Wow wow wow! I missed you all so very much and the love and support I got within 24 hours of posting the last chapter was mind blowing. I have been gone for such a long time and it really warmed my heart to know so many of you are still out there reading my stories.
I am beyond excited to see where this tale continues to go and to take you all along with me.
Keep reading, enjoying and commenting!
Stay safe and sending all my love.
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The silence after Brienne's heavy question feels as though it's making me shrink. Even though both of us knew why she had asked us to stay and what information she was searching for, this is still very serious. Other than Arya, who regardless of their past, will always be Sansa's blood, Tarth will be the first person to know about us.
It doesn't seem like Sansa will be able to answer and I don't feel as though I'm speaking over her since the blonde requested both of our company. "Aye. She is." I respond, wrapping an arm around her slender waist.
Even in a tense moment my little bird can't help herself and leans back against me, gazing at my face with a small smile before returning her attention to Brienne. "It's the truth." She confirms.
The large woman doesn't know what to say or do. I catch her eyes flick to her sword, so quickly even I almost miss it. She then, for the first time in my presence, loses her composure. Tarth leans on the nearest chair and inhales a long breath.
"May I ask if this is serious?"
"It is." Sansa answers immediately. "And what I am about to tell you, not another soul is aware of. I trust you to keep this a secret as I trust you with my life. No one can know, yet, and I mean no one." She fixes her shield with a stare that raises the hair on my neck.
Recognition floods Brienne's face as she nods for her lady to continue.
"We're going to be married." Sansa says, joy returning to her entire being.
Brienne takes a physical step backwards at the announcement. She then looks from Sansa's face to my hand on her abdomen. "Are you with child?" She asks once she's found her voice.
My little bird can't help but chuckle. "No my friend, not yet at least." She responds, subtlety pressing her round ass against my crotch. Minx. "But, I am in love."
Finally, the warrior across from us softens. "Oh, my Lady." She whispers, her eyes turning glassy. "I have sensed a change in you, seen it grow day by day. I thought it was happiness but it made my heart break realizing that I had never seen you full of true joy. Not until these past few weeks."
Sansa looks at me again before addressing Brienne. "Please don't feel sadness for me. The negative horrors of my life are now in the past and you're right, I am happy, so full of it I could burst. I'm finally where I am meant to be."
Tarth turns serious once more before addressing me. "I must know Clegane, are her feelings matched by your own? I have never believed you to be a gentle nor loving man, let alone someone who stays in one place to plant their roots." Her hand obviously covers the handle of her sword now." I refuse to watch Sansa suffer ever again."
It's more than a statement, it's a threat and a promise wrapped together in steel.
"You're right. I am a giant, ugly and rough man. The majority of my life has been killing and belonging to the worst family in the Seven Kingdoms." I feel Sansa about to interrupt and tell me to stop diminishing myself. I look down at her and shake my head letting her know I need to get this out. She sighs but otherwise remains silent against me.
"However, that was The Hound and he is no more. I did not plan to come here, to see Sansa nor to have the honor of bedding and wedding her." The blonde blushes at that.
"I think you'll agree that the very mixed group of people that found their way north to win the Battle of Winterfell were meant to be there and subsequently were destined to perish or go on with their journey."
"Well, my path was always meant to cross that of my little bird's again, and we were meant to have a second chance together. We've both grown and changed during the years we were separated. She's never left my mind nor my heart. And I'm bloody lucky she loves me back."
I stare straight into Brienne's eyes. "So no, her feelings are not matched." Confusion and anger flood her features for a beat. "They're trumped. I love Sansa more than I can understand or express. But I'll spend every day of my damn life proving it to her."
Tarth regards me for a long moment as Sansa intertwines the fingers of our free hands. "Then congratulations are in order." She tells us, smiling for the first time I've ever seen. "And all your secrets are safe with me, I give you my word, my Lady." She promises.
"Thank you dear friend. We both deserve to be happy." Sansa tells her, leaving my arms to wrap her own around the blonde.
They embrace for a few moments before Brienne nods to me and leaves the solar.
"One down many to go." Sansa laughs when we're alone.
"Aye little bird but it's worth every moment, to be able to call you my wife soon." I stride over to her, my hands threading into her hair and pulling her to me for a kiss that's all tongue and teeth.
When our breathing is labored enough for us to break apart, I sweep Sansa into my arms, grab her things and race to our chambers.
Sansa flashes me a wide, wicked smile before dragging her lips across my good cheek and jaw then down my neck, kissing and sucking, no doubt leaving marks in her path.
A shudder travels throughout my body and I have to stop in an alcove. "Little bird look at me." When her eyes meet mine I can hardly make out the Tully blue, her pupils are blown wide. "I'm going to fuck you in every corner of this bloody castle once we're married but if you don't stop that, it'll start tonight." I growl, a breath before kissing her, hard.
"Then hurry up Sandor." She purrs against my mouth.
I almost lose my balance and groan into our next kiss. No matter how many times she uses my name, it still drives me mad. In the best way possible.
We make it inside our locked room in a blur. As soon as my back is against the door and Sansa is back in her feet, we begin ripping each other's clothes off until we're both naked as our nameday.
I move around Sansa to lie down on the bed before she can. "Come ride my face little bird." I tell her, beckoning her with my finger.
She stays next to the door just staring at me, looking taken aback. "Really?"
"Aye little love, come on now." I respond as I reach out for her.
Sansa's eyes turn dark as she bites her lip and makes her way to me. Holding hands we maneuver her next to me on the bed and Sansa leans down to capture my lips in a heated, open mouth kiss. "You're sure?" She asks.
"Of bloody course. As long as you are. I won't push you." I reassure her as I trail my fingertips along her cheek.
Obviously, neither of us has ever fucking done this, but I heard it's pleasurable and that's all I want to do to Sansa. But sometimes I forget that the strong, commandeering Lady of Winterfell still has a vulnerable side and I need to tread lightly, whilst also supporting her.
Blushing, Sansa looks at me through her lashes. "I really do, I want to learn." Ever the lady, Sansa wants to perfect anything new to her.
Even getting off on my face.
Between the way she's looking at me and her words, I can't help myself. I grab her by the hips, lifting her so she's straddling my head, her knees on either side.
Sansa squeals and laughs as she grips the headboard. "Do I just -" Her question is cut off when I slowly yet purposefully tug her down.
"Ohhh,Sandor!" Sansa moans when my lips touch her southern ones.
I hold her open with my thumbs but only gently, I want her to take control here. I look up meeting her eyes and suckle on her little nub until she throws her head back and starts moving over my mouth.
The more I drag the flat of my tongue through her wet folds the more confident she gets with her gyrations. When my tongue enters her tight channel, my nose pushing against that magic piece of flesh between her thighs, Sansa covers her mouth and really rides me.
The wanton sounds escaping her throat have me groaning and the vibrations to her cunt make Sansa's rhythm falter. My beard is wet, her walls are fluttering and I cannot wait much bloody longer.
Swapping my tongue for a thick finger I return to sucking on her clit, grazing my teeth over her sensitive flesh and curl my finger inside her body.
Sansa stopped moving with any purpose the moment I stretched and simultaneously suckled her and now, as I massage that ridge deep inside her body, she's shaking above me.
Her pussy grips my finger as she cums, hard, her hand not helping to muffle her loud wanton moans and yelp of my name.
I gently milk her orgasm, kissing her pink cunt and slowly pump my digit in and out of her pulsing center. Sansa is still trembling, looking at the ceiling and calming her breathing.
"Are you going to ride my cock now little bird?" I ask into her thigh, sucking until a mark appears on her pearly white skin.
She inhales a sharp breath finally looking at me once again. "Gods yes." She practically moans in response.
I drag Sansa down my body as I sit up, capturing her mouth in an open, wet kiss allowing her to taste herself. Sansa whimpers, licking my tongue and moving her soaking slit over my bare length.
Before I embarrass myself and cum like a green boy all over us both, I squeeze Sansa's supple ass cheeks in my palms, pleading silently for her to join our bodies together.
"Eager are we, my love?" She purrs to me, coating my cock in her slick, my head nudging her clit, making me curse and her gasp.
I press my fingertips into her harder, dragging her body so her hole is lined up with my tip. "You're dangerous after you cum." I breathe into her ear, kissing my way down until I reach a pert, pink nipple.
"My turn and yours again. Now Sansa." I try to demand, a beat before sucking her teat into my mouth, but it comes out more as begging.
Her own excitement or pity for me, I don't bloody know or care, finally makes Sansa give in and impale herself on my dick.
"Fuck, fuck, fuuuck!" I roar, holding Sansa still as I try to keep a heart attack at bay.
"Oh my gods." My little bird whimpers, trembling again.
When I've calmed down, I loosen my hold on Sansa. Trailing one hand to her nub and the other to her hip as I swirl my hips around.
This won't last long.
I continue thrusting upwards as I circle my length deep inside Sansa's body, we're chest to chest and she begins moving with me.
We move together in unison, the only sounds to be heard are our laboured breathing, the erotic slap and wet sounds emanating from our joined bodies and moans of the other's name.
I don't know how I've held out this long. Sansa is so bloody tight like this and watching her squirm in ecstasy, head thrown back because of me, is pushing me over the edge even faster.
When she finally sits back up to rest her forehead against mine, I put in double the work. I crush our lips together in a bruising kiss and lick her tongue with own as my thumb mimics the motion over her clit.
"Sandor, don't stop." Sansa tells me, her voice deep and sexy.
And I don't.
I keep thrusting and rubbing my cockhead along that ridge deep inside her cunt, my thumb never stops pressing and massaging her now hardened nub as our breaths become one.
As soon as Sansa tucks her face into my neck, screaming my name and digging her teeth into my flesh, I let go, roaring her name. Her body demands it.
Sansa's tight pussy milks my cock almost painfully. Over and over squeezing my orgasm out to spill my seed inside of her womb.
It takes several minutes for us both to finish and then actually be able to breathe. I gently run my hand along Sansa's back until she raises her head and her eyes meet mine.
"I love you." I tell her. Nothing else needs to be said right now.
Her sated eyes fill with adoration. "I love you so."
Somehow I find the energy to roll us over, never separating us, and make love to Sansa again.
Surprisingly, the next couple of days while we wait for Jon and Daenerys's return, pass by, it seems, in mere minutes.
Of course, only a select few of us even know they are coming back and when, meaning, life at Winterfell goes on as normal.
There's so much to be done that everyone who is able works night and day tirelessly cleaning, building and training.
Sansa's small council slips back in to each of our own routines and schedules as normally as possible. Obviously our minds are heavy and busier than our actions but there's no time to rest and it's best to keep any changes that we might be feeling away from the prying eyes.
Something new that Sansa attempts to do however is reach out to Missandei and Jorah. Apparently the Dragon Queen's right hand woman and Sansa did not have the best interaction in the crypt and my little bird wants to make amends.
She extended the olive branch by meeting with them both and giving them the scroll from Jon. She also invited them to our meeting on the eve of their return but they kindly declined.
I know my Lady isn't looking for more friends but she does want to have the best relationship possible with Daenerys. She also did feel guilty about her interaction with Missandei the night of the Battle of Winterfell.
Before I realize it, supper is over and we are all heading back to the solar to meet one last time before our King and Queen's arrival back in the North.
Nothing has really changed, none of us were asking for anything too insane to begin with. You know, simply hoping for peace and as little death as possible.
Jamie's main concern was that Daenerys will want to head South immediately and our numbers are small, that won't change, but they're also weak. I had to agree with the blonde cunt.
Both of the Lannister brothers were more than willingly to continue to share all their knowledge of not only King's Landing but about Cersei as well. Jamie has offered to be bait, mediator and assassin to his sister. Whichever is needed in the end. The room fell silent for a while after that.
And it might come down to asking him to be any of those three people. From fucking his sister to killing her. At least he's no longer a complete fool.
By the end of the hour, we all felt as prepared and settled as I think is possible. Until the two of them meet with us and we can listen to what they have to say, we can't know what to expect and have to be ready for anything.
The old Lord stays behind talking to Sansa for a few minutes, having her go over papers or some shit. When he's finally gone and she's finished everything she was wanting to complete tonight, we finally get ready to head back to our chambers.
But it's been a long day of sharing her and I can't wait until we're alone.
I've been silently watching and protecting Sansa the entire night, even once we were alone, allowing her to concentrate. When I can no longer stop myself, I move to stand behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist, burying my face in her neck and taking a deep breath in.
The feel and smell of her calm me more than anything ever has. Or ever will.
"Mmm, let's go to bed little bird." I murmur into her skin, kissing her.
I can feel Sansa's smile before seeing it once she's turned around in my embrace.
"I'm glad I'm not the only one who's been thinking of escaping to our room." She tells me as her fingers tangle in my hair, pulling my mouth to hers for a heated kiss.
The intensity takes me by surprise and almost subconsciously I lift her to sit on the large table, quickly moving between her legs a second before they wrap around my waist.
"All fucking day I've been dreaming of taking you to bed." I growl, dragging my lower lip over her plump ones until she whines and latches onto my mouth.
By the third stroke of her tongue I'm ready to risk it all and take her right here, right now. That is until someone clears their throat.
I rip myself away from Sansa, unsheathe my sword and position my body in front of her before she even reacts.
Leaning smugly against the doorframe to the solar is none other than Jamie fucking Lannister. "Did I interrupt?" He asks, looking directly at me before trying to see Sansa, hidden behind my towering frame.
"How long were you watching, you cunt?" I bark at him.
"Long enough to know I shouldn't have seen what I did." He smirks. "Truthfully, I only returned to inform you of something I had forgotten Clegane. Ensuring the Lady of Winterfell was safe in your hands came as an added surprise."
Sansa has righted her clothing and makes her way in front of me now. "I'm more than safe. And you'll keep this to yourself until a public announcement has been made." She fixes him with a glare. "If Brienne can keep a secret so can her lover."
Jamie raises his eyebrows in slight shock and then his hands in peace. "Ser Brienne would do anything for you my lady. And it's not my place to speak of this." He states seriously before chuckling. Crazy man. "It does make sense though."
We both look at him blankly.
Heaving a sigh he explains. "I knew my little brother was moping around the grounds but he kept denying it. I understand now why he wouldn't be open with me as to why. Can't say I'm shocked anyway." Jamie says, nodding towards us.
"What the hells do you mean?" I demand. Ignoring what he's said about Tyrion for now.
"You have never looked out for anyone, not even Cersei or Joffrey, the way you protect Sansa, the way you always have." The blonde man smiles at us.
"I saw, what I thought was infatuation, written all over your face years ago. Never thought anything would happen, obviously, in the world we used to live in." He finishes with a shake of his head.
I clear my throat, his admission catching me off guard. "Well, we both know I could easily kill you so, not a fucking word."
His one real, one golden hand are thrown back up in submission. "Yes, yes I understand." Jamie makes to leave but pauses at the door. "Don't forget to invite me to the wedding." He jokes.
Sansa nor I even think to brush off his jovial comment and the heavy silence wipes the teasing smile off his face. "Holy fuck, you're getting married." Jamie's eyes are wide and the grin on his face is one of genuine happiness now. "Congratulations." And just like that, he's gone.
"That was...strange." Sansa says to me, with a furrowed brow.
I can't help but laugh. "Aye. His own love has changed him." I tell her, believing that whole heartedly. Brienne has made him more of a man, a better person too. He's still shite though, in my opinion.
Sansa stands beside me, looking at the floor and not saying a word. I rub my hand down her arm and wait for her to speak.
When she meets my concerned gaze her own is troubled. "Sandor, what Jamie said of Tyrion..." She sighs long and loud before continuing. "I don't know why he would say those things."
I huff out a humorless laugh. "I do. The Imp is in love with you." The words feeling sour in my mouth, never mind the fact that I do truly believe his love is unrequited.
Sansa's face falls before her beautiful features turn shocked. "W-what? Why would you say that?"
"Because it's true my little bird." I response gently.
"I didn't know. Truthfully, I did not see it nor feel it." She tells me, still looking worried. "I don't feel the same. I never have. I'm in love with you Sandor." Sansa grips my shoulders and stares into my eyes.
I softly cradle her face in both of my hands and rub circles over her cheekbones. "I know Sansa. It's not easy having another man love my future wife but I believe you. And you know that I'm in love with you."
My words seem to calm her and a smile even tugs at the corner of her mouth. "I'm starting to realize I didn't know what many feelings truly were and felt like until I experienced them with you."
"Is that so? Like what?" I ask.
"Well, love of course, happiness, pleasure...," she bites her lip before continuing, "envy."
I let out a booming laugh. "I agree little bird. Everything is new with you as well, but envy? What in the bloody hells makes you envious about me?"
Obviously, being with Sansa means jealousy becomes a part of you. It's said that the history books comment on her beauty, telling everyone she's the fairest woman in the realm. I've had to get used to the fact every man and even woman we come across will admire Sansa. Some will even want her and a select few, like Tyrion, will love her.
That's in no way similar to interactions or how others view The Hound. So what is she on about?
"Oh Sandor." Sansa chuckles. "You're always looking for the threat, looking out for others, me or your own back. That doesn't leave you a lot of time to notice any others stares you might get. And no, not of your burns." She gives me a pointed look ensuring it don't interrupt her.
"I know you don't see it, most of us are not vain enough to admire our own beauty but you are tall, strong, dark and handsome, scars and all. Women appreciate that, appreciate you and I have the time to see them doing that. And I don't care for it." She tells me, irritation flooding her cheeks with color.
I soak in what Sansa has told me and I know she's not lying or saying these things to save my feelings. She finds me handsome so I don't give a fuck if no one else in the world does.
But thinking back I have noticed stares, glances upwards to see my face as I tower over everyone else. I never looked at the expressions on anyone's face. I simply expected it to be disgust or fright.
A lot of them were women I can't deny that so I she's made a point but I don't give a shit. Like she said to me, I only want and love her.
I do, however, feel my chest swell slightly with pride at the fact that the Lady of Winterfell is jealous of some wench or maid giving me a second glance.
"It's a bloody good thing I don't notice or care then, isn't it?" I ask, bring her hands to my lips and kissing her palms.
Sansa blushes for a different reason, smiling and nodding to me before gathering her belongings and walking to the door.
It's a relief to know that this time tomorrow Jon and Daenerys will be back, and it would be bloody wonderful if no one else figured out what was going on between Sansa and I before we tell her brother.