I Don't Own Game of Thrones, the Song of Ice and Fire or any of their Characters

Negotiations

"Bugger!" Daenerys muttered as she unpacked all of her belongings. Her eyes still red from crying. "After everything, I did for that lazy no-good useless pig-headed moron. My own brother offers me as a way to settle another damn debt. For dealing cocaine of all things! I didn't think even he could be that stupid. But again he proves me wrong." There's a knock at the door and she snaps. "Come in!" She doesn't take her eyes off her suitcase as the door opens. "With all due respect, Jorah, I really need don't want to talk anymore tonight, so if you could just say your peace and leave that would be fantastic."

"I don't believe we've been introduced." That wasn't Jorah Mormont.

She swung her head around and was met with a man older than him wearing a suit, grey-haired with a beard and arms behind his back. "Who are you?"

The stranger bowed his head. "My name is Davos Seaworth. Mr. Mormant's butler."

She took a step back. "He told me that the staff had the day off today and didn't say anything about a butler."

"He's half correct in that regard. He did give the staff the day off, but it didn't include me exactly because I live here."

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You live in but the maid doesn't?"

He shrugged. "I've known Mr. Mormant for many years. We grew up together, you could say. My father butled for his father and I took over after he retired."

She crossed her arms. "So what do you want with me?"

"I just wanted to introduce myself." He snorted pulling out a handkerchief from his shirt pocket. "Better that than you randomly finding me around the house and mistake me for a stranger then throwing something at me. Here." He handed it to her and at her flabbergasted reaction, he spoke quickly. "I heard when a customer got rough with a coworker of yours at the cafe you work and it ended with you chasing him out with a drip tray."

Her mouth opened and closed, a loss for words. All she could manage was, "Where did you…?"

He cleared his throat. "Let's just say Sophie is an old acquaintance."

"Sophie my employer?" She got out. "She told you about that?"

His hands went up in surrender. "I assure you, she said it in praise."

Daenerys couldn't take anymore and plop down on the bed. "I can't believe this is happening."

Davos cleared his throat. "That being said, Miss Targaryen, would you like to have dinner down in the dining room with Mr. Mormont or would you rather have it in your room tonight?"

She dropped her head. "I'll have it here, thank you."

He nods. "Very good, Miss Targaryen. Before I bring it, I must ask, do you have any food allergies? Or foods that you'd rather not eat."

She shook her head. "Just honeysuckle, that's all. As far as preferences, I'm not too fond of mushrooms or raw onions."

"Noted. Today we will be having the pork roast with sauteed vegetables and red rice. I'll bring it up shortly." He left, closing the door behind him.

Daenerys waited until she couldn't hear his footfalls before letting her head drop into her hands. "Why is this happening to me?" She asked rhetorically. "Is it really too much to ask for have one day of normal?" Her phone beeped with a text. She took it out of her pocket to see a text from her Petyr. "Clearly it is." It read…

Daenerys,

I need you to come in tonight ASAP.

-Petyr

She blinked and read it again to make sure she was deciphering it correctly. Yes, Petyr was asking her to come in. No, demanding her to come into work. With a curse, she replied…

I don't work for you anymore,

you told me to empty my locker.

-Daenerys

She waited patiently for a response. Less than a minute goes by before she gets the second text.

And now I'm telling you to come in.

Missandei quit this morning for so be

here by 8.

-Petyr

A smile tried to pull at her lips. Missandei quit probably because she was tired of your wandering eye. Her first initial response was to comply and tell him that she'd be coming. But then she remembered where she was. Looking around the room, she made an annoyed face. She thinks she's been through enough for one day. Petyr can very well bugger off. Her fingers couldn't move fast enough.

I'm not coming in, Petyr. Find

someone else.

-Daenerys

It took him a while for him to reply this time. For a moment she thought he might have actually taken her message seriously, then another ding sounded.

Listen, Daenerys, you need to come

in tonight by 8. We are short staffed.

-Petyr

"Are you bloody serious?" Daenerys couldn't believe his persistence. Actually, she can but… he fired her! Now he expects her to drop everything and come into work anyway? Well, that's too damn bad.

Not. My. Problem. Put on an apron

and get your hands dirty. I'll pick up

my paycheck at the end of the pay

Period. Good night.

-Daenerys

Before Petyr could send her another reply, she quickly shut off her phone and placed it on the dresser. "Now if only I had the guts to tell him that to his smug face." She mused looking down at her black screen. "Maybe one day." There was a knock at the door and she lifted her head. "Coming!" She went to the door to open it.

Behind was Davos with a silver tray holding a bronze colored covered plate. "Here you are, Miss Targaryen." He places the tray on the vanity and takes off the cover. "I hope it's to your liking. "

The aroma of the cooked food lifted in the air and filled her nose. "Mmm," She murmured. "That smell fantastic! Did you cook this, Davos?"

He nodded with a grin. "I did. I'm glad that you like the smell. Just wait until you taste it. An old family recipe I learned from my father." He went back to the door and took the handle. "I'll be here later to collect your dishes. Enjoy." And shut the door.

Daenerys smiled gently and went back to the food. The pork was cut perfectly. And it was so tender it was like butter. The rice was just right texture and oh the spices! Davos was an amazing chef! It's not too long before the finishes her plate. Her stomach now full of someone else's' home cooking, she was ready to unpack. While studying her new room, she learned that she had her own personal bathroom and a nice sized walk-in closet. She'd never seen a closet so large. So spacious! She wasn't even sure if she had enough clothes to fill the thing. Not that it had been too much of an issue.

She never really spent that much money on herself. Every month, she had to take her salary apart infractions to make all payments were met. Groceries, utilities, internet, and then Viserys' debts. Every year she would permit herself to use £80 for new clothes and another £80 for shoes. Half spent on work uniforms. It was very rare when she would actually get something she personally wanted. She always put her brother's needs before her own.

After she finished packing, she switched to her nightwear and exited the closet. She spies her stuffed dragon on the bed and lies down, pulling it into her arms. Drogon was what she called it. It was an averaged size, black shiny scales, and orange eyes. It has been her companion for several years. Since her teenage years. It was the first thing she ever bought for herself.

She holds Drogon close and falls asleep. Allowing herself to drift into the land of dreams.

Jorah woke up while it was still dark outside. He'd had some difficulty trying to sleep. All night he kept tossing and turning. Only able to think about the house's new occupant. Daenerys. She must still be sleeping. With a tired groan, he gives up on trying to get more sleep and gets out of bed. He changes out of his pajamas and puts on a pair of workout trousers.

He needs to clear his head. A few laps on the treadmill should do him some good. He hopes. His gym is located in the basement along with his indoor swimming pool. There's another one outside but it's too cold out to use. And the one downstairs can be heated. But he doesn't think he needs a full swim today. Maybe later.

Taking the stairs that lead down below, he grabs a water bottle on the way. He feels he might be there a while. The gym is about 8002 with several dumbbells, a treadmill, smith machine, an electrical trainer, incline bench press, exercise balls, and a rowing machine. The walls were made of brick with one side aligned with mirrors, a small window that could see into the backyard, 50-inch flat screen television, surround sound system, small shower, and recycled rubber flooring. Turning on Vivaldi, he gets started.

He runs several laps on the treadmill, more than his usual. Takes a few turns on the rowing machine and the bench press. Davos comes down sometime later and by then he had moved onto doing some sit-ups on the exercise ball.

Davos raised his brow as he looked around the room. "How long have you been down here?"

Jorah checks his watch and grimaces. "At least three hours."

His companion rolls his eyes and checked his own watch. "Daenerys goes to work at six o'clock right? It's an hour away. She might be getting ready now. Hop in the shower so you can take her."

He rubbed his eyes and did as he was told. Just a quick rinse and scrub and he's out in a few minutes. Davos had thankfully left an extra pair of clothes for him. He takes the steps two at a time out of the basement and up to the second floor. He sees Davos walking away from her door and narrows his eyes. "Isn't she ready." And goes for her door.

Davos looks over his shoulder to see him reaching for her door handle and jumps, "Wait, Sir!"

Jorah opened the door, about to ask her if she's ready, but is met with a surprise. There's Daenerys by the bed, hair up in a bun, wearing nothing but a towel. Her eyes bug out as wide as his while her brows disappear into her hairline. He could see drops of water coming down her neck and arms. Bollocks.

She recovers faster than him and her expression changed from shocked to furious and started screaming, "What the hell are you doing!? Don't you knock? Get out!" He shakes out of his stupor fast enough to dodge the shoe that came flying towards his head. Instead of hitting the porcelain vase behind him. Soon followed by another shoe and her shouting, "Close the damn door!"

He couldn't grab that handle fast enough. Swinging it shut, he lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

Davos stares disappointingly at the broken shards on the ground and sighs. "I liked that vase."

Jorah glared at him. "Why didn't you tell me?"

He glared back. "I said 'wait'. Not my issue that you already made your mind to go in. Why do you think I was walking away? I knocked and she said she wasn't ready."

"Can you two argue about this away from the door?" She shouted from inside. "I can still hear you!"

Davos sighed and gestured toward the mess. "I'll clean this up. I think it best for you to wait for her in the car."

"I think you're right." He agreed and made a b-line for the car. Practically flew out the door. He got outside, unlocked his car, got into his car, and waited.

She came out a few minutes later. Face red and eyes blazing with fire. She got in the car and slammed the door shut. Neither of them said anything. So he just started the car and drove to the cafe in silence. The entire ride was unsettling. The tension was so thick it could be cut with a knife. The drive into the city didn't usually take a long one, but this time, it felt like well over an hour before he pulled up outside the entrance.

"I get off at two-thirty this afternoon. When we get back, you and I are going to have a talk." Was all she said and exited the car, again slamming the door shut.

I bet we are. He stays in the car even after she enters the cafe. With a mutter, he pulls out a pack, takes out a cigarette and lights it up. He takes a nice long huff and lets out an exhale of smoke with a curse. "Shit." He scratches his chin with his thumb and chuckles. This was going to be an interesting month.

"There's my, Dany!" Sansa greeted with a wide smile.

The anger from earlier dissipates a little and Daenerys smiled back at the friendly face. "Morning, Sansa." With a wave, she walks to the back towards the lockers. Back there, she's greeted by the owner who's already started the baking prep. "Morning, Sophie."

"Morning, luv!" Sophie replied, pulling out a baking sheet. "Going to be busy today. Make me proud!"

Daenerys puts away her bag with a light chuckle, pulls out her apron, name tag, and hat, puts them on, and clocks in. She walks backs to the front and goes straight towards the coffee filters and starts stacking the boxes. But she stops when she notices Sansa staring at her. "Something wrong?"

Sansa didn't miss a beat. "You tell me. What's going on?"

She furrowed her brows. No way she could read her that easily. Better she played dumb. "Nothing."

"Oh no?" Her friend challenged. "So you're going to tell me that you didn't just come out of that mystery car that was here yesterday? Or do you have an identical twin that vanished into thin air before you walked in?"

Bugger. So much for acting blase. "It's...I don't know where to start."

Sansa crossed her arms and leaned back against the counter. "Start from the beginning. I've already gotten a headstart on the prep today. We have an hour before we open. Start talking."

Daenerys knew she was cornered. There was no way she could hide things from Sansa. She knew her for too long. "Alright. It all started with Viserys."

Her coworker was already rolling her eyes. "Now what did he do?"

"Well…" She took a deep breath. "He borrowed a hefty sum from someone to buy and sell cocaine." Sansa's jaw dropped and Daenerys chuckled. "Oh, I'm not done. Apparently, he was way past his due date. So my idiot brother promised something else as collateral. Or in my case, someone."

"Don't tell me…"

"You are correct." She got out through gritted teeth. "He promised that the man takes me to stay with him for a whole month in exchange to forget the debt. Or the man was going to turn him into Scotland Yard."

Sansa grabbed her by the shoulders. "Why didn't let the man take the bloody idiot!? You troubles would have been over for once." She leaned in and lowered her voice. "You're letting that weasle pimp you out now? Why did agree to stay with this man?"

Daenerys dropped her head. "I almost let him go. He blackmailed me with a promise I made a long time ago. I don't think I've seen him so desperate."

Her friend's grip loosened slightly. "Did he hurt you?"

She shook her head. "That's the interesting thing, Sansa. Remember the attractive man we saw the other day? Blonde hair, blue eyes, very rich voice?" At her nod, she kept going. "He's the one that Viserys borrowed money from."

Sansa's eyes got so wide they looked as if they were going to pop out of her skull. "You're serious?" When she nodded, her friend's grip loosened. "Dany, you know you don't have to do this. You can leave him and stay with me and Arya. Let Viserys go to prison."

Daenerys shrugged. "I can't do that, Sansa. Though a coward he may be, and even though he basically sold me, he's still the only family I have."

"Blood doesn't always define family, Dany, you know that." Sansa insisted. "I can't just stand by while this man does whatever he wants to you whenever he wants."

She placed her hand atop hers. "He won't."

Sansa blinked. "What?"

Daenerys cleared her throat. "He confessed that, even though he wants to have me, he will not force himself on me. He won't hurt me."

"And you believed him?" The sarcasm in her voice was hard to miss.

"He could have forced himself on me at any point last night. But he didn't. And aside from the accident this morning, I don't think he ever will."

"You're already staying with him." Sansa groaned. "Well, at least he seems to be a gentleman sometimes! Wait...what happened this morning?"

She could feel her cheeks getting warm at the recent memory. "He came into my room without knocking, and found me in nothing but a bath towel."

Sansa shook her head as if to clear it. "He...what?"

Two o'clock couldn't come fast enough for Jorah. It was as if Father Time himself was toying with him.

"Stupid...me-shaped corridors!" A voice came from the other side of the room. Jorah groaned as he raised a brow at the television as Sacha Baron Cohen portrayed as "Time" in Tim Burton's 'Alice Through the Looking Glass' plays on the screen. All day he'd been on a movie binge to make the time go by faster. It worked somewhat. But this final hour was dragging slower than a snail in a snowstorm.

"Very amusing." Jorah snatched the remote and shut it off. He checked his wristwatch then looked up at the clock. I don't think it would be too much harm if I arrived a little early. Decision made, he picks up his keys and heads for the door.

"Are you sure that's wise, Sir?" Davos asked him before he could walk out. "Don't you want to give her some more space? Just to let her cool down."

Jorah shook his head and continued to the car. "We're going to be talking later no matter how long I wait. I promised her that I wouldn't do anything to hurt her. And here we are. The sooner she skins my hide, the sooner it will be over."

"Your funeral."

"I don't doubt it."

He got into his car and drove back to the cafe. Unfortunately, parking wasn't as generous as had been that morning so he had to circle the block a few times before he found one. But he didn't go inside. Not yet. To be honest he was much too terrified to face her wrath. What would she throw at him this time? A tray? A mug? Dear God, he was gormless. But he couldn't avoid forever. Better he waits out here and enjoys a good fag.

"There you are!" A female voice said that was not Daenerys. He'd just lit his cigarette and turned around to see a redheaded woman standing behind him. "I've been waiting for you."

Jorah raised gave her a perplexed expression. "Who are you?'

A thin finger was shoved into at his face. "I'm your worst nightmare if you ever hurt Dany!"

Ah, now he remembered. "You work with her here, right?"

His next puff was interrupted when she grabbed the lapels of his jacket and pulled him closer. "Oh, I do more than just work with her. Dany is my best friend. We've been there for each other for years. She's been through too much. And while she has assured me that you haven't done anything...yet." She leans in so they're nose-to-nose. "Know this. I will make your life a living hell if you so much as look at her cross-eyed. Do I make myself clear?"

Clear? She was about to bite his nose off. "Crystal."

She let go of his jacket and took a few steps back. "Glad to hear it. Now don't forget what I said." And with that, she went back into the cafe.

All Jorah could do was stare at the door. "Well shite."

"Why do you have such a big smirk on your face?" Daenerys asked Sansa as she waltzed back into the locker area. "Should I be worried?"

"Not at all," Sansa replied. That smirk still on her lips.

Daenerys shut her locker with a bang. "What did you do?"

Sansa placed a hand on her heart in mock pain. "What? Me? Little old protective of my best friend me? Why nothing! I'm insulted."

"Mmm hmm." She muttered. "I'll find out later, I'm sure. See you on Tuesday, Sansa." She took out her bag and shut it tight.

"I'll walk you out." Sansa got off of the locker and followed her.

Sure enough, Jorah was outside waiting for her. "Ready?" He asked her.

She nodded. "Are you?

He chuckled nervously. "I'd be a fool to think you would let me off with a warning."

Sansa walked in front of her, blocking her view. "And I know that you will take my warning seriously, Mr. Mormont." Then turned back to her. "Love you, Dany. Remember I'm just a phone call away if you need anything. You still owe me a girls night!" And she was out the door.

Jorah chuckled. "Shall we?"

"We shall."

The drive to the house was another quiet one. But less tense. She was feeling less hostile this time around. Much less. The ride also seems to go by quicker. Once more the beautiful house comes into view. Jorah pulls up in the garage and they both get out.

"Is there a private place where we can talk?" She asked, thinking about Davos.

"There's my room." He offered with a wink.

Her eyes narrowed as a blush tinged her cheeks. "No, thank you. Anywhere else?"

He sighed with feigned disappointment, "How's about my study."

"That will do just fine. Shall we?" She offered

He held his arm out. "Ladies first."

"Thank you." After letting her inside, he led her up the stairs up to the third floor.

The reached the east end of the house and he opened the door. "It's in here. No one will be able to hear us."

"Good to know." She murmured and took a seat by the large desk. While he took the one behind it. "Now since you and I are going to be roommates, and aside from the 'how' and the 'who' there's no reason why we can't get along."

He took out a cigarette and little it, snapping the lid shut. Taking a puff out of the thing and letting out a breath of smoke before replying. "I agree. I think the two of us will get along just fine."

Oh, no you don't! He was not going to start flirting now. Her eyes zone in on that damn cigarette. She stands up from the chair, walks around the desk, and plucks it right out of his lips. "First thing." She puts it out in the ashtray. "I absolutely detest cigarette smoke. Or any kind of tobacco smoke for that matter. So I ask that you refrain from smoking if we are in the same room."

His brow rose. "You're very headstrong." Then he smiled. "I admire that in a woman."

She huffed and sat back in the chair. "You won't like it so much if you come into my bedroom without knocking again. Count your blessing that my shoes were the only things within reach."

His smirk turned sheepish. "Ah yes. That was inexcusable on my part. And for that, I do apologize. From now on, I will knock on the door, wait for an answer, and then proceed inside if I am permitted to do so."

"Thank you." She tapped her chin for a moment. Then she remembered. "Ah yes! The most important thing." He crossed his legs, waiting. "No more flirting!"

He pretended to be coy. "But it's my greatest skill."

"Not with me!"

"Not yet."

"Never will!"

"We shall see."

"Nothing to be seen!"

He stood up from his chair and made his way around, only to sit on it right in front of her. "Oh, there will be." He lifted her chin with his finger. "You won't be able to resist my charms forever."

She jerked away. "I'm headstrong, remember."

In her haste to tell him off, she missed it as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. The feel of his lips was so soft. Then he whispers in her ear, "I'm always up for a challenge. And I know yours will be the most rewarding."