Game of Thrones: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

Chapter 2 of my Game of Thrones story, hope you enjoy it.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.

Chapter 2

The relief in the air was palpable when the final bell rang; students all began getting ready to leave school for the day. Amongst them, three sixteen year olds were busy putting their books and such in their lockers, getting ready to leave. The three students were two boys and girl; the girl's name was Shireen Baratheon, daughter to Stannis Baratheon and his wife Selyse, niece of President Robert Baratheon who was the father of Joffrey, Myrcella and Tommen.

The boys were her best friends, Edric Storm, a son of Robert Baratheon's, but now from his wife Cersei; just like Arya's boyfriend Gendry, and Devan Seaworth, son of Davos Seaworth; who was Stannis Baratheon's aide. Both Shireen and Edric had black hair and blue eyes, hair long reaching down to the middle of her back in Shireen's case; inherited from their father's.

Shireen also had her father's square jaw and her mother's prominent ears and pale skin, Edric's had fair skin while Devan had tan skin, messy brown hair and brown eyes. All three were clad in their uniforms; Shireen and Edric neatly, Devan was a little scruffier, his tie loosened and his blazer tied around his waist. Shireen smiled as she joined her friends as they began to finally make their way out of school.

It wasn't easy for her at home; her father usually absent most of the time due to work, her mother was a religious fanatic and seemed to view Shireen as a disappointment. Therefore she cherished the time she could spend with her friends, the people she could be herself with.

As they walked Edric sighed and shook his head.

"Boy, am I glad school is over, the day seemed so long." He remarked.

The others laughed and Devan added. "True; although, did anything interesting happen today?"

Shireen shook her head. "Not really.

"Yeah, same old." Edric added.

"Well, same for me too I guess." Devan said finally.

They began walking to Shireen's house, where they planned to hang out for a while. This still made Shireen feel awkward however; especially since, due to the uniforms, she was the only one showing her legs. Even though it was just a little, as she wore her skirt and her socks at knee length, it was enough to make her feel uncomfortable.

'How do the boy's stand it?' She thought to herself. 'Being around me like this; honestly, even with what little is showing, you can see how fat my legs are.'

It was sadly a common thought she had; being insecure about her appearance. It wasn't just things like the hard jaw and large ears; the left side of her face was covered with mottled grey dead skin; the scars of a bout of the Greyscale Virus she had contracted as a child. While she survived and could now never contract the fatal adult version of the virus, she was left permanently disfigured.

However she didn't let these thoughts show, not wanting to trouble the boys with her problems and so they continued on their way to her house.

Once they were at Shireen's house, she headed through to the kitchen to fetch them drinks; while the boys went to sit down in the living room. As she was getting the drinks, Shireen bit her lip as her thoughts began going a certain way.

How can I tell Devan the truth…He, he looks so, I mean.' She quickly shook her head; surprised at herself. 'What is wrong with me, stop that; what am I thinking? We're friends right, nothing more…'

But that thought didn't help her, if anything, it made her feel more awkward and when she returned with the drinks, she blushed just seeing him. Luckily she was able to hide it behind her hair and as the boys thanked her; she smiled and sat down, pretending everything was fine.

But still she wondered. 'Do I, what if I did feel that way about him? Should I tell him…No, no I can't? I can't do that; what if it damages our friendship; I can't lose him as a friend.'

She mentally shook herself; trying to get rid of the thoughts before the boys noticed something was bothering her. She smiled and joined in with the boys as they all began talking about school; in particular a history project they had to work on. Yet Shireen found her thoughts drifting away from school work and more towards admiring Devan as she observed him.

She smiled. 'He; he is good-looking. His hair is always so messy, I keep feeling like I want to run my fingers through it. He's also kind and always laughing and cheerful; he makes me laugh too…He's a bit scruffy in the way he dresses but; that just adds to his charm…'

She shook herself again; she shouldn't be thinking this, not about a friend.

Unbeknownst to Shireen however; Devan was struggling with his thoughts too; especially whenever he looked at her.

'Wow, Shireen looks nice today…I mean, she always looks nice but…' He thought before stopping himself. 'Whoa, what am I doing; should I even be thinking that way, she's my friend.'

Despite this, he couldn't help but admire her; she may have always dressed in ways that didn't show much skin; but truthfully, Devan didn't really go for that. As far as he was concerned, some modesty was more attractive that blatantly showing off your body. She also always tried to hide the mottled grey skin on the left side of her face, but Devan didn't think it actually looked that bad.

He bit his lip. 'She's always so shy; except when around us, it's like we bring her to life. Yet even with us, there's still some shyness. But she's kind and has a good heart. She suffers because of her mother, but she still continues on. What's not to admire; I could…tell her that; no, not a smart move.'

He didn't want to start sounding like one of those cheesy romance novels his own mother read. Later, the boys had to head for home, they began to leave.

Shireen smiled and spoke as they left. "I'll see you two later."

They agreed and said their goodbyes before beginning to walk to their homes. As they walked, Devan remained lost in thought, still thinking about the strange stirrings of feelings within him whenever he was around Shireen.

"Devan?" Edric called out; looking at him worriedly.

Devan started at the sound of his friend's voice. "Huh, oh sorry."

"You okay?" Edric asked.

"Yeah, sorry, just…distracted." He replied; thinking to himself. 'Do I really want to risk it, Shireen and I are good friends; if what I suspect I feel is real, but she doesn't feel the same, what if we lose that friendship.'

He kept this to himself however and Edric was none the wiser.

At home, Tommen was still pondering the scene he had witnessed in school, the disgraceful actions of his brother and friends.

'It isn't fair, it isn't right. Robin doesn't deserve to be treated that way. He thought to himself. 'I wish I could help him somehow…'

Tommen's thoughts trailed off as he began to think; considering everything he knew about Robin and the bullying and things at school. It was then, slowly, an idea came to him; he was amazed at how simple it was.

That's it; of course. They're singling Robin out, because he's the only one, the only boy over fourteen wearing school shorts rather than trousers. Well no more, time for a change. If Robin isn't the only one, they'll likely change their target and I don't mind their words, they mean nothing to me.'

He knew it was an unusual sort of plan; but he was sure it would work. His main goal was not just to draw the bullying away from Robin; but to perhaps help Robin gain confidence, a little push to help him stand up for himself and maybe, finally, he would no longer have to deal with the problems he faced.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.