10. Jon

When he woke it was to being cocooned in unexpected warmth. He tried moving and found his movements were restricted by something around him. Jon panicked for a moment before he felt the gentle press of her hands on his chest, he stilled, immediately thinking it a dream. Or worse, had he truly died? Is that why she was here?

She was calling him but he couldn't think to answer. His brain still felt fogging and his memories heavy.

"H-Hermione," he mumbled, no doubt slurring her name.

"Jon," She whispered fervently. "You're awake!"

She helped him pull some of the layers they had on him as he fidgeted. He winced and she urged him to go slower.

"Where… how…?" he asked hoarsely, trying to remember what happened. He could just make out the white fur of Ghost beside Hermione. The wolf nuzzled his hand as he found his bearings.

"You fell into the bay Jon," Hermione told him. "You … you almost died! They were able to bring you back to Eastwatch."

Jon nodded and then looked at her confused. "How did you know?"

"Bran," Hermione answered. She brought a cup of water to his lips. She let him push himself up just a little. "He saw it in a vision and told your sister."

"Sansa sent you?"

"She sent Sam," Hermione asked not looking at him. Jon grasped her wrist and she worried her lip with her teeth before meeting his eyes.

"And you?" he asked. He was almost gleeful when he saw the faint tinge of pink on her cheeks. "Hermione." He prompted when she said nothing.

"Well, I was hardly going to sit by while you nearly die!" She huffed.

"But I didn't," Jon reminded her. That apparently, was the wrong thing to say because she choked back a sob, clenching her jaw. "Or did I …?" he asked nervously. Seven hells if he died again.

"No," Hermione said. "But you almost died! Gods! You're the most impossible man I've ever met!"

He didn't mean to but he couldn't help but chuckle. She narrowed her eyes at him and then leaned forward to swat his arm. He was quick, grasping her wrist in his hand. He pulled her forward, to him and enjoyed the little hitch of her breath.

"I'm sorry I made you worry, my lady," Jon said softly.

Hermione sighed. "You said you weren't going to die." Jon could see she was quite upset about this. "You said you weren't going to make yourself a martyr and then I find out you did all this to save Gendry! And not that I'm upset you saved his life but Merlin Jon! You almost died again! Do you have any idea how scared I was? Even Bran didn't know if you were going to survive!"

She ranted and Jon was mildly amused only because there was so much concern and worry; for him. He was simply speechless. But apparently, she wasn't. So, he did what his instincts told him to do.

"I mean I know I'm no one of great importance but I truly thought you were serious when you – "

Jon stole the words from her lips as he pulled her forward, pressing his lips against hers. She sighed against him and her hand fell to his chest. Taking that as a good sign, he pulled her a little closer, the bed and furs somewhat of a hindrance until all sense of propriety was gone on him and she was seated on the bed with him. Her fingers curled into his hair as she kissed him back fiercely.

By the Gods, this woman was everything.

His muscles strained from trying to hold himself up and she must have known or sensed because all too soon she was pulling away. Hermione pressed him down against the feather pillows and Jon let his arms fall to her waist. He tried to pull her closer and she allowed it, leaning it a little more.

"You're very important, Jon." She whispered. "You can't be so brash with your life anymore."

He huffed out a laugh and she scowled, almost pulling back. Not meaning to offend her, he held her tighter as he explained. "No one's cared this much before."

And it was true. As much as he loved Ygritte and she loved him, their relationship had been born amid battle and blood. It was completely different from what he felt with Hermione and therefore hardly thought to compare the two.

"You have to remember you mean something to the people around you and not just because you're their king," Hermione said.

Jon sighed. "I will do my best to remember that, my lady."

She pursued her lips, no doubt thinking he was just humouring her. So he tugged her a little more to him. He wasn't quite sure what gave him such courage at that moment but he didn't stop to question it.

"I am very sorry to have caused you such grief, Hermione," Jon said softly.

She looked quite appeased by that and nodded. "You must rest, Jon. We have to get back to Winterfell soon. Sam says the wight's making everyone here very uneasy. They worry he might attract the others here."

"We should leave immediately then," Jon said trying to get up.

"No!" Hermione said sharply quickly pushing him back. He was rather alarmed at the amount of strength she had in her. "You will rest. We will make arrangements to leave in the morning. So, there is nothing for you to do but sleep."

Jon didn't like it, but he knew she was right. His body still felt entirely too sore and stiff. There wasn't much for it now anyway, as it would be too dangerous travelling at night. He agreed and fell back against the feather pillows. Hermione smiled and then started to move away. He quickly reached for her, not wanting her to leave just yet.

"Stay," he whispered.

She raised a brow and then bit her lip as she always did when she was worried. If she was concerned for his sudden burst in bravery in his affections towards her, Jon realized he would have to explain that at some point. For now, all he could muster was the barest of there reasons.

"I dreamt of you." He murmured. "When I fell through the ice, I thought of you and how I had broken my promise."

"Oh, Jon."

His fingers traced over her pulse point. She swallowed hard and her eyes fell shut.

"Stay."

"It's not right," Hermione said. "King, remember?"

"Bastard King," Jon teased and curiously Hermione looked quite nervous over that. "Unless … you don't want to?" Gods, he didn't want to force her into bed with him.

"No!" She quickly rushed out. "I do! Of course, I do! No, I mean - fuck! I mean…" he chuckled at her all flustered, amused and surprised at her language. "I just meant… never mind." She said burying her face in her hands.

Jon tugged them away, his weariness being to set in. "Breathe, Hermione."

She did. And then Jon pulled back the furs and she cast one look at the door before slipping in beside him. He was still wrapped in a sheet beneath the furs offering some sort of barrier between him and Hermione. Yet, it was still a dangerous invite, one that she found she couldn't refuse. Jon turned to her, watching with curious eyes.

"Are you making it a habit of saving me, my lady?" he teased.

Hermione chuckled. "I think it was you who saved me last time." She placed her hand on his chest, thankful for the warmth she felt beneath it. "Rest now, Jon. There is still much to do."

He didn't argue and shuffled as best he could beneath the furs. He felt Hermione, tensed beside him and before he could second guess it he reached for her again. She briefly stiffened and then relaxed.

"When last did you rest?" he murmured.

"Not since leaving Winterfell," She finally answered.

Jon didn't respond, simply adjusting the furs and then the warmth of her beside him began to set in and he couldn't fight the drowsiness any longer. Knowing Ghost was watching over them, Jon let his defences drop for the moment, her warmth and comfort all he could think about. He mumbled something that neither he nor Hermione could understand as he slipped into another slumber.

Jon woke much later only because he missed the body that had been beside him. His eyes adjusted to the dimly lit room as he shuffled up on the bed. She was there beside his best, writing furiously.

"Hermione?"

"Oh, you're awake!" she said looking up. She shoved the parchment aside and joined him on the bed, though she was careful to keep some space between them.

Jon frowned at was almost going to pull her closer when he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye.

"Tormund," Jon greeted. He looked around the room and was glad to see Sam there too. "Sam," he said smiling at his friend. Beside him, Thoros of Myr stood silently. He hissed a little as Hermione fidgeted with his wrappings. "You alright?" Jon asked Tormund.

"Aye," The man replied. "You're one crazy fucker of a King," he said and Jon chuckled.

"It looks like it's healing well," Hermione stated.

"Will it hold on the ride back?" Sam asked.

"I'll leave that for you to decide, Sam," Hermione replied. She stepped back and Jon again had to fight the temptation to pull her closer.

Sam came up and gently lifted the wrappings and after a few minutes of deliberation decided it would hold until they got back to Winterfell.

"It's not completely healed, Jon," Sam warned. "But we can't stay here any longer. We must get back." He finished throwing a knowing look at Hermione.

She nodded. "I'll go inform the others." She turned to leave, throwing Jon one last lingering look before she left the room.

"The wight?" Jon asked.

"Aye, it's still alive … or dead… or whatever," Tormund answered. "Fucker won't shut up. It'll be hell taking 'im back."

Jon nodded, knowing it was true. They would need to travel very carefully.

"I'm surprised she left," Tormund added a moment later. Jon looked at his friend only to see that annoyingly smug shit-eating grin on his face. "Woman never left your bloody side from the moment she got here."

Jon felt quite an odd rush at that. He looked between his friends wondering how far Tormund was stretching the truth this time.

"It's true," Sam agreed. "I'm grateful she was here with me. I … I don't think I would have saved you without her help, Jon." He admitted.

"What do you mean?" Jon asked frowning.

"She saved you, Jon. Not me. She used medicine from … her world." Sam explained. "You almost died and Lady Hermione brought you back."

"Another red priestess?" Tormund almost scoffed.

"No, the lady's no red priestess. But mayhaps she does have a spot of magic in her," Thoros of Myr said knowingly and Jon resisted the urge to look away. "It was quite impressive … if not a little unorthodox."

"What did she do?" Jon asked curiously.

"She uhm … she sort of pressed down on your chest and then well …uhm she kissed you," Sam explained turning a little pink.

Jon spluttered. "W-what?"

"Like I said, quite unorthodox." Thoros Of Myr repeated.

"And it worked?"

"Well you're alive, ain't yeh?" Tormund asked gruffly.

Jon was silent, taking it all in. No wonder she had been so distraught. He had nearly died… again. He made a note to ask Hermione about this method of healing once they made it back to Winterfell. He was quite sad he'd been unconscious when she gave him this kiss.

"You're very lucky Jon, to hold her affections so strongly." Sam smiled.

"I don't … she doesn't …" Jon mumbled.

"Of course, she does. She disobeyed a direct order and rode all this way not just because you're her King." Sam said wisely.

"Ain't nothing wrong with her. She's a pretty lass," Tormund added. "Fierce too."

"Yes, she is." Jon sighed.

His musings were cut short as Hermione re-entered this time with Gendry in tow. The boy awkwardly shuffled about before finally meeting Jon's eyes.

"Thank you, Your Grace, for saving me." He said quietly.

"Think nothing of it," Jon replied.

"We were just telling King Jon here about how you save his life, m'lady." Thoros of Myr said.

Jon noted with surprise that Hermione blushed. "Think nothing of it." She cheekily repeated Jon's words.

"Yes, well His Grace was especially intrigued by this kiss you gave him." Thoros of Myr continued.

It was Hermione who spluttered this time. "It wasn't a kiss!"

"Oh?" Jon asked quirking a brow.

"It certainly looked like a kiss to me," Tormund added.

"It wasn't!" Hermione insisted, flustered. "I was giving him air. You weren't breathing," She rounded on Jon. "It wasn't …"

Jon though quite amused did his best to not show it. "Well, I thank you, My Lady. Your efforts are much appreciated.

Jon wasn't sure if Hermione could blush any harder. Thankfully their attention was diverted once more.

"The horses are all saddled up and ready to go. We'll leave at first light if that is okay with Your Grace?" Gendry asked.

"Yes, that's fine. The sooner we're on the road, the better."

A look passed between Sam, Hermione and Thoros of Myr but when neither of them said anything, Jon decided not to press. He pushed himself further against the feather pillows trying to get out when Hermione quickly stopped him.

"You need to eat before we leave." She instructed and then turned to the other men in the room and said, "You all do."

Her tone left little room for argument and Jon thought it quite funny that such a petite lady could order them all around with such conviction. Hermione was leaving the room again and Jon found it entirely too frustrating that she refused to sit still with him.

"Have yeh still got that blade?" Tormund asked her on her way out. She nodded. "Good." He turned to Gendry and barked. "Go with her boy."

Hermione scowled. "I don't need a guard!"

"Yes, you do," Tormund said. "Murderers and rapists remember?"

"Fine," Hermione huffed. "Come on, Gendry. Let's get these sods something to eat." She said smirking at Tormund before leaving the room.

Tormund laughed. "I like her," he said to Jon.

Sam helped Jon gather his clothes and as he'd managed to pull his cloak on with barely concealed winces, Hermione came back with bowls of warm broth and ale. They ate quickly and with no fuss, all of them eager to leave.

As the morning light dawned on them, they all gathered in the courtyard. Their horses were nervous around the wight as was everyone else. Clegane and Gendry had fashioned a cage on wheels that would allow them to transport it back to Winterfell. A covering had been thrown over the cage to block it from view.

"Thank you," Jon said to Cotter Pyke as they all saddled up. "I am grateful for the hospitality you've extended to us. My apologies for any inconvenience we may have brought you."

"The Night's Watch is here to serve all, King Jon." Cotter Pyke replied. He shook Jon's hand. "May the Gods guide you safely back to Winterfell."

"May the Gods watch over you and your men. The dead are coming, we need to be ready." Jon warned.

Cotter Pyke nodded and then Jon pulled himself up onto his horse. Ghost was waiting patiently beside him

"Raise the gate," Cotter Pyke bellowed.

They set their horses into stride and with one last nod to Cotter Pyke, Jon and his group left Eastwatch- by – the – Sea. The wight made endless noise as they found themselves on the road. It made Jon nervous, especially when he considered the kind of attention they might be drawing. Eventually, as they made their way onto the Kingsroad, the wight grew silent and that made Jon even more anxious. His wounds ached terribly and he fell from the lead a little at a much slower pace.

"Are you okay?" Hermione asked riding up beside him.

"Hmm, just aches an awful lot."

"Yes, I imagine getting run through with a sword is quite painful," Hermione said not looking at him.

"I'll try my best not to let it happen again," Jon said. He smiled just a little at her and Hermione sighed.

"You said that the last time."

"I did," Jon said.

Before he could say anything more, Hermione levelled him with a hard look. She opened her mouth to say something but then quickly snapped it shut.

"What is it?" Jon asked.

"It's nothing. Nothing that would be appropriate to tell the King anyway." Hermione mumbled.

"If I am your King, then you should feel free to speak your mind," Jon said.

She bit her lip and then finally said, "You don't seem to realize that you're not expendable anymore. You have a family who cares. A kingdom that depends on you." Hermione reminded him.

Jon was silent for a moment before nodding. "I am very sorry I made you worry."

"But?"

He almost smiled at how well she knew there was more. "I would do it again. To save him, I would do it again."

She glanced down, at the reigns in her hand. "I know. That's what scares me. We're going back, preparing for the worst and… it makes me nervous thinking about how easily you sacrificed yourself for someone else." She looked up at him. "I understand why you did it, Jon. I do. It's what makes you a great King. But gods I absolutely hate it."

Jon didn't say anything to that. There was nothing more he could say to reassure her. Instead, they rode on in silence. The sounds of their horses and the rattling of the cage were all that could be heard.

"What do we do when we get back?" Gendry asked.

"We prepare," Jon answered.

"For the end?" Gendry clarified.

"It's not the end, Gendry," Hermione said. "Not yet, at least." She finished looking at Jon.

Jon had the sense that she knew more than she was letting on but he didn't think now was the right time to question that. Besides, Hermione was right. It was not the end, not even close. This was the start of the fight of their lives.

AN: Hi

As always many thanks to those who have followed, favourited and reviewed this story. Your support does not go unnoticed and is always greatly appreciated. It was a bit of a filler chapter i know but i promise things really do pick up in the coming chapters!

I'd love if you left me your thoughts!

Until the next one!

Stay safe!