Date With Destiny

Saturday had been hot and sunny but at least it was cooling a little for Dany's evening run with Jon, and the dogs would be fine as long as they had plenty of water before and after. She had planned to wear her plain grey jogging leggings with a white vest but Missandei was having none of it, picking out the most figure-hugging running gear she could find; snug shorts and a mesh vest over a crop top, mostly black but accented with bright, red lines.

"It's perhaps too much?" Dany suggested. "Or too little, I should say."

"It's hot out," her friend countered. "And anyway, you're a shop keeper, so you know how these things work." She smiled slyly, hands spread out wide towards her friend. "Always put your best merchandise out on full display."

"Missandei!"

Her friend helped her to get the dogs ready and was just topping up their water bowls in the hallway when the doorbell rang. Dany prepared herself for the potentially embarrassing introduction but the dogs managed to make it less awkward - albeit considerably more chaotic - as they all enthusiastically ran to greet Jon and got overly excited about having their three favourite humans all in one small space.

"This is my good friend, Missandei," Dany said eventually. "Missi, this is Jon Snow."

"A pleasure," she said holding her hand out to shake, whilst she continued to fuss Viserion with the other. "I was here to help with the dragons but am just on my way out."

"Oh, I see. Nice to meet you," Jon said, politely andm if he was relieved at realising she wasn't staying for extra support, he certainly didn't show it. As he moved in to drop his ruck-sac on the floor, Missandei headed towards the door and gave Dany an enthusiastic thumbs up and a rather dirty smirk as she headed out. Apparently her friend entirely agreed with her assessment of his looks.

"Take Rhegal," she said to Jon as they headed outside. "He likes you almost as much as Drogon does and is considerably more placid. It does take quite a bit of getting used to though, running with such large dogs."

"Okay." He was looking at her more closely now and she was sure she caught him licking his lips. "Ah, nice running gear."

She raised an eyebrow at him, more than aware that it wasn't exactly the clothes he was admiring. "Yes, I like this brand. Shall we go?"

"You're right, this is a bit odd," Jon said as they started running towards the nearby park. "I'm used to having both arms free."

"The trick is to stay close and keep the lead loose," she said. "Rhaegal's used to my stride but he'll adapt quickly, I'm sure." She realised it would be far easier to talk now before they got too tired. "So, personal trainer? You have a lot of customers?"

"I've only recently moved down here," he replied, " and so, no, not yet."

"Oh, where from?"

"Sheffield."

"But you're making enough to afford to live down here?"

He shrugged. "I have some money put aside until I find my feet and I'm sharing a flat, which helps."

His answer was brief and gave Dany the firm impression that that was the end of that conversation. She had no idea why she was pushing anyway? Her asking Jon personal questions was inviting him to do the same and that definitely wouldn't end well.

"No comments on my running style then?" she asked once they'd entered the park.

He smiled at her. "You fishing for free advice?"

"That would be unfair, wouldn't it?"

He laughed. "I'm joking but, as I said before, you're a very good runner. I would have suggested using your arms more but I now realise it's not that easy." She turned to grin at him and couldn't stop her eyes from wandering, checking out the muscles on his arms and legs and … her imagination briefly went a little further before he caught her looking and smirked. "I'd also suggest keeping your eyes forward and concentrating on the path ahead," he teased.

She raised her eyebrows. "Like you've been doing, you mean?"

"Touché."

"Hey!" A man shouted out as they ran past the lake. "You're a real bitch, you know that?"

"What the …?" Jon spun around, his face full of rage and Rhaegal instantly picked up on his mood, pulling on the lead and growling at the 'fan'. The man quickly realised his mistake and started to turn away, his hands raised, whilst Jon honestly looked like he was going to sprint after him and beat him up with his bare hands.

"Leave it, Jon. It's not worth it."

"Dany?" There was now nothing but confusion on his face. "I know girls often get harassed on runs but that was … I mean … cat-calling I could sort of understand but why would he say …?"

"Seriously, it's not a big deal."

"Like hell, it's not!" She smiled at his reaction, which appeared to confuse him even more. "What?"

"I love how offended you're getting on my behalf, Jon, but the dogs are smart and pick up on your emotions so I'd calm down if I were you. Don't want them getting done for being dangerous."

"But ..."

"Hill coming up. Going to need my breath for it."

Dany knew she wouldn't be able to keep him in the dark for much longer, but she had hoped to get to know him a little better before that happened. She sighed, wondering if she really did have that luxury. It wouldn't work out, she was sure of it, but she was enjoying spending time with Jon and he looked as if he could actually be someone quite special and so … Perhaps just a little bit of fun? Could she allow herself that? Didn't she deserve a little something after everything she'd been through?

~o~0~o~

They were both hot and sweating when they got back to her flat and the dogs were panting furiously - the three of them headed instantly for their water bowls in the hallway - and Dany only took a drink from her bottle once she was sure they were okay.

"Stretches?" Jon suggested..

She pulled a face. "The dogs need seeing to."

"Stretches," he insisted.

"Fine, coach," she grumbled, following his lead as he went methodically through every single one, even insisting she got the dogs to sit when they started to get impatient. Jon was trying to be all stern and business-like but it was quite obvious that he was eyeing her up again. And she might have complained about just how many hamstring stretches he was insisting on if it wasn't for the pleasant view she was getting in return. 'God, those muscles!'

"You're welcome to stay for a bit," she said, "although, be warned, I may rope you into bathing the dogs."

"Yes, how does a little thing like you manage that?"

She grinned. "Come and see … if you dare."

She lead him through the narrow hallway at the side of the shop and from there to the area behind the stock room. This had originally been a kitchen and dining room but was now effectively a large wet room, with fully tiled walls and floor with a couple of large showers, and a dry changing room attached.

"Easiest way is just to walk in with them," she explained. "And then you get a shower and a clothes wash all in one go."

"Sounds like fun," he said. "Sure, I'll help."

"It's hard work but they're fairly co-operative, most of the time, and it should be a lot easier with two of us."

Dany tried her best to focus on the dogs and simply let Jon follow her lead, but she hadn't appreciated quite how distracting this was going to be with him there. It was one thing to admire him in his running gear in the park or when they were stretching but now he was soaking wet, a few curls falling out of his tie and with water streaming down his face and the muscles of his legs. She wasn't even quite sure when she had stopped trying to deny her attraction to him but, right now, it was taking all of her self control not to push the dogs to one side and throw herself at him. And it had been quite a while since she'd done such a thing; back in her wild teenage years when the fame had made her feel invincible and no-one had understood just how much pain she was actually in. Most of her memories from that time were vague and confused and she'd not given those early sexual encounters much thought recently, but now she recalled what it had felt like; the thrill, the desire … the longing.

"Yes ...?" Jon was watching her, his eyes even darker than usual, apparently fully aware she'd been eyeing him up.

She pulled her attention back to Viserion, knowing she hadn't fully been able to school her smirk. "Nothing."

"So, what now?" he asked.

"Well, they're all clean and mostly dry but we're not. There are plenty of towels in the next room and you can change there. I'll go upstairs and the dogs can rest in their room down here for a while." She paused, debating what she was about to say. "You can stay a bit longer if you want? I can order in some food?"

"Sounds good," he said and she nodded, heading past him towards the stairs. "Dany?" She stopped, turning to find Jon far too close to her, his gaze darting briefly up and down her body. He licked his lips and shook his head. "Never mind. I'll see you up there."

She swallowed hard and nodded, wondering if Jon was as confused by all of this as she was. She just couldn't seem to keep her head around him but yet she really needed to decide what she wanted because things were moving far quicker than she'd planned. She had been totally miserable after she'd turned him away before and yet … Could she really risk become involved with him whilst keeping so many secrets?

~o~0~o~

Dany dressed quickly and casually in snug grey leggings and a long, baggy T-shirt, tying her damp hair roughly up in a bun on the top of her head. Jon sauntered in wearing standard jeans and T-shirt with his own damp curls loose and she had to quickly turn her gaze away as she tried to work out how he managed to look so damn sexy in such ordinary attire.

"How much of a fitness nut are you?" she asked him. "Only I fancied pizza and I've plenty of alcohol here if you want to make an evening of it."

"Haven't had pizza in ages," he replied. "And I'm a firm believer in an occasional treat at the weekend. Makes it easier to stick to healthy eating during the week."

She nodded, lifting up a bottle. "Wine?"

"Sure. I'm walking back"

"You working tomorrow?" she asked.

"Not officially, although sometimes Davos calls me into the shelter on a Sunday afternoon." Dany nodded again, trying not to think ahead too much. Having Jon here all evening was an exciting prospect but she still hadn't decided how far she wanted this to go.

She went downstairs to fetch the dogs and they were then the main topic of conversation as they all lounged in her main living room and waited for the food to arrive. Jon then shared some amusing stories from the rescue centre and seemed exceptionally happy whenever he managed to make her laugh. She skirted around a few things and he also seemed evasive at times which made Dany think that she wasn't the only one dealing with past traumas. The two of them were making fairly fast progress through the wine bottle though, enough to make her a little tipsy, which was almost certainly asking for trouble. Then she had an idea.

"Let's watch a film," she said. "I need to introduce you to the world of fantasy."

"Ah … really?" he asked, wincing.

"Realism is over-rated. Especially in this day and age." She opened her DVD cabinet, eyeing up the choices.

He whistled. "That is some collection."

"Been building it up for years and much prefer this to the On Demand stuff, to be honest." Her gaze then fell on the complete box set of 'Magical Menagerie' and she shook her head. Definitely not for tonight. "Let's go with 'Lord of the Rings' then. At least you can admire the scenery if the story's not to your taste."

"I do like a pretty view," he said and Dany turned sharply on hearing the edge in his voice to find him staring unabashedly at her.

She shook her head, smiling as she put the pizza box down and moved to sit next to him on the sofa. Once she'd picked up the remote control, Jon edged a little closer, his arm on the back of the sofa behind her and Dany willed herself to focus on the screen as her whole body tingled at his proximity.

"This is actually pretty good," Jon conceded half an hour later and then grinned at her look of triumph. "Not what I was expecting, I admit."

"Some people have funny ideas about fantasy."

His lowered his arm slightly, until it was brushing the back of her head and, now with plenty of wine in her system, Dany relaxed, curling her legs up next to her and edging very slightly closer. She heard Jon's breath catch and he lowered his arm further until it finally settled around her shoulders. She breathed out, feeling simultaneously relaxed and extremely turned on. This felt so good, snuggled up on the sofa in his arms. She wondered if he was feeling as distracted as she was.

Picking a long film had been a good idea. By the end of it they were both tired and a little tipsy but, when Jon suggested he left, Dany realised she didn't want him to go and yet … she didn't want to give him the wrong idea either.

"Stay for a bit longer?" she asked. "I mean … you can crash here if you want. I've a spare room?" He raised an eyebrow. "I just think … perhaps ... we should talk about what's going on here."

He nodded, his initial amusement at her floundering quickly disappearing and the familiar stern look settling back on his face. "That's a good idea, I think." Although there was a long pause before either of them talked again. When Dany eventually managed it, it all came out in a bit of a rush.

"I like you, Jon and … I want to get to know you better but … my past is awkward and parts of it will probably freak you out and I don't quite know you well enough yet to tell you all of it and yet this … this seems to be moving quite fast?"

He nodded. "I understand. I've got some serious trauma in my past, in fact. Stuff I'm not comfortable about sharing."

"Really?" Although she'd already suspected that.

"Yes and, it's like you said, I want to get to know you better and I want to spend more time with you and I like you too and ..." He laughed, his gaze never once leaving her. "Who am I kidding. I'm crazy about you, Dany. From the very first moment I set eyes on you."

"Oh ..." She knew that really but, the way he said it, the way he was looking at her now.

"And so, I probably shouldn't stay - especially not after all that wine – because, as you said, we should get to know each other a little better first."

"But you want to continue with this?" she pushed.

"Yes," the look he gave then her was intense and thrilling. "I want you to be my girlfriend."

She couldn't help smiling at that, suddenly finding it hard to breathe. "Yes, I'd like that. And so … we should see more of each other whilst also understanding that the other person comes with … baggage?"

Jon laughed. "I can say, at least, that none of that baggage is of the relationship variety."

"Good to know," she said. "Mine neither, really."

He paused, frowning, thinking. "All right then. I really am tired now so … show me to your spare room."

"Okay."

Dany stood and he copied, rather abruptly and, as she started to walk past him, Jon's hand reached out and gently took her wrist, encouraging her to face him. Her heart was pounding as he looked down at her and she moved even closer, lifting her head slightly and then … he licked his lips. She really didn't think that sleeping together was a good idea this early on in their relationship but a kiss? She really would like that to happen before he learnt the truth. In fact, it would be the first time that anyone had actually kissed her as Dany and not Daenerys and it was only now that she realised just how much her ego needed that boost. Seeing he was being a bit hesitant, she decided to make a move, standing up on her toes and pressing her lips to his.

It was so gentle. In many ways no more than a peck - the type of kiss which might almost seem platonic in other circumstances - but the tiny touch of lips had a huge effect on her body; the blood roaring in her ears, her stomach twisting. She had only pulled away a fraction afterwards and Jon hadn't moved at all, his dark eyes staring at her, but she could hear his uneven breathing, see the shock on his face. Then it was his turn to move, his kiss only a little more insistent than hers. Still gentle, but lingering, lips caressing hers whilst his hands moved from her wrist to her waist. The soft touch made Dany jolt as she fought against some base desire to throw herself at him, to grab at his hips and explore under his shirt. Her naughty thoughts caused her to lick her lips which may have been a mistake seeing as Jon's lips were currently pressed against hers. He groaned, a deep, sexy sound which was almost a growl, opening his mouth and kissing her deeper, assuming her lick had given his tongue permission to enter. Well, that hadn't been her intention, but she certainly wasn't going to complain about it. So, she threw her arms around his neck and he wrapped his around her waist, pulling her snugly against him, and his body felt so good pressed up against hers.

But this really was going far too fast. Somehow, Dany managed to find the will power to move her hands to his shoulders, giving them a very gentle nudge, which was enough for Jon to get the message and pull reluctantly away.

"S-sorry," he stuttered. "I had just intended to kiss you, not … ravish you."

She smiled. "No apology needed. It wasn't exactly one-sided, after all."

"I have no idea what's going on here," he admitted. "I feel that I need you - like water - rather than simply desiring you. Does that make sense?"

She nodded. "Yes, it does." She managed to take one further step back. "Definitely time for bed now. This room is yours."

"Thanks." He seemed to be debating giving her another kiss but obviously realised that that was now a dangerous prospect and shook his head, moving through the door with a shy smile.

Dany walked into her own bedroom and leant back against the door as she closed it, breathing heavily. "Now I'm in trouble."

She had never been kissed like that. Not in a way which was simultaneously romantic, sexy and sinful. She had no idea how long she'd stayed there for, trying to get her thoughts into some sort of order, but eventually she managed to move to change into her night clothes before laying back on the bed, feeling highly turned on but not certain she dared to do anything about it with Jon just across the corridor. But she'd had the same effect on him, hadn't she? And so perhaps he was now lying in bed, thinking of her, feeling aroused and was also …? She groaned at the thought, slipping her shorts down over her hips and promising herself that she would be very, very quiet.

~o~0~o~

A/N: Let's start turning up the heat!

Happy Christmas to those of you who celebrate. See you all next Wednesday as usual.