Snap Crackle and Pop
Jon
Purely content, that's how it felt sitting there in the cold of the night snuggled around the blazing fire waiting for their tea to cook. He wasn't sure how, but Nymeria had been hiding tubs of Chilli, from him, and it smelt mouth-wateringly good. He'd had the pleasure of one of her homemade meals before. Well, he gaped at her as he tasted her spaghetti bolognese and she whacked him for being so surprised. Nymeria was the kind of person that stayed somewhere different each time they had a few weeks layover. It wasn't until she got the promotion that she finally got a place for herself. He'd been out a couple of weeks when she invited him round, treating him no different to how she normally would. He appreciated that. He appreciated her cooking too. Still, it was taking its sweet bloody time to actually heat up over the open fire, but it was better to think about that than the thought of having to sleep separately tonight. Is it crazy how much it bothered him? He kinda wished he took it all seriously now though saying that, was there any chance to beat Arianne?
The day was still a lot of fun and if he needed reminding there were always the pictures burning a hole in his pocket, brushing his fingers against the smooth texture every chance he got, like a lovesick fool. They couldn't share a tent for one night, what was—wait. Jon blinked, unable to contain the grin that spread across his lips as he realised. They couldn't share a tent, that's what Arianne's stupid wager was. Who said that they had to share a flipping tent? Well, that's if he could convince her. The storm was well and truly blooming once again and he was sure it would only get worse as the night progressed, but it didn't hurt to ask…
"What's wrong with you?" it was a murmur, her breath warm against his neck and he pulled back so he could see the smile he felt against his skin. He loved seeing her smile, the way her eyes twinkled in the glow of the fire, the smile broadening as she met his gaze – she always made him smile. There were a few things he wanted to ask her in truth but first, there was the fireworks display.
"Well, I was wondering if you wanted to wander off and watch the fireworks together," he asked, smiling as she looked away with a shy smile replacing the other. It felt like they were starting at the beginning, which wasn't a bad thing, sharing all those awkward shy moments, the first dates, the first kisses.
"I guess it's nice to wonder about those things…," she teased – and the teasing – peeking up at him before she leaned back against him like she had since they gathered back around the fire.
"Oh, have you two stopped eye-fucking each other then?" Nymeria teased. There was amusement in her tone and Jon seriously wanted to throw something at her, more so when Dany pulled away. The heat rising up the back of his neck matched by the colour on Dany's checks as he glared at her, "Fancy helping me out?" Nym asked, passing him two trays of the chilli. He rolled his eyes but helped pass the trays around before he finally got to sit down and take a spoonful, savouring each spoonful of the spices on his tongue, a delicious contrast to the coldness against his cheeks. It truly was beautiful, it was so good he went back for more fighting with Arya for the last portion until Daario swooped in and stole it. He was more than ready to drown the fucker in the chilli though it was more amusing watching Arya test the weight of a pan in her hand ready to whack him with it, well, until Robb disarmed her.
They were talking again, lingering around the fire while Grey and Robb started unpacking the various boxes of fireworks. He wasn't sure how he managed to surround himself with Daario and Arianne–who were totally flirting with each other–while Nymeria teased them about it. Margaery was sat with Theon, Missy, Ramsey and Jeyne, in one of the most awkward circles of all time. Poor Missy looked like she wanted to be anywhere else while Margaery looked in physical pain as Dany pulled funny faces at her from beside him,
"What sounds better, watching the fireworks on the lake or the clearing from last night?" he asked quietly, drawing impossibly close as she turned her head towards him, her nose close to his own,
"I don't remember agreeing to it," she replied,
"You didn't disagree either," he shot back, grinning as she tilted her head to the side and looked at him curiously,
"Surprise me," she whispered. Jon rolled his eyes, focusing back on Arianne and Daario as Daario ducked away from a wild punch. What did the saying go? If someone's mean to you, they secretly like you…
"What?" Arianne asked when she noticed him watching her though he chose not to reply, eying Nymeria who grinned as she looked between them,
"I know what you're thinking and before you do-,"
"Let's not go there," Arianne said hastily as she pulled a face, cutting Daario off as he rolled his eyes, though her words just made him laugh,
"And we're already at the denial stages," Dany chuckled, causing the duo to roll their eyes as Nymeria joined Dany laughing at them. He watched Grey go through the safety pamphlet for the thousandth time before he relayed the information on to Joffrey and Ramsey. Originally it was supposed to be Gilly, Robb and Grey, but the dumbass duo nagged them about it until Robb seeded defeat with Gilly while Grey was making damn sure they knew what they were doing. It kind felt like a military exercise as Grey strode ten steps away to show the safe distance where Ramsey and Joffrey needed to stand. Grey went over everything, making sure the sticks that held the fireworks up, was securely in the ground, making sure they were pointing into the sky. Jon watched them quietly, letting his mind weave over ideas for tonight, the main question was where.
They had the whole island, though perhaps it didn't need to even be on the island, but booking a hotel did feel like a cop-out. They could sleep in the car, but they'd need to row there and then row back in the morning. Then there was sleeping in the boat but he was sure they'd either end up in the ocean or capsizing in the night and he'd had enough of the water for one bloody day. There was the gods' eye or the banking close to the water too, though there were bugs and critters they'd need to defend themselves from. It would be nice though, snuggling for warmth, holding each other close. Well, if she accepted, of course.
Grey made the duo recite the instructions for the umpteenth time and even from a mile away you could see the poor guy looked stressed to the core. Jon had only half been paying attention, but he was sure he could safely set them off in his sleep at this point with how thorough Grey was being. Not that he blamed him at all. It was better to be safe than sorry.
The guys were almost looking like they regretted asking to set them off when Grey finally seemed satisfied with leaving them. The minute he sat down, he blew out an exasperated breath as Robb tried to keep a straight face at how flustered he looked when Dany handed over the bottle of wine. It took a lot of goading to get him to take a swig, though he looked better for having one.
The time was late when they decided to head out; they walked arm in arm, a blanket under his other arm as they navigated the way to the God's eye. Sitting down as she slipped across his lap, pressing against him, her mouth searching. Jon kissed her hard, glad to be alone for the first time since their boat adventure as he gripped her hips in both hands and brought her closer. Their moment didn't last long as they broke away when they heard talking. Dany cursed under her breath as she slipped between his legs and leaned against him sideways, resting her head against his chest, and he quickly closed his eyes as whoever neared.
"Oh, you're here," Robb said. Jon opened his eyes, smiling tightly as most of the group shifted into the clearing, each couple claiming a tree for themselves. Robb and Margaery sat across from them with Sam and Gilly two tree's to their right and Grey and Missy Two tree's to their left while Gendry and Arya squeezed in one tree away from Margaery and Robb, so much for alone time.
"It's nice here," he admitted, causing Margaery's to grin.
"I can agree to that," Gilly whispered.
"Where's everyone else?" Jon asked,
"Arianne and Daario are not flirting, while Theon is defiantly not trying to hook up with Nymeria," Arya replied, her tone dripping in sarcasm as she grimaced,
"After last night?" Sam squeaked, catching himself as everyone around the group looked at one another in disgust. So everyone knew about that then…
"Oh gods don't," Arya grumbled, he couldn't help but laugh at the look on her face. She looked like she'd gotten out of prison early, "It's not funny. I had to listen to too much when I sat with them earlier," she explained fixing the girls in the group the face. Ah, Arya and the dreaded girl talk…
"Oh, and what were they talking about?" Robb asked, as curious as he felt.
"That's none of your business," Dany replied quickly. Jon glanced up seeing the curiosity on Robbs face as he smirked narrowing his eyes towards her.
"Were you talking about us?"
"No idea what you're talking about," Dany stated, struggling to keep a straight face as Robb folded his arms over his chest and stared at her with a brow raised,
"Girl stuff," Missy grinned, ducking down and hiding against Grey when they looked her way, which told them everything they needed to know. They were defiantly talking about them in some capacity and that was interesting, to say the least…
"What were you talking about?" Gilly asked shyly,
"Politics," Robb answered quickly, shrugging for good measure. It covered a few things at least. Theon actually opened up about his night, well it was more clarifying what he did and didn't do–because heaven forbids they let their imagination run wild.
"And football," Jon quickly added grinning as Margaery narrowed her eyes and pouted as she finally turned to Robb looking expectant. The afternoon was mostly split into two sections of staying with the group and then heading out with Robb because he needed to talk about Thursday. The plan was months in the making and the best part was no one seemed none the wiser to it, which was ridiculous with the number of people now in on it.
"Now you have to tell us," Dany laughed.
"Tell you what?" Robb replied without a second thought.
"What were you saying about us then, huh?" Margaery asked, poking Robb in the Jaw,
"You have any idea what they're talking about, Jon?" Robb quizzed. Jon made a show of furrowing his brow, glancing around the group slowly before he shrugged,
"Not a single clue, Sam?" he asked moving the blame over to everyone else, they were certainly talking about the girls. Well, Ramsey was giving Joffrey sexual advice while Gendry looked like he wanted to throw up—and that was before they left.
"Um n-no idea, what about you Grey?" Sam looked to Grey apologetically, and for a change, Jon was unsure what he'd say. What he'd learned about Grey so far was that he was a hard ass that spoke nothing but the truth and liked to tell them off like they were children,
"Um,"
"Babe, don't lie to me," Missy stated, poking him in the chest,
"We did speak about football," Grey mumbled smirking and Jon couldn't help but laugh, as Missy pouted and folded her arms in mock annoyance. He turned away, focusing on the women in his arms, closing his eyes and burying his nose in her hair as he tightened his hold on her.
"What are the sleeping arrangements tonight?" Dany asked as everyone went back to talking amongst themselves. There was a part of him that wanted to come out with it. Demand that they stay somewhere—anywhere as long as they were together. At the same time, he was actually nervous, a lot like he was with the tent situation in the first place, come to think of it. He just didn't want to scare her away with demanding anything from her…
"Well, your tent is currently rolled up in mine but I can help you put it up wherever you want," Jon replied quickly wondering what she was thinking,
"Okay," she said quickly as she glanced around at everyone else before she shifted, turning towards him fully… "Unle-"
"Unle-" he said, just as she was, chucking quietly as she smiled up at him, "You go first," he insisted curious as to what she was going to say,
"Arianne said we couldn't sleep in the same tent tonight…" she said slowly before she looked up at him, "Who said anything about sleeping…," she blinked up at him innocently and Jon was sure his eyes were going to roll from his head as he stared at her, and that grin that slowly stretched across those full lips of hers, as she laughed leaning her head against his chest as he slowly realised she was actually teasing him. "Your face," she breathed as she calmed down,
"What if we took our sleeping bags and slept somewhere else?" he asked, "Maybe here…" he suggested, looking around at their surroundings, the white barks of the weirwood tree's almost glowing in the night while the blood leaves blended into the sky. "That's if you want to–er, I don't think it's going to rain or anything –,"
"I do. Want that, I mean," Jon turned to see the bright smile on her face as she looked at him, "You should kiss me, that's if you want. I mean I don't think it's going to rai-," Jon leaned forward, cutting off her witty retort with his lips, drawing her closer as the kiss deepened teasing her tongue with his before she growled quietly and sucked his into her mouth. Jon huffed out a breath, pulling away slightly and grinning when he met her gaze,
"You defiantly wanted me to kiss you then,"
"I didn't think you would," she whispered. Jon paused trying to think of any reason why he bloody wouldn't, he was sure that if he knew she had poison lipstick, he'd be half tempted to taste it, the confusion must have shown because she rolled her eyes before she continued, "especially with everyone staring at us," she grumbled. Jon looked up glancing around the group at the majority of the group in their own little world's bar Margaery, Robb, Missy and Grey all looking on like proud fucking parents – the nosey bastards. Not that it mattered, or he cared what they thought or anyone else come to think of it. The only thing that mattered was her, and he really wanted tonight to be something special. Jon hugged her close, leaning back and settling in for the fireworks.
"What time is the show meant to start?" Sam asked as he glanced around the clearing. Jon had no idea on the time, couldn't say he was listening beyond Grey's commands,
"Supposed to be seven, but we're talking about Tweedledee and Tweedledum," Gendry grumbled with a roll of his eyes.
"So expect something to go wrong," Arya added as she laughed, "Anyone wanna go for bets?" she asked sitting up and looking around the group hastily,
"Nothing will go wrong, I showed them," Grey stated, frowning at the look of disbelief on Arya and Gendry's face.
"C'mon you do know who we're talking about right?" Gendry asked,
"Gods… You're making Grey worry now," Robb reprimanded in jest though looking at Grey, Jon could see he certainly was,
"They'll be fine," Grey replied smiling faintly, no doubt trying to reassure himself,
"I wish I had as much belief as you," Gendry grumbled, setting Arya off again, as Grey shook his head.
"Right if these fuckwits can tell the time we should be getting fireworks in…"
"3…" They shouted together, "2… 1…" Everyone looked to the sky waiting for the inevitable whistling or the crackling noises with the flashes of colour bathing the skies. He found himself holding his breath in anticipation, exhaling slowly as the seconds ticked by, looking down and meeting Sam's gaze before they were all laughing again while Grey shook his head.
The time slowly dwindled by before the silence was drowned out by the high-pitched whistling, the bang causing Dany to jump in his arms as they looked up to the colours painting the sky. The group cheered. He was sure he could hear the others too wherever they were and he found himself smiling, relaxing even as the show continued. The ever-changing vibrant colours, yellows, reds, blues, the colours overlapping painting pictures in the sky. Watching it here was perfect, no lights, just sitting under the night sky, with Dany in his arms. She was a picture, staring up at the sky in delight, a warm smile on her face, her hand in his, her warmth pressed against him. He really was lucky. The crackling and whizzing of the fireworks continued and he glanced around the group smiling seeing that everyone was relaxed and enjoying themselves, even Grey who'd been tense up until that point. It was nice to see everyone happy. Long may it continue.
It was her thumb drawing against the back of his hand that drew his attention and looking down he smiled as she was watching him, her tongue darting out to lick her lips drawing his eyes to them before he moved forward and kissed her. Opening his mouth, slowly deepening the kiss, well aware the fireworks continued around them, the flashes appearing through his eyelids, his heart beating furiously. He knew he could get used to this, could feel it in his chest when he pulled away and looked in her eyes. The colours in the skies reflecting in her irises' as she smiled at him,
–Bang–
'shit,'
–Bang–
Eyes widening, Dany pulled away, and they were already rising, hearing a faint scream in the distance,
–Bang–
The residue of cracking muffled, though Sansa was still screaming. They set off running; he was a step beside Grey the entire way, well aware everyone was a step behind them. Jon was mortified as Grey had to dodge a firework, he could smell the smoke in the air and he was seriously dreading whatever they were going to find, being pulled to the side as another firework nearly hit him. That gave him pause, but he shot up quickly, nodding tightly at Gendry in thanks before he was running again. The camp was a disaster three tree's at the edge of the clearing were on fire as well as Sansa and Joffrey's tent, the box of fireworks looked to have caught fire and had been subsequently stamped on, though perhaps the worst was Ramsey rolling on the floor trying to put his jacket out while Joffrey stood watching the destruction like he wasn't sure what the fuck happened. Jon could say they were the same on that front. He quickly got things moving sending Gilly, Sam, Gendry and Arya to put the trees out while Robb went to make sure the fireworks didn't set any more fires between here and the gods' eyes while he focused on Ramsey and the tent. He was actually speechless as he watched Grey snap, grabbing Joffrey by the scruff of his throat though the priority was Ramsey, tearing the coat off his body dousing the flames with his foot and the ground. Ramsey blinked staring at his coat but Jon's attention was already on Sansa sobbing and the tent, pulling her away as he quickly grabbed a pan and with Margaery's help put the melting tent out. He kept an eye on Grey and Joffrey as Dany and Missy worked to separate them, though thankfully Arianne, Daario, Theon and Nym arrived in time to help them out.
It took some time to get things into back to normal, setting out to make sure there were no little fires anywhere on the damn island. Joffrey, Ramsey both seemed to be in shock while the girls were more upset than anything, especially Sansa who had unfortunately lost a few of her belongings in the fire. Dany and Margaery attempted to console them as best they could, but there was only so much they could do.
Just sitting there, he knew they were lucky. This shit shouldn't be happening, and it was even worse because Grey was blaming himself… Not that anyone held him accountable.
The biggest problem was the half-melted tent, luckily they had a spare and Dany offered her tent, they didn't need it after all. Arianne gave him a pointed look, and he was sure Dany received the same as she rolled her eyes and headed off to grab the tent for Sansa and Joffrey. It wasn't like they had to stick to rules or anything, but he did like the idea of keeping himself busy, away from everyone else.
He could feel the adrenaline fall away when she came back snuggling against her as she curled into his side resting her head under his chin. The silence was nice, and he was sure he could have fallen asleep there and then if it wasn't for bloody Sansa—no, it wasn't her fault. She seemed to range from upset to determined, needing to do something to make it up to everyone because her boyfriend was such a fuckwit. Ramsey was no better in setting his coat on fire. It went unsaid, but they were lucky no one was hurt, and that thought exhausted him even fucking more.
Sansa decided on hot chocolate and despite wanting to say no, they couldn't. So they all sat around enjoying the probably tasty hot chocolate, but it was clear that no one was in the mood anymore. Even Daario's lewd jokes didn't get a raise. He felt tired, and he was sure Dany was too. He knew it wasn't fair to make her sleep out in the cold with him. She should be sleeping in the tent for the night so she could get a good night's sleep.
"Are you sure you don't want to sleep in the tent?" he asked because it was better than staying out in the open freezing to death.
"Are you trying to get rid of me?" she replied, there was a tired smile on her lips, and despite his mood, he couldn't not smile back, if only for her.
"No, it's just-"
"I'm incapable of surviving the outdoors," she asked again looking at him with a raised brow and he couldn't help but roll his eyes,
"You're a pain in the arse," he muttered, frowning as she laughed softly,
"You know other girls would prefer you complimented them," she stated as a matter of fact. There were so many ways he could answer that though he wanted to be witty, he wanted to enjoy the rest of his night with her.
"maybe, but I know you!"
"Maybe I should stay in your tent after all," she replied nonchalantly, well she tried if not for the smirk playing at the corner of her mouth,
"That would be much more believable if you weren't smiling," he whispered,
"I'm smiling at how much of an idiot you are,"
"Some guys would pref-"
"Shut up," she laughed leaning in and pressing her lips to his, and who was he to deny her? Jon couldn't say he cared about anything else at that moment, a plan forming in his head as he stood up, reached out and took her hand as they headed back to his tent. Dany stopped him along the way, sighing as she pulled him back against her, crowding her against a tree, her smile easy as he leaned forward to taste her lips, just for a moment. Squeezing her against him before he slowly met her gaze.
"Can you get the sleeping bags and meet me at the eye?"
"Okay," she smiled, and he leaned in pecking her on the lips again before he watched her runoff. There was a part of him that didn't want her to suffer in the cold for him, but she was stubborn and there was no way he would be able to dissuade her now, but he could make sure they were comfortable. Jon decided to ask, well, everyone. Missy and Grey were kind enough to give him a few extra blankets, while Margaery reluctantly gave him a spare bug net to keep the critters away–she had three, she was never going to use them all. Sam and Gilly gave him some cosy battery operated fairy lights that he was sure Dany would appreciate while Daario kindly asked if he wanted to share the tent… Safe to say that was declined, but he appreciated the gesture. Arya helped to tear Sansa and Joffrey's half-burnt tent apart, and grabbing his rain tarp he caught up with Dany in the eye. She looked puzzled as he dropped his many supplies, but it was to be expected.
"Are you building us a shack?" Dany asked,
"No, just a den fit for a queen," he replied, glancing at her before he got back to work.
"Do queens have dens?"
"They have lairs… That's close enough," he replied, laying the remnants of Sansa's tent flat on the ground as a floor so they didn't get everything dirty.
"I think you might be getting your wires crossed between queens and supervillains," he grinned as she wiggled her nose. Jon wasn't sure which he preferred, her stood regal in finery or spandex… He met her gaze narrowing his eyes as he held the rain tarp up while she moved around to tie the string around the tree's which hoisted it up over where they were going to make their beds.
"Oh, and which one are you?" he asked instead, trying to pull his head out the gutter as she eyed him.
"I could totally be a supervillain,"
"Not a chance, you're too nice,"
"Maybe a queen then?" she replied standing to her full height and squaring her shoulders as she looked at him pointedly, "Bend the Knee, to me as your rightful queen," she commanded her voice laced with authority. Jon pressed his lips together and took a step forwards closing the distance; as he followed her lead, trying to resemble something close to regale.
"My knees do not bend, your grace," he looked at her pointedly, trying to keep a straight face as she narrowed her eyes at him, folding her hands over her chest,
"You should probably get that looked at," she laughed and Jon scooped her up into her arms, enjoying the way her arms wrapped around his neck as he carried her back to the construction site that would be their den for the night if they ever got around to finishing it. Dany helped him with the net, securing it to the ground with hooks before they set up the blankets and sleeping bags. Standing back he wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder, admiring their little den for the night that felt cosy once he put the fairy lights up across two branches overhead.
"Are you okay?" he wondered. He felt much more relaxed after everything that had happened, and he hoped she was too.
"I am now,"
"You're such a cutie," he teased as he looked at her, she was, there was no denying it. He wanted to do something that would wow her, show her how much she meant to him.
"Why are you looking like that for?" she asked quietly,
"This is my normal look,"
"No, it's not. You're plotting something,"
"Get comfy, I won't be long," he replied before he stepped back.
"Jon -," she tried to complain, but he silenced her with a quick kiss pulling away as her eyes fluttered open, "Jon-," he kissed her again smiling against her lips as she poked him, "Fine. Don't be long,"