Disclaimer: Game of Thrones and Life is Strange aren't my properties, they belong to D&D, George R.R Martin, DONTNOD and Square Enix. And the Lord is good, because if I were the owner, believe me, you'd hate what I'd do with that.

Summary: All he wanted was to forget, to have a fresh new start. And so did she.

Author's note: This is set after the end of LIS with the "Save Arcadia Bay" ending. As for Game of Thrones, it is set in a modern universe and the characters are at the end of season 2, personality wise.

WARNING! THIS FANFICTION CAN CONTAIN HEAVY THEMES SUCH AS MENTIONS OF SUICIDE ATTEMPTS, SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS, BULLYING ETC. IF YOU ARE ILL-AT-EASE WITH THESE SUBJECTS, FEEL FREE TO SKIP THIS FANFICTION.

Begin again

Chapter 6

Lancel was waiting near Kate's club. Ever since she had tried to take her life, the school had tried to ease her life and one of their gifts was allowing Kate's church group to have a room on a weekly basis. So, Lancel patiently waited. He still couldn't believe what he was living. Ever since Kate and him agreed to try and live according to the strange feeling they shared, he had felt as if he was living in a dream and had never felt happier. They didn't really change what they were doing, they just spent more time together, they didn't hide their desire of tenderness to one another. For Lancel, it was as clear as the day now, he was in love with Kate Marsh. And he certainly had been for a long time. Admitting it eased him from some kind of burden on his shoulders. And though Kate never told him she loved him, he could feel it was a shared feeling. She needed time and he didn't want to rush her or to scare her by telling her he loved her. Those three words, this "I love you" that sounded so easy in movies, in others' mouths, those three simple words could be the scariest thing in the world, it could shake someone to the core, it could shatter a relationship, it could create wonderful things and their opposites. Lancel didn't want to screw up everything by telling her something that would make her uneasy. And something that was obvious and unnecessary. Kate could feel he loved her, he did all he could to make her feel loved, it was enough. He felt blessed enough she trusted him while someone who was born in the same situation abused her. Even Joffrey's messages didn't move him any longer. He knew, deep in his heart, that he was a poor soul and that he was lying out of jealousy and hurting. He almost pitied him. What was making him so angry? Why did he feel the need to make someone little to feel better? He almost wanted to try and befriend him again, to help him out.

Almost.

He quickly replied to Sansa's message, wishing her all the best in the world. She had found love too. In Margaery Tyrell. For the few brief moments he had seen her, she had stricken him as a sassy yet kind and gentle woman. She was someone Sansa needed, someone who understood her romantic vision of the world. Lancel didn't blame her, he was the same one. Perhaps that was the curse of young and rich people born and raised in a golden bubble, far away. The sound of the door opening cut him away from his thoughts. Kate remained inside, cleaning up. He entered and started to help with the cups of tea and the teapot while she was erasing the chalkboard.

"You don't have to do this." Kate said

"I know, that's why I do it." He replied with a smile

She seemed ill-at-ease. Something was on her mind.

"My family knows about you."

Lancel didn't say a word, understanding all too well. The last time a boy got close to Kate, inviting her to a party and acting helpful when she felt sick, led her to be the last victim of a madman.

"They want to meet you. My aunt and my mother are especially… Concerned."

He only nodded.

"They know what happened to me was an accident but it's still on their minds…"

"They think that, even under drugs, your good side should have shown up and you should have refused the boys. For Heaven's sake, I didn't see the video, I don't want to and from what I was told, it was only kissed. Come on! Even Mom isn't so stuck up and yet, she prays every day and goes to the sept every week!" He thought angrily

"Also, they're worried because you don't have the same faith, they're afraid you'll drive me away from God."

Lancel almost rolled his eyes. His own father was particularly religious, yet he never mocked his mother for believing, he never tried to make her quit, damn he even suggested she gave their kids a religious background, for general culture's sake!

"My father just wants to meet you."

He looked at her.

"I'd be happy meeting your father. After all, you met mine."

Kate had a small smile.

"I did. And I like him. He seems like a really nice man."

"One of my heroes." Lancel thought, though he never told him

He spotted Samuel feeding a bunch of squirrels. He was surrounded by the rays of the sun and in Blackwell's gardens, it was a superb picture. He grabbed his camera and shot. Kate looked at the result, she found it pretty. Their eyes met. They didn't think. It all felt natural and obvious. Their lips met.

"Aww, Marster is official!" They heard someone say

Juliet was behind them, a camera in hand.

"That's so going in the campus' journal!"

"If you do, people will know you're our biggest shipper, Juliet." Lancel joked

She blushed.

"Okay, you got me there. I won't publish it. But I'll send it to you. It's a pretty one. And few couples can boast about having their first kiss on paper."

Kate laughed.

"However, you can tell everybody that we are together."

Juliet looked at her, Lancel beamed. Kate had granted him the best title possible:

Kate Marsh's boyfriend.

XXXXX

Much to Kevan's surprise, Tywin didn't oppose any issue with his desire to move to Arcadia Bay with his family to be near Lancel again. He had simply nodded and asked if he needed any help with moving. Usually, Kevan had no issues understanding his eldest brother but he was actually lost this time. Without flattering himself, because Tywin was perfectly capable to handle things alone, he knew his brother relied on him because he trusted him. He had thought he would put up a fight. Kevan had actually slept very little and badly that night, worrying about Tywin's reply.

"Joffrey will be sent to a military school."

Kevan looked at him, puzzled.

"That's the deal I made with your wife. Joffrey is sent at the Wall and she doesn't sue him for harassment."

To say Kevan was dumbstruck was an understatement. Dorna had never mentioned her intention of delivering Joffrey to Justice. This very move surprised him, his wife always desired to maintain the peace in her family and her family-in-law. Yet, here he stood, learning she had made a deal with Tywin to have Joffrey punished without having the clan in shame. She, who preached forgiveness, couldn't forgive Joffrey a second time for what he did to their baby boy.

"Cersei must be mad with grief." Kevan stated

"Cersei doesn't make the rules." Tywin replied shortly

"Yes, it's true Cersei has a tendency to want to rule over us, to show she can be Tywin's proper heir, more in spirit than receiving the gold." He thought

"For what it's worth, I'm sorry my grandson almost cost you your son."

Kevan only shook his head, it wasn't Tywin's fault. The brothers found ways to be able to continue to work together despite the distance. And as Kevan was ready to leave the room, Tywin called him. He turned around and saw one of his rare smiles.

"Be happy."

Kevan smiled in return.

XXXXX

Lancel immediately loved Kate's sisters, who reminded him of grown up versions of his beloved little Janei. Kate's mother seemed a bit cold at first but he could feel she genuinely loved her daughter, she was simply clumsy in her way to show it. And if Kate had her mother's smile and eyes, it was her father she resembled the most. He immediately got on well with him, seeing a bit of his own father in him.

"Well, you two have quite a lot in common. Eldest from a big family, the religious background…" The man started

He didn't add the other common points, the painful ones. Lancel was grateful he didn't mention them.

"You seem like a nice man, but understand we are a bit worried." Kate's mother stated

Lancel looked at her.

"I do. With what happened, it's only natural. But I love Kate. I'd rather be hanged than betraying the trust she placed in me. I am not Nathan Prescott."

She seemed impressed.

"You love Kate?" Her father asked

Kate took Lancel's hand, he was grateful, he wasn't really afraid but he wasn't at ease either. Their case was a special one, he wanted to do it right.

"With all my heart. And I am blessed that she loves me in return. She deserves the best."

Kate's father only smiled.

"Honey, where are the papers? I want this guy to be my son-in-law!" He joked

"Dad!" Kate exclaimed, blushing

"And do you want him to father your grandchildren?" His wife teased

Now, Lancel was blushing as well. He was no virgin but laying with Kate was a delicate subject. He wanted to, he wouldn't lie about it, he wanted to. But he wanted Kate to be happy even more. It was way too early. He'd respect her wish to remain chaste and to know carnal love after she got married. He could wait. He would wait.

Kate's love was all he needed.

To Be Continued