Jon had always felt like an outsider. In fact, he didn't feel he was, he knew that he was. Growing up in Winterfell had been hell for him really. He was laughed at and constantly called 'The Bastard', he did not get the same priorities as the other children and what made it worse was The Lady Catelyn's constant looks that told him that Jon was not wanted, nor would he ever be.

It was a warm Summer's day in Winterfell, the sun's rays beat down on Jon's head and, causing a small sweat to break across his forehead. But today was different, because today was one of the rare occasions that Ned Stark had finished all of his highly important work and had decided to take the rest of the day to spend with his family. So here they were, sat on a plush blanket which was covered in cushions and a woven basket filled with luxurious foods and wines, the Stark family sat together in the field just beyond their city; enjoying life to the fullest.

After their meal, the children began to run around; playing some game that Jon had no idea about and he was certain none of the other's understood it either. The Lord and Lady of Winterfell watched on with smiles stretched across their faces, the picture of proud parents and then there was Jon.

The twelve-year old boy was sat a small distance away from the others, under the shade of a large oak. He stared with pure jealously at them as they ran and laughed, not a care in the world... not a care for him. He hated it here, he had no friend, a family that didn't like him and if it wasn't for the fact he could feel his fingernails digging into the palm of his hand, he'd be convinced he wasn't even here at all.

"Owch" he hissed, his nails breaking through the skin of his hand and penetrating deep into his flesh, causing blood to rush to the surface.

"What's wrong?"

Jon jumped at the soft voice from above him, he had been so wrapped up in his thoughts he'd completely dismissed the approaching figure. When he looked up, he saw Robb Stark stood over him; staring down with a kind smile as his copper curls moved with the breeze.

"N-Nothing" he managed, curling his hand into a fist to hide the blood that was now dripping onto the floor.

"Well, that's good. Would you like to come and play?" Robb asked.

"Am I allowed?"Jon asked, clearly confused at the invitation.

"Of course" he chuckled "Why wouldn't you be?"

"I didn't think Lady Catelyn would like me too" he mumbled, looking to the floor and pulling at the grass with his fingertips.

"We'll go ask, okay?"

Before Jon had a chance to respond, Robb grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet before tugging him forcefully over to the blanket.

"Mother," he said politely "may Jon play with us, please?

Jon Snow watched as the Lady's smile faded and her lips pulled into a thin line. He was almost certain that she would reject him but their Father spoke first.

"Go play, my Son's. Bask in the glorious weather that the God's have blessed us with because soon, Winter will be upon us and we may not see the sun for many-a-year"

Lady Catelyn's frown deepened at this and she narrowed her eyes at Jon. "Go have fun my boy" she said.

Robb grinned, his perfect teeth showing in two neat rows. "C'mon" he went to grab Jon's hand again but this time; Robb caught the bleeding hand and Jon gasped in pain. Tears sprung to his eyes and he attempted to hide his hand behind his back but Robb just pulled it back and frowned deeply.

"What happened?" he fussed, cradling his hand gently in his own, not caring that the red, vibrant blood was staining his pale skin.

"It's fine" Jon said immediately.

"No, it isn't. You need to see a healer"

Robb released his hand and instead he tore at the bottom of his crisp white shirt (minus various mud stains), he ripped the fabric until only a small strip came off and he began to tie it around the palm of Jon's hand, soaking up the blood as soon as it made contact.

"Robb! That's new!" Lady Catelyn yelled

"Mother, Jon is bleeding; I care not for the clothes but for my brother" Robb countered.

And that was it. That was the first time anyone had referred to Jon as their brother. He beamed, despite the stabbing pain that radiated from his hand and then he realised. He didn't want Lady Catelyn's affection, he didn't want to be treated like all his siblings were... he just wanted to be accepted and he finally was. Robb Stark had accepted him.

"Take him back to the City" Ned said, "Get him seen too"

"Yes, Father"

The two boys turned and returned to the City and Robb called for a healer immediately. Once Jon's hand was wrapped, they decided to remain in the castle and see to their horses.

"So, what happened to your hand?" Robb asked after a long period of awkward silence

"I-I don't know, I must have fallen" he replied, the lie falling through his teeth before he could stop it.

"Liar," he smirked, shooting him an amused look "what really happened?"

Jon remained quiet for many minutes, just brushing the exact same spot of his horse's mane "I do it when I'm thinking, it reminds me I exist" he said, staring intently at the floor as he revealed something he'd never really understood himself.

"Oh..." Robb frowned, "do you promise not to do that anymore?"

"What?"

"If you promise me not to do it; I promise to be the one to remind you that you exist" he said eagerly, that heart warming smile covering his face once again.

"How would you do that? Why would you do that?" Jon blinked, in a state of shock

"I would do it because you're my brother and I will always be here for you, day and night... whatever you tell me will be kept between us, I'll make sure that no one picks on you and I'll fight for your honour in front of the queen"

Robb stood tall as he said these words, his face was hard and determined. Jon knew that Robb was serious; he knew because Robb was two years older than him and fully understood the meaning of making a promise. And the look in his eyes showed Jon that he was going to keep this promise until he died.

"Okay" Jon smiled

"Okay?" he repeated, sounding and looking extremely happy and when Jon nodded, Robb took the boy's little finger in his own and held it tight "Promised."