Chapter Three Through Storm Grey Eyes

As he drove to the Fashion Institute, Jon went over in his head the conversation he had with Lord Eddard. He couldn't help but be honest. There was no way around it. The truth will always out. That's for sure and Lord Eddard didn't deserve any deceptions. Besides it was his fault. He was taking on too much, staying at the office way too late, and stressing himself completely. He just couldn't get the people out of his mind. Every time he visited The Gift, conditions appeared worse and worse. His father's party cared so little for them saying they were not Westerosi anyway. They were just opportunists looking for a handout, was his opinion. Jon shook his head.

No leave that at the office. I'm finally going somewhere with a stunningly gorgeous woman, who I met in the craziest way. And here I am thinking about work. She's got miraculously blue eyes, flawless skin, and hair the color of sunset. How did I get so lucky? What song should I play for her? Some Bowie?

Music really made his environment. When he wasn't actually playing or listening to music he still had a constant soundtrack of 70's and 80's music in his head. That's why he was going to Sam's yesterday. Just to listen to whatever Sam was spinning and see if there were any new trade-ins.

When she stepped out of the door, the first thing he saw was that her hair was loose and fiery. Sansa Stark was a knockout. She certainly had knocked him out yesterday. Little China Girl, he thought as he vaulted through the top of his Jeep to get her bag and help her in. Even though they exchanged conversation his mind raced.

What does she really think of me? Does she think I'm an asshole? I wonder if she thinks I'm compensating. Big car little dick. What would even make me say that? That's what you get when all your buddies are foul mouthed. I wonder if this is a pity date. I wonder if this is a date at all. Maybe she just wants to make sure I fix her car? I'll wager she's as tough as her father said she was.

"Let me help you."

"I can get into this monster Jeep, by myself."

"I realize that. The point is, I'd like to help you. Please let me take your bag and stow it safely in back."

Jon placed her bag safely under some cargo netting in the back. Next he jumped up on the running board beside her. Sansa startled a bit.

"What are you doing?"

"I must check your harness, we're going off-roading and onto the beach. Hope you don't mind the bouncing."

"Nor the wind in my hair. I didn't bother with a proper braid. I knew I'd end up all windblown and looking frightful. So, I'll fix it before we run."

"Can I play a song for you? When I thought of you today, I thought of this song. Bowie's Little China Girl."

"Because we had Chinese food last night?"

"No, because you were wearing red heels with your jeans yesterday and you never once took them off. Now you're wearing red running shoes."

"But there's no red shoes in that song."

Jon had already queued up the song. He turned the Dragon on and it roared. He drove carefully out of the parking lot, aware that people were looking at them. When he hit the highway they took off. They could barely hear the music over the wind and the engine. His iPhone shuffled the music to Space Oddity as they sped down the highway.

"Ground control to Major Jon" Sansa yelled, her hand gripping his on the shift. "Do you mind not going 80 miles an hour?"

"I'm not. It only seems that way"

"Oh yeah! Then why is your speedometer reading 80?"

"I'm sorry I guess I always drive too fast. Too much work and no fun."

"Slow down. Let's just have fun. Now, let it all go and just be with me. Have some fun for a change!"

Her hand was tightly gripping his on the shift. Again, he felt that magnetic pull that came from her, just like yesterday. He wouldn't have moved his hand for anything in the world. I want her hand to stay right where it was all the way to the beach. Actually, Jon had been driving so fast that they were just about there. One more turn off and they were on his secret road.

"Nobody ever comes down here. This is where the ruins of the original Kings Landing are." he proudly announced to Sansa.

Jon continued to slow down. Then he downshifted carefully so Sansa's hand would remain on his. He cruised the Jeep down into the sand and stopped facing the water. Sansa looked it Jon approvingly. As he unbuckled her and helped her down, she began to correct him.

"You know, you're wrong about the red shoes. That's Lets Dance. Same album. Different song. Bet you were thinking, put on your red shoes and dance the blues.

"You're right. I'm wrong. I don't care. You're still wearing red sneakers. So it applies at this moment."

"Let's run!"

Sansa sprinted it off away from the Jeep. Jon ran after her and caught up in a few seconds. He could hear their foot falls in the sand. They were running in synchronicity. Their foot falls together. Even their breathing settled into the same pattern.

This is just what I needed. My run last night only pulled my head together enough to talk to Lord Eddard. This feels good to run in rhythm with someone. Especially, someone like Sansa. I truly enjoy her company. I've always had to be good at being alone. I want to be with her. She makes me feel so sane.

They ran along Blackwater Bay. Above them rose the ruins of the fortifications of the old city. Jon was familiar with each of the gates. He had explored them all over the years. This was the Mud Gate. Centuries ago, a fierce battle had been fought right here and on the waters of Blackwater Bay itself. Hundreds of ships set aflame and thousands of people died. Even as a child, this beach was one of his favorite places. His father had taken him throughout the ruins of the ancient city. When Jon was little, his father would tell him stories of knights, tourneys, kings, and courts. He knew the complete history of Westeros. This was sacred ground for both sides. He could feel the fervor of those who gave their lives for their beliefs. That powered him to this day. Standing up for what you believe is right. His father always said he had a warrior soul.

"Sansa, come here for a second." Jon called. "This is the Mud Gate. This is where the Baratheon pretender, Stannis lost his fleet in the Bay. The knights battled face to face for entrée into the Kings Landing of old. They were repulsed, not by the child King but by his wily uncle, a Lannister.

Sansa had been examining the crumbling high walls. She turned to look at Jon.

"You are full of stories."

"Thanks. At least you didn't say I was full of shit. No, you told me that yesterday."

"I did NOT say you were FULL of shit. I told you I didn't give a shit about your day. Remember, but that was before you told me about what you were doing. Now I understand. While we're on the subject, what about my snowflake, dragon boy?"

"All right. I talked to my mechanic today. No internal damage. You're going to need a new hood, front fender, lights, basically everything in the front is going to be replaced. I already had them put in the order for the parts."

"Jon, thank you. I adore my little car. It was kind of a pre-graduation gift from my parents. Before that I had been driving around in my brother Robb's hand me down. Yeah, the old family SUV. Bright red, the one with the TV in the back to keep the little ones quiet. It was not a good look."

"So what did he get?"

"Well, this is the funny part. He got the 2014 Oscar Mike Jeep. You know Oscar Mike means on the move, right? He went into the Army after graduation from University. I remember looking at the Dragon Jeep. I can still hear my father say "oh no, no dragons in this house!" My father didn't let Robb get it tricked out like yours. He wouldn't let him remove the doors, much less the top."

"Ha, my father had no say in the matter. He asked me to become an attorney and I did. After that, all bets were off, as you can see. We're not even on the same side of the chamber in parliament."

"I gather that since you're with my father."

"Your father has the warrior spirit."

"There you go again, Jon. no matter what we're talking about, you drift back to work. You have got to let that go. You are going to end up with gray hairs among those fantastic curls of yours."

Sansa reached up and plucked one of his sweaty curls.

"You know what they say; all work and no play will give you a bad hair day."

"You are comical. You really make me laugh."

Sansa's hand was still plucking at his curls. Jon reached up and took it. There it is again. A pull like gravity. I wouldn't mind orbiting around her. He pulled and she turned easily into his arms. Face to face. Grey eyes to blue.

"I just have to ask you one question. This isn't a pity date, is it?"

"A pity date? On who's part?"

He could feel her spine straighten and she almost moved away from him. He couldn't help it, he pulled her closer. The attraction between them was just too strong. She didn't resist.

"It's not a pity date on my part."

"Nor mine."

"Good, then this next part will be OK."

Jon followed his heart and kissed Sansa. As his arms tightened around her, he could feel her curve into him. The smell of her was delicious. Her lips were tender against his. He dared not go too far. He was a gentleman. The both parted breathless. Sansa spoke first.

"Let's finish our run and straighten out those Bowie songs."

They ran back to the Jeep. Jon running beside Sansa and sneaking glances at her. Did I just tell her the history of the Battle of Blackwater and then kiss her? I wonder if she was interested. History is SO not romantic. And at least twice she had to pull me back out of thinking about work! Definitely glad for that. I wonder if I knew ever met her brother Robb at University or if he was at military school? The Starks are a reserved lot, except for this one. She's got a great sense of humor and by the gods, the softest lips I've ever felt. How many girls? Did I ever kissed any of them like that? Probably not. Those lips. I'm forgetting my Bowie and I pride myself on my 70's and 80's trivia. She definitely does the wildest things to me. The wildest thing is, I'm so turned upside down. She seems to know as much as I do about music or at least close. Her dad will kill me if I pull any moves on her. Damn, she's right! I think I could ask her out again, since we've established this is not a pity date. She probably would go out with me to Sam's 70's – 80's night.

They ran back to the Jeep keeping pace with each other until they were about 30 yards away. Suddenly, Sansa took off like a bolt of lightning out of nowhere. She ran, heels high kicking all the way back.

"I won!"

"Who said it was a race?"

"Nobody. It just felt so good. I ran track in high school so I know how to dig down deep."

"I can see that. I fenced in high school and college. My father is an avid swordsman. I've probably had a sword in my hand since I could stand."

"So did you win anything?"

"Yeah always number one in my school. University too. We were top of our division. I don't mean to brag. I trained very hard. I made the Westerosi National Team."

"You did? I'm impressed."

"Yes. But my father wouldn't let me go."

"Are you kidding me?"

"No, he sent me to law school instead. He said I needed to learn to beat my opponents with my brains not just my brawn, as the saying goes."

"Wow, your dad had a lot of influence in your life choices didn't he?"

"If you could call them choices. Unfortunately it's always been just he and I. My mother died from complications after I was born, so he's all I've ever had."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I'm used to such a big family."

Sansa's voice faltered as she spoke. Jon watched as her eyes looked away from him toward the water. He knew she was trying to think of something to say. He didn't want her to think this was sad. It's just the way his life was.

"Hey, miss runner. Let's crack open a couple waters and listen to those Bowie songs. We can check out the videos too."

Jon walked over to the Jeep, opened the back door and lifted the window, he wedged the door so they could sit inside with their feet swinging in the air.

"All right, I'm gonna pull these videos up now. I'm sure you're right. The red shoes reference comes from Let's Dance."

"Play Little China Girl. I want to know what made you think of me. I think it was just the Chinese restaurant."

Sansa laughed. She looked beautiful in the twilight on the beach. With the sun setting, the only light came from the iPad. She glowed like reflected candlelight. They sat side by side, skin to skin, and thigh to thigh. Jon felt a wonderful magnetic connection with this gorgeous woman next to him. The two of them were leaning so closely together that finally Sansa leaned onto Jon. Her hair fell against his chest. He carefully put his arm around her. They watched the video a couple more times.

"Maybe it's just that I like this song. Sansa, your skin is like porcelain. There's the connection. Like porcelain china." he said carefully brushing strands her hair away from her cheek with his fingers."

"You're wrong. Look, Chinese restaurant, therefore, it was the MSG."

"Maybe it was just the MSG." he whispered stroking her cheek. "You have skin like the finest porcelain. Sure are tough as nails aren't you? I like that."

"Good because I'm not easily broken."

"Nor would I ever try to break you." He said as he bent his face to her's and kissed her again.

Oh, no! I'm kissing Lord Eddard's daughter. First, I smash her car. Now I kiss her. The man is going to kill me. All seven hells await me, and I don't even believe in the Seven. Shit! Shit! Shit! Am I breaking trust with him? I hope not. I think I'm beginning to need this girl. That's it. That's the Little China girl connection. I'm a mess without my Little China Girl. His life was a mess before he met her.

When their lips parted Jon said, "I know why it was Little China Girl."

"Oh you do. so tell me."

"Because there's the line I feel a wreck without my Little China Girl. When I met you yesterday, I was a total wreck. I was miserable, overworking myself. Then we slammed into each other's lives and I felt like everything shifted into a better place. That's why it's Little China Girl."

"I've been known to have that effect. I am kind of bossy. You certainly were a wreck. You seem a lot calmer today.

"See the other connection still stands. You had the red shoes and I had the blues. Until now of course. You've still got the red shoes. So let's dance!"

"Right here?"

"I can make it happen. Just reshuffle the album and crank it. Let's dance out here on the beach."

Jon tweaked some adjustments on his iPad. Some serious moonlight poured out of the speakers. Jon lifted Sansa out of the back and led her around the front. He took a second and turned on just the running lights. The two of them danced like 80's head bangers until they fell down laughing into the sand.

"I've never done anything like this before. I'm having a brilliant time, Jon. I mean I don't really want to stop but, tomorrow is Friday. I've got to get things organized. We have an initial runway. At least two pieces must be shown. I've got a little more to do to get everything ready. I hope you understand. Would you mind taking me home?"

"No, not at all. I want you to know that I had a fantastic evening with you. I truly enjoyed the way we figured out the Little China Girl and the red shoes quandary."

Jon helped Sansa back into the jeep. She buckled her own harness but, he did a double check. They drove to Sansa's still listening to the same shuffle, laughing and singing together. At her apartment, she allowed him lift her out and walk her to the front door.

"Tomorrow night, would you like to go to Sam's store, The Citadel with me? He's going to be spinning real 70's and 80's vinyls. He has a mint copy of Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven. I'm just dying to hear Stairway to Heaven directly from vinyl. Sansa, honestly, if I stand here any longer I'm going to want to kiss you, kiss you again, and then, kiss you again. I realize you have work to do."

"And I want you to continue kissing me. Thanks for understanding. I really do need to finish my pieces."

"So let's agree to one more kiss and then you text me tomorrow."

Jon took a deep breath and enfolded Sansa in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck. This kiss was deeper. She leaned into him and he heard her sigh. He couldn't help but slide his tongue between her lips and search for hers. She responded eagerly then she broke the kiss.

"You're right. I could go on like this for the rest of the evening. However, I've got to pieces to show tomorrow. Discipline now. Fun later."

I could go on like this till my lips fell off or I became totally entangled with her. Lose myself completely. Step back Jon, before you get yourself in trouble.

Like a gentleman he waited till she opened her door to the apartment. She blew him a kiss. Then he turned and ran back to the Jeep. He stopped once and shouted back over his shoulder.

"Text me tomorrow."

"I will. Don't worry."