Oh shit guys there's two points of view in this chapter. Wild times I tell you.

And yes this is a very long chapter but...I have no excuse, that's just who I am LOL.

Let me know what you think, for some reason I find it easier writing from a male perspective, not sure what that says about me LOL

I hope you enjoy and always know I love hearing from you! (especially magnus374)

Sandor POV

—--

Our King and Queen arrive around midnight. Sansa couldn't sleep leading up to that point, meaning neither could I.

My presence alone is enough to have her barely opening her eyes after a nightmare these days, but something as major as this? Well, not even I could calm her racing thoughts. Nor my own.

The only telltale sign that they were back was the swooshing of the dragons' wings. Once that died down I waited for the barely audible echo of a door closing. Only in the dead of night could you hear anything of Jon's chambers from Sansa's.

She breathes a sigh of relief and I even feel some tension leave from my shoulders before we both finally fall asleep quickly.

Unfortunately, it doesn't last long.

Dawn has barely broken when there is a gentle tapping on the door.

"Sansa?" I hear her cousin softly calling through the wood. "It's Jon, I just wanted to let you know we made it back safely."

The knocking starts to rouse my little bird from her sleep, where she's nestled under my chin. I rub her back to get her to wake up enough to respond.

"The King is at your door." I breathe against her ear lobe.

Finally her bright blue eyes open wide.

I continue the strokes of my fingertips along her spine, this time trying to calm instead of wake her. He can't get in and we both know he would never try.

It's no surprise to me, and it really shouldn't be to her, that this is the first place he would seek out upon his return to Winterfell. They might be less blood related than they thought they were but Jon loves Sansa as if he was her full brother.

"Sansa," He trails off, "I'm sorry I woke you so early I just wanted to check on you." He sounds tired and concerned.

Much how his face looks most of the time.

She smiles and clears her throat before responding.

"It's no bother, I'm glad that you're home."

I can hear the change in his tone when he speaks again. He's smiling now.

"Me too. Can we meet before we break fast? Just you and I in the Godswood."

I can tell this pleases Sansa, to have time with him. No titles or prying eyes.

"Yes, I'll be there within the hour." She confirms.

"See you soon." Jon responds and then we hear his retreating footsteps.

"Today's the day." She says to me once we know we're alone again.

And her statement makes my stomach turn with excitement and nerves.

I am not a fool, I realize I'm no one's favorite person besides Sansa's (and one of Arya's if you really threaten her). I also don't think Jon detests me but I know he does not openly like me or see me as a friend.

As for the rest of the North, well our engagement won't go down smoothly. Just because I don't give a fuck about names or titles, especially Sansa's, doesn't mean the rest of the eligible bachelors in the North feel the same.

Of course there's also always the fact of who I used to work for and all lives I've taken over the years...

It will be tumultuous and dangerous. I don't care about myself, I only care about her and losing me will affect Sansa to the point of no return. Still, I would risk my life everyday protecting her and her lands.

My long pause and perhaps the myriad of emotions crossing over my face have Sansa sitting up and holding my scarred cheek in her soft hand.

"It will be fine Sandor I promise. Either here or somewhere else. Perhaps a free land, we will take our coin and start anew. Home is where you are, it's no longer a place to me." My little bird proclaims.

I pull her to me for a kiss, not just because I bloody want one but because I have to wait for the burning behind my eyes and in my throat to stop before I can speak.

"I've never had a home until you little bird, I've been a wanderer, a shield or simply lost. I know we can make a life together work, we will be fine but getting to that point is the tough part, our own personal battle." I watch as her inner armor comes through, her blue eyes morphing into steel as she stares at me.

"I'm ready." She states, cool, calm and serious.

I smirk at her wolfishly before rolling on top of her and taking her once more before the the day begins.

Let's hope it's not the last time I'm able to...

I leave before Sansa to seek out Brienne, making sure she escorts her lady to the godswood and then to the meal. I find her quickly, already enroute to Sansa's chambers.

"Tarth," I greet her, "Snow wants to meet with your lady. Escort her now." I grind my teeth and shut my eyes for a moment. "Please." I grit out I know Sansa cares for her shield and has asked me to be nice. This is as much as the blonde will get of that nonsense.

She looks at me a bit shocked, the one word pleasantry is definitely not common for me, especially when it comes to her.

"I was on my way to lady Sansa, I'll ensure she makes it there and to break her fast safely." Her gaze holds a bit of warmth towards me now, now that she knows the truth about us.

I quickly nod my thanks and stalk off before we become friends and go check on Stranger.

Everyone besides Jon, Daenerys, Sansa and Tarth have long been seated in the Great Hall and its when we've almost finished our food that I begin to grow worried.

I know in my gut Sansa is not yet telling Jon about us, but my treacherous nerves are trying to change my mind. We're both so eager to make this official and move forward that maybe she's blurted it out.

Right before my fork splits my plate in half, I see the giant blonde enter the Great Hall and hold the door for my little bird. Every ounce of tension and oxygen in my body leaves me in a large exhale.

Thank fuck her cousin didn't come with her because I know he would've noticed and that would've been it.

As it is, I see the Imp grip his cup a little tighter from the corner of my eye and Arya rolls her eyes at me as I watch Sansa take her seat. Ah well, they knew anyway.

Sansa looks as beautiful as ever and in one piece. Not a hint of sadness or frustration on her face. It takes a few minutes but she sends me a sneaky smirk as soon as she is able and I know all is well.

Our small council that has been meeting the past two days, as well as Missandei, Greyworm, Jorah and Varys file out to meet in the main solar once we've broken our fast. The King and Queen of the world are there waiting for us. She looks much better, almost back to her original self.

"Good morning everyone." The silver haired girl addresses the room, Jon standing next to but slightly behind her.

"Thank you for coming to meet with us and for all you've done while we've been gone." She looks at Jon softly. "We don't have much to say as of yet. This was a healing trip of sorts and there's only so much we could discuss without your support and input." She makes a point of looking at everyone in the room.

Color us shocked.

She goes on to explain their simple motives, Jon interjecting here and there. They wish to take their time heading South. Varys can confirm that he hasn't heard stirrings within Kings Landing about the Battle of Winterfell and it does not seem as though they know the Night King and his army have been defeated.

They would not have expected his arrival for weeks anyway and with the lengths we're going through to limit correspondence outside of Winterfell, it's unlikely anything would slip through.

The Targaryens admit our army is too weak to go now and also too small. But with the way the Unsullied and Dothraki fight, and with how quickly I suspect some Gold Cloaks, (or maybe even the majority of them), will flee in the opposite direction to bend the knee behind Daenerys, we might stand a fighting chance.

They put the idea out there to leave just shy of two moons from now. The entire room seems a bit shocked at how reasonable they're being. I suppose we're all so accustomed to Mad Kings and power hurling Queens, that to see the two Targaryen's left in the world, calmly sharing their ideas and asking for support is almost unheard of.

Tyrion steps forward informing them of our meetings during their absence. He continued to tell them we agree wholeheartedly to take our time and expressed, pointedly, how much we wanted to save as many lives as possible.

Even though Daenerys seems a bit defensive at the not subtle hint to the bloodthirst in her genes, she admits that she does truly want to listen to Tyrion and Jamie's opinions on how that would work. How would we know who to give a chance, who to put on trial and who to execute on the spot.

"I suppose as long as we're not hurling fire and arrows and breaking down the walls to the city that's a start." He says brazenly.

I'm shocked with the way he speaks to her but after seeming affronted for only a beat, Daenerys's face softens and I know she appreciates his honesty and for helping to keep her in line.

Even though she's not her father, it doesn't mean she's a demure lady or damsel in distress, she is still a fucking Queen and Mother of Dragons.

The two male Lannisters in the room share all the knowledge that's relevant at the moment with Jamie reiterating his offer to be whatever they need to take down Cersei.

When the Mountain is brought up all eyes fall on me.

I force an impassive look onto my face, I can't let my feelings for Sansa show right now. Instead I go with the honest truth minus her name. "The Mountain is the Mountain, nothing more." I start.

"Some experiment their sister," I nod at the blonde men next to me, "had her maester conduct. There's no trace of Gregor Clegane left inside what I saw when we met them with the wight." I speak loud and clear.

"I have no desire to set eyes, hands or swords on that thing ever again." I finish, meeting her and Jon's eyes to show that there's no room for conversation here.

She raises one eyebrow at me with a smirk on her face.

"Thank you for your honesty Clegane. I suppose we should ensure we know how to kill that abomination properly anyway. I don't think any human could do it." Daenerys muses.

"I say one or both of your dragons would be the best bet." I tell her my honest opinion.

Also, knowing my brother would die by fire or being eaten by dragons gives me some satisfaction.

The silver haired girl is open to most ideas given that morning and the ringing of the bells seems like a good start. All women and children will be evacuated then the men will go out by working class until we reach those either in Gold Cloaks or the ones even closer to the Queen.

Those who don't bend the knee will either be put on trial or killed on the spot. Even some of those who do bend the knee, depending on their history, will have a trial of their own. I don't know how many of the horrific so called Knights still live there but between Arya, myself and Sansa we know who doesn't deserve to live and who should reap the consequences of their dark actions.

We're there for damn hours, it's almost high noon, the sun blaring in through the windows by the time we finish. We are given tasks, research, ideas to mull over. As well as the continuation of the rebuilding and expansion of Winterfell, the caring for the wounded and the training and strengthening of the mended.

It ends on a high note, Daenerys letting us know that the sicker dragon healed completely and she never looks as happy as she does when speaking of her children.

Her scary, flying, firebreathing children.

She concludes the meeting and bids farewell to us all before allowing Jorah to lead her out of the room with her other three confidants in tow, Bran and Royce on their heels and the blonde Lannisters picking up the rear.

Jon lingers, his littlest sister at his side as Brienne and I stay put next to Sansa.

Arya loves no one like she loves Jon and they've been having a happy but hushed conversation at the opposite end of the room.

"I'll see you in the training yard in a bit then." She calls out as she finally makes to leave.

Arya then notices who's left and a quizzical, then shocked look crosses her face. She stops next to me and whispers for my ears only, "are you telling him now?" She almost seems scared for me.

"Aye." I respond.

Truthfully, I was not completely sure we were. I had not spoken to Sansa since this morning but we had agreed to tell Jon as soon as possible. Also, the room simply felt ominous.

"Do you want me to wait?" She asks seriously and I can't help the smile that tugs at the good side of my mouth.

"No, we'll be alright she wolf. I believe the big woman is staying anyway." I whisper.

Arya pauses for a moment, looking between myself and Jon, who is so seated at the head of the table. She gives me a nod and a surprising squeeze of my hand before leaving the room.

When Sansa's cousin looks up to see the three of us still there he's not as confused as I thought he would be.

Suppose I was right, this is it...

"Sansa, I thought you wished to speak to me but you have your shield and advisor in tow. Is everything alright? " He prods.

Sansa takes a deep breath before responding. "Yes, they will both wait outside the door for me. Thank you." She says, looking at Brienne first and then me, her eyes softening and a smile pulling at her lips.

I want to stay, I want to talk to him with her, protect her. Not that he would ever hurt her, he would kill himself before he let that happen but we don't know how he'll react. Words can be as painful as punches.

It takes every ounce of strength and mental training I've given myself over the years to force my feet to move.

Brienne has long overtaken me and is already waiting next to the door in the hallway when I finally cross the threshold and begrudgingly close it behind me.

I begin pacing immediately. I don't think I could stand still for more than a breath and sure as fuck not in the way Brienne is currently completely unmoving. But what does she have to worry about right now? Nothing. Lucky bitch.

I catch her out the corner of my eye smirking as she watches me wear a hole in the floor.

"I hate to give you any compliment," she begins, "but I don't think the lord could defeat you in battle. Regardless, I wouldn't let anyone kill you anyway." She says making me slow my gait and then halt in front of her, staring until she elaborates.

She sighs at me. "I told you, I refuse to see lady Sansa hurt or heartbroken again, and for some reason she is fond, quite fond really, of you meaning your death would cause her pain. So, protecting her means protecting you." Laughter bubbles out of her usually blank face. "Ironic isn't it?"

And I can't help it as my own laughs escape me before resuming my pacing and my long, painful wait.

—-

Sansa POV

Once the large door shuts behind my two closest companions I have to actively slow my breathing. My mask of indifference comes naturally but nerves like this haven't burdened me in a long time. Not ones I have had to hide at least...

By the time my panic set in during the Long Night, everyone was fraying at the edges, and no one noticed the stoic lady of Winterfell fretting with them.

I'm also used to having an idea of where meetings such as this will go. However, I'm blind right now.

I learned to read Little Finger, Ramsey and I still can look at Tyrion like he's an open book. But Jon, my sweet brother (blood or not it's what he always will be) who I never appreciated enough in my youth, who now is an integral part of me is also the true King of the Realm.

And looks either impassive or somber all the time.

I know he won't hurt me or even judge me, but I can't say he'll stay calm enough for this not to turn into a fight that ends badly enough that Sandor and I must leave, just the two of us, as he asked me to so many years ago.

Jon has walked over to the far window of the solar and is looking out at the expansive fields of the North. I love it covered in snow, the nip in the air, but seeing it celebrating a true Spring with green grass and thriving trees has my heart soaring as well. Four seasons at my childhood home is something I never thought I'd witness. I can't wait and I hope I get to enjoy them first hand.

When I'm standing next to him, Jon turns to look at me, taking me in and smiling. I don't meet his gaze right away, instead I steel myself as there is no going back once I start speaking of what's weighing heavy on my mind and heart.

"Sansa." Jon says to me softly. "What is it? What couldn't you tell me this morning? You're worrying me." His brow furrows.

I finally turn my attention to him when I hear the concern lacing his voice.

"Please don't worry brother. I promise I'm fine, I do think you should have a seat because even though I have nothing negative to say it doesn't mean it's not important, extremely important."

Jon looks a bit shocked but chuckles. "You think I have to sit to take this? Now I'm simply terrified." He half jokes.

Despite the tenseness running through me, I have to smile at his reaction. "Of course you don't have to, but I do think it would be a good idea." I respond as I motion to the nearest chair, wanting to keep him as far away as possible from the door to the hallway. Away from my love.

He regards me still a bit lost but turns the chair and sits so that I can stand in front of him, placing myself between my brother and my betrothed.

"I didn't wish to speak of this earlier because truthfully, I thought it best to attend the meeting with you and Your Grace first and see how it went." I pause letting that sink in.

He sits up a little bit straighter at that. "Did you think that we would come back with fires blazing and swords drawn ready to kill everyone?" He asks, seemingly hurt.

I know he's extremely torn between what to do with his new title and it's weighing him down mentally. One that he has to be shared with his people and he must also consider taking some part in the powers that come with it.

I also know he cares for the silver haired girl, he trusts her as his Queen which makes me want to learn to trust her as well. However, so early on knowing her I can't give over my confidence completely just yet, but I'm not saying any of this to offend.

I tread lightly. "No, of course not and you know me better than that Jon." I pin him with a hard look and the defensiveness leaves his shoulders.

"With saying that, however, I did not know what to expect. I still don't. I want to trust her and believe in her like you do, but none of us have had a chance to get to know her like that yet. It's been battle after loss after war. Give us all time, the time that she's giving us now, to understand Daenerys. And I do truly admire her and respect her for the decisions you both made while you were gone."

That seems to more than placate him as my brother gives me a small smile and nod to continue with what I was saying.

I take an obvious deep breath so he knows how much this is affecting me and is aware that I'm not taking anything lightly. "I'm sure Daenerys has told you of our conversation before the Long Night where I spoke to her about the North." I wait briefly until I see recognition in his eyes.

"I still very much want the North to be independent and I want to rule it in our father's memory." I continue. "The North, Winterfell, our people, mean everything to me and I want to do right by them, I want everyone to know not all leaders are like Cersei or the Mad King."

Jon grabs for my hands and holds them in both of his. "I know Sansa and I believe in you. I think that Daenerys does as well. Even if she, as you said, doesn't know you either, not completely. And she did bring it up, we spoke about it and I gave her my full confidence in you. I think that once the issue in King's Landing is dealt with, the North should be yours. I don't make promises but I do believe that's how the pieces of the puzzle should and will fall." He tells me sincerely.

I breathe a sigh relief and excitement at his positive words. For his new love to grant me one of the wishes I yearn for most.

"I appreciate you very much and your Queen as well." I look directly into his eyes ensuring he knows I mean the words I'm saying. "But that does lead me into the whole reason for our meeting." I take my hands out of his and place them over my ribs, helping my lungs to inhale enough air.

"If the North is independent or not, it's lands, my power, this castle, nor my name will be anyone's to trade. They will not be given and I will not be told what to do with them." I stand up straight as possible putting on my lady mask, (as Sandor calls it) and watch it make Jon shrink back, before finishing. "I will never marry anyone again at someone else's decision."

I say nothing more because, until he can understand, truly, where I'm coming from and tell me how he feels, there is no point in continuing.

The words have barely touched the air between us before Jon's eyes go wide. "No! No no no. Sansa I would never. Daenerys would never. She was traded herself and even though her union ended the way it was supposed to and there was love, that is nothing she wants for any woman to suffer through again."

He takes a breath and then his eyes are transformed, the eyes of a true Targaryen.

"And if she hadn't felt that way, I told her in no uncertain terms that you, Arya and Bran are my siblings, my family and you will be protected and cherished at all costs."

I didn't realize before this moment how concerned I was that they may try to trick and trade me again. No matter that he's my brother, it's not him that I'm worried about, it was the Dragon Queen as well as her power over him.

I feel immense relief knowing that her and I do see eye to eye on some things, but what has my heart trying to burst through my chest is Jon's fiery love for the Starks.

"I'm sorry she suffered, truly I am. But if it helps one more person in power, especially a woman, see that no one's name, body or decision to marry should be left in the hands of another, then at least something positive came out of it for the both of us." I finish somewhat solemnly, my past history with marriage still affects me.

Jon has calmed down and is nodding, looking relieved. I can tell that he's expecting our conversation to be over and I have to make myself not laugh at that realization since it honestly hasn't even begun.

"And all that to say finally what I brought you here to tell you." I announce. He looks a little confused, he was definitely ready to share a hug and be done with a positive meeting.

Well, it was positive...

"Alright, go on. You can tell me anything Sansa." He tells me gently and I know he means every word.

"Even though I refuse to let anyone choose a path of marriage for me it doesn't mean I don't wish to marry again for myself, for love, to work towards what my parents had after time." Sadness crosses his eyes when I mention Ned and Cat, but that quickly turns into suspicion when he pieces together what I'm saying.

"Sansa, are we talking about in the future or now?" He asks me, extremely evenly.

My back is straight and my shoulders taught as I seriously yet happily, tell him the truth. "I'm talking about right now. I brought you here to tell you that I'm engaged." I leave the truth between us and wait for a reaction.

He looks like Brienne when she first learned of Sandor and I. His chin might as well be on his knees and he's just staring at me not saying anything. I refuse to break the silence first, I think I've said enough. So, we stay like that for sometime.

Finally, Jon closes his mouth and pinches the bridge of his nose while taking a couple of steadying breaths, before looking back up at me and thankfully staying seated.

"You're going to try and work things out with Tyrion?" He asks me and I can't tell what inflection is in his voice. It's not excitement but he's also not disgusted at the thought.

I chuckle at his query and shake my head. "No. Tyrion and I will never marry again. He was one of the best of them, I have told him. I also respect and care for him but we're not in love."

That definitely seems to make Jon happier at least for the moment before it hits him that he has no idea who I'm talking about. "I'm at a loss, who do you wish to marry?"

I can't help the large smile that stretches across my face and makes my cheeks ache. "It's not who I wish to marry Jon, I am going to marry Sandor."

His reaction is instantaneous. He almost seems as though he's telling himself he should've figured that out sooner. Quickly, the rage takes over his features and I have to put my hands on his shoulders before he storms out of the room.

"Sansa, you have to be kidding! You are going to marry The Hound?" Any humor I found in this interaction rushes out the room with those two words.

I stand back not caring if he goes to confront Sandor, we all know my future husband would win, my brother doesn't stand a chance. No matter how talented Jon is with a sword.

"No Jon, I am not marrying The Hound. Sandor is his own man, he no longer belongs to anyone, but me. He has nothing to do with the Lannister's and hasn't for years." I take in a breath to calm my anger.

"And we might as well make things abundantly clear right here and right now." I fix him with a glare so strong he leans back in his chair again.

"If you or anyone in the family addresses him that way or does not support this union, then you don't need to worry about the North in regards to me because I'll be gone." His eyes turn into saucers.

"I am finally who I want to be in life and I'm in love with someone I chose for myself. I hope you can support me even if you don't understand me, however, if it can't be that way, at the very least if I can be with Sandor as wherever he takes me will be home."

All the color drains from Jon's face when I tell him that I'll leave, when he hears that no matter how much I love the North that I'll never be complete without Sandor. That I love him more.

He takes a shaky breath and hangs his head in his hands for a few moments. "Do you mean it? You're actually in love? It's not just..." he trails off looking uncomfortable, "lust?"

Damns my pale complexion because I know I'm blushing probably the color of my hair.

"It's definitely not only lust." I exaggerate the only so he knows that it is a factor. "I've always felt something for him. I wouldn't be here right now, truly I wouldn't have survived Kings Landing if it wasn't for him."

I can't help but smile that crosses my face talking about my love. "And seeing him again, spending this time together, it was what we both needed to realize that our feelings were and are real and valid. We don't want to waste anymore time." I tell him sincerely.

Jon sighs. "I can't say I am going to jump for joy at the thought of my baby sister marrying a Clegane but I will get over that because all I've ever wanted is for you to be safe and happy." He looks slightly pained but less horrified at least.

"I know he can keep you safe and I'm learning that he seems to be making you happy."

"Beyond happy." I confirm. "I've never felt joy like this Jon."

"Well, tell him to come in. I will be speaking to him, if you like it or not." He sticks me with with that big brother stare that I know I cannot get around.

But their impending conversation doesn't even bother me, because eve2n though I understand Jon isn't overjoyed at the thought of our marriage, he's being open to it.

Neither of our lives turned out to be or ended up where we thought they would. And I never dreamed Jon & I would end up together still standing. We can't bring back those we've lost, but we can continue on with our lives for the better, in the memory of our family, to do better for the world that we live in.

Quarrels and separation over who we choose to love is not worth it.

I quickly go over to the solar door and open it. Brienne is standing to my right as strong as steel and unmoving, always protecting me.

Meanwhile, my fiancé, the man who, as I look at him in this moment, sends my heart and gut a flutter is pacing like a madman. Even lost in his concern, (excitement or any other emotion he's feeling right now) no one will get near me.

He stops suddenly, his head snapping in my direction when he hears the creek of the hinges and despite himself, he rushes to me, clenching his fists at his sides to stop himself from grabbing onto me.

"Lit-Sansa?" He asks, my name holding many questions.

I smile at them both and nod to Sandor to follow me back inside.

My almost seven foot tall, trained killer of a betrothed pauses for a minute, closing his eyes and calming his breathing before taking my free hand and leading us through the doorway.

Jon is looking out the window once again, his back to us. We know he hears the large thud of the wooden door closing but he doesn't turn around right away, probably leaving us to grow anxious in the silence.

This may not be the most comfortable moment, but both of us know the hard part is over now. Well, one hard aspect of our engagement.

"My lord." Sandor greets him, breaking the quiet between us.

Jon finally turns and takes us both in, side-by-side holding hands and even though he doesn't want to, I see the skin around his eyes soften.

"Suppose I'll be calling you lord soon enough." Is Jon's only response.

"Aye. But I never wanted the title, any title. At least I'll also take the Stark name. Not only because Ned was a good man but because I know how much it means to your sister and anything important to her is important to me." Sandor tells him easily.

I don't know how many conversations my brother and Sandor have ever had and what the context would've been in the past but our King wasn't expecting that from the gruff man standing next to me.

Jon walks over to stand right in front of us, keeping his hands behind his back, probably trying to restrain himself. He knows he's no match for The Hound.

The only part left within Sandor that matches his old name, is the way he fights and maybe a little of how he is in bed but that's not a thought to be having in the presence of my brother.

"Sansa has told me everything. But I want to hear from you about your feelings. I've heard your story from her but if I am to fully believe this", he waves a hand between Sandor and I, "to be true, that this is a marriage based on love, well then you both have to be on the same page." Jon says and fixes Sandor with a glare before continuing.

"I know that I might not be able to defeat you on my own but if she's disappointed, hurt, left or cheated on...I'll bring back the Night King himself to deal with you." He promises coldly.

I feel the hairs on the back of my neck stand up because I know Jon means it. The fact that he's admitted he will need help to kill Sandor yet promising that he will still do it is not an idle threat. It's a promise. And by the way the Sandor tenses next to me I know he realizes that as well.

"Good. I told your smaller sister the same thing. If I ever lose my mind enough to hurt Sansa", he looks down at me, his face changing in a way that it only ever does for me, "that I would expect to be tortured and murdered because she has suffered enough, for many lifetimes over. I just want to be the opposite of her past for the remainder of my days."

Jon regards Sandor thoughtfully and raises an eyebrow, silently telling him to continue and answer the question at hand.

Sandor looks unhappy and uncomfortable but continues to speak. "I don't go around explaining myself to anyone but I do respect you more than most. I also know how much she loves you." He says, looking at me briefly.

"Most importantly, we need your support if the North is to accept us, so I'll be transparent." And with a squeeze of my hand he keeps good on his word.

Sandor tells Jon everything, from the beginning of our story. Well, almost everything. From the first time we met in Winterfell, to every encounter in Kings Landing. He recounts his trip with Arya, his near death experience that lead to his years on the Quiet Isle. Joining the Brotherhood and skipping over his and Jon's joint adventures. They were both present for them and I have already been told what occurred.

And finally his tale reaches our recent reunion.

"What this entire sordid story has in common is her." He says quietly staring into my eyes.

Sandor continues talking to Jon but doesn't look away from me. "The second my gaze fell on her all those years ago, she implanted herself into my mind, and later on my heart. I didn't even think I had a fucking heart until her." My chest constricts at his words.

"All those we have lost, the wars we fought in or were a part of, the Kings and Queens, the lies and the nightmares thrown at us, we both survived it all. We became who we're supposed to be and then we were given another chance together."

Sandor turns back to Jon while wrapping his arm around my waist. "And I refuse to waste another moment with Sansa. I love her beyond any feeling I even thought existed. And I'm as shocked as you are by the fact she cares for me-"

"Love. I love you Sandor, this is more than simply caring." I interrupt him, almost irked by his downplay of my feelings. But it hits me, deep inside my heart, that he barely allows himself to believe our relationship is more than a dream. It wasn't meant to insult me.

"Aye little bird, forgive me." He responds with a little of that attitude I adore.

He's serious when he talks to Jon again. "Realizing that Sansa loves me was the biggest shock and most welcome surprise I've ever fucking had. I had decided to be grateful and content with the fact I got to return to Winterfell and see her from a distance."

"Everything else that has come after, the relationship we've grown and will continue to grow really does feel like fate which is some thing I didn't bloody believe in until now." Sandor is beginning to lose some tension now that he's bared himself to the room.

"I'll tell you like I told her years ago and it still stands true and will always be a promise I'll keep." He continues, "when she's with me no one will hurt her, or I'll kill them. Including myself. I don't think I'll ever lose my mind enough to jeopardize or ruin what her and I have but I wouldn't want to live another second if I ever did. She'll want for nothing, she will be safe and I will love her with everything I have until my dying breath."

I can't hold back the emotional and happy tears any longer and they fall silently down my cheeks.

Jon stands across from us for what feels like hours but its really only minutes. He takes in both of us one at a time then as a couple. How Sandor has one arm wrapped snuggly around my waist as the hand of the other wipes away the tears he just noticed.

Despite ourselves and the situation, once my face is drier, our gazes lock and we stand there lost in each other for a second too long.

That seems to be my brother's undoing, as he heaves out the longest, loudest sigh I've ever heard.

"If you were attempting to make it impossible for me to not give you my blessing you've both succeeded." Jon admits, somehow looking extra broodier than normal.

"Honestly, Sansa, when you told me that you would leave the North for him you had me. Even if it was by twisting my arm."

"However, this revelation from Sandor," we're all taken aback by the use of his first name, "paired with your own truths sister, has made me want to give you my blessing." It looks as though the words are like chewing rocks but I see the lightness in Jon's eyes.

"Congratulations." He tells us before addressing the bigger issue at hand. "It won't be easy, your union."

"I will stand by you both throughout it all. And once the North sees their lady happy and cared for, you'll be accepted. By most." Jon says to Sandor.

I leave Sandor's arms to engulf Jon in a hug almost as big as the one shared when we were reunited. "Thank you Jon, thank you." The tears begin to fall again and I'm almost limp with relief.

"I love you Sansa, I'll always support you." He tells me, his voice thick.

Sandor comes over to us and once we part he extends his hand to Jon. The shorter man stares at up him as if Sandor is some foreign creature before finally looking to the ceiling for a second and then shaking my fiancé's hand.

"When's the wedding then?" Jon asks, when they release one another, still sulking slightly.

I look up at Sandor and when he nods for me to choose I do just that. "A fortnight from today."

"That soon?"

I can't help but laugh. "Yes Jon. I would wed today but this is Sandor's first marriage and the first one I actually want. The ceremony and celebration should be special and that takes time."

My brother loses some of his moping at my honesty. "Then begin planning and tell me whatever is it you may need." He turns to Sandor and continues, "both of you." Oh, was there you wish to tell anyone yourselves before the announcement tonight at dinner?" Jon asks.

"Arya and Tyrion. And if you would tell Daenerys, I would appreciate it." I tell him and look to Sandor. I'm quite certain he won't want to tell anyone in particular before tonight but I will always give him the opportunity to speak for himself.

He scratches the back of his neck before speaking. "I suppose I should tell Tormund." Jon and I share a surprised glance.

"Very well. I'll talk to Dany and leave the others to you two." He gives us a genuine smile before gathering his belongings. "If you'll excuse me, Arya is waiting." And then he's leaving us alone.

Sandor turns and grabs me around my waist, picking me up and spinning me around before crushing my body against his chest. "Thank fuck that's over." He breathes a sigh of relief. "Now, let's get this wedding planned so you can finally be my wife."

I hold his face between my hands and lose myself in his grey eyes. I've never felt so at peace. "I love you." I tell him, never breaking our gaze.

"I love you my little bird." Sandor says and then kisses me. A slow, deep press of our lips and tongues that curls my toes and has my heart soaring.

The lovers are too lost in their love and embrace to notice their audience. The True King watches them, and almost all his irritation and apprehension leaves his body. Their love is palpable from across the room.

--

Uh, so its obvious by now that I am a huge Dany fan. I was gutted by what D did to her character. As a reminder she is a major part of my fix it even if she is mainly a background character. Also Captain Obvious here once again...Jonerys will continue to happen. Their little getaway did not deter them. Targaryens like incest soo we'll roll with it. LOL SanSan takes up