Game of Thrones: Wars and Hearts

Chapter 21 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.

Reviews

Wolfgirl2013: Thanks :)
Marina Ka-Fai: Yeah, it's pretty bad, well, here's your answer.
Veridissima: Yeah; it's pretty distressing; yeah, she's in a bad way just now, as for Rickon, yeah, he's realized his mistakes and is now out to fix them.
zJordan: Thanks, I know.
rubini25: Yeah; I know; well he acknowledges what he did was wrong and knows he needs to accept responsibility for his actions; Catelyn of course as I described, knows how bad it feels. Yeah, Shireen really just couldn't take it anymore. Hmmm, I see, well, we all have our views.

Now onto the story.

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

Chapter 21

Shireen could feel someone holding her hand; it was strange, the way she was feeling.

'Is this what death feels like?' She thought to herself. 'It's not so different, no wait…I'm, I'm not dead.'

She opened her eyes and found herself somewhere she didn't recognize, in a room with the whitest walls she had ever seen. She then heard his voice.

"Shireen, you're awake."

She turned her head, shocked, it was Rickon. He was the one sitting next to her bed, holding her hand. The look on his face was a mixture of relief, regret and, she saw, utter self-loathing. A confused jumble of feelings waged war in her head. Her first was anger, anger that he'd dare show his face, then sadness, when she realized what she had done and when she saw the way he seemed to be practically tearing himself apart, full of bitter regret. Finally however, her most prominent feeling was confusion; her wish to know just what happened overshadowed everything else.

"What happened?" She asked; her voice felt soft and airy, almost like she had forgotten how to use it.

Rickon swallowed and bowed his head, letting go of her hand. "I found you, after…"

He couldn't continue but she realized; the last thing she heard before blacking out, the door opening, had been him coming into the room. She looked away; he definitely wouldn't want anything to do with her now.

There was an awkward silence, Shireen wanted to say something. But her anger had lessened considerably, knowing now Rickon had been the one to save her life. Before she could break the silence however, he did.

"Shireen, I listen, I have something to say and I really need you to hear me." He told her; she looked back at him. "I'm so sorry about what happened with Ellyn…I'm never doing anything like that again, ever, I swear it."

She wanted to believe him, she really did. Her doubt must've shown on her face however as he sighed.

"I understand if you don't trust me, but I promise right now; I will never do it again."

Shireen bit her lip; she knew the trigger for this incident had been Rickon's extremely repressed desires; the snail's pace of their relationship.

She shook her head. "I'm sorry I didn't have se…"

Rickon however cut her off. "You have nothing to apologize for; especially not that. It was wrong of me if I ever made you feel like you had to."

Shireen looked away again, her voice small. "But you slept with her."

Rickon reached out and gently touched her face, guiding her gaze back to him. "No I didn't, I stopped; just after you left I pushed her off and came looking for you…I just couldn't find you."

She knew her next question was awkward but Rickon seemed to anticipate it.

"If you're wondering if I would've stopped if you hadn't come along…Honestly, I don't know. But I do know a few things now…Important things."

Shireen waited tensely, wondering what he meant.

He sighed before continuing.

"Like I said, I'm truly sorry, I fucked up big time, I was, I am an ass. But I know one thing…" He took a deep breath and continued. "I don't want to lose you Shireen; I don't think I've ever been happier, outside my family, than when I'm with you."

She realized he meant it; she was looking straight into his eyes and could see no trace, not even a hint, of a lie.

Rickon then continued. "I understand if you don't want to give me another chance, or for us to get back together…But I don't want to lose you as a friend." He paused and then took her hand again. "I don't why you did this Shireen, but you need to know, there are people who love you in this world Shireen, they would miss you terribly."

She noted there was no one else in the room, but still, he said it with such conviction she believed him. She also made up her mind; it was clear now her thoughts had been wrong, there was no bet, no cruel joke against her, just Ellyn, vindictive as she had been from the moment they met.

She took her chance. "I…I want to try again, but you need to promise me something." He nodded and she explained. "If there are any problems, anything at all, we talk about them."

He nodded again, but still looked uncertain.

"Are you sure, would we be better as just friends first, before…"

But she cut him off by pulling him closer and kissing him, he immediately responded in kind.

When they pulled back they were both smiling.

"You need to promise me the same." Rickon said softly and she agreed.

Before either of them could say anything they heard the sound of rushing footsteps. The next thing Rickon knew he was on the floor, his jaw throbbing and Devan Seaworth standing above him, anger blazing in his eyes. Just behind Devan, Myrcella was holding an equally irate Edric Storm back.

"Devan, Edric stop!" Shireen cried out.

Immediately they did, turning to her, both looked like they were about to complain but Shireen shook her head.

"We've already sorted it out…leave him, please."

So they relented but soon joined Myrcella in showering Shireen with worried questions. She did her best to answer them as Rickon got back up, rubbing his jaw.

She distinctly heard him mutter. "I deserved that." Before sitting back down.

Shireen was amazed as she answered their questions and put their fears to rest. Rickon had been right, there were people who cared for her, she felt terrible now for ever doubting them. However she knew now, she wasn't alone, she could get through this.

Back at school Ellyn Bolton smiled; it had been so good to kiss Rickon; they had gone so far. Then that pathetic baby Shireen showed up and spoiled everything.

'Still I can forgive him for running away; it helps he's so hot.' She thought to herself. 'He's already had a taste he'll be back for more…I can hardly wait; Rickon will be mine in the end.'

She tugged irritably at her shirt; she hated the winter uniform; it was so restrictive, it covered way too much skin. How was she supposed to flaunt her body and get the attention she deserved if she had to cover up so much?

'Still, only one month to go until spring starts; then we're back to our other uniforms, I can show off again.' She thought with a smile.

That smile vanished however as she turned the corner and saw Rickon and Shireen walking towards her locker, holding hands, her head resting on his shoulder.

'What the fuck?!' She thought, too shocked for words. 'How can they still be together, after what she saw?'

They reached Shireen's locker and Ellyn watched as Shireen reached up her hand to start entering the combination. As she did her sleeve pulled back and Ellyn stared, wide-eyed when she saw the bandages around Shireen's wrist, she knew right away what they meant. She also saw a way to turn things to her advantage.

She rushed over and was shocked to see Rickon glare, how could he, after the fun they had? Shireen had already finished with her locker and, instead of freezing like she normally did when she saw Ellyn, she actually glared too.

'You've got some nerve bitch; you won't be glaring for long.' Ellyn thought angrily.

She then spoke, the words coming out rapidly. "Rickon don't, can't you see it's a trick; she's trying to take you away from me!"

"Ellyn, enough!" He snapped suddenly.

"It was all a plan to steal you. She's just using you." She tried to put desperation into her voice.

Rickon however merely turned away, putting his arm around Shireen.

"Leave." He said coldly.

She wasn't going to let him slip away, not that easily. "No! I know you love me, you want me!"

"I never wanted you!" Rickon yelled suddenly. "I love Shireen, only Shireen!"

With that he led Shireen away; leaving Ellyn to scowl after them; she wasn't going to let this go, Rickon would be hers in the end, she knew it. Shireen meanwhile was reflecting on what happened over the last week. The doctors kept her in hospital the rest of the week for mental evaluation and now she was visiting a psychologist once a week. On the day she awoke, her mother only came during the last ten minutes of visiting hours; Rickon wisely made himself scarce at that moment. She was surprised when, the moment her father's plane landed he headed immediately to the hospital to see her. But that was his only long visit.

Rickon, Myrcella, Devan and Edric visited every day however, Rickon staying right up to the end of visiting hours; sometimes longer and having to be reminded by the nurses that time was up.

It had been her first day back at school; despite what had happened in the morning, it wasn't as bad as she feared; most people knew what happened, or could guess by her bandaged wrist, but they said nothing. Ellyn tried to mock her and started spreading rumours but that suddenly stopped, it later transpired that Arya had called her out and disgraced her by making her admit what she had done in front of a crowd. She was relieved and grateful to Rickon's sister and Rickon explained that his family were happy they had sorted things out. She also learned that Rickon had indeed been punished for what he had done, but that she would still be allowed to come around to the Starks mansion after school; they were all anxious to see her again. So, after quickly getting changed she joined Rickon at the Starks mansion after school. They had both changed their clothes; Rickon now wore simple denim jeans and a black hooded tank-top. Shireen was wearing a cream mid-thigh length ruffled skirt with brown belt and a white top with lace design. She was also wearing Rickon's family wristband over her bandages. Rickon gave it to her so she didn't have to put up with people staring at them at school. They headed up to his room, as they did he explained to her.

"Dad's still at work, mum will be home soon. Sansa's down in Highgarden with her boyfriend; Bran's away to Jojen's and Arya said she had to go to King's Landing for something."

She nodded; aware now the house was empty apart from them; she was curious however, why had Arya gone to King's Landing?

However the thought was pushed from her mind as they sat on Rickon's bed.

Rickon sighed and then spoke. "I'm sorry about Ellyn today."

"What, did you tell her to spread rumours?" Shireen asked; she knew Rickon was feeling terribly guilty these days; he had to understand it wasn't his fault.

"No but…"

"Then stop apologizing." She explained; then, seeing he was going to complain again and acting on instinct, she kissed him.

Her psychologist said she would do things like this without thinking, especially with those she really trusted; Rickon didn't seem to mind and eagerly returned the kiss. Their mouths opened so their tongues could meet and dance together. They continued to kiss as their position changed; she now lay on the bed, Rickon was on top of her. His mouth moved away from hers and he kissed her scarred cheek before slowly working his way along her jaw and down to her neck. She let out a soft moan as her fingers gripped his auburn curls, enjoying the sensation. Suddenly he nipped her neck with his teeth, making her yelp. He looked up, worried but she smiled.

"Sorry, surprised." She told him before claiming his mouth with hers again.

Her hands were now on his back; she had slid them under the tank top and was tracing his spine with her fingers. Rickon however did not try and touch her under his clothes; he felt he had a long way to go to re-earn that privilege. However his hands began to trace their way along her top, reaching up to her chest; when they were stopped by the sound of someone clearing their throat.

They quickly pulled away, both blushing intensely, embarrassed at being caught. Shireen suppressed a groan as she realized they had been caught by her boyfriend's mother.

"Sorry Mrs. Stark." She stammered out.

Catelyn smiled and shook her head. "Good afternoon you two; Rickon, you know the rules."

He nodded; the rules were, if they had boyfriends or girlfriends over, they had to leave their bedroom doors open. Although he was certain that rule had never been followed by any of his siblings.

"Sorry mum, it won't happen again."

His mother nodded and turned back to Shireen. "I hope not. It's good to see you again Shireen; I hope you're feeling better."

Shireen nodded; calming down. "I am, thank you."

Catelyn seemed amused by something, however she simply said. "I'll give you both a moment to compose yourselves while I prepare a quick snack. Don't take long."

With that she left the room and Shireen buried her face in her hands.

"I don't believe it; that was so embarrassing."

Rickon but his arm around her. "It's alright, I'm sure mum's seen worse, especially when Robb still lived here. It'll be fine."

She looked back up and smiled back at him, reassured. They kissed again lightly. Shireen then stood up and began to leave the room when Rickon called out.

"Um Shireen…"

She turned and he pointed, she looked and her face went scarlet again. She was wearing a pink camo bra with red lace edging and red straps; due to their make out session her top had pulled off her right shoulder, exposing the strap.

She fixed it quickly, even more embarrassed than before. But Rickon reassured her again and they headed downstairs, talking together, both relieved that they had finally sorted things out; that everything was now going to be okay.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.