Sansa was pleased to see that Tyrion was recovering as well as they could've hoped for. Now that she was no longer set to be Joffrey's wife, Cersei had lost all interest in her, which left Sansa plenty of time to continue her growing friendship with the only Lannister she could stand. They had spent at least an hour a day together, talking about their childhood homes and their families. Perhaps she was being foolish for opening up to someone so fully and quickly after she had been burned so many times before, but it felt so right talking to him. She had pretended her family were traitors for so long, it felt so freeing to be able to really talk about them. She had been in such isolation since her father was beheaded. She had lived in constant fear and surrounding herself with those emotional walls had left her so lonely. Tyrion had yet to let her down and she was happier than she'd been in months.

Now she furrowed her brow as she surveyed the board in front of her. Tyrion had been right, Cyvasse was quite an entertaining game. He had easily been able to explain the complicated game and although she hadn't won a game yet, she felt good about this afternoon. Her fingers hovered over her dragon before moving one of her elephants in direct line with his king. If she was right, he'd have to move his calvary to defeat the elephant which would then leave his catapults undefended. Once her dragon wiped those out, the game would be all but won. A few turns later, and she was proved right. Sansa ended up taking his king with a lowly spearman that Tyrion had clearly forgotten about. Realizing his mistake, Tyrion groaned loudly and comedically, slapping his hands on his healing face. Sansa giggled at his show of defeat.

"I knew you'd be marvelous at this, my lady" he swept the pieces back into the elaborate box as he smiled up at her. "I should have consulted you before the battle!"

"Oh, I'm not sure about that" Sansa said, rolling her eyes. "I'm just Cersei's simple little dove. I've no head for strategy, this was clearly just dumb luck." She tried to brush his words away, but when she met his gaze she was surprised to see a hint of anger in his eyes. He had stopped his movements and was just staring at her with almost a glare.

"Sansa, my sister is a fool to think that of you. And you're the bigger fool if you believe her!" Although his words were said with some anger, Sansa couldn't help the flush that came to her cheeks. "You're clearly of stronger wits than they all think you to be. I thought you were just playing the game...Do you actually believe them?" Now he looked at her curiously and Sansa couldn't keep his gaze. Her fingers gripped her silk skirts tightly as she stared at her hands, ashamed. She didn't even look up when she heard his chair scrape back and his heavy limp towards her. She only looked up when he took her hand in his and when she did all signs of annoyance were gone. Now only concern and care were in his eyes and it made Sansa's eyes well with tears. All she had heard for months was how stupid she was. Hells it had been much longer than even when she came to King's Landing.

Hadn't all her siblings at some time or another laughed at her. Called her 'airheaded' and laughed at her? They had never used the word 'useless', and had clearly only been teasing, but they had all talked about how perfect of a lady she was, being able to dance and sing and sew. She had been pretty and pleasant, but she was useless. And when she was under Cersei and Joffrey, they blatantly called her simple and stupid. Stupid, silly Sansa. Sansa with stupid dreams in her head that never learns. To be honest, she had been excited when she had been learning this game. She had picked up on the complicated rules quickly and had been excited to beat Tyrion, who was one of the smartest people she knew. But when he had praised her, she had not listened. Not believing his words.

"Sansa," he said much more gently, frowning at her tears. "My family has underestimated you severely. You are such an intellegent, capable person. You are not only well versed in the ladylike behaviour, you are shrewd and able to survive in a court where you are all alone. And you've still managed to keep your kindness after all the pain my family has put you through. It takes a special kind of strength to do that." he was looking at her earnestly and speaking in a low, gentle tone, but Sansa was hanging on his every word.

Embarrased by her tears, she moved to wipe them from her face. She tried to laugh away her insecurities, but Tyrion held fast to her hand, looking up at her seriously.

"Sansa, I mean it. I'm enthralled by you and your strength. You are an amazing woman." They gazed at each other for a moment before he suddenly let her go and turned away, moving back to his chair. Sansa's hand instantly felt cold without his touch and she moved it to her chest. Why did her face feel so hot? She glanced at Tyrion and saw his own face was reddened. Perhaps it was the wine they were drinking. He continued stuffing the pieces back into the box before Sansa stopped him.

"Reset the board, my lord. I'd like to see if I can start a winning streak."

He smirked up at her before staring to set the board up again.

"Tyrion..." he mumbled

"Pardon?"

"My name is Tyrion, Sansa."

She smiled brightly. "Tyrion" she agreed.

A/N: A little bit of fluff! I couldn't help putting out a chapter of just them interacting together. I feel like Sansa would struggle to recognize certain strengths within herself and I wanted to highlight that he sees that in her. Hope you enjoyed these few chapters that I've uploaded today! Please let me know how you like it