Story Title: Under the Stars
Summary: Modern AU, a camping trip in Colorado ends up being more than originally planned. This story will have four chapters.
Rating: Mature
+++o+++
Chapter 3: Hiking ~ Day Three
*Dany POV*
I'm pulled from sleep by a familiar sound I know too well, the bugling of elk. A smile touches my lips as I lie still and enjoy. The bugle of a bull elk is a distinct sound that begins deep and resonant, and becomes a high-pitched squeal before ending in a series of grunts. The herds of elk that roam the Rocky Mountains has always been one of my favorite parts of camping here.
I know once I open my eyes it will be time to start the day. Rising early is normal for camping, but I find myself waking up even earlier when not sleeping in a tent. I enjoy the noises around me and realize it must be super early, as I do not hear any of the usual hustle and bustle of large campgrounds.
I finally roll onto my back, slowly opening my eyes as they adjust to the sun. The morning is still cool, but I know the July heat will soon be here.
I really need a shower. Should I go now, or wait until someone from the group wakes up so I can tell them where I am? Decisions, decisions.
Lying still, I unexpectedly feel Ghost's snout nudging my chin, silly dog! It was nice of Jon to let his dog sleep with me last night, not that I worried, but having a guard dog is always nice
As I stretch out my arms, another sound catches my attention - soft coughing. I quickly turn to the left, and my mouth falls open. Sound asleep, Jon lies on the other side of the fire pit. His sleeping bag positioned in a way that we can see each other's face and nothing more.
Why is he sleeping out here? For me?
Suddenly, I feel butterflies flying in my chest. I close my eyes to breathe in and out and push those feelings away.
He's amazing. But he's not for you.
Graduate student and teaching assistant Jon Snow is a well-known name in the Integrative Physiology department. Aside from his academic reputation, he's known for being an amazing teacher, having a great working relationship with the faculty. He's extremely smart and career driven - and lastly, he's the most handsome man I've ever laid eyes on in my life. It should be a sin for one man to look so damn good. Gazing at him as my eyes settle on his mouth, I fantasize about kissing him and how I'd bite his lower lip. Don't get me started on his hair - raven black and those curls. My hands long to touch his hair every time I am around him. I know I shouldn't just sit here and ogle him, but when else would I have the chance to stare to my heart's content?
I had the biggest crush on Jon when I first met him, when I was a student in two of his classes last fall. Just like dozens and dozens of other girls in my school who are crazy about him. As cute as he is, listening to them carry on and on about him grated on my nerves - to the point that I determined a crush on him was a waste of time and could not even be enjoyable. So I let it go and just put him out of my mind. I have this game where I'd pretend he was a married sixty-year-old-with eight grandchildren anytime I would talk to him.
He was consistent with his rejections of the numerous girls that pursued him. He wasn't cruel but he was direct. His rebuffs were always the same, "I don't date my students, so it's never going to happen. I am taken, ladies, sorry." And then he would go right back to the material he was covering that day. I was impressed at how calm and matter-of-fact he was, probably something learned after years and years of dishing out countless refusals.
Although one time he was so kind to me, that it still makes my heart do somersaults when I think about it.
++o+ Flashback +o++
I'm numb with grief. My brother is dead.
I desperately run through my to-do list because I must get it all done. My family needs me, and I need to get home.
I glance at my watch as I'm walking quickly through campus, sporadic tears escaping my eyes as I trudge forward with my face down. I have one teacher left to speak to, and then I'm headed to the airport. I wrap my coat tightly around me, but nothing is helping fight the chill in my bones. It's the middle of February in Colorado.
I cringe when I think of Drogo, my boyfriend.
How could he?
I know Drogo's disappointed that I'm flying to Chicago, but he offered not one kind or comforting word for me. He only hissed his displeasure regarding the Valentine's formal for the Leeds Business School because I've left him without a date.
"Damn it, Dany! This will ruin my summer internship chances. You know I can't work for my father's company again. It's all about appearances," Drogo grumbled. "Now I'll look like a loser who can't get a date."
I found myself apologizing, and I was sorry but... my brother just died in a car accident. I didn't get to say goodbye. He was the only sibling I had left, now there was just me.
The United Airlines customer service rep that got me a seat flying direct from DIA to O'Hare offered me more comfort than my own boyfriend.
I shake my head, pushing thoughts of Drogo away. I can't worry about him right now. This may be the end of us.
I wouldn't care.
I arrive to the Integrative Physiology main building and stop in a restroom on the first floor to splash water on my face so I don't look like a drowned rat. I knock on Jon's office door, entering when I hear his voice. Although he shares the office with numerous other TAs, he sits alone at the moment.
I walk in and spit out my practiced explanation verbatim, ready to plead for a later makeup of the exam I'll be missing. Jon's eyes study me, but he says nothing.
I stand still and wait. After a moment he nods with a small frown.
"I'm sorry for your loss Daenerys," he says. "We'll figure out the test when you get back. Take this time with your family now."
His hand slips into mine, his thumb gently tracing the small bones on the back of my hand. The small act of kindness broke through my walls. I turn away, trying to bite back my sobs, mumbling a thank you while yanking my hand away so I can leave quickly.
Jon catches my hand again and pulls me to stand in front of him, a concerned look on his face. His other hand on my cheek, I realize my tears have started again as he wipes them away.
"Daenerys, is there anything I can do?" he says quietly. I try to bite back the sobs and fail.
He pulls me into his arms and holds me while I sob. Suddenly I don't care about anything except my grief and being held by him. He rubs my back while my arms hold him tightly. I stand still, except for the sobs that make my shoulders shake, with my face buried in his chest. We stand that way for I don't know how long, and then I have to pull away. I wipe my tears before looking up, Jon's hands still on my shoulders.
"Thank you," I murmur, our eyes locked, mine still swimming with tears. "Also, please call me Dany. I've gotta go, now. My flight..."
He swallows hard."Be strong, Dany."
++o+ Flashback End +o++
Jon clears his throat, snapping me out of my thoughts, my eyes meeting his instantly now that he's awake.
"Hey," he smiles.
"Good morning," I smile back, "Thank you for sleeping out here with me."
"Oh, I felt like giving it a try," he says, faltering a bit. "Not because I was worried about you, or anything like that."
His eyes now look around the campsite, anywhere but at me.
"Uh huh," I laugh at him while sitting up. He smiles at me and rolls his eyes.
"I'm dying for a shower, it's super early so there shouldn't be a line," I start. I'm about to ask him to tell the others if they wake before I return.
"I'd like one too, let's go," he responds.
+++o+++
It was a far walk to the entrance of the grounds, and we walked quietly as most people were sleeping.
I gasp seeing the shampoo-conditioner bottle he has, one of the joys of car camping. He chuckles when I jump up and down with joy. I hate when my hair is oily, it drives me nuts. He even has an extra towel I can use, that's not something I packed for hiking. The showers are unisex, but we agree neither of us want any surprises. We'll take turns and the other person will stand guard. I tell him to go first, as I need to still organize my clothes in my pack.
"Jon, let me know when you're coming out. I am just going to wrap myself in this huge bedspread you call a towel and only bring in my clean clothes," I call, while moving behind a wall for privacy as I quickly strip out of my dirty clothes.
"Bedspread size, huh? Do they make special towels for especially tiny women?" he snickers at me.
"Shut up," I snap while laughing.
The water turns off and I imagine him drying off with his towel. Stop, Dany. I push those thoughts out of my head. I wish he'd come out in a towel...
"Dany?" he calls.
"What?" I say.
"Make sure you're decent, I'm coming out," he says.
"I'm ready," I say, as we slip past each other in the narrow hallway. The hallway is so narrow our bodies awkwardly brush against one another as we move past.
Jon glances away from me, the tips of his ears flaming red. I wonder what happened.
"I'll be quick, I promise," I say, once I'm in the shower stall and hanging my towel and clean clothes on the far door.
"Take your time," he says, but his voice sounds strained.
I don't want to hold up breakfast, and we still have to walk back to camp, so I rush through my shower, only taking time to concentrate on scrubbing my hair.
Suddenly I hear a woman's voice right outside the shower door. I can't not hear them.
Woman: Hey Jon, you look nice and clean.
Jon: Um, hi. Yes,well. A shower tends to do that to a person.
Woman: My friends are still sleeping. Come back to my tent, we'll have some alone time.
Jon: (Silence. An uncomfortably long silence.)
Oh my God, are they already fooling around? Maybe he just walked off with her?
Woman: Why so shocked, Jon? Come on, I know you were checking me out yesterday. Let's have some fun. There's so much I can-
I've never gotten dressed so fast in my life! I roll up my towel, tucking it under my arm and opening the stall door without raising my eyes, afraid of what I'll see.
"Excuse me," I interrupt.
Out of morbid curiosity, I steal one glance at the voice. Damn, she's gorgeous. Who the hell looks that good and sexy when camping? This chick, that's who.
"Dany...um..." Jon stammers, he sounds stunned.
Without looking at anyone, I swiftly grab my backpack off the floor and walk out of the showers area while prattling away.
"I'll find my way back," I say. "Bye guys!" I cringe at how awkward that was, and how stupid I just sounded. I shake my head, it never ends with this guy.
Once I've put in a good amount of distance between myself and the showers, I laugh to myself. It's class all over again. I get it...he is really handsome, like weak-in-the-knees hot. I don't know what went down with his ex, but I don't envy her. She probably had to beat women off with a stick! Who'd want to deal with that shit every day?
Not me.
"Hey!" Jon grabs my elbow and stops me. "Why'd you leave like that?"
Is he joking? I look at him, confused.
"You looked busy," I respond.
Jon frowns, releasing my elbow as we both resume walking to camp.
"I just met that girl yester-" he starts. I can hear the embarrassment in his voice.
"It's not my business. You don't need to explain," I shrug my shoulders and smile at him. "Just drop it."
It really has nothing to do with me, I'm just relieved they didn't start hooking up right outside my shower.
"Okay, got it," he frowns.
I shrug my shoulders and chuckle at him, now that I'm not trapped in a bathroom, afraid they were gonna get it on two feet from me. It's at least a little funny.
"I'm starved, I want to offer to cook too," I say seriously. "Let's hurry."
I'm eating all their food, the least I can do is all the grunt work. I still feel guilty.
Jon nods, still frowning. I hope he didn't pass up on tent sex with that girl because he thought I shouldn't go back to camp alone without him, since I'm not really part of the group. Ugh.
We walk in silence, but it feels a little uncomfortable - awkward, even. I start planning ways to get out of the Bear Like hike. I'm starting to feel like a third wheel. I just want to go home.
It's early and this is a busy campsite, I'm sure someone could give me a ride out of the park. One of my friends would be willing to come get me from Estes Park. Missandei is going to have a fit when she hears what went down with Drogo, and I can already hear her "I told you he was bad news." And she'd have every right to say it, she has been asking me to dump him. I should've listened to her.
It'd be even better if I could catch a ride with someone heading to Boulder.
"Dany, just wait. I want to talk for a minute." he says, his hand slipping into mine, and then leading us towards the side of the main path. What's he doing?
I look at him curiously and smile. He can't possibly be mad at me, right? I didn't tell him he should leave that chick behind. I force a smile and wait for him to talk.
He drops my hand and runs his fingers through his hair. He seems flustered. Once he looks at me, locking eyes, I feel a small flip in my chest, and it's not from fear of him being mad. I want to drag him into a tent myself!
Stop it, Dany!
"I get you don't care, but Melisandre is a girl I met for three minutes yesterday, and I was just stunned at how forward she was," he says. "And of course I knew you'd hear her. I was caught off guard," Jon frowns. He's now staring intently at me.
I fight the urge to squirm. Should I apologize for something? I could just try to say a general sorry. Like an umbrella apology to cover everything and anything.
He slowly releases the breath he's been holding and chuckles nervously.
"I'm sorry if I somehow ruined your moment—" I clear my throat.
He frowns deepens, which is not what I was expecting. Why do I feel like I'm making things worse?
"If I wanted to screw her, I would've done it yesterday. You didn't ruin anything," he states matter-of-factly.
I bite the inside of my cheek and ignore the warm fuzzy feeling in my stomach.
"Okay, got it," I smile and nod. As we start walking back to camp, I knock my shoulder into his and tease him. "It must be so hard having pretty girls throwing themselves at you! Poor guy, what a difficult life you live."
He shakes his head, dismissing my joking comments. He does smile though. I smile too, as I push away the pang of jealously I feel.
Ugh, stop. I'm being silly.
Get over it, Dany.
++o++
I'm so excited to do this hike. I've gone around Bear Lake countless times, which is awesome, but I've never hiked from Bear Lake to Bierstadt Lake. All Drogo and his band of misfits wanted to do was sit around all day drinking.
Our group walks to the front of Aspenglen to catch the shuttle service, it runs through a loop of the entire park and will drop you off so you can do a day trip, and then take the shuttle back when you're done.
As we board the bus, I notice that the couples sit together, Ghost lying on the floor between their seats.
"Dany, let's sit here," Jon's breath tickles the back of my neck, sending chills down my back. I didn't realize he was standing so close to me.
I turn to look at him, he is not that much taller than me so our faces are just inches apart. I gulp and nod. Once we're sitting in the seat our arms and knees touch, these shuttles are not designed for comfort. He feels so warm next to me. I control my urge to lean into him.
We disembark the bus at Bear Lake. Good weather is predicted for the afternoon so we all packed light. We plan to eat lunch out here, so we have our food and water too.
"Guys, let's do a loop around the lake before we start, okay?" Gilly asks.
"I want to warm up too, before the off-path hike. Around the lake will be perfect." Tyrion says.
We all quickly agree and start our walk around Bear Lake. It's obvious quickly who the couples are. Bear Lake has a well-established path around it, but it's usually two people side by side - which leaves me and Jon walking together. We both roll our eyes at all the happiness around us.
Jamie slips his hand up the back of Brienne's shirt to guide her around someone, and I almost gag.
"You look like you are about to hurl," Jon quietly teases.
"That obvious?" smiling back at him, I nudge him with my shoulder. He chuckles and puts his arm around me for a moment. He then frowns and pulls me back a little from the group before we keep walking.
"It didn't occur to me that you and Drogo broke up like five minutes ago. Is it hard for you to be around all this happiness and sappy crap?" Jon asks me seriously. He looks genuinely concerned.
Could he be any nicer?
I think it through before answering him, I want to be honest with him. "Drogo and I were together a few months, and things were never really right. If what we had was 'good' then I would just give up and go the convent now."
Jon chuckles and mumbles something along the lines of "That'd be a waste." We are walking again, we've fallen behind the group by a few yards so we can speak privately.
"You're sweet, thank you for that," I say as our eyes meet, for a moment I forget where I am. Am I imagining this? The way he looks at me...it feels...
Yes. It's your imagination. Get over yourself, Dany.
"My parents don't have the best relationship," I say softly. "The most important advice my mom gave me was that it shouldn't be 'that' hard."
I see Jon's brow furrow as we walk along, but he is looking straight ahead.
I slip my hand in his to get his attention. He seems startled for a moment and then smiles at me, his grip on my hand tightening.
"I'm not doing a good job explaining this. My mom didn't mean that relationships should be all roses, believe me, my parents have had some serious issues deal with but... The problems between them had always been there. She wanted me to learn that dating, is just that... dating." I pull my hand away to nervously wring my hands, why am I telling Jon all of this? "I just realize that things with Drogo were hard from day one. But he had this way of pulling me back in, with his best behavior bullshit."
Jon frowns, and then he opens and closes his mouth as though he wanted to say something.
"So after all of that blabber...to answer your question, it's not hard hanging with you guys, happy couples and all. I accepted a while ago that Drogo was not the right guy for me. I just made the poor choice of staying as long as I did. But no, I don't feel sad or yearn for him. Or anything like that," I smile at him, "Hopefully that doesn't make me sound like a heartless bitch...since we broke up five minutes ago."
"Not at all, thank you for talking to me about that," Jon says seriously. I notice he is brooding again, something I've noticed he does often. "My parents...well, my mom died before I even turned one," I feel my stomach drop with sadness. He was just a baby, that's awful. I nod to show him I'm listening. "My dad remarried when I was really young, but I never felt a connection with his wife. Well...that's a really long sad story. But that aside, I can admit they had a very solid marriage."
I give him a sideways glance, he has a dark look on his face. This time I grab him, I give his hand a firm squeeze. He doesn't look at me, but I see a small smile on his face.
"What's your story with the now ex-girlfriend?" I ask cautiously, afraid I'm being too nosy. My worry washes away when Jon starts laughing.
"That bad?" I ask, raising my eyebrows.
"Probably even worse than you're imagining!" Jon laughs.
"Worse than a belligerent drunk boyfriend that couldn't deliver 95% of the time because he'd blackout drunk, but then decides a public romp at a camp site is what he wants?" I scowl, remembering Drogo's pressure the night we broke up. Wait, did I just say that outloud?! Damn it, why did I just admit to Jon how pathetic my sex life was? What the hell is wrong with me?
Jon's eyes are dark for a moment and my cheeks flush. "Sorry, TMI," I mumble.
"Dany, you can tell me anything. Never feel like you have to hold back with me." He says firmly, and I believe him. I blush and nod.
Jon then tells me that his story is worse. He gets me up to speed with his ex, named Ygritte. I'm laughing hysterically as he explains her antics to get engaged.
"You have to be lying, or at least exaggerating," I say between peals of laughter. "She did not do that!" I actually have to stop to grab my side as I am getting cramps from laughing. At this point we are really far behind our group. Neither of us seem to care.
"Are you tired already? Do you need me to carry you?" Jon teases as he scoops me up and carries me. "I thought you would be in better shape."
I wrap my arms around his neck to steady myself. I'm immediately impressed at how very strong he is.
"I can walk, but I need to you stop exaggerating about Ygritte," I say. "She did not log in to your online checking account to figure out how much money you had available to spend on a diamond."
I can't even say it without laughing. That would be crazy!
"On my life, Dany! I didn't figure it out until the breakup argument," Jon explains. "She let it slip that she knew I wasn't serious about her ring because I had just spent $637.42 on a white water rafting trip. She knew the amount to the penny. You know, the same argument that it was somehow my fault that she cheated on me all weekend."
My mouth falls open. Ygritte makes Drogo look like a catch. "Wow," I say, "You deserve so much better, Jon."
"I think so, too," Jon stares directly at me, and I feel a pull in my stomach.
"Um, you can put me down now..." I say meekly.
"You sure?" Jon says seriously, staring at me.
I giggle, and nod yes.
He smiles and puts me down.
"Are you sure you're up for the hike to Lake Bierstadt? I was expecting you to have better stamina—"
"Shut the hell up, Jon," I snap and shove him. I try to hide the smile on my face.
"I will only shut the hell up under one condition," he smiles.
"Which is..."
"You need to stay with us for the rest of the camping trip, and then I'll drive you home Wednesday morning," Jon says seriously, all joking forgotten.
I bite my lip. Can I stay? This isn't my trip, and these aren't really my friends. How could I not be infringing, but I want to stay.
"Are you sure?" I start. "I mean, what about..."
Jon pulls me in front of him, his hands holding my shoulders.
"Dany. Stop it. Look at me, I'm sure," he pleads. "I've already talked to the others, and everyone wants you here. Please stay."
I blush, feeling the heat on my chest as well.
"Okay, I'd love too!" I say happily.
Jon pulls me into his arms, lifting me up and squeezing me tightly. I wrap my arms around him and bury my face in his neck. Suddenly our friendly hug feels like something different. I can't think of one time that Drogo held me, and made me feel this way.
Shit...I'm so screwed. Jon's hands slowly roam up and down my sides and I freeze. I wasn't expecting any of this. He puts me down, his cheeks red too.
"Um..." Jon starts.
"Come on guys, pick up the pace! Less laughter and more brisk walking, we can hear your girlie giggles all the way up here," Tyrion yells from ahead.
+++o+++
The hike to Lake Bierstadt was incredible, better than I imagined it would be. I'm entertained the entire way with the banter between Tyrion and Jamie. They are both hysterical. I notice that anywhere I go, Jon seems to gravitate towards me.
When we sit down on a huge boulder to eat lunch, everyone takes out different parts of the meal that they carried. Jon gets up and brings back a sandwich and apple for each of us, smiling as he sits down next to me.
"Listen guys, tonight I'll handle dinner and clean up. It's the least I can do," I say firmly. "I still feel bad I didn't contribute to food and drinks."
Everyone tells me not to worry, they had more than enough.
"Actually, I paid for a fourth of all the food and drinks, so actually I have already paid for you Dany. You can consider yourself my plus one. So no more feeling bad, not one second more," Jon insists.
Before I even think about it, I lean over and kiss Jon on cheek. Jon immediately blushes and lowers his eyes. I worry I've made him uncomfortable.
"Aw, how sweet!" the group cheers and teases us. I'm so embarrassed, I wasn't thinking when I did that.
We end up playing cards and relax during the break from hiking. When it's time to pack up the trash, I jump up to do it, Jon immediately gets up to follow me.
"Sit, Jon," I insist, "I've got this."
We need to pack up the trash and carry it out until we find a park trash bin, basically super heavy-duty trash cans that will not attract wildlife.
When I'm on the outskirts of the group, Brienne and Gilly pounce.
"Dany!" Brienne whispers. I smile at her and raise my brows.
Gilly grabs us both and pulls us further away from the group.
"We know that we shouldn't meddle, but we just have to put in a good word for Jon," Gilly takes the lead while Brienne nods in agreement.
"Oh Dany, he's an amazing guy. Forget about his beautiful face, which come on, we can all admit is amazing. More importantly, he is kind, sweet, loyal -and we think he's crazy about you."
I just smile and shrug. I'm not sure how I feel about Jon. I'm also not sure that I could ever handle being more than friends. I think about that girl at the shower - shit like that would drive me insane. I'm such a jealous person, I always have been. Even as a child my family would say I had the temperament of a fire breathing dragon.
"We should get back guys, it's getting late," I smile as the girls roll their eyes and tell me I'm no fun.
Yeah, I know.
+++o+++
By the time we take the shuttle back to our camp, my stomach is grumbling. Walking through the entrance and taking a break to use restroom and freshen up, I keep expecting that girl to pop out of the bushes and offer to have sex with Jon again. I shake my head, trying to push those thoughts away.
"Penny for your thoughts," Jon whispers, sneaking up on me.
I laugh, because there is no way in hell I'd admit what I was thinking about.
"Guys! There is a warning posted on the board about bad weather rolling in tonight. We better do an early dinner and be ready to go to our cars if needed," Sam calls out.
Jon and I immediately make eye contact. He walks closer and I turn to face him, ready to talk.
"You know, if you insist on sleeping under the stars and in the rain," Jon leans closer to me. "I will be forced to sleep out there too. Or you can sleep in my tent, we can even switch with Jamie so you and Brie—"
"Stop, I'm not that much of prude. I'm not going to separate a couple. I'll stay in your tent...with you. Thank you, Jon," I bite my lip nervously.
"Good," Jon smiles. Then leans down and whispers, "And I'm glad you're not a prude."
I giggle and smack him. He jumps back, laughing.
We all rush through dinner, hungry for cooked warm food. Everyone is so excited for our hike to Ouzel Falls tomorrow. I've never been to the waterfall. I practically make out with my corn on the cob because nothing beats campfire corn. I notice Jon watching me with his eyebrows raised, I am glad my messy devouring of food entertains him. I wink at him and keep eating. He licks his lips in jest, and I laugh.
As soon as we clean up, all the couples start yawning and stretching. Jon and I exchange a look. The couples all want alone time to fool around. So we all agree to take an hour break and then do s'mores by the fire, at least until the rain starts.
Jon leads me to his tent, which is not visible from the fire pit. I end up yawning while we walk.
"You gonna make it for s'more tonight, Dany?" he asks.
"I'll rally, you'll see," I wink at him.
My mouth falls open when I see Jon's tent.
"Wow! Your tent is huge," I say as we step into it. We both slip off our shoes at the entrance to avoid tracking in dirt.
"I'm actually a little claustrophobic," Jon confesses. "Plus I wanted to have room for Ghost to be comfortable. All the good it does me as my loyal dog enjoys sleeping outside and patrolling."
Jon clears his throat, nodding at the corner where he has one large sleeping pad that would fit two bags side by side.
"I only have the one pad, do you mind laying our bags next to each other?" he asks.
I nod in agreement. I know I'll sleep much better if my bag is on top of the pad. I laugh when I see Jon's sleeping bag up close.
"Hey, we have the same style bag, our bags can actually zip up to make one big bag," I blurt. I then think about what I just said and groan. One big sleeping bag…
He chuckles over my embarrassment when I process what I just said!
We end up laying on top of our sleeping bags and talking. The temperature is falling rapidly since the storm is coming. That's the funny thing about Colorado, you can wear shorts one day and have snow the next.
I'm smiling at Jon when I hear scratching and whining at Jon's tent door. He rolls his eyes and lets Ghost in, explaining that he's noticed that his dog seems to love me most of all.
I laugh as Ghost snuggles right in between us.
"That's it, the dog has got to go!" Jon frowns, motioning to Ghost.
I smile and yawn. Jon tells me to close my eyes and rest. He'll wake me when it's time for s'mores.
+++o+++
**JON POV**
Damn, I'm so tired now, the cool weather is not helping. The temperature is dropping rapidly. I should have taken a nap when I had the chance, but watching Dany sleep was too tempting. I'm officially that guy - I'm completely whipped by this girl. If she were to say jump, I'd say how high. I thought I liked her before, but the more time I spend with her, the more I want her. Not only in a physical way; I know I want her in my life. I want her in every way.
I frown, remembering how dismissive she was when Melisandre basically threw herself at me. Dany didn't care in the least. She seemed to even find it funny, teasing me about all the girls that that chase me.
That's because she's not into you.
I also worry that we'll have this weekend, and then she will disappear. It's not like we are really friends, I don't even have her cell phone number.
"Earth to Jon, your turn!" Sam reminds me. All eyes are on me because we're playing Truth or Dare.
"Um, okay?" I ask.
"Do you pick truth or dare?" Jamie asks. I see the wicked gleam in his eyes.
Shit, so far I've been given simple dares by Sam and Gilly. I know Jamie and Tyrion will push the envelope and do something really embarrassing and it will probably involve Dany.
"Truth, be kind," I state.
"Jon, yes or no...are you currently crushing on someone?" Jamie smiles.
Asshole, that is not something I want to admit in front of everyone.
In front of Dany.
I roll my eyes and refuse to answer. Jamie chuckles and assigns me the job of putting away the folding chairs tonight. I smile and nod.
I steal a glance at Dany who is looking at the fire pit, looking completely uninterested. I frown.
My turn to deliver some torture. "Jamie, truth or dare?"
"Dare!"
"I dare you to go to Dickon's camp and steal their lanterns," I say.
Jamie smiles as he is always game. He succeeds and comes back with three lanterns. He sets them down carefully. They'll figure out it was us, and then come get them, or we will bring them back.
The games goes round and round. The girls are being nice to each other and giving each other decent dares. The boys, not so much.
Everyone laughs. The rules of the game are that you agree to some kind of grunt work assignment.
Suddenly, Ghost is on guard and standing at attention, alerting us someone is coming. Dickon lets us know it is him, and the dog runs over to greet him. Dickon and two of his friends came over to search for their lanterns. I remember that Dany hadn't joined us yet the afternoon we saw Dickon at his camp.
Sam introduces Dany to his little brother. I notice the way his friends' eyes slowly rake up and down her body. He whispers something in Dany's ear, and she laughs at him and rolls her eyes. He then smiles and shrugs. They stay a few more minutes and then say goodbye. The boys wave goodbye to Dany. Dickon mouths her an apology for his friend that has been hitting on her nonstop. I don't think Dany is going to be interested in a high school junior.
We need to keep the game going. It's obvious the rain will start soon. I ask Gilly if she wants Truth or Dare. She takes dare.
I dare her to stand behind Sam and give him a good shoulder and back massage for the rest of the game. Sam laughs and claps happily. She scowls, but I know she really doesn't mind. She is always loving to Sam and doing things like that without him asking.
"I know this game is ending soon. Alright, Dany. Truth or Dare?" Gilly asks.
"Dare, please," Dany replies.
Gilly smiles, sharing a look with Brienne who nods, encouraging her.
"I dare you to take Jon into his the tent for Seven Minutes in Heaven," she says matter-of-factly. As though she had just asked Dany to hop on one foot.
Damn it, Gilly!
My cheeks are red, and poor Dany looks mortified, but she nods and gets up.
"Are you coming?" she asks me quietly.
I nod and follow her, shooting Gilly a nasty look. I didn't want Dany to feel weird or uncomfortable. We quietly step into the tent, my palms sweating because I'm nervous. I quickly find my lantern and turn it on, and once the light is on, I notice Dany is wringing her hands.
I sit down on my sleeping bag I fumble with the lantern, putting the light down as Dany sits down on her sleeping bag.
I clear my throat. "Dany, don't worry about the dare, we can just hang out—" I begin.
Suddenly. Dany has her hands on my upper chest, and she's looking at my lips. She's kneeling in front of me. I'm stunned and gulp nervously.
"Only kissing, okay?" Dany whispers, her eyes searching mine.
"I'd like that," I whisper back, while gently touching the seam of her V-neck shirt with my fingertips.
Before I can think about anything else, she closes her eyes and kisses my lips softly. I feel a spark the moment our lips touch.
Her hands roam up my shoulders and go around my neck to pull me closer. I move my hands to her waist and hold her while we kiss. I desperately want more. Our knees touch as we lean into each other so our lips can meet. She means too much to me. She always has. I control my urges and don't push her. I don't want to pressure her in any way. My eyes are closed as I just feel the energy of her kisses. I feel as though I'm about to combust.
The kisses start out sweet and timid, we both smile at each other, and then I lean down to kiss her again. Our tongues slowly begin a dance, as we kiss gently.
I move my hands up and down her sides, enjoying the feel of her under my hands. I want to let my hands roam, but I will respect her request of only kissing. Dany has one arm around my shoulders, while her other hand gently tugs at the curls at the top of my neck. With each tug of my hair, I deepen the kiss and let a little more passion slip through.
I moan when she gently nips at my lower lip. Without thinking, I pull her into my lap so I can kiss her thoroughly.
"Is this okay?" I ask, my voice betraying how worked up I am.
"Yes, Jon," she says as she kisses me roughly in return. "Very okay," she whispers in my ear and then goes back to kiss my lips.
Our kisses are incredible, full of want and need. My lips are already sore. I've never in my life kissed someone in this way.
I want to devour her mouth and -
"Guys, time is up and it's starting to rain. Sorry! But we need your help," someone yells from a few yards away.
We both smile and then pull away from each other, both embarrassed. Even though we were just kissing, the feelings were intense.
+++o+++
The next ten minutes are a blur because everyone is running around and packing up the gear. Dany helps me do the folding chairs, even when I tell her not to worry. She rolls her eyes at me.
As we say goodnight, and all the couples go to their own tents, I ask Dany if she would like some drinks and snacks for our tent.
"Of course!" she says, laughing at me.
I grab the food I think we'd both like, plus a six-pack of beer. I see the other couples had the same idea.
I make it back into our tent right as the downpour begins, Dany has fixed the lantern and set it up by our sleeping bags. I suddenly feel nervous. I don't want to mess things up. I really like her, a lot. I know from experience that sometimes a kiss is just a kiss, especially when part of a dare. I can't assume anything.
"Cards?" I offer. Her face lights up as she nods.
"Can I get you a beer? " I ask. "Some food?"
We begin our card game of Rummy, and I think she may be slightly obsessed with this game. She really gets into it, getting peeved when I pick up a card from the deck that she wanted to build her set. Of course, this only encourages me to mock her more.
"I've been meaning to ask you, when all of this crap was going down with Drogo what were the other campers doing?" I ask, trying to mask the curiosity in my voice.
I know if I ever got grabby and belligerent with any female, my friends would knock some sense into me - literally, with their fists.
Dany scowls as a scoffs escapes her lips.
"Well, let's see," she starts. "Drogo's cousin is named Margaery, and she would never stick up for me. She avoids conflict at all costs, especially if would make her boyfriend upset. She's also Joffrey's girlfriend."
I note the way Dany' voice changes when she mentions Joffrey, and the way her shoulders tense.
"Joffrey was in your class, Exercise Physiology, last fall semester. He's blond, with an obnoxious face to match his obnoxious mouth," Dany spits.
I instantly remember the student she's describing, I was actually relieved Joffrey wasn't in any of my winter classes. He was one of the most unpleasant students I've ever had to deal with as a TA.
But if I'm honest, that's not the only reason I didn't like him. He was always leering at Dany in class. It was unnerving.
"Joffrey is Drogo's best friend and dating his cousin, so I was always stuck with him. The worst part was he was always after me," Dany says. "It was this sick fantasy of his that we have an affair, which made me want to swallow my own bile. I don't even think it had anything to do with me, it was something between him and Drogo. I even wondered if that was the only reason he is dating Margaery..." her voice trails off.
"What happened? There's more, right?" I push her, I need to know.
Dany takes a long sip of her beer and then sighs. "Joffrey is another reason I had to leave the camping group," she continues.
My stomach drops, if that asshole did anything...
"After Drogo cursed me out and dumped me, I started fixing my bag and gear. Everyone had retreated to go to sleep. I had no doubt Drogo had blacked out for the night." she sighs. "Joffrey came over, Margaery was sleeping in their tent, he really wanted to hook up by the fire pit. He told me that would be the best way for me to get back at Drogo - while his girlfriend was sleeping just yards away!
"I told him he disgusts me and I'd scream bloody murder if he even looked at me again," Dany says with a sneer. "And that I'd have to care about Drogo in the first place to want to get back at him."
Her eyes meet mine for the first time, and she seems upset.
"I barely slept that night, I was so freaked that Joffrey would do something to me while I was sleeping." She cringes at the memory.
"Dany, I'm sorry you had to deal with those jerks. They sound like a bunch of assholes," I say firmly. "I hope you know that you're safe here. I'd never let anyone hurt you."
Her eyes meet mine. She looks at me and it's as though she sees me. Everything about me, everything I work so hard to hide. All of my secrets, including my past I fight so desperately to overcome.
Dany reaches out to touch the side of my face, as my heart races a mile a minute. Her thumb gently traces my lower lip before resting on my cheek again.
"I know, I trust you, Jon," she whispers.
I think about kissing her. I really want to, but I hold myself back. She's just finished telling me how some bastard has been sexually harassing her. Now is not the time. I like her a lot, but I want to be a good friend to her as well.
Suddenly, a loud clap of thunder roars and we both jump, accidently knocking my beer over and all over my shirt.
My freezing cold beer. "Crap!" I hiss while gasping. Dany's eyes widen for a moment.
Suddenly, she tilts her head to the side, looking at my shirt. She lowers her fingers to trace the outline of the beer stain. My Adam's apple bobs as she touches me.
"You should probably change your shirt, before you catch a cold," she whispers. She's very observant. I fidget because I have never been very comfortable with nudity. I work out, but I still don't enjoy walking around without a shirt on. Dany sees everything, I want to be open with her. I need to be.
"Yeah, I better. I'll take this wet shirt off first?" my voice nervous.
Dany nods, her eyes watching me carefully. I pull my shirt off and fight my instincts to cover myself up.
Dany smiles, and I tense and close my eyes. I hate how uncomfortable I am. I think about Catelyn's words growing up.
"Ugh, Jon. Put a shirt on, no one wants to see your pudgy stomach. Maybe if you'd stop eating us out of house and home you wouldn't be so gross!"
"What is it?" Dany asks carefully.
"I don't invite many people to look at me," I stammer. "Any actually."
"I can't imagine why," she whispers quietly. "I mean, look at you. You're gorgeous, Jon. You must know that, right?"
I turn my face to look at her. I want her so badly. I gaze at her lips, and then meet her eyes.
"Um," I gulp with desire, while also filled with self doubt.
I hold still as her fingertips trace along my shoulder and then collarbone. When Dany meets my gaze, I can see that she is trying to understand why I feel this way. I control myself as I fight to keep from flinching under her gaze.
Moments pass and she just smiles kindly, her hands falling back on her lap. I realize she won't ask me. She'll let me keep my secrets. But I don't want that, not anymore. Not with her, at least.
"My stepmother, who is pretty much out of my life now, was not very nice to me when I was a child, ever really. She was this amazing person to everyone, but me. She could barely stand the sight of me. She really harped on my appearance when I was growing up. It's just something that stuck with me, even when logically I know she had the problem. Not me. It was as though she needed to direct all of her rage somewhere... and that was me," I deadpan. Dany sits up and moves behind me to trace my back muscles, encouraging me to continue.
I tell her about my past. How my stepmother would insist it was for my own good. That I need to toughen up, and not be such a baby. How I'd been made to feel like I was not really part of the family and how Catelyn always hated me, and never let me forget it. All while Dany moves next to me in order to listen. She looks sad, but she remains calm. I see no judgement in her eyes.
It felt good to talk to someone about this - to tell her. I know I'm falling in love with her, which terrifies me. I have no idea how she really feels about me.
Dany moves to sit behind me again, resting her chin on my shoulder as she breathes in and out, as though to calm herself. She wraps her arms around my waist, she leans down to kiss my shoulder. I almost burst, I've never felt as loved as I do in that moment.
"Dany," I croak, as I fight to not break down.
"Thank you for trusting me, I know that wasn't easy for you to talk about," she murmurs. "I promise I will never reveal what you've told me."
"I believe you, Dany. I trust you." I say with confidence, turning to face her.
She smiles at me, her eyes shining brightly. Her eyes showing me that she does care about me. My eyes settle on her lips, as our earlier kiss flashes through my mind. I'm desperate to kiss her again.
"Dany, do you think—" I ask quietly before being interrupted.
There is a huge gust of wind, and a small tree branch hits the side of our tent, startling us both. I quickly slip on a new shirt.
We both laugh, Dany wrapping her arms around herself and shivering. I frown, as I notice she's freezing. I hand her my sweater I had been wearing earlier and smile.
"Are you sure?" she raises her eyebrows.
I nod and smile. Dany slips it on and then pulls it up to her nose to smell it. Does she think it will stink?
"Hey now!" I chastise her, while laughing. Her mouth drops open and her cheeks get red.
"I like that it smells like you, I was just checking," she admits and then bites her lower lip.
We hear the rain droplets pounding on the tent as it sways in the wind. I'm really glad I was very careful in staking it to the ground. We will be fine.
"I'm really glad to be in a tent tonight!" Dany laughs and smiles at me.
"I'm really glad you decided to stay for the whole trip. I'm really enjoying getting to know you better," I say.
"Me too, Jon. Me too." Dany smiles.
+++o+++
It is absolutely freezing in this tent. I'm cursing myself for not packing a few of my heat packs. Activating and then tossing them in our sleeping bags would have been a huge help right now. Before bed, both Dany and I dress in layers, and she is even wearing a pair of my sweatpants over her clothing.
We turned the lantern off twenty minutes ago, each of us in our own sleeping bags that are side by side. Every time I hear Dany fidget with cold, I feel a pang. I ache to take care of her, but I'd never suggest we snuggle to warm up.
"Dany, I actually hear your teeth chattering," I whisper.
"I'm glad you're awake. I may be dying I'm so cold," she jokes as her teeth continue to chatter.
"Jon, we're both wearing a lot of layers and still cold. If we attach our sleeping bags and lie side by side we will at least be sharing body heat...if it's ok with you..." her voice trails off.
"I'm glad you said it! I was thinking the same exact thing, but I didn't want to seem creepy," I mumble.
"So I'm creepy now?" she asks.
I can tell she's teasing, so I laugh. We quickly turn on the lantern and reconfigure our bedding. We unzip both sleeping bags and lay one flat. Then we take the second and lay it over, zipping them together on the three sides, leaving the top open so we can slip in together.
Dany and I are lying side by side, and I'm the most nervous I have ever been. My heart is beating a mile a minute.
"Goodnight, Jon," she whispers.
"Goodnight, Dany," I whisper back.
++o+ Chapter End +o++
