06x06, 'Blood of My Blood'

The look on Daenerys' face when she had seen the greyscale vining up his forearm haunts his dreams.

He's not seen her that emotional for a very long time. And he isn't sure what to make of it.

He's not a fool. He knows it's not born out of any feelings of missed opportunity.

But that glistening sheen in her eyes had let him know one thing: that she cares about him, whether she'd been angry before or not. Their bond hadn't simply been one of convenience, but of real, unmoveable affection. Those feelings hadn't been faked for ease, or for what he could bring to her quest.

She loves him.

Not in any romantic sense, but having that friendship and fondness means more than he could ever say. Especially now. With time short, if everything else fails, then it's something he can take to the grave with peace. They had reconciled. There were real tears in her eyes and raw emotion in her voice. This tragedy transcended everything else, cutting to her core. To their core.

She has given him renewed purpose. A reason to continue fighting. She's proven once again that she has the gentle heart that she prefers to hide away by giving him this kindness of determination.

And yet…

And yet his treacherous heart wonders if, deep, deep down, there could be more. Agonises.

Hopes.