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[wildflower-daydreamer]

Blurring the Lines Between the Real and the Fake - Chapter 8

Chapter 8 - Positano - Day 7

Without tearing his eyes from her, he could sense some of the other girls and some couples dancing near them, their looks flitting toward Jon and Sansa. And this certainly wasn’t something Jon would normally do. But he did not care. Nothing, including his own introverted shyness, would keep him from being this close to Sansa. Nothing would keep him from the chance to receive the look she was giving him, even if it was just for show in front of her friends. You’re getting yourself into trouble, the stupidly practical part of his brain reminded him. This is fake. This. Is. Fake. Jon pushed the thought from his head when he saw Sansa’s glance undeniably land on his lips. He swore he could feel her heavy breath release. He licked his lips. She bit hers in response. 

Read the whole chapter on AO3…

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Blurring the Lines Between the Real and the Fake - Chapter 7

Chapter 7 - Rome - Day 6

“This might be the thing to end whatever evil plan is going on here,” she laughed. “And it really might do you some good to get anything off your chest.” “Ugh, fine. Meet you back in the room in, what, an hour and a half-ish?” Sansa gave him an encouraging smile and a nod. She saw his eyes glance to her lips. With his free hand, Jon went to her cheek, his fingers sliding back into her hair, and kissed her. It was a good kiss. A very good, full kiss. And obviously a show for the waiting Daenerys, scowling at the sight. “See you in just a little bit,” he said, and only then did they let go of each others hand. “Come on, Jon. I know a great little place around the corner with amazing cocktails,” Daenerys declared, discarding her empty glass of wine on a random table and trying unsuccessfully to intertwine her arm in his. Jon pulled his arm from hers and turned to give Sansa a last smile before they exited the hotel. As Sansa watched them leave, Viserys slithered up next to her.

Read the whole chapter on AO3…

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Blurring the Lines Between the Real and the Fake - Chapter 6

Chapter 6 - Rome - Day 5

As he added the picture to his Instagram stories, he thought of how confusing this all must be to his friends back home. But he wasn’t going to worry about it anymore. He had no idea how he was going to deal with the situation when the vacation was over; he’d have to figure out a way to explain everything to everyone who has gotten curious over his sudden proficient use of social media to show off the gorgeous Sansa Stark. Jon didn’t care. He really did feel the need to share her exquisite beauty with the light of the old gods shining upon her. “Yup. Stealing that,” Sansa added when she looked at the picture in his story. “We should probably head back to the hotel to get ready for another fancy dinner,” she said with a slight wince. ”I’m sure it’ll be sufficiently pleasant,” Jon reassured her with a smile as he held his arm out for her to take. Once back in their room, as he came out from his shower, Jon found Sansa, unsurprisingly dressed in the hotel robe, contemplating over outfits in the walk-in closet. “I thought I was sure about what I would be wearing tonight. But now,” she trailed off, her eyes darting back and forth between the dress she had set out earlier and another one she hung next to it. ”The white one,” Jon strongly suggested. She’d look amazing in either one, he knew, But there was something about the white dress. It was goddess-like. And that seemed pretty fitting for how he felt when the light rained down on her. Holy hell, man, calm down. You’re being dramatic, he thought. “Wanna pick out my clothes again?” ”Okay! You look freaking hot in all your suits, so it’s a pretty damn easy job,” she laughed and it was not his turn to feel a warmth surely coloring his face.

Read the whole chapter on AO3…

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Blurring the Lines Between the Real and the Fake - Chapter 5

Chapter 5 - Florence - Day 4

“Yeah, I’m gonna need a selfie,” Sansa grinned at Jon.  “Come on,” he laughed, walking to the rail at the edge. Sansa stood in front of him, her back resting on his chest. Jon draped his arm over her shoulder and held her to him, she held his wrist with her free hand. Sansa aimed her phone and snapped a few pictures. Checking to make sure they were good, she couldn’t help but notice how effortless they looked. Their smiles wide and easy. His arm around her, her hand delicate on his wrist. It made her smile just to look at the pictures. Especially the last one - his lips pressing gently to her temple, her eyes crinkling with her growing smile. ”Ugh, sickeningly sweet.” A passing mutter from Talisa as she and Shae walked by, her voice fading away but still audible. “No couple is that sickeningly sweet unless they’re trying to fabricate a perfect life on social media.”

Read the whole chapter on AO3…

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Snow on the Beach - a Jonsa story

I’m back from a long writing break and trying to jump back in with a little short story! I may be a little rusty but hopefully I work out those kinks soon. Enjoy my little story inspired by Taylor Swift’s Snow on the Beach and by the crazy weather we’ve been having here this weekend.

Snow on the Beach excerpt:

“It’s so beautiful! Super weird. But so beautiful,” Sansa mused. 

They made their way toward the water, stopping when they reached the end of the hail-covered sand with the waves licking at the edge. Another group of surfers were nearby, their boards discarded as a few were trying to make snowballs to throw at each other while another was attempting a snow angel. Elsewhere, a little girl and her dad were building a very tiny snowman. 

Jon watched Sansa take it all in like it was pure magic to her. All he wanted to do was take her in his arms, warm her and hold her as they basked in their surroundings. A bolt of electricity ran through him when her hand accidentally brushed against the back of his. He glanced her way out of the corner of his eye but she obviously didn’t seem to notice the touch. Instead, Sansa backed away. 

(Read the whole fic on AO3…)

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Draw the cat eye, sharp enough to kill a man. You did some bad things, but I'm the worst of them. Sometimes I wonder which one'll be your last lie. They say looks can kill and I might try. I don't dress for women, I don't dress for men. Lately I've been dressing for revenge.

I don't start shit, but I can tell you how it ends.

(Vigilante Shit by Taylor Swift)

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Blurring the Lines Between the Real and the Fake - Chapter 4

Chapter 4 is now up!

Chapter 4 - Florence - Day3

On their way back to the pool, the telltale snobbish voice of Viserys came wafting toward them. "Well, you look sinfully hot, Ms. Stark." They turned to find him and Doreah setting their things down on two nearby chairs. Viserys' eyes were drinking in the length of Sansa. Doreah's glare was shooting daggers at her boyfriend. "Oh, uh, thanks, Viserys," Sansa uncomfortable stammered before diving into the pool. Jon gave his own glare to his ex's brother before joining her. She came closer and draped her arms around his shoulders, her stomach skimming against his under the water, going back into her obvious girlfriend mode. "I'm so sorry," she whispered. "It's perfectly fine," Jon smiled. Maybe a little too fine, he thought, getting goosebumps that were definitely not caused by the heated water.

Read the whole chapter on AO3...

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Blurring the Lines Between the Real and the Fake - a Jonsa story

Welp, after about 10 months of taking a break from writing, I'm finally gonna continue this story I started a while back. I usually like to post my fics only when they're completed. But this has been sitting in my computer for way too long and I'm figuring that posting it as a work-in progress-may help light a fire under my ass to keep writing it.

Blurring the Lines Between the Real and the Fake

Summary: Sansa's lifelong dream has been to visit Italy. Finally, she has a chance to do that with some of her old friends. One thing that lifelong dream never included though - Jon Snow going along with her as her fake boyfriend.

Read the story on AO3...

After the jump, tiny excerpts from the first three chapters...

Chapter 1 - The Plan

"Um. Well," Sansa dropped her eyes down to her cup of coffee and fiddled with the straw. "I kinda need you to pretend you're my boyfriend." The silence was deafening. After a few moments, Sansa risked looking up at him. His face looked perplexed, brows knitted together and mouth partially fallen open. "I know. I'm so sorry to ask this of you. I ran into Margaery and she was just showering me in fake pity about my breakup with Harry, telling me he was still coming and bringing his girlfriend that he cheated on me with. It's like they all expected me to back out of the trip because of it. But fuck that. So I was stupid and confidently told her I'll be bringing my new boyfriend. Even though I don't have one. So now I'm an idiot and need to find a fake boyfriend. Or not show up with one and look like a loser. Or worse, not go." "First of all, don't call yourself an idiot, you're not. What dates should I be asking off of work?" "June 15th through July 1st," Sansa said with a cringe. "This year? Sansa, that's in one week." "I know. This is super last minute. I'm so sorry." "Let me see what I can do. I'll let you know as soon as I find out about work." "Thank you, Jon."

Chapter 2 - Venice - Arrival and Day One

Eventually, they found their way back to The Gritti Palace. The jet lag and lack of sleep on the flights was starting to wear on him as they entered the elevator. He still needed to jot down some notes from the day in the notebook he used for his writing ideas. As he was in the middle of debating on whether he should do that or shower first, the elevator doors opened to their floor and a voice caught him off guard. Sansa quickly taking a hold of his hand, even more so. He automatically straightened up as they exited onto their floor. "Sansa! I'm so glad you made it here!" Margaery Tyrell stood in front of them, apparently waiting for the elevator to come up, dressed in expensive looking workout attire, hair perfectly styled and face full of makeup. "Hello, Margaery," Sansa said politely. "And Jon Snow! So this is your mystery boyfriend, darling?" Margaery asked with great interest. "How are you, Margaery?" Jon asked.

Chapter 3 - Venice - Day Two

Sansa once again picked out Jon's outfit for the evening. She liked that he trusted her on that. It didn't hurt that he completely kills it in the slim-fitted attire he brought for these fancier outings. This time, she chose the navy pants and a crisp, white dress shirt. As he buttoned up the shirt in front of the mirror, Sansa caught herself gazing a little too long at the view and quickly turned to the bathroom to change. She donned a delicate, floral dress that made her think of an Italian summer when she first saw it while shopping for the trip. Slipping into heels, Sansa took Jon's awaiting arm and they headed toward the elevator. He had expertly rolled up his sleeves, her hand now resting on his bare forearm. She didn't know why she found that so captivatingly sexy. It's just a fucking arm, she told herself.

[wildflower-daydreamer]

My Heart is Dancing to a November Tune

Hi everyone! If it makes it easier, here is a master list of my November drabbles that were inspired by @creativepromptsforwriting November prompt list. I grouped them together on AO3 under the title My Heart is Dancing to a November Tune (title taken from The Avett Brothers' song November Blue).

Day 1 - Crisp Air ///// Day 2 - Memories ///// Day 3 - Tea Time

Day 4 - Rainy ///// Day 5 - Carriage Ride ///// Day 6 - Star Gazing

Day 7 - Mysterious ///// Day 8 - Early Sunsets ///// Day 9 - Historic

Day 10 - Cozy ///// Day 11 - Shooting Star ///// Day 12 - Gloomy

Day 13 - Cuddling ///// Day 14 - Scarecrow ///// Day 15 - Gratefulness

Day 16 - Stellar Constellation ///// Day 17 - Blanket ///// Day 18 Rainboots

Day 19 - Hugs ///// Day 20 - Mist ///// Day 21 - Fireplace

Day 22 - Steaming Mugs ///// Day 23 - Wind ///// Day 24 - Puddles

Day 25 - Moonlight ///// Day 26 - Thanksgiving ///// Day 27 - Grey Sky

Day 28 - Smoke ///// Day 29 - Apple Cider ///// Day 30 - Lanterns

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Lanterns - november drabbles - day 30

Day 30 of @creativepromptsforwriting November prompt list.

I did it! I finished the little challenge I set forth for myself...two days later than I planned but at least I finished it. Thanks to all of you who followed along on my adventure!

A little continuation of the time travel/Outlander-inspired drabble from day 25 (Moonlight).

Jon exited the Great Hall with a torch and strode across the courtyard as the sun dipped behind the castle walls. He came to the entrance of the godswood, placing the flame of his torch against the lantern that lit the entryway. Stepping inside the woods, he could still make out the long line of lanterns that edged the path running through the trees. Not long after she left, Jon had commissioned these from the blacksmith. Hanging from branches, Jon lit the many lanterns every night to light the way in case she returned in the dark, just as she had first appeared to him.

Sansa disappeared from his side one year ago this very night. His people were kind, not bothering him with much responsibility that day, just letting him be in his brooding silence. They knew how much he missed her. They all missed her and wondered if she would ever return to them. Jon, in his ultimate sadness, had vaguely told everyone that she had to return south on a pressing matter. They couldn’t know the truth, that she came from the very unthinkably far future. Even with the shoddy excuse he gave them, they never questioned why he would line the godswood with lanterns from the heart tree to the courtyard.

Jon lit each as he stepped further along. Memories of their time together clouded his mind. Bittersweet, he both couldn’t help but smile softly while tears crowded his eyes. He had felt so lonely before she arrived, asking the ancient heart tree to bring him someone to ease his loneliness. And that one fateful night, it happened. Just as he turned to walk back to the castle, leaves crunched behind him. He looked back and found Sansa standing there, her hand on the bark and wearing the strangest clothing. But it was known that his cousin had died while with the Lannisters. He thought he was looking at her ghost, come home after all this time. However, when he embraced her, he found her to be very real. She had the most bizarre story that Jon’s rational mind didn’t want to accept, he tried to believe she was just insane, but deep down he knew what she was saying was true. Her accent was one he had never heard, her clothes were outlandish, and her mannerisms even more so. But her name was Sansa Stark. And when she stood next to the portrait of his long-gone family, she looked the very image of his cousin. Knowing the Lannisters would come after her if his cousin was believed to be alive, Jon and this familiar stranger came up with an inconspicuous name and background for her.

They tried to figure out how to get her back to her own time. She went to the tree every day and every night for a few weeks, but it never brought her back home. He was fascinated with her and her story. She’d tell him things that happen in the future and it was far more than he could possibly imagine. They were in each other’s company day in and day out, a bond started to form between them, an attraction grew. They were both unsure, but neither could deny the feeling. The attraction bloomed into affection. The affection became love. He noticed that it had been quite some time since she ran to the tree to see if it would take her home. She made a life there with him and adapted well to his time. He asked her to be his wife and they wed at night in front of the tree where they had first found each other. As a wedding gift, he commissioned a portrait of them. He apologized that he couldn’t give her a picture as she had described to him. She laughed and kissed him sweetly, insisting the portrait was perfect.

One of their nightly rituals was to stroll through the woods, if the weather permitted. They would relax by the heart tree and hot springs, basking in their peaceful privacy with arms wrapped around each other and stolen kisses. Traveling through the tree wasn’t even a thought to them anymore. They figured she had just belonged here with him and the tree brought her there to fulfill that fate. But that unsuspecting night proved differently. They leaned against the tree as they so often did, and she disappeared. He went back every night and fruitlessly waited, trudging back to his chambers alone and heartbroken. The lanterns went up, just in case she needed to find her way back in the dark.

Jon lit the last flame and closed the lantern. He stood in front of the tree and sighed. “Please. Bring her back.”

Turning, he made his way back out, his shoulders hunched as they did on these nights. Just as he was about to enter the castle, the sound of crunching leaves caught his attention. He froze as he listened. It sounded like quick steps growing closer.

“Jon.” It was a gasp. Her voice. He spun around and found her at the entrance of the woods. He held his breath as he ran to her, refusing to believe she wasn’t just a fantastical vision of his wishful thinking. But when he pulled her into his embrace, she was just as real as when she first turned up at the tree.

“Sansa? It’s really you, my love?”

“Yes. I made it back to you.” As she pulled away, her cheeks were wet with tears that ran over the corners of her smile. It was then that Jon noticed she held a bundle of cloth in her arms. He gently moved the fabric out of the way; a babe stirred awake within it. “Jon, this is your daughter. Lyanna. For your mother.”

Tears flowed from his eyes as she filled his arms with the child. He gazed at the wee thing with a love he had never felt before.

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Apple Cider - november drabbles - day 29

Day 29 of @creativepromptsforwriting November prompt list.

Oh. Oh goodness, that man is hot, Sansa thought to herself as the Stark family gathered around the owner of the ranch. He was ruggedly handsome with his dark hair and stubble, the sleeves of his flannel shirt pushed up to bare his forearms, his jeans fit wonderfully to his body, and his dark eyes that were warm and kind. He wasn’t the type of guy that Sansa was usually drawn to - the city boys who wore expensive suits and probably didn’t know how to change a tire on their fancy cars. But the magnetic attraction she felt at the sight of this man was undeniable.

Her mom loved planning seasonal family get-togethers. This fall, Catelyn decided on the Black Crow Ranch for apple picking and other apple related activities. At first, Sansa was annoyed by this, especially since she was missing brunch with her friends downtown. But that had been pushed to the back of her mind now.

He introduced himself as Jon Snow and went into a whole spiel of what they were going to do for the day. First up was the apple orchard, where rows of trees grew a multitude of different apple varieties. They each grabbed an empty bushel and went to work picking apples. Robb tried corralling his two little boys, Catelyn closely inspected each apple to make sure it was perfect before she plucked it from the branch, and Arya and Rickon unsurprisingly made it a competition. Sansa chuckled to herself as she watched her family.

“You guys seem like a fun lot,” his deep, gravelly voice appeared at her side.

“We can be pretty entertaining.”

“You’re Sansa, right?”

“That would be me.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sansa.” His smile was absolutely handsome. He stuck out his hand and she shook it, feeling herself become more smitten. As he taught her which apples were the best to pick, they fell into conversation. Between talk of his ranch and her work and life downtown, time slipped by rather quickly and everyone’s bushels were full.

Next up was making their own caramel apples. Jon took them over to the beautiful, white farmhouse where stations for dipping apples were set up outside. He introduced them to Sam, who showed them how to do it. While Jon checked in with each Stark to see how they were fairing, Sansa noticed that he often came back to her. She felt excitement whenever he came near. He showed her how he makes his favorite, dipping it in caramel, rolling it in a nut mixture, and drizzling it with some dark chocolate. She tried her hand at making her own concoction and they laughed at how messy and unattractive it turned out.

After wrapping up their caramel apples, they went to the next station where a contraption sat to make freshly pressed apple cider. Jon demonstrated it for them and they each took turns spinning it while Robb’s boys threw apples in. Sansa could feel her cheeks flush when Jon’s hand touched hers on the press. They shared small smiles before turning their attention back to the machine. Bottling up their fresh cider, they moved on.

Taking a break from apple-related activities, Jon grabbed a bag of carrots and took them to the horse stable. He introduced them to each horse and they fed them carrots. Sansa marveled at the stark white horse, aptly named Ghost. They took turns going for a ride around the corral with some of them; the boys looked adorable on their little ponies. Jon seemed to reserve Ghost just for Sansa. She loved the feel of his touch on her as he helped her up onto the steed. And when he helped her down, his hand went to her lower back to steady her, letting it linger there while they shared another flirtatious look.

Lastly, it was time to eat. They passed a gorgeous olive tree grove, a lavender field that unfortunately wasn’t in bloom yet, and a pretty pond. They headed to a picnic area, a grassy expanse next to a huge oak tree that was supposedly 1000 years old. Rustic picnic tables and blankets were set up there with a barbecue area off to the side. Manning the smokers and grills was Tormund, who loaded up their plates with scrumptious smelling meats. Scooping up some sides, they sat at the tables where Ned insisted Jon join them so he could talk his ear off with questions about running the ranch. As they finished their meal, they scattered a bit in the grassy area, playing the lawn games that were set out or lounging on the blankets. Sam came out with apple cider donuts and a freshly made pie that he made from apples they picked. Grabbing a pie and some donuts, Sansa sat on a blanket.

“Mind if I join you?” Jon asked. Sansa looked up at him with a smile and patted the spot next to her. He took a seat and handed her a cup of hot apple cider. The sun was starting to set and the air was getting cooler, the warmth from the cup was a welcomed effect. She took a sip and the delicious drink warmed her even more.

“So I heard you telling my dad you guys do a Christmas festival here. Maybe we can come to that too,” Sansa suggested. She noticed the smile grow on his face.

“That would be great. You all have been wonderful company today.”

They took a few more sips of their ciders in a comfortable silence.

“Actually, I was wondering if maybe I can have your number?”

“I was hoping you might give me your phone number?”

They said it at the same time and they both laughed shyly.

“Yes, you can definitely have my number,” Sansa said.

“Could I take you to dinner sometime?” Jon asked.

“That’s another ‘definitely’.” They smiled at each other and sipped more apple cider.

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Smoke - november drabbles - day 28

Day 28 of @creativepromptsforwriting November prompt list.

So. I'm still a tiny bit behind on my drabbles....but almost done!

Jon breathed in the smoky scent as he woke up. Keeping his eyes closed, he smiled and buried his nose further into the fiery red hair that wore that scent well. A tiny, sleepy moan came from her as his arm pulled her in closer so that her back was flush against his chest.

“Good morning,” Sansa whispered, taking his hand that draped over her and bringing it up to her lips for a kiss. “Mmmm. Your skin tastes smoky,” she smiled.

It was a very good morning. And the previous night was unexpectedly great as well. Their bonfire was as huge as always. Their group of friends wound around it in catching-up conversations. These bonfires had become an annual tradition over the years. They had all scattered around Westeros after graduating from Winterfell High. But, during Thanksgiving break, they would all come back home to visit their families. On those Saturday nights, before everyone left town the following day, the friends met up at their old bonfire spot and had a big gathering. It always felt like nothing had changed, inside jokes and old laughs filled the air, their favorite cheap drinks from their teen years filled their hands. Even with most of them done with college, and Jon and a few others moved back into town, they still continued their tradition.

It was there, through the haze of smoke lifting from the fire, that he saw Sansa. Her head tilted back in a hearty laugh. He wished he could be the one to make her laugh like that, like he used to. He wished he could be the reason to make her smile again. It had been three years exactly since they broke up. His heart still felt a little clench whenever he remembered it. They both moved away, accepted to their dream universities. They were so happy for each other and they tried to make their relationship work. Busy schedules led to missed phone calls and video chats, increases in intensive schoolwork meant less opportunities to visit home at the same time. Eventually, they had to have the difficult talk of the future of their relationship. Through a lot of tears, they ended it. The sound of Sansa whispering the last “I love you” with the most gentlest of kisses would haunt Jon still after all this time.

Throughout the night, he had to keep tearing his eyes away from her and did his best to focus on catching up with friends. But, towards the end of the night, he found himself alone standing in front of the fire. That’s when Sansa sidled up next to him.

“Hey, stranger,” she smiled at him. It was then that Jon knew, for an absolute fact, that he still loved her.

The first bonfire after their break up had been incredibly awkward, they obviously were trying to avoid each other. The second one, just last year, had been a little better. They smiled hellos, how are yous, and goodbyes. But it didn’t get much further than that. This year, Jon didn’t really know what to expect. Their conversation started out a bit shy and slightly guarded, but it gradually warmed into something much more comfortable. By the time that everyone else had left and they were the only two who remained, it was like the last three years of separation had never happened. A silly, fluttery feeling filled him when she reached out a hand and grasped his arm as she laughed at some story he told her. His breath would catch each time their eyes met and she gave a smile that was so reminiscent of the ones she would give when they flirted before dating.

As they put out the fire and watched the smoke fill the night sky, the back of her hand brushed against his. His fingers wound their way to the palm of her hand and she entwined her fingers with his. They turned their faces toward one another and smiled.

“So, I graduate in May,” she mentioned.

“Any plans for afterward?” he asked.

“I have a job lined up over in White Harbor, actually.”

“Oh, that’s good. You’ll only be a half hour away,” Jon said, trying to stifle an obvious smile before quickly adding, “from your family here.”

“Yup. From my family.”

Jon could see her smiling from the corner of his eye. They both knew what they were leading to and one of them had to break. Jon didn’t mind being the one to do it. “And from me.”

“And from you.” She turned her body to him and he followed suit. She wore a shy smile. “Jon, do you think we could start over? If you’re even interested. I’m sure you’ve moved on in these years but I honestly don’t think I have. I know it’s pathetic. But I hadn’t stopped loving you, even though I tried to make myself believe I did.” She was starting to ramble fast with nerves.

“Sansa,” Jon gently interjected. “That’s not pathetic at all. At least, not to me. I never stopped loving you either. There is no one like you. And yes, I so badly want to try again with you.”

The grin that he longed to put upon her face appeared. She draped her arms around his shoulders and inched closer to him. Replacing the memory of their salty tear-stained last kiss was this familiar yet new one. Their lips cracked into smiles against one another before continuing on. Sansa followed him home and he led her by the hand to his bed. Clothes were shed and they remembered each other’s favorite sensitive spots as if a day hadn’t gone by.

It was time to finally get out of bed that morning, Jon was driving Sansa to the airport. As she showered, he gathered their clothes, scattered about. The smell of smoke was soaked into them and he smiled, never having been more grateful for their annual bonfire.

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Grey Sky - november drabbles - day 27

Day 27 of @creativepromptsforwriting November prompt list.

Sansa stood, tall and solemn, on Winterfell’s battlements. Looking up, she noted the grey of the cloudy sky was a perfect match to the Stark banners that hung from the castle walls. The sky paired well with the grey walls and pure white snow that covered the ground. Everything that surrounded her were in shades of grey and white. Stark colors in Stark land. It filled her with strength as she watched the ever long lines of the foreign army march through the winter town and toward the castle. Wariness grew within her as that army crept closer. However, the one person she longed to see rode with them and the thought of him kept that wariness at bay.

Loud screeches sounded. The whoosh of large wings approached and two great beasts flew over the castle. Anger filled her as she watched one fly directly above her. Was it a threat? A warning to appease this queen or else her dragons would destroy her home? Whatever it meant, it was a show of force that Sansa did not appreciate. Jon may have bent the knee to her but that did not mean Sansa had to trust her in the slightest. As the head of the line neared the castle gate, she took a deep breath and headed down to the courtyard to wait with the rest of her people.

They rode in, tall on their horses. The sight of Jon warmed her in the chill. The happiness he wore to see Bran again made her smile. And when he turned his eyes to her, her heart clenched wonderfully. Opening her arms to accept him in, they embraced. It would have been perfect if not for her eyes flickering to the queen that stood behind him. Annoyance rose in Sansa to see her in her grey and white fur coat, colors that were not reserved for Daenerys Targaryen.

---

Jealousy. Sansa was jealous. She realized it and she hated the taste of it on her tongue. How could she be jealous of this queen and her power? Sansa didn’t want to be queen, she didn’t want to rule Westeros. All she wanted was Winterfell and the North to be free. But this was undeniable jealousy. She knew they needed all the help they could muster when the Night King arrived, and surely the number of the Targaryen army and her fiery beasts wouldn’t hurt. But something within Sansa kept her from accepting the beautiful blond woman. Of course, part of it was the veiled threats the queen voiced when Sansa merely worried about how to feed everyone, including ravenous dragons. But what she couldn’t see was that unwillingness and that jealousy stemmed from something deep within her heart that she hadn’t understood yet.

That is, until Jon and Bran told the Stark sisters the truth of Jon’s parentage. Thoughts flew through her mind as they spoke. Jon is a Targaryen, but he still had Stark blood. He is the rightful king of Westeros, but she only wanted him to remain in the North. He was not her brother, but only a cousin. That last revelation pushed her full understanding. She now looked at Jon in a whole new light.

As Arya pushed Bran back to the castle, she and Jon stood in place. The grey sky would be growing dark soon and it would be best to escape the terrible cold that appeared with the black of night. But she didn’t care. She wanted to remain in the quiet godswood, alone with him. She looked upon his face. It wore a look she didn’t know how to interpret but figured it was apprehension on what she would say about the news.

“I’ve already asked you once if you bent the knee for the North or for love. You never gave me your answer,” Sansa started.

“I thought you knew it already.”

“What I knew is that you were with her.”

“I thought you would be proud of me for playing a political game.”

“Not that kind of political game,” she huffed ruefully. “You still haven’t clearly answered.”

“You know I did it for the North. I also did it for love. But not for any love for her. I do not love her.” Jon’s voice was as firm as ever.

“Love for the North.” Sansa gave a nod, believing and accepting his answer. Relief overwhelmed her.

Jon’s brows scrunched, like he was frustrated with her. “Yes. For the North alone,” he said unconvincingly with a shake of his head.

“What?”

“Nothing, Sansa. Now, can you tell me why you have been so cold to the queen that has come to help us?”

“Well, that’s easy. She makes veiled threats as effortlessly as she takes a breath.”

“You were cold to her the moment she walked in the gate and she spoke kind words to you.”

“Women can tell when we’re fake. She was fake. And to be honest, I was feeling a bout of jealousy.”

“Jealous that she’s queen and I’ve bent they knee for the North to her?”

“Yes, that.” It was as unconvincing as he had been.

“Tell me.” His voice was softer now, a plea hidden within it. His eyes, which never strayed from hers as soon as they were left alone, grew gentle and tender. He knew she was hiding something just as he seemed to be. He stepped closer to her.

Sansa swallowed. “I was jealous she has you, Jon,” she defeatedly sighed.

“She does not truly have me. I promise you that. She does not have my heart and she never will.”

“How could you know that?”

“Because someone else has had the honor of having it.” Jon gently grasped her hand and brought it to his chest. “Sansa. It’s been yours since the moment I saw you arrive at Castle Black.”

Sansa’s lips broke into a smile. Yes, she definitely understood her feelings now.

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Thanksgiving - november drabbles - day 26

Day 26 of @creativepromptsforwriting November prompt list.

“Why didn’t we just take two cars?” Jon laughed, slumping down in his seat.

“Because we’re idiots who like to make things harder on ourselves,” Sansa answered with a sigh.

“Like how we got together and kept it secret from the people who are closest to us and have kept that secret for far too long and now it’s going to be insanely awkward to tell those people?” he rambled.

“Exactly.” She gathered her purse and the baking dish of sweet potato casserole. “So, just wait ten minutes and then come to the door like you’ve just arrived.” Sansa fisted his shirt and pulled him toward her, placing a kiss on his lips.

“Mmmmm. Ten minutes.” He watched as she headed into her parents’ house. He already couldn’t wait to get his hands on her when they were done with the Stark family Thanksgiving dinner.

The plan was to tell them all tonight. It seemed like the best idea ever when they came up with it. Now, as he sat waiting, he thought otherwise. He worried about the Starks not approving of him. Sure, they all loved Jon and treated him as family since he was little. But that had nothing to do with him dating their daughter and sister, teasingly yet affectionately called the Stark princess.

After ten minutes, he knocked on the front door and fell into the embraces of the family he adored. He and Sansa had gotten their act down well, considering how long they had been doing it. They just had to continue their aloofness toward one another that they always had throughout the years. While he was always close to her family, she was the exception, either they were distant or they would frustrate one another. That frustration somehow turned into a simmering tension. One night, they had been in a heated discussion after a family barbeque  and it ended with them gazing at each other with hard breaths. It was like they could actually feel the electric force between them. Eyes flickered to lips, those lips slicked with the swipe of a tongue. They didn't realize how close they were to one another until their arms brushed together. A gasp from Sansa. Jon's hand upon her waist. The corners of her lips curled into a kittenish smile as they leaned in to meet in a kiss. It all took just a mere moment, but it felt like slow motion. Once they felt that heated touch, their kisses grew more frenzied and hands grasped at clothing in the attempt to meld their bodies together. The tension between them was finally released. Secret hook ups turned into secret dates. And, now, their secret relationship had been going on ten months.

They sat apart at the dinner table. Passing around the platter of turkey and all the scrumptious side dishes, their eyes consistently found each other. Catelyn asked about the love lives of her children, including Jon of course. He and Sansa desperately tried to stop the impulse to look at one another when the question was turned to them and they lied. After overstuffing themselves with delicious homemade pies, the kids helped clear the table. Finding themselves alone for just a moment as everyone else was in the kitchen or the living room, Jon reached out and gave a squeeze to Sansa’s rear.

“Jon!” she squeaked, smiling, putting her hands on his shoulders and drawing him close.

“I can’t help how much my hands want to be on you.”

Her hand grazed down his body and her fingers flitted over the bulge of his jeans. “Neither can I.” Jon stifled a groan. “But we can’t get caught like this. We have to tell them first.” Sansa shook a finger at him playfully as she stepped away. They jumped back into the task of stacking some dirty plates as Robb walked in and grabbed some of the casserole dishes.

“Maybe we should wait until a normal, non-holiday time to tell them?” Jon suggested under his breath when Robb left the room. Sansa gave him a questioning look. “I’m worried we’d ruin this lovely night. What if they don’t want me with you?”

“Jon. They love you and you know that.“

“I’m just worried.”

She smiled at him warmly from across the table. “We can wait.”

After everything had been cleaned, the family lounged in the living room and sipped on coffee and hot chocolate. Jon and Sansa sat on the couch, making sure to keep a spot open between them, and Arya plopped down in that place. Ned started off with their tradition of everyone stating what they’re thankful for that year. Going around the room, it became Jon’s turn. In truth, he would have gladly said he was thankful for Sansa, but he couldn’t well do that. Instead, he lamely used his dog Ghost as what he was most thankful for. Next up was Arya, she pretended to ponder hers for so long that Sansa almost went in her stead. But just as she opened her mouth to do so, Arya spoke up.

“Well, I guess what I’m most thankful for is my dear sister’s relationship with our beloved Jon.” A mischievous grin was planted on her face. Jon felt his breath leave him and he could hear Sansa’s gasp just on the other side of Arya.

A moment of silence was broken by Rickon’s whine. “No fair! Arya, that’s cheating!”

“Um. What?” Sansa asked.

“We all placed bets on when the news of you two would finally break,” Bran explained.

“Yeah, and the dates of everyone’s bets passed except mine, which would be today. So none of you could have won anyways!” Arya argued.

“You don’t win either. You can’t force their reveal, it was in the rules,” Robb pointed out.

“He’s right, no one wins,” Ned declared.

“You all knew?” Sansa exclaimed. “And you bet on it?”

“Of course we knew. You guys aren’t as stealthy as you thought,” Catelyn laughed.

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Moonlight - november drabbles - day 25

Day 25 of @creativepromptsforwriting November prompt list.

Sorry! Went out of town for a Thanksgiving trip, so I'm a little behind.

I probably shouldn't have chosen this kind of a story to turn into a drabble, but *shrugs* oh well! And yes, I happened to be watching an Outlander marathon when I wrote this...

Their tour wound through the Great Hall of the castle, portraits of the lords of past lined the walls. When they exited out into the courtyard, Sansa could hear a sigh in the wind. When she brought it up, their tour guide happily explained it was just one of the many ghosts that resided in Winterfell. Sansa found that rather cheesy but she was happy to be there. While researching and planning for this trip, she found this castle that was associated with her family name. A line of Starks had been the lords of Winterfell about a thousand years prior. War took the Starks from their castle and it moved on to different lords over time until it became just a tourist attraction. Immediately, she fell in love with the pictures and made sure it was added to their vacation itinerary.

The guide led them to a wooded area that sat within the walls of Winterfell. As they stepped on crunchy leaves, he told them of the complicated history of Lord Snow. Once thought to have been born a bastard, he was actually the secret child of an equally secret legitimized union between the crowned prince and a Stark daughter. He was raised by his uncle, the Lord Stark of Winterfell, not knowing his true parentage until he was older. He defeated the horrible family who had taken the castle from the Starks in their time of weakness, becoming the new lord of the castle and having a long, glorious reign that continued with a line of successors.

When they reached the middle of the woods, a large white tree stood with blood red leaves. A face was carved into it, red sap dripping from the cuts like tears. The guide spoke of the mythical history of the tree and the hot springs next to it. As their group moved on, Sansa stayed, staring at the face. She had heard the sigh again. It was rough, frustrated, and lonely. She whispered a finger along the length of its jagged mouth. There was a weird sense of familiarity there. Placing a palm on the bark, she felt a warmth that didn’t match the cold weather. Her eyes blinked. But when they reopened, the sunlight had disappeared, replaced by the dark of night. She froze as she looked up to find a bright moon, light from it filtered through the leaves above her. It was silent - the guide’s voice, her family’s questions, the birds chirping in the branches were gone. But in an instant, that silence was filled with a huff of breath.

“Sansa?” Whirling around, she saw a man standing behind her. In the moonlight, his face was equally shocked, confused, and relieved. His clothing was medieval and a sword sat at his hip. She had just seen a portrait of him. This man looked insanely like the Lord Snow. “They said you had died.” He rushed to her. Sansa knew she should feel fear at a strange man in strange clothes with a sword running at her. But she didn’t. He engulfed her in his arms, holding tight. It felt right. “What on earth are you wearing?” he asked, holding her at arms length, bewildered by her jacket, jeans, and shoes.

---

A few years passed. At first, she tried getting back to her own time. Nothing worked, the tree was always cool to the touch. Jon Snow had believed she was a his cousin Sansa (her dad always said it was a family name), who was said to have died while in the enemy’s hands during the war. In the Great Hall, a family portrait hung and a girl who looked just like her sat within it. When she couldn’t convincingly act like a woman of that time period, she told him the truth of where she was from. He thought she had gone insane but she was able to convince him in time. Jon took her in and she went by the name Alayne Stone, an inconspicuous bastard name to keep any prying eyes away from a suddenly reborn Sansa Stark.

Over those years, love grew between them. Unsure, at first, due to their strange situation. However, that love became undeniable. Sansa made a life there with him. They married in front of the tree, glowing with the light of the moon, and she became the lady of Winterfell.

But, one fateful evening, they took one of their usual walks through the woods. Taking a seat on the ground, side by side with their backs against the tree, they snuggled together in front of the hot spring. Suddenly, a warmth spread across her back. Instinctively, Sansa reached her hand back and felt the bark, warm to the touch again. She looked up at the moon, and with a blink of her eyes, it had turned into a powder blue sky. Jon’s arm disappeared from around her shoulders, he was gone from her side. There were a few people in modern day clothing walking about the woods.

A sense of crushing heartbreak filled her. Sansa got up and rushed to the castle. Finding a tour guide, who looked perplexed by her costume, she asked about Lord Jon’s wife in a rushed tone. He took her into the castle library, explaining a fire had once destroyed many portraits in the castle. Only two of Jon Snow had survived, the one Sansa first saw on the tour and another preserved in the library. Jon could just be made out, sitting stoically. But by his side sat a figure. All but burned away, Sansa could only see her flaming red hair and one blue eye. ‘Lord Jon and Lady Alayne Snow’ was inscribed at the bottom.

Sansa ran back to the woods and stood in front of the tree. She pushed her palm against it but found it to be as cool as the air around her. “How do I get back?” she whispered to both herself and the tree.

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Puddles - november drabbles - day 24

Day 24 of @creativepromptsforwriting November prompt list

Brilliant red hair swished side to side in front of him. Jon had only been walking behind her for the length of a block, but it was mesmerizing. The dark green umbrella she held over her head only made her hair stand out even brighter. He wasn’t trying to be a creep and follow her, she just happened to be walking in the same direction as him. And after the long day he had, that pop of red was enough to instill cheer on this dreary weather.

The rain had been relentless all day. He had watched it fall nonstop from the dark gray sky as he sat at his desk. And now his walk from his office building to the subway station was littered with puddles. He tried dodging some but it was a bit difficult with the crowded after-work traffic on the sidewalks. Admittedly, he walked through a few because his eyes had been drawn to that hair. An intersection laid up ahead, the crosswalk sign had just turned to red. If she was continuing to go straight, she’d stop at the light and Jon hoped to maybe get a glimpse of her face. If it was anything as pretty as her hair, he knew he’d be done for. Instead of heading to the right or left, she came to a halt at the curb. As Jon sidled up next to her (not too close, don’t want to be a weirdo), he observed the humongous puddle that laid out before them. The drainage must have been blocked up; near as tall as the curb and extending far into the street, there was no dodging this one. He did he best to nonchalantly turn his head toward the mystery woman. But rather than getting a glimpse of her face, he noticed the taxi barreling toward the intersection. Jon knew exactly what was going to happen next. Without another thought, he stepped out in front of her and lowered his umbrella like a shield. The taxi stormed past, its tires creating a tidal wave out of the puddle. His umbrella took the brunt of the splash, but his pant legs were now soaked from the knees down.

“Oh my goodness!” her voice sounded behind him. Jon turned and saw her shocked reaction.

“I’m so sorry. I saw the taxi coming and the puddle. Your coat looks really nice, it would be a shame to have it ruined. I didn’t mean to intrude,” he rambled, his hand nervously on the back of his neck.

“No! Don’t apologize! That was so nice of you. Thank you!” she smiled. Her stunning face and piercing blue eyes disarmed him. “I’m so sorry that your pants are wet now.”

“Oh it’s nothing, the rain had already made them damp enough as it is,” he laughed.

The crosswalk signal had turned green, but they still stood there, the crowds moving around them to cross. “Still, I’m sorry! And you’re right about my coat, it’s the nicest one I have and it would have sucked if it got ruined,” she smiled and held her hand out. “I’m Sansa, by the way.”

“Jon,” he answered, shaking her hand.

“Well, Jon. Do you have anywhere to be right now? I would love to buy you a drink to show my appreciation.”

“Nope, just got off work and heading home. But you truly don’t need to do that.”

The look she gave him was playfully stern and tried to hide a smile. “Let me. Please?”

“I could go for a drink right now,” he smiled.

“Great! I’m new to the city, is there anywhere around here that you would recommend?”

“Actually, the one right there is pretty good,” Jon said, pointing to the bar a couple of stores away from them. They entered and settled in, placing their order with the bartender. “So, you said you’re new here?”

“I recently moved from California. I’m staying with my friend until I find a place, thankfully she has plenty of room to spare.”

“Did you move here for work?“

“Yeah, more opportunities over here. I have a few interviews lined up and I was actually just leaving one when you saved me. Hence my nicest coat and heels, which was rather stupid of me considering the weather today, but I wanted to look my best.”

“Well you do look quite nice,” Jon said and took a drink to hide his awkwardness. To her credit, she smiled warmly.

“That was very much a chivalrous act you did back there. I was warned so much about moving here, how everyone is rude and couldn’t care less about the people around them. I haven’t been here long but you sure are disproving those warnings.”

“It just seemed like the right thing to do in the moment,” he shrugged. “And I’m not really from here, I’m from Washington. But I’ve lived in Manhattan for about six years.”

“Did it take long to get used to the transition?”

Jon and Sansa continued to talk, drinks sipped slowly, a second round ordered, and eventually they walked out of the bar laughing like old friends. “So where are you headed?” Jon asked, not wanting their time together to end.

“My friend’s place is just a couple more blocks up the street. Care to walk with me? Maybe save me from more rogue puddle splashes, my knight in shining armor?” she teased.

“It would be a pleasure, my lady.”

“So, my friend Margaery’s schedule is usually pretty full. I imagine you might be able to show me around town just as well though,” Sansa hinted with a smile.

“I certainly could.”

“Good. What’s your number?” she asked, pulling out her phone.

After they said good bye, Jon headed to the subway station. Throughout the ride home, he couldn’t get rid of his smile. And that smile grew into a bigger grin when he received a text from her as he walked into his apartment.

[wildflower-daydreamer]

Wind - november drabbles - day 23

Day 23 of @creativepromptsforwriting November prompt list.

The white raven has arrived and Sansa seeks Jon's comfort at night.

The winds howled outside. Sansa pulled her cloak tighter around her. It was warm enough in her solar with the raging fire, but the chills she felt were internal. The white raven had arrived today. Winter had officially come. The icy winds that blew outside her door only reminded her of what was coming with it.

Jon had told her of the nightmares that laid beyond the wall. The white walkers’ army of wights would cross that icy barrier, bringing the unbearable cold with them. It was only a matter of time now that winter had come. Sansa had remained stoic when hearing of these stories, urging Jon to not sugar-coat it in any way. But, now, the shivers at the thought were becoming overwhelming.

She thought of the kiss he placed upon her forehead earlier that day. It was snowing, flurries fell, but his lips were so warm and comforting. The smile they shared at the news of winter was as well. But now that she wasn’t in his presence, that comfort had fled from her. Instead of cowering by herself, she marched over to his room and knocked. “Jon?”

His door swung open and he wore a worried look to find her there at this late hour. “Are you alright?”

Sansa nodded unsurely. “Can I come in?” Jon swung the door open for her and ushered her in. “Were you sleeping? I’m sorry if I woke you.”

“No, I wasn’t.” Scrolls and maps were laid out on the table. A cup of ale sat untouched. He had been poring over plans. “What’s the matter, Sansa?” His eyes were still filled with concern as he looked at her.

Sansa gave a disheartened shake of her head. “I don’t know. I think I’m just being a fearful, silly little girl.”

“Don’t say that. You’re stronger and braver than you even know.”

“Then why am I so scared of the wind. It’s so strong tonight. And I fear what that wind carries with it.”

“You’d have to be an idiot to not fear what’s coming.”

“But winter is our time. It is where the Starks strive. And, as a Stark, I shouldn’t fear it. I should feel stronger.” She slumped down into the chair that sat by his hearth. “I don’t know. I just feel pathetic.”

Jon flashed a sad, sympathetic smile. Kneeling to the floor in front of her, he gathered her hands in his. “You are not wrong for fearing them, Sansa. I’ve fought them. I’ve killed one of them. And I’m scared. But we will prepare. We will seek help. We will be ready for them. You are a Stark. And this is our home and we will defend it. I promise you that.”

His words instilled her with strength. It didn’t quite drown out the winds and their whispering reminder of what was coming, but it was strength nonetheless. “Well. You’re still wrong about one thing. I’m not the only Stark in this room.” She gently pulled one of her hands from his and used a finger to trace the stamped direwolf on the leather jerkin he wore.

Jon placed his hand over hers, holding it to his chest. Their eyes locked on one another and their gaze could have lasted all eternity if they let it. They found relief, acceptance, faith, understanding, and, shining most bright - love. It was everything they had craved for so long and they found it in the least likely person either could have imagined.

Jon suddenly stood and moved to the hearth. Sansa didn’t understand why that frustrated her so. “We need to send a raven to the Citadel. I need to let Sam know we’ve taken back Winterfell. And hopefully he has found some sort of information on killing the white walkers by now,” he began to say.

“Must we only ever talk about plans, battles, monsters, and winter?” she sighed ruefully, staring at the back of him, his body outlined by the glow of flames.

“Well, it is all of a pressing matter. But no, we don’t have to discuss it right now.”

“Good. Just for tonight, I would like us to revel in the fact that we’re home. For one night, I want us to believe nothing horrible is coming for us.”

“That’s a big ask,” he laughed and turned back toward her. He didn’t smile often, but when he did, it warmed her core.

“I don’t want to be alone tonight. Let me have this,” she pleaded.

After a studying gaze, Jon nodded. “Well, would you like some wine then?”

“Why, yes, I do.”

They sat by the fire and talked of Winterfell, sharing more memories, smiles, and hopes for the castle in the future. After a second serving of the sweet wine, Sansa’s eyes grew heavy with sleep. At one point, she began to doze off. Jon’s chuckle woke her just a bit and she found herself being helped into his bed.

“But where will you sleep?” she yawned.

“I’m sure I could set something up.”

“No. Come here. This is your bed. And I told you I don’t want to be alone,” she sleepily demanded and moved to make room for him. His face showed interest and doubt. She could tell his propriety was close to winning out. “Just get in, Jon,” she said more sternly, pulling at his arm. He sighed, resigned but with a smile.

“Yes. Anything for the Lady of Winterfell,” he teased as he got under the furs.

“Well, I daren’t steal the King in the North’s bed for only myself.” He looked abashed by the moniker. “It suits you, Jon. It’s who you are.”

“Hush. It’s time for sleep.”

“Good night,” she smiled at him as they faced each other on their sides. The wind still howled outside, but Sansa didn’t concern herself with it any longer.