her missing brother always made her emotional. She swallowed.

"No doubt you and your brother over there come from a long line of total bad-asses!" She couldn't stop grinning as she said it.

Missy just shook her in amusement. "Sounds like you feel a bit better now."

She nodded. "Yeah, thanks," a small shy smile on her lips.

"I told you - holding a baby is good for the soul." Missandei gave her one of her signature warm smiles.

She hated to admit it but Missandei was right. She liked coming up to the hospital nursery and just looking at the babies sleeping. It was so calming. Especially if there'd been some difficult cases during her shift. The babies always looked so serene, and because she didn't know anything about them she was free to dream up all kinds of wonderful lives ahead for each of them.

"Why don't you stop by again sometime during the night, if you can, and help feed them again? You like them and the feeling seems to be very much mutual," she winked.

"I can't! This is why I always stay outside."

Missandei gave her a puzzled look.

She sighed. "I only meet people in the ambulance and then later I can ask about their status, but I never really meet them or get to know them. If I did I'd get attached and I don't want to do that because eventually they'll need to leave anyway." Another sigh and she hung her head in defeat. "One time doing this and I'm already getting attached to these little cinnabons! Now I can't make up stories in my head about all the great things they'll do and accomplish in their life."

She looked up at Missandei with big sad eyes, lower lip quivering, she was doing her very best to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill. One way or another people are always lost so what's the point of getting attached? It'll only hurt more later!

Missandei, having placed Amador back in the crib, reached down to collect Adei and place her next to her brother. Having tucked both babies in, the golden eyed woman stopped in front of her. Getting down on her haunches, placing her warm hands on her knees and looked up with an empathetic smile.

"Arya dear, you cannot live your life trying to avoid pain. That'll only cause a different kind of pain. Please don't do that to yourself. You're much too precious to allow yourself to suffer like that." Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry. Keep it together damn it! "All those people you help - you meet them on some of the worst times of their lives - and they'd love to be able to meet you and thank you. Maybe in 10-15 years you'll have inspired a new generation of paramedics because of stories of such meetings. Hmm?"

She couldn't meet Missandei's eyes. If she did she'd break. Arya Stark does not break - if she does it most certainly won't be for anyone to see! Gods! Brave face, Arya, brave face. Brave means you're scared but you do it anyway. I'm not scared. I'm not!! Damn it. She took a deep breathe and nodded slowly.

"But...I can't go see the cinnabon's father. Aggo, Jhogo and Qotho are taking turns at standing guard outside his room. Never seen a patient under that kind of protection!" What in the seven hells is going on?!

"If you ask nicely I'm sure Dany will let you come in."

"Dany! That's another thing. She's basically camping out in there! Why? What's the deal with that? He wasn't that injured. Dr. Lannister told me so himself. Besides Dany's a vet so what would she be doing in there at all?!" She was getting agitated. What the fuck's going and why isn't anyone saying anything?!

"Ok, alright. Let's just go sit outside. We don't want to disturb the sleeping beauties in here," Missandei calmly guided her out into the hallway and sat down on the bench just by the door.

"They had his dog brought up. It was agitated being separated from him. Dany's the only vet it allows close. Is that answer enough for you?" Missandei was cool as a cucumber as always. Being calm was just her thing.

"What about the guards?" She crossed her arms across her chest, eyebrows and chin raised in challenge.

"That I don't have an answer for. You'll have to find out yourself." An amused smile. What's so funny??

"How did you know about that thing about the dog?"

"I asked, my dear." Another amused smile. Why's this funny?!?

"Well, there are plenty more questions to be answered!"

"Here's Viserys, maybe he can help answer some of them for you?" She saw Missandei wave the silver-haired man over from where he was currently talking to someone a few doors down.

She loved Vis like a brother, but sometimes she wondered how he managed to become a certified psychologist. Do you need to be certified crazy first? Takes one to know one kind of thing? Is that how it works? He was currently wearing black dress pants and a red silk shirt. So far so good. Nothing abnormal about that. On his feet and head though. She couldn't help chuckling when she saw him walk down the hallway. Confident as always. On his feet were green elf-shoes with upturned toes and red pom-poms on the tip, the red cuffs had saw-tooth borders with jingle bells hanging from each point. Meaning the bells rang with every step he took. On his head he was wearing a reindeer-headband and to finish off the ensemble was a red foam nose in the middle of the face. Of course all accompanied by his signature teeth-flashing smile.

By his side was Max, Dadvos' big black newfie, also wearing a reindeer headband! Max, and his two brothers Dax a fudge brown goofball and Pax the silver/grey chill one, were all adopted by Dadvos after having spent months at the animal rescue centre run along side the animal hospital downstairs. They had all three been trained as therapy / support dogs and Viserys would often bring them along when he visited the children's wing. They were affectionally known as 'community dogs' because they spent as much time at the hospital as they did with Dadvos.

She was always excited to see Max and is brothers of course. "Yo, rugman! Haven't seen you in a few millennia. Give me some tassel." Max sat down and lifted his right paw up and high-fived her. "Excellent!"

Looking back up at Viserys she laughed more than she wanted to as she said, "Vis take those things off."

"No, I shan't. It's Christmas!" He answered in an adopted posh accent which only made her laugh more. "See, it put a smile on your sour face, so it worked." He flashed her another smile. He shared a look with Missandei as she went back into the nursery chuckling.

"So", he said as he sat down next to her, "tell Santa's elf what's made you such a sour puss today?"

Glaring at him she was trying to decide if she should just tell him immediately or try to fight it like she usually did. This is too important. There's too many questions. Fuck your pride for now, Arya, now's not the time to be stubborn. She took a deep breathe. Ok, here goes.

"Do you know why there are guards outside the door of Snow's room?"

"Ah! Of course! You're much too clever to not have questions about that." He smirked and nodded approvingly. "Well, I do know a little bit but you need to know even I can't tell you all I know. Alright?"

"...yeah I know that." Roadblocks. How typical!

"Good. Now first of all it's Captain Snow to you."

She raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"Yes, he's a military man, Arya." He smiled. It was difficult taking him seriously though with that red nose in the middle of his face. He must've seen her stare at it because he chuckled and took it off. "Better?"

"Much!"

He shook his head slightly. "Secondly, he was a K9 unit and in the military they always keep them together if one gets injured. Explains why Ghost—"

"Ghost?"

"—yes, the dog's name is Ghost."

"Fitting name."

"So I hear." He smiled. "As I was saying, separating them explains why Ghost was so agitated down in his pen. Being in same bed and room as Captain Snow it has become much calmer. Dany's the only vet—

"—the only vet who can touch it. Missandei told me that part," she was proud of managing to say that without sounding too impatient.

Vis chuckled again. "Alright then. Top item on your list was the guards, right?" She nodded. "He was Captain in the Night's Watch until about 3 years ago when he was honourably discharged. Having earned more than one medal of valour."

She sat there staring at him. Eyes and mouth wide open. Holy crap! I helped save the life of a real-life hero?! She couldn't believe it.

"So that's why that other doctor is in his room as well? And why Commander Selmy's here talking to mom and dad and Rhaella almost everyday?"

"Have I ever told you how clever you are?" He winked and smiled at her

"Uhh only every day?" She smiled back

"Good to know you're listening!"

She slapped him on his shoulder, "asshole!" Love you too!

He just laughed out loud and got back up on his feet.

"Want to hop on my back for old time's sake? Fly the dragon down the corridor?" He had turned his back to her slightly and were looking over his shoulder. As a child she loved playing that game with him. She couldn't count the number of times he had run up and down the various hallways of the hospital with her or Dany on his back pretending to be fearsome Targaryen dragons of old!

She couldn't help the grin on her face as she said, "just a short tide then!"

[mmazzeroo]

Chapter 4: JON I - Amador & Adei

@helloimnotawesome - Finally you get to meet Jon :)

JON I - Amador & Adei

"He came back to you."

"Jon always comes back. It's what he does." He could practically hear Sam smiling as he said it.

"And then?"

"Then I patch him back up."

"Every hero needs a Sam." There was a hint of teasing to her voice and gratitude?

Hero?! I'm no bloody hero!! Too tired to open his eyes he just laid there. Listening. To Sam and the lady doctor speaking quietly together. What did she say her name was? He wasn't sure if they were even aware that he was awake - if they were they didn't seem to mind him listening in on their conversation. If they knew though wasn't it rude of them to talk about him like he wasn't there? Who cares, in any case it's rude of me to eavesdrop - but then they could've taken the talk somewhere else, so...

Sam had been telling her about some of the missions beyond the wall. Well, the few headlines he was allowed to disclose anyway. Sam wasn't good at keeping secrets - something he'd always thought utterly ironic since Sam was the medic assigned to his unit in the Night's Watch - and secrets was pretty much what the Night's Watch did exclusively. Secrets ops, black ops, sneaking in and out under the cover of darkness preferably so swift that no one noticed they'd even been there until they were hours away. So far though he'd managed to not spill any secrets to the nice doctor. Well done, lad.

Sam! Gods it was good to see him again! Sam was there yesterday when he woke. Staring back at him with his big round eyes and that little shy smile. He still couldn't speak much so had to settle with mainly being an observer of things going on around him - including being spoken to instead of with. So when Sam had looked at him and said, "Good to see you again Captain Snow. You gave us a bit if a scare there", all he could do was give a weak smile in return. Seeing Sam though, he knew it meant they'd figured out he was from the Night's Watch, and had requested his medical records. Everything about the Night's Watch was classified, so in rare cases like this the medic (if available) that had treated the specific individual would be sent to deliver the redacted records. In reality that meant that the only medical information the hospital would be getting would be whatever Sam gave to them - orally, since the redacted version would most likely be 95% black lines.

At some point a woman doctor had been in. Doctor Martin? Doctor Martle? Doctor Mar-something. Can't wait for my head to stop buzzing like this! Gods! She had been the bearer of...news... Mallandei, oh my sweet Mallandei,  had survived only to see and name their children. A mother's instinct she'd called it. If you say so. Last I saw mine she was getting her throat slit by a man wearing a golden mask! The flip-side to this coin was that their children were healthy and strong, and maybe tomorrow she would have the babies brought down for a little family reunion. Yes please! She had delivered the news to him in a professional and matter-of-fact manner. Something he appreciated. Didn't need or want shit like that sugarcoated. Truth may hurt, but lies cut deeper. Sam had been there the whole time with a hand on his shoulder silently lending his support. He had stayed with him the whole night. Occasionally reading aloud to him.

Later yet another female doctor had showed up. Didn't catch her name either. This time to inform him that she'd been the one who'd treated Ghost and that he too was doing well. Though only one of their veterinarians could really approach him - and she unfortunately wasn't on the night shift. Sam offered to go with her to have a look at Ghost reasoning that knowing each other might help make the dog less agitated. He had dozed off again before Sam returned.

Then in the morning - must've been morning because it was light shining through the blinds, right? Wasn't it sunlight? Shit, my head it fucked right now. Whatever. At some point there had been some whispering and some tiptoeing. Some time later the whispering was back and it sounded like there as an additional voice. He heard and felt the rails being pulled up on the bed. First on the left side where they pulled him closer, and with whispered apologies Sam had carefully turned him slightly on his right side. Then he'd felt something big being placed next to him reaching from his feet up to about his stomach. Then he felt it. The wet snout. Ghost! Sam and, who must've been that vet the other doctor had mentioned, had brought Ghost up here to him and into his bed. Then they had pulled up the rail on the right side as well, safely enclosing the pair in the bed.

Ghost was just as excited about the reunion as he was. The tail was wagging eagerly hitting his legs at a fast pace. He had raised himself up on his elbow to reach the dog's head and give him a big wet kiss right on his forehead. Ghost reciprocated by licking him across his face earning giggling from both sides of the bed. He had tenderly stroked his hand over Ghost's bandages telling him how sorry he was. As usual the dog just looked back at him like he already knew. You always know don't you, boy?

"And our good boy here?" He imagined her nuzzling Ghost on the head.

"He goes where Jon goes."

"Meaning he always comes back as well?"

"I'd like to believe so."

"Hmm, that's a very comforting thought indeed."

Her voice was as warm as her eyes had been for the brief time he'd looked into them. Being reunited with Ghost had overwhelmed him with emotions and the realisation of how he once again had lost someone he loved. Once again murdered. Once again he had been helpless to do anything. Once again he was left alone. I don't deserve a family! Every time I have one or attempt to create one it's taken away. I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy. Why am I not worthy!?! He couldn't have stopped the tears if he wanted to. The broken ribs made it painful to breathe even more so when crying, but the dam had broken. Tears were silent though plentiful and his breathing was laboured.

That's when she had leaned in and tenderly placed her small palms on his cheeks. She softly wiped the tears from his eyes with her thumbs. That's when he noticed her eyes. Purple. Last time I looked into a pair of purple eyes it was only to see a look of absolute horror. These eyes were a little lighter in colour though and there was no hint of fear. Only kindness and warmth. They were calling out to him. For a moment he wanted nothing else but to dive into those eyes and live there forever. They looked like home.

She leaned in closer so her forehead was lightly touching his. He closed his eyes, the intensity of his emotions was too much.

In a firm yet soft voice she said, "I know it doesn't feel like it right now, but everything will be alright. You'll get through this. Ghost will get through this. You have each other and you'll both get through this. Together. Your two little wonders are strong as valerian steel and they'll get through it as well. They have both you and this fierce boy here."

He was struggling to control his breathing. She moved back a bit, giving him space. He clenched his eyes together. Taking a few gasps of air his lungs burning. He felt a hand on his back and turned his head to see Sam offering a glass of water. He glanced over to see Ghost watching them intently.

She continued, "you will all get through this! And, if you'll let us, I'm here and Sam is here. This is not the time to just soldier on and be tough and stubborn. Lean on us as much as you need. Let us be strong for you. Alright?"

She waited for him to respond. Why would she say something like that? She doesn't even know me? Despite himself he felt his head nod in agreement.

"Promise?"

He nodded again.

"Good, very good." She flashed him a smile and shared a look with Sam still standing behind him.

"Now, because I'm currently the only veterinarian Ghost allows to touch him," she raised an eyebrow as she turned her head to look at Ghost, "I can instantly make him a high priority case. That way either Sam or I would be here at all time. Would that be ok with you, Sam?"

Once again she looked over his shoulder to the man he could vividly imagine blinking back at her with big owl-like eyes.

"Uhhh, yes sure, of course. I mean, yes that's fine with me."

"Good." Another smile. "And would it be ok with you as well, Jon?" When did she move her hands from my face to my hands? "Take your time." Another reassuring smile.

He nodded.

"Yeah? You sure?"

He swallowed. Then nodded again.

"Alright, consider it done."

She went over to the door and exchanged a few words with the guard. The bits he could make out sounded Dothrakhi. Well, they do look fierce so by looks alone they'd make a great deterrent for anyone unwanted. Guards! Another 'advantage' of the Night's Watch. Commander Selmy of the Gold Cloaks had stopped by briefly some time between the various doctors, to inform him that a guard was placed outside for his protection. He made it clear they were there to keep others out, not to keep him in. The man that had hit their SUV that fateful night was being investigated for any connections to any known cartels, terror groups etc., to determine if this had been a revenge action for something or if it was 'just an accident'. He had just nodded to indicate his acknowledgement of the information provided to him. 'just an accident', yeah well sometimes shit just happens and this, well this was just shit happening!

So here he was listening to the quiet talk of two of the only people permitted to enter into his room. It was actually quite soothing. Just then Sam was called to the door. More whispering!

"Commander Selmy wants to talk to me. Is it alright with you Dr. Targaryen if I go for a bit?" Dr. Targaryen that was her name! Thanks Sam.

"Yes, of course."

"But before I go there are two here by the door who'd like to come in and meet their daddy," he said with a big smile and pushed in a crib.

Dr. Targaryen was out of the chair in an instant and placed the crib over by the bed. She had a big smile on her lips as she leaned into the crib cooing, "hello, sweetlings. Ready to meet your daddy? He's been wanting to meet you too, yes he has."

Looking over to him she asked, "can you stretch out your right arm? Across the bed?"

He moved around a bit placing his arm as instructed looking like he was holding someone invisible next to him.

Carefully she lifted first one infant from the crib and placed gently in the crook of his arm, then the other. Looking down he saw two small chubby faces. Cinnamon coloured skin and frizzy hair like their mother's.

"Perfect, just like your mama," he was choking again.

At his voice they both looked up blinking. A set of amber coloured eyes peered up at him from underneath a little light green hat, and a set of steel grey eyes from under a light purple hat.

Ghost curiously leaned in to have a little sniff and then gave a small lick their feet.

"This is your pack, Ghost. All here with you now, safe and sound." Dr. Targaryen was stroking him on his head.

She gave his right hand a little squeeze, "Captain Snow, meet your son and daughter: Amador and Adei."