Henry stared at his phone, with a blank message opened, his fingers were hovering over the keyboard. He's been trying to compose a message to send to Bran for the past hour or so. It's been well over a week since their first dinner at Granny's and he's been kind of stalling in asking Bran to hang out again. It wasn't like he'll be asking Bran out on a date (He didn't like Bran like that. There was a bigger chance to like Jojen like that than Bran) but still. There was a chance that he'll refuse and the rejection will be a blow at Henry's ego. He looked at their past conversations and somehow something told Henry not to worry about Bran's answer because the boy will say yes.
Hey. Wanna hang out tomorrow?:) -Henry Mills
Simple and straight to the point, Henry gave a nod of approval before he realised that he was alone. He pressed the send button before he could think about it and anxiously waited for Bran's reply.
Sure. Where?:) -Brandon Stark
Wherever. We can meet at your side of town this time?:) -Henry Mills
Don't think that's a good idea. Here isn't a good place right now… -Brandon Stark
The response made Henry's eyebrow quirk up but oh well, he was more comfortable in his side of town anyway. He began typing his response. Ohhhh, well… At Granny's then?:) We can go somewhere after we eat.:) -Henry Mills
Sounds like a plan! -Brandon Stark
Henry smiled, crashing on the bed. He turned to lie on his back, his phone resting comfortably on his chest. It's been a tiring week, with the dance preparations and all, he was supposed to be there tonight but he skipped like he always did. His phone shook, telling him there was a new messages that arrived.
Jojen's in town tomorrow. Mind if he tags along? -Brandon Stark
Nope, you can even ask Arya to come along to.:) -Henry Mills
Arya says she has class tomorrow :( :( :( She'll try to follow us though. -Brandon Stark
Oh. We're the three musketeers then. Haha. See you tomorrow :) -Henry Mills
:)) Haha. Guess so. See you! -Brandon Stark
Henry closed his eyes, hoping that he'll at least get a decent amount of sleep tonight. He hasn't heard Peter's pipes for the past week and he felt as though it was affecting his sleeping patterns somehow and he thought he wasn't affected by it. His body was exhausted but his mind wasn't. It kept repeating the events of the past week, and it was really uneventful. You'd think that a town full of Fairytale Characters both of good and evil will have more action and drama than ordinary life had.
Bran entered the Stark Mansion, slamming the door as loud as he could. It only frustrated Bran even more that it didn't even slam as loud as he wanted it to. It was loud enough to resonate through the living room and the other nearby rooms but not loud enough to reach far into the big home. "What was that?" He heard someone yell, he turned his chair around and found his Uncle Jaime walking out of his study. "Bran, are you alright?" Jaime asked, moving towards the crippled boy. "What happened?" Jaime asked, kneeling in front of him, checking his arms to make sure that the boy was alright. When he was satisfied that the boy was alright and physically unharmed, he looked up at his nephew, he let go and cupped his cheek. Bran's hands gracefully fell on his lap while his elbows rested comfortably on the armrest. Bran automatically leaned into the touch without his conscious mind giving him permission to do so. "What happened? Did someone upset you?" Jaime asked.
The questions made his hands stiffened where they laid and Bran's face turned red in a matter of seconds. "I'm not a delicate flower!" Bran yelled, wheeling himself backwards to distance himself from the blonde man. "I don't need to be coddled!" Bran snapped, surprising Jaime slightly at the anger behind his voice. "Just leave me alone!" Bran manouvered himself to go around his Uncle and down to his room located in the ground floor. He could faintly hear Jaime Lannister sighing and Bran knew it was unfair to be mad at him but whenever he sees his Uncle, it was easy to lose his. temper. There was a part of him that blamed him for the accident but it wasn't right, was it? His Uncle Jaime was the one driving but he wasn't the one who crashed into their car that crushed his spine. He was the one who never left Bran's side. All the therapy and… All of it. He felt guilty for even thinking of blaming him.
The Stark Children were put under the care of the Jaime and Tyrion Lannister after the murder of their parents and eldest brother. The murders haven't been solved yet much to the remaining Stark children's dismay. If they could trade all their riches for the justice their fallen family members deserved, they would but no matter how much money they throw away; it wouldn't matter. Jaime and Tyrion took care of them. Jaime took care of the children while Tyrion took care of their business. The alliance between the Lannisters and the Starks were stronger than ever because of the two males. Cersei's contribution to the strength wasn't… well, it wasn't much. She has always been civil, the animosity she felt for the Starks has always been poorly hidden though. She tolerated them because of Jaime but the Stark children could tell that the woman liked Sansa because Joffrey has taken a liking to her but Sansa thankfully saw the monstrous nature of the boy. After Bran's accident, well, she rarely showed her face anymore. Bran always figured it was because she couldn't take looking at imperfections. It wasn't much of a loss. Cersei hasn't always been significant in their lives except Sansa's.
Jaime had done his best. Even with his inexperience in taking care of other people besides himself, he did a great job with the Starks. He lived with them, Tyrion lived across the street. Bran pushed the door open, only to be stopped by a clearing of a throat. He turned his head and found Tyrion Lannister looking at him. "Bad day at school, champ?"
Bran scowled at him. "Don't call me that." Bran snapped at him. It's been a month since he came home from the hospital; it's been over a month since the doctors told him and his family that he will no longer be able to walk. Everyone has been too protective; everyone has been treating him differently when all he wanted was just to be treated normally, the way he used to be. He could feel his Uncle Tyrion's eyes on him and he turned to face him. "What?" Bran frowned, looking at the floor. His Uncle Tyrion was the only one who managed to treat him a bit like the way he treated Bran before the younger lad's accident. He was thankful for that. His Uncle Jaime had a difficult time doing that.
"Yelling at your Uncle Jaime wouldn't bring back your legs, you know." His Uncle Tyrion told him, Bran looked up at him and he was leaning against the doorsill, looking at his nails. He muttered a soft 'I know', Bran almost didn't hear it himself. "You can't stop him from worrying."
"I know." Bran muttered under his breath again. "School was awful." He looked down on the floor like it was the most interesting thing to look at, it wasn't. He was getting all these sympathetic looks, it reminded him of the time that his parents and his eldest brother died… he dealt with those looks and he got past it but… he just wanted to go back to normal. "They were all looking at me like I'm a broken toy."
"But you are." Tyrion said callously. Bran shot him a glare. "Bran, do you remember what I told Jon Snow when he couldn't get over the fact that he was being called a bastard for being born out of wedlock?" Tyrion asked. Bran nodded. "If you get mad at every sympathetic look you get, well, you'll be as unhappy as Cersei, I wouldn't wish that fate on anyone let alone you. Well, anyone who isn't Cersei that is."
Bran couldn't help but chuckle at that. "I know, Uncle but Uncle Jaime can be a bit overbearing, don't you think?"
"Well, your slamming of the door did warrant that reaction, Bran." Tyrion gave him a look, making Bran sigh.
"You think I should apologise?" Bran asked. He didn't have to think of the words because he knew what he should say.
"Oh you know I'd never make you do anything you didn't want to." Tyrion said, waving his hand. "But you should." Tyrion stood up straight and looked at his watch. Summer then came running in the house and immediately ran towards Bran. "I swear those dogs of yours get bigger every minute." Bran heard Tyrion say. "I'll tell Jaime that we'll order in, yeah? God knows what hour Osha and Rickon will come home today."
Besides the Lannisters, Brienne Tarth was also one of their Guardians. She stayed in the Stark Mansion most of the time as a Silent Observer but often the voice of reason when Jaime tends to get over protective of Bran (which was 95% of the time). But Jaime often became the voice of reason when Brienne gets over protective of Sansa and Arya. Not so much of Arya anymore ever since Gendry came into the picture. She trusted that the boy is an honourable one she says. While Sansa yet has to bring a boy home that will earn Brienne's approval. So far, she hasn't. Whenever Gendry came over, Sansa would have this look of disapproval whenever Brienne tells her that she should really find a boy like Gendry. Arya would often roll her eyes at that because she didn't really see what Brienne saw in him that made her like him so much. She didn't complain about it though. She was happy that Brienne approved of Gendry.
Bran was outside, enjoying the cool wind when he heard Sansa announcing that she was home and she brought friends home. He grabbed his tablet from the side pocket of his wheelchair. He's learned to ignore Sansa's friends because most of them were a tad bit mean. Except maybe Margaery, she was nice… well; too nice for Bran's taste but nice nonetheless she did her best not to be cruel. He wheeled himself towards the gazebo and played there until he heard someone approaching the gazebo. He looked up and saw a blonde boy walking towards him. He had a smirk on his face and Bran didn't know whether to be unnerved by the presence or indifferent. There was something else though; something he couldn't quite say what it was. It was unfamiliar but familiar feeling… but it wasn't entirely an unpleasant feeling. "Why are you here outside?" The blonde boy asked the smirk still on his face.
Bran looked down at the tablet, wondering if he should just ignore the lad but somehow it was a problem for him because he can't seem not to respond to the lad (even if it's a snarky comeback). "You're in my house; shouldn't I be asking you that question?" Bran asked, his eyes not leaving the screen of the gadget. "Why are you here? Are you friends with Sansa?"
"She's paired with my sister for a project." The blonde answered, a smirk still playing on his lips. Bran didn't know if he liked the look the boy was giving him. It wasn't sympathetic, it wasn't cruel either. It was curiosity and something else, something he didn't recognise. "I've seen you before… I mean, I met you before… In my dreams. You're my soulmate." The boy said, his tone made Bran look up at him, his eyebrow arching at the line. Did people still fall for pick up line nowadays? "My name is Jojen Reed." Bran was surprised at how serious he looked.
Reed was a familiar name though. He could faintly remember his father mentioning someone named Reed. "Your father is Holland Reed?" Bran asked. The lad… Jojen nodded. Bran looked down at the screen of his tablet. He wanted to make the boy go away but there was a strange familiarity he felt too that made him slightly uncomfortable. He could feel Jojen's eyes on him and he looked up, the boy didn't bother to look away. He didn't understand the look. He didn't understand. Summer must have somehow sensed Bran's confusion and discomfort because the Giant Alaskan Malamute (or so they thought it was an Alaskan Malamute) was already there standing behind Jojen. He was already growling at Jojen, ready to pounce on the teenager. The glare he was sending Jojen was terrifying but the. most probably, older boy didn't look fazed by it. He only extended his hand, gently touching Summer's snout and Summer somehow calmed down and went to Bran.
"He seems to like me."Jojen mused, smiling as the animal laid his head on Bran's lap. Bran only looked at him, surprised at Summer's reaction. It was the first time Summer ever backed down on anyone without Bran's command. "I know you don't see it yet, Bran but I'm telling you… we're meant to be."Jojen said, bowing slightly before turning on his heel and going inside. He left Bran to stare at his retreating figure.
"Well, that boy is pretty forward, isn't he?" Tyrion smirked, emerging from somewhere that was out of Bran's line of sight. His voice startled Bran slightly. Bran gave him a look and that only made the smirk on Tyrion's face grow. It was like he knew something he didn't.
"He didn't mean anything by it." Bran rolled his eyes. He was thankful that his Uncle Jaime was out because he knew that he won't be letting it go that easily. He tends to overreact over things. His Uncle Tyrion was just smirking at him though. "What?"
"Oh nothing, I'll be sure to tell Jaime that he'll be expecting a call from a Jojen Reed in the near future." Tyrion said, walking away. Bran's mouth fell open, he meant to call the small man back but he couldn't find the voice to do so. The sense of familiarity in Bran's chest was settling and he honestly didn't know what it meant. It was confusing and he didn't like it but something told him that it was meant to happen.
Bran went back inside their house and found Brienne sitting in the living room. "That boy likes you." Brienne tells Bran before he could even ask why she looked so unhappy. "Jaime will not be pleased." Bran has always been Jaime's baby boy as they always teased them. He's always been spoiled by the man ever since they were put under their care. "No one can be good enough for his Bran." Brienne smirked.
Bran rolled his eyes. "How do you even know that?" Bran asked, trying to be polite. Even before his accident, Jaime disliked any boy who tried to ask Bran on a date. They always received a slammed door on their faces or a glare that would easily scare them off. No one wanted to get on the bad side of a Lannister. Jojen was the first boy to take interest in him after his accident though… if he were really interested.
"I heard him talking about it with his sister." Brienne simply said, like it was no big deal. "He mentioned something about seeing you in his dream as a wounded wolf. It's all very endearing when you think about it." Brienne said honestly as always. Bran always admired Brienne's blunt and honest nature. She always spoke her mind but she still stayed polite to people who deserved it. Brienne had this look on her face. He touched his face to see if there was a mysterious spot that magically appeared on it. "You're blushing." Brienne spoke her observations.
Bran's eyes widened and glared at the woman. "I am not!" Bran exclaimed, using one of his hands to cover one of his cheeks. He couldn't be blushing, why would he be blushing? Brienne looked amused and he wasn't. "Shut up! I am not blushing!" He glared petulantly at the woman before wheeling himself towards his room. The front door opened and Jaime sauntered in, with a sullen look on his face which went away immediately when he saw Bran. Bran frowned at him and continued his way towards his room.
The door slammed, leaving Jaime with a look of confusion on his face. He made his way towards the living room and found Tyrion and Brienne talking, looking far too amused. "Ah, brother! Welcome Home!" Tyrion boomed.
"Do you know why Bran's upset?" Jaime asked, looking at them suspiciously.
"Bran has an admirer. And it seems like Bran likes this one." Tyrion informed his brother, sounding too happy about the news. Jaime couldn't see how someone could be delighted with that news. Bran was too young to have admirers let alone have a crush on anyone. Well, Jaime believes that his Bran was too young, he was just a boy.
Jaime walked down the hall to Bran's room, hoping that the boy was home. He just came home from a much needed business trip and he wanted to spend time with his nephew. Ever since they've gotten their memories back, his nieces and nephews distanced themselves from him. It broke his heart but after everything that his family did to their family back in their real world, he didn't blame them. He was quite surprised that he was able to gain their trust back past few years, he tried his best in winning their hearts back. Brienne and Tyrion helped but there were just wounds and scars that only time can heal and forget. One thing he regretted doing was causing Bran's accident back in their world. In this world, no one really knew that it was Cersei driving the car that crashed into his car; the accident that crushed Bran's spine. Cersei said that she did it because she was blinded by her jealousy of the relationship that Jaime had with the Stark Children. She didn't like that he was closer to them than to his own children. But that wasn't his or the Starks' fault was it?
His relationship with Bran wasn't as strong as it was before the curse broke but it was slowly getting better with no help with Bran's boyfriend though. The teenager absolutely hated Jaime's guts. He reached the bedroom; he took a deep breath readying himself of the possible situation that Bran will refuse his invitation. He was about to knock when Bran opened the door. "Uncle Jaime! You're home early." Bran said, surprised. Jaime didn't miss the teenager's clothes. He already made plans. It made his heart sink slightly. "I thought you'll be arriving tonight!" Bran said, wheeling himself forward. Jaime backed away slowly and letting the boy leave his room. "I wouldn't have made plans."
Jaime smiled. "I wanted to surprise you." Jaime told him. "Where are you going?" He asked, he doesn't recall Jon telling him about Bran making plans today. He did remember the young adult mentioning Rickon, Osha and Hodor going on a camping trip. "Were you going to drive yourself?" Jaime asked. Bran braced himself because he knew that there was lecture will be coming. Jaime bought him a car with tools that would help him drive even with his disability but he never actually let Bran drive it. He bought him another car that was driven mainly by Hodor. When things were bad between them, he'd often go against Jaime's wishes and drive on his own. But that was only a phase that he happily gave up. Jaime just sighed and shook his head. "I'll drive you." Bran couldn't argue because before he knew it, he was already being led to the garage.
Bran was at the bottom of the staircase, glaring at it, hoping that it will become a less of an obstacle it really was if he stared at it long and hard enough. He grabbed the handles, and slowly stood up. He wanted to try to get up the stairs without anyone's help. Before he could really stand up though he heard a door open. "Bran, you're going to end up hurting yourself if you're not careful." He heard his Uncle Jaime's voice say. He sighed, looking at the direction where the voice came from. He found his Uncle walking towards him, a stern look on his handsome face. Bran didn't let go of the railings though. "You'll hurt yourself." Jaime said, helping Bran sit back properly on his wheelchair. As much as Jaime wanted Bran to learn to be independent even with his condition, he couldn't help but feel protective…
Bran sighed. "I just want to try and get up the stairs, Uncle Jaime." Bran told him. "I can do it! I promise, I can!"
"I know you can, Bran with a little practice starting with small endeavors." Jaime told his nephew. "But right now, climbing those stairs just months after your accident… well, the possibility of getting yourself killed in the process won't really be worth it." Jaime told him. He ruffled the boy's hair affectionately, before pushing his wheelchair towards the kitchen. "Why don't I whip up some of my specialty microwavable leftovers and we'll watch telly?" Jaime asked him. "I think Sansa just finished watching her soap operas." Jaime said, looking down at the teenager. Bran looked up at him, smiling as he did. Bran agreed, he loved spending some alone time with his Uncle Jaime. He was protective but really awesome… He could remember his father and his Uncle Jaime not getting along, differences in their views, if Bran could remember correctly. They crossed the threshold between the hallway and the kitchen, Jaime pushed him towards the counter before reaching on top of the refrigerator and grabbing the jar of cookies that Brienne usually hides from Rickon and Arya. "I won't tell if you won't either." Jaime told him. Bran shook his head and zipped his mouth shut. "It'll be our little secret."
Bran grinned and heard his phone chime; telling Bran he received a message. He pulled it out and slipped it back in when he saw it was from Jojen. He'll respond later. Bran didn't even know what compelled him to give his number to the older boy. He was amusing to talk to… he didn't treat Bran like he was disabled or anything of the sort… He was just nice and he warmed up to Bran quickly. He didn't bring up their first meeting. He heard someone clap near his ears. He snapped out of the trance he didn't realise he was in and looked up at his Uncle Jaime. "What?" Bran asked when Jaime scowled, hearing another alert.
"I heard Jojen Reed has taken an interest in you." Jaime said curtly. There was another alert. "Will you silent that thing?" Jaime snapped. If he didn't find it amusing to see his Uncle this way, he would have snapped back at him. "Do you like this boy too?"
Bran hesitated before shaking his head and then shrugging his shoulders, that only made Jaime scowl deeper. "Would you rather I lie and say I don't?" Bran asked, surprised at the question that came out of his mouth.
Jaime sighed and tried to ignore another alert from Bran's phone. "No, I don't like it when you lie to me." Jaime told him. It's not that he didn't want anyone to be interested in Bran but isn't it too soon? He's only 14 years old. "Why don't we invite him over to dinner one of these days?" Jaime asked. Bran's eyebrow arched, frowning at his Uncle's sudden invitation. "No funny business, I promise."
"You're not gonna try and scare him off, are you?" Bran asked.
"When have I ever tried scaring anyone off, Bran?" Jaime asked innocently, flashing him a very innocent smile; one that could have worked if Bran hasn't seen it so many times before. Bran rolled his eyes, grabbing the jar of cookies from the older man. "Come on, it'll be fun." Jaime smiled again. Bran groaned inwardly, looking at his phone and reading the text messages from Jojen. Yeah, the boy was never going to talk to him again after that dinner. "What movie do you want to watch?" He heard Jaime ask.
"You didn't have to drive me, Uncle Jaime." Bran told him. "Jojen could have picked me up. He came home for the weekend."
Jaime sighed, as much as he wanted Bran to stay a child forever, he didn't and of course, he wouldn't. He wasn't Peter Pan, was he? He didn't really like Bran's relationship with Jojen Reed. He's never approved of Bran dating in general, not just because it's with Jojen Reed. The older teenager has proven himself quite the man. He's protected Bran with all he could even with the jabs of him being a weakling. Jaime has experienced first-hand that the land was anything but that. Jaime half-expected the lad to be at the Stark Mansion when he got home earlier. It would have been more of a surprise if Jojen stayed away this weekend. "Oh, I assumed he has." Jaime said honestly. Ever since they got their memories back, Jojen has been rather apprehensive at the thought of leaving Bran alone with Jaime. Tyrion often teased him about seeking Jojen's approval to be around the boy but really, shouldn't it be the other way around? "If it were possible, he hates me more every time he sees me." Jaime smirked, rolling his eyes.
"He doesn't hate you." Bran tells him which both of them knew was a complete and utter lie. Jojen hated him to his very core. "He isn't just fond of the fact that you pushed me off a tower?" Bran offered. Jaime stiffened at the reminder. He looked down at Bran's legs and the guilt he felt he's been constantly feeling ever since his accident just amplified when they got their memories back. He didn't know how this boy could still be civil with him let alone love him like they were really family. "Uncle Jaime, I forgave you. Jojen may not like it but I'm my own person." Bran reaches out to touch Jaime's hand, shaking his head. "Uncle Jaime."
Jaime smiled at him and nodded. "I know, Bran but still, what I did… it was despicable."
"It was but don't you think taking care of hormonal teenagers who aren't related to you by blood is punishment enough?" Bran asked, grinning but instead of smiling, Jaime frowned at him. "It was a joke, what's with the serious face." Bran asked, poking his cheek.
"I never thought of any of you as burdens." Jaime told him. "And it's a gift, not a punishment."
"Have you been drinking Uncle Tyrion's wine again?" Bran asked cheekily. "You're being awfully sappy this morning and really, Uncle Jaime, it's entirely unnecessary." Jaime rolled his eyes fondly at the boy, shaking his head lightly. Bran hummed and realised that he didn't tell Jaime where he was going or who he was going to meet. The older man did know that Jojen will be with him, usually that didn't need explanation but when he finds out that he'll be heading to the other side of town… well, that will certainly need explaining. "Jojen and I met this boy at the Dartmouth Campus Tour. He lives in town." Bran told him.
"I thought only the people Maester Aemon gave the potion to would be able to leave this town with their memories intact?" Jaime asked, looking at the teenager on the passenger seat. Bran nodded. "How did you meet him in Dartmouth?"
"He's the boy I've been telling you about." Bran told him. "Henry Mills, the saviour of Magic."
Henry parked his car at block away from the diner since a little exercise didn't hurt anyone. He was a few metres from the diner when he saw Bran being helped into his wheelchair by a man. He had bright blonde hair, not like Peter's or Jojen's blonde but a brighter shade. He had a built of a Military Man, Navy or Marine. He looked Handsome too. He pulled out his earphones before walking towards the pair. "You're being overbearing again, Uncle Jaime." He heard Bran tell the older man. Henry's brows furrowed and then recognition dawned on him. It was none other than Jaime Lannister.
"I am not." Jaime Lannister said, feigning offence or well, Henry assumed he was just pretending to be offended. He had a smile on his face. "Don't stay out too late, yeah?" Jaime Lannister told Bran, ruffling his hair. "I'm assuming that Jojen will be staying over tonight?" Jaime Lannister asked. He didn't look to delighted by the idea. Henry couldn't help but say the whole name of the man in his head because Jaime Lannister was in front of him with Bran Stark… the boy he pushed off the window. "And I'm assuming, by the way you're gawking at me and Bran, you're Henry Mills?" Jaime Lannister asked, pointing out Henry's staring (gawking). "Jaime Lannister." He said, extending his hand.
Henry gathered his wits and moved forward to shake the hand extended. "Uhh, yeah… that's me. Henry Mills." Henry said, nodding as he shook the firm hand in his. The grip around his hand was strong and not exactly gentle. He could feel he was being regarded and judged. "It's nice meeting you… I've read all about you." Henry said before he could stop himself. Honestly Mills. Shut up.
"You've read me?" Jaime asked, looking at Bran. "Is he referring to those books? Well, that makes me less threatening, doesn't it?"
Before Bran could answer, Henry has already opened his mouth. "No, it makes you a little bit more intimidating, to be honest." Henry answered, pulling his hand out of the man's grip. "No judgment here. My family tree's more fucked up than yours and well, your children… so yeah, no judgment here." Seriously, Mills; he doesn't have to hear that.
Jaime licked his lips and slowly nodded; not sure what he was nodding to. He was sure he'll like Henry… because Bran seemed to like him. He flashed a smile at the boy one last time before he turned to Bran. "Okay, I'll have my phone with me, call me if you – "
"I doubt if he will, Kingslayer." They heard someone say, that resembled Jojen's voice but said with a little venom that made it not sound like Jojen at all. Henry looked up and saw Jojen, parking his motorcycle by the fence in front of Granny's Diner. "It's not his first time to go out of the house." He said, glaring at the man.
"Well, of course not. I don't keep him locked in a tower like a hermit like you were." Jaime rolled his eyes at the young adult. He should feel childish that he was arguing with a boy who has barely turned 20. But he couldn't help it. He knew it was immature.
"Well, you'd much rather push him off it, of course." Jojen replied with a sneer. Bran groaned and shook his head at the two.
"Will both of you please stop?" Bran asked, glaring at the pair. He moved himself towards Henry. "Sorry about them, they can act like toddlers when they're not supervised. Let's go in?" Bran looked at Henry, not paying mind to Jojen and Jaime who was still glaring at each other. "Honestly both of them could act like prats."
"I thought Jon was your guardian?" Henry looked at Bran.
"Oh, no." Bran shrugged. "Well, the timeline gets a bit fucked up, when we went to this world." Bran told him. "It's a bit confusing to explain."
"Well, I have far better things to do." They heard Jaime say to Jojen. Jaime walked over to Bran and kissed the top of his head. Never did Henry imagine that will happen from reading the books but it did. But he did think that Jaime and Bran would get along if the little boy didn't see Jaime and Cersei in the tower. "Just call me if you need anything, Bran. Text me if you want to go home already."
"He can get a ride with Henry, Kingslayer." Jojen said, as Jaime brushed past him.
"Of course." Jaime said, Henry could practically hear him rolling his eyes. "Always a pleasure to see you, Jojen."
"Can't say I return the sentiment!" Jojen yelled as Jaime slammed the driver's door shut and drove off. Jojen turned on his heel and looked at Bran who was giving him an unimpressed look. "What?" Jojen smiled, leaving no trace of the expression he had on when Jaime Lannister was there. Bran rolled his eyes and moved towards the entrance. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Bran's Uncle Jaime has always brought out the worst in me." Jojen sighed, motioning for the boy to follow Bran. "Bran, I'm sorry but you know…"
Bran made his way to a booth and slowly got on, it Jojen slipping in next to him and Henry on opposite of them. "You started it. You didn't have to be nasty to him." Bran said, frowning at the boy next to him. "It's not his fault why I'm a cripple here."
"I know but…" Jojen sighed, wrapping an arm around Bran's shoulders and pulling him closer. He kissed Bran's temple. "I'm sorry."
Henry cleared his throat. He didn't want to interrupt their fight but he was a little confused. "So how did Jaime Lannister end up being your guardian here?" Henry asked. "I mean, doesn't your family hate him or something?"
"Well, I don't really know but I think in our world, my mother tasked him and Brienne to bring my sisters back home." Bran shrugged. "And well, Sansa's married to Uncle Tyrion. And somehow the curse translated that into being our guardians." Bran chuckled, remembering the chaos that erupted in their household when they got their memories back.
"Bran here is Jaime Lannister's baby boy." Jojen teased that earned him an elbow on the side. Jojen's tone wasn't cruel or mocking though. It almost sounded fond of the idea. If Henry didn't see the exchange between Jaime Lannister and Jojen… He'd think that Jojen sounded fond of the idea. He looked at Bran who didn't seem bothered by it. "Hey, it's true isn't it?" Jojen smirked at his boyfriend. He pressed another kiss on Bran's temple. "I remember the first time I was invited over for dinner. It's like being thrown into a pit with Lions and Wolves."
"Do we really have to have him over dinner?" Bran asked, watching his Uncle Jaime finish getting ready in front of the mirror. "It's not like our relationship is anything serious yet." Bran said, looking at his reflection nervously. They (Bran and Jojen) have been talking for a few weeks now. Jojen has been anything but horrible. He was really sweet too. He was a bit weird at the start but when you get past that, Bran found him rather nice and easy to talk to. He just understood Bran the way his family never have. The dinner was out of the blue. Jaime invited Jojen and Meera over because Jaime just couldn't help himself. Jaime had the chance to talk to the Reed children when was able to meet with them before they left the day before the dinner. Jojen who missed all Bran's cues not to accept agreed to be there at 7 with his sister. "Uncle Jaime." Bran said, looking at his Uncle again after he was satisfied with how his hair looked.
"You like this boy, Bran." Jaime said begrudgingly. He stared at Bran and ruffled his hair. "I want to make sure he deserves you."
Bran groaned. "Uncle Jaime!" Bran whined making his way towards the mirror. Jaime frowned, sighing. Bran was growing up too fast… too fast for Jaime. Well, no pace was slow enough for Jaime. The way Bran was fusing with himself now only made himself feel uncomfortable. "You're not gonna give me the I'm growing up too fast speech, are you?" Bran asked him, a smile on his lips. Jaime cleared his throat, blinking back the tears that he didn't realise were forming in his eyes. "Why in the… Are you crying?"
Jaime's brows furrowed, looking away. "Of course not!" Jaime scoffed, rolling his eyes. He forced yawn out of him, wiping his eyes after. Bran smirked, rolling his eyes at his Uncle Jaime. "Just because I invited him over doesn't mean I approve of him, certainly not. "
"God, and you say Stark Men are stubborn fools." Bran rolled his eyes.
Jaime pushed Bran's wheelchair out of the room and made their way to the living room where the whole family was waiting for the Reeds. "Let's all be on our best behaviour?" Jaime told them, shooting Arya a look.
"Does that translate to feel free to share embarrassing stories about Bran during dinner?" Bran heard Arya ask Jon and Rickon. Bran didn't miss the approving smile that Jaime shot Arya.
"Will Gendry be joining us?" Bran asked, glaring at Arya. The look may have translated to Try and I will spill my guts on you.
Arya laughed at the look. "Oh does my little brother like this boy?" Arya asked gleefully. "Uncle Jaime, should we be expecting Jojen Reed to be hanging by his toes at our backyard by the time this dinner is over?" Arya teased.
Jaime rolled his eyes but Bran could practically see the screws working in Jaime's head. If Jojen wasn't careful, Arya's prediction won't be fictional anymore. "Can't we have a peaceful dinner without someone threatening to hang our guests in our backyard? Honestly, sometimes it's like all of you were born in the dark ages."
"We can't all be prim and proper like you." Arya said, flicking Sansa on the ear.
Sansa whined, tugging on Arya's hair which resulted to Arya doing the same to Sansa's. "Girls!" Brienne frowned. "Who let you sit next to each other?" Brienne asked, standing up where she sat and going in between the teenage girls. "We will all be in our best behaviour, especially your Uncle Jaime." Brienne said, shooting Jaime a look. There was chime that resonated throughout the house. Silence fell on all of them, Jaime's scowl returning to his face, Arya and Jon trying not to laugh at their Uncle's expression.
"It's not death waiting outside that door." Tyrion said, rolling his eyes at his family's reaction. "Go on Bran, Jaime. Answer the door."
They opened the door and the dinner went as well as it could. Jojen may have acted a bit strange but it was endearing. Jaime was amused at how eccentric Jojen was. He was amused until somehow they broached the subject of Stark Murders. Jojen said when he told his father about Ned Stark's death… it was the first time he saw his father cry. "What else have you seen in these dreams of yours?" Jaime asked.
"The only thing that matters." Jojen said, turning to look at Bran. "Bran."
Bran's face heated instantly, he looked up, stealing a glance at Jojen then at his Uncle. Jaime stilled for a minute before looking up. He opened his mouth. "Oh my god, that is so romantic!" Sansa said before Jaime could say a word.
Jaime cleared his throat. "Oh come now brother, do try to pull that stick out of your arse once in a while." Tyrion said, beating Jaime once again from speaking first. He shot a glare at Tyrion. "Do excuse my brother, Jojen. He has trouble giving Bran's hand to anyone who isn't him." Tyrion said, smirking at his brother before smiling at the boy opposite of him.
"Do learn to keep your vulgar mouth shut when we're in front of the dining table, brother." Jaime snapped at Tyrion causing the small man to laugh. Jaime continued interrogating Jojen throughout dinner and somehow at the end, Jojen managed to get a smile out of Jaime and permission in taking Bran out on one date.
Tyrion and Jaime were in the latter's study discussing business when Tyrion asked what compelled Jaime to give Jojen permission to take Bran out on a date, that is if Bran agreed. Jaime let Bran and Jojen be alone at gazebo until the Reeds had to leave. "Bran liked him and I didn't want to seem like I'm controlling him." Jaime answered. "Just because I allowed him doesn't mean I approve."
"Did you see how they acted tonight though?" Tyrion asked. He poured himself a glass of scotch and offered to pour one for Jaime who refused. "Jojen's words might hold some truth. But they're so young." Tyrion mused.
"Can't we talk about it?" Jaime groaned. He honestly saw it, he saw how Bran reacted to Jojen. He didn't even react that way with Aegon Targaryen whom the boy liked very much. It was like there a magnet pulling them together.
"Oh brother…" Tyrion said sympathetically. "You can't keep Bran from growing up, you know."
"Don't you think I know that?" Jaime shot him a glare. "He spent an hour checking his hair in front of the mirror before dinner and he wore his good suit. He even wore those shoes you bought him for Christmas. I can't help but think he's just a little boy though."
"He'll always be your little warrior." Tyrion told him, amused at how sullen his brother was because of this predicament. He felt nostalgic when thought about their nephews and nieces were growing up. It was something they had no control over. "He won't ever stop loving you. You won't stop being his Uncle Jaime, if that's what you're so worried about." Tyrion told him.
"I know." Jaime said… but the confidence he usually held wasn't backing the answer though. He hoped that everything will be the same but there was a part of him that whispered to him that nothing will be ever the same again.