Game of Thrones: Facets of Love

First chapter of a new Game of Thrones story.

A Shireen/Rickon modern AU, smaller than the one I previously had up but took down, basically this is practice to get me used to writing the, before I commit to the one I had planned.

Anyway, hope you enjoy it, also, a brief note on some of the character ages; in this Shireen and Rickon are the same age; Bran is a year older than them, Arya a year older than Bran, Sansa a year older than Arya and Robb is two years older than Sansa, just to avoid any confusion.

Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Chapter 1: Meeting the Quiet Girl

Rickon Stark walked casually though the corridors, heading to the school exit. He was sixteen and the youngest of five siblings; the youngest member of the influential Stark family. Like most of his siblings he had inherited his mother's physical traits; auburn hair that in his case was messy and hung low on his fringe; and blue eyes. He was also considered by many in terms of temperament to be the second most volatile member of his family; the only one with a shorter fuse that him was his sister Arya. Rickon was relieved that school was finally over and couldn't wait to get home. He had just spent the last lesson half asleep; listening to Mr. Arryn droning on and on about the History of far off places across the sea. The only parts of the lesson his brain retained was the names of the places mentioned; Pentos; Braavos, Lys, Qohor, Norvos, Myr, Tyrosh, Volantis, Lorath and some place called Qarth. Shaking his head Rickon mumbled under his breath.

"Stupid Mr. Arryn, who cares about what happened so many years ago in some place far away."

He was pulled out of his thoughts however by a commotion further down the corridor. There was a group of people, laughing and making what sounded like cruel jokes. As Rickon drew closer he could hear their mocking and saw there was someone in the middle of the group. Rickon frowned at the obvious case of bullying occurring in front of him. One thing he truly hated was people picking on others and making people seem weak. His temper roused by this incident before him he hurried over, determined to rescue the person being bullied; regardless of personal cost.

As soon as Rickon was within earshot of the group he heard their comments more clearly.

"Honestly, why do you keep showing your face around here?" One boy stated. "It's not like we want to see it."
A girl then spoke up. "You gotta stop annoying the boys. None of them want you for a girlfriend, not some ugly little mousy bitch like you."

There were likely other insults of a similar nature but Rickon had heard enough and intervened at that moment.

"Hey; back off!" He yelled.

They turned to face him. Rickon wasn't surprised to see one of the guys was his eldest sister Sansa's ex-boyfriend, Joffrey Baratheon.

Rickon narrowed his eyes. "Well, if it isn't Joffrey the Cunt."

Joffrey smiled that disgusting smile he usually did.

"Language Stark; wouldn't want your mommy to hear you saying such foul words." Joffrey countered. "Besides, who do you think you are; telling us to stop putting this loser in her place?"

Rickon snapped angrily. "You've got no right to bully anyone prick; besides I'd hate to see how your father would react if he heard about this."

That stopped Joffrey in his tracks; he always strived to win the approval of his father Robert Baratheon. He knew that any information about how he really acted would detract from that. So with a final glare at Rickon he signalled to the others and they left. Rickon turned his attention to the girl he had saved.

She had got back to her feet and stood, shaking, her head bowed. She was a little shorter than him, but was the same age as him. She had deep black hair which she was adjusting to cover her face and ears. He noted however that her ears were larger than average. She was clad in the girl's version of the school's uniform. It consisted of a white button up shirt; a black V-necked sweatshirt; a blue; white and black striped tie; blue and white plaid pleated skirt and black shoes. Unlike all the other girls who wore socks at varying degrees of length, or no socks at all, this girl wore jet black tights. Rickon was clad in the boy's version of the uniform. Blue trousers; with a white button shirt; black sweatshirt; blue; white and black striped tie; white socks and black shoes. Although Rickon currently wore the sweatshirt tied around his waist and his tie was loose. Rickon tilted his head to try and look the girl in the face.

"Hey, are you okay?" He asked.

The girl nodded; finally Rickon sighed. "Hey, c'mon, look at me?"

The girl bit her lip as she slowly lifted her head. Rickon then realized that he knew her; he had seen her before. In addition to the features he had noticed earlier; he saw she also had a rather square jaw and that the left side of her face was marred with mottled grey dead skin caused by the illness Greyscale. Rickon knew her; he had seen her in class a few times. It was Shireen Baratheon; Joffrey's cousin; the daughter of Stannis Baratheon, younger brother to Robert Baratheon.

Shireen shifted on her feet and bit her lip before finally speaking up.

"I...Thank you, you didn't need to..." She stammered.

Rickon frowned. "Didn't need to what, save you?" He asked before shaking his head. "You didn't deserve that; I wasn't gonna leave you to be pushed around by him."

"You..." Shireen began but then stopped; finally a soft smile appeared on her face, tugging at the dead skin on her left cheek. "Thank you; you're the first person I remember being nice to me."

Rickon stopped, unsure how to respond. Finally he shrugged.

"Don't worry about it; guess I'm just a sucker for a damsel in distress." He told her, laughing lightly. "Oh and if they give you any more trouble, just tell me and I'll stop them."

Shireen was taken aback by this offer but nodded.

"O-okay, thank...I'm thanking you too much; sorry." She said finally. "I...I didn't get your name, but I know I've seen you before."

Rickon smiled. "I'm Rickon Stark; I'm the youngest child of your Uncle Robert's friend, Eddard Stark."

Realization dawned in Shireen's eyes.

"Oh, of course. Well, it was really nice of you to help me." She said finally. "Hopefully I'll see you again sometime."

Rickon nodded in reply, drawing another smile from Shireen. Then without thinking he blurted out.

"You should do that more, you look so much better when you smile."

He just realized what he had said and felt the heat rising on his face. Shireen looked confused.

"Uh, forget I said anything, see you later." He muttered frantically before headed out to where his brother; Bran and sister, Arya were waiting for him impatiently, so they could get home.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it.

Just in case you are curious 'Mr. Arryn' is indeed Jon Arryn.

Anyway, please read and review, I'd like to know what you think, at least one review will guarantee the story will continue. No reviews and the story will not continue, just one will be enough to continue it; but more are appreciated. Thanks :)