Disclaimer: All characters belong to George R. R. Martin. And the song belongs to Hooverphonic, I claim no ownership nor do I profit from this fanwork.
Note: Using the 24 times prompt table. Title taken from Hooverphonic's "Encoded Love" song. Book Canon.
And all I get from you is encoded love.
Encoded Love, Hooverphonic.
The first time
"You were so brave…" The words still rang in his head, of all the things he had seen and heard, those had been the last words he had ever expected to hear.
He was sure she was still afraid of him, barely able to look at him and he had mocked her, called her a chirping bird, repeating the phrases she had been taught as a girl. But here she was, for a moment either bravery or stupidity, he could not say, thanking him for saving her.
He was sure that was the first time someone ever thanked him.
The last time.
He had been drunk and terrified out of his wits, he was sure. The wildfire raging around him brought back unpleasant memories and so, he left. Desertion and treason they would call it, he didn't care.
The Red Keep was in upheaval, so he made his way towards Sansa's room undisturbed. Once there he dropped and sat curled in a corner. She wasn't in her room, he knew Queen Cersei had summoned the noble ladies and she would be there, obedient little bird that she was.
He heard the steps and door opening, later her voice. She was afraid, how could she not? The wine, the fire and the battle had him asking for the song, a song he had previously mocked her for; but that is not what he got. A tear left his eye without him even noticing. He offered to take her away, she remained silent.
So he tore his cloak away and tossed it and he left. That was the last time he saw Sansa Stark.
The worst time.
He heard of the wedding while traveling with Arya Stark. He felt nauseous and sickened. For a moment it didn't matter that he was on the road, possibly facing death, all that matter was her.
He wasn't sure what emotion was strongest in him, rage or pity; rage for the poor girl who had faced more in her young life than many others do in a lifetime. War wasn't kind for anyone, but it seemed that war wasn't over and wouldn't be over any time soon for Sansa. Pity, for a girl who had grown surrounded by love and laughter, whose dreams of songs and chivalry he cruelly mocked, now faced with a lifetime sentence of being married to the Imp.
He knew for certain that her wedding had to be the worst time of her life for her. And he would only permit to himself admit that it was also the worst time for him.
A/N: First SanSan fic, hope you guys like. All comments and constructive criticism are very much welcome. Thank you.