"Jon."

Arya Stark barely breathed the word, afraid that acknowledging his presence would break the spell and he would fade into nothingness. She could not move, only stare. Although there was no way he could have heard her soft whisper from across the room, no way it could have awakened him, Jon Snow's eyes opened suddenly. His face turned toward her, his gaze searching the darkness as he sat up in the bed. Arya tried to speak again but couldn't seem to gain control of herself. Then his eyes found hers. She could see confusion on his face, and she had never known fear such as she felt in that moment, worrying that he would not recognize her or, even worse, that he had forgotten her completely.

Then the recognition in his grey eyes shone bright, and he smiled. Arya knew that smile better she knew her own face. It was the smile she had dreamed of, the smile that had warmed her heart in moments of doubt when she wondered if she even had a heart anymore. Her smile. Her Jon. She barely noticed the tears running down her cheeks. Before she realized either of them had moved, she was in his arms, her feet not even touching the floor as he easily lifted her, pulling her slim body against his.

"Arya. Arya." Over and over he whispered the name into her dark hair as he held her close. She felt soft kisses on the top of her head, then a lingering one on her forehead, his lips warm against her chilled skin. "Arya, is it really you?" Though he spoke in hushed wonderment, his voice was deeper than she remembered.

"It's me, Jon," she managed as she squeezed him with every ounce of strength she could muster.

He lowered her back to the floor, and they both loosened their grips but stayed locked in the familiar embrace, neither willing to let the other slip away. Her face pressed against his bare chest, and his chin rested gently on her head. They spoke no further greetings, only held each other, crying tears of relief and absolute joy.

After several minutes, Arya pulled back just enough to look up into Jon's face. She raised one hand and stroked his cheek with a tenderness she hadn't known she possessed.

"I've missed you," they said at the same time and both laughed truly for the first time in years