Friday evening came before Arya realized it and she was saying goodbye to Brienne. Arya walked over to Jaqen waiting for her. He wore a button-down long sleeve with a suit jacket over it. Why is he so dressed up today? I mean, damn he looks good but what's going on?

Before she could ask, he nodded towards the plastic bag she carried. "What has a girl got?" He stepped up beside her, flawlessly matching her pace as she kept walking.

"Well it seems the only time you remember to eat is when I remind you." She teased, bumping his arm with her shoulder. "So I'm making dinner tonight to make sure you eat but also to say thank you. If I've learned anything from my brothers, its feeding them is a way to show gratitude."

He laughed, eyes twinkling under the streetlight.

"If its alright with you, I was thinking I would make dinner and we can start on the math while eating. Then if it's not too late, you're not sick of me yet or my head hasn't exploded, we can do a short self-defense lesson."

"A girl has thought this out."

"We were VERY slow tonight. I had lots of time to think."

"Mmmm…"

They walked by the few bars, not paying attention to the noise. A few guys were standing outside smoking. One of the guys looked over and made direct eye contact with her. She suppressed a shudder, suddenly feeling slimy and in need of a hot shower.

"Hey sexy, why don't you come over here?" He winked, slightly obscured by his glasses. He brought the cigarette back to his mouth as he took a few steps towards them.

Without missing a beat, Jaqen landed a solid punch to the man's gut as he approached then casually swung his arm around Arya's shoulders and pulled her against him as they kept walking. It was so fluid, so effortless, the whole scene caught Arya off guard. She peeked back to see the man on all fours hacking and grunting.

"That…was…amazing." She stated in awe as she wrapped her arm around his waist. "You've got to teach me how to do that."

He squeezed her shoulder against him but kept his arm around her protectively. They walked with an arm wrapped around each other until they reached his apartment. Once inside, Jaqen asked if she needed help which she jokingly rebuffed, saying she could cook. He sought her permission before excusing himself to shower quick.

Once she heard the shower going, she darted over and snatched her backpack. Butterflies took off in her stomach but she suppressed them. She placed the items on the counter separating the kitchen and living room, against the wall. After accomplishing her secretive task, she began working on dinner. Truthfully, she had text Hot Pie yesterday about easy dinners to make. Of course he was exuberant about sharing his love of food and was trying to convince her to make meatloaf with scalloped potatoes and roasted vegetables. Immediately she shot that down. After several hours of texting back and forth they decided a simple pasta dish would suffice. She was forced to add sausage and additional veggies along with extra spices besides the marinara or Hot Pie threatened to find her and make it for her. However convenient it would be for Hot Pie to just make it, all she could imagine was his pudgy face, mouth open in a perfect 'o' if he saw who she was making dinner for. He would probably try to sneak her condoms. Not that anything like that was ever going to happen. Ever. She turned on music from her phone as she navigated the small kitchen. Quickly finding the pots and lids she needed, she began boiling water for the pasta and sautéing the veggies and sausage. Hot Pie would be so proud. A new favorite song came on and she lost herself in the lyrics, momentarily forgetting she was not alone.

Jaqen stood in the bathroom, towel-drying his hair one last time before donning his t-shirt. His mind tried to focus on what he had learned that day, in the presence of Professor Tywin Lannister. Brad and he had a meeting to update the man on their research progress. Although he knew it was unnecessary, Jaqen had dressed up to further his story of an excited PhD student, desiring to be underneath the professor's guidance and be in his favor.

The wire tap at the dead man's house proved incredibly useful. There was a large file of documents to decode on Jaqen's laptop but not tonight. Tonight was for the lovely girl. It bothered him how he had begun to look forward to their time together more. He had no need for friends. He had no need for relationships. They were liabilities. He was No One. Yet hearing that she was making him dinner twisted something inside him. It had been months since he had eaten with someone in casual friendship, not trying to glean something from the other person or decide how to best avoid an attack. Music drifted through the door disturbing his thoughts. It was a female voice with an upbeat rhythm. Curious, he silently opened the door and stepped out. Arya was singing along, shaking her hips as she stirred one of the pots on the stove. The light-hearted innocence captivated him. Life and joy radiated from her smiling face. He also could not help seeing her womanly curves as she danced to the music. She was not overly curvy, but there was enough there to draw a man's eye and trace her form. As the song ended she glanced around then noticed him leaning against the doorframe, thumbs hooked in his belt loops. A delightful blush warmed her cheeks.

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough to watch a girl dance."

She bit her lip, blush deepening. Seven hells! Damn you, Meghan Trainor and your catching songs! Shireen was currently obsessed with the artist and sure enough got Arya hooked on the song 'No Excuses'. Turning back to stir the pot with the sauce mixture, she willed her blush to go away.

Jaqen was not quite ready to give up seeing the color on her cheeks. Silent steps brought him directly behind her, almost touching. Her head reached his mid-chest. Bending down slightly, he put his mouth close to her ear. "A girl is most welcome to dance in a man's kitchen whenever she wants." He whispered huskily, watching her stiffen and goosebumps raise on her skin where his breath touched.

Arya's mind scrambled, trying to figure out what to do or say. He was so close, too close. Not close enough. Shut up! His breath on her ear and neck was alluring and intoxicating. She had to play it off otherwise if she let herself think about it too much she was going to get turned on. "That, Herr H'ghar, was not dancing. I only dance at weddings or when tipsy. Neither happen very often." She kept her face forward, trying desperately not to think about his lips so close to her ear.

He chuckled, moving his head to continue whispering in her other ear. "A man hopes to see that someday." With the faintest of touches, he ran his nose along the length of her ear's edge before retreating. He walked around to take a seat on the bar stool, facing into the kitchen and watching her, before he did anything more. So much for a casual friendship. With that he noticed the newest additions on his counter, close to the wall. "Was ist Diese?" Out of the corner of his eye he could see Arya turn around to watch, biting her lip. He grabbed one of the four, cheap wooden picture frames, turning to see it better.

"You don't have any pictures…and I wondered if you got homesick. I love having pictures up, so I got some for you." She tried to hide the nervousness in her voice. His apartment made her sad with the lack of anything personal, constantly reminding her of a hotel room. "I wasn't sure where you were from specifically so the pictures are kind of touristy. Sorry. That first one is the Black Forest, which is beautiful. I would love to visit there someday. The second is the Heidelberg Old City, I thought it was architecturally interesting. I didn't think you'd want a picture of a castle. The other is the Zug…Zugspit? The tallest mountain."

"Zugspitze." He set the photo down and reached for the fourth, a very different natural beauty in it. "And this?"

She tried not to blush. "Its important to have pictures of friends, something to look at and smile. That's me and my dog, Nymeria. She's a Newfoundland." She remembered when Jon had taken the picture about two years ago. It was a hot summer day so they decided to go to the lake. She wore a black tank top over her bikini, kneeling on the ground, arms thrown around her large dog, faces pressed together. It was her favorite picture of the two of them. Normally she had it taped to the wall next to her bed but spur of the moment decided to give it to him. She could always print another.

He ran this thumb tenderly over the picture of the lovely girl and her huge, black dog…it looked like a wolf. "Danke. Truly." He looked at her, unsure of how to convey his appreciation. Her gift was not just décor for his apartment. He understood her meaning-you are not alone. You are No One. You need no one. The mission is absolute. The Faceless side of him fought back. She is nothing. Lügner! He worried what that meant for both of their sakes.

"You're welcome." She glanced down, embarrassed, then happened to notice her t-shirt. "Seven hells!" Grabbing a paper towel she got it wet and tried to wipe the pasta sauce spots off her t-shirt. Of course I'm wearing white. What was I thinking? It was pretty obvious her shirt was stained. She looked at Jaqen, an exasperated smile on her face. "Don't laugh."

"A man would never consider it." He smirked.

"Can I borrow a shirt?" She rolled her eyes, turning the stove off. "The food is done."

Jaqen got up to retrieve her a new top, smiling slyly at her.

"Hey, if you have that red sweater I'll wear it again. Its really soft." She called after him. Grabbing two bowls from a cabinet, she started to serve them.

He returned carrying the red sweater, a half smile on his face as he handed it to her.

"Thanks." She took it and stepped into the bathroom to change. It still smelled of cinnamon. There was no way he was getting this back.

Quietly they started eating. Jaqen could not help peeking at the lovely girl beside him. Her claim on his clothing made him laugh, apparently it did not take long for her to make herself at home. His gaze also took note of her wearing his sweater causing his mind to wander to other things… His Faceless side helped pull his thoughts back to the present. Just friends. Nothing more. As they ate, he received an unexpected text. Pulling it out of his pocket, he opened it and regretted his action. Margaery had text him again. This time she had attached a picture that he expected was supposed to be sexy but to him just made her appear desperate and undesirable.

"Told you she likes you." Arya leaned over to peek at his phone before he deleted the photo and turned his screen off. She wondered how often he received unwanted attention like this because he was so attractive. "Here, let me." She held her hand out for his phone. He hesitated then shrugged and gave it to her. For a brief moment she was impressed he gave it to her without question but turned her attention to the phone. Pulling up the message, she quick typed a response and hit send before Jaqen could read it. She handed the phone back. "You probably won't have to worry about her now…at least for a bit."

He raised an eyebrow. Before he would turn the phone on, a text came. He checked the conversation.

Bitch, stop texting my bf!

The text he just received from Margaery was, WTF? He chuckled, shaking his head.

"Let me guess, she isn't too happy?" An impish smile on Arya's face. She could only imagine Margaery's horrified, angry expression.

He watched her, torn between admiration and frustration. The past weeks of teasing and taunting Margaery went out the window but it was not completely unsalvageable. On the other hand, it might keep the temptress at bay until he truly needed her. In which he could bed her and be done. It probably was not bad for his appearances to have a romantic interest at some point while here. The thought of it being the lovely girl beside him…his cold heart fluttered momentarily. He did not want to hurt her ultimately. A relationship was out of the question. A bit of flirting though…

Leaning over to unnecessarily reach around her for a napkin, he paused. His arm was around her, not quite touching. His mouth close to her ear. "A man believes she does not like competition." He breathed in her scent, a piece of him wishing to taste her skin.

The butterflies swarmed her stomach again but she refused to lose it this time. She did not back down from a challenge. She would not. Even if she wanted to lean into him and drown in his scent and presence. She tilted her head just enough so her lips were close to his. She could almost feel his breath on her lips. A fleeting moment made her wonder what they tasted like. "There is no competition, I would win." She seductively growled or tried to. Looking up from his lips, his eyes seemed to burn brighter, the bronze captivating. Her next breath stuck in her chest, trapped in his gaze. They stayed that way for several moments. Their eyes searching into one another's souls, an almost kiss just separating them. Their breaths intermingled. It was intoxicating.

Jaqen blinked a couple times rapidly then leaned back. A seductive smirk resided deliciously on his lips. "Just so. A girl should have no fear." He wanted nothing more than to kiss her full lips, to taste her tongue and steal her air. Sie ist wunderschön. His fingers yearned to touch her pale skin, to trace her neck and collarbone, peeking out from his sweater. Margaery may play the temptress but she had no power over him. Arya, though, her power over him seemed to only strengthen.

"Oh, I'm not afraid." She teased. "I'd kiss her ass."

He leaned his head back, roaring with laughter. Arya quickly joined in. The tension died as their laughter ebbed. He was not sure the last time he laughed that hard. It felt unfamiliar yet pleasing. They finished their dinner in companionable silence.

"Thank you for dinner." He commented as he snagged her empty bowl and brought it to the sink with his. It had been quite delicious, a pleasant break from his simple, solo meals. You are No One. You need no one. "A man will clean later. Time for a girl's help with math."

She groaned, placing her face in her hands, elbows on the counter. "I had forgotten about it. Just kill me now, save us both the torture." The evening was going so great, she did not want the stupid math to ruin it.

A finger tilted her face up, gray eyes meeting bronze eyes once again. "A man will not let you fail."

"Promise?"

"Just so."

"You gotta say 'promise' back, that's how it works."

He chuckled. "Promise. Get your schoolwork."

She groaned but obeyed. "By the way, I forgot to mention it earlier but I can't meet next week. It's Halloween. My roommate is forcing me to go out with her."

"Will you be safe?"

She stopped and really looked at him. There was true concern in his eyes. She was touched…and slightly annoyed. "Its just a friend of a friend's place. Not a frat party. It'll be fine. The worst part is she is on a Peter Pan kick and decided she wants me to go as Wendy while her and her boyfriend are Peter Pan and Tinkerbell. She even found wings for herself." She sat back on the bar stool. "I guess it could be worse. She talked about me being Princess Jasmine from Aladdin; but I told her I would not walk around in just a bra and sweatpants in front of a bunch of guys I don't know."

His eyes narrowed but he ruled his face, keeping his emotions locked away. "Will a man get to see this outfit?"

"I can send you a picture. Shireen will have me on lockdown once my Spanish class ends."

"A man will wait. What will he do with himself without his apprentice to train and feed him?" He teased, returning to his seat next to her.

"I'm sure you can find something to do. Maybe finish your book?"

"Just so. Now, Schönes Mädchen, what questions?"

They spent the next hour going over the equations and problems until Arya thought her head would burst. Slowly her frazzled brain began to comprehend and understanding sunk in. His patience was heartening as he let her slowly work out the problems, offering guidance when necessary. Occasionally he would rub her back or neck encouragingly when she started to become frustrated. It helped sooth and center her. Finally he called a end to the night and offered to drive her home. It was late and her brain hurt too much to think about inputting any more information if they proceeded to train. Overall, she was pleased with the night's events and felt slightly hopeful for the next test. When lying in bed later, she could not help but think of the feeling of his breath on her skin and his lips so close to hers. She snuggled deeper into the covers, pulling his sweater over her nose to breath him in. She wondered if she would dream of him…again.

Halloween. A day for costumes, candy and mischief. As a child, Arya loved the holiday. She would always dress up as a legendary warrior or an inspirational woman. Now she wanted to vomit. Halloween was an excuse for college girls to dress slutty and guys and girls to get drunk and make regrets.

After her afternoon class, Shireen practically tied her down to a chair in their apartment, refusing to let her escape. Luckily, for Arya, her costume was simple. Pretending to be Wendy Darling, she wore a light blue, three-quarter sleeve dress with a royal blue sash around her waist. Her hair was in a bun with a royal blue bow underneath. She wore black slipper shoes. The only big downfall about her costume, beside it being a dress, was the front was low, trying to expose cleavage that Arya did not possess.

Tommen was a better sport than her, as he wore green tights and a green tunic. Although he was a dirty blonde, his round, innocent face made him look like he could truly be Peter Pan. Shireen's Tinkerbell costume was more elaborate, going to the extent of body glitter and a small pair of moving wings upon her back. Really she looked beautiful and overly enthusiastic. They ate and took pictures before heading towards the party. It was at a house a couple blocks away. Arya sent a picture to Jaqen, as promised. Jon worked tonight, claiming to get good tips. Gendry tried to convince her to join him for a party he was going to. Arya wished she could have but knew how important this was to Shireen and could not abandon her. He joked that he could come rescue her if she sent an SOS text. She definitely kept that in mind.

When they arrived, it appeared the party had been going on for a while already. The house was an old, three-story city house, overly decorated and reeking of booze and pizza, packed with people. Arya wandered amongst the crowd a bit, holding her plastic cup of a fruity, spiked something. She recognized a few people and made small talk but was ready to go after an hour. Shireen kept an eye on her, trying to make sure she was included and having "fun" but soon she was dragged into some game inside and Arya was left to herself. She pulled out her phone, considering texting Gendry. It would probably be more fun hanging out with him wherever he was. Maybe Sandor is there too? I bet I could kick his ass again in darts. Just before she hit send, she closed her phone. She promised Shireen to stay for a while, she would give it another hour and then text Gendry. Two hours total was fair.

Eventually she found Hot Pie and Lommy and stayed close to them. Hot Pie was dressed as a beer keg, which was actually hilarious and quite a few people wanted pictures with him. Lommy was just wearing a camo jacket and jeans, a sour look on his face. They watched a couple rounds of beer pong on the back deck. A girl dressed as a zombie tried to convince Arya to play but she fervently passed. She loved competition and fighting to win…until it came to alcohol. The memory of a few mistakes during freshman year reinforced her decision to not play. After watching a guy pretending to be Jack Sparrow…Captain, Captain Jack Sparrow…fall off the deck drunk already, Hot Pie dragged her into the group of people dancing in the grass. The alcohol, repeatedly forced upon her by Hot Pie, loosened her negative feelings of being here and she found herself laughing and dancing with those around her. After a couple songs, she realized she really needed to drink water to replace the three cups of fruity concoction she had already drank but she felt relaxed…light…good. Maybe this party isn't so bad after all. The only bother was the wandering hands from the guys dancing around her but she quickly smack them away or jabbed the guys in the ribs, emphasizing her disinterest in their attention.

As the song died down and another came on, she scanned around trying to locate Shireen. It had been awhile since she saw her friend and wondered where she was. Looking around though, she saw someone else that caused her blood and mind to freeze momentarily. He was dressed like he were from the movie Grease. His hair was slicked back, white shirt, black leather jacket but she would recognize those beady eyes anywhere. Ramsay.

"I'm going to get a drink." She yelled into Hot Pie's ear before breaking away from the group. Maneuvering through the crowd and keeping away from wandering hands, she ducked inside to find Shireen. The memories and emotions of that night weeks ago came rushing at her. She had not seen him since and was unprepared for how debilitating the emotions were. Conflicting thoughts warred within her. She wanted to run and hide, hoping he would not notice her. An escape from the memories of his lips on hers and his hand slamming her head brutally against the wall. She felt weak. She felt helpless. Then she thought of Jaqen. His persistent patience in teaching so she would not be helpless anymore. His warm, guiding hands showing her how to break out of a attacker's hold. She had felt powerful. She had felt strong. She promised herself she would not run and hide from Ramsay. She would get her vengeance. She would not back down from this challenge.

Weaving through the house, she caught sight of Shireen and Tommen, oblivious to the world as they drunkenly kissed, her sitting in his lap. Arya did not stop. She sped by people on the stairs, taking two at a time until she reached the third floor. There was a side alcove that she darted to, a large open window next to it. Leaning her forehead against the window frame, the cool night air felt good on her face and cleared her head. She could easily step out of the window and onto the roof if she chose. Perhaps another time she would have. Now she needed to breath and think. You wanted your revenge, now take it! In her daydreams, she had played out many scenarios of how she could hurt, humiliate and even kill Ramsay but most had been highly unrealistic. Now that she had the opportunity, she did not know what she wanted to do. Punch him? Stab him with a kitchen knife? She really did not want to go to prison for assault or attempted murder. Pulling out her phone, she almost called Gendry to come get her. When he heard why, he would probably confront Ramsay. Maybe Jaqen? He would come. His question of her safety floated in her mind. Even if he was asleep, she bet he could come. Would he think me weak though? He's been training me to defend myself.

"Fear cuts deeper than swords." She whispered, closing her eyes. She saw Jaqen standing in front of her, bronze eyes intense as she repeated his words. I will not be afraid. Ramsay should fear me. Unmoving, the cool air glided across her cheeks and caused a few strands of hair to sway about her face. Fear slowly seeped out of her body. Determination replaced it. Fear cuts deeper than swords.

Her gray eyes reflected the moonlight before she blinked and took a step back. She started towards the stair railings, glancing around to see if anyone saw her. A harsh laugh forced her to stop from turning the corner and going down the stairs. Know your surroundings. Jaqen's words prompted her. She backed up to the alcove, giving herself an exit if necessary.

A head with slicked back hair popped up over the railing then continued to materialize as the person walked up the stairs. Once fully at the top, his beady eyes surveyed the floor until landing on her.

"There you are!" Ramsay called over, starting towards her, smiling.

"Back off." She moved one foot back, planting herself solidly, balling her hands into fists. Dammit, why am I in a dress?

He put his hands up defensively yet still came closer. "Hey, hey. Can we talk?"

"No."

"I just want to apologize for…the last time we saw each other. I was drunk."

"That's a shit excuse."

He stood three feet away, blocking her. "Come on…"

"Don't touch me!" She growled. Every ounce of her felt on fire. She was not afraid of him. No longer was she helpless. "Get out of my way."

"Baby girl…" He grabbed her wrist, stepping closer to her. Quickly, she slipped her wrist out of his hold then swung her hand around and slapped his ear as hard as she could.

He cried out and took a step back. She hoped she ruptured his eardrum. The breeze from the window rustled her dress. Could I make it out of the window before he grabs me? There was no way he was going to let her by him now. She sent a quick, silent prayer to the old gods.

After a long second Ramsay charged her. His prior, apologetic look replaced with rage. His eyes narrowed, lips curled back. A animalistic look overtook him as he rushed her. His eyes demanding blood, to hear her cries of pain and for his need to dominate.

When in times of acute stress, the body's sympathetic nervous system kick starts what is called the 'fight or flight response' which includes dosing the body with huge amounts of adrenaline and noradrenaline. One's heartbeat and breathing increase to push greater amounts of oxygen through the blood to prime the body for the physicality of fighting or fleeing. Pupils dilate which allows for more light to enter the eye and greater vison. Blood reduces in the surface areas of one's body to flow into the muscles, brain, arms and legs to prepare the body for the chosen reaction. Her mind and body screamed for her to fight, to stand her ground. Her body obeyed. Arya felt her mind sharpen, able to take in seemingly random observations. The hair on the back of her neck stood up, both from the adrenaline and the cool air drifting through the window kissing her neck. Laughter and cheers echoed from downstairs, a reminder of the party-goers oblivious to the tension just above their heads. The floorboards squeaked under their feet. There was no conscious decision, no fore-planning or thought. Arya just reacted. Maybe the old gods took pity on her. Maybe Jaqen's training had sunk in deeper than she thought. She would never know. Time felt as if it sped up and she just moved. The darkness in her cried out in revelry. Now was time for her revenge. She was not helpless. She would make him pay. Finally she would have her peace restored. Mostly though, she wanted to cause him pain.

He came towards her, his arms outstretched, ready to pin her again. It was so familiar to their last interaction. This time though, she was ready. She rapidly sidestepped from his grasp. She had to get him off balance, the newly trained part of her brain shouted. Grabbing one of his arms with both of her hands, she pulled as hard as she could. His forward motion propelled him onward. Her pull increased his momentum. Turning quickly, she steadied her feet, fists up prepared to fight. He would probably turn around and take a swing at her. Her mind stilled as her muscles remembered how to block and defend herself. She was ready. Her revenge and his pain were within her grasp. Yet next thing she saw, he tumbled through the large, open window. Landing on the roof, he cried out and rolled off, his momentum still carrying him inadvertently. Her hands flew up to cover her mouth in shock. The last thing she heard was a few seconds of silence followed by a hard thud. Blood-curling screams ensued. A call of pain. A siren's song of revenge. The faintest hint of a smile touched Arya's lips.